APRIL 2016
FRANKLY SPEAKING
Frank Laino, our Executive Concierge, gives you his London highlights for the month.
@FranklyStafford
Follow Frank’s latest news and reviews on Twitter
Events
IN THE AGE OF GIORGIONE,
ROYAL ACADEMY
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY GUN SALUTES, 21 APRIL
Venice, at the beginning of the 16th century: though Bellini
is still the leading artist of the day, a younger generation that
includes Titian and the enigmatic Giorgione is emerging. Their innovations, combined
with the influence of visitors such as Albrecht Dürer and Leonardo da Vinci, are about
to usher in a new dawn of Venetian art. The first great painter to arise during this period
is also the most mysterious: little is known about Giorgione’s life, and few works can be
definitively attributed to him, yet the elusive poetic quality of his work is so powerful that,
despite his early death, his legacy is profoundly felt in Venice and beyond.
LONDON MARATHON, 24 APRIL
Starting in Greenwich Park and ending up on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace,
this is well established as one of the biggest marathons races in the world. There is a
wonderful fun running element to the race and a huge amount of money is raised for
charity every year.
This fascinating exhibition seeks to unravel the complex web of influences that shaped
the work of many of the most celebrated names in Renaissance art. Masterpieces by
Giorgione will be displayed side by side with works by Giovanni Bellini, Albrecht Dürer,
Titian, Sebastiano del Piombo and Lorenzo Lotto, among others. Visitors will also have
the opportunity to rediscover Giovanni Cariani, a great but now unfamiliar artist in their
midst.
Museums & Galleries
SCOTTISH ARTISTS 1750-1900: FROM CALEDONIA TO THE
CONTINENT THE QUEEN’S GALLERY, BUCKINGHAM PALACE
The Queen’s actual birthday is on 21 April (she also has an ‘official’ birthday in June
which is marked by the Trooping the Colour ceremony). Although she celebrates
privately, the occasion is also marked publicly by gun salutes in central London.
The 41-gun Queen’s Birthday Gun Salute in Hyde Park takes place at midday. It’s a
spectacular show of pomp and ceremony and it’s also the only time when you will see
horses legally at a full gallop in a Royal Park - with a ton and a half of cannon in tow. There
is also a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London at 1pm.
EXHIBITIONISM: THE ROLLING STONES, SAATCHI GALLERY,
FROM 5 APRIL
EXHIBITIONISM is the first international exhibition on The Rolling Stones. Taking over
the entire two floors of the Saatchi Gallery with 9 thematic galleries, EXHIBITIONISM
combines over 500 original Stones’ artefacts, with striking cinematic and interactive
technologies offering the most comprehensive and immersive insight into the band’s
fascinating fifty year history. From never before seen dressing room and backstage
paraphernalia to rare instruments; original stage designs, iconic costumes, rare audio
tracks and video footage; personal diaries; poster and album cover artwork; and unique
wraparound cinematic experiences that celebrate every aspect of their careers. Centre
stage is the musical heritage that took them from a London blues band in the early 1960s to
inspirational cultural icons.
BOTICELLI REIMAGINED, V&A
Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510), Florentine painter of exquisite mythological scenes
(including that sad-eyed Venus being born from a sea shell), as well as graceful pictures
of the Madonna and Child and countless flattering portraits of his Medici paymasters, was
immensely popular in his lifetime. He’s also rare among early renaissance artists in that
his work continues to achieve pop-cultural fame into the twenty-first century – via Dolce
& Gabbana, Gaga and many others. Bringing together the biggest haul of Botticellis seen
in London for decades, the V&A’s spring 2016 blockbuster is a chance to marvel at the
strange, otherworldly beauty of the master, while looking at his influence, not just on art,
but on film, photography, fashion and design. Included are works by René Magritte, Andy
Warhol and Cindy Sherman.
DELACROIX AND THE RISE OF MODERN ART, NATIONAL GALLERY
From the bold colours and abstract shapes of Matisse and Kandinsky, to the expressiveness
of Van Gogh and Gauguin, to the vibrant complementary colours of the Impressionists. All
can be traced back to Eugène Delacroix – the last painter of the Grand Style but equally
one of the first modern masters, who transformed French painting in the 19th century.
‘Delacroix and the Rise of Modern Art’ is a long-overdue homage to France’s leading
exponent of Romanticism – a true original who, at the time of his death in 1863, was
the most revered artist among the avant-garde in Paris. Placing Delacroix alongside
contemporaries such as Courbet and Chassériau, this exhibition traces 50 years of
Delacroix’s legacy, exploring the profound impact he had on generations of artists to
come.
Scottish Artists brings together paintings, drawings and miniatures collected by monarchs
from George III to Queen Victoria. It includes the work of painters who were born in
Scotland and travelled abroad, such as Allan Ramsay and Sir David Wilkie, and of those
whose inspiration remained firmly rooted in their native land, such as Alexander Nasmyth
and James Giles. In particular, the exhibition highlights the importance and influence of
artists whose work was shaped by the ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment.
PAINTING THE MODERN GARDEN: MONET TO MATISSE, ROYAL
ACADEMY OF ARTS, UNTIL 20 APRIL
Trace the emergence of the modern garden in its many forms and glories as you journey
through a period of great social change and innovation in the arts. Discover the paintings
of some of the most important Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Avant-Garde artists
of the early twentieth century as they explore this theme. Monet, arguably the most
important painter of gardens in the history of art, once said he owed his painting “to
flowers”. But Monet was far from alone in his fascination with the horticultural world,
which is why the Royal Academy has brought together masterpieces by Renoir, Cezanne,
Pissarro, Manet, Sargent, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Matisse, Klimt and Klee.
