THEATRE REVIEW: Wish You Weren’t Here at Soho Theatre, London “It’s an hour very well-spent” says reviewer Paul Vates – Drama Critic

As we all know, sometimes less is more – and this little play falls into this category. I usually bemoan the fact that sixty-minute (or one-act) plays haven’t been fleshed out and can leave an audience yearning for more … but Wish You Weren’t Here is an accomplished piece of writing by Katie Redford.

Mum Lorna (played by Eleanor Henderson) and daughter Mila (Olivia Pentelow) are on a weekend break to Scarborough, where they used to come when Mila was a child and Nan was still alive. But Mila is now 16, has just received her GCSE results and would rather be partying with her friends back in Sheffield than hanging about arcades, Wetherspoons and the hotel room with her embarrassing mother. However, Lorna just wants to have fun – she is only 32-years-old – and longing for her lost twenties. Mila shows classic signs of teenage angst.

They love each other but somehow can’t connect no matter how they try. Two generations breathing the same air but unable to articulate their differences. So much frustration about the world, about each other, about the loss of Nan. But this isn’t a sad piece – there is a lot to enjoy and laugh at. Genuinely real performances, full of tenderness and detail, come from both actresses. It’s an hour very well-spent.

A simple and effective set, designed by Bethany Wells, allows a surprising amount of movement from a small show that has been touring the UK, with Brighton and Guildford still on the horizon after this London sojourn. Director Rob Watt has created a piece that is full of warmth, leaving just the right amount of breathing space for the two performers to fill.

Photography Chris Saunders Writer Katie Redford Director Rob Watt

Movement Director Kiren Virdee Designer Bethany Wells Musical Director Ellie Verkerk

Running Time 60 minutes Age Restrictions 12+ Until Saturday 2nd March 2024

Check with the theatre for show times . Venue Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE vhttps://sohotheatre.com/events/wish-you-werent-here

Website https://www.theatre-centre.co.uk/shows/wish-you-werent-here

Instagram @sheffieldtheatres @theatrecentre Facebook @shefftheatres

@TheatreCentreU Twitter @crucibletheatre @TCLive #WishYouWerentHere

Future Tour Dates 7th-8th March 2024 Brighton Dome

https://brightondome.org/whats_on/

14th-15th March 2024 Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/wish-you-werent-here

A Woman of Pleasure by Kiyoko Murata – translated by Juliet Winters Carpenter and reviewed by Kate Hutchinson

Most of us are familiar with Memoirs of Geisha. Is there more we need to know about sexworkers In early 20th C Japan? It turns out there is and it’s quite a tale. Based on real life events, this is a different story with the same beginning – a girl from a poor family sold to a brothel. 

In 1903 fifteen year old Aci Ichi, daughter of a female sea diver, is taken to the most exclusive brothel in Kumamoto, Japan where she becomes the protegee of the highest ranking courtesan. As she is educated in the ways of the work, she comes to understand the power of sex and money intertwined. But the new recruits are also taught to read and write, and encouraged by her tutor, Ichi learns to think clearly and express herself in writing. Gradually the women of the brothel begin to work together to take control of their lives and, influenced by the local shipyard workers, they take decisive action and go on strike.

Really interesting, and key to the story, is the use of literacy. Ichi expresses herself through the poetry she writes in class, full of vivid ideas and emotion, which contrasts with the smooth, over-complimentary letters the courtesans write to their clients.

Possibly a little long, but well-worth reading to the end, whilst appreciating our ability to do so.

A Woman of Pleasure by Kiyoko Murata Translated by Juliet Winters Carpenter 

ISBN 978-1-804-44101-5 Pub: FOOTNOTE Press £12.99

Interview with Dani Atkins The Author of The Memory of Us

The Memory of Us is a fantastic book. How long did it take you to write it?
The Memory of Us took approximately one year to write. I don’t write particularly quickly and
would panic if I had to produce a book any faster.
When I gave up work to write full-time I thought I’d begin at nine o’clock and work through
until five (with an hour for lunch, of course). It wasn’t long before I realised I’m not disciplined
enough for that.
People might be surprised it takes me twelve months to write a book, but I’m just amazed it
doesn’t take even longer!

