Performer: Rosie Kay

The emotional triple bill, including a new autobiographical solo, premiered in front of a spellbound audience at the Birmingham Rep.

When academia meets performing arts: Rosie Kay draws on conspiracy theories to analyze contemporary society.

Fervent flag-waving is usually reserved for the Last Night of the Proms, so what was going on in this Philharmonia concert? The Arena was awash with a sea of red flags, the chorus – and conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen – were decked out in T-shirts bearing portraits of Lenin or Stalin.