September 2010

September is back-to-school time for the kids and there's a new season to enjoy at London's performance and exhibition spaces with a host of new shows announced for the autumn. The London Design Festival dominates the city, while exhibitions on Gauguin and Eadweard Muybridge are definitely ones to look forward to.

Eadweard Muybridge

Tate Britain, SW1P 4RG
8th September 2010 - 16th January 2011

The pioneering British photographer Eadweard Muybridge, best known for his portrayal of subjects in motion, is the focus of a major retrospective at Tate Britain in autumn 2010. Born in Kingston upon Thames in April 1830, Muybridge studied photography in Britain and built his career in America. This exhibition brings together around 150 works, showing how Muybridge broke new ground in the emerging art form of photography. Alongside examples of his revolutionary motion-capture techniques and well known images of animals and humans moving and running are less familiar landscapes and images of life in America during the later nineteenth century. Hugely influential, whole generations of photographers, filmmakers and artists, including Francis Bacon, Marcel Duchamp, Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly, and Douglas Gordon have acknowleged their debt to Muybridge and his time-stopping images.

More info: Eadweard Muybridge Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Muse

Wembley Stadium, London, HA9 0WS
10th September 2010

Bombastic opera rock giants Muse play at Wembley Stadium for a late summer rendition of their fifth studio album, The Resistance. The Devon three-piece returned to our radio stations last year with the Doctor Who-synthed single Uprising, in which singer Matt Bellamy wailed: "We will be victorious!" And who's to doubt him? The ridiculously ambitious new record - "an album of genius, brilliance and beauty" (The Times) - blasted to the top of the international charts overnight and the band hit the road for a year-long tour. If debut Showbiz was often one dimensional and dismissed as Radiohead-lite, then The Resistance has secured Muse's eternal place in the halls of rock stardom. Audaciously blending Chopin nocturnes, R n B, glam-rock and overt homage to Queen, the album ends with a Berlioz-inspired three-movement symphony about mankind abandoning earth and populating another planet. And the biggest surprise it that Muse pull it off - 100 per cent. Having supported U2 last autumn, Muse's stadium superstar credentials are riding high. Not just the cream of Devon, Muse are arguably one of the biggest bands in the universe right now. Resistance is futile.

More info: Muse Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Last Night of the Proms

Royal Albert Hall, London, SW7 2AP
11th September 2010

The world famous Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall brings the terrific summer season of The Proms to a fitting finale. Described by conductor Jiri Belohlavek as "the world's largest and most democratic musical festival", last year's event saw the total number of concerts reach 100 for the first time. The Last Night is traditionally very different from the eight weeks that precede it, following a lighter, 'winding-down' vein and often pandering to popular classics and Patriotic Anthems (Rule, Britannia!, anyone?). Tickets are almost as hard to come by as Centre Court passes for the Wimbledon finals, but like the tennis, the whole thing is broadcast live on the BBC - and all round the world. Check www.royalalberthall.com for details of the programme.

More info: Last Night of the Proms 2010 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Mayor's Thames Festival

Blackfriars Bridge, EC4V 3QR
11th & 12th September 2010

The Mayor's Thames Festival takes place in mid-September each year celebrating the main waterway which winds its way through the heart of the city. There's a carnival atmosphere to the two-day festival with street entertainment, art installations, music and dancing all performed at various riverside locations between Westminster Bridge, Tower Bridge and beyond. All this fun entertainment is free and, for the grand finale, there's a colourful night procession featuring costumed performers with tambourines and whistles travelling along Victoria Embankment and via Blackfriars Bridge, culminating in a massive free fireworks display. So the festival ends with a spectacular bang as more than a ton of pyrotechnics explode over the River Thames in just ten minutes. Large crowds line up along the river for the fireworks display but with the stretch from the two barges between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridge spanning almost half a kilometre there's plenty of opportunity to find a space.

More info: Mayor's Thames Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

London Duathlon 2010

Richmond Park, London, TW10 5HS
12th September 2010

The world's biggest duathlon returns to Richmond Park this September as athletes prime themselves to run, bike and run a little bit more on closed roads in south west London's area of outstanding natural beauty. This double-discipline endurance test is ideal for sporty types (17 years or above) who fancy doing a triathlon but are put off by the cold water of the Thames! There are three main categories: fun (5km run/10km ride/5km run), challenge (10km run/20km ride/5km run) or challenge team relay (10km run/20km ride/5km run). While 50% of the 3,500 entrants are competing for the very first time, top athletes will also be able to take part in separate elite and junior elite sprint races. The London Duathlon is sponsored by Chelsea and Westminster Health Charity and encourages participants to raise money for charity. Those wishing to race must apply by late August and pay an entrance fee. For more information and an entry pack go to www.thelondonduathlon.co.uk.

