Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in London! It’s Friday, September 26th, 2025, and your globe-trotting, slightly-sweaty-from-chasing-double-decker-buses host, Oly Bennet, is reporting live from the heart of a city that’s buzzing with brisk autumn air and a million possibilities. London’s stepping into autumn with style—the weather is crisp, a bit chilly, but the city’s energy is anything but cold. There’s a distinct scent of hot coffee, fallen leaves, and that unbeatable spirit of Londoners refusing to let a little breeze kill the weekend vibe.

Quick glance at today’s city scene: commuters are zipping along on the Tube, street buskers are warming up their vocals by Covent Garden, and if you thought London might slow down for sweater weather, think again. Major events and wild stories are popping up across the map.

For the culture cravers: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera is thrilling crowds in the West End—those masks might be dramatic, but trust me, the sheer power of that music will haunt your dreams in the best way. Feel like some comedy chaos? The Play That Goes Wrong is holding it together—barely—at the Duchess Theatre, so if you’ve ever wanted to watch a play within a play go fabulously off the rails, this is your ticket. And for a real London oddity, Tate Modern is celebrating the centenary of Picasso’s Three Dancers with a rare showcase; go and get your modern art groove on.

Family squad, I see you! The Natural History Museum is hosting the epic Dino Disco for Kids. Picture kids in headphones, dino-sized dance moves, and maybe a T-Rex flossing—it’s worth it for the photo alone. For larger-than-life gamers, Monopoly Lifesized lets you stomp around a giant board in central London, collecting properties and, hopefully, not getting sent to jail.

If your energy is still bouncing higher than a kangaroo on espresso, let’s talk nightlife: RESISTANCE, one of London’s thumping techno festivals, kicks off today, taking over some of the city’s coolest venues. Expect basslines heavier than Big Ben’s chimes. Prefer to party at altitude? Hop on the London Bar Bus for rooftop drinks with a side order of jaw-dropping views.

For a taste of the quirky and local, swing by the Royal Docks Originals festival—it’s a flurry of art installations, live music, and a wild floating fire display by French street art magicians Compagnie Carabosse, lighting up east London with a bit of magic after dark. Meanwhile, Chelsea is steeped in history this weekend thanks to the Chelsea History Festival—think free tours, performances, and British military tales that'll leave you feeling like Churchill with an umbrella.

Now, hot off the press on local news: a swanky new ramen joint called Noodle Nook just opened near Soho—you can finally slurp in style after your theatre fix. The Transport for London team reminds us that the Central Line’s running with minor delays this afternoon, so, as always, leave five extra minutes and pack your best “Tube face.”

For must-do activities today, don’t miss Buckingham Palace’s special exhibition of the King’s artists—70 pieces, many on display for the first time. If that’s not enough, why not take to the skies (sort of) on the IFS Cloud Cable Car at the O2 Arena? The views of the Thames will knock your socks off, assuming the wind hasn’t already done that for you.

Here’s a true Londoner tip: if you want to see the city’s quirkiest street art, take an early evening walk around Shoreditch—less crowded, more creative, and some murals even glow under streetlights.

Teaser for tomorrow: England’s Red Roses face Canada in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final at Twickenham. Pubs all over town are showing it live—expect roars, rivalries, and possibly a Guinness-fueled haka or two. There’s also a Classic Car Boot Sale revving up in King’s Cross for the vintage-obsessed, and family rave madness at Fabric for those with kids...