Going Out: Cinema, Gigs, Art, Stage

Cinema

One Battle After Another
Out now
Director Paul Thomas Anderson (known for Phantom Thread and There Will Be Blood) offers a sprawling cinematic experience with nearly three hours of runtime. This loose adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a former revolutionary on a gripping quest to rescue his daughter. Expect a blend of intricate storytelling and deep character exploration.

Ellis Park
Out now
This documentary, directed by Justin Kurzel of Snowtown fame, focuses on musician Warren Ellis’s passion project—a wildlife sanctuary in the forests of Sumatra. Known for his collaborations with Nick Cave, Ellis’s journey into conservation offers viewers a unique glimpse into his life beyond music.

Visions of Ukraine
Barbican, London, 29 September to 2 October
A compelling short film season showcasing Ukrainian cinema from silent films to contemporary works. Highlights include Mikhail Kaufman’s In Spring (1929) and the UK premiere of Fragments of Ice (2024), along with moving short films reflecting the experiences of the Ukrainian queer community amid ongoing conflict.

The Strangers: Chapter 2
Out now
This installment marks the fourth entry in the Strangers home-invasion horror franchise. Though marketed as “Chapter 2,” it’s a standalone film that claims inspiration from true events—albeit loosely. Directed by Renny Harlin, viewers can expect tension-filled moments intertwined with chilling encounters.

Gigs

Flo
28 September to 2 October; tour starts London
The British R&B trio Flo is set to tour in support of their debut LP, Access All Areas, released last year. Following their successful collaboration with Kaytranada, fans can anticipate new material alongside fan favorites.

Polish Jazz Festival London
Kings Place, London, 27 September; Pizza Express Jazz Soho, London, 28 September
This festival highlights the dynamic Polish jazz scene, presenting both established artists and emerging talents. Performances include trumpet virtuoso Piotr Wojtasik with vocalist-pianist Anna Maria Jopek and UK-based artists like Alice Zawadzki and Aga Zaryan.

Celebrating Shostakovich
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, 3 October
Marking the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich’s passing, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales presents his monumental Symphony No. 7 in C, the Leningrad. Conducted by Ryan Bancroft, this performance will be prefaced by the first violin concerto.

The Magnetic Fields
26 September to 6 October; tour starts Bristol
Celebrating the iconic status of their album 69 Love Songs, the Magnetic Fields will perform the entire album across three cities. Expect an eclectic mix of genres from country to synthpop, all wrapped in their signature sharp lyrical style.

Art

Howard Hodgkin
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, London, 1 October to 8 March
This exhibition is a thoughtful retrospective of the prints of Howard Hodgkin, a renowned abstractionist. It provides an intimate look at his works on paper, celebrating his legacy in a manner both rich and accessible.

Turner Prize 2025
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford, 27 September to 22 February
As part of the UK City of Culture, this year’s Turner Prize showcase features a diverse array of artists, including photographer Rene Matić and painter Mohammed Sami, sparking discussions around the relevance of contemporary art.

Marie Antoinette Style
V&A South Kensington, London, to 22 March
Exploring the legacy of Marie Antoinette, this exhibition juxtaposes her rococo fashion with modern pop culture. It invites viewers to ponder whether it honors her memory or trivializes her tragic narrative.

Yuki Kihara
Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, 3 October to 1 March
Kihara’s work challenges and deconstructs depictions of two prominent male icons through installations and video art. This engaging exhibition plays with historical narratives, blending the past with a contemporary queer perspective.

Stage

Stevie Martin
2 October to 6 December; tour starts Manchester
In her show Clout, Stevie Martin takes a humorous look at the intersection of online virality and live performance—an entertaining exploration of modern comedy’s demands in the digital age.

Bacchae
National Theatre: Olivier, London, to 1 November
Marking his debut, actor Nima Taleghani brings a fresh perspective to Euripides’s The Bacchae, blending spoken word, music, and dance in a vibrant retelling.

Syncopated
Liverpool Playhouse, to 4 October
This play takes audiences back to 1919, recounting the true story of an African American jazz band touring the UK. It’s a pulse-quickening production from the esteemed Talawa Theatre Company.

Dance Umbrella
Various venues, London, and online, 2 to 31 October
This contemporary dance festival presents an array of global artists, showcasing emerging talents alongside established performers. A digital pass also allows for virtual access to selected dance films.

Staying In: Streaming

How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge)
BBC One & iPlayer, 3 October, 9.30pm
Alan Partridge returns with a new series addressing the nation’s mental health crisis. Steve Coogan’s satire promises to deliver sharp humor while exploring this timely topic.

Chad Powers
Disney+, Tuesday
Glen Powell adopts a comedic approach in this new series, portraying a disgraced quarterback humorously attempting to reclaim his dreams in American football.

Taylor
Channel 4, 30 September, 9.15pm
An insightful documentary focused on pop superstar Taylor Swift, featuring commentary from cultural critics and industry insiders who unpack her transformative impact on music.

Blue Lights
BBC One & iPlayer, 29 September, 9pm
The acclaimed Northern Irish cop drama returns, immersing viewers in a high-stakes narrative that extends into new and perilous territory for its devoted characters.

Staying In: Games

Ghost of Yōtei
PlayStation 5; out 2 October
This sequel to the acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima transports players 300 years into the future, where they assume the role of a vengeful mercenary battling outlaws in a richly designed world.

Train Sim World 6
PC, PlayStation, Xbox; out 30 September
For those with a taste for the picturesque, this latest installment allows players to navigate some of the world’s most scenic railway routes, including the famed Riviera route.

Staying In: Albums

Mariah Carey – Here for It All
Out now
With her 16th album, Mariah Carey ensures she’s more than just a Christmas icon. Featuring hits like Type Dangerous and collaborations with artists like Kehlani, the album showcases her enduring talent.

Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
Out now
This burgeoning singer-songwriter elevates her career with her second album, featuring chart-topping singles and a sold-out arena tour on the horizon.

Geese – Getting Killed
Out now
Following frontman Cameron Winter’s successful solo album, this follow-up from the New York band intertwines jazz influences with energetic post-rock.

Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun
Out now
Larsson’s fifth album encapsulates sun-drenched exuberance, with a range of dance tracks showcasing her versatility as a pop star.

Staying In: Brain Food

States of Independence
Podcast
Music journalist Rob Fitzpatrick chronicles the story of independent music labels, starting with the groundbreaking Beggars Banquet—an exploration of punk’s evolution and influence.

Lost in Time
YouTube
Bringing history to life, this series creates captivating montages using remastered footage, delving into fascinating stories from the past.

Death in Dubai
BBC Sounds, out now
This compelling investigation by journalist Runako Celina probes the mysterious death of a young woman in Dubai, raising critical questions about the city’s societal elite and its values.