GAVIN O’TOOLE welcomes a bold feminist subversion of classic folktales that are ubiquitous in the Irish imagination
He should have his name written all over it
KADEEM SIMMONDS argues the case for casting Idris Elba as the next James Bond and, for free, advises the franchise's producers how to go about it
Amazing: Idris Elba in The Wire
A novel by Mexican Juan Pablo Villalobos, poetry by Mexican Ingrid Bringas, and a biography by Argentinian Mercedes Halfon
PAUL DONOVAN applauds an entertaining dramatisation of the famous dispute that gives insight into the struggle, and Murdoch’s unscrupulous mendacity
ELLIS RAE is disappointed by the revival of a nihilistic play that fails to offer alternatives for social change
STEVE JOHNSON recommends an exceptional album that explores the narrative folk tradition often with a strong political message
JOHN GREEN appreciates an informative and readable account of the nation state and its current dilemmas, but doubts the solutions this author has to offer
WHAT springs to mind when you think of James Bond? Spy. 007. Aston Martin. Gadgets. Martini. Smart. Sophisticated. Suave. Tuxedo. I could go on. But at no point does “white” enter my brain.
So the continuing debate as to why Idris Elba cannot play a fictional character because of the colour of his skin seems senseless.
I first encountered Elba’s acting ability on the BBC’s detective show Luther. As DCI John Luther, he was brilliant — angry, savvy, athletic, vulnerable and with a wide emotional range that came across as authentic — everything you'd want out of a lead character.
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