From Enid Blyton’s treasured fantasy adventure to arena-filling Australian rock acts, this week’s events listing offers an option for all tastes. The Magic Faraway Tree brings the classic children’s novel to the big screen with a star-studded cast featuring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy, whilst 5 Seconds of Summer launch a UK tour that kicks off in Glasgow on 30 March ahead of visiting major cities such as Birmingham and London. Whether you’re after film entertainment, concerts, theatre, or cultural pursuits, our comprehensive guide showcases the unmissable events taking place throughout the week ahead. Read on to discover what’s deserving of your attention this week.
Cinema Releases That Deserve Your Attention
This week’s cinematic offerings span a delightful range of genres, from accessible fantasy films to challenging horror and thought-provoking documentary. The Magic Faraway Tree shines as a engaging rendition of Enid Blyton’s beloved story, capturing the classic tale with impressive casting and countryside cinematography. Meanwhile, Those Will Kill You presents a darkly satirical take on wealth inequality through a horror framework, whilst Splitsville offers a refreshingly unconventional comedy exploring modern relationship dynamics. For those seeking intellectual stimulation, Raoul Peck’s Orwell documentary offers contemporary analysis of how the writer’s prophetic observations stay troublingly pertinent today.
The variety on offer this week ensures that no matter what films appeal to you, there’s something to satisfy it. Whether you’re looking for wholesome entertainment suitable for the whole family, adrenaline-pumping scares, cheeky humour or serious documentary filmmaking, cinemas are well-supplied. These releases represent various strands of modern filmmaking, from major studio releases to independent films. The calibre of acting across these films—particularly Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy’s contributions to The Magic Faraway Tree—elevates the week’s selection beyond standard fare, making it an excellent time to visit your local picture house.
- The Magic Faraway Tree: Enid Blyton adaptation featuring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy
- They Will Kill You: Dark comedy horror exploring wealth and supernatural apartment inhabitants
- Splitsville: Offbeat comedy series exploring consensual non-monogamy and contemporary romance
- Orwell: 2+2 = 5: Documentary on George Orwell’s lasting political relevance
Live Music and Performance Events
Large-scale Tours and Major Concerts
Australian boyband 5 Seconds of Summer are bringing their arena tour to the UK this week, with dates in Glasgow, Birmingham and London running between 30 March to 5 April. The four-member group have evolved considerably since their initial period of One Direction-influenced pop-rock, venturing into darker dance experiments across their six studio albums. These performances are set to distil their extensive catalogue into an energetic 90-minute spectacle, offering fans a comprehensive journey through their career trajectory and musical highlights.
For those with an appreciation of punk rock mayhem, the Manchester Punk Festival taking place 3 to 5 April delivers an unmissable opportunity to explore the genre’s raw energy. With over 140 bands performing across multiple venues throughout the city, the festival appeals to every shade of punk enthusiasm imaginable. Headliners include the uncompromising hardcore noise merchants Fucked Up and San Francisco’s Dead to Me, ensuring that the festival lineup mixes established acts with rising talent across the punk spectrum.
Classical and Specialist Music
The Barbican Hall in the capital hosts The Bad Plus on 30 March, celebrating the underrated American Quartet led by pianist Keith Jarrett during the 1970s. Whilst Jarrett’s Standards Trio have achieved legendary status amongst jazz enthusiasts, this ensemble deserves equal recognition for their groundbreaking additions to the genre. Saxophonist Chris Potter and pianist Craig Taborn have come together to honour that group’s memorable music, providing listeners with a rare opportunity to experience this important chapter of jazz history performed by musicians who grasp its significance intimately.
This classical and specialist music offering offers a elegant contrast to the week’s mainstream entertainment options, attracting knowledgeable music aficionados pursuing artistic depth and historical resonance. The Barbican’s intimate environment offers the perfect venue for enjoying the subtle interaction between Potter and Taborn as they navigate the group’s complex pieces. For jazz enthusiasts and those interested in discovering beyond conventional popular music, this performance constitutes a genuine highlight of the weekly entertainment calendar.
- 5 Seconds of Summer: Australian boyband arena tour across UK cities during the week
- Manchester Punk Festival: 140 bands across seven venues showcasing punk rock heritage
- The Bad Plus: Barbican Hall homage to Keith Jarrett’s influential 1970s American jazz ensemble
Stage Productions and Dance
The week’s stage productions offer a wide variety of entertainment options for London audiences, from smaller West End shows to innovative works in alternative theatres. Dance lovers will discover equally captivating opportunities, with contemporary choreography expanding artistic horizons paired with classical ballet performances. Whether you’re seeking intellectually stimulating performances, grand musical productions, or experimental physical theatre, this week’s stage schedule offers something to engage every artistic inclination. The capital’s theatrical spaces continue to showcase both established talent and up-and-coming performers, ensuring that the city’s arts scene continues thriving with variety for audiences seeking theatrical performances.
