Michael Rowan discovers the joy of home cooked food, without spending much time in his own kitchen, thanks to Oakhouse Foods https://www.oakhousefoods.co.uk/

If you are like me, nothing quite gladdens the heart like the thought of a delicious home cooked meal. The downside however, is that it’s generally me that has to cook it. Then there is the purchase of the ingredients and the use of countless pots and pans before the oven is even warm. In the end I often decide to settle for a sandwich.

So when Frost Magazine was approached to test some meals from Oakhouse Foods I was intrigued – was  their range of 350 meals for one was as delicious as they said?  Well, my curiosity is satisfied, because this trusted and established food  delivery service, with over 25 years experience, really does do as it says on the ‘packet’:  it delivers an extensive choice of delicious quality frozen meals.

These are not idle words because, as many of you may know, I am Frost Magazine’s resident cynic, and at first I had my doubts that anyone   could really supply a roast dinner that simply needed popping in the oven and yet still taste as good as the home cooked dish.

To make matters more difficult, I explained that I was vegetarian, which is my sure- fire test of cooking skills. In my opinion if you can get the vegetarian option right, the rest is likely to be very good indeed.

The packages were promptly delivered in a 100% compostable bag and I have to say, that despite social distancing, the local deliveryman was exemplary, checking that we had everything we needed and making sure that we knew his name and how to contact him, should there be any problem.

The dishes that I sampled were the Luxury Vegetarian Roast Dinner (£6.00); Roasted Vegetable Lasagne (£5.55). Lemon Pudding with Lemon Custard (£3.99) pack of 2; Black Forest Gateaux (£4.75) pack of 2.

Possessing a large appetite, I was dubious that there would be enough to satisfy me but I needn’t have worried, not only was there plenty, everything was delicious.

The Mushroom Wellington melted in the mouth and the carrots and parsnips perfectly cooked retaining just enough bite. The roast potatoes and cauliflower and broccoli cheese were superb accompaniments and the Yorkshire Pudding completed the ensemble.

I had to have a little rest before I could tackle the Lemon pudding with lemon sauce. I was in for another surprise, because rather than a stodgy nursery pudding, this was a light lemony sponge with a pleasing sharp sauce.

The following day I enjoyed the Roast Vegetable Lasagne which was another revelation. The sheets of Lasagne were perfectly cooked and nicely al dente, whilst the roast vegetables were prepared in such a way that each vegetable was readily identifiable through taste and texture. The cheese sauce complimenting rather than over powering the dish.

I had considered adding some salad but the portion was such that there really was no need.

The Black Forest Gateau, replete with whole black cherries, was light, tasty and gloriously indulgent, but if you are the sort of person who nods at the waiter when offered extra cream, then go ahead, but personally I didn’t think that it was necessary.

Portion sizes throughout were generous to a fault and I can well imagine these meals been a life saver for someone who is self- isolating or someone trying to arrange food on behalf of someone who lives some distance away.

With the current climate, a trip to the supermarket may not be possible and delivery slots are still difficult to come by so this could be the solution.

When we get back to normal, these meals would be a boon for those who work late but don’t fancy yet another take away, or those wishing to make sure that their offspring away at University, aren’t living solely on takeaways.

Oakhouse Foods provide something for everyone, no matter the size of appetite, dietary needs or personal preference. Meals for those following special diets such as gluten-free, low-sugar, low fat or low salt alongside pureed or bite-sized ranges are available, with more than 80 well-known recipes also provided as mini meals for those with smaller appetites.

They can also create bespoke meal lists, whether for allergens or preference, which outlines the dishes which suit personal diets. From comforting classics to a wide range of vegetarian meals which can be placed in the freezer and cooked in the microwave or oven.

Online booking has also been extended, with people now being able to order up to twelve weeks in advance for peace of mind.

Oakhouse Foods offers a range of over 350 high-quality and great-tasting meals, with a team dedicated to providing food that’s comforting and reliable, all of which can be viewed here 

A full-colour brochure is also downloadable via this link and can be delivered to homes, nationwide and free of charge.

