Its an eclectic bag on offer this weekend; Gilbert & George take over both White Cubes, and it’s your last chance to catch up with the Tate’s Turner/Rothko exhibition. Discuss Hanif Kureishi’s new play over dinner at the latest Conran venture and make sure you book ahead for one of the hottest upcoming plays this autumn – find out which after the jump.
ART

Gilbert & George: Jack Freak Pictures@ White Cube
48 Hoxton Square, N1 6PB, and 25-26 Mason’s Yard, SW1Y 6BU, +44 (0)20 7930 5373
Gilbert and George’s latest (and largest to date) work has taken over both White Cube galleries this summer. With the aid of computers, the eccentric British duo have taken their technique of photomontage and collage to extremes. Each canvas is a complex kaleidoscope of overlaid images – the Union Jack, street signs, maps, buildings and the duo themselves, all feature heavily; the effect being described by one critic as ‘visually violent’.more
Turner/Rothko@ Tate Britain
Millbank, SW1P 4RG; +44 (0)20 7887 8888
The influence of the British artist JMW Turner on the abstract painter Mark Rothko is to be examined at Tate Britain in a show that puts the work of both on display together for the very first time. This is the last weekend before the exhibition closes. more
THE HIDDEN GEM
The Chelsea Physic Garden @ 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS
+44 (0)20 7352 5646
An oasis of calm and serenity in the heart of London, The Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries. The location was picked for its proximity to the river which creates a warm microclimate and allows the survival of many non native plants. During July and August, the gardens will be open until 10.30pm every Wednesday night, allowing guests to wander through London’s oldest botanical garden with a glass of wine. There is also a different Darwin themed lecture every Wednesday from 6.45 – 8pm. Tickets are £15.more
THEATRE
The Black Album @ National Theatre, Cottlesloe
South Bank, SE1 9PX, +44 (0)20 7452 3000
Just opened at the National Theatre, the stage adaptation of Hanif Kureishi’s 1995 book charts the struggles of Shahid a Kent-born Pakistani, torn between the liberal, Western values of his fellow undergrads and that of his devout Muslim heritage. Written pre-7/7, it provides an insightful and witty take on questions about national identity and modern day Britain. Book now
BUY IT NOW
Breakfast at Tiffany’s @ The Theatre Royal
Theatre Royal Haymarket, SW1Y 4HT; 0845 481 1870
This stage production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, based on the hugely popular novella and film, promises to be a deeply glamorous affair. British actress Anna Friel reprises the role of Holly Golightly, whilst Joseph Cross (Milk) and James Dreyfuss (Gimme Gimme Gimme) are also in lead roles. Directed by Sean Mathias who also directed the well-received Waiting for Godot, this one is sure to sell out. Get a ticket whilst you still can. Sept 9th – Jan 9th. Book now
TALKS

Not strictly this weekend but upcoming so note these in your diaries. For more info on London’s intellectual life, go to our Summer Talks listing.
‘On Tour with the Queen’ @ RSA
Monday 27 July, 6.30pm
8 John Adam Street, WC2N 6EZ
On 1953 the Queen set off on a 6-month world tour. This was a royal charm offensive to persuade countries seeking their independence from the Empire that Britain was worth staying attached to, in the form of the Commonwealth. Over half a century later, actor and playwright Kwame Kewi-Armah retraces her journey. more
The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn with Alison Weir @ The British Library
Tuesday 28 July, 6.30pm
96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB
Alison Weir’s forthcoming book ‘The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn’ is a detailed account of the controversial imprisonment and execution of Anne Boleyn. With a Q&A session chaired by a historian (tbc) and Tracy Borman, author of ‘Henrietta Howard: King’s Mistress, Queen’s Servant’ and a forthcoming biography of Elizabeth I. more
FOOD
Lutyens @ 85 Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AE
+44 (0)207 7583 8385
Following the opening earlier this year of Boundary in Shoreditch, Lutyens is the latest culinary venture in Sir Terence Conran’s renewed empire. The French brasserie, housed in the former Reuters building (and so named after its venerable architect) has the look and feel we’ve come to expect from a Conran establishment – large windows, understated tones (pale green, light wood, art-deco inspirted), stylish decor – whilst the Fleet Street location ensures a steady whir of bankers, lawyers and journalists make up the clientele. Head chef is David Burke, whose Irish heritage is evident, with crubeens and champ on the menu, but with a crustacean and sushi bar the emphasis is on fresh, simply prepared seafood. more
MORE ON LONDON?
The London destination page @ Globalista
The comprehensive resource for the discerning visitor to London… more
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