Cultural Olympiad guide: monster list of events A new collaboration between Artangel and Living Architecture, a one bedroom architectural installation in the form of a riverboat. The boat is perched on the very edge of the Queen Elizabeth hall at the Southbank Centre. southbankcentre.co.uk ART Damien Hirst, Tate Modern London 04 April - 09 September, Monday - Thursday, Sun 1:00pm- 6.00pm; Friday, Saturday 10.00am - 10.00pm Damien Hirst, For the Love of God, 2007 The first ever substantial exhibition to be held in the UK, surveying Hirst's work. tate.org.uk THEATRE/ PERFORMANCE Gross und Klein: Martin Crimp, Luc Bondy, Sydney Theatre Company, Barbican London 13 - 29 April, 1.30pm, 4.00pm, 7.15pm Cate Blanchett stars in this wonderfully surreal play, which tells the story of Lotte who perpetually searching for human connection. ART (free) English Flower Garden: Paul Cummins UK wide 20 April - 30 June Nearly 15, 000 ceramic flowers are put together to make an archetypal English Garden with six instillations acrosss the country. Each bloom is selected for its historic relationship to that location. chgt.org.uk WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Troilus and Cressida in Maori: Ngakau Toa from Auckland Shakespeare's Globe, London 23 April - 24 April, 7.30pm Shakespeare's heartbreaking take on love amid war, focusing on the lives of two young lovers. Starring Rawiri Paratene. worldshakespearefestival.org.uk WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Romeo & Juliet: Iraq National Theatre Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon 26 April - 05 May A new take on Shakespeare's classic Romeo and Juliet performed in Arabic by Baghdad's Iraqi Theatre Company. WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Julius Caesar: Cometa Off Theatre Shakespeare's Globe, London 01 May 2.30pm; 02 May 7.30pm A contemporary production of the Shakesperian drama Julius Caesar. This new translation by prizewinning playwright Vincenzo Manna is set in a dreamlike Rome. DANCE The Impending Storm: David Toole, Lucy Hind and Remix Dance Company Birmingham 01 May- 02 May 8:00pm - 9.00pm South African dance company Remix works with UK choreographers to present a brand new integrated performance, premiering at the International Dance Festival Birmingham 2012. WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Cymbeline: Yukio Ninagawa Barbican, London 02 May- 03 May 7.30pm Legendary director Yukio Ninagawa and his company present a visually powerful adaptation of Shakespeare's Cymbeline. WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Titus Andronicus: Tang Shu Wing Shakespeare's Globe, London 03 May , 2.30pm; 04 May, 7.30pm Tang Shu-wing's adaptation of Shakespeare's grisliest play focuses the audience on the energy and impact of the original text using simple staging, voice and movement. worldshakespearefestival.org MUSIC Einstein on the Beach: Philip Glass, Robert Wilson, Lucinda Childs Barbican, London 04 May, 6.00pm; 05 May 5.30pm; 06 May 4.00pm; 09 May - 11 May 6.00pm; 12 May 5.30pm; 13 May 4.00pm Phillip Glass and Robert Wilson's epic opera premieres in the UK. barbican.org.uk WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL The Tempest: Sabab Theatre Shakespeare's Globe, London 07 May- 08 May, 7.30pm Watch this adaptation, performed in Bangla, about a group of mariners who, after a shipwreck, come across an island full of inhabitants like no other. WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL The Two Gentlemen of Verona: Denton Chikura and Tonderai Munyevu Shakespeare's Globe, London 09 May, 2.30pm; 10 May, 7.30pm A two-man Zimbabwean performance of love, friendship and betrayal. WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL King Lear: Malthouse Theatre and Bell Shakespeare Company Shakespeare's Globe, London 17 May, 2.30pm; 18 May, 7.30pm Shakespeare's cruellest tragedy as performed by the dynamic underground theatre group. DANCE (free) Big Dance UK wide 18 May - 15 July Dance-lovers are invited to participate in the UK's biggest celebration of dance. ART/PERFORMANCE/MUSEUM Stories of the World: Golden Threads Bradford Industrial Museum, Bradford 19 May - 16 September Young curators in Bradford have been investigating and responding to Bradford's rich collection of textiles from all over the world. bradfordmuseums.org WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Love's Labour's Lost: Deafinitely Theatre Shakespeare's Globe, London 22 May, 2.30pm; 23 May, 7.30pm The first ever full production of a Shakespearean story performed in sign language. WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Taming of the Shrew: