- Palatinate (original) (raw)
News
DUCU to launch marking and assessment boycott
DUCU has informed Durham University that it will be taking part in a marketing and assessment boycott, beginning on Monday 12th May 2025.
King and Queen attend Durham Cathedral Maundy Service
King and Queen visit Durham for the traditional Maundy Thursday service amidst crowds of fans and large protests.
Breaking News: Durham UCU announces five days of strike action
Durham UCU have announced that they will be striking from the 28TH of April until the 2nd of May.
Durham county council inspects student housing for “significant problems”
Durham County Council will be surveying student homes for mismanagement.
Burglar who targeted Durham University students sentenced
10 students had their property stolen before the burglar was confronted by a student.
Breaking news: Durham UCU vote in favour of strike action in formal ballot
By Isla Mustin, William Milne and Abigail Tobias Durham’s University and College Union (DUCU), which represents and negotiates on behalf of over 1,000 academic and related members of staff, have voted in favour of launching industrial action, with 72.2% of
11ft statue of former Editor-in-Chief and presenter Jeremy Vine distributing Palatinate to be unveiled in Durham
A large statue of renowned presenter and former Palatinate Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Vine distributing copies of Palatinate is soon going to hit Durha,
Comment
Adolescence and the masculinity crisis: the TV drama that sparked a national reckoning
Abbey Hayden reflects on the wider national issues surrounding ideals of masculinity that Netflix’s new show ‘Adolescence’ has brought to light.
Questions for student political societies: a case study of Durham Tenants’ Union
Don Brookes reflects on his time as President of Durham Tenants’ Union and the nature of student societies in Durham.
Just Say No! How drugs shape politics
Zara Hossain explores the deep historic reality of drugs and their role in global politics and the economy.
Andrew Tate: the Trojan Horse of Patriarchy
How have the Tate brothers repackaged the patriarchy to young men? And why it is working? Thomas Daniel explores.
Could the Equal Rights Amendment technically be ratified?
Politics Editor Daisy Rought-Oram takes a look at the American Constitution and the rights protection granted by the Equal Rights Amendment.
New World Order or disorder under Trump?
Natalie Andrusyschyn explores the shifting alliances of global politics with the USA under Trump’s rule, and the changes that this will bring.
The effects of Artificial Intelligence on our own intelligence
Joshua Roberts debates the positive and negative effects of using AI within the academic sphere.
Politics
Tesla’s tipping point: when politics trump performance
Joshua Vickers analyses the future of Tesla with regards to the company’s prospects and Musk’s alliance with President Trump.
Sudan brings case against UAE to the International Court of Justice
James Mackinnon examines the case being brought against the UAE by Sudan.
Portugal heads into its third election in three years
Amine Gherensi explains the implications of the Portuguese elections.
Chancellor scales back welfare spending in Spring Statement
Barney Howell offers analysis on the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, focusing on the changes to welfare spending.
Canadian Liberals Triumph Under Carney
David Verkmann investigates the political situation in Canada following Mark Carney’s success and pressures from the US.
Infighting, controversy, and ‘sham’ announcements: chaos within Reform UK
Jade Barnes explains the recent chaos within Reform UK, and whether it will leave lasting damage on the party’s national reputation.
Former Philippines President Duerte arrested: what comes next?
Gracie Morgan analyses what the arrest of the Philippines’ ex-president, Rodrigo Duerte means for the Philippines, and for the International Criminal Court (ICC)
Sport
What we learned from the Bahrain Grand Prix
Robin Reinders discusses the fourth Grand Prix race of the year.
Five things we learnt from the Sunshine Double
Joseph Saunders looks back on the two big American tennis tournaments in March
Collingwood turn on the style against Butler to retain women’s Floodlit Cup
Ben Pawlowski reports from a foggy Maiden Castle for the women’s Floodlit Cup final between Collingwood and Josephine Butler
Collingwood regain men’s Floodlit Cup with comfortable victory over South
Ben Pawlowski reports from the men’s Floodlit final between Collingwood and South.
From Made in Chelsea to extreme endurance running: what we can learn from Spencer Matthews
Jennifer Bailey asks what we can learn from Spencer Matthews’ remarkable achievements as an endurance athlete.
How surfing turned El Salvador from murder capital to tourism haven
Max Owen tells the compelling story of a change in fortunes for one of Central America’s smallest nations
A game of two halves: are Manchester United’s reported job cuts justified?
In the latest edition of ‘A game of two halves’, Tommy Price and Erica Murphy-Hogg debate whether Manchester United’s reported job cuts are justified.
Profile
Lord Pannick KC “If I only defended people I liked, I would be unemployed.”
Krishan Sharma speaks to Lord Pannick KC, one of Britain’s foremost barristers about a
career in which he has represented everyone from Boris Johnson to Manchester City FC.
Durham’s University Challenge team: a journey of friendship, fun, and intellectual grit
Profile Editor Dan Bavister speaks to Durham’s University Challenge team, exploring the camaraderie and passion that drives their journey on the iconic quiz show.
Jamie Driscoll: “Right, well, how are we going to make a stand?”
Profile Editor Dan Bavister speaks to Jamie Driscoll, the former Labour Mayor of the North of Tyne and independent candidate for Mayor of the North East about his values and career.
Timothy Cho: from North Korea defector to human rights activist
William Milne sits down with the most recent Union speaker, Timothy Cho, who escaped North Korea after brutal torture and now works in the UK to speak up for North Koreans.
Mary McAleese, former President of Ireland: “We’re better than this”
William Milne talks to the former President of Ireland Mary McAleese about her long and impactful life.
John Gwynne: “The loss made me more attuned to the fragility of life”
Profile Editor Dan Bavister speaks to New York Times bestselling fantasy author John Gwynne, exploring the inspirations and challenges that forged his legendary career.
“Both sides of the story”: Sir John Coles on working under PM Margaret Thatcher
Sir John Coles, Private Secretary for Foreign and Defence Affairs during the Falkland’s War, shares his experience of ‘the real Margaret Thatcher’.
SciTech
Trump’s green policy: catalysing a cascade of neglect?
Gussie Coulter examines the global ripple effects of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement — and what this could signal for the future of climate action and sustainability.
Fusion’s promise and the path forward
Jared Toudic looks into the critical role of fusion energy in addressing the global energy crisis, outlining the technological advancements and challenges in harnessing this sustainable power source.
The planetary alignment: a stargazer’s guide
Isabella Castel-branco explores the excitement of planetary alignments, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting the best ways to observe February’s night sky.
How to study smarter, not harder
Gabriella Bell guides us through summatives, dissertations, and exams with scientifically backed methods and practical tips for effective studying.
The UK’s £127m leap into orbital defence
Joshua Vickers highlights the UK’s strategic advancements in space technology and the critical role of new satellite systems in enhancing national security.
Aspirin’s unexpected role in curing cancer
Caitlin Grigg-Williams explores groundbreaking research revealing how a simple aspirin pill could be a game-changer in cancer prevention, revolutionising treatment methods with its surprising effectiveness against cancer metastasis.
Mining the unknown: could deep sea nodules be vital for oceanic life?
Saskia Birt uncovers the significant environmental stakes of deep-sea mining and its unforeseen role in oceanic oxygen production.
Features
What goes up must come down
“Spring always comes, bringing with it a promise of brighter days, and actually, everything is suddenly quite lovely again…” Indigo Crane explores how sometimes, university life might feel like a fairytale.
Celebrating a decade of change
“Changing Relations C.I.C. has spent the last ten years challenging gender stereotypes, fostering healthy relationships, and using the arts as a powerful medium for social change…” Agnibeena Ghosh discusses the 10-year anniversary exhibition of the social enterprise Changing Relations.
The loss of the female voice
“It was no wonder that male writers neglected to depict the ‘true’ tales women had been exchanging with each other…” Emilia Lovering exposes the history of fairytales, and their intertwining with lost female agency.
Stepping on shoes and walking through superstition
‘Beyond rationality, being sentimental, I think that superstitions connect Russia to its past’ Alexandra Shemagina Someikina explores Russian old wives tales and how these connect to its past.
Little gestures of love
“Valentine’s Day is about extended little gestures to all your loved ones, and giving them meaning…” Lauren Evans argues that selfless, loving acts are just as important to love as romantic gestures.
Celebrating love with the girls
“Galentine’s Day serves as a poignant reminder that love extends beyond romantic relationships…” Emilie Buxton explores the history and celebration of Galentines’ Day.
Loving all year round
“Let’s instead propose love as a skill…” Vienna Peel explores skills and their relationship with love.
Books
The origin of Fairytales: how stories make us human
Charlie Bennett explores the folkloric endurance of Fairytales such as Charles Perrault’s ‘Cinderella’
The legacy of ‘Lolita’
“The real controversy of Nabokov’s novel—the humanisation of a monster.” Zara Hossain explores the equally controversial reception of Lolita and what this says about a culture that claims ‘purity’.