Available to watch on YouTube here
vam.ac.uk/kimono | #KyotoToCatwalk

The V&A launches a series of five films that take viewers on a personal, 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour of our critically acclaimed exhibition Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk. Captured as the museum was closing its doors to the public, curator Anna Jackson guides viewers through the exhibition spaces, providing a personal insight into the making of the show, star exhibits and the fascinating history of the iconic garment.

The first major exhibition devoted to kimono in Europe, the show had to close two weeks into its exhibition run. Positively received by critics and visitors alike, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk explores what is arguably the ultimate symbol of Japan. The kimono is often perceived as traditional, timeless and unchanging, but this exhibition counters this conception, presenting the garment as a dynamic and constantly evolving icon of fashion.

The exhibition reveals the sartorial and social significance of the kimono from the 1660s to the present day, both in Japan and in the rest of the world. Rare 17^th– and 18^th-century kimono are displayed for the first time in the UK, together with fashion from international designers and iconic film and performance costumes. The kimono’s recent reinvention on the streets of Japan is also explored through work by an exciting new wave of contemporary designers and stylists.

Highlights of the exhibition include a kimono created by Living National Treasure Kunihiko Moriguchi, the Alexander McQueen dress designed for Björk and worn on the cover of her album Homogenic, and original Star Wars costumes modelled on kimono by John Mollo. Designs by Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano reveal the kimono’s role as a constant source of inspiration for fashion designers. Paintings, prints, dress accessories and other objects feature throughout the exhibition, providing additional context to the fascinating story of kimono’s style, appeal and influence. Almost 300 works are featured, including kimono specially made for the show, with half being drawn from the V&A’s superlative collections and the rest generously lent by museums and private collections in Britain, Europe, America and Japan.

Anna Jackson, curator of Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk at the V&A, said:

‘Having closed the exhibition early, I am so pleased that we can share the kimono experience with viewers around the world. Many of you will be at home in lockdown, so I hope you will enjoy the opportunity to escape on a journey that will take us from the sophisticated culture of 17^th century Japan to the creativity of the contemporary catwalk. We look forward to welcoming you to the V&A again soon, so you can encounter these sumptuous garments and exciting displays for yourself.’

Available to watch on YouTube here
vam.ac.uk/kimono | #KyotoToCatwalk

Images courtsey of Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Annie Clarke is an Arrow author. Her latest novel is available here.

The Understudy is a brand new radio play that will be broadcast in two parts on Wednesday 20^th May and Wednesday 27^th May 2020 – the reason? To raise funds for the theatre industry which is facing a devastating impact from the Covid-19 health crisis. The Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield will split proceeds of this project with charities including the Theatre Development Trust (SOLT and UK Theatre), Acting for Others and Equity Charitable Trust.

There is a magnificent line-up of actors performing in the play including Stephen Fry, Emily Atack, Sheila Atim, Layton Williams, Russell Tovey, Sarah Hadland, Mina Anwar and many more. The cast and creative team involved took part completely in isolation and actors recorded at home – an exceptional sound design team bringing the whole thing to life.

Top: Stephen Fry, Mina Anwar, Layton Williams, Emily Atack

Bottom: Russell Tovey, Sarah Hadland, Sheila Atim

Based on the bittersweet novel by the best-selling author David Nicholls (Starter For Ten), The Understudy tells the story of Stephen McQueen, an underdog – a failed husband, a failing father, a failing actor, and the impossible choice he’s going to have to make between stealing the show and stealing another man’s wife. Directed by Giles Croft, this is a stage adaptation written by Henry Filloux-Bennett that was originally commissioned by The Lowry Theatre in Salford. The sound, music and effects will be brought to life by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, Annie May Fletcher and Sophie Galpin.

To tune in to listen to The Understudy a £5.00 ticket must be bought, all proceeds going to help individuals and organisations struggling because of Coronavirus, from www.understudyplay.com where you can choose just to listen to it or watch it! It is part radio play and part animated film.

