UK
On the kindness of people, and the violence of the state
Reflections from the Stansted 15 — Stansted 15 member Mel Evans looks back on the trials and tribulations of the last few months, and explains why the fight is nowhere near won.
Written by: Mel Evans
Ray & Liz: an exploration of family life in Thatcher’s Britain
On the breadline — In Ray & Liz, photographer turned writer-director Richard Billingham presents a tale of deprivation and loneliness set in the West Midlands – based on his own upbringing.
Written by: Josh Slater-Williams
The TV drama taking an honest look at the dark side of OCD
A pure cure — What if you couldn’t stop thinking about bestiality, child abuse and incest? Ahead of its premiere this week, we catch up with Kirstie Swain – the writer of new six-part comedy drama Pure – to discuss the untold truth about a life-changing illness.
Written by: Emily Reynolds
Remembering The Day Today, Britain’s sharpest satire
An oral history — A precursor to some of the country’s most-loved comedies, The Day Today revolutionised television satire. We speak to the show’s creators to find out how it came to be, and why it could never be made today.
Written by: Daniel Dylan Wray
A celebration of women in film: four names to watch in 2019
From across the globe — With Manchester gearing up for HOME’s year-long season on Women in Global Cinema, head of film Rachel Hayward shares her favourite filmmakers on the lineup.
Written by: Hannah Clugston
The Great British Breakup: the Thatcher years
Welcome to Brexitland — As Theresa May’s government ploughs on delivering a Brexit that nobody wants, our brave historian Ben Smoke dives into 40 years of mess to find out how we got here.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The changing face of Tooting Broadway Market, in photos
The Travel Diary — London tour guide Saira Niazi takes us on a photographic tour through the south London market, uncovering the alarming effects of gentrification on the local community.
Written by: Saira Niazi
Why the world still needs the Women’s March
Strength in numbers — This weekend, hundred of protestors took to the streets of London to march against violence and austerity.
Written by: Lydia Morrish
Dance, sport and the unspoken trauma of retirement
Exit stage right — Dancers and athletes can dedicate their entire life to their career, for it then to be cut short by the time they turn 30. This point of retirement – or ‘transition’ – can present a variety of issues spanning the physical, financial and psychological.
Written by: Rachael Healy
Gay’s The Word: inside England’s only LGBTQ bookshop
Four decades on — This week marks the 40th anniversary of Gay’s The Word, a UK institution that fought police raids, prejudice and censorship to become a hub of social activism. We talk to manager Jim MacSweeney about the fights the venue has faced over the years.
Written by: Patrick O’Connell