family – The Cultural Exposé

Somewhere you should go… The London Ice Sculpting Festival

Jane Duru — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:00:24 +0000

All of my knowledge of ice sculpting comes from Edward Scissorhands. Who hasn’t been mesmerised by the scene where Edward whittles an ice angel out of a cold block, with his bare (scissor) hands, in an effort to win Winona’s heart? If you were as mesmerised as I was, well, you’re in for a treat because it’s time for this year’s London Ice Sculpting festival. If the website is anything to go by, carving an angel will seem like child’s play by the time you leave.

Pic: Steve Pattenden

Taking place around Canary Wharf (from Friday onwards) the festival will be hosting sculpting competitions to see who can create the biggest and best sculpture on the day. Come and watch the pros go at it, or better still, get started on the path to ice sculpting glory by signing up to a masterclass, where you’ll be taught how to chisel a mundane block into a work of abeautiful penguin. If it all goes wrong just say it’s a cloud. Classes are likely to be popular, but don’t despair if you miss out – there’ll also be a graffiti wall for those with more ‘street’ inclinations to sculpt on.

Those who want a more sedate day out can play ice chess or join in the arts and crafts workshops. Alternatively simply soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the fire dancers and Northern Lights laser show, and kick back, safe in the knowledge you’re definitely at the coolest thing happening in January.

The London Ice Sculpting Festival runs from 11-13 Jan, in Canary Wharf. Tickets are free. For more info, visit www.londonicesculptingfestival.co.uk

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Something you should see… Le Cirque Invisible

The Cultural Exposé — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:00:29 +0000

Le Cirque Invisible has all the wonder of a Renaissance fair that has conveniently been squeezed onto a stage at the Southbank Centre. The show is a collection of short sketches that include magic, puppetry, acrobatics, music and imagination that’s sure to dazzle and enchant audiences alike.

The most striking element of the show is the pure richness of it. The details and effort that must have gone into making the costumes alone is fascinating in itself. Then when coupled with the talent of Jean-Baptiste Thiérrée and Victoria Chaplin (your unusual and amazing entertainers for the evening) the entire thing is captivating. It’s even enjoyable to simply marvel at how the stars manage to change so quickly!

Thiérrée’s performance is reminiscent of watching an eccentric but beloved uncle entertain the kids at Christmas lunch. The difference here is that Thiérrée is a gifted magician with a mischievous sense of humour while the highlight of your uncle’s show would’ve been keeping the 50p he pulled from behind your ear. Where Thiérrée is open and cheeky, his co-star Chaplin is coy and mysterious. She’s a graceful and powerful performer who can transform costumes into creatures and back again.

The playful performances and countless oddities that make up Le Cirque Invisible offer a delightful and intriguing experience that is like falling down the rabbit hole. Oh, and the rabbits make an appearance too! (Words: Beth Downey)

On until August 21. For more info, visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

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Win a pair of tickets to the Apple Cart Festival, Victoria Park! (this competition has now ended)

The Cultural Exposé — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:00:34 +0000

The Apple Cart fest arrives in London on Sunday, August 7th, bringing with it an array of music, comedy, art, magic and cabaret! Expect to see top acts including Badly Drawn Boy, Saint Etienne and Soul II Soul take over the music stage, while plenty of chuckles are guaranteed with appearances from the likes of Tim Michin and Doc Brown, just some of the hilarious comedians on the line-up. There’s also plenty of arty activities, gourmet food and booze to look forward to, so for your chance to win a pair of tickets, visit our Facebook page, and simply leave this message on our wall “Apples and pears, apples and pears!” The competition closes on Thursday evening (August 4th) and the winner will be announced on Friday, August 5th!

Tickets to Apple Cart festival are £29.95 (+ booking fee) and for more info visit www.theapplecartfestival.com

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Something you should see…Draw Me A Bird

Laura Thornley — Fri, 20 May 2011 10:54:45 +0000

Ok, so officially this might be directed at a slightly younger audience than you guys (assuming there are no 5-year-old child prodigies amongst you? I could be wrong – kids grow up so quick nowadays!) but you’ll find that this is a gem for all ages. Loosely based on the children’s poem To Paint a Bird’s Portrait by Jacques Prévert, it’s been translated and transformed into the fruit of the award-winning Peut Etre dance-music Theatre Company. Not only this, but it’s fully supported by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) – so rest assured that no birds were harmed in the making of this play.

It combines a mix of dance physicality, French folk music and eye-catching design and four dancers in total take to the stage to describe the story of a little bird who shuns migration for a winter in Paris; all because she falls in love with the songs played by a Parisian street musician, (a nice twist on the way humans and birds interact, no?). The play was commissioned by Brighton Festival but will be spending some time at the Rich Mix, Bethnal Green – a great opportunity to indulge your inner-child.(Words: Laura Thornley)

For more info, visit the Rich Mix site.

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