MARIA DUARTE, LEO BOIX and ANGUS REID review Brides, Dead of Winter, A Night Like This, and The Librarians

SUEDE must be one of the few bands whose reformation is as successful, if not more so, than their first phase. Ten years and four albums after they got back together, they’re producing music every bit as ambitious and exciting as their heyday.
The hype of their early years may have passed but they can still sell out mid-size venues and have the audience singing along word for word. One of the keys for this success is their desire not to coast on nostalgia. While many of their contemporaries have reformed purely for financial gain, creativity and passion seem to be the main drivers for Suede.
This passion is evident from the very first note. On the last night of their tour, frontman Brett Anderson is part personal trainer, part army sergeant as he whips the crowd into a fervour. “C’mon Leeds, let’s make this special!” he orders, the back of his shirt soaked in sweat before the band are even three songs into the 90-minute set.

SUSAN DARLINGTON applauds a new version of the classic novel of racial injustice in the deep South

SUSAN DARLINGTON appreciates a retelling of the Merlin myth that emphasises family and belonging

SUSAN DARLINGTON highly recommends a novel setting for a play that is a rip-roaring yarn about kindness and helping people to belong

SUSAN DARLINGTON is charmed by an arena show that crosses Great Gatsby glamour with Jane Eyre madness