Category Archives: Life & Style

On Photography and Motherhood. An interview with Laurel Smith

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Tell us about you.

I’m Laurel, a motherhood and family photographer who believes in creating timeless, intentional portraits that become heirlooms. My background is in finance, which taught me the importance of strategy, planning, and attention to detail—skills I carry into my photography. I’m also a mother of three, and my family inspires much of the heart behind my work. I’m based in the Bay Area and specialize in helping moms see themselves and their families as art.

You can find me at: https://laurelsmithphotography.com

Did you always want to be a photographer?

I did not always aspire to become a photographer but I’ve always felt strongly drawn to the arts and also had an analytical mind. I have a business degree and pursued a career in finance before I had kids. After my oldest was born I wished for better photos of him and started learning photography with the intent to document my own family. At this time I also struggled with the transition into motherhood and as opportunities arose to photograph other mothers I began to recognize the beauty in this fleeting stage of life. Photography was transformative in my journey into motherhood and once I recognized that it has been my purpose to serve mothers going through that transition themselves.

How did you get into photography?

I picked up a camera during a time when I felt lost as a new mom. I struggled with postpartum anxiety and found photography to be a refuge—a way to focus on something beautiful and meaningful outside of the day-to-day challenges. What started as a personal project to document my kids turned into a passion for capturing the beauty of motherhood and family in an artistic and intentional way.

You focus on motherhood and family. What about it speaks to you?

Motherhood is a nuanced journey, full of complexity and beauty. I know firsthand how hard it can be to see yourself in the chaos of it all. I focus on motherhood because I want to help women see the beauty in their own stories. I believe that the process of being photographed can be very vulnerable, especially for mothers who can often feel overlooked. While many of the mothers I photograph have achieved great accolades in their careers prior to becoming mothers, there is no recognition for the hard work and effort that goes into motherhood. When I photograph mothers I like to photograph them in the way they would like to see themselves. That can mean embodying many different characteristics, such as strength, peace, empowerment, or connection. We plan their session around these feelings by choosing colors, locations, and posing that convey these sentiments. My hope is that when the women I photograph view their portraits hanging on the walls of their homes they will see themselves embodying these traits and recognize that it is within them. In this way I hope my portraits have the power of a vision board, helping my clients become the things they most want to be.

What are your favourite projects that you have done? Do you have a favourite picture? 

My favorite project of all time was a session I did with my friend Sarah. This was the first session I did that focused on a mother alone. This was an intimate maternity session and turned into an opportunity to connect as mothers sharing similar experiences. I felt that in this session I was able to truly see Sarah and I believe it shows in the work. You can find Sarah’s gallery here: Tell us about you.

How do you juggle parenting with your career?

I don’t believe that balance exists between parenting and career, but a constant battle of prioritization. Sometimes work takes priority, and sometimes family does. 

Is photography a tough business to be in?

The photography industry is extremely saturated, which presents unique challenges for photographers working to support their families. Working as a photographer requires skills in marketing and business management to keep our artistry alive. I find myself constantly pulled between working in my business, and working on my business. For every hour I spend behind my camera, I spend approximately 10 hours behind my computer, many of which are spent working to connect with prospective clients.

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?

I would encourage aspiring photographers to articulate their motivation behind picking up their camera. Working as a photographer can be a lonely path and returning to your “why” can propel you forward when the path becomes challenging. I would also recommend that aspiring photographers seek out mentors who have found success in their areas of weakness. It is invaluable to have a mentor help you train your eye by showing you what you can’t yet see in your own work.

Marion of the Columbia Community Association updates Frost Magazine as the New Year gets underway.

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The year 2024 started off fine and dandy with everyone happy at the way things were going. Bookings were flooding in, parties galore in full swing, Google merrily played its part in our monthly quizzes, Margaret and Dick Graham continued to visit us as much as they could however, between you and me it was actually a ploy on their part as they always called in to the Washington Arms Pub, in our wonderful little village for Fridays Fish and Chips with mushy pies. They must be excused for this as there is nothing like them anywhere.

Spring brought us hours of pleasure in the garden, new plants, hanging baskets, people donated garden benches etc. We even agreed to house a clothing bank outside, all clothing goes to Ukraine, and we get a few coppers for our charity, dependent on the weight of the clothes deposited. It also brings lots of people to the centre who pop in for a good old natter which has resulted in several party bookings.