Producer Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield with support from Anthology Theatre

Writer Henry Filloux-Bennett

Based on The Understudy by David Nicholls

Director Giles Croft

Sound & Music Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, Annie May Fletcher and Sophie Galpin

Running Time 2 hours 5 mins (in total)

Tickets www.understudyplay.com

Twitter @theLBT, @ActingForOthers

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The Hambleton District Council operates in a North Yorkshire area that  includes Thirsk and Sowerby  –  (Sowerby is a village tight against Thirsk), and was determined to raise funds to  develop a Sowerby Sports Village. Using in part a landfill site and with funding in place, the first requirement was a sustainable drainage system

Then, the first stage facilities: a fitness trail, landscaping for informal recreation, even allotments.  In time grass pitches, a full size 3 G artificial pitch and pavilion are planned.

So why the hero tag? COVID  came along. Overnight, much like the local town shops I have already  mentioned who set up efficient delivery systems, the council determined to do their bit, and opened early to encourage exercise. Dog walkers, other walkers, runners and cyclists could use the  fitness tracks. The centre team sports area was to be used for play, strolling –  with social distancing a requirement. Though dogs will not be permitted once the crisis abates. 

If you set off from the start, there are markers on the one km track, which runs around the team sports area.These markers  tell you how far you’ve come. Or perhaps more importantly, how far you have yet to go. Would that be a good idea for life? Probably not – who wants to know when the final end game is due.

You can walk or cycle on or off road. Which puts me in mind of a charity bike round and across Israel, on and off road, staying at kibbutz. Our leader would explain the route for the next day, and mention as though it was nothing – that there were a few undulations. Oh yeah – they were cliffs, let me tell you.  Here it is barely an undulation, so all quite doable.

There are useful information boards, because the nesting boxes put up high along and above the hedges attract myriad birds.

Forgive the wire fencing. But nobody’s going to get in and take these blooming babies.

The allotments are underway.  The car park is planted with bee friendly beds of lavender and rosemary. There are hedges being replanted along the road edge, after the landscaping and drainage work necessitated the removal of the original.

Like so many district councils these days, Hambleton is nature friendly. Where new residential developments are being erected in their area there are attempts to create green spaces and nature gardens. Quite right too, in these bee conscious times.

Pretty much like the bees on the rosemary, the place is buzzing. A safe place for exercise in these strange times.

More information here

Annie Clarke’s latest novel Wedding Bells on the Home Front is out now. 

Actress Phina Oruche whose show Identity Crisis was a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe and on UK tour, has graced our screens for years – and now she has turned her hand to storytelling.

During the Covid-19 crisis, Oruche has been learning to home-school and find creative ways to teach and motivate her son. The result is her debut children’s book, Jacopo Jacopo Football Star.

Writing in response to the challenges faced by many parents during the Covid-19 lockdown, she’s created an accessible and fun read for children.

Jacopo Jacopo follows a mixed heritage 10-year-old boy on his journey from grassroots football to signing with a Premier League team. This is an endearing story about a dream, a fragile family, and friendships while getting your game on. A native of Liverpool, Oruche brings to life this incredible city in her new book. Locals can see themselves and their city in this inspiring story which accurately and invitingly presents Liverpudlian culture to a wider audience.

Penning a story about one boy’s footballing journey, Oruche aims to motivate children, particularly young boys, to read more now and in the future. Phina Oruche comments, I love reading and books and the flight of the word imagined. Stories have changed my life, kept me company and everything in between. I would love to foster a love of reading real books in my son and other children. I would much prefer the glow of a night light and a cheeky read than a hidden screen any night of the week.

Jacopo Jacopo Football Star Writer Phina Oruche Age Guidance 7+

Available at Amazon.co.uk

Annie Clarke is the author of Wedding Bells on the Home Front

With, magically, time to spare now a manuscript is in, and before the edits come winging back I finished the wonderful  Philip Kerr A Man Without Breath, but then what? I seldom re-read a book, but there it was, Murder your Darlings by Mark McCrum which I have reviewed before. It was such a romp and what’s more, an excellent detective story the first time round I wondered if it would ‘hold’ for another lap?

