Issue 1399

On the heels of a big break
When aspiring drag queen Jamie gets his sparkly new high heels, the first person he chooses to show them to is his studious, hijab-wearing friend Pritti. Saskia Murphy talks to Lauren Patel, the Bolton-based newcomer starring in the film version of hit musical Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.

Running the show
Race Across the World star Emon Choudhury is a man on a mission and he wants to take people with him. Neil Tague tries to keep pace as he steps up his training.

Bone of contention
They brighten up our northern cities and make
us think – but as street murals become more mainstream, are they being driven by social
media likes and commercial interests rather than artistic and political instinct? Susan Griffin reports.

Plus
News, arts and entertainment, Terry Hall of The Specials writes a letter to his younger self, Roger Ratcliffe questions the vested interests promoting veganism – and much more.