What To Book Around The UK This January
BOOK AHEAD FOR THIS: The 1975, UK-Wide
The 1975’s latest album, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, was their third consecutive Number 1 record in the UK and cemented their status as one of the UK’s biggest and most exciting bands. The Manchester four-piece have had a phenomenal rise to fame over the past few years, selling out shows across the world, being nominated for the Mercury Prize and most recently winning Brit Awards for Best Group and Best Album as well as Ivor Novello Awards for Songwriters Of The Year and Best Contemporary Song. Having headlined last year’s Reading & Leeds festival, these 2020 shows will be the first full production of their upcoming fourth studio album. We can’t wait.
Nottingham, Newcastle, Leeds, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Dublin between 15th February-1st March
Visit The1975.com
SEE A PLAY HERE: Asking For It, Birmingham
Landmark Productions and The Everyman's adaptation of Louise O'Neill's devastating novel about sexual consent makes its UK premiere at Birmingham Repertory Theatre following a sold-out season at Ireland's National Theatre. Lauren Coe returns to the play after receiving rave reviews for her portrayal of the lead role, Emma. The play centres on one night in a small town in County Cork, where everyone knows everyone. But things soon spiral violently out of control and a young woman's life is changed forever. What will happen to Emma now that her reputation is in tatters, and her attackers believed? A must watch.
Birmingham, B1 2EP; 29th January-15th February
Visit AskingForIt.ie
GO BACKSTAGE HERE: Brighton Dome, Brighton
Brighton Dome’s concert hall used to be the stables for the Prince Regent’s horses and was the venue that hosted Abba's victory in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with ‘Waterloo’. Now one of the south-east’s very best music venues, the team allows visitors on one Saturday every month to peek behind the curtain and follow in the footsteps of Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, Beyoncé and David Bowie as they head on stage. Guests will also catch a rare glimpse of the entrance to the infamous Royal Pavilion tunnel and discover some of the more surprising roles the venue has played throughout history. Essential for music fans.
Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UE; 1st February
Visit BrightonDome.org
SEE AN EXHIBITION HERE: Home, Manchester
Manchester gallery Home will launch a new exhibition later this month, the Manchester Open Exhibition – a major open-entry art show celebrating the creative talent of Greater Manchester residents. Until the end of March, the Home’s walls will be filled with work from 500+ locals, selected by a panel of art experts and community representatives. Open to all, including those who may already identify as artists, the Manchester Open will bring together paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, digital and mixed media, video and audio, spoken word and performance. The exhibition will be the first region-wide show of its type to welcome entries from people of any background and level of experience, including established professionals, new and emerging talent, enthusiastic amateurs and first-time artists.
Manchester, M15 4FN; 18th January-29th March
Visit HomeMCR.org
SEE A TOP PLAY HERE: My Cousin Rachel, Chichester
Passion battles reason in this classic gothic romance set in the wild landscape of the Cornish coast. Murderess, seducer, thief, enchantress – or merely a woman intent on survival? Alluring, exotic and unconventional, Countess Rachel Sangalletti travels from Florence to the Ashley Estate in Cornwall, home of her recently deceased husband. Her presence in the house arouses dark suspicions and uncontrollable desires, not least in young Philip, cousin and heir to the Ashley home. Helen George, best known for her role as Trixie Franklin in eight series of Call the Midwife, plays the enigmatic Rachel.
Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6AP; 28th January-2nd February
Visit CFT.org.uk
TAKE THE KIDS HERE: Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Bristol
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has made its way from the Natural History Museum to M Shed in Bristol, showcasing the 2019 entries and winners. Now in its 55th year, Wildlife Photographer of the Year presents the most arresting and spectacular photography of the natural world. Encounter the beauty and fragility of wildlife, see fascinating animal behaviour and get to know extraordinary species. Visitors will discover the surprising – and often challenging – stories behind the images during a time of environmental crisis. A great one to visit with children.
Bristol, BS1 4RN; until 4th May
Visit BristolMuseums.org.uk
RELIVE SCD HERE: Strictly Come Dancing Arena Tour, UK-Wide
Strictly Come Dancing fans will be pleased to hear that the live version of the show is about to embark on its yearly tour. The full line-up of the couples set to sashay across the UK include social media star Saffron Barker and AJ Pritchard, EastEnders actress Emma Barton and Graziano Di Prima, BBC Breakfast’s Mike Bushell and Katya Jones, actor Kelvin Fletcher and Janette Manrara, Sky Sports presenter Alex Scott and Neil Jones, actress Catherine Tyldesley and Johannes Radebe, plus CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual and Amy Dowden. The line-up of celebrities and professional dancers will join new tour host and reigning champion Stacey Dooley, plus tour judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli as they dance in the biggest entertainment venues across the country.
Birmingham, Aberdeen, Leeds, Manchester, Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow and Nottingham from 16th January-5th February
DO VEGANUARY IN STYLE HERE: Whatley Manor, Cotswolds
Five-star Whatley Manor hotel in the Cotswolds was recently awarded a second Michelin star in the 2020 Michelin Guide for exec chef Niall Keating’s tasting menus in The Dining Room, which are inspired by French, Japanese and Korean cooking. The restaurant always has a vegan tasting menu available, making it an ideal spot for anyone looking to treat themselves during Veganuary. The vegan menu includes dishes such as aubergine tempura; citrus aigre-doux; xo risotto with cucumber; pak choi with kohlrabi, date and ssamjang; and chocolate with extra virgin olive oil and nasturtium.
Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0RB
Visit WhatleyManor.com
MASTER A NEW SKILL HERE: Season Cookery School, Winchester
Set in the grounds of Winchester’s Grade-II-listed Lainston House, Season Cookery School offers a wide selection of cooking and baking workshops in a purpose-built kitchen inside a carefully converted old well house, complete with a spacious farmhouse kitchen-style lounge and dining area. We like the sound of the ‘Easy Entertaining’, vegan, gluten-free and soufflé masterclasses, where you’ll cook a range of dishes before sitting down to lunch. Other classes include introductions to bread, sushi, pasta and cake making, while extras such as a kitchen garden tour, wine tastings or cocktail-making classes can also be added.
Sparsholt, Winchester, SO21 2LT
Visit Exclusive.co.uk
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