Based on the 1972 film of the same name, which starred reggae legend Jimmy Cliff in the lead role of Ivan, the show is a story of poverty, music, love, religion and crime.
The Harder They Come features classic reggae hits from Cliff, Desmond Dekker and Toots And The Maytals and has been adapted for the stage by Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Suzan-Lori Parks who also wrote new songs for the piece.
For the latest production, Natey Jones returns as Ivan alongside Madeline Charlemagne as Elsa, with Chanice Alexander-Burnett taking over that role from June 8, 2026.
The story follows an aspiring singer who arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, determined to live out his dreams on his own terms and make it as a music superstar.
After cutting a record deal with a manipulative music mogul, he learns that the game is rigged and becomes increasingly defiant.
As his star rises, he finds himself topping the charts and the most-wanted list of criminals.
This show transports audiences to 1970’s Jamaica and asks what the cost of fighting against systemic injustice really is?
Natey and Madeline Charlemagne are both returning for the latest run – image by Danny Kaan
a hit comes back
“As the DJ says in The Harder They Come: ‘It’s a hit because you people made it a hit’ – and it turns out that isn’t just a line in a play, it’s exactly what happened at Stratford East,” said director Matthew Xia.
“Coming back now feels like a celebration of Jimmy Cliff’s legacy and of the audiences who showed up and claimed this story.
“I’m thrilled and as proud as rum punch that The Harder They Come is returning, just as big, bold, and revolutionary as before.
“There’s something rare about bringing a show like this back to the building where it belongs.
“This is a piece that lives in the exchange between the stage and audience – a summer reggae party driven by Cliff’s music, the energy of this fantastic company and the people in the room with us each night.”
Audiences can expect top quality reggae including Cliff’s timeless hits You Can Get It If You Really Want, Rebel In Me and Many Rivers To Cross.
Tickets for the show are already selling quickly – image by Danny Kaan
key details: The Harder They Come
The Harder They Come is set to run at Stratford East from May 16 to July 4, 2026, with performances times varying depending on the day.
Tickets range from £10 to £53.50 and are on sale now.
A festival of health is set to nurture the minds and bodies of workers, residents and visitors to Canary Wharf.
Wharf Wellness returns to the estate in June with a packed programme designed to showcase the breadth and depth of what’s on offer locally.
Taking in sports, fitness, recovery, beauty and nutrition, the festival offers Wharfers the chance to engage with the likes of Third Space, Barry’s, Arc, Padium and many more.
Early booking is advised and, to help you plan your diaries, we’re listing the more than 20 events and pop-ups already announced in full.
Padium will be hosting both social and beginner events as part of Wharf Wellness – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group
the 2026 wharf wellness programme
Roof Garden Pilates – £25
THE ISLAND STUDIO, June 3, 8am, Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Join the Wood Wharf-based studio for a pop-up class in the leafy surroundings of the Crossrail station’s rooftop park for a chance to move, stretch and reset. Suitable for all levels.
Win A Mini Facial – Pop-Up
WEATHER + PALETTE, June 3-4, Canada Place
Visit this pop-up and play for a chance to win a range of prizes including a Mini Facial, 20% off facial treatments, samples and more from the Jubilee Place store.
Run Club – FREE
TRIBE LONDON CANARY WHARF, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 6pm, 15 Water Street
Taking place every Thursday in June during Wharf Wellness, Tribe London Canary Wharf will be hosting a free Run Club. The guided 5k leaves from the hotel’s main reception with finishers receiving a protein bar and vitamin drink to help them refuel. Places can be booked in person at the hotel or via DM on Instagram to @tribe_londoncanarywharf
After Dark – £20
ARC, June 5, 7pm, Crossrail Place
Promising a “more social, high-energy” way to experience contrast therapy through music, this session allows participants to move between the heat of the sauna and the chill of its cold plunges at their own rhythm in a community atmosphere.
Big Club Social – £20
PADIUM, June 6, 20, 9am, Bank Street Park
Meet other padel enthusiasts in a fun, social setting where players take on a series of 15-minute matches, moving up or down a court based on wins and losses. There are two dates to choose from over the month.
Reformer Taster Sessions – FREE
FREEDOM CLINICS, June 8-12, 9am, Canada Place
Treat yourself to a free Reformer Pilates class, open to all levels. Those booking should select One Pilates Class Pass and then enter code WHARFWELLNESS when reserving to reduce the cost to £0 for the 9am sessions. These will likely sell out fast.
Intro To Padel – £20
PADIUM, June 8, 22, 5pm, Bank Street Park
These early evening classes have been designed for first-timers with the aim of helping participants learn all the fundamental rules, techniques and strategies to allow them to play padel tennis. All equipment is provided.
Atis Moves Run Club – £6.50
ATIS, June 9, 6.15pm, Canada Place
Enjoy a 5k around Canary Wharf followed by a bowl from the salad chain. Runners should arrive in their kit with filled bottles ready for a 6.30pm start. Spaces are limited so book early.
Swing Social – FREE
PITCH WHARF, June 10, 6pm-9pm, 30 Churchill Place
Sip low and no alcohol drinks and indulge in a bit of active wellness at the golf simulator venue. Those attending can expect Nearest The Pin challenges, pro-led swing clinics and plenty of virtual holes. Admission is free, but online registration is required.
A Moment Of Hygge – FREE
SØSTRENE GRENE X OLE & STEEN, June 9, 10, 11, Jubilee Place
Søstrene Grene and Ole & Steen are set to collaborate on a series of bookable one-hour workshops where participants can create personalised memory jars, paint and decorate flower pots or design and embellish candles. Each session includes Danish refreshments and pastries.
In2Sports at Wood Wharf will be running Let’s Get Moving events – image supplied by Canary Wharf
scroll down for more Wharf Wellness highlights
Mat Pilates – £5
THIRD SPACE, June 10, 17, 24, 7.30am, Eden Dock
Join these intimate morning classes to explore the discipline in a slower format with a strong focus on proper alignment and posture. What a way to start the day. Book early.
