Friday 27th February 2026

Culture

Kooky and self-assured: ‘Brew Hill’ in review

Pecadillo Productions’ latest show is (quite rightly) aiming for Fringe, but this kooky, self-assured tragicomedy has immediate cult classic potential.

Art is an argument, so argue back

Often, how much we like artwork comes down to ‘vibes’, initial gut-reactions we make, and then quickly negate by stating that surely it's all about taste.

Red soles, red flags: Jaden Smith and the celebrity takeover of high fashion

Smith’s appointment has raised some serious questions about the extent to which nepotism and celebrity is superseding artistic talent in the fashion industry at present.

The ‘Silent’ Film

Not speaking does not necessarily mean having nothing to say. As much can be said with an image, movement, or glance as with a word.

Noughts and Crosses – Director’s Blog Week Two

In the second week of this blog Phosile discusses finding her cast, and the challenges of drama

Review: Trophy Wife – Bruxism

Rachel Coombes reviews Bruxism, the latest EP from up-and-coming indie trio Trophy Wife

Review: Björk – Biophilia

En Liang Khong explores Björk's latest ultra-ambitious concept album, Biophilia

Blessing Force: assemble and unite!

Tom May chats to Oxford artists Chad Valley and Trophy Wife about new projects and the Blessing Force collective

Benjamin Bronselaer in Mozambique

Benjamin Bronslaer makes the most of his time in Mozambique

A guide to Oxford’s lesser-loved libraries

Cherwell contributors give a run down of the best places to hide from your friends and hammer out that last minute essay

Review : Pornography – the Naked Truth

Ed Bell discovers how Oxford will deal with the new play

Review: Choir of Merton College – In the Beginning

A strong debut CD for Oxford’s newest choral foundation, writes Katy Wright

Not History, Boys

Matthew Isard allays some Fresher fears: don't worry, Oxford's not all like Alan Bennett

Freshers’ drama guide: thespy A-Z

Budding actor (pronounced ‘acktohr’), director, producer, marketer? Take note. At first glance, drama in Oxford can seem fairly daunting - lots of money floating about and everyone already seeming to know what’s what. Enter Cherwell, your knight in shining stage blacks. Below you’ll find our shiny new guide to thespy enterprise around the town, with everything you could possibly need to know about Oxford's Drama scene.

Stephen Merchant – Hello Ladies

Following his interview with Stephen Merchant, Steffan Blayney goes to see his stand up tour

Rioters’ delight

Rachel Coombes discusses August's riots in London and their ties to status-seeking hip hop culture

Review: Zola Jesus – Conatus

James Manning looks at the slickly-produced latest from goth pop rising star Zola Jesus: Conatus.

Cult Books – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

The first review in Cherwell's new series on cult books

Review: Feist – Metals

Simon Torracinta discusses Metals, the recent and lush release by Canadian indie songwriter Feist

Review of TodaysArt festival

I know what Cherwell did this summer - Harry Scholes reviews TodaysArt in The Hague

Failing at art: Destroyer interview

Tom May describes how he learned to love Dan Bejar’s music after meeting him at this year’s Green Man festival

Michaelmas art termcard

Barbara Speed takes you through this term's free exhibitions

Meet Destroyer

Despite his immense prolificacy, Dan Bejar has often flown sharply under the radar. Cherwell Music recommends some of the highlights of his extensive back catalogue.

Singing a Bonnie tune

En Khong talks to the playwright Bonnie Greer about taking on Question Time with her new opera, Yes

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