Key Takeaways:
- The film "Hamnet" is a new Oscar hopeful starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley as William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes, exploring the emotional story of their son’s death.
- David Lynch’s 80th birthday is being celebrated with a new season of his films and shorts at the BFI Southbank and BFI Imax in London.
- The sports drama "Giant" tells the story of British boxer Prince Naseem Hamed’s rise to world champion, starring Amir El-Masry and Pierce Brosnan.
- The classic film "Labyrinth" is being re-released to celebrate its 40th anniversary, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.
- Soulwax is bringing their raucous dance-rock band to the UK in support of their new album "All Systems Are Lying".
- The Makropulos Affair is being performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Simon Rattle, at the Barbican Hall.
- Marshmallow Laser Feast’s new art installation explores the inner life of an ancient oak tree using ground-penetrating radar and digital recreation.
Introduction to New Releases
The world of entertainment is always buzzing with new releases, and this season is no exception. From films to music, art to stage productions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In the film world, "Hamnet" is a new Oscar hopeful that explores the emotional story of William Shakespeare’s son’s death, starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. Meanwhile, the classic film "Labyrinth" is being re-released to celebrate its 40th anniversary, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.
Music and Gigs
In the music world, Soulwax is bringing their raucous dance-rock band to the UK in support of their new album "All Systems Are Lying". The band, composed of Belgian brothers David and Stephen Dewaele, is known for their energetic live performances and synth-heavy sound. Fans can catch them in Manchester on January 14 and London on January 15. Additionally, the London Symphony Orchestra is performing The Makropulos Affair, conducted by Simon Rattle, at the Barbican Hall on January 13 and 15.
Art and Exhibitions
In the art world, Marshmallow Laser Feast’s new installation is a must-see. The collective has used ground-penetrating radar to record the subterranean secrets of an ancient oak tree in Kew Gardens, and the result is a breathtaking digital recreation of the tree’s inner life. The exhibition is on display at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park until March 15. Meanwhile, the Gerald Moore Gallery in London is showcasing the work of Georgia O’Keeffe, featuring her iconic landscapes and abstract pieces.
Stage Productions
On stage, Bridget Christie is performing her new live show "Jacket Potato Pizza" from January 14 to April 5, promising to cover topics such as kidney stones, cats, and eye fetishes in her characteristically left-field style. The Makropulos Affair is also being performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Simon Rattle, at the Barbican Hall on January 13 and 15. Additionally, the Varna International Ballet is touring the UK with performances of Swan Lake, Cinderella, and The Nutcracker.
Streaming and Games
For those staying in, there are plenty of new streaming releases to enjoy. "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" is a new series on Paramount+, following a cohort of young cadets as they navigate their training regime. "Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials" is a new dramatization of the classic country house murder mystery, starring Mia McKenna-Bruce and Martin Freeman. In the world of games, "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" is getting a major update, introducing a new hotel to decorate and cameos from Nintendo franchises The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon.
Albums and Podcasts
In the music world, The Cribs are releasing their ninth album, "Selling a Vibe", their first in six years. The album features songs like "A Point Too Hard to Make", which channels the band’s noisier tendencies into melodic indie pop. Zach Bryan is also releasing a new project, "With Heaven on Top", featuring Kings of Leon and Gabriella Rose. Meanwhile, the podcast "You Ought to Know" is providing a much-needed insight into the unsung living greats of Black British music, with episode one focusing on reggae and dub poetry.
Conclusion
Overall, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the world of entertainment this season. From emotional dramas to raucous dance-rock, breathtaking art installations to classic stage productions, and new streaming releases to exciting game updates, there’s no shortage of exciting things to explore. Whether you’re a fan of music, art, film, or theater, there’s something on this list that’s sure to pique your interest and keep you entertained.