Health Optimisation – Pop-Up
LE CHALET CRYO, June 10, 11, Canada Place
Find out about whole-body Cryotherapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and get the chance to win a free session.
Let’s Get Moving – FREE
IN2SPORTS, June 12, 19, noon-4.30pm, 40 Harbord Square
These community-focused events are aimed at promoting active and connected lifestyles with participants getting access to a range of sports during each session. Tickets need to be booked online.
First-Timer Class – FREE
BARRY’S, June 13, 3pm, Crossrail Place
Experience the delights and challenges of the red room with a session exclusively open to first-timers. Expect high-energy interval training making full use of the treadmills and gym equipment.
No experience is needed for this session, which will feature the brand’s signature combo of pumping beats, positive vibes and supportive coaching.
Outdoor Class – £15
BARRY’S, June 16, noon, Canada Square Park
Enjoy a special pop-up class in the sunshine with Barry’s trainers who promise to get you moving and sweating with a full body workout in the open air. Expect to burn up to 1,000 calories with plenty of upbeat encouragement.
Wellness Week – £10
SPACE NK, June 21-27, Cabot Place
Book a slot and pop into the beauty store for a 15-minute makeover. Refresh your look and get plenty of advice from the brand’s beauty advisors. The £10 is redeemable against purchases.
Wharf Wellness – Pop-Up
YUMMZY, June 25, Canada Place
Enjoy complimentary tastings and exclusive offers as the vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free eatery brings its products to the heart of the Wharf.
Contrast + Journalling – £20
ARC, June 28, Crossrail Place
With timings yet to be announced, this slower session features guided contrast therapy in the venue’s sauna and ice baths as well as breathwork and journalling to help participants reconnect with what they’re processing and what might need to shift. Bookings open May 28.
Friday Night Lights is set to team up with Third Space – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group
check out these Wharf Wellness highlights
Friday Night Lights x Third Space
FRIDAY NIGHT LATES + THIRD SPACE, June 24, from 6pm, Canada Square Park
Canada Square Park is set to be transformed into a space for outdoor fitness on June 24. From 6pm-9pm, Friday Night Lights and Third Space will be running a programme of classes aimed at everyone from seasoned gym-goers to complete beginners.
First up is Yoga at 6pm, with participants guided to move from one pose to another in tune with their breath. At 7pm it’s Pilates on the mat with trainers on hand to ensure proper posture and solid alignment.
Finally, at 8pm, it’s Bodyweight HIIT, featuring a mixture of plyometric, multidimensional, sport-based exercises to help develop stability, muscular endurance and overall fitness.
Each class costs £5 and bookings are open now. Friday Night Lights is also the organisation behind popular 5k event Run The Wharf, which returns to the estate in September.
Former Olympic swimmer Katy Sexton will be hosting two sessions at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf
Swim With An Olympian
SEA LANES CANARY WHARF, June 25, 5.30pm, 6.30pm, Eden Dock
Olympic swimmer and former world champion, Katy Sexton, will be on hand to deliver two guided open water coaching sessions at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf in Eden Dock on June 25.
Running at 5.30pm and 6.30pm, the sessions will see swimmers work on “pacing, positioning and efficiency in a relaxed, supportive environment” guided by lane coaches.
Designed for swimmers looking to build confidence and refine their technique in open water, the structured sessions are an opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s most accomplished swimmers. Tickets for the classes cost £15 and must be pre-booked online.
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is a new floating lido, sauna and events complex that’s set to open in June in Eden Dock. Founder memberships are now available for £75 per month over a year. Individual swim sessions will cost £10.
Canary Wharf has a new store, although readers might well be forgiven for missing the change.
What were once the upper levels of Waitrose Food And Home in Canada Square have been rebranded and now operate distinctly as the estate’s branch of John Lewis.
The retail spaces remain connected, of course, both physically by escalators and in business under the umbrella of the John Lewis Partnership.
However, with a changing customer profile as the Wharf continues to evolve, it was felt the time was right for new signs and a dedicated leadership team to take over.
Helen Chalkley has been named as the store’s first branch manager and is thrilled to tackle the challenge of more firmly establishing the brand in Wharfers’ minds having taken up her post in February.
Similar to her Waitrose counterpart, Amy Stickland, she’s spent her whole career in the business and returns to Canary Wharf following an earlier spell as deputy branch manager at the east London store when it was all Waitrose Food And Home.
John Lewis Canary Wharf branch manager, Helen Chalkley – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
from Oxford Street to Canary Wharf
“In July I’ll have worked for John Lewis for 33 years, having started off as a part-time partner in the Oxford Street branch,” said Helen.
“My mum used to work for the business, so there’s a family connection and I’ve always wanted to run my own shop.
“I’ve spent most of my time in Oxford Street and that’s where I managed my first department, which was children’s wear.
“I’ve also worked at Bluewater, in Enfield and at head office, which I loved.
“But it’s super exciting to come back to Canary Wharf, especially as it has now become a John Lewis.
“The change unlocks so many things for us and that means our customers here will be getting the very best the brand has to offer.”
The new signs are up and incremental changes are being made, with outdoor furniture now on the shop floor, for example.
The store now features outdoor furniture for the first time – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
a renewed focus on John Lewis Canary Wharf
“Many of the changes are behind the scenes, with the introduction of systems that we didn’t have before that will make us more efficient,” said Helen.
“The change should make the customer journey here better.
“Also, having a dedicated branch manager means a clear focus on what we offer and how we operate – I bring a ton of retail and commercial experience to help support the opportunity here.
“That’s the same for Waitrose too, although we will continue to work together.
“I think it’s very powerful that customers can see there’s a John Lewis here and that will help drive footfall for us.
“It’s a beautiful shop – it’s got something for everyone – and it’s one our partners can be really proud of.
“One of the reasons for the separation is that we’ve seen a lot of change in Canary Wharf over the last five years.
