Monday, 20 April 2020
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson Book Review
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Published: 2nd May 2019 by Electric Monkey
★★★★★For no particular reason, I've never really been into crime YA. I love me a true crime podcast and YouTube video but I'd never transferred that love to books. This is why it's taken a lockdown to make me read A Good Girl's Guide to Murder! I was very kindly sent a proof copy back before the release but it had never spiked my interest (and I was also being a lame book blogger) but good lord I'm glad I finally picked it up; it's fast paced, multi-layered excellence that just delivers in every way.
Pippa Fitz-Amobi is a true crime loving teen who aspires to study English and become a journalist one day. So, she decides to begin honing her journalistic abilities early by focussing her sixth form EPQ on the big unsolved murder that took over her town five years ago, that of Andie Bell. What starts as a simple idea, soon becomes a full-scale investigation full of twists and turns, as well as beautifully done character studies. Teaming up with the alleged murderer's brother, the duo go on a journey of obsession and danger that could lead them many ways.
This debut is exceptionally written, with multimedia formatting that is engaging from page one. The book allows the reader to feel like they are investigating alongside the characters with police transcripts, maps, diary entries and more, truly immersing us into the world of Andie Bell.
Not only is this a truly captivating mystery, but it also features a diverse cast with discussions about racial injustice, corruption and the importance of friends and family, be those natural or found. Ravi and Pip's friendship is touching and it's amazing how strong both these characters are. Back when I was at sixth form, I wrote my EPQ on the importance of strong female leads in YA fiction and I would certainly add the brilliant, dedicated, powerful Pippa to the ranks.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, the characters are superbly defined and the structure is so well thought out, that you are hit with information in a way that never feels overwhelming or confusing. This is just a great edge of your seat read, that is sure to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
(ps. in the proof copy I received, the last pages were ripped out. I thought these were just for effect and that the story really did end on a complete cliffhanger but I WAS WRONG. The final chapters of this book are a complete roller coaster and I can't believe I almost missed them! What a spectacular read!)
(ps. in the proof copy I received, the last pages were ripped out. I thought these were just for effect and that the story really did end on a complete cliffhanger but I WAS WRONG. The final chapters of this book are a complete roller coaster and I can't believe I almost missed them! What a spectacular read!)
{AD PR product- book gifted in exchange for honest review}
Saturday, 18 April 2020
Lockdown but make it Stagey | 7 Ways To Be Theatrical During a Pandemic
Hello stagey people! Olivia here, I hope no one minds these more chatty style posts, but with all that's going on I wanted to switch it up a little bit and bring some more relaxed posts about how we can keep ourselves sane, and of course stagey, in these trying times. So with that, I'm sharing some of the ways I've been spending my time so that it might give you some ideas.
Online Courses: I signed up for both the Open University free courses and the FutureLearn courses. They have lots and lots of free courses in a whole host of subjects, ranging from beginner to advanced and are a great way to kill some time whilst keeping your brain active. So far, I've done three geography courses (I'm a bit of a geog geek) and am mid-way through a film and a music course. I've found them to be hugely informative and I've got my eye on a number of the Arts ones, including Approaching Plays and What Is Good Writing? You can sign up for free one the websites and do as many as you like!
Theatrical Artwork: Okay, so I'm not technically doing the artwork but I'm colouring in so it kinda counts, right?! The lovely John and Kayley aka The Stagey Couple have created a brilliant colouring in sheet featuring loads of wonderful shows and it's just excellent. The pair are creative, original and consistent with their content and I'm sure this isn't the only activity they'll provide us with during this lockdown.
Streaming Shows: If you're reading this, I assume you know that there are a whole host of shows being put online as well as other musical related media. I must admit I haven't watched loads but I thoroughly enjoyed Eugenius! and Jane Eyre. Also, Encore on Disney+ is my new guilty pleasure! I'm really looking forward to the future National Theatre productions that are streamed (fingers crossed for Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour) and it's great that there's so much on offer.
