This week offers a packed schedule of major entertainment releases and events across the UK, from a long-awaited return to a post-apocalyptic Britain to the comeback of a genre-defining rapper. Whether you're planning a night out at the cinema, a gig, or a cosy evening in with a new series, our guide has the essential details.
Cinema and Streaming Highlights
The cinematic landscape is dominated by a significant sequel. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple arrives in cinemas now, offering a starkly different vision of the UK's zombie aftermath first imagined in 2002's '28 Days Later'. Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, this instalment depicts a fractured land where violent tribes battle for dwindling resources.
For streaming audiences, a new chapter in the 'Game of Thrones' universe begins. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres on Sky Atlantic and Now on 19 January. This prequel, set a century before the original series, follows the adventures of a wandering hedge knight and his young squire, based on George R.R. Martin's 'Dunk and Egg' novellas.
Other notable releases include the Japan-set drama Rental Family, starring Brendan Fraser, and the powerful, Gaza-based documentary The Voice of Hind Rajab, which uses real audio to tell a harrowing true story.
Major Music and Album Releases
In music, the week sees the return of a hip-hop icon. A$AP Rocky releases his first album in eight years, Don't Be Dumb, on 21 January. The blockbuster project features artwork by Tim Burton, a video with Winona Ryder, and production from a star-studded list including Pharrell and Danny Elfman.
US pop-rock stalwarts All Time Low kick off a UK arena tour in Glasgow on 20 January, celebrating their latest album 'Everyone's Talking!'. Meanwhile, on the album front, Madison Beer releases her third record 'Locket', and British post-punk duo Sleaford Mods put out their new album 'The Demise of Planet X'.
Unmissable Gigs, Art, and Stage Events
For gig-goers, acclaimed Indian-American jazz pianist Vijay Iyer performs solo at London's Cafe Oto on 17 & 18 January. In Glasgow, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra presents a performance of Henryk Górecki's hauntingly beautiful Symphony of Sorrowful Songs on 20 January, featuring soprano Francesca Chiejina.
Art exhibitions offer profound cultural insights. Hawai'i at the British Museum in London, running until 25 May, showcases incredible Hawaiian artefacts and tells the story of the kingdom's encounter with the British Empire. In Margate, Tracey Emin curates Crossing into Darkness at Carl Freedman Gallery, a melancholic collection featuring works by Goya, Munch, and others.
On stage, The Royal Court Theatre in London opens its 70th-anniversary season with Luke Norris's intimate family drama Guess How Much I Love You?, starring Rosie Sheehy and Robert Aramayo. Meanwhile, The Royal Ballet revives Wayne McGregor's acclaimed Woolf Works at the Royal Opera House from 17 January, a ballet inspired by the writings of Virginia Woolf.
From the visceral terror of '28 Years Later' to the artistic innovation on display in galleries and theatres nationwide, this week provides a rich tapestry of cultural experiences for every taste.
