Every month we do something cultural together. We call them Cog Nights. We each take a turn to review or write up our thoughts and we commission an accompanying image from an emerging illustration talent.
Cultural calendars of 2023
There’s no AI involved, just raw ability. Here are the illustrations from 2023, with links to each journal entry.
The header image, above was created by Martyjna Wieliczko.
The Horror Show: illustration by Carly A_F
Sensitive Man 2.0: illustration by Tess Farlow
January
Our Cog Night took us to Somerset House for The Horror Show! exhibition. It was a journey into the past 50 years of British culture, a curated collection of artwork and artefacts conjured from the minds of creatives through the lens of the horror genre. Yomi gave us his take.
Illustration by Carly A–F.
February
Our February Cog night saw us back at an old staple, Soho Theatre, for an evening of stand-up comedy. ‘Alfie Brown: Sensitive Man 2.0’, promised us an introspective look at what it means to be sensitive in the modern world. Nick shared his thoughts.
Illustration by Tess Farlow.
The Joycean Society: illustration by Holly Farndell
Giselle: Illustration by Vicky Scott
March
For our March Cog night we visited Bertha Dochouse to see a fascinating duo of documentaries as part of the Obsessions season, a series of films focusing on extraordinary people with intense passions. Justin told us all about it.
The Joycean Society: illustration by Holly Farndell.
April
Our April Cog Night was a hybrid digital broadcast. Akram Khan’s Giselle by ENB provided an opportunity for some to watch from the studio and others to join from home. And we got to experience the digital platform we created for ENB. We wrote about it in our journal.
Giselle: Illustration by Vicky Scott.
Catts: Illustration by Johanna-Walderdorff
RHLSTP: Illustration by John Biggs
May
May’s Cog Night took us to familiar territory as we visited Soho Theatre again to see Frankie Thompson’s CAttS, a one woman show inspired by the irresistible meme value of all things feline. Justin gave us his pun-tastic review and sings thanks for the meowmories!
Illustration by Johanna-Walderdorff.
June
Rounding off an eventful discussion day, we took a trip to Leicester Square Theatre for this month’s Cog Night. Laura and Spencer shared their thoughts.
Illustration by John Biggs.
A Playlist for the Revolution: Illustration by Tim Alexander
The Burnt City: Illustration by John Biggs
July
For our July Cog Night we went to see AJ Yi’s A Playlist for the Revolution at The Bush Theatre. Billed as “a radical rom-com with a twist” Alex gave us his take on the show.
Illustration by Tim Alexander
August
Our August Cog Night was an immersive experience, hosted by masters of their art, Punchdrunk. Michael gave his thoughts on The Burnt City.
Illustration by John Biggs.
National Portrait Gallery: Illustration by Sophie Parsons
untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon: Illustration by Eliott-Bulpett
September
September’s Cog Night saw Lily visiting the recently reopened National Portrait Gallery. She added her thoughts to our journal.
Illustration by Sophie Parsons.
October
For October’s Cog Night, we went to The Young Vic to see Untitled: F*ck M*ss S**gon Play. Nazma shared her rundown of the evening, including show spoilers.
Illustration by Eliott-Bulpett.
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Cultural calendars of 2025
Every month we do something cultural together. We commission an accompanying image from an emerging illustration talent.
Cultural calendars of 2022
Every month we do something cultural together. We commission an accompanying image from an emerging illustration talent.
Cultural calendars of 2024
Every month we do something cultural together. We commission an accompanying image from an emerging illustration talent.