FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
This December, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs are set to enchant audiences once again with their much-loved Messiah concerts, a cherished Sydney Christmas tradition that has spanned over a century.
Renowned artist Katrina Palmer will this December, unveil her latest masterpiece, The Touch Report, at the National Gallery.
The festive season is upon us, and the National Theatre is rolling out a dazzling array of experiences to enchant theatre lovers and newcomers alike. Whether you’re seeking world-class performances on stage, festive dining, or wish to enjoy a show from the comfort of your home, the National Theatre has something to offer everyone this holiday season. South Bank Spectacles Kick off your festivities at the National Theatre’s South Bank home, where Noel Streatfeild’s beloved book comes to life in the first major stage adaptation of Ballet Shoes. Adapted by Kendall Feaver and directed by Katy Rudd, this enchanting family-friendly production is set against a backdrop of dinosaur bones and fossils, following the journey of three adopted sisters discovering their identities. Tickets are available from £20, making it a perfect treat for audiences aged 7 and up. Additionally, get ready to laugh till your sides hurt with a reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Directed by Max Webster, this classic comedy of mistaken identities features a stellar cast, including Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa. This production will also be captured for National Theatre Live, allowing audiences worldwide to experience its charm from 20 February 2025. West End Wonders Over in the West End, the critically acclaimed production of The Lehman Trilogy is captivating audiences at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. With its sweeping narrative of a family and a company that changed the world, this five-time Tony Award® winning play is a masterclass in storytelling. Directed by Sam Mendes, it’s a must-see… Read More
Mark your calendars, dance aficionados! The illustrious Sadler’s Wells Theatre is set to host the UK premiere of Akram Khan’s latest masterpiece, “GIGENIS: The generation of the Earth,” from November 20 to 24. In a rare and highly anticipated performance, Khan will not only direct but also grace the stage as a performer, bringing to life a compelling narrative alongside a stellar ensemble of Indian classical dance artists. Akram Khan, a powerhouse in the world of dance, is known for his seamless fusion of Kathak and contemporary styles, creating a unique voice that speaks across cultures and traditions. His works, such as “Jungle Book reimagined,” “Outwitting the Devil,” “XENOS,” and “Giselle,” have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a place as one of the most esteemed choreographers and performers of our time. With “GIGENIS,” Khan delves into the collective memories of our civilisation, crafting a performance that is both a tribute to the past and a reflection on the present. The stage will come alive with the presence of renowned artists like Kutiyattam performer Kapila Venu, Bharatanatyam soloists Mavin Khoo and Mythili Prakash, and the duo Vijna Vasudevan and Renjith Babu, alongside Sirikalyani Adkoli. The performance will be enriched by the live collaboration of seven Indian Classical musicians, adding depth and vibrancy to the storytelling. “GIGENIS” is not just a dance performance; it’s a profound statement on the enduring resonance of tradition in our rapidly evolving world. Khan’s return to the London stage after four years is a momentous occasion, offering audiences a rare glimpse of… Read More
As the autumn leaves give way to the crisp, clear days of May, Melbourne will soon play host to a cultural renaissance with the highly anticipated reopening of the Potter Museum of Art at the University of Melbourne. Set to coincide with Reconciliation Week on May 30, 2025, this revitalised flagship museum is ready to welcome visitors once again, unveiling a new era of artistic and cultural discourse. Stepping back into the limelight, the Potter Museum emerges with a grand new entrance designed by the renowned Wood Marsh Architects, showcasing the transformative power of architecture in enhancing cultural experiences. This redevelopment, made possible through the generous support of The Ian Potter Foundation and Lady Primrose Potter AC, promises not just a facelift, but an expansion of space dedicated to the museum’s acclaimed collection-based learning programs. At the heart of the reopening celebrations is the groundbreaking exhibition, “65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art,” a title that nods to the vast and rich tapestry of Indigenous art in Australia. This exhibition promises to be a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, featuring more than 400 artworks, including significant public and private loans as well as seven major new commissions by leading contemporary First Nations artists. Curated by the esteemed Professor Marcia Langton AO, alongside Ms Judith Ryan AM and Ms Shanysa McConville, this exhibition delves into the seismic shift in the recognition and appreciation of Indigenous art in the Australian and global art scenes. Professor Marcia Langton articulates the exhibition’s provocative title… Read More
The Australian Museum is about to whisk you away on an epic journey to the ancient world of Peru, without you even leaving the city.
