The How Not to be a Dick Guide

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Frostie

Know someone who loves being a jerk? Is there someone making your life difficult? Don’t worry, help is at hand with this great How Not to be a Dick Book. Bulk buy and hand out liberally.

Do you know someone who just loves to be a jerk? Then we’ve got something that will work – the How Not to be a Dick Book.

We all know a queue skipper, a food hogger, a boy racer and general two-facers. These individuals do the duty not all of us can do – Be a Dick.

Love them or hate them, there here for good, but if you give them a gift this year – make it one that might tone them down just a little.

A humorous hard back to pack with them wherever they go, its helpful tips and funny illustrations will have them in stitches but will also advise on everyday etiquette.

Fight the impossible and diminish dickish behaviour everywhere.

Dicks expect a gift – so give them one that they royally deserve. The How Not to be a Dick Guide, only £11.95 from www.prezzybox.com.

Are You Ready for Jurassic World?

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Frostie

Jurassic World is set to take the planet by storm this summer, as the highly anticipated third sequel to the beloved cult classic was released on June 12, 2015.

Originally famous for its then- revolutionary dinosaur DNA plot (gleaned from the Michael Crichton book of the same name) and its state of the art visual effects, the first three Jurassic Park films captured the imagination of a generation of movie goers. It has since become a culture juggernaut, inspiring breakfast cereals, amusement park thrill rides, countless online memes and compelling many a little one to dream of a career in paleontology.

Those adoring fans who were small children when the original two films were released are now in their 20s and 30s, with many now having their own offspring that they cannot wait to introduce to these realistic dinosaur giants. Audiences and film critics alike are excited for the next chapter in the Jurassic World saga, with stars such as Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio and Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt at the helm of this installment of the mega blockbuster.

Featuring a plot that sees the Isla Nublar island amusement park struggling to attract the visitors it so easily enticed to Jurassic Park 22 years earlier, the Indominus Rex is a new hybrid dinosaur introduced to the park – and whose presence quickly goes wrong.

As an ominous voice over in the recent trailer narrates, “She’s a highly intelligent animal. She’ll kill anything that moves.” This foreboding narration is enough to make any audience member shudder with anticipation, and gives a clear clue as to what is about to happen in this film – this dinosaur is hunting for sport, not just for the food.

The director, Colin Trevorrow, had this to say about the somewhat controversial (at least in the blogosphere) decision to use the idea of a genetically modified dinosaur: “There is no shortage of awesome dinosaurs. We could have populated the entire story with new species that haven’t been in any of these movies. But this new creation is what gave me a reason to tell another Jurassic Park story.”

And another Jurassic Park story it shall be, with eager viewers lining up with glee in order to have a peek at the latest in what is one of the world’s most enduring and beloved movie franchises. Many questions are lingering in the minds of the super fans: does Chris Pratt’s character, the so-called “Raptor handler,” have a bond with the seemingly untamable velociraptors, vicious dinosaurs who appear to cooperate with him in an early trailer? Does the Indominus Rex have a backstory, or appear covered in feathers (as many 21^st-century scientists now assert that dinosaurs would have been)? And how will potential sequel subject matter be introduced in this film?

Audiences all over the world are excited to see how this new Jurassic World plot plays out – not to mention excited to see the latest in special effects and digital visual technologies come across on the big screen. For more on the film and to find viewings near you, visit the Cineworld website.

Image credit.

This post was written in partnership with *Cineworld*

Twelfth Night or What You Will, by William Shakespeare

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Paloma Kubiak

Either my education’s failed me or I’ve failed my education as this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the great William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, or What You Will.

A production by the Pell Mell Theatre Company at The Space on the Isle of Dogs, I had no preconceptions of what the play was about, let alone how it compared to the written word or other stage adaptations.

Twelth Night came across as organised chaos – entertainers with painted faces stretched, performed, laughed and mocked the other characters and we never quite know whether they’re visible to all on stage or if they just act as a narrative device to help the audience’s understanding.

At times they were comedic in their moves, at other times they were somewhat distracting pacing about the stage while the audience tried to keep up with the main characters.

