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Opening night of the Pet Shop Boys’ Obscure tour turned the Electric Ballroom in Camden into a shrine for deep‑cut enthusiasts. Frontman Neil Tennant opened with a cheeky promise – “no hits tonight” – and the crowd responded with delighted roars, eager for the rare material the duo had promised.The Obscure moniker is no accident. Tennant and synth‑master Chris Lowe rehearsed 35 songs from their 42‑year catalogue, deliberately sidestepping the familiar chart‑toppers in favour of B‑sides, album tracks and fan‑favourite deep cuts. A fan‑compiled Spotify playlist of 226 non‑single tracks illustrates just how vast the selection pool is, yet even that list fell short of the band’s final set.Two songs made their live debut: a never‑performed track from the unreleased stage show Naked titled “I Dream of a Better Tomorrow,” and the 1986 B‑side “Jack the Lad” from the Suburbia era, which had never before been heard on stage. Phones rose in the audience as Tennant sang the cheeky tale of a ne’er‑do‑well, capturing a moment that will likely become a new fan legend.Highlights included a soulful rendition of the 1990 ballad “To Face the Truth,” where Tennant’s hand‑over‑stomach gesture added a rare glimpse of vulnerability, and the 1987 piano‑driven “Do I Have To?” showcasing Lowe’s most tender synth‑piano work. The set also featured “King of Rome” (2009), its horn‑laden refrain enveloping the room in a warm, nostalgic glow.Interspersed with the music, Tennant acted as an urbane quizmaster, prompting the audience to shout B‑side titles and rewarding them with trivia – for example, a medley that combined 1993’s “One in a Million” with Culture Beat’s “Mr Vain,” performed for the first time since its original 1994 Latin America appearance.Closing the main set, the 2005 anthem “The Performance of My Life” evoked the duo’s early club‑scene roots, while the encore opened with the poignant B‑side “Your Funny Uncle” (1989), a lament that still resonates with listeners who first found solace in its lyrics during the AIDS crisis.In a final, forward‑looking moment, Tennant introduced “I Dream of a Better Tomorrow,” a brand‑new song taken from the unreleased stage production based on *The Emperor’s New Clothes*. He declared, “change is coming… the start of something new,” hinting at fresh creative directions beyond the archival focus of the tour.The Obscure run, part of the broader Dreamworld tour that began in 2022, demonstrates the Pet Shop Boys’ mastery of both pop craftsmanship and archival curation, offering fans a rare chance to hear the hidden gems that have long lived in the shadows of their massive catalogue.

Tadej Pogacar, the winner of the Tour of Flanders for a record-equalling third time, is among the riders under investigation for allegedly running a red light at a railway crossing during the race on Sunday. The incident occurred when Pogacar, along with a group of riders, proceeded through the crossing without stopping, while most of the peloton behind them had to halt before the railway. Belgian officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway into the riders who allegedly ran the red light. Although no further details were provided immediately, local media reports suggest that the riders could face fines ranging from €320 to €4,000 (£279 to £3487) and a driving ban of eight days if found guilty. Pogacar, who rides for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, explained after the race that the signal to stop came too late for them. He described the situation, saying, “Suddenly three guys jump on the middle of the road and start waving to stop. How can you stop in one second? I think they could prevent this by stopping us before, no? Not 10 metres before the crossing. I was thinking: ‘Maybe it’s like some protesters or something crazy is going on.’” The Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reported that the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office intends to prosecute the riders. Riders could face significant penalties, including fines and a driving ban, if convicted. Race officials ordered the riders who went through the red light to slow down so the rest of the peloton could catch up. The Tour of Flanders, also known as De Ronde (the Tour), is one of cycling’s most challenging one-day races and a “monument” of the sport. This year’s 278km route featured 16 short but punishing climbs and several cobblestone sections. Pogacar’s victory was notable, but the incident has overshadowed his achievement.

The Guardian’s weekly podcast roundup highlights a varied selection of new audio series, offering listeners everything from light‑hearted celebrity banter to hard‑hitting investigative journalism.Funny You Ask – In a delightfully candid moment, Mindy Kaling exclaims, “Oh, this is a quizshow?!” upon hearing Ike Barinholtz’s latest podcast, which blends trivia with rambling conversation about topics as eclectic as Chevy Chase and New Jersey Italian cuisine. The show positions itself as a breezy, low‑stakes alternative to the crowded celebrity‑interview market.Assume Nothing: What Happened to Mary Glasgow? – Host Nathan Edgar revisits the 1991 tragedy at Stradreagh mental hospital, where nursing assistant Mary Glasgow died after a patient altercation. Through interviews with Glasgow’s daughter Emma, the series treats the case as both a detective narrative and a memorial, probing whether the incident was an isolated mishap or a symptom of systemic failures.Single Ladies in Your Area – Comedians Amy Gledhill and Harriet Kemsley continue their third series, a witty exploration of 30‑something singledom. Recent guests have included Jameela Jamil and Catherine Bohart, who discuss topics ranging from “mean flirting” to the quirks of a “lesbian louche life.”The Overturn – Partnering with the Future Justice Project charity, Marnie Duke examines potential wrongful convictions, notably the case of former sub‑postmaster Robin Garbutt, imprisoned for his wife’s murder. The series asks whether the broader Post Office scandal could cast doubt on the prosecution’s narrative.Amityvilleville – Host Alex Goldman (of Hyperfixed and Reply All) teams up with Vice writer Caroline Thompson to watch all 91 films inspired by the Amityville haunting, beginning with the 1979 classic The Amityville Horror. Their commentary blends humor with genuine enthusiasm for the genre’s most bizarre entries.

