It's a new year, which means a whole new roster of events and cultural things to be excited about. Here are our top picks.
1. EXHIBITION: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
After a hugely successful tenure at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York, Savage Beauty will take up residence in London’s V&A. The exhibition explores the late designer’s most innovative and inspiring work from his 1992 MA show to his unfinished a/w 2010 collection. The showcase will also include elements of the dramatic staging now synonymous with the McQueen brand.
Between 14 March – 19 July.
2. THEATRE: Harry Potter on the stage
J.K. Rowling confirmed in 2014 that she was co-producing a stage play featuring Harry Potter. What to expect? A chronicle of the boy wizard’s early years, plus the story of Lily and James Potter (Harry’s parents for the uninitiated). Word on the street: it will premiere in the West End in 2015.
3. BOOKS: Selfish by Kim Kardashian
Internet breaking selfie queen Kim Kardashian is releasing a photo book. Ready yourself: 352 pages of personal, never-seen-before Kim snaps incoming. Expect throwbacks, behind-the-scenes insights and belfies as well as selfies (due for release in April).
Selfish is out on 28 April.
4. EXHIBITIONS: Shoes: Pleasure and Pain
From gold leaf ancient Egyptian sandals to Dior slingbacks, the V&A’s upcoming exhibition will celebrate the extremes of footwear by displaying over 200 pairs handpicked throughout history.
Between 13 June – 31 January.
5. BOOKS: The Girl On the Train by Paula Hawkins
Already optioned for a film, this book by Paula Hawkins promises to be a compulsive page-turner. The Girl on the Train follows Rachel, whose familiar and boring daily commute turns into much more than she bargained for when she becomes caught up in a murder mystery.
Out 15 January.
6. THEATRE: Emma Thompson in Sweeney Todd
Oscar-winning actress, Emma Thompson will be taking to the stage in Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Coliseum theatre in London. After critical acclaim in New York, the show – which tells the story of the eponymous barber with a murderous streak - will be running for just 13 performances from the end of March.
Between 30 March – 12 April.
Based on the Hilary Mantel’s Booker Prize winning novel of the same name, this six-part BBC adaption will chronicle the rise and rise of Thomas Cromwell from blacksmith’s son to Henry VIII’s closest adviser. Damian Lewis will be taking on the role of the formidable ruler, while Mark Rylance will star as Cromwell.
Hannah Hovarth and co. are back in January with highly-anticipated series 4 of GIRLS. What can we expect? Grad school, new haircuts, reckless living, and… Drumroll please. We finally get to meet Shoshanna’s parents.
HBO’s Girls Season 4 will premier on 11 January.
We’ve only just recovered from seeing those gorgeous official pictures of Prince George, but it’s now time to start looking forward to the birth of Royal Baby number 2 (and future fourth in line to the throne). While the baby isn’t due until April, we’ve got Kate’s impeccable maternity style to keep us occupied in the meantime.
10. MUSIC: Adele’s third album?
Rumours have been circulating for some time that Adele will release her third studio album, 25, sometime this year. Following from the emotional turmoil of her first two albums, 19 and 21, it will be interesting to see whether her music will progress from tales of heartbreak, to embracing motherhood and married life.
Words by Josie Ayre
