I was recently party to the world premiere of Russian stand-up comedian Sasha Nezlobin’s show I’m Фine (spelt with a Cyrillic “ф”, pronounced “f”), previewing ahead of a month-long run at the Edinburgh Fringe. The expectant crowd had gathered to support Russia’s answer to Michael McIntyre in Nezlobin’s first full-hour set performed in English since fleeing Russia in 2022.

Nezlobin moved with his wife and daughter to Los Angeles after falling foul of the Putin regime for supporting LGBTQ+ rights and speaking out against the war. As one of a handful of well-known comedians on the relatively new and booming Russian stand-up circuit, Nezlobin doesn’t know if he’ll ever be able to return home. Earlier this year comedian Nurlan Saburov was banned from entering Russia for 50 years. Another comedian, Artemy Ostanin, was sentenced to nearly six years in a penal colony for a joke about a war veteran.

Since the early 2000s, I have been travelling to Russia most years to study or research in the archives. However, since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia.

I used to proudly state that Russia felt like my second “rodina” (homeland) but now, like many, I am nervous of speaking Russian in public or admitting the extent of my Russian interests. The darkened room of the Pleasance Theatre studio felt like a safe space for us all, something akin to attending group therapy, or “laughter therapy” as Nezlobin himself calls it. As often happens in challenging times, dark humour proves an essential coping strategy in the face of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

As an English translator of Russian drama, it was fascinating for me to observe a Russian stand-up comedian operating in English. Drawing on his experience of being forced to leave Russia, live in the US and perform to new crowds, Nezlobin offers jokes for Russians, Brits and Americans alike that can be appreciated on different levels. He warns about the growing parallels between Putin’s Russia and Trump’s America, with both starting down the slippery slope of authoritarianism with attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.

Much material hinges on Nezlobin hamming up his self-described “poor English” with the biggest laughs for gags about him sounding “like your Uber driver who talks too much” and having the “most deportable accent of the family”. The audience in London were mostly Russian speaking, but I assume this may not be the case for the 20+ shows in Edinburgh, so it will be interesting to hear how it lands there.

My fellow literary translators currently trying to justify their existence against AI would have appreciated the line that ChatGPT “can’t do humour” and so was responsible for anything in the show being unfunny.

One of my favourite jokes was Nezlobin’s description of transporting the family dog from Moscow to Los Angeles as a “special operation”. It’s a riff on the euphemism “special military operation” that Putin coined having banned the word “war” to describe the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Another gag for the linguists – any issues with “language barriers” in the show were deemed appropriate as Russia has always had a “problem with its borders”.

Many organisations are understandably nervous of showcasing anything associated with Russia, and the priority right now must be supporting Ukraine and combating Putin. The levels of propaganda and indoctrination by Russia, particularly of Ukrainian children in Russian occupied territories and in Russian schools as documented by the Oscar-winning documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin, are extremely concerning.

Although it is challenging to counter the spread of misinformation within Russia itself, we can at least support the progressive Russian diaspora now installed across the world. This is why I have chosen to translate contemporary Russian drama into English as a way of continuing to share culture at this time of conflict and mutual suspicion. Hats off to the Pleasance Theatre for giving this opportunity for Russians and Brits to laugh together.

For a comedian who seeks to call out the malice in Putin’s actions, it is fitting that Nezlobin’s surname means “good-natured” (literally “without malice”) in Russian. When leaving the show, I heard a woman ask her friend in Russian – “So, are you ‘фine’”? – followed by a telling silence. Judging by the post-show queue for selfies and the number of poignant hugs I witnessed, I hope that Nezlobin has someone to trauma dump on about the pain he must be absorbing from his fans.

Sasha Nezlobin’s I’m фine is on at The 10 Dome at ⁠Pleasance Dome in Edinburgh from 5-31 August, 2026

Netflix viewers have been raving about a series that they think is really good. Many admit they binged it in a day as they simply couldn’t stop watching once they’d started

If you’re looking for a series to watch, you may want to pay attention, as people are raving about a particular show on Netflix. It’s a TV drama you may want to focus on as some think it’s one of the best offerings Netflix has available.

It was highlighted on Reddit, when a TV viewer was seeking recommendations for their next watch. A lot of people quickly started championing the same programme, with numerous viewers confessing to binging the entire series in a single sitting, as they were completely unable to stop watching.

This isn’t the first programme to have seized viewers’ attention in recent times, either. Previously, it was noted a BBC drama featuring Ruth Jones is also super captivating.

The social media user posted: “Looking for a show to get really pulled into and binge-watch for the night.” Suggestions flooded in rapidly; though one particular series appeared to dominate the recommendations.

What did people say?

One commented: “Dept. Q was excellent on Netflix. Just started Slow Horses and loving it, but it’s on Apple TV.”

Another responded, stating: “Dept. Q I binged in a day! Definitely agree.”

