It’s official, this novel Coronavirus is kicking our butts and our morale. Everyone is feeling it so we’ve come up with some a lockdown alternative for the cancelled exhibitions and plans in London that you were looking forward to attending.
Lockdown alternative: Andy Warhol at the Tate Modern
The Tate Modern were bringing us a major retrospective of Warhol, the first for nearly 20 years. It was to include all the huge iconic images that we know and love, such as the Campbell’s Soup Cans and Marilyn Monroe prints, but it also includes never before (in the UK) seen works. These include 25 works from his Ladies and Gentlemen series – portraits of black and Latin drag queens and trans women. His floating Silver Clouds and the psychedelic multimedia environment of the Exploding Plastic Inevitable experience are also there.
Now the Tate, unsure of when they will reopen, are not sure whether they can honour tickets that have been bought already. As the exhibition is only due to stay until 6 September, so if that happens to be something you were looking forward to then we have a four hour, two-part Warhol Documentary for you to watch as a lockdown alternative.
Part one of the documentary can be seen here.
Second part of the documentary can be seen here.
Lockdown alternative: Tutankhamun Exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery
If you weren’t luck enough to catch the Tutankhamen exhibition at the Saatchi gallery before lockdown then chances are you’re pretty peeved at the whole situation. The Saatchi exhibition: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh celebrates the centenary of Howard Carter’s discovery and the amazing treasures that were found. For the last time before they stay in the new museum in Cairo forever. Our offering to you for the lockdown alternative comes in the way of three documentaries.
1. BBC, Tutankhamun The Truth Uncovered
2. Channel 5, Tutankhamun with Dan Snow
3. Channel 4, Secrets of Egypt’s Valley of the Kings (OK so not strictly about King Tut but SO great)
Lockdown alternative: Art Exhibitions at the RA
The RA have also closed, with four exhibitions on hold until they reopen. Although not the artists of the closed exhibitions, they have attempted to help the void of art exhibitions by posting documentaries from exhibitions past. The RA have gone one step further and have released a documentary covering two past exhibitions from none other than David Hockney at the RA. The Hockney documentary can be viewed here and is an excellent isolation alternative to being able to go and see it. 
Lockdown alternative: BP Portrait of the Year at the National Portrait Gallery
The BP Portrait of the Year exhibition is an annual event. The exhibition is aimed at encouraging artists to focus on and develop the theme of portraiture in their work. The competition is open to everyone aged eighteen and over. It’s in recognition of the outstanding and innovative work currently being produced by artists of all ages. This year, in light of closures, from May 5th they will be aired online too.
You can find out more about this lockdown alternative here.
Lockdown alternative: shows at the Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall provides an eclectic range of shows and performances all year round. From Classical Music, to Christmas carols, pop stars to Cirque du Soleil. It’s the most amazing building for some incredible acts. Whilst we can’t gather, and have to social distance, there are obviously no events there.
The Royal Albert Hall have rebranded as the Royal Albert Home and are bringing you the best sessions, from artists’ homes to yours…for free! They are continually adding more acts to the list and you can browse sessions here. There’s lots there – and some amazing kid sessions too!
Lockdown alternative: theatre shows in the West End
The theatre is one of the most brilliant parts of London culture. Having no theatres hasn’t seemed to stop the theatres doing what they do best. Rather than list absolutely everything on offer – as there is loads – I’m going to link you to two fantastic resources. Whether you want to watch Wind in the Williows, an Andrew Lloyd-Webber classic or some NT live, there is so much to watch!
Head to our previous post of what to do in isolation for a good list of theatre options.
Head to Whats on Stage for weekly updated listings of theatre alternatives.