starring Nadia Jamil Shakespeare's Globe, London 25 May, 2.30pm; 26 May, 7.30pm A colourful production of the Shakespearean classic starring Pakistani stage and screen star Nadia Jamil. WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Henry VIII: Rakata Shakespeare's Globe, London 29 May, 2.30pm; 30 May, 7.30pm A re-imagining of Shakespeare's resonant historical play by Spain's premier young classical company. ART (free) Rachel Whiteread Whitechapel Gallery, London 01 June - 31 December The British artist creates a new artwork for the façade of the historic Whitechapel Gallery. whitechapelgallery.org DANCE Tanztheatre Wuppertal: Pina Bausch Retrospective, World Cities 2012 Sadler's Wells & Barbican, London 06 June- 09 June A season of international co-productions hosted in several cities, which celebrates the Olympic Year in Britain and one of the most significant and influential choreographers, Pina Bausch. THEATRE/ PERFORMANCE The Crash of the Elysium: Punchdrunk Manchester & touring 15 June - 08 July, 6.30pm - 8.20pm A spectactular Doctor Who adventure, where the audience become the star of the show. mif.co.uk ART/PERFORMANCE (free) Yoko Ono Serpentine Gallery, London 19 June - 09 September, 10.00am - 6.00pm Yoko Ono, Smile 2010 Major exhibition of celebrated artist Yoko Ono. It will include installations, films, performances as well as architectural alterations to the gallery to celebrate her works and career. serpentinegallery.org MUSIC Weltethos: Jonathan Harvey Birmingham 21 June, 7.30pm The London 2012 Festival begins with the UK premiere of an epic choral work, performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Telegraph THEATRE/ PERFORMANCE You Me Bum Bum Train London 21 June - 26 August, 7.00pm- 10.45pm The award winning immersive show returns to London. FILM, TELEVISION & DIGITAL A Running Jump: Mike Leigh UK wide 21 June - 09 September Award-winning British film maker Mike Leigh brings us a film that reflects on sport in everyday life. MUSIC Peace One Day Concert The Parade Ground, Derry & 02 Wembley Arena, London 21 June and 21 September Jude Law, Peace One Day ambassador A concert featuring a host of international artsists, in partnership with The Global Truce who aim to reduce violence around the world. peaceoneday.org ART (free) London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Posters Tate Britain, London 21 June- 21 September, Monday - Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 10.00am - 6.00pm; Friday 10.00am - 10.00pm The official posters for the London 2012 Games are shown in this free exhibition. MUSIC/PERFORMANCE (free) Lakes Alive: Les Commandos Percu- On The Night Shift The Glebe, Bowness-on-Windermere 21 June World premiere of a new show by Les Commandos Percu, which overs a fireworks display with a stomping soundtrack. FILM, TELEVISION & DIGITAL What If: Max Giwa & Dania Pasquini UK wide 21 June - 09 September A film directed by the duo behind 'Streetdance', focused on urban art and sport and set in London. Influenced by Wim Wenders' 'Wings of Desire'. MUSIC James MacMillian Coventry Cathedral, Coventry 23 June, 7.30pm Celebrating Coventry Cathedral's Golden Jubilee with this first performance of a new work. coventrycathedral.org.uk COMEDY Tim Minchin: Eden Project Comedy Eden Project, St Austell 23 June, 2.30pm Tim Minchin headlines a day of comedy, with support acts and local comedians. edensessions.com MUSIC (free) BBC Radio 1"s Hackney Weekend 2012 Hackney Marshes, London 23 June- 24 June Rihanna Radio 1"s biggest ever free live music event featuring Jay-Z, Rihanna, Florence + The Machine, will.i.am, Jessie J, Jack White, David Guetta and Tinie Tempah. ART (free) BP Portrait Awards: Next Generation National Portrait Gallery, London 23 June - 23 September An influential new project to create portraiture aimed at young aspiring artists. npg.org.uk MUSIC The Trojans: Hector Berlioz Royal Opera House, London 25 June, 5.00pm; 28 June, 5.00pm; 01 July, 5.00pm; 05 July, 5.00pm; 08 July, 5.00pm; 11 July, 5.00pm The return of this rarely performed opera for its first complete performance since 1972. roh.org.uk MUSIC Dr Dee: Damon Albarn London 25 June - 07 July, 7.30pm The London premiere of Damon Albarn's powerful new opera, directed by Rufus Norris and conducted by Stephen Higgins. LITERATURE Poetry Parnassus Southbank Centre, London 26 June - 01 July A group of poets and spoken-word artists take part in the largest poetry festival in the UK. FILM, TELEVISION & DIGITAL (free) Personal Best: Chris Tally Evans Chapter, Cardiff, Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Rhayader and Southbank Centre, London 27 June, 06 