The Brightening Air: Unbearably tense and brilliantly acted April 29, 2025 After seeing The Brightening Air at the Old Vic, I left the theatre with the overwhelming urge to seize control of my own destiny. It follows an extended family as they prepare to meet after a long time apart. The occasion: the birthday of the blind ex-clergyman Father Pierre. It is a play in which [...]
Tourist tax: Lisa Nandy says Labour may ‘explore’ restoring VAT free shopping April 16, 2025 Lisa Nandy has said the government “could explore” restoring VAT free shopping after hearing “very loud and clear” the calls from the industry to scrap the so-called tourist tax. The culture, media and sport secretary told Elle UK magazine that fashion was in the “soul of the nation” and ministers recognised its “centrality” to the [...]
The Phantom of the Opera closure slashes profit at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s empire April 1, 2025 The closure of The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway led to sales and profit at the entertainment empire owned by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber being slashed during its latest financial year, it has been revealed. London-headquartered The Really Useful Group has reported a turnover of £36.5m for the year to 30 June, 2024, down [...]
Will rising costs kill off Savile Row’s renaissance? March 25, 2025 On a Wednesday morning earlier this month, there was plenty of activity on the shop floor at the Georgian townhouse that plays home to Richard James’ bespoke suit-making. One staff member is on the phone discussing colours and time frames, another getting a glass of water for a customer in the changing room, and smartly [...]
Plans approved for £600m Euston Tower revamp March 21, 2025 British Land’s plans to strip and redevelop Euston Tower in a £600m project have been approved by Camden Council. The tower, which was originally built in 1970 and sits next to Euston station, will undergo a complete revamp with new office space, restaurants and terraces. “We are delighted to receive planning consent for this incredible [...]
The London office market has ‘definitively turned’ as prime rents set to double February 27, 2025 Analysts have said the London office market has turned a corner after two major commercial real estate investors released positive results. Dewent London reported rental growth doubling to 4.3 per cent, the highest since 2016, and it expects estimated rental value growth – an estimate of the rent that a property could earn if it [...]
Oedipus at the Old Vic review: A freaky fever dream February 6, 2025 You can perform impossible feats, be a wise and respected leader, even solve the riddle of the Sphinx – but if you end up shagging your mum, that’s the only thing people will remember. This delirious reimagining of Sophocles’ tragedy of Oedipus, king of Thebes, is a freaky fever dream, told here from the point [...]
Inside No 9 Stage/Fright review: Fans are served and opportunities are missed January 30, 2025 Inside No 9 – Stage/Fright review | Wyndham’s Theatre | ★★☆☆☆ Inside No 9 is one of the best British comedies of the last 10 years. Finishing a decade-long run last year, the smart, self-contained episodes – all somehow linked to the number nine – riff on everything from grand guignol theatre to kitchen sink [...]
The 25 best things to do in London in 2025, from theatre to films and bonkers events January 6, 2025 Theatre, film, exhibitions, barmy events: here are the best 25 things to do in London in 2025 Another new year and, Dry January aside, there’s plenty to be excited for. Yes, our capital is stepping up to mark a quarter of a century since the millennium bug (feel old yet?) with oodles of brilliant new [...]
Mamma Mia and Hamilton help Cameron Mackintosh’s West End empire towards £200m January 3, 2025 The continued popularity of Les Miserables, Mamma Mia and Hamilton has helped push sales the West End theatre empire run by Sir Cameron Mackintosh to almost £200m. For the year to 31 March, 2024, Sir Cameron’s group has reported a turnover of £199.1m, up from the £185.8m it posted for the prior 12 months. Newly-filed [...]