The Observer The New Review – 23 August 2026
Summary
The 50-year blood feud over the existence of the Highgate vampire leads The Observer New Review (23 August 2026) — Francisco Garcia reports on a London legend that refuses to die. Chaka Khan discusses her new album, Prince and being "partnered out," Phil Tinline asks whether the BBC can survive the algorithm age, and Jude Rogers reviews Wham!'s China tour documentary.
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The 23 August New Review leads with the Highgate vampire — a 50-year feud between rival ghost hunters, occultists and sceptics that began in the 1970s and continues today. Garcia's piece treats the subject seriously without credulity. Chaka Khan's interview covers her new material, her legacy and her frustrations with the music industry. Phil Tinline's essay argues the BBC must compete with algorithmic recommendation or face irrelevance. John Naughton warns AI is creating "clone towns" where local character is erased.
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Critics cover Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma (the Gillian Anderson film), Ariana Grande at the O2, Tish Murtha's photography and Ludwig on television. Books include Megan Nolan and Michael Pedersen. Puzzles and TV listings complete the issue.
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Content Guide
▸ Cover Story
p.8 · The Highgate vampire: 50-year blood feud
Francis Garcia reports on the enduring legend of the Highgate vampire, the rival ghost hunters who fought over it and the community that keeps the story alive.
▸ Features
p. — · Chaka Khan: new album, Prince, being 'partnered out'
Patrick Smith interviews the singer about her career, her new material and her frustrations.
p.14 · Phil Tinline: can the BBC compete with the algorithm?
Essay arguing the BBC must adapt to algorithmic content discovery or lose younger audiences permanently.
▸ Critics
p.17 · Jude Rogers: Wham! 10 Days in China
Review of the documentary about Wham!'s historic China tour.
p. — · Wendy Ide: Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
The Gillian Anderson film reviewed.
p. — · Kitty Empire: Ariana Grande at the O2
p. — · Laura Cumming: Tish Murtha photography
▸ Books
p.24 · Megan Nolan
p.27 · Michael Pedersen
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Editor's Take
The Highgate vampire feature is a superb piece of long-form journalism — Garcia respects the subject's absurdity while taking the storytelling seriously. Chaka Khan is reliably quotable. Phil Tinline's BBC essay is the most important piece in the issue. Weaknesses: the Critics section is strong but compressed. A strong New Review.
Strengths
• Highgate vampire feature is superb storytelling
• Chaka Khan interview delivers real quotes
• BBC algorithm essay is timely and urgent
Weaknesses
• Critics section compressed
• Some books features too short
Verdict: Recommended — the vampire feature is the best long read in this batch.
