About this issue: Overview
Cycling in circles
At the age of 83 Alan Ayckbourn is directing his 87th play considering how contemporary lifestyles are just a rehashing of what came before. He tells Andy Murray some of his first-hand experience and why he’s still
dedicated to up-close, stripped-back theatre in the round.
Inside the criminal mind
Despite the hostile environment created by inmates and staff, Rebecca Myers did her best as a young forensic psychologist to find the humanity in the eyes of the sex offenders she treated. But one incident tested her compassion almost beyond the limit, finds Gary Ryan
Summer walks
Summer may be drawing to a close but that’s no reason not to be out and about. There are stunning views to be had on all four walking options Roger Ratcliffe offers you here
On our news pages we hear from recently released prisoners and campaigners about how solitary confinement has continued way after Covid lockdowns due to an exodus of prison staff.
And our arts and entertainment pages theatre maker Ruth Cockburn tells us about her play inspired by hard-working Lancashire Women, author Mohsin Hamid answers questions about his new book The Last White Man, plus TV, games, music and cinema reviews.
Plus DJ and broadcaster Tony Blackburn pens a letter to his younger self Roger Ratcliffe on Liz Truss’s energy plan, Uju Asika on the importance of talking to kids about race and our ever-popular crossword and Sudoku.