Monday 19th January 2026

Culture

‘Songs, skits, and a third thing beginning with S’: Jack McMinn in conversation

If there’s one thing I believe Oxford’s theatre scene is missing, it’s a button-down-shirt-wearing ex-zoology student with a penchant for writing songs about Pret A Manger.

The Oxford art calendar: Hilary 2026

Oxford’s frosty Hilary term is best spent looking at new exhibitions. This art calendar will guide you through some of the upcoming highlights.

‘Beautifully we may rot’: ‘Madame La Mort’ in review

In a small, black-painted room on the top floor of a pub in Islington, known as The Hope Theatre, Madame La Mort was staged for the public for the first time.

Damaging detachment: Reflections on the Booker Prize 

This Christmas vac, I made up my mind to get out of my reading slump using the Booker Prize shortlist, revealing toxic masculinity as a key theme.

Nancy Drew – feminist icon or tired corporate creation?

Ellie Duncan explores whether the children's detective series Nancy Drew is progressive or not

‘God of Carnage’ preview – “a disgusting and disquieting play”

Jorge Lopez Llorente previews God of Carnage at the BT Studio

‘Retelling Tales’ preview – “I heard stories that got inside my body.”

Lucy Enderby is impressed by the originality and emotive power of ‘Retelling Tales’

Confessions of a Drama Queen 6: Things get worse, again

Our drama queen goes into hiding, after some shocking humiliation.

Under Milk Wood preview – ‘Creative and interesting but overly dramatic’

Though admiring the production's use of space, Zad El Bacha finds the acting of 'Under Milk Wood' excessively solemn.

Five minutes with: Lucy Hayes

We chat to Lucy Hayes, chair of OUDS and manager of Perepeteia Productions, about her experience with Oxford drama, her real-life heroes, and her latest exciting project.

Julien Baker ‘Turn out the lights’ review – rawness and painstaking detail

Julien Baker exposes the harsh realities of her mental health struggles, writes Ollie Braddy

Sowing the seeds for the Eastern bloc’s sexual revolution

Chantal Marauta explores the life of Russian Revolutionary feminist Alexandra Kollontai and her fight for gender equality

Confessions of a Drama Queen 5: Things can only get better

Our drama queen's unparalleled potential is finally recognised

Revolutionary artists: from creatives to criminals

Catherine Cibulskis reflects on the dramatic evolution of Russian art in the immediate aftermath of the revolution

“A Mythical Future”: Katya Rogatchevskaia on the Russian Revolution

The British Librarian curator discusses her exhibition Russian Revolution: Hope, Tragedy, Myths

The ‘new’ jazz must be seen as well as heard

The latest offering from the 'new' Jazz scene is an innovative success, writes Harriet Davis

In The Aeroplane Over The Sea – “experimental and weird”

Barney Pite reexamines one of indie rocks most enigmatic classic albums

‘Lieutenant of Inishmore’ review – ‘An excellent understanding of pace’

John Livesey admires the acting in 'The Lieutenant of Inishmore,' but regrets how it shies away from violent visuals

Why the Sgt. Pepper’s show cannot be missed

Kenji Newton is impressed with the Oxford Beatles' recreation of the classic album

Not Forgetting William Hazlitt

Despite critical acclaim, William Hazlitt is now scarcely read.

Turtles All The Way Down review: messy, clichéd, and pretentious

John Green’s latest novel is a messy, sprawling cliché, writes Barney Pite

Villians Review – ‘Pop songs with rock sensibilities’

Queens of the Stone Age don't quite live up to their high standard, writes Rowan Janjauh

In conversation with Layo-Christina Akinlude

Katie Sayer talks Shakespeare and the pursuit of happiness with the star of 'As You Like It'

Angel Hill review – ‘It may be simple, but it isn’t empty’

Michael Longley’s Forward Prize short-listed collection is elegant and timeless, writes Barney Pite

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