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Van gogh comes to the r.a.
Incredibly, this is the first major Van Gogh exhibition in London for over 40 years, and it will shed extra light on the impulses and inspirations of the troubled Dutch painter with the inclusion of 35 of his letters, as well as 65 paintings and 30 drawings. Whether your interest is in what made Vincent tick, or you just want to gaze in wonder at some of the most singular works of art ever made, this is a must. Until 18 Apr, Royal Academy, Burlington Gardens, W1J 0BD. Tickets £12 from www.royalacademy.org.uk.
Three Sisters at the lyric
Opening tonight at the Lyric Hammersmith, Chekov’s masterpiece about the moral collapse of Russia’s upper class will receive a distinctly non-classical telling from theatre company Filter, known for the use of movement and sound in their productions. Directed by Sean Holmes, the cast includes film actress Romola Garai (Atonement) as Masha. Until 20 Feb, Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL. Tickets from £10 from www.lyric.co.uk.
Midsummer (A play with songs)
Currently enjoying a run at the Soho Theatre, this was one of the hits of last year’s Edinburgh Festival, and it’s a real charmer. Set in a pub in the Scottish capital itself, it tells a simple story of two people – he a car salesman on the brink of a dodgy deal, she a high-powered divorce lawyer – whose drunken one-night stand sets off a comedic trail of events, accompanied by the odd gently-strummed song. Until 6 Feb, Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE. Tickets £20 from www.sohotheatre.com.