The Force Will Be With You Always

"I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened."...

Que?? In Memory Of Andrew Sachs

Andrew Sachs was Manuel to me, as he was to countless other fans of the timeless comedy series Fawlty Towers. I fell in love with the loveable, if clueless, waiter since I was a small boy. I can still quote the episodes backwards, forwards and completely out of order. Sachs' astonishing tag teaming with John Cleese's bullish Manager was the backbone of the programs two series run. A consummate professional, Sachs would often tell of the moments where he would encourage Cleese to hit him harder so it looked believable. So many classic Manuel moments to enjoy but for me it has to be the wonderful episode with Manuel's pet hamster. "Cuddle that and you'll never play the guitar again" retorts Basil! I honestly couldn't tell you whether Sach's faltering Spanish was realistic but, for me, it was the source of much hilarity and provided a harmless and inoffensive humour which lends Fawlty Towers a timeless quality.

Sachs had been suffering from dementia and has finally lost his brave battle to the illness, aged 86. Dementia has now overtaken heart disease in the number of deaths it is responsible for and with media attention increasing, we must focus on a cure for this terrible thief of life. I join with the countless fans and admirers around the world who send their heart felt sympathies to Andrew's family, friends and those who had the privilege of working with him. Thank you for providing us with so many smiles and so much laughter.

Andrew Sachs 7th April 1930- 23rd November 2016

Boy

This isn't just a straight review of a theatre production and I cant be on the fence about this, this is important. The strong reaction was provoked by watching one of the hardest hitting plays I have ever seen....

Sunshine In My Pocket- A Celebration Of Mushroom Theatre Company

On Sunday 20th November you will have the opportunity to see for yourself why Mushroom Theatre deserves to be viewed as the best example of fully inclusive theatre in the UK. Tickets are selling fast so book your tickets now and then read why you made the right decision...

Wild At Heart - 4 Short Plays By Tennessee Williams

Tennessee Williams, well known by most for A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, is heralded as one of America's foremost playwrights. An outing of 4 of his lesser known single act plays is not something that should be missed, so I didn't....

The Hate Strangled Banner - Composed By Thomas Hewitt Jones

A striking new treatment of America's National Anthem by renowned composer Thomas Hewitt Jones gets me musing over the power of music....

In Memory of Michael Massee

Sad news that Michael Massee passed away on October 20th 2016 aged only 61. Massee will be a known face to many television and film fans around the globe. I loved him as Ira Gaines in the 2002 series of 24 and as Charles Hoyt in Rizzoli and Isles. Many of you would be forgiven, on hearing his name, for not knowing who he was but you will have enjoyed his considerable acting skills. For me, Massee was one of those incredibly important actors who used his amazing talent not to gain huge celebrity status but to act and perform on a wide range of projects. Massee was a grafter who worked hard at whatever character he was asked to bring to life. Not all actors gain or even seek the so called celebrity status that seems so often to be what is used to measure success. I have far more respect for actors who focus on the quality of their performance and are reliable in delivering what was expected of them than those that feel the need to constantly self promote. Massee was the latter and yet he always had time and a smile for fans, whether meeting them at Cons or on the street.

The film industry needs more talented creatives like Massee and the world is a lesser place after he has left it. What has also riled me is that the so called big and glossy sites have chosen to focus on the only incident that Massee was present for but that had nothing to do with him. This incident will not get mentioned in any specific detail by me, a fan who also wants to respect his grieving family at this difficult time. Are we really living in a society that an accident which took the life of another actor is what we are using to remember someone by? Shame on you Variety and any other so called professional outlet that so belittles acting and talented people by reducing the body of their work to a byline compared to more sensational headlines. I choose to remember the many and varied roles so successfully brought to screen by an actor who tirelessly worked to provide entertainment for the public. Focusing on the positive contribution he made to an industry which is crying out for talented actors is something I will always be grateful for.

My little blog may not get as many reads as Variety does but I would like to think Massee will be remembered respectfully and with much tenderness by someone who really enjoyed his work.

Michael Massee: 16th August 1955 - 20th October 2016

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

Ahead of its festive run this Christmas I remember my visit to Peter Pan Goes Wrong a couple of years ago er, in March...

Raindance Festival: Orion

 In a future dark age, after civilisation has collapsed, there are rumours and prophecies of a saviour to come. A maiden, held captive by a cannibal shaman, prays for a saviour. Soon after, an illiterate hunter stumbles upon the shaman’s cottage. The maiden promises to lead the hunter to a city containing the world’s last survivors. With an aid of an urchin vagabond, the hunter plots against the shaman who may not be human at all...

