New music download patterns appear to closely resemble epidemic curves for infectious disease, study finds Pop music is often described as catchy, but it seems you really can infect friends with your music taste. The pattern of music downloads after th…
Why would anyone hate Ted Lasso? | Arwa Mahdawi
The fish-out-of-water sports sitcom is about little more than a nice man being nice. Yet it has become a cultural lightning rodI have a degree in English literature, which is to say I left university with no life skills apart from the ability to be pre…
Looking for a new England: strange sightings in the south-east – in pictures
Stormtroopers, ghostly figures and runaway hens … a new book of photos examines the peculiarities of Kent and beyond Continue reading…
NHS the Musical review – the doctor will sing for you now
Theatre Royal PlymouthBouncy songs explore three patients’ experiences in this ambitious and spirited show about the health service’s history and current crisisAs audiences return to theatres, will they want razzle-dazzle escapism or plays that grapple…
English Heritage trials quiet ‘contemplation hour’ at monastic sites
Visitors to places such as Rievaulx Abbey will be encouraged to focus on appreciating the peace and tranquillityModern visitors to monastic ruins are more often than not on their phones or chatting to each other, or thinking about work and what’s for t…
Never Mind the Buzzcocks review – Daisy May Cooper takes on the pop patriarchy
The music quiz is back from rehab, cleaned up and on Sky. Girls are finally allowed, too – though with a show this confused, they might regret smashing this glass ceilingI had assumed Never Mind the Buzzcocks died at the height of its success, like Jim…
The Great British Bake Off 2021 review – joyous TV that shows no signs of staleness
Presenters Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas are purring and the new contestants are defying gravity. Yes, the tonic that is Bake Off returns for a 12th seriesThe year may come when the return of The Great British Bake Off (Channel 4) is not a tonic, a comf…
The Great British Bake Off 2021: episode one – live
We’re back in the tent for more cake-based mayhem! But who will rise to the occasion – and who will bottom out? 9.07pm BST Ah, Jairzeno is going to try to fix the problem with a Bake Off classic – putting it in the fridge and ignoring it. 9.07pm BST I …
Essex art gallery endangered by funding crisis named museum of the year 2021
Firstsite’s ‘innovation and integrity’ during pandemic wins Art Fund’s £100,000 prizeA gallery that six years ago was placed in special funding measures because of concerns over its viability has been named winner of the world’s largest museum prize.Th…
On These Grounds: a shocking film about police brutality within US schools
In a new documentary, the story of a 16-year-old Black student who was assaulted by a white police officer exposes a broken systemIn On These Grounds, an expansive, insightful and infuriating documentary about police brutality in the public education s…