On the Basis of Sex film review: Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic is timely but takes few risks February 22, 2019 On the Basis of Sex is a timely reminder of all that US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg accomplished on the long, winding road towards gender equality, and why it still matters today. We open on the Harvard victory song, extolling the triumphs of the “men” in attendance. It is 1956, the sixth year [...]
Cold Pursuit film review: Liam Neeson’s junket admission eclipses an otherwise serviceable revenge drama February 22, 2019 In an alternate timeline, Cold Pursuit would have been a low-key cinematic release, more of the same from an actor we’ve come to know as the go-to guy for revenge dramas. But Liam Neeson had other ideas. In a run-of-the-mill press junket, Neeson, apropos of nothing, told a story about stalking the streets of Belfast [...]
Akyra Thonglor is the perfect hotel from which to explore Bangkok’s most happening entertainment district February 22, 2019 Often viewed by travellers as a mere stopover point on the way to discover Thailand’s tropical islands or Chiang Mai’s Golden Triangle, Bangkok should not be missed out as a destination in its own right. It’s currently experiencing an exciting renaissance with an abundance of forward-thinking hotels and innovative restaurants opening their doors, not to [...]
Villa la Massa hotel review: Laura Millar leaves the crowds behind for a suite spot just outside Florence… February 22, 2019 It’s the romantic destination you pick when you want to avoid the cliché of Rome, but Florence has just as much history, culture, and amazing food, frankly. However, it can get a bit crowded. The solution? Stay a little outside the city, where it’s cooler, quieter, and you can have easier access to some of [...]
Shipwreck play at the Almeida review: An ambitious but flawed take on the Trump presidency February 22, 2019 You wait months for a fractured, meandering, three hour play about politics and then two come along at once. Following the Old Vic’s tortuous reheating of Arthur Miller’s depression-era memoir The American Clock comes the Almeida’s Shipwreck, a new play that concerns itself with the bleeding edge of the Trump presidency. It begins with a [...]
Berberian Sound Studio review: This homage to giallo horror films is a supernatural assault on the senses February 22, 2019 Berberian Sound Studio is a pedestrian name for a pretty out-there theatrical experience. Based on a horror film directed by Peter Strickland and starring Toby Jones, it was lavished with praise on the art film circuit when it was released in 2012. Now it’s a play in the Donmar Warehouse, whose intimate seating arrangements and [...]
Franz West at the Tate Modern review: A vivid picture of of a singular mind February 22, 2019 I left the Tate Modern’s Franz West exhibition with a strong desire to get extremely drunk with the artist. Now sadly deceased, West was louche and messy, arrested on at least two occasions for being publicly sozzled, and his entire oeuvre feels like a mad two fingers up to the art establishment. Producing work from [...]
New homes: Our pick of the new builds going on sale in London this weekend February 22, 2019 New developments on the market this week Acton Gardens, Acton From £430,000 Get on the Crossrail network with these new homes next to Acton High Street. Residents will have four train stations to choose from, including one linked to the high-speed rail network that is due to be running by the end of the year. [...]
DEBATE: Should we slash post-Brexit tariffs on food imports to offer consumers cheaper goods? February 21, 2019 Should we slash post-Brexit tariffs on food imports to offer consumers cheaper goods? Bill Wirtz, policy analyst at the Consumer Choice Center, says YES. Contrary what the protectionists will tell you, tariffs don’t only hurt the country upon which they are imposed. If the government decides to maintain import tariffs on food post-Brexit, it is [...]
Fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld’s cat Choupette may inherit his £150m fortune February 20, 2019 As the world mourns the death of Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld, some are wondering what will happen to his £150m fortune. The media are circling in on a number of possible inheritors, including his godson, Hudson Kroenig. But one next of kin in particular has caught everyone’s attention: his pet cat. Read more: Fashion industry [...]