Arts Ahead 24-30 June

By Zoe Craig Last edited 189 months ago
Arts Ahead 24-30 June
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Sure Wimbledon's started, but what if you couldn't give two hoots about tennis? Here's our round-up of what you should be getting excited about among London's cornucopia of current cultural offerings.

Who needs tennis? What you really need is some swashbuckling flamenco swordfighting action with a Gipsy Kings soundtrack, right? Well, thank goodness for Zorro: The Musical, previewing from Monday at the Garrick. We can't help thinking it'll feel a little flat without a certain Mr Banderas wielding his, ahem, sword. Let's hope it outstays Gone With The Wind's 79 shows.

Also opening this Monday at the fantastic National Theatre is The Year of Magical Thinking, with the equally amazing Vanessa Redgrave. A solo show based on Joan Didion's memoirs following the death of her husband, this is a must-see for theatre fans. If you get a wriggle on, you might even be able to snatch up some tickets for the Platforms event to see the Grande Dame chatting alongside bro Corin. A proper luvvie fest.

Never been to the Courtauld? It's billed as one of the finest small museums in the world. So while the rest of the population are queuing for a tiny £2.25 helping of strawberries, get yourself to The Strand, for a great exhibition of Cezannes from Thursday; if the bright whites and green turf of Wimbledon are too much for you, Vilhelm Hammershøi's tranquil, grey masterpieces are at the RA from Saturday.

The Smallest Cinema in the World opened last Saturday, and will be popping up at various places in Regent's Park until 28 September (Thursday to Sunday). It's screening films made in the park by Swedish artist Annika Eriksson. Pop in to see the lesser-known, spontaneous activities that happen in the park and pay homage to public spaces that are free for everyone.

Last Chance!

Jane Horrocks and her gang are nearing the end of The Good Soul of Szechuan. It closes at the Young Vic on Saturday. And the Six Wives of Timothy Leary finish their attachment to the counter-culture revolutionary at the Riverside Studios on Thursday.

Tip of the Week

The City of London Festival's continues ploughing through its extraordinarily varied month-long programme. We recommend you try and catch our particular favourite highlight, Da Motus. Four crazy yellow-suited Swiss chaps performing their silent geometric ballet and art fusion at Moorgate on Thursday or Friday or at Canary Wharf on Saturday. Why not?

Image shows Inez (Lesli Margherita) dancing. Credit: Alastair Muir

Last Updated 24 June 2008