Yes, we know it's so nearly Christmas. But if you've got a gap in your gifting schedule, then we've got a bumper list of fun things to do for the next couple of weeks, not just the weekend. And they don't even involve mistletoe, eggnog or disappointed family members. Don't pretend you're not relieved.
1. Be inspired by Unbroken
Two reasons to see: Angelina Jolie directing; and our own Jack O’Connell in his big Hollywood breakthrough. As Olympic runner Louis Zamperini is shot down over the Pacific in WWII, survives 47 days on a life raft, then faces greater peril in a Japanese prison camp, it all adds up to suitably stirring awards-bait drama. In cinemas from Boxing Day. HHHH
2. Take a trip down memory lane
Boxing Day blues? Relive the glory days of the Hacienda with Mike Pickering and Graeme Park, 808 State, A Guy Called Gerald and David Morales who keep the Mancunian dancefloor massive authentically lively until 4am. At The Warehouse Project, Manchester, 26th December.
3. Check out Exodus: Gods And Kings
Ridley Scott puts a more secular spin on Old Testament legend in his epic account of Moses (Christian Bale) tussling with his destiny to lead the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery. Plagues, battles and a ferocious Red Sea give bang for our buck; the perils of religious zealotry offer apt contemporary resonance. In cinemas from Boxing Day. HHH
4. Catch Chrissie Hynde
Former Pretenders singer and all-round rock goddess Hynde plays a one-off show in celebration of the warm acclaim for the superb Stockholm album. A venerable back catalogue of bolshy anthems should be punctuated by at least one stone-cold Chrimbo classic, 2000 Miles. At Koko, Camden, 26th.
5. Join Grazia at the theatre!
We’re inviting you to take a break from your sales shopping and swing by to catch the matinee performance of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown – a hot new musical starring Tamsin Greig. Afterwards join us for a Q&A with the team behind the show and a glass of fizz. Giddiness guaranteed.
Where: Playhouse Theatre, London WC2N 5DE
When: Saturday 3 January, 2.30pm
How to book: A ticket costs £49.50 includes top price theatre ticket, glass of champagne, glimpse backstage and post-show Q&A
For tickets: call 0844 871 7631 and quote GRAZIA or visit womenonthevergemusical.com
6. Get sucked into Big Eyes
Tim Burton reteams with his Ed Wood scribes for another celebration of real-world quirk: married couple Margaret (Amy Adams) and Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz) whose saucer-eyed portraits once sold by the bucketful. Even more creepy than the paintings: Walter taking credit for his wife’s art. In cinemas from Boxing Day.
7. Take a chance on Annie
It’s a hard-knock life for the titular foster kid (Beasts Of The Southern Wild cutie Quvenzhané Wallis) in this latest film of the musical staple. Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz and Rose Byrne add star power, but Will Gluck’s directing resumé – Easy A, Friends With Benefits – is troublingly undistinguished. In cinemas from Boxing Day.
8. Don’t miss Paul Simonon: Wot No Bike?
Always the tastiest and most enigmatic member of West London punk stalwarts, The Clash, Simonon brings puts his impressive and, yes, sexy folio of biker paraphernalia in an art context, with full endorsement of the Institute of Contemporary Arts, no less. At The ICA, London from Sunday 21st until 6th February.
9. Feel Magical at the Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House will serve a limited edition ‘Alice in Wonderland tea’ until Jan 16 to coincide The Royal Ballet’s production of Alice’s Wonderland Adventures. Served in the beautiful glass-vaulted Paul Hamlyn Hall, this playful Alice tea – with its ‘eat me’ cakes will make for the perfect addition to any festive day out. www.roh.org.uk/tea - all bookings through here
Royal Opera House, Bow St, London WC2E 9DD
10. Marvel at Snow White and The Seven Dwarves
If simple seasonality compels you to see one pantomime this year, we’d humbly suggest nothing will quite match the idea of Supemodel grandma Jerry Hall stepping into the role of the Wicked Queen in this evergreen classic. Very Maleficent. At The Richmond Theatre, previewing now until January 11th.