PORT SUNLIGHT EXHIBITION

Rembrandt in Print
Lady Lever Gallery
Until September 15

REMBRANDT in Print is an exhibition of 50 outstanding prints from the Ashmolean Museum, displayed together for the first time to mark 350 years since the painter’s death in 1669.

Widely hailed as the greatest painter of the Dutch Golden Age and an unrivalled storyteller, Rembrandt was also one of the most innovative and experimental printmakers of the 17th century.

His works include intense self-portraits, atmospheric landscapes, intimate family portraits, biblical stories and nude studies. Almost drawing-like in appearance, these images were created by combining spontaneous squiggly lines with his remarkable sense for detail. Pay what you think.

liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

EDINBURGH THEATRE

Cotton Fingers
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Summerhall
July 3–August 25

Described as a timely and politically charged show, this National Theatre of Wales production of Rachel Trezise’s Cotton Fingers is set in the context of the referendum on abortion in Ireland.

Taking us on a journey from Belfast to Cardiff, it tells the story of Aoife, hungry and bored, and Cillian, who makes a mean cheese toastie.

As boredom and hunger are satisfied by half an hour in Cillian’s bed, Aoife’s life changes forever.

But, as social and political upheaval grips her country, this coming-of-age story asks what hope Aoife has of regaining control.

nationaltheatrewales.org

LONDON THEATRE

Warheads
Park Theatre
August 15-September 7

Based on a true story, Warheads explores the consequences of young people being sent to war.

In it, 19-year-old Miles has returned from Afghanistan in a disturbed state, but the harder he tries to act normal, the harder it becomes to be normal. All attempts to help him just keep making things worse. To his therapist, he’s simply a lost boy. His girlfriend finds him stubborn and sometimes scary and his best friend thinks he’s paranoid.

Described as a punchy urban drama, the play provides an intimate view into what draws a young man towards the military, what motivates him to stay and why he wants to remain in it at any cost.
 
parktheatre.co.uk

MANCHESTER CONCERT

Peterloo
The Bridgewater Hall
July 7

This major new work by composer Emily Howard and writer Michael Symmons Roberts, commemorating the Peterloo massacre of August 16 1819, gets its world premiere at the Manchester International Festival.

It marks the day when more than 60,000 people peacefully demonstrated for the right to vote at St Peter’s Field in the city. Armed troops on horseback charged into the crowd, killing 15 and injuring more than 600.

That pivotal moment in British history is the subject of this elegy, performed by the BBC Philharmonic and a huge massed chorus featuring the BBC Singers and three Halle choirs. Entry free.

mif.co.uk