Reviewed by PAUL VATES

“The story unfolds with a subtlety one would expect only from a good writer.”

It is 1949. George Orwell is in hospital with TB. The outspoken author is struggling and sees salvation in Sonia Bronwell, an assistant magazine editor twenty years his junior. He proposes to her, placing her in an unexpected dilemma. George is rich. The love of her life, Maurice, is married to another woman. Decisions, decisions….

Mrs Orwell has deservedly transferred from The Old Red Lion pub theatre to Southwark Playhouse. This was my third attempt to see the play and I am very pleased I didn’t give up. Tony Cox’s script is that almost-disturbing mix of old-fashioned crispness with the depth that modern audiences desire. Nothing seems to be happening most of the time, yet the story unfolds with a subtlety one would expect only from a good writer – Cox must be on.

Cressida Bonas plays the eponymous character, with style and grace, but without much edge. She doesn’t quite attain the gravitas that the titular character requires. Instead, Peter Hamilton Dyer’s stand-out performance as George I think usurps her.  It’s not that she is weak. Far from it, but she is on stage with a brilliant cast: Edmund Digby Jones plays Lucian Freud with a sexy ooziness; Rosie Ede plays the Nurse both strict and kindly; Robert Stocks plays Fred Warburg, Orwell’s agent, business-like and sure, seeing and knowing everything, but seldom giving his own view – apart from a roaring speech near the climax of the piece.

Jimmy Walters’ direction is quiet and understated. He has allowed the actors time to breathe with a play that, on the page, must appear quite dry and unappealing, so thick is it with conversation instead of action.

The set was designed by Rebecca Brower and includes, apart from the hospital room, the corridor leading to the room. At first this felt like a gimmick – the actors being heard via a microphone – yet it soon became an ingenious device, to hint at the outside world that is only a door away and what is happening behind George’s back.

Mrs Orwell is a slow-burner. It creeps up on you and clings to you. That is a good thing.

Produced by Proud Haddock.

Images: Samuel Taylor.

Performances until Saturday 23rd September 2017.

Monday-Saturday at 8pm, with Tuesday and Saturday matinees at 3.30pm.

(No performances 14th,15th,16th).

Running time: 1 hr 55 (plus an interval)

Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD

www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

Twitter: @ProudHaddock, @swkplay, #MrsOrwell

Tickets are priced at £20 (£16 concessions) available from the theatre’s website on by calling the Box Office on 020 7407 0234.

Review by Chris Donaldson.

Interspersed between the canon of Star Wars films most of us know, is another body of work – mostly books but a couple of animated tv series also – that expand the universe.  They flesh out minor characters and add back story to various events that are briefly alluded to in the films.  These works are fodder for the fanboys and girls and possibly ignored by the rest of us who don’t crave that much depth.

The latest is now with us, and Delilah S Dawson’s Star Wars : Phasma deals with the origin story of the eponymous Captain Phasma, a female officer of the first order (bad guys), briefly introduced in ‘The force awakens’ and apparently to be given a bigger role in the forthcoming ‘The last Jedi’.  In the films she is portrayed – behind a chrome mask- by Gwendoline Christie.

Like all things Star Wars this moves at a cracking pace, it’s immediacy heightened by the use of third person present tense, which keeps us in the heart of the action throughout the opening, and switches to past tense during the flashback chapters that introduce us to a young Phasma.  These chapters are the recollections of Vi Moradi, a captured resistance spy (good guys) held on board the ‘Absolution’ a first order Star destroyer ( Resurgent class don’t ya know…) as she is tortured by a mysterious crimson armoured Stormtrooper who, with a secret agenda of his own, is obsessed by Phasma.

Their battle of wills is the catalyst for the exposition and most of the drama, and their relationship has a well structured development with some surprise twists and turns, further than that I won’t spoil…

The writing is economical throughout, and I think it’s fair to say, well serves the universe it inhabits.  Do you need to read it to enjoy/endure the films? No.  If you’re a big fan already is it worth a read? Well yes (and you bought the hardback on September 1st and read it the same day).  Dawson knows and has obvious affection for this universe, and if you want some competent backstory to your favourite Space farm boys, droids et al, you should give it a look, either on Ebook, or the heftily priced hardback (20 of your earth pounds thank you).

Star Wars: Phasma by Delilah S Dawson. Published by Century on 1st Sept 2017.  Price £20.00. Ebook available

Christopher Donaldson is the award winning author of Not a Girl.

The day begins at 4.30am. An ungodly hour but my three-year-old is one of those needy types. He tells me about a nightmare he’s had which involves Death. I left a copy of The Book Thief lying around and he’s become obsessed with the cover.

