THE BEST OF...
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.POP
At this time of year it's customary to bring out the old traditions, to sing a long to a few well-loved folk tunes - so why not catch Tina Turner and Gary Glitter on tour? The raucous-voiced Turner plays Birmingham tonight as part of her Wildest Dreams tour, while Gary Glitter, the pantomime dame of the Seventies revival is leader of the gang in Sheffield tomorrow. NEC, Birmingham (0121-212 3333) tonight; Arena, Sheffield (0114-256 5656) tomorrow
COMEDY
Comedian Boothby Graffoe is named after a town in Lincolnshire, which would make him the Portishead of stand-ups, if he wasn't a darn sight more cheerful. A favourite of the Edinburgh fringe, the slightly saturnine comic performs a laid back mixture of silly gags, politics and guitar. Quietly anarchic, he's the kind of comedian to juggle with offhand proficiency while musing why it is that everybody hates jugglers. Talent-spotted by the American Networks, Graffoe's off across the Atlantic for a new TV series soon so catch him live and direct while you still can. Tonight he's ably supported by York's finest tree impressionist Rory Motion.
The Bonding Warehouse, Skeldergate, York (01904-642 582) tonight 8pm
FILM
Escape cloying Christmas cinema at the NFT this week with a brace of classic French shorts. The programme features La Jetee, the sci- fi film that inspired 12 Monkeys and La Sang des Betes, by resistance fighter and director Georges Franju.
NFT, London (0171-928 3232) Wed 18 Dec pounds 5.50
PHOTOGRAPHY
One look at the work of Stephen Wood reveals that he is no subscriber to the London view that pigeons are the work of the devil, and the "winged vermin" of the sky. This unusual compassion stems, perhaps, from the fact that his new exhibition records the pampered world of the racing bird rather than the diseased specimens who spend their time terrorising tourists and icing Nelson's column. After visiting a variety of lofts throughout Staffordshire, Wood has put together Flights of Fancy, an engaging combination of human and avian subjects that documents this traditional sport, and the deadpan pride of local "pigeon fanciers".
City Museum and Art Gallery, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs (01782-232 323) to 26 Jan
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments