2 h. ago A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bridge Theatre review: I can't remember enjoying a Dream more

This acrobatic, erotic, playfully queered version of Shakespeare’s comedy is even better than it was in 2019

Politics

2 h. ago Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter show is a bewildering bombardment of entertainment

The set’s kaleidoscopic, often quickfire mash-up of styles (electro C&W, trap, disco, hyper-diva-pop and more) becomes a formless mulch in such a boomy space

Events

3 h. ago See the dramatic moment cops charge the accused killer of Pheobe Bishop with her murder at his parents' caravan

James Wood can be seen barefoot wearing grey sweatpants, a chunky silver identity bracelet and a black 'Phantom Menace' t-shirt as cops arrested him.

Events

4 h. ago The Director by Daniel Kehlmann review – the author’s best work yet

This portrait of German film-maker GW Pabst and his moral struggles under the Nazis has the darkness and ambiguity of a modern Grimms’ fairytaleGeorg Wilhelm Pabst was one of the most influential film directors in Weimar Germany, probably best known on the international stage for discovering Greta Garbo and Louise Brooks. His radical approach earned him the nickname of “Red Pabst”, and when Hitler was elected to power in 1933, Pabst reacted by taking his family to the United States. He intended to emigrate permanently, but what was supposed to have been a brief trip back to Austria to visit his sick mother saw Pabst detained inside the Third Reich for the duration of the second world war. This unfortunate turn of events had a dramatically detrimental effect, not only on Pabst’s immediate situation but on his entire postwar career.Daniel Kehlmann has frequently used historical events as the basis for his fiction, most famously in his breakout 2005 novel Measuring the World,...

Culture

4 h. ago Why Liam Delap could be the perfect player to finally end dreaded Chelsea number curse

Liam Delap could be the perfect player to lift Chelsea's 'curse' at Stamford Bridge and bring joy back to the number 9 shirt for so many fans, says Tom Phillips

Sport

5 h. ago Josh Barrie at the Engineer: Branded pubs just feel different to independent ones

This Primrose Hill recently underwent a refurbishment and looks swish as anything now. But is it a vibe? wonders Josh Barrie

Politics

5 h. ago Keir Starmer's muddled politics are reaching their limit. It's time for him to make a choice | Andy Beckett

Veer left or double down on the right? Either way, the prime minister needs to commit and sell it to an impatient electorateAfter less than a year in power, Labour has reached a familiar place. Keir Starmer’s troubled government is at a fork in the road, wondering which direction to follow. With the delivery of its spending review next week after several acrimonious delays, and a Commons vote on its divisive welfare cuts expected later this month, the government’s unity and morale are fragile. The public finances are severely strained, with ever more competing demands, such as for extra defence spending. Though much more energetic than its Tory predecessor, this government often seems opaque, unable to explain its purpose in a compelling way.Many voters and journalists – even more impatient than usual after years of manic politics – are already considering what might replace Starmer’s administration. At barely 20% in the polls, Labour is as unpopular as in its most disliked days und...

Politics

5 h. ago The Reckoning review – shattering stories of invasion in Ukraine

Arcola theatre, LondonThe horrific reality of Russia’s invasion is recounted during the preparation of a Ukrainian salad in Anastasiia Kosidii and Josephine Burton’s playDuring the violent chaos following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a woman whose husband is missing receives a phone call from his number. Brief relief implodes when the speaker is not him but a stranger revealing that this device has been found beside a corpse covered by a tarpaulin.This is one of numerous shattering anecdotes in a play by Dash Arts, based on work by The Reckoning Project, which collects verbatim testimony from conflict victims with the aim of bringing prosecutions for war crimes.At the Arcola theatre, London, until 28 June Continue reading...

Events

5 h. ago Helen Goh’s recipe for pavlova with raspberries, lychees and elderflower cream | The sweet spot

Fruit and floral flavours with marshmallowy meringue make for a sensational melt-in-the-mouth dessertInspired by Pierre Hermé’s iconic ispahan macarons, where rose, lychee and raspberry create an exquisite flavour combination, this dessert reinterprets the trio in a crisp and marshmallowy pavlova. Instead of rose, I’ve used elderflower to infuse the cream, gently bringing together the delicate sweetness of lychee and the tart brightness of raspberries. Garnish with fresh elderflowers (if you can find any) and some coulis for a beautiful centrepiece. Continue reading...

Politics

9 h. ago Beyoncé review – a hugely enjoyable concert that adds a ferocious potency to Cowboy Carter

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, LondonThe big hits might be truncated to make way for her latest, country-inflected album – but seen live, these songs sound like a powerful act of protestIt clearly hasn’t escaped Beyoncé’s notice that the meteorological omens auger ill for the first UK show of her Cowboy Carter tour. The weathermen are predicting a thunderstorm, the Tottenham Hotspur ground is noticeably lacking a roof, and she’s no sooner arrived onstage than she’s suggesting that the prospect of rain “ain’t gonna stop the party”.The thunderstorm never comes, but a cynic might suggest the glowering skies, and a sudden downpour – through which the singer will be required to fly on a giant neon-lit horseshoe – act as a kind of metaphor for the fortunes of the Cowboy Carter tour. It’s thus far attracted the usual laudatory reviews – such is the blanket critical acclaim for everything Beyoncé does, you rather get the feeling that were she spotted using a public convenience, there would be a...

Politics

10 h. ago Beyoncé review — Queen Bey goes big in London with a honky tonk twist

Beyoncé review — Queen Bey goes big in London with a honky tonk twist  The Times

Politics

11 h. ago Sophisticated Short Stories out now: Failed Summer Vacation By Heuijung Hur, Poppyland By D J Taylor, The Latehomecomer By Mavis Gallant

Eithne Farry review the best Short Stories out now.

Events

11 h. ago Compulsive Contemporaries to read now: Thirst Trap by Grainne O'Hare, Among Friends by Hal Ebbott, Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild

Sara Lawrence reviews the best Contemporary fiction out now.

Politics

11 h. ago Looking After by Caroline Elton: Why I didn't tell my autistic brother he was dying

In her poignant book, Caroline Elton recounts the highs and lows of caring for her autistic brother, Lionel.

Events

11 h. ago Beyoncé beats the empty seats allegations on dazzling London return with just one problem

This ain't Texas, this is Tottenham. Queen Bey was back at White Hart Lane and in her element in her star-spangled country era, performing in the north London rain as her Cowboy Carter tour rolled into town ★★★★★

Politics

16 h. ago MuchBetter Payment Ring: Is this the future of contactless pay?

It never needs charging and doesn’t need a phone to work, but is this wearable as magical as it seems? Abha Shah joins a financial fellowship

Politics

17 h. ago Former Man United star BANNED for taping over pride badge as he refused to endorse anti

Matic, who now plays for Lyon, has been hit with a ban after covering the rainbow-coloured Ligue 1 logo on his shirt against Angers on the final day of the season.

Events

17 h. ago Victims of rape can challenge CPS if case dropped under new review scheme

One woman recently successfully sued the CPS for £35,000 after her case was dropped on the eve of her trial

Events

18 h. ago OutFest review: A rave party like no other in the Portuguese Riviera

EXCLUSIVE: An alternative music festival that is hidden in the picturesque town outside Lisbon and it is one for house music fans

Politics

18 h. ago Reeves hits back at spending review critics claiming ‘my choices are Labour choices’

Exclusive: As a cabinet civil war heats up over her spending review, Rachel Reeves has written for The Independent defending her motivations and choices as chancellor

Events