London Film Festival: A United Kingdom

Leicester Square played host to the Opening Gala for the 60th London Film Festival last night and A United Kingdom was the film chosen to launch proceedings with a bang. Based on a true story and directed by Amma Assante, A United Kingdom has all the makings of a truly epic film that could lead it to being considered as the 'Cry Freedom' for a new generation...

Ability Not Disability- Interview With Wendy Puckrin

October is Down's Syndrome awareness month and with My Feral Heart being talked about, ahead of it's November release in Cinemas, I was privileged to spend time with Wendy Puckrin. Wendy was 38 when she gave birth to Elijah. Now Elijah is 3 years old I talk to her about how he has changed her life forever....

Press Release: The Crystal Egg

London-based production company Old Lamp Entertainment is pleased to announce that its debut production for 2017 is now in development and crowdfunding. Stepping onto the streets of period London, the company will present an adaptation of visionary author H. G. Wells short story ‘The Crystal Egg’. It is considered by many literary experts and fans of the author’s work to be a prequel to the hugely popular ‘The War of the Worlds’.

The story is centred on an old curiosity shop in the slums of London's Seven Dials, which is run by an eccentric old man and his dysfunctional family. They discover that a small crystal egg in their possession serves as a window onto another world, and is being used in surveillance of Earth.

The show will fuse multiple art forms in light, sound, performance, and video in a multimedia extravaganza, to take audience members on an experience through the sights and sounds of the story and bring them face to face with Wells' creatures of another world.

Old Lamp Entertainment director and producer, Mike Archer says of the project: “I’m a huge fan of H. G. Wells’ writing. Ever since watching the 1950's 'War of the Worlds' whilst growing up, the story had a profound effect on me. Wells is skilled at stimulating the imagination; one of the great writers of the early 20th Century. For me, working to create a show inspired by his works is a dream come true. 'War of the Worlds' is culturally significant. With 'The Crystal Egg' we want to open out the story to a whole new generation of people and create an invasion story for the now. The works of Wells are as relevant as ever. In bringing the story to life, we are examining themes of surveillance and greed, whereby we don’t quite know who is watching us or from where."

Co- producer Luisa Guerreiro is quick to point out: “People want more from shows. We want to push the boundaries of what can be achieved, and deliver a show that gives an audience a cinematic quality to a theatrical experience.”

The project has already gained a huge following of support. On 21st September 2016 Old Lamp Entertainment is set to launch a crowd funding campaign, in partnership with entertainment supporter 'Phundee'. Ashon Spooner, Phundee's director said of the project: "At Phundee, we believe every project should be shareable with its backers. 'The Crystal Egg' aims to be an immersive experience, allowing its audience to feel a part of the narrative and share in a collective experience. Phundee's mission is to empower the next generation of entertainment makers, and the team behind 'The Crystal Egg' are a perfect example of this."
Since bursting onto the scene in 2011, Old Lamps has continued to grow, with two separate entities dealing in both theatre and film (Old Lamp Films) The company's first film 'The Journey of Alfred Small' debuted online in 2015 to critical and audience acclamation after receiving award nominations for 'Best Ensemble Cast' at the March Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards. Mike, whose extensive list of credits across stage and screen includes 'Easy Virtue' (starring Jessica Biel and Colin Firth) and Oscar-winning 'The King's Speech' added: "I can't sit still. I need to be doing projects. As an actor, you spend a lot of time finding the next job, but that doesn't sit well with me. So I started Old Lamp Films to tell the stories I want to tell. We're working on some fantastic projects, including feature film 'Berners Street', to be directed by the wonderful and exciting Helen O' Hanlon."

Anyone interested in 'The Crystal Egg' should check out Old Lamp Entertainment's website and to subscribe to the community to learn more about the production. Website - www.oldlamp.biz Production Page - http://www.oldlamp.biz/the-crystal-egg and to invest in the project and earn some amazing perks please go to the productions Phundee page at https://www.phundee.com/reward/campaign/the-crystal-egg-old-lamp-entertainment

Theatre: The Crystal Egg

“No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man's and yet as mortal as his own; that as men busied themselves about their various concerns they were scrutinised and studied, perhaps almost as narrowly as a man with a microscope might scrutinise the transient creatures that swarm and multiply in a drop of water.”..

Press Release: How To Be Human

Putting a science fiction twist on a real world crisis, the short film How to be Human is currently crowdfunding...

