In September 2023, I explored London’s hidden corners at the Open House Festival, an annual event that unveils the city’s usually closed spaces. From architectural wonders to historical nooks, London laid bare its secrets, and I was there to see it.
How Vladimir Putin stole cookies from a Scottish bakery
In April 1991, the future war criminal Vladimir Putin visited the UK as part of a Leningrad delegation led by then-mayor Anatoly Sobchak. They engaged with officials and entrepreneurs in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
A look back: When Russia’s time zones were front-page news
Throughout my career, I’ve shared my insights with numerous media outlets on topics from science to politics. Thus, it was no surprise when The New York Times sought my perspective on Russia’s time zones.
Osborne House: A royal retreat amidst time and tranquility
Childhood summers spent in my grandparents’ village home cultivated an appreciation for the sense of belonging that only certain places can evoke. In a way, I was not so different from the British royal family who cherished their retreat at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.
Eltham Palace: Where art deco splendor marries the past and future
My passion for Art Deco, a style that epitomises the glamour and innovation of the early 20th century, has always been intertwined with a deep respect for historic architecture—the older, the better. I was intrigued by how Art Deco evoked echoes of past historical styles, pushing design into a futuristic realm. This blend of eras drew me to Eltham Palace, where the medieval grandeur meets the sleek lines of Art Deco.
Echoes across time: My journey with Stonehenge and AI artistry
My fascination with Stonehenge began in childhood as I pored over pictures and stories about this enigmatic structure in old books in the attic. The image of magnificent stones against the backdrop of the English countryside has been embedded in my imagination ever since.
Wicked
After a string of great shows, I finally hit one I truly hated: Wicked. Maybe I’ve lost touch with my inner child, or maybe the production has simply run out of steam. Either way, it was a slog.
Witness for the Prosecution
Apparently, I have a thing for Agatha Christie’s plays. After The Mousetrap, I ventured further into her repertoire and saw Witness for the Prosecution. While it’s undeniably gripping, I’d say this one has aged less gracefully—especially the overly melodramatic ending. Christie’s sharpness is still there, but the twists feel more suited to an old radio drama than a modern stage.
The Book of Mormon
A comedy about religion? And a musical? Of course, I couldn’t resist. The Book of Mormon isn’t your grandma’s idea of an evening at the theatre—unless she has a surprising tolerance for songs about maggots in scrotums.
To Kill a Mockingbird
I recently saw To Kill a Mockingbird on the West End with Matthew Modine as Atticus Finch. The acting was excellent—Modine brought a quiet strength to the role, and the cast delivered across the board.