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.

The World’s A Stage: Japan

Cherwell investigates the arts of Noh and Kabuki

Oxford Shakespeare reaches new heights…

A second look at this week’s production of Romeo and Juliet

Radical harmony

Political radicalism - still thriving in the music industry.

A Special Boy: Review

The play promises to entertain - but does it live up to expectations?

The Winter’s Tale

Stage review of a seasonal Shakespeare classic.

Sweeney Todd

A classic piece of drama gets the Oxford treatment. Is it a clean cut or a close shave?

Neighbourhood Watch: Crime doesn’t pay

When stage comedy goes wrong.

Decemberists Review

We review 'Always the Bridsemaid'.

Alphaholics Anonymous

Guy Pewsey tackles his addiction head on meeting perky popsters Alphabeat

Blindness

Julianne Moore shines in an otherwise bland Blindness

Choke Review

We review the new film from the author of 'Fight Club'.

Leo and Russel take on the Middle East

Ian Lister finds Ridley Scott's attempt at political-action thriller somewhat lacking

Blasphemy: The Bell Jar

We give Plath a proper seeing to

Historical Histrionics

Jenni Diski's 'Apology for the Woman Reading'

Dubious Stains

Anne Fadiman's 'At Small and Large'.

This Year’s Models

When we let Andrew Mendelblat out of Oxford for a day, he headed straight for Pendon Museum

First Night Review: Through the Leaves

An impressive first night for Hamilton's lucidly directed production

The World’s A Stage: Russia

Cherwell witnesses how theatre is central to Russian cultural life

Review: The Academy

OFS, Tuesday - Saturday 6th week

A dinner enagement

Wadham Moser, Thursday-Saturday 6th week

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