Culture Kit: What to See

Give your spring and summer a cultural kick one stage, the screen and in nature. By Ruby Featherstone

On the Stage

Dear Evan Hansen at the Noel Coward Theatre, London

This tearjerker is a smash-hit on Broadway and has now made it onto the big screen. The plot follows an isolated high schooler who finds himself in the middle of a whirlwind of lies and internet fame as he finally creates his chance to fit in. With music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, this musical is both uplifting and heart-breaking as the audience soaks up a young man’s struggle with mental health and social anxiety. dearevanhansen.com

To Kill a Mockingbird at the Gielgud Theatre

Aaron Sorkin has adapted Harper Lee’s iconic novel into a wonderful play which comes to the West End from 31 March. The story of Scout and Atticus Finch, played by Rafe Spall, is a vital part of our literary experience – don’t miss the chance to see it come to life on stage this spring. tokillamockingbird.co.uk 

Romesh Ranganathan’s The Cynic Tapes

Join comedian Romesh Ranganathan on his British tour as he spreads his hilarious cynicism across the country. The Crawley-born comedian has made a name for himself through the Edinburgh Fringe and now features on shows like The Last Leg, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice. romeshranganathan.co.uk

On the Big Screen

Uncharted

After Tom Holland’s huge success in the latest Spider-Man movie, Uncharted is an escape into yet another world of action and exploration. Starring the 25-year-old as Nathan Drake, alongside Mark Wahlberg as Victor Sullivan, the film follows the pair in dangerous pursuit of ‘the greatest treasure never found’ while they also track clues that may lead to Drake’s long-lost brother. 18 Feb

Top Gun: Maverick 

Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, Tom Cruise, is making a comeback 36 years after the release of the original film in 1986. Facing an uncertain future while confronting the ghosts of his past, Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it. 27 May

Where the Crawdads Sing

Adapted from the bestselling book which took the world by storm during the early months of the pandemic, this love-letter to the natural world is coming to the big screen. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, the story follows the life of the ‘marsh girl’ as she navigates a world as an outcast and now murder suspect after living much of her life alone. 22 July

British Beauty Spots for the Holidays

Lavender Fields in Norfolk

Take a tour of Norfolk Lavender’s stunning lavender fields and feel the calming effects of the violet plant wash over you. You can visit the lavender oil distillery in the summer months and fill your shopping bag with countless delightful flowery products, from hand creams to homeware. norfolk-lavender.co.uk

Theddlethorpe Dunes, Lincolnshire

If you’ve read Where the Crawdads Sing, escape your regular life by making your way to England’s version of Kya’s salt marshes at the wild, grassy sand dunes of Theddlethorpe Dunes in North Lincolnshire. The designated nature reserve is the ideal escape from reality on a half term staycation. linctrust.org.uk

Castle Drogo, Devon

Make your way down to Dartmoor and take a long walk around the stunning Teign gorge beneath Castle Drogo. With options for different lengths of walk, this location is perfect for all ages of family, with the Fingle Bridge Inn at the centre of the gorge perfect for a refreshing drink or warming hot chocolate after exploring the castle and the striking landscape’s heights and depths. nationaltrust.org.uk

READ MORE FROM SPRING SUMMER 2022

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