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FILM PICK: FIRST MAN
A film about the Apollo programme starring Ryan Gosling from the dude who made La La Land? Um… ok? First Man’s DNA may be unlikely, but one look at this spacefaring epic and it’s not clear who else could possibly have done it. The obvious point of comparison is Apollo 13, but even though this mission is obviously a success, we’re presented for the first time with a view on just how terrifying it must have been to climb aboard what were essentially flying bombs and ride them into an environment where humans just aren’t meant to be. Ra-ra-USA stuff is kept to a minimum, and the presentation of the decade-long effort to put a man on the moon is highly matter-of-fact – which just makes the sheer madness of its ambition and achievement come out all the more. Times & trailer
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GROUP BATH, ANYONE?
Fancy taking a nap with a bunch of strangers? We weren't totally sure about our first ever 'sound bath' either but after 80 minutes of listening to Primal Sound (despite the name they are quite literally the opposite of Primal Scream) and their array of snooze-inducing gongs and drums, we were out for the count. And if you've never heard of a sound bath — which involves zero water — the idea is that you lie on the floor or sit in a chair and relax, switching off from everything while sublime sounding instruments like planetary gongs and a gentle drum that legit sounds like the ocean are played expertly for you. Bring an open mind, a load of blankets and a hoodie to keep you toasty. It's £10 for a sesh, which take place at 4pm on the last Sunday of every month, in Stirchley. Nighty-nighty, then. Sleep tighty. Book
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Venue: Pint Shop, 38 Bennetts Hill, B2 5SN; website
Choice: Onion bhaji and pork scotch egg (£7.50) Chooser: Chef Mark
We now declare Pint Shop officially open. As of 5pm last night, The Wellington acquired a next-door neighbour on Bennetts Hill, and as its name suggests, it's very good at pints. The Oxford and Cambridge operation has three B-ham collabs on its opening beer list, with a hazy IPA created by Burning Soul, Blackberry Sabbath by Birmingham Brew Co and the completely delicious Pint Shop Pale from Dig Brew Co. Highly recommended with all these — chef Mark's onion bhaji, pork Scotch egg. A soft boiled egg is encased in a delicately curried bhaji and minced pork combo, minus any suggestion of gelatine or filler, finished off with a perfectly crunchy outer casing and fresh raita for dippage. If this creation had existed during the Great Scotch Egg War of 2017, it's difficult to say what might have happened. And in case you're not sure pints and genius-grade Scotch eggs are quite your thing, you'll also find more than 100 gins and a full restaurant menu which is rather more ambitious than you might expect from a place that sounds predominantly like a pub. Go and bagsy your spot for the winter — the loving, cosy, handsome refurb has got a cranny and a nook with your name on it. Menus
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HE’S NOT THE MESSIAH…
…you know the rest. Not quite your normal nativity, The Messiah sees the triumvirate of “weren’t they in that thing?” stars Hugh Dennis, John Marquez and Lesley Garrett taking to the stage to play an entire theatre troupe. Not merely an austerity measure, but an indication of true talent as the threesome portray a proverbial cast of thousands in this modern spin on why we all end up stuck with our relatives on Christmas Day. Before it heads off to the West End, The Rep houses this critically acclaimed comedic take on the birth of Christ from the pen of Patrick Barlow, whose previous production of The 39 Steps won an armful of Oliviers. The Messiah runs from October 18 until October 27 and tickets are from £10.
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THE STARS OF STRIPES
When artist Gene Davis painted the streets outside Philadelphia's Museum of Art in 1972, it was the largest artwork ever created. Assuming you don't have an imminent trip to Philly planned, plus the small matter of a time machine, you'll never see his bold street art, but get yourself to Ikon Gallery and you will see New Yorker, Polly Apfelbaum's, new interpretation of it. You're actively encouraged to walk over Halfpipe (pictured), where huge pride-coloured stripes run down the walls and along the length of the room. Like much of the exhibition, Halfpipe has been created specifically to suit the space at Ikon, so will disappear when the exhibition closes on November 18. You'll also find textiles, ceramics and drawings, which, by the way, you can do yoga next to on Tuesdays until October 30. Entry to the exhibition is free. Yoga is £6 per session (and do book).
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