Jos Buttler: Ben Stokes one-day U-turn is ‘incredible boost’ for World Cup August 24, 2023 England captain Jos Buttler has hailed the return of Ben Stokes to the one-day international set-up as an “incredible boost” for the team’s looming World Cup defence. Test skipper Stokes came out of his self-imposed ODI exile last week, a year after deciding he could no longer play in all three formats of cricket. He [...]
Scrapper film review: Touching London film with great cast August 24, 2023 High rise council estates have provided the setting for many independent British gems, like Andrea Arnold’s Fish Tank or Joe Cornish’s Sci-fi Attack The Block. Scrapper does not scale those heights, but it brings fresh ideas to the formula. It’s the story of Georgie (Lola Campbell), a 12 year old recently orphaned and managing to [...]
Mob Land film review: John Travolta crime thriller lacks originality August 24, 2023 John Travolta’s streak of ropey cinematic output continues with Mob Land, a crime thriller set in America’s South. Down on his luck in a crumbling small town, family man Shelby (Shiloh Fernandez) is talked into robbing a pharmacy by his brother (Kevin Dillon). The seemingly straight forward job goes awry, and soon Shelby finds himself [...]
Theatre Camp film review: Theatre fans will adore this big-hearted comedy August 24, 2023 The Show Must Go On is the mantra of this Disney-made comedy, which has The Bear actor Molly Gordon as its writer, co-director, and star. She plays Rebecca-Dianne, an acting coach and former student of a surreal New York theatre camp. When their founder Joan (Amy Sedaris) falls into a coma, it’s up to her [...]
Next to Normal, Donmar Warehouse, review: Nostalgic musical still feels relevant August 24, 2023 Brian Yorkey’s Pulitzerwinning Next to Normal (it sits alongside Hamilton and A Strange Loop as the only musicals to be awarded the accolade in the 21st century) returns to the stage 14 years after its Broadway debut – but its message about the weight of coping with mental illness has barely aged a day. It [...]
Liverpool set to lose millions after Anfield redevelopers cease trading August 23, 2023 Liverpool chiefs admit they do not know when the redevelopment of their Anfield Stadium will be completed after constructors the Buckingham Group ceased trading and filed a notice to appoint administrators. An £80m upgrade to the club’s Anfield Road Stand which is due to increase capacity to 61,000 had already been hit by delays when [...]
Olazabal brings Ryder Cup flavour to Staysure PGA Seniors Championship August 23, 2023 Two-time Masters winner Jose Maria Olazabal will tee it up alongside a host of golfing greats when the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship gets underway at Trump International Golf Links tomorrow. Olazabal will headline a star-studded field as the Legends Tour’s flagship event heads to Aberdeenshire for the first time. Defending champion Adilson da Silva, who [...]
Ollie Phillips: Farrell and Vunipola bans are almighty World Cup headache for England August 23, 2023 The banning of England pair Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola for the start of the Rugby World Cup has thrust tackling into the spotlight, and on that topic I share the view of Shaun Edwards. As the France defence coach says, it is a contact sport so accidental collisions are inevitable. That is made more [...]
Men’s tennis pros to get minimum wage under ‘game-changing’ ATP Tour scheme August 23, 2023 ATP Tour chiefs have hailed a “game-changing” new initiative that will guarantee minimum earnings of $75,000 (£59,320) for male tennis players in the top 250 of the world rankings. The Baseline scheme is designed to ensure professionals below the game’s biggest earners can cover the costs of travelling to tournaments and hiring coaches and physios. [...]
England’s Rugby World Cup plans rocked as Billy Vunipola joins Farrell on banned list August 23, 2023 England have lost a second key player for the start of the Rugby World Cup after Billy Vunipola received a three-match ban. Vunipola’s suspension will be reduced to two games if he agrees to attend tackle school following his red card against Ireland on Saturday. But he is sure to miss England’s World Cup opener [...]