Thursday, 2 September 2010

The Alchemist

The Alchemist is one classic tale whose ideas everyone likes to indulge in now and again. Well the Hoxton Hall has clasped Ben Jonson's epic story in its hands and shaken it up with a bit of Hoxton history. Taking inspiration from the local Hoxton community, the Firehouse and Hoxton Hall's joint efforts take The Alchemist to new, dark and comical levels. How much will you believe of the fantasy and fiction embedded in the three characters' stories as they come together following the desertion of the city by the rich? Described as both 'charming' and 'bleak,' Rachael Parish's production is definitely worth a go.

Thursday, 2 September 2010

Avatar Special Edition

Lovers and fans of the world of Pandora unite: the iMAX is bringing a special edition of Avatar this weekend which features an extra eight minutes of footage featuring new action scenes and new creatures. The full 3D experience will be on offer once again as James Cameron's epic fantasy tale is told once more. This is pure indulgence for both those who have already seen it and those who haven't yet had the chance. A great way to end the bank holiday weekend.

Thursday, 2 September 2010

Colour May Vary

Central to Andrew Mockett's work is not so much about theme or subject matter but more to do with materials. The Del Monte frog, the McCains Oven Chips Lion and the life size cardboard Batman are impressively put together and - somewhat refreshingly - make no comment about recycling or any such eco- friendly chatter. Let's face it, it could quite easily have been another selling point. Skillfully put together, these cardboard creatures have a certain charm about them and are not far off echoing some updated Warhol-esque comments on consumerism.

Thursday, 2 September 2010

70's Flashmob Dance

If you didn't get yourself down to Trafalgar Square or Liverpool Street last time the Flashmob crew organised a communal dance for you Londoners, then now's your chance. Charge up your ipod with some 70's tunes - Abba is a must - and get yourself to Leicester Square for half an hour with the London massive. What's most remarkable is that these events have attracted ridiculous amounts of you Big Smoke-rs to come together (almost like a community), have endorphin-releasing fun, dance together and have even managed to put a smile on your faces at the end of it all - magic. We thought smiling was illegal in London unless you spot someone you want to hit on, but it seems like Flashmob have revealed otherwise.

Friday, 3 September 2010

Deloitte Ignite 10

What we like about Deloitte Ignite 10 is that alot of the music and dance performances, soundscapes, films and installations are all free. 'Forest-inspired' performances take over the Royal Opera House as curated by and starring the highly acclaimed recording artist and pianist, Joanna McGregor. Botanical and imagination-invoking, there will be something that delights everyone's senses. Then if you fancy seeing some musical talent in the evenings, £12 will get you a ticket to see such talents as Jah Wobble, the Nippon Dub Ensemble, Talvin Singh and Radio Zumbido. TIme-out time at it's best.

Sunday, 5 September 2010

Seth Lakeman

Nothing like a bit of folk music in the delights of Regent Park's open air theatre for a calming Sunday. Mercury Award nominee and BBC Folk singer of the Year, Seth Lakeman will be treating audience members to songs from his new album as well as some old favourites and let's not forget what a dab hand he is on the fiddle. If Sundays are supposed to be taking time out from your busy schedule, then folk music al fresco in the prettiness of Regent's Park is just what the R+R doctor ordered.

Tuesday, 7 September 2010

Roots Brasil

A new Brazilian night comes to town to spice up your Tuesday nights: Roots Brasil will launch at the Latino lair, Soho's Barrio Central. Roots Brasil is more than just a night, featuring a collective that includes artists, musicians and DJs who all have a strong passion for Brazilian culture. Expect a unique mix of folk and electronic by band Natema as well as a wide range of music styles that include samba-coco, maracutu, ciranda and more. A special capoeira performance will also take place by Capoeira Angola. Oodles of Brazilian culture in a bar that knows how to throw a party.

Wednesday, 8 September 2010

Hussein Chalayan: I Am Sad Leyla

Hussein Chalayan is no stranger to the conceptual side of fashion, in fact he has turned it into an art form. That his ideas and work will be featured in a show at the Lisson Gallery comes as no surprise then. The show will explore cultural identity and will be interjected with video, sound and performance. The title of the show comes from a song which was sung by Sertab Erener which was accompanied by an Ottoman orchestra and filmed at a theatre in Istanbul. Chalayan's idea is to take the viewer through a process fo disembodiment, so that they take the key elements of sound, performance and installation away with them and remember them as a collection of separate elements. Rare for a haute couturist of the fashion world to put so much time into a thought-provoking show - definitely go take a look.

Monday, 13 September 2010

Harvey Nichols Pop-Up Patisserie & Afternoon Tea

Pop-Up ventures in the food department are always worth a go, right? You don't want your tastebuds to miss a morsel. Harvey Nichols then, has just the solution. Highly acclaimed pastry chef, Claire Clark, of international renown, is going to be providing hungry shoppers with a pop-up patisserie and afternoon tea on the fifth floor of the designer department store. Now take in a load of this: amongst other tasty treats from the patisserie will be Bubblegum Marshmellow Pavlova, Praline Roulade, Jaffa Cake Macaroon, warm Chocolate Cherry Cake, Peanut Butter S'Mores and many more. That not quite enough to tempt you? Well their afternoon tea might do the trick: sandwiches take inspiration from New York, Paris, Milan and London along with freshly squeezed juices and exquisite teas. Pure yummy heaven at your fingertips, courtesy of a foodie professional. 

Tuesday, 14 September 2010

Alvin Alley American Dance Theater

The breathtaking skills from this American dance company come to London's Sadler's Wells for what will undeniably be a series of outstanding performances. Noted for changing the face of American dance, the Alvin Alley dance company offers two programmes: the first includes Dancing Spirit, that fuses together American, Cuban and Brazilian movements as well as Suite Otis which sees the women take on the men to some of Otis Reading's most admired songs. Programme two sees the talented dancers perform Anointed, to the soundtrack of Moby as well as Hymn, a tribute to Alvin Alley himself. Physically and emotionally inspiring to an ever-growing audience.