It’s impossible not to have heard of William Shakespeare. His “to be or not to be” a long time ago turned into an aphorism; Romeo and Juliet is considered the most romantic love story the world has ever seen and the Royal passions masterly described in his plays still haunt people’s minds.

“Globe to Globe”, is part of the World Shakespeare Festival for the London 2012 Festival which lasts from 23 April till 9 July 2012, once more proves Shakespeare’s world infamy and significance.

In an event of unprecedented ambition, all of Shakespeare’s plays will be performed, each in a different language, each by a different international company. Every day for six weeks, national theatres, renowned artists and new young companies celebrate performing Shakespeare in their own language, within the architecture Shakespeare wrote for.

When Russian banker German Gorbuntsov was shot outside his apartment in London by a contract killer, even Russians were shocked. They were not surprised by an attempted gangland killing but this was the first time that it occurred on the streets of London. Is London no longer a safe haven for Russian businessmen?

Richard Bloss comes to the conclusion that Russians worry about everything.

I love worrying. Honestly I do. I have this theory that goes something like: ‘If I'm not worrying, then I'm obviously missing something seriously tricky that if I wasn't so sure of myself, I would have recognised and thus prevented all sorts of disasters that will now hit me when I am least expecting it’.

You know the feeling, and I'm not alone, am I? It’s a bit like my fear of flying. If this flight is as smooth as smooth - then for sure the next one will be a roller coaster from hell. And if Life is really a bitch, then…well! I told you so, huh!!!

It is difficult to say how many Russians live in the UK? Usually the statistics vary from between a quarter to half a million currently here. Whereas only 20-30 years ago, there was just a few thousand living in the UK. In the last century Russians settled in: Germany, Israel and the United States, but not so many went to the UK. However, in less than half a century, everything has changed and the UK and its capital have become one the most popular destinations for Russian immigrants.
I myself, came to London 5 years ago to get a British qualification and I expected then to return home. But I am still here, my diploma is still on my wall and I currently have no plans to leave this country. This makes me think, what motivates our progressive compatriots to stay here?

“Back to Her future” sounds like a very promising name for the new track from Yulia Volkova of the once world famous Russian pop-band t.A.T.u. She has returned to the Eurovision contest, which has given her a good start for her international solo career. After being off stage for a long time, Yulia is now back in the charts and hopes once again to be at the top. 

RM: How does it feel to have a solo-project after being part of a duo for such a long time? Do you miss your time with t.A.T.u.?