MARIA DUARTE picks the best and worst of a crowded year of films

STEVE JOHNSON picks his favourites from the many memorable albums of the year, and one stunning new festival

SIMON DUFF picks his favourites, from radical African-inspired electronic rhythms to improvisations on the organ

MARY CONWAY takes pride in the sheer variety of theatre, from updated revivals to new plays, on offer in London

From feminist manifestos to exiled lovers to mythic islands, LEO BOIX selects the best fiction, poetry and non-fiction

For GORDON PARSONS, a dramatic exploration of the abuse of young men at Medomsley Youth Detention Centre trumps Beckett, a couple of Hamlets and a bracing Candide

FIONA O’CONNOR picks books and films that show defiance in the face of violence and injustice

From pop anthems that take on patriarchy to masterful Gaza-themed Oud-playing, IAN SINCLAIR picks his best albums of the year

SCOTT ALSWORTH searches for something – anything – worth recommending from the year’s releases

CHRIS SEARLE picks his favourite albums of the year