Cultural Highlights #4: What’s in My Diary For August & Beyond

If you’ve been reading my previous cultural highlights, you know one thing I’ve always done at the start of the year, and every month as well, is to plan the plays and exhibitions and fairs I want to attend. I note them down in my diary, and enjoy looking forward to them.

For August, and slightly beyond, here’s what’s in my diary:

Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait - National Portrait Gallery

Happening in celebration of her 100th birthday, this exhibition celebrates Marilyn’s life and career - from her early modelling years to her rise as a Hollywood icon - with a lot of never-before-seen photographs!

Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style - The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace

Did you know that Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe share the same birth year? For the Queen’s centenary, there will be the largest exhibition ever dedicated to her wardrobe- and I can only imagine what an archive it must be. It’s going to be over 300 items on display; I’m very excited to see how her style evolved and to admire some of the incredible gowns she wore during her reign. If you’re planning to go, be sure to book soon, as there are only a few August dates left, and the next openings aren’t until December!

Electra/Persona - National Theatre

Cate Blanchett on stage; need I say more? I worked with her briefly a few years back, and she was grace itself. This new production, directed by Benedict Andrews, sounds like an absolute must-watch.