Category: LONDON

Play your own game of Traitors – and win

Traitors

Immerse yourself in The Traitors Card Game, where the line between ally and adversary is as thin as a card’s edge. Inspired by the cunning and suspenseful BBC TV show that has captivated the nation, this game ratchets the tension up a notch, bringing the mind-bending challenge of loyalty and deception right to your living room. It’s a battle of wits, a contest of character; can you outsmart and outmaneuver to secure the gold? Engage in the ultimate social strategy game where your role as a FAITHFUL or a TRAITOR is a tightrope walk over a pit of uncertainty. The FAITHFUL must weed out the treacherous TRAITORS in their midst to split the prize, while the TRAITORS plot in the shadows, aiming to grab the jackpot undetected. Trust is your currency, and betrayal? Merely a tool. Equipped with event cards brimming with potential calamities and abrupt turns of fate, no two games are the same. Suspense is your constant companion as you tread carefully, knowing that a single slip could lead to your downfall. Optional digital features amplify the experience, pulling you deeper into the murky world of trust and duplicity—a perfect centrepiece for gatherings of friends and family, young and old. Sharpen your skills in human psychology and strategy as trust hangs by a thread. With the stakes set high and hearts racing, the question isn’t just whether you can win, but if you can survive the betrayals that await. Be one of the cunning folks who engage with The Traitors Card Game—the gripping… Read More

Kew Gardens’ new festival this spring

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Brand new festival launches at Kew, celebrating the beauty of spring flowers through music. Get ready to be enchanted by the sights, sounds, and scents of the season, as Kew Gardens unveils its latest extravaganza: Sounds of Blossom: Awaken your senses. From Friday 23 March to Sunday 14 April 2024, visitors can immerse themselves in a multisensory experience amidst the breathtaking backdrop of London’s iconic living landscapes. Partnering with the esteemed Royal College of Music, this groundbreaking festival promises to blend the harmony of nature with the power of music. Prepare to have your senses awakened as you walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by vibrant blossoms and captivating melodies. Working alongside students from the Royal College of Music, Kew Gardens has commissioned six bespoke compositions that pay homage to the unique landscape of the season. These enchanting soundscapes will subtly emerge from specially selected locations throughout the gardens, such as avenues of cherry blossom and vistas adorned with magnolias. As you meander through these artistic harmonies, you’ll find yourself transported to a world where nature and music intertwine. But that’s not all! Each weekend, visitors will have the pleasure of witnessing live musical performances by talented students. From classical favorites to toe-tapping jazz melodies, their repertoire is sure to delight and inspire. Of course, the horticultural wonders of Kew Gardens are not to be missed. As the trees burst into flower and bulbs paint the grounds with splashes of color, the Gardens truly come alive. Take a leisurely stroll along Cherry Walk… Read More

Sadler’s Wells new national youth initiative

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It’s time to celebrate the extraordinary talent of young dancers across England as Sadler’s Wells unveils the next cohort of the National Youth Dance Company (NYDC). With 32 dancers aged between 16 and 24, hailing from 21 different towns, cities, and villages, this truly nationwide company is set to take the dance world by storm. Led by Guest Artistic Director Oona Doherty, they will be working on an exciting new piece called Wall, which is set to premiere at Leeds Playhouse on Saturday, April 13th, before embarking on a national tour. Wall is an exploration of Britain through the eyes and voices of young people from around the country. It delves into their thoughts, highlighting both the good and the bad, the old and the new. Through repetitive movements of resistance, stamina, and will, the dancers showcase their strength and beauty, embodying the greatness of Britain. The production promises to be a visual and auditory feast, with music by Turner Prize-winning artist Mark Leckey, lighting design by John Gunning of Malaprop Theatre, and costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight, who has an extensive background in theater and dance. Award-winning photographer and video maker Luca Truffarelli adds his talents as the audio, photo, and video collaborator, while NYDC alumna Nya Bardouille serves as Assistant to the choreographer. After its premiere at Leeds Playhouse, Wall will embark on a captivating journey to Wakefield, Falmouth, Ipswich, Latitude Festival, Leicester, and London, with a highly anticipated performance at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on Saturday, July 13th. This is an unmissable… Read More

