The Saatchi Gallery, London

“a sugary, gluten-free version of the real thing.”

Photo Credit – Kenny Mathieson, Design – Zoe Koperski

Director Christa Harris is quoted in the programme thus: ‘Inside Pussy Riot is what theatre in 2017 is all about; the chance to create work, which will send ripples through society, provoke an audience to action and consequently work towards change.’

For those who don’t know – or can’t quite recall – Pussy Riot made international headlines in February 2012 when five of their members staged a performance inside Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Security stopped them after 40 seconds, but the women escaped. Then on March 3rd three members were arrested, two were jailed in a penal colony under Hooliganism laws. The women said their protest was directed at the Orthodox Church leaders’ support for Vladimir Putin during his election campaign. They were finally released two years later.

Photo Credit – Kenny Mathieson, Design – Zoe Koperski

In collaboration with Les Enfants Terribles and produced by Bird & Carrot, Inside Pussy Riot is an immersive, theatrical, punk event, lasting 60 minutes. We are a small group of a dozen or so and start by filling out some forms, then we are led through a variety of locations and situations, meeting bizarre and unlikeable characters along the way. Basically, we are arrested, tried and imprisoned in a remarkably ridiculous short time. The process matches what the two Rioters went through.

Pic

Photo Credit – Kenny Mathieson, Design – Zoe Koperski

The whole piece doesn’t quite know where to place itself – silly or serious. It lands somewhere in the middle. I believe we’re supposed to leave with a new perspective on freedom, justice, prisons, war, government, abuse, politics, equality, establishment – all the topics Pussy Riot rages against. We should be leaving angry and ready to storm parliament. Instead, I left feeling angry and frustrated at missed opportunities, misguided threats and unfulfilled promises. I found the comic elements forced and the real peril (in the very few times it was there) not followed through with any true drama or belief. The all-female cast has an 18-strong ensemble and they throw themselves into it with gusto, but somehow hold back from committing to the scenarios so as not to cause offence.

The audience that will visit this spectacle at the glorious Saatchi Gallery, just off Sloane Square, will not leave ready to do battle to improve the lot of the poor and correct the injustices of society, then will laugh at the silliness they were willing to join in with and nod sagely at the ‘tragedies’ that befell them – then go for a swift macchiato before jumping into their gas-guzzling vehicle in order to be home before the babysitter loses control, all the while planning when the revolution will occur, checking their diaries: ‘How about April? The weather’s nicer then. Oh, when’s Easter? Maybe not. It may have to wait until July, because there’s that weekend break we promised ourselves in Venice, plus Johnnie’s wedding in May. So, the end of July, it is. Once the exam season is out of the way…’

What I mean by this surreal ramble is that the audience the show will attract in SW3 is probably not the best social strata that will gain the most from it. This show needs to be in working-class areas of the UK where there is a feeling of real hardship on a daily basis.

Inside Pussy Riot is Pussy Riot Lite, a sugary, gluten-free version of the real thing. Nadya Tolokonnikova survived the Russian State’s prison conditions and has tried to tell her story. I think she has been let down by a production that simply isn’t as brave and riotous as it claims to be. The ripples the director hoped to send out are hardly noticeable and if this is what theatre is about in 2017, I hadn’t realised it was all so polite and nice. What was intended to be a roar, instead becomes a contented purr of smug satisfaction – ‘Aren’t we being rebellious?!’

Venue:                     Saatchi Gallery, King’s Road, London SW3 4RY.

Performances:         Daily from 11.15am – up to December 24th 2017.

Check itinerary on website.

Tickets:                    www.seetickets.com and www.insidepussyriot.com

Prices start at £21.50.

Length:                     60 minutes. You may be on standing throughout.

Twitter:                     @LesEnfantsTerr, @pussyrrriot, @tolokno, #insidepussyriot

Notes:                      Ages 14+ at parental discretion. Contains nudity.

Photography:           Kenny Mathieson and Zoe Koperski.

It’s the season of the nativity, goodwill, and buying someone a special gift.

So for the next few days I’m concentrating on a roundup of things literary for the Christmas Stocking.

A book I have enjoyed enormously and which would make a belting Christmas present is

A Yorkshire Vet: Through the Seasons.

This is written by Julian Norton, one of the stars of Channel 5’s endearing series The Yorkshire Vet. It is his second book, and as in the first, Julian proves that he can not only untangle a calf having difficulties entering the world, but turn a neat phrase.

