This Is An Ex-Parrot!

Posted on by

GIANT DEAD PARROT INSTALLED ON LONDON’S SOUTH BANK AS MONTY PYTHON RETURN FOR FINAL LIVE SHOWS

 exparrot montypython deadparrot

  • 15-metre long deceased “Norwegian Blue” unveiled to mark the screening of Monty Python live on TV channel Gold this Sunday 20th July
  • Dead Parrot Sketch voted the ‘nation’s favourite Monty Python sketch’

 

The dead parrot at the centre of the eponymous sketch performed by John Cleese and Michael Palin, first screened 45 years ago, has been recreated on a giant scale to celebrate the screening of the very last Monty Python live show on comedy TV channel Gold this Sunday, the 20th July.

The mammoth model of the ‘Norwegian Blue’ was commissioned by the comedy channel following a survey of 2000 comedy fans which named the surreal pet shop skit as the nation’s favourite Monty Python sketch of all time. The famous sketch was first broadcast on 7 December 1969 and remains a firm favourite with audiences who have been enjoying the live shows at The O2 this month.

The sculpture caused a stir amongst London commuters as it was hung upside down by a crane before being respectfully laid to rest on its back at Potters Fields on London’s South bank near Tower Bridge.

The model, which is made from fibre glass, took a team of three sculptors over two months to design, construct and paint.  The giant dead parrot measures 15 metres (almost 50 feet) from the tip of its tail to the top of its head, the equivalent to the height of five elephants standing on top of one another.

Lead sculptor Iain Prendergast says, “We are all Monty Python fans so we were delighted to receive the brief from Gold to recreate the mythical ‘Norwegian Blue’ on a giant scale. We watched both live and televised versions of the sketch and found that there have been a number of different incarnations of the parrot with a variety of different plumages.  Our sculpture provides a colourful hybrid of the dead parrots which have featured in the celebrated sketch. The key challenge for us was capturing the comedy value of the dead parrot, keeping the realism of the bird whilst also adding touches like the bloodshot, ‘stunned’ eyes.” 

The homage to the iconic Monty Python sketch will be taken to The O2 arena where fans attending the final run of live shows will be able to say their final farewell to the comedy troupe, taking pictures of the giant dead parrot and adding to the Twitter buzz using the hashtag #montypythonlive.

 

Gold will be screening the live broadcast of the final Monty Python Live (mostly): One Down Five To Go stage show on Sunday 20th July.

 

The top ten Monty Python Sketches according to 2000 Brits 

 

  1. Dead Parrot – 45%
  2. The Lumberjack Song – 28%
  3. The Ministry of Silly Walks – 23%
  4. The Spanish Inquisition – 16%
  5. Spam – 15%
  6. Four Yorkshiremen – 12%
  7. Nudge Nudge – 11%
  8. Fish slapping dance – 8%
  9. The Restaurant sketch (dirty fork) – 7%
  10. The killer joke – 6%

Just missing out on the top ten were the Silly Olympics, Hell’s Grannies and Gay Policemen (all with 6%).

 

 

Maeve’s Afternoon Delight Book Review

Posted on by

maeve afternoon delight Margaret grahamMaeve’s Afternoon Delight was included in our excellent summer reads piece, and with good reason. I read this book in the run up to my wedding and when I had no time to read it because of endless wedmin and work I kept thinking about it. Maeve is a wonderful character. A rather loveable heroine. Impossible not to like and even harder to not want her to get the best revenge anyone can have: living well and becoming happy.

 

After Maeve’s husband leaves her for her best friend it takes her a while to get back on track. She is understandably devastated and finds solace in her allotment and her baking. She has the support of her parents, her neighbours who think, quite rightly, that her ex is a terrible human being and a new friend who has an allotment near her, Larry. Her son, Andy, is still confused about his parents separation and can be mean. Will he grow up and stop listening to his fathers point of view? Read the book and find out. Maeve starts to put her life back together and it is fun to read as she gains confidence and starts to (finally!) rebel.