New York City Ballet takes a grand leap into Sadler’s Wells debut

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A wave of excitement is set to ripple through the heart of London as the celebrated New York City Ballet (NYCB) prepares to make its much-anticipated Sadler’s Wells debut in March 2024. This grand event will feature the UK premieres of works by an array of esteemed choreographers, including Kyle Abraham, Justin Peck, Pam Tanowitz, and a classic piece by the legendary George Balanchine. The NYCB, a titan of the dance world, is renowned for its contemporary style, speed, and musicality. Currently basking in the glow of its 75th anniversary, the company was founded in 1948 by the visionary choreographer George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein. This marks a triumphant return to London, a city they haven’t graced with their presence since 2008. Justin Peck’s masterpiece, Rotunda, is set to dazzle audiences with its unique blend of movement and music. A commissioned score from American composer Nico Muhly provides a rich backdrop to the performance of an ensemble of 12 dancers. As NYCB’s Resident Choreographer and Artistic Advisor, Peck has created more than 20 works for NYCB, with recent projects outside of NYCB including Illinois, a new stage adaptation of Sufjan Stevens’ album, and the choreography for Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation of West Side Story in 2022. Balanchine’s Duo Concertant, a riveting performance for two dancers and two onstage musicians, is set to the music of Igor Stravinsky. This piece was initially created for NYCB’s legendary Stravinsky Festival in 1972. Balanchine, widely regarded as one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century,… Read More

Green Elf Trees: Sustainability Champions Delivering Beautiful British Christmas Trees

Green elf trees man

What do beautiful British Christmas trees, sustainability champions, reforestation projects, and carbon-negative delivery all have in common? Enter Green Elf Trees, your new go-to source for sustainably sourced Christmas trees, right from the heart of the UK. Green Elf Trees is not just about delivering quality Christmas trees; they’re about making a difference. For every order placed on greenelftrees.co.uk, they pledge to donate to a range of local charities including Dogs Trust, Refugees at Home, Mind, Great Ormond St Children’s Hospital, British Red Cross and Crisis. In addition to their charitable endeavours, Green Elf Trees is a front-runner in the fight for the environment. They now offer rentable pot-grown trees that are collected after Christmas and replanted in the South of England. Plus, they provide sustainable cut trees, sourced locally, delivered by their 100% electric fleet and even offering the option to have your tree collected and recycled post-Christmas. Co-founders Matt Bouloux & Caleb Silcock are excited about the impact Green Elf Trees can have: “Everyone can now celebrate the festive season knowing they’ve made a better decision for their environment, their community and their living room! Whether you prefer a traditional style tree or a pot-grown one, all Green Elf options are premium quality and sustainability focused. We also donate to various charities on your behalf, so you can enjoy an award-winning tree whilst making a positive impact on the world you live in.” With their easy-to-use website, choosing your tree, delivery date, and charity to support has never been simpler. This Christmas, let’s… Read More

What to see at London’s Sadler’s Wells: INK by Dimitris Papaioannou

Stage dance INK

Buckle up for an extraordinary visual journey as Greek director, choreographer, and visual artist Dimitris Papaioannou makes a triumphant return to Sadler’s Wells Theatre. From Wednesday 28 February to Saturday 2 March 2024, be prepared to be mesmerised by the UK premiere of INK. Following the immense success of his sold-out and Olivier-nominated productions, The Great Tamer and Transverse Orientation, Papaioannou once again pushes the boundaries of hyper-visual dance theatre in this captivating new production. Papaioannou is renowned for his mastery in creating breathtaking visual spectacles, and INK is no exception. Set in an enigmatic water world, this spellbinding performance transforms a duet into a duel, driven by mythical primal forces. It’s a gripping battle between old and young, father and son, civilization and wasteland, stewardship and inheritance, and even eroticism and torture. Joining Papaioannou on stage is the talented dancer and collaborator Šuka Horn. With science fiction and horror as its filters, INK will immerse you in a world filled with hundreds of liters of water, a golden wheat field, and even an octopus. In 2018, Papaioannou became the first choreographer to create a new evening-length work for Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch since the legendary Pina Bausch’s passing in 2009. He also gained international acclaim for conceiving and directing the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Rooted in painting and visual art, Papaioannou’s productions blur the lines between theatre, experimental choreography, and live performance. Expressing his excitement about INK’s UK premiere at Sadler’s Wells, Dimitris Papaioannou said, “I’m thrilled… Read More

Celebrate the National Gallery bicentenary this year

People gathered around front door of National Gallery Trafalgar Square

As the National Gallery prepares to celebrate its bicentenary, art enthusiasts across the UK are set to be treated to an extraordinary range of exhibitions, events, and interactive experiences. Titled “National Treasures,” the commemorative programme will see twelve of the National Gallery’s most cherished paintings journey to museums and galleries in each region of England, and each nation of the UK. The programme, generously supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation and other donors, promises to engage local communities in a celebration of art and heritage. Digital content will also be readily available on Bloomberg Connects, ensuring that these treasures can be appreciated by a global audience. From Turner’s “The Fighting Temeraire” centring a major exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle, to Monet’s “The Water Lily Pond” inspiring a contemporary commission at York Art Gallery, each masterpiece will serve as a catalyst for exploration and learning. The projects vary widely in theme and approach; the Leicester Museum and Gallery, for instance, will utilise Renoir’s “Umbrellas” to create a digital installation that will transport viewers to the bustling streets of 1880s Paris. The programme also seeks to engage young audiences, as evidenced by Brighton Museum and Art Gallery’s innovative project. Utilising Rembrandt’s “Self Portrait,” local 13–16-year-olds will be invited to contemplate their future selves, culminating in a compelling photography display. Meanwhile, the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham will showcase a contemporary response to Artemisia Gentileschi’s “Self Portrait as St Catherine of Alexandria,” demonstrating the ongoing influence of these historical works. In an exciting addition to the… Read More

Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers Exhibition Coming to the National Gallery in Autumn 2024

Van Gogh Starry Night

Get ready for an extraordinary art experience as the National Gallery celebrates its 200th anniversary with a major exhibition dedicated to the brilliant works of Vincent Van Gogh. “Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers” will take center stage in Autumn 2024, marking the centenary of the Gallery’s acquisition of two of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings, Sunflowers and Van Gogh’s Chair. This eagerly anticipated exhibition will be the first of its kind, focusing on Van Gogh’s imaginative transformations. With over 50 works and loans from museums and private collections worldwide, including iconic pieces from the Kröller Müller Museum in the Netherlands, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the artist’s creative process and his sources of inspiration. One of the exhibition’s primary focuses will be Van Gogh’s time in Arles and Saint-Rémy in the South of France from 1888 to 1890. Here, the artist masterfully transformed the places he encountered into idealized spaces in his art, creating a deeply resonant and poetic framework for his oeuvre. The exhibition will unveil how portraits played a vital role in Van Gogh’s artistic universe, assigning symbolic meaning to his models, such as the Poet and Lover. “Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers” will reveal the evolution of the poetical imagination and the ideas associated with love as central themes in Van Gogh’s work. In Arles, for instance, Van Gogh envisioned the public park in front of the Yellow House, where he rented four rooms, as a Poets’… Read More

Jewish International Film Festival is on across Australia this October

Jewish International FIlm Festival woman

This year, the Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) returns to Australian screens from 23 October – 6 December, presenting a diverse array of enchanting and enlightening tales from Jewish cinema worldwide. Boasting 55 Australian premiere films from 19 countries, the Festival programme includes 30 feature films, 20 documentaries, two series, and six short films, alongside a suite of live events across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, and the Gold Coast. According to Artistic Director Eddie Tamir, the 2023 JIFF reflects the timeless resilience and adaptability of the Jewish spirit, offering a remarkable line-up of films from the deepest roots of Yiddish culture to Australian stories and boundary-pushing tales. He described the Festival as an immersive journey that reflects on the past and acts as a beacon for the future. The Festival begins with the Australian Premiere of ‘Matchmaking,’ Israel’s biggest blockbuster of 2023. This romantic comedy, directed by the mastermind behind ‘Magic Men’, has won the Audience Award at the Miami Jewish Film Festival and takes audiences on a journey with Moti Bernstein, an Ashkenazi ideal who defies tradition for Nechama, a Mizrahi beauty. As for Australian stories, JIFF 2023 invites audiences to delve deep into history and emotion. ‘Revenge: Our Dad the Nazi Killer’ thrusts viewers into the post-WWII era, where three brothers uncover their father’s suspected revenge spree against Nazis. The closing night film, ‘The Jewish Nazi?’, follows the astounding journey of Alex Kurzem, made “Hitler’s youngest soldier” by a Latvian Nazi battalion after the massacre of his Belarusian family. The Festival’s… Read More

What to look forward to in an evening with Mary Beard at London’s Barbican

Mary Beard classics professor

Prepare yourselves, culture and history enthusiasts, for an enchanting evening at the Barbican in London with none other than the eminent scholar, Mary Beard. Known for her engaging storytelling and profound insights, Beard will guide us on an unparalleled intellectual adventure. This night is set to be a celebration of the rich tapestry of past civilisations, and the resonance of their narratives in our present times. Here’s more about what to look forward to After the very recent release of her new book, Emperor of Rome, a riveting exploration of Roman history, from its humble beginnings to the pinnacle of its power. We will hear from Beard, with her characteristic wit and profound knowledge, as she paints a vivid picture of life in Rome during the reign of its most famous emperor. This gripping narrative, rich in detail and brimming with insights, is a testament to Beard’s storytelling prowess and her deep understanding of the past. It’s more than just a history book; it’s an immersive journey into an era long gone. Readers will find themselves right at the heart of Rome, amidst the grandeur, power struggles, and everyday life of its people. Emperor of Rome is not only an essential read for history enthusiasts but also a captivating tale that will enthrall any reader. Don’t miss this chance to experience Rome like never before, through the eyes of a master storyteller. Set within the architectural marvel that is the Barbican, this enriching evening promises to be anything but ordinary. Not only will you have… Read More