Ah, February. Named after the latin term februum, meaning purification. Historically it’s been known by the Old English Solmonath (mud month) or Kale-monath (that’s cabbage time, explaining all the smoothies you’ve been offered). In Poland and Ukraine they don’t mess around and call it ‘the month of ice’. It doesn’t sound like the most glamorous of times. But boo to all that! February is also Black History Month (drawing attention to how imbalanced history is most of the time) and LGBT history month (same). It’s Chinese new year. It’s Mardi Gras, Pancake day, World Thinking Day, the day that D’Angelo comes to London again (eeeee!) and (urghhhh), the premier of the excruciatingly awkward but funny looking looking 50 Shades Of Grey film. This week, watch Selma, scrum down with the Rugby, experience Warhol after dark or if the February-optimism isn’t convincing, just sit in the dark and watch Netflix.
The film that should have won more Oscar nominations
***Selma ***
*UK Cinemas from Feb 6 *
As Feb 22nd (aka the date of the 87th Academy Awards) draws nearer with news of what’s in the ridiculous Nominee goodie bag (quite jealous of the nap anywhere head pillows) take time to watch and reflect on one of the films that should have won more nominations. Despite picking up a nod for best film, Ava DuVernay (if you haven’t, watch Middle Of Nowhere) and lead David Oyelowo were overlooked in the directing and acting categories for this powerful drama based on the Montgomery voting rights marches.
The exhibition to enjoy after dark (maybe wearing dark glasses)
***Warhol After Dark @ Tate Liverpool ***
*Sat 7 *
As Tate Liverpool’s much-praised Transmitting Andy Warhol exhibition comes to a close, check out this after-hours special session featuring live performances from Kassem Mosse and DJ sets from Beatrice Dillon. Dress as if you’re heading to the Factory in the mid 1960s as you take in an exhibition that features the Velvet Underground, early paintings of Flowers, the Brillos boxes and more.
The comedy show that will make you glad your parents aren’t posher
Backchat Live with Jack Whitehall* @ Cadogan Hall ***
Fri Feb 6
Like when you see a new sitcom based on twenty-somethings struggling through life and think ‘my friends are funnier, I could definitely write better’ (then instead actually sit there blank faced waiting for the episode to start) sometimes your parents are a brilliant source of comedy. However your parent isn’t a theatre agent who used to represent Colin Firth and Judi Dench and you’re probably not one of the most successful 26 year old stand-up and actor in UK comedy at the moment so getting your own TV programme is highly unlikely, and thankfully less embarrassing. Still, if you liked the series Backchat, see Jack Whitehall and His Dad (Michael) perform a take on the show live in London in aid of Street Child’s Ebola Orphan Appeal.
The TV show that'll finally stop people banging on about Breaking Bad
*** Better Call Saul ** *
on Netflix UK from Feb 9
If you’ve finished one of the other treats that Netflix has offered up recently and feel a little bereft (somehow got seriously got hooked on constant sex and gore of Marco Polo?) then wait no more. Better Caul Saul, the much anticipated spin off following the sleazy lawyer from Breaking Bad debuts on Netflix following its weekend premier on AMC in the USA. Once you’ve watched all those, Sharknado 2: The Second One ('HOLY SHARK!' says the ridiculous trailer) has also been added to the streaming service.
The gigs to make you rethink everything
***Kate Tempest @ Wedgwood Rooms, Portsmouth ** *
*Sat Feb 7 *
*Kate Tempest @ Motion, Bristol *
*Sun Feb 8 *
Mercury Prize nominated poet Kate Tempest begins her UK tour this weekend, taking her characterful tales of city life (think: The Streets) to Portsmouth and Bristol this weekend. The full tour runs to Brighton (Feb 10), Birmingham (Feb 11), Manchester (Feb 12), Leeds (Feb 14), London (Feb 15), Nottingham (Feb 17), Liverpool (Feb 18), Hull (Feb 19), Gateshead (Feb 21), Glasgow (Feb 23) and Edinburgh (Feb 24).
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.