 

Maeve attracts the unwanted attention of Archie, who is head of neighbourhood watch and the residents association. This brings in an extra twist to a well-written novel which has wonderful characters and brilliant observations on life, marriage and love.

 

I could see this book as a film and it would certainly appeal to many women who have had to deal with cheating spouses. It has a First Wives feel about it (and if you haven’t seen that film, get your hands on a copy now!) and the characters would certainly translate well to this medium. There is a love interest of course. The previously mentioned Larry. Younger, handsome, kind. Will they or won’t they make it work?

 

Margaret Graham is one of Frost’s favourite authors and this book is yet another winner. Less historical than the previous books of hers we have reviewed, this has a modern setting. Perfect summer reading: a brilliant book.

 

Maeve’s Afternoon Delight is available here.

The authors website.

 

 

Simon’s Cat Indiegogo Film Campaign Raises Over £88,000 In Under a Week

Posted on by

simon's catBritish animator turns to crowdfunding to make first colour enhanced extended film

The #1 UK animation channel on YouTube with over 500,000,000 views!

 

The lovable and mischievous Simon’s Cat first appeared online in the animated film ‘Cat Man Do’, which was a viral smash-hit on YouTube in 2008. Now boasting over half a billion views and 3 million subscribers, Simon’s Cat is the #1 UK animation channel on YouTube.

 

The Simon’s Cat animation studio is looking to fund a special extended-length, colour episode, based on the chaos that erupts on the day of a veterinarian appointment. For this they have adopted the Indiegogo crowd-funding platform.

 

Simon’s Cat creator Simon Tofield explains “In the messages we receive from fans, a film about preparing for and visiting the vet is definitely the most common request. It’s a deep subject to explore, rich with the potential of loads of humour which is why we feel we’d like to make this our first broadcast length episode in colour! I am so grateful to our fans for their wonderful support!”

 

Indiegogo’s UK’s Anastasia Emmanuel says “We’re delighted and proud to have helped the Simon’s Cat team achieve their ambitions with ‘Off to the Vet’. We’ve successfully helped fund the ideas of hundreds of creators, inventors and businesses across the globe. Simon’s Cat is definitely one of the most fun and memorable campaigns we’ve ever hosted. We can’t wait to see the final film!”

 

For more information visit:

www.igg.me/at/simonscat

www.simonscat.com

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/simon-s-cat-in-off-to-the-vet

 

How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur Book Review

Posted on by

The daughter of a friend of mine is in her second year at drama school. She’s good: can sing, can dance, can act – particularly in comedy. So, she has it all? Trouble is, so do so many of the rest of her year group. And so do all of those other aspiring actors in all those drama schools across the country. She’s beginning to ask how she can show she’s different, that she deserves to be remembered from one audition to the next. How she can avoid annoying someone whose off hand influence can close as well as open doors for her?

howtobeasuccessful_actor_book become How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an ActorpreneurI’m going to give her a copy of this book. It may be the single most useful thing I ever do for her. How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur by Catherine Balavage is one of those practical, down-to-earth guides which doesn’t try to hide the obstacles and difficulties of choosing an actor’s life but does give solid and sensible, practical, advice on making the best impression and avoiding the worst pitfalls. Equally valuably, Balavage makes suggestions for networking, for working with others to help each other through teamwork (e.g. helping film each other’s showreels), working for nothing except getting your name out there, remembering names, and never, never, never forgetting to say thank you – even when you don’t land the part. She is upfront about the chances of success in acting: ‘Only act if you cannot do anything else. It is the hardest and most competitive industry you can go into. Your chances of success at making a full-time living for the rest of your life are small.’ And then she offers clear and straightforward, practical advice about how to shift the odds just slightly in your favour.

 

This book seems, at first glance, rather plain, with no images and most chapters simply divided into paragraphs with explanatory headings, or questions followed by responses. I like this format. It’s no-frills and underlines the fact that this is a handbook. A ready reference tool which will be highlighted and annotated by anyone who uses it regularly. The pages of useful contacts and Top Tips are invaluable. I also liked the interviews with others in the profession: the replies to questions overlap with each other in ways which reinforce what Balavage has already said. This reinforces my conviction that this author really is writing from experience and passing on advice distilled from her own hard work. Which I really hope my young friend will take.

