British identity and society
‘MI5 were tapping our phones’: UB40 on starting out, falling out and losing millions
The Brummie reggae stars are back, but in two rival groups. They talk about clocking up 39 hits, partying hard and the bitter split
Graeme Thomson
06, May, 2021 @5:00 AM
'They were treated terribly' – why 'lad lit' veteran Mike Gayle is finally tackling racism
He just became the first male writer ever to win romantic fiction’s top award. The former agony uncle explains why his latest novel looks back at the ‘virulent’ prejudice of 1950s Britain
Alison Flood
10, Mar, 2021 @6:00 AM
Gilbert and George on their epic Covid artworks: 'This is an enormously sad time'
The artists have responded to the pandemic with comic, haunting works showing themselves being buffeted around a chaotic London. They talk about lines of coffins, illegal raves and ‘shameful’ statue-toppling
Jonathan Jones
01, Mar, 2021 @6:00 AM
Beyond disco: the Pakistani Brummie siblings who made a lost 80s synth-pop classic
Nermin Niazi and Feisal Mosleh were teenage immigrants blending their Pakistani musical heritage with Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode – and their punchy disco LP has been rescued from obscurity
Michael Lawson
09, Feb, 2021 @9:00 AM
The problem is not the flag but the left’s needless anxiety over patriotism | Sunder Katwala
As Labour debates whether to become ‘more patriotic’, it’s worth emphasising that for most Britons, including ethnic minorites, a sense of pride in their country is a given
Sunder Katwala
07, Feb, 2021 @8:30 AM
Birmingham library brings Shakespeare to life in dozens of languages
The largest Shakespeare collection in a public library is launching Everything to Everybody, with films and readings in most of the city’s 93 languages
Jessica Murray Midlands correspondent
04, Feb, 2021 @11:39 AM
How we made: Rising Damp
‘I based Miss Jones on a puritanical aunt of mine who claimed her husband had never seen her naked’
Interviews by George Bass
25, Jan, 2021 @3:45 PM
Noel Clarke: 'Would I play Doctor Who? There's a conversation to be had'
He has played a pivotal role in bringing black drama to British screens – but Noel Clarke must still battle for recognition. As his hit cop show Bulletproof returns, he talks about fighting prejudice, returning to the Tardis – and saying no to America
Toby Moses
18, Jan, 2021 @6:00 AM
James Graham on his uplifting 2020 musical: 'We want to look forward'
The playwright has collaborated with the Guardian and the National Theatre on a new short film, We Begin Again, looking back at – and beyond – this turbulent year
Lanre Bakare
17, Dec, 2020 @12:06 PM
'I love the unknown!' Dance sensation Salomé Pressac's boldest move yet
The striking dancer rose up with Rambert but is going freelance despite the chaos caused by Covid in order to take on new challenges
Nuria Cremer-Vazquez
14, Dec, 2020 @9:00 AM
The 50 best albums of 2020, No 8: J Hus – Big Conspiracy
The rapper keeps his signature upbeat melodies and humour, while urgently pursuing a deep take on the systemic checks that mar Black British life
Tara Joshi
09, Dec, 2020 @6:00 AM
Britain still makes things? Who knew? | Adrian Chiles
I’ve been trying to eat, wear and use goods that were produced in the UK. Marmite hits the spot, but I’m not so sure about the flat cap
Adrian Chiles
25, Nov, 2020 @4:57 PM
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