“There are more families living on the estate and in the surrounding area, for example, and we’re seeing those customers coming in regularly.
“We used, very much, to be a commuter store but that’s not so much the case anymore although we still have a strong focus on gifts so it’s vital we have the right brands and products for the people coming in.
“We know what the data tells us and we know what our customers are asking for so we can hopefully ensure that’s the case.
“I’ve got a real hunger for driving delight in our customers and always keeping them at the heart of everything we do.”
In some senses, running John Lewis Canary Wharf is a similar balancing act to the wider estate, with workers, residents and visitors to the area, all coming with different needs and desires.
Lego on sale in Canary Wharf – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
different things for different people
Helen said: “It’s a real mix. Some customers are shopping intentionally for a particular product while others are browsing as a leisure activity.
“Technology, including our Apple range does really well here, as does Lego.
“But then you might have a customer who’s come in at lunchtime because they’re going out that evening and they’re looking for an outfit.
“We now have Topshop in store, which is a really positive arrival for us and we’ve also introduced Aubin in our menswear department, which is a really exciting brand.
“We’re making lots of small changes, such as our new Apple table on the top floor to showcase the brand’s products and there will be more of those to come.”
The decoupling also allows Helen to assert the shop’s identity and values more succinctly.
She said: “I feel really privileged to be this store’s first branch manager and I think that’s about making sure the partners here are living and breathing John Lewis and proud to be wearing the badge.
“Some of the changes we’ve made with our systems should make their lives easier and that will be reflected in how we serve our customers and communicate the value we offer.
“This area isn’t like any other – I always think I work in New York when I’m here.
“There are tons of opportunities for us here and I want us to make the most of them.
“It’s about ensuring we understand what the Canary Wharf customer wants.
“The world of retail is constantly changing, but many of the basics remain the same.
“We want the shop to be well presented and for the customers who come to us for inspiration to find it in our spaces.
“Shopping should be fun and that’s something our partners can get really excited about delivering. For me, working in this sector is as thrilling now as it was 30 years ago.
“One of the things we’ll be doing is continuing our programme of in-store events.
“We have a mother and baby music group and we’ve just hosted a liquorice tasting.
“Activating our spaces in this way is a great way to bring people into the store to enjoy themselves and perhaps discover products they might not have known about otherwise.
“It draws people in with a bit of retail theatre and you see different groups coming here, discovering what we have to offer and then connecting with one another.”
Part of the store’s extensive fashion department – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
key details: John Lewis Canary Wharf
John Lewis Canary Wharf in Canada Square is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-9pm and from 11.45am-6pm on Sundays.
Friday, April 17, 2026, saw the return of regular comedy to The Space theatre in Westferry Road – the first in a new series of monthly gigs that are set to pull in a series of potent line-ups to the Isle Of Dogs venue.
Shenanigans In (The) Space is the creation of producer, writer, promoter and sometime comic, Scott Fitzgerald, (who’s booking the acts) and regular MC Matt Price.
“I first came to The Space to see As You Like It, hosted by Sir Ian Mckellen [performed by all trans and non-binary theatre group Trans What You Will],” said Scott.
“I loved the whole ethos of the venue – a small theatre that doesn’t receive any funding or regular support.
“I met Matty Jameson, the artistic director, who’s a superstar in my eyes – all drive and responsibility, but smiling all the way through it like a beautiful robot.
“Then I met the board members and explained about my background – promoting comedy and performing – and what I thought we could do here.”
Shenanigans is hosted at The Space on the Isle Of Dogs – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
hosting Shenanigans At (The) Space
The result is a series of shows hosted by Matt, each featuring three stand-ups with headline spots from the likes of Sam Nicoresti (who won Best Show at the Edinburgh Festival in 2025), Craig Campbell, Marty Gleeson, Dan Tiernan and comic rap powerhouse Doc Brown.
“We’re able to get people of this level because most comedians want to support something,” said Scott.
“I contact them, tell them the story of the venue, why the fee is what it is and appeal to their human side.
“Many acts remember why they started in comedy, that first big laugh and the place they found their voice.
“We want to build that kind of community here with established comedians and those coming through.
“It also helps that a lot of people know Matt.
“He’s one of the best compères in the country and when they know he’s the MC, they’ll come and do the gig.”
The pair first met at an open mic night in 2003.
Scott had fallen out of a career as a window cleaner and into one as a theatre technician, before taking his own steps into stand-up.
Matt had stumbled into comedy having briefly boxed and then taken up writing about the sport.
Together they ran the Yellow Kangaroo Comedy Club in Cardiff and have remained friends ever since.
Scott is promoting the night and booking the comics – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
forged in a friendship
“I have memories of two speakers exploding on stage and Scott coming to sort them out,” said Matt.
“We became friends and I was deluded enough to carry on as a performer.
“I’d had a few fights as an amateur boxer, but I wasn’t very good and then I spent a couple of years trying to write a book about boxing before I fell into comedy and realised it’s the same thing as being in the ring, but without the punches.
“One wonderful comedian said that stand-up comedy is the most violent, non-contact sport in the world and I know what he means.
“There’s a saying in boxing: ‘It’s not why you start, it’s why you stay’.
“I started it because I was a failed boxing writer, and I stayed because, thankfully, I don’t take myself too seriously and I just genuinely love being a comedian.”
Having performed in 30 countries including Russia, Cambodia and “even Penzance” Matt said he was relishing the prospect of performing at The Space.
“I’ve been around a bit,” he said.
“One highlight was standing on a piece of wood on top of a former gangland criminal’s house, performing to south-east London’s criminal underworld.
“I looked at a man with a tattooed face who asked me not to talk to him.
“He’d just robbed a post office, but couldn’t stand being spoken to in public.
“Another was accidentally setting myself on fire at the Edinburgh Festival – I just walked backwards into a candle.
“People asked if I’d done it on purpose so I just said: ‘Yes’. I’ve learned to take a compliment.
“The Space already feels very special and I’m really enjoying working with Scott again.
