Culture

Must theatre be so dire? Thoughts on the “unworthy scaffold”

If 'art est celare artem' (true art is to conceal art), then theatre is pretty poor art. You ain't fooling me into thinking that's a storm.

Fashion trends: The illusion of choice

Our fashion choices emphasise how our individual styles are limited by the available market, and what fashion magazines and brands declare as ‘in style’.

Art as protest on university campuses

CW: rape. This week, Cornell University has made headlines as prosecutors reopened an investigation into...

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.

Shoulda put a ring on it: rings as a form of self-expression

In recent years rings have for many people become the ultimate form of self-expression.

Backstage takes centre stage: a look behind the scenes

It is at this moment that it becomes obvious just how important backstage is; it can quite simply carry the play or allow it to flop, making the phrase ‘break a leg’ cut a bit close to the bone.

Bridgerton: blunders amidst beauty

Bridgerton is neither ground-breaking nor deeply thought-provoking but nevertheless charming and oh-so pretty to watch.

Biting the hand that so rarely feeds us?: an honest review of Happiest Season

*Spoiler alert* At some point during the festive period, without fail, I curl up on the sofa and binge watch Christmas films. The usual contenders...

Review: The Social Dilemma

"The Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma, depicts the rise of social media and personalised online services. Deeply unnerving, it shows us not only their power over each and every one of us, but also their damage to society."

Becoming Hir

The play’s cathartic nature hinges on New York playwright Taylor Mac’s darkly playful approach to gender issues.

Oxford student street style

Whether it be the edgy hoodie or the Keith Haring top or the khaki chinos, there is always a spark of "fashpiration" to glean from any Oxford student strutting down Broad Street.

Fashion forecast: what fresh fits will define 2021?

Pandemic attire may have been extremely comfortable, but its time in the spotlight should end.

Winter wardrobe essentials

The only possible way to remedy the shortened days and Tupperware skies of winter is to imagine yourself as a sexy, mysterious, no-time-for-your-bullshit, French woman striding around snowy Paris.

Time Alone

"The echo in the chapel chimes as I take my unlikely seat."

The Potter

"Did you ever meet the man, Who lived once in this place?"

The Crown’s Unspoken Words

'I think, when it comes to any biopic, "real history" has to be deprioritised. If an accurate and chronological rendering of history is what you're looking for, watch a documentary!' Maebh Howell writes on the dichotomies of the biopic, asking which is to be prioritised; accurate truth-telling or entertaining story-telling.

The Beginning of the End

Maybe we like the idea of being the protagonist of a gritty Doomsday story?

Drawing Attention

'I'm making mistakes I'm crossing them out I'm making it ugly I'm making it shout'

Review: Mischief Movie Night

"Mischief Movie Night is a funny and engaging show that is sure to brighten up even the darkest lockdown night."

Reinvention: rethinking gender and race on stage

"Marginalised actors should not just be shoehorned into pre-existing plays without any respect or provision for the stories they have to tell. To do so is to package diversity into commercially successful morsels that are digestible for largely white, middle-class audiences."

Little Giveaways

"Jazz was being played over the stereo like theme music, as if they were acting in a television drama where each character had some essential trait, some crucial role."

Mother

"I waltzed in her arms down the high street"

Rules to Live By in Your New Home

"No 1. Label your collar to avoid feeling ornamental."

Best Reads of 2020

Hamnet — Maggie O’Farrell The subtle majesty of Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell’s eighth novel,would have been welcome in any year, but it was a particular blessing...

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