by Thomas Eckhardt

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY

BEATLES TO BOWIE – National Portrait Gallery

A lot changed in the 60s seems to be the general consensus, and if you are old enough for this photography exhibition of rock, pop and fashion icons to be at trip down memory lane, then it is probably worth it. If not, you may feel like you’ve seen all of these pictures before, like when they put out a new Beatles documentary, or special album featuring never before heard tracks. However, it is a well-paced exhibition, and as you move through from year to year, the sense of excitement and change within the worlds of music and fashion builds to a powerful crescendo. Well, powerful might be a bit strong a word, but certainly cheering. Click here to find out what it costs to see a photo of Cliff Richard.

THEATRE

A REAL HUMANE PERSON WHO CARES AND ALL THAT -The Arcola Theatre
East London is cool isn’t it? That’s why you should take your warehouse party loving partner to the Arcola Theatre. It is very much in East London (tick) and is putting on a show that was very successful at Edinburgh this year (tick). It is about three writers (tick), and takes place in Asia (tick). ‘A REAL HUMANE PERSON WHO CARES AND ALL THAT’ starts on the 27th. Oh, and it is a political drama (tick). It is £14 a pop normally, but on Tuesday they operate a ‘pay what you can policy’, which is nice. For more information, click here

FILM

Paranormal Activity – On General Release, Examined Life – The ICA

This week sees the much awaited release of the low budget American hit Paranormal Activity, which is definitely worth seeing. If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, then steer clear of it as it gives away a couple of the films biggest scares. The film cost $11,000 dollars to make, was shot in the director’s house and tells the tale of a young lady haunted by a demon. Truly terrifying.
Also, the ICA is showing Astra Taylor’s (what do you mean who?) follow up to Žižek!, a 2005 documentary about screwball Slovenian philosopher, Slavoj Žižek. The film is called Examined Life and features a number of the world’s current top thinkers walking around public spaces and talking about practical applications of their ideas in modern society. It has been largely well received.  Click here for more info.

In other news

COMEDY – Tim Key, Lloyd Woolf and guests on Thursday 26th at the Camden Head. The stars of Cowards are two of the brightest in British comedy. Here for more.

LIVE LITERATURE – Book Slam Christmas Party on Saturday 28th at The Tabernacle, featuring Orange Prize winner for ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ Lionel Shriver. Here.

MUSIC – Fucked Up are playing at the Barfly tomorrow and Thursday. Only go if you like or think you might like hardcore punk. Their songs sometimes start nicely, but don’t be fooled, somebody is about to start screaming.