David Benedict
@eggsbened.bsky.social
Cultural talk and typing. And singing.
Biographer of Stephen Sondheim.
Variety, London theatre critic.
The Stage, Associate writer.
Tristram Hawkshaw in The Archers.
Somewhat gay.
Biographer of Stephen Sondheim.
Variety, London theatre critic.
The Stage, Associate writer.
Tristram Hawkshaw in The Archers.
Somewhat gay.
For reasons inexplicable, I’d never seen a frame or read a word about this. Fascinating.
November 15, 2025 at 12:24 AM
For reasons inexplicable, I’d never seen a frame or read a word about this. Fascinating.
Terrible news: Rachel Cooke has died. She was 56.
When I was lucky enough to commission her at The Observer, I wanted her to write everything. She was seriously witty and crystalline in her argument when being serious, which she was on a dazzling range of topics. observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
When I was lucky enough to commission her at The Observer, I wanted her to write everything. She was seriously witty and crystalline in her argument when being serious, which she was on a dazzling range of topics. observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Remembering Rachel Cooke | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Terrible news: Rachel Cooke has died. She was 56.
When I was lucky enough to commission her at The Observer, I wanted her to write everything. She was seriously witty and crystalline in her argument when being serious, which she was on a dazzling range of topics. observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
When I was lucky enough to commission her at The Observer, I wanted her to write everything. She was seriously witty and crystalline in her argument when being serious, which she was on a dazzling range of topics. observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Reposted by David Benedict
Shocked to hear of the death of Rachel Cooke at 56 — I didn’t even know she was ill. I always enjoyed reading her reviews and features: she brightened any page of the paper.
Remembering Rachel Cooke | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Shocked to hear of the death of Rachel Cooke at 56 — I didn’t even know she was ill. I always enjoyed reading her reviews and features: she brightened any page of the paper.
If you listen to music you probably know Fanfare for the Common Man, arguably the greatest hit of Aaron Copland. But since it’s his 125th birthday, why not listen to Quiet City, his haunting, achingly beautiful 8-minute marvel for trumpet, cor anglais and strings? m.youtube.com/watch?v=SvRK...
Copland: Quiet City
YouTube video by Celia Nicklin - Topic
m.youtube.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:48 PM
If you listen to music you probably know Fanfare for the Common Man, arguably the greatest hit of Aaron Copland. But since it’s his 125th birthday, why not listen to Quiet City, his haunting, achingly beautiful 8-minute marvel for trumpet, cor anglais and strings? m.youtube.com/watch?v=SvRK...
Reposted by David Benedict
Ooh, @bigthink.com this exchange between @joscha.bsky.social and Jeffrey Epstein is so eugenics-smeared. Contemplating using climate change and involuntary euthanasia of infirm and elderly to cull the population… I think I’m going to be ill.
From HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_026413
From HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_026413
November 13, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Ooh, @bigthink.com this exchange between @joscha.bsky.social and Jeffrey Epstein is so eugenics-smeared. Contemplating using climate change and involuntary euthanasia of infirm and elderly to cull the population… I think I’m going to be ill.
From HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_026413
From HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_026413
Reposted by David Benedict
THREAD. A collection of photographs of excellent sheep I have met on walks.
You will find the captions to each photo in the alt text.
You will find the captions to each photo in the alt text.
November 14, 2025 at 9:48 AM
THREAD. A collection of photographs of excellent sheep I have met on walks.
You will find the captions to each photo in the alt text.
You will find the captions to each photo in the alt text.
The Hunger Games – on stage: was I hungry for more? And then Nuremberg, the film about the trial of Goering with Rami Malek? And new TV drama series Wild Cherry, starring Eve Best? The marvellous Viv Groskop, Tom Sutcliffe and me on BBC Sounds or listen to this podcast. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - Front Row, We review The Hunger Games on stage, Nuremberg on film and Wild Cherry on TV
We review The Hunger Games on stage, Nuremberg on film and Wild Cherry on TV.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 11:58 PM
The Hunger Games – on stage: was I hungry for more? And then Nuremberg, the film about the trial of Goering with Rami Malek? And new TV drama series Wild Cherry, starring Eve Best? The marvellous Viv Groskop, Tom Sutcliffe and me on BBC Sounds or listen to this podcast. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Reposted by David Benedict
The remarkable story we discussed this morning. (No paywall but do consider subscribing.) www.thenewworld.co.uk/james-ball-e...
