Bafta’s TV Awards preparations continue, because even controversy has to respect the running order. The red carpet will be laid, the speeches will be timed, and the industry will briefly gather to celebrate television while quietly arguing about what television is supposed to be now.
Culture
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Equity Calls Time on Starmer
Equity’s demand for Starmer to plan his departure adds a theatrical note to government-union relations, which feels apt. The arts world has long experience of poor funding, awkward reviews and people pretending the show must go on when the backstage mood has clearly curdled.
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Eurovision Draws the Curtains
The Eurovision semi-final draw has arrived, meaning Europe can briefly discuss unity through staging, key changes and outfits that would frighten a customs officer. Organisers say it is non-political, which is Eurovision’s most traditional political statement.
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Government Enacts Blanket Ban on Ticket Touting
Ticket touting has finally met the sort of law fans assumed already existed. Selling a ticket for more than face value now comes with more than a wagged finger, which may slightly improve the ancient British hobby of trying to see a band without taking out a small loan.
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RRS Discovery Centenary Exhibition Opens
The RRS Discovery is getting the sort of centenary treatment that reminds us exploration was never just men in thick coats looking sternly at ice. There were logs, instruments, research and the faintly British habit of doing science somewhere brutally uncomfortable.