The Standard

 More than 17 million people arrive in the capital each year to celebrate one of London's most beloved cultural gemstones - theatre. But seeing a central London play can set you back hundreds of pounds, and the costs are only going up. Audiences are now being priced out with the average price of a top ticket rising by 50% between 2023 and 2024 to 146 pounds and 61 pence a seat.So who or what is to blame for the situation? Is this just a callous cash grab, and what does it all mean for the future of London’s West End? We're joined by The Standard’s Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop, who has been investigating the issue for the latest special report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At least 15 people including a London-born rabbi have died and dozens more remain in hospital following a shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach. The attack was declared a terrorist incident, and targeted a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights.It comes as Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones has said that Britain is being blighted by an “abhorrent” rise in anti-Semitism. We’re joined by Emily Hilton, who grew up around Bondi beach in Sydney and is the international policy director at Diaspora Alliance, a Jewish-led organisation that works to oppose antisemitism and its politicisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Londoners will have to pay more in transport costs from March 2026, as mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has revealed that tube fares are set to rise.The cost of a single tube journey in zone 1, central London will be hiked by up to 7.1 per cent, which is about double the current rate of inflation. According to details published by City Hall, most Tube and train fares – for TfL services such as the Elizabeth line and London Overground – will increase by a maximum of 20p, although many fares will only increase by 10p.For the first time in years, bus fares will also be increased, although not until July. The Standard’s City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall is here with the latest - and also shares what action he’d take if he were London mayor for the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Londoners are being urged to get the flu vaccine in the next few days to get maximum protection by Christmas Day, as the capital experiences a tidal wave of contagious super flu.Cases are rising sharply in the capital, new figures revealed, as health chiefs warned the NHS was facing a “worst-case scenario” with the doctors’ strike set to start next week.Those with flu-like symptoms are being urged to stay at home rather than risk spreading the virus on the Tube, trains, buses and in the workplace.The Standard’s Political Editor Nic Cecil is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A “world-leading” social media ban has been enforced by the Australian government, to prevent under-16s from accessing social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Platforms that do not comply risk fines of up to $49.5m.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the move as "the day when Australian families are taking back power from these big tech companies". The ban has garnered worldwide attention, with several nations indicating they will adopt a ban of their own, including Malaysia, Denmark and Norway.But could similar legislation be introduced in the UK? We’re joined by Daisy Greenwell - founder of Smartphone Free Childhood, a movement of families standing together to delay smartphones and social media - to discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.