Final Destination to Long Bright River: a complete guide to this week's entertainment
Tyler, the CreatorUtilita Arena, Birmingham, 17 May; touring to 31 MayThe Californian polymath tours arenas in arenas on the back of last year's chart-topping eighth album, Chromakopia. Armed with a discography that touches on hip-hop, rap, jazz, R&B, soul and funk, expect an experimental melange of everything that's made Tyler Okonma one of music's most exciting practitioners. Michael Cragg
ParsifalGlyndebourne Opera House, Lewes, 17 May to 24 JuneWagner's final, most enigmatic music drama is staged at Glyndebourne for the first time. 'My desire is to create characters that we can feel,' says director Jetske Mijnssen, who is making her debut at the Sussex house. It's conducted by Glyndebourne's music director Robin Ticciati, with Daniel Johansson in the title role and John Relyea as Gurnemanz; Kristina Stanek is Kundry, and Ryan Speedo Green Klingsor. Andrew Clements
Manchester jazz festivalVarious venues, 16 to 25 MayThis festival runs at venues around the city all week, including gigs by the culture-crossing electro-acoustic trumpeter Yazz Ahmed (17 May), keyboards original Elliott Galvin's powerful band including bassist Ruth Goller and drummer Sebastian Rochford (19 May), and subtle Anglo-Polish singer, violinist and improviser-composer Alice Zawadzki (20 May). John Fordham
Scissor SistersOVO Hydro, Glasgow, today; touring to 28 MayThirteen years after going on hiatus, the glam-rockers – minus Ana Matronic – are back touring UK arenas. While the crowd-pleasers will be I Don't Feel Like Dancin' and Laura, fingers crossed there's space for anything from 2010's underrated Night Work album. MC
Ancient India, Living TraditionsBritish Museum, London, 22 May to 19 October
Some of the most striking religious images in the world, including the multiform deities of the Hindu pantheon, figure in this blockbuster survey of early Indian art and its echoes in modern religion. It looks back 2,000 years, at the rise of Jain and Buddhist art (such as an AD701–750 painting of the Buddha) as well as Hindu.
Nikki de Saint-Phalle & Jean TinguelyHauser and Wirth Somerset, Bruton, today to 1 February
These renowned provocateurs were also a married couple. Nikki de Saint-Phalle shot holes in her art and created matriarchal, mythological creatures. Her husband, Jean Tinguely, built absurd surrealistic machines that drew crowds to their mechanical 'performances', in which they burst apart or gradually wound down into entropy. Art with humour.
John Singer SargentKenwood House, London, to 5 October
The salons of an English Heritage stately home are the perfect setting to see this Edwardian painter's brilliant portraits – at once grandly traditional and full of modern anxiety and ambiguity. The show focuses on his paintings of wealthy American women. They seem like characters created by his friend Henry James.
Stephen CoxHoughton Hall, nr King's Lynn, to 28 September
Sculptures of mythological beings in a modern, semi-abstract style by a British artist who often exhibits at classical and ancient sites around the world. Exploring his show will lead you through the Palladian wonderland of Houghton Hall. Jonathan Jones
Nick Mohammed Is Mr Swallow: Show PonyTouring to 11 NovemberBetween sitcoms with David Schwimmer, movies with Orlando Bloom and a star turn in Ted Lasso, Nick Mohammed has acquired full-blown star status – but that doesn't mean he's abandoned his longstanding alter ego, the shrill, embittered and chaotic magician Mr Swallow, whose myriad blunders he showcases on this new nationwide tour. Rachel Aroesti
Ballet BCSadler's Wells, London, 20 & 21 May; Edinburgh festival theatre, 23 & 24 May; touring to 11 June
Canada's premier contemporary ballet tour two UK premieres. One of the most in-demand names in dance, Vancouver's own Crystal Pite, reimagines her 2008 work Frontier, which is performed alongside Passing by Sweden's Johan Inger, incorporating folk, hip-hop and swing. Expect a quality show. There are film and family programmes, too. Lyndsey Winship
The Fifth Step@sohoplace, to 26 JulyDavid Ireland's slippery play about addiction, masculinity and faith transfers to the West End. Jack Lowden (Slow Horses) plays a young alcoholic looking for answers, with Martin Freeman as the AA veteran who befriends him. Miriam Gillinson
Biting PointFruit Market Multi-Storey Car Park, Hull, to 18 MayTheatre with a cracking view and strong purpose from local innovators Middle Child. Sid Sagar's new play is about a supermarket driver and property manager whose worlds collide – with a bang – amid Hull's traffic. Performed in a car park with the audience wearing headphones. MG
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Long Bright RiverChannel 4, 18 May, 10pm
The reliably excellent Amanda Seyfried enters her hard-nosed cop era in this adaptation of Liz Moore's novel. When a police officer begins investigating the murders of three women in her deprived Philadelphia neighbourhood, her motive is not entirely professional – and her safety far from guaranteed.
