Must see: The Tempest
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
It’s one of the theatrical coups of the year: Sigourney Weaver, yes Ripley from Alien, is taking on one of the great Shakespearean roles on the London stage. She will star as Prospero in The Tempest, directed by possibly the world’s hottest theatre director Jamie Lloyd, fresh from turning Nicole Scherzinger into a Broadway star in Sunset Boulevard. Previews start on Saturday, so get booking now. From December 7 to February 1
Art fix: Looks delicious!
This is a totally crackers, yet utterly beguiling show in the basement of Japan House in Kensington. It explores the Japanese phenomenon of shokuhin sampuru, the amazingly realistic food replicas displayed outside restaurants across the country. Want to see a crab drinking a beer? Or a three-foot hamburger? Or just unbelievably realistic dishes from pasta to sushi, and find out what sparked the craze. A surprising joy. To February 16
Hot table: Row on 5
Jason Atherton is having a blinding year — his brasserie Sael has already shown a stellar return to form, while both Mary’s and Three Darlings are pulling in the crowds. But Row on 5 is his most serious restaurant yet. Its sister, Dubai’s Row on 45, has two Michelin stars and Atherton told the Standard earlier this year that he’s keen to do the same in London. Spencer Metzger, formerly of The Ritz, is head chef; expect fine-dining to rival anything else the city has to offer. Open now, rowon5london.com
Screen gems:
Black Doves, Netflix
According to its star Keira Knightley, “Black Doves is a very exciting spy thriller set at Christmas in London.” But I think we can do better thanthat. Knightley stars as a spy who’s shipping off the secrets of her politician husband. But when her lover — naughty Keira — is murdered, her life appears under threat. Cue Ben Whishaw, an only-slightly-hapless sort, who steps in to help. London’s underworld is explored, Christmas is celebrated. Available now
Nightbitch, Netflix
Crudely and rather literally named, this black comedy tells the story of a stay-at-home mother who, when dark falls, sometimes turns into a dog. The old werewolf story, but set in middle America. Adapted from Rachel Yoder’s debut novel, six-time Oscar nominee Amy Adams stars as the titular character, and seems to have an absolute blast doing so. A weird one, but definitely the film to see this week — anything else and you’d be barking up the wrong tree. Out December 6
The big read:
Over the Rainbow, Alex James
Who says you can’t relieve your youth? Just tell that to Blur, who reformed recently, made a corker of an album and then knocked out a world tour. Alex James, the band’s bassist, has written a book on the experience — by turns funny and frightening (when, at one point, the money runs out), his memoir zips along. James, remember, is a colourful character. His day job now is running his Cotswold farm. It’s rich stuff. Out now
Listen:
Rosie, Rose
Blackpink superstar Rosé goes it alone for the first time with this release, which, judging by debut single Apt (with Bruno Mars) and follow up Number One Girl, will showcase the breadth of exactly what the South Korean singer is capable of. Expect everything from pop punk to power ballads, synthpop to Nineties R&B, plenty of huge hooks, and a few confessions, too. Out December 6
Don’t miss:
Foxdog Studios: Robo Bingo (Yuletide edition), Moth Club
Who, lately, hasn’t been craving a seamless blend of bingo, festivity and tech? This show — a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe and on Channel 4 — promises alternative, somewhat absurdist comedy, only a smidgenof actual bingo, and a strange number of robots. It’s interactive, preposterous, chokka with games and very, very funny. December 6
Book now:
Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre
Ah, a tale of childhood poverty, kidnapping and murder — and all just in time for Christmas! Somehow, despite the darkness of its central premise, Oliver! remains an improbably heart-warming family favourite. Famed director and choreographer Matthew Bourne leads this revival of Lionel Bart’s beloved musical. It is certain to sell out. From December 14
