On The Agenda: We're in the mood for dancing, Davina. Plus, these boots are made for walking...in slush
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Film
While there's no distracting from the notable acting talents of Aaron Johnson as John Lennon in Nowhere Boy (opening in cinemas on Friday), it's rather thrilling to see how little Thomas Sangster (left in main picture, as Paul McCartney), bug-eyed and gauche in Nanny McPhee and Love Actually, has grown into a face to watch. He's got the acting chops to make us really care about how he and his song-writing partner became legends. The scenes between the two teens crackle and we can't wait to see what he does next...
LM
Music
The Royal Albert Hall's spruced up Elgar Room has returned as a lunch venue. But modern British cuisine isn't its only temptation. It will put on evening gigs of all sorts, beginning on 18 January with a "Ba-ROCK Explosion" from Daniel Hope (right). We're not sure about that pun either, but Hope is a violinist of rare talent and capacity is limited to 350 fans (standing room only). Tel: 020 7589 8212, royalalberthall.com
Mike Higgins
Television
With Christmas comes some nuggets of quality drama on TV, but for those craving more reality shenanigans as the recent slew finally end, Sky 1 is bringing us Got To Dance (inset left), which starts tonight with a warm-up show at 8pm. Host Davina McCall, who never looks shy of doing an on-screen hustle or running man, will be there to guide us through the weeks ahead as Britain's best (and let's face it, worst, because they make good telly) hoofers try out for the £100,000 prize. We feel a guilty pleasure coming on.
LM
Fashion
If the thought of tip-toeing through the slush in your silk Acne ballet pumps fills you with dread – and putting on wellies to avoid doing so fills you with even more dread – then look no further. After teaming up with Jimmy Choo for the smash hit of the festival season, galosh goliath Hunter has come up with a further fashion-forward range for the foot-conscious. The Carnaby collection (above) is a luxe selection of boots, using the same animal-skin embossing techniques as the Choos for enhanced chic without soggy feet. From £99, hunter-boot.com
Harriet Walker
Books
For book lovers who complain that small independent bookshops are struggling, but don't actually use them, a chance to support good books without changing your spending habits. Legend Press has just launched indiebooks.net, selling books by independent publishers only. Because Legend's cut is 40 per cent less than Amazon's, and publishers set the prices, some books could be just as cheap as they are from retail chains. Using it or losing is a much easier option when using it doesn't hurt.
Katy Guest
Food
Can't afford a midwinter ski break? Us neither. But you can get the hot punch and fondue aprés-ski experience at The Clubhouse Shoreditch, a new rooftop venue in east London (left). The bar/restaurant has cosy sofas, an open fire and fake snow but it's not just a novelty destination – head chef Mark Broadbent can rustle up a hearty pot au feu or tartiflette. It's worth going off piste for an alpine-themed adventure without any risk of a broken leg (as long as you don't drink too many Grey Goose Glaciers...) For details and to book, tel: 07000 847 876 or visit: thstrm.com
LM
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments