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Veronica Lee |

It wasn't exactly a stellar year for comedy but there were plenty of shows that shone brightly and have stayed with me, even if the Edinburgh Fringe – for so long the highlight of the comedy year – increasingly disappoints.

theartsdesk
Analysts tell us that the UK’s top-rated TV show this Christmas was the King’s speech, with the Strictly Christmas special coming in a mere third. If…
David Nice
It was a year for outstanding individual performances, especially from relative newcomers, and at least three flawless ensembles, less so for the…
Sarah Kent
Turner and Constable, Rivals and Originals, Tate Britain, November 2025Whoever thought of creating an exhibition comparing the brilliance of JMW…

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Kieron Tyler
Fresh slants on the known, in a year when Yeah Man, It's Bloody Heavy!! was the most startling archive release
Matt Wolf
From big, bold musicals to solo shows, London theatre landed again on multiple fronts
Helen Hawkins
Josh Safdie's relentless directing style is by turns entertaining and exhausting
Nick Hasted
Saxophonist's beautiful, bittersweet melodies confront a time of war
Boyd Tonkin
Bach's Christmas marvel shines like new
Gary Naylor
Good illusions but pacing stymies the shocks
Mark Kidel
Music illuminates the heart at the darkest time of the year
Kieron Tyler
Home-counties prog rockers are collected in a box
Boyd Tonkin
No cosy comfort in this major modern act of faith
Adam Sweeting
From stage to screen to five-part TV series
Kieron Tyler
Intensity, jazz-oriented psychedelia and the joys of recontextualisation
Nick Hasted
A forensic documentary on journalism and state power
Sebastian Scotney
New biennial event earns its place in the calendar
Rachel Halliburton
Sheader has assembled a dream cast to channel affluent prudery of Edwardian Bradford
Adam Sweeting
Third instalment of James Cameron's saga is long but not deep
Demetrios Matheou
Rising star Mason Alexander Park excels in this Tony Award-winning comedy
Jenny Gilbert
On its second time out, ENB's production is a winner where it counts
Gary Naylor
Ambitious but tangled examination of British Jewish identity in troubled times
Helen Hawkins
The “Shakespeare laugh” has no place in this refreshingly wacko Illyria
Rachel Halliburton
Christopher Rousset brought bold stripes of colour to his interpretation
Helen Hawkins
Crammed with wit and knowledge, this 1995 play can't totally disguise its origins as a radio play
Thomas H. Green
A seasonal slant on the most wide-ranging record reviews in the universe
Gary Naylor
Count on laughs at this very silly musical-comedy
Gary Naylor
Wonder and charm flood the house in a show for all ages

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