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 25.09.09

Add your view

Show-stealer: Florence Welch and her Machine

Look here too

Cliff Richard & The Shadows
Sir Cliff and his old backing band reunited to mark their 50th anniversary, playing songs that are nearly as old, including The Young Ones and Living Doll. There's an album of rerecorded hits as well.
Friday, O2 Arena, SE10 (0871 984 0002, www.the02.co.uk).

Florence and the Machine
She may not have won the Mercury Prize but the favourite stole the show with her performance on the night, and will prove thrice more why her avalanche-causing voice is worthy of the fuss at three shows this week.
Sun 27-Tue 29 Sep, Shepherd's Bush Empire, W12 (0844 477 2000, www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk).

Gang of Four
Another reformed band, these angular post-punks have got back together to celebrate 30 years since their debut album, Entertainment!, which went on to influence whippersnappers including Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand.
Sat 26 Sep, Forum, NW5 (0844 847 2405, www.kentishtownforum.com).

Hockey
Tuneful Portland quartet showing off their slick new wave sound in the week their debut album, Mind Chaos, is released.
Tue 29 Sep, The Scala, N1 (020 7833 2022, www.scala-london.co.uk).

Paolo Nutini
Gravel-voiced Scot enjoying huge success and a newfound love from the critics thanks to the wide‑ranging sounds of excellent second album Sunny Side Up.
Wed 30 Sep, Apollo Hammersmith, W6 (0870 400 0700, www.hammersmithapollo.net).