Opera

“Brexit, Trump, Leicester bloody City.” In his imitable style, Billy Bragg sums up our turbulent times. Although this tour was billed as a celebration of songs from the golden age of the American railroad, it was clear from the outset that this battle-hardened protest singer wasn’t going to let world events go unremarked upon. We’ve got to start paying more attention to the news, Bragg says, and a skilful reworking of The Times They Are a-Changin’ nails it with new lyrics lamenting the backward steps on climate change and women’s rights – among other things – since 8 November. He’s laughing (in a desperate sort of a way) by the time he mentions Britain’s snap election, but uses Accident Waiting to Happen as a hopeful prophecy. Miracles might happen as well, he might have added. The idea of reinterpreting songs is a theme of the night. Bragg, with his friend and fellow musician Joe Henry, spent a couple of weeks travelling … [Read more...] about Billy Bragg and Joe Henry review – songs of hopeful prophecy and words of warning

A bride-to-be has revealed she was reduced to tears when her fiancé popped the question with 'the ugliest engagement ring' - which many have mocked for looking like Phantom of the Opera and Iron Man. The woman in question, from Italy, shared a picture of the unique ring to Facebook group That's It, I'm Ring Shaming, before admitting she 'cried a lot when she received it.' The statement piece of jewellery - which has also been compared to popular television characters the Teenage Mutant Turtles - features a silver mask and pursed lips engraved onto a thick gold band.  And rather than make her feel better, social media users were quick to agree and branded it the 'worst ring they'd seen in a long time'.   'Is this some sort of optical illusion? I tried turning the phone a few different angles, but it's still hideous,' wrote one, while a second commented: 'I would cry too, this is awful.'  A woman, from Italy, has revealed she was reduced to tears … [Read more...] about Bride-to-be reveals she CRIED when her fiancé proposed with the ‘ugliest engagement ring’ – as critics admits it looks like Phantom of the Opera or Iron Man

In a speech last year, the Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán gave his definition of what some late 20th-century Marxists used to call hegemony. “An era,” said Mr Orbán, “is a spiritual order, a kind of prevailing mood, perhaps even taste … determined by cultural trends, collective beliefs and social customs. This is the task we are now faced with: we must embed the political system in a cultural era.” Soon afterwards, the Fidesz government, which Mr Orbán leads, cancelled state funding for gender studies in the country’s universities. This was part of a drive to minimise the influence of liberal ideas in Hungarian life and promote an alternative worldview – one which the prime minister used to call “illiberal democracy” and now likes to refer to as “Christian liberty”. Since 2010, Mr Orbán and his allies have aggressively extended their reach and influence into multiple areas of civil life. His … [Read more...] about The Guardian view on Viktor Orbán’s laws: controlling culture

The Hungarian State Opera House has cancelled 15 performances of the musical Billy Elliot after ticket sales were hit by a media campaign in outlets close to Viktor Orbán’s “illiberal” government that called the show a propaganda tool for homosexuality. “As you know, the negative campaign in recent weeks against the Billy Elliot production led to a big drop in ticket sales, and for this reason we are cancelling 15 performances in line with the decision of our management,” the director-general of the opera house, Szilveszter Ókovács, told the independent Hungarian website 444.hu. The musical is based on the 2000 film of the same name, which tells the eponymous story of a boy growing up in a depressed northern English mining town in the 1980s who eschews boxing to pursue his passion for ballet. An op-ed in Magyar Idők newspaper on 1 June says the story “could turn children gay”. The article also suggests the musical promotes … [Read more...] about Billy Elliot musical axes dates in Hungary amid claims it could ‘turn children gay’

Lisa Rinna's daughters Delilah, 21, and Amelia Hamlin, 18, spent some family time together at a New York Fashion Week kick-off bash this Wednesday. The dynamic duo posed up a storm together at the fete, which was thrown by E!, Elle and IMG and hosted by Tresemme. While Delilah opted for a full-length sleeveless FRAME gown and matching clutch, Amelia decided a black trouser suit was the ticket. Side by side: Lisa Rinna's daughters Delilah, 21, (right) and Amelia Hamlin, 18, spent some family time together at a New York Fashion Week kick-off bash this Wednesday The New York Fashion Week opening party featured a glittering guest list including Sailor Brinkley-Cook, the daughter of Sports Illustrated icon Christie Brinkley. Lisa, 56, shares her two daughters with her fellow soap opera star Harry Hamlin, 67, whom she has been married to since 1997. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Lisa Rinna flaunts her toned figure and 'good vibes' in... Lisa Rinna beats the heat in a sporty … [Read more...] about Lisa Rinna’s daughters Delilah and Amelia Hamlin are a sister act at star-studded NYFW kick-off bash