Film: Smashed
Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays 20-something primary school teacher Kate who is happily married but also, as she comes to learn and accept, an alcoholic.
After one night sees her partying go from embarrassing to scary (smoking crack under a freeway bridge, for one), she decides to get sober.
But it’s never going to be easy, with life changes, and friends and family affecting her route to sobriety.
Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul | 15 | 81mins
Film: The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey
Tim from The Office plays Bilbo in this first instalment of a three-part Lord Of The Rings prequel series.
Expect hairy feet, swords and sorcery, a next-gen CGI-Gollum, Down Underers Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving, and Ian McKellen being a badass as Gandalf.
Starring: Martin Freeman | 12A | 169mins | On general release from Dec 13
Film: Chasing Ice
Nat Geo photographer James Balog has helped redefine how we see and understand mankind’s relationship with the natural environment.
His work with the Extreme Ice Survey forms the basis for this new doco that uses time-lapse methods to document disappearing glacial ice.
You can bet the anti-climate change camp will be ready to argue against it, though.
On general release from December 14
Theatre: Merrily We Roll Along
It’s hard to believe Stephen Sondheim’s heart-breaking and witty musical – about the friendship between a Hollywood composer and two former collaborators – flopped on Broadway in 1981.
Since then, it’s been tweaked and emerges here as a wry look at how life can turn out.
An almost unqualified success.
Menier Chocolate Factory SE1 1RU.
Until Feb 23. £29.50
Tube | London Bridge
menierchocolatefactory.com
Theatre: Goodnight Mister Tom
Michelle Magorian’s 1981 children’s book – about an illiterate orphan who is evacuated from London to Dorset during WW2 – makes a successful transition to the stage.
David Wood’s swift, compassionate adaptation doesn’t shy away from the more upsetting elements of this ultimately uplifting wartime tale, either.
Phoenix Theatre WC2H 0JP.
Until Jan 26. £15+
Tube | Leicester Square
goodnightmistertom.co.uk
Comedy: Frisky and Mannish
The pop skewering comedy song duo promise to pull out all of the stops for this festive gig.
There will be a Christmas tree, a live band and a host of special guests for this festive treat of a show, including Abandoman, Piff The Magic Dragon, Abi Collins and Bruce Airhead, plus a very special, yet to be revealed secret guest.
Koko 1a Camden High Street, NW1 7JE.
Dec 14. £17+
Tube | Mornington Crescent
koko.uk.com
Exhibition: No Imitation
Nine of the world’s most celebrated street artists come together for this eye-catching exhibition, which includes work by musician-turned-artist Goldie, street art legend Banksy, French pioneer Mr Brainwash and Stik, an artist whose work was noticed while he was living on the streets of London.
Imitate Modern 27a Devonshire Street, W1G 6PN.
Until Jan 31. Free
Tube | Baker Street
imitatemodern.com
Photos: Tristram Kenton; Rosie Collins; Warner Bros
