What's On 19 October

Ellie Smith
October 19, 2025

Dear Reader,

That culture has the ability to change the conversation (and more) was brought home to me with a swift right hook this week when I saw Olivier award-winning playwright James Graham’s Punch. The play is based on the true story of Jacob Dunne, a young man ‘from the Meadows’ in Nottingham who, on a drunken night out, inadvertently killed James Hodgkinson with just one punch. I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the house when Jacob (incredibly acted by David Shields) met James’ parents in the process of restorative justice. It took three years for this meeting to happen. But what came out of it is just extraordinary: lives turned around, a high profile campaign and a play that brings that story to a wide audience. It has lingered with me ever since. What was even more of a wonder was that after every Tuesday evening performance, those involved with the story – whether the real one or the fictional take – take part in a live Q&A with the audience. We lucked out as the real Jacob Dunne, James Graham, Adam Penford (Nottingham Playhouse's Artistic Director) and David Shields took to the stage after that knock out performance. This is culture at its most compelling.

Have a great week.

WHAT’S ON MY MIND THIS WEEK

Photo by StillMoving.Net for Netflix

Inside The Beckhams’ Homes

I’ve always secretly been slightly obsessed with the Beckhams ever since the Nineties when that floppy haired blonde killed it on the football pitch and girl power gripped the nation. With Victoria’s new Netflix documentary out, we dig into their property portfolio.

Where Is The Traitors Castle?

It’s only four episodes into Celebrity Traitors but the format is proving to be just as – if not more – compelling than the OG. It’s the fact that they’re all fully immersed in the game and taking it super seriously. Still one of the stars of the show (apart from Claudia’s fringe and black legginged-legs) is the castle. We find out more about it (and offer up three alternatives if you want to live like a laird).

London’s Fanciest Grocers

Supermarkets are a slog, but some lucky Londoners have some wonderful farm shops and fancy grocers on their doorsteps. We round up where you can find farm-style food in the city.

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS

Book ahead for The Christmas Cotswold Fair, a festive celebration of independent British brands featuring over 220 boutiques, plus live workshops and street food. 10 – 13 November

Have a Sunday roast at The Trafalgar, the first brand-new pub to be built on the King’s Road in over a century. Opening 21 October

Elizabeth Taylor, 1955, Gelatin silver print, The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive, London

Explore the glamorous world of fashion illustrator Cecil Beaton at the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition, which features portraits of everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Queen Elizabeth II and Salvador Dalí. Until 11 January 2026

Missed out on Bella Freud’s cult M&S collab last year? Nab some pieces from the 2025 collaboration before they sell out – these are our favourites.

Getty Images

Forget BYOB, this season is all about bringing your own truffle. Pick up a fragrant white Alba from Soho’s Gelupo before heading across the road to Bocca di Lupo to have it shaved over your pasta.

WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH

Why do the clocks change?

5 fashion brands with their own restaurants

Wild Cherry: this salacious new drama is on our watchlist

Marie Kondo shares her top decluttering tips

Win This £2.5m Historic Dream Home For As Little As £10

Thanks to Raffle House, this £2.5m historic dream home in South Warwickshire could be yours for as little as £10. Plus, if you enter now you’ll be automically entered into the draw to win a £2.9m Cornwall home.