Summer is here, and with it a slew of new exhibitions, restaurants and festivals, and films and TV shows for when the British weather does its worst. See our guide to this month’s best cultural happenings here.
Dine at the second restaurant from Michelin-starred Lyle’s
Lyle’s has become known for its mouthwateringly good British food, made with the high-quality ingredients sourced from across the country, securing a place among The World’s Best 50 Restaurants. On 11 June, the Michelin-starred duo behind Lyle’s – James Lowe and John Ogier – will open their second restaurant in Borough, with baking as a focus. More relaxed than its elder, Flor will be a go-to destination for quick sandwiches and delicious pastries and bread, as well as for dinner and a glass of wine.
Join the Pride London processions
On 28th June 1969, the Stonewall Uprising started a series of events which kicked off the modern Pride movement. Fifty years on, a lot has been achieved that deserves celebrating, which is why the 2019 Pride procession is expected to be bigger and sparklier than ever before. The parade begins at Portland Place at 12pm, moving down Oxford Circus, along Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Pall Mall and then passing Trafalgar Square before finishing on Whitehall. One million people marched last year – make sure you’re among them on Saturday 6 July.
Explore the work of Cindy Sherman
Cindy Sherman’s unsettling, distinctive work is the subject of its first UK retrospective at the National Portrait Gallery. Known for dressing up as fictitious characters recorded on camera, Sherman’s work feels all the most resonant in a world where selfies and social media is so ubiquitous. The exhibition will feature 180 works, including her seminal series Untitled Film Stills, shot from 1977-1980 in New York, which cemented her style and reputation.
Head to the cinema for the live-action The Lion King
Few could say they weren’t curious about Disney’s new live-action version of The Lion King, which stars Beyoncé as Nala and Donald Glover as Simba. Already, via an intriguing teaser, we’ve heard the duo bring angelic vocals to Can You Feel The Love Tonight?, and watched the trailer, which features the voice of James Earl Jones, who originally played Mufasa in the 1994 classic. Our expectations are high, and with such a high-level cast, we’re unlikely to be disappointed. The Lion King will be released in UK cinemas on 18 July.
Watch Celine Dion headline BST Hyde Park
BST Hyde Park always attracts huge acts, and it doesn’t get much bigger than Celine Dion, who will doubtlessly put on the show of her life when she takes to the stage on Friday 5 July. Barbara Streisand will take the limelight on Sunday 7 July, making this a stellar weekend for musical divas. Alternatively, if old-school musical glamour isn’t your thing, Florence Welch will headline the festival’s 13 July line-up.
See Fleabag’s hot priest return to the stage
Andrew Scott – also known as the widely-discussed ‘hot priest’ in Fleabag – returns to the stage for Present Laughter at the Old Vic. Theatre buffs will remember the actor’s critically-acclaimed turn as Hamlet in 2017, and his latest performance is expected to attract equal praise. Scott stars as the lead in Noёl Coward’s semi-autobiographical play, a compelling and entertaining reflection on fame, desire and loneliness.
Binge-watch the final series of Orange Is The New Black
The ladies of Litchfield are back for the final series of Orange Is The New Black, the ground-breaking Netflix show that was among the streaming platform’s original hits. We pick up where series six left off, when Taystee was sent to prison for a murder she didn’t commit, Blanca was sent to a detention centre and Piper was given an early release. The final season will explore contentious and pertinent immigration issues, as well as following Piper as she navigates post-prison life, having recently married her girlfriend Alex.
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