Where did the idea come from?
My books have recurring themes of love, family, and friendship, often set against a life
changing moment or event. From the outset I knew I wanted this story to feature two sisters
and the unshakeable bond between them. Lexi and Amelia were a joy to write, and I miss
spending time with them.

The book has many themes. How did you manage to thread them all together so well?
I’d like to say it was a result of meticulous planning – except I don’t plan at all. However, I
knew the important plot points, so it was a matter of letting the story unfold naturally and
trusting everything would fall into place.

What is your writing routine like?
My day starts with a dog walk, when I’ll formulate my plan for that day’s writing and often get
ideas for conversations between characters.
Before I begin, I go back and edit the previous day’s work. I know many authors prefer to
keep their eye on the finishing line, but I’m not happy going forward if I think there’s
something that needs fixing.
Mornings are not my most productive time, so it’s mid to late afternoon before I usually hit
my stride.
Before turning off my computer I read that day’s work out loud. I find this to be a useful way
of checking both the pace of the story and the authenticity of the dialogue.

What advice would you give writers who want to maintain a career?
First, to keep reading in many different genres. Seeing how authors tackle a story, handle
the pace, the dialogue and the plot can be very inspiring. It motivates you to bring all you
have to the table the next time you begin to write.
Next, is to just write. Don’t tell yourself that ‘one day I’ll write a book’. Do it. Do it now. It’s
easy to think you don’t have time to write, but you just need to be disciplined and
determined. Don’t set impossible goals. If you aim for just 1000 words a day, in three months
you’ll have a novel.
Lastly, write the book that’s in your heart. It’s more important to be aware of current literary
trends than it is to follow them. At the end of the day, you must write the book you want to
write and tell the story you have to tell. Perhaps it isn’t the same one that everyone is
reading right then; perhaps you are bucking the trend… but it’s just possible you’re starting a
new one.

What’s next for you? 
My next book is well underway and has a working title of PROMISE ME – although I’m sure
that will change – they usually do. It is another emotional drama with some strong characters
who I hope people will fall in love with every bit as much as I’ve done. I don’t want to reveal
too much more, but I will say that I made myself cry writing the very first chapter, which was
a first for me.

The Memory of Us’ by Dani Atkins is just published by Head of Zeus in hardback. I loved it. It is a beautiful and heartfelt novel which takes many themes and ties them together beautifully. The characters are divine and I adored the love story. I was fully immersed in this beautiful book. Superb writing mixes with a novel that keeps you guessing all of the way. I can’t recommend it enough.

Frost Loves Linwoods Overnight Oats Range with Benefits

I love overnight oats. Easy-to-make, good for you and tasty. What more could you want? Linwood have an amazing range of delicious overnight oats with extra benefits. I love them and can’t recommend them enough.

Get your mornings off to a great start with Linwoods as today they unveil a delicious range of Overnight Oats with functional benefits in three tasty variants; Strawberry EnergyChocolate Protein & Original Energy.

Indulge guilt free with Linwoods Strawberry flavour Energy Overnight Oats which deliver energy yielding metabolism and tiredness reduction through its supporting nutrients Vitamins B6 and B12.

Chocolate flavour Protein Overnight Oats are high in plant-based protein for muscle growth, and magnesium which combats tiredness and fatigue and supports muscle function. One 50g serving of this blend delivered 11g of plant-based protein which supports growth and maintenance of muscles.

Or why not try the Energy Overnight Oats in a natural flavour allowing you to customise your own oats with whatever toppings you prefer whilst also adding those energy supporting B Vitamins into your diet.

Known for their health credentials with their milled seed range, Linwoods newest innovation takes the hassle out of developing your own overnight oats recipe. Nowadays our lives are busy and we need convenience but that can’t take away from the importance of a healthy diet, in fact, a healthy diet is a must to feel good and get the most out of life.

Linwoods Overnight Oats recipe are so simple to make in 3 easy steps:  

  1. Soak: Simply soak 50g of oats with 100ml of your favourite milk and stir.   
  2. Chill: Cover and leave in the fridge overnight.  
  3. Enjoy: Grab and go or add some of your favourite toppings to make it your own.   

No matter what your lifestyle, Linwoods Overnight Oats will get your day off to a flying start. The new range is available to buy now at www.linwoodshealthfoods.com.

