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Country Life's verdict on the Downton Abbey film: Patchy plots and sickly schmaltz, but 'a blissful two hours of escapism'
The new Downton Abbey film offers fans a final fix of life above and below stairs with the characters of a much-loved series. Kate Green went along to find out if it delivers on its promise.
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Garsington's resurrection of an opera by Offenbach, the man who gave the world the can-can
Offenbach famously created the can-can music, but one of his lesser-known works, Fantasio, will be premiered in Garsington Opera’s 30th-anniversary season. Claire Jackson reports.
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Curious Questions: Why is an artist's final performance called their 'swansong'?
Martin Fone, author of 50 Curious Questions, investigates.
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In Focus: The wonder of the theatre directors finding new ways to fuse modern life into classic plays
Our theatre critic Michael Billington applauds the efforts made to freshen up Tartuffe and Equus in ways which bring new meaning and relevance to even the most familiar pieces.
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Curious Questions: Are flamenco's finest the fastest dancers in the world?
Spain's national dance, flamenco, is astonishing in its drama, spectacle and sheer speed. But how fast do they really go? Martin Fone, author of 50 Curious Questions, investigates.
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How to choose wedding music: Band, DJ or something a little bit different?
So you’ve booked the marquee, sorted the caterer and got your guest list underway – now on to worrying about the photographer and invitations, perhaps? Recently-married Hetty Lintell says forget that and instead look towards arguably the most important piece of the wedding reception puzzle: the music.
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Triumph, tragedy and mangling Shakespeare: Michael Billington hands out The BIllies for 2018
Our theatre critic Michael Billington hands out his annual awards. Some recipients will be delighted; others might wish to hide behind the sofa...
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The 12 party games of Christmas
The Twelve Days of Christmas land you with 12 days of enforced revelry. That’s 12 sub-sets of step-relations, 12 afternoons and evenings, 12 tailbacks on the M25. Kit Hesketh-Harvey suggests 12 games to keep you sane.
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The Greatest Snowman: Immersive theatre meets overwhelming cuisine
A railway arch in the East End is the home of a new set in a 1930s railway dining car - accompanied by a meal which transforms the experience. Emily Anderson went along.
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The truth about Christmas carols
The composer and tenor Andrew Gant reveals the curious truth about some of our most beloved carols.
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The best places in Britain to go and hear Christmas choir services over the festive period
Katy Birchall takes a look at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge, and picks out some more of the best Christmas choir services across the country.
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Curious Questions: Why is the pantomime dame always played by a man?
Every year, millions of people across Britain will chuckle their way through a pantomime featuring a man playing the main female role, and usually a girl playing the lead male role. How it came to be so is a fascinating tale.
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In Focus: The trench cello which brought the joy of music to the First World War
The men who spent years in the trenches of France and Belgium found all manner of ways to bring a touch of joy and culture into their lives – not least with the portable, collapsible cello which 2nd lieutenant Harold Triggs of the Royal Sussex took into battle in 1914. The instrument works beautifully today, as Claire Jackson reports.
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Curious Questions: Why is the Green Room called the Green Room?
Whether you're performing a play or about to go on television, the waiting room is called the Green Room – but why is that? Martin Fone, author of 'Fifty Curious Questions', investigates.
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Amazing grace: St Petersburg Ballet Theatre’s Swan Lake at the London Coliseum
Annunciata Elwes is captivated by this quintessential production of a classic Russian ballet.
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The Oxford of Inspector Morse: Dreaming spires, dead bodies... and lots and lots of pubs
The Oxford of Inspector Morse: Dreaming spires, dead bodies... and lots and lots of pubs.
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Kiss me, Kate at the London Coliseum: Not 'better' than Shakespeare – but certainly more enjoyable to watch
This breathtaking revival of a classic show from the golden age of the American musical comes as close as is possible to the ultimate theatrical trick: outdoing Shakespeare. Emily Anderson implores you not to miss it before the run ends.