More info: London Duathlon 2010 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

London Open House Weekend

Various venues across London
18th & 19th September 2010

So many of London's architectural landmarks are closely guarded secrets, off-limits to Joe Public. It's tantalising to imagine what goes on behind those closed doors. Well, thanks to the hugely popular London Open House Weekend, we need wonder no more. Almost 700 of the city's buildings - including the Bank of England - take part in this fantastic, free yearly event, now in its 17th year, by opening their doors to everyone. London Open House Weekend offers a wealth of historical landmarks to choose from including some of the most beautiful architectural achievements in the city. You can also get inside some of the grandest private homes in your own neighbourhood - it's a voyeur's dream come true. For the more serious students of contemporary design, this is a chance to visit spaces by famous modern architects. An inspired idea and a real treat whether you're a lover of architecture or just plain nosy. Entry to some of the houses is only permitted via pre-booked tickets acquired through the website www.londonopenhouse.org. You're advised to bring booking confirmation with you.

More info: London Open House Weekend Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The London Design Festival

Various venues across London
18th - 26th September 2010

The London Design Festival is an ambitious project. Hundreds of events, locations, shops, universities and design agencies are involved in the nine days of talks, exhibitions, competitions and activities. It's a true celebration of the capital's all-encompassing design industry, taking in sectors as diverse as fashion, architecture, retail, typography, photography, textiles, interior decoration and manufacturing. There's a huge amount to see but don't be put off by the volume: inclusion here is based on the quality of the design. Events come in all shapes and sizes from product launches in tiny boutiques to massive trade shows. Details are released in March but, judging by what we've seen in years gone by, the programme is likely to centre on hubs at the Southbank Centre, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, the V & A, and there's usually a showcase piece at Trafalgar Square too - last year a giant chess game filled the square. The scope is far-reaching and you'll be hard pressed to cover all of it but it's fun trying. Check the website www.londondesignfestival.com for full details.

More info: The London Design Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

John Pawson

Design Museum, London, SE1 2YD
22nd September 2010 - 16th January 2011

Minimalism is the trademark of British architect, John Pawson, whose designs on paired down living are displayed at the Design Museum in his first major UK exhibition, which looks back on his a 30-year career. Projects vary widely, from Calvin Klein's flagship store in Manhattan to steel cooking pots, and from the Sackler Crossing at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew to the Cistercian Monastery of Novy Dvur - the only monastery of the Trappist Order in the Czech Republic. His luxury condominiums at 50 Gramercy Park North for Ian Schrager are a prime example of his dedication to simplicty - the New York Times question, "can you find the microwave", giving a good indication of the paired down approach Pawson is known for. His work is celebrated through specially commissioned photography and short films, large-scale models
and a 1:1 installation designed for the show.

More info: John Pawson Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Flashdance The Musical

Shaftesbury Theatre, WC2H 8DP
27th September 2010 - 26th February 2011

Joe Eszterhas' wonderful, ridiculous 1980s movie Flashdance comes to the London stage as a musical. The improbable plot tells the story of 18 year old Alex, a warehouse dwelling welder by day who has a secret life as a 'flashdancer' by night. While the stage musical can't quite match the film for '80s glossiness, it compensates with bad hair, bright costumes and cracking song-and-dance routines. The soundtrack mixes original songs with '80s classics like Gloria, Maniac and, of course, Flashdance (lyrics: what a feeling!), and the choreography comes from Arlene Phillips. Twenty five years after the release of the film, Flashdance The Musical launches with a £1 million production and a 40-week UK tour which begins at Shaftesbury Theatre on 24th September 2010.

More info: Flashdance The Musical Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Sony Ericsson Run to the Beat

The O2 Arena, London, SE10 0BB
26th September 2010

The two things that put most people off running a marathon are i) the length of the race, and ii) the habitual banning of iPods and other musical devices. Well, bypass both issues in one fell swoop with September's Run to the Beat, London's official music half marathon. Starting at The O2 Arena and taking place around Greenwich and Woolwich, the race is a mere 13 miles and not only are iPods encouraged, there is also 12 different musical stages dotted around the course where bands play live music throughout the race in a bid to gee on the participants. So, pay your £35 entrance fee, raise some money for charity, get yourself down to Greenwich and run to the rhythm, run to the beat, keep your feet moving and pound that street. For more info check www.runtothebeat.com.

More info: Sony Ericsson Run to the Beat Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Gauguin: Maker of Myth

Tate Modern, London, SE1 9TG
30th September 2010 - 16th January 2011

Gauguin as storyteller is the artist we discover in Gauguin: Maker of Myth, an exhibition at Tate Modern which brings together over 100 works by the famous Post-Impressionist artist. Surprisingly, given that Gauguin is such a recognised household name, this is the first major exhibition in London to be devoted to his work in more than 50 years. Gaugin: Maker of Myth features many of his iconic works through which he explored ideas around religion, fable, myth and tradition. Prominent pieces include Vision of the Sermon, inspired by his early years in Brittany, Martinique and Arles. Meanwhile later works like Teha'amana has Many Parents remind us of his self-imposed exile in Tahiti and Gauguin's new found life in the South Seas. A highlight of the exhibition is an entire room dedicated to his self-portraits such as Self-portrait as Christ in the Garden of Olives and the later Self-portrait with Manau tu papau which can usually be seen at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris, which has an impressive collection of his works. Most significantly, this display of works which covers his entire career shows how he could turn his hand to a wide range of media from painting to ceramics, carvings to decorated objects. In addition, rarely-seen illustrated letters, sketchbooks and memoirs are also displayed enabling visitors to learn more about Gauguin the man.

More info: Gauguin: Maker of Myth Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube