Beautiful games: the critics on sport

Critical mess ... Our intrepid theatre critic Michael Billington takes notes at the Premier League darts final Photograph: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency

Audience participation ... Michael Billington soaks up the ambience of a darts match at the Cardiff International Arena Photograph: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency

Stumped ... Music critic Caroline Sullivan enjoys the atmosphere as England clash with New Zealand at Old Trafford Photograph: Howard Barlow/Guardian

Sticky wicket ... Caroline Sullivan seems to be the only happy spectator at Old Trafford Photograph: Howard Barlow/Guardian

A tale of two cities ... Jonathan Jones at Wembley for the Championship play-off final between Hull City and Bristol City Photograph: Ben Queenborough/Back Page Images

The pits ... Classical writer Erica Jeal spends the day at Donington Park, Leicestershire, for the British Superbikes championship Photograph: Fabio De Paola/Guardian

A discerning eye ... Erica Jeal watches the race on a monitor in the Team Rizla Suzuki garage Photograph: Fabio De Paola/Guardian

A different kind of hoofer ... Judith Mackrell, the Guardian's dance correspondent, at Ladies' Day at Epsom Races Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

A win-win situation ... Judith Mackrell enjoys John McCririck's company at the races Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian