Welcome to The London Culture Edit
The London Culture Edit does more or less exactly what it says on the tin*.
At its heart is a weekly curated selection of London’s cultural offerings, chosen by me from across the arts; from exhibitions to theatre, live music to dance, opera to film and everything in between.
I’m Nancy Durrant, and I’ve been writing about the arts in the UK for 20+ years, at The Times (of London, obv) and then as Culture Editor at the Standard, focusing exclusively on London’s incredible culture scene. I know what’s coming and when, and I can see it as soon as it opens (and sometimes before). There’s a bit more about me and why I’m doing this (I’m now freelance) below.
I’ll tell you what I’ve loved and what I’ve really not; my recommendations for what else is on now, what’s coming up and what you need to book for sharpish.
It’s for people who want to see more culture, or maybe just read about it, but haven’t got time to get up to speed on every damn thing that’s going on. Because there is a LOT. My cultural year-ahead spreadsheet is a thing of beauty (colour-coded, naturally), but damn, it’s big. My aim is to scoop the cream off the top and serve it to you, with sprinkles.
*If you don’t know the origin of this iconic phrase, here’s where it comes from, which dates me pretty accurately.
About me
I’m a writer, broadcaster, podcaster, commentator, you name it. I’ve spent my career immersed in the arts as a journalist, writing features, interviews and reviews, talking on camera and radio and podcasting - I’ve just launched a new podcast, The London Theatre Review, with two pals and we’re having a whale of a time. Overseeing daily coverage across the entire London culture landscape has been a treat.
I love this city. I love the energy and optimism and resilience of its creative people and institutions. I love the fact that you can go and see great theatre above pubs, in old libraries, in former music halls and in buildings that look like car parks. I love that you can experience world class classical music in an actual car park, as well as some of the best concert halls in the world. I love the fact that our museums and galleries are basically the best, especially when it comes to visitor experience and interpretation, and that you can get a really decent cocktail at the National Portrait Gallery.
I love all of it, and I worry about it constantly, because I know how much it’s struggling after the hammer blow of the pandemic and over a decade of relentless funding cuts. I want to support it, in my own small way, by banging the drum and getting people excited about it.
I really will be so happy to have you along for the ride. You can read my posts in the emails you receive, in your browser, or on your phone or tablet in the Substack app. You can unsubscribe at any time, but I’ll be so pleased if you stick around.
What you get
The Monday posts are always free to read, focused on one thing that’s going on or coming up. The Thursday bulletin, which is stuffed full of reviews, recommendations and so forth and takes bloody ages, is available to paid subscribers, along with access to the publication archives. I promise if you’re culturally curious and in London, it’s worth it!
As I mentioned, I’ve bitten the bullet and gone freelance for the first time in my life, which is both exciting and utterly terrifying. I’m happy that people want to hear what I have to say, but if you’re able to become a paid subscriber, I’ll be eternally grateful for the support.
And if you become a Founding subscriber, as well as my amazement, gratitude and everlasting devotion, you’ll get direct message access for personalised cultural itinerary advice on what to see in London between specific dates of your choice, for a maximum of two visits. Plus occasional bonus content.
Let’s enjoy this amazing city together!
Nancy
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