8 Things To Do, See & Watch This December
We’re rounding out the end of 2023 with a bang, providing you with the very best ways to get your culture fix. Whether you’re after the new comedy crime Springleaf podcast to listen to, looking to get your tennis fix or fancy watching Hugh Grant dancing as an Oompah Loompah in Wonka, we’ve got you covered with our December Culture Fix. Read on to get inspired.
The Hotspot To Visit: The Barbican
If you want to lean into the festive spirit this month, add The Barbican to your list. Throughout December, the London hub offers plenty of Christmas cheer in the form of things to do and treats to savour.
From the return of Raymond Gubbay’s Christmas Festival featuring a Love Actually viewing accompanied by a live orchestra to the highly-anticipated stage production of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro, there’s no shortage of cultural events in the packed lineup.
Put your feet up after the show at Barbican Brasserie and Barbican Kitchen, with a glass of mulled wine and Baileys hot chocolate and a turkey, bacon and stuffing sandwich in front of you. Alternatively, if you fancy something a little fancier, make your way to the Martini Bar for a slew of winter cocktails.
for more info visit www.barbican.org.uk
The Film We’re Excited For: Wonka
One of the most talked about films of 2023 finally lands in cinemas this month, with Timothée Chalamet starring as Roald Dahl’s renowned character, Willy Wonka.
Titled Wonka, the film is a prequel, giving us an insight into who Willy Wonka was before he opened the thrilling chocolate factory. Directed by Paul King (Paddington), we’ll follow Wonka on his journey of self-discovery, from a curious man travelling the world to the chocolate maestro we know and love.
Starring alongside Chalamet will be Hugh Grant as the Oompa-Loompas, as well as Olivia Colman, Matt Lucas, Sally Hawkins and Rowan Atkinson.
Out in cinemas 08.12.2023
The Event You Need To Book: UTS London
Grand Final call! If you can’t wait until Wimbledon, discover 2023’s final London tennis tournament this December. UTS London (Ultimate Tennis Showdown) is the world’s newest professional tennis league, bringing you all of the intense action and courtside entertainment – so the perfect Christmas party or present – and at a very giftable price.
Following a powerful 2023 season, UTS will be taking over the ExCeL London from 15th until 17th December for the Grand Final. Book in with the tournament’s Official Hospitality Partner, Keith Prowse (who you may know for their official VIP Wimbledon and Queens experience) for epic VIP packages and your chance to see who will take the crown of this year’s UTS League from the very best seats in the house.
Confirmed to be part of the tournament – many of whom are currently within the ATP top ten – are Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Gael Monfils, Andrey Rublev, Diego Schwartzman, Benoit Paire, Alexander Bublik and London’s very own, Jack Draper.
Runs 15.12.2023 – 17.12.2023
The New Theatre Show To See: Hansel and Gretel
If you’re looking for a timeless classic to see on the big stage this winter, look to Shakespeare Globe’s epic retelling of The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, penned by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.
Taking over the Globe Theatre, fall in love with the story of two siblings, Hansel and Gretel, as they have to fend for themselves in the woods. It’s not long before they get side-tracked following a trial of streets too good to be true (or resist).
Running 08.12.2023 – 07.04.2024
The Book Everyone’s Talking About: Pretty Boys Are Poisonous – Megan Fox
We can’t say we were expecting this one, but we’re sure glad it’s surfaced. Actress Megan Fox, known for her roles in Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Jennifer’s Body, has penned a humorous and heartbreaking journey through poetry.
Titled Pretty Boys Are Poisonous: A Collection of F**ked Up Fairy Tales, we see Fox span over 80 poems, charting how we shape ourselves for the ones we love. It’s a striking debut that’ll have you clutching at the pages from the first poem.
out now
The New Podcast To Listen To: Springleaf
Stand-up comic James Acaster is up to old tricks again, this time with a brand new podcast centred around this alter-ego, Pat Springleaf.
This draft new comedy true(ish)-crime podcast is centred around an undercover cop whose natural art for deception is both his biggest gift and weakness. He’s an ex-con man turned converted cop with the biggest case of his career, and the podcast follows Pat trying to uncover it with rather stagnated success.
The Must-See Exhibition: Christo & Jeanne-Claude: Boundless
Party of Saatchi’s Winter Season of Sculpture, Christo and Jeanne-Cluade: Boundless takes a look at the career and achievements accomplished by the artistic collaborators and life partners.
It’s a chance for art lovers to come together, exploring the couple’s seminal projects, from their early collabs through to their most renowned masterpieces. Expect to uncover everything from Wrapped Coast in Australia (1968/69), Surrounded Islands (1983) and The Floating Piers (2016).
Running until 22.01.2024
The Series To Binge: Slow Horses Season 3
The high-anticipated season three of AppleTV+’s thriller Slow Horses has finally landed on screens, and let’s just say, we’re super excited.
One of the most engrossing shows on streaming right now, Slow Horses stars Gary Oldman as a spy for MI5. Heading up the Slough House office, the space where recruits who haven’t managed to become full-fledged agents are given a second chance. He’s bored and miserable until the group of ‘Slow Horses’ are tasked with a few investigations that actually seem worthwhile. Series three will see the group in trouble, with the stakes even higher.
Airing Weekly On AppleTV+
