In his podcast Rethink, Professor Ben Ansell (OS 1995) asks some of the world’s sharpest minds about the latest thinking and what it might mean for policy and society. Some of his recent topics of discussion are scientists’ ability to make old cells young again, the promise of AI and what it’s for, and rethinking middle age. All episodes are available on BBC Sounds and Spotify.
Artist Oliver Beer (OS 2004) was interviewed by the Financial Times as part of London’s summer art scene. Oliver’s highly praised new exhibition ‘The Sky in the Cave’ – at Thaddaeus Ropac London until 31 July – combines large-scale paintings with film, music and installation in an immersive experience. In Oliver’s paintings vibrations act directly on pigment, producing lasting, rippling patterns that fix a fleeting moment of sonic activity as a permanent image.
Meg Clothier (OS 1995) has announced her new book In the Shadow of the Solstice will be published on 10 September. The book is a reimagining of Arthurian legend, explored through the women of Arthur’s court, set in the dark and dangerous years after the Romans left Britain. Meg is a Sunday Times bestselling author of seven books. Her fiction is inspired by bold women in myth and history; her non-fiction by Britain’s coast and countryside.
The short story Opportunity by award-winning comedy writer and producer Charlie Dinkin (OS 2008), pictured, is one of the winning entries featured in the first Chaff Short Story Collection. The competition run by alternative comedy magazine Chaff aimed to find funny short stories under 1,000 words for its inaugural publication.
The National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) celebrates 80 years this summer and is the world’s oldest national youth orchestra. Leading the 100-piece orchestra for this celebratory tour is conductor Andrew Gourlay (OS 2001). Hailed by The Guardian as “a star in the ascendent”, Andrew has quickly established himself as an internationally recognised conductor with a dynamic, collaborative style. Read more >
The glass canopy at Olympia London designed by Thomas Heatherwick’s Studio in collaboration with SPPARC architects has officially opened. This architectural feature anchors a new 2.5-acre “sky street” and public rooftop district built over the old exhibition halls.
David Livingstone (OS 1982) is Producer for the sell-out show Pride the Musical at the National Theatre. Based on the uplifting true story of solidarity between LGBTQ+ activists and striking Welsh miners during the 1984 miners’ strike, Pride is a co-production between the National Theatre and P&P Productions with David who also produced the original film.
Energy Sparks, whose CEO is Claudia Towner (OS 1993), has won the Third Sector Business Charity Award for ‘Best Response to the Cost of Living Crisis’. This is in recognition for their work with the Drax Foundation to reduce schools’ energy costs, cut carbon emissions and improve climate education for young people. This year 150 schools have benefitted from free access to Energy Sparks’ energy management tools and education programmes, and are on track to save more than £1 million on energy bills.
