Category: LONDON

Drum TAO’s debut of The Dream: must-see fusion of tradition and spectacle

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Posted: 15/01/2025

Brace yourselves, London—the internationally acclaimed Japanese drumming powerhouse, Drum TAO, is finally making its grand entrance into the West End, and trust us, this is not your standard night out at the theatre. Their jaw-dropping production, The Dream, is set to crash onto the stage of the iconic Peacock Theatre at Sadler’s Wells from Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 March 2025. After smashing it across Japan, Singapore, and Europe, they’ve decided it’s about time London got in on the action—and really, we couldn’t agree more. What makes The Dream such a show-stopper, you ask? Oh, just a cheeky combo of mind-blowing taiko drumming, intricate choreography, and enough high-energy athleticism to make even elite athletes feel lazy. Add to that contemporary costumes and a visual spectacle to rival anything Vegas can throw at you, and you’re in for a wild ride. This isn’t just a performance; it’s an all-encompassing experience that will make your jaw hit the floor—a few times. Originating from Oita, Japan, and going strong since their 1993 debut, Drum TAO is all about pairing the traditional with a contemporary twist. Their weapons of choice? Massive Wadaiko drums (basically, the heartbeat of Japanese percussion) paired with hauntingly beautiful melodies from instruments like the Shinobue (a lightweight flute), Koto (a dreamy harp), and Syamisen (a guitar-like masterpiece). Combine that with their intense physicality and modern musical interpretations, and it’s no wonder they’ve racked up millions of YouTube views, sold-out runs Off-Broadway, and legions of fans across the globe. Ten million spectators worldwide can’t be wrong,… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, MUSIC

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Van Gogh All Night: The National Gallery’s Final Weekend Treat

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Updated: 10/01/2025

The National Gallery in London has pulled out all the stops for Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers. If you’ve missed securing a ticket to this blockbuster exhibition, don’t despair just yet. For one night only – and we mean all night – the Gallery is opening its doors from 9pm on Friday, 17 January 2025, until 10am the next morning, in an epic finale for its sell-out masterpiece binge. Tickets for these newly added late-night slots go on sale today, Thursday 9 January, and they’re bound to fly faster than you can say “Starry Night.” With over 280,000 visitors already wowed by the exhibition, this extra stretch of hours is pure gold for anyone still angling to see Van Gogh’s world-class works. And while staying up all night might usually come with regrets and a bad takeaway, this is an opportunity you’ll actually feel smug about. Historical Moment: Art After Dark This isn’t your bog-standard museum trip. It’s only the second time in history that the Gallery has thrown open its doors through the night. The first? Back in 2012, when people flocked in the wee hours to see Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan. According to Sir Gabriele Finaldi, the Gallery’s Director, this nocturnal escapade takes its cues from some of the luminaries of the art world. Lucian Freud, David Hockney, and Francis Bacon, for instance, were known to haunt the Gallery during nightly hours, letting the stillness feed their creative souls. Freud himself once quipped, “I use the gallery as… Read More

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON

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Labyrinth in Concert comes to London’s Royal Festival Hall

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Posted: 12/11/2024

Prepare to be whisked away to the mystical realm of Goblin City with a legendary twist, as “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert” makes its grand debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall. On Friday, 28th November 2025, fans of this beloved musical fantasy film will experience a spectacular fusion of cinema and live music that promises to be nothing short of magical. For the first time ever, Jim Henson’s original masterpiece, starring the one and only David Bowie, will come alive on stage with a captivating live band performance. Audiences will be treated to the enchanting melodies of Bowie’s original vocals, accompanied by the band in perfect harmony, all set against the backdrop of the movie projected on a large HD cinema screen. It’s a chance to relive the unforgettable music and adventure that has captured hearts for nearly 40 years since the film’s release in 1986. Produced by Black Ink Presents, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, this unique concert experience is set to enthral long-time fans and newcomers alike. Known for breathing new life into iconic films with live orchestras and bands, Black Ink Presents has previously dazzled audiences with events like Batman, Ghostbusters, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. CEO John Kinsner shares his excitement, stating, “I have always been a huge fan of the groundbreaking collaboration of Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, and Trevor Jones on this film, and bringing it to fans in a live concert screening experience is a dream come true. Getting to hear Bowie’s vocals with a live… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON, MUSIC

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What to expect this Festival Season from the National Theatre London

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Updated: 04/11/2024

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

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, THEATRE

Sadler’s Wells welcomes UK premiere of Akram Khan’s latest masterpiece

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Posted: 02/11/2024

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

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

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Art is a serious subject: the UK campaign to reignite the study of creativity

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Posted: 28/10/2024

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

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

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