The Interview

Rachel Cooke talks to Alaa al Aswany about love, torture, and why he still practises dentistry

What the future looks like

As the planet faces the most dangerous century in its 4.5bn-year history, astronomer royal Martin Rees looks into his crystal ball

Secrets and ties

Brenda Blethyn gave Edna O'Brien a lift one day - and got a ghostly role in her new play in return. The friends talk roots, religion and rebellion with Alfred Hickling