Events
August 2008
Above: Watch This Space at the National Theatre
Watch it!
The National Theatre’s free summer festival, Watch This Space, returns for its 10th year with a plethora of circus acts, street theatre, world music and more from now until 28 Sept. Catch The Bridge by Mimbre, a fusion of acrobatics, theatre and dance on 25-26 July at 10.30pm. From 12-16 August watch Nutkhut by Moviplex, a screening of rare cinematic gems by Shanta Rao Dutt, a pioneer from the early days of film making (1pm and 5.15pm, plus 8.30pm on Sat). During Olympic Dance Weekend (21-25 Aug), don’t miss traditional Maori dance by Manaia (23 Aug, 3pm) or Japanese dance by Haru Ichiban (25 Aug, 3pm). South Bank SE1 9PX; 020 7452 3400. Click here for Reach's pick of the best events.
Global chaos
Shakespeare’s Globe is shaking things up with a world premiere of The Frontline by Ché Walker (until 17 August), a vibrant new play where Saturday night outside the tube sees a mix of god, strip bars, crack, unemployed actors and vegans collide in a riptide of chaos. You can also catch the last midnight matinee with a showing of King Lear from midnight on 1 Aug. Tickets £5-£33 for both performances. 21 New Globe Walk SE1 9DT; call 020 7401 9919 to book; www.shakespeares-globe.org
In the pink
Mind Over Matter: Images of Pink Floyd celebrates the 40th anniversary of the band and provides a unique insight into the creative and personal relationship between Pink Floyd and Storm. Storm Thorgerson, first with Hipgnosis and then later in his own right, is the artist behind the images synonymous with pop culture from the 70s through to today and Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon (above centre) has often been referred to as one of the greatest album covers of all time. The exhibition includes over 60 photographs comprising album covers, single bags, band photos, posters and programmes reproduced as high quality light jet digital prints. Free. 24 July-10 Aug. the.gallery@oxo, Oxo Tower Wharf SE1 9PH; www.coinstreet.org
Do the math
Poussin Gallery’s summer show features artists who exploit geometry’s basic elements in media ranging from patchwork quilts to welded steel sculpture. New work by Gillian Wise continues her long-standing interest in mathematically derived pattern and sculptors make use of the planes and angles of the gallery. Other artists include Tom Chamberlain, Vanessa Jackson and Colette Morey de Morand. Until 16 Aug, Wed-Sat, 1pm-7pm. Block K, 13 Bell Yard Mews, 175 Bermondsey Street SE1 3UW; 020 7403 4444; www.poussin-gallery.com
A glass act
Following her sell out show at London Glassblowing’s Christmas Open House, Elles van Os returns for an open weekend and summer sale with a new jewellery collection inspired by Italy. There will also be scores of exquisite free blown glass pieces to buy as well as a raffle, refreshments and demonstrations. 25-27 July, 11am-5pm. 7 The Leathermarket, Weston Street SE1 3ER; 020 7403 2800; www.londonglassblowing.co.uk
The kids are alright
The Oval House Theatre Youth Arts team has been working hard with local youngsters aged 11-16 to bring you The Grimm Tales. Participants will show off their skills in drama, art and music as well as costume, set, lighting and sound design. The performance takes place in Kennington Park where you’ll be lured into the dark and magical world of dancing zombies and singing ghosts. 15-16 Aug, 4pm and 6pm. See www.ovalhouse.com or call 020 7582 0080.
To the IMAX
The Dark Knight, Christopher Nolan’s eagerly awaited sequel to Batman Begins, starring Christian Bale as Batman and the late Heath Ledger as The Joker, opens at BFI IMAX on 25 July (until 21 Aug). The screening is part of Graphic Images: Comic-Book Movies, a BFI IMAX and BFI Southbank season that includes screenings of Flash Gordon, A History of Violence, Persepolis and Sin City. 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk SE1 8XR. See www.bfi.org.uk or call 0870 787 2525.
Gimmie even more
More London’s Free Festival moves from music to theatre this month. Putting the beats to bed on Fri 25 July are Jimmie Bone at 12.30pm and the AllStars Collective at 6.30pm. Then, from 31 July right through to 7 Sept, you can see Ted Hughes’ new version of Blood Wedding by Federico García Lorca, and Mark Artell's Petit Rouge. In Blood Wedding, a village in Andalusia bustles with wedding preparations, but at midnight it isn't the handsome groom who races his stallion through the moonlight to claim his bride… Petite Rouge, based on Mike Artell's best-selling children's book, is a musical version of Little Red Riding Hood from New Orleans where Petite Rouge dodges a wily alligator through the swamps of Louisiana and the fun of Mardi Gras. 6pm and 8pm Wed-Sun. Scoop, at More London Riverside SE1 2DB; 020 7403 4866. See www.morelondon.com for a detailed performance schedule.