Culture

In conversation with John Kennedy, “one of the most trusted voices in music”

In a media landscape often dominated by gossip, rumours, and sometimes pure hate, it’s undeniably refreshing to listen to John, a man who never lost sight of what really matters.

The legacy of the caricature

That the ‘In Memoriam’ section of the 2026 Academy Awards is going to be a serious tear-jerker was solidified by the passing of Dolly Parton and Tim Curry over two consecutive days.

The problem with Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’

Nolan had all the tools for greatness. Instead, to my eternal frustration, his 'Odyssey' will always only be just alright.

‘One Night Only’ (2026) and the death of romance

Romance movies are, on the whole, my favourite movie genre. But good romance movies, like good romantic relationships, are hard to find, and easy to mess up.

Review: Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Olivia Arigho Stiles finds little to love in this performance

The Quiet Volume

Vickie Morrish experiments with a very unusual piece of theatre within the library

Where are they now: Al Murray

Cherwell Stage continues its look at Oxonian thesps of the past with the famous pub landlord

Press Preview: Isobel

Angus Hawkins is pleasantly surprised by this impressive piece of new writing

Zadie Smith ‘NW’ Review

Viccy Ibbett reviews Zadie Smith's evocative novel about a north-west London council estate.

Pre-Raphaelites Victorian Avant-Garde Review

An amateur art enthusiast reviews this slightly reserved, yet still surprisingly illuminating exhibition

Review: Taken 2

Georgina Pollard doesn't hate this second slice of the Taken franchise

Review: Tame Impala – Lonerism

Natasha Frost enjoys a trippy sophomore effort.

Review: Jake Bugg – Jake Bugg

Olivia Arigho Stiles is impressed by the latest working class hero.

Review: Fresh Meat

Lizzie Greene recommends this hilariously awkward university comedy

On the set of Locked In A Garage Band

Nick Hilton remembers life on the set of independent film Locked In A Garage Band, after its world premiere in London

Review: Gap Year: A New Musical Comedy

Quintin Caldwell has his spirits lifted by this twenty-something comedy

Review: A View from the Bridge

Rachel Hutchings is impressed with this intense realisation of an Arthur Miller classic

Movies and Shakers – Episode I

Introducing a brand spanking new film podcast; this week featuring discussions on Looper, Manhattan, and films named after cities generally.

Zoom in on…photo blogging

Nasir Hamid talks to Amy Rollason about recording a living social history through his photography

Julay!

Chloe Cornish takes us to the jaw-dropping landscape of the Himalayan mountain region of Ladakh

The Good Natured

Alex Chalk goes gothic with The Good Natured.

Review: Anna Karenina

Harry Dienes examines the latest cinematic adaptation of Tolstoy's epic.

Interview: Marina and the Diamonds

Olivia Arigho Stiles quizzes Marina and the Diamonds on fame, music and feminism

Interview: Alan Davies

Alan Davies talks about the pain of living and his imminent return to stand-up comedy

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