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Jake Grewal’s exhibition: “Under The Same Sky,” Jake Grewal: Under The Same Sky.
When: January 15 – April 13
Where: Studio Voltaire, 1A Nelsons Row, London SW4 7JR, UK
More details at the link.
Jake Grewal’s first exhibition in London at Studio Voltaire will bring to the public brand new works by the artist, including an impressive 6-meter curved panoramic canvas. Inspired by time spent in India and at the renowned Porthmeor Studio in Cornwall, Grewal has expanded his distinctive approach to landscape painting. His work combines plein air traditions with deeply personal reflections. The reflection of Grewal’s experiences can be seen in the protagonists of his paintings – human (and not only) figures that blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature. His compositions literally glow from within, drawing the viewer into a colorful fictional world.
New Contemporary Art Exhibition, New Contemporaries
When: January 15 – March 23
Where: Institute of Contemporary Arts, The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH
More details at the link.
The ICA has hosted the New Contemporaries exhibition many times before, and it returns again in January 2025 to celebrate outstanding contemporary art. It will feature 35 young emerging artists from across the UK, carefully selected by curators Liz Johnson Arthur, Permindar Kaur and Amalia Pica. The exhibition will cover themes such as environmental cycles, sustainability, consumerism, borders and digital exclusion, inviting viewers to reflect on pressing issues for a new generation of artists and society at large. Guests will also be able to take advantage of guides, listen to panel discussions and participate in workshops organized by the Bridget Riley Artist Development Program.
Exhibition “Brazil! Brazil! Birth of Modernism”, Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism
When: January 28 – April 21
Where: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0B
More details at the link.
This January, the Royal Academy will present over 130 works by ten outstanding Brazilian artists spanning the period from the 1910s to the 1970s. Showcasing the rich diversity of Brazilian art, the exhibition will bring together paintings from rarely seen private and public collections, many of which will be shown in the UK for the first time. Among them: works by modernist pioneer Anita Malfatti, as well as influential masters such as Geraldo de Barros and Janira da Motta e Silva. Brasil! Brasil! is conceived as a broad survey of 70 years of Brazilian art, from the figure to abstraction.
Christina Kimeze’s exhibition, Christina Kimeze
When: January 31 – May 11, 2025
Where: South London Gallery, 65 Peckham Rd, London SE5 8UH
More details at the link.
London-based artist Christina Kimese’s first solo exhibition will open at South London Gallery (SLG) in January 2025. Her paintings often depict solitary female figures in natural landscapes or abstract interiors with an emphasis on isolated architectural elements. Inspired by her friends, family and herself, these figures explore a sense of existence between two emotional spaces and a sense of ‘otherness’. Drawing on personal memories of Uganda and the literary influence of twentieth-century black feminist writers, Kimese works with themes of memory and identity.
The exhibition “At Home: Alice Neel in the Queer World,” At Home: Alice Neel in the Queer World
When: January 30 – March 8
Where: Victoria Miro Gallery, 16 Wharf Road, London N1 7RW
More details at the link.
The exhibition At Home is celebrated American artist Alice Neel’s exploration of human awareness, focusing on portraits of queer individuals and self-identity in the broadest sense. Known for her radical honesty and pursuit of “truth,” Neel has captured a wide variety of people, including politicians, writers, artists, and activists. Viewers will see portraits of New York City Mayor Ed Koch, poet Frank O’Hara, beat poet Allen Ginsberg, performance artist Annie Sprinkle, and Andy Warhol. Through the canvases on view and related archival materials, At Home forms a complex portrait of LGBTQ+ life in Neal’s time and reflects her commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The play “Oedipus,” Oedipus.
When: January 21 – March 29
Where: Old Vic Theatre, Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8NB
Tickets – by clicking here.
The production – a new reading of Sophocles’ classic play about Oedipus – was already staged on the London theater stage last year – it was a resounding success, and the creators decided to please the audience with a second round. The main roles still belong to Oscar winner Rami Malek (“Mr. Robot”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”) and Olivier Award winner Indira Varma (“Luther”, “Game of Thrones”).
A little about the plot: the case of the murder of the old king Laius is closed, but, according to the oracle, the culprit must be found and punished. The subjects turn to their new ruler Oedipus to track down the murderer and help his people escape the evil doom. He vows to succeed at any cost, completely unaware that the murderer is actually himself.
Ballet Giselle, Giselle.
When: January 15 – January 18
Where: London Coliseum, St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4ES
Tickets – at the link.
