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disc of the day
Album: Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism
An admirable attempt to catch the magical groove that helped us through lockdown
tv
The engaging Belfast cops are less tightly focused this time around
Richard Gadd's double traumas are a difficult watch but ultimately inspiring
Who can unravel the ghastly secrets of the town of Lévionna?
film
Bertolucci revisits May '68 via intoxicated, transgressive sex, lit up by the debuting Eva Green
Italian cinema's vigorous grand old man discusses Kidnapped, conversion, anarchy and faith in cinema
new music
Welsh sextet bring their lively Seventies-flavoured pop frollicking to the south coast
An admirable attempt to catch the magical groove that helped us through lockdown
classical
Fellow conductors, singers, instrumentalists and administrators recall a true Mensch
Drama and emotional power from a new principal conductor
Ginastera spolights the harp, Nino Rota the double bass in dazzling performances
opera
Every orchestral phrase and colour perfect, vocal drama often a notch below
Verdi’s original version of the opera brought to exciting life
Star singers shine in a Handel rarity
theatre
Strong ensemble work highlights the plight of people with learning disabilities
Philip K Dick’s science fiction short story fares far better on screen
A Brit and a New Yorker struggle to find common ground in lively new British musical
dance
Irish folkies seek a cursed ancient song in Paul Duane's impressive fiction debut
Less-known pieces spanning the career of a great choreographer underline his greatness
Johan Inger's take on Carmen tries but fails to make a point about male violence
comedy
Tom Walker in a bravura display
If big chickens scare you, this is your thing!
Books
A form-defying writer explores the troubled mindscape of a Soho photographer
Enjoyable journey through the byways of how lines on maps have shaped the modern world
Kaltenegger's traverses space in her thoughtful exploration of the search for life among the stars
visual arts
Uplifting quest for form and essence
Wonderful paintings, but only half the story
One of Switzerland's greatest photographers celebrated with a major retrospective
latest comments
We saw Opening Night yesterday and felt...
Spot on! To me it was like a panto version...
Saw this wonderful opera last night in Cheltenham...
Couldn't agree more. THIS is the one to see to...
I watched it yesterday and it made feel like "Oh...
I saw this today at The Curve, why any theatre...
Y'all be giving out 100's like hotcakes, do y'all...
Seen in Oxford 9th April. I agree entirely...