What's On 23 March

Ellie Smith
March 23, 2025

Dear Reader,

The goalposts are always moving. When I was young it was Grange Hill and Zammo’s heroin addiction that spawned a cultural movement and the Just Say No (to drugs) campaign. Now, it’s Netflix’s Adolescence dominating every headline, news show, and podcast. Even the Prime Minister has called for it to be shown in all schools. Starring Stephen Graham, who spearheaded the whole project, the four-parter grapples with the ‘manosphere’, an online network of websites, blogs, and forums promoting masculinity, misogyny, and opposition to feminism – which catches 13-year-old Jamie at his most vulnerable and leads him into committing a real-life killing. That popular culture can capture the fear, horror and reality of what is going on in society never fails to dazzle me. To have a societal conversation in a world that sometimes feels so divided and fragmented is such a force for good – and really only popular culture can deliver this. And yes, I did watch it with my 11-year-old son (I know, I know, it’s rated 15). And it was worth every gruelling second. The strength of our relationships and our communities is what is going to give our children the tools to navigate this dual world – something my generation never had to do. They need all the tools we can give them – and we need to check what they’re doing online, whether they like it or not.

Have a great week.

WHAT’S ON MY MIND THIS WEEK

How To Nail The White Lotus look

I’ll be honest, I’m not loving this third series as much as the first two, but I’m always intrigued by the elements that go into this most stylish of shows. We asked Alex Bovaird, the costume designer, how to nail those cult looks.

Original Style

Interior Design Trends For Spring

I’m in my new house – and where do I start? Bringing your own look to your bricks and mortar is one of life’s most delicious challenges (which no doubt I’ll procrastinate about for years), but for those who want inspo now, check out our rundown on spring trends.

What Can We Learn From The World's Happiest Countries?

Despite its border with Russia, once again Finland has scooped top spot as the world’s happiest country, according to an annual report (we’re 23rd by the way, only one place higher than the US and our lowest spot since 2017). Why? ‘It’s all about community and relationships.’ (See my introduction...)

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS

Jodie Comer is back for a final run of her one-woman show Prima Facie – tickets go on sale this week.

JOIA Battersea © Rebecca Hope

Wondering how to celebrate Mother’s Day next weekend? Here are London’s best menus for a special treat.

Pizza Express is bringing back its 1965 prices for its anniversary, meaning you can get a pizza for just 33p from 5 – 6pm on Thursday.

Search for treasures for your home at Walthalmstow Flea Market, which returns to Big Penny Social with a whole host of unique finds in tow. 23 March 2025

Social media chef Jordon Ezra King is hosting a residency at The Standard, London, focusing on Italian cuisine. 19 March – 19 June 2025

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