The theatre company Filter, who were behind the critically acclaimed show ‘Faster,’ has brought the Lyric Hammersmith another unique production. Sean Holmes, the new artistic director of the Lyric, has collaborated with Filter to co-direct Chekhov’s ‘Three Sisters;’ starring Romola Garai as Masha, Clare Dunne as Irina and Poppy Miller as Olga.

Holmes and Filter have created a performance which removes 19th Century costume and understated realism and replaces it with a Brechtian edge. The play is stripped of all familiarity. Sound technicians enter from stage left, the costume is contemporary and sets are adjusted while actors are still on stage, giving this well-known play a novel twist.

However, although it’s arguable whether it works to tamper with such a classic play, it definitely brings a brave and memorable result to the production. Despite the three sisters looking entirely different and Dunne keeping her native Irish accent, they are well characterized and each gives a convincing portrayal of sisters lost. There are impressive performances throughout, especially from Paul Brennan as the cuckolded Kulyginare and the play, if a little unconventional and rough-edged gives a refreshing slant to this Chekhov masterpiece. 

www.lyric.co.uk/

Until 20 February. Information 0871 221 1729.

The iconic Swedish brand Acne has officially unveiled its new, somewhat unexpected, line of furniture in Paris at the Hotel Pozzo de Borgo.

The supercool and edgy brand has thus far been best known for its precision cut denims and quirky dresses, however it’s maybe not such a huge surprise that they should foray into homewares too, their designs embracing all that can be said for an up-to-the-minute, urban-infused lifestyle. The brand in fact started in an arena outside of fashion – as an advertising and graphic design firm – so the adventurous design streak has always been present. The range of sofas play with upholstery in the same way that their creative team usually play with denim to create worn-in yet form-fitting clothing with intended longevity.

Creative Director Jonny Johansson described the key inspiration behind the collection as Carl Malmsten, one of the most archetypal Swedish furniture designers, well known for his Nya Berlin, or New Berlin, sofa. Put out of production in 1949, Malmsten’s portfolio was positively begging for a modern makeover by a creative design house. Said Johansson, ‘As we do with fashion we played with proportion, lineage and structure – stretching, squashing and pulling the simplistic shape to create new sculptural forms.’ The indigo colour, unsurprisingly, draws on the strong link Acne have forged with denim through their infamous jeans – ‘For me’, said Johansson, ‘denim is always fashion.’

After spending many years photographing iconic public figures doing something that made them happy, photographer Lorraine Goddard yesterday revealed her years of work at the exhibition ‘Out Of Context’ at the Getty Images Gallery.  The aim of the exhibition is to raise positive awareness of mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding such illnesses, like manic depression.

The likes of Sophie Dahl and Vivienne Westwood have been snapped doing that them out of contex; from drinking a good old cuppa to having a snuggle with your hubby.  The exhibition starts in London until the 30^th January, before touring the UK and leaping over the pond to New York and LA.  With different images being shown in each city you might feel like dashing around to all the exhibitions.  Fear not, however, as all images will all be compiled in a beautiful coffee table book, with proceeds going to charity.

Lorraine has also created 25 limited edition signed prints, which are priced for £150 and are available at the exhibition.

Nearest tube is Oxford Street Tube.

Getty Images Gallery

46 Eastcastle Street

London

W1W 8DX

Parisian star venue the Grand Palais is usually in the spotlight thanks to Karl’s catwalk creations, but it is also home to one of the most ambitious contemporary art events in the world. MONUMENTA is an opportunity for artists invited by the Ministry of Culture and Communication to fill the 13 500m square Nave of the iconic building with the creative endeavour of their choice.

This year’s selection is Christian Boltanski, a leading figure in French art who established his place on the contemporary scene in the ‘70s. His installation at the Grand Palais is entitled ‘Personnes’, translating to both ‘people’ and ‘nobodies’, and fills the vast space with a mountainous 50-tonne pile of clothing, surrounded by deathly roped-off squares of flat and folded old clothes. The spectacle is accompanied by booming audio of human heartbeats, recorded by visitors themselves in booths just off of the main floor.

The exhibition promises a full sensory experience, whilst making a very valid link to the contemporary fashion world and the implications of our fast-fashion fixes. Anyone fancying a jaunt across the Channel to indulge in a bit of culture won’t be missing out with a visit to Boltanski’s show.

Until February 21, at the Grand Palais.

www.grandpalais.fr , www.monumenta.com

The familiar cracked lips and wind flushed cheeks are all part and parcel of a ski holiday.  However, Sisley’s range of handy ski friendly products that keep skin soft and smooth – may mean chapped lips and dry skin on and off the slopes are a thing of the past.

All outdoor sports fanatics swear by the use of sun cream, even in a white-out!  So, Sisley’s new SPF 50+ Facial Suncream is ideal for strong sun exposure on the slopes.  Packed full of Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB Sun protection and anti-free radicals, which keep the skin hydrated with active ingredients such as shea butter, cucumber and essential oils of marjoram and sage.  Not only does the cream hydrate but it will also fight any worry lines that might appear after tackling a black run.  In the mountains the weather changes so rapidly, so combat any weather fluctuation with Sisley’s ‘SOS’ Restorative Face Cream and keep cracked lips at bay by using the Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm.

As part of your après ski, recline in a warm bath with a luxurious Masque Givre to enhance your healthy glow.  With your face looked after, turn your attention to your extremities and keep your hands smooth with Sisley’s new Nutritive Hand Care.  Smelling divine and packed with plant extracts including guava, carrot and sunflower oil – this hand cream protects hands night and day.

Relax and enjoy your Vin Chaud safe in the knowledge that your skin looks fabulous.

For more information visit: www.sisley.com/portal/web/sisley/home