Understudies and other things. December 9, 2008

I found it kind of strange that I was reading the Understudy by David Nicholls on the day that David Tennant injured himself and couldn’t perform as Hamlet, wouldn’t you just be gutted?  I mean I’m sure Edward Bennett (Tennant’s understudy) is a very good actor, but it just wouldn’t be the same would it? If you’d booked tickets to see one of your favourite actors in one of the best plays ever written and a twist of fate meant you weren’t going to get what you expected? On the other hand maybe this guy is a hidden talent who just needed his ‘big break’.  I saw this production of Hamlet in August and it is just amazing. I promise you all the hype is definitely true.

Anyway, back to the book, The Understudy is about Stephen C. Mcqueen an ironically named perpetually struggling actor who is currently understudying for Josh Harper -  everybody’s favourite male actor, in a production about Byron. The plot surrounds how things develop between Stephen and Josh and also Josh’s wife Nora. It’s  a very funny and well written book with lots of   little unexpected  plot twists.  the style of writing reminds me a lot of both Nick Hornby and Ben Elton.  You may have also read David Nicholls first book starter for 10, which is also a very good read  and has been made into a film  starring James McAvoy.

Sold Out Syndrome December 8, 2008

This is why it’s easier to like relatively unknown bands, because when you start agreeing with the masses it is impossible to see the bands live. For the second time in as many months I have been unable to get tickets to see Glasvegas live, which is a shame because I’m sure they will be amazing. If anyone is going  please comment and give me your review,  in the meantime here is the video for their new single ‘Please Come Back Home from the christmas album ‘A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like A Kiss)’. Enjoy.

Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten December 3, 2008

I don’t know much about The Clash,  I only own a compilation, but this was a really  good film.  Directed by Julien Temple,  it includes a mixture of biography and documentary.   This chronicling of Joe Strummer’s life is a must not only for punk fans,  but also music fans in general and anyone who is looking to be inspired.  Particularly after the clash finished it seemed that Joe Strummer  just realised how good it was to be alive and this came across really strongly in the later part of the film.  The film  was really well done,  it was a mixture of old photos and video footage,  with interviews of people that either knew him or were fans of his,  including Johnny Depp, Bono,  John Cusack and Steve Buscemi amongst others.  It also included clips from his World Service show.  In the early part of the film there was also a lots of animation which was probably either his drawings or based on them,  although I don’t know that for sure.  I highly recommend that you watch it if you get the chance.

I don’t like Mondays…. December 1, 2008

And I don’t know why, being somewhat of a ‘creative bum’ as one of my friends once put it, I have no reason to still dread Mondays. However, I still seem to find that Mondays are colder, gloomy and generally a bit crap compared to the rest of the week. That said I’m off to see Karima Francis and Nomad Jones at the Academy so that should be good. Here’s Karima Francis ‘The Author’ :

And Nomad Jones doing ‘Tv Light’

I am a useless blogger…. November 28, 2008

but if you’ll forgive me, I’ll make sure there are regular updates from now on. I’m currently trying to write stories about surprises on holiday and eating in your sleep. I’m also re-reading Jane Eyre. Oh and watching the repeats  of Dr Who on iplayer. Lovely stuff.

David Tennant Random fun June 30, 2008

When I was searching like a mildly obsessed maniac trying to find out what happens in Doctor who next week, I found something so weird I felt I had to tell the world about it. Remember those paper cut out dolls you used to be able to dress in a choice of clothes? Well here’s an online version where you can dress David Tennant if you wish!

http://www.stardoll.com/en/dolls/465/David_Tennant.html

What is going on with Doctor Who? ***SPOILERS*** June 29, 2008

Ok so is anyone else completely baffled by the end of last night’s episode? I was convinced that David Tennant was staying at least for the 2009 specials and thought he had already filmed the 2008 Christmas special, either that was a massive cover up operation or they have just completely wasted a regeneration, neither of which makes sense to me.

Either way The Stolen Earth was an amazing episode, but as a massive David Tennant fan I am gutted about the prospect of him leaving the show earlier than I had expected. I guess I shall just have to wait until next week to find out what is really going on. Trouble is waiting was never my strong point…Oh well six days and counting..

Here is a clip of the Doctor regenerating

Everyone should listen to: Glasvegas June 26, 2008

The best new band in a good while, I for one can’t wait for their debut album, which is due around September. Their lyrics just blow me away,  here is Geraldine, their current single.

Everyone should listen to: The Accidental. June 24, 2008

A laid back folk vibe, nice harmonies and a mix of meaningful and quirky lyrics. Here is a video of them performing ‘Illuminated Red’ live in London. I will be doing a full review of their album ‘There Were Wolves ‘ soon.

Sex and the City: The Movie June 24, 2008

having been quite a major fan of the series I was as excited as anyone about finally getting to the the movie although I was also dubious as they ended the series so well that I really wasn’t sure how they were going to find a story for the movie. And it seems unfortunately I wasn’t wrong, it just felt like without wishing to give too much away they had to rip apart the happy ever after they’ve given us at the end of the series in order to make a movie out of putting it back together again.

So although I enjoyed it to an extent there was a bit too much weird angst for me to really rave about it. But then I went to see it a second time and I really enjoyed it. I’m glad I got the box set at Christmas because they have all dissappeared.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=x71HBCWXy0g