Frost Loves Baked by Steph: Perfect For Valentine’s Day

Baked by Steph Launches Dreamy Valentine’s Day Collection

Delicious treats that look as good as they taste. We adored the macarons. Treat someone you love today.

Love Macarons, £14

Tasty, gorgeous and decadent. No, we’re not just talking about your Valentine’s Date. These macaroons are a gorgeous treat for that someone special and each one has its own delicious flavour – including Dulce de Leche, Pink Lemonade and Chocolate Strawberry.

Personalised Eggplant Letterbox Cookie, £9.50

We bet the humble aubergine never imagined it would become a symbol for things of a steamier nature, but here we are. The perfect gift to spark some flirtatious banter or just make them roar with laughter, you can make it your own with a personalised message.

Flirt with your senses this Valentine’s Day: Explore Xīn and Voltaire’s frozen sorbet cocktails

Love is in the air, and Xīn and Voltaire are poised to redefine romance this Valentine’s Day with their indulgent collection of frozen sorbet cocktails, bringing the joy, sophistication, and unforgettable sensory experiences to every date night and galentines celebrations this year. 

These sorbet cocktails taste great and are deliciously alcoholic. They also look great. There are a decadent and stylish treat for a moment of joy.

Xīn and Voltaire has reimagined the way we enjoy cocktails, offering creatively conceived, luxuriously crafted frozen sorbet cocktails that cater to every palate. By harnessing innovative technology and cutting-edge science, Xīn and Voltaire has made it possible to freeze alcohol at a higher ABV, ensuring that for the first time, the complex flavours of bar-quality cocktails are preserved in a frozen format, and elevated with the texture and mouthfeel of a sorbet.  

This Valentine’s Day, Xīn and Voltaire invite cocktail enthusiasts to create enchanting moments with their loved ones. Whether it’s a unique gift for a special someone or the perfect low-maintenance, yet elevated welcome drink to a galentines soirée, Xīn and Voltaire’s signature serves are sure to steal the spotlight; savour straight from the tub and serve with a spoon, or scoop into champagne coupes and top with prosecco for an at-home twist on the classic Sgroppino.  

With a diverse menu of four vegan, low-calorie and gluten-free frozen sorbet cocktails, each blend is sure to cater to various palates and captivate the senses. From the floral and elegant notes of Florian, the vibrant combination of dark rum, coconut liqueur and mango in Alphonse, the effervescent Giselle with mezcal and raspberry for a twist on the classic margarita, and finally Aurelie’s warming winter notes of wood and caramel released from single malt whisky and amaretto.  

Xīn and Voltaire’s on-demand delivery and personalised orders make it easy to enjoy these unique frozen sorbet cocktails in the comfort of your own home. Priced at £9 per cocktail, or £32.40 for their Taster Collection and Love Sharing Collection Boxes. Simply add to basket, select the preferred delivery date and the products will arrive at your door already frozen.  

You can also share the joy with an elevated date night at Sabine Rooftop Bar, where Xīn and Voltaire has partnered to create the ultimate Lover’s Week. The secret garden in the clouds is an oasis from The City, allowing guests to be transported to a hidden space away from the busy London streets, and where you can enjoy beautiful views of St Paul’s. Incorporating a bespoke Valentine’s menu running from 13th-17thFebruary, expect the immaculate setting to be accompanied by indulgent sorbet cocktails, sharing plates and entertainment.  

For more information about Xīn and Voltaire’s revolutionary sorbet cocktails and to discover the perfect addition to your Valentine’s Day celebrations, visit www.xinandvoltaire.com 

Tips to Help You Build a Successful Business

So, you’re ready to start your business? Well, there are a few things you’ll have to do to boost your chances of success. The good thing is that technology has made it very easy to launch a business. You should just follow these tips, and everything should go smoothly.

1. Create a Business Website

To create a successful business in this day and age, you’ll need to have a website. This can be done in just a few minutes with a website builder like IONOS. Keep in mind that these services use AI (artificial intelligence) to make the process easier. The best thing is that this website builder will cost you as little as 1 GBP a month to use. After setting up your website, you’ll need to create content to rank your site highlyon search engines. The process of content marketing should be approached carefully to avoid hurting your SEO. Don’t stuffkeywords, and make sure the articles are captivating enough to hold the attention of readers.

