David Harewood: White actors should be able to play Black roles November 24, 2022 For some, being a role model can feel like a weight. Emmy-nominated Black actor Samira Wiley said recently it can be “overwhelming sometimes, representing so much for so many people.” And trans artists Travis Alabanza and Ezra Furman have spoken about how being seen as “inspirational” overlooks their daily struggles. But not for David Harewood. [...]
The year the music died? What energy bills and recession will mean for gigs November 21, 2022 Gigs have always been a great way to escape from the toils of everyday life – a few friends, usually a few drinks and great bands. But, what does a live music scene look like once you factor in spiralling inflation and rocketing energy bills for venues and consumers who can no longer afford to [...]
Liam Gallagher returns in new documentary Knebworth 22 November 18, 2022 This summer, Liam Gallagher returned to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs. The sold out two nights at Knebworth, 26 years after his band Oasis played there, was a marked achievement for the aging rocker who has been performing solo since 2016. This new documentary follows a similar path to last September’s Oasis: [...]
Spirited is a flawed but entertaining riff on A Christmas Carol November 18, 2022 Another year, another twist on the Scrooge formula. Apple’s Spirited is one of two films loosely based on A Christmas Carol (Netflix’s musical version arrives in December), but few others could offer a more compelling duo of leads. The yuletide fable imagines that Dickens’ ghostly visitations are not only real, but a yearly occurrence run [...]
The Rape of Lucretia at the ROH is a muddled show that signals opera has a long way to go November 18, 2022 The Rape of Lucretia at the Royal Opera House is almost a great success. Director Oliver Mears’ intense staging possesses moments of pure violence and raw emotion, impressively pulled off by a cast drawn exclusively from operatic young artist programmes. However, it’s not quite a win for The Linbury Theatre, with the sexual politics of [...]
The Menu is a deliciously dark satire of extreme wealth November 18, 2022 The self-absorbed world of the rich foodie is taken to task in The Menu, a comedy/drama from Mark Mylod, producer and director of TV hit Succession. The story takes place on Hawthorne, an island containing a restaurant so exclusive that just 12 diners at a time are shipped in, paying $1,250 a plate. Among the [...]
Where to watch the world cup: Best London pubs for Qatar 2022 November 18, 2022 The first winter World Cup is finally upon us. Here are our top London venues to watch it. VINEGAR YARD Vinegar Yard, located next to London Bridge station, is showing all the big games on its giant screen. Those who work in the area have probably already experienced its summer beer garden, which now shifts [...]
How Instagram is changing the way people think about wine November 18, 2022 Though a few of the old guard may prefer wine to remain solely in the cellar (preferably theirs) or the members club tasting room, savvy wine brands have been working with social media to expand their reach, diversify their client base and make the industry, essentially, more enjoyable. “The wine trade was late to the [...]
A Bunch of Amateurs is the cinema documentary we need right now November 18, 2022 With the death of cinema having been debated repeatedly over the last few years, award-winning British documentary A Bunch of Amateurs seems timely. Surviving since the 1930s, Bradford Movie Makers Club is a shell of its former self. Once a thriving institution, it’s now down to a few aging members who meet every Monday in [...]
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a fitting tribute to Chadwick Boseman November 18, 2022 The tragic death of Chadwick Boseman in 2020 left many mourning the loss of a man who had entertained and inspired millions. However, it also raised an uncomfortable question for the Black Panther follow up. Traditionally, it would be unthinkable to continue a franchise where the star had died, but the nature of the Marvel [...]