CONCERT

MAX RICHTER ENSEMBLE

Poet Victor Hugo wrote ‘music expresses that which cannot be put into words.’ Max Richter, the German-born composer who’s scored music for the film Waltz with Bashir and HBO’s The Leftovers, premieres his 2002 debut album, Memoryhouse, with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. This is music that stirs the very depths of the human spirit.

Barbican, 17-18 May, tickets from £25 (barbican.org.uk)

EXHIBITION

UNDRESSED: A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERWEAR

Well it is springtime, and the bees and birds are at it… If you want your art served with an extra layer of kink, then this is ideal. From corsets to pantaloons, this exhibition takes a peek beneath our clothes and journeys through the history of underwear from the 18th century to the present day. Perfect if you’re looking for a flirtatious date place.

V&A Museum, until March 2017, £12 (vam.ac.uk)

THEATRE

BLUE/ORANGE

Joe Penhall’s play opened at the National over 15 years ago with a cast including Bill Nighy and Chiwetel Ejiofor. This production, directed by Matthew Xia (aka DJ Excalibah), proves it’s stood the test of time. Centred around the care of a black psychiatric patient, played by the brilliant Daniel Kaluuya, Penhall addresses the themes of race and mental health with his signature wit and grace.

Young Vic Theatre, 12 May-2 July, tickets from £10 (youngvic.org)

MUSIC

PJ HARVEY

You mustn’t overlook the tour de force that is PJ Harvey. With gigs in London and throughout Europe next month following the release of her album The Hope Six Demolition Project, inspired by her travels from Afghanistan to Washington. Vibrant and dangerously honest, this is an artist for those who don’t like their music sugarcoated.

Victoria Park, 11-12 June, tickets from £41.50 (fieldday festivals.com)

ART

DELACROIX AND THE RISE OF MODERN ART

If you haven’t yet visited this exhibition, do so before it’s too late. A true bohemian and revolutionary, Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863) is one of the great Romantic artists. His personal life was as passionate as his work, and this exhibition captures the fiery verve of his paintings and his influence on modern art. Love, death, poetry, violence, imagination and dreams are all colourfully expressed by this self-taught master.

National Gallery, until 22 May, free (nationalgallery.org.uk)