It soon became time for the periodic yearly maintenance checks to be carried out. All went swimmingly until – ouch – the Gas engineer condemned our boiler, and we were left with no heating whatsoever. As you are all aware we lease the building, however Sunderland City Council felt we could source grants etc. to pay the estimated costs of 10k. We began the task, and Lady luck was on our side – we managed to attain sufficient funds via two grants. In addition, Gentoo supplied us with heaters and again lady luck was shining down on us – the weather changed, the sun was shining and although without a boiler for several weeks we managed to ride the storm. In September we became fully functional, and everything was back to normal (or was it?).

Red Shoes Bob and lovely Marion

Holiday time arrived, and Red Shoes Bob and I spent two glorious weeks in Tunisia and on our return we found we had once again a leaky roof. To cut a long story short we employed a professional who found the problem and fixed it. Bookings for parties and events were plentiful and there were trips out to Hylton Castle, Beamish Museum and of course our in house quiz nights, Halloween was a hoot, and the good old folks of Brady Square couldn’t wait to get dressed up.

Before we knew where we were, it was early December. We decided to do a £25 gift voucher every week at our coffee morning raffle which went down very well, as people could spend this on whatever they choose. We did however, decide to do a Christmas hamper and a lot of our wonderful ladies offered to contribute to the hamper which was valued at approximately £150.00. It was won by Brenda Dodds, Brenda’s husband Colin came to collect it and stated he needed a hoist to lift it (he did manage to get it home with a little help form his friends)

Arrangements for Christmas parties for all groups was well under way, some using Cosy Café across the street which was Di’s Dinar but is now under new Management with the lovely Racheall Thompson, who since taking over has been exceptionally kind to us. We certainly have no problems being her tester for all the new scrumptious delicacies she produces, it would be so rude to refuse these offers.

Aimee’s dance class

The children who attend Aimee’s dance class enjoyed a pyjama pizza party on Tuesday 17th December and guess who visited them, none other that Santa himself. Their reaction brought tears to my eyes; they were so excited it was amazing to be part of the experience. I do believe that Santa enjoyed his time here as he made a return visited to our coffee morning on Friday 20th December. This left plenty of time to get back to the North Pole to supervise the Elves.

Our wonderful Forever Young ladies Group presented me with an amazing bouquet and a card signed by them all saying thank you for all you do for us. What more could anyone ask, amd it really did mean the world to me.

We closed our doors on the 20th and had a well-earned rest. The ups and the downs and smiles and laughter had made 2024 all worthwhile. But what will stick in my mind, and I still have a little giggle about it, as Santa was leaving Aimee’s party the children were waving and shouting ‘Bye Santa’, and one little voice from the back shouted, “Bye Bob”.

Makes you wonder whose kidding who.

God bless you all and have a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year from all at Columbia Community Association. https://www.facebook.com/columbiacommunityassociation/

When your child is diagnosed with epilepsy you feel that the bottom has fallen out of your world

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‘When your child is diagnosed with epilepsy you feel that the bottom has fallen out of your world…’ 

Finding a diagnosis for your child, particularly for complex neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, can be a long and arduous process for many families in the UK.  

Highlighting the desperate need for more information and support for those facing a new epilepsy diagnosis, one mother, Sarah, has bravely shared her reaction to finding out her young daughter has the condition in a heart wrenching open letter to the families of other children and young people dealing with the same. 

‘I know that you may feel that the bottom has fallen out of your world and to an extent it has, but there’s a safety net. Don’t lose sight of your child throughout all of this…their diagnosis is a part of them but not all of them.’ Sarah, Lexi’s mum

There are more than 100,000 children and young people living with epilepsy in the UK today, and for many, support at the point of diagnosis is crucially lacking. National charity, Young Epilepsy, aims to change that by providing tailored information and support to children, young people and their families in the UK at the point of diagnosis. 

For Sarah, finding out her daughter had epilepsy was a moment of mixed emotions: ‘When the consultant told me she has epilepsy it was a combination of feelings from ‘Oh my gosh, my child’s got this diagnosis’ to vindication, I was right! 

When you’re saying these things and people are almost persecuting you and saying that you’re parenting poorly to actually have an answer to what is happening with your child it was like all of the things slowed into place.’ 

Around 8,500 children and young people are diagnosed with epilepsy each year in the UK. Receiving an epilepsy diagnosis can be frightening, isolating and overwhelming. Children and young people, along with their families and carers, need help and support understanding their new diagnosis and how it will impact their lives. A key barrier many will face is a lack of information following their epilepsy diagnosis, often leading to fear, worry and anger and adversely affecting coming to terms with the diagnosis. 

