JW3 will mark its 13th anniversary in 2026 with a vibrant Bar Mitzvah season that reflects its growth, creativity and commitment to providing an inclusive cultural home for all. The season spans music, theatre, comedy, community celebrations and family-friendly activities, honouring JW3’s mission to create a space where everyone can celebrate, create and belong.
The music programme begins with 100 Years of the London Jewish Male Choir on 22 February, followed by Play Nice: Jewish Women & Classical Music on 23 February, a performance and discussion event exploring the stories of Harriet Cohen, Myra Hess and Irene Scharrer. Young performers will take centre stage in Battle of the Bands 2026 on 8 March, with the winners appearing at JW3’s B’Mitzvah Party on 28 June.
Further musical highlights include Ottoman-Jewish Masters: The Lost Sounds of Istanbul on 31 May, the Ollie Usiskin Quartet: Celebrating Three Decades of Jazz on 1 June, and L’Chaim / L’Chaos: 50 Years of Jewish Punk on 7 June. The season closes on 11 June with Kosher Giraffes & Other Tails, Hugo Max’s evening of experimental short films accompanied by live music.
 
 
 
 
JW3’s theatre and comedy season features Adam Kammerling’s Seder on 17 February, weaving spoken word, dance and live music into a personal exploration of Holocaust testimony. On 23 March, Sharif presents an intimate reading centred on LGBTQIA+ Palestinians navigating identity and survival. June brings Shadow Puppets on 2 June, the Fringe hit 101 Rules for a Better World by Comedians on 3 June, and Sandra Laub’s solo play Picking Up Stones on 9 June. Rainbow on Rye on 21 June showcases new Jewish writing and musical theatre celebrating LGBTQIA+ joy. The JW3 Comedy Club continues its monthly residency.
Families can enjoy a rich programme of events including Tai Chi & Chai Tea on 22 February, Party on Purim on 1 March, and Counting Sheeps on 10 March. In May the Shavuot Learn & Sing Party on 24 May invites young children to explore the festival through music and movement. Storytelling and mindfulness return with Over the Rainbow: Yoga Stories on 25 May and 21 June, ahead of One Beach, Three Languages on 12 July, a multilingual storytelling day created with PJ Library.
Young JW3, the centre’s programme for people in their 20s and 30s, offers events including Purim After Dark: Cocktails and Magic on 1 March, Queer Movie & Pizza Night on 19 March, the Queer Café on 26 April, Improvisational Drawing on 11 June and a World Cup Final Watch Party on 19 July.
Chief Executive Raymond Simonson said: ‘Turning thirteen is a big moment in Jewish life. It’s when we celebrate a young person becoming Bar Mitzvah, stepping up their level of responsibility within the community. As JW3 approaches its own Bar Mitzvah year, it feels like a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and to step forward with even greater confidence.
‘Thirteen years ago we opened the UK’s only Jewish Community Centre and cultural venue of its kind. Since then, JW3 has grown into a safe space that is proudly Jewish, open to all, and alive with vibrant culture, conversation and community. This new season reflects that coming of age. It is filled with bold performances, big ideas, and joyful intergenerational moments that bring people through our doors and into shared experiences. It strengthens the culture of encounter that has become central to who we are, creating space for people of all backgrounds to meet, learn and celebrate together. It celebrates what we’ve built and sets the tone for an ambitious new chapter in JW3’s story.’
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
 
 
 
 
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source theatreweekly.com ’