2. Take Business Networking Seriously

Business networking is quite important. Interacting with other players in your industry will help you learn about new trends, gain some insights, and identify new opportunities. To network effectively, you’ll need to use online platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. It’s also important to attendprofessional events, especially those that are related to your industry. Make sure you present yourself properly. For example, you’ll need to speak clearly and confidently to boost your chances of success.

3. Focus on Customer Satisfaction

Today, starting a business is extremely easy, and it doesn’t even take a lot of money. That’s why you’re likely to experience a lot of competition when you launch your business. One way you can set yourself apart from the competition is to focus on customer satisfaction. A good way to determine whether your customers are satisfied with your business is to ask for feedback. Check for patterns in the comments to see whether there is anything most people desire. Do they need different features? Or is your team not communicating properly? Whatever their pain point is, you should take steps to solve them.

4. Hire the Right People

One mistake you can make when launching a business is to rush through the hiring process. It’s important to take the time to find people who fit into your company culture. At the same time, you’ll need to make sure they’re competent. You should look beyond the CV as this document won’t give you the full picture. Make sure you also evaluate their interests, ambitions, and priorities.

Conclusion

If you’re planning on starting a business, you should take a few steps to maximize your chances of success. First, make sure you have a professional-looking website. Focus also on customer satisfaction as this will help set your company apart from the competition. It’s also essential to take business networking seriously. This way, you’ll be able to identify new opportunities in the market. Finally, take your time to hire the right people.

Karrie Barron Cards make my day – and not just mine. Frost Magazine loves them.

The above card was personalized by Karrie Barron Cards some years ago, when my book The Waterway Girls was published. It was a gift from the Frost’s Food and Drink Critic Michael Rowan and I keep in under a glass dome. It is precious beyond words.

With Mother’s Day on the horizon, I felt Frost Magazine must visit Karrie Barron Cards again, and take a look at a few Mother’s Day cards, bearing in mind that there is an offer of 20% off Mother’s Day cards if ordered before 15th February. Do remember they can be personalised.

Garden Heart is the perfect combination of card and gift. Unique and lovingly hand made in London it comes personalized( free of charge), and is ideal for Mother’s Day. Although this ‘Little World’ seems delicate and fragile, rest assured it comes well packaged in a white presentation box with matching ribbon gift wrap.Dimensions are H15.5 x W11 x D3.5cm @ £23.00 (As each card is individually hand made, please be aware that colours and compositions will vary from the product images.)

Sewing, another one of the lovely Mother’s Day range that I also love. Made in a choice of three colours. Dimensions H15.5 x W11 x D3.5cm @ £26

And another: Mother’s Day Pink/White Bouquet from £13.00

SMALL CARD H15.5 x W11 x D3.5cm

LARGE CARD H19 x W15.5 x D3.5cm

Aren’t they all just gorgeous. And the detail… How on earth do they do it?

Tilly Barron, Creative Director, told Margaret that Karrie Barron Card’s was founded in 1994 by her mother Karrie. Karrie’s concept was to create a miniature world within a greeting card.

She began designing and making from a back bedroom in their family home in Fulham, London and would take them, once a week, to her stall in the Apple Market, Covent Garden. As a child, Tilly’s love of doll’s houses and creativity fired what has become a lifelong passion for miniatures. She worked along side her mother from a very early age, and over the years developed the patience, passion and skills to make and design their ‘little worlds’ herself. In 2007, when her mother retired, Tilly took over their small family run business, and has been running it ever since. The cards unsurprisingly reach a much wider audience worldwide now – online, though thankfully they are still sold from the stall in Covent Garden.

In this world of mass production, you can all see that each creation is made with love and care. No two are ever the same, and I can vouch that they are truly a pleasure to both give and receive. But Tilly says that ‘It is the greatest pleasure of all to make, for which I am truly blessed.’

Covent Garden, London, UK The Apple Market, Covent Garden, Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 8BE

Opening hours Wednesday – Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm TEXT ON THE DAY TO CONFIRM THEY ARE THERE +44 (0) 7533 859220

To have a dekko at all the other occasion cards, hurry off and have a look: https://www.karriebarron.com

https://www.karriebarron.com/