Alexandra Dudley Shares Her Cultural Hot List
THE PLAY:
Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, Harold Pinter Theatre
Running until 18th March, Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons examines ideas of freedom and control whilst highlighting both the importance and beauty of language. Jenna Coleman and Aidan Turner star in this amusing yet heartfelt Sam Steiner play about what we say and how we say it. Living in a world where the government has implemented a law limiting its citizens to 140 words of speech a day, newly qualified divorce lawyer Bernadette (Coleman) and musician Oliver (Turner) navigate their relationship as the world around them, or at least what they can say about it, shrinks. We witness the build-up and breakdown of the couple’s relationship as the play darts between life before and after the enforced ‘hush law’. It feels equal parts witty and sharp, and at times incredibly sad. The fizzing stop-start current between Coleman and Turner’s equally endearing performances is entirely relatable despite the bizarre construct in which they live.
Visit LemonsThePlay.co.uk
THE FILM:
Your Place Or Mine, Netflix
It was dark comedy that put bums on seats (or sofas) in 2022, but romantic comedy titans Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher are bringing the rom-com back with their new film Your Place Or Mine. A directorial debut from Aline Brosh McKenna (whose previous writing credits include The Devil Wears Prada and 27 Dresses), the film follows two best friends (Witherspoon and Kutcher) who decide to swap houses for a week.
Visit Netflix.com
THE EXHIBITION:
Grayson Perry’s Posh Cloths, Victoria Miro
With an impressive selection of old and new textile works from the past eight years, Grayson Perry’s latest show explores the dramas of contemporary British life. Famed for his incredibly accurate often humorous examination of what it means to be human, his work here spans politics, consumerism, history and art history. His memorable tapestries (an art form traditionally associated with grand houses) depict classical myths, religious scenes and epic battles, promising a re-woven, colourful elevation of day-to-day life in Britain.
Visit Victoria-Miro.com
THE BOOK:
The Success Myth by Emma Gannon
Emma Gannon has been a beacon of common sense for most millennials – myself included. Her next book, The Success Myth, unpicks the most commonly held myths about what it traditionally means to be successful, from money to happiness to ticking society's ready-made boxes. I already have it on pre-order.
Visit Amazon.co.uk
THE PUDDING:
The ‘New’ Quo Vadis
Less a ‘new opening’, more of an institution – and one of my favourite restaurants in Soho – Quo Vadis is one of those places that just never gets old. For the last few weeks this treasured Soho haunt has been having a bit of a makeover. I’ve missed lots of Quo Vadis delicacies while its doors have been shut: the martinis, crostinis, Jeremy Lee’s smoked eel sandwich… Quo Vadis does everything well but it does pudding particularly well. The tumbles of meringues with both custard and cream, featherlight St Emilion au chocolat, and the almond tart & co (the co being whatever peach, pear or plum is in its prime season) are all favourites, and I can’t wait to book a table and order the lot! The good news is that the new Quo Vadis has doubled its capacity, so it’s easier to get in.
Visit QuoVadisSoho.co.uk
THE WEEKEND TREAT:
Sunday Sharing Roast at The Hoxton
There is something equally joyous and wholesome about a Sunday roast, and the Hoxton Holborn’s restaurant Rondo launches a new and rather fantastic-sounding Sunday roast menu this weekend. A sneak peek at the menu reveals it goes beyond chicken and two veg, promising lobster sharing pies, wine on tap and feasting-style crumble. They’ll also be serving martinis and playing live music which is enough to convince me to go anywhere. I’ve already booked a table with friends.
Visit TheHoxton.com
THE ALBUM:
Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd by Lana Del Rey
If anyone could inspire a ‘sad girl summer’ it’s Lana Del Rey. I can’t wait for her new album – I’m longing for more of her dulcet tones with glasses of icy rosé.
Visit Spotify.com
THE RESTAURANT:
Humo
Mayfair’s new kid on the block, Humo (‘smoke’ in Spanish) cooks everything exclusively over fire, with no electricity or gas used as cooking fuel. The menu revolves around a 4m-long grill that uses a variety of woods such as oak, birch, cherry and walnut with the aim of bringing unique flavours to each plate. I’m looking forward to trying the hand-dived Orkney scallop.
Visit HumoLondon.com
For more from Alexandra, follow her @AlexandraDudley or visit AlexandraDudley.com.
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