
5 Amazing Fun Palaces in London
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This weekend sees the first nationwide (and FREE) Fun Palaces event – a celebration of open access arts & science!
Fun Palace is a term coined by the great Joan Littlewood and architect Cedric Price, meaning a ‘laboratory of fun’ and ‘a university of the streets’.
London is bursting with Fun Palaces, ranging from the familiar culture bunkers such as the Southbank Centre to more offbeat community shindigs. We’ve picked out five that appeal to us – check out the full listings to find your local Fun Palace…
Find a Fun Palace near you!
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Ovalhouse
The Ovalhouse programme is packed with amazing events, including a free performance of Boogaloo Stu’s 70s history themed gameshow Crimplene Millionaire (book in advance here), a lecture on the shaping of the universe, live music, curated walks and even a free Sunday Lunch.
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Deptford
A carnival of circus, talks and pop-up events comes to our (almost) home town, Deptford. Venues including The Albany and Deptford Lounge host stories about Deptford and its lost rivers, pop-up street theatre, a Fibonacci dance, food fights and more!
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Brockwell Lido
A wide range of fun activities throughout Sunday – we can’t wait to ride the miniature railway, tackle some one-word improv, create some jazzy chalk art and swim with mermaids (apparently)!
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artsdepot
artsdepot celebrates its 10th birthday, with drama workshops, origami, party games, knitting groups, a science lab and a birthday disco!
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London Metropolitan Archives
A day of inspirational encounters & creative missions – images, plans, documents and objects from the extensive Metropolitan Archives collection illuminate the world of theatres, cinemas, pleasure gardens, circuses and scientific exhibits through time.
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Main Photo Credit: Tom Parker
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I am Joint Editor at To Do List. I like free, cheap & offbeat London, especially: cabaret, art, theatre, pop-ups, eating out, quirky films, museums, day trips, social enterprise & much more.