Cinema screens are abuzz with a thrilling mix of international flair and British talent this week! At the forefront is Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke's daring directorial debut, A Useful Ghost, fresh from its Critics' Week triumph at Cannes. This black comedy weaves an unconventional premise – a woman reincarnated as a vacuum cleaner – into a Marxist thriller-meets-supernatural romance, promising a cinematic experience that's as thought-provoking as it is mesmerising.
British drama fans will be gripped by Helen Walsh's second feature, On the Sea, now in cinemas. This independent production offers a poignant portrayal of repression and queer desire set against the rugged backdrop of a Welsh mussel-harvesting community, with Barry Ward delivering a standout performance as a married man torn between duty and desire.
Families and animation aficionados can join in on the nostalgic fun with Aardman's nationwide Retrospective. Ahead of the eagerly anticipated release of Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, several beloved classics are being re-released, including fan faves A Matter of Loaf and Death, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, and A Close Shave, which introduced us to the lovable Shaun.
But that's not all – horror fans will get their thrills with Pinocchio Unstrung, from the director behind the unsettling Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. Featuring Robert Englund as the voice of Jiminy Cricket, this twisted take on the classic tale is sure to send shivers down your spine.
The live music scene is electric, with major festivals and concerts taking centre stage. Camp Bestival returns to Lulworth Castle from 30 July to 2 August, offering a family-friendly extravaganza with activities like bee-keeping and performances from Bastille, Fatboy Slim, and the critically acclaimed Self Esteem.
Meanwhile, in London, the Royal Albert Hall hosts Elgar’s First on 29 July, featuring the English composer's majestic Symphony No 1 and the world premiere of Brett Dean's The World’s Wife, performed by soprano Claire Booth and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Luke Combs brings his stadium tour to the UK this week, with a performance in Edinburgh today, 25 July, followed by multiple dates in London from 31 July to 2 August. Expect an unforgettable setlist filled with reflective, crowd-pleasing tracks from the US country music superstar known for his 2023 UK hit Fast Car and six albums, including The Way I Am.
And last but not least, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival concludes this weekend, showcasing a diverse range of international and Scottish talent. Don't miss performances today, 25 July, from Harben Kay and Michelle Willis, and Soweto Kinch on 26 July.
The art world is abuzz with new exhibitions opening today, 25 July. The Royal Academy of Arts in London presents 'Richard Dadd's Watercolours', while the National Gallery showcases 'Pablo Picasso: Prints from the Vollard Suite'. Don't miss your chance to see these incredible works up close.