Culture

The midterms and the YA novel: Impossibly happy endings

Given its intense media coverage and everything that seems to be on the line, I feel as though I have been anxiously awaiting the results of the 2026 US midterm elections for weeks, months – maybe years.

Books Ruya Oral -

How books are burned today

It is a worrying thought that what sits on your bookshelf today could be...

Books Romilly Ireland -

The burden of the face: Why are so many singers wearing masks?

We can all name at least one musician who has performed behind a balaclava, helmet, or hood. Whether to preserve anonymity, cultivate mystery, or construct an entirely new artistic identity, masking the face is common among those under the limelight.

Culture Leandro Landolina and Francesca Lamberti -

New Oxford Windrush generation exhibit opens for Black History Month

Amidst recent political tension provoked by the government’s refusal of slavery reparations to the...

Art Madison Garrett -

Latest

What does ‘cool’ mean?

Luke Barratt considers our cultural conception of the word 'cool'

Letter from Cowley

Abby Carroll writes home from a far-flung region

Interview – MS MR

Luke Barratt talks music videos, Tumblr and the creative process with MS MR

Introduction to… Lieder

William Pimlott explains the appeal of German classical pop

Review: Blood Orange – Cupid Deluxe

21st-century R&B with the emphasis on blues over rhythm

Review: Kvetch

Hard-hitting, brilliant and very, very, very funny

Live Review: Palma Violets

Palma Violets are too heavy on sweat and too light on passion for Helen Thomas

Balloon breasts and whoopee cushions with Ellen Page

Director Ellen Page offers her insight into KVETCH, a play 'dedicated to the afraid'

Interview: Roddy Doyle

James Tozer talks to Roddy Doyle about middle-age, teaching, and Fernando Torres

Review: Trains and Lovers

Laura-Beth Shanahan finds McCall Smith's stories 'comforting as hot chocolate'

Preview: Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down

An intimate depiction of domestic violence at the TSK

A Grimm Birthday

As the 200th anniversary year of the Brothers Grimm's 'Kinder und HausmÓ“rchen' draws to a close, Enyuan Khong reflects on the fairy tales' significance