3 d. ago Hercules theatre review: Musical lacks a punch in new take of Disney classic, writes PATRICK MARMION

Hercules has been reduced from legendary hero to close to zero by a laboured new musical version of his derring-do, based on the 1997 animated film, writes PATRICK MARMION

Culture

4 d. ago Iran attacks US forces in Qatar as missiles launched at Iraq base housing American troops – latest updates

State TV made the announcement as martial music played; security official says missiles launched at base housing US troopsLiving in Iran: how have you been affected?Living in Israel: how have you been affected?“Monumental damage” was done to “all Nuclear sites” in Iran during the US attack on the country at the weekend, Donald Trump has said in his latest comments, after officials said the extent of damage done remained unconfirmed. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social the US president wrote:Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!The world has long agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon and we support action to prevent that - that is what this is. The US action was d...

Events

2 w. ago Nightclub owner arrested following deadly roof collapse which killed 236 people

The club was packed with government officials, musicians, and retired Major League Baseball players

Events

2 w. ago Dâdalus & Bikarus: Off the Shelf review | Safi Bugel's experimental album of the month

(Lío Press)Zurich-based musicians Benedikt Merz and David Hänni meld krautrock, punk and big beat into tripped-out, swampy grooves that reach dizzying heightsAfter almost three decades of friendship, Zurich-based musicians Benedikt Merz and David Hänni moved into a studio together in 2019. They found common ground over their shared love of psychedelic music and spent long, woozy nights jamming together. But while one wanted to focus on live electronics, the other secretly wanted to start a band. The outcome was Dâdalus & Bikarus, a project which sits somewhere between these two worlds, welding elements of krautrock, punk and big beat into tripped-out dancefloor rhythms.Their second album, Off the Shelf, captures the obsessive energy of those early nocturnal experiments, which they’ve since built a reputation for in their live shows. Anchored by drawn-out loops, each track slowly builds tension to dizzying, near-erotic heights. On Erebros, this takes place across a hefty 11 minut...

Politics

3 w. ago Will Ferrell confirms musical based on Eurovision movie comedy 'in development'

The actor and comedian said a musical is the ‘perfect place to continue our celebration of all the things we love about this amazing and unifying song competition’

Culture

3 w. ago Will Ferrell ‘excited’ to bring Eurovision musical to Broadway

The American actor is basing the project on his Netflix movie, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga.

Politics

3 w. ago ‘It was an I Will Survive for the 1990s’: how McAlmont & Butler made Yes

‘David only had words for one verse. “Just sing it twice,” I said. “We can worry about that later.” But we never got around to it – and people don’t seem to notice’I’d just left Suede and was living in a basement flat in Highgate, London, making music in my tiny box room. It was a lonely time, but a lovely summer and I decided to do something uplifting and joyous. There were a bunch of records I loved listening to on a sunny day – Dusty Springfield’s I Only Want to Be With You, The First Picture of You by the Lotus Eaters, You on My Mind by Swing Out Sister, which has Bacharach key changes and strings. I wanted to make a piece of music that gave me the buzz those songs did. Continue reading...

Events

3 w. ago Ace of Base now as iconic 90s band suffer Eurovision failure and knifeman terror

Swedish Europop group Ace of Base were once some of the biggest names in music, but their story is one that is filled with surprise achievements, failures and regret

Events

3 w. ago From Glastonbury festival goers to pub garden enthusiasts: How your summer plans indicate which political party you're likely to vote for

A new poll has revealed the voting preferences of the British public based on their plans for this summer, including music festivals and big sporting events.

Politics

last month Curtains for originality? Theatre creatives on the West End romcom musical boom

As a musical based on the 2004 Adam Sandler-Drew Barrymore love story prepares for its West End debut, Isabel Dempsey surveys the current deluge of romcom remakes hitting the stage and asks industry folk whether the boom is helping or harming

Culture