Page 1078 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

Imperial powers are represented as dummies in finely coloured clothing, playing on a seesaw as
they vie for supremacy. Shonibare skewers Europe in the early 20th century when nation states,
their treasuries bloated with the colonisation of Africa at its peak, played power games that led to
world war.

Nahem Shoa
Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, to 31 March
Masterpieces in the Walker’s outstanding collection are confronted with tough contemporary
questions about the legacy of slavery and empire. Paintings by Shoa, including The Back of Gbenga
Ilumoka’s Head, which the gallery has recently purchased, are shown in uneasy conversation with
works by Joseph Wright of Derby, Hockney, Freud and more. Jonathan Jones

Going out: Stage

Sing when you’re grinning … Rob Brydon. Photograph: Alpha Press

Rob Brydon
Touring to 26 March
A comedian swapping joke-telling for serious musical endeavour usually ends up being self-
indulgent and cringeworthy – but there’s no chance of that with Brydon’s funny bones. His Night
of Songs and Laughter features anecdotes and impersonations (Michael Caine! Steve Coogan!)
amid the eclectic tunes. Rachel Aroesti

Nachtland
Young Vic, London, to 20 April
Marius von Mayenburg’s dark new satire follows two siblings who must decide what to do
when they find an old painting bearing Hitler’s name stashed in their father’s home. Keep or
destroy? A striking cast includes Jenna Augen, Jane Horrocks and John Heffernan. Miriam
Gillinson

Starter for Ten
Bristol Old Vic, 29 February to 30 March
With the TV adaptation of One Day lighting up Netflix, David Nicholls is having a(nother)