Good Times: What to see and do in July
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As summer gets well and truly underway, we want to share with you all the best cultural happenings going on this month, all around the country. From the show that our acting editor in chief is calling 'the feel good musical of the summer' to mind-bending art exhibitions and BBC One's gripping drama starring Jenna Coleman (trust us, it's worth staying in for), there's so much to see and do this month.
Read on to discover our number one hot ticket this month, plus the best of the rest from around the country.
THEATRE: Kiss Me, Kate
When: Until 14 September
Where: Barbican, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
"I’m going to say it: Barbican’s rendition of Cole Porter’s all-time classic Kiss Me, Kate is the feel-good musical of the summer.
Starring Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar, Kiss Me, Kate is a show-within-a-show, in which Adrian’s character, Fred Graham, is the director, producer and star of a musical production of Shakespeare’s The Taming Of The Shrew, while the leading lady is his ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi, played by Broadway legend Stephanie J Block.
When Good Housekeeping spoke to Adrian for our August issue (out now), he promised us a ‘fabulous night out’ and a ‘spectacular celebration of all that’s great in musical theatre.’ I can confirm that he was not lying.
Cole Porter’s witty, pun-tastic songs and sizzling hot dance routines bring the bard’s most contentious battle-of-the-sexes play to riotous life, but the highlight of the show is easily Too Darn Hot, which had everyone in the audience up on their feet cheering and clapping along - weeks later, I still can’t get the tune out of my head.
The incredible revolving set cleverly illustrates the show-within-a-show concept, and Adrian brings charm and charisma to his musical debut in spades – and is more than a match for Broadway star Stephanie.
A perfect cast, sublime score and incredible choreography – it’s a must-see show."
By Emma Justice, Acting Editor in Chief
Standard tickets from £29.50
TV
The Jetty
Jenna Coleman stars as Detective Ember Manning in this gripping four-part crime drama. Set in a small Lancashire lakeside town where everyone knows everyone, Ember must connect the dots between a recent arson case, a missing persons cold case and an illicit love triangle between a man and two underage girls.
Watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
FILM
Twisters
Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell star as storm chasers in the sequel to 1996’s disaster epic Twister. Kate (Edgar-Jones) is an eager scientist who tracks tornadoes, while social media star Tyler (Powell) is set on streaming the storm for his fans.
In cinemas from 19 July
THEATRE
ECHO (Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen)
A groundbreaking piece of theatre in which a different artist will take to the stage each night to perform a script they've never seen before. So far Killing Eve's Fiona Shaw is confirmed to take on the challenge, as is Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs The Post Office), Kathryn Hunter (Poor Things), Meera Syal (Yesterday) and Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka pop star Self Esteem.
From 13-27 July, Royal Court.
EXHIBITIONS
Anthony McCall: Solid Light
In this mesmerising exhibition at Tate Modern, visitors are invited to complete the art as your movements and interactions bring artist Anthony McCall's light installations to life. Beams of light are projected through a thin mist to create large three-dimensional forms, which slowly shift and change in front of your eyes, creating 'translucent sculptures of light'.
Until 27 April 2025, Tate Modern.
EVENTS
Smoke and Fire BBQ Festival
Taking place across two weekends in Maldon, Essex and Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, this is the place to be for foodies and BBQ-heads alike. As the UK's largest BBQ festival experience, visitors can get involved with a number of activities, such as watching top-class chefs cooking up flame-cooked feasts, joining in on a blacksmith workshop, and of course indulging in all the BBQ food you could ever desire.
20-21 July, Ascot, Berkshire; 17-18 August, Maldon, Essex.
TICKETS TO BOOK AHEAD
The Magician’s Table
From the award-winning writers behind illusionist Derren Brown’s shows comes this unique immersive experience. Taking place at a top secret London Bridge location, expect mesmerising close-up magic from the country's top magicians, plus live music and cocktails.
5 September to 31 October; secret London Bridge location.
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