May
Sixteen spectacular altarpieces by Italian artist Federico Barocci go on display at the National Gallery in an impressive collection of works by the late 16th-century artist who once created a fresco for the Casino of Pope Pius IV at the Vatican. The exhibition gives visitors a chance to see his important altarpieces, devotional paintings and portraits alongside preparatory drawings and oil sketches. 27 February to 19 May
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
The stage adaptation by Simon Stephens of Mark Haddon's hugely popular novel, having enjoyed a successful run at the National Theatre, transfers to the Apollo Theatre. Marianne Elliott directs this adaptation of the mystery murder novel, which is written from the perspective of a 15-year-old boy with an autistic spectrum condition, working with a cast that includes Niamh Cusach, Luke Treadaway, Sophie Duval and Matthew Barker. 1 March to 31 August
After months of knock-out matches, the last two teams standing come head to head at Wembley Stadium for the final of the FA Cup – the world's oldest domestic football cup competition. Last year, Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-1 to claim their fourth FA Cup title in six years: a second-half Andy Carroll goal was not enough after Chelsea went two-up either side of the break through Brazilian midfielder Ramirez and talismanic striker Didier Drogba. 11 May
June
Now in its fifth year, Polo in the Park is quickly becoming one of London's great summer outdoors events. Aimed at bringing polo to the people, the three-day World Series event, held in Fulham's Hurlingham Park, showcases a more accessible version of the sport. Teams of three aside from around the world take part; this year sees London, Delhi, Buenos Aires and Sydney all competing. There's also medieval jousting and an array of bars, shops and food stalls to enjoy. 7 to 9 June
Following her Oscar-winning performance in The Queen, Helen Mirren revisits her role as Queen Elizabeth II in this play by Peter Morgan. For the past 60 years private meetings have taken place between the Queen and each of her prime ministers. With an unspoken rule of complete privacy, they provide a time for confession, advice and consoling, as well as heated discussion. The contract of silence is broken in this drama as the Queen's thoughts are imagined in a series of key meetings, from Churchill to Cameron. 15 February to 15 June
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship
Wimbledon is the most watched tennis event in the Grand Slam calendar, with a TV audience of untold millions and over half a million spectators attending the All England Club to catch the action live. Many tennis pros covet the Wimbledon crown above all others and the grass surface makes for fast, breathless duels. Tickets can be applied for through the public ballot on the website, or you can get into the grounds if you queue up early enough – in the first week the outer courts still have some of the world's greatest players and you can grab tickets for them if you arrive by about 9am. 24 June to 7 July
July
Over 50 years after the release of The Beatles' first single, the hit songs of the Fab Four are performed in this celebratory musical at the Savoy Theatre. From their early appearances in Liverpool's Cavern Club through to the height of their global fame, this show captures it all. Featuring Love Me Do, Twist and Shout, Yesterday and Hey Jude, alongside the show's namesake Let it Be, the performance is great entertainment for young and older fans alike. 1 February to 5 October
Adrian Lester, a star of BBC's 'Hustle', takes on one of Shakespeare's more demanding roles in Othello at the National Theatre. The jealous and conniving Lago will be played by Rory Kinnear, winner of best actor in the Evening Standard's drama awards after his 2010 portrayal of Hamlet. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, this production of Shakespeare's drama is part of the National Theatre's 50th anniversary season. 1 April to 18 August
The Rolling Stones at Hyde Park
As part of their '50 & Counting' tour, The Rolling Stones return to Hyde Park in July for two dates. The performances will be almost 44 years to the day since their first concert at the iconic park in 1969, which became a rousing tribute to founder member Brian Jones. They also follow the band's 50th anniversary gigs in London and Los Angeles last year and will be a month after they play Glastonbury Festival for the first ever time. The first evening's supporting acts will be The Vaccines and The Temper Trap, while the second gig will see Jake Bugg, Tom Odell and The 1975 take to the stage. 6 and 13 July
