Musical and Arty London

There's always something to see and do in London. Frequently there are new shows and exhibitions to view, keeping people at the centre of an ever growing art culture. In the last week I was lucky enough to view two big shows and exhibitions that are open for a limited amount of time. I have attached links to each website on the images.

Painting the Modern Garden - The Royal Academy

Impressionism has always been an art  have been interested in with the bold use of colour an technique that drastically changed the art scene. This exhibition provides an incredible range of works that has proven to be a hugely popular spectacle that has to be seen to be believed. For me the highlight of the show was the collection of Monet's water lilies featured in the showcase, especially with the reunited finale canvases that draw together three canvases to form the iconic scene of Monet's oriental inspired water garden.

Vogue 100: A Century of Style - National Portrait Gallery

This exhibition was a true visual spectacle. The exhibition contained some of the most striking images the last century has seen, beginning with the 1920s and progressing towards the 00s, with today's generation of style being displayed on a video installation at the exhibition entrance. The iconic photographs of well known faces stem across the generations, capturing the hyper glamourised fashion industry with its bold and sometimes questionable outfit choices, to the more modest images that capture their models in a more natural light, with a sense of ease as they've been caught off guard. The images that I personally found the most memorable were those of comedy legends Charlie Chaplin and Morecombe and Wise, and most prominently Naomi Campbell's cover which was used in the advertising campaign for the exhibition. I cannot truly describe it but the photograph evoked a feeling of freedom as she appears to be finding joy in the moment that must have been felt like her big break, opening her to a world of endless possibilities. I guess I related to the youthful outlook of life deeming the world to be your oyster. I would highly recommend this exhibition as it is accessible to most audiences. Even my Dad, who is not an avid art goer, enjoyed being dragged around this exhibition.

Funny Girl - Savoy Theatre

This hit show may be well known for the 1968 film featuring Barbara Streisand which is seen by many to be a tough act to follow. I am yet to see the film but was nonetheless blown away by the show, particularly by lead actress Sheridan Smith who captured the humour element of the show perfectly through her physical comedy, as well as having a powerful voice to match. I must say a beautiful moment to end the show on was Sheridan's standing ovation from the entire audience, where her tears of joy showed her true surprise and gratitude. The colourful set and well chosen cast prove an uplifting and fun atmosphere that fully immerses you into the stage world and would be a night out that you would not want to miss.

Sunset Boulevard - English National Opera

The hype around this Andrew Lloyd-Webber production was seen to be actress Glenn Close's reprisal of her role as Norma Desmond, a silent-screen film star who seeks a return to Hollywood from her secluded yet still luxurious lifestyle. Glenn Close gave a fantastic performance but I found the true attraction of the show laid within the staging and music. The orchestra were centrally placed on the stage with steel framework stairs scattered around the stage to provide height and separate spaces for the narrative. Another staging element that captured the essence of the period the show is set through the black and white images projected on to the stage from old film reels of the 1920s which plays during the orchestral musical interludes of both acts.