Category: LONDON

Chicos Mambo’s award-winning show TUTU comes to the Peacock Theatre

Tutu Sadlers Wells

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Posted: 26/07/2024

Chicos Mambo’s acclaimed performance of TUTU is set to light up the Peacock Theatre at Sadler’s Wells, from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 October. After nearly a decade of touring and close to 700 performances worldwide, this family-friendly show, created by Artistic Director Philippe Lafeuille, features an all-male cast of six dancers dressed in a kaleidoscope of flamboyant costumes. TUTU affectionately mocks the classical ballet uniform while expertly parodying over 40 iconic characters, blending styles from classical ballet to contemporary dance. Audiences can expect innovative twists on well-known pieces, including a hip-hop rendition of Swan Lake and a quirky take on Dirty Dancing. Ahead of the show, Lafeuille expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m very happy and proud to be presenting my show TUTU in London. For me, London represents one of the world’s great epicentres of performing arts and entertainment. It’s a city that has given me great theatrical thrills, and I’m delighted that our visit coincides with TUTU’s 10th anniversary. Where better to celebrate this milestone than at Sadler’s Wells, a theatre that showcases dance in all its diversity and richness? So get ready to be ‘TUTUfied’, London… let’s dance!” David Fry, the Peacock Programmer, shares the excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Chicos Mambo’s TUTU to the Peacock Theatre this October. With their blend of technical prowess and comedic flair, Chicos Mambo injects a fun and fresh energy into their shows. I know our audiences and West End friends will adore TUTU’s playful choreography and flamboyant costumes that cleverly subvert gender norms in… Read More

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

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José María Velasco’s Mexican art comes to National Gallery London

Screenshot 20240717 100033

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Updated: 17/07/2024

The National Gallery in London is proud to present the first monographic exhibition in the UK dedicated to José María Velasco (1840–1912), Mexico’s esteemed 19th-century painter. Titled José María Velasco: A View of Mexico, this groundbreaking exhibition will be held from 29 March to 17 August 2025 at the prestigious Sunley Room. Please note that there will be an admission charge for this extraordinary showcase of artistic brilliance. Celebrating Mexico’s Artistic Legacy This landmark event marks the debut of a Latin American artist’s exhibition at the National Gallery and aligns with the 200th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the UK and Mexico. José María Velasco’s renowned body of work primarily focuses on the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Valle de México, encapsulating the essence of Mexico’s evolution amidst significant societal transformations. Rediscovering Velasco’s Legacy Despite his acclaim within Mexico, José María Velasco’s international recognition has waned over time. This exhibition aims to reintroduce Velasco to a global audience, shedding light on his multidimensional genius beyond painting. Not only was Velasco a masterful artist but also a botanist, naturalist, and geologist, blending artistry with scientific inquiry to create captivating and insightful compositions. Exploring Cultural Narratives Velasco’s paintings transcend mere aesthetics, delving into the intersection of cultures, ecological conservation, and industrial progress. By juxtaposing Velasco’s works with pieces from the National Gallery’s collection, such as Édouard Manet’s The Execution of Maximilian, visitors are prompted to contemplate themes of colonialism, industrialization, and humanity’s impact on nature—a discourse as relevant today as it was in the 19th century. A Scholarly… Read More

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

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The Royal Academy’s Exhibition 2024 prize winners, London

Royal Art painting

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Posted: 17/07/2024

The Royal Academy of Arts’ Summer Exhibition is a unique celebration of contemporary art and architecture, providing a vital platform and support for the artistic community. Each year, the Royal Academy presents a number of prizes for outstanding works within the exhibition. This year proves to be no exception, with a remarkable slate of winners reflecting exceptional talent and creativity. The Charles Wollaston Award The prestigious £35,000 Charles Wollaston Award, one of the most significant art prizes in the country and now in its 26th year, is presented to the ‘most distinguished work’ in the exhibition. The 2024 award was judged by Stephen Farthing RA, Anna Moszynska, and Joana Neves. This year’s prize was awarded to Tracey Emin RA for her work Did it Ever Get Any Better (Cat. 399, Gallery III). The AXA Art Prize UK 2024 Awarded £10,000 for an outstanding work of figurative art, this prize honours exemplary talent in the depiction of the human figure. Judges Jennifer Schipf, Mark Hampson, and Gillian Wearing RA selected Wendy Freestone’s piece, IN THE QUIETEST MOMENTS (Cat. 2, Gallery I), as the winner. The Jack Goldhill Award for Sculpture Sculpture enthusiasts celebrate the £10,000 Jack Goldhill Award for Sculpture. This year, the judges Judy Goldhill, Tom Brent, Es Devlin, Georgia Kerr, Hew Locke RA, and Ina Sarikhani awarded the prize to Brigit Connolly for her work GIVE AND TAKE (Cat. 1581, Lecture Room). The British Institution Fund Award for Students Designed to promote excellence within student communities, The British Institution Fund Award offers £5,000 for… Read More

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

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National Gallery’s Bicentenary gets a huge funding boost

National Gallery archway

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Updated: 14/07/2024

The National Gallery is delighted to announce that it has reached its Bicentenary fundraising campaign target, thanks to a generous grant of £5m from the newly established Julia Rausing Trust. Launched in 2022 with a goal of £95m, the campaign is the largest in the Gallery’s history. The grant from the Julia Rausing Trust has enabled the campaign target to be reached two months after the Gallery celebrated its 200th birthday and the start of a year celebrating creativity, great art, and the history of the National Gallery. The Trust, founded by Julia’s husband Hans Rausing following her death in April 2024, will grant funds to organisations and causes which were important and meaningful to Julia Rausing, reflecting her significant philanthropy over a number of years. Many of the Gallery’s Bicentenary programmes are currently underway, with Art Road Trip’s travelling art studio bringing an experience of the Gallery to communities with particularly high barriers to arts and culture; and National Treasures, where 12 of the Gallery’s most famous paintings are spending the summer on loan to museums and galleries in cities around the UK. Work is also in progress on a suite of capital projects at the Gallery’s home in Trafalgar Square, improving the welcome visitors are given at the Sainsbury Wing and the facilities for learning and research at all ages and stages. The grant from the Julia Rausing Trust will be put towards aspects of the capital project, in particular a new underground link between the Wilkins and Sainsbury buildings, in the space… Read More