The road to an epilepsy diagnosis for Sarah and her daughter Lexi was sadly filled with uncertainty, ‘I knew something was wrong with Lexi for a long while before I was taken seriously by professionals.’  

‘I kept taking Lexi to the doctors because I felt that I had observed some absences. Each time I was told there was nothing wrong and I worried too much. One day I got a panicked telephone call from the school. I was told to pick her up and take her to the doctors immediately and demand that further tests were undertaken. 

Months later, we were told there was a confirmed epilepsy diagnosis. The consultant carried on speaking, but I didn’t hear anything. I felt my world falling away around me.’ 

For many an epilepsy diagnosis can feel frightening. Sarah described being told her young daughter had the condition in the midst of a busy clinic appointment without the right support leaving her feeling scared and confused, ‘my first question, I’ll be very honest, was is she going to die?’

When a child is diagnosed with epilepsy, families can often feel overwhelmed and unsure about the future. Trusted information and guidance are essential for newly diagnosed children, young people, and their families. Young Epilepsy strives to develop easy-to-use, accessible, relevant, and evidence-based information to ensure no child or young person feels alone when they receive their diagnosis.  

Lexi is now 14 and continues to have frequent absence seizures, which affect her schooling and daily life. Sarah explains: ‘It often feels like we’re navigating this journey alone, which is why the support we’ve received from Young Epilepsy has been crucial. They’ve provided us with the resources, community, and understanding that we needed during some of the hardest times.’

For any family who’s just received an epilepsy diagnosis, my advice is to reach out for support. Find organisations like Young Epilepsy, connect with other families, and never stop advocating for your children.’ 

National charity, Young Epilepsy, is there to help support families receiving an epilepsy diagnosis and this Christmas, they are raising money to develop new, vital resources with information and support specifically designed for children and their families dealing with a new diagnosis of epilepsy. 

This vital support will help provide a lifeline of vital, relevant and timely support about epilepsy, diagnosis and living with the condition helping to support self-management and confidence and ultimately reducing the fear a diagnosis can bring. 

Thanks to the Young Epilepsy Big Give campaign, for this week only (3-10 December) every pound donated is worth DOUBLE! To double your donation visit Help for children newly diagnosed with epilepsy 

Young Epilepsy provides a host of information and advice for young people, families, clinicians and more on their website www.youngepilepsy.org.uk 

Interview With I.S. Berry Author, The Peacock and the Sparrow

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Did you always want to be a CIA agent?

Not at all. I wanted to be a writer! But I studied at London School of Economics in college, and fell in love with living abroad and foreign affairs. It was the 1990s and communism had collapsed, which was a fascinating time to be in Europe. After I graduated, I edited a newspaper in Prague, then worked as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. government in Cambridge, England, shuttling back and forth to the Balkans. I found I was passionate about intelligence work, so I applied to the CIA. While waiting for my application to process, I attended law school and studied international law. 9/11 happened while I was in law school, and I felt grateful I was on a job track that would serve my country.

When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

For as long as I can remember! I’ve always loved books and words. My adolescence and young adulthood are littered with failed attempts at novels. While traveling Europe in my twenties – exploring, trying to figure out who I was – I remember musing in my journal that, while I’d probably follow a more practical career path, my secret dream was to be a writer. But it wasn’t until I’d worked as a spy that I had something really meaningful to write about, that it all came together.

What do you think is behind the world’s fascination with the CIA and the world of spies?

The secrecy, I think. Espionage is an entire world beneath the surface, a netherworld. And spying is a profession of high stakes, where lives and geopolitics – the fate of both people and nations – are on the line. Also, espionage involves inherently colorful characters – people willing to commit the ultimate betrayal.

Your characters are so vivid. Do you base them on real people?

My characters are mostly composites, except for the station chief, who was inspired by a real person. Also, the expat community is based on real people, and much of the dialogue is taken verbatim from actual conversations.

Can you describe your writing routine. 

I try to go for a three-mile run each morning. Then I either go to my local coffeeshop or set up camp in my study and write for a few hours. I can’t write too much without printing out and editing, because things read differently to me on paper, and I need to get the story right before I proceed too far.

The book is negative about the CIA. Where you disillusioned?

