Arts & culture with a twist

Cultural Capital of the World, London’s an exciting hotbed of inspiration. Abhin Galeya offers his pick of this month’s must-see shows to expand your mind and get you off that sofa…
Arts & culture with a twist
April 8, 2016   |    Abhin Galeya

ART
STRANGE AND FAMILIAR

A compelling collection, curated by iconic British photographer, Martin Parr, this exhibition captures the heart and soul of Britain, as seen through the eyes of international photographers.

Featuring work from the last 80 years, up until the present day, you can see for yourself how much modern Britain has changed, and how everything is simply a matter of perspective. Barbican Art Gallery. Until 19 June (barbican.org.uk/)

GREAT BRITAIN. England. London. 12 May 1937. Waiting in Trafalgar Square for the coronation parade of King George VI.

GREAT BRITAIN. England. London. 12 May 1937.
Waiting in Trafalgar Square for the coronation parade of King George VI.

EXHIBITION
STATES OF MIND – TRACING THE EDGES OF CONSCIOUSNES

Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images

This fascinating display takes visitors on a journey to explore consciousness from the perspective of different artists, psychologists, neuroscientists and philosophers. Boasting a series of changing installations that investigate memory, sleep, language and identity.

Wellcome Collection. Until 16 October, free entry (wellcomecollection.org)

STAGE
PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS

PeoplePaces_large

Fresh from its highly celebrated run at the National Theatre, this play is about surviving in the modern world and the games we play with ourselves and others. Olivier award-winning actress, Denise Gough, gives a raw performance as Emma, a leading lady who checks herself into a drug rehabilitation programme to save her acting career.

Wyndham’s Theatre. Until 18 June, prices from £25 (wyndhamstheatre.co.uk)

FILM
MIDNIGHT SPECIAL

MIDNIGHT SPECIAL

American filmmaker, Jeff Nichols, brought us the brilliant psychological-thriller, Take Shelter , and the gripping coming of age tale, Mud . This film reunites him with his talented muse, Michael Shannon, who plays a father desperate to protect his uniquely gifted eight-year-old son. This sci-fi combines a thrilling chase with real character development.

Cinemas across London, from 8 April

LAUGH
COMEDY IN THE DARK

160411_160711_Comedy_in_the_Dark

There is no healthier way to dust off the monotony of everyday life than through bursting into fits of giggles. What makes this show so unique is that top comedians perform in total darkness, leaving your senses heightened and removing any inhibitions that stop you from laughing your head off.

Udderbelly at Southbank Centre. Until 11 July, from £12.50 (southbankcentre.co.uk)

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