Giselle, a young peasant girl, is in love with Albert, a duke who is hiding his title and engagement to another. When Giselle discovers that her lover has deceived her, she cannot stand it, goes mad and dies of a heart condition. Late at night, the Vilis-the vengeful spirits of betrayed brides who make men dance to death-gather at her grave and are ready to take Giselle into their ranks. Will she protect Albert from danger or will she want to punish the liar?
One of ballet’s most dramatic and compelling performances, choreographed by Mary Skeaping, will tell audiences a story of betrayal, eternal love and redemption.
Ballet Onegin, Onegin.
When: January 22 – June 12
Where: Royal Opera House, Bow St, WC2E 9DD
Tickets – by clicking here.
The English choreographer John Cranko became acquainted with Alexander Pushkin’s verse novel Eugene Onegin when he staged dances for Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s opera of the same name in 1952. In 1965 he created his own version of Pushkin’s work for the Stuttgart Ballet. And in this author’s production, Cranko’s genius as a narrative choreographer is on full display, with finely drawn characters, deep dramatic conflicts and incredible transformations of the characters. Cranko’s eclectic choreography incorporates a variety of dance forms, including folk, modern, ballroom and acrobatic. The audience will be able to enjoy the mystery taking place on stage to the arrangement by German composer Kurt-Heinz Stolze, created especially for Onegin – it includes not only Stolze’s original score, but also fragments of famous works by other recognized geniuses, such as Vivaldi’s The Seasons, little-known piano parts by Tchaikovsky, and more.
The opera “Aida”, Aida
When: January 28 – February 12
Where: Royal Opera House, Bow St, WC2E 9DD
Tickets – by clicking here.
Egypt is planning an attack on Ethiopia. Ambitious soldier Radames prepares to serve his country. But his secret love for Aida, an Ethiopian captive hiding her true identity, could have serious consequences for both of them. Aida and Radames’ secret may come out, forcing the protagonists to make a terrible choice between loyalty to their country and love.
Canadian opera director Robert Carsen’s production mesmerizes and brings Verdi’s sweeping political drama into the modern world, highlighting the themes of power struggles and the destructive nature of today’s totalitarian regimes. Daniel Oren conducts Verdi’s monumental score, with Anna Pirozzi singing the role of Aida, Riccardo Massi as Radames, Ekaterina Semenchuk as Amneris, and Amartuvshin Enkhbatin as Amonasro.
The play Elektra, Elektra.
When: January 21 – April 12
Where: Duke of York’s Theatre, St Martin’s Ln, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4BG
Tickets – via link.
Ancient Greek works are definitely in esteem in London theaters in 2025. At the same time as Oedipus (at the Old Vic Theatre), a new adaptation of Sophocles’ Elektra by Canadian poet Anne Carson, directed by American theater director Daniel Fish, will begin at the Duke of York’s in January. The role of the main character went to Hollywood star Brie Larson. Participation in such a large-scale project was an interesting new challenge for Larson. Together with her on stage the audience will see other famous actors of theater and film – Stokard Channing, Greg Hicks, Patrick Weil and Mariem Diouf.
Firebird, Firebird.
When: January 9 – February 9
Where: King’s Head Theatre, 115 Upper st, London N11qn
Tickets – by clicking here.
Firebird, based on true events of the Cold War, is about a handsome young soldier who strikes up a secret romance with a charismatic fighter pilot at a Soviet-occupied air force base in Estonia. The action takes place at the height of communist rule in the 1970s. The story is being brought to the stage for the first time since Peter Rebane’s acclaimed Firebird (2021), which premiered at the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival. The cast includes Robert Eades, Nigel Hastings, Sorcha Kennedy and Theo Walker.
Bankside Twelfth Night Celebrations, Bankside Twelfth Night Celebrations
When: January 5
Where: start – outside Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
More details at the link.
January in London is not only rich in theater premieres and exhibitions. This Sunday, for example, there will be a big celebration of Twelfth Night. The procession, which will be led by the famous theater company Lions Part, will start from the Bankside promenade near Shakespeare’s Globe and will be dedicated to the pagan tradition – to celebrate the middle of winter. In the ranks of the colorful parade-performance, you’ll be able to see the Green Man, a dramatization of the folk war game of St. George – a tradition that dates back to the time of the Crusades, listen to atmospheric stories performed by Lions Part actors and more.
Have time to visit the ice rink at Somerset House
Before we know it, Christmas has passed and the New Year has arrived. Winter is in full swing, and ice rinks are still open in the British capital. And if you have suddenly committed a crime and have not yet managed to do a couple of tricks on the ice, we advise you to urgently correct yourself and visit one of the capital’s ice spaces. For example, the skating rink in Somerset House – it is open until January 12, and the rink in Canary Wharf will welcome guests until February 23.
