Lifestyle
Culture Flash: The Very Best Of Spring 2023’s New Shows, Exhibitions, Books, TV and Podcasts
Nature is waking up and so is the cultural calendar – it’s time to feed all your senses.
It was only fair that most of us hibernated through a brutal winter. But now we need to emerge and engage with the cultural delights our clever world has to offer us. Here are the best things to watch, listen to, read and see this spring.
In a remote religious colony, the men have been tranquilising and raping the women for years. In this movie, those women find their voice and decide to hold a vote on whether they should do nothing, stay and fight or run away. The New York Times calls it ‘a timely political parable’. The stellar cast includes Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Ben Wishaw and Frances McDormand. In cinemas now.
Jemima Khan directs this fresh new romantic comedy, which is set between London and Lahore and stars Emma Thompson and Lily James. When a film-maker documents her friend’s arranged marriage, she is forced to ask herself some profound questions. The Guardian says it ‘recalls the heyday of Working Title rom-coms’. In cinemas now.
Until 10 April
This landmark Royal Academy exhibition explores Hispanic art and culture, with highlights from Goya and Velazquez as well as textiles, ceramics, jewellery and maps. The Guardian calls it a ‘magnificent, unexpected and unmissable’ show. Find details here.
Image: Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida, The Provinces of Spain: Castile (sketch), 1912-13
Gouache on kraft paper, 107 x 771 cm. On loan from The Hispanic Society of America, New York, NY
25 March – 13 August
The National Gallery is putting on a blinder with this exhibition about Cezanne, van Gogh and Gauguin’s global influence. With iconic works by Klimt, Matisse, Picasso, Mondrian and Rodin, the exhibition is both accessible and thought-provoking. Find details here.
Image: Paul Gauguin Vision of the Sermon (Jacob Wrestling with the Angel), 1888; Oil on canvas; 72.20 x 91.00 cm; © National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh
This compelling debut novel joins three women from one wealthy New York family on their rollercoaster of privilege, pain and parties. If you’ve ever wondered whether money can buy you happiness, this pacy and glamorous book has some of the answers. Buy it.
Don’t be put off by this being a collection of short stories; it is a valuable read from a literary giant. Time magazine says: ‘Across 15 tales that were inspired by the uncertainty of this pandemic era, Margaret Atwood finds humour and humanity in the most eccentric of characters.’ Buy it.
There can’t be a television-watcher on the planet who missed the first three series of this mega-hit. It would be futile for us to sing its praises to you. Instead, we can share with you the news that the fourth series – which may or may not be the last – will be available to view on Sky Atlantic on Monday, March 27. Enough said.
It’s the end of roaring 20s and dark clouds are gathering over Europe and the charming titular seaside hotel. This sumptuous Danish drama about the end of an era is pure comfort food. The Walter Presents series, set in coastal Denmark, has been described as ‘Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie’. Watch now; thank us later.
Keen readers will be thrilled by this podcast, in which Pandora Sykes and Bobby Palmer choose a book each to read and discuss. The only rule is that their choices must be over two years old. Their perspectives are wonderfully different; their energy is infectious; and the recent Wuthering Heights episode is a particular joy. Listen here.
During the pandemic, Craig Oliver – who was David Cameron’s Director of Communications – confronted the fact that, however high-flying his career had been, he’d always felt a sense of unease. This podcast is his brilliant attempt to find out – from a roster of extraordinary people – how we can all live better lives. His guests include Amber Rudd, Mo Gawdat and Lucy Kellaway. Essential listening. Listen here.
By Becky Ladenburg
March 2023
Films
Women Talking
In a remote religious colony, the men have been tranquilising and raping the women for years. In this movie, those women find their voice and decide to hold a vote on whether they should do nothing, stay and fight or run away. The New York Times calls it ‘a timely political parable’. The stellar cast includes Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Ben Wishaw and Frances McDormand. In cinemas now.
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Jemima Khan directs this fresh new romantic comedy, which is set between London and Lahore and stars Emma Thompson and Lily James. When a film-maker documents her friend’s arranged marriage, she is forced to ask herself some profound questions. The Guardian says it ‘recalls the heyday of Working Title rom-coms’. In cinemas now.
Exhibitions
Spain And The Hispanic World
Until 10 April
This landmark Royal Academy exhibition explores Hispanic art and culture, with highlights from Goya and Velazquez as well as textiles, ceramics, jewellery and maps. The Guardian calls it a ‘magnificent, unexpected and unmissable’ show. Find details here.
Image: Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida, The Provinces of Spain: Castile (sketch), 1912-13
Gouache on kraft paper, 107 x 771 cm. On loan from The Hispanic Society of America, New York, NY
After Impressionism: Inventing Modern Art
25 March – 13 August
The National Gallery is putting on a blinder with this exhibition about Cezanne, van Gogh and Gauguin’s global influence. With iconic works by Klimt, Matisse, Picasso, Mondrian and Rodin, the exhibition is both accessible and thought-provoking. Find details here.
Image: Paul Gauguin Vision of the Sermon (Jacob Wrestling with the Angel), 1888; Oil on canvas; 72.20 x 91.00 cm; © National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh
BOOKS
Pineapple Street By Jenny Jackson
This compelling debut novel joins three women from one wealthy New York family on their rollercoaster of privilege, pain and parties. If you’ve ever wondered whether money can buy you happiness, this pacy and glamorous book has some of the answers. Buy it.
Old Babes In The Wood By Margaret Atwood
Don’t be put off by this being a collection of short stories; it is a valuable read from a literary giant. Time magazine says: ‘Across 15 tales that were inspired by the uncertainty of this pandemic era, Margaret Atwood finds humour and humanity in the most eccentric of characters.’ Buy it.
TV Shows
Succession, Season Four
There can’t be a television-watcher on the planet who missed the first three series of this mega-hit. It would be futile for us to sing its praises to you. Instead, we can share with you the news that the fourth series – which may or may not be the last – will be available to view on Sky Atlantic on Monday, March 27. Enough said.
Seaside Hotel
It’s the end of roaring 20s and dark clouds are gathering over Europe and the charming titular seaside hotel. This sumptuous Danish drama about the end of an era is pure comfort food. The Walter Presents series, set in coastal Denmark, has been described as ‘Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie’. Watch now; thank us later.
PODCASTS
Book Chat
Keen readers will be thrilled by this podcast, in which Pandora Sykes and Bobby Palmer choose a book each to read and discuss. The only rule is that their choices must be over two years old. Their perspectives are wonderfully different; their energy is infectious; and the recent Wuthering Heights episode is a particular joy. Listen here.
Desperately Seeking Wisdom With Craig Oliver
During the pandemic, Craig Oliver – who was David Cameron’s Director of Communications – confronted the fact that, however high-flying his career had been, he’d always felt a sense of unease. This podcast is his brilliant attempt to find out – from a roster of extraordinary people – how we can all live better lives. His guests include Amber Rudd, Mo Gawdat and Lucy Kellaway. Essential listening. Listen here.
By Becky Ladenburg
March 2023
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Becky Ladenburg
Features Editor
As The Guide's features editor, Becky has her discerning finger on the cultural pulse. She's also our go-to expert on the property market.
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