Here’s a guide to some of the cultural treats to look out for in January…
Hamnet: set for release on the 9th January, the film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s book is definitely one that we recommend on seeing. Wonderfully poetic and capturing the spirit of the book, it tells the story of love and grief in a memorable way. Catch up with our review when we saw it at the BFI London Film Festival here.
A Killer in Paradise by Tom Hindle: the author returns with his latest crime novel, set to be released 15th January 2026. This new book follows the story of five friends invited to join Abigail Blythe at the launch of her luxury hotel in the Costa Rican rainforest. None of them have heard from Abigail since the summer they went backpacking in Central America as students – a trip that ended in disaster for one member of the group….
Arcadia, Old Vic Theatre: Tom Stoppard’s play is directed in this new production by Carrie Cracknell, which will run at the theatre from the 24th January until the 21st March. The story is set two centuries apart and teenage prodigy discovers the mathematics of the universe, as the adults around her fail to hide their passions under reason. Meanwhile in the present day, scholars chase the ghosts of that same household — seeking truth, proof and perhaps each other.
American Psycho, Almeida Theatre: the musical adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel returns to the theatre from the 22nd January until the 14th March. Patrick Bateman has two different sides to him: charming and successful and the other is a much darker side. Directed by Rupert Goold and forming his final season as Artistic Director of the Almeida Theatre, the cast includes Tanisha Spring and Oli Higginson.
© Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Theatre Royal Haymarket: transferring to London from Chichester Festival Theatre, Katy Rudd directs Mark Addy and Jenna Russell in this musical adaptation of Rachel Joyce’s book.
Song Sung Blue: Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman star in this film directed by Craig Brewer, following the fortunes of Mike and Claire Sardina, who performed as the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder. It will be released in cinemas on the 1st January.