The Standard

'It speaks straight to the heart': The Royal's Opera's Netia Jones on a misunderstood art form

Is there anything better than a cultural escape as winter sets in?Today we're debunking one of the lesser-known art forms - opera - as the timelessly classical La Traviata show opens in the capital, which is the most performed opera in the world.We're joined by Netia Jones, the Associate Director of Opera at the Royal Opera, to discuss the origins of the art forum, how technology is changing it, tips for first-time opera attendees and much more.And if you’re keen to experience some new culture this year, then read more about some of our top cultural picks for the year ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour hits new record low in London

Support for Labour in London has fallen to a new record low with the Tories pushed into fourth place behind the Greens and Reform UK, according to a new poll.Just 31 per cent of Londoners now say they would vote for Sir Keir Starmer’s party, according to a Savanta survey, down from 43 per cent at the 2024 General Election. The broader picture is of a fracturing of political allegiances in London in a blow to Sir Keir as he fights to stay Prime Minister amid unrest among Labour MPs.The Standard's Political Editor Nic Cecil is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Venezuela’s deposed leader struck a bizarre ‘win-win’ deal with London

Overthrown Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro is facing drug trafficking charges in New York after being seized by US forces in an early-morning raid on Caracas.But he was once instrumental in an extraordinary deal between London and the oil-rich South American nation that resulted in 250,000 low-income Londoners being able to claim half-price bus and tram fares for a year.As the world watches on, The Standard’s City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In need of a laugh? The best comedy shows to see in 2026

It’s a new year and officially the first Monday back to work after the festive break…if that feels a little bleak, and you’re looking to schedule some laughs in 2026, then stay tuned for today’s episode. The live comedy scene seems to expand exponentially every year; from award nominees to TV stars to online sensations and podcast heroes, stand-ups are all getting back to their stage roots. The Standard’s Comedy Critic Bruce Dessau is here with a bumper guide to the best of the bunch hitting the road in the coming months, from Josh Widdicombe and Michael Spicer, to Sam Nicoresti, Bridget Christie and plenty more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Wuthering Heights to The Bride: Films we’re most excited for in 2026

It’s a new year, and 2026 is set to be full of blockbuster and arthouse film releases to entice viewers to the cinema. Although we’re only just entering Oscars season, a brand new slate of films will be hitting the big screen very soon. The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, is here to discuss some of the most anticipated movies of 2026, including Wuthering Heights, Hamnet, Supergirl, The Odyssey, Avengers: Doomsday, The Moment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, The Bride, The Testament of Ann Lee and The Drama. You can find the full list of 2026 releases here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.