From Enid Blyton’s cherished imaginative tale to arena-filling Australian rock acts, this week’s entertainment calendar offers something for everyone. The Magic Faraway Tree brings the classic children’s novel to the cinema with a star-studded cast featuring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy, whilst 5 Seconds of Summer embark on a UK tour that commences in Glasgow on 30 March ahead of visiting key destinations such as Birmingham and London. Whether you’re seeking cinema thrills, live music, theatre, or cultural events, our detailed overview showcases the must-see occasions happening across the week ahead. Read on to find out what’s worth your time and money this week.
Movie Releases Worth Watching
This week’s film selections cover a wonderful variety of categories, from accessible fantasy films to challenging horror and thought-provoking documentary. The Magic Faraway Tree stands out as a charming adaptation of Enid Blyton’s cherished novel, bringing the beloved story to life with impressive casting and rural visual landscapes. Meanwhile, Those Will Kill You delivers a darkly comic examination on economic disparity through a horror lens, whilst Splitsville provides a refreshingly unconventional film examining modern relationship dynamics. For those pursuing mental engagement, Raoul Peck’s Orwell film provides contemporary analysis of how the writer’s prophetic observations remain disturbingly relevant today.
The selection on display this week ensures that no matter what films appeal to you, there’s something to satisfy it. Whether you’re looking for wholesome entertainment suitable for the whole family, adrenaline-pumping scares, irreverent comedy or serious documentary filmmaking, cinemas are well-stocked. These films showcase different corners of contemporary cinema, from major studio releases to independent films. The quality of performances across these films—particularly Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy’s contributions to The Magic Faraway Tree—lifts the week’s selection beyond standard fare, making it an excellent time to visit your local picture house.
- The Magic Faraway Tree: Enid Blyton adaptation featuring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy
- They Will Kill You: Dark comedy horror exploring wealth and supernatural apartment inhabitants
- Splitsville: Unconventional comedy examining consensual non-monogamy and modern relationships
- Orwell: 2+2 = 5: Documentary about George Orwell’s enduring relevance to politics
Live Music and Performance Events
Stadium Tours and Major Concerts
Australian boyband 5 Seconds of Summer are bringing their arena tour to the UK this week, with dates in Glasgow, Birmingham, and London spanning from 30 March to 5 April. The four-piece has progressed considerably since their early days of pop-rock influenced by One Direction, venturing into darker dance experiments across their six studio albums. These performances are set to distil their extensive catalogue into an energetic 90-minute spectacle, offering fans a thorough exploration through their career trajectory and musical highlights.
For those with a fondness for punk rock mayhem, the Manchester Punk Festival occurring 3 to 5 April offers an unmissable opportunity to explore the style’s raw energy. With approximately 140 bands performing across multiple venues throughout the city, the festival appeals to every shade of punk enthusiasm imaginable. Headliners include the unapologetic hardcore noise merchants Fucked Up and San Francisco’s Dead to Me, ensuring that the festival lineup mixes established acts with emerging talent across the punk spectrum.
Classical and Expert Music
The Barbican Hall in London hosts The Bad Plus on 30 March, celebrating the underrated American Quartet led by pianist Keith Jarrett during the 1970s. Whilst Jarrett’s Standards Trio has attained iconic standing amongst jazz aficionados, this ensemble deserves equal recognition for their innovative contributions to the genre. Saxophonist Chris Potter and pianist Craig Taborn have reunited to pay tribute to that group’s memorable music, providing listeners with a rare opportunity to witness this important chapter of jazz history delivered by musicians who grasp its significance intimately.
This classical and specialist music programme constitutes a refined alternative to the week’s popular entertainment options, engaging discerning music enthusiasts looking for artistic depth and historical resonance. The Barbican’s intimate setting offers the perfect setting for appreciating the nuanced interplay between Potter and Taborn as they traverse the quartet’s complex arrangements. For jazz devotees and those curious about exploring beyond conventional popular music, this performance constitutes a genuine standout of the week’s entertainment calendar.
- 5 Seconds of Summer: Australian pop group arena tour across UK cities during the week
- Manchester Punk Festival: 140 acts at 7 different venues celebrating punk rock culture
- The Bad Plus: Barbican Hall homage to Keith Jarrett’s landmark 1970s American jazz ensemble
Stage Productions and Dance Performance
The week’s theatrical offerings offer a broad spectrum of entertainment options for London audiences, between smaller West End shows to experimental pieces in smaller venues. Those passionate about dance will find equally captivating options, with contemporary choreography challenging creative limits alongside classical ballet performances. Should you desire challenging theatrical pieces, theatrical musical extravaganzas, or innovative movement-based work, this week’s theatre programme provides something to captivate every artistic inclination. The capital’s theatrical spaces keep displaying both established talent and emerging artists, guaranteeing that London’s cultural landscape stays dynamic and diverse for those pursuing theatrical performances.