“There’s something about supporting a local community and trying to build a night that people really like.
“There’s no pressure on acts here – we’re not going to say they’ve got to stick to every second as you do in more commercial clubs.
“It will be somewhere acts can come and experiment a bit.”
Matt has performed in more than 30 countries and is Shenanigans In (The) Space’s resident MC – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
building something on the Isle Of Dogs
Talking with the duo, there’s a sense both of them are quietly revelling in the process of putting the gigs together – a feeling that they’re at the start of something.
Scott had stepped away from comedy for a number of years, with this bigger goal tempting him to return.
“Not much would have got me back into it – it’s hard work and you can’t please everybody,” he said.
“But this venue should have more people in it – it’s that larger idea that makes me want to put myself through it again.”
The first Shenanigans saw Shaparak Khorsandi headline with sets from Don Biswas and Ciara O’Connor.
The next date – May 22, 2026 – is set to feature ventriloquist Lachlan Werner and softly spoken Welsh comic Morgan Rees.
“The night will be headlined by prop comic Spencer Jones who performs on stage as Clunkerdunk,” said Scott.
Best known for his recurring role as Mr Winner in BBC Shakespearean sitcom Upstart Crow, audiences can expect new material amid the unpredictability of live performance.
“Anything can happen,” said Scott.
“That’s the excitement of it – it’s still thrilling to us after all these years. You just never quite know what you’ll see.
“That’s why Matt is so good – he’s skilled at making almost anything funny and connecting with the audience.
Matt added: “There was one time I was being heckled by a drunk woman in the front row, who just wouldn’t give up, so I walked to the back of the room and got everyone to turn their chairs round, putting her at the back.
“She was very angry, stormed out and slammed the door.
“Some of the audience barricaded the door behind her – you learn how to play a room.
“In between jokes, you could hear her complaining to the manager.”
key details: Shenanigans In (The) Space
Shenanigans In (The) Space is set for a run of monthly performances at the Isle Of Dogs venue.
Storehouse, located at Here East, has been a resounding success, welcoming 600,000 visitors through its doors since it opened last year, despite being somewhat tucked away amid the fabulous sprawl of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The new museum sits on one end of East Bank beside the London College Of Fashion, the new BBC Music Studios and Sadler’s Wells East.
Its opening is a key part of the 2012 Games’ cultural legacy.
Just like the South Bank, these buildings are statements of intent, powerhouses for the arts rising proudly above Waterworks River with the V&A’s golden geometric concrete arguably the most visually striking.
But for Gus, it’s the flow of young minds in and out of its doors that he and the team care most about, the museum’s connection to the community.
Gus Casely-Hayford, director of V&A East – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
becoming the ladder
“East London is the place that gives us Alexander McQueen, David Bailey and so many other creators who had to struggle and fight in their fledgling careers to get their feet on the first rung of the ladder,” he said.
“For all those future makers and artists, we want to be there as that ladder.
“It shouldn’t just be middle class kids who have an uncle who works in film or an aunt who runs a gallery that succeed.
“It’s wonderful they have those opportunities, of course, but how do we ensure that those without those advantages in east London can get purchase on careers in the creative industries?
“I’m proud of the sense of possibility we’ve created here.”
Over simplifying, if Storehouse is a place to hold, look after and offer access to the 280,000 objects in the V&A family, chronicling some 5,000 years of human creativity, V&A East Museum is a place to show them off in tightly curated, thought-provoking ways.
To that end, it features two permanent Why We Make galleries, packed with treasures that are free to view.
There’s also an exhibition space, currently occupied by The Music Is Black: A British Story, which aims to illuminate 125 years of black British music via exhibits, stories and sound.
On its fifth floor there’s a terrace and another free exhibition, Dispersal, which captures the businesses that called this part of London home before the Olympics.
Then, on its lowest level, there’s Café Jikoni, a partnership with a restaurant group known for “cooking across borders”.
Even on press day it’s easy to see how these spaces will quickly fill with visitors, thanks in part to a programme of free live events, including a takeover by DJ Nia Archives, workshops and talks.
Molly Goddard’s Daria dress, once worn by Beyoncé, features 61 metres of tulle and takes pride of place in the Why We Make galleries – image by V&A East Museum
V&A East Museum – built for the community
“When I came into my role, it was at the time of the pandemic and we built a team and an idea through remote working,” said Gus.
“Part of that was informed by that period, but we wanted to create connectivity – an institution able to connect with the community.
“As soon as we were able, we got out there to see those communities, to talk to them and ask them what they wanted at the V&A East museum.
“They were really keen to tell us.
“I loved it because I got to visit more than 100 schools within a bus ride, speaking in assemblies and asking them what we should offer.
“Listening to them, many of those young people were frustrated.
“They aspired to work in the creative industries but had little or no understanding of how they might do it.
“We saw that there was a desperate need for institutions like V&A East and for young people to get engaged with them.
“So we worked with them – more than 30,000 people consulted on every area of operational and curatorial delivery.
“I hope this is an institution that reflects their aspirations, hopes and dreams and that visitors will see that as they walk through these spaces.
“Our permanent galleries are called Why We Make because we thought making was a theme that would really speak to young people.”
Robes worn by a Daoist priest – image by V&A East Museum
respecting the residents
“Everything here has been part of us demonstrating our respect for this place and its populations,” added Gus.
“I can’t wait to see people come streaming through these doors and absolutely fall in love with this space.
“It’s a different kind of museum, which I hope will appeal to a different kind of audience.
“The building is extraordinary. Architects O’Donnell + Tuomey have created a kind of multi-faceted jewel with gold-faced concrete and it’s absolutely exquisite.
“Inside, it has these astonishing geometric windows, which mean that almost anywhere you are, you can see out across the Olympic Park that surrounds us.
“You get a real sense of where you are when you’re inside.
“They also created circulation spaces where you can come in the entrance on the lower ground floor and walk all the way up the five floors above without encountering a door.
“We are living in societies which can feel very fractured.
