9 h. ago The play that changed my life: ‘Waiting for Godot revealed that less is more – it made me fearless’

A school production of Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece, with Nigel Planer in the cast, provided a lesson in forgetting about failureUntil I was 12 I was in the French school system, where theatre was Molière, Corneille, Racine. Going to the theatre meant The Sound of Music or My Fair Lady. Then it was decided I would switch to school in England. So, at 13, I arrived at Westminster school. It was 1968, and the world opened up.I went to see a school production of Waiting for Godot in French in a small room with a little stage, and I was sitting at the back. Musically, I was pretty sophisticated – I already knew about all the psychedelic music that had been happening. I’d seen the Mothers of Invention. I’d seen lots and lots and lots. But I didn’t know there was stuff like this. I suddenly became aware that, just like in music, there was a whole new world out there. Continue reading...

Politics

55 h. ago How plays like Weather Girl and Kyoto are finally bringing the climate crisis alive for audiences

The complexities of the climate crisis are a tough sell to audiences but these plays in New York show it can be doneDespite (or perhaps because of) its overwhelming awfulness, the climate crisis has been oddly underrepresented on stage and screen. Humanity’s greatest challenge has often been deemed too much of a downer, too complex or too dull a topic to spawn shows and movies.A burst of recent climate-themed cultural output, however, suggests this may be changing. Weather Girl, a one-woman play about the unraveling of a TV meteorologist who can no longer bear to gloss over climate breakdown in California, has just closed in New York City to upbeat reviews. Continue reading...

Society

55 h. ago Is the climate crisis too grim to work on the stage? Sparkling wine and villains might help

A burst of recent climate-themed cultural output suggests views of the topic as too depressing or dull may be changingDespite (or perhaps because of) its overwhelming awfulness, the climate crisis has been oddly underrepresented on stage and screen. Humanity’s greatest challenge has often been deemed too much of a downer, too complex or too dull a topic to spawn shows and movies.A burst of recent climate-themed cultural output, however, suggests this may be changing. Weather Girl, a one-woman play about the unraveling of a TV meteorologist who can no longer bear to gloss over climate breakdown in California, has just closed in New York City to upbeat reviews. Continue reading...

Events

57 h. ago ‘I wish I took part sooner’: how a medical trial transformed a young person’s life

Exclusive: Gulliver Waite signed up after antidepressants and talking therapies failed to alleviate clinical depressionMillions of young people risk missing out on new treatments for health conditions and having to use medicines that are unsafe, ineffective or inappropriate because so few take part in medical research. One of those bucking the trend explains why he signed up to a study and how it transformed his life.Gulliver Waite was diagnosed with clinical depression at 19. For years, he struggled with extremely low mood, anxiety, frequent panic attacks and occasional paranoia. Continue reading...

Politics

57 h. ago ‘I wish I had taken part sooner’: how a medical trial transformed a young person’s life

Exclusive: Gulliver Waite signed up after antidepressants and talking therapies failed to alleviate clinical depressionLow participation in medical trials puts millions of young people at riskMillions of young people risk missing out on new treatments for health conditions and having to use medicines that are unsafe, ineffective or inappropriate because so few take part in medical research. One of those bucking the trend explains why he signed up to a study and how it transformed his life.Gulliver Waite was diagnosed with clinical depression at 19. For years, he struggled with extremely low mood, anxiety, frequent panic attacks and occasional paranoia. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago This is how we do it: ‘When I tell other gay men we’re monogamous, it’s like I’ve said we have a strange kink’

Jake tends to be submissive, while Leo is more dominant. Now they’re living in different countries, is long-distance love working out for them?• How do you do it? Share the story of your sex life, anonymouslyWe waited until the fourth date to have sex. Leo then told me he was in an open relationship, but they were on the rocks Continue reading...

Politics

5 d. ago Twenty years on from Indianapolis farce, Austin spectacle typifies F1’s American boom

F1 was on the verge of collapse in the US but is now thriving. Kieran Jackson looks at the factors at play – including a change of ownership, three races a year and Netflix – which explain how and why F1 finally found its feet stateside

Politics

6 d. ago 7 habits of people with no life partner to emotionally depend on and one is very moving

These habits will help single people navigate life when they don't have a significant other waiting at home to help

Politics

9 d. ago Gary Neville and David Beckham oversee massive change after Salford City announcement

Salford City will play in orange next season after supporters voted to change the club's colours back from red, which was introduced when the 'Class of 92' took over

Politics

9 d. ago Ruben Amorim can silence Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney with one thing at Man Utd

Ruben Amorim is under pressure following his team's slow start to the season, with the Manchester United boss facing criticism for his style of play and refusal to change his tactics

Politics

1 week ago 'I was set to play with David Beckham at World Cup before road crash changed my life'

Former Manchester United target Matt Jansen recalls agonisingly missing out on the World Cup and the incident that left him fighting for his life

Events

1 week ago I live in Leith now, so I thought I should go and see Hibs play, but this tiny thing changed my mind

I was on the cusp of buying those tickets

Politics

2 w. ago Predator who lay in wait before raping victims across Manchester city centre jailed for life

A court heard how the disgusting attacker carried out a 'campaign of rape' in the city centre

Events

2 w. ago Aberdeen come to life after long wait as fans leave early in Dundee match

Dons land first win of the season as Karlsson on target once again

Politics

2 w. ago Actor Gary Oldman ranks his 'Slow Horses' character Jackson Lamb among the top roles of his career

Gary Oldman calls the physical changes he lives with to play Jackson Lamb a “small price to pay,” as he returns to screens for Season 5 of "Slow Horses."

Politics

2 w. ago Historic gardens and parks at risk from proposed planning rule changes – charity

Gardens Trust says parks, parkland and gardens play a crucial role for the economy, health and tackling climate change.

Events

3 w. ago Research reveals the surprising benefits of waiting – even for a moment

Research shows that even short delays or pauses can cool off impulses and help us prioritise long-term goals

Politics

3 w. ago FMQs: John Swinney admits people 'waiting too long at A&E' as 'NHS on life support' across Scotland

The First Minister has been accused of letting down patients all across Scotland during an exchange with the Scottish Labour leader.

Politics

4 w. ago I need to send a difficult email. Will a ‘forcing party’ help me stop procrastinating?

Planning a time to do things we’re putting off in the presence of others makes them more pleasant – and less difficultMy friend Amelia and I are in many ways alike: we’re both freelance journalists, with a sweet tooth and a Simpsons quote for every occasion. And we’ve both got tasks we’re putting off.Amelia’s are tedious household jobs: ordering new vacuum filters, investigating her broken dishwasher, measuring a panel of her bath for some reason.I’m an adult. Why do I regress under my parents’ roof?My friends made plans without me – is it weird to invite myself?Why do I feel like I’m stuck in a ‘waiting room’, hoping for my life to get started?I’m disagreeable – and it’s backed by science. Can I change my personality? Continue reading...

Politics