What's On

Published on Thursday 10th December 2009

Free Exhibition - Sindy in the 60s

The Museum of Childhood, until 18th January

'When I heard that the Museum of Childhood had a Sindy in the 60s exhibition I knew I had to go. Sindy was always my favourite doll so I was intrigued to find out more. However on reaching my destination, I was disappointed to find that it wasn't so much a Sindy exhibition as a single display. Created in 1963, Sindy was a doll that reflected the times and was more aspirational than any other before her. Clothed in the fashions of the decade, Sindy represented a change in attitudes. Women could now be independent and have their own professions. The introduction of Air Hostess and Nurse Sindy helped to show young girls this. I found the exhibition interesting; however, it is limited and isn't worth the journey alone. Luckily, the museum itself is fascinating. I spent a long time looking at the exquisite dolls houses, old toys and reminiscing about my childhood! A lot of activities are available for kids so this is a great place for a family day out.

Tickets available at www.vam.ac.uk

Paid Exhibition - Anish Kapoor

The Royal Academy, until 11th December

If this had been at Tate it wouldn't have been nearly as good. The fact it is set against the unpredictable backdrop of the traditional RA makes it a ground-breaking show. Without giving too much away, this was about paint and sand and colour taking over the gallery space. The size of the pieces and the unusual materials were fun and interactive - this would be a great exhibition to take the kids to. Make sure you book your slot though - there were queues out of the door by late morning. Also worth going just to see Kapoor'S stunning mirrored 'Tall Tree and the Eye' in the courtyard (although you could pop into the courtyard for free to see this).

Tickets available at www.RoyalAcademy.org

DVD review - UP

Pre-order now

Not just for the kids' half term, we both secretly loved this beautiful and quirky film from Pixar. When the unlikely lead character, Carl Fredericksen, a grumpy but loveable old man, ties balloons to his house, he takes both his home and the story to the rainforests of South America. Although I’d pretend the usual cute characters and stunning scenery were just for the kids, we were taken in by Kevin the bird and the ridiculous talking dogs (especially the pseudo-Darth Vader Alsatian). I loved the storyline (it isn’t often that the 80 year old man is the central character) It left hardly a dry-eye in the house! Try to make the 3D version at the IMAX if you can.

Pre-order at www.Amazon.co.uk

Film – An Education

Showing now

I would thoroughly recommend 'An Education', a coming of age film, based on the memoirs by Lynn Barber. Set in the 60s, it centres around the main character, Jenny, a bright 16 year old, studying for a place at Oxford University. Young and impressionable, she meets and falls in love with the charming David, a much older man who opens her eyes to the world. This is without a doubt, the best film I've seen all year. Not only was it visually beautiful, the script was wittier than I'd anticipated and very cleverly written. I loved the way the film recreates 60s England - London is vibrant and buzzing and the clothes are absolutely gorgeous! Rosamund Pike is hilarious as Helen, the dippy blonde and she provides the antithesis to the sharp, quick thinking Jenny. Bitter-sweet, this film cannot be missed.

See screening times at www.AnEducationMovie.co.uk

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