Turandot at the ROH: Stunning production can’t mask a problematic opera March 23, 2023 The operatic canon offers many examples of the spectacular being mingled with the problematic. In this respect, Puccini is a regular offender. Despite many of his operas representing the very pinnacle of classical music, there is no denying the blatant orientalism present in the heart-breaking Madam Butterfly. This even tarnishes his last opera, the magnificently [...]
John Wick Chapter 4 review: More of the same bubblegum violence March 23, 2023 You could make a strong case for John Wick being a satire. The first movie took the tropes of an action movie – a relentless, taciturn hero reluctantly dragged back into the underworld, motivated by his love for a dead/kidnapped family member – and reduced them to absurdity by making the trigger for his triple-figure [...]
How Succession became the must-watch TV show of the decade March 23, 2023 The first episode of Succession, aired all the way back in June 2018, only hints at the Shakespearian epic that would follow. On first watch it seemed a little goofy: Kendall rapping along to the Beastie Boys in the back of his car; cousin Greg puking from behind the eyes of a fairground mascot. It’s [...]
Activist investor Elliott ramps up Manchester United interest with bid for minority stake March 23, 2023 Elliott Investment Management has upped its interest in Manchester United by offering to buy a small stake in the Premier League club. The activist investor had previously offered finance to any other party bidding for United, who were put for sale by the Glazer family in November. That offer remains, but after visiting Old Trafford [...]
Manchester United bidders fear Glazers want £6.5bn or will walk away from sale March 23, 2023 Manchester United’s suitors fear that the Glazer family will reverse their decision to sell the club unless they receive a bid of £6.5bn. The latest twists in the sale process have been interpreted in some quarters as evidence that United’s owners are not serious about relinquishing control at Old Trafford. Bidders were due to lodge [...]
Putin the boot in: Vladimir takes swipe at Britain over Russian sport ban lobbying March 23, 2023 Vladimir Putin has accused Russia’s critics including the UK of “using sports for unseemly purposes”. Putin said calls, led by Britain, for Russian athletes to remain banned from international sport were politically motivated. “Western countries are trying to use sports for unseemly purposes as a tool of pressure,” the Russian president told news agency TASS. [...]
Miami Open tennis: Murray seventh Brit out before second round in Sunshine State March 23, 2023 Andy Murray became the seventh Brit to crash out of the Miami Open before the second round in Florida yesterday after losing in the first round in the Sunshine State. The Scot fell 6-4 7-5 in straight sets to Serbian Dusan Lajovic in Miami on Wednesday evening having reached the third round of Indian Wells [...]
I’ve seen 34 managers leave Crystal Palace and Patrick Vieira made me saddest – Ed Warner March 23, 2023 In my five decades supporting Crystal Palace I’ve seen 34 managers come and go (not including caretakers). Some resigned, others were sacked or left by the euphemistic “mutual consent”. One appeared to retire only to be reappointed this week – welcome back Roy! They ranged from the ‘aargh!’ (Alan Mullery and Steve Bruce) to God [...]
Rice urges England to end World Cup hurt with Euro 2024 trophy March 22, 2023 England’s Declan Rice has urged his side to go “that one step ahead” and beat a top team to win a first major men’s trophy since 1966. Gareth Southgate’s England are in Naples tomorrow to face Italy in their opening qualifier ahead of Euro 2024 in a repeat of the Euro 2020 final that they [...]
Ben Foakes adds name to Hundred mix ahead of Thursday’s draft March 22, 2023 International cricketer Ben Foakes is one of a number of names who have put themselves into the mix ahead of tomorrow’s Hundred draft. The wicket-keeper-batter joins the likes of Indiana Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana, Bangladeshi Tamim Iqbal and Pakistani Iftikhar Ahmed in registering for the franchise competition, which is the only major UK sporting [...]