VOGUE 100: A CENTURY OF STYLE, NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
Vogue 100: A Century of Style will showcase the remarkable range of photography that
has been commissioned by British Vogue since it was founded in 1916, with over 280 prints
from the Condé Nast archive and international collections being shown together for the
first time to tell the story of one of the most influential fashion magazines in the world.
LEONARDO DA VINCI: THE MECHANICS OF GENIUS, SCIENCE
MUSEUM
This internationally-acclaimed, must-see exhibition comes to London in February.
You know Leonardo the artist from paintings including The Last Supper and Mona Lisa
now discover Leonardo the brilliant, insatiably curious engineer.
Highlights of the exhibition include:
• 40 historical models of Leonardo’s inventions including flying machines, diving equipment and weapons
• Large-scale reproductions of Leonardo’s famous drawings and sketches
• 13 Interactive games and 10 multimedia installations
• Modern examples of bio-inspired robotics, aviation and materials technology
THE CARETAKER
Entertainment
SUNSET BOULEVARD
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical Sunset Boulevard comes to the London Coliseum,
with Glenn Close reprising her Tony Award-winning role as Norma Desmond. In her
mansion on Sunset Boulevard, faded, silent-screen goddess, Norma Desmond, lives in a
fantasy world. Impoverished screen writer, Joe Gillis, on the run from debt collectors,
stumbles into her reclusive world. Persuaded to work on Norma’s ‘masterpiece’, a film
script that she believes will put her back in front of the cameras; he is seduced by her and
her luxurious life-style. Joe becomes entrapped in a claustrophobic world until his love
for another woman leads him to try and break free with dramatic consequences. The
wonderfully melodic score is performed by ENO’s acclaimed orchestra.
FUNNY GIRL
Funny Girl, starring multi award-winning stage and screen star Sheridan Smith, transfers
to the Savoy Theatre following its sold out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory. This
musical classic tells the fascinating bitter-sweet story of Fanny Brice (Smith), whose vocal
talents and comedic ability see her rise from Brooklyn music hall singer to Broadway star,
and her tempestuous relationship with gambler Nicky Arnstein. Featuring some of the
most iconic songs in film and theatre history, including “People” and “Don’t Rain On My
Parade.”
When it premiered in 1960, The Caretaker changed the face of modern theatre. Now,
Harold Pinter’s groundbreaking classic comes to The Old Vic in a new production, starring
Timothy Spall. Disturbed handyman Aston has invited an irascible tramp to stay with him
at his brother’s jumbled London flat. At first it seems that the manipulative guest will take
advantage of his vulnerable host. But when Aston’s brother Mick arrives, an enigmatic
power struggle emerges between the three men that is in equal parts menacing, touching
and darkly comic.
MATILDA
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, with original songs from comedian Tim
Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly, Matilda is the captivating new musical masterpiece
from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power
of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.
BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being
part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with
fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most
successful solo acts in popular music history.
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME
Praised for their innovative and anarchic reinvention of the classics, The Jamie Lloyd
Company propels Christopher Marlowe’s legendary tale Doctor Faustus into the here
and now in an explosive and magical new production starring Kit Harington (Game of
Thrones) in his long-awaited return to the London stage.
Simon Stephens’ clever adaptation of Mark Haddon’s bestselling novel about a teenage
boy with Asperger’s syndrome is like a cute dog that leaps up and wants to lick you all
over. There’s no point in resisting – and there’s no need. Marianne Elliott’s production
runs with Stephens’ conceit that what we are watching is a school play based on
Christopher’s own book, and transforms it into a hugely entertaining meditation on the
nature of truth and how we present ourselves to each other.
MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
DR FAUSTUS
With just $800 borrowed from his family, Motown founder Berry Gordy, goes from
featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul, discovering and launching the careers
of Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder,
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Marvin Gaye and many more. Motown The Musical
uncovers the story of the legendary record label that changed music history and created
the soundtrack of a generation. Featuring an eighteen piece orchestra playing 50 Motown
tracks including “My Girl”, “Dancing In The Street”, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
and “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, Motown The Musical is a musical sensation with
real soul.
GUYS AND DOLLS
The classic Broadway musical is always a fantastic evening’s entertainment, and this
revival has been receiving rave reviews.
NELL GWYNN
It is 1660. The Puritans have run away with their drab grey tails between their legs.
Charles II has exploded on to the scene with a love of all things loud, French and sexy.
At Drury Lane, a young Nell Gwynn is selling oranges for sixpence. Little does she know
who’s watching. Award winning Gemma Arterton (The Duchess of Malfi, Made in
Dagenham, Quantum of Solace) stars as cheeky, charming and clever Nell Gwynn, one of
the first and most acclaimed women to appear on the London stage.
Roald Dahl’s deliciously dark tale comes to life in a brand new West End musical directed
by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes. When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the
weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s the chance of a lifetime to feast on
the sweets he’s always dreamed of. But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down
the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible edible delights, the five lucky winners
discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.
KINKY BOOTS
Kinky Boots takes you from the factory floor to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Inspired
by true events, this joyous story of Brit grit to high-heeled hit was brought to life on the big
screen in 2005, before being transformed into a hit Broadway musical.
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
Described as Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off, this is THE smash hit new comedy. The
Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title
suggests, everything that can go wrong... does! he accident-prone thespians battle against
all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences!
THE PAINKILLER
Two men. Two lonely hotel rooms. An adjoining door. One of them is a killer. One of
them wants to die. What could possibly go wrong? Sean Foley directs his darkly hilarious
adaptation of Francis Veber’s classic French farce as Kenneth Branagh and Rob Brydon
reprise the roles they played to great acclaim at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre in this comic tourde-force.
Frank Laino
Executive Concierge
@StaffordLondon
TheStaffordLondon
thestaffordlondon