Maggie Smith

The miracle of The Miracle Club is that it does, I promise, end

14 October 2023 9:00 am

The Miracle Club, which is about a group of Irish women who travel to Lourdes, has a magnificent cast –…

Fellowes fluffs it: Downton Abbey – A New Era reviewed

30 April 2022 9:00 am

Downton Abbey: A New Era is the second film spin-off from the TV series and, like the first, it doesn’t…

The best theatre of the 21st century

25 April 2020 9:00 am

Not looking great, is it? Until we all get jabbed, theatres may have to stay closed. And even the optimists…

Extremely predictable and extremely dull: Downton Abbey reviewed

14 September 2019 9:00 am

The much-anticipated film version of Downton Abbey has arrived and I suppose you could describe it as the Avengers Assemble…

Maggie Smith is miraculous as the ageing Nazi, Brunhilde Pomsel. Image: © Helen Maybanks

One of the most astonishing things I’ve ever seen in the theatre: A German Life reviewed

27 April 2019 9:00 am

It starts at a secretarial college. The stage is occupied by a dignified elderly lady who recalls her pleasure at…

And the prize for most fatuous awards ceremony goes to...

15 February 2014 9:00 am

Awards ceremonies grow ever sillier and more self-important

Come to the Spectator office, Gareth Malone, and hear our 'Carmina Burana'

9 November 2013 9:00 am

They’re now televising proceedings from the Court of Appeal. Great. As if I didn’t have enough to do already, keeping…