“We’re located next to one of the biggest shopping centres in Europe and I hope we’ll become a place of gathering.
“Shops are wonderful, but they aren’t places of civic convening.
“We want this to be a place where particularly young people can come, hang out, learn things, but they can also be inspired.
“It’s a wonderful privilege to be the inaugural director of V&A East – it’s probably the best job in the cultural sector.
“My hope is that, as time goes on, it will also be a place where they don’t just find opportunities to remake themselves, but also to remake V&A East.”
This Paimio armchair by Alvar Aalto was designed for a tuberculosis sanatorium in Finland – image by V&A East Museum
key details: V&A East Museum
V&A East Museum is located at East Bank on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Concessions for students and those under 26 are available.
Skin of Skunk Anansie performs at Glastonbury. Her Clit Rock suit can be seen at V&A East Museum – image by Daniel Newman
tried + tested: V&A East Museum
Any way you cut the complex geometry of V&A East Museum, it’s a fantastic addition both to the Stratford skyline and Newham’s cultural heft.
What Gus says about the relentless focus on connecting its spaces to the local community finds its proof in the new institution’s galleries.
The Why We Make spaces are refreshing. Superficially incongruous treasures – everything from glacial stupas to healing chairs and Daoist robes – are sewn together with a golden thread of locality.
Walk into the lower of the two galleries and you’ll immediately be confronted by Molly Goddard’s hot fuscia Daria dress, an east London creation that features 61 metres of tulle and was once worn by Beyoncé.
I’m left with no choice but to knock off a star because (teething troubles) my radar-linked Sennheiser headphones provided for a stroll round The Music Is Black: A British Story, failed to function properly.
This left me with a loop of the intro melody, rather than the 120 tracks promised.
My guess is that given this exhibition is about music, it’s probably better when you get to hear it.
However, even without the gospel, soul, rap, r’n’b, blues, rock, folk and grime, it’s a collection worth viewing thanks to the variety and vibrancy of the exhibits.
Here too, thanks to kids from the Lansbury Estate, Dizzee Rascal, Billy Ocean and countless performers still gigging at the likes of Boisdale Of Canary Wharf, the east is ever present.
The glorious, crumbling walls of Wilton’s Music Hall are set to reverberate with the buzz and verve of Rendez-Vous Dance’s latest show.
The Monocle is a cabaret, dance homage to nightclub Le Monocle, a sanctuary for the lesbian community in Paris opened in the 1920s by Lulu De Montparnasse on the Boulevard Edgar-Quinet.
Billed as a “sizzling dance and music production”, the show has been created by the Rendez-Vous founder and artistic director, choreographer Mathieu Geffré.
Celebrating the history of the club – named for the optical affectations some lesbians used as a symbol of recognition in their community – The Monocle aims to transport audiences to an era of glamour, jazz, dressing up, dressing down, secret passions, sex and cocktails.
The company’s seven-strong cast tell stories of the venue’s clientele and their time spent in a place where they could dine, dance, sing and socialise without fear of persecution.
Rendez-Vous Dance founder and artistic director, Mathieu Geffré – image supplied by Rendez-Vous Dance
relevant and meaningful
“Over the years, Wilton’s Music Hall has built a reputation for celebrating diverse, boundary-pushing, excellent art,” said Mathieu.
“Bringing the final performances of The Monocle to Wilton’s Music Hall after a successful night at the same venue in 2024, feels deeply relevant and meaningful.
“There’s something about the venue’s layered, rich and slightly subversive history that resonates with the queerness of our production.
“After three tours and such a generous response from audiences across the country, it feels like the right place to bring this journey to a close – intimate, relevant, charged and full of memory.”
Lasting 90 minutes, including an interval, the show features a mix of sensual choreography, passionate drama and live song from early-jazz performer, Imogen Banks.
“The beauty of The Monocle is how effortlessly it has welcomed a broad and diverse audience,” said Mathieu, who graduated from the Paris Conservatoire in 2006 before embarking on a career as a dancer across Europe.
He founded Rendez-Vous in 2021 with the aim of engaging with LGBTQIA+ themes.
He said: “While the show offers a strong sense of entertainment, it also carries an educational and quietly political weight, particularly in drawing attention to the disappearance of safe spaces within our community.
“One of the most moving parts of the tour has been meeting members of the lesbian community who shared how deeply the work resonated with them.
“Ultimately, this is a show for everyone. It’s entertaining, informative, political and a joyful celebration of identity.”
For Mathieu, it’s also a work that resonates with his interest in LGBTQIA+ history, especially in France.
The show is an homage to lesbian nightclub Le Monocle in Paris – image by Cave And Sky
the roots of The Monocle
“One of my ongoing curiosities in life is understanding my roots as a member of the queer community,” he said.
“In 2021, while reading A History of Homosexuality by Florence Tamagne, I first discovered Le Monocle.
“I wanted to challenge the conventional perceptions of contemporary dance and explore the intersection of cabaret and movement as a way to reach new audiences.
“The Brassaï photographs of Le Monocle became a way in for me, showing that a man could indeed capture the essence of this extraordinary space for the lesbian community in Paris.
“When developing a work, I also consider its universal and contemporary resonance and, in this case, it felt essential to acknowledge the disappearance of lesbian safe spaces in public life.
“As a gay boy growing up in the French countryside, coming of age was a vulnerable path.
“But that began to shift when I started my dance studies at the Conservatoire National Supérieur De Musique Et De Danse De Paris in 2001.
“The capital was a territory of fear, extravagance, and adventures.
“I emancipated myself in Le Marais, where I witnessed love lived unapologetically, drag artists fabulously striding through the streets and communities welcoming me into a freedom I hadn’t thought possible.
“I’m passionate about LGBTQIA+ history and my French heritage.
“When I learned about Le Monocle, a lesbian bar that mysteriously closed in June 1941 during the Nazi occupation, I couldn’t separate it from more recent tragedies.
“The story felt urgent, a necessary testimony about safe spaces and the risks we still face.