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

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Why see Tosca this summer at the Royal Opera House London

Tosca Royal Opera House

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Posted: 14/07/2024

With a rich history dating back to 1732, this iconic institution has flourished as a premier venue for opera and ballet. The Royal Opera House serves as the home for both The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet, with its grand auditorium renowned for its superb acoustics and opulent architecture.

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LONDON, OPERA

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Carmen but not like you know it – Carlos Acosta’s version at Sadler’s Wells

Carlos Acostas Carmen Cristina Lanandez 1

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Updated: 05/07/2024

Get ready to immerse yourself in a theatrical extravaganza like no other as Sadler’s Wells International Associate Company, Acosta Danza, presents the much-awaited UK premiere of Carlos Acosta’s Carmen at Sadler’s Wells Theatre from Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 July 2024. In a performance that combines passion, drama, and undeniable talent, Carlos Acosta takes the stage in his rendition of Georges Bizet’s timeless opera, bringing a touch of magic to the theatre scene. Join Don José, Carmen, and the captivating Escamillo in a dance of fate, jealousy, and destiny that’ll transfix you. Unraveling the Tale: From Past to Present Step back in time as Acosta breathes life into the character of The Bull, a symbolic representation of destiny and master of ceremonies, blending classical finesse with a contemporary flair. Watch as the narrative unfolds, retaining its universal themes in a stripped-back, enchanting setting that transcends eras. Its haunting use of simple staging and a fate bearing avatar that is the Spanish bill who appears at pivotal moments that really reminds you you’re watching a reimagined classic. A Stellar Cast: Ballet Brilliance in Motion Witness the artistry of Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers—Yaoqian Shang, Javier Rojas, and Lachlan Monaghan—as they join forces with Acosta Danza Principal dancers Laura Rodriguez, Enrique Corrales, and Alejandro Silva. Together, they craft a tapestry of emotions, drawing inspiration from dance legends Marius Petipa, Roland Petit, and others who’ve been captivated by this tale of passion and tragedy. Melodic Marvels: Bizet’s Timeless Symphony Let the melodies of Carmen sweep you off your feet… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LONDON

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Sadler’s Wells has a new mod ballet for you

Paris Fitzpatrick Quadrophenia a Mod Ballet Photo Johan Persson

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Posted: 01/07/2024

Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK today announced Pete Townshend’s Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet, a major new dance production of Townshend’s iconic album of the same name, which will tour the UK in 2025. Quadrophenia is steeped in the mythology of the 1960s—sharp suits, soul music, Vespas and parkas—but its themes of lost youth, rebellion, the search for belonging, and hunger for social change are just as urgent today. A rich orchestral arrangement of the album by Rachel Fuller and Martin Batchelar provides the backdrop for Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet. The brand-new production is choreographed by Paul Roberts, directed by Rob Ashford, and features original costumes by renowned British fashion house Paul Smith and Natalie Pryce, projection by Nick Hillel, and lighting design by Fabiana Piccioli. Rising star Paris Fitzpatrick performs the lead role of Jimmy. Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet, tours to Plymouth Theatre Royal (28 May – 1 June 2025), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (10 – 14 June 2025) and the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (18 – 21 June 2025) before having its official opening at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London (24 June – 13 July 2025) and then visiting The Lowry, Salford (15 – 19 July 2025). Pete Townshend said: ‘QUADROPHENIA is the only Who album that I solely composed and produced (1973) and the movie that followed in 1979 launched the careers of some of the finest young actors of the time. In 2016 Rachel Fuller agreed to create an orchestral score of the album. When I first heard a demo of this version, without… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LONDON

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New LGBT romance CHUCK CHUCK BABY coming to London

Women chuck chuck baby

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Updated: 01/07/2024

CHUCK CHUCK BABY, funded by the BFI and awarding National Lottery funding, alongside BBC Film and Ffilm Cymru Wales and produced by Artemisia Films, will arrive in cinemas this summer just after Pride on 29 June! This highly anticipated film is set to be released in UK and Irish cinemas on 19th July, though the release date remains confidential and will be officially announced soon. Written and directed by Janis Pugh, known for The Befuddled Box of Betty Buttifint and Blue Collars and Buttercups, the film stars an impressive cast including Louise Brealey, Annabel Scholey, Sorcha Cusack, Celyn Jones, and Emily Fairn. The production is helmed by producers Anne Beresford, Adam Partridge, Andrew Gillman, and Peggy Cafferty. CHUCK CHUCK BABY tells a poignant story of love, loss, and music set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory in present-day industrial North Wales. The plot centres on Helen, who divides her days between packing chickens and caring for Gwen, her dying mother-figure. Helen’s world is set on a new course with the return of Joanne, a figure from her past with whom she shared unspoken teenage passions twenty years earlier. Encouraged by Helen, Joanne initiates a playful wooing game that re-awakens their old feelings, reigniting Helen’s zest for life. However, Joanne grapples with darker shadows from her past, leading to a series of emotional upheavals. As Gwen passes away, Joanne’s haunting memories cause her to retreat, leaving Helen alone. The film explores the women’s journey as they reflect on their missed chance to break down… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON

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