Unmissable events
Exhibition January 9–February 7 ‘Jenny Wheatley NEAC RWS: The Journey’ (right), Llewellyn Alexander Gallery, The Cut, London SE1. Oils, acrylics and watercolours with exotic colours and bold brushwork, inspired by the painter’s travels to Rajasthan, the Thar Desert, Cuba, Spain and Cyprus. A cooler palette is used in her representations of boats, harbour scenes and landscapes in Cornwall and Scotland (www.llewellynalexander.com; 020– 7620 1322)
Theatre January 6 The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (below), RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington, Devon. Live adaptation by Quantum Theatre of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s fairytale, which formed the basis of Tchaikovsky’s ballet—a Christmas favourite. Adults £10, children £7 plus standard garden admission, from 3pm (01805 624067; www. rhs.org.uk) Festival January 10–February 3 London International Mime Festival, various venues. A showcase of some of the best and newest contemporary visual theatre, including elements of circus, dance, juggling, manipulation and interwoven performance and film, plus five workshops. Venues include the Barbican Theatre, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Shoreditch Town Hall and Soho Theatre. Visit website for full programme and prices (http://mimelondon.com; 020– 7637 5661)
Workshop January 23 Farmland Bird ID Day, Fawley Court Farm, Fawley, Herefordshire. A presentation and practical experience for farmers ahead of this year’s Big Farmland Bird Count. 10am–1.30pm, places £10. Other training days will be run throughout Britain—check website for details (01572 718730; www. gwct.org.uk)
Point-to-point January 7 West Percy at Alnwick, Northumberland. The first race is the Hunt Members at 12.30pm. For weather reports and form guide, telephone 09068 446061 (www.pointtopoint.co.uk)
Masterclass January 13 Gin tasting (right), The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre Venue, Temple Row West, Birmingham. The evening will kick off with a perfectly made G&T, followed by a talk on the history of the spirit and a tutored tasting of six gins from small artisan producers. Tickets £25, 6.30pm–8.30pm (0121–200 1892; www.oldjointstock.co.uk)
Book now February 1 Conservation studio tour, The British Library, Euston Road, London NW1. A behindthe-scenes tour showing how the library’s world-renowned conservators care for the collections. Not suitable for children under 12 years old, tickets from £8, from 2pm (01937 546546; www.bl.uk)