Exhibition
An exhibition of painter Michael Alford’s latest work opened at Wimbledon Fine Art this week, featuring a number of enticing landscapes of Wimbledon itself. Beware, though, as you may be under observation: Alford has also included a series of paintings of visitors inside art galleries, in the act of looking at works of art. One is titled “Talking of Michaelangelo”, a reference to a TS Eliot poem that suggested art-lovers can be an aloof bunch.
Theatre
At the New Wimbledon Theatre, tonight is the opening night of the much-anticipated revival of Rufus Norris’s dazzling production of Cabaret. Two big names from the world of pop and reality TV have star billing: singer Will Young reprises his role as Emcee, while Louise Redknapp (runner up on Strictly 2016) is cast against type in the role of the outrageous Sally Bowles made famous by Liza Minelli. It will be interesting to see how far Louise casts off her wholesome stage persona as she gets into the part.
Norris’s production has already had two hit West End runs, and its showstopping choreography and brilliant costumes have won a clutch of awards. Money Makes The World Go Round, Two Ladies, Maybe This Time, and the song Cabaret itself, are some of the most iconic numbers in musical theatre.
Until September 30, matinees Wednesday and Saturday.
Music
The weirdly wonderful Soundspace, a monthly gathering to listen to experimental and improvised music, takes place at Merton Arts Space in Wimbledon library on Saturday. This session features three acts: prof_lofi (aka Bill Thompson) on Moog guitar & electronics; Charlotte Keeffe (trumpet & flugelhorn) and Joe Smith Sands (guitar); and Phil Durrant (modular synth) and Mark Sanders (drums & percussion)
Art
A reminder: Saturday and Sunday are the second and final weekend of Merton Arts Festival 2017, where local artists throw open the doors of their studios to visitors. Download the Arts Trail to find the artistic gems free to see on your doorstep.
About The Author
Jenny Booth
Jenny was a news journalist for The Times. An ex-teacher, mum, gardener and art lover, there’s nothing she doesn’t know about the local culture scene…