July and 31 August - 09 September Exploration of six people's compelling stories, seeks to inspire by sharing the inspirational moments from the lives of others. ART (free) Adain Avion: Marc Rees Wales 01 July- 07 July, 10.00am - 10.00pm A mobile art space, social sculpture and time machine that works its way across Wales. LITERATURE (free) The Reading Challenge UK wide 01 July- 10 September Take part in the UK's largest literary event for children. CARNIVAL (free) Games Time Northampton, London and Derby 07 July, 9.00pm A community celebration with online games, dance, pyrotechnics and breathtaking costumes. ART (free) Hang on a minute, lads, I've got a great idea: Richard Wilson De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea 07 July- 01 October Richard Wilson will recreate the final scene of the film The Italian Job by balancing a full-size bus on the edge of the De La Warr Pavilion. dlwp.com CARNIVAL (free) Carnival Crossroads, Luton and touring 08 July Celebrating English history and culture through the means of carnival. ART/PERFORMANCE/POETRY/MUSIC (free) Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 National Gallery and Royal Opera House, London 11 July- 21 September, Monday- Thursday, Sat, Sun 10.00am- 6.00pm; Friday 10.00am- 9.00pm The National Portrait Gallery, Diana and Actaeon, Titian 1556-59 Contemporary artists, choreographers and composers respond to paintings by the Renaissance master Titian. nationalgallery.org.uk WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Desdemona: Toni Morrison, Rokia Traoré, Peter Sellars Barbican, London 19 July- 20 July,7.30pm An original concept in which we are shown an intimate conversation between Desdemona and her African nurse. FILM, TELEVISION & DIGITAL The Genius of Hitchcock - The Ring Main House, Hackney Empire 13 July Hitchcock's thriller restored by the BFI National Archive. Film about the world of boxing with a new soundtrack by multi-award winning Soweto Kinch. hackneyempire.co.uk ART The Tanks (galleries dedicated to live art) Tate Modern, London 18 July- 28 October Dance performance choreographed by Herman Sorgeloos The world's first museum galleries permanently dedicated to exhibiting live art, performance, instillation and film works open at the Tate Modern. They launch with a festival presenting new work in these areas and exploring the cultural history from which they have emerged. HERITAGE & MUSEUMS Shakespeare: staging the world The British Museum 19 July- 25 November An insight into the emerging role of London as a world city, seen through the perspective of Shakespeare's plays. Explores the role of the playhouse as a window to the outside of London through a variety of objects drawn from the museum's collection. britishmuseum.org HERITAGE & MUSEUMS/ART BT Road to 2012 National Portrait Gallery, London 19 July - 23 September, Monday - Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday 10.00am - 6.00pm; Thursday, Fri 10.00am - 9.00pm A portrait exhibition celebrating those who are collectively making London 2012 Olympics happen - from athletes to local residents. SPORT/PERFORMANCE (free) Forest Pitch: Craig Coulthard Selkirk 21 July Watch two amateur football matches set in a Scottish forest, on a specially constructed pitch. ART The Nest: Brian Irvine and John Mcllduff Belfast 21 July An exhibtion featuring thousands of donated objects collected from homes all across Northen Ireland. MUSIC (free) BT River of Music London and UK wide 21 July- 22 July A weekend of free world music, which will be performed on stages along the River Thames. FILM, TELEVISION & DIGITAL (free) Tate Movie: Itch of the Golden Nit Trafalgar Square, London 23 July, 11.00am - 5.00pm Family-oriented screening of the film produced in association with Aardman and BP with opportunities to take part in activities and meet some of the big names involved. ART (free) Tino Sehgal Tate Modern, London 24 July - 28 October, Monday - Saturday 10.00am- 10.00pm An exciting new exhibition is brought to life in the Tate Modern's Turbine Hall. MUSIC Swing Symphony: Wynton Marsalis Barbican, London 25 July - 26 July, 7.30pm Simon Rattle conducts the UK premiere of Wynthon Marsalis" Swing Symphony. THEATRE/ PERFORMANCE In Water I'm Weightless: Kaite O'Reilly National Theatre of Wales, Cardiff 26 July - 04 August, 8.00pm - 2.00pm A cast of deaf and disabled performers bring us this powerful drama. nationaltheatre.org THEATRE/PERFORMANCE Playing the Games Criterion Theatre, London 26 July - 12 August A two-week season of comedy and plays is co-curated by Stephen Fry. Each lunchtime, one of histroy's greatest athletes will be interviewed