Welcome to our feature What's on at Watermans this week? rounding up the current cinema, theatre and gallery listings on at Brentford's riverside arts centre.

Aftersun

The stunning debut from Scottish writer-director Charlotte Wells, Aftersun juxtaposes a hopeful coming-of-age story with a poignant, intimate family portrait that leaves an indelible impression. 

At a fading vacation resort in the late 1990s, 11-year-old Sophie (Frankie Corio) treasures rare time together with her loving and idealistic father, Calum (BAFTA winner Paul Mescal, Normal People). As a world of adolescence creeps into view, beyond her eye Calum struggles under the weight of life outside of fatherhood. 

Twenty years later, Sophie's tender recollections of their last holiday become a powerful and heartrending portrait of their relationship, as she tries to reconcile the father she knew with the man she didn't, in Charlotte Wells' superb and searingly emotional debut film.

The Menu

A couple (Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult) travels to a coastal island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef (Ralph Fiennes) has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises…

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action/CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to life.

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When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle - a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) who loves baths, caviar and great music, living in the attic of his new home.

Forever Young

Director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi's stint at the late Patrice Chéreau's prestigious acting school in the 1980s inspires this tale. Stella, Victor, Adèle and Étienne, a bunch of 20-something hopefuls take the entrance exam for the school at the Théâtre des Amandiers in Nanterre. Launched into life, passion, and love at full speed, together they will experience the turning point of their lives, but also their first tragedy.

The Nutcracker

Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky's score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets. Peter Wright's much-loved production for The Royal Ballet, with gorgeous period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, keeps true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic, combining the thrill of the fairy tale with spectacular classical dancing.

Christmas with the 3 Billy Goats Gruff

An interactive family treat with a delightful festive twist. The classic fairytale of Three Billy Goats Gruff is magically brought to life through Swedish carols, live music and beautifully crafted puppets.

What happens on Christmas Eve when the Troll is fishing for his dinner...? Join Garlic Theatre by a little stream in Sweden to find out! 

An ideal first theatrical experience for the very young.