In Through the Seasons we join Julian as he works his way through a year in this glorious area of North Yorkshire, one of my favourite parts of the country, being a northern girl. But it’s not just a travelogue, good grief no, it is about the challenges and successes as Julian and his team go to the aid of animals in trouble.

The same compassion that is shown by the vets in the Channel 5 series shines through in this memoir by Julian. He made me laugh, and almost cry as he brings his experiences to life and evokes the countryside; the cold, the heat, the wind, not to mention the dramas taking place within it. We see the way the vets and staff at work as a team, and witness the stoicism and humanity of all concerned, including the animals.

It is an easy read but more than that, it leaves you feeling full of well being.

When is number three coming out, Julian?

Through the Seasons follows hot on the heels of his bestselling, Horses, Heifers and Hairy Pigs, which is now available in paperback and which is already a bestseller.

Naturally both books would make a great gift, but to have a signed copy would be extra special.

Which brings me on to the White Rose Book Café in Thirsk, the centre of the small but beautifully formed market town where Julian practises at: The Skeldale Veterinary Centre.

The White Rose Book Café has been featured in Frost Magazine before, and I make no apology for mentioning it again. It is an award winning bookshop, with a fabulous café and in another life, it is the sort of bookcafe I would have loved to run; friendly, informative, all things to all people. They have a mail order service, and are happy to post books to people, including signed copies. What could be better.

Well, how about their festive menu:  with Mince Pies, Coconut Snowball drink, Festive Cranberry Fizz, Gingerbread Latte etc. etc.

This glorious book shop tell me they have a book signing event with Julian at Thirsk Town Hall in conjunction with Thirsk Christmas Fayre, on Sunday 26^th November at 12.

In addition Jodi Taylor, author of The Chronicles of St Mary’s will be at the BookCafe on Saturday 9^th December 10.30 for festive book signing for this ‘madcap adventure packed series. Free event.

Meet Gervase Phinn  (wish I could be there, love him)  signing copies of Happy Days. Take tea with Gervase and enjoy his amusing anecdotes. A few seats left. A ticketed Free Event.  14^th December 3pm to 4.30 pm at the BookCafe

So, back to Christmas gifts, in particular signed copies.

Do contact the White Rose Book Café on 01845 524353 or email: sales@whiterosebooks.co.uk for home delivery of signed copies of any of these authors. They can also home deliver virtually any book in print.

A Yorkshire Vet Through The Seasons £14.99 signed by Julian Norton. A star of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet. UK Mailing costs £3.40 1^st class. £2.90 2^nd Class.

The pb of Horses, Heifers and Hairy Pigs is £8.99

About six months ago I went on a trip, not a nice one, but a real trip when travelling at speed I caught my foot in the handles of my bag on the floor by my table (please don’t do this, you out there)  and hurtled into a wall, breaking my shoulder and snapping my tendons.

Suitably screwed and plated I sat wondering how on earth I was going to type my latest novel for Arrow. Not only was my movement severely restricted but the pain path from the shoulder is down the arm through the wrist and into the fingers. Well, as luck would have it, I had been  sent the Penclic B3 Bluetooth Mouse to try.

As a Luddite the sight of it frightened me to death, because it looked like a joystick, or to be less panicky, a pen. So how would I get on?

It took me a while to break the old habit of grabbing for my mouse and having the  cursor leaping about the screen, but it became natural very quickly, thank heavens. This mouse held my wrist into a comfortable position, and the control was excellent. It’s much like holding a pen and the movement needed is  slight. The control you get though, is huge, and a   complete boon.

As you can see it is a slick design of Swedish origin, incorporating cutting edge technology and as I said it is efficient, with very little movement  needed.

It is practical and I was enormously pleased because it got me back in business. I’m a convert and the family is relieved because it reduced the pain making granny far less grumpy.

Penclic B3 bluetooth mouse. £79.99

The Penguin Book of Puzzles by Gareth Moore

This will appeal to many. The Penguin Book of Puzzles by Gareth Moore, is a compendium of conundrums stretching back to’way back when’ and a must for those who enjoy puzzling away.

Quite frankly, this is one to keep that certain someone quiet. Heavens, did I really say that? Well,  for those who like a puzzle it is a total treat. I’m hopeless, haven’t the patience and prefer to talk, but on the other hand, Him Indoors, would think ALL his Christmases had come together.

Such a good idea.

The Penguin Book of Puzzles by Gareth Moore. Pub Michael Joseph, £12.99

Devastation Road by Jason Hewitt

Jason Hewitt  has written an absolute belter and Devastation Road will not only keep you turning the pages, but will keep you thoughtful and engrossed. Written with empathy, imagination, perception,intelligence, and grace. Not once false note. I loved it.

