Anya Ryan

As Sutara Gayle’s intensely autobiographical show starts, the theatre sits in darkness, while a soulful, passionate, overture begins. Already, it feels like we’re bearing witness to something spiritual. And then we see her; Gayle, otherwise known as Lorna Gee stands angelic and sturdy, ready to tell her life story.  And what a remarkable story it is. The Legends of Them takes us back to reggae pioneer Gayle’s childhood in Brixton, through her sexual awakening, early music career and on a transformative trip to India. We see her moving from one school to the next, into the care system and finding her soul through singing. Is all of it coherent? Absolutely not. Gayle flits from the body of one person in her life to the next, sometimes without any change in her physicality at all. In just a few seconds, she is her mother, a child psychiatrist, and her sister. There is no sense of a linear structure, with the narrative jumping around haphazardly.  You’re sure to leave the theatre slightly bewildered. But, once you accept it is a bit of a minefield, Gayle’s otherworldly presence is hard to look away from. Blending music with history, video with raw emotion onstage, she is a force to be reckoned with. In scraps she reveals herself through her memories; scenes from her past flash into reality and then disappear once more. Gayle has had a life so rich that even one of her recollections could form a full play themselves; especially the police shooting of her big sister Cherry Groce, w

What is it? Liberty was founded in 1875 - when founder Arthur Lasenby Liberty borrowed £2,000 from his future father-in-law and took a building on Regent Street with just three staff - but the present Marlborough Street site, with its ships’ timbers and leaded windows, was built in the 1920s. The interconnecting jumble of rooms, with the odd fireplace and cushioned window seat, makes for an intimate feel – as if you’ve strayed into a private room in a stately home. It’s not an accident, Arthur wanted customers to feel as if they were exploring someone’s home, keeping the shopping galleries small, albeit linked to three rather grand atriums. Although Liberty trades well on its history, it constantly squeezes innovation into its wood-panelled rooms. Over the years Liberty has launched its own clothing and homeware lines which have become firm favourites among the stars. But for all its pomp and fizz, Liberty doesn’t take itself too seriously – there’s a genuine sense of whimsy in its approach to retail. Why go? Alongside one of the best edits for fashion shopping in the world, its expansive beauty hall juxtaposes world-renowned makeup and skincare brands beside lesser known, but equally high quality, offerings.  Piercing expert Maria Tash, widely worn by celebrities and members of the fashion community, has her own parlour on the ground floor, while those who want a remodel for their home rather than their body can head up to homeware. Renowned for their unparalleled selection

Eleanor Tindall’s new play hangs on a chance meeting. Ash and Ivy bump into each other outside a nightclub, when Ivy asks for a light. But then, their paths cross again – first in a coffee shop, and then in ways that get more implausible over time. Their interactions move from awkward exchanges, through to something like friendship and then into full-throttled romance. This is their love story; unexpected, all-encompassing and like letting out a held breath.  But things couldn’t possibly be as simple as a meet-cute fling. Ivy is supposedly happy with her boyfriend Max and is trying hard to bury the feeling that something isn’t right. Ash has just left her husband-to-be Cas at the altar, but he is refusing to leave her alone and let go. Her phone is constantly ringing, her flat is overflowing with the flowers he sends to her daily. Ash and Ivy’s lives play out next to each other, merging only in the frustratingly short seconds that they do. In their own way, both are lonely and hiding big secrets. Their real selves struggle physically from beneath their skin, fighting for a way out of hiding. Tindall’s dialogue crackles and pops, although at times the multi-rolling muddies the clarity of the narrative. Annabel Baldwin plays both Cas and Max, as well as Ivy, so in scenes of quick paced conversation, their identities sometimes get confused. As Ivy and Ash though, the actors excel. Nervous energy dominates their early meetings. They naturally and apologetically interrupt each ot