RG Live is excited to announce the much-anticipated return of the celebrated Varna International Ballet and Orchestra to the UK, following their breathtaking debut tour in 2023. In 2025, the esteemed company will grace 20 venues across the country, showcasing beloved classics including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet. Founded in 1947, Varna International Ballet is renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, captivating audiences in Bulgaria and beyond with performances of the highest quality. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Daniela Dimova and Music Director and Chief Conductor Peter Tuleshkov, Varna International Ballet promises to enchant both newcomers to ballet and devoted ballet aficionados. The tour kicks off in Manchester on 2 January 2025, with subsequent performances in Buxton, Bristol, Liverpool, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Basingstoke, Ipswich, Southend, Brighton, Nottingham, Reading, Oxford, Darlington, Wimbledon, Norwich, Hull, Sheffield, Leicester, and Northampton, concluding on 5 March. Artistic Director Daniela Dimova expressed her excitement about the upcoming tour, stating, “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.” The timeless magic of The Nutcracker begins on Christmas Eve, whisking audiences away to a fairy-tale realm where toy dolls come to life, the Mouse King battles the Nutcracker Prince, and a journey through the Land of Snow unveils an enchanted experience. Accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s memorable score and stunning choreography by Vasily Vainonen, revised by Sergey Bobrov, this… Read More
Art lovers, gather ’round! If you’ve ever had a soft spot for our furry companions—or just enjoy the occasional tail wag or purr—then you’re in for a treat. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is set to unveil ‘Cats & Dogs’, an exhibition that’s bound to have you barking mad with excitement or purring in delight. This showcase, opening on 1 November 2024, dives headfirst into the delightful world of our beloved pets through the lens of over 250 artworks. From cattle dogs hard at work to the mysterious allure of black cats, this exhibition is a cross-cultural romp through the ages. Spanning all periods and media, it uncovers our age-old connection with cats and dogs, revealing how these loyal creatures have been a canvas for human expression, from ancient times to the present day. The exhibition boasts an impressive roster of artists, both historical and contemporary. Expect to see the likes of Rembrandt van Rijn and Francisco de Goya rubbing shoulders with modern icons like Atong Atem and Jeff Koons. It’s a star-studded affair, with works from Australian talents such as Claudia Moodoonuthi and Trevor Turbo Brown adding a local flavour. Presented thematically, the exhibition splits our four-legged friends into two camps—dogs on one side and cats on the other. These themes delve into everything from working animals and mythology to the heights of popular culture. It’s a fascinating exploration of how these creatures have been woven into the fabric of our societies, symbolising everything from superstition to spirituality. Among the highlights is the… Read More
MDLBEAST Records, renowned for championing innovative talent across the MENA region, proudly unveils the “Hemhal” EP—a mesmerising blend of Turkish and Egyptian indie music. This five-track release underscores the label’s devotion to the alternative music scene, boldly traversing cultural and musical boundaries with a sound that defies convention. “Hemhal” is a tapestry of sounds and styles, weaving indie pop with the rich traditions of Turkey and Egypt. At the forefront are the evocative vocals of Selin Sümbültepe and Maii Waleed, whose voices soar over the meticulously crafted soundscapes by producer Zeid Hamdan. The EP delves into themes of love, identity, and the universal human experience, inviting listeners to embark on an emotive journey. Selin Sümbültepe, celebrated for her albums “C?zgan” (2017) and “Ben Estim Sen Esme” (2021), brings her multi-instrumentalist prowess and storytelling flair to this collaboration. Her Turkish roots and the vibrant culture of her hometown, Hatay, infuse her sound with authenticity and depth. As she works on her third studio album, Sümbültepe continues to push boundaries, with “Hemhal” showcasing her adeptness at genre-blending. Egyptian indie sensation Maii Waleed adds a complementary layer to the EP with her hauntingly beautiful lyrics that explore love, disappointment, and identity. Known for her influential “Moga” EP (2013), Waleed solidifies her place as a leading voice in the Egyptian indie scene with this latest project, adding emotional richness to the collective work. At the core of “Hemhal” is the visionary Zeid Hamdan, a luminary in the Middle East’s indie music circuit. Dubbed one of Lebanon’s cultural icons by… Read More
The value of art in our schools is immeasurable. Urgently, we need to bring it back. Yes, times are hard and budgets are tight. But that’s not why art is drying up in our schools. The truth is more complicated. Over time, our school curriculum (both primary and secondary) has been re-structured to focus on core subjects and tests at the expense of everything else. The knock-on effects of these changes are damaging art education in the UK. Schools are measured – and judged – on what’s tested, so teachers have to focus their time and energy on those subjects. On top of that, teachers don’t get proper training in art education, while those who are trained are leaving the profession. No art teachers. No art rooms. No art lessons. And none of the mind-expanding, question-prompting, wild creativity and confidence art brings to the classroom. It’s all going, going… Each one of these changes is hard to reverse. You can’t magic up art teachers and art rooms once they’re gone. It’s time to fight for them. The ‘easy option’ has never been harder “Art education has rarely been taken as seriously as other subjects in schools, and studying art is all too often understood to be an ‘easy option’”. Vanessa Jackson RA. Yet art teaches children to question. It wakes up imaginations. It builds confidence. It encourages children to see the world differently and to make their mark. But making and studying art in our classrooms is getting harder and harder. A curriculum that focuses… Read More
