Sunday, 24 August 2014

Stone Mattress review: A tale bursting with dark humour and withering commentary





SHORT STORIES are enjoying a resurgence, with new collections this year from literary heavyweights including Graham Swift and Hilary Mantel.


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The Zone Of Interest review: The best Martin Amis novel in two decades





JUST AS many comedians yearn to play Hamlet, many comic writers long to be taken seriously.


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Man At The Helm review: A joyous read full of wit and charm





NINE-YEAR-OLD Lizzie Vogel leads a fortunate life until one evening in 1970 when her mother Elizabeth cottons on to Lizzie's father's affair with Phil from the factory.


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Opera reviews: La Traviata and Russian Evening - Stravinski, Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky





OPERAUPCLOSE is adept at taking iconic operas, reducing them like a fine sauce and serving them up with a twist.


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My Night With Reg review: A night to remember indeed





IN WHAT appeared to liberals as a tragic irony and to reactionaries as a just reward, the gay liberation movement of the 1970s was followed by a virus that threatened not only what the community had gained but the community itself.


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Prince Harry's ex Chelsy Davy set 'to marry her society jeweller boyfriend'





PRINCE HARRY's ex Chelsy Davy is expected to announce her engagement to society jeweller Charles Goode this week.


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BBC Prom 46: West-East Divan Orchestra prompted cheers deserved by all





WITH EVERY seat sold there was a special welcome from the Promenaders for this unique orchestra of young Israeli, Arab and Palestinian musicians.


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How the Palladium changed the life of Jeffrey Taylor





VADA the bona lallies on the feelie," was, apart from a few "good mornings", my only welcome as I entered my new dressing room backstage at the London Palladium.


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'Will I quit Doctor Who? Wait and see': Jenna Coleman remains tight-lipped over future





THE TARDIS will soon need to install a revolving door to cope with the flow of new visitors.


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The King Tut effect: How a teen Egyptian monarch captivated Europe





THE 1922 discovery of an Ancient Egyptian tomb sent shock waves around the globe and the excitement, fear and mystique of the mummified boy king still resonate today, as a new exhibition at the Ashmolean Musuem explores


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Seeds of happiness: How retirement developers help gardeners to flourish





PERHAPS it is time for another Dig for Victory campaign to grow more food for the nation: despite well-stocked supermarkets, Britain is only ever a few days away from running out of food.


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Sky is the limit: Rooftops are the future for gardens





JAMES WONG, guru of BBC2's Great British Garden Revival says we should be looking upwards for inspiration.


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WATCH: Toyota Yaris' facelift not so smooth





WHEN cars get facelifts, the manufacturer’s approach is usually along the lines of “the best just got better”. However, in the case of the Toyota Yaris, launched in 2011, the manufacturer took a more honest line and pointed out that it had listened to criticism and targeted key areas for improvement.


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White magic: Wrap yourself in floaty chiffon, lace and crochet





TIME to cover up? Make it an enchanted evening with cool crochet and dreamy lace


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In the closet with Emmerdale actress Fiona Wade





SMALL is beautiful for petite soap star Fiona Wade – except when it comes to her tiny feet


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Best start: 25 ways on how to help your child succeed in school





WE'D all like our children to get top marks at school – but scholastic success begins at home


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Just add water: Body washes to kick-start your morning





WHAT'S the best way to start your day? Splash out on a sensational shower gel, says our beauty editor


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Bags of style: Our round-up of handbags to carry you through autumn





BREEZE into autumn with bags of style with our handpicked selection of totes, handbags and satchels


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Victoria Gray's best... salt and pepper pots





SEASON to taste with these desirable salt and pepper pot designs


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Touch, taste and smell: How to grow plants to awaken your senses





PLANTS that feel, taste and smell as good as they look are things of wonder, says Alan – and less able-bodied garden lovers can enjoy them too


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