EXCLUSIVE: Michael Prescott himself doctored Trump quote in his anti-BBC report
A report alleging Panorama broadcast misleading Trump quotes contains misleading quotes itself
www.thenewworld.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 12:48 PM
The remarkable story we discussed this morning. (No paywall but do consider subscribing.) www.thenewworld.co.uk/james-ball-e...
Reposted by David Benedict
Number crunching: Increase in accidental prisoner releases
From the new Private Eye, out now.
From the new Private Eye, out now.
November 13, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Number crunching: Increase in accidental prisoner releases
From the new Private Eye, out now.
From the new Private Eye, out now.
Reposted by David Benedict
As I was saying way back in May, the idea of Morgan McSweeney being some kind of political and tactical genius has always been a myth www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-foundi...
The Founding Myth of Morgan McSweeney
Reports of Keir Starmer's chief adviser's supposed campaigning genius do not appear to match up with the facts
www.adambienkov.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 9:39 AM
As I was saying way back in May, the idea of Morgan McSweeney being some kind of political and tactical genius has always been a myth www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-foundi...
I’ve seen it! Review coming on Front Row, BBC Radio 4 - Thursday 7.15pm - with Viv Groskop and ringmaster @tds153.bsky.social.
November 12, 2025 at 10:58 PM
I’ve seen it! Review coming on Front Row, BBC Radio 4 - Thursday 7.15pm - with Viv Groskop and ringmaster @tds153.bsky.social.
Reposted by David Benedict
Listen to Knowsley MP @anneliesemidgleymp.bsky.social’s very funny question about Robbie Gibb in the House of Commons today 😆
November 11, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Listen to Knowsley MP @anneliesemidgleymp.bsky.social’s very funny question about Robbie Gibb in the House of Commons today 😆
“We acknowledge we fell short…”
In the running for understatement of the year.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
In the running for understatement of the year.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Judges set to decide fate of police chief constable guilty of contempt of court
Exclusive: Ivan Balhatchet, Northamptonshire’s chief constable, could face up to two years in jail or a fine for repeated failure to obey rulings
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:59 AM
“We acknowledge we fell short…”
In the running for understatement of the year.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
In the running for understatement of the year.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
This is driving me nuts. I feel sure that there’s a musical theatre lyric that references Rumpelmayer’s. How else would this Brit know the name, only much later finding out about the soda parlo(u)r?
What is it? I’m hoping @bcdreyer.social may know.
This request is brought to you by Ray Cherchez.
What is it? I’m hoping @bcdreyer.social may know.
This request is brought to you by Ray Cherchez.
November 12, 2025 at 12:42 AM
This is driving me nuts. I feel sure that there’s a musical theatre lyric that references Rumpelmayer’s. How else would this Brit know the name, only much later finding out about the soda parlo(u)r?
What is it? I’m hoping @bcdreyer.social may know.
This request is brought to you by Ray Cherchez.
What is it? I’m hoping @bcdreyer.social may know.
This request is brought to you by Ray Cherchez.
Reposted by David Benedict
Boris Johnson says the idea that criticism of the BBC is being organised by the right is ‘complete and utter bollocks’, which makes me think there might be something in it.
November 11, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Boris Johnson says the idea that criticism of the BBC is being organised by the right is ‘complete and utter bollocks’, which makes me think there might be something in it.
Fascinated to see Nuremberg – history of the trials told as psychological thriller – which I’m reviewing on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row with the excellent Viv Groskop and @tds153.bsky.social.
Also under our beady eyes, The Hunger Games on stage and new BBC drama Wild Cherry.
Thurs 7.15pm. Tune in!
Also under our beady eyes, The Hunger Games on stage and new BBC drama Wild Cherry.
Thurs 7.15pm. Tune in!
November 11, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Fascinated to see Nuremberg – history of the trials told as psychological thriller – which I’m reviewing on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row with the excellent Viv Groskop and @tds153.bsky.social.
Also under our beady eyes, The Hunger Games on stage and new BBC drama Wild Cherry.
Thurs 7.15pm. Tune in!
Also under our beady eyes, The Hunger Games on stage and new BBC drama Wild Cherry.
