Morning:
13°c
London faces a wave of bus and Tube strikes that could cause chaos for millions of passengers as unions walkout over pay and conditions
More...
An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
2012
Theatre
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C
Blood Brothers
Music
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
Muse
I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play
I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food
Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW!
London,
Evening Standard rating
Reader rating
This was a prestigious gig to celebrate the 50th anniversary of VSO and the Stars of Africa represented three generations of African artists. There was a rising star, an international star and a legend.
Bassekou Kouyaté from Mali opened with a delicate solo on the ngoni lute — the desert ancestor of the banjo — and the Albert Hall became an intimate space with close-up visuals of the intricate fingerwork on an instrument the size of a small cricket bat.
Next, a storming set from Angelique Kidjo, originally from Benin. She struts, leaps and spins with an energy that set the hall alight. “If you think you have nothing to do with Africa, you are wrong,” she says, then, in seconds, gets everybody singing LOUDLY. “It’s so good it hurts,” she says, thumping her heart and ends with 50 audience members on stage joining in the action.
South Africa’s trumpeter Hugh Masekela brought a statesmanlike presence, dedicating the concert to “Mama Africa” Miriam Makeba, who died earlier this month. It was a lesson about the power of music and, ending with Bring Back Nelson Mandela, he thanked London for helping to make that happen.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
