Stonehouse
This polished new ITV drama, about John Stonehouse, the politician who faked his own death, stars Keeley Hawes and Matthew Macfadyen. It should be fun to watch the two actors, who are married to each other in real life, play a couple on screen in January. Watch it.
Hamnet In Stratford
As part of the reopening of the Swan Theatre at Stratford, after three years of renovation and refurbishment, Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel Hamnet is coming to the stage in April. That gives you plenty of time to read the book – about grief and loss and love and Shakespeare – before you see the show. Book tickets.
Spare By Prince Harry
First there was the Oprah interview. Then there was the Netflix documentary series. Now there is Prince Harry’s memoir, entitled Spare. What will become of Brand Sussex when the book explodes onto the shelves on January 10? Buy it.
A Little Life
When Hanya Yanagihara published her massive novel, A Little Life, in 2015, it broke hearts all over the world. Ivo Van Hove’s stage adaptation, starring James Norton and Omari Douglas, is sure to be just as moving. It opens at the Harold Pinter Theatre on March 25. Book tickets.
Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023
The football may have been disappointing, but our hopes can be higher for England’s chances in the Cricket World Cup – not least because we are the defending champions. Held this year in India in October and November, it should be a hoot.
The Little Mermaid
Lin Manuel Miranda wrote new music for this live-action remake of Disney’s classic fairy tale (don’t worry: your old faves are in there, too). Starring Halle Bailey and Javier Bardem, it will hit cinemas in May. Watch it.
Clarkson’s Farm Series Two
Fans of Jeremy Clarkson’s foray into farming at Diddly Squat in Oxfordshire will be delighted to hear that the programme is returning in February for a second series. Even better, a third series has been confirmed. With his typical humour, Clarkson says: ‘I’m genuinely thrilled that we are doing a third season of Clarkson’s Farm. I’ve had some great new ideas, all of which have made Charlie, Lisa and Kaleb deeply unhappy.’
Barbie
You may not have thought you needed a live-action Barbie movie in your life. But if it is directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Margot Robbie, you probably do. All pink and perky, it comes out in July and should set the tone for the summer.
Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto
Anyone with any interest in fashion is likely to harbour a lifelong obsession with Chanel. This new exhibition from the V&A South Kensington, which opens on Saturday September 16, is dedicated to Chanel’s iconic work and enduring influence.
The Coronation Of King Charles III
Slimmed down and modernised though it may be, the Coronation of King Charles and the Queen Consort on May 6 will be a brilliant way for the nation to come together over our shared love of pageantry and tradition. Plus, we get an extra bank holiday that weekend. Find more info here.
Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour
Sir Elton John, 75, is part of the national furniture. It is typical of his quirky and diva-like persona (and of Covid) that his farewell tour began in 2018 and is still going on. Its final date in Stockholm in July, however, will be its last. Catch the legend on the tour – or at Glastonbury – while you can. Book tickets.
Young V&A
Opening this summer, Young V&A (formerly the Museum of Childhood) promises to offer children, young people and families a space to imagine, play and design. Located in Bethnal Green, it is a ‘completely refurbished and reimagined museum designed with and for young people’. Days out with kids are about to get a whole lot better. Find more info here.
Brighton’s Open Water Swimming Centre
In the Spring, Sea Lanes, the National Open Water Swimming Centre of Excellence will be ready for us to take the plunge. Featuring a 50m outdoor pool – the UK’s first outdoor training facility – a bar, coffee shop and yoga studio, it is a big deal for the local community and swimming enthusiasts nationwide. Find more info here.
Late Fragments Podcast
If you didn’t get to know this fabulous podcast at the tail end of 2022, waste no time in 2023. In each episode, journalist Chloe Fox interviews a range of prominent octogenarians who reflect candidly on their long lives. Asking them about the things one officially shouldn’t (politics, sex, religion and money), Fox’s voice is almost as mesmerising as her guests’ wit and wisdom. We’ve hung on every word of Carmen Callil, Sir Tom Stoppard and Richard Holloway feverishly await the next instalment. Listen here.
Endgame By Omid Scobie
This one is a treat for the Harry and Meghan watchers out there who will never be sated. Their ‘friend’ Omid Scobie has written another book that purports to tell their truth. Its publication date is to be announced. Order it.
By Becky Ladenburg
January 2023