Thurs 7.15pm. Tune in!
Reposted by David Benedict
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
Reposted by David Benedict
I’m looking to speak to #actors who have camped while touring with a production to save money on digs. Is that you? And are you up for sharing your experiences for a feature? Get in touch: omahonyholly@gmail.com #journorequest
November 11, 2025 at 11:27 AM
I’m looking to speak to #actors who have camped while touring with a production to save money on digs. Is that you? And are you up for sharing your experiences for a feature? Get in touch: omahonyholly@gmail.com #journorequest
Reposted by David Benedict
The Telegraph routinely spreads myths about a range of subjects - especially climate change.
It has been forced to publish over 100 corrections this year so far.
Yet it has the gall to lecture the BBC - and whip up a national panic - about journalistic standards
It has been forced to publish over 100 corrections this year so far.
Yet it has the gall to lecture the BBC - and whip up a national panic - about journalistic standards
The Telegraph’s Record of Climate Falsehoods
The Telegraph, which has accused the BBC of bias and a lack of editorial rigour, has been forced to amend a swathe of climate inaccuracies. The BBC’s director-general and CEO resigned this weekend aft...
www.desmog.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:42 PM
The Telegraph routinely spreads myths about a range of subjects - especially climate change.
It has been forced to publish over 100 corrections this year so far.
Yet it has the gall to lecture the BBC - and whip up a national panic - about journalistic standards
It has been forced to publish over 100 corrections this year so far.
Yet it has the gall to lecture the BBC - and whip up a national panic - about journalistic standards
Many carols, no lessons!
With luscious music by Sweelinck and Sally Beamish thru to Santa Baby, I’m instructing you to start having yourself A Merry Little Christmas with The Elysian Singers.
We sell out so BOOK NOW.
18 Dec 7.30pm
St Giles-in-the-Fields London W1 www.tickettailor.com/events/theel...
With luscious music by Sweelinck and Sally Beamish thru to Santa Baby, I’m instructing you to start having yourself A Merry Little Christmas with The Elysian Singers.
We sell out so BOOK NOW.
18 Dec 7.30pm
St Giles-in-the-Fields London W1 www.tickettailor.com/events/theel...
November 11, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Many carols, no lessons!
With luscious music by Sweelinck and Sally Beamish thru to Santa Baby, I’m instructing you to start having yourself A Merry Little Christmas with The Elysian Singers.
We sell out so BOOK NOW.
18 Dec 7.30pm
St Giles-in-the-Fields London W1 www.tickettailor.com/events/theel...
With luscious music by Sweelinck and Sally Beamish thru to Santa Baby, I’m instructing you to start having yourself A Merry Little Christmas with The Elysian Singers.
We sell out so BOOK NOW.
18 Dec 7.30pm
St Giles-in-the-Fields London W1 www.tickettailor.com/events/theel...
Reposted by David Benedict
November 10, 2025 at 9:56 PM
November 10, 2025 at 9:56 PM
There’s at least one piece of unexpected good news today. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/u...
Supreme Court Denies Request to Revisit Same-Sex Marriage Decision
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
There’s at least one piece of unexpected good news today. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/u...
Reposted by David Benedict
Maybe Keir should demand the heads of major US news networks any time they imply Britain is on the brink of civil war or that we live under sharia law. Or does it not work both ways?
November 10, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Maybe Keir should demand the heads of major US news networks any time they imply Britain is on the brink of civil war or that we live under sharia law. Or does it not work both ways?
It’s annoying enough to be begged to complete surveys with clumsily formulated questions about your “experience”. It’s several notches worse when they e-mail again noting you failed to respond/didn’t do your homework.
Dear Royal Academy,
I bought 3 sodding packets of Christmas cards.
Shut TF up.
Dear Royal Academy,
I bought 3 sodding packets of Christmas cards.
Shut TF up.
November 10, 2025 at 8:42 AM
It’s annoying enough to be begged to complete surveys with clumsily formulated questions about your “experience”. It’s several notches worse when they e-mail again noting you failed to respond/didn’t do your homework.
Dear Royal Academy,
I bought 3 sodding packets of Christmas cards.
Shut TF up.
Dear Royal Academy,
I bought 3 sodding packets of Christmas cards.
Shut TF up.