10 h. ago ‘The cultural landscape is decimated’: Louise Alder on stage fright, arts funding and the Last Night of the Proms

The great soprano will be the first British singer to top the bill at the Last Night in over a decade. So why does she advise her younger colleagues to leave the country?It’s the height of the August heatwave when I sit down opposite British soprano Louise Alder in a fiercely air-conditioned central London office. We’re here to discuss her headline performance at this year’s Last Night of the Proms but, as a seasonal warmup, I ask whether she’s had a break this summer. Alder looks faintly amused, then reminds me she’s been at Glyndebourne doing three performances of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro every week since the end of June. In fact, she was on stage as the Countess barely 12 hours earlier.“It’s never-ending,” she says. “I don’t want this to come across negatively – it’s been the most amazing contract – but an extremely long run. Twenty shows, which I think is the longest single run that Glyndebourne has done.” Days after the show closed, the company performed it again at the Prom...

Politics

15 h. ago NBC releases promo for NBA opening night during Sunday Night Football broadcast

The NBA returns to NBC and Peacock next month

Sport

7 d. ago Small boat, big house: Elon Musk ridicules Starmer's Britain after asylum seekers 'are given new £300k new

The decision to use four £300,000 three-bedroom properties in Suffolk as migrant accommodation prompted fury after it emerged last night.

Economics

7 d. ago Elon Musk ridicules Starmer's Britain after asylum seekers 'are given new £300k new

The decision to use four £300,000 three-bedroom properties in Suffolk as migrant accommodation prompted fury after it emerged last night.

Economics

7 d. ago Elon Musk weighs into migrant row: X owner says asylum seekers 'must stop' being given £300k townhouses with en

The decision to use four £300,000 three-bedroom properties in Suffolk as migrant accommodation prompted fury after it emerged last night.

Events

8 d. ago The best mattress toppers for a more comfortable night’s sleep, tested

Whether you’re looking for memory foam, wool, cooling or firm, we reveal the toppers we rate – and whether they can really rescue a bad mattress• The best mattresses: sleep better with our seven rigorously tested picksA mattress topper is like a slice of cheese in a burger: not strictly necessary, but potentially transformative, especially if your bed has all the cosiness of stale bread. Strap a comfy topper on to a hard mattress and it could transform the quality of your sleep at significantly less cost than a new mattress.That’s the promise, anyway. In my neverending quest for a decent night’s kip, I slept on eight bestselling toppers – not all at once, Princess and the Pea style, but for a few nights, each on top of a firm mattress. I was surprised to find so many topper types available, from thick slabs of memory foam to airy cloudbanks of hollowfibre, with one even containing springs.Best mattress topper overall: Simba Hybrid TopperBest budget mattress topperSilentnight Airmax ...

Politics

9 d. ago 'Trumpet Crumpet' Alison Balsom will retire after final gig at last Night of the Proms to spend more time with Skyfall director husband Sam Mendes and rest of her family

The musician, who is married to Skyfall director Sam Mendes, confirmed this would be her 'last night on stage'.

Politics

9 d. ago Trumpeter Alison Balsom to retire from performing after Last Night Of The Proms

Balsom will play the Hummel Trumpet Concerto in E flat major.

Politics

2 w. ago Family of 'real life Cinderella' targeted by bullies at school prom thanks town for rallying round in defiant message of support

The father of Blackpool schoolgirl Jessica Robinson, 11, whose school prom night was ruined by a bully who 'tore her dress to pieces' has praised his local town for rallying round with support.

Events

2 w. ago Arsenal vs Leeds United Premier League prediction, odds and betting offer

Arsenal host newly promoted Leeds United on Saturday night at the Emirates in a Premier League clash of title intent against top-flight ambition

Politics

2 w. ago Buyers say ‘everyone thinks I had Botox’ with firming night cream that works ‘in two weeks'

If you're looking for a new night cream that promises to banish wrinkles and fine lines while you sleep, shoppers may have found just the ticket with this 'just like Botox' cream

Economics

2 w. ago Newcastle hint at Alexander Isak decision in response to striker’s bombshell statement

The striker made claims over ‘broken promises’ on Tuesday night with the transfer saga turning ugly in the closing stages of the window

Events

2 w. ago ‘Trust is lost’: Isak accuses Newcastle of broken promises in transfer drama

‘The relationship cannot continue,’ striker saysAttending PFA awards on Tuesday ‘didn’t feel right’Alexander Isak’s standoff with Newcastle threatened to descend into outright civil war on Tuesday night as the Sweden striker accused his club of breaking promises and betraying his trust. In an incendiary Instagram message he claimed their relationship “could not continue”.Isak has been endeavouring to force a move to Liverpool all summer but, so far, at least Newcastle have proved resistant, rejecting one £110m bid as they struggle to find replacements. Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago Ride the Lights returns to Blackpool next week ahead of Illuminations switch

Cyclists will be able to takeover the promenade for one night only and get a preview of the famous Blackpool Illuminations

Politics

2 w. ago Gary Neville caught on Sky Sports 'hot mic' saying what he really thinks about Leeds fans

Leeds United were featured on the opening Sky Sports' Monday Night Football of the season, with Daniel Farke's newly-promoted side face Everton at Elland Road - with Gary Neville opening up the season with something of a faux pas

Sport

3 w. ago Just Eat discount codes for August 2025: Save 50% on your next takeaway

Whether it’s a McDonalds on a hangover or a Friday night treat, these Just Eat promo codes have you covered

Politics

last month Scotland international duo embroiled in opening day drama as ex

The Scotland international delivered in the dying embers of the game in an early promotion clash on Friday night.

Events