Concerts: As well as all the wonderful shows, there's been a load of streamed and recorded concerts. The Leave The Light On series is an excellent showcase of performers resilience and talent and also a wonderful way to sneakily snoop in people's houses, which we all secretly want to do! All the creative initiatives have been lovely to see, with Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton's release of Grounded their concert recorded live in their living room, proving a real favourite with the Bat fans! It's all just GREAT!
Q&As: This just seems like the most brilliant time to gain all the inside knowledge on this wonderful community we're part of and that's been easy to do thanks to the plethora of interviews being made available online. FYI I'm about to hit you with a self-plug... I recently started a podcast called Beyond The Boards with my friend (and amazing performer) Stephanie Rojas and we've been doing an interview series called Beyond the Isolation on our instagram. It's all about how creatives are thriving during this time and I've learnt some great things and felt very inspired.
Quizzes: If there's anything I've learnt during this lockdown, it's that I love a quiz! I can't even tell you how many I've taken part in but there are so many on offer and they're so fun! On Monday I took part in The Other Palace's theatre quiz and it was not only entertaining and informative, but was also a brill way of feeling part of the theatre community again.
Baking: Okay so on the whole my baking has not been specifically theatre related but I feel like it's kind of automatically stagey 'cause it's near impossible to get your ingredients out without bursting into a Waitress number. I did make a pie inspired by the show the other day and it actually turned out pretty well so if you fancy whipping one up, I'll attach my video here. But yeah, baking is just real relaxing, just don't go Sweeney Todd to make it stagey!
So there are a few of my pandemic hobbies! I'm continually amazed at how well our community have come together to create and inform during this time and it can only make us stronger in the end! If you have any stagey ways that you're keeping entertained, let me know in the comments or on social media!
In saying all of this, it's also totally fine to do nothing during this time, you don't have to be working and grinding. Just do what calms you, what makes you happy and what you want to do. In a way we've been blessed with this time so use it however on earth you want!
In saying all of this, it's also totally fine to do nothing during this time, you don't have to be working and grinding. Just do what calms you, what makes you happy and what you want to do. In a way we've been blessed with this time so use it however on earth you want!
Stay safe and stay stagey,
Olivia x
Wednesday, 15 April 2020
Laura Cassidy's Walk of Fame, Alan McMonagle | Book Review
Laura Cassidy's Walk of Fame by Alan McMonagle
Published: 5th March 2020 by Picador, Pan Macmillan
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
As a theatre fan (note: obsessive), I was thrilled when I was asked to review this book all about one young lady's journey to achieve her dream of stardom. Now it was not exactly what I expected. I had pictured Laura taking part in a rom-com esque battle to fight opposing actresses and pull out all the stops to achieve a coveted space on stage, and whilst that is a part of the story, the real driving force is Laura's mental struggles and falsely inflated sense of ego and stardom.
During childhood, when Laura's mother and sister were asleep, her father would fill her head with dreams of stardom as they watched classic films. When her father dies, Laura's whole life turns upside down and she never recovers from the trauma. Now in her mid 20s she hasn't managed to take Hollywood by storm and she lives an unbalanced life.
When a new Director comes to town, Laura thinks she will finally get her big break as Blanche DuBois in his new production of A Streetcar Named Desire. In an attempt to fulfil herself and make her father proud, she makes it her mission to land the role.
Needless to say, things don't go quite to plan. With Laura's globetrotting sister returning home and her kind-of boyfriend helping fill her head with daydreams, Laura begins a downward spiral and her feet fall out from beneath her in her own personal, Galway version of Streetcar.
I can't say this is in my top reads ever, but there's certainly some good moments and it's a very unique way to portray mental health. It's a hard book to explain because it doesn't really fit into a category. There are elements of contemporary chic-lit as well as darker moments, but it's never really dark enough to really be affective. Laura is continually an unreliable narrator so it's difficult to know how we should react. This partly makes it entertaining, having to try and pull apart the characters motivations and truth of her stories, but a lot of the time it feels laborious.
