Unmissable events
Wildlife January 14–March 5 Butterflies in the Glasshouse, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey. Wander through banana plants, floating wetland plants, bromeliads and palm trees in the warmth of the great glasshouse as more than 6,000 free-flying exotic butterflies flutter by. More than 50 species will be in residence, including the blue morpho, giant owl, king swallowtail and Malay lacewing. Entry free with garden admission, from £6.50 (0845 260 9000; www.rhs.org.uk)
Workshop January 28 Marmalade Making, Schumacher College, Dartington, Devon. One-day workshop on making the most of the Seville orange, aided by chefs. 10am–4pm, £50 including a simple lunch and your own batch of homemade marmalade to take away. Advance booking only (01803 847070; www.dartington.org)
Exhibition Until March 11 ‘Robert Adam’s London’, Sir John Soane’s Museum, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2. A showcase of the architect’s groundbreaking neo-classical style and vision for the city’s skyline, ranging from the Admiralty screen on Whitehall and Westminster Abbey monuments to ambitious projects that were never realised (020–7405 2107; www.soane.org)
Until March 12 ‘Victorian Entertainments: There Will Be Fun’ (above), British Library, Euston Road, London NW1. Original posters, musical scores, recordings of contemporary music-hall performers, memorabilia from Piccadilly’s Egyptian Hall and magical artefacts from the Magic Circle Museum all come together to illustrate the popular Victorian entertainments that shaped the theatrical traditions of today (01937 546546; www.bl.uk) When a lid sticks Here is an easy way to unscrew a lid which refuses to come off: put a rubber band tightly round the lid and then unscrew. This gives a good grip and is always successful. From ‘500 Household Hints by 500 Housewives’, published by in 1926. We cannot vouch for the accuracy
of any advice given Theatre Until March 31 Backstage tour of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London WC2. Front-ofhouse and backstage access to one of the world’s leading theatres as it prepares for the evening performance. Discover its colourful history, redevelopment and current productions, with the chance to see the Royal Ballet in class. 12.30pm–1.45pm, tickets from £9 (www.roh.org.uk; 020– 7304 4000)
Point-to-point January 14 Barbury International Racing Club at Barbury Racecourse, Wiltshire (first race at 11.30am); January 15 Dunston Harriers at Ampton, Suffolk (first race at 12pm) and Yorkshire Area Point-to-point Club at Sheriff Hutton, North Yorkshire (first race at 12pm). For weather reports and form guide, telephone 09068 446061 (www.pointtopoint.co.uk)
Book now February 18–19 Bangor Music Festival, Pontio, Bangor, Gwynedd. With contemporary-music performances and educational workshops, the theme for this year’s festival is ‘Architectures & Urban Landscapes’. Visit the website for full programme, prices and booking (www.bangormusicfestival.org.uk; 01248 382828)