A brief biological account of Milan Kundera
“Kundera’s journey as an author is illustrative of the same human complexity he painstakingly recreates in his characters.” Charlie Bennett discusses the life of Czech and French author Milan Kundera.
A darker side of ‘Dracula’
“We have come to realise that ‘other’ is not always ‘evil’. Lucy Myatt explores the setting in the classic gothic novel.
A half-century of devotion: Love in the Time of Cholera
“Marquez’s love story is nothing short of phosphorescent itself, glowing in spite of the darkness.” Charlie Bennet explores the presentation of non-traditional, yet powerful, forms of love as presented by Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’.
Austen’s true love
Freya Livingstone discusses Jane Austen’s relationship with her sister, and how this model of sibling love influenced her work
Elena Ferrante: The Value of Female Friendships
Abi Saddington discusses Ferrante’s work on platonic love, and critique of misogyny
Food & Drink
Sipping the Dream: Iconic Drinks from Sex and the City
‘Every great story deserves a great drink’ and just like that, Alexandra Shemagina dives into the Manhattan of 2000s
Pancakes, predictions, and partnership: Shrove Tuesday traditions and suspicions
“In honour of today, here are some fun pancake superstitions and traditions you may want to keep in mind as you flip away!” Feroza Jamooji explores the historical lore associated with Shrove Tuesday.
“Everything changed after 1989”: memories of food in Romania
Food and Drinks Editor Phoenix Woolnough interviews Dolores Prisaca about food in Romania before and after the revolution.
Small business highlight: Tealicious Tea Room
“I like nourishing from inside, and putting a smile on someone’s face by being able to do that is amazing” Samara Patel chats to the owner of Tealicious Tea Room to find out what it takes to run a small business.
Fine dining at FIIK: a review
“FIIK – the creative project of four talented friends – offers a culinary experience which is not to be missed.” Food and Drinks Editor Phoenix Woolnough reviews Durham’s newest fine dining establishment.
Drink, by all means — but not (to) that
“I disapprove of what they [drink], but I will defend to the death their right to [drink] it.” Bilal Junejo discusses the politics of alcohol consumption.
‘Superfoods’: Saviour or Sinister?
Abi Saddington dives into 2000s Craze: Are Superfoods a Blessing or Hype?
Film & TV
Fairy tales, fantasies and authority in ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’
“Ofelia’s odyssey is all for the sake of reaching a place beyond death.” Shade Bannigan Davis questions how humans chase the myth of immortality in ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006).
A Walk on the Wild Side – Tomm Moore’s Wolfwalkers
“It is a breathtaking film, majestic in its form and rich in its voice acting talent”, Darcy McBrinn hunts for meaning in Tomm Moore’s Wolfwalkers, looking at the beauty of Irish fairytale and folklore.
Poetry and politics: the unique identity of Georgian cinema
‘Georgian filmmakers have maintained a distinct artistic voice’: Dasha Borodina discusses the artistic and political development of Georgian cinema.
Man needs man – A review of Andrei Tarkovsky’s Solaris
“But it is in Tarkovsky’s reflection on Soviet celestial ambitions that I find Solaris’ greatest emotional weight”, Darcy McBrinn explores the Space Race anxieties of Andrei Tarkovsky’s Solaris.
Review: ‘A Real Pain’
“We can begin to empathise with the weight carried by those who follow on from their ancestors.” Roksana Stanislawska reviews ‘A Real Pain’ (2024) from the perspective of a Polish person.
“If the Apocalypse comes, beep me”: Why we need Buffy now more than ever.
“Is a new generation of Buffy necessary and will the original charm of the series be lost in translation?” Film and TV Editor, Isabel McDermott looks back on Buffy’s legacy and the possibilities a reboot can bring.
Mind and heart and the case of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson.
“This feeling of admiration is a mutual one, which is expressed in little pockets when Sherlock is human”, Natasha Ranawake discusses the universality of Holmes and Watson’s relationship.
Stage
Review: The Girl on the Train (New Victoria)
‘The Girl on the Train is a gripping, gritty, gorgeously executed thriller that, in even its quietest moments, says the loudest things about what it means to be human.’ Alex Roy, Stage Reviewer, is thrilled by The Girl on the Train’s UK Tour.
Review: Just Between Ourselves
“A slow-burning exploration of suburban marital suffocation, this play is set almost entirely within the confines of a garage.” Alex Roy visits the Darlington Hippodrome to watch ‘Just Between Ourselves’.
Review: Dracula (Darlington Hippodrome)
“This iteration of Dracula (adapted for stage by Nick Lane) felt like an ode to the original text, honouring the narrative framework with fidelity and intelligence, leaning into the text’s epistolary structure rather than modernising it.” Alex Roy enjoys Darlington Hippodromes ‘Dracula’.
