Paddington in Peru to Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light – a complete guide to the week’s entertainment in the UK
BirdOut marks the return of one of the UK's most talented directors, Andrea Arnold. Her newest film is a visually captivating and heartfelt exploration of a young girl named Nykiya Adams, who forms a friendship with a mysterious figure named Bird, played by Franz Rogowski. Set in a Kent community, the story unfolds as she navigates life with her father, Bug (Barry Keoghan), and his fiancée, Kayleigh (Frankie Box).
**Piece By Piece: Now Available** You might have come across this project being called the Pharrell Lego movie, and that description fits perfectly. More specifically, it’s a groundbreaking documentary that employs Lego to narrate the journey of the former Neptunes and Nerds artist known for catchy tunes like "Happy," "Blurred Lines," and "Get Lucky."
Paddington in Peru is now available! The beloved bear known for his love of marmalade is back, this time embarking on an adventure to discover his roots in Peru, where his Aunt Lucy lives in a retirement community. Joining him in this journey are some new faces, including Olivia Colman as a guitar-playing nun and Antonio Banderas as a daring riverboat captain.
Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers is now available. A century after the National Gallery first acquired Van Gogh's pieces, they hosted a remarkable exhibition labeled as a “once in a century” event. Nowadays, the audience for these impressive shows isn’t just limited to those who can visit in person; this film allows you to experience the exhibition from your local cinema. - Catherine Bray
**Cigarettes After Sex at The O2, London, 12 & 13 November** Get ready for a unique experience as Cigarettes After Sex, led by the melancholic yet passionate Texan Greg Gonzalez, takes the stage. Expect a show filled with dry ice, surreal visuals, and a stripped-down stage design. Their latest album, *X's*, released in July, showcases their signature dreamy pop sound perfect for listening through headphones. It will be intriguing to see how this ambient vibe resonates in a large venue. — Michael Cragg
The Corrs will be performing at the 3Arena in Dublin on November 9th, with their tour continuing until November 20th. Recently, there has been a revival of interest in The Corrs, partly thanks to endorsements from artists like avant-pop sensation Caroline Polachek. This tour is a tribute to their iconic 1997 album, *Talk on Corners*, which features hits such as "What Can I Do" and "So Young." MC
Arditti Quartet @ 50 St Paul’s Hall, Huddersfield, 15 November The Arditti Quartet, long-time participants of the Huddersfield contemporary music festival, kicks off this year's festival with a concert marking their 50th anniversary. The program features pieces by Kaija Saariaho, as well as the UK premieres of new works created by Diana Soh and Chaya Czernowin. Andrew Clements.
**London Jazz Festival** Multiple locations, November 15 to 24 The festival kicks off on Friday with its classic opener, Jazz Voice, showcasing talents like Marisa Monte, Carmen Lundy, and Cherise at the Royal Festival Hall. Meanwhile, the soulful R&B artist Meshell Ndegeocello will take the stage at Koko in Camden Town. Over the next three weeks, a wealth of international music stars will grace the festival with their performances. — John Fordham
Dora Carrington is currently on display at Pallant House in Chichester until April 27. This artist, part of the Bloomsbury Group, preferred to be referred to simply as Carrington, and her fascinating life provides ample material for biographers and filmmakers alike. However, like with many from the Bloomsbury Group, one might wonder: does her intriguing life story translate into thoroughly engaging art? I have my doubts, but this exhibition offers an opportunity to explore that question for yourself.
Picasso: Printmaker British Museum, London, until March 30 Considered one of the most brilliant artists of modern times, Picasso transformed 500 years of Western visual art through his cubist style. Additionally, he made significant contributions to printmaking, showcasing his skills alongside those of Rembrandt. His stunning Vollard Suite features a variety of themes, including minotaurs, bullfighting, and nudes, all undergoing constant transformation. This work stands alongside Guernica as one of his most significant masterpieces.
The Great Mughals V&A South Kensington, London, until May 5 This major exhibition showcases the art and architecture of the Mughal Empire, which played a significant role in establishing Muslim governance over large areas of what is now India and Pakistan. The exhibit focuses on the empire's remarkable accomplishments from the 1500s to the 1600s, featuring iconic works such as the Taj Mahal, beautiful miniatures, exquisite jewelry, and stunningly intricate carpets.