I work from home and at 7am begin looking at the financial markets. Trading still pays the bills but I hope to one day be Patterson rich and dictate my books purely for pleasure.

At 9am I go to the gym I’ve recently joined. I walk around the gym floor nodding and sipping water, and wondering why no one else is wearing a headband.

When I get back I check my emails. My editor has sent me the new Tall Oaks cover to okay. The cover has been redesigned to coincide with the launch of my second book, All The Wicked Girls, and I think it looks brilliant. My agent also loves it, so my editor is happy.

I check Twitter and have some lovely messages from readers. I try not to spend too much time on social media (I still don’t have FB) but I love hearing from readers, bloggers and other authors too.

After lunch I write. I’m beginning to think about my next novel so spend a few hours doing some research. My wife recently checked my browsing history, so book 3 is going to have to be about Swedish lesbians or else I’m in real trouble.

At 5pm I head into London for the launch of Felicia Yap’s incredible debut, Yesterday. The party is in the roof garden of Headline Publishing’s offices and it’s seriously impressive. It makes me worry about booking my local Pizza Hut for my upcoming launch. I drink seven beers and then feel better.

At the launch I see some bloggers that really liked Tall Oaks. I tell them I love them then watch them exchange nervous looks. I realise I haven’t introduced myself.

I then run into Matt Blakstad. I tell him how much I enjoyed his novel, Lucky Ghost, and also that I love him. I make a mental note not to drink anymore.

After the launch I head over to a stag party in Shoreditch. My last train is at midnight and if I miss it a cab home is horribly expensive, so I try and take it easy. I drink my first ever Jägerbomb and the rest of the evening is a pleasant blur.

Much to my amazement I arrive at the station with ten minutes to spare, and settle into my seat with the kind of smugness I should realise comes before a fall.

I stretch and yawn as the day takes its toll, and as the train rumbles out of the station I decide to take a short nap.

When I open my eyes I realise I’ve missed my stop and ended up at the bloody airport again.

All the Wicked Girls pub. Zaffre. £7.99 + eBook

FuturBalla: Life Light Speed – Ester Coen Editor

Born in Turin in 1871 Giacomo Balla was in time to see Rome become the new capital of Italy. Turin up to then the political focal point of the Risorgimento, and capital, was impoverished. This persuaded his mother to move to Rome in 1895 to give her son greater opportunities.

It seems that the move to this burgeoning city, still raw in many ways but growing into itself, mirrored what was happening to Balla. New sights, sounds and energy fascinated him. He loved the countryside, abhorred the filthy streets and determined not to become used to them. He learned from the artistic work of others, and applied it to the foundations of the perceptions that he had absorbed in Turin, not Rome, from lithographer Cassina and the photographers of the Bertieri family. It was these early years that honed Balla’s love of detail, and unusual and personal angles, and Rome that appeared to give him the breadth to develop his style, and create subjects which ooze life, personality, and that indefinable ‘past’ which creates the present of a person.

All this I garnered from FuturBalla: Life Light Speed – Ester Coen Editor.

The illustrations of Balla’s work are breathtaking, the presentation simple and without adornment. The works featured are from public and private collections in both Italy and abroad and clearly  illustrate the path of his creativity. There are more than 200 of these illustrations, accompanied by essays from the editor and contributors. It is not just an homage to an artist but an examination of one who developed an original style. A style which progressed from rich glowing streaks, to molten contrasts of light and dark, always employing bold perspective. Ultimately,  and inevitably one feels, moving to futurism – what else.

The presentation of the monograph is as clear yet detailed as the artist himself. Bravo. Fascinating and enhancing.

FuturBalla:Life Light Speed – £32 Skira  ISBN 978-88-572-3386-4

This for me is the book of the decade.

Finding Gobi is hailed as a true story of a little dog and an incredible journey. Well, it is. But it’s so much more. In fact, for me it’s the book of the decade. Beautifully written, full of pace, tension and sensitivity,  it charts Dion Leonard’s journey from a single minded seasoned, and highly competitive, but solitary ultra-marathon runner, into an empathetic companionable rounded young man. A young man, moreover who becomes driven by far more than the need to win. He has to save Gobi, who has, in so many ways changed or even saved him.

This true story is about a man and a small stray dog, Gobi, adopts Leonard as the ultra-marathon runner participates in the gruelling 155 mile race across the Gobi Desert. Gobi extraordinarily keeps up with him, mile after mile, day after day,  in scorching heat until balked by a wide river..Dion  Leonard is a quarter of the way across the river when he realises that Gobi is not able to follow him into the fast flowing water. Does he drive on to keep up his time, or does he go back to help this little stray, who has chosen him? It’s not an easy decision but reluctantly Dion Leonard finds himself jeapardizing his chances of achieving a win. He turns around, collects Gobi and carries her across the torrent. And on they go, together. Soon the other runners are rooting for Gobi too, and many thousands on social media as well, not to mention the press.