I found the writing somewhat hard to get into, which in part I think is intentional as it shows Laura's fragmented thought patterns, however, this didn't make it the most well paced book. The character development of course is essential but due to this, the key plot points often feel rammed in.
However, in saying all of this, I certainly think McMonagle has done a great job of showcasing passion for performing, and effectively creates some humourous scenes. There's a lovely sense of optimism throughout and you can't help but admire Laura's fervent desire to get her name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Review by Olivia Mitchell
{AD PR Product- book gifted in exchange for honest review}
Tuesday, 14 April 2020
Keep Up Your Craft in Lockdown | Online Theatre Classes
We may be confined to our homes but thankfully the theatre community are coming together to create an abundance of online resources and classes to keep us entertained, fit and ready for our return to the real world... whenever that may be.
I've complied a list of some of these classes and activities which may peak your interest…
Musical Theatre
West End Bootcamp are providing Monday masterclasses at 7pm. These include choreographed routines, vocal classes performing arts masterclasses. Classes are £7.50 for 75 minutes and can be booked by emailing theteam@westendbookcamps.com (Insta: @westendbootcamp)
West End Bootcamp are providing Monday masterclasses at 7pm. These include choreographed routines, vocal classes performing arts masterclasses. Classes are £7.50 for 75 minutes and can be booked by emailing theteam@westendbookcamps.com (Insta: @westendbootcamp)
Pros From The Shows, directed by Layton Williams, are giving daily 30 minute workshops with 15 minute Q&As at the end. The workshops are run on a pay-what-you-can basis and have so far featured Marisha Wallace, Lucie Jones, Liam Mower and many more. To book, email info@prosfromtheshows.com (Insta: @prosfromtheshows)
London Singer Studio have free classes at 11am each day, focussing on all aspects of singing and vocal health. (Insta: @londonsingerstudio)
Kreate Academy are providing dance classes, challenges, live q and a’s and so much more. All their classes are free and there’s a whole variety to choose from. (Insta: @kreateacademyofperformingarts)
The Sing Space have a mixture of paid and free regular classes with industry professionals. These include breathing workshops and West End Fit classes. They also have free daily singing warm ups with West End vocal coach, Rachel Lynes, each morning at 10.30. Many of the classes take place on Zoom or Facebook at The Sing Space Singer’s Hub (Insta: @thesingspace)
MT Livestreamers is a group of musical theatre students who are teaching a variety of Instagram live classes, from tap to relaxation, MT and Bollywood. (Insta: @mt_livestreamers)
Live Stream Arts Fitness are providing a vast timetable of fitness and MT classes which are all free. Most take place on Instagram live, with some on YouTube, Facebook and Zoom. (Insta: @livestreamartsfitness)
Lockdown Live London hosts a daily 6pm workout with a West End star; these have include the Queens of Six, Kelly Mathieson, Sarah O Connor and Jonathan Bailey. They take place on instagram live and stay up for 24 hours. (@lockdownlivelondon)
Broadway Weekends at Home is a hub for all things MT and all the classes are free. All classes are taught by Broadway and West End Performers and there are ones for all ages. (Facebook: Broadway Weekends at Home)
Dance
Magnetic Movement are offering a whole timetable of weekly classes from industry professionals. From beginners tap to pilates and advanced jazz there's something for everyone. The classes take part live on Facebook and Instagram and there are also tutorials on the Instagram page. (Insta: @mageneticmovement_1)
LaDuca Shoes have a host of classes and Q&As, including musical theatre jazz, contemporary and ballet. (Insta: @laducashoesuk)
Sharpe Academy have daily instagram live routines, fitness classes and audition workshops with industry professionals. These have included a Six routine with Vicki Manser and a ballet barre masterclass with Bradley Shelver. (Insta: @sharpeacademy)
MXM have dance classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night and some children’s morning classes. They are 1 hour technique and routine classes which take place on instagram. (Insta: @mxmasterclass)
CLI Studios have regular live class events with renowned choreographers. Most classes are Intermediate/Advanced and are mainly Hip-Hop and contemporary. For any fans of The Ellen Show, this Sunday (19th) features a class with Twitch! (Insta: @clistudios)