“I’ve never cared so deeply about getting something right. The Monocle was a unique opportunity to foster an environment where love transcends differences, creating a space where everyone feels seen, valued and embraced.
“When it was open, Le Monocle celebrated refinement, taste, and understated glamour.
“The costumes and set together capture that spirit, while subtle, playful details, like the iconic monocle itself, anchor the work in its historical and cultural context.
“The overall effect is immersive – audiences step into a space where elegance, celebration and queer history coexist, fully alive for the contemporary moment.”
The Monocle promises plenty of sizzle and thrill – image by Rhiannon Banks
key details: The Monocle
The Monocle is set to be performed at Wilton’s Music Hall in Wapping on May 15 at 7.30pm and on May 16 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Kayla Dimmick has officially taken the tiller in the kitchen as Barge East’s newly appointed executive chef, setting the course of all food on board and by the towpath.
Originally from California, she trained at Le Cordon Bleu and cut her teeth at the Water Grill in Los Angeles before embarking on a career in high-end catering, cooking for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Pharrell, Maroon Five and Reese Witherspoon.
She said: “I think my grandma has a huge impact on me because we were always in the kitchen.
“I’m half Japanese and she taught me how to bake dishes from Japan. The other influence was watching the food networks.
“Going to do my diploma at 19 was great because it gave me a really good grounding in the science of cooking.
“When you’re baking, for example, you need that knowledge, because everything has to be so precise and there are so many variables.
“It’s not just following the recipes, it’s about knowing how to adjust them to the humidity of the kitchen, for example.
“I really wanted to work in London – a move to a different country was getting me out of my comfort zone – and I was sponsored to do that by Barge East’s former executive chef, Stefano Camplone.
“I started off as sous-chef three years ago and I really liked the ethos of the restaurant – the food has always been very seasonal and sustainable.”
Stracciatella (the creamy bit in a burrata) served with a lush garnish of peas, broad beans, cucumber, thai basil and broccoli flowers (£11.50) – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
a taste of spring
Promoted to head chef and now executive chef, Kayla recently unveiled her first menu in her new role, ably assisted by fellow cook Solomon Aveyard.
“Our dishes always start with the ingredients – that’s where the inspiration comes from,” said Kayla.
“We bring in our suppliers, look at their sample boxes, taste them and then base our plans on what we will be growing in our waterside garden.
“It’s amazing to have that just next to the boat and it means we have fresh ingredients we can use every day.”
Kayla’s spring menu features snacks, small plates, large plates and sides as well as a choice of three desserts.
Highlights include Wildfarmed Foccacia with foraged wild garlic butter that boasts a substantial, meaty texture (£2.50), Lamb Belly Skewers with gooseberries from the garden (£9.90) and Stracciatella (the creamy bit in a burrata) served with a lush garnish of peas, broad beans, cucumber, thai basil and broccoli flowers (£11.50).
A top large plate choice is Beef Rump, rich red and juicy with a turnip cake, a chunky halved courgette and a bordelaise sauce (£32).
There’s a relentless focus on quality, spare, elegant presentation and freshness.
Kayla started at Barge East as sous chef and is now in charge of all of the venue’s food – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
sweet flavours at Barge East
“My favourite dish is actually one of the desserts,” said Kayla.
“When I was training, people used to call me Betty Crocker because of how well my baking turned out.
“I like measuring everything, there’s an exactness about it.
“Instead of a traditional rum baba, we’re serving a version with fermented Japanese plum wine – it’s potent, very citrussy and flavourful, which fits perfectly with forced rhubarb and a diplomat – a combination of crème anglaise and whipped cream.
“It’s rich and then you have that sharpness – it’s delicious.”
Barge East has been awarded two AA rosettes for the past three years running and will continue its fine dining offering aboard the Dutch vessel.
However, its presence on land is growing and changing.
Barge East will continue to serve up fine dining on board with an expanded canalside offering this summer – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
expanding Barge East outside
“Outside we have huge plans for the spring and summer,” said Kayla.
“We’ll soon be launching an area called The Terrace, which ties in with the food on the boat but in a bistro style.
“It will be outdoor table service with a Parisian vibe, serving snacks, steak frites and a plat du jour.
“Then we’ll be moving our street food offering to the garden.”
That shift comes as Barge East has added to its fleet, taking over neighbouring vessel the Milk Float, which will serve a selection of drinks as well as chilled treats from east London’s La Gelatiera.
This will also provide a base for canoe, kayak and paddleboard hire on the canal.
It’s a significant expansion for a business that started with three friends – Ryan, Blandy and Tommo – sailing Dutch Barge De Hoop over from Holland with the aim of turning it into a restaurant.
Beef Rump, rich red and juicy with a turnip cake, a chunky halved courgette and a bordelaise sauce (£32) – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
on the water for the summer
“We’re planning to open the Milk Float from April 30, 2026, with the aim of turning it into more of a cafe, floating bar and an events space,” said Stuart ‘Tommo’ Thomson, who also runs Skuna Boats in Canary Wharf.
“It’s going to have the best gelato I’ve ever tasted – selecting them from a choice of 60 was one of the best things I’ve done since we started the restaurant.
“We’re really excited about the summer – Hackney Wick always feels like a festival when the weather is warmer because there’s so much going on.
“We’re also looking at the mooring on the other side of us to see what we might be able to do on the water with that – we’re always looking to make things more vibrant on the water.”
In the more immediate future, Barge East also has plans in the works for a brunch offering, aimed at attracting weekend diners earlier in the day.
“I’m really excited about this,” said Kayla.
“I want to create a menu of really good brunch staples so we can add that to the offering.
“Everything is still to be confirmed, but I’d love to do a take on a salt beef bagel with hot mustard.
“Sometimes the meat can be quite dry, but I want to make one that’s really juicy on a really good quality bagel that we can source locally.”
Baba with Japanese plum wine and forced rhubarb at Barge East – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
key details: Barge East
Barge East is located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park opposite Hackney Wick at Sweetwater Mooring.
