The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Review
Don’t just sit there – dive in!
Mark your diary with our essential guide to spring’s must-sees – from Arctic Monkeys to Jazz Emu, Gwen John to Indiana Jones
APRIL 1 EXHIBITIONS
SOUTINE | KOSSOFF
A show exploring the links between the British artist Leon Kossoff, who died in 2019, and the electrifying Belarusian portraitist Chaim Soutine. Hastings Contemporary, East Sussex (hastingscontemporary.org), until Sept 24
2 POP
ELTON JOHN
The longest goodbye in pop history continues with one last tour of Britain’s arenas, including 10 dates at London’s O2, and a final UK appearance at the Glastonbury Festival. The O2 Arena, London SE19 (eltonjohn.com), and touring
3 COMEDY
JAZZ EMU
In You Shouldn’t Have, Archie Henderson’s preening Europop character Jazz Emu tells the story of his public disgrace in an hour of sublime musical comedy.
Soho Theatre, London W1 (sohotheatre.com), until April 8
EXHIBITIONS
THE ROSSETTIS
A first Tate retrospective for Dante Gabriel Rossetti interweaves his Pre-Raphaelite art with poetry by his sister, Christina, and rare works on paper by his wife, Elizabeth. Tate Britain, London SW1 (tate.org.uk), until Sept 24
7 FILM
SUPER MARIO BROS
Three decades after that odd Bob Hoskins outing, the Nintendo mascot gets an animated feature, courtesy of Minions studio, Illumination. Cinemas
FILM
THE POPE’S EXORCIST
As real-life Father Gabriele Amorth, Russell Crowe unearths a Vatican conspiracy while grappling with the demonic possession of a boy. Cinemas
12 THEATRE
HAMNET
Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel about Hamnet Shakespeare (1585-1596) and his mother, with due reference to father William, reopens the RSC Swan in an adaptation by Lolita Chakrabarti.
Swan, Stratford-upon-Avon (rsc.org. uk), until June 17, then London
POP
SAM SMITH
Smith hits the road with a mix of tender soul and provocative dancepop. Expect sensational vocals and even more sensational costumes. Utilita Arena, Sheffield S9 (samsmithworld.com), and touring
13 DANCE
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE This absolute knockout of a show hasn’t been revived since 2015. Punchy, pacy and very grown-up, it does Tennessee Williams’s 1947 masterpiece justice, tugging heartstrings even as it shreds nerves. Theatre Royal, Glasgow (scottishballet.co.uk), to April 15 and touring
THEATRE
PRIVATE LIVES
Fifty years after Noël Coward’s death, his reputation still glitters – not least thanks to this scintillating comedy of star-cross’d divorcees. Michael Longhurst directs Stephen Mangan and Rachael Stirling as exes honeymooning with their new partners in the same hotel.
Donmar Warehouse, London
WC2 (donmarwarehouse.com), until May 27
14 FILM
RENFIELD
Dracula gets a comedy-horror spin in present-day New Orleans, with Nicholas Hoult as the bug-munching lackey desperate to escape his servitude to Nicolas Cage’s Count. Cinemas
15 CLASSICAL
APOLLO’S FIRE
This terrific US-based ensemble visits areas that other “early music” groups don’t touch, and their London residency promises music from the Jewish and African diasporas. St Martin-in-the-Fields, London WC2 (stmartin-in-the-fields.org), until April 17
17 OPERA
INNOCENCE
Scandi-noir meets opera with an adaptation of Sofi Oksanen’s novel by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho.
Set to make a splash: Children’s Swimming Pool, Autumn Afternoon (1971), by Leon Kossoff, above, is on show in Hastings
Conductor Susanna Malkki leads a powerful staging by Simon Stone. Royal Opera House, London WC2 (roh.org.uk), until May 4
18 THEATRE
DANCING AT LUGHNASA
Josie Rourke directs Brian Friel’s Olivier-winning play about five sisters in rural Donegal in the summer of 1936. The cast is led by Siobhán McSweeney, with Ardal O’Hanlon as their missionary brother. National’s Lyttelton Theatre (national theatre.org.uk), until May 27
19 DANCE
NEDERLANDS DANS THEATER The sleek contemporary Dutch troupe return with a programme of work by three noted choreographers: Gabriela Carrizo, Jiří Kylián and Canadian wonder Crystal Pite. Sadler’s Wells, London EC1 (sadlerswells.com), until April 22
TV
MALPRACTICE
From the makers of Line of Duty, this five-part medical thriller follows an investigation into the actions of a doctor (The Virtues’s Niamh Algar) after a patient’s death. ITV1, date TBC
20 EXHIBITIONS
HILMA AF KLINT & PIET MONDRIAN: FORMS OF LIFE Curated by Tate Modern’s outgoing director, Frances Morris, this show pairs two of the 20th century’s “most imaginative” artists: Swedish visionary Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) and her Dutch contemporary Piet Mondrian (1872-1944).