By the end of the race Leonard knows he can’t leave Gobi here, to whatever fate might await her, He must bring her ‘home’ to Edinburgh.. His beloved wife supports him in this, as do those who have been following Gobi’s progress. Money is raised. But that’s not by any means the end, and it’s a spoiler to tell you more.

What I will tell you is that Dion Leonard had little interest beyond running, but not just running – winning. By the end running has been relegated into a part of his life and hope, resilience  and friendship have taken first place. All because of Gobi.

The book for me was unputdownable. It is a voyage of discovery, a coming to terms with his difficult past for Dion, a past that is seamlessly introduced and explored seamlessly throughout the book.

In Goby and Dion’s journey things go wrong, things go right, and the support of strangers is heart warming, not just for the reader, but for Leonard who at last begins to accept help and support, and to realise that others, apart from his wife, have his best interests at heart.

As I said, beautifully written and love triumphs but boy, does it have to be worked for.  I hadn’t realised that the Marathon des Sables and the Yukon were two of the hardest marathons as is mentioned in the book

My son did them.. One day Matt, an ordiinary  marathon runner, said, ‘Oh, forgot to tell you,  I’m off to run across a desert.’ He did, finished, and then a short time later he did the Yukon but came across another competitor in danger in the extreme cold and stayed overnight, to keep her stable, forfeiting his place. He returned the next year and finished. Therefore, yes I have an interest in  ultra-marathon running:  the concentration and training, but also the need to be aware and involved in the other competitors when need be. A bit like life really.

I also have dogs, but even if I hadn’t, this book would have hooked me. Two days straight reading, lump in throat, relief, lump in throat, relief…

This book should be required reading for schools, colleges and basically everyone. The message is:: keep going, keep hoping,  support others as well as yourself and accept support. Be aspirational but know how to be a open to others. Keep your moral compass, in other words.

Brilliant: in a world of derivative books, this is a diamond.

There is a child’s version too. This is your Christmas present list sorted for all ages.

 Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard Harper Nonfiction. 1st June 2017 hb £12.99

Finding Gobi. Young readers edition. pb  £5.98

Both available  in ebooks.

KWV is an interesting South African winery, one of the established names which has modernised; part owned by a Black Empowerment business they have a young enthusiastic team and are powering on with the production of some absolutely excellent wines.

So, onto the wine.

The Granache Blanc 2016 is dry, fruity, (was there a faint taste of almond?) and just right for al fresco salads, or, quite frankly, on its own, sipping as the sun goes down. Reasonably priced too.

£7.99 Co-op

KWV Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Another begging to be tried. Refreshing, with a slight edge of grapefruit, or so we thought, and a hint of pepper. We tried it with a  fish curry, and it worked well, but could as easily join the KWV Granache Blanc as a drink on its own.

£9.00 Morrisons

KWV The Mentors Petit Verdot 2014

I’ve just reviewed a book discussing the early trade routes, and these included the spice routes. This robust and gorgeous wine has a hint of just those spices, plus a dollop of ripe fruit all of which adds up to an elegant but robust wine.

What to eat with it? Cheese worked well, but so too did a venison dish.  Well, let’s say anything. This is a treat to buy for yourself.

Would it improve if laid down for a year or two. Possibly, if you can resist it.

£14.95, Ocado, Slurp, SH Jones

Antic Disposition presents William Shakespeare’s Richard II1

at The Temple Church, London

“Everyone is close to the action and can delight in the deviousness of the play”

The Temple Church echoes with the sounds of footsteps and hushed voices, as it has for centuries. But on this evening, the noises are from an audience bristling with anticipation. A small, raised walkway down the aisle is the performing space. Thrones at one end, a coffin at the other. This is the coffin of the newly-deceased King Henry VI – we are in ‘the winter of our discontent’.

The royal court arrives and positions itself around the ailing Edward IV. Richard of Gloucester limps through them and then gloriously allows his sonorous voice to echo loud and clear.

image courtesy of Scott Rylander

Antic Disposition have toured this production to a variety of UK and French cathedrals and churches, including Leicester Cathedral – hitting the headlines because the real Richard now lies there. The tour concludes here, in London, with a three-week run.

The wonderful setting adds a layer of gravitas to a production that, at times, it struggles to deserve. The play, especially before the interval, slips into a plodding rhythm, that smothers some of the actors. After the break, though, the cast come out fighting and regain their lost control. Toby Manley’s Richard, now as King, slips into despotic unpredictability, spreading humour and viciousness in equal amounts. His turmoiled pinnacle comes when he awakes from his nightmare, just before Bosworth, where we witness a Golem-esque bipolar moment as he battles the demons and voices within; in one breath wanting revenge, the next despairing at his own loneliness. Shocking and touching at the same time.

