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We've had heatwaves, thunderstorms and torrential downpours. But that didn't stop us from getting out and about in July. We've written mini reviews of the cultural stuff we've been up to below.
Beneath those, you can find our recommendations for August and beyond.
Whilst the weather didn't stop us for the most part, sadly it did mean that July's Cog Night (Noughts & Crosses at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre) was cancelled. We still had a fun (if a bit damp) evening out together though, read Justin's account here.
Out and about with the Cog team
Aoife and Michael felt lucky to be at the first night of this new musical take on the Irish film.
Nick enjoyed the Nottingham Pride festivities along with his LGBTQ+ running group.
Lily & Justin traveled up North to see this impressive gallery, part curated by Nazma.
Michael admired the scale of this show by new immersive company Sage & Jester.
To her pleasant surprise, Lily was completely won over by this Work in Progress show.
Justin thought the V&A's latest venue was the ultimate cabinet of curiosities.
What a spectacle! Nazma was happy to volunteer at this MIF opening event.
Michael visited this fairytale venue & particularly enjoyed the tale of Long Neck.
Justin saw the original lineup of Black Sabbath play together one last time.
Nazma's words make up part of this exhibition on good luck & shrines in Thai culture.
Justin & Lily loved this LGBTQ+ show pulled from the library's own collection.
Lily felt privileged to attend the Community Partnerships team's evening event.
A truly amazing show, Nazma liked this so much she saw it twice!
Heidi enjoyed the depth of this vibrant, spiritually rich Aboriginal art.
So much love in the room at this film Q&A, Nazma enjoyed being part of it.
Emma was blown away by the energy of the crowd & talent of Kendrick & SZA.
This was an unforgettable night for Heidi – A celebration of Mitchell, Bowie & Hedwig.
Emma felt fortunate to catch an intimate gig before Wet Leg skyrocket into stadiums.
Visiting after the recent rehang, Lily enjoyed seeing the classics in a new light.
There’s lots of acting to be done in O’Neill’s play. Michael thinks the cast did it expertly.
Nazma enjoyed some quiet time exploring this exhibition at Factory International.
Nazma loves the creative team behind this show, but this didn’t quite do it for her.
Michael enjoyed the dancing, but missed the singing at this mod ballet retelling.
Nazma was absolutely blown away by these four new short operas.
A tram tour was a great way for Lily to learn more about Prague's rich history.
Gasworks exceeded Emma's high expectations with this brilliant exhibition.
Nazma volunteered at this show that was a mix of light illusions and performance.
Nazma was moved by this exhibition that honours a community's strength.
Heidi was in utter awe of the detail and beauty, from key holes to fuse boxes.
Inspired artworks, but Nazma felt the audience experience could've been better planned.
Michael enjoyed revisiting Cooper’s paintings (& Cog’s signage).
Rain didn't stop Lily from going on a walk up Holcombe Hill to see this tower.
Justin enjoyed seeing this forgotten German classic at Sands Films Cinema Club.
On now...
One-person play Clive Arcola Theatre, until 23 Aug
Follow A Midsummer Night's Dream on foot Bridge Theatre, until 20 Aug
Immersive sculptural exhibition Ubiquity II South London Gallery, until 7 Sep
The Foundling Portraits: Quentin Blake The Foundling Museum, until 21 Sep
In Bud & Bloom, a contemporary exhibition celebrating flowers Rheged, until 5 Oct
Rachel Jones solo show Dulwich Picture Gallery, until 19 Oct
The Wensleydale Sheep – A Handcrafted History Dales Countryside Museum, until 19 Oct
Helen Chadwick: Life Pleasures a major retrospective The Hepworth Wakefield, until 27 Oct
Family-friendly exhibition The Robot Zoo Horniman Museum & Gardens, until 2 Nov On this month...
This Is What You Get explores the work of Donwood & Radiohead Ashmolean, 6 Aug – 11 Jan '26
Gorillaz exhibition (plus live gigs) House of Kong Copper Box Arena, 8 Aug – 3 Sep
20,000 attendees are expected at UK Black Pride Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 10 Aug
Juniper Blood is a Mike Bartlett premiere Donmar Warehouse, 16 Aug – 4 Oct
Horror Drama Echo King's Head Theatre, until 17 Aug
Linda Brogan: MY MUM IS WHITE - Exorcising Half-Caste* Ghosts HOME, 21 Aug – 21 Sep
The 30th edition of Greenwich + Docklands International Festival SE London 22 Aug – 6 Sep
The always excellent Camden Fringe 2025, until 24 Aug
The iconic Notting Hill Carnival 23–25 Aug
Philip Ridley's The Pitchfork Disney King's Head Theatre, 27 Aug – 04 Oct
We're booking early for...
A quartet of performers and Foley artists perform Cow | Deer Royal Court Theatre, 4 Sep – 11 Oct
The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse with Maxine Peake Nottingham Playhouse, 5–27 Sep
Sorkin's take on Harper Lee's To Kill A Mocking Bird Leeds Playhouse 8 Sep – 4 Oct
Modulus Quartet performs Gagarin Quartets Stone nest, 12 Sep
London Design Festival, various locations across London 13–21 Sep
Penn & Teller 50th Anniversary Tour London Palladium, 13–24 Sep
Ellie Hurt directs Romeo & Juliet Liverpool Everyman, 13 Sep – 4 Oct
Self Esteem is touring A Complicated Woman prior to a book launch Nationwide 15 Sep – 18 Oct
Dark comedy Mistero Buffo Pleasance London, 23 Sep – 11 Oct
Oscar Wilde’s rarely seen first play, Vera; Or, The Nihilists Brockley Jack, 16–27 Sep
Gazelle Twin will give her last live performance of her unearthly album Black Dog ICA, 25 Sep
Graeae have a new touring show – Bad Lads UK tour, 2 Oct – 15 Nov
Bitter Visions: By Order of Hildegard performed by Ololyga The Cockpit, 3 Oct
Bryony Kimmings is back with Bog Witch Soho Theatre Walthamstow, 9–25 Oct
By Heart makes its UK premiere Battersea Arts Centre, 14–15 Oct
The brilliant dance/performance/art duo Mermaid Chunky ICA, 25 Oct
Electro-folk comedy musical Precipice New Dirama Theatre, 11 Nov – 13 Dec
Elmet, with music performed by The Unthanks The Loading Bay, Bradford, 22 Oct – 2 Nov
The Unthanks at 20 is at small venues from their history, including Foundling Museum, 9 Nov
Punk-feministas, Lambrini Girls are playing everywhere including Kentish Town Forum, 19 Nov
Cog favourites Snapped Ankles are performing at the ICA, 13 Dec
Image creditsYufi Yang created our fantastic illustration.
See more on their website. Other images are provided by members of the Cog team, with due credit to those who created the works we have photographed.
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