| Production | Details |
|---|---|
| West End Musicals | Long-running shows continue performances across major London theatres throughout the week |
| Contemporary Dance | Innovative choreography presented at Sadler’s Wells and other specialist dance venues |
| Drama Productions | New plays and classic revivals running at various London theatres and smaller studio spaces |
| Ballet Performances | Classical and neo-classical ballet offerings at the Royal Opera House and regional venues |
- West End musicals offer escapist entertainment for theatre enthusiasts looking for spectacular production values
- Contemporary dance extends creative limits through inventive movement design and avant-garde physical expression
- Classic drama revivals deliver audiences with timeless stories performed by talented theatre companies
Art Shows Throughout the UK
The nation’s galleries are brimming with engaging exhibitions this week, offering art enthusiasts a wealth of cultural experiences to experience. From contemporary installations reshaping perceptions of modern life to retrospectives celebrating established masters, Britain’s museums and galleries display the breadth of artistic achievement. Whether you’re interested in cutting-edge conceptual work or traditional artwork, the week ahead offers numerous opportunities to experience visual culture at venues ranging from London’s prestigious institutions to cultural venues in other regions. These exhibitions deliver compelling viewpoints on everything from contemporary concerns to artistic technique, guaranteeing there’s something to inspire and stimulate every visitor.
Major exhibitions throughout the week span multiple artistic genres and mediums, with curators offering thoughtfully curated selections that promote new readings of established subjects and adventurous investigations of new territories. Photography, sculpture, painting, and multimedia works all stand out across the UK gallery network, demonstrating the dynamic range of present and past artistic practice. Many venues maintain extended access and evening activities to suit different timetables, whilst educational offerings and interpretive walks deliver richer understanding into the works on display. This week offers a prime chance to find rising voices, return to cherished pieces, or experience completely fresh artistic perspectives that might stimulate and deepen your understanding of artistic expression.
- Modern artistic installations exploring social commentary and contemporary self-expression across major galleries
- Career retrospectives honouring established artists’ careers and artistic evolution over many years
- Photographic and multimedia displays investigating scenic work, portrait studies, and abstract concepts
- Longer operating times and guided tours available at museums and galleries taking part across the country
Streaming, Gaming and Audio Entertainment
Television Premieres
This week’s streaming services offer engaging viewing for those preferring to stay home. A number of highly-anticipated series are debuting across major services, bringing fresh narratives that cover different genres from gripping drama to feel-good comedies. Whether you’re in search of deeply-drawn characters or narrative-heavy productions, the weeks to come offers diverse options to match distinct preferences and preferences. Many platforms are releasing entire seasons all at once, allowing viewers to binge at their own pace, whilst others are releasing episodes week by week to sustain viewer engagement and conversation among viewers.
Original programmes hold sway over streaming schedules, with substantial budgets and celebrated production talent behind many releases. International material is growing in visibility, delivering diverse perspectives and storytelling traditions to British viewers. Documentary series examining contemporary issues sit alongside fictional dramas engaging with complex themes, ensuring there’s meaningful depth alongside pure entertainment value. These releases reflect considerable spending in quality production, with visual direction, acting and dialogue often equalling theatrical releases in ambition and execution.
Fresh Music Releases
The upcoming week brings new music releases across various styles, from established artists releasing expected releases to rising performers making their debut. Streaming services are highlighting curated playlists featuring the most important new music, making finding new music easy for people wanting to discover music. Whether you enjoy pop music, rock, hip-hop, electronic or alternative music, there’s substantial new material to listen to. Artists are adopting unique release methods, with some offering exclusive content to specific platforms or putting out physical copies alongside streaming editions, catering to varied listening preferences.
Music journalists and critics are currently discussing the week’s standout releases, with reviews helping listeners navigate the substantial amount of new material. Podcasts dedicated to music discussion offer comprehensive exploration of significant albums, exploring artistic intent and cultural context. Playlists on digital platforms compile themed compilations, helping people discover songs they might not otherwise encounter. Social media campaigns promoting new music build fan interaction, with fans posting responses and endorsements, fostering conversations around new music on social channels.
Video Games and Audio Shows
Gaming releases this week extend across multiple platforms, delivering everything from indie titles with innovative mechanics to major franchise entries. Podcasts keep growing as sound-based content, with new episodes covering entertainment news, cultural commentary, comedy and investigative journalism. Whether you’re keen on multiplayer competition, story-focused games or casual mobile entertainment, there’s substantial content to explore. Podcast networks are broadening their collections with diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring listeners can find shows that genuinely appeals to their interests and intellectual curiosity.
- Emerging indie games offering creative gameplay features and distinctive artistic styles
- Podcast episodes showcasing interviews with media industry professionals and cultural analysts
- Major franchise gaming releases available across console, PC and mobile platforms