Set in a dystopian future, How to be Human reverses the current humanitarian crisis of Syrian refugees fleeing to Europe by following two UK citizens - sisters, one human, the other android - as they flee war-torn London to Dover and the promise of a better world across the English Channel in Calais. With a scarily relevant and frighteningly foreboding reality, the film explores the dire consequences of a world without humanity and spotlights a different perspective of what it means to be a refugee and what it is to be human.

Frustrated by the misrepresentation and dehumanisation of Syrian refugees in the media, producer Louise Salter wanted to create a story that changed the perception of refugees and to provoke audiences to consider the reality - that people do not choose to become refugees, it’s a situation that is thrust upon them out of a sense of desperation and fear for their lives. 

“They are real human beings with real stories, and this film is a gentle reminder of that."

Written by Darren Rapier, Directed by Bruno Centofanti and Co Produced by Jeffrey Michael. Louise also stars alongside BAFTA Scotland award winning actress Sophie Kennedy Clarke (Philomena) and West-end star Frances Ruffelle (Les Miserables).

With filming now complete they are now looking to raise £10,000 through a crowdfunding campaign in order to enable VFX Supervisor Marc Hutchings, who has worked on films like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, X-Men and Guardians of the Galaxy, to add the impressive visual effects needed to complete the post-production process.

The campaign runs until 5th October and promises perks which range from a digital copy of the finished film, through signed posters, limited edition artwork and workshops with the writer and director, to a promise of 48 months of Good Karma with the universe, which must be worth investing in.

Find out more information and support the crowdfunder here

2 Plays About Gays

Off West End and Pub Theatre can often be where you discover the sort of theatre that challenges and dares to say what others would only think. It is a thriving and exciting environment where it is wise to expect the unexpected and it is keeping Theatre alive today...

Journal Of The Not Quite Dead

Another night shoot, Multiple Not Quite Deaders and AD Lane....

60th BFI London Film Festival Launch

60 years of the LFF! They say diamonds are a girls best friend and, whoever they may be, when it comes to the line up for this years London Film Festival it isn't just the ladies that are being treated..

Journal Of The Not Quite Dead

Never eat Playdough, Frank makes 'em laugh and my onscreen debut...

The Camden Fringe 2016:We Are Not Alone

In the near future, Earth is expecting the arrival of aliens. During this time of unprecedented apprehension it is important that you are prepared. Worried? don't be, there is a workshop to support you...

1 In 3

Last night I went to see 1 in 3 again, on its first night as part of Camden Fringe. It is the mark of a well crafted play that it still retains its power to move even on a second viewing. The themes explored during the play are always going to cause an emotional response and yet I still marvel at how upbeat the performance is. This is not theatre that depresses it is a play that makes you want to grab life by the throat and live it for all you are worth...

Theatre Review: Miranda

You would think that watching a romantic comedy based at the cringe worthy Radio Banter wouldn't be a great way to spend an evening, well you would be very wrong....

It's The Summer of 2016

I know parents that can't wait for the holidays and for the school term to end. They plan detailed activities designed to stimulate and entertain until September brings a new school year. I am not one of these parents....

The Naked Civil Servant

As part of a season showcasing the work of creative genius, Jack Gold, the BFI screened the controversial and groundbreaking biopic on the life of Quentin Crisp....

Sweet Venues, Possibly The Best Venue In The World?

As Sweet Venues launch their offering for this years Edinburgh Fringe I thought I would revisit my opinions on this amazing Fringe venue. Welcome to my Post Fringe musings and it's all about one amazing company, truly sweet...

The Camden Fringe: Shakespeare Tonight

What if Shakespeare was alive today? Hamlet is being performed for the first time and The Bard is about to give his first television interview...

The Camden Fringe- One More For My Baby

"Everyone wants a piece of you, Frank. I just don't want my piece anymore"

Theatre Review- Romeo And Juliet

Perform International's production of Romeo and Juliet is being performed as part of this years Camden Fringe. Here is a reminder of what happened to me when I went to see it, I hate Romeo and Juliet...

Theatre Review- Unreachable

A film director on an quest to capture the perfect light. Anthony Neilson opens the doors to the rehearsal room and allows the audience to experience the pain and obsession of creating a masterpiece...

Interview Adam J Morgan

Adam J Morgan has released a short film which resonates with audiences at a deeply emotional level. 'Martha' is tragic and tells the story of a Mother who is stricken by grief caused by the loss of her daughter. Morgan has brought to life a story that lay buried since 1870 and would have never been told had he not researched his own family tree. I was excited at the opportunity to chat about 'Martha' further with him...

