Critics' Choice

Film

Andrew O'Hagan

quote An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance quote

2012 Theatre

Fiona Mountford

quote The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C quote

Blood Brothers Music

John Aizlewood

quote The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed quote

Muse

Reader reviews

Theatre

Rachel Dalziel

quote I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play quote

Gilbert Is Dead Restaurants

Raja, London

quote I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food quote

Babbo Music

Katy, London

quote Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW! quote

Muse

Gigs of the week

Evening Standard 07.08.09

Add your view

Folk favourite: Laura Marling

Look here too

The National
It's been a quiet year for the brooding Brooklyn quintet, who haven't played in the UK since last summer's festivals. At this one-off theatre show they might preview the odd track from a new album not due until 2010.Monday 10, Festival Hall, SE1 (0871 663 2500; www.southbankcentre.co.uk).

Laura Marling
The teenage Reading folk singer (below) plays a special show featuring friends including Mumford And Sons, Andrew Bird, Johnny Flynn and Peggy Sue. Tuesday 11, Festival Hall, SE1 (0871 663 2500; www.southbankcentre.co.uk).

Pearl Jam
The grunge giants are back with their ninth album, Backspacer, next month, and will preview new tracks before a full-blown rock show at the O2 Arena on Tue 18 Aug. Tuesday 11, Shepherd's Bush Empire, W12 (0844 477 2000; www.o2shepherdsbush empire.co.uk).

7 Worlds Collide
A rare outing for some of the supergroup put together by Neil Finn of Crowded House to record an imminent charity album for Oxfam. He'll be joined here by Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway of Radiohead, and Glenn Kotche and John Stirratt of Wilco. Tuesday 11, Dingwalls, NW1 (020 7267 1577; www.dingwalls.com).

Natalie Imbruglia
This tiny gig is the Aussie glamour girl's first performance in London for four years. It will be the first glimpse of what should be a big comeback. Her new album, due in October, features some production by Brian Eno and co-writes with Chris Martin. Wednesday 12, Luminaire, NW6 (020 7372 8668; www.theluminaire.co.uk).