20 h. ago On the Calculation of Volume III by Solvej Balle review – how to make a timeloop endlessly interesting

The hypnotic third novel in the hit Danish series grapples with the philosophical realities of being stuck on repeat in 18 NovemberThe time loop story, in which characters repeatedly relive the same span of time, has become synonymous with the 1993 film Groundhog Day, but the idea has much older roots. In PD Ouspensky’s 1915 novel Strange Life of Ivan Osokin, the feckless Osokin is given the chance to live his life over again, only to find himself making all the same mistakes. Like Groundhog Day’s insufferable Phil Connors, Osokin can change nothing without changing himself.Solvej Balle’s much-lauded series On the Calculation of Volume takes a very different approach. She first began working on the idea decades ago, several years before Groundhog Day was released. The film, she says, “helped me with research by trying out some of the roads I did not want to take”. The books, five so far with two more planned, have proved a literary sensation in her native Denmark, with the first thr...

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37 h. ago R&B Xmas Ball review – Toni Braxton melts hearts and Boyz II Men blow minds on trip back to the 90s

OVO Wembley ArenaWith additional sets from Dru Hill and Joe, this revue is a little too nostalgic and lacks the advertised festive spirit – but the vocal prowess on show is undeniableAll of the artists on the lineup for the second annual R&B Xmas Ball – Dru Hill, Joe, Toni Braxton and Boyz II Men – have Christmas albums from the last two decades, but rather than putting a twist on carols or crooner standards, this is an evening that merely uses Christmas as an excuse for a night out to hear earnest, heart-rending 90s R&B.Dru Hill deliver classic R&B in matching outfits, as their 2000s music videos – as seen on kebab shop TVs nationwide – play out behind them, while a set of mostly slow jams from Joe sets the stage for Braxton. Continue reading...

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4 d. ago Lady Gaga review – the Mayhem Ball shows Mother Monster is still the reigning queen of spectacle

Marvel Stadium, MelbourneThe pop star’s first Australian show in a decade comes after years of physical and mental pain – so it’s a great relief to see her having a good time againAs Lady Gaga is carted on stage atop a crinoline structure that resembles both a red velvet cake and a toilet roll doll cozy she states her dictum: “Dance or die”.Mother Monster’s ruling sets into motion an operatic 150-minute show – her first in Australia since the artRAVE in August of 2014. For the entirety of the Mayhem Ball, Gaga careens between dancing and dying in what she calls her “gothic dream” – although it often reads more Halloween. Skeletons abound – no doubt a homage to the late Gaga muse Rick Genest, otherwise known as Zombie Boy. At times it’s downright Hitchcockian, Gaga a veritable Kim Novak as she switches between blond and brunette selves with each wig change. Continue reading...

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1 week ago Scottish Ballet: The Snow Queen, Edinburgh review: 'not short on sparkle'

Although this production of The Snow Queen has its darker moments, there are enough dancing snowflakes and capering clowns to keep things feeling festive, writes Kelly Apter

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2 w. ago Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker review: 'Spectacular Christmas magic'

Sir Peter Hall’s version of The Nutcracker returns to Royal Ballet with a bravura extravaganza which conjures the Christmas cheer right out of you

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2 w. ago Review: London City Ballet with works by Page, Robbins, Chu, and Ratmansky

Review: London City Ballet with works by Page, Robbins, Chu, and Ratmansky  Gramilano

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2 w. ago Why Jamie Smith was given out in controversial second innings decision

Smith was judged to have made contact with the ball after a DRS review

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2 w. ago Rebirth by London City Ballet: 'Revived company creates smart new identity'

London City Ballet are fully flourishing with their second programme since relaunching last year

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3 w. ago Perspectives at the Royal Ballet review: a hurtling journey from Benjamin Britten to Sufjan Stevens

This collection of rather abstract works starts at mystery and ends in exuberance

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3 w. ago Perspectives at the Royal Ballet review: a hurtling journey from Charlotte Brontë to Sufjan Stevens

This collection of rather abstract works starts at mystery and ends in exuberance

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3 w. ago Dazzling good literary fiction out this week: ON THE CALCULATION OF VOLUME III by Solvej Ball, LIGHTBREAKERS by Aja Gabel, THE MATCHBOX GIRL by Alice Jolly

Stephanie Cross reviews the best literary fiction out now

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