Peter Gynt at the Olivier is a toe-curling, overlong adaptation of Ibsen’s mad epic July 11, 2019 Before the curtain rose for this reimagining of Ibsen’s allegorical play Peer Gynt, audience members were surreptitiously snapping pictures of the set, presumably to impress their Instagram followers. “I’m at the theatre! #culture”. How appropriate for a play (originally a poem but adapted soon after) that asks if a life can be fulfilled simply by winning the [...]
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is an unbridled summer joy July 11, 2019 Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of three London companies presenting the Bard’s most mischievous and magical comedy this summer. How, then, does director Dominic Hill make his Dream stand out? From the outset, it’s a fresh, fun interpretation. It opens to a Riot Club-esque dinner party, with flashing lights and blaring music. The [...]
Chris Tremlett: England have what it takes to deal with the pressure and end this week with a World Cup July 10, 2019 New Zealand’s semi-final win over India today showed just how fine the margins are in knockout cricket. At the halfway stage not many would have backed them, but Kane Williamson and his side played the situation perfectly to reach Sunday’s final at Lord’s. Now all the attention turns to Edgbaston, where England face Australia tomorrow [...]
Australia v England: Semi-final balanced as World Cup knockout specialists face confident hosts playing at Fortress Edgbaston July 10, 2019 If they aren’t already, England and Australia are going to become very familiar with each other this summer. Having played twice already, and with the small matter of the Ashes edging ever closer, the two sides meet tomorrow in a Cricket World Cup semi-final. The match is an intriguing one, framed by two potentially decisive [...]
Day in the Life: Ironman world champion Ruth Purbrook on juggling training with a job in the City July 10, 2019 I first got into triathlon in 2013 when I was doing a graduate placement in Lloyds’s charity team. At the time I was training for the Berlin Marathon and was slightly bored of just running, so I jumped at the opportunity of a charity place in the London Triathlon. It all spiralled from there. I [...]
Lando Norris set for first British Grand Prix after flying start to Formula One July 10, 2019 For home fans flocking to Silverstone for this weekend’s British Grand Prix, the obvious draw is five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s attempt to win a record sixth race at the circuit. But this year there is another reason for domestic excitement, with the resurgence of McLaren and in particular 19-year-old Briton Lando Norris. Norris, who [...]
Pressure tells as Johanna Konta feels the heat of Centre Court to exit Wimbledon in the quarter-finals to Barbora Strycova July 9, 2019 Professional sport is an unforgiving environment. When you’re playing well Centre Court feels like a hospitable stage, the points coming at a steady pace, but when you’re struggling suddenly the crowd feels oppressive and the ball unrelenting. To see a sportsperson wither under the pressure is not an enjoyable sight – yet that’s exactly what [...]
Cricket World Cup: Why England’s stars have got a blind spot for trademarks July 8, 2019 Cricket has evolved hugely in recent years both on and off the field and yet there is still one area in which it lags behind other sports. Trademarks may not seem an obvious priority, but given the commercial opportunities attached to sport’s biggest events and most prominent stars, cricket’s apparent reluctance to cash in stands [...]
Women’s World Cup 2019: Was it a success? And how does football build on it? Sport industry insiders give their views July 8, 2019 After 31 days, 52 games and 146 goals, the most high-profile Women’s World Cup yet is over. But what impact has it made on the game and the wider landscape? We asked a selection of industry experts. Contributors Lisa Parfitt, managing director, Engine Sport and Brand Experience; Steve Martin, global CEO, M&C Saatchi Sport and [...]
Going, going… Dons: AFC Wimbledon aiming to raise £7m using crowdfunding to pay for new Plough Lane stadium July 8, 2019 AFC Wimbledon are a club founded by fans and now, 17 years on from their rebirth, they are hoping their supporters can help lay the foundations for a move back to the corner of south-west London they call home. The Dons are building a new stadium at Plough Lane, which they believe will be ready [...]