ART
Artist Rooms
Until 25 February
North Herts Museum
Diane Arbus comes to North Herts Museum, celebrating the enduring influence of this iconic photographer with an exhibition that marks the centenary of her birth. This is a rare opportunity to see work by one of the most original and influential photographers of the 20th century. Presented in partnership with Tate and National Galleries of Scotland, the exhibition draws from the remarkable collection of Arbus’s work in Artist Rooms, featuring some of her most iconic black and white portraits. North Herts is the final and most southerly venue in this nationwide tour, which travelled to Barnsley, Dumfries and Shetland.
EVENT
The Legends of Snooker
24 January
Alban Arena
Alban ArenaIt’s time for a break as legends of snooker head back out on tour again and arrive in St Albans this month. On 24 January join Ken Doherty, John Virgo, Dennis Taylor, John Parrott and Steve Davis for this unmissable night. Tales from “The Crucible”, their World Championship wins, the glory days of snooker and never before heard stories from on and off the table. The event will include a live interview with the snooker stars, a trick shot masterclass, exhibition match and an audience led Q&A.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Until 30 June
Natural History Museum
More than 50,000 images are entered into the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition every year, but their panel of judges can only select 100 finalists. A further 25 memorable images from this year’s entries have been shortlisted by the judges and the Natural History Museum and now the public are invited to vote for their favourite. Voting closes on 31 January 2024, and the winner and four runners-up will be announced on 7 February 2024.
ART
Letchworth: Lives & Landscape
Until 6 January
Broadway Gallery
Letchworth: Lives and Landscapes brings together a number of rarely seen paintings from the town’s ACE-Accredited museum and archive, the Garden City Collection. The exhibition explores the lives of some of Letchworth’s most notable residents and tells the stories of the town’s fascinating unique history. Visitors can enjoy works by renowned artists such as Spencer Gore, Sylvia Molloy and Sarah Birch – and reflect on the familiar and changing landscape of Letchworth Garden City.
FILM
Napoleon
3-5 January
The Odyssey
Ridley Scott’s period drama tells the story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power through the prism of his volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine. Joaquin Phoenix is the emperor; Vanessa Kirby is Josephine and Rupert Everett is Wellington. It’s the perfect platform for the director to be reunited with his Gladiator star Phoenix and shows Scott at the height of his powers, telling an intimate story against the vast canvas of a turbulent Europe.
COMEDY
Chris McCausland
19 January
Watford Palace Theatre
You might have seen Chris McCausland on Scared of the Dark, Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You, The Royal Variety, QI, Blankety Blank, The Last Leg, and plenty more as well. He’s been called an “overnight success” – even though he’s been doing this for yonks. Chris is hitting the road again with another masterclass in stand-up comedy that has literally been yonks in the making.
