After Sophocles and Ingmar Bergman Two actors enter in front of the audience and ask someone in the front row to spin a coin. It lands on heads, and Cate Blanchett chooses to act as Clytemnestra, leaving Nina Hoss to play Electra. The actors apply white makeup to their faces; we are transported to ancient […]
Proms 2026 – The Met Orchestra Plays Mahler
Memorable Mahler at the Proms As a culturally minded singleton in my 20s, I used to ‘prom’ (queue up on the day for standing tickets) at the BBC’s Proms summer festival at the Royal Albert Hall about twice a week. It’s still, to my mind, the best value ticket in London if you’re willing to […]
Supporters’ House London
A private members’ space at The National Gallery Entering a large black door in London, I experienced a world new to me. It was not No. 10, but Supporters’ House on Trafalgar Square. Located alongside the National Gallery, this is the portal known to members, who can relax here away from the bustle of the […]
English National Ballet Open House
A Rare Opportunity to Go Behind the Scenes at English National Ballet For over three decades, the Open House Festival has been inviting Londoners to visit and explore buildings, which aren’t normally open to the public, in an annual celebration of the capital’s built environment. One such building is the award-winning Mulryan Centre for Dance, […]
The Marriage of Figaro, Opera Holland Park
A Sparkling Figaro from de Niese Last night saw Wild Arts bringing their new pared-back production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro to Opera Holland Park. For gossips like me, there was an extra frisson of excitement because the production, which fizzes with energy and good humour, was also the directorial debut of star soprano Danielle […]
Abigail’s Party
It’s My Party and I’ll Cry if I Want To Last night saw the opening of Abigail’s Party, Mike Leigh’s classic 1970s play, also adapted for TV, that made a star out of the wonderful Alison Steadman in the role of monstrous suburban wife Beverly. This 2024 Stratford East production has returned to London after […]
BBC Proms – 20th Century Classics
Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts a vibrant young group of musicians If someone asked you what to expect from a programme called 20th Century Classics, what would you pick? I’d definitely include some Stravinsky, with The Rite of Spring the obvious choice. How about a bit of Shostakovich, or Messiaen’s Turangalîla-Symphonie? For something a little more playful, […]
London Opera Season 2026-27 – Previews
An Exciting Line-Up of Operas for the Autumn The London Opera Season for 2026–27 is framed by the chill wind of cuts at the Royal Opera House, with the loss of 64 jobs. On the back of the Arts Council cuts to Glyndebourne’s touring funding and Welsh National Opera, as well as the reshaping of […]
CATS – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved feline fantasy is back in a dazzling new production that prowls, pounces and ultimately leaves you purring with delight. It can’t be easy bearing the responsibility of bringing one of the most successful and iconic musicals of all time back to the London stage (where it ran for 21 years from […]
Carlos Acosta: Myths and Modern Masters
The Cuban Ballet Superstar Returns to the Stage Carlos Acosta retired from the stage in 2015; but the stage never left him, and in Myths and Modern Masters, his self-curated programme, which has just opened at Covent Garden, he proves once again that at 53 he’s still got what it takes. At just over two […]