Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
Hammond House of Horror proudly presents The Return of the Revenge of Dr Francophobe’s Monster.
Starring: Dr Francophobe: Chris Grayling; Igor: Michael Gove; The monster: Theresa May; Pitchfork-wielding Rabble: the Parliamentary Labour Party.
The scene: The crenelated tower of Castle Francophobe, situated somewhere in the wilds of Middle England…
JAN WOLF enjoys a British revival of the 1972 come of age farce/panto Pippin
Although this production was in rehearsal before the playwright’s death, it allows us to pay homage to his life, suggests MARY CONWAY
The unifying victory of Irish progressive forces in the presidential campaign should be a salutary lesson to the left in this country, argues MARY GRIFFITHS CLARKE
The Prime Minister’s hamfisted promotional video promising to go ‘further and faster’ coincides with Angela Rayner’s resignation over tax dodging and Mandelson’s long overdue departure over Epstein — incredible timing, writes MATT KERR


