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: Troilus and Cressida

A highly rated production of an underrated play

Review: The Red and the Black

Cherwell is taken in by this extremely fun adaptation.

Review: The Dumb Waiter

Concepta Cassar is intrigued and bemused by this production of Pinter's black comedy

Review: Barney’s Version

Not quite as funny or dramatic as you would hope, but there is a certain insidious charm to this new release starring Paul Giamatti.

Review: Biutiful

Bardem delivers the performance of a lifetime in this uncompromisigly gritty and painful story of a family living on the edge of Barcelona's criminal underworld.

Review: Black Swan

Cherwell is underwhelmed by Darren Aronofsky's latest effort.

Twilight of the Superhero Movie

Cherwell considers the futures of the Marvel and DC franchises.

Review: The Seagull

Carla Neuss discovers her inner Chekhov lover.

Interview: Athol Fugard

The director of Statements talks to the South African playwright.

Review: Mitsuko Uchida

Rachel Coombes is spellbound by the world famous pianist.

Review: British Sea Power

Cherwell is impressed by Valhalla Dancehall, BSP's confident 5th album.

No Such Thing As Cool?

Cherwell looks at the richness and diversity of the music we hear today

Interview: Helen Statham

Annabel James talks to the director of the O3 Gallery

Last chance to see – Ben Johnson at the National Gallery

Joe Lloyd considers the inherent artifice of landscape painting.

Review: Blue Valentine

A moving tale of good times lost

A Critical Profession

Guardian theatre critic Michael Billington on the joys and pitfalls of drama writing.

A First Sight of a Bright Talent

Francesca Wade talks to Oxford graduate and playwright Barney Norris.

Etheral, Timeless, and a Size 10

The costume designer for The Seagull writes on the challenges and importance of her job.

Interview: Paul Roseby

Cherwell sits down to chat with the director of the National Youth Theatre

Review: The King’s Speech

This brilliant British film will put Firth in line to the Oscar throne.

Follow us