Following the Christmas break, I don’t know about you but I’m trying to maintain some of the time I spent socially over the holiday season so that there isn’t a long gap before I go out with friends. I suppose you could call it a New Year’s Resolution; to experience more of what Leeds has to offer with people I don’t see as often as I should. So it seemed perfect when Emma asked me to write a mini what’s on guide for your perusal as it meant that I can fill up days in my diary at the same time! Here’s a rundown of events, screenings and exhibitions on this month in date order:
The Yorkshire Artists at Leeds Gallery, 4th – 25th January
Leeds Gallery showcases six artists living or working in Yorkshire in their first of two exhibitions featuring local talent. YA Part One includes works from: David Cook who works in a thematic way producing works of particular locations; Drew Ward whose works are highly finished charcoal drawings on paper; Mark Sofilas whose works are inspired by the idiosyncrasies of the northern English and Scottish countryside; Leslie Child, a watercolourist who specialises in scenes of local interest and cities throughout Europe; and Helen Peyton who specialises in limited edition lino monoprint and lino reduction prints.
The Artist at Hyde Park Picture House from 13th January
A preview of The Artist was screened during the Leeds International Film Festival at Hyde Park Picture House to a sell out audience in November and has been receiving critical acclaim since it was first previewed in Cannes last Summer. Tipped for Oscar success and featuring superb performances from Jean Dujardin and most notably, the adorable Uggy the dog, The Artist is a delightful depiction of the advent of the talkies in Hollywood. If you’re looking to see a film this month that’ll have you smiling when you leave the cinema you won’t go wrong with The Artist.
Leeds Letters at Dock Street Market, 7pm on 17th January
Leeds Letters is a new event from @gazpachodragon which is being held at Dock Street Market from 7pm. It’s for those of us who love receiving and sending letters but never seem to get around to writing any. They’re providing the pens, paper and postcards and will have stamps on sale; all we need to take is an address and some enthusiasm. The letters are even posted for you so there’s no reason not to get pen to paper and wait patiently to receive a letter back!
Big Society! A Music Hall Comedy, at City Varieties from 18th January – 4th February
Red Ladder and Chumbawamba combine live music, trademark entertainment and radical theatre to take us back to the world of the Music Hall from a century ago with conjurers, comics and curious oddities. Featuring Phil Jupitus alongside sing-alongs with conjurers, drunks and suffragettes, we’re promised an evening of comedy, class and catchy choruses.
Kill For a Seat Comedy at Seven Arts, 8.30pm on 25th January
I experienced my first Kill For a Seat comedy event this week in Wakefield and was impressed by the way compère and organiser Silky presents and encourages an interest in comedians on the circuit that you might not have heard of before. The line-up for this evening at Seven Arts in Chapel Allerton includes award-winning Australian comedian Mickey D and festival favourite Sean Percival.
C.R.A.Z.Y screening at Minicine , 7pm on 26th January
This month’s Minicine film which is screened in Armley Mills Industrial Museum underground 26 seater cinema was chosen by their new film programmer, @Jamie_McHale. C.R.A.Z.Y. explores classic themes in Quebec cinema: shifting family values, sexuality and religion. Tickets are currently on sale to members and go on general sale from Friday 13th January.
Leeds Print Festival at Leeds Gallery, 26th – 31st January
The first Leeds Print Festival lasts for a week at the end of this month and has a programme of exhibitions, lectures, workshops, open studios and performances covering all print disciplines. The unique collection of events is designed to deliver a dose of inspiration whilst drawing attention to print and its importance in contemporary design culture.
Meet the author: Michael Stewart at Waterstones Leeds, 11am on 28th January
This event at Waterstones stood out to me for one reason; the book is described as utterly bonkers in the blurb. After a quick internet search I found The Guardian article referenced and have become particularly intrigued by this recent debut coming of age novel. Author Michael Stewart is returning to the store from 11am to sign copies of his book.
Leeds International Concert Season: City of Birmingham Orchestra, 7.30pm on 28th January
Classical music is best enjoyed live (in my opinion at least) and as Leeds Town Hall is one of the city’s most stunning and iconic venues, it’s a perfect setting for beautiful pieces such as Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 1 (Winter Dreams). The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is led by Andris Nelsons for this concert which also includes performances of Wagner’s Overture: The Mastersingers of Nuremberg and Brahm’s Piano Concerto No 2.
Clap your Hands Say Yeah at The Cockpit on 30th January
Indie pop royalty, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are visiting The Cockpit for a very special show in January when they visit the UK for a couple of small gigs. Following a lengthy break, the band released their latest album Hysterical in September and this intimate gig is anticipated to sell out so booking in advance is recommended.
As The Flames Rose We Danced To The Sirens, The Sirens at The Carriageworks, 7.30pm on 31st January
Presented by the Sleepwalk Collective this is an hour of troubling intimacy and drunken excess, all played out in miniature. The one-woman tragicomedy blends dense poetic text with subtle and surreal imagery, and a richly composed soundscape making it both teasing and hypnotic.