**Conversations at Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, until March 9** This event features works from 40 artists, including Anthea Hamilton, Claudette Johnson, and Alberta Whittle, showcasing a Black female viewpoint on the remarkable collection at the Walker Art Gallery. The gallery highlights British art and history, presenting pieces by renowned artists like Hogarth, Stubbs, and Millais, which opens up opportunities for insightful dialogues between historical and contemporary themes. — Jonathan Jones
Jack Dee is set to perform at Loughborough Town Hall on November 12 and will be touring until November 2025. Even in his 30s, he was known for his grumpy demeanor, which might explain why his consistently irritable style continues to resonate with audiences. Following his recent stint on Taskmaster, he is back on stage with his new expansive tour titled *Small World*, focusing on the little details in life. – Rachel Aroesti
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake at Theatre Royal Plymouth, from November 11 to 16, with upcoming tours until June 7, marks the 30th anniversary of this iconic production. In this innovative version, Bourne transforms the classic tale by introducing a striking cast of all-male swans and a gay prince captivated by a charming stranger, all while infusing moments of humor into the narrative. – Lyndsey Winship
Wolves at the RoadBush Theatre in London will run from November 9 to December 21. Directed by Daniel Bailey, known for the impressive football drama Red Pitch, this gripping mystery is penned by Beru Tessema and explores the realm of cryptocurrency. When Manny is presented with a quick way to earn money, one has to wonder: is it just too good to be real? – Kate Wyver
The Red Shoes Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until January 19 Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale is brought back to life in a fresh adaptation by Irish playwright Nancy Harris. In this story filled with wonder and chaos, an orphaned girl finds herself captivated by a pair of shoes that possess a sinister and playful spirit. KW
**Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light** **BBC One & iPlayer, 10 November, 9pm** The trend of TV series taking a long time to come back takes a new turn with the return of this sequel to 2015’s *Wolf Hall*. The first installment adapted the first two books of Hilary Mantel’s Tudor trilogy for television, and now, Mark Rylance is back as Thomas Cromwell for an adaptation of the concluding novel.
**Bad Sisters** **Apple TV+, November 13** Will the Garvey sisters truly escape the consequences of their actions? In the initial season of Sharon Horgan’s darkly comedic drama, it appeared they might just pull it off. However, two years later, it looks like their seemingly flawless crime is starting to catch up with them.
**Say Nothing** *Disney+, November 14* Inspired by Patrick Radden Keefe’s nonfiction book from 2018 focused on the Troubles, this gripping series captures the fear, suffering, and thrilling incidents of that time, including robberies, bombings, and kidnappings. The storyline is seen through the perspective of IRA member Dolours Price, played by Lola Petticrew and later Maxine Peake, along with her sister Marian, portrayed by Hazel Doupe.
Storyville: Queendom BBC Four & iPlayer, 12 November, 9:50 PM In recent years, numerous documentaries have explored Russia, but this one stands out from the rest. Directed by Agniia Galdanova, it chronicles the journey of Gena Marvin, a queer performance artist who challenges traditional norms. Clad in striking and unconventional outfits, Gena strolls through the streets of Moscow, symbolizing resistance and making a bold statement.
Slitterhead is now available on PS4, PS5, Xbox, and PC. This action-packed game is reminiscent of a horror-infused Blade Runner, where you navigate the vibrant, neon-lit streets of a futuristic Chinese metropolis, battling terrifying alien creatures that disguise themselves as humans.
The Emergence of the Golden Idol Available on all platforms from November 12 This latest installment in an outstanding detective series invites you to piece together the mystery from vivid, static portrayals of murder and turmoil, now taking place in the 1970s. – Keza MacDonald
Talking Heads – Talking Heads: 77 (Super Deluxe Edition) is now available. The first album from Talking Heads is widely recognized for its catchy yet eerie breakout track, “Psycho Killer,” which is featured in this deluxe version with acoustic, alternate, and live interpretations. There's plenty more to discover, including a never-before-released live performance recorded in New York.
Whitney Houston – The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) Now Available In 1994, Whitney Houston made history as the first prominent artist to perform in South Africa following the end of apartheid, just after Nelson Mandela took office as president. This live album features highlights from one of the three concerts she held, featuring the uplifting track "Love Will Save the Day."
Autre Ne Veut – Love, Guess Who?? is finally here! Fans of Arthur Ashin's unique blend of R&B have been waiting for this release. This album is not only a continuation from 2015's Age of Transparency but also wraps up a trilogy that began in 2013 with Anxiety. With tracks like the haunting slow jam "About to Lose," it feels like he hasn’t missed a beat.
Primal Scream – Come Ahead Bobby Gillespie and his Scottish rock band are back with their twelfth album, reuniting with producer David Holmes for the first time since their 2016 release, Chaosmosis. Holmes brings a cinematic quality to the single “Love Insurrection,” which is filled with strings, while the track “Deep Dark Waters” has a more somber tone.
"Brain Food For Staying In"
The American Railroad podcast, hosted by folk artist Rhiannon Giddens, offers an intriguing exploration of the communities that contributed to the development of the railway system in the United States. It includes interviews with historians and the descendants of workers, all paired with music inspired by the railroad.
Smarthistory's YouTube channel is an extensive collection of knowledgeable insights into the evolution of art. This video essay platform showcases American scholars who offer easy-to-understand explanations on a wide range of topics, including the impactful writings of Jenny Holzer and the lively colors of Van Gogh's irises.
**Music by John Williams - Now Available on Disney+** This delightful movie follows the journey of composer John Williams, starting from his beginnings as a jazz pianist to establishing his unique sound in film. He has earned 54 Oscar nominations for his iconic scores in classics like Star Wars and Jaws. - Ammar Kalia