 

[Editorial note: Catherine Balavage is an editor of this magazine]

 

bac< Shoulder Brace Review

Posted on by

There are a few slouchers in the Frost office so we jumped at the chance to review the new bac< shoulder brace. Let’s find out if it works…

bac< Shoulder Brace Review

First of all, it is relatively easy to get on, as long as you follow the instructions. Yes, I know, we all hate following instructions but it needs to be done. The device looks good too. We reckon you could even wear it over your clothes. If you are into that type of thing.

So for the most important answer: yes, it works. It is lightweight and comfortable and it makes you stand up straight. This is a great device for strong posture. Recommended.

 

What they say:

bac< Shoulder Brace (RRP £34.99) Lightweight, discreet and comfortable, the Shoulder Brace draws theshoulders back and straightens the spine, so helping to improve posture and relieving pain in the middle back.  A padded spine section supports the user’s own spine, preventing painful flexing and helping the user breathe more easily.  Available in three sizes (junior (teen), small to medium and large), it helps maintain a strong posture, making it useful when taking part in sport and leisure activities. 

 

Stand straight and proud! Improve posture and relieve pain

Our shoulder brace is designed to improve your posture, prevent slouching and align your spine therefore relieving pain and discomfort .

The shoulder brace has been developed in conjunction with Harley Street specialists at the London Spine Clinic and is manufactured in the UK ensuring a posture brace that will last the test of time.

Once the shoulder brace is fitted you will instantly feel the elasticated straps and the semi ridged thermo-formed back section pull your shoulders into the correct position and straighten your spine.

It’s lightweight and made from breathable, hygenic anti-microbial fabric so it is equally suited to be worn under or over clothing.

Adjust the tension by pulling the elasticated straps forward and fasten around the front of your stomach.

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2008 Review

Posted on by

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage (75cl) £13.50

 Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2008, port, grahams

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2008 is a particularly fine port. It is a deep, red colour. It is full and generous with great tastes of black cherries, fruit and kirsch with a chocolate edge. It is dry with a smooth finish and is very drinkable. This was one of our favourite ports that we have tried and we would definitely buy it.

 

Perfect for drinking on a hot summer night. It is richly inky in hue and bursting with fruits of the forest, whilst its time spent in oak barrels gives it its dryness. Enjoy its lingering velvety smooth finish on its own or pair with some hard cheese.

 

Stockist Information:

Available from Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons

 

 

Westfield’s Launch ‘We Are LDN Summer’ Campaign

Posted on by

To celebrate the launch of Westfield’s ‘We Are LDN Summer’ campaign, running 16 July – 31 August, visitors to Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City will be treated to six weeks of London’s best in class of dance, music, art, food, children and fashion themed activity. WESTFIELD LAUNCHES WE ARE LDN SUMMER CAMPAIGN Each themed week will showcase the capital’s finest free dance workshops, musical performances, art exhibitions, culinary demonstrations, children’s activities and style sessions along with competitions and offers from Westfield’s dining, entertainment and leisure retailers.   Whether you’re out for a spot of shopping, enjoying a delicious meal or soaking up the sun, Westfield has all your summer bases covered.  

MUSIC WEEK (21 – 27 JULY)

 

West & East London Talent, Various Stages, Daily

The very best of London musicians, choirs, writers and performers will be showcasing their talents across a variety of stages at Westfield London and Stratford City. The Mayor of London’s annual busking competition will also be taking place during this week so get front row to see the capital’s next big star!

 

DANCE WEEK (28 JULY – 3 AUGUST)

 

English National Ballet, 30 July at Westfield London, 31 July Westfield Stratford City 11-4pm

Children can experience the love of dance firsthand with this exciting workshop hosted led by the English National Ballet, featuring the enchanting tales of Coppélia, Swan Lake and Nutcracker.