Manley handles all this with confidence. As does Joe Eyre, playing the Duke of Buckingham with a quirky, camp lightness that beautifully contrasts with the darkness of his King.

Some of the cast are better than others at using the acoustics to their advantage, but overall, this is a solid version of the play, albeit at times lacking a little bite. Directors Ben Horslen and John Riseboro have a reputation now for quality shows and Richard III is no exception. Some of their choices are inspired (the ghosts of Richard’s victims standing, impassive, throughout), whereas some (like the appearance of Boris Johnson as The Mayor of London) feel a little cheap and unnecessary.

At the end, Richmond, after a fast and bruising fight with Richard, holds his injured arm and struggles with his wounded leg, to close the proceedings. Then he limps off to become the awful Henry VII – history repeating itself …

image courtesy of Scott Rylander

The whole event – quality Shakespeare-in-a-grand-church – is quite different from the now-customary theatre experience. Everyone is close to the action and can delight in the deviousness of the play. It should not be missed.

Running Time: 2 hours 20, with an interval.

Production Photographs: Scott Rylander.

Box Office: Tickets are available from www.richardiii.co.uk or by calling 0333 666 3366.

Twitter:               @anticdispo, #RichardIII

Instagram:          @anticdispo

Performances at The Temple Church, London, until September 9th

Tuesday-Saturday at 7.30pm (£30-£40, Under 18s £10 off).

My crime rave of the season: Chris Whitaker’s All The Wicked Girls

It’s hard these days to find a novel that is not derivative, but this is one of those rare beasts.  Chris Whitaker follows Tall Oaks, his ‘missing child’ thriller with All The Wicked Girls. His writing romps along, his timelines and points of view enclose us in the characters and their perceptions in what could so easily be a chaotic whirlwind, but is in fact a vibrant involving narrative. The Plot? In short: Summer Ryan is a model student, but is anyone that perfect? Raine, her sister, is different, troubled and challenging. Summer goes missing and Raine burrows into the investigation. She has an ally but this doesn’t necessarily mean she is safe.

That’s all you’re going to get from me. Read it, not just for the story, but so that you devour the world Whitaker creates. A cracking novel.

All the Wicked Girls by Chris Whitaker: Zaffre Publishing pb £7.99 + eBook

• We will be publishing Chris’ hilarious A Day in the Life in a couple of weeks.

The Sky is Not the Limit by Amanda Newton

As well as an author with Arrow & contributing editor for Frost, I am also the founder and administrator of the charity Words for the Wounded which helps disabled and unwell veterans so clearly I would find this  autobiography interesting, but is it a ‘must read’ for everyone?

Most certainly.

In the summer of 2015 Amanda Newton crashed her bike whilst triathlon training which left her terribly injured, and unable to walk. Using Facebook posts, Newton kept family and friends up to date with her journey of recovery, one that remarkably included an appreciation of all the positives that life has to offer. Positives that one might reasonably assume were pretty hard to come by, and then hang on to.

In The Sky is Not the Limit, Newton revisits these posts, and compares them to where she is now. So where is this? Though still in a wheelchair Newton continues to live life to the hilt:10 k races, training for Marathons, and did I mention sky-diving. Sometimes we talk of someone being inspirational, well, Amanda really is.

This is a book to read, and savour and which will lift our own lives. Amanda Newton has been shortlisted for a Sports and Recreation Achievement Award by the Spinal Injury Association, and her house has been renovated by DIY SOS.

The Sky is Not the Limit Amanda Newton pb £8.99 + eBook

The Hungry Empire by Lizzie Collingham

OK, most of us have been on holiday, eaten and drunk well, to say the least, but did you think of how Britain’s quest for food shaped the modern world?

I hadn’t until I read Collingham’s exploration of the subject. It could have been heavy, like grandma’s suet pudding but it wasn’t. It was fascinating. I’m not suggesting you rush out and try an iguana curry, but good to read about one who did, and why.

I knew about spice trade routes, but what about the cod of Newfoundland? And what about the dastardly sugar which has such a bad press today? Fortunately Collingham avoids the heavy handed polemics that ruin  so many of these books for me as she takes us on a voyage around twenty meals, opening up the history of our worldwide trade, and how it helped to shape the world.

Give it a go, it’s illuminating, fascinating and whilst we’re on the subject of food; satisfying. Can I have some more, please.

The Hungry Empire by Lizzie Collingham The Bodley Head. Hb. £20 + eBook