I felt drawn because, you might remember,  it is set in gorgeous Umbria at a villa hosting a creative writing course. The ‘ring master’  is the tutor, the hosts Stephanie and Gerry. I ached with laughter, or was it recognition as the ‘performers’ the students milled, chatted, worked whilst the tutor, in this case Francis, observes, bites his tongue and oh, oh, staying neutral. Be still my beating heart… Yes, I’ve been there, taught these – by turn  – wonderful, infuriating and fascinating writers.

I do remember one incidence, but no, I mustn’t, not even with  the nom de plumes Mr A and Mrs B.

But another is repeatable. At ARVON, where I taught one particular course the students had to take turns to cook the evening meal. I joined in, as usual, with the first night’s team, chatting, learning more about them, until as one, the little domestic team disappeared. Was it something I said? It wouldn’t be for a quiet nip of something strong, for there was wine aplenty in the dining room.

They said they’d be back to serve, while all I had to do was stir the pot. Phew.

They did indeed return, as we sat around the large dining room table, tottering in, wearing high heels, and bunny girl outfits they had somehow mashed together. Glorious. Though I do wish they’d asked me to wear a fluffy bunny tail, fishnet tights but perhaps it would have been a tad too much to see granny dolled up, when people were eating. …

But back to the lovely scrumptious Murder your Darlings. So, into this course, set atop a hill with views of the Umbrian countryside, a swimming  pool, a sauna – all mod cons, bursts a murder,  of one of the writers. Or is it a murder? Perhaps an unfortunate accident?  And here they all are, corralled at the villa by the police, all the various branches of the police it seems, under investigation it appears, because – was it an ‘inside’ job?. When into the mix, another murder and no-one has been in, or out. It doesn’t take a genius to realise it was ‘one of them.’  Arghh.

The police turn to Francis for help to ferret about and discover what exactly is going on under the surface .

Why are some of them really there? Why do those who have been coming for twenty years return?  What secrets abound?

I defy anyone to put this book down,as the secrets emerge until – all is revealed.

All I can say is that it’s a blessing the tutor was there, as  I often feel like telling my students – not that anything so dire has occurred, though at times, with the myriad of personalities there is always the chance of blood on the floor.

Bravo, read it once, then go back. Feel the sun on your face, observe the view, ferret amongst the students yourselves, have a snigger, wonder if you could write a book because there are so darned good tips for writers in these pages.

A book is esssential  for whiling away the luxurious hours of lock down. And this one must be first in the queue, and a Philip Kerr.

Then – why not write your own memoir, or novel? This lock down has given some of us time for reflection, time to find the germ of an idea. Go on a writing holiday to – well, maybe not the Villa Giulia – but somewhere. Make sure you keep your wits about you though.

If you are one of the key workers, the time for reflection will come later. But write down your experiences, then, when time has allowed you to process this taxing, draining experience. The family will want to know, perhaps the libraries in their local history section Perhaps a publisher. Or put them in a blog. Writing can order your thoughts, and experiences, it can allow you to take control again.

I work with ill or injured veterans, editing and steering their writing. It is a great  way of talking things out, shaping the mess. Fiction in particular allows you to  throw around those experiences, use them as you see fit, and not allow them to overtake and control you. Or so I’ve found. OK, OK, lesson over.

This is the third of Mark McCrum’s Francis Meadowes mysteries. Beautifully written, and kindly but sharply observed. They really should be televised. Bagsy me to be one of the writers.

Loved it. Must read the others. Thanks a bunch Mark McCrum for a great read.

Murder your Darlings. Mark McCrum. pub Severn Kindle and hb. Available here.

Annie Clarke is the author of Wedding Bells on the Home Front:  pub 14th May by Arrow in  e-Book

Pb due in July  courtesy of Covid easing.

