The Observer The New Review – 16 August 2026

Summary

At 88, Anthony Hopkins has written his debut classical album — he tells Fiona Maddocks about the life of discard and harmony that created it in The Observer New Review (16 August 2026) cover story, photographed at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. Rachel Aviv discusses motherhood and Lucy Letby, and Our Friends in the North returns to the stage 30 years after its television debut.

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The 16 August New Review leads with Hopkins's unexpected pivot — the actor best known for silence-of-the-lamb Hannibal Lecter and recent Marvel roles has composed a full classical album. Fiona Maddocks interviews him about the creative process, his late-life artistic freedom and the discipline required to start a new career at 88. Andrew Hankinson speaks to writer Peter Flannery and director Jack McNamara about staging Our Friends in the North for the theatre. Investigative journalist Rachel Aviv discusses motherhood and the Lucy Letby case with Basia Cummings. John Naughton reports on AI claims clogging employment tribunals.

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The Agenda section covers the week's cultural highlights. Critics cover theatre, film, books and classical music. The grid features photography of the week. Puzzles and television listings complete the issue. An inspiring cover story for anyone who thinks it's too late to start something new.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story

p.8 · Anthony Hopkins: composer at 88
Fiona Maddocks interviews Hopkins about his debut classical album. He discusses the life experiences — discard, harmony, discipline — that shaped the music. Photographed by Erik Carter at the Hotel Bel-Air.

▸ Features

p.11 · Our Friends in the North on stage
Andrew Hankinson interviews Peter Flannery and Jack McNamara about adapting the landmark television series for theatre.

p. — · Rachel Aviv: motherhood and Lucy Letby
Basia Cummings interviews the investigative journalist about her reporting on the Letby case and the intersection of motherhood and crime.

▸ Regulars

p. — · John Naughton: AI claims clogging employment tribunals
p. — · Agenda, Critics, Books, Puzzles, TV Listings

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Editor's Take

Hopkins starting a classical music career at 88 is an genuinely inspiring story that transcends the usual celebrity profile. Maddocks treats it seriously as music journalism. The Our Friends in the North stage adaptation is a welcome return for a landmark work. Weaknesses: the Rachel Aviv interview is interesting but too short for the subject matter. A strong mid-August issue.

Strengths
• Hopkins composing at 88 is a genuinely surprising and inspiring story
• Our Friends in the North stage adaptation deserves coverage
• Maddocks treats the music seriously, not as a curiosity

Weaknesses
• Aviv interview needs more space
• Naughton covers familiar ground
• Fewer features than usual

Verdict: Recommended — the Hopkins story is genuinely uplifting.