‘The ugly face of misogyny rises’ Bones are good, structural, essential, underpinning. But what if the skin… could do with some moisturising? Streamed from the Southwark Playhouse The Fabulist Fox Sister has some potential deep, deep down, and that’s what counts? Right? With music by Luke Bateman and both book and lyrics by Michael Conley (who is also the lead – alarm bells yet?), ...

‘Get ready to get wet and wild’ Silvia Mercuriali’s most recent Autoteatro piece is an experience fit for 2020; isolated, inward-looking, and dripping with…creativity. Get ready to get wet and wild (sorry but I couldn’t resist) in a unique piece, beamed straight into your bathroom. So, with obligatory writer’s puns out of the way, let’s discuss Swimming Home in all its ...

‘Jazz’s untamed spirit resonates in 2020’ Dipping my toes gingerly into the daunting world of jazz, I felt safe in the hands of Shabaka Hutchings and the Britten Sinfonia as they guide me through three pieces picked, in Hutchings’ own words, because they have “the energy of jazz”. Hutchings himself welcomes us to the concert, smiling as he emerges out ...

‘Elves have been busy as plastered everywhere you look is tinsel, presents hanging from the ceiling, candy canes, and paper bunting’ Tempted by the warming fumes of an old-fashioned English roast but put off by the senseless slaughter of innocent animals? Hold my almond milk latte, The Spread Eagle in Homerton has you covered my conscientious friend. Having opened in 2018, London’s ...

‘A celebration of local culture and resilience’ Some people ask Santa for something wholesome like world peace, or an argument-free family Christmas, but my one wish (like the little theatre nerd I am) is always to see Jonzi D’s hip-hop festival Breakin’ Convention return for another year. This wish was partly answered last year with Social DisDancing, performed at Sadler’s Wells ...

‘A shuffle through camper pop songs’ Filing into the west London cultural hub that is the Riverside Studios, I was ready for an evening of song, laughter, and festive cheer. Pulled in by Ferris and Milnes’ medley for Sondheim Society’s 85th birthday gala (and on YouTube) my hopes were high, but I have to confess to departing somewhat disappointed. Dominic Ferris ...

‘Everything I love about drag’ After months of isolation Ginger Johnson pulls us out into the stage lights with a festive evening of songs and salaciousness. After all: ”What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play. Life is a cabaret…”. And hasn’t this year just been the chaotic, unnerving cocktail of good and bad (mainly ...

‘Mirrors the 2020 experience’ Food, a blessing, or a curse? functional or aspirational? Transcendent or transient? Sat at home demolishing a big bag of crisps I wonder…But as a gateway to your heritage, and a link to the past?  Now you’ve got me sat up straight, orange-dusted hand removed from the packet, intrigued. “am I fat?” straight in, Pepa Duarte, ...

‘A concert for the modern world’  Trapped in the flat once again, the family unit settles down for possibly the classiest home cultural event you could imagine. The BBC Symphony Orchestra (SO) daaaarling. Pass the brie and crackers will you? What follows is a stormy event of clashing composers, political opera and divine music. Being the first completely live-streamed performance ...

‘Sat perplexingly in-between children’s theatre and a full fright feast’ Way out in Norwood Junction, something sinister is going on in Stanley Halls… carved pumpkins, Halloween music, a bar and enough cobwebs to make Shelob feel at home! Join an immersive experience as you wind your way through this historic building. With Halloween plans in disarray, club nights and events ...