• Film | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Peter Jackson’s new film trilogy finally arrives. Bilbo Baggins, played by Martin Freeman, goes on an adventure with a group of dwarves to reclaim lost treasure from the dragon Smaug.

Released December 13

• Art | The First Cut

Ever cut up paper for artistic purposes? Manchester Art Gallery is showing exhibits from 31 new artists who have done just that. Grenades fashioned from paper currency are just one example of the quirky works on show.

Manchester Art Gallery. Until January 27 

• Theatre | Privates on Parade

Simon Russell Beale stars in this famous musical about an army entertainment troupe during the Malayan Emergency. There’s drag, comedy and impersonation, as well as starring one of the greatest stage actors alive.

Noel Coward Theatre, London. December 10 – March 2

• Art | Hollywood Costume

Did you want to dress up as Indiana Jones when you were a kid? The Victoria & Albert Museum is displaying many famous film costumes. Even costumes from Fight Club appear!

Victoria and Albert Museum. Until January 27

• Film | Life of Pi

This Booker Prize winning novel makes its way to the big screen. Pi, the son of a zookeeper must fight for survival on a single lifeboat with a group of animals after a shipwreck.

Released December 20

• Art | I Am Not Me, The Horse Is Not Mine

The artist William Kentridge has made an eight-channel video installation which is a meditation on the Russian Revolution and its aftermath.

Tate Modern. Until January 20

Harry Wise