A curious feature of Brexiter psychology is how the ruinous outcome they once actively sought for Britain is now blamed on tricksy European negotiators, led at the time by Michel Barnier. And so it was wearingly predictable that his re-emergence as the likely new French prime minister would produce a tide of their usual foam-flecked … Read more
In the television series The Perfect Couple, which had its UK premiere last week, it is said of Nicole Kidman’s character, Greer: “You never know where you stand with her … I mean, beneath her, for sure.” That moment seems to break the fourth wall and refer to the 5ft 11in actor herself, a regal, mercurial … Read more
Founded in 1947, the Folio Society was once a membership club known for publishing classic tomes and history books, with a customer base of predominantly “old white men”, according to its boss. Now, however, more than half the people who buy its books are aged between 25 and 44, and it is selling more sci-fi … Read more
Neo-Nazi groups and the online far right are latching on to the anti-immigration rhetoric coming from Donald Trump’s campaign for the White House in an effort to recruit new supporters and spread their extremism to broader audiences. After the Republican national convention in July, where supporters waved “MASS DEPORTATION NOW!” placards, it became clear that … Read more
It will be a study in contrasts around age, gender, race, temperament and policy. It will also be the first time in US presidential history that a former courtroom prosecutor will take the debate stage alongside a convicted criminal with the White House at stake. Vice-President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, has served as a … Read more
I bought a bag of lemons, complete with their leaves – lemons so beautiful I kept them in a shallow dish in the kitchen for several days, just to look at them. I often picked them up to squeeze and sniff. I occasionally caught my finger on the sharp barbs that hide on their stems, … Read more
What is the real thing? The question is an ideal subject for the stage, where the actual and the illusory constantly shadowbox. It was tackled in three strikingly different productions last week. G, directed with fluorescent dynamism by Monique Touko, is an encouraging sign that David Byrne’s Royal Court will live up to the theatre’s … Read more
All the recent discussion of the pub garden smoking ban the government says it’s considering reminded me, I was surprised to discover, of Margaret Thatcher. A divisive figure, of course, but slagging her off feels a bit last-millennium. These days most people tend to take more of a “you’ve got to hand it to her” … Read more
America’s New Female Right (BBC Three) | iPlayerSlow Horses (Apple TV+)The Perfect Couple (Netflix)Funny Woman (Sky Max/Now) For a movement built on female ultra-modesty and subservience, “tradwife” has a strong look. Stateside, that look involves flowing mermaid locks, 1970s TV anchor-woman styling and makeup spread as thick as buttercream. The effect is churchgoing Barbie dolls … Read more
Comedian Jamali Maddix, 33, was born in Ilford to Jamaican and British-Greek parents. He studied theatre and performance practice at the University of Salford but dropped out to pursue a career in standup. He is a resident panellist on Sky’s Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Other TV appearances include Taskmaster, regular punditry on Frankie Boyle’s New … Read more