I’ve had a pretty packed week this week, so I thought I’d sum it all up in a blog.
So, the week’s cultural proceedings started on Tuesday, when I visited the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent to see their production of wartime play Journey’s End. This was a play I admittedly had limited knowledge of, but one I enjoyed nonetheless. Intense and emotionally harrowing, but not without its moments of light relief. The cramped stage reflected this intensity. So trench-like I almost forgot it was a stage. The acting too, was engaging and convincing, leaving me feeling somewhat shaken at the end of the play.
Wednesday was the turn of cinema, and I took a trip to Birmingham to see Richard Ayoade’s directorial debut Submarine. I am a fan of Ayoade’s work as an actor, and so I was excited at the prospect of a film directed by him. In addition, I love British cinema, Sally Hawkins, Paddy Considine and Alex Turner (who did the superb soundtrack), so it’s safe to say my expectations were pretty high. The film did not disappoint, quite the opposite in fact. The film, based on Joe Dunthorne’s novel and set in 1980s Swansea, carried a very British small-scale vibe, with the kind of sharp irony that one would expect from an Ayoade output. Funny and touching in equal measure, at times it is heartbreaking, but mostly it is hilarious. Oliver Tate and Yasmin Paige both shine in their lead roles, playing characters who are flawed, but endearing all the same. Technically, the film looks great and all in all it is a really impressive debut from a director who I hope to see more from. I can’t recommend this film enough, go and see it now.
Thursday was a sad day. Due to government cutbacks, youth radio station KicFM has been forced to close, and this day was the last one for broadcasting. But boy did we go out with a bang! The Express and Star and ITV showed up in the morning to cover the story, and I was very kindly given an hour slot in the evening on which I played some ‘stick it to the man’ anthems (thanks Public Enemy, Radiohead, The Clash and Manics for ranting on my behalf). It was great to catch up with everyone at the station, and to see so many young people pulling together which such enthusiasm to save a worthy project. It was also lovely to back on the air after such a long time- I was overwhelmed by listener response, so if that included you, then THANK YOU! It was an emotional evening, and really sad to think that a place where I have spent many happy and productive hours has been shut down. Hopefully this isn’t the end as such for KicFM, watch this space. The final broadcasts will be up here soon so do check them out and thank you for everyone’s support so far, and check out this film!
My definite highlight of the week came on Saturday, when I went to see Kylie Minogue at the M.E.N in Manchester, but that deserves a post of its own (coming soon)!
Beret Bird Says... 