That's Entertainment

Spring entertainment newness for your enjoyment

TV: Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham UK (Sky Max)

Joe Lycett, Birmingham’s self-appointed ambassador and beloved comedy activist, is on a mission to put his hometown back on the map—literally. With the blessing of the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Joe is heading to North America, home to 18 cities named Birmingham, stretching from Canada’s Saskatchewan province down to the Deep South.  

Throughout the series, Joe will explore these cities’ histories, uncover their shared Brummie cultural ties, and forge official “Friendship Agreements” with as many as possible. The journey culminates in a grand finale: Joe will host his new Brummie friends in his hometown for the inaugural ‘International Day of Birmingham’, a celebration set to become an annual global event.

Film: MineCraft (cinemas from 4th April)

Welcome to the world of Minecraft, where creativity doesn't just help you craft, it's essential to one's survival! Four misfits - Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks) - find themselves struggling with ordinary problems when they are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld: a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they'll have to master this world (and protect it from evil things like Piglins and Zombies, too) while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected, expert crafter, Steve (Jack Black).

Together, their adventure will challenge all five to be bold and to reconnect with the qualities that make each of them uniquely creative... the very skills they need to thrive back in the real world. 

Music: Bon Iver ‘SABLE fABLE’ (from April 11, via Jagjaguwar)

Bon Iver’s ‘SABLE’ emerged from Justin Vernon’s breaking point, a three-song EP reflecting on guilt, anxiety, and healing. Written during lockdown, it strips back Bon Iver’s layered sound to raw intimacy, with Vernon’s voice and guitar at the forefront. Tracks like “S P E Y S I D E” and “AWARDS SEASON” confront personal turmoil, offering an unburdening of pain.  

Its companion, ‘fABLE’, marks a radiant shift. Where ‘SABLE’ was solitary and dark, ‘fABLE’ celebrates love and renewal. Recorded at Vernon’s April Base studio, it’s lush and vibrant, with songs like “Everything Is Peaceful Love” and “Walk Home” capturing infatuation and hope. Collaborations with Jim-E Stack and Danielle Haim add depth, as Vernon explores the balance between joy and lingering shadows.  

Together, SABLE and fABLE form a journey from darkness to light, acknowledging that healing isn’t linear. Vernon’s honesty and vulnerability shine, offering a lesson in growth and connection.