A Christmas Carol, ice skating and Hex: Five events in London to enjoy this weekend

It’s two weeks until Christmas and for those who haven’t started their shopping yet there’s still plenty of time.

For the smug few who are organised early, there are plenty of non-retail related events to enjoy in the city this weekend.

From a new musical about Sleeping Beauty to Stephen Mangan’s A Christmas Carol, we’ve picked out some of the best events happening in London this weekend, December 10 to 12.

Hex

National Theatre, Southbank, SE1 9PX Til January 22 Tickets £20 to £89

Hex is a new musical based on Sleeping Beauty.

This adaptation of the classic fairy tale is written by National Theatre artistic director Rufus Norris (lyrics)and his wife Tanya Ronder (book).

Hex is the true story of the bad fairy in Sleeping Beauty, starring Rosalie Craig, Tamsin Carroll, Kat Ronney and Michael Elcock.

A mythic, big-hearted new musical that goes beyond the waking kiss.

Ice skating at Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD Til January 16 Tickets Adults £12.65, Children £8.80

Don’t miss your last chance to skate outdoors at the Natural History Museum.

After an incredible 16 years this will be the final year of the ice rink as the museum will be transforming the five-acre gardens into a hub for urban wildlife, as part of a national campaign to encourage people to help nature on their doorsteps.

Kids and grown-ups can experience the thrill of skating surrounded by fairy lights nestled in frost-covered trees.

Set against the backdrop of the Waterhouse building, the ice rink at the Natural History Museum is returning for the last time this October.

A Christmas Carol

Old Vic Theatre, The Cut, SE1 8NB Til January 8 Tickets £20 to £67.50

Stephen Mangan is Ebenezer Scrooge in the Old Vic’s production of A Christmas Carol.

Dickens’ text follows a grumpy miser who finds redemption after being berated by ghosts at night.

Matthew Warchus’ production has set and costume design by Rob Howell, composition and arrangement by Christopher Nightingale.

If this doesn’t get you into the festive spirit we’re not sure what will.

Wes Anderson: The French Dispatch exhibition

180 The Strand, Temple, WC2R 1EA Til December 12 Tickets £10

For Wes Anderson fans, make sure you catch the last weekend of the French Dispatch pop-up exhibition.

Featuring the original sets, props and costumes from the critically acclaimed film, visitors will be transported to post-Second World War Angoulême.

After making your way through the exhibition, you can enjoy a cafe au lait and macaron in  Le Sans Blague Cafe. Une expérience incontournable!

Fauzia: Installation

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX December 11 and 12 Tickets £5

Moroccan-Canadian DJ-producer Fauzia invites you to interact with an audiovisual installation retelling of the history of Somalia.

As part of the Southbank’s Purcell Sessions Fauzia will explore her musical influences from her native country through interactive sound and lighting.

In addition to her installation, the artist is also taking to the stage for a brand new live show on Saturday.