Musicals

Musicals are one form of cinema that will never fail to make you smile. They’re invariable timeless, rarely dull, and something that all ages can watch.

Musicals are one form of cinema that will never fail to make you smile. They’re invariably timeless, rarely dull, and something that all ages can watch.

With shorter days and the Christmas purchase panic setting in a little escapism is just what the British public could use, and what better shape to take than a showtune.

From Grease Lightning to Genesis, here’s a couple of nationwide offerings to warm your cockles and, if you’re hard enough, your vocal chords.

The Barbican is rounding off its silent film and live soundtrack series with a series of Buster Keaton’s finest and a screening of the scarecrow, accompanied by a live jazz arrangement from the Guildhall school of music. The combination of black and white slapstick against a live score is bound to get feet tapping, and will be taking place on the 4th of December. Tickets can be purchased here.

Moving into the beginning of 2012 you’ll want your leathers handy as Grease is hitting multiplexes the country over for a singalong tour to mark the play’s 40th anniversary. Get an early dose of Summer Lovin’ and lose your voice to one of the classic musicals at your local cinema. The tour is already taking place in London and will branch further afield for the new year. Visit website for tickets.

Also reaching London before the year is out is the BFI’s MGM musical season, which will until Christmas bring the best in Golden Hollywood’s most successful genre. The Wizard of Oz, Singin’ in the Rain and Kiss Me Kate will play as well as Grace Kelly’s High Society and Judy Garland’s infamous Meet Me in St Louis for a colourful few months along the river at BFI’s Southbank cinema. Visit website for the full programme.

Southbank seems the place to be for all your musical needs, although OneDotZero festival, beginning at the end of November, avoids the unsubtle choreography of the Hollywood greats in favour of shocking, spooky and downright bizarre takes on contemporary music. There are various showcases being held over the festival’s lifespan, and its annual J-Star segment brings another selection of new and established talent with some undoubtedly unpredictable music videos. The Nightfall section is in no way for the faint hearted, and based on the Yeasayer music video that opened last year’s showcase expect nothing short of unsettling images and singing tumours.

The festival will also be hosting BUG x Björk, which marks the release of this renowned singer’s latest album. Funny fella Adam Buxton will be talking with the performer’s collaborating artists and showing audiences a selection of her astounding collection of music videos. All details can be found here.