London's arts scene has a time-travelling theme this week. See the best of November's openings and closings, and you'll traverse time from the earliest myths to the most modern art, plus a final trip to Manchester's contemporary pop scene before it leaves London altogether.
Think Impressionism was all about the French? Think again. Sisley in England and Wales opens today at the National. It's a rare chance to see rugged British landscapes rendered all soft and impressionisty. From tomorrow, explore the greatest story ever told about a building as Babylon: Myth and Reality opens at the British Museum. Critics are already raving about the BM's latest blockbuster; see for yourself from Thursday.
Another exciting blockbuster, Darwin opens on Friday, at the Natural History Museum. Look at Darwin's original manuscripts, understand the impact of the bearded one's radical ideas, and check out his specimens from live iguanas to horned frogs at this funky interactive exhibition. It's on til March if you want to avoid the first-week crowds.
Theatre travels from the sublime to the ridiculous, as one should expect. The odd-sounding Chav Scum Kills God descends into hell at the Courtyard Theatre from today; at the same time as the RSC's Tragedy of Thomas Hobbes brings revolution to London's stunning Wilton's Music Hall.
Take your kiddie-winks along to Michael Rosen's ace-sounding Pinocchio at the Polka Theatre from Friday. And Doctor Who heads into theatre as Noises Off opens at the New Wimbledon from Monday.
Last Chance To See
Never Forget! finishes its run at the Savoy on Saturday, and heads off on tour round the country. Say what you like about musicals based on a bad Take That tribute band, we bloody loved this, and so did many others. Go for the sparkling, witty choreography. That, and remarkable rain special effects.
Saturday is also your last chance to see Julian Opie's stuff at The Lisson Gallery. If you can't make it, we recommend taking a look around their lovely website anyway.
Finally, Flamenco Flamen'ka flounces out of the Lyric this weekend. Missed it? We heard it wasn't that good anyway.
Gorgeous image: Alfred Sisley (1839-1899) The Cliff at Penarth, Evening, Low Tide, 1897. © Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales. Acquired with the assistance of The Art Fund and the Gibbs Family Trust, 1993 (NMW A2695)