The venue is set to be open seven days a week from April 30, 2026.
Programme manager Madhini Sivasubramanian explains why she loves sharing the knowledge and experience she’s built up over many years
The University Of Sunderland In London’s Harbour Exchange campus includes a suite of technologically advanced facilities for use by its nursing students – image by UOSiL
Madhini Sivasubramanian has spent her whole career immersed in healthcare and education.
As a young woman in India, she decided to become a nurse and worked in theatre with heart surgeons, before making the move to intensive care because “after the few hours of surgery are done, the biggest challenge is getting patients well enough to go home”.
Having moved into paediatrics and getting married, she seized on the opportunity to come to the UK and spent seven years at Great Ormond Street Hospital before going on to work for other NHS trusts in London.
But what really stands out over the course of her career is a simultaneous commitment to education – juggling nursing, study and raising a family – and balancing that with a desire to pass on her knowledge to others.
She qualified as a teacher officially in 2015, having worked as a guest lecturer and began her academic career at the University Of West London before going on to help set up the nursing department at the University Of East London between 2017 and 2020.
Today she’s a senior lecturer at the University Of Sunderland In London on the Isle Of Dogs and programme manager for its MSc Nursing Practice and MSc Public Health courses.
“I still consider myself a student – I’m still learning every single day,” said Madhini.
“I’m incredibly proud when I’m able to pass on the knowledge I have to others.
“What’s the use if only I know about something? It’s about being able to share it with the students.
“The staff we have here on our courses are absolutely top class.
“This is a beautiful set of people and the courses we offer are fantastic.
“These new facilities allow students to reach their full potential.
“I’ve always believed that a department shows the personality of the person leading it and it’s been my job to convince a board of non-clinical, non-medical, non-nursing staff to invest in these courses.
“That’s why we have the facilities that we do.”
Senior lecturer and programme manager at the University Of Sunderland In London, Madhini Sivasubramanian – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
courses at the University Of Sunderland In London
The university offers both undergraduate and postgraduate public health and nursing courses, the majority of the latter aimed at qualified nurses already working within the profession who want to reach the next level in their careers.
“We have this smart offering so we can film what people are doing when given a task and use the recording to debrief them on their actions and identify any learning points,” said Madhini.
“The vital thing is that we can have a conversation about something if it went wrong and the student will learn not to make the same mistake.
“These simulations are so important because they enable people to experience things with no risk to a patient.
“Our one-year MSc course is designed to prepare students who might want to go into research, teaching or leadership in the future.”
The university campus is located on the Isle Of Dogs close to Canary Wharf – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
a passion for her subject
While talking about her extensive career and her approach to education, Madhini fizzes with energy – an attitude that has both got her to where she is today and also infuses the courses she oversees.
“Nursing can be a job where you work very long hours for comparatively little money,” she said.
“But you don’t care because you’re so passionate.
“I remember being in the operating theatre for the first time and it was amazing.
“You’re scrubbed up and it’s very tough.
“You’re working with people’s hearts and there’s no concept of working hours. But we made history and that’s why I’m here.
“In India, through a conference I was able to mingle with some of the best heart surgeons in the world from the UK.
“I was mesmerised and that was the first time I thought that I should go out into the world.
“Fortunately, my husband is a bit mad like me and encouraged me to make the move.
“At the time I was the only Indian nurse at Great Ormond Street.
“Originally I was due to return to India but instead I stayed.
“I see it in my children – I’m very proud of both of them.
“My daughter is in general surgery and has lots of plans – she’s very much like me in this. My son is a computer scientist.
“Balancing the demands of family life and nursing can be a challenge, especially if you want to do postgraduate study as well.
“But that can also be a motivation.
“My daughter has grown up always seeing me working and studying and now she’s flying around running conferences.
“It’s so important that people are able to access opportunities.
“One of the things the university does is offer a BSc course because there is a cohort of nurses in the NHS who were recruited at a time when you didn’t need a degree.
“These are often wonderful people with so many skills but, because they don’t have that qualification, it’s preventing them from getting promotion and that’s so unfair.
“The course is designed as a year-long top-up for those who don’t have a degree and would like to move up.
“Nursing is a very demanding career and it’s important to make space for people to progress.
“One of the other groups of students we have are those from overseas.
“People often want to come to the UK to study because of the culture we have here.
“While some are coming here with the intention of working, lots are not necessarily settling here. People want to say they studied in Britain.
“They come here, gain confidence and experience London before returning home.”
key details: nursing at the University Of Sunderland In London
You can find out more about nursing and public health courses available at the University Of Sunderland In London including entry criteria via UOSiL’s website.
The Drury bag was left to infuse in an elegant glass supplied with a refined tea-timer to avoid over-brewing.
There were tongs for efficient removal and a little bowl for the spent bag, as well as a tiny glass jug of oat milk (I prefer my tea to taste faintly of porridge, what of it?).
I mention this because the level of care taken in the serving of a simple cuppa illuminates the venue’s whole approach.
At its heart, Yummzy is about three things – detail, safety and flavour.
Yummzy co-founder, Jolie Gindi – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
pay close attention
“So many times you read the word ‘healthy’ but the regulation around it is non-existent,” said Jolie.
While that might be of comparatively little consequence to some, for her it’s a matter of life and death.
As a Type 1 diabetic, Jolie must carefully balance what she eats.
“When we decided to start Yummzy, the idea had been brewing for quite a while,” she said.
“I was 33 before I had a proper slice of cake and didn’t feel unwell for days.
“The final straw was when a well-known brand released a sugar-free cupcake.
“I calculated the carbs, injected the right amount of insulin and then ate one.
“I was so excited, but within five minutes I could barely breathe.
“My feet felt like they were cemented to the floor. My whole body was shutting down.
“I hadn’t accounted for any sugar because the product was branded sugar-free.
“But we went back and found out they’d used coconut sugar instead of refined sugar.
