Everything decent in London this year 

Mind-blowing theatre? Yes please. Life-changing gigs? Mais oui. Events and exhibitions to rock your world to its core? Go on, then. This year, 2022, is shaping up to be a right banger, so now would be a great time to familiarise yourself with what’s coming up. Diaries at the ready, people.

Excellent art that’s coming up soon

Eddy Frankel

Art editor

@Eddyfrankel

‘Van Gogh Self-Portraits’ (Courtauld Gallery)

Ear we go, ear we go, ear we go: the Courtauld Gallery is back, and its first major show since reopening is a collection of self-portraits by everyone's favourite aurally challenged painter, big Vince Van G. You know what you're in for: pain, torment, beauty and a lot of yellow. Feb 3-May 8. £18.

‘Testament’ (GCCA)

The past few years have seen monuments around the world vandalised, destroyed and knocked down. This group show - featuring artists like Tai Shani, Adham Faramawy, Mark Wallinger and Zadie Xa, all asked to propose a new monument for the UK - dares to ask 'Monuments, what are they good for? Absolutely nothing?' Jan 21-Apr 3. Free.

‘Gainsborough’s Blue Boy’ (National Gallery)

‘Three Lions’ at the ready, Thomas Gainsborough’s famous ‘The Blue Boy’ painting is coming home. The work – one of Britain’s great masterpieces according to many – has been in America for 100 years, ever since it was sold by the Duke of Westminster to an American railway magnate called Henry E Huntington. And now, for a while at least, it's back. Jan 25-May 15. Free.

How to make London’s nightlife safer in 2022

While we’re thrilled to have clubs and music back in our lives, the fact is that the number of reported assaults in London venues spiked last year. We looked into the troubling stats and spoke to the individuals spearheading change and innovating ways for music and party- lovers to enjoy themselves safely in the capital.

‘Who the hell is using Times New Roman in this day and age?’

Overheard something weird and wonderful? Tweet us and you might see it next time!

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Mayor Khan wants to decriminalise (some) drugs in London

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Buy, beg and borrow to see the incredible ‘Spring Awakening’ at the Almeida

The art of actually nailing booze-free January in London (by someone who has)

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