Wasps’ surrender leaves battle to reach LV last four February 1, 2015 DISGRUNTLED Wasps defence coach Brad Davis lamented his side’s second-half capitulation after blowing a 25-point lead in their LV= Cup clash against Cardiff Blues at the Ricoh Arena yesterday. Wasps crossed the line six times in the 12-try thriller as flanker Thomas Young twice powered over along with Will Helu, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Guy Thompson and [...]
McIlroy snares Desert trophy February 1, 2015 WORLD No1 Rory McIlroy surged to a commanding victory at the Dubai Desert Classic yesterday for the second time in his career to evoke memories of his first professional title in the sport. The 25-year-old compiled a two-under 70 on the final day to close on 22 under par and secure his 10th European Tour [...]
Australian Open prize money: Andy Murray makes his first million of 2015 January 30, 2015 Kim Sears may have been a picture of frustration in the Rod Laver Arena crowd yesterday, but her boyfriend Andy Murray has every reason to be happy after sealing his place in the Australian Open final for the fourth time. Murray has now guaranteed himself his first six-figure paycheck of 2015, even if [...]
Art review: Christian Marclay January 30, 2015 White Cube Bermondsey | ★★★★☆ This is Christian Marclay’s first solo London show since 2010’s legendary The Clock, the 24 hour video montage of film clips including clocks, watches and people telling a time perfectly synchronised with the real world. Though none of these works reach the dizzy heights of that masterpiece, there’s still plenty [...]
Film review: Trash is Richard Curtis’ best work since Blackadder Goes Forth January 30, 2015 Cert 15 | ★★★★☆ Trash is a noir-ish political thriller that draws attention to the deep social and economic problems of the developing world without sacrificing on plot. It’s a welcome surprise from the director of Billy Elliot and the writer of Love Actually about children living and working in a Brazilian dump. Pursued by [...]
Film review: Kingsman recalls the days when spy movies were fun January 30, 2015 Cert 15 | ★★★★★ Kingsman is the best Bond film Roger Moore never made. Gentlemen spies in immaculately tailored suits battling flamboyant villains bent on global destruction; the plot is pure Moonraker, albeit with an origin story, class warfare, better jokes and flashier production values. The team behind Kick Ass have created a pop-culturally literate, [...]
Theatre review: The Ruling Class at Trafalgar Studios January 30, 2015 Trafalgar Studios | ★★☆☆☆ Britain’s poshness obsession reaches new heights in The Ruling Class, a 1968 Peter Barnes play that shows its age in every scoffing caricature and fusty, laboured punchline. Aristocratic power may be super-relevant in today’s poshocracy, but the fact that it’s topical doesn’t mean this play has anything profound to say. Somewhere [...]
Film review: Inherent Vice star Joaquin Phoenix rises to the challenge January 29, 2015 Cert 15 | ★★★★☆ The trailer for Inherent Vice achieves a rare thing: it perfectly conveys the tenor of the film without giving anything away. In two minutes, we’re introduced to the woozy Californian setting and the entire colourful cast of characters. But as to what actually happens in the film, we’re left guessing. [...]
Something for the weekend January 29, 2015 DRINK MEDCALF TRAITEUR Medcalf Traiteur is the latest foodie destination to open in Islington’s Clerkenwell. The delicatessen specialising in European produce also has an informal chef’s table so you can sample edible goodies in-store. Visit medcalfbar.co.uk BOWL THE BIG LEBOWSKI PARTY Head down to Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes tonight for an evening celebrating the Coen brothers’ [...]
Costa to contest stamp charge as City clash looms January 29, 2015 CHELSEA striker Diego Costa last night confirmed his intention to dispute the violent conduct charge he was served in the wake of Tuesday’s tempestuous Capital One Cup semi-final second leg with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. The 26-year-old was charged by the Football Association (FA) on Wednesday for an alleged stamp on Liverpool’s Emre Can after [...]