The Odyssey to Gracie Abrams: your complete entertainment guide to the week ahead

Matt Damon stars in The Odyssey, while the LA singer-songwriter shares more arena-friendly anthems.

Published 18 July 2026 319 words
CULTURE B1
The Odyssey to Gracie Abrams: your complete entertainment guide to the week ahead

This week offers many entertainment choices, from new movies and music to live performances and art exhibitions. If you enjoy epic stories, a new movie called The Odyssey is out now. It tells the story of Odysseus and his long journey home after the Trojan war. Matt Damon plays the main character. Other actors in the film include Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron.

For music lovers, the Latitude festival is happening near Southwold from 23 to 26 July. It celebrates its 20th year with many performers, including David Byrne, Teddy Swims, and Lewis Capaldi. There are also many other interesting events, such as the Latitude festival and performances by Agnes Obel. Agnes Obel, a Danish singer, will be touring the UK and Ireland with her unique chamber pop music. She has been studying how music can help with depression.

In the world of art, you can visit exhibitions by Felipe Baeza, Enid Marx, Elisa Giardina Papa, and Anne Ryan. Felipe Baeza’s work explores queer identity with mysterious figures and landscapes. The exhibition about Enid Marx looks at her influence on textiles and design. Elisa Giardina Papa’s art installation is about a volcanic island and a dispute between European powers. Anne Ryan’s work connects ancient Britain with modern city life.

On stage, comedian Simon Amstell is starting a new tour. His show is a funny story about a pop star. The play Cleansed is showing at the Almeida theatre. It is a powerful but also romantic story. There is also a play about a model railway club called The Market Deeping Model Railway Club. In dance, Oona Doherty presents three shows in London.

If you prefer staying in, there are new shows on streaming services. The Undeclared War is a tech thriller about cyber attacks. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is a comedy sci-fi series. For music at home, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams has released a new album called Daughter from Hell, with songs perfect for singing along to.

Vocabulary

epic — A long story, often about a hero or exciting events.
performers — People who entertain an audience, like singers or actors.
exhibitions — A public display of art or other items of interest.
explores — To investigate or research a topic or idea.
installation — An artwork that takes over a whole space or room.
powerful — Having a strong effect on your feelings or beliefs.
streaming — Watching or listening to media online.
singer-songwriter — A musician who writes and performs their own songs.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is the main character’s name and what is his long journey about in the movie The Odyssey?
  2. Which music festival is happening this week and who are some of the main performers?
  3. Besides movies and music, what other types of entertainment are available this week, and can you name one example for each category?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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