TV and Culture Guide: What to Watch, Read and Listen to in August
There's plenty to keep you entertained this month
At Home
DESTINATION X
If you like The Traitors and Race Across The World, you’ll love this globetrotting reality show hosted by Rob Brydon where players head on an international adventure – but the twist is they have no idea where they are.
BBC One and BBC iPlayer
F1: THE MOVIE
Formula One is enjoying pole position in pop culture at the moment, and F1: The Movie is everything we love from a sports movie – with a young upstart, a jaded ex-pro and one last chance to win it all. Flashy, fast and fun, this is a great summer watch.
Streaming on Apple TV
THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME
Wes Anderson’s latest flick sees Benicio Del Toro step up to the plate for the second time with the director – this time as an enigmatic businessman who appoints his daughter as sole heir to his estate. This film has served as the launching pad for a new nepo talent, and for once we’re not annoyed – Mia Threapleton (Kate Winslet’s eldest) is definitely one to watch.
Streaming on Amazon Prime
In Cinemas
28 YEARS LATER
The surreal and haunting new addition to Danny Boyle’s captivating post-apocalyptic universe, this film draws heavily on the stunning landscape of northern England. We follow Spike, a young boy from an isolated community who is trying to learn how to survive in a country turned wild by the Rage virus. Go behind the scenes here. Catch it before it leaves cinemas.
FREAKIER FRIDAY
More than two decades since Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Lee Curtis and Chad Micheal Murray brought us Freaky Friday, we’ve finally been granted a sequel! Run don’t walk to cinemas on 8th August when lightning may strike twice for Tess and Anna. Rewatch Freaky Friday on Disney+ now.
MATERIALISTS
On the big screen from 15th August, a New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex in Materialists, starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal.
We Loved
THE SECRET COLLECTOR
Abigail Johnson
Elderly collector Alfred uses his antiques to fill his house and the hole left in his heart after experiencing loss, whilst teenager Kian is losing himself after being let down by the care system. Little do they know they have a lot more in common than they might have thought, and they’re about to deal with their issues together. After Kian throws a brick through Alfred’s window, he reluctantly agrees to a restorative justice programme and to help Alfred clear out his home. Something about this book feels familiar – maybe it’s the sense of nostalgia weaved throughout. Despite the turbulent happenings affecting both Kian and Alfred’s lives, this is a cosy read all about family and memories, and will resonate with readers of any age.
Faye Dixon, Arts Editor
DEMON COPPERHEAD
Barbara Kingsolver
A winding tale of the life of Demon Copperhead, a boy born in rural Appalachia with nothing to his name but his charm and will to survive. David Copperfield reimagined, Demon is an endearing anti-hero, and we follow him through the trials of the care system, first love, addiction, loss and the hardships of life in poverty. Barbara’s dedication to world-building and bringing the distinctive language of Appalachia to life hits you from the first line and had me hooked immediately: ‘first I got myself born’. Though dark, Demon’s perspective isn’t without a wry humour that keeps you rooting for him.
Neave Herridge, Food Editor
On Our To-Read List
THE SECRET LIFE OF FATHER TIME
Mark Batey
Step into the world of George Biddell Airy, the visionary Astronomer Royal of Victorian Britain. Rich with historical insights and vivid character portrayals, the story weaves from Northumberland, Cambridge and Greenwich to Paris, New York and Washington, DC. Explore his dedication to astronomy, working to aid accurate timekeeping and safer navigation, and the deep love of his family that sustains him through devastating personal trials. Mark Batey was born and raised in Newcastle. Throughout his career, he scripted articles, speeches and reports. Following Grace, Warbird, Starfish and Josephine Butler’s Great Crusade, The Secret Life of Father Time is his fifth book.
ACCOMPLICE TO THE VILLAIN
Hannah Nicole Maehrer
On shelves on the 7th August, we’re told this viral TikTok series-turned-novel is Once Upon a Time meets The Office, so we’re immediately in. How can Evie survive her job without setting the kingdom on fire? It’s the magical office comedy we didn’t know we needed. This is book three in the series, so we’ll need to do some catching up.
JADE AT BBC PROMS
South Shields-born Jade celebrated a unique homecoming with a powerful and, at times, emotional concert alongside the iconic orchestra Royal Northern Sinfonia. Supported by Middlesbrough musician Finn Forster, this special evening was a celebration of our region's talent – and the first-ever televised BBC Proms concert outside London. Before it hits screens, listen to her set on BBC Sounds now, watch her stunning rendition of Sam Fender’s Remember My Name here, and read our review here.
EVERYWHERE I WENT, LED ME TO WHERE I DIDN’T WANT TO BE
Tom Grennan
Due to release on 15th August, Tom Grennan’s new 15-track album features singles Higher, Shadowboxing and Boys Don't Cry and we can’t wait to hear more from him as he continues his tour (stopping by Liverpool and Hull this month).
MAN’S BEST FRIEND
Sabrina Carpenter’s upcoming seventh studio album releases on 29th August and it’s bound to be popular considering the hype right now, despite the controversial cover art. Manchild is of course the lead single but we’re looking forward to haring more from the American singer-songwriter.