Here’s your chance…

Why not  stage one in your own home is the call from Rebecca Atkinson-Lord whose Cautionary Tale is an exciting new musical which was in development when Covid-19 came calling. Doom and gloom, the workshop performances had to be cancelled.

Nothing daunted the writers want Cautionary Tale’s incredible journey to go on,  so are giving people the opportunity to stage it in their own homes and share their recordings online.

For five weeks, they will release sheet music and backing tracks, Tik Tok choreography, character sketches and script extracts. In week six, the best of these recordings will be used to create a live Zoom version. Record the weekly section by yourself or with your friends and family, share it online using #CautionaryTaleMusical and help make this a reality.

This new musical is about growing up and growing glum with book and lyrics by Rebecca Atkinson-Lord (Founder of Arch468; Director of Theatre at Ovalhouse, 2010 – 2016), music by Rebecca Applin (Cameron Mackintosh Resident Composer Award holder at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, and Mercury Theatre, Colchester), and choreography and additional material by Mark Iles (The Brook Under Siege for Medway Council and as performer: Elf the Musical, Dominion Theatre; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Theatre Royal Drury Lane) could be a story about many different things.

Cautionary Tale could be a West-End style musical about learning to live authentically. It could be a modern parable about liberal values triumphing over authoritarianism. It could be a mash up of Roald Dahl, Tim Burton and Hilaire Belloc about overcoming grief set in the landscape of a painting by LS Lowry. At its heart it’s a story about finding hope when all seems lost.

OK< so what’s the plot?

Cautionary Tale is the story of Gloaming, a town filled with perfectly ordinary, yet perfectly remarkable people. The inhabitants of Gloaming all have special talents and interests; the Hamingtons, for example, know the answer to any question you can think of, the Bittingworth 2 sisters are so strong they can lift an elephant and the Trockles can make pretty much anything you like out of knotted string. Some talents can be pretty dangerous and it can be tricky to manage a town filled with such interesting people. One day, in the mists of time, the town elders decided that the best way to keep the town safe was to forbid anything that might be a bit too dangerous. The adults of the town have to suppress their talents and conform but it’s hard to live a life of stifled potential. There is one place where they can go to remember what it’s like to feel human – The Black Dog, an ordinary pub where it’s OK to be extraordinary.

But there are consequences to breaking the rules and there are consequences to living lives without fun. One day, the children of Gloaming wake up to discover that all the adults have turned to dust and blown away overnight; there just wasn’t enough joy left in them to hold them together. The children set off on a quest to find all the joy and talent and curiosity that was forbidden for so long so that they can rebuild their town with joy at its heart.

Rebecca Atkinson-Lord comments, ‘I wrote Cautionary Tale at a time when I was really unhappy because I felt trapped in a life that didn’t feel authentic. It’s a show about finding joy in the darkest of circumstances and right now it feels like we all need a bit of help to be happy, so it seemed like the right thing to do to share it with people. The Covid-19 pandemic has meant that we can’t finish making and staging the show as we’d planned and to see years of work come to nothing has been incredibly sad for the whole team. I hope that people will help us make it happen anyway by staging bits of it in their own homes and sharing them online – and maybe we can all remember how to find a bit more joy.’

With the help of ordinary people taking to the stage at home, the team are hoping to bring their new British musical, Cautionary Tale, to life during lockdown.

They will be releasing a weekly downloadable learning pack including sheet music and backing tracks, Tik Tok choreography, character sketches and script extracts for people to get involved, record and share their musical staging. In week six, the best of the recordings will be collated to create a live Zoom version of the performance. It’s a chance for musical theatre lovers to come together, be creative, and keep the light on in these dark times. Download from www.cautionarytalemusical.com

Twitter #CautionaryTaleMusical, @Arch468 @BexAtkinsonLord, @beckyapplin, @jturnerdesign Instagram #CautionaryTaleMusical, @arch468theatrestudio @rebeccaatkinsonlord, @beckyapplin, @jamesturnerdesign, @markchalkiles

Download from www.cautionarytalemusical.com