I was glad to see Shakespeare’s chief ploys of gender swapping and love triangles present.

Orsino pines for Lady Olivia, but she’s ironically hypnotised by Orsino’s page boy, Cesario, a woman who’s disguised herself as a man. And Cesario – aka Viola – is in love with Orsino.

The play is predominantly set at Lady Olivia’s home, where we meet her outspoken maid Maria, her pompous chief servant Malvolio and where her uncle, Sir Toby, roams the corridors after late night drinking sessions.

We also meet Feste, the fool who is wickedly honest and surprisingly witty and who shone through his thickly painted face.

As the love triangle heightens and madness has descended on the cast as the once disinterested Cesario has now wed Lady Olivia, is forced to fight Sir Andrew who’s also trying to win Olivia’s heart, and comes to blows with his/her master Orsino who believes he’s been betrayed, Sebastian enters.

The long lost twin brother of Cesario/Viola stands in front of the whole cast and all is now made clear. The way Sebastian was revealed and the way we saw each of the characters seem to realise the truth was a great strategy.

And though the play’s a little farcical as Lady Olivia is happy to have wed the male counterpart of Cesario, it was heart-warming to see Cesario revealed as a female – as she’s able to declare her love for her master, Orsino.

Viola, played by Ella Garland, was truly fantastic – she had the right mix of authority and playfulness for the role.

You couldn’t help but warm to Malvolio, played by Andrew Seddon, who paraded around in a grand suit before dressing in yellow stockings in the belief this would win the heart of Lady Olivia.

The actual play was simple in terms of props, and I think this was the right move, as the costumes were majestic and the lighting and music filled the stage.

Twelfth Night is showing at The Space until 8 August – tickets are available from https://space.org.uk.

Downley Festival 2015

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Following on from Frost’s articles about this fantastic village of Downley, near High Wycombe, and the piece in the Homes section of The Evening Standard, here is something about the arts festival that has just finished in Downley.

This year, at the start of the festival, strangers appeared in Downley, all vyeing for our attention. Some were perched on walls, another took her place in the front garden, with a glass of wine in her hand. One was up on a garage roof. Others guarded front doors. It was scarecrow time.

Here, there and everywhere, the scarecrows were enjoying the fun.

So, what did the Festival provide?

Those of an athletic disposition, (not me) could run 5 km and pretend to be enjoying it.

Another day we enjoyed the talent show, another time the Ceilidh Band, and talent show.

To begin with, however, there was a family disco in the marquee, and then, as the sun warmed us all, it was Downley Day. All afternoon there were performances and stalls.

The glorious weather continued which was kind to the gardens in Downley, some of which were open for the Festival. So lovely to poke around all those gardens you can’t usually see unless you’re on the top deck of a double decker. Nosey – me? Nah.

Downley School, which is the lovely village school put on a Shakespeare Production and to the relief of all concerned, a Beer and Cheese Festival took place.

I did a workshop on creative writing, and met lovely new people.

All a huge success, and bravo to those who organized and ran it. Downley has done it again. So close to London, but very much in the country.

Yay. Looking forward to next year already.

Big Mack: Michael Ball leads the cast of Chichester’s big summer musical

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Vicky Edwards

THEATRE REVIEW

Mack and Mabel
Chichester Festival Theatre
Until 5 September (and then on tour)

Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Book by Michael Stewart (revised by Francine Pascal)

www.cft.org.uk
Box Office: 01243 781312

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

From the moment that the blistering overture kicks in you sense that something special is in store. And so it is. In addition to a belting orchestra, there’s a clever set and technical wizardry, glorious frocks and a phenomenally talented cast, led by Michael Ball and Rebecca La Chance in the title roles.

But although billed as a musical comedy, the plot isn’t an endless stream of lighthearted froth by any means. Nor is it a conventional musical theatre romance. The true story of Mack Sennett, the legendary silent movie director famed for his Keystone Cops, and Mabel Normand, a hot dog seller spotted by Sennett and transformed into the darling of the silent screen, in many ways the tale is more reminiscent of Albert Square than Hollywood. Just with more songs.

