Manon: A triumph of expressiveness in ballet
Alina Cojocaru and cast deliver an outstanding performance of Kenneth Macmillan’s breathtaking ballet
Kobala Revisited: Afriquoi storm XOYO
Afriquoi describe themselves simply as an “afro supergroup” who perform “live African dance music fusing Congolese guitar + Gambian kora virtuosity with UK electronic sensibilities”. Its band members: Andre Marmot (on percussion), Jally Kebba Susso (kora), Fiston Lusambo (guitar), Andre Espeut (voice) and Nico Bentley (production) certainly live up to this
James Blake’s Assume Form doesn’t quite take shape
In a bid to ditch the “sad boy" label, electronic singer-songwriter James Blake’s latest work contains more upbeat sounds and a host of features. Miles Gulliford argues that his efforts are in vain.
Improbable fiction upon a stage
Southwark Playhouse turns Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night into a colourful rave with more glitter than gold.
Bad luck for Ben Howard fans
It’s easy to forget that Ben Howard released an album last year. It came and went, with no hit singles and an understated sound almost unrecognisable compared to the cheery beach-folk of his debut. The nature of this quiet and underdiscussed release is what makes the decision to perform
Art Below Hyde Park
Or when tube stations turn into art galleries!
An Homage to Joie De Vivre
Les Antliaclastes’ Waltz of the Hommelettes fuses folklore and fantasy with a flourish.
A Circus With Totemic Status Like No Other
Cirque du Soleil is back in London this winter with Totem, an elegant exploration of the evolution of mankind.
The Queen of Spades: ROH disappoints
Stefan Herheim’s production delivers confusion in spades
The man who shocked the world
Three years on from the death of music icon David Bowie, Felix pays tribute by ruminating on some of the more overlooked tracks from his magnificent and eclectic career.
Obscure Shakespeare receives a fun new revival
Not considered a Shakespeare masterpiece by any measure, the Royal Shakespeare Company breathes some life into The Merry Wives of Windsor and manages a hilarious ‘Essex’.
Jonny Woo’s All-Star Brexit Cabaret
Saving the stage glitz and glamour for his costumes, Jonny Woo’s All-Star Brexit Cabaret is a hit