Now that the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is over, the 2012 Summer Olympics are dominating London travel scene this summer. But there are plenty of other options for those who couldn’t get tickets,
The members and editors of travel website VirtualTourist.com present the “Top 5 things to do in London that are not the Olympics.”
Art masters: While opinions differ, Damien Hirst is one of the most famous contemporary artists in Britain, if not the world. This is the first substantial survey of his work in a British institution and it will be presented by the Tate Modern. The exhibit, running until Sept. 9, includes a retrospective, complete with some of his “greatest hits:” a shark suspended in formaldehyde and a sculpture of a bisected cow and calf.
The National Gallery will present “Metamorphosis: Titian 2012” through Sept. 23. Three of Italian artist Titian’s paintings were inspired by scenes from Ovid’s poem, “Metamorphoses,” and the gallery has commissioned new ballet, painting and poetry works inspired by both Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” and Titian’s mythological paintings.
Glamorous exhibit: “Ballgowns: British Glamour at the Victoria and Albert Museum” showcases more than 60 dresses from the past 60 years. The gowns have been worn by some of the UK’s greatest clothes horses, from Princess Diana to Elizabeth Hurley. “Ballgowns: British Glamour at the V&A” will run until Jan. 6.
Drama: As part of the World Shakespeare Festival, the Royal Shakespeare Company will present a pan-African version of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.” Shakespeare’s great political thriller finds dark, contemporary echoes in modern Africa.
The play’s director, RSC Chief Associate Director Gregory Doran, stated that his African concept for the production was influenced by the Robben Island Shakespeare and learning how much Shakespeare’s work influenced Nelson Mandela and other African political leaders.
The show is running at Theatre Royal in Newcastle upon Tyne from Monday to July 28, and at the Noel Coward Theatre in Covent Garden through Oct. 31.
Film: Alfred Hitchcock’s entire collection will be screened at the BFI Southbank through Aug. 31. Hitchcock’s silent films have also been restored and will be presented in venues across London.
Hitchcock’s 1929 film “Blackmail” will be presented outdoors at the British Museum, and “The Ring” will be shown at Hackney Empire. “The Birds” will be presented at Somerset House.
Music Wynton Marsalis will host a tribute to great American jazz artists and composers at the Barbican Hall on July 25 and 26. The event will feature the London Symphony Orchestra, as well as the UK premiere of Marsalis’ swing symphony.
For more Things to Do in London, check out VirtualTourist’s London travel guide.
&Copy; 2012 VirtualTourist.com, Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
