14 h. ago The play that changed my life: ‘Pinter’s Betrayal made me think: this is how I want to write’

In his reverse-chronology play about a married couple dealing with an affair, Harold Pinter asked the audience to find meaning in unspoken wordsI didn’t see Harold Pinter’s Betrayal on stage until after I’d read it. I’m pleased about that – it means I’d “seen” it for myself first. The play is about a married couple, Robert and Emma, and the affair that she has with his best friend, Jerry. It has a reverse chronology, starting in the present day when the affair is over and ending years earlier as it begins, and shows what each of them knows or doesn’t know over the course of that time. I immediately thought: this is how I want to write.I loved its spareness and economy. How taut the language was. Unspoken words filled the room, giving it energy and unpredictability and drama. It showed me how much you can leave for the actors to work out and play with. How much the words matter, but the silences, too. Continue reading...

Politics

22 h. ago ‘Looks so sizzling they could fry an egg!’ How the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice adaptation changed my life

The 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic, starring Colin Firth, has its own fan group, has inspired university courses and was even featured in the Barbie movie. What’s behind its enduring appeal? I was born in the wrong century – or so my mother says, while I protest from my writing bureau, wax seal in hand, ready to dispatch an Austen-style letter to a friend. But as I put out the candle flame with my antique snuffer, I wonder if she might be right. For me, the past has always felt like home – I grew up on a literary diet of classic fiction, seasoned with a love of my Regency hero, Jane Austen.So when the BBC dramatisation of her most popular novel, Pride and Prejudice, first aired in 1995, it was manna from heaven for me, especially as an A-level English literature student. My pre-binge-era classmates and I delighted in the weekly suspense. We chattered of Mr Darcy’s intense looks, so sizzling they could fry an egg; laughed over the unfiltered comments of a dramatic Mrs Benne...

Politics

36 h. ago DVLA warns drivers aged over 70 'you need to' take action now

The DVLA has issued an important reminder to people who are aged 70 or over - and there are certain circumstances where drivers are required to renew their driving licences

Events

39 h. ago Former Strictly celeb 'regrets' doing show after huge life change

TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher has admitted she regrets taking part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 because she was "struggling" with her personal life at the time

Politics

41 h. ago Standard Life to return to stock exchange as Phoenix Group unveils rebrand

“Changing our name from Phoenix Group Holdings plc to Standard Life plc in March 2026 brings our most trusted brand to the forefront” – Andy Briggs, group CEO

Politics

41 h. ago DVLA warning over rule that could see drivers lose their private licence plate

Missing one key deadline could mean you lose your licence plate if you don't notify the DVLA

Events

43 h. ago How the hairdryer treatment from a science teacher over a flunked exam changed my life | Michael Akadiri

After my whole class flunked a mock GCSE, Miss T’s home truths helped instil a work ethic that has been crucial to my career“Fix up. It’s not me who needs their GCSEs – it’s you!” These words were barked at my year 10 science class by our science teacher and form tutor, Miss T. And deservedly so, because we had just suffered the ignominy of collectively flunking a GCSE mock exam. All 30 of us.Miss T was relatively young, but she was old-school in her approach – she had a low threshold for nonsense. While I considered this mock an inconsequential test – a pre-season friendly, if you will – she treated it like an FA Cup semi-final. To put it another way, it was half-time and we were losing badly, so she gave us the hairdryer treatment: a relentless, 15-minute tirade berating us for our lack of aptitude and our attitude.Michael Akadiri is an award-winning standup comedian and junior doctor. His debut Edinburgh fringe show, No Scrubs, was nominated for the Biggest Award in Comedy and is...

Society

55 h. ago Neonatal nurse killed five babies with chemical injections as she 'played God'

The nurse killed five babies by injecting them with potassium or insulin. Eight other children were also affected, two of them with life-changing injuries.

Events

56 h. ago Neonatal nurse killed five babies as she 'played God' giving chemical injections

Brenda Cecilia Agüero killed five babies by injecting them with potassium or insulin. Eight other children were also affected, two of them with life-changing injuries

Events

63 h. ago Brave schoolgirl victim of Southport attacker speaks out for first time

A victim of the Southport stabbing has opened up on the deadly attack that changed her life forever

Events

66 h. ago Jacqueline Wilson was told one book 'would never be successful' but it changed her life

Jacqueline Wilson was told that one of her books would not see 'success,' but it ended up being one of her most popular titles and allowed her to continue doing what she loves

Politics

68 h. ago Meghan Markle's ‘threat’ in Prince Harry's royal reunion as 'true feelings' exposed

Prince Harry is back in the UK this week and a potential meeting with his estranged father, King Charles, could change his young family’s life for good

Politics

68 h. ago Meghan Markle's ‘threat’ in Harry and Charles's royal reunion as 'true feelings' revealed

EXCLUSIVE: Prince Harry is back in the UK this week and a potential meeting with his estranged father, King Charles, could change his young family’s life for good

Politics

3 d. ago From sleeping in a car park to driving a £130,000 Porsche: Cocaine and sex MP David Warburton found dead in his flat had turned his life around, say friends

David Warbuton, ex-Tory MP for Somerton and Frome, admitted using cocaine and was plagued by sex allegations - but his sudden death aged 59 shocked loved ones who said his life had changed.

Events

3 d. ago Corrie's Amanda Barrie: `I'm sworn off pork after op to put pig valve in my heart'

Coronation Street and Bad Girls icon Amanda Barrie opens up to columnist Jessica Boulton about turning 90, plastic surgery, her spicy memoir and undergoing TWO life-changing operations in just six months

Politics

3 d. ago Every driver must do this to avoid fines and points on their licence if they're going to be behind the wheel tomorrow afternoon

The AA and insurance comparison site Confused.com have both urged caution to road users to take extra measures to prevent them from being startled behind the wheel.

Politics

4 d. ago Loose Women's Coleen Nolan shares tragic decision after losing two sisters to cancer

Loose Women's Coleen Nolan has opened up on the changes she has made in her life after losing two of her sisters to cancer and receiving a diagnosis of the disease herself

Events

4 d. ago Take on a walking challenge and help deaf people combat isolation

National deaf charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is inviting people living in Scotland to join dog lovers across the UK in taking on a walking challenge this October, to raise money to train more life-changing hearing assistance dogs and help deaf people combat isolation.

Politics

4 d. ago Ex Rangers starlet makes life changing move as key factor revealed

Jacob Pazikas will start life in the third tier of the United Aram Emirates League but is hoping cash injection will kickstart a rapid rise

Politics

4 d. ago Ex flight attendant earns £110k a month after switching jobs because of passenger comment

A former flight attendant has shared how she ditched her job to pursue a new passion - and it has completely changed her life and her bank balance for the better

Economics