Spacey's severed head
Hot on the heels of Kevin Spacey's announcement that Matthew Warchus is to succeed him as artistic director of London’s Old Vic theatre, we ran this exclusive clip of the actor's new documentary Now: In the Wings on a World Stage. It follows Spacey, director Sam Mendes and the transatlantic Bridge Project as they tour Richard III around the world, unearthing the play's sense of humour as they go. "Theatre is only an inch away from absurdity,” says Mendes – "theatre is a house of cards.” You can download the full film here; meanwhile Spacey joins us for a live webchat on Wednesday 4 June.
The Harlem Shake 2.0
Across the road to the Young Vic where south London will soon be swinging to a sexy New York beat if this trailer for A Harlem Dream is anything to go by. Part of the London-wide Dance Umbrella festival programme, Ivan Blackstock’s BirdGang choreography matches contemporary hip hop to the sounds and stylings of 1920s Harlem. Our dance critic Judith Mackrell is looking forward to a "new spin on a familiar form" when the show opens in October – read her full assessment of Dance Umbrella's new direction under Emma Gladstone here.
Tutu gorgeous
Sticking with dance, but of the more classical variety, if you’ve not yet lost yourself to this stunning profile of the tutu from Australian Ballet, prepare to now. Three of the company discuss the art and aesthetics of this quintessential dancer's costume while showing off their moves in a range of ruffles, from fluffy white snowflake to boned black leather. It’s not all romance though: "Some of the tutus that we wear are 30 years old," one dancer reveals, "so you’ve got 30 years of wear, 30 years of sweat from different dancers." Mmmmm.
It's a dog's life
The Edinburgh international festival is already spoiling us with trailers and this teaser from the Handspring Puppet Company – they of War Horse fame – had us at hello. For three nights, William Kentridge will revive Ubu and the Truth Commission, the third in a trilogy of shows that brought Handspring to worldwide attention in the 90s. A riff on Alfred Jarry's Ubu Roi, it puts South Africa's post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission under the spotlight. Just try working out your heads from your tails in this clip.
Love me tinder
"Dates? Who goes on dates any more?" It had to happen. We've had Facebook the Musical and Twitter the Musical. Now everyone's favourite dating app gets the jazz-hands treatment – the only surprise being that Funny or Die beat the Edinburgh fringe to it. Written by and starring John Fulton, hitherto best known for presenting Animal Planet's Must Love Cats (no, us neither, but he must know a thing or two about video virals), Tinder the Musical nails the bittersweet nature of swiping to find your one true love / night stand. Watch out for the impressively long lip-sync – and recorder.
