Your complete entertainment guide for the week ahead

From films and gigs to art and theatre, discover what's new and exciting this week.

Published 22 August 2026 654 words
CULTURE C1
Your complete entertainment guide for the week ahead

This week offers a diverse range of entertainment, from the cinematic world of horror and action to the vibrant scenes of live music, visual arts, and theatre. Whether you prefer staying in or going out, there's something for everyone.

In cinema, Jane Schoenbrun's new film 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma' explores queer horror themes. For action fans, Jason Statham returns in 'Mutiny', playing a character framed for his boss's murder. Comedy lovers can enjoy 'Spa Weekend', a reunion of three childhood friends for a getaway that gets complicated. Horror enthusiasts also have 'Insidious: Out of the Further', the sixth film in the popular franchise, where a young mother finds she can summon supernatural demons.

Music lovers have several exciting gigs lined up. Rochelle Jordan, a dance music artist, will perform in Dublin and Manchester. Rapper, singer, and designer Tyler, the Creator headlines two dates at London's All Points East festival. The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Antonio Pappano, will present Bruckner's Symphony No 9. Jazz fans can catch the Tom Barford Quintet in Nottingham and London, showcasing his saxophone skills and compositions.

The art world presents compelling exhibitions. 'Our Place in These Worlds' at Elizabeth Xi Bauer in London features works on migration and identity. Chloe Langlois transforms Taco! gallery into 'Hot Snakes Night Club' for performances and workshops. The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool hosts 'Gender Stories', examining gender through art. Simeon Barclay's exhibition at John Hansard Gallery in Southampton celebrates his Turner prize nomination with a complex display.

On stage, Frankie Thompson's show 'Horrible Things' blends comedy, performance art, and drag. 'A Slow Fire', a UK premiere by Simon Stephens, features two men trapped in a bunker after an apocalypse. Edinburgh's Fringe festival includes the unique 'Sauna Sessions Arts Club' with immersive performances. Dancer and choreographer Dan Daw presents 'Exxy', a piece reflecting on his youth as an outsider.

For those staying in, the streaming service Sky Atlantic and Now present 'Fightland', a drama produced by 50 Cent exploring the links between boxing and crime. Netflix offers 'The Airport Chaplain', an Australian series about a dedicated airport professional. 'Dog Park' is a heartwarming dramedy about a man finding connection through his dog. Apple TV features 'Dark Matter', a sci-fi thriller about a physicist with catastrophic consequences.

Gamers can explore the 'Star Wars Zero Company' tactical game, set during the Clone Wars, where player choices impact missions. 'Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy' offers a prequel to the popular series, focusing on a smuggler in ancient Minoan times. In music, Julia Holter releases 'Materia', Sam Smith offers a more rustic sound on 'Hazel Eyes', Weezer returns with their 20th album, and Brandon Flowers, frontman of The Killers, explores a country troubadour style on 'Thrasher'.

Vocabulary

resurrected — to bring something back to life or existence after it has been forgotten or neglected.
niche — a specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service.
unravel — to investigate and solve or explain something complicated.
maven — an expert or connoisseur.
mercurial — subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.
decamping — leaving one place or position to move to another.
virtuosity — great skill in music or another artistic pursuit.
evolving — developing gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form.
conceptualist — an artist who makes conceptual art, where the idea or concept behind the work is more important than the finished artistic object.
uncompromising — not willing to make concessions or change principles.

Discussion Questions

  1. Which entertainment options would you most like to explore this week and why?
  2. How important is the setting or genre of an entertainment piece (e.g., horror film, jazz gig, art exhibition) when deciding what to engage with?
  3. The article mentions several artists and directors exploring themes like identity, social issues, and personal experiences. Why do you think artists often choose to address these complex topics in their work?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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