Universities challenged
University league tables are out today. Warwick shone and neighbouring Coventry is a rising star.
Screengrab: 7 reasons to like 7 Psychopaths
Richard Lutz points you to a bloody parody of a parody of a crime caper on the box this week.
The bones of history: Palmyra, city of history and sand, in peril
A decade ago, Richard Lutz roamed the ruins of the ancient city of Palmyra. Today it is under threat from ISIS.
“If you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying…”
Richard Lutz reports on the bankers that have been stealing from us and continue to steal from us
Screengrab asks what makes an American classic
Richard Lutz scours the TV listings for the film of the week.
The Elston Report: UKIP closes in on ancient Palmyra
Lord Howard Elston (DOA), war reporter par excellence, details how Nigel Farage is intent on taking the timeless crossroads of the world in northern Syria.
Meeting Up in Shanghai: Flatscreens, money, internet shopping… but still wary of the past
Journalist Sheilagh Matheson catches up with old Chinese friends – 40 years after they first met. Times have changed.
Election reflection from a Tory point of view
As the dust settles, Tory euphoria and Labour gloom has yet to subside. Dominic Fisher examines the possibilities a new government will bring.
Screengrab: How Robin saves the day (again)
Richard Lutz asks: what is it about Robin Hood and films?
Scotland to join Warsaw Pact- Howard Exclusive
Sir Howard Elston (DOA), our Berlin Wall reporter, with an exclusive to end all exclusives
Walking down Sparkle Lane
Dave Woodhall talks to a Birmingham musical export with a tale or two to tell.
Moviegrab: Sir Howard’s big election film review
Sir Howard Elston, friend to the stars, with his movie pick for election day.
Review: Oh What A Lovely War
It’s into the trenches as the lions are led by donkeys. Richard Lutz grabs his tin helmet at the Birmingham Rep for this biting First World War satire.
Review: Love’s Sacrifice
Richard Lutz enters the fevered world of jealousy, passion and revenge in a play rarely seen.
Free student event to be held in city
Bands, DJs and bouncy castles.
JCB’s £193,000 of donations to Tory MPs
Richard Lutz explains how Midland Tories received £193,000 worth of donations from a construction giant.
Big Fight Countdown: Mayweather v Cameron
Sir Howard Elston brings you up to scratch about the fight of the decade.
Screengrab: Welcome to Old Codgersville
Richard Lutz slumps in front of the box to find the best movie on TV this week.
Black Country course delegates honoured
Skills Factory leadership & management programme gets off to a flying start.
Howard’s exclusive interview with the bank that likes to say theft
Sir Howard Elston, the reporter who stands up for the weak, reveals the truth and is never short of a freebie sits down with HSBC international regulatory boss Tristan da Cunha over the bank’s plan to leave Britain and move somewhere more kind to finance.
Review: 5 Soldiers
Richard Lutz watches boot camp and squaddies under fire in a remarkable night of dance
Mela attenders urged to take ‘MOT’
Life-saving health checks on offer at Birmingham’s Vaisakhi Mela.
Review: Feed the Beast
Richard Lutz at Birmingham Rep on a new political play opening just before the election
Screengrab: It’s Friday – so it must be Outsider’s Night
Richard Lutz views the week’s films on the box to find a rich seam this Friday.
Take five
If it’s Friday it must be Birmingham Jazz.
We’re the famous Aston Villa and…
Dave Woodhall has an afternoon to remember.
Havana morbid time
Martin Longley feels ambivalent about the Buena Vista Social Club’s Symphony Hall show.
What is going on in our courts?
Richard Lutz asks whether justice is being served.
Review: Death of a Salesman
Richard Lutz reviews a modern American classic which pulls no punches
Acoustic Robin
Prog, folk or whatever kind of rock you want to call it, there’s plenty coming up at the Robin over the next few weeks.