Hamas's armed wing has rejected calls for disarmament, stating that discussing the issue before Israel fully implements the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza amounts to an attempt to continue the genocide against Palestinians.In a televised statement, Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida said that raising the issue of weapons 'in a crude manner' would not be accepted. He emphasized that the disarmament demands are an overt attempt to continue the genocide against Palestinians, something Hamas will not accept under any circumstances.The issue of Hamas relinquishing its weapons is a major obstacle in talks to implement US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza, aimed at ending Israel's war on the besieged territory. Since the US- and Qatar-brokered ceasefire took effect in October, more than 705 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.Hamas has told mediators it will not discuss disarmament without guarantees that Israel will completely withdraw from Gaza. Abu Obeida urged mediators to pressure Israel to fulfil its commitments under the first phase of the Trump plan before any discussion of the second phase can take place.Israel's war on Gaza, which began after Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023, has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians and injured at least 172,000 others. Abu Obeida also addressed Israel's role in the US-Israel war on Iran, condemning it for launching strikes on Iran 'in the midst of the deception of negotiations, with full collusion and conspiracy with the United States'.

Monica Barbaro, known for her Oscar-nominated portrayal of activist Joan Baez in James Mangold's A Complete Unknown, is now preparing for her stage debut in the National Theatre's revival of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Barbaro, 35, will play Madame de Tourvel, a role previously taken on by notable actresses such as Juliet Stevenson and Michelle Pfeiffer.During an interview, Barbaro joked about her accent, saying, "I feel like I'm imitating an American accent, but it really is mine." She switches to an English accent for rehearsals, where she is working on the play's 18th-century French aristocracy setting. "I feel it's best to use my own voice," she explained.Barbaro expressed apprehension about speaking aloud in a theater for a large audience, a significant departure from her previous work in film. "Speaking aloud in a theatre for this big of an audience is new for me," she said.Her preparation for A Complete Unknown was intense, involving months of studying Baez's voice and music, learning guitar, and wearing prosthetic teeth to capture the singer's distinctive look. "We filmed it only a year and a half ago, and it was put out within months," she reflected. "It was really intense. It took a long time for me to land afterwards and feel more like myself again."Barbaro also discussed her connection to Baez, citing their shared mixed identity (Barbaro is a quarter Mexican) and Baez's activism. "I'm just like: 'Then she marched with Martin Luther King, are we clear on that? Do people know that?' It was really nice to hear from a lot of people who watched the movie that they were intrigued to find out more about her."She met Baez in person last year and described the experience as "so trippy." "It was so strange to hear in person the voice I'd been obsessing over for so long. There's a worship quality to it; I felt in complete awe of her," Barbaro said.Regarding her Oscar nomination, Barbaro called it "totally surreal" but something she tried to process in advance. "It seemed embarrassing to want it, or celebrate it, and I needed to confront that it was something I'd love to have. Then, when it happened – unbridled joy. It was a big shift for an actor who went into the film fangirling over the rest of the cast and the director."Barbaro is currently rehearsing for Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the National Theatre, where she will work with director Marianne Elliott. The play explores themes of power, corruption, and manipulation among the aristocracy, resonating with modern issues such as the Epstein files. "It was about the corruption of a certain class who could operate with impunity, and fuck over anyone they wanted," she said.Barbaro reflected on the enduring power of the play, saying, "As a modern woman with autonomy and independence, the thing I fear most in the world is dying of heartbreak." She emphasized the relevance of the play's themes, particularly systemic abuse and corruption.

Nasa administrator Jared Isaacman has stated that the possibility of alien life is a crucial factor in planning the agency's space missions. In a recent interview with CNN's Meet the Press, Isaacman emphasized that investigating the existence of alien life 'goes to the heart of many things that we do at Nasa.'Isaacman's comments come as Nasa's Artemis mission to circumnavigate the moon is underway, marking the first lunar mission since 1972. The mission aims to explore the moon's far side and could potentially lay the groundwork for a moon base on the south pole, equipped with telescopes to aid in the search for extraterrestrial life.While acknowledging that he has not encountered any aliens during his own space travels, Isaacman expressed optimism about the likelihood of discovering life elsewhere in the universe. 'With 2 trillion galaxies out there, who knows how many star systems within each of them? I would say the odds that we will find something at some point to suggest that we are not alone are pretty high,' he said.The Artemis mission has also faced challenges, including a malfunctioning $30 million toilet on the Orion spacecraft. However, Isaacman assured that the issue has been addressed, and the crew is prepared for any eventuality.

