Berberian Sound Studio review: This homage to giallo horror films is a supernatural assault on the senses February 22, 2019 Berberian Sound Studio is a pedestrian name for a pretty out-there theatrical experience. Based on a horror film directed by Peter Strickland and starring Toby Jones, it was lavished with praise on the art film circuit when it was released in 2012. Now it’s a play in the Donmar Warehouse, whose intimate seating arrangements and [...]
Franz West at the Tate Modern review: A vivid picture of of a singular mind February 22, 2019 I left the Tate Modern’s Franz West exhibition with a strong desire to get extremely drunk with the artist. Now sadly deceased, West was louche and messy, arrested on at least two occasions for being publicly sozzled, and his entire oeuvre feels like a mad two fingers up to the art establishment. Producing work from [...]
Resurgent England have the edge on Wales in Six Nations Grand Slam decider February 21, 2019 The turnaround in England’s fortunes during the Six Nations has been unbelievable. Before the championship people wondered if they might finish third or fourth, but now they have a trip to Wales on Saturday for what I believe is a Grand Slam decider. It’s not just that England have beaten Ireland and France; it’s the [...]
Premier League title-chasing Liverpool face moment of truth in Manchester United clash February 21, 2019 For a team locked in a battle for a first top-flight title for 29 years every league game has huge significance. But for Liverpool, Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United is a match which has ascended to even greater levels of importance: it’s a derby against a buoyant and bitter rival and [...]
Liam Williams will be in the spotlight if England continue to kick against Wales with Leigh Halfpenny absent February 21, 2019 England exploited Robbie Henshaw's inexperience at full-back in the win over Ireland and then capitalised on Yoann Huget's inability to lead the backline in the victory against France a week later. Liam Williams will not present such an obvious weakness in the Wales back three for Saturday's Six Nations showdown, but Eddie Jones's side have [...]
Chris Tremlett: Competition for places among England’s bowlers puts them in excellent position for the World Cup February 20, 2019 With 99 days to go until the World Cup England are looking very settled as a side. Eoin Morgan’s team are in the Caribbean for a five-match one-day series which will hopefully build more confidence ahead of the opening game against South Africa at The Oval on 30 May. The batting order is pretty much set [...]
British heavyweight boxer Joe Joyce is racing toward a world title shot February 20, 2019 Former world champion Bermane Stiverne may have questioned the audacity of the man with only seven professional bouts to his name daring to challenge him, but Britain's Joe Joyce is showing no signs of nerves as he relaxes in his hotel between the O2 Arena and river Thames just days before their heavyweight showdown. While [...]
Liverpool 0-0 Bayern Munich: Defensive masterclass leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side needing to overcome their poor away record February 19, 2019 On a crucial European night, in an atmosphere-filled Anfield against a weakened giant Liverpool managed just two shots on target. Bayern Munich came with a game-plan and executed it to perfection to stifle a side renowned for their dynamic, lightning-quick and interchangeable front three. A draw may not be a disaster, but given Jurgen Klopp’s [...]
Trevor Steven: Arsenal must prioritise a top four finish in the Premier League over European exploits February 19, 2019 The season starts here for Arsenal. The next seven days will be vital to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League and they have three winnable games. If they don't return to Europe's elite competition next year then this campaign will have to be seen as a disappointment. They face BATE Borisov, Southampton and [...]
Long-term foes James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr battle for vacant – and potentially irrelevant – IBO belt February 19, 2019 The significance of the IBO belt has long been debated, with some boxing observers considering it to be less credible than other world titles from the WBO, WBA, WBC and IBF. As two of Britain’s biggest names, James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr, prepare to battle for the vacant IBO super-middleweight crown on Saturday night, [...]