A third contributed: “I came to recommend Dept. Q as well. I’ve recently started watching more British detective shows like Shetland and Broadchurch. They are really enjoyable.”

Meanwhile, a fourth remarked: “I finished Dept. Q a few hours ago. Watched it straight through. Excellent show.”

Another viewer remarked: “Dept. Q was really good. Have to agree with you on that one!”

It’s clear the programme has captivated numerous people, with several confessing they became completely hooked. For anyone who hasn’t yet watched it, the series could be well worth including on your viewing list.

What’s the storyline?

For the uninitiated, Dept. Q is a British crime thriller drama series. Created by Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani, it draws inspiration from the Department Q book series by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen.

The show launched on Netflix in 2025 and has already secured a second series commission. Consequently, those yet to discover it have ample opportunity to get up to speed before its return.

Essentially, it centres on a talented yet tormented detective who’s tasked with heading up a newly established basement department tackling unsolved cases. The team supporting him might best be characterised as “misfits”.

The central figure, Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, portrayed by Matthew Goode, is exceptional yet unpopular amongst colleagues. Audiences witness his battle with trauma and remorse following a brutal workplace incident that left his partner paralysed and claimed another officer’s life.

Neto’s exit should see Tottenham finally sign Savinho, and they also want Cody Gakpo from Liverpool. Interest in Nicolas Jackson has been denied amid rival reports of interest in Victor Osimhen. Liverpool want Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye to replace Mohamed Salah, who is set to join Trabzonspor, while West Ham hope to lure Manor Solomon from Spurs. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!

City will face a K-League XI in Seoul’s Sangam Stadium today. Enzo Maresca said on Tuesday he saw good signs from the Blues against Inter Milan, despite the penalty shootout defeat. However, one of those bright signs, Ryan McAidoo, is unavailable this afternoon due to a minor shoulder injury. With little more than a week before the clash with Arsenal in the Community Shield, we can expect Maresca to start a strong team. Gianluigi Donnarumma was one of three players who played the full 90 minutes against Inter and should keep his spot against the K-League side.

Matheus Nunes was one of three returnees on Saturday who arrived too late to feature at the weekend. However, he should start at right-back, with Ruben Dias reintroduced in the middle. Josko Gvardiol, who partnered Abdukodir Khusanov in the first pre-season game, will likely move to left-back to replace Stephen Mfuni.

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A solar eclipse will be visible across the UK next week, and we’ve found some of the best specialist glasses to buy so you can safely watch the astronomical event as it happens

It’s been almost 10 years since the UK last got to witness a solar eclipse, but that’s all about to change. Next week the UK will get to see an almost complete solar eclipse as the new moon passes in front of the Sun, briefly blocking all sunlight, and clear weather could give us one of the best views.

The UK hasn’t seen a partial solar eclipse since back in 2015, and this year’s will be followed up by the Perseid meteor shower, which will reach its peak a couple of hours after the eclipse. Here’s everything you need to know about next week’s solar eclipse, and the specialist glasses you need to safely watch it.

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When is the next UK solar eclipse?

The next UK solar eclipse will begin shortly after 6pm on Wednesday August 12, when the new moon will begin to pass in front of the Sun. It should reach its maximum coverage at around 7:10pm, before ending around 8pm.

It’s worth noting that UK watchers won’t be able to see a full eclipse; we’ll only be able to witness about 96% coverage of the moon, which is still an impressive sight to behold. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, this will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse, making it a truly special occasion.

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To see the full eclipse, you’ll have to travel to areas like Spain, Greenland or Western Iceland for a full 100% eclipse. However, UK watchers will still see an impressive display, especially with the meteor shower following up just a couple of hours later.

How to watch the solar eclipse

It should go without saying, but to view a solar eclipse you must avoid looking directly into the Sun. Directly staring at the sun – even as it gets covered by the moon – can and will damage your eyes. Instead, you’ll need specialist glasses which allow you to watch the astronomical display in its entirety without risking harm.

And before you ask, no, your regular sunglasses won’t cut it. They might reduce the glare, making it feel more comfortable, but they don’t reduce the solar radiation and its effects.

You’ll need genuine eclipse glasses, which have been specially designed with filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). You should also make sure the lenses aren’t scratched, torn or punctured before using them.

Best solar eclipse glasses to buy

Celestron EclipSmart Solar Eclipse Glasses – £12.99 for a pack of four

Celestron glasses are one of the most reputable brands in the world, and are often sold at observatories to help with solar viewing. Although they’re sold out at locations like the Royal Museums Greenwich, you can pick up this pack of four for £12.99 from the Celestron shop on Amazon.

The filter conforms to the ISO 12312-2:2015(E) international safety standard for direct viewing of the Sun, and they can be folded at two different points for one-size-fits-all. Plus you’ll get a booklet included in the set, which gives you all the science and history of solar eclipses, fun facts, helpful hints, maps, and more. The same bundle of four glasses and a booklet is currently available at QVC, where it’s on sale down from £42.98 to £34.98.

Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses – £5.99

Also available at Amazon is this two pack of Soluna eclipse glasses, which are made in the USA by NASA-approved manufacturer American Paper Optics, and are recognized as ISO-compliant by the American Astronomical Society. They’ve been independently tested and verified under the current standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E) filters, so you can safely watch the solar eclipse through them. You can also pick up a multi pack of 10 of the glasses for £19.99 from Amazon which is ideal if you have a large family or are planning a viewing party of the phenomenon.

Modern medicine increasingly judges itself by long-term outcomes. In cancer care, we routinely compare treatments according to whether patients survive longer. In cardiology, we ask whether interventions prevent future heart attacks and extend life. This long-term data allows healthcare to continually improve.

Child and adolescent mental health services are different. Long-term outcomes have received little attention. Success, instead, is largely judged using measures such as waiting times, access targets and short-term symptom improvements.

These are important indicators of service performance. But they cannot tell us whether children’s lives have actually improved beyond the very short term.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) were founded on the idea that helping children early could change the course of their lives. Yet we rarely measure whether that actually happens.

A new study my colleagues and I conducted provides one of the most detailed long-term pictures to date of the clinical outcomes for young people who attended Camhs in the UK. By linking NHS records across Scotland, we followed every child born between 1991 and 1998 – almost half a million people – from birth until age 32. We identified everyone who attended Scottish Camhs before age 18 and tracked their subsequent use of inpatient and outpatient adult mental health services into adulthood.

Forty per cent of children who attended Camhs went on to use specialist adult mental health services. That figure rose to nearly half (49%) among those who first attended Camhs as teenagers, between the ages of 13 and 17.

When it came to inpatient psychiatric admissions, the most intensive – and costly – form of mental health services, nearly half of all hospital bed days for people between the ages of 18 and 32 were for people who had, earlier in life, attended child mental health services. Similarly, in outpatient adult mental health clinics, more than 40% of appointments were for former Camhs patients.

These findings do not mean that attending Camhs causes adult psychiatric illnesses. Rather, they illustrate something mental health experts have long recognised: the roots of serious mental illness often begin in childhood. But despite this, we know very little about whether Camhs interventions actually reduce the risk of later mental illness or improve long-term outcomes.

This is not because Camhs treatments are necessarily ineffective. It could be the case that outcomes would have been worse for these young people had they not attended Camhs. The problem is we simply don’t know. And if we hope child mental health services can improve lifelong outcomes, we need to measure whether they actually do.

A way forward

Scotland, as it happens, is well placed to answer these questions. Its world-leading health data infrastructure already makes it possible to securely link child and adult health records over decades. The foundation is there. What is needed now is to build on it: to make routine long-term follow up a standard part of how we evaluate child mental health interventions.

Instead of evaluating interventions only at the end of treatment, we could routinely examine outcomes one year, five years and even ten years later, after patients have left Camhs. Just as cancer care has transformed itself by learning from long-term outcomes, child mental health could use routinely linked health data to identify what interventions genuinely improve lives in the long term.

This would not require new technology – Scotland already has the systems in place. It simply requires a commitment to use them. And the potential payoff is enormous: a child mental health system that can genuinely learn from its own outcomes, continuously improving care for future generations.

Waiting times matter, access matters and short-term improvements matter. But these tell us about how well services are functioning today. They do not tell us whether they are changing tomorrow.

If nearly half of adult psychiatric hospital care is being delivered to people who attended child mental health services, we should be asking a much bigger question: are we changing the course of people’s lives, as Camhs was always intended to do? Until we routinely measure long-term outcomes, we simply will not know.

It’s claimed to be the first of its kind

Online electricals retailer AO.com has teamed up with musical maestros to create what they claim is the world’s first dedicated mobile phone section in an orchestra. The online seller partnered with the renowned Manchester Camerata to put a modern twist on some of the world’s most recognisable classical compositions.

From Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy to Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Auld Lang Syne, the specially arranged medley sees a four-piece phone section performing alongside a live orchestra. The ‘SIMphony’ demonstrates how even everyday technology can be used in unexpected ways.

Filmed live at Manchester’s renowned Stoller Hall and created to celebrate the versatility of mobile phones, the retailer challenged the orchestra to transform beloved classical pieces into performances played using nothing more than the keypads.

Conductor Tim Crooks said: “This is unlike anything we’ve ever performed. People use their mobile phones for almost every aspect of daily life, but creating orchestral music with them probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.

“That’s what made this project so enjoyable. It challenged the musicians in completely new ways and demonstrates how versatile modern technology can be when creativity is involved. We hope audiences are as entertained and surprised by the result as we were.”

The medley is now available to stream on Spotify, with the full performance available to watch at https://ao.com/mobile-phones/simphony