Debbie Allen (Fame, Greys Anatomy) is holding weekly dance classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays (Insta: @therealdebbieallen) as well as offering Zoom classes through her dance academy, more information is available on www.debbieallendanceacademy.com
Capezio are offering a big timetable of instagram classes, with Body Conditioning, Locking and Tapping and Commercial just some of what’s available. (Insta: @capezio)
Ballet Specific
Tierney Heap is a current member of the Royal Ballet and a Bloch influencer, she is holding Instagram live classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10.30. (Insta: @tierneyheap)
Sander Blommaert is a former Royal Ballet dancer and is holding classes at 11am each morning on Instagram live. (Insta: @sanderblommaert)
Charise Logan (Renouf) is running barre focussed classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10.30. (Insta: @charise_renouf_)
Sarah Du-Feu is running a whopping 18 Instagram live classes a week suitable for all ages with a mixture of basic and intermediate classes. (Insta: @theballetcoach)
Russian Pointe Brand are running classes for all levels on their instagram, including flexibility and pilates classes. (Insta: @russianpointebrand)
Q&As/Masterclasses
Beyond the Boards is a new theatre podcast which is holding weekly Q&As with performers about their advice for thriving and surviving during lockdown. Previous guests have included Arun Blair-Mangat, Richard Carson and Genesis Lynea. (Insta: @beyondtheboardspod)
SingEasy have launched the SingEasy Diaries where they chats to special guests each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm. Guests include Jodie Steele, Amy Hart and Jai McDowall. (Insta: @singeasywestend)
London Theatre Direct are hosting Q&As, takeovers, bake-alongs and more, with stars of the West End in their Stagey Lockdown. (Instagram: @londontheatredirect)
The Showbiz Clinic run by dancer and choreographer Xena Gusthart is currently doing a series called Pivot Through a Pandemic which is £5 a session and takes place Monday's at 10am. There are also free one to one's available as well as live instagram Q&As. (Insta: @theshowbizclinic)
Stage One have begun a series on online webinars with industry professionals. They take place on Zoom and participants have the chance to ask questions as well as hear stories and advice. (Insta: @stageonenewprod)
There are so many more classes than this but these are just some of the ones on my radar. If you know of anymore, please let me know and I’ll keep this list as updated and comprehensive as possible.
Stay safe and stay stagey!
Olivia x
Thursday, 12 March 2020
Identity, Turbine Theatre | Review
Identity
Turbine Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 11th March 2020 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Described as a "controversial and captivating masterpiece", Identity endeavours to showcase "society's negative perceptions" and highlight that being true to yourself and owning your insecurities is a way to thrive. With the constant pressures perpetually hurled at us via social media, as well as those around us, it's always important to be reminded that we're not alone in our struggles. This show certainly does that, and it's exciting and innovative in its approach.
Caitlin Elizabeth Taylor opens the piece by battling with a Polaroid camera, continually reaching and then drawing herself away from it. It's from this moment that her battle between hiding and owning her identity begins. Having composed some of the music and spoken word, it's clear from Caitlin's fierce performance that this piece is special to her. She boldly throws herself around and strikes a great balance between aggressive stress and introspective peace.
Whilst Caitlin does an excellent job of leading the show, it's during the ensemble (made up of Callum Sterling, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Marina Climent and Luke Cartwright) moments when it really comes to life. The interpretive and super sharp dance numbers are effective and emotive, even if they are a little aloof at times. Visually the way they pulse and leap around stage is exciting, but the use of sound adds another layer. It isn't just the movement that's synchronised but every breath feels as though it's coming from one entity. Equally, this unison makes the moments where the ensemble fall out, even more effective. Christopher Tendai has done a great job of incorporating contemporary dance, with Afro beats to create something which looks and feels stirring.
As well as Caitlin's music, the motion is also accompanied by the incredibly soulful sounds of Sam.G (aka Shekinah Mcfarlane). Her beautifully expressive music is evocative by itself, but when combined with the choreography, a really strong narrative is created.