| Production | Details |
|---|---|
| West End Musicals | Long-running shows continue performances across major London theatres throughout the week |
| Contemporary Dance | Innovative choreography presented at Sadler’s Wells and other specialist dance venues |
| Drama Productions | New plays and classic revivals running at various London theatres and smaller studio spaces |
| Ballet Performances | Classical and neo-classical ballet offerings at the Royal Opera House and regional venues |
- West End musicals provide escapist entertainment for theatre enthusiasts looking for impressive staging and design
- Contemporary dance pushes creative limits through innovative choreography and avant-garde physical expression
- Classic drama revivals provide audiences with enduring narratives staged by talented theatre companies
Art Exhibitions Across the UK
The nation’s galleries are packed with compelling exhibitions this week, providing art enthusiasts a wealth of cultural experiences to experience. From modern artworks reshaping perceptions of modern life to retrospectives celebrating established masters, Britain’s museums and galleries present the breadth of artistic achievement. Whether you’re drawn to innovative contemporary pieces or traditional artwork, the week ahead delivers numerous opportunities to engage with visual culture at venues ranging from London’s prestigious institutions to galleries beyond London. These exhibitions deliver thought-provoking perspectives on everything from contemporary concerns to artistic technique, ensuring there’s something to captivate and engage every visitor.
Major exhibitions this week span varied artistic styles and mediums, with curators showcasing deliberately selected selections that inspire novel understandings of familiar themes and adventurous investigations of new territories. Photography, sculpture, painting, and multimedia works all feature prominently across the British gallery scene, reflecting the vibrant diversity of contemporary and historical artistic practice. Many venues maintain extended access and evening activities to suit different timetables, whilst learning initiatives and guided tours deliver richer understanding into the artworks presented. This week represents an excellent opportunity to encounter new artists, reconnect with favourite works, or meet wholly novel artistic perspectives that might provoke and enhance your understanding of artistic expression.
- Contemporary art installations exploring social commentary and modern identity across major galleries
- Career retrospectives honouring established artists’ professional development and creative progression over decades
- Photographic and multimedia displays investigating scenic work, portrait studies, and abstract concepts
- Longer operating times and curator-led visits on offer at museums and galleries taking part across the country
Streaming, Gaming and Audio Entertainment
TV Premieres
This week’s streaming services offer compelling viewing for those wanting to remain at home. Multiple upcoming series are premiering across leading platforms, providing new stories that span genres from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies. Whether you’re seeking character-driven storytelling or plot-driven entertainment, the week ahead provides multiple selections to match different moods and preferences. Numerous services are launching complete seasons at the same time, allowing viewers to binge at their own pace, whilst others are releasing episodes week by week to maintain sustained engagement and debate amongst audiences.
Original creations remain dominant across streaming schedules, with substantial budgets and celebrated production talent behind many releases. International material is growing in visibility, introducing diverse perspectives and storytelling traditions to British viewers. Documentary series examining contemporary issues sit alongside fictional narratives addressing complex themes, ensuring there’s substantive value alongside pure entertainment value. These releases reflect significant investments in quality production, with technical craft, performances and writing often matching theatrical releases in ambition and execution.
Fresh Music Releases
The coming week brings innovative musical content across multiple genres, from well-known musicians releasing expected releases to up-and-coming artists making their first release. Streaming services are promoting hand-picked collections featuring the most important new music, making discovery straightforward for audiences looking for fresh material. Whether you favour pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic or alternative music, there’s plenty of fresh content to discover. Artists are using innovative distribution approaches, with some offering exclusive content to specific platforms or putting out physical copies alongside streaming editions, catering to different listening habits.
Music journalists and critics are currently discussing the week’s standout releases, with reviews guiding audiences through the significant quantity of new material. Podcasts focused on musical analysis offer deeper analysis of notable works, investigating the artist’s vision and broader cultural relevance. Playlists on streaming platforms compile themed compilations, exposing audiences to songs they might overlook. Social media campaigns tied to launches foster audience participation, with fans posting responses and endorsements, encouraging discussion around new music on social channels.
Video Games and Audio Shows
Gaming titles this week cover multiple platforms, delivering everything from indie titles with original mechanics to major franchise instalments. Podcasts keep growing as audio entertainment, with new episodes exploring entertainment news, cultural analysis, comedy and investigative journalism. Whether you’re interested in multiplayer competition, story-focused games or casual mobile entertainment, there’s extensive content to explore. Podcast networks are growing their libraries with different viewpoints and perspectives, ensuring listeners can find shows that genuinely appeals to their interests and intellectual curiosity.
- New independent games delivering innovative gameplay mechanics and distinctive artistic styles
- Podcast episodes showcasing conversations featuring entertainment industry figures and cultural critics
- Blockbuster franchise gaming releases available across console, PC and mobile platforms
