Review: The House of Bernarda Alba, at National Lyttelton theatre

Michael White’s classical news: Messiah; Nutcracker; Willard White; Edward Scissorhands; Pacific Overtures

Yule be swingin’

Lucy Popescu’s theatre news: Who Killed My Father; EXCLUDED!; Bullring Techno Makeup Jamz; Spy movie: The Play!

Rhyme & reason

Star wars

Back in the frame: popular painter returns with a new show

Sadler’s Wells ‘at point of new chapter’ as it marks 25 years

Lost in the Night: original take on the lawlessness of modern Mexico

Shelf awareness

‘I do what I want’

Why L’Atelier Robuchon is a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience

Review: Mates in Chelsea, at Royal Court Theatre

Review: Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), at Kiln Theatre

Michael White’s classical news: Joan Armatrading; Cav & Pag; Bevan Family Consort; Camden Symphony Orchestra

Pillar talk

Tributes to Anna Scher: ‘It wasn’t a stage school … you went to learn how to live’

Napoleon: moments of big-screen perfection in Ridley Scott’s grand epic

Apocalypse now!

Michael White’s classical news: Fauré’s Requiem; Highgate International Chamber Music Festival; Camden Choir; Pierrot Lunaire