Over an hour, we are taken on a journey of discovery. This piece finds a solid middle-ground between in your face expression and pared back simplicity. This is in part, thanks to Charlotte McAdam's lighting which is effective throughout; especially during striking strobe light moments where Caitlin's character contorts against the black backdrop.
Thanks to the killer cast and evident love for the work which is engrained in every moment, this is a great show to experience purely to start up a new conversation about being you. A very promising production, Identity is sure to fire up anyone who watches it and would be a great piece to showcase in schools as a subtle reminder to be a little kinder.
Sunday, 8 March 2020
Christopher Tendai on Taking Off The Mask | Identity, Turbine Theatre | Interview
Christoper Tendai is an established performer, having starred in many West End musicals, UK tours, television specials and various commercial projects. His most recent and perhaps most daunting endeavour is launching his own dance company: CTC. The company are soon showcasing a new show at the Turbine Theatre, which looks at what makes us individual through the mediums of dance, spoken word, art and more...
Tell us a little about CTC Dance Company and how it came about...
CTC Dance Company is an upcoming company renowned for its versatility and uniqueness through movement.
The company has been running for 2 years now and started from a short film I created called Imperfections (which can be found on my YouTube channel). Creating CTC was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s my pride and joy and I hope that one day it will be recognised like the McOnie and Mathew Bourne Companies.
You're broaching a whole host of important topics in just 60 minutes, what's included?
Yes we are and I think these subjects are so relevant to create a discussion in the time we live in. We speak about Mental Health, LGBTQ, Feminism and Social Media Through Society. Within the show we see our main character; Caitlin, go on a journey of self discovery and to explore and embrace her own unique identity.
Our identities are formed from what people think of us, the laws we follow that have been placed by society and the biggest one of all: social media.
We always have to be the perfect version of ourselves. But what is perfect? Shouldn’t our own self be enough? Through Identity, we want to inspire people to embrace who they really are. There’s only 1 you in this world.
Mental health awareness is a big part of this show. Dance and creativity is a great outlet to centre yourself and improve your mental health so what would you tell people wanting to get into dance?
I would tell any aspiring dancer/performer that anything is possible. If you put your mind to it, you can achieve your dreams. I started dancing when I was 18yrs old and I made sure I lived and breathed it so I could be as good as the dancers that had been dancing since they were 3.
Since graduating I have danced in various musicals from the West End (Hamilton, In The Heights, Matilda, Jesus Christ Superstar) to UK Tours (Hairspray), Commercial work (Strictly Come Dancing, Fleur East, Rita Ora, Hugh Jackman) to Television (Episodes, The Golden Circle). And now I am choreographing and producing my own production by my company which has transferred Off Westend from Edinburgh Fringe 2019.
So I would say: Stay Focussed. Stay inspired. Work Hard. It all pays off!
Social media can be both a blessing and a curse, how are you incorporating it into Identity?
We touch on social media within the show and I feel it couldn’t be more relevant right now, especially with the recent awful tragedy of Caroline Flack.
Social media is great in ways of course, but somehow it has become a platform to cause harm to people’s mental health. We showcase a section of our show about the way that we are perceived on social media. The show always goes back to a Polaroid picture which has many different meanings. We want to begin an open and positive conversation about it.
What would you like people to feel as they leave Identity?
We want people to leave feeling inspired to be their own version of themselves. We want to show people that no matter what you’ve been through, you are still here today and can change your future path to whatever you want it to be. We want to start the conversation of mental health and remind people that they are important within this world.
Why should people come and see Identity?
People should come and see the show because it’s something completely different which hasn’t been done before. We are not just dance but dance theatre, incorporating different elements to the show such as; Spoken Word, Live Music and Physical Theatre. Come and support and start the conversation on Mental Health Awareness!
Identity plays at the Turbine Theatre from 10th-14th March. £12.50 discount tickets are available by using the code: CTCDANCE1
Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell
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