From Dolly Alderton’s new tome to new stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro, scroll on for our edit of the best cultural events happening this month.
The Culture Fix is an edit of our favourite new launches, TV releases coming out this month and pop-up events happening in London. It’s a space to inspire the month ahead, whether you’re on the hunt for new exhibitions or a new show to binge through. Read on to find out our October favourites.
The New Theatre Show: My Neighbour Totoro
There are plenty of brilliant theatre productions making their way onto the big stage this autumn, but our favourite has to be the stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s 1998 anime, My Neighbour Totoro.
Brought to life by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the film’s composer, Joe Hisaishi, the production follows the loveable coming-of-age story that brings to life the power of the imagination. Featuring brilliant puppetry and an orchestral version of the score, expect to follow the adventures of two young girls and the friendly spirits they encounter in the woods.
Performance Dates: 08.10.2022 – 21.01.2023
The Must-See Exhibition: War Games: Real Conflicts
From Sniper to Battlefield, there’s a constant release of war related games but why? Imperial War Museum London’s latest exhibition delves into the phenomenon and seeks to challenge perceptions of how video games interpret stories surrounding war and conflict.
In the UK’s first ever exhibition to explore what video games can really tell us about conflict, the exhibit will take a look at the most popular storytelling medium and see how these games reflect the actual life events from the First World War to present day.
The exhibit presents 12 titles including video games, a military training simulator and IWM’s collection of objects, delving into how each developer has portrayed the conflict and highlights the inspiration behind these stories.
Highly immersive and an invigorating delve into an often misunderstood subject, explore the exhibit through the first-person shooters and real-time strategy campaigns.
See here for more exhibitions landing this autumn.
30.09.2022 – 28.05.2023
The Film We’re Excited For: Emily
Literary lovers, you’ll want to bookmark this one. Starring Emma Mackey (Sex Education), Emily is a brand new film that charts the life and legacy of the British literary iconic: Emily Bronte.
Directed by Frances O’Connor in her directorial debut, the biopic will offer a deeper look into the author of Wuthering Heights, as well as focusing on her close-knit bond to her sisters, Charlotte and Anne; her first love; and her relationship with her brother.
Release Date: 14.10.2022
The Book Everyone’s Talking About: Dear Dolly: On Love, Life and Friendship – Dolly Alderton
Everyone’s favourite charismatic journalist is back with another book. This time, instead of a memoir or witty fiction, it brings together a collection of work from her Dear Dolly agony aunt column in The Sunday Times Style.
From the painful to the heartfelt, the hilarious to the strange, their questions tackle some of the most common issues a lot of us struggle with, go through and everything in between. Dolly replies with wisdom, charisma and charm, offering a safe space for the questions we’re all too afraid to ask.
Release Date: 27.10.2022
The Month-Long Celebration To Know: Black History Month
Black History Month is celebrated every October in the UK (and every February in the US) as a platform for Black people to celebrate their history, heritage and culture through different events and initiatives. The theme this year, which has been picked by Black History Month magazine is ‘Time for Change: Actions Not Words’, with a particular focus on the achievements and contributions that Black people make to the UK every day, not just during Black History Month.
There are some brilliant celebrations and events taking place throughout October (and beyond), from cinema screenings to festivals, exhibitions to Q&As.
Find out more at www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk
The New TV Series To Binge: Candy
If you’re more into your true crime TV than your podcasts, Candy is a brand new drama centred around true events. Starring Jessica Biel, it follows Candy Montgomery, a 1980 housewife and mother who did everything right, but the pressure of this conforming role took over and consequently leaves devastating results.
Release Date: 12.10.2022
AVAILABLE ON: DISNEY+
The New Podcast To Listen To: Cold Cases
Another podcast for the true crime aficionados to devour, Cold Cases is a brand new podcast that launched in September dissecting some of the most unusual, scary and haunting unsolved crimes.
A new episode is released every Monday, taking you on a journey to source for the truth behind some terrible cases, from serial killers and solved murders to disappearances and more.