Broken – BBC Series Review

Father Michael Kerrigan is the latest name to add to the growing pantheon of priests appearing on our television screens in recent years. Following in the footsteps of Tom Hollander (Rev), James Norton (Grantchester) and Mark Williams (Father Brown) is another acting heavyweight, Sean Bean. Bean takes the lead role in writer Jimmy McGovern’s latestContinue reading “Broken – BBC Series Review”

Beginnings – Hannah’s Yard

The release of debut album Beginnings is surely the start of something special for Hannah Layton Turner. The musical collective known as Hannah’s Yard have released a fascinatingly eclectic record. Here are 14 songs that span across a variety of genres. We have a mixture of folk, pop, country, jazz and swing. They combine toContinue reading “Beginnings – Hannah’s Yard”

Southern Halo – Debut Album

Adding to the wonderful sibling harmonies on the country music scene are Southern Halo. The Morris sisters – Natalia, Hannah and Christina – may only be in their late teens, but they are fast becoming a well-known trio across the pond. Born and bred in Cleveland, Mississippi, their self-titled debut album is far from theContinue reading “Southern Halo – Debut Album”

Salome – National Theatre Live

Director Yael Farber brings a biblical tale to life in the National Theatre’s latest live broadcast. Despite a lack of emotional zeal, Salome is a gloriously aesthetic production. It immerses itself in Middle Eastern culture, making for an atmospheric opening. It harbours a mystical quality that enhances the special effects and technical features. It isContinue reading “Salome – National Theatre Live”

Fearless – A British Homeland?

Writer Patrick Harbinson has left Stateside to come and create a brand-new thriller for ITV. Fearless features Helen McCrory (Peaky Blinders, Penny Dreadful) as a human rights lawyer who sets out to prove the innocence of convicted killer Kevin Russell (Sam Swainsbury). But as she attempts to re-open up his case, it appears that thereContinue reading “Fearless – A British Homeland?”

The Play That Goes Wrong – Venue Cymru

The Play That Goes Wrong is one of the funniest things you will ever see in theatre. There are so many funny moments that a smile will be etched on your face from start to finish. It is consistently hilarious. It is incredibly witty and full of deadpan humour and physical farce. I hate toContinue reading “The Play That Goes Wrong – Venue Cymru”

My Country: A Work in Progress – NT at Theatr Clwyd

With another General Election almost upon us, Theatr Clwyd’s staging of My Country seems particularly apt. A political play of sorts, its backdrop is last year’s divisive and historic EU referendum. In the days following the vote, the National Theatre set about touring the nation, interviewing a variety of people to hear their views onContinue reading “My Country: A Work in Progress – NT at Theatr Clwyd”

Ward Thomas – Cartwheels Tour

Walking the streets of Manchester on Wednesday evening, it felt like any other visit to the city. With the exception of some TV cameras and a clear police presence, it seemed like business as usual for residents, commuters and tourists. Outside The Ritz, the popular music venue opposite Oxford Road station, heightened security meant thatContinue reading “Ward Thomas – Cartwheels Tour”

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – National Theatre Live

If you’re in the mood for a darkly comic tale, then director James MacDonald might be able to help. There is an uncomfortable darkness that penetrates through his production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? From the acting and lighting, right through to the set design, Edward Albee’s landmark play is given a wonderfully brutalContinue reading “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – National Theatre Live”

The Importance of Being Earnest – Theatr Clwyd

There are certain smells that have the power to transport you to a certain place. Before the action had even started on the stage of the Anthony Hopkins theatre, I found myself standing in the middle of a bookshop, browsing the shelves and in my element. Clearly, the ingredients for the opening scene – consistingContinue reading “The Importance of Being Earnest – Theatr Clwyd”