The Bombing of Pan Am 103BBC One & iPlayer, 18 May, 9pmWe've already had one TV drama about the hunt for the perpetrators of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing this year, starring Colin Firth as a bereaved father and campaigner. Now this BBC and Netflix co-production enlists Eddie Marsan, Merritt Wever and Connor Swindells to retell the tale of the worst terror attack in UK history.
Code of SilenceITV & ITVX, 18 May, 9pmRose Ayling-Ellis is a deaf canteen worker whose lip-reading skills are utilised by police monitoring a criminal gang in this new drama from Catherine Moulton, the brains behind recent hair-raiser The Stolen Girl. Andrew Buchan and Charlotte Ritchie play the detectives who get more than they bargained for from their new recruit.
SirensNetflix, 22 MayPrepare for another preposterous thriller involving A-listers in a palatial setting with this new series from playwright Molly Smith Metzler. Milly Alcock stars as the assistant and acolyte of mysterious rich lady Micheala (Julianne Moore) – until her chaotic sister (Meghann Fahy) arrives to break the spell. RA
Deliver At All CostsOut 22 May; PC, PS5, XboxImagine Sega's arcade classic Crazy Taxi, but instead of hurtling around a modern city in a cab, you're delivering weird packages in 1950s America. The isometric visuals and nostalgic music enhance the retro feel, but the best part is the destructible environment, allowing you to leave ruined buildings and smashed-up cars in your wake.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical TakedownOut 22 May; PCThe heroes in halfshells return for another video game outing, except this time it's in a highly tactical turn-based brawler where you carefully plan attacks on various foes using each turtle's unique abilities. Developed by acclaimed and hughly indie studio Strange Scaffold, this is the most unexpected cultural collaboration since Pokémon and the Van Gogh Museum. Keith Stuart
Tom Aspaul – Cabin Fever Out 19 May
Inspired by an acid trip in Sweden on Midsommar weekend, the third album by Wolverhampton pop maven Tom Aspaul explores sweaty sexcapades (the title track), paranoia (Drama) and, on the choppy electropop of That Girl, carefree longing.
Rico Nasty – Lethal Out now
On Lethal's lead single Teethsucker (Yea3x), Rico Nasty channels her rage-rap persona, destroying some no-mark over thundering guitars. But this third album also aims to show all versions of the Maryland rapper, so we also get the soft-focus Can't Win Em All and the hyperpop Butterfly Kisses.
Aminé – 13 Months of Sunshine Out now
Portland rapper Aminé follows up 2023's excellent Kaytraminé, a collaborative album with producer Kaytranada, with this fifth solo album. On recent single Familiar, he unpicks a failed relationship over sunny, buoyant hip-hop breaks, while the harder Arc de Triomphe samples the Streets' Has It Come to This?.
Mø – Plæygirl Out now
On this fourth album, Danish alt-popper Mø goes back to basics, stripping her collaborators down to a core team including producer Ronni Vindahl. That sense of cohesion is reflected in Lose Yourself and Who Said, which both house Mø's powerhouse vocals in rugged songs. MC
The QuiltersNetflix
This charming short documentary introduces inmates at a Missouri maximum security prison who have dedicated their time to creating patchwork quilts for foster children. Inside their windowless space, the inmates are determined to create something beautiful.
The Music & Meditation BBC SoundsMarking Mental Health Awareness Week, this new series of Radio 3's guided meditation show sees new age luminaries including Deepak Chopra and Light Watkins produce engaging 10-minute sessions aimed at helping listeners focus and stay present.