Press Release- Martha

1870. A child. A fire. A day that changed lives forever.

Film maker, Adam J Morgan, uncovered more than he bargained for when he started researching his family tree. Buried within the forgotten inquest papers and medical records was a story of a mother's desperate and heart wrenching loss. 'Martha' tells the story of a family destroyed by a tragic accident that could have been prevented yet even today, death due to unintentional negligence still happens. Using the original inquest report as narration and shot in black and white, 'Martha' is a story that leaves its powerful mark on audiences.  

At the heart of 'Martha' lies the message that every life matters and we must do everything we can to safeguard and protect those who are most vulnerable in our society. The wordless remorse that Jane feels over the loss of her daughter is something that no mother should endure. Adam J Morgan has produced a film that will resonate with every parent, young or old, and represents film making at its most beautiful and enchanting. Striking in its use of light and bold in its visuals, 'Martha' will leave you with a sense of loss and a life that was taken far too soon.

Stories have the power to thrill and challenge but can also disturb and upset us. The truth is sometimes more tragic than anything that can be dreamt of or imagined. 

Experience the short film, 'Martha', for yourself by clicking on the link here

In Memory- Caroline Aherne

Caroline Aherne passed away on Saturday 2nd July 2016 having battled lung cancer since 2014. 2016 is only half way through and is the worst in my memory for the loss of astounding talent...

We Didn't Start The Fire

With Nigel Farage's embarrassing and damaging rant at the EU today and with further outbreaks of racial violence again we need to put a stop to this before its too late. We didn't start the fire (to quote the tremendously portentous Billy Joel song) but we certainly haven't done much to put it out...

The Betrayal of Democracy

If a referendum is won based on lies and not through persuasive argument then it is not a victory for democracy but a betrayal....

Hancock's Half Hour- A One Man Show

To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Hancock's Half Hour, James Hurn performs two classic episodes and voices all the characters himself...

Trigger Warnings And Why They Are Essential

The following link will take you to an article written by Gina Berreca for the online site The Lima News and was posted on 10th June 2016, 6 days before Jo Cox was murdered. Trigger Warnings...

Hate Retoric Gives Birth To Death

 MP Jo Cox was gunned down as she arrived for a Surgery to discuss the political issues that she wanted to communicate. She has been murdered but who really is responsible. Our political system, indeed our leaders need to point the fingers at themselves. This stops, today!...

Interview: James Hurn and 60th Anniversary of Hancock's Half Hour

In a celebration of the comedic genius of both Tony Hancock and the writing of Galton and Simpson, impressionist James Hurn marks the 60th Anniversary of Hancock's Half Hour with a one man show...

Brighton Fringe 2016: My My Immortal

Hi my name is Ebony Darkness Dementia Raven Way and I am the lead character in the worst piece of Fan Fiction ever written...

Brighton Fringe 2016- Golem

The Jews of Prague are in fear for their very lives and they need a saviour but is this really what they imagined?...

Brighton Fringe 2016- Hercules

Joshua Crisp is a one man story telling legend in this retelling of the Hercules tale, Grecian mythology on Speed...

Brighton Fringe 2016: Reality Check, Athena Kugblenu

Any visit to Brighton Fringe isn't really complete without a stand up performance. Athena Kugblenu has been impressing comedy clubs with her politically aware writing...

Brighton Fringe 2016: Beards,Beards,Beards

From the same Company that brought you The Bookbinder, a musical which has the oddest concept at its heart. Putting the fringe back into Fringe, it's BEARDS, BEARDS, BEARDS!...

Brighton Fringe 2016- Waiting For Gandalf

"It’s too complete a story to go backward. Yes, forwards is the only way to go. Looking back is such a waste isn’t it? It’s what’s going to be that we should be bothered with. Not all that was. I mean, the past is the past. History. Learn from it and move on."...

Brighton Fringe 2016: The Devil Without

A deserted, abandoned church. A desperate man who's looks hide more years than can be imagined. Tonight, an unimaginable evil will attempt to breach the walls of this building. Nothing can stop it, nothing except perhaps, you...

Brighton Fringe 2016- The BookBinder

'THEY SAY YOU CAN GET LOST IN A GOOD BOOK. BUT IT’S WORSE TO GET LOST IN A BAD ONE…'

Reviewing The Reviewer

There are bad paid reviewers as well as bad unpaid ones but all opinion is valid, lets grow up a little shall we?...