Entertainment Guide: Highlights from Summer 2026

Summer Cinematic Highlights

The Cannes award-winning film 'A Useful Ghost', directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, offers an oddball mix of Marxist thriller elements, supernatural romance, and unconventional humor. This tale of a woman reincarnated as a vacuum cleaner takes you to plenty of unexpected places, even when you discount the sort of unexpectedness suggested by the premise. Part Marxist thriller, part supernatural romance, and taking in foul-mouthed monks and drama with the in-laws along the way, Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke’s directorial debut is an oddball treat. The film premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week and has since been hailed for its unique blend of genres.

Another notable release is 'Pinocchio Unstrung', a surreal tale with Robert Englund voicing Jiminy Cricket. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield was also behind the successful Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey and its sequel, making his mark in the world of independent cinema. This new instalment in what the film-makers call The Twisted Childhood Universe features a compelling voice performance by Robert Englund as the iconic character.

Family-Friendly Festivals

Camp Bestival, now back after its summer hiatus, promises to entertain both kids and adults. Activities include bee-keeping lessons, skateboard ramp sessions, trampoline fun, alongside live music from artists like Bastille and Self Esteem. This year, the festival has added bee-keeping as a new activity, making it even more engaging for families. Rob da Bank's enduring family-friendly festival returns with its mix of kids' activities and music, showcasing an eclectic lineup that includes both established and emerging talent.

Artistic Expressions

At the Royal Academy of Arts in London, 'Beyond Bedlam' presents a fascinating look into Victorian artist Richard Dadd's work. This exhibition features a collection of his paintings and drawings, offering visitors a glimpse into his life in Victorian asylums and the fairytale-like narratives that captivated him. The show runs from 25 July to 25 October.

Meanwhile, Midlands Arts Centre hosts 'The Final Bid', an interactive exhibition where visitors can bid on secondhand chairs hung from the ceiling. Created by artist Michael Pinsky, this unique installation invites participants to engage in a strange capitalistic ballet about value and detritus. The exhibition runs from 25 July to 4 October.

Theatrical Delights

New productions at The Yard Theatre in London include reimagined classics like King Lear, as well as unique adaptations such as 'The World Is Full of Married Men', performed by dolls. This play, set amid a series of doll's houses, offers a brilliantly bizarre adaptation of Jackie Collins’s racy novel. Additionally, Matthew Bourne's 'The Car Man' offers a dramatic tale set against the backdrop of small-town America. Loosely based on Bizet's Carmen, but transported to the 1950s in a working-class town, this show explores themes of lust, betrayal, and revenge through dance.

Concluding Thoughts

The summer season is packed with diverse offerings across cinema, music, art, and theater. Whether you're looking for the latest independent films or family-friendly entertainment, there's something for everyone in this vibrant cultural calendar. As audiences explore these varied venues, they can look forward to a rich tapestry of creative expressions that promise to delight and inspire.

Source: The Guardian