The Art of SoundResident AdvisorElectronic music site Resident Advisor's new series is a fascinating insight into the ways that cutting-edge sound systems produce loud and immensely physical dancefloor experiences, starting with the Horst festival's innovation – placing speakers on the ceiling. Ammar Kalia
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BBC News
5 hours ago
- BBC News
Roman army descends on Birdlip for festival
A recreated Roman army has marched on a quiet Cotswolds village - as part of a new festival celebrating the history of the area. Sunday morning saw the first ever Birdlip Roman Festival transform the village, with historical costumes and displays put on show by enthusiasts. Gloucestershire's Roman heritage was also on display, with archaeological activities put on by a number of organisations including the Museum of Gloucester and Coronium Museum. Festivalgoer Martin Smith told the BBC he was "super excited" about the event, adding: "I like [learning about] their day-to-day life and learning how they would have lived in this landscape during the period." Fellow attendee Kate Peake, who visited with her daughter and her mother Angela - who made her costume - said it was "brilliant" to have a Roman festival in the area. "We live just down the road, we love history and we thought we'd dress up to come and visit today," she added. Re-enactment group the Ermine Street Guard took a starring role in Sunday's festival, marching through the village in authentically recreated military wear. The area boasts a rich Roman history, with the ancient civilisation making Gloucester a key site for its empire, and many important archaeological finds have been uncovered throughout the years. Hundreds of people attended the festival, with a number of stalls selling local products, antiques and food also forming part of the event. As well as local museums putting on displays, Cotswold Archaeology and Chedworth Roman Villa were also on site with family-friendly activities.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
We pay male escorts up to £300 an hour for mind-blowing sex – people think it's sleazy but there are so many benefits
SICK of disappointing dates or boring bedroom action? For countless women, the thought of another uninspired romp is enough to make them scream into their pillows. But what if the most extreme solution was also the smartest? Forget waiting for romance — increasing numbers of women are now taking matters (and pleasure) into their own hands, by paying for exactly what they want, when they want it. In fact, one in 20 married women over 50 are now so unhappy with their sex lives, they would consider turning to male escorts to spice things up. It's not just fed-up wives, either — younger women are also ditching dating apps, swapping swipes for guaranteed satisfaction with gigolos. Type 'male escort' into TikTok and thousands of videos pop up, with clean-cut hunks explaining why smart, successful women fork out for their services. And far from keeping it quiet, young women are now openly sharing their escort experiences. PA Laura Fox, 29, from Walsall, West Midlands, turned to escorts after her last relationship fizzled out. 'I've always been fascinated by escorts,' she says. 'When I was 19, I found out my friend's mum used to hire them to accompany her to events. 'Until that point, I'd assumed escorts were something men used — not women. 'But seeing how she carried herself changed my view.' Far from being sleazy or taboo, Laura suddenly saw escorts as 'the ultimate power move', with women in control. So when, aged 26, she was newly single after the end of a three-year relationship, using an escort seemed a no-brainer. 'I just wasn't ready for the faff of dating apps — the endless scrolling, the awkward messaging, the guys who want to sext but never meet,' she says. 'Then I remembered my friend's mum and had a real eureka moment.' Curious, Laura chatted to some pals who directed her to Gentlemen4hire, the UK's longest-running male escort company. From the hundreds of men on offer, she selected a well-groomed man in his thirties called James. 'NO GAME-PLAYING' 'Since I didn't have a work do or wedding to attend, I looked into 'boyfriend experiences' — basically male escorts who'll take you on dates and act the part, no questions asked,' she says. 'James was tall, dark and handsome and we had similar interests, such as good food and loving animals. 'We discussed fees — escorts typically cost from £220 per hour — and boundaries, such as what's included, what's not. 'It was strangely reassuring and James was clear, polite and respectful.' Laura arranged to meet her date in a local gastropub, but admits she was a bag of nerves beforehand. She says: 'I almost didn't go in. "But James instantly put me at ease, asking lots of questions and being friendly and kind. "It felt like a normal date — except I knew exactly how the night would go. 'There was no game-playing, no awkward 'will-he-won't-he?' tension. 'And the fee even covered the meal, so it was like I was out with a guy who'd paid for dinner, too.' Laura says her first escort experience was like a 'typical first date', with a kiss on the cheek at the end of the night, not red-hot passion. 'I didn't want to be worrying about sex the first time,' she explains. 'But after that I just booked what I fancied that day. 'And every time we did 'do the deed', it certainly lived up to expectations.' Since that first date, Laura has paid for more than ten experiences — sometimes because she's wanted male company, other times because she's craved a night of satisfying sex. Escorts tend to be experienced, attentive and entirely focused on my pleasure — a rare combo these days Laura Fox 'Some nights end with a goodbye hug, others with fireworks,' she smiles. 'Honestly, sex with an escort is often better than a one-night stand. "Escorts tend to be experienced, attentive and entirely focused on my pleasure — a rare combo these days. 'And you skip all the usual emotional admin that comes with dating. 'There are no mixed signals, no awkward texts the next day, no-one nicking your duvet at 3am.' Given all the benefits, Laura says it's no wonder so many ordinary women are paying for pleasure. 