What’s on in London – March 2017

Feminism is no longer a luxury afforded to comfortable Westerners as women around the globe have played a prominent part in the shaping of the 21st century. WOW, exhorts its audience to avoid resting on their hard-won freedoms and spotlights various issues that deal with how gender is dealt with in different cultures.

Using poetry, music and drama, a kaleidoscope of performers comment on everything from period pains to running for political office. Highlights include a performance of the landmark Joni Mitchell album “Hejira” by the Nu Civilisation Orchestra and an interactive drama about the effects of prostitution on society.

Like almost everywhere else after World War II, Japan had some major rebuilding to do and precious little material to do it with. Amid the destruction of the country, with materials being scarce, innovation became the byword of Japanese architecture.

Contemporary designers were encouraged and were unburdened by history as Japan only wanted to look forwards. This exhibition not only focuses on buildings and materials, but also comments on the changing face of an insular society that was about to become a global economic power.
https://www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery

The London version of St Patrick’s Day is far from just a parochial shamrock-fest. The event has a truly cosmopolitan flavour that testifies to the ability of the Irish to get on with just about everybody. The main part of the celebrations will consist of a parade of themed floats and marching bands winding through the West End before terminating in Trafalgar Square.

Plenty of traditional music and dancing will be on show in the Square and visitors can sample all manner of cakes, pies and, of course, the odd pint of the black stuff. The Irish are also famous for enjoy the ‘craic’ but don’t worry, you won’t be asked to do anything illegal. Craic (pronounced ‘crack’) is derived from the Gaelic word that means ‘fun’ or ‘good times’, so feel free to indulge.
https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/st-patricks-day-parade-and-festival

At the dawn of the 16th century, visual artists were still dependent on church patronage and the Pope was the only face in town. The Medici family had all the connections, so anyone trying to make a name for himself had to to be wary; this was not an ideal atmosphere for collaboration. The relationship between Michelangelo and Sebastiano is, therefore, an interesting one.

With the Reformation about to blow over Europe, the Catholic authorities were ready to stand firm. The two artists were their secret weapon and communication was therefore encouraged. Resurrection seems to be a big theme in their joint work which made a change from Michelangelo’s celebrated Sistine Chapel masterpiece which was all fire and brimstone. Instead, this exhibition features ‘The Raising of Lazarus’ and the ‘Risen Christ’ as its twin focal points.

In stand-up comedy there is a fine line between likeable matinees and vaguely irritating and it’s one that even some of the most seasoned practitioners can be unaware of. Russell Howard has an innate gift of treading this line with aplomb. His easy delivery and youthful demeanor never wear thin and he also happens to have the writing chops to back them up.

Spotlighting life’s little quirks is Howard’s specialty and it’s one that he will develop even further as he embarks on a world tour with London being the second leg. Some of his best material is derived from his slightly eccentric mum, whose weirdness is enhanced by the fact that she bears a striking resemblance to daytime television legend Anne Diamond. It was this fact that contributed to Howard trending heavily on social media when he posted a family snap. Uncomfortable though it might have been, it probably boosted ticket sales.
https://www.russell-howard.co.uk/

Casual fans and Hockney aficionados alike will find plenty to explore at this comprehensive showcase of the work of one of Britain’s greatest modern artists. Hockney’s free spirit has taken him down many roads and has seen him experiment with a number of methods. Always pushing the envelope, he’ll be constructing a massive installation one minute and doodling on his iPad the next.

Now in his eighties, Hockney sees technology as a series of evolving tools and has no time for elitism and snobbery. As always his work is deeply personal and evocative of how light and shade affect and reflect his subject matter. Plenty of his famous stuff is on show, including his celebrated series of paintings set in a Californian swimming pool.
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/david-hockney

The rise of the craft beer has been nothing short of phenomenal and the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) will be the first to welcome this focus on quality products from independent brewers. The downside has been an inevitable cashing-in by the big supermarket chains with plenty of mediocre beer dressed up in funky packaging.

The London Beer and Cider Festival states its serious intent from the off. No live music, hog roasts or silly competitions: the focus remains solidly on beer and brewing techniques. A grand total of 250 beers are represented as well as ciders, perry and even British wine and experts will be on hand to show how the industry continues to nurture innovation and local talent.
https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/london-drinker-beer-and-cider-festival

Eight people bring their various personal dramas to a weekly dance class and attempt to engage in some kind of tap dance therapy. The results are in turn heartwarming and hilarious as Amanda Holden leads an all star cast. The group reflect a wide range of social and emotional outlooks allowing the actors to throw in some surprises along the way.

Giving great support to Holden are Tracy-Ann Oberman, Tamsin Outhwaite and Natalie Casey who bring a vast amount of ensemble acting experience to go with all the onstage energy (they all starred in major TV soaps). Stepping Out also has a star director in the shape of West End and Broadway legend Maria Friedman.

Inspiration is never far away at this comprehensive exhibition that focuses on the real issues and challenges facing homeowners. Tips, tricks and product guidance are all geared towards great results that bring added value to our immediate environment. The show is split up into seven areas that cover everything from Interiors to Gardening with each one featuring a team of dedicated experts.

Even if you’re not yet embarking on a major renovation, the Ideal Home Show will make adding glamorous touches to your rooms all that much easier. Other attractions include culinary workshops, advice panels and fully built room sets. Need a breather from all that information? Relax in the champagne bar or restaurant.
https://olympia.london/whatson/ideal-home-show

This exhibition pits a successful project against a rival bid and is both informative and fascinating. No.1 Poultry is today seen as a perfect example of how new buildings in the City were able to escape the fad for glass that turned nineties office buildings into giant prisms. However, there were plenty of false starts as design superstars competed with one another for the most prestigious jobs.

Using the original plans, models and video presentations, Circling the Square traces the journey of two rival visions for this busy corner near Bank Tube. Mies van der Rohe seemed to have the job sewn up only to lose out to Stirling. Was it the Square Mile’s sudden aversion to glass? Was it political? Either way, No. 1 Poultry is now a Grade II listed building which seems to vindicate the change.
https://www.architecture.com/RIBA