OUT OF OFFICE
BRIDGET RILEY AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY
The exhibition of works by the British painter gives an overview of the recent work of one of the most pioneering living artists. Riley has been a cornerstone of the modern art scene for many decades, and is still going strong. Famous for her highly patterned, optical works Riley is nevertheless highly influenced by classic art of the Old Masters, as this exhibition demonstrates. As well as her own works (including two painted directly on the wall) several works which inspired her are included. Until 22 May, free to enter. www.nationalgallery.org.uk
SIMON MUNNERY AT THE SOHO THEATRE
Munnery is one of the more imaginative, original and downright bizarre comedians around, whether inhabiting his characters like Alan Parker the Urban Warrior or the League Against Tedium, or mesmerising with his strange musings on life, language and the universe. In his new show at the Soho Theatre, the star of TV shows including Attention Scum and Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle is performing his latest routine, simply called Self-Employed. 31 Jan-5 Feb, Soho Theatre, Dean Street, W1D 3NE. £10-£17.50. www.sohotheatre.com
NEW SEASON AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE
The National has announced another feast of upcoming shows this year. A couple of picks: in May, Zoe Wannamaker will star in Chekhov’s the Cherry Orchard, directed by Howard Davies, who has made directing Russian plays of every hue into a true art. Artistic director Nicholas Hytner will be on directorial duty himself for a new version of Goldoni’s The Servant of Two Masters, set in 1960s Brighton, and starring James Corden. Booking opens on March 8, and more details of the other show announced can be found at www.nationaltheatre.org.uk