Make the creative arts ‘compulsory for all GCSE pupils’, says Royal Albert Hall director November 25, 2018 The creative arts should be compulsory for all GCSE students, the artistic director of the Royal Albert Hall said today. Lucy Noble said school children in England and Wales should take at least one creative subject, such as drama, music, art, design or dance, until the age of 16 to help boost future talent in [...]
The Last Supper: No Angels actor Derek Riddell on his love of The Ivy and why there will be no fondue for his final meal November 22, 2018 I’m full of the cold so if this really were my last supper I don’t think I’d be able to taste anything. I enjoy cooking but as soon as I became a parent that kind of went out of the window. I have nine-year-old twins, so dinner tends to be me thinking ‘Oh god, what [...]
Focus On Woolwich: This soon-to-be Crossrail hub will see its population increase by 58 per cent by 2026 November 20, 2018 Last month, the Woolwich Ferry made its final voyage across the Thames. For many, it was an emotional farewell as locals had watched it transport cars and people from one side of the river to the other for the last 55 years. Though the Ferry is no more, the service resumes in December with two [...]
Interiors: Why you should go the extra mile this Christmas and make your own wreath November 20, 2018 As golden leaves flutter and fall, it’s time to get all fired up about decorating for the festive season. From a stunning wreath on the front door, to scented table pieces, to traditional garlands snaking their way up the bannisters, it’s the stylish and fragrant way to add seasonal cheer, and chuck the potted cacti [...]
New homes: Our pick of the new builds going on sale in London this week November 20, 2018 New developments on the market this week Erith Baths, Bexley From £77,875 for 35 per cent for a one bed flat (fmv £222,500) Part-buy, part-rent these new homes in an up-and-coming part of south east London. Eight one and two bedroom Shared Ownership apartments are on sale with housing association L&Q as part of a [...]
The David Brown Speedback Silverstone Edition is the bespoke alternative to a Bentley. As Tim Pitt discovers, it comes at a price… November 19, 2018 One might assume the David Brown Speedback GT was inspired by the Aston Martin DB5. The styling similarities between these two hand-built, V8-engined British coupes are impossible to ignore. However, the genesis of the Speedback – so we’re told – lies elsewhere, in something far less salubrious. A Peugeot 107, in fact. Our story starts [...]
Legal Q&A: How can a group of leaseholders buy the freehold of their properties if some of them are sublet? November 19, 2018 We are a group of leaseholders considering buying the freehold of our block of flats. Many of the owners sublet their flats and the rest of us are worried about potential delays and in particular, receiving funds on time. Can you advise? Many blocks, particularly in London, experience reduced owner occupancy, which does make coordinating [...]
David Hockney’s pool painting breaks record for living artist at auction with $90m sale November 17, 2018 David Hockney's iconic painting of a man by a swimming pool has been sold for $90.3m (£70.3m) at an auction in New York, smashing the previous record for the highest price paid at auction for work by a living artist. The 1972 piece, named "Potrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)", was bought by an [...]
The Crimes of Grindelwald review: Pure Potter fodder November 16, 2018 Two years on from Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, the Harry Potter spin-off returns. Set in 1920s Paris, Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) escapes custody and is planning an uprising of Pure Blood wizards intent on overthrowing those loser muggles. To stop him, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) as an [...]
La Bayadere review: The Royal Opera House’s production of an Indian fantasy is a surrealist spectacle November 16, 2018 As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, the thought of hunkering down in luxurious surroundings to watch a ballet becomes ever-more appealing. And there couldn’t be a better contrast to this chilly dark season than La Bayadere. This Indian fantasy is a sumptuous riot of colour, full of imagery of sacred flames [...]