My Week in Theatre/Film/Radio/Live Music

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)!

Save KicFM!

It seems that every week we’re hit with new Tory cuts. To be honest I’m not sure how a restriction on access to education, books, healthcare and nature makes for a better society but I did fully see all the proposed cuts coming. The one cut that’s affected me most personally however is the scrapping of volunteering scheme V Inspired. This scheme  funds community youth radio station KicFM, on which I have spent a lot of time broadcasting. As a media graduate, I’ve found the post-university job hunt a largely frustrating experience, which is why such an organisation has been so integral to my CV, and more importantly my sanity. After slugging it out in uninspiring retail jobs, my weekly fix of broadcasting fun kept me from becoming unmotivated to the point of giving up. And without it, I would have had a much harder job securing a BBC internship. It’s not just me who has benefited from KicFM, I have met lots of other dedicated and enthusiastic young people at this station, not least those that run it. Shutting this station down, is taking away a positive and productive way for young people to spend their time, and to meet other like-minded people; something which is in short supply as it is. To think that the people currently involved will lose this fantastic service, and that in future young people won’t have access to the opportunities offered by KicFM, and V Inspired, fills me with a combination of anger and sadness. Hopefully, the triumph of 6 Music can repeat itself and save this station too. Check this out to lend a hand to the cause.