A bit. I joined the Agency a few months after 9/11, and it was a time of transition and, at times, chaos. My first tour, as a counterterrorist case office in Baghdad during the apex of the war (fall 2004 to fall 2005), was challenging: we weren’t making much progress, the work environment was stressful, and most of us – myself included – returned with PTSD. I made decisions in a fog of war and espionage that haunted me and carried their own trauma. The fundamental skill required for the job – manipulating people – never sat easily with me. Now, years later, with the dust settled, I have a softer view of that time. I wouldn’t say my book paints the CIA in a negative light so much as it paints espionage in a negative light. For me, spying was an uncomfortable, debilitating profession, and that’s what I wanted to convey.

What are your thoughts on the CIA now. Did you find writing the book healing?

I think the CIA has made a lot of progress. The war on terror is over, and the Agency has had time to take a breath, evaluate its operations and internal culture. It’s more introspective and self-critical now. When I was there, the Agency was a bit of an old boys network. Since then, the “Me Too” movement has had an impact: there are rules about and awareness of sexual harassment; female officers speak up about inappropriate treatment; and women fill more leadership positions. I do think writing my book was cathartic. When I finished, I realized how many of my ghosts had come out on the pages. They’re still with me, but now I can better articulate and make sense of them.

The book is unflinchingly honest and brave. Did you ever have a moment of doubt about putting your heart and soul on the page?

Thank you! Yes – though more so after my book was published. I wrote my manuscript in a vacuum (CIA rules prohibit me from showing my writing to anyone until it’s been cleared), so I didn’t even think about getting my story out in the world at the time. Exposing my inner turmoil was still an abstraction. Once I was published, I realized that now everyone could see my scars and the effect espionage had on me. But so many former intelligence officers have found my book resonant, I’ve felt more reward than apprehension in telling this story.

Joseph Weisberg, creator of the TV series The Americans, called your book the “the most realistic espionage story I’ve read.” How did that feel, and do you agree?

Well, I haven’t read all the spy novels out there, so I feel unqualified to judge! But I take Joe’s blurb as a huge compliment, and was honored to get such an amazing endorsement from the creator of a masterful, iconic series. I do think many spy novels skew toward the sensational – car chases, roof scaling – and mine is based more on my own experiences, and the tradecraft and operations I conducted. Also, tradecraft is fundamentally psychological, not technological or gadget-based, and I think my story reflects this. Above all, I wanted to convey a visceral sense of espionage, and insiders tell me I’ve succeeded at that.

What books, films and TV shows get the spy world right?

For film, Beirut, Spy Game, and Ghosts of Beirut are some of my favorites. For novels, Graham Greene’s The Quiet American and most of le Carré books (The Little Drummer Girl is my favorite) – all written years ago, but, in the most important ways, as authentic today as they were then.

It’s nice to have a female voice in the world of spy novelists. Do you think you’ve paved the way for more?

I hope so! It’s shocking to me how few female spy novelists there are (though, we’re out there – I’m in good company with Merle Nygate and Alma Katsu, to name a few).

What’s next?

Another spy novel! This time, a female protagonist. It’s about the intersection of spying and writing…and I think that’s all I can say for now!

Interviewing I.S. Berry was both a pleasure and a privilege. You can read my review of her stunning novel, which was named as the The Times thriller of the year, here. You can buy The Peacock and the Sparrow here. I.S Berry’s website is a great resources and her socials are below.

Buy now – Simon & Schuster Web: isberry.net X: @isberryauthor IG: @isberryauthor

CrimeFest, one of the UK’s leading crime fiction events hosted in Bristol each year, has announced 2025 will be its final convention.

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Adrian Muller, Dame Mary Perkins and Donna Moore – image: Gary Stratmann

In a statement announcing the closure, Adrian Muller, co-founder, co-host and director of CrimeFest, said: “It is with sadness – but great pride – that we announce that our sixteenth CrimeFest, which takes place from 15-18 May 2025, will be the final one.”

Inspired by a visit to Bristol in 2006 of the American Left Coast Crime convention, the first CrimeFest was held in June 2008. CrimeFest is a convention run by fans of the genre, initially organised by Myles Allfrey, Liz Hatherell, Adrian Muller, and Donna Moore, and more recently hosted by the latter two.

Whereas most crime fiction events are invite-only, with a fixed programme of authors, CrimeFest offers a more democratic model. As a convention, any commercially published author can sign up to appear on a panel. Adrian Muller said: “CrimeFest provides many authors with a platform they would not have been offered elsewhere in the UK. And, subsequently, readers discover and meet writers they otherwise may never have heard of. During CrimeFest, all delegates – be they authors or readers – come together as equals to celebrate the genre they love.”