The audience in Kiburn, London is welcomed to Queens, New York, by legendary DJ Mr Bugz (Richard Pepple) playing music, loud and proud from the balcony of a block of flats. Then, we head inside to meet Gerry (Jasper Britton) a gay musical theatre obsessive blasting the song ‘Getting to Know You’ from The King and I. In American writer Dan McCabe’s play, which premiered in Boston to rave reviews, the two opposing music forms become the beginning of a conversation about race, homosexuality, misogyny and cultural ownership. But, with so much unresolved discussion at its centre, I left somewhat unsatisfied.  The play mainly flows out through conversation on the doorsteps of their apartments. Bugz is joined by once big time rapper Lamont (Sule Rimi), who is a staunch defender of hip-hop’s Black origins. Gerry occasionally pops down, to give his piece on hating hip-hop too. All of them have fallen into financial difficulty. Lamont’s career is going nowhere. Bugz has taken some time off work to care for his mother with Alzheimer’s, while also secretly coming to terms with his sexuality. Ex-millionaire Gerry wasted away his fortune as he watched his friends die during the Aids crisis of the 1980s. Each in their own way longs for the better times of the past. At its best, Amit Sharma’s production deftly magnifies a pocket of New York’s soul, complete with conflicting thoughts and lifestyles.On Tom Piper’s majestic scaffolding set, which allows us to peer right into both Gerry and Bu

What is it? A favourite haunt of the consciously-uncoupled Gwyneth Paltrow, this small-but-perfectly-formed Marylebone boutique is home to understated, incredibly wearable labels. Founders Kate Allden and Jane Ellis track down soon to be cult classics before they become so by sourcing more under the radar brands, and then fill the store with stylish yet timeless pieces. and wardrobe classics. Its eponymous own-brand is great. What does it sell? From endlessly sophisticated womenswear, handbags, jewellery and shoes to lingerie and beauty products, KJ's Laundry is a fashion treasure trove. The Marylebone store is full with a mix of lesser known labels and established brands, but all the pieces are sure to be predictably cool.  Opening times: 11am-5pm daily. Time Out tip:  For those who to prefer to shop online, have a browse on their website.  

What is it? Aria is located in an atmospheric space in Islington’s Barnsbury Hall. Many of the building’s original features have been restored and they now contrast beautifully with the über-modern lines of contemporary furniture and homewares. High-quality designer pieces are here, as are more unusual pieces, such as Fornasetti’s black and white, hand-painted Antipatico vase (£180) and the Bourgie table light by Ferruccio Laviani (£211). This mix, teamed with a very nice in-store café, makes Aria a pleasure to visit, even if just to browse. What does it sell? With a 30-year history of representing both established and emerging brands, Barnsbury Hall has become a go-to destination for interiors. But, chairs are a speciality, with Starck and Arne Jacobsen well represented. Smaller stand-outs include a David Shrigley's cocaine and heroin pots (£79) and pretty Taika bowl (£23.50) that would make a great gift, especially if it had some of Aria’s very tempting selection of toiletries (Cowshed, Savon de Marseilles) nestled inside it. Opening times:  Mon-Sat 10am-6.30pm; Sun 12pm-5pm Time Out tip: The website has some handy gift guides, we suggest looking through if you're in the market for a good present.  As featured in the 100 best shops in London

What is it? The USP of this family-run London legend, in business since 1948 and still in excellent health, is its own range of road bikes, built to order on a bespoke basis. Having chosen a model, prospective purchasers are propped on a fitting jig and measured for the correct frame and components, with clued-up staff adding appropriate parts according to the buyer’s budget. What does it sell? Of course, there's the road bikes. But, there's other stuff on offer at Condor, too. If you need cycling gear, they've got that. In fact, the range of accessories available from the main floor is perhaps the best in town. The basement showroom has some off-the-peg bikes from other manufacturers, if nothing made in house takes your fancy. Opening times: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun closed. Time Out tip:  Condor offers a full range of test bikes so you can try before you buy. As featured in the 100 best shops in London

What is it? One of the capital’s major suppliers of art and graphics materials, this large corner building in Covent Garden is LGC’s flagship, offering a huge array. In fact, the shop is currently home to over 13,000 products and so you're bound to find a good for gift items for arty types – think old-fashioned wind-up tin toys and Moleskine notebooks. What does it sell? Whether you’re a keen novice or an established professional, you’ll find all you need in the way of fine art supplies, graphics materials, lightboxes, papers, portfolios and bags, books and magazines, Pantone colour guides, modelling clays and tools, spray paint – the list goes on. Opening times: Mon-Sat 10am-7.30pm; Sun 11.30am-5.30pm Time Out tip: The shop also houses sporadic exhibitions so be sure to check out their events programme, too.    As featured in the 100 best shops in London

