Across Europe with British culture: My January highlights
January is a month of new beginnings, but for me, it’s always been about rediscovering the familiar in unexpected places.
This year, I’m setting off on a journey that feels deeply personal exploring how British culture finds its voice across Europe. From grand theatres to riverside stages, these performances carry a piece of home to places that couldn’t feel more different, yet somehow resonate perfectly.
As a writer and lifelong lover of the arts, I’ve spent countless hours in concert halls, theatres, and galleries, soaking in magic. But what makes this January special is the way these events connect us, bridging nations and histories through shared stories.
I’m not just excited to tell you about them, I’m inviting you to join me. Let’s dive into the performances that promise to make January unforgettable, not just for me but, I hope, for you too.
A Shakespearean Masterpiece: Hamlet Breathes in Vienna’s Grand Burgtheater
Date: 10–14 January 2025 Venue: Burgtheater, Vienna
Tickets: From €45, available at the Burgtheater official website. Few cities embody the soul of theatre like Vienna. And the Burgtheater—oh, it’s not just a venue, it’s an institution.
This January, its grand halls will host Hamlet, directed by the audacious Jessica Travers. Expect something extraordinary. Travers has a reputation for raw, visceral interpretations of the classics.
“Shakespeare is universal,” she told me. “But his characters?
They’re painfully human—and that’s what I want to explore.” Imagine this: chandeliers casting golden light over the opulent woodwork, a stage buzzing with emotion, and Hamlet’s tortured soliloquies filling the air. Before the show, wander through Vienna’s historic district and let its timeless charm prepare you for an evening of introspection.
Need a hearty meal? Head to Gasthaus Pöschl, a 10-minute walk away, for schnitzel so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Mains start at €15.
Parisian Romance and British Wit: Pride and Prejudice – The Musical
Date: 18–22 January 2025 Venue: Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
Tickets: From €55, available at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées website. Picture this: Jane Austen, but with a twist. In Paris, no less.
Pride and Prejudice – The Musical brings Austen’s sharp wit to life through dazzling choreography and lively melodies. British choreographer Lydia Henshaw has created something vibrant yet timeless.
“This isn’t just a love story,” Henshaw told me. “It’s a reminder that self-worth matters, and finding your voice is everything.”
End your evening with a visit to Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, famous for its steak-frites and dreamy sauces.
A classic French meal starts at €20, just steps from the theatre.
Music Beyond Words: A Symphony of British Music in Prague
Date: 12 January 2025 Venue: Rudolfinum, Prague
Tickets: Starting at €35, available on the Rudolfinum website. The Rudolfinum, with its gilded ceilings and stunning acoustics, becomes a temple of sound for A Symphony of British Music.
This one-night-only event celebrates the profound beauty of British classical compositions, featuring Vaughan Williams’s The Lark Ascending and Elgar’s Enigma Variations. Prepare to be moved.
“British music is introspective,” conductor Sir Malcolm Greenfield told me. “It doesn’t just entertain—it connects.” I couldn’t agree more.
Hearing these works in the Rudolfinum is like stepping into a realm where sound becomes poetry.
After the concert, enjoy a Czech classic at Lokal Dlouhaaa, where you can savour roasted duck or creamy goulash for under €15.
Lisbon’s Artistic Bridge: The British Arts Festival
Date: 20–28 January 2025 Venue: Belém Cultural Centre, Lisbon
Tickets: Event-specific, starting at €25.
Full schedule and tickets available on the British Arts Festival website. Lisbon is buzzing this January, thanks to the British Arts Festival.
From live performances of The Tempest to bold art installations, the festival celebrates British innovation and creativity.
“Art builds bridges,” said festival director Eleanor Hart.
And that bridge extends to Lisbon’s riverside, where the Tagus frames a breathtaking outdoor performance of The Tempest. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
For a quick and delicious bite, try Pão Pão Queijo Queijo, where sandwiches and pastries are fresh and affordable, starting at just €8.
Laughter as a Remedy: British Comedy Night in Berlin
Date: 15 January 2025 Venue: English Theatre, Berlin
Tickets: From €30, available at the English Theatre Berlin website.
Laughter cures all, they say—and Berlin’s British Comedy Night delivers. Featuring stars like Sarah Millican and James Acaster, this event is the perfect antidote to winter’s gloom.
Millican once described comedy to me as “therapy disguised as fun.”
Expect sharp observations, quirky tales, and the kind of belly laughs that stay with you. Pair it with a visit to Burgermeister for one of Berlin’s best burgers (€10 and up).
A Tale of Hope: Les Misérables Graces Amsterdam
Date: 25–29 January 2025 Venue: Royal Carré Theatre, Amsterdam
Tickets: From €65, available on the Royal Carré Theatre website.
Few stories evoke resilience like Les Misérables. This January, Amsterdam’s Royal Carré Theatre presents an English-language rendition directed by Emily Hartley. Her vision? Raw, intimate, unforgettable.
“Les Mis is about hope,” Hartley shared. “Even in darkness, there’s light.”
And with Amsterdam’s picturesque canals as your backdrop, the setting couldn’t be more perfect.
After the show, unwind at De Laatste Kruimel with a slice of homemade quiche and cake. A comforting meal starts at €12.
A Cultural Celebration to Remember
January 2025 isn’t just another month, it’s a celebration.
From Vienna to Amsterdam, these events invite you to connect with art, music, and storytelling in ways that resonate deeply.
Pack your bags, secure your tickets, and prepare to be enchanted.
Trust me, as someone who’s been there, applauded these performances, and savoured every moment, this journey is one you won’t want to miss.
