Black British music, Beef and bandaged terror: What’s to see, do or hear this week in Europe

Dancehall fillers, explosive on-screen rage and cursed children – there’s something for everyone in this week’s round-up of new exhibitions, movies, TV shows and music released in Europe this week.

Whether you’re still recovering from the Easter break or filled with springtime energy, here are some recommendations to inspire your upcoming plans.

Exhibitions

The Music is Black: A British Story

When: 18 April

Where: V&A East (London, UK)

From Winifred Atwell’s piano to Stormzy’s Banksy-designed stab-proof vest, the V&A is charting 125 years of Black British music through a landmark new exhibition. Over 200 items, including photography, costumes, instruments and more, highlight how Black artists have shaped British culture; their music a powerful vehicle for resistance, identity and social change. Find out more here.

Helen Frankenthaler

When: 18 April – 23 August 2026

Where: Kunstmuseum Basel (Switzerland)

A pioneer of the soak-stain technique, American abstract painter Helen Frankenthaler redefined the medium through her uniquely fluid expressions. The enduring influence of her works is being spotlighted at the Kunstmuseum Basel, where pieces from her six-decade career sit in dialogue with art history that inspired her. It’s the largest European exhibition dedicated to her paintings yet, offering a unique perspective on Frankenthaler’s vibrant life and creations. Find out more here.

Bonus highlight: An enchanting exploration of everyone’s favourite mythical beasts,‘Unicorns!’ prances through Paris’ Musée de Cluny until 12 July 2026.

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Movies

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy

Where: Cinemas

When: 17 April

In the last few years alone, we’ve seen the return of Frankenstein, his Bride, Wolf Man, Dracula – and plenty of vampires in general. But mummies? Not so much. Lee Cronin (Evil Dead Rise) is here to rectify that with his reimagining of The Mummy franchise.

After disappearing in the desert eight years ago, a young girl returns to her family. Their shocked relief soon turns to horror, however, as they realise she’s no longer the daughter they once knew – something far more cursed…

Expect typical Blumhouse fare: jump scares, heavy CGI and creepy children. We can also unfortunately confirm that Brendan Fraser does not make an appearance.

Bonus highlights: Yellow Letters, the recipient of this year’s Golden Bear at the Berlinale, is now out in French cinemas. Read our review here.

TV series

Beef

Where: Netflix

When: 16 April

Beef was one of the best TV shows to come out in 2023; a ferocious derailment of the lives of two angry strangers that merged dark humour with sharp social commentary. The second season is set to be similarly anxiety-inducing, but this time with a brand new cast – and focus on generational divides. Starring Cailee Spaeny and Charles Melton as a Gen Z couple caught in a face-off with their older married bosses, Carey Mulligan and Oscar Isaac, prepare for more fast-escalating chaos.

Bonus highlights: College dropout and new mum Margo (Elle Fanning) must find a way to cope with life’s mounting stresses in Apple TV’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles – out 15 April. Over on Netflix, global soccer star Ronaldinho’s rise to fame is being explored in ‘Ronaldinho: The One and Only’, on 16 April.

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Music

Jessie Ware: Superbloom

When: 17 April

An undisputed queen of dancehall pop, British musician Jessie Ware’s last album, ‘That! Feels Good!’, was a post-pandemic release of collective catharsis – and one of our favourite albums of 2023. Inspired by the iconic New York nightclub Studio 54, ‘Superbloom’ sees the singer ramp up the groove through a mixture of retro-infused funk, disco and glam-pop tracks that’ll have you heading straight for the dance floor.

Bonus highlights: American DJ Honey Dijon releases her new disco-infused album, ‘Nightlife’ on 17 April.