Review: Alterations (National Theatre)
“Alterations is effectively a stylised presentation of the 1970s’ zeitgeist following the story of one Guyanese immigrant’s dream: to have his own shop and make it in Britain.” Matthew Travis, Stage Editor, reflects on the National Theatre’s revival of Alterations.
Review: The Women of Llanrumney (Stratford East)
“Sun, sugar, and freedom may sound like the recipe for a perfect cocktail, but for the women of the Llanrumney estate, the taste is very different.” Matthew Travis, Stage Editor, enjoys Stratford East’s The Women of Llanrumney.
Review: Dear Evan Hansen (UK Tour)
“If you get the chance, don’t simply wave through the window – step inside. This is Dear Evan Hansen at its best.” Alex Roy, Stage Reviewer, is blown away by Dear Evan Hansen (UK Tour) at the New Wimbledon Theatre.
Review: Romeo and Juliet (DUCT)
“Where the production faltered for me was in the decision to alter the historical context by setting it within the French Revolution… I just found it didn’t work”. Beth Dench reviews DUCT’s Romeo and Juliet.
Fashion
Once Upon A Runway
‘Princesses, fairytales and mermaids are, undoubtedly, in’. Zara Hossain explores the fairytales that still exist in the fashion world.
Red threads: The reinvention of Russian couture
Style Editor, Bel Radford explores how Russian couture is flipping the script- blending post Soviet edge with high fashion and regenerating nostalgia. From Gosha’s street kids to Sergeenko’s fairytale garments, its Russian style, redefined.
Dressed to disrupt – Budapest’s underground raves
‘A fashion scene underpinned by expression and oppression’ Beneath the surface of Eastern European rave style.
Olympic Opening Ceremony or Fashion Show?
“Each country’s uniform was not merely an outfit but a narrative” Olympic style and what it means.
From concept to catwalk: Natasha Sinha’s vision for DUCFS 2025
Style Editor, Bel Radford, sits down with Natasha Sinha, the makeup director of DUCFS 2025. Natasha breaks down her artistic process, visions for this year and discusses current beauty and runway trends.
Love, actually, is all about your outfit
“Fashion is a language” How the outfits worn in your favourite rom coms explore love
Will Britain ever stop obsessing over Kate Middleton’s style?
“Whether you are a royalist or not, Princess Catherine’s style is undeniably timeless” Jennifer Bailey explores the media’s fixation on the royal family’s style icon
Visual Arts
Sleeping Beauty: the art of slumber
“A sleeping figure is deemed beautiful because they are made so by the old adage”. Imogen Sabharwal explores depictions of sleep in art.
William Morris: behind the wallpaper
“Morris makes unreal classic depictions of our natural world”. Lydia Lovell explores the floral textiles of William Morris.
Soviet propaganda: Stalinist architecture
“A monumental style that could assert the authority of the state”. Gabrielle Stein considers the politics behind the USSR’s buildings.
Fukase and the muse-artist relationship
“Everyday, a picture is taken – regardless of mood or personal desire”. Dionne Scougul explores the life and relationships of photographer Masahisa Fukase.
Confessional artwork: Tracey Emin’s experiences of love
“The artist draws upon her experiences of love and intimacy, constantly blurring the line between the private and the public”. Gabrielle Stein explores Tracey Emin’s confessional artwork.
Picasso’s African period: appropriation or innovation?
“The impact of imperial expansion in art highlights how subjugation and oppression are not simply a matter of territory, but also a matter of identity and expression”. Zara Hossain explores Picasso’s African influences.
Pearly whites: how pearls functioned as markers of identity in the Late Renaissance
“The unknowable value and fluctuating status of the pearl enabled it to emblemise the differing depictions of female identity in the early modern court”. Mya Downing explores the symbolism of pearls in Late Renaissance art.
Music
Equus Asinus: Men I Trust Album Review
‘Not emptiness, but rather an air of uncertainty and yearning dominate – like fragmented memories struggling to resurface.’ Charlotte Aspden reviews Men I Trust’s new album Equus Asinus.
Weighing in on the debate: does silence really speak volumes?
‘I recently listened to the silent album, ‘Is This What We Want?’ so you don’t have to.’ Charlotte Aspden gives her thoughts on the MAKE IT F(AI)R campaign.
Top 50 albums of the 21st century: part one
‘One of the most colourful blends of new wave, pop-rock, and synth-driven sound palettes released this century.’ Yatish Bhardwa ranks the top 50 albums of the 21st century so far.