Spring 1945. Owen wakes up in a field in a country he does not know. Injured and confused he starts to walk but without a memory of who, or what he is. This comes to him in fragments, and so it also comes to us, the reader, though we feel that we are there, alongside Owen, in the novel.

Great great novel and I strongly recommend it.

Jason Hewitt will be talking at the Words for the Wounded LitFest on April 21 2018.

Devastation Road by Jason Hewitt. pub. Scribner pb £8.99

Odd Man Out by Denise Beddows.

Another extraordinary book, this time, true crime by Denise Beddows.

I kept wondering how on earth Beddows found out all that she did about this 1948 Lancashire mill town murder. It is timely with gender fluidity being discussed.

Odd Man Out is the true and sad story of transgendered bus conductress Margaret ‘Bill’ Allen who barely knew the victim, and who was executed for the seemingly motiveless murder of an elderly woman. A woman who was described, even by her family, as abnormal.

It’s  a book that wonders whether the verdict of guilty was right, but if it was , why would she do this? It is a painstaking investigation, and threads are discovered, followed, and interwoven into some sort of an explanation.

Well written, absorbing, thought provoking.

Odd Man Out by Denise Beddows. Misbourne Press. Amazon.Co.uk pb £7.99

www.djkelly.co.uk Twitter: djkelly@djkellyauthor Blog: http://djkellyauthor.blogspot.co.uk/

Vera Lynn Keep: Smiling Through

My dad met Vera Lynn in the war when she put down at Karachi on that marathon tour to entertain the troops. He thought she was fabulous, as do millions of people, still.

As Vera says: ‘Sometimes I think that I never quite got over that period of my life. My memories of the wartime years are strongest when I think of Burma.’ Indeed, this is what comes over, that this tour was a defining moment for her, after which she thought about herself and the world differently.

Writing with Virginia Lewis-Jones, her daughter, this period comes to life, not just from Dame Vera’s memories but also from the perspective of the troops. It is a book that is valuable to us all, because that war and its aftermath of grim austerity and rebuilding defines many of us; our values and our loyalties, our strengths. This is definitely one for everyone. Lord, how she could sing and still can. Bless her.

Vera Lynn with Virginia Lewis-Jones: Keep Smiling Through. pub Century. £16.99

at Trafalgar Studios, London

“Worthy of a roar of approval…”

The lady sitting next to me admitted that she knows nothing about football. I support Leeds United, so it could be said that I don’t either. But knowledge of the game is not required in this stunning play by Patrick Marber.

Set in the changing room of RLFC, a very low non-league club struggling with survival on a daily basis, it opens with ex-hero, now the kit-man, physio and mentor, Yates, hanging up the shirts in preparation for the game that is only a few hours away. He is methodical and proud, kissing the badge of every shirt. John Bowler plays Yates with a distant look, as though he can still hear the crowd calling his name, pondering where the years have gone and when the stiffness and aches arrived.

The Red Lion, Trafalgar Studios – John Bowler (courtesy of Mark Douet) –

Yates’ subtle reverie at the altar is interrupted by the maelstrom that is the manager, Kidd – a whirlwind of nervous energy and bitterness. Stephen Tompkinson shines in the part, grabbing the character and thrusting upon everyone his ambitions of success, whether or not they ask for them. He is arrogant and angry, the kind of man who is going places but always quick to blame others for his own faults.

The Red Lion, Trafalgar Studios – John Bowler and Stephen Tompkinson (courtesy of Mark Douet) –

Enter the new lad, young Jordan, played by Dean Bone. He’s a rising star and potentially worth money for everyone. But, like everything that is business, it is dirty and back-stabbing. Jordan is played with a grand mixture of innocence and violence – a small player with big dreams.

The play has no interval, lasting 95 minutes – the length of your average football match. The characters attack and defend each other. They seamlessly pass the mood, stylishly producing high comedy as well as magnificent drama, as they tumble out of control towards the inevitable final whistle.

The Red Lion, Trafalgar Studios – Dean Bone and Stephen Tompkinson (courtesy of Mark Douet)

Marber is too good a writer for the play to be solely about football. It is much more than that, just as the three actors create a depth that is worthy of a roar of approval from the stand. First produced in Newcastle at the Live Theatre, Max Roberts’ production travels well and, even though this could be classed as an away fixture, it looks like the team will win.

