April 2022's must-sees

Jez Butterworth's state-of-England play, Jerusalem, was a sell-out sensation when it first opened in 2009, thanks in part to an astonishing lead performance by Mark Rylance. From 16 April it returns for a limited run at the Apollo Theatre, with Rylance reprising his Tony Award-winning role as Johnny 'Rooster' Byron, leading his band of ne'er-do-wells in a madcap but moving modern take on Merrie England, menaced by the heavy hand of the local council.

Hidden behind high walls beside the River Thames, the four-acre Chelsea Physic Garden dates back to 1673, making it the oldest botanic garden in London. Originally set up by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries so that its apprentices could study medicinal plants, it still specialises in herbs and medicines, but also offers an oasis of calm and colour in the city, with plant-packed glasshouses and flowery walks, along with a popular al-fresco café. Open daily except Saturdays.

Built for William Waldorf Astor, then arguably the richest man in the world, Two Temple Place was his sumptuous London office, with extravagant late-Victorian interiors that can be visited once a year during its annual exhibitions. This year's show, Body Vessel Clay, focuses on the remarkable range of work created by black female ceramicists who followed in the footsteps of the influential Nigerian potter Ladi Kwali, whose work in the 1950s inspired an entire generation. Open daily except Tuesdays.

Verdi's glorious, heart-wrenching tale of doomed love, La Traviata returns to the Royal Opera House in Richard Eyre's beautifully staged production from 1 to 18 April. Pretty Yende, Angel Blue and Hrachuhí Bassénz take turns to sing the role of Violetta, the favourite character of star sopranos in the world's most often-performed opera, which follows the tragic story of Alfredo Germont and the beautiful courtesan Violetta Valéry, set against the opulent social whirl of 19th-century Paris.