'I totally get why more and more of them are doing this,' she says. 'It's not just a man's world any more — we're taking control of our pleasure, our time, and our expectations. It's win-win.' 'NO PRESSURE' Despite the considerable costs, Laura plans to continue using escorts until she meets Mr Right. And despite her glowing reviews of the men she's hired, she's never been in danger of getting emotionally attached. She says: 'I guess some people do, but I don't because one of the reasons I started paying for escorts was because I wasn't ready for a serious relationship.' Like Laura, Natasha Greenwood, 34, from London, says booking escorts has been a game-changer. The PR executive, whose last long-term relationship ended seven years ago, reveals: 'For me, engaging with male escorts has become a way to explore my sexuality and seek companionship on my own terms. 'I turned to escorts after growing tired of the dating scene — boring men, boring sex and endless swiping on apps. "So I thought: 'Why not?'' Despite feeling on edge in the build-up to her first encounter, Natasha says her jitters were short-lived. 'Surprisingly, I felt very relaxed and enjoyed the whole experience,' she says. 'I had to pay a ten per cent deposit up front, which felt a bit strange. "But this was to cover the dinner. 'Afterwards, we went to a hotel for sex. It wasn't cheap — £300 per hour — but it was worth every penny.' For Natasha, who says passion dwindled two years into her last relationship, getting her needs met between the sheets is a huge plus of using gigolos. 'When I'm with a male escort, I feel free to ask for exactly what I want in bed. "There's no shame, no second-guessing and no pressure to be anything but myself. I can be bolder, kinkier and more experimental. 'I get to enjoy sex with a hot, confident man, with no strings attached. It's like dating on steroids.' Natasha admits there is still a stigma around women 'and particularly black women' using escorts, but stresses there's nothing sleazy about the practice. 'I appreciate the professionalism and discretion these men bring,' she explains. 'It allows me to fully enjoy the moment without the emotional minefield that can come with relationships. 'I keep male escorts on rotation, too. It's like having a fun new plaything every couple of months.' Using escorts doesn't come cheap and Natasha is spending less on holidays and other luxuries. Her friends and family are well aware of her escort use, as she often hires them as a 'plus one' for events or dinners. But she prefers to enjoy her escort experiences away from her own home. 'SEXUAL FREEDOM' 'We always end the night at a hotel. I prefer it that way,' she says. 'My space is mine and the fun stays just where I want it.' While some may raise eyebrows at the idea of so many women enjoying escorting services, both Laura and Natasha say that when it comes to intimacy, paying for what they desire has opened up a new world of sexual freedom. 'Everyone has the right to seek pleasure, intimacy and connection in ways that feel right to them,' says Natasha. 'This isn't about being desperate or giving up on love — it's reclaiming my pleasure and prioritising fulfilling, joyful experiences, in and out of the bedroom.' Names have been changed BUT REMEMBER: STAY SAFE SAFETY should always come first, says Sun sexpert Georgie Culley. When booking an escort, stick to reputable agencies. Too-good-to-be-true prices are a red flag. Generally, escorts from legitimate agencies will cost £150-plus per hour. Before meeting, arrange a video call first, so you can verify who they are and set clear boundaries. Ask to see their ID, too. Always meet in a public place such as a restaurant or bar first. And let a trusted friend know where you'll be and who you're meeting. Avoid sharing personal details like your home address until you feel comfortable. Never transfer money in advance, unless it's through a trusted agency platform. If you do make it to the bedroom, always practise safe sex. Due to the nature of their job, escorts will likely be sleeping with lots of people, so always use condoms. Most importantly, trust your gut. If anything feels off, walk away. Your safety and comfort are key.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Cooking with the Stars viewers rage ‘that's not cooking!' as the slam ITV show's latest challenge
COOKING With The Stars viewers fumed 'that's not cooking!' as they hit out at the latest challenge. The ITV show sees eight celebrities paired with a professional chef who acts as their mentor. 4 4 4 Fans were left very unimpressed by episode three's opening challenge. The six remaining stars cooked Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puddings - by using an air fryer. One viewer wrote on X: "Banging stuff in an air fryer isn't cooking.#cookingwiththestars." Another added: "Bring on the battle of the Air fryers #CookingWithTheStars." A third penned: "F*****g air frying? Are you joking." While a fourth chimed in: "Nope, #cookingwiththestars I don't think roast beef & Yorkshire pudding is an air fryer thing. "How are you going to get a decent gravy?" After further challenges, Hugh Dennis and Shaun Wright-Phillips ended up in the bottom two. Outnumbered star Hugh, 63, was eliminated after receiving less votes from the judges. Last week, Love Island legend Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu faced author and interiors expert Kelly Hoppen when they both landed in the bottom two. Cooking with the Stars viewers want to vomit as Ekin-Su and Kelly Hoppen serve up 'dog poo' The women were tasked with creating chocolate eclairs alongside a strawberry and champagne granita, as their fellow celebrities and professionals watched on. They only had 50 minutes to create their dishes and seemed like disaster from the outset. However, both stars failed to gradually add the eggs for the choux pastry which would go on to make the body of the chocolate eclairs. "That was like choosing between dog s*** and cat sick," wrote one fan on X, Another added: "Jesus those 'eclairs' are the worst thing I've ever seen." A third commented: "I don't envy the chefs having to deal with those eclairs...." Love Island star Ekin-Su became the second celeb eliminated from the competition. 4