Told retrospectively, Michael Ball convinces absolutely as the ruthlessly driven Sennett whose sole aim in life is to make ‘em laugh. Broke and alone in his studio before being turned out, he recalls the past; the lies he told, the cast and crew he bullied and the love he treated far too casually. And then there’s the crushing blow that he was wrong about the Talkies which, in spite of his prophecy to the contrary, did actually catch on, diminishing public appetite for his silent pie-in-the-face two-reelers.

Resigned to his rudeness and lack of romance, Mabel continues to love the difficult but charismatic Mack. Reaching a point, however, when the occasional moment of tenderness is no longer enough, and with Mack unwilling – or unable – to make any greater commitment to her, she allows her head to be turned by a rival producer. Having taken drugs before to cope with Mack’s punishing schedule of movie making, she is soon a regular drug taker, slugging down hard liquor in between shoving cocaine up her nose. By the time Mack finally realises that she needs help as much as he needs her it’s all far too late.

Rebecca La Chance is terrific. Vocally enchanting, she pitches Mabel’s initial passion, zest and energy perfectly. As times change, and her fading hope and enthusiasm becomes apparent, it pierces the heart.Fluid, visually stunning and audibly fabulous, all credit to director Jonathan Church and his creative team, whose collective expertise is harnessed to great effect. Choreographer Stephen Mere, at the top of his game, must surely be one of the world’s best. Inventive, stylish and almost poetic in their gracefulness, his routines are simply dazzling.

But ultimately it is Michael Ball’s show. Giving Mack real substance, and following on from his triumphant performance at Chichester a couple of years ago as Sweeney Todd, he cements his status as a supremely talented singer who can really act. Balancing the aggressive bully who is consumed by his work with the man who is also capable of flashes of sweetness, loyalty and at some level self-awareness, Ball manages the emotional and personality gear changes with complete aplomb. It is a remarkable performance and not until the curtain call is there so much of a glimpse of the slightly camp luvvie who willingly sends himself up.

Another Chichester musical with all the hallmarks of success, I Never Promised You a Happy Ending may well be one of the big numbers, but you’re sure as Hell guaranteed joyous entertainment. If you can get a ticket, grab one.

5 Film Sets That You Can Go Explore

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Frostie

If you love films and travel, you might want to combine the two on a pilgrimage to the sets of your favourite movies. Here are our top 5 film sets that you can go and explore.

Jurassic Park – Kualoa Ranch, Oahu

Originally set to be filmed in Costa Rica, Steven Spielberg’s 1993 mega blockbuster Jurassic Park was relocated to the craggy, prehistoric landscape of Oahu, Hawaii. Standing in for the mythical Isla Nublar, Kualoa Ranch is arguably one of the stars of the film, as it sets the mood and tone for this ‘science gone too far’ escapade. Visitors to Kualoa today can take guided ATV tours of the vast acreage, also used as a filming location for Lost and Godzilla.

Harry Potter – Warner Brother Studios, Leavesden

A perennial favourite of kids of all ages, the 8 Harry Potter films were all shot in and around London and Oxford. A specialised team of designers, visual effects experts and artists built the elaborate sets—and you can visit them to this day! Take a wand waving class, get up close to prosthetics and costumes actually used during filming, and of course – visit the unbelievable shop at the end. If you want to catch a glimpse of filming locations around the city, head to the Millennium Footbridge, King’s Cross Station (home to the iconic Platform 9 ¾) and Leadenhall Market.

The Grand Budapest Hotel- Görlitzer Warenhaus Department Store, Görlitz, Germany

Fans of Wes Anderson’s quirky alternate universe often cite The Grand Budapest Hotel as their favourite of his films. Nominated for 9 Oscars in 2014, this visually arresting movie was shot primarily in a department store, not a hotel. While the hotel’s façade was a model (a technique that Anderson often employs), the interior shots were all filmed in this handsome art nouveau department store, built in 1913 and located 60 miles from Dresden. Open daily, you can treat yourself to a bit of retail therapy while you walk through the halls of cinematic history.

