Key Takeaways:
- New movies out now include Eleanor the Great, Lurker, Ella McCay, and Preparation for the Next Life, offering a range of genres and storylines.
- Upcoming gigs include Bladee, MacMillan’s Christmas Oratorio, and Alan Barnes, providing a variety of musical experiences.
- Art exhibitions on display include Peter Doig’s work at the Serpentine Gallery, A Case at the Museum at The Harris in Preston, and Lasting Impressions at the V&A.
- Stage productions include Woman in Mind at the Duke of York’s theatre, A Christmas Fair at Chadderton Town Hall, and Live at Christmas, a standup tour featuring Tim Key, Phil Wang, and Simon Amstell.
- New streaming releases include Fallout on Prime Video, A Mary Berry Christmas on iPlayer and BBC1, and Emily in Paris on Netflix.
- New games out now include Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – From the Ashes and Star Trek: Infection.
- New album releases include Roddy Ricch’s The Navy Album, Fucked Up’s Grass Can Move Stones Part 1: Year of the Goat, and Anna of the North’s Girl in a Bottle.
- Educational content includes the Life After Prison podcast, the How Ikea Mastered Furniture video essay, and the Accompanying Austen series on BBC Radio 3.
Introduction to New Releases
The world of entertainment is always buzzing with new releases, and this season is no exception. From movies to music, art to stage productions, and streaming to gaming, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In the world of cinema, new releases include Eleanor the Great, a film about a senior citizen who strikes up a friendship with a 19-year-old and pretends to be a Holocaust survivor. Lurker, a psychological thriller about a lowly retail employee who becomes friends with a rising pop star, is also out now. Ella McCay, a political comedy starring Emma Mackey, and Preparation for the Next Life, a drama about an undocumented Uyghur immigrant, are also worth checking out.
Gigs and Concerts
For music lovers, there are several exciting gigs and concerts to look forward to. Bladee, the Swedish cult hero, will be performing in London, Dublin, and Manchester, showcasing his unique blend of internet rap and electronic music. MacMillan’s Christmas Oratorio, conducted by the composer himself, will be performed at the Barbican Hall in London, featuring a mix of biblical narration and liturgical choruses. Alan Barnes, a renowned saxophonist, will be performing at the Fleece Jazz in Colchester and the Chichester Jazz Club, accompanied by his long-time trumpet partner Bruce Adams. Duckwrth, a shape-shifting LA musician, will be bringing his frantic energy to Manchester, Bristol, and London, fusing hip-hop, alt-rock, and narration.
Art Exhibitions
Art enthusiasts will be delighted by the various exhibitions on display. Peter Doig’s work will be showcased at the Serpentine Gallery in London, featuring his enchanting paintings that transport viewers to exotic, atmospheric worlds. A Case at the Museum at The Harris in Preston will bring the world of Wallace and Gromit to life, exploring the life and art of their creator Nick Park. Lasting Impressions at the V&A will display prints by women, including Käthe Kollwitz, Faith Ringgold, and Laura Knight. Humphrey Ocean’s pop-tinged paintings will be exhibited at Gainsborough’s House in Suffolk, capturing the way we live now.
Stage Productions
Theatre lovers will have plenty to choose from, with productions like Woman in Mind at the Duke of York’s theatre, starring Sheridan Smith and Romesh Ranganathan. A Christmas Fair at Chadderton Town Hall will be an immersive take on Jim Cartwright’s festive play, exploring the lives of locals preparing for their annual fair. Live at Christmas, a standup tour featuring Tim Key, Phil Wang, and Simon Amstell, will be touring the country, offering a mixed-bill of comedy. Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show at the Aviva Studios in Manchester will be a family-friendly show based on the endearing animated character, featuring slapstick comedy, tumbling, juggling, and aerial feats.
Streaming and Gaming
For those who prefer to stay in, there are plenty of new releases to enjoy. Fallout, a post-apocalyptic video game adaptation, will be available on Prime Video, following the story of Ella Purnell’s Lucy MacLean as she navigates a world of civil war. A Mary Berry Christmas will be available on iPlayer and BBC1, showcasing the beloved chef’s creations and providing a relaxing watch. Emily in Paris, a syrupy-sweet romcom starring Lily Collins, will be available on Netflix, following the titular character as she relocates to Rome for more culture-clash romance. New games out now include Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – From the Ashes, a fresh story of Na’vi revenge in a stunningly realised region of the planet Pandora, and Star Trek: Infection, a survival horror game that offers effective scares aplenty.
New Music Releases
Music fans will be excited by the new album releases. Roddy Ricch’s The Navy Album, originally slated for release a year ago, has finally emerged, featuring reflective tracks like Survivor’s Remorse. Fucked Up’s Grass Can Move Stones Part 1: Year of the Goat is the first part of the conclusion of their ambitious Zodiac series, featuring two songs, including the 28-minute-long Long Ago Gardens. Anna of the North’s Girl in a Bottle is a soft-pop album that soundtracks the minutiae of a relationship, created with producer Starsmith. Hercules and Love Affair’s Someone Else is Calling is a sleek house and disco EP, featuring the hypnotic title track with vocals from Icelandic singer Elín Ey.
Educational Content
For those looking to learn something new, there are several educational content options available. The Life After Prison podcast explores the realities of life post-incarceration, featuring guests like an ex-soldier and a former prisoner turned chef. The How Ikea Mastered Furniture video essay is a comprehensive exploration of how the Swedish furniture brand came to dominate the world of interiors and budget design. Accompanying Austen, a five-part series on BBC Radio 3, examines the niche pursuit of scoring Austen adaptations, featuring critic Antonia Quirke speaking to five composers about their approaches.
