A free Freddie Mercury exhibition and 5 other reasons to visit London this winter
Freddie Mercury would have turned 80 this year.
Mark
Born September 5, 1946, Queen legend Freddie Mercury would have turned 80 this weekend. He died from HIV-related illness in November 1991, aged 45.
Public fascination with his music and life continues. The movie Bohemian Rhapsody became the most successful music biopic of all time when it was released in 2018 (eclipsed only this year by Michael). An auction of 1,500 personal items drew record viewing crowds to Sotheby’s in London in 2023.
Now, the V&A in London is hosting a free exhibition of some of his iconic outfits.
Freddie Mercury: Splendid Things will feature eight looks from across Mercury’s years in the spotlight.
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The trail, developed with Mary Austin, Freddie’s former fiancée and close friend, celebrates Mercury’s career through items worn in some of the most memorable music videos and pop performances.
They include a monochrome ensemble worn by Mercury for an early Queen gig at Imperial College and featured on the cover of Queen’s debut album in 1973, as well as the ‘Mercury Wing’ catsuit designed by Wendy de Smet that was worn on stage for the Night At the Opera tour (1975-1976) and seen in the video for “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
There’s also Mercury’s signature crown and cloak designed by Diana Moseley and worn on the Magic Tour, including Mercury’s last stage appearance with Queen at Knebworth in 1986.
“I like to be surrounded by splendid things”
The outfits will be worn on mannequins placed throughout the V&A’s galleries, creating a trail for fans to follow.
Writing in her new book, A Life in Lyrics: The Official Creative Legacy of Freddie Mercury, Austin says, “Freddie understood early on that he wasn’t just wearing clothes; he was providing an image to match the scale of the space and the vastness of the crowd. He was there to entertain, and everything about what he wore fed into that.”
“Never mere accoutrements,” she adds in a press statement about this exhibition. “His costumes and clothes were essential to his performances, creative vision, and wider self-expression, carefully designed to create a lasting visual and emotional impact that has reached across the generations and still reverberates today.”
The exhibition’s title comes from a comment Mercury made in 1978: “I like to be surrounded by splendid things. I want to lead a Victorian life surrounded by exquisite clutter.”
Freddie Mercury: Splendid Things opens October 24, 2026, and runs through January 17, 2027.
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A must for all fans of the late rock star.
Five other queer culture highlights to catch in London this fall/winter
Pride – The Musical
Following a successful run at the National Theatre earlier this year, Pride (The Musical) comes to the Bridge Theatre, with previews from November 12, 2026. It’s a musical adaptation of the acclaimed 2014 film Pride (about the true story of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners during the 1984 strike).
Tim Walker’s Fairyland: Love and Legends at the National Portrait Gallery
A major new exhibition of British photographer Tim Walker’s portraits of LGBTQ+ trailblazers, activists, performers, artists, and writers (including figures like Ian McKellen, Ben Whishaw, Isaac Julien and Chappell Roan, among others).
“The Fairyland exhibition is me finally placing myself in the queer realm with confidence and greeting all the other friends who live here,” said Walker in a press statement. “Just as I learned from the queer artists who came before me, some of whom I’m lucky enough to have met and photographed here, Fairyland is me saying you are not alone. I want visitors to the exhibition to remember that your difference is your power. It is a precious and beautiful thing.”
The show features 250 portraits and runs October 9, 2026 – 7 February 7, 2027.
My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?)
Rob Madge’s joyous, autobiographical one-person show, My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?), returns for a final West End run at the Apollo Theatre.
“When Rob was 12, they attempted a full-blown Disney parade in their house for their Grandma. As Rob donned wigs and played Mary Poppins, Ariel, Mickey Mouse and Belle, their Dad doubled as Stage Manager, Sound Technician and Goofy. Unfortunately, Dad missed all his cues and pushed all the floats in the wrong direction. Mum mistook Aladdin for Ursula. The costumes went awry. Grandma had a nice time, though.”
The show sees Rob look back on his childhood and set out to recreate that parade: “And this time, nobody, no, nobody is gonna rain on it.”
Catch the show’s “last hurrah” from 16 September 16, 2026 through October 3, 2026.
Trans is Human at Queer Britain
Queer Britain may be a relatively small space in King’s Cross, but it’s the UK’s only dedicated LGBTQ Museum. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, it’s currently hosting Trans is Human. World-renowned photographer Mariano Vivanco’s 13 portraits feature trans individuals from across the UK. It runs until November 27, 2026. The museum’s gift shop is also the perfect place to stock up on some queer, festive gifts.
Taylor Mac
The iconic, US-based performer Taylor Mac brings not one but two shows to London this winter. Mac teams up with the Philharmonia Orchestra for the UK debut of A 24-Decade History of Popular Music. It’s described as “a personal exploration of society and identity across 240 years of American history, combining popular song, interactive theatre, extraordinary costumes and poignant storytelling.” It takes place on November 26, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Mac follows this with Holiday Sauce at the Soho Theatre in Walthamstow. Expect a festive show that blends music, burlesque and “random acts of fabulousness.” The latter runs December 17-23, 2026.
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