This week's entertainment landscape offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from a major television adaptation of a literary classic to a pulsating arena tour from one of alternative metal's most enduring acts. The guide provides a curated selection of the most compelling events across cinema, live music, art exhibitions, theatre, streaming, gaming, new albums, and intellectual pursuits.
Going Out: Cinema
Several notable films premiere this week. 100 Nights of Hero is a fairytale fantasy from Julia Jackman, starring Maika Monroe and Emma Corrin, which explores themes of temptation and loyalty. My Father's Shadow, a semi-autobiographical debut from Akinola Davies Jr, features Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and follows an estranged father navigating Lagos with his sons during political unrest. A modern retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet, directed by Aneil Karia and starring Riz Ahmed, reimagines the classic within a wealthy British South Asian family. Kristen Stewart makes her directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir starring Imogen Poots.
Going Out: Gigs
The live music scene is vibrant. American alt-metal band Deftones embark on a UK arena tour, serving as a powerful warm-up for their busy festival summer, including London's Outbreak festival in August. Their recent album, Private Music, continues their reputation for high-quality releases. Pop artist Mika returns to the stage with arena shows in Manchester and London, promoting his new album Hyperlove and performing hits like Grace Kelly. Scottish Opera presents the world premiere of Dai Fujikura's The Great Wave in Glasgow, a Scottish-Japanese collaboration exploring the life of artist Katsushika Hokusai. Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy a performance by pianist Gwilym Simcock and saxophonist Emma Rawicz in Dorking, showcasing pieces from their album Big Visit.
Going Out: Art
Art exhibitions offer diverse perspectives. The Gwen John exhibition at National Museum Cardiff celebrates the defiant artist's journey from being Rodin's model to discovering spirituality, highlighting her status as a modern great. The Lucian Freud exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London presents his unsentimental sketches and drawings, revealing his relentless observational technique. Seurat and the Sea at the Courtauld Gallery features the pointillist's eerie seaside views, capturing the sublime and alienating aspects of the French coast. An exhibition of Quentin Blake's portraits in Sherborne demonstrates his acute and whimsical artistic style, including witty fantasies of flight.
Going Out: Stage
Theatre and comedy provide engaging performances. Northern Irish comedian Vittorio Angelone tours with his show You Can't Say Nothing Any More, which provocatively grapples with the legacy of the Troubles. Birmingham Royal Ballet, directed by Carlos Acosta, performs his sunny version of Don Quixote, filled with Spanish heat and light. The revival of Shadowlands at London's Aldwych theatre, starring Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Siff, tells the true story of the romance between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman. The Watermill theatre in Newbury presents an adaptation of Lark Rise to Candleford, featuring an ensemble of actor-musicians bringing the beloved novel to life.
Staying In: Streaming
Streaming services offer compelling new content. A major adaptation of William Golding's Lord of the Flies, written by Jack Thorne of Adolescence fame, airs on BBC One and iPlayer. With a cast of young unknowns, it promises to be a significant television event. How to Get to Heaven from Belfast on Netflix, from Derry Girls writer Lisa McGee, is a conspiracy caper blending goofy slapstick with true-crime thrills. Small Prophets on BBC Two, created by Mackenzie Crook, is a drama about magic and mystery starring Pearce Quigley and Michael Palin. The documentary Becoming Victoria Wood on U&Gold features friends like Dawn French recalling the comedian's life, supported by exclusive archive material.
Staying In: Games
New game releases cater to diverse tastes. Nioh 3 for PC and PS5 offers intense samurai action against ghosts and demons, appealing to fans of classic series like Onimusha. Mewgenics for PC is a dungeon-delver about mutating cats, channeling surreal humor and offering up to 200 hours of gameplay, though it is not for the faint-hearted.
Staying In: Albums
Several notable albums are released. London R&B artist Ella Mai releases Do You Still Love Me?, continuing her collaboration with producer Mustard and featuring retro-sounding tracks. Nick Jonas returns with Sunday Best, a reflective album focusing on marriage and fatherhood. Rapper J Cole releases The Fall Off, his long-awaited seventh album rumored to be his final one. At 82, Beverly Glenn-Copeland releases Laughter in Summer, an album of new songs and reinterpretations full of soul and devotion, featuring vocals from his wife.
Staying In: Brain Food
For intellectual stimulation, the podcast Trapped History explores forgotten historical figures with guests like Sathnam Sanghera. YouTuber Erick Giraldo's Inspiraggio series offers video essays on art history, delving into works by Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Radio 4's The Hunger Game series, presented by professor Giles Yeo, examines the latest research and ethical dilemmas surrounding weight-loss jabs.
