Over the coming months Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College is gearing up for a lineup of events, from comedy festivals to its anticipated Guinness World Record attempt for the largest gathering of people dressed as film characters.
Kicking off on September 13 with a murder mystery experience, the lineup of events features a range of activities from theatre and performance to family-fun days out.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Murder Mystery Experience
When: September 13
How much: £35
For one night, the Painted Hall will become the scene of a crime in a fun murder mystery event.
Guests will step into the role of detective, trying to solve the mystery and interrogating shady suspects all within the setting of the baroque Painted Hall featured in the likes of The Crown and Napoleon.
For one night, the Painted Hall will become the scene of a crime in a fun murder mystery event. (Image: Paul Gilbey)
Greenwich Comedy Festival
When: September 17 – September 21
How much: £29.50
Returning for five days to the Old Royal Naval College this month, this festival will feature a lineup of top comedians with sets from the likes of Ed Gamble, Frankie Boyle, Lucy Beaumont and Sam Campbell.
Food and drink stalls will add to the festival atmosphere, making this a lively evening out in the heart of Greenwich.
Guinness World Record Attempt & Silent Disco
When: September 27
How much: Free for the record attempt, £45 for the disco.
Film lovers are being invited to take part in the Old Royal Naval College’s attempt at achieving a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as screen characters.
This will be followed by a themed Silent Disco in the Painted Hall later in the evening, where visitors will don headphones and dance beneath Sir James Thornhill’s famous painted ceiling to a choice of DJ sets.
Cornwallis Cloth
When: From October 11
Commissioned by the Imperial War Museum and produced by Sweet Patootee Arts, this film transports audiences to Barbados in 1942.
The film has been inspired by moving oral testimonies, and showcases what life was like for Caribbean people during World War II, featuring a blend of performance, 3D sound and archive montage clips.
Lie Down and Listen: Metamorphosis
When: October 10 and October 12
How much: £49.50
For two days in October The Painted Hall will be turned into a cosy yoga spot with mattresses, blankets and cushions, with guests able to take part in 90-minute yoga sessions underneath Thornhill’s baroque masterpiece, with harp music and Philip Glass’s Metamorphosis.
Connection and Identity
When: October 31 to January 25
How much: £17.50
Artist Peter Walker brings an ambitious light and sculpture installation to the site.
Central to the display is a reinterpretation of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, alongside glowing DNA-like light columns.
Halloween at the Old Royal Naval College
When: October 31
Halloween will bring a night of eerie atmosphere and family-fun events to this historic landmark.
Among the events to celebrate the day will be a Mystery Craft Evening in the Admiral’s House, and guided Halloween Tours invite guests to explore the darker corners of the site, ending with a hot drink or a glass of gin.
Time by Luxmuralis
When: November 12 to November 22
How much: £15 for adults and £12 for children
For a few days in November, the grounds of the college will be illuminated by Luxmuralis, renowned for their large-scale light projections.
This immersive sound-and-light trail will explore our relationship with time, featuring projections mapped across the architecture and atmospheric soundscapes filling the air.
