Here are our top 5 picks of the best Theatres and Galleries currently open
PJ Riley: I’m Always Better when I’m Next to You
The Caribbean comes to London with PJ Riley's new exhibition
This spring, Caribbean-based British artist PJ Riley will transport audiences to the splendour of Island life in his new exhibition I’m Always Better when I’m Next to You, which will showcase a selection of his most vibrant and meaningful artworks that explore the depths of human emotion and experience.
In a world of beauty, emotion, and introspection, Riley's oeuvre is a mesmerising fusion of abstract expressionism and narrative storytelling, weaving together a compelling tapestry that resonates with the contemporary soul. His paintings – some fiery and bold, others soothing and melancholic – are reflections of the human condition, rendered with a boldness and nuance.
For more information click HERE
Colin Davidson - Silent Testimony
Eighteen portrait paintings each of which portrays the personal experience of loss during the Troubles
Eighteen large-scale portraits, painted by the Belfast-born artist, Colin Davidson, are set to be displayed at the National Portrait Gallery between 22 April 2024 and 23 February 2025. First displayed at the Ulster Museum in Belfast and most recently exhibited at Stormont’s Parliament Buildings and the Irish Arts Center in New York, the free display, titled Silent Testimony, will tell the stories of individuals whose lives were impacted, and continue to be affected by the Troubles, a 30-year period of conflict in Northern Ireland.
For more information click HERE
Fruit of Friendship: Portraits by Mary Beale
An illuminating exhibition at the Philip Mould Gallery featuring three works not seen in public before
Mary Beale (1633-1699) was one of Britain’s first professional woman artists. Working throughout the turbulent late-17th century, she established one of the earliest successful studios for a British woman artist. This exhibition will span her entire career and include self-portraits, portraits of her family and friends, and formal commissions. Featuring 25 of her works from public and private collections, including some works never seen before in public.
Fruit of Friendship will also shed light on Beale’s progressive studio practice and highlight its radical reversal of conventional gender roles for the period.
For more information click HERE
English Kings Killing Foreigners
A tell-all dark comedy peeling back English cultural identity
REALFAKE Theatre and Camden People’s Theatre are delighted to announce the premiere of English Kings Killing Foreigners which will be performed at Camden People’s Theatre from 23rd April - 11th May.
English Kings Killing Foreigners is inspired by Nina and Phil’s real-life experience of starring in several productions of Henry V including at Shakespeare's Globe in 2019 where they first met.Both performers bring their extensive backgrounds in British theatre and of performing Shakespeare, to this ‘silly show about serious things’ A visually rich piece of theatre that skilfully combines a refreshing exploration of English culture with a frank and bold criticism of the institution of Shakespearean theatre in the UK.
For more information click HERE
BLUE BEARD
A fearless reimagining of the classic tale in an exhilarating story of vengeance and sisterhood
Multi-award-winning Emma Rice returns to Battersea Arts Centre with the classic tale, Blue Beard from Tuiesday 23 April to Saturday 18 May.
Blue Beard the Magician makes hearts flutter and pupils dilate. With a wink, a stroke and a flick - things just seem to vanish. Cards, coins, scarves… and women.
Puff! Gone. Without a trace.
He meets his match when his young bride discovers his dark and murderous secret. She summons all her rage, her smarts and her sisters to bring the curtain down on his tyrannous reign.
For more information click HERE