Review originally published in the E2D August 2015 Come on in and join the party! It should be fun – for this is the party from hell. There are many reasons for the ghastly nature of this party, well-directed by Ian Forrest: Mike Leigh’s classic play is set in the late 70s when fashion and… Read More Theatre Review: Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh
This review was originally published on The Doughnut. This British folk duo are as quirky as they are talented. There are ten songs on their self-titled debut album and every track is perfect. Folk rock is not everyone’s cup of tea but it’s difficult to imagine how anyone could help but enjoy this music.… Read More Music Review: Yeti love – debut album
From my opinion column written for the Egremont 2Day newspaper. As I write this the sun is shining, Wimbledon is on and all seems right with the world. Except it isn’t, of course. Greece is on the verge of complete economic collapse and exit from the EU (or ‘Grexit’ as it is known); and today… Read More In the spirit of things
The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase by Mark Forsyth My rating: 5 of 5 stars This book is a must-read for any lover of the English language or writer who wishes to hone their craft. It is not, however, a how-to book. For a start off, it’s far too hilarious!… Read More Book Review: The Elements of Eloquence – How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase by Mark Forsyth
I’m just nearing the end of writing an article about a superb new British movie which tackles islamophobia. The film is called Freesia (you can watch the trailer here if you’re interested) and I’ve been privileged to see the whole thing. Despite the understated, non-melodramatic and sensitive handling from the director, Conor Ibrahiem, the film… Read More First World Writer Problems 1: Don’t want to start, don’t want to finish
This review was originally published on The Doughnut. Can there be any doubt that the saxophone is the sexiest instrument in the world? I am biased, I’ll admit, having played the instrument for many years. When blow my horn I feel ten times hotter even if the results aren’t particularly edifying for anyone else.… Read More Music Review: Groove Ltd – First Class
This review was written for the Egremont 2Day newspaper in June 2015. These two short plays playing at Theatre by the Lake’s Studio theatre are not for the faint-hearted but the cast and crew did a marvellous job of making these two plays as mesmerising as possible. The first play, Mr Paradise, is the shorter… Read More Theatre Review: Mr Paradise & Suddenly Last Summer by Tennessee Williams
How Did The Author Do That? by John Yeoman My rating: 5 of 5 stars John Yeoman has created a work which is a must for all budding writers. A big improvement on Fear of Evil, his first attempt to write a novel about how to write novels, this book really works and is a… Read More Book Review: How Did The Author Do That? by John Yeoman
This review was originally published on The Doughnut. Oliver Coates is a refreshing change from the techno babble noise coming out of the pop industry at the moment. This West London lad takes us back to a brief period in modern pop history where the British were getting things right. Yeah we did that… Read More Music Review: Coates – Vol. 1
From my opinion column written for the Egremont 2Day newspaper. Recently I’ve been talking with solicitors and barristers about some potential legal action I may engage in. I don’t normally have much dealings with such people other than for mortgages or sorting out wills so it has been very strange to suddenly find myself ‘popping… Read More Thinking Time
Write Out Loud 