The Spectator's Arts Round-up;
Theatre
Despite the theatre's current infestation by children's shows, there are still plenty of things that grown-ups will find rewarding on the London stage. For skilful, sophisticated amusement, try But fey (Criterion) or The Philanthropist (May Fair), both about dons, but concerned with scholastic and sexual affairs. There are dramatic flaws in John Osborne's West of Suez (Cambridge), but the design is on the grand scale and the chat is stimulating. Laurence Olivier is playing Shylock in The Merchant of Venice (Old Vic) until January 8 (when he returns to the O'Neill play — see opposite — at the New). Straight Up! (Piccadilly) is engaging for those who like irreverent humour in the Joe Orton style. Sleuth (St Martin's) is a good thriller, and Move Over Mrs Markham (Vaudeville) is an uproarious farce. Danny La Rue (Palace) and Show Boat (AdeIphi) live up to their respective reputations.
Art
Don't miss visiting the Tate Gallery this month: as well as the permanent collection there are special exhibitions of Hogarth (all facets of his art) and of William Blake's illustrations for poems by Thomas Gray. The Victoria and Albert Museum has four special exhibitions running: British Biscuit Tins and Cecil Beaton's Fashion Anthology (till January 16), Homage to Senefelder and Victorian Church Art (till January 30).
For children
As weh as the shows listed in last week's Christmas Round-Up, you may like to note the Children's Theatre Festival at the Round House (January 4-8), for two hours each afternoon, admission 20p and each programme aimed at a specific age group from four to fourteen. Details: 01-267 2541, The Fauna Preservation Society screens animal films for children at the New Gallery cinema, Regent Street, on January 4. Other film shows at the Geological Museum (till January 1), the National Postal Museum (till January 7), Lectures of interest to young people at the National Maritime Museum (till \\...January 5), Royal College of Surgeons (till January 6), Science Museum (till ......_ January 8), Victoria and Albert Museum (till January 7).
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