Rattled: A spotlight on postnatal mental health
Rachel Harper shines in a brilliant solo show as a woman confronting her fractured childhood, shining a much-needed light on female mental health.
Don Quixote – A Sizzling Spanish Comedy
Sun, laughter and impressive technical performances: Carlos Acosta’s dazzling choreography is brought to life by the Royal Ballet.
Crime and Punishment: Czech Edition
Royal Opera House production of Leos Janacek´s opera Katya Kabanova is definitely worth your attention.
diane arbus: in the beginning
In the 1950s, Diane Arbus quit her successful marketing and fashion photography business and took to the streets of New York in search of her subjects. Her subjects were no longer like the supposedly ‘beautiful’ models appearing in popular magazine covers. She was interested in the outcasts of society. She
The brilliant mess of the Birmingham pantomime
Pantomimes follow a simple formula. Jokes, colourful costumes and a pervasive camp atmosphere combine to form family entertainment. As had been family tradition for over ten years, this Christmas I experienced the Birmingham pantomime. Now, experienced really is the word as in that time it has devolved into simultaneously a
Folk tales of an anti-facist working-class hero
Whilst living in Scotland I learnt that there are few better ways to spend a cold Tuesday night than in one of the many folk bars dotted throughout the country. Here, in the warm atmosphere of ale and brown wood, musicians walk in and out, playing freely, sipping from their
Cougar at the Orange Tree Theatre
Sexual politics and climate change aren’t two themes I’d naturally put together, but this play is proof that it works.
Dark Laughs from ‘Pinter 7’
A Slight Ache and The Dumb Waiter explore dark themes of fear and betrayal with a light-hearted humour that charms audiences.
Nerone and Poppea - Falling for the Villains
This Valentines Day, Arts Writer Maria Portela reflects on one of opera’s great romances... how can we love the unlovable?
The Great Gatsby: An Immersive Experience
“There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired”
Noonday Dream revisited: How one gig opened my eyes to the full beauty of Ben Howard’s latest album
Released back in June 2018, Ben Howard’s Noonday Dream was drastically unlike any of his previous works, dividing fans and critics alike. Initially panned by many (music writer Alex Large included) for its sombre and desolate tones , the album is a slow burner that has to be experienced live
Kendrick vs Kendrick: To Pimp A Butterfly or good kid m.A.A.d city?
As the end of a decade in which Kendrick Lamar has dominated approaches, which of his records is truly the best?