The former boss of the Co-op collected almost £2m before her sudden departure last month despite a difficult year when the retailer was pushed into the red by a damaging cyber hack.Shirine Khoury-Haq’s total annual pay package amounted to £1.9m in 2025, including a £165,000 “rewarding growth” bonus that was approved by the mutual’s board despite falling sales and the slide to an underlying loss of £125m.Khoury-Haq and other executives did not receive their regular annual bonus as the board said the company had not met an “affordability underpin” to make the payout. However, Khoury-Haq’s total pay did include a long-term performance bonus linked to earlier years.In the Co-op Group’s annual report, the remuneration committee said it had decided to pay out 10% of the three-year potential total for the new “rewarding growth” incentive plan, which goes to all staff. Full-time, frontline workers, such as shop floor staff, who were employed for all of 2025 received £100 each under the scheme.The report did not say if Khoury-Haq would receive any compensation for loss of office on her departure but did make clear she would not receive any more from the “rewarding growth” scheme. Kate Allum, a board member and former boss of the dairy group First Milk, will step in as the interim chief executive while a permanent replacement is sought.Khoury-Haq’s departure after four years heading the company, and almost seven at the business, came a month after reports of concerns about the culture at the top of the group. Last week, Khoury-Haq denied that her resignation was linked to the allegations of a toxic culture. “My decision to leave was very much a personal decision,” she said. “The reason is I want to go and do something else.”

James, the Manchester‑originated nine‑piece, have turned a five‑decade career into a living testament to longevity, headlining arenas while celebrating the surprise success of their 2024 album Yummy, which finally secured a UK No.1 spot 42 years after the band first formed.The group continues to defy conventional touring formulas. Frontman Tim Booth describes their shows as “crazy, idiosyncratic,” with nightly set‑list revisions and unreleased songs that often lack finished lyrics. One such piece, the eight‑minute “Nantucket,” features a wordless chorus, an electro‑violin groove and verses that proclaim a mission to inspire, embodying the band’s experimental spirit.Rather than relying solely on a greatest‑hits marathon, the two‑hour, 21‑song performance weaves in moody interludes, deep‑cut selections, and influences ranging from Brian Eno’s ambient textures to the pulsating beats of Italian house. Lyrical barbs aimed at billionaires and organized religion sit alongside anthemic warmth, creating a communal atmosphere. The opening number “Come Home” subtly nods to Booth’s Leeds roots, while trumpeter Andy Diagram sports a “No more war” T‑shirt, and Booth often reaches out to audience members, reinforcing the show’s inclusive vibe.Driving the rhythm is veteran drummer David Baynton‑Power, complemented by recent additions Chloe Alper and Debbie Knox‑Hewson, who inject fresh sonic layers. Booth, now 66, remains the band’s charismatic talisman, occasionally appearing on a balcony for “Born of Frustration” and the soaring “Say Something,” moments that feel almost ritualistic. Arena‑sized sing‑alongs erupt during “Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)” and the classic “Sit Down,” and when Booth finally dives off the stage, he is hoisted aloft by a sea of hands, underscoring the band’s unique connection with fans.The concert at P&J Live in Aberdeen on 7 April exemplified why James remains a special, brilliant force in live music, continuing a tour that proves their relevance and humanity endure across generations.

In a heartwarming story of turning grief into passion, a German couple, Inka and Ralph Orth, have transformed their sorrow into a thriving patisserie, Patisserie Johanna, named after their daughter Johanna, who tragically passed away in a flood disaster.Johanna, a 22-year-old with a passion for baking, had completed her training as a certified master patissière and was about to open her own shop when her life was cut short in the 2021 Ahr valley flood in western Germany. The disaster claimed over 220 lives, and Johanna's body was found two days later in a parking garage.The Orths, who ran a residence for senior citizens that was destroyed in the flood, were left with unbearable grief. However, Inka found solace in baking, enrolling in a pastry academy and discovering a new passion. She met Marcel Reinhardt, a talented fellow student, and together they formed a business partnership that would become Patisserie Johanna.The patisserie, located in Hamburg's Unesco-listed warehouse district, has become a sensation, with an expanding team and a growing customer base. The shop is adorned with portraits of Johanna, and the couple's daughter is present in every aspect of the business. A lifesize bronze sculpture depicts Johanna with her beloved cat, and the shop's logo features a butterfly, a symbol associated with their daughter's enduring presence.Patisserie Johanna has become a pilgrimage site for parents who have lost children, with many visiting to deposit flowers or simply to connect with the Orths. The couple's story serves as a testament to the power of turning grief into something positive and celebrating the life of their beloved daughter.