Review: An evening of jazz
‘The evening provided soulful improvisations over expressive jazz pieces that each member of the quartet executed with perfection.’ Music Editor Jade Barnes reviews Jazz Society’s ‘An Evening of Jazz.’
How fairytales inspire classical music
“One of the most noteworthy examples of this is Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, a 4-movement work in which each movement tells a different story from Tales From 1001 Nights.” Amelia Awan highlights how fairytales find a voice in classical music through the tone poem, a form that transforms legendary narratives into sweeping orchestral works.
The 2025 Brit Awards
‘Smith didn’t just impress with his music; he used the spotlight to address the governments disregard for the British music scene.’ Jennifer Bailey reviews the 2025 Brit Awards.
‘And so, I am’ – the Disney villain and the I am song
“It can all begin with a song”. Natasha Ranawake suggests that the future of Disney villains could be reignited through the power of the villain song.
Creative Writing
The Faeries of Weardale
“They promised me her, if I did what they wanted.” Imogen Sabharwal paints this haunting picture of a grieving man at the mercy of myths.
A Net Song
“Then, so gently, like someone who knew the sting of violence from a loved one, touched my throat.” Theodore Turner elucidates a story of sirens.
Our Christmas
‘The recipes that built a family,’ Boe Williams describes familial love built around great Polish food.
Suitcase of Oranges
‘Armed with optimism and a suitcase full of oranges,’ Ada shares hopeful memories of Polish Christmases gone by.
Falling
‘I lay my cheek on your shoulder and feel the soft give: bone to meet bone.’ Clara Maynard delineates a delicate image of physical intimacy.
ode to Love
“And I dream of what once was.’ Liam Neish traces a violent image of love.
In Between
‘My ears have heard tongues from many a shore.’ Haneen Saeed Abbas outlines a life of living in the liminal.
Travel
How many cars? A Durham reflection
‘If only that long and useful stretch of tarmac known as the Darlington Road could look as beautifully empty at nine in the morning as it does at nine in the evening’ Bilal Junejo reflects on vehicular transport in Durham.
Why holidaying in The North is better than going abroad
‘While some of us may rush to book flights abroad, I contend that the best getaways are often much closer to home.’ Jennifer Bailey suggests embarking on national outdoor adventures over taking an international vacaction.
The fairytale of finding yourself
“The fairytale of finding yourself – now more than ever – is only a flight away.” Travel editor Isabel Ritchotte reflects on gap year and backpacking culture.
Between borders: navigating my Bulgarian roots
Anna Tarasheva departs from the Western world to explore her Bulgarian identity.
The heartbeat of the Caribbean
Aidon Hook writes on the nostalgia of his second home, Jamaica.
Love where you are: Valentine’s Day without the carbon footprint
“Instead of polluting the skies for a trip abroad, pollute Durham with your obscene displays of love”; Misty Delembre pushes us to rethink how we celebrate the capitalist holiday.
Booked a holiday and broke up anyway?
“This holiday is more your own holiday than a post-breakup punishment of living with a former flame…” Serena Shah shares her guide to making it work.
Interview
Directing Disney: HBT’s The Little Mermaid
Interview Editor Lucy Atkinson talks to Jacob Vellucci, Director of Hild Bede Theatre’s The Little Mermaid.
Marisa And The Moths: Interview
‘The album felt like a story of survival, as well as getting over grief.’ Music Editor Jade Barnes interviews UK Rock and Metal number 1 band, Marisa And The Moths.
“Everything changed after 1989”: memories of food in Romania
Food and Drinks Editor Phoenix Woolnough interviews Dolores Prisaca about food in Romania before and after the revolution.
Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and the media: a conversation with Professor Markian Prokopovych
Interview Editor Samara Patel speaks to Professor Markian Prokopovych about the study of Ukraine in unprecedented times.
Interview: The Moth – Northern Tour
“The Moth is a powerful thriller that grapples with the legacy of apartheid, war, and history”. Stage Editor, Matthew Travis, meets with the writer, Paul Herzberg, and the director, Jake Murray, to find out what the play means to them in advance of its world premiere.
New Place in bloom: the making of Garden Songs
‘It feels more like a stepping stone than the first big leap—like we’re building towards something bigger, and this was just one small step.’ Sasha Sima-Roper’s extended interview of Durham alumni band, New Place, ahead of their Valentines release.
Small business highlight: Tealicious Tea Room
“I like nourishing from inside, and putting a smile on someone’s face by being able to do that is amazing” Samara Patel chats to the owner of Tealicious Tea Room to find out what it takes to run a small business.