Party on, Bard: Shakespeare, philosophy and the power of words
Issue 1099
This week William Shakespeare is 450 years young and to celebrate we’ve teamed up with the Globe Theatre to offer a 50 per cent discount on tickets to their new production of Titus Andronicus. We speak to Titus’ leading lady and Game of Thrones star Indira Varma about how the TV show is nowhere near as shocking as Shakespeare’s tragedy.
Another notable anniversary is 25 years since the introduction of the poll tax in Scotland, which some argue was the blow that thrust the UK on the path to separation. Adam Forrest finds the bitterness felt by the key players from 1989 is still raw.
Keeping it political, we talk to revered satirist Gerald Scarfe about turning world leaders into monstrous cartoons for almost half a century. Or did politicians become monstrous cartoons all by themselves…?
Even more politics! Jungle Jane of the Tory party Nadine Dorries gives a very candid interview as she delivers a Letter to my Younger Self. Let’s just say that she and Gerald Scarfe have totally opposing views about Margaret Thatcher.
Lifting the mood is cheery crooner E from cult band The Eels. He describes the songwriting process akin to throwing himself under a bus. Shrek is mentioned too.
More light! Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes selects her five books everyone should read before they…die.
Further inspiration can be found with Richard Mills, a Big Issue vendor from Gloucester. He used to be a guitar tech for Catatonia and the Manic Street Preachers and started selling the magazine after he became homeless. Read his tale and find out your own vendor’s story while you pick up this week’s Big Issue!