Going out
Your heads-up on spring’s must-see shows and events around the UK
Exhibitions
ICONS OF BRITISH FASHION
This spring, Blenheim Palace celebrates fashion from past to present, with clothing, accessories, archival materials, drawings, photos and patterns from designers including Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood. 23 March to 30 June; blenheim palace.com
ENTANGLED PASTS
This new exhibition at London’s Royal Academy brings together over 100 major works to explore the role art plays in shaping narratives of empire, enslavement, resistance, abolition and colonialism. Until 28 April; royalacademy.org.uk
Dance
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s magical rendition of this fairy-tale classic is dancing its way across the UK this spring. With Tchaikovsky’s glorious music played live by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, it’s not to be missed. Until 27 April; brb.org.uk
Theatre
THE KITE RUNNER
Touring the UK and Ireland, this theatrical adaptation of the bestselling novel by Khaled Hosseini tells the story of two friends in Afghanistan, and the incident that will shatter their lives forever. 8 March to 6 July; thekiterunnerplay.com
THE GLASS MENAGERIE
Tennessee Williams’ 1944 play about a family grappling with love and loyalty returns to the stage. See it at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre; Rose Theatre, Kingston; Old Vic Bristol; and Alexandra Palace Theatre, London. 16 March to 1 June; visit the theatres’ websites for details.
Music
PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA
The second half of the Philharmonia’s season as resident orchestra at London’s Southbank Centre is now in full swing, with more than 80 musicians joining featured artists, rising stars and top soloists in the Royal Festival Hall. Music lovers can enjoy an extensive programme led by principal conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali. Until 6 June; philharmonia.co.uk
Comedy
CATHERINE BOHART: AGAIN, WITH FEELINGS
Book yourself a night of laughter with comedian Catherine Bohart, star of Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week. Riffing on love, relationships and more, life – frankly – isn’t living up to her expectations. Insightful, with pitch-perfect gags, she’ll be touring the UK and Ireland until 10 October; catherinebohart.com
Festivals
NORFOLK & NORWICH FESTIVAL
This May, Norwich and its surrounding area’s public spaces, city streets, performance venues, parks, forests and beaches will transform into buzzing hives of cul