The Red Lion, Trafalgar Studios – Stephen Tompkinson, Dean Bone and John Bowler (courtesy of Mark Douet)

Performances until 2nd December 2017

Monday to Saturday at 7.45pm – Thursday and Saturday Matinees at 3pm

Producer         Live Theatre and Trish Wadley

Director           Max Roberts

Designer         Patrick Connellan

Photographer  Mark Douet

Theatre           Trafalgar Studios, 14 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY

Tickets            From £19.50 to £39.50, via Theatre Box Office and www.atgtickets.com

Twitter             @theredlionplay, @TrafStudios, #theredlionplay

Facebook        /theredlionplay

Instagram       @theredlionplay

The season of mellow fruitfulness is upon us, a harsh winter could be on the way, and perhaps sore throats with it.

Throaty Soothe

Do you remember those miserable sore throats in your childhood days? I was given a honey and lemon drink which vaguely helped but Throaty Soothe sounds as though it will work better and in this time of watchfulness over the possible over-use of paracetamol, and ibuprofen especially for young children it’s interesting to note that both have been replaced by the traditional herbs – Icelandic Moss and Mallow.

Icelandic Moss and Mallow have identifiable modes of action and offer effective use. Calcium pantothenate also supports the soothing effect of Icelandic moss on the irritated mucous.  Throaty Soothe syrup, for use from 12 months, and Throaty Soothe Lozenges, for children aged four and older, offer a safe and effective treatment for a common and often troubling problem and should be recommended as a first-line treatment for infants over 12-months and children suffering from sore throat.

Throaty Soothe syrup contains zinc as well as Icelandic moss and mallow. Throaty Soothe lozenges contain Icelandic moss, calcium pantothenate and zinc.

 www.throatysoothe.co.uk/

Chemical-free cleaning:  with e-cloth and water

You might have noticed that there has been some concern expressed about chemical cleaners. Until relatively recently, consumers have been forced to choose between efficacy and efficient cleaning with chemicals, and the health of their family and the environment, but now there is a third way — thanks to the marvel of microfibre technology. One that only requires water and not a thousand different types of toxic chemical cleaners.

e-cloth products, which use microfibre technology, allows you to clean and sanitise almost every surface in your home with nothing more than water and a wipe. And though no chemicals are being used, this method still eliminates almost all bacteria, proving chemical-cleaning is no longer a must.

And e-cloth’s efficacy has been proved in a number of studies. Independent tests have been carried out by laboratories based in U.S.A, France and Brazil, with data reviewed by an American microbiologist who pioneered research into salmonella and other harmful bacteria, to confirm the highly efficient antibacterial action of e-cloths.

The e-cloth range is extensive and we list just a few:

e-cloth’s General Purpose Cloth removes thick grease, dirt and bacteria from all hard surfaces. RRP £4.99

It can be used with the e-cloth Glass & Polishing Cloth to be used dry on a damp surface. RRP £4.99

e-cloth’s Deep Clean Mop and also the light Mini Mop with a smaller head (good to keep in the bathroom) RRP £19 / £14.99

www.e-cloth.com/

Red Kooga Natural Energy Release

Chronic Tiredness is prevalent, apparently. Life is hectic, and with little time to eat properly coffee and sweet snacks are often downed to fill the energy gap. My husband calls them white van moments after he flagged down a white baker’s van in the wilds of Wales when he came over ‘all strange’ on a long walk, having missed his lunch. He bought bags of buns from the bewildered driver.

Maybe this is a better idea. Red Kooga Natural Energy Release combines top-quality natural ingredients, backed by research, to boost energy and wellbeing and ward off fatigue.

Reported benefits include anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and anti-tumour effects. Red Panax Ginseng has potent antioxidant activities which may help to prevent oxidative-stress linked to many chronic diseases. Alongside this, there is some evidence to suggest that ginsenosides may have a role to play in the treatment of flu viruses. It is thought that these powerful compounds may be able to attach to viral proteins, rendering them less active. A recent murine study also found that Panax ginseng helped to reduce parameters of fatigue experienced with exercise

http://www.redkooga.co.uk

Just sometimes Frost Magazine hears of an amazing endeavour and the PentUp Foundation’s Modern Pentathlon is certainly that. Mark you, it took a great deal of hard work and foresight, not to mention extraordinary participants, but on Sunday 14th October, at the Military Academy Sandhurst, it was clear that PentUp had created something grand.

