The Thick of It’s Chris Addison talks about the limits of satire, the trials of being a parent and his new show, Breeders March 11, 2020 He rose to fame as a stand-up comedian and became a household name playing The Thick of It’s hapless SpAd Ollie Reeder. Now, after a spell in Hollywood, Chris Addison is returning to British screens with his new sitcom Breeders, directed alongside Simon Blackwell and starring Martin Freeman. It’s a biting comedy about the sleepless [...]
Roddy Doyle: The beloved author opens up on growing older, Irish politics and why he’s still angry March 11, 2020 Roddy Doyle is one of the most well known and beloved contemporary Irish authors. His work includes the Two Pints series and The Commitments, as well as numerous children’s books. We caught up with him on the eve of a new speaking tour. Hi Roddy. Your speaking tour, Conversations with Roddy Doyle, begins soon. Why [...]
Among the Trees at the Hayward Gallery: The life of trees viewed through the lens of the anthropocene March 6, 2020 The first recorded use of the term “tree hugger” came in 1730, when a Hindu sect called the Bishnoi tried to stop the maharajah of Jodhpur from chopping down an ancient forest for materials to build his new palace. They died in their hundreds, clinging to branches as the army cut down first the Bishnois [...]
Aubrey Beardsley at Tate Britain review: Delight in these sinister, bawdy drawings that railed against Victorian prudishness March 6, 2020 “I am nothing if I am not grotesque,” Victorian illustrator Aubrey Beardsley once said when asked to explain his art. It’s a fitting summary for the new exhibition of his work at Tate Britain, which takes the viewer on a tour of life’s darker and more sinister corners. Wandering its 15 rooms, you are shunted [...]
I Think We Are Alone at Theatre Royal Stratford East review: Kathy Burke’s influence looms large on heartfelt black comedy March 6, 2020 “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” It’s a quotation from Scots poet Ian McLaren, now being misattributed to Plato on Instagram feeds everywhere. It’s also the message I Think We Are Alone, the black comedy being toured by physical theatre troupe Frantic Assembly to mark its 25th anniversary, wants to [...]
Military Wives review: The Full Monty meets Keep Calm and Carry On in predictable Britcom March 6, 2020 If someone decided to make a film adaptation of the Keep Calm and Carry On poster, it would probably turn out a bit like Military Wives. Directed by The Full Monty’s Peter Cattaneo, it’s a similar tale of good old-fashioned British grit triumphing against the odds – except instead of steelworkers it’s about soldiers’ wives, [...]
Onward review: A magical tale of brotherly love, this is Pixar at its most uplifting March 5, 2020 Pixar’s latest does what Pixar does best. With just a few choice lines of dialogue and a handful of scenes it outlines a rich and vibrant world, rendered with such delicate artistry it’s hard to imagine that each frame was spat out of an unfeeling graphics processor. In keeping with Pixar’s recent slew of gut-punchers [...]
Music in Offices Casual Come and Sing March 4, 2020 | Sponsored A chance for some informal singing with some of the City’s best musicians! Join Music In Offices’s Phil Wilcox and Rob Garland for an evening of music making and a chance to sing some of your favourite tunes whilst keeping well lubricated from drinks in The Counting House! Date: Monday 30th MarchTime: 6.00pmVenue: Counting House, [...]
Vortex Jazz Club March 4, 2020 | Sponsored Vortex’s monthly residency continues for a big band initiated by bassist Calum Gourlay, known for his great work with Thelonious, an award-winning solo album and more. Date: Sunday 29th MarchTime: 7.45pmVenue: Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, London, N16 8AZ Get 50% off on ticket prices for first 20 people. Email tessa@tessamarchington.com to obtain the code.
Celebrating International Women’s Day March 2, 2020 This month in The City Culture Corner, we are celebrating International Women’s Day with seven women working in the culture sector. From dancers to composers, and singers to actresses, The City Culture Corner curator, Tessa Marchington has sought out these industry leaders, and asked them how they embrace risk taking. See below for their responses. [...]