Turandot at the ROH: Stunning production can’t mask a problematic opera March 23, 2023 The operatic canon offers many examples of the spectacular being mingled with the problematic. In this respect, Puccini is a regular offender. Despite many of his operas representing the very pinnacle of classical music, there is no denying the blatant orientalism present in the heart-breaking Madam Butterfly. This even tarnishes his last opera, the magnificently [...]
John Wick Chapter 4 review: More of the same bubblegum violence March 23, 2023 You could make a strong case for John Wick being a satire. The first movie took the tropes of an action movie – a relentless, taciturn hero reluctantly dragged back into the underworld, motivated by his love for a dead/kidnapped family member – and reduced them to absurdity by making the trigger for his triple-figure [...]
How Succession became the must-watch TV show of the decade March 23, 2023 The first episode of Succession, aired all the way back in June 2018, only hints at the Shakespearian epic that would follow. On first watch it seemed a little goofy: Kendall rapping along to the Beastie Boys in the back of his car; cousin Greg puking from behind the eyes of a fairground mascot. It’s [...]
Cardiovascular Disease – To know, you’ve got to know March 23, 2023 | Sponsored Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of deaths in England. Many people don’t know about it, or think it doesn’t affect them – yet it is the cause of one in four deaths across England. The good news is that CVD is largely preventable – and your blood pressure is the easiest way to tell [...]
Kia EV6 GT review: Dancing on ice March 22, 2023 A frozen lake is the perfect playground for the 585hp Kia EV6 GT. Tim Pitt travels to Norway and learns how to drift.
Asparagus season: How to cook it like a pro March 22, 2023 Asparagus season came nine weeks early this year, so now is a great time to get stuck into one of the great British veggies. This simple but delicious recipe from Paul Ainsworth brings out the best in the asparagus and will be a sure-fire hit if you serve it for guests. Wye Valley Asparagus, Seaweed [...]
Forget the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race: Here’s the Wine Race March 22, 2023 The Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge has been a tradition since 1829 when two friends challenged each other to a race on Henley-on-Thames. But as Oxbridge’s sporting elite works up a sweat through 4.2 miles of hard rowing, I shall be enjoying the Oxford vs Cambridge of wine. Rooting for Oxford are Stephen and [...]
You have been ordering McDonald’s fries wrong your whole life March 21, 2023 Life is full of mysteries, such as how to reconcile quantum mechanics with the general theory of relativity, or how a person can attend a party and simultaneously be unaware that a party is taking place. These are, to quote Donald Rumsfeld, known unknowns. But there are other mysteries lurking in plain sight, strange phenomena [...]
New 32-storey building to tower over iconic Leadenhall Market and showcase Canada’s Roman past March 21, 2023 Plans to build a 32-storey tower over the City’s iconic Leadenhall Market have been given the green light by city planners. Canada Corporation’s planning applications sub-committee approved plans this week for the new tower that will house 27,000 sq m of new office space and will look to boost the Square Mile’s [...]
Quentin Blake designs whisky labels based on Macbeth March 21, 2023 Through his namesake Burgess Studio, Lexi Burgess has spent years working on the design side of the whisky industry. This involvement encouraged him to look into the history of distilleries, where the shifting allegiances between the major players – sometimes cooperative and sometimes cut-throat – reminded him of the machinations of Macbeth. That realisation crystalised [...]