What is it? Known as London's Original Whisky Specialist, Milroy's of Soho offers a curated selection of rare whisky, wines and other spirits by the glass, bottle and case. There's a copper-top bar that seats 12 inside the shop for visitors to sit and taste at, then down in the basement – which you can access via a secret door behind a bookcase – you'll find The Vault, a speakeasy styled cocktail bar. What does it sell? Of course there are other drinks, too. But, the range of whisky here is enormous, with around 300 from Scotland alone. There’s a large selection from £24.95, including some of Milroy’s own bottlings, but old and rare whiskies can cost up to £20,000. What’s more, staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and the shop runs regular tasting events for those looking to improve their knowledge and appreciation of whisky.  Opening times:  Mon-Sat 10am-12pm; Sun closed. Time Out tip: You can also buy some mini whisky samples from the Milroy's website. As featured in the 100 best shops in London

What is it? With Kate Moss parading around in its tough-ass boots and every rocker worth their salt (The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Ramones, Iggy Pop) having worn its biker jackets, Lewis Leathers is a true Brit heritage brand. The shop first opened in 1892 in Great Portland Street and stayed put until 1993. Thankfully, in 2003 the brand was taken over by Derek Harris (a former researcher and designer at the company) who opened this current shop seven years later. Just a stone's throw from its original site, it still uses the same phone number it had in the 1930s and has the same alternative spirit of its early days. What does it sell? This icon of bikerwear cool sells 15 classic vintage designs from the ’60s and ’70s. It’s not cheap – the top selling Roadmaster jacket is £845 – but if it ain’t broke… Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-6pm; Sun closed Time Out tip: If you're willing to spend the big bucks then Lewis Leathers also offers a custom service. As featured in the 100 best shops in London

What is it? The shop formerly known as Digitaria, and formerly located on Berwick Street, is on their third bite of the Soho retail apple with this store on Brewer Street. Offering a platform for the capital’s most exciting and emerging designers, ever since its birth Machine-A has been a tireless champion of independent brands. Housing avant-garde brands that you know and love – the likes of Raf Simons, Maison Martin Margiela and Craig Green can all be found in there – what makes this Soho store unmissable are actually the names that you’ve never heard of but will be incredibly happy to discover. Expertly curated by founder and buying director Stavros Karelis, this buzzy boutique is an absolutely integral part of Soho. What do they sell? Housing avant-garde brands that you know and love – the likes of Raf Simons, Maison Martin Margiela and Craig Green can all be found in there – what makes this Soho store unmissable are actually the names that you’ve never heard of but will be incredibly happy to discover. Expertly curated by founder and buying director Stavros Karelis, this buzzy boutique is an absolutely integral part of Soho. There is also a definite upgrade of customer service – the store may stock the capital's hippest labels, but the staffers manning the tills on our visit were chatty and witty, and didn't roll their eyes when we asked to see their most affordable stuff. Opening times:  Mon-Weds 11am-7pm; Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm; Sun 12am-6pm  Time Out tip:  While you're on

What is it? A boutique bookshop and suitably atmospheric cultural centre for those with an interest in witchcraft, magic, spirituality, culture, religion, divination and more. They also host a regular lecture series and workshops for people interested in various aspects of magical thinking and esoteric arts. On top of all that, you can swing by for a tarot reading with one of their six tarot consultants. What does it sell? Treadwell's has the finest esoteric literature on offer. A favourite among the witchy and witch-obsessed, it has books full of spells, tarot guidelines, art and literature. They have both secondhand and new books on offer, and rare and unusual editions too.  Opening times: Mon-Sat 12pm-7pm; Sun closed Time Out tip: If you're keen to know more about magic, we suggest joining the Treadwell's inner circle. Then, you'll get acess to a bank of 80+ recorded lectures, discounts for events and other treats.