Film: Mud
In the space of three movies, American filmmaker Jeff Nichols has become one of the brightest young talents out there. His latest, Mud, is his finest yet, a heart-warming and intelligent yet disarmingly honest coming-of-age tale as two young boys learn about the world from Matthew McConaughey’s titular drifter.
Starring: Tye Sheridan, Matthew McConaughey, Michael Shannon | 12A | 130mins | Out May 10
Good for: Seeing a contemporary American classic.
Film: Deadfall
Eric Bana (Star Trek) and Olivia Wilde (Tron: Legacy) star in this crime-thriller from Austrian filmmaker Stefan Ruzowitzky (The Counterfeiters), as siblings who attempt to make a getaway across the Canadian border after a botched casino robbery leaves them fugitives. A genre offering full of snowy Fargo-esque misdeeds.
Starring: Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde | 15 | 94mins | On general release May 9
Exhibition: David Bent – Fresh Air
Artist and aviation fan Bent has been producing flying-inspired artworks for a decade now and has become the Red Arrows’ artist in residence as a result. This new exhibition showcases his experiences and passion for the skies with each work containing small, initially inconspicuous, details that reward careful and repeated viewing.
RAF Museum NW9 5LL. Until May 31. Free
Tube | Colindale
rafmuseum.org.uk
Comedy: Nick Helm – One Man Mega-Myth
Nick Helm sets out to “kick comedy in the dick” and does just that with his loud-as-fuck, outrageous and combative take on stand-up. You’ll laugh, you’ll most likely cower for cover, too, and even notice the odd Eighties power ballad in there when he gets the six-strings out. Totally unique mentalness.
Udderbelly Jubilee Gardens,
SE1 8XX. May 11. £15.50
Tube | Waterloo
udderbelly.co.uk
Theatre: Rooms – A Rock Romance
This unlikely Seventies love story between a middle class Jewish Glaswegian singer and a reclusive working class Catholic composer moves between Glasgow, London and NYC as it tells, in flashback, the course of their troubled romance. There’s folk, balladry and a dollop of punk in Andrew Keates’ enjoyable production. LKFinborough Theatre SW10 9ED.
Until May 18. £16+
Tube | Earl’s Court
finboroughtheatre.co.uk
Theatre: Beautiful Thing
Although 20 years old, former teacher-turned-playwright Jonathan Harvey’s touching story – of first love between two young boys dealing with teen angst and the risk of disapproval – has dated little. It sensitively captures the boys’ tenderness while promising future happiness as they look forward to finding their place in the world. LK
Arts Theatre WC2H 7JB.
Until May 25. £20+
Tube | Leicester Square
artstheatrewestend.co.uk
Theatre: Table
In the inaugural play at the National Theatre’s new temporary venue, bright-red box The Shed, a cast of nine plays six generations of the same family. It’s not perfect, but Table does tease unexpected laughs and a few well-timed shocks, showing the inventive potential within both an old piece of furniture and a big red box on the riverbank. LC
The Shed South Bank, SE1 9PX.
Until May 18. £12+
Tube | Temple
theshed.nationaltheatre.org.uk
Photos: Mike Lidbetter
