A Christmas Carol, the Old Vic review: Bright and joyous, even Scrooges can’t dislike this November 25, 2022 Joy to all – including you Scrooges out there – it’s Christmas! We’ve collectively spent weeks ignoring the Christmas cards and wrapping paper that appears pointlessly early in shops, but now that it’s December it’s actually time to start getting in the mood for the festive season – and the best way to do that, [...]
England v USA: How Europe embraced America’s young footballers November 25, 2022 When the USA hosted the World Cup in 1994, their squad was an overwhelmingly domestic selection. Fourteen of their 22-man party were based in the States, with 12 of those on central contracts with the US Soccer Federation. Only two of the players belonged to clubs in Europe’s five biggest leagues, among them Coventry City [...]
Ollie Phillips: England changes need to make the difference November 25, 2022 England really shot themselves in the foot by allowing New Zealand to build such a lead at Twickenham last weekend. The All Blacks weren’t amazing but England just looked a little bit asleep at the wheel until that last quarter, when they came alive and dazzled the crowds in south west London. There will be [...]
World Cup briefing: Friday’s games and why you should watch them November 25, 2022 The Qatar 2022 World Cup breaks new ground today when the first clutch of teams, including England, play their second group games. Here is why – and how – to watch them. Wales v Iran, 10am, BBC If they are going to reach the last 16 in their first World Cup for 64 years, Wales [...]
David Harewood: White actors should be able to play Black roles November 24, 2022 For some, being a role model can feel like a weight. Emmy-nominated Black actor Samira Wiley said recently it can be “overwhelming sometimes, representing so much for so many people.” And trans artists Travis Alabanza and Ezra Furman have spoken about how being seen as “inspirational” overlooks their daily struggles. But not for David Harewood. [...]
Premiership and English rugby bigwigs hounded at DCMS hearing November 24, 2022 Rugby bigwigs were scolded earlier today at the hands of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee at the Palace of Westminster. Premiership Rugby chief Simon Massie-Taylor was lambasted by the committee, led by the chair Julian Knight MP, while Rugby Football Union chief Bill Sweeney, too, was held to the fire over [...]
Ed Warner: Manchester United should have refused to tear up Cristiano Ronaldo contract November 24, 2022 Watching Cristiano Ronaldo’s conversation with Piers Morgan I was instantly reminded of Princess Di’s (in)famous interview with Martin Bashir, so much in the news in recent months. No sense here though that the footballer was duped into his doe-eyed criticisms of Manchester United – certainly not if we accept Morgan’s subsequent justifications for the guest [...]
World Cup briefing: Final day of round one gets underway in Qatar November 24, 2022 As Japan joined Saudi Arabia in inflicting a shock World Cup result on opponents fancied for the title, the final day of round one action gets underway in Qatar. City A.M. looks at today’s games and what’s at stake. Group G: Switzerland v Cameroon, ITV Having reached the last 16 in the previous two World [...]
Manchester United: Glazers face disappointment over £6bn price tag November 23, 2022 Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, look likely to have to drop their asking price of £6bn to £8bn for the Premier League football club. The Glazers, who also own NFL franchise the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, announced they were ready to sell United after 17 years in charge earlier this week. The Americans fired the [...]
Porsche 911 GT3 RS review: Spoiler alert November 23, 2022 Tim Pitt takes on the famous Top Gear test track in the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Should The Stig be worried?