Sunday 22nd February 2026

Culture

Art is an argument, so argue back

Often, how much we like artwork comes down to ‘vibes’, initial gut-reactions we make, and then quickly negate by stating that surely it's all about taste.

Red soles, red flags: Jaden Smith and the celebrity takeover of high fashion

Smith’s appointment has raised some serious questions about the extent to which nepotism and celebrity is superseding artistic talent in the fashion industry at present.

The ‘Silent’ Film

Not speaking does not necessarily mean having nothing to say. As much can be said with an image, movement, or glance as with a word.

A day in The Sun: ‘Ink’ at St John’s

James Graham’s Ink, directed by Georgina Cooper with the St John’s Drama Society, dramatises Rupert Murdoch’s acquisition of The Sun in the 1960s, tracing its astonishing surge to unprecedented popularity.

Review: Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP2

Luke Barratt is unexpectedly enthralled by Shady's best offering for years

Preview: Chicago

Some classic tunes and even better tuned direction

Interview: Palma Violets

Helen Thomas discusses Chilli-ng out and settling down with the indie frontman

Review: Judgment at Nuremberg

A compelling and assured performance of this unmissable production

Interview: Tavi Gevinson

Anna Leszkiewicz talks firsts, feminism and fans with Rookie editor and rookie actress Tavi Gevinson

Review: Saved

A ridiculous premise that is saved by strong acting and well-cast characters

Review: Raymond Moody’s Blues

Olivia Aylmer muses on Freidrich Kunath's presentation of solitude

Interview: Hadouken!

Matt Broomfield and Daniel Beatty get some nu-rave advice from the grindie upstarts

Review: Arcade Fire – Reflektor

To Hendrik Ehlers, this album is a Very Big Deal

Interview: Portico Quartet

Andrew McLean finds it impossible to pin down the inscrutable quartet

Nathalie Wright’s cultural must-dos

The co-editor of new Oxford magazine interVIEW tells Cherwell about her love of twisted, magical places, Alan Partridge and screaming inappropriately.

Stirring Strings

Cherwell Music presents the soundtrack to your essay crisis

Lou Reed (1942-2013)

Edan Tal pays tribute to a true legend of music

Review: Solo

Ed Lewis's take on Boyd's new Bond

Letter from Moscow

Kit sends Cherwell a letter about how she is enjoying her time in the Russian capital

Preview: Saved

An entertaining, human and engaging production from a cast who are clearly having a lot of fun.

Review: The Producers

The production team behind Theory of Justice conjure up another surefire hit

Review: Foxfinder

A claustrophobic allegorical tale with a remarkably gifted cast

Review: The Ghosts of Barucone Manor

Lisa Bernhardt enjoys the the 'pleasantly eerie' atmosphere in The Ghosts of Barucone Manor

A Bridge Too Far?

Sadie Levy Gale laments the decline of the nation's favourite diarist

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