63 m. ago From cosmopolitans to vibrators, the cultural heft of Sex and the City

Just some of the ways that SATC helped to revolutionise the way we dress, eat, date, exercise and workBefore Sex and the City, the cosmopolitan was just vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau and lime juice. Afterwards it was a symbol of girlfriends, sex, flirting and freedom. But it wasn’t only the image of the pink cocktail that the show revolutionised.From the time it first aired in 1998, the show – and to a lesser extent its descendant, And Just Like That – has shaped the way we dress, eat, drink, date, exercise and work. What it did for the cosmo it also did for everything from nameplate necklaces to vibrators, catapulting them to pop-culture phenomenon status. Continue reading...

Politics

66 m. ago Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Hisaishi review – frothing strings and quacking brass as Studio Ghibli’s composer debuts

Royal Albert Hall, LondonSwitching between podium and piano, Joe Hisaishi’s suite from The Boy and the Heron sparked joy, but Reich’s demanding Desert Music was vibrant and hypnoticOne of the pleasures of the BBC Proms is that they bring some of classical music’s biggest names from around the world to the Royal Albert Hall. But celebrity is always relative – and, for better or worse, most Proms artists don’t also headline stadium gigs.But Japanese composer and conductor Joe Hisaishi does and, at 74, is a Proms debut artist like no other. He came on stage to waves of screaming and phones brandished to capture the moment. Never heard of him? You’re probably not part of the vast fanbase of the “cultural phenomenon” Studio Ghibli. Hisaishi is the John Williams of anime, responsible for the music in global hits from My Neighbour Totoro to The Boy and the Heron. Continue reading...

Politics

1 hour ago Scottish Comedian Marc Jennings announces extra Fringe shows due to huge demand

With the rest of Marc Jennings’ shows this week sold out and very limited availability for next week, Monkey Barrel Comedy have added a second extra show at 10.40pm on Saturday, August 16. Book now - this will sell out fast too.

Culture

1 hour ago Fringe in full colour: Let your favourite colour guide your festival picks

With nearly 4,000 shows to choose from at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, deciding where to begin can be overwhelming. Do you search online? Trust the flyerer on the Mile? Or maybe you let your favourite colour make the call.

Politics

1 hour ago How incel terminology like 'sleepmaxxing' and 'sigma' infiltrated pop culture

The niche language of incels has permeated social media, schools and even beauty standards. So, how did it become normalised?

Politics

2 h. ago Four Star Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025: 17 acclaimed shows you can still get tickets to see this weekend

Looking for some comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this weekend? We’ve got you covered.

Sport

2 h. ago Edinburgh’s couple acts: the fringe duos starring together – and even getting married on stage

Love is in the air on the fringe as romantic partners put their private lives in the spotlight through daft sketches, acrobatics, folk songs – and a real weddingSome people blow their wedding budget in Las Vegas or on Venice’s Grand Canal. But the actors and writers Linus Karp and Joseph Martin will be tying the knot at the Edinburgh fringe, walking down the aisle of the Pleasance Grand on Saturday. Tickets to attend are £12 a pop – and they hope to avoid getting star ratings. Continue reading...

Politics

2 h. ago Luther Ford: The Crown's breakthrough star on acting opposite James Norton

Before answering an open casting call to play the Prince Harry, Luther Ford wanted to be a filmmaker. Now he’s starring in an epic TV show about the Battle of Hastings

Politics

2 h. ago Margaret Qualley awkwardly laughs off Taylor Swift question as Jack Antonoff absent from new album

Margaret Qualley awkwardly laughed off a question about Taylor Swift’s upcoming album, which producer husband Jack Antonoff is notably absent from.

Events

3 h. ago Chase & Status at All points East: Full line up and set times

Everything you need to know about Victoria Park’s All Points East line up this weekend

Politics

3 h. ago 'VJ Day is stark reminder of the immense cost we face for securing peace'

Today marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, which saw the Second World War come to an end - and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy explains why this anniversary is so poignant

Politics

3 h. ago Who Will Win Strictly Come Dancing 2025? Full odds for all 12 celebrities

The full lineup has been announced for the much-anticipated new series of the reality talent show - but who’s been tipped to win?

Politics

3 h. ago Dan Gunn on reconstructing the life of Muriel Sparks through letters

Few people have immersed themselves in the lives of great writers as thoroughly as Edinburgh-born academic Dan Gunn.

Politics

4 h. ago The 10 best hotels in Budapest – perfect for a cultural city break

From budget accommodation to grand dames, boutique or larger properties, these are the 10 best hotels in Budapest

Politics

4 h. ago What festivals are taking place in London this weekend and where?

There are lots of events and happenings this weekend in the capital

Politics

4 h. ago New James Bond Latest Odds: Here are the 14 actors tipped to be 007

It’s looking increasingly like a three horse race as news of the new James Bond is imminent.

Politics

5 h. ago Kate Copstick's Festival Diary: 'None of this really matters'

Scotsman comedy critic Kate Copstick shares her thoughts on what does - and doesn’t - matter at the Fringe.

Politics

6 h. ago Shein’s UK sales surge 32% higher amid stock market float plans

Shein said it benefited from the opening of two new offices in Kings Cross and Manchester and the launch of a pop-up shop in Liverpool.

Economics

6 h. ago Darius Danesh's Hollywood ex's message after star died refusing operation

Darius Danesh's ex-wife Natasha Henstridge has paid tribute to the late Pop Idol star on the third anniversary of his death, after his girlfriend Lauren Cheek opened up on his tragic passing

Events

8 h. ago Ukrainian defenses face a challenge as Russian troops make gains ahead of the Putin

Days before the leaders of Russia and the U.S. hold a summit meeting in Alaska, Moscow’s forces breached Ukrainian lines in a series of infiltrations this week in the country’s industrial heartland of Donetsk

Politics