“That’s like claiming organic peanuts are better for someone who has a peanut allergy.”
Thoughtful cuppa: Tea service at Yummzy – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
creating Yummzy
Tired of such episodes, together Jolie and Adrian decided to do something, to create a brand based on scrupulous attention to production to give those avoiding certain ingredients confidence in what they were buying.
Opened before the pandemic in Greenwich, Yummzy went online over Covid and returned to bricks and mortar in Canary Wharf in 2025.
“In the UK, I think we’re about five to 10 years behind countries like the US and Canada, where the kind of thing we’re offering is everywhere,” said Jolie, who previously ran a travel business and continues to work in consulting in the field of analytics and innovation.
“We’re an eatery – open for coffee in the morning, food throughout the day and also in the evening.
The eatery serves a wide range of sweet and savoury food, all of it gluten-free, ketogenic, vegan, sugar-free – image by Yummzy
“Our menu is totally gluten-free, ketogenic, vegan, sugar-free and is high in protein and fibre.
“Our food is gourmet – usually when people think of healthy food, they think they’re going to taste like cardboard or something.
“For us the flavour is so important – we have something for everyone with different levels of sweetness and savoury options too.
“To be honest I prefer the latter – there’s our award-winning vegan sausage roll, our focannini, a cross between foccacia and panini which come with different fillings and our burger, which has 28g of pea protein to keep you full.”
Yummzy co-founder Adrian Pascu – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
keeping things light
Having won much recognition for their products, there’s a playfulness about Yummzy with both Adrian and Jolie keen to keep things light.
“My favourite thing on the menu is our Not Dubai Chocolate,” said Adrian, who works both in teaching and as a photographer and videographer as well as helping to run Yummzy.
“It’s not super sweet, but it’s crunchy inside, thanks to the pistachio butter and covered in chocolate.”
Jolie added: “It’s hard for me to pick one thing, but it’s either our focannini or our avocado on toast, which we call Av A Good Day.
“But I also love our Yummzy Rocher which are made with our Yummtella spread.
“It contains chocolate and hazelnuts but is free from gluten, dairy, palm oil and added sugar.”
The couple, who first met at a tango class and live within walking distance of their eatery, hope to grow the business on a franchise model, providing products to other branches in the future.
The Canary Wharf branch is both production kitchen and hospitality venue, with appropriately health-focused alcoholic options for those keen to indulge in wines, low-carb beer or tipples such as Mayan hot chocolate with rum (laced with cinnamon and chilli).
Drinks in general are taken as seriously as the food, with Yummzy working with Drury Tea And Coffee in Woolwich as a key supplier.
The venue also sells ceremonial grade matcha and will even whip up a concoction made with baobab juice, ideal as a hangover cure.
While there’s an obvious focus on creativity and delivery, perhaps the most satisfying thing for the couple is when their business has a genuine impact on a customer.
Yummzy’s desserts often feature its award-winning Yummtella spread – image by Yummzy
the reward in Yummzy’s impact
“Our hearts melt every time someone tells us what we’re doing has changed their lives,” said Jolie.
“One day a mother hugged me and started crying.
“At first I was worried we’d done something wrong.
“But then she told me that her daughter had never been able to enjoy a hot chocolate and a cake with her friend without having to inject insulin.
“Here she was able to have a normal time with her friend and not have to worry about that.
“Being able to say to the parents of a child who’s coeliac, for example, that everything is gluten-free and then see the kids’ faces when they know they have that choice is special.
“Sometimes the parents have to say the children are only allowed to eat one thing here and the rest has to go home.
“Running a business has its hardships, but that positive impact is what keeps us going.
“Right now, we just want more locals to know about us and what we’re doing so we’d ask anyone who has tried our products to spread the word and others to come and visit us.”
Savoury options: The eatery has multiple options for those without a sweet tooth – image by Yummzy
key details: Yummzy
Yummzy is located on the southern edge of Cabot Square and is open daily.
It sells a wide range of hot drinks, sweet treats and savoury food.
The Brady Arts And Community Centre in Whitechapel is hosting a solo exhibition exploring the “layered identity of Canary Wharf and Docklands.
A series of works, collectively titled Memory Of A New City, by Russian-born artist Olga Regina will be on show at the east London venue until April 25.
“As a child I painted furniture and experimented with photography and, aged 10 I started to feel driven to become an artist,” said Olga, who has lived in London since 2023.
“I changed my location to Canary Wharf and, walking around, I realised there’s just something different about this area.
“The combination of the high buildings and the water is very inspiring and I also wanted to learn about the history of the area so I visited London Museum Docklands on West India Quay.”
Here First, 2026 – image by Olga Regina
reality and fantasy
Using a camera and an iPad, Olga blends reality and fantasy in an attempt to reflect the world around her – conceiving the images she wants to make before heading out onto the streets.
She said she uses her camera as a starting point before indulging in “digital intervention” to create work that sits somewhere between documentation and imagination.
She said: “Before I take a photo, I imagine what will be in it and then I completely change it.
“The images are like a canvas for me. I add my feelings.
“Some of the pieces include characters from childhood.
“I like birds a lot too – they were here before everything else was built in this place.
“For me it’s a very unusual area unlike any other.
“Here you have a combination of locals, the history and the landscapes – the water and the trees. I find a lot of inspiration in them.”
Olga said she hoped her works would give people pause in a part of London known for its hectic pace.
“I hope they notice things they don’t normally see,” she said. “We rush in the big cities, so we don’t always see the architecture or the people who live here.
“I want people to feel happiness when looking at my artworks and then to share it. I’m interested in how the city feels, not just how it looks.
“Canary Wharf is often seen as structured and controlled, but when you spend time there, you notice something softer — a human rhythm that exists alongside the financial one.”
Walk, 2026 – image by Olga Regina
key details: Olga Regina
Memory Of A New City by Olga Regina is set to be on display at the Brady Arts And Community Centre until April 25, 2026, and is available to view for free on weekdays and Saturdays.
