Are fictional politicians as interesting as the real thing?
Sir David Hare’s new BBC drama feels small-scale when we are surrounded by far more impressive real-life spectacles
In defence of knowledge
Richard Ovenden’s new book is a passionate defence of the sanctity of knowledge expressed through literature
The enduring appeal of Jeeves and Wooster
Ben Schott’s new novel is hugely welcome, but thankfully it will never threaten to obscure the genius of the canon
The Divine Comedy at 30
The Divine Comedy will be playing a concert at the Barbican on 14 October to celebrate Neil Hannon
Plagiarism in comedy – homage or theft?
How a hugely popular American satirical show ripped off an online British comedian
No Time for Cinema to Die
What does the postponement of the new James Bond film mean for the future of cinema?
Royal legal cases: what if Harry and Meghan lose?
The Sussexes’ legal pursuits are less the straw that broke the camel’s back and more a gesture of defiance
Why Sherlock Holmes remains the greatest detective
There is no need to make Sherlock Holmes more likeable, part of his brilliance is in his ambiguity
Will there ever be a good Covid protest song?
A decent lockdown protest song is about as likely as a vaccine before Christmas
Are socially distanced festivals the future of entertainment?
Appledore book festival has paved the way for Covid-friendly entertainment in the UK
America will be fine
The American system is far more resilient than it looks
The case for Badenoch
She has a chance to capitalise on Starmer’s weakness
God of God, Light of Light
Christmas should point us towards the eternal truths of the Nicene Creed
It’s a M.A.D. world in Kubrick’s satire
A drama based around the shaky paradox of deterrence no longer feels like a dusty throwback
How will Christian MPs shape the assisted suicide debate?
The Tory Christian is in decline, but the Labour Christian could make the difference
How to end the free speech crisis
The right must plan to demolish the four pillars of Britain’s stifling anti-speech laws
How to be realistic on Ukraine
There is a route to peace, but it will take compromise
Will Starmer’s immigration gambit backfire?
The prime minister might have opened a box that he cannot close
What do Labour think a conversion therapy is?
There has to be a middle ground between complete denial and complete affirmation
The same old song
A reboot of nineties favourite Le Caprice is more museum than restaurant
Kim Leadbeater’s “safeguards” won’t keep people safe
The proposed legal hurdles are effectively useless