 

Big Dance, Westfield London, Mon 28 July, Fri 1 Aug, Sun 3 Aug, 11-5pm

High energy performances and have-a-go workshops from Big Dance at Westfield including street, Brazilian, Jazz and swing.

 

IMD Legion, Westfield Stratford City, 3 August, 12pm

Check out East London dance crew, IMD Legion as they show off the talent that made them famous on Got To Dance, Nickelodeon, Ashley Banjo’s Street Crew and CBBC Fridays.

 

ART WEEK (4 – 10 AUGUST)

East vs. West Art, Westfield London, Daily

Curated in associating with Jack Jones of The London Collection, the exhibition brings together a selection of established and emerging artists to promote the cultural richness and diversity that West London has to offer. This exciting collection will feature a mix of contemporary painting, photography and sculpture.

 

Kids Arts, 6 August Westfield London, 7 August Westfield Stratford City, 11-4pm

Wednesday 6 August is a dedicated kid’s art’s day. Kids are invited to come down grab a painting easel, a beret and a paint brush and hone their skills.

 

Live Graffiti, Westfield Stratford City, Throughout the day

Check out the week long interactive live graffiti artwork supplied by Graffiti Life. Become part of the daily mural or get your own graffiti name tag giveaway!

 

FOOD WEEK (11 – 17 AUGUST)

 

Cooking Demos, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City, Daily, See website for details

Enjoy free, daily masterclasses with L’atelier des Chef, the leaders in fun, energetic culinary classes.

 

Kids Cooking Day, Westfield London 13 August, Westfield Stratford City, 14 August, 11-4pm

Kids are invited to try and be the next Jamie Oliver at Kids Cooking Day. Kids can try their hand at making finger sandwiches and pies.

 

Foodie Festival, Westfield London, 16 – 17 August

Top off a week of gastronomy at Westfield London with a weekend foodie festival. Located in the al-fresco surroundings of The Southern Terrace, retailers and guest vendors will be sharing their tasty treats to shoppers.

KIDS WEEK (18 – 24 AUGUST)

 

Dinosaur Train,     Westfield London: 19 August, 11am, 12noon, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm,

Westfield Stratford City 20 August, 11am, 12noon, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm

 

Beloved Nick Jnr programme, Dinosaur Train, is coming exclusively to Westfield! A UK first, Buddy the tyrannosaurus rex and his adopted pteranodon family will be entertaining their fans. Free wristbands collected from 9am.

 

My London Girl Lessons, Westfield London, Daily, 12 – 5pm

During kids week, retailer My London Girl will be holding free in-store arts and crafts such as dolly hair braiding, friendship bracelet making and decorating trinket boxes.

 

Kids Arts & Crafts, Westfield Stratford City, Chestnut Plaza, Daily, 11-5pm

East London themed kids workshops and activities organised by Iced Gems Events, including games, making and decorating bags, jewellery, ceramic plates, clothes, giveaways, competitions, and face paint. Fun for all ages every day!

 

The Kick Off, Westfield Stratford City, Outside Café Football, 21 August

Think you could do better than US goalie, Tim Howard and the 16 goals he saved? Try your penalty shootout skills with Café Football.

 

FASHION WEEK (25-31AUGUST)

 

Style Sessions, Daily, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City (see website for schedule)

For the forward-thinking fashionista or those after some styling advice, Westfield London will be hosting open style sessions from Westfield’s retailers and team of personal stylists.

PLUS, SAVE THE DATE FOR…

 

ABBEY CLANCY AT SCHOLL EXPRESS PEDI BEACH

Westfield London, The Atrium, 18 July, 11am

As the official ‘feet’ of Scholl, Abbey Clancy will make her exclusive, star appearance to open the glorious indoor beach on the morning of Friday 18 July

 

SCHOLL EXPRESS PEDI BEACH

Westfield London, The Atrium, 18 – 19 July, 10am – 7pm; 20 July 12pm – 6pm

The Scholl Express Pedi Beach is set to be the perfect pit-stop for your pre-holiday speedy summer pedicure. Let the Scholl pedicure team tend to your tired soles with a free express pedicure using the Scholl Velvet Smooth range to give you soft, beautiful feet in an instant.

