Hold on to your seat, folks! This week is set to be a thrill ride as 'Supergirl' takes flight on UK cinema screens. Australian actress Milly Alcock brings fresh energy to the iconic role of Kara Zor-El, cousin to Superman, in this much-anticipated DC Universe film. It's a pivotal moment for the franchise, which has undergone a soft reboot under the watchful eyes of James Gunn and Peter Safran – think of it as a high-stakes rescue mission to revitalise the cinematic universe and hook new fans. And don't forget 'Jackass: Best and Last', where Johnny Knoxville and his crew are back with their outrageous stunts, and 'Blue Heron', Sophy Romvari's award-winning debut that whisks us away to 1990s Canada through the eyes of a Hungarian immigrant family. Meanwhile, action fans will be on the edge of their seats as they sink their teeth into English-language Hong Kong film 'The Furious', which takes on the tough topic of child trafficking in South-East Asia.
The music festival season is heating up, with two unmissable events: the Love Supreme Jazz Festival at Glynde Place near Lewes from 3rd to 5th July and the Glasgow Summer Sessions at Bellahouston Park until 4th July. Get ready for a sonic explosion as Mercury Prize-winners Ezra Collective kick off the festival, joined by Loyle Carner, Esperanza Spalding, Joe Lovano, The Lumineers, Alanis Morissette, My Chemical Romance, and Pitbull – it's an all-star line-up that will leave you breathless!
But music is just the beginning! Immerse yourself in Jonathan Baldock's otherworldly art installation at Arnolfini in Bristol, where myth and reality blend in a swirl of ceramics, textiles, and sound. In London, don't miss Zayd Menk's thought-provoking debut solo show at Ginny on Frederick, which uses salvaged electronics to challenge our relationship with technology. And for history buffs, the National Gallery is hosting its first-ever exhibition dedicated to Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller's breathtaking 19th-century Austrian landscapes from 2nd July. Meanwhile, Ai Weiwei's major exhibition in Manchester critically examines two centuries of Chinese-British history.
And if you're looking for something a bit more low-key, the theatrical stage has got you covered! 'In the Belly of the Beast', a collaboration between Hera, Mahogany Opera, and Dunedin Consort, is touring the UK following its London premiere on 27th June. This contemporary take on three biblical cantatas by baroque composer Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre features soprano Carolyn Sampson in a performance that promises to leave you spellbound.
This week's cultural delights are a testament to the UK's vibrant entertainment scene, offering something for everyone across music, film, art, and theatre. From blockbuster cinema and live music festivals to intimate installations and high-octane theatrical performances, there really is no excuse to stay indoors this week!