June 2024's must-sees

Cole Porter's classic comedy musical, Kiss Me, Kate, bounces into the Barbican this summer, with a new production starring Broadway legend Stephanie J Block. Opening on 4 June, it tells the story of the off- and on-stage feuding between the show's actor-director (Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar) and his ex-wife and leading lady (Block), with a string of brilliant numbers including Brush Up Your Shakespeare and I Hate Men. Directed by Bartlett Sher, it runs to 14 September.

The biggest event of the traditional London social season, Royal Ascot offers five days of world-class horse racing in the historic surroundings of Ascot Racecourse, which was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne. The royal family still play an important role, arriving each day by coach from Windsor Castle, and it offers a perfect occasion to dress up, especially on the day of the Gold Cup, also known as Ladies' Day. This year's Royal Ascot runs from 18 to 22 June.

Since he started buying photographs in 1991, Sir Elton John - with his partner David Furnish - has amassed one of the world's finest collections, and some of their photographic greatest hits go on show this summer at the Victoria & Albert Museum. The exhibition, Fragile Beauty, opens on 18 May, and includes over 300 rare, remarkable (and sometimes rather racy) images from 1950 to the present day, taking in the world of fashion, celebrity, reportage and the male body. To 5 January 2025.

Even regular visitors can learn something new about London from Jack Chesher, one of the capital's most knowledgeable and enthusiastic young walking guides. Author of the the Sunday Times and Amazon best-seller, London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers, Jack takes regular groups round Covent Garden, Westminster, Smithfield, Lambeth and the City of London, and can also be booked for your own private walking tour. His public walks are deservedly popular, so it's worth booking well in advance if you can.