Culture Fix: February 2021

Podcast

In Focus with David Yarrow
From 3 February

Launching this month, fine art photographer David Yarrow talks us through some of his favourite shots and the extraordinary stories behind them. The podcast, which is hosted by the acclaimed snapper himself, will explore in detail 12 images over six episodes, and promises some hilarious – and hair-raising – anecdotes. Hear how Yarrow fell overboard into freezing temperatures whilst getting his perfect shot of orcas; how he fared with an enormous elephant charging straight into his lens; and how he navigated the precarious set-up of supermodel Cindy Crawford and a wolf, in a bar. Aural – and visual – escapism at its best.

Available on Apple, Google and Spotify, amongst others


Online Theatre

Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Hung Parliament
Until 9 March

London’s theatrical storytellers Les Enfants Terribles are no strangers to the immersive show. In fact, it’s what they do best. The innovative Alice’s Adventures Underground proved a roaring success and won the theatre company an Olivier nomination back in 2015. Going fully digital, then, was never going to phase this highly creative bunch, who’ve announced an extension to their latest whodunnit. Promising a multi-sensory experience that blurs the lines between theatre, gaming and escape room, we’re transported back to Victorian London and, as Scotland Yard’s newest recruits, tasked with solving the crime before our time runs out. Suitable for wily detectives aged 12 and over. Deerstalkers optional.

Public and private shows available, visit sherlockimmersive.com for details


Film

The Exception

Our lockdown entertainment choices are fascinating. While some of us crave only sweetness and light, others find comfort in the dark side – and this new release, available on digital download, falls firmly in the latter camp. If you enjoyed the Nordic noir of The Bridge and The Killing, you’ll love this full length Danish psychological thriller, based on Christian Jungersen’s novel of the same name. Iben, Malene, Anne-Lise and Camilla are colleagues at the Danish Centre for Genocide. When Iben and Malene receive death threats, they naturally suspect a recently profiled war criminal. But as a case of office bullying is escalated, the women, whose daily routine is already marked by power struggles, whispers and alliances, begin to look inward.

Available on various digital platforms including curzonhomecinema.com


Online Art

Collect 2021
26 February-2 March

Launching virtually for the first time with the help of Artsy.net, this international celebration of contemporary craft and design sees its 17th edition. Usually held at Somerset House, Collect gives the Capital’s art lovers a chance to discover and invest in some exceptional new pieces from across the globe. So far, 28 galleries from three continents are confirmed, with 40 per cent of them signing up from outside the UK. And while there’s nothing quite like the buzz of a physical art fair, there is something to be said about perusing and purchasing the perfect objet for our home, from the comfort of it. We can just visualise that sculpture on our mantelpiece…

collectfair.org.uk 


Online Art

Nature Drawing Club
Natural History Museum

Get your creative juices flowing with this weekly interactive drawing club that invites us to submit our nature-inspired doodles, paintings and even sculptures to the Natural History Museum via its social channels. With a new theme announced every Friday on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, we could be drawing anything from a sparrow to a stegosaurus and proudly posting it. The programme is, of course, open to artists of all ages and abilities.

Tag your masterpiece with #NatureDrawingClub to join in (nhm.ac.uk/events/nature-drawing-club)