Ghostbusters, Tribeca Firehouse, New York City

This 1984 classic is beloved by generations of fans who grew up watching the films, television series, cartoons and playing with Slimer action figures – and that is why so many fans flock to the Tribeca Firehouse at 14 North Moore Street in New York City. Now valued at over $16 million due to its newly trendy location, the newest reboot of the film due next year may not be able to afford to hire the space!

Friday the 13^th, NoBeBoSco campground, Blairstown, New Jersey

If you love scary slasher flicks and you want to pay homage to Jason at the fictional Camp Crystal Lake, you will have to get the permission of an organisation so wholesome that it is the antithesis of Friday the 13^th: The Boy Scouts of America! ‘Camp Crystal Lake’ is actually set on the NoBeBoSco campground in New Jersey, and during the off season they will occasionally grant permission to film buffs who want to wander through the original cabins.

These filming locations are iconic, interesting and affordable (or even free) to visit. Do you have any others you would like to see added to this list? Leave your suggestions in the comment section below!

Rose McGowan Fired By Agent For Calling Out Hollywood Sexism

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Frostie

Rose McGowan has been fired by her agent for pointing out how sexist a casting was. The casting was for an Adam Sandler movie she auditioned for. The script notes stated “push-up bras encouraged,” and the name of the male lead rhymed with “Madam Panhandler.” The Charmed star tweeted:

casting note that came w/script I got today. For real. name of male star rhymes with Madam Panhandler hahahaha I die pic.twitter.com/lCWGTV537t

— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) June 18, 2015

She went on to say “It was just so dumb. I was offended by the stupidity more than anything… This is normal to so many people.” She then said she was “not trying to vilify Adam Sandler,”

Unbelievably, the tweet made her agent fire her. She went back on Twitter to say: “I just got fired by my wussy acting agent because I spoke up about the bulls— in Hollywood. Hahaha. Douchebags… Bring it… The awesome thing about being an artist? You can’t be fired from your own mind. Freedom.”

Depressing. It seems that Hollywood still has a way to go when it comes to equality.

Interested in acting? Read Catherine Balavage’s book on acting, How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur. It has gotten numerous five star reviews and has been called the ‘best advice available’ by numerous sources.

Review: Educating Rita – Minerva Theatre, Chichester

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Vicky Edwards

Educating Rita
Minerva Theatre, Chichester
Until 25 July
Box Office: 01243 781312
www.cft.org.uk

Picture credit: Manuel Harlan

In her quest for choice and betterment would Liverpudlian hairdresser Rita throw herself into an Open University degree course today? Nah. More likely that she would develop an app for stylists.

Written and set in the early 80s (and with more than a little doffing of its hat at Shaw’s Pygmalion), what Willy Russell’s play lacks in modern relevance is more than compensated for in the performances of Lenny Henry and Lashana Lynch.

As Frank, the disillusioned tutor and one-time poet whose career is now just a means of funding his drinking, Henry could be a shade more embittered. But visibly relaxing into the second act, first night nerves squarely dealt with, he hits his stride.

Frank’s passion for teaching is reignited when Rita explodes into his office with a desperate thirst to learn. His feelings for her grow fonder and when he realises that she has all but achieved her dream of being educated the ensuing bender upon which he embarks is not inspired by a wish to toast her success. Beautifully pitched by Henry, who is well paired with his co-star – their chemistry gives the production a palpable boost – the final scenes are especially touching.

Lashana Lynch is on track for Big Things. Exuberant, warm, funny, ambitious, determined and childlike in her wonder of academia, Lynch manages to convey it all, stealing the hearts of the audience while she’s about it. A two-hander is a huge mountain for any actor to scale but Lynch makes it look effortless.

Not so the transitions from scene to scene. Limited to a point by both script and Ellen Cairns’ bookshelf-lined set, Rita’s arrival to each tutorial at the start of each new scene is clunky.

But this is a minor grip and overall this production, in educational terms, falls only slightly short of getting a First.

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