Taking place across four days, each year CrimeFest showcases around 150 authors across more than 50 panels; over the years, 1,100 authors will have appeared at the event. CrimeFest also invites Featured and Highlighted guests, securing major authors including Cathy Ace, Lee Child, Ann Cleeves, Martina Cole, Michael Connelly, Jeffrey Deaver, Sue Grafton, Anthony Horowitz, P.D. James, Lynda La Plante, and Ian Rankin.

Lee Child attended the very first convention, and was a Featured Guest at the fifth and tenth anniversaries of CrimeFest. Lee Child said: “Sadly all good things come to an end – and Adrian Muller’s Bristol CrimeFest was one of the very best things ever. It was a warm, friendly, relaxed and inclusive festival, hugely enjoyable for authors and readers alike. Myles, Liz, Donna and Adrian, their team of volunteers – and Dame Mary from Specsavers – have my sincere thanks for many delightful weekends over the years.”

The event is sponsored by Specsavers. Co-founder of Specsavers, Dame Mary Perkins, who will be attending again next year, praised the event: “I am an avid reader and fan of the genre, and I always look forward to CrimeFest. It is so friendly, and it feels like all who go are welcomed as part of a big family, connected by a love of books, and reading. We are proud sponsors and I will miss CrimeFest and the camaraderie very much.”

Adrian added: “Thanks to the support of Specsavers, our highly valued sponsor, we introduced reduced cost Community Passes for UK school and public librarians, students and for people on benefits. In 2021 we also created an annual bursary for crime fiction authors of colour. We’ve run community projects at local schools in the community; donated books to many schools and libraries across Bristol and the UK; our anthology Ten Year Stretch and our raffles each year have raised thousands of pounds for the Royal National Institute of Blind People, and the seven awards we present each year celebrate crime fiction, non-fiction, TV and crime fiction for children and young adults – the latter two being the first in the UK. We are immensely proud of these initiatives.”

Author and co-host of CrimeFest, Donna Moore, said: “CrimeFest is a labour of love for us and our volunteers. We are immensely grateful to the authors, readers, publishers, booksellers, sponsors, volunteers, and a whole host of other people who have supported us over the years.”

The organisers promise to say goodbye “in style” with the attendance of some big-name authors to celebrate its 16 years. The final CrimeFest takes place 15-18 May at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel. CrimeFest – Bristol’s Annual Crime Fiction Convention

Sometimes the magnificence of a book takes away one’s breath: The Great Mughals: Art Architecture and Opulence – is one.

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This absolute cracker of a book is one that needs to be read from cover to cover as it is chock-a-block with evidence of the fascinating opulent internationalist culture of Mughal Hindustan 1556 – 1658.

Edited by Susan Stronge, The Great Mughals: Art Architecture and Opulence presents for the first time the age of its greatest emperors: Akbar 1556-1605, Jahangir 1605-1627 and Shah Jahan 1628-1658. Stronge sets out a compelling narrative which describes the origins of Mughal art; it explores the huge Iranian influence that permeated the sophisticated craft traditions of the Indian subcontinent to create a distinctively Mughal style, further modified by interactions with Jesuit missionaries and European traders.

All the arts of the Mughal court are included: from contemporary portraits to jewelled gold vessels and magnificent carpets. In chapters that conjure the unique dynamics of each reign, essays with historical sweep combine with texts focused on important objects to tell unexpected stories about a dynasty perhaps best known for commissioning the Taj Mahal.

As someone whose grandmother was Hindu, I find anything like this fascinating, but this book is broad enough in concept and presentation to enthral everyone, not just me. It is visually impressive, and promotes a train of thought that pursues the sheer magnificence and creativity of all that was produced during this epoch. But not just that, it is also the revelation of the absorption of the influence of outsiders such as Jesuit missionaries that reminds us that we have much to learn from one another.

A wonderful book, though that seems too narrow a term. Let’s say it is a cornucopia, a revelation, one which accompanies the V&A exhibition The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence to perfection. The exhibition is underway and closes Monday, 5 May 2025. V&A South KensingtonCromwell Road London, SW7 2RL. Gallery 39. £22.00Concessions apply. Advance booking recommended. The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence is available here and also the V&A Bookshop


Have you ever considered a Christmas Break? This year we thought why not, but where, and would Santa find us? Had we been good enough for such a treat? Frankly, yes. So we booked. Oh yes we did and it was sublime – by Lyn Taylor

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You see, we had longed to drive a shortish way, and find another part of the country as lovely as the Thirsk area where we could drift about, meandering in glorious British countryside , and then eat, and drink – a little of course. Ho hum. But where?