 

ALEXA CHUNG BOOK SIGNING 

Westfield London, The Atrium, 12 August, 12.30pm. Signing for 1.5hours

Fashion’s It girl, Alexa Chung, will be make an appearance to sign her aptly entitled book, It. A collect of writing, doodles and photographs, It has been a huge success with Alexa’s army of fashion and style followers.

 

BIG HOUSE

Big House, Westfield Stratford City Daily, 11-6pm, Sunday 12-6pm

Daredevil visitors to the Big House can hang from the window ledges by their fingertips with not a care in the world. Well, it will look like you can! The Big House is nothing but an optical illusion. Give it a go and share on social media to trick you friends!

 

Don’t forget to have your picture taken with the great big WEST and EAST letters to pledge your allegiance to #WestLDN or #EastLDN on social media.

 

Tanqueray No Ten Launches Citrus Garden Pop Up at Vista’s Rooftop Bar

Posted on by

gin Tanqueray® No. TEN™ launches Citrus Garden Pop Up at Vista’s rooftop bar free london

Event:
Tanqueray No. TEN launches Citrus Garden Pop Up at Vista rooftop bar

Date:
16th July throughout the summer

Time:
12pm to Midnight
Where:
Vista (rooftop bar at The Trafalgar)
Price:
Free
Website:
http://www.thetrafalgar.com/vista-homepage

 

Launched yesterday, Tanqueray No. TEN has transformed the rooftop back bar at Vista (The Trafalgar) into an exquisite Citrus Garden, creating an oasis of tranquillity among the chaos of the capital.

The Vista bar and its iconic British skyline acts as the perfect setting for this exclusive Citrus Garden. On entering, a citrus archway adorns the secret entrance and through an assortment of botanical grapefruit, lemon and orange trees, the Tanqueray No. TEN garden awaits.

The Pop Up is in celebration of the new bottle design and has taken inspiration from the whole handpicked citrus fruits and botanicals of Tanqueray No. TEN. Intimate cocktail masterclass sessions hosted by Tanqueray brand ambassador, Tim Homewood, will be held in the Citrus Garden every Wednesday evening inviting guests to delve into the rich history of gin, learn about the distinct flavours of Tanqueray No. TEN and the art to creating gin-infused cocktails.

Guests will be greeted and welcomed with one of the ‘Perfect TEN’ cocktails whilst enjoying the Citrus Garden. The masterclass will begin with learning about the history of the British spirit alongside a gin tasting, allowing guests to explore the fascinating array of botanical notes iconic to Tanqueray No. TEN. After this, Tim will demonstrate how to create one of the ‘Perfect TEN’ serves before guiding the class to recreate and enjoy one of their very own TEN bespoke gin-infused cocktails. Guests will be invited to stay and relax on the boutique rooftop to experience the new ‘Perfect TEN’ menu.

Masterclasses cost £15 per person inclusive of 2x ‘Perfect TEN’ cocktails. For more information visit www.thetrafalgar.com/vista-homepage

 

Tanqueray No. TEN – Perfect TEN cocktails

In celebration of Tanqueray No. TEN and the new bottle launch, World Class finalists have created the following TEN serves all available at Vista and select bars.

 
1. Nathan O’Neill’s Through the Looking Glass available at Milk & Honey and Dandelyan

2. Nathan O’Neill’s Tiny TEN Collins available at Milk & Honey and Dandelyan

3. Ladislav Piljar’s Finest TEN made upon request at Bam Bou

4. Gareth Evans L’Amuse Goose available at City Social

5. Gareth Evans Madam Camomile available at City Social

6. Tim Homewood’s Perfect T10 Martini available at Aqua Shard, Blind Pig, American Bar, Bar American, Callooh Callay, POLO, The Connaught, Balthazar

7. Monica Berg’s TEN Pollen available at Pollen Street Social

8. Tim Homewood’s Tiny TEN Martini available at Vista only

9. Tim Homewood’s What a lovely Waugh available at Vista only

10. Tim Homewood’s Old Tom Fizz available at Vista only