As we await Margaret Thatcher ‘ceremonial’ funeral and continue to witness the ludicrous level of debate around the playing or not of a certain song on Radio 1, it’s a salutory lesson to rethink one’s own opinions of the Thatcher legacy and, importantly, her approach to political delivery. Sadly for me, the character traits I reluctantly admired in Thatcher appear, on reflection, to be shrouded in ambiguity……
War of the Worlds – Next Generation
Filmed in front of the sell out audience at the London O2 arena in December 2012, caught this Next Generation – Alive On Stage at the Riverside in Woodbridge. Part of its new digital and streaming service, although this obviously wasn’t streamed as most of the specialised productions are. Spectacular production, great sound and incredibly skilled playing from strings ensemble and (very) large band. Very enjoyable although …
Down The Mississippi (Big Wheel Keep On Turnin’)
We have a Frommer’s Guide to New Orleans dated 1996, which indicates just how long ago we first showed an interest in visiting the city. So when we spotted a trip down the Mississippi that finished in the ‘Big Easy’, it was too good an opportunity to pass up. Especially as it took place on a beautiful paddle steamer river boat and visited a number of other southern state towns and cities, famous for both their civil war heritage and blues, soul, country and jazz music pedigrees. What’s not to like. We could never be accused of being tardy, it only took us 17 years to get round to it. And yes, we did still use the Frommer’s Guide.
Here are a few highlights….and in the spirit of the Simpsons’ “comic man” – longest post ever!…..
Ben Affleck’s Argo
I know Van Morrison once declared that “When I cleared up my diction I had nothing left to say” but is that really any excuse for half the dialogue in this film to be virtually unintelligible. Someone should have had a quiet (not too quiet) word with the sound editor!
Hitchcock
Excellent performances, particularly from Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren as the Mr and Mrs of the title and a pretty impressive overview of an ageing director still desperate to prove his relevance in an ever changing film business. Focusing on the 18 months or so during the production of Psycho, it doesn’t shy away from the manipulative and voyeuristic nature of the director, but also examines his …
Inspector Norse – Ipswich New Wolsey
The latest spoof from Lip Service’s Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding, this one plays mercilessly with our current fascination for all thrillers Nordic. The show ‘starts’ when the duo come on stage as a stage hand is still constructing the set with a cheap DIY flat-pack, which when assembled became a giant, reduced-to-clear paperback…..
Dave Kelly & Paul Jones
Great acoustic blues set at the Riverside Theatre in Woodbridge (last Wednesday). Hard to believe it’s well over two years since we last saw them at the same venue. Always fine stuff and this was no exception. Dave Kelly must be one of the most underrated slide guitarists around. The backdrop to the chosen songs are also always worth hearing, although Paul did seem to …
Amour in Aldeburgh
No, not a romantic trip to Suffolk’s favourite haunt for weekend Londoners with more money than sense, but a visit to the town’s cinema to catch the very fine French film “Amour”, directed by Michael Haneke…….
The Leveson Report at local level
I sent an email to my local MP (Daniel Poulter) outlining my support for the general recommendations and findings of the Leveson Report and arguing, no doubt quite pompously, that there was no intellectual rationale to the arguments that statutory underpinning would necessarily inhibit press freedom.
More Comedy In Ipswich
Back into the metropolis that is Ipswich (fading by the day, it has to be said) for two consecutive nights of comedy. Both stand-up, but very different approaches, themes and styles. One overtly political and satirical, the other more whimsical, the humour to be found in the mundane….
Dara O Briain – Ipswich Regent
Thoroughly entertaining, high energy and intelligent stand up. TV psychics, astrology and school nativity plays in secular schools all come in for a gentle hammering and the speed he picks up on material from his interaction with the audience is truly remarkable. Clearly ‘big of brain’ and wide ranging in his subject matter, it’s refreshing to see him also hit the easy target with relish …
Show of Hands – Ipswich Corn Exchange
Only the second time we’ve seen these guys and it was over two years ago when the band ‘gigged’ in the rarefied atmosphere of Snape Maltings. On tour in part to promote the excellent new CD “Wake Up The Union”, it was pleasing to see that they had as good as sold out the Corn Exchange.