Tate Modern, London SE1 (tate.org.uk), until Sept 3
21 TV
DEAD RINGERS
Rachel Weisz makes her first major foray into television as twin gynaecologists in this remake of David Cronenberg’s bloody 1988 horror. Amazon Prime Video
this gentle yarn stars Jim Broadbent as a timid pensioner who walks the length of the country to visit an old friend in a Berwick hospice. Cinemas
TV
CITADEL
The Russo Brothers’ ambitious scifi drama, with Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as former spies, is reportedly the second most expensive television show ever. Amazon Prime Video
COMEDY
MACHYNLLETH
COMEDY FESTIVAL
Jayde Adams, Nish Kumar and James Acaster are among the names testing out new material at this “secret” festival, in an idyllic Welsh market town.
Various venues, Machynlleth (mach comedyfest.co.uk), until April 30
FILM
POLITE SOCIETY
Nida Manzoor’s perky action comedy has a high-kicking British Pakistani teen springing her elder sister from an arranged-marriage plot. Cinemas
29 POP DURAN DURAN
The old romantics stuff their shoulder pads one more time to take 2022’s Future Past album on the road.
AO Arena, Manchester (duranduran. com), and touring
MAY 2 THEATRE
THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE Jack Thorne’s new play goes behind the scenes of John Gielgud’s 1964 Broadway Hamlet starring Richard Burton (Johnny Flynn). Mark Gatiss plays Gielgud; Sam Mendes directs. NT’s Lyttelton Theatre, London SE1 (nationaltheatre.org.uk), to July 15
TV
A SMALL LIGHT
An intriguing new angle on the Anne Frank story tells of secretary Miep Gies (Bel Powley), who – with husband Jan (Joe Cole) – hid Anne and her family at the request of her boss, Otto (Liev Schreiber). It was Miep who preserved Anne’s diary. Disney+
3 FILM
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 3 Everyone’s back, including director James Gunn, as the Marvel heroes, led by Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord, reunite for more peril and wisecracks. Cinemas
CLASSICAL MANCHESTER COLLECTIVE
The UK’s most innovative classical ensemble teams up with Scottish guitarist Sean Shibe for two world premieres, music by neglected African-American minimalist Julius Eastwood, and much else.
St George’s, Bristol (manchester collective.co.uk), and touring
4 BOOKS
AUGUST BLUE BY DEBORAH LEVY
Deborah Levy, twice Booker-shortlisted, lends her cool style to the tale of a pianist who travels Europe in search of her doppelgänger. Hamish Hamilton
TV
QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY
Netflix expands the Bridgerton universe with a spin-off series in which the quick-witted Charlotte falls in love with a young King George III. Netflix
BOOKS
NO MORE SECRETS BY BETTY WEBB, WITH KERRY HOWARD In 1941, a teenage Webb entered a “totally unknown world”: Bletchley Park. Now, aged 99, she revisits her years breaking enemy codes. Mardle
EXHIBITIONS
LUXURY AND POWER:
PERSIA TO GREECE
Exquisite artefact or political tool? A luxury object could be both during the first millennium BC, as proven by this dazzling show of items once coveted by democratic Athens and the court of Persia. British Museum, London WC1 (britishmuseum.org), until Aug 13
THEATRE
THE VORTEX
Lia Williams and Joshua James star in Noël Coward’s 1924 succès de scandale about a well-to-do wife who takes younger lovers, and her drug-addicted son.
Chichester Festival Theatre (cft.org.uk), until May 20
5 POP
ED SHEERAN: –
The star troubadour has described his stripped-back fifth album (pronounced “Subtract”) as a “trapdoor to his soul”. On the evidence so far, that soul is stuffed with pop hooks. Asylum
6 EXHIBITIONS
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI More than 40 artworks, spanning seven centuries, explore the life and legacy of the revered penitent, here positioned as an “early environmentalist” and “social radical”. National Gallery, London WC2 (nationalgallery.org.uk), to July 30
CLASSICAL
BRIGHTON FESTIVAL
This festival’s standout classical event is a new Piano Concerto from Swedish composer Magnus Lindberg, with the flamboyantly gifted Yuja Wang as soloist.