We had paid a fleeting visit some while ago to Cumbria, and found Ullswater, a glacial lake, which is part of the Lake District National Park, and then onto the village of Glenridding which is situated at the southern end of the lake. We learned that each year on Easter Monday, a duck race is organised by the local mountain rescue team to fundraise. It had all sounded as quirky as Thirsk… so we booked for three nights from Christmas Eve at the newly renovated The Ullswater Inn, nestling beneath the fells, with stunning views of Ullswater.

We duly arrived to a warm welcome at the Inn, which had been decorated for Christmas just as had The Golden Fleece in Thirsk. The Ullswater Inn is dog friendly, people friendly, with, we discovered wonderful food, and a totally relaxed atmosphere. How could Santa possibly miss slipping down their chimney?

The bedroom was, I kid you not, a suite, and we slept like logs, then up on Christmas Day, and a bit of a saunter in the fresh air with stunning views all around.

We had opened our presents before breakfast. Well, OK, I admit it, we brought them with us as, of course, I tricked you, we are just a bit too old to believe in Santa. We ordered champagne with our Christmas Day meal ( our choices, turkey and slow roast venison) and chatted, relaxed, sipped, trotted into the bar for more chat, then slept like logs – again.

Turkey

Slow Roast Venison

On Boxing Day we took a trip on one of the ‘Ullswater Steamers’ of which there are five operating from the pier at Glenridding. Interestingly, the company was founded to provide a transport link for goods from Glenridding to Penrith via Pooley Bridge. Oh yes, there is also the Helvellyn Triathlon held at Jenkins’ Field by the shores of Ullswater which must be interesting to watch, but meandering round the glorious lake, and the foothills of the fells were quite enough exercise for us, thank you very much.

It certainly enabled us to tuck in again once we returned to The Ullswater Inn. As we ate we promised ourselves we would return for a weekend in the Spring to be a bit more energetic, and of course, to eat, and sip. Oh yes, indeedy.

Did we enjoy it? I should cocoa we did. Every single minute: lovely Inn, lovely people, lovely countryside, lovely boat trip. We returned to Thirsk refreshed, and all set up for 2025. To find out more about The Inn Collection Group which was formed in 2013, and some more of their amazing Inns : https://www.inncollectiongroup.com/ullswater-inn

Aladdin, The Panto At Elgiva, Chesham – All My Wishes Were Granted – by Award-Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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I’m always super excited to see a pantomime. Last year I saw Elgiva’s Cinderella with Frost Magazine’s editor, Margaret Graham and hubbie, Dick. We had a brilliant time and so I simply couldn’t wait for this year’s Aladdin, this time with the family, including my two grandkids.

What I love about the Elgiva Theatre is the attractive environment, comfortable seats, friendly staff and bar, shop and cafe. It’s cosy size means that wherever you sit you’re close to the actors, putting everyone in danger of ad-lib comments from the stage – the two ladies who tried to sneak in five minutes late were very publicly roasted by Widow Twankie, even telling them exactly what they’d missed. In fact the fun-loving panto cast took great pleasure in interacting with the audience at every opportunity, shouting lightning fast ad libs and wandering amongst us spraying powerful water pistols, much to the enjoyment of my grandkids. And where else could five unravelling toilet rolls have all the children, and a few adults, let me tell you – OK, OK, I was one of them – screaming and shouting with laughter for a good ten minutes?

Elgiva always attracts well-known and highly talented actors and this time was no different. Celebrity singer and actor, Nicki French starred as the Empress and Frost Magazine’s very own Drama Critic and professional actor, Paul Vates was the hilarious Widow Twankey. Oh how we love him. Oh yes we do.

The execution was slick, the scenery and special effects stunning, the dancing and singing spell-binding and adults and children were roaring at the jokes, screaming ‘He’s behind you’ and booing and hissing very loudly at Abanazar (or maybe that was just me? I can get a bit over-excited in the presence of greatness, as you must have already realised).

Aladdin has two performances daily until 5th January so if you want to have a seriously fun time at this traditional Christmas performance book here. Be quick though, seats are selling fast.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

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