I was lucky enough to be am cheering on my son at the Modern Pentathlon, alongside many others all willing on the participants, and the idea. It was an inspirational day, the culmination of careful planning by the organisers, and hard work, training and focus by the competitors. These competitors were all ages and abilities, including some who were continuing their recovery from PTSD –  supported by private individuals, clinicians, Olympians and serving military personnel throughout the training and event.

Frost Magazine hopes that it will be repeated year on year.

The PentUp Foundation is a recently-founded Community Interest Company (CIC) with an ambition to raise as much money as possible to facilitate the national and regional treatment of PTSD through individual giving, sponsorship, major donors and legacies. PentUp uses the sport of Modern Pentathlon as a means of sports therapy to support the recovery of military veterans who have completed clinical treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Image courtesy of Leo Wilkinson

RECOVERY THROUGH SPORT…

Evidence based research has shown that the process of training and preparing for a competitive multi discipline sport, can form an essential part of therapeutic treatment and rehabilitation for sufferers of PTSD. The foundation was set up specifically to support a Modern Pentathlon event at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on 14 October 2017, with a view to it becoming an annual competitive event.

Dr Simon Thompson, Psychiatrist at Combat Stress; “This adapted modern pentathlon event works in treating PTSD veterans because it utilises the psychological skills gained through intensive trauma focused cognitive behavioural therapy and the grounding and mood emotional regulation techniques developed in the clinical treatment programmes”. This is the first time that a multi discipline sport has been used as a form of recovery.

Image courtesy of Gavin Booth

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Over 75,000 veterans from armed conflicts of the last 25 years are afflicted by trauma, and in 2015/16 Combat Stress’ 24 hour phone line was contacted 9,500 times, with 2,500 referrals for therapy. The scale of suffering is unprecedented and growing with over 200 traumatised ex-service personnel a month coming forward to ask for help.

Image courtesy of Leo Wilkinson

Each annual cycle sees up to 40 veterans, clinicians and supporters take part in a training programme to prepare them from novice to competitor in a 6-month period between March and October. The cycle culminates in a PentUp Pentathlon competition run by GB Modern Pent specific for this group of competitors.

Image courtesy of Leo Wilkinson

Having given their all, competitors and supporters togged up into best bib and tucker for PentUp Foundation Ball and Prizegiving – a fitting celebration of a great debut for PentUp’s Modern Pentathlon .

You can still donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pentupfoundation

http://pentup.org.uk/

Leo Wilkinson: www.leothephotographer.co.uk

Frost has been looking at independent bookshops recently and has come across the gorgeous, thriving award winning White Rose BookCafé in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. As evidence of its success this remarkable bookshop  has just celebrated its 22^nd birthday.

This bookshop is just perfect with its huge range of books, and a great little café with an outside terrace. We didn’t make it to the terrace but sank into a sofa and enjoyed homemade cakes, and wished we’d been there for a light lunch too. My mum would have loved the tea but would have given the FREE WiFi indoors & out a miss. She didn’t  hold with these new fangled wotnots. Her daughter does though.

You can browse to your heart’s content without being hustled, there are book signings, most recently with local author Julian Norton who has brought out another book in the Yorkshire Vet series – Through the Seasons, which Frost Magazine will be including in a roundup very soon.

They have a whole wall of cards, you know, the sort that you laugh out loud at, so those were bought to bring home. As well as books, there were prints, toys, maps, diaries, calendars and a miscellany of other gifts.

Independent bookshops have to be pro-active in order to survive these days, and the White Rose BookCafé owned and managed by friendly and knowledgeable Caroline Nicholls is certainly that. They organise a host of book related events every month, such as their Bloomin’ Words Cabaret evenings, and regular storytime for children every week. There is a loyalty card schemes for books and the coffee bar to gain offers and discounts, and they issue a monthly e-news.

As we left we were totally glum to be missing Gervaise Phinn’s visit. His books are hilarious.

Anyone thinking of running a bookshop should take a trip to the White Rose BookCafé, and certainly anyone in search of cards, books or cakes – beat a path there too. Thirsk is well worth a look too, not to mention The World of James Herriot Museum.

http://www.whiterosebooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/WhiteRoseBooks/

https://twitter.com/

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/news0142/pins/

https://www.instagram.com/whiterosebookcafe/

White Rose BookCafe

79-81 Market Place, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 1ET – Tel: 01845 524353

Regional Shortlisted 2017, 2016, 2015 & Independent Bookseller North 2014

Certificate of Merit in the Parliamentary Shop of the Year 2010

Milly Adams latest book is The Waterways Girls pub Arrow in pb. £5.99