about their work. criterion-theatre.co.uk ART Martin Creed UK wide 27 July, 08.00am To make the launch of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, this project will involve a nationwide bell ringing, with all bells welcome to participate. allthebells.com HERITAGE & MUSEUMS (free) The Olympic Journey: The Story of the Games Royal Opera House, London 28 Jul - 12 August, 10.00am - 7.00pm A free exhibition of the Torches, medals and many inspiring stories from behind the Games. ART (free) The Orbital: Anish Kapoor Olympic Stadium, London Britain's largest sculpture that will be taller than Big Ben, designed by Anish Kapoor, a stunning stuctural delight. WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Coriolan/Us National Theatre of Wales, Bridgend 08 August- 18 August, 7.30pm- 10.30pm In an era of celebrity culture we are brought this re-imagining of a classic. nationaltheatrewales.org ART Caution: Sinead O'Donnell Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast 24 August - 29 September, Tuesday - Friday 10.30am- 5.30 pm; Saturday 10.30 am - 4.00pm An international showcase of pieces by deaf and disabled artists. goldenthreadgallery.co.uk DANCE Ménage à Trois: Claire Cunningham Tramway, Glasgow and Southbank Centre, London 24 August - 25 August and 08 September 8:00pm-9:30pm A distinctive dance form integrating the creative and functional use of crutches. Cunningham creates a study of love, lonliness, obsession and manipulation in a humorous and personal format. tramway.org THEATRE/ PERFORMANCE Mad Gyms and Kitchens: Bobby Baker Blue Room, Spirit Level, London 31 August- 7 September, 7.00pm Bobby Baker explores the wonderful world of well-being in this deligthful show. DANCE Fusional Fragments: Marc Brew Southbank Centre, London 31 August - 31 October, 8.00pm A fusion of athletic and fast-moving classical ballet and contemporary dance compiled by the legendary MARC Brew Company FILM, TELEVISION & DIGITAL (free) Motion Disabled: Simon McKeown UK wide 01 September - 09 September Uncover beauty in different types of movement through this media exhibition. DANCE (free) Leaving-Limbo-Landing: Caroline Bowditch London Fields Park, London 07 July - 09 September This performance will premiere as part of Big Dance 2012, with dancers and aerialists performing in air, water and on land. THEATRE/ PERFORMANCE The Ugly Spirit: Fittings Southbank Centre, London 01 September - 09 September Inspired by the lives of conjoined twins, this performance is both engaging and thought-provoking. DANCE Private Dancer: Janice Parker Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow 01 September -09 September Be drawn into an intimate and private world by this extraordinary event, performed in a real-sized luminous house. cca-glasgow.com/home DANCE CandoCo Unlimited: An Evening of New Works by Mark Brew and Claire Cunningham Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London 06 September Reflecting the Olympic and Paralympic values, this is dance on an unprecedented scale with 12 disabled and non-disabled performers from Olympic Nations- China, UK and Brazil MUSIC Africa Express UK wide 03 September - 09 September A major UK tour featuring stars of African and Western music. Expected and unexpected shows will be performed across the UK, in venues such as schools and factories. The final show will be held in London. DANCE Branches: Constanza Macras National Theatre of Wales, North Wales 05 September- 15 September Special commission for the National Theatre Wales, Macras will create a compelling experience, performed in the Forests of North Wales. DANCE Barrowlands project Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow 08 September- 09 September Michael Clark Company in "th." The Michael Clark dance company creates a landmark dance event in which local people are invited to become performers alongside the company dancers, creating a communal dance experience. glasgow-barrowland.com DANCE Stumble danceCircus- Box of Frogs 13 October Carriageworks, Leeds A new form of live entertainment includes five circus performers and two musicians give a highly skilled acrobatic and comic performance. carraigeworkstheatre.org.uk ART Cass Sculpture Foundation at Exhibtion Road: Tony Cragg 01 September- 25 November Exhibition Road, London Major new outdoor scultpures by Tony Cragg- up to 5.5m in height will be displayed along the newly pedestrainised Exhibition Road in central London. exhibitionroad.com MUSIC (free) Hogmanay Edinburgh, Scotland 30 December - 01 January A three-day celebration to bring in the New Year, includes live music, bonfire ceremonies, dance performances and more.