When Dominic Cooke took over at the Royal Court, he said he wanted to stage more plays about “what it means to be middle class”. Now, as the reins of artistic director pass to Vicky Featherstone, comes possibly the most middle-class play of his era - and very funny on the topic it is too.

As it did 250 years ago, Velázquez's portrait of Pope Innocent X peers into the gloom at Houghton Hall. It is an extraordinary image in an extraordinary space.

Japan’s “shock and awe” tactics to kick-start its sluggish economy paid off today as the world’s third-biggest economy leapt forward in the first three months of the year.

Adamsdale was an actor who became a comedian by mistake. Alice Jones meets him.

Angelina Jolie’s surgeon has revealed that just four days after she underwent a preventative double mastectomy the Hollywood actress went back to work.

The developing science of DNA profiling helped the actress decide to have a double mastectomy

Former cricket idol challenges front-runner seeking third term in Pakistan

Inchbald-trained Bee Osborn is an interior designer who lives in London with her three daughters and art dealer husband. She is currently working on the refurbishment of the iconic Hotel St Barth Isle de France, which is part of the Oetker Collection. Osborn talks to Annie Deakin about lighting, Kit Kemp and design tricks.

Afghan interpreters who have aided British forces in their country have issued a plea to the UK Government to grant them asylum to save them from the “danger” of Taliban vengeance attacks.

Major exhibitions by Matisse, Turner and Mondrian will be among the highlights of next year's shows at the Tate galleries.

Russian organisers defend decision to deal with 'packs of animals' that 'attack children' in Sochi

Restoration works at the world-famous Pompeii archaeological site are being investigated for suspected Mafia involvement.