Various venues, Brighton (brightonfestival.org), until May 28
9 THEATRE
OPERATION MINCEMEAT
This funny yet stirring musical about the British plot to dupe the Germans into believing they had no plans to invade Sicily – using a tramp’s corpse disguised as a Royal Marine courier – hits the West End. Fortune Theatre, London WC2 (OpererationMincemeat.com), until July 8
10 THEATRE
4,000 MILES
Eileen Atkins and Sebastian Croft star in Amy Herzog’s odd-couple comedy of a 21-year-old landing in his grandmother’s Manhattan pad. Minerva Theatre, Chichester (cft.org.uk), until May 10
11 BOOKS
SMALL WORLDS BY CALEB AZUMAH NELSON
Nelson’s first novel, Open Water (2018), was a sleeper hit, leading British “best debut” lists. This deft follow-up – about a young Londoner lost in music and searching for a future – should propel him further. Viking
TV
TOM JONES
Not the Welsh crooner, but the roguish star of Henry Fielding’s 1749 novel, is given a television makeover by the creators of Poldark and Victoria. Vanity Fair writer Gwyneth Hughes adapts what she calls the “mother of all romcoms”. ITVX
13 DANCE
UNIVERSE: A DARK CRYSTAL ODYSSEY
With his crack contemporary
troupe, Wayne McGregor reimagines Jim Henson’s much-loved 1982 film as a paean to our ailing planet. Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre, London WC2 (roh.org.uk). in rep until June 4
EXHIBITIONS
GWEN JOHN
The first major retrospective in two decades for the Welsh artist (and sister of the bohemian painter Augustus) who settled permanently in Paris, where she conducted a 10-year affair with the sculptor Auguste Rodin.
Pallant House Gallery, Chichester (pallant.org.uk), until Oct 8
17 POP
BEYONCÉ
The reigning pop superstar of our times, Queen Bey descends upon the UK for a stadium tour channelling last year’s escapist dance album Renaissance and more than 25 years of R&B bangers.
Principality Stadium, Cardiff (beyonce.com), and touring
18 BOOKS
LADY CAROLINE LAMB BY ANTONIA FRASER
The doyenne of biography turns to the wild girl of the Georgian era. Byron’s lover “Caro” dabbled in drugs and was a riot at parties – but was she also the victim of those around her?
Pegasus
THEATRE BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
Mike Faist (Spielberg’s West Side Story) and Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea) star in a new stage adaptation of Annie Proulx’s tale of furtively amorous sheep-herders, with live music from Eddi Reader. Sohoplace, London W1 (sohoplace. org), until Aug 12
19 FILM FAST X
Only the Avengers and Pirates franchises have yielded costlier sequels than this $340 million blowout. Charlize Theron’s Cipher and Jason Momoa’s Dante join forces to chase down the hot-rod crew once again. Cinemas
TV TEN POUND POMS
More than a million Brits emigrated to Australia between the 1940s and the 1970s. Michelle Keegan stars in Danny Brocklehurst’s drama about a group leaving postwar Britain for a new life down under.
BBC One, date TBC
FILM
BEAU IS AFRAID
We never know entirely what Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar) has up his sleeve, but we do know Joaquin Phoenix is playing a deeply paranoid individual on an existential odyssey. Brace yourself! Cinemas
22 POP
HARRY STYLES
The all-conquering One Direction alumnus cements his status as British pop’s prince charming with a stadium tour for his sleek blend of 1980s fizz with 1970s harmonies. Coventry Building Society Arena (hstyles.co.uk), and touring
POP
DEF LEPPARD/MÖTLEY CRÜE Two of the world’s most outlandish glam metal bands unite for an evening of anthemic power chords and blazing solos. Bring your air guitar! Bramall Lane Stadium, Sheffield (defleppard.com), and touring
25 THEATRE
ASPECTS OF LOVE
Jonathan Kent stages Andrew Lloyd Webber’s swoony 1989 musical with Michael Ball, who rose to fame singing Love Changes Everything. Lyric Theatre, London W1 (aspectsoflove.com), until Nov 11
BOOKS
WHIPS BY CLEO WATSON Expect this Westminster-set novel by Boris Johnson’s ex-aide to be the talk of the town. Rumour suggests some characters may be familiar... Corsair
26 FILM THE LITTLE MERMAID
Disney gives another old chestnut a live-action musical makeover, with Rob Marshall at the helm, US singer Hailee Berry as Ariel, and Melissa McCarthy as sea witch Ursula. Cinemas
EXHIBITIONS
HURVIN ANDERSON
Paintings of a Brum barbershop – including a new conclusion to the brilliant series – by an artist who ought to be a household name. The Hepworth, Wakefield (hepworthwakefield.org), until Nov 5
29 POP
ARCTIC MONKEYS
Britain’s favourite millennial singalong rock band (and vehicle for Alex
Turner’s arch art-pop) embark on their biggest stadium tour.
Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol (arcticmonkeys.com), and touring
30 POP
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
Defying the march of time at 73, the Boss is back with the “heartstopping, pants-dropping, hardrocking, booty-shaking, lovemaking, earth-quaking” E Street Band. Catch them while you can. BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh (brucespringsteen.com), then touring
THEATRE
PATRIOTS
A West End transfer for Peter Morgan’s timely drama about Vladimir Putin’s oligarch-assisted, then oligarch-trouncing ascendancy. Tom Hollander stars as king-maker Boris Berezovsky. Rupert Goold directs. Noël Coward Theatre, London WC2 (patriotstheplay.com), until Aug 19