This week
From us to you
Puffins are thriving, Sheridan Smith is on stage, and spring has sprung!
Soaraway success
There’s uplifting news from the RSPB about a major wildlife win on Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel. For decades, an infestation of stowaway rats had played havoc with the local bird population, but a concerted campaign to get rid of the rodents has led to a dramatic resurgence in the numbers of puffins, Manx shearwaters and storm petrels. With 30,000 birds now happily nesting on the island, it’s evidence of how managing the landscape can revive natural habitats.
WHODUNNIT?
Someone in the house has murder in mind – and in Cluedo 2, The Next Chapter, Colonel Mustard and co are doing their best to stay alive, or avoid detection. Pit your wits against the cast in this comedy mystery, set in the 1960s and touring the UK until 27 July. ✱ cluedostageplay.com
Did you know?
More moisture in the spring air may heighten your sense of smell, says the Met Office. For meteorologists, 1 March is the first day of spring. But it’s the equinox on March 20 that sees equal hours of daylight and darkness.
On this day in history
March 2 1965: One of the most successful (and longest) movie musicals had its premiere. The Sound of Music starred Julie Andrews as Maria, the novice nun who can’t help but sing, and Christopher Plummer as widower Captain von Trapp, father of seven regimented children. With songs including Edelweiss, My Favourite Things and, of course, the title track, it remains a timeless joy.
BACKSTAGE DRAMA
There’s uproar behind the scenes in Opening
