NOTES RECOMMENDS

MUSIC & FASHION Photography by Francesco Mellina, Liverpool, 1978-82

1st May-31st August

Liverpool National Conservation Centre

Free

A previously unseen collection of rock photographer Francesco Mellina’s work documenting the fashion evolution and trends of the Liverpool clubbing scene. The music scene spawned diverse underground style movements such as punk, New Romantic and New Wave. 

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ART First Thursdays Gallery Talk: Nayia Yiakoumaki

4 June, 7pm

Whitechapel Art Gallery, Gallery 4, London

Based in the newly restored Foyle Reading Room and Archive Gallery, Nayia Yiakoumaki, Archive Curator, discusses the research behind The Whitechapel Boys, an exhibition that explores the creative and radical history connected to the former Library.

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The Old Vic, London

23rd May-15th August

Sam Mendes’ ambitious transatlantic theatrical project enlists a host of stars to take on Shakespeare and Chekhov for a summer season at The Old Vic.  A Winter’s Tale and The Cherry Orchard are the first pairing of the total six plays programmed for the three-year venture, a collaboration between The Old Vic and The Brooklyn Academy of Music.  Recently landed from the New York leg of performances, the shows will conclude their tour at ancient Epidaurus in Greece, the original birthplace of theatre.

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COMEDY E4 Underbelly

Southbank Centre, London

27th May-19th July

The nomadic giant purple cow returns to the Southbank for seven weeks of comedy, circus, theatre and music, kicking off with Joan Rivers and moving through a range of acts including Rhona Cameron, Camille O’Sullivan and the Tom Tom Crew.

Click here for more information.

FILM Cinema and the Spanish Civil War

BFI Southbank, London

1-30th June

The BFI’s June season presents over twenty films from all over the world about the Spanish Civil War.  Following the demise of Franco’s artistically repressive rule in 1975 Spanish film makers were suddenly free to explore and reflect upon the period and the preceding war.  International interest and engagement in the civil war led to a explosion of related art and literature.  The BFI’s programme spans seven decades of cinematic responses, the most recent made in 2008. 

Click here for more information.

FILM Cinema and the Spanish Civil War

BFI Southbank, London

1-30th June

The BFI’s June season presents over twenty films from all over the world about the Spanish Civil War.  Following the demise of Franco’s artistically repressive rule in 1975 Spanish film makers were suddenly free to explore and reflect upon the period and the preceding war.  International interest and engagement in the civil war led to a explosion of related art and literature.  The BFI’s programme spans seven decades of cinematic responses, the most recent made in 2008. 

Click here for more information.

THEATRE Thyestes

Arcola Theatre, London

3rd June- 27th June

£15/10

Caryl Churchill’s translation of Seneca’s Thyestes retells this ancient and brutal story of incest, adultery and revenge, which effortlessly trounces any modern theatrical display of savagery.  The Arcola’s high-tech design multimedia complements the staging of this archaic tale of horror.

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7th-19th June

Christ Church Spitalfields and Wilton’s Music Hall

Early and new classical music, jazz and opera is performed by various artists in Christ Church Spitalfields and Wilton’s Music Hall over two weeks.  The Tallis Scholars’ renditions of early renaissance music and Taverner’s majestic coronation mass is a hot ticket.

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DANCE Matthew Bourne’s Dorian Grey

Sadler’s Wells, London

7th-19th July

The hottest dance ticket at last year’s Edinburgh Festival, Matthew Bourne’s dance reinterpretation of Oscar Wilde’s Picture of Dorian Grey is set in the cutthroat glamour of today’s art scene. 

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THEATRE Almedia Theatre Summer Festival

Almeida Street, London

8th July- 1st August

Theatrical companies come together from all corners of the globe to collaborate on four new plays culminating in one night of African music at the Almeida.  Performances include Last Seen, an exploration into those lost souls who have slipped unnoticed beyond society’s borders.  Audiences will be taken out onto the streets of Islington.  Practical footwear is recommended for this nocturnal roaming. 

Click here for more information.