The Salterton Arts Review 2020 Countdown

A look back at the things I did manage to see despite all the obstacles of 2020, as the Salterton Arts Review counts down the top five highlights of the year.

The Salterton Arts Review in 2020

2020, what a year. I can’t say anything that hasn’t been said already about it, so I won’t try. What I do want to do is to look back at the London arts and culture I’ve been able to see since relaunching the Salterton Arts Review blog. It has been a privilege to be able to get back out and see as much as I have. I was first in line when museums started reopening, beginning with the Wallace Collection in July. I’ve been able to see really innovative theatre, world class exhibitions, and have even been on a couple of trips out of the city. I really miss the freedom to see what I want, when I want. But it is important to count blessings, so let’s do that now as we look back at 2020!

5. Blindness, Donmar Warehouse

Blindness was my first time back inside a theatre since March. I saw it at the Donmar Warehouse in August, and was absolutely blown away. Although it was a ‘sound installation’ rather than live theatre, the experience was totally immersive. This was the first time I saw all of the COVID restrictions as a challenge for creative industries to rise to; without 2020 I don’t think this production would have been as remarkable as it ended up being.

The tale of societal breakdown in the face of a sudden pandemic is of course very relevant, and Juliet Stevenson narrating the part of the doctor’s wife was wonderful. Full marks as well to the set and lighting designers who used the warehouse space to great effect. This is definitely one of my stand out theatrical productions of 2020.

4. Gauguin and the Impressionists, Royal Academy

I’ve been able to visit the Royal Academy a few times this year, as keen readers of the Salterton Arts Review will recall. I saw Picasso and Paper when it reopened; had a timed slot for Léon Spilliaert; and I did manage to catch Tracey Emin / Edvard Munch before the latest restrictions. But the RA exhibition which brought me the most joy in 2020 was Gauguin and the Impressionists: Masterpieces from the Ordrupgaard Collection which I saw in August.

There were two factors which brought me happiness on this exhibition excursion. The first was the collection itself. The pieces were well chosen and well curated to give a sense of Wilhelm Hansen‘s collection. In three rooms, the exhibition spanned pre- to post-Impressionism. Gauguin was the headline artist, and the works by him did not disappoint.

The second factor was the experience of visiting. On a baking hot London summer day, the Royal Academy was cool and calm. There were so few visitors I could really take my time looking at the art, without constantly assessing my social distancing. It felt almost like a private view, such a treat!

3. Masculinities, Barbican

Like the Royal Academy, the Barbican has been a great place to visit in 2020 because they have taken safety measures so seriously. I really enjoyed Michael Clark: Cosmic Dancer, but I think for me Masculinities just beats it. I saw Masculinities shortly after the Barbican reopened, and visited the Barbican conservatory at the same time.

What I liked so much about Masculinities was that it was still possible in 2020 to see challenging exhibitions. In the coming years I’m sure a lot of institutions will have to make programming decisions based on what will bring in the most income. But at least in 2020, the Barbican has remained the home of big avant-garde shows. Masculinities was unexpected, fascinating, and topping it off with the conservatory made for a great day out.

2. A Christmas Carol, The Bridge Theatre

Of all the live theatre I’ve seen this year, A Christmas Carol was my favourite. Ebenezer Scrooge’s story of festive redemption is basically my favourite thing about Christmas, and I was so happy that the timing of my tickets worked out for me to be able to see this live. Even in a normal year this would have stood out as one of my favourite Christmas Carol productions. Simon Russell Beale was wonderful and supported by the very talented Eben Figueiredo and Patsy Ferran. The staging was simple, yet effective. Like a good Dickens evening should be, it was equal parts serious and irreverant.

I’ve been incredibly lucky that the Bridge Theatre is within walking distance and has worked so hard to reopen quickly. I’ve seen Ralph Fiennes in Beat the Devil, brilliant monologues Nine Lives, Quarter Life Crisis, Talking Heads, An Evening with an Immigrant, and the thought provoking Flight. I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. But nothing has filled me with as much joy as A Christmas Carol. Thank you to all the Bridge team for making it happen!

1. Open House London: The Salterton Arts Review’s Top Pick For 2020

It was difficult to choose a number one highlight of 2020. But if I think back on what I have learned this year, one thing stands out. Prior to this pandemic, I took London for granted. I let plenty of plays and exhibitions pass me by. I spent a lot of weekends doing nothing much. It was only once I wasn’t allowed to do the things I love any more that I realised how much I value them. And remembered that having access to all of this history and culture is the reason that I moved here in the first place.

So my highlight of 2020 is Open House weekend back in September. For me it sums up this new-found drive to make the most of things. I had been meaning to do Open House for years but never got around to it. I love exploring new parts of the city and learning about its history, and through Open House I was able to get behind the scenes at St Paul’s, St Bride Foundation, and House Mill on the River Lea. So many people put a huge amount of time into making this weekend work with all the ever-changing rules – I want to continue to seek out opportunities like this even as things return to normal.

The Salterton Arts Review is a way for me to stay focused on experiencing everything that London has to offer, and to share it with you. I will continue in 2021 to seek out and recommend the best of London’s arts, culture and history, and though things look set to get worse before they get better, hopefully we will have fewer challenges to overcome!