Fatima Clarke

The release of Robbie Williams’s 13th studio album has been anything but straightforward. Initially revealed in May 2025, it was scheduled for an October release to coincide with the renewed interest in the 90s, spurred by an Oasis band reunion. Over the summer, Williams was busy with promotional activities, which included setting up mock Britpop-themed … Read more

A$AP Rocky’s Long-Awaited Return to the Music Scene After an eight-year hiatus, A$AP Rocky, the once and likely future luminary of New York’s rap scene, has finally released a new album. In the fast-paced world of hip-hop, where even top-tier artists like his peer Tyler, the Creator drop several albums within a single year, Rocky’s … Read more

“A band’s essence always evolves with its members,” observes Dave Vanian, who has been the consistent presence in the Damned for half a century. “Captain Sensible loves his sweet pop and progressive rock, which reflects in his catchy and delightful compositions. I tend to write in a more dramatic, theatrical style. And Rat Scabies, with … Read more

Clad entirely in shimmering orange, David Byrne and his 12-member ensemble appear ready to ignite at any moment. The expansive stage is remarkably bare, free from the typical clutter of amps and mics that usually define a concert setting. Yet the former Talking Heads leader brims with restless vigor. Fortunately, no one actually catches fire. … Read more

The First Tune That Captured My Heart During my early years in nursery school, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” was everywhere. Watching its video premiere on Top of the Pops was an experience – initially eerie, yet absolutely thrilling once the iconic guitar solo hit. The First Single I Acquired Entertained endlessly by my mum’s compact record … Read more

“This event marked a significant moment for Marseille, shedding light on the underlying political dynamics of France’s second largest city. There are many layers yet to be uncovered, many of them not very flattering. However, it also initiated a chain of actions,” said Mathilde Aurier, a playwright and director. Aurier is reflecting on what has … Read more

As we leave the holiday season behind, with decorations stored away and schools back in session, the spirit of pantomime continues to enchant audiences. In Liverpool, performances still light up the stages of the Royal Court and Everyman theatres, and also at Theatr Clwyd in Mold. But one might wonder, does the magic of pantomime … Read more

The name of this musical, inspired by the real-life experiences of its star, is a giveaway to its conclusion. On Broadway, Levi Kreis portrays a character much like himself, grappling with personal demons and revisiting his past, only to discover—perhaps unsurprisingly—that despite his imperfections, he is indeed “Already Perfect.” Levi exits the stage, visibly shaken … Read more

The Unexamined Legacy of Benny Hill While television biopics of golden-age comedians have become popular, Benny Hill’s life and work have notably not received such attention posthumously. Mark Carey’s new creative endeavor explores this omission, questioning why Hill has been largely erased from the collective memory of comedy greatness. Despite being a cherished television figure … Read more

Sir Ian McKellen Performs on Stage Sir Ian McKellen, at the age of 86, demonstrates his vitality by inflating a red balloon on stage. He releases it, watching it follow a dramatic arc as it ascends and then descends. Portraying Ed, an aging gay man, he declares, “Free the spirit,” symbolizing a quest for liberation. … Read more