I have been to the buzzing Soho Theatre so many times over the years. I’ve been to a wide variety of events – from an intimate evening with Cybill Shepherd (if you don’t know who she is I will simply sigh and point you to the internet…), to a meeting of the local branch of Equity (the actors’ union). The theatre is cocooned in the heart of London’s West End and is apparently always brimming with activity, stuffed with people who always seem upbeat and confident in the knowledge that they know what they want from a theatrical event, they expect to receive it, and, when, having gorged on the show, leave fulfilled.

Age Is A Feeling gives them exactly what they paid for. It’s witty, it’s poignant, it’s short. Seventy minutes of humour and pith. It hits the mark, does its job, makes them laugh, makes them weep.

Does it make them think, though? Is this monologue simply entertainment or is it deeper?

Haley McGee performs with a surety of a seasoned pro, taking her time, confident. Her story tells the tale of a woman – it could be you! – with a degree of accuracy that leaves the audience spellbound. How does she know?!? Taking the minutiae of life she takes us through the decades from a 25-year-old to death. Up and down her ladder, she’s like a master puppeteer, tugging on strings, leading us along alleyways of merriment and, sometimes, sadness.

There are twelve specific stories, themed for all to see on cards. Three times she offers these cards to the audience and half are removed – the cards, not the audience. We never hear those rejected stories, partly because there isn’t enough time and, more prosaically, because no-one really knows everything about you. There are some stories that go untold. That’s a lovely touch, until, after the bows at the end, in true Brechtian-fashion, she announces the ‘lost’ six stories are available in the script which is on sale in the foyer! Clever, brash, funny. The show is on a par with the salesmanship. And that’s the point at which I pause and wonder – is there a little too much thinking in this show and not enough heart? Do I leave thinking about the futility or beauty of life? Or should I tap my card on the reader and make sure I buy the script? – ‘Ooh, she has a book, too.’ … Perhaps I’m being overly-cynical?

Maybe you could go another night and watch her again. The randomness of the story-picking will mean there are many different versions of the show on offer. Even Haley has no inkling what the evening will be until the themes are chosen. Clever. Brash. Funny … Heartfelt?

Photography Erin Hopkins

Writer/Performer Haley McGee

Producer Soho Theatre

Director /Dramaturg Adam Brace

Writer Eleanor Bergstein

Scenic Designer Zoë Hurwitz

Lighting Designer Daniel Carter-Brennan

Running Time 70 minutes (no interval)  Age Guidance 16+

Dates until Saturday 11th March 2023      Venue Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE

Tickets From £23 via www.sohotheatre.com/shows/age-is-a-feeling  Or by phone on 020 7478 0100

Social Media @yeshaleymcgee, @sohotheatre, #ageisafeeling

Joffe’s book of the week highlights bestselling author Helen H. Durrant’s brand-new crime mystery featuring detectives Lennox and Wilde — THE WRONG WOMAN is out this weekend for the special launch price of just £0.99 | $0.99.*
Lennox and Wilde are back!   A woman’s body is found dressed like a Victorian doll. She’s identified as Lori Lansing, who was kidnapped three weeks ago. Before too long another woman disappears . . .   Could Harry and Jess be hunting a serial killer? 

Just a taster of what else Joffe have on offer:

The Solent Murder Mysteries by Pauline Rowson. Books 1 – 3  £0.99/$.99  GREAT-VALUE BOX SET OF THREE BESTSELLING CRIME MYSTERIES.  Fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave will devour this series of absolutely gripping detective mysteries

The Augustus Mandrell Thrillers 1 – 3 by Frank McAuliffe  £0.99/$.99  PREMIERING IN BOX SET. INTRODUCING A CLASSIC SPY THRILLER SERIES FEATURING ASSASSIN-FOR-HIRE AUGUSTUS MANDRELL.
“Exciting, hard-edged, full of tradecraft, whimsical eccentricity and rough-hewn philosophy.” Lee Child

Murder at the Willows by Jane Adams £0.99/$.99  BRAND NEW COZY MYSTERY FROM A BESTSELLING AUTHOR.   Meet amateur sleuth Rina Martin – Famous artist Elaine appears to have passed peacefully in her sleep but something about the death doesn’t add up. The clues soon point to murder.  Elaine’s grandson is determined to uncover the truth and hires Rina to investigate.

Karen Baugh Menuhin is the #1 bestselling author of The Heathcliff Lennox series. She started writing at the age of sixty when the stories and characters simply started pouring in.  Karen loves the 1920s, cozy crime, traditional detectives and Downton Abbey. Her husband, Krov Menuhin, is a documentary filmmaker and is the eldest son of the violinist, Yehudi Menuhin.Read about Karen’s writing story below and learn all about Major Heathcliff Lennox.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN KAREN BAUGH MENUHIN’S HEATHCLIFF LENNOX READERS CLUB AND GET A FREE EBOOK AND A FREE AUDIOBOOK!

The Tomb of The Chatelain by Karen Baugh Menuhin: £0.99/$.99

A 1920s COUNTRYHOUSE MURDER MYSTERY.   A suspicious accident, a dead man’s gun and a lost tomb. Strange events disturb the peace of Lanscombe Park, the magnificent country seat of Lord Godolphin Sinclair.   A game of cat and mouse is afoot, Major Heathcliff Lennox and ex Inspector Swift are called to Lanscombe Park to investigate.

Let’s hear more from Karen about her work:

What do you think readers find appealing about your books? 
The mysteries are complex, the murders realistic, the characters well rounded and there’s a fair amount of dry humour. I’ve described the series as “Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie with a dash of Wodehouse and a dog of distinction”.
I write stories that appeal to my rather old-fashioned tastes, and happily they seem to appeal to readers too.

The Heathcliff Lennox series is set in the 1920s, has it been a difficult period to research?
I love history and this is reflected in all my books, but the 1920s was a period more difficult than I’d anticipated. I’ve had to learn everything from how people dressed, spoke and travelled, to inventions, communications, police methods and the law at that time. I even had to discover how fingerprint powder was made, where poisons could be obtained, how hard they were to get hold of and how easy, or otherwise, they were to detect.

What’s the strangest murder weapon used in your books?
A soprano in The Black Cat Murders, and diamond dust in The Birdcage Murders. I was particularly intrigued by diamond dust, and it took a great deal of digging to understand how it affected the body and what was known about it. Twilight Sleep was another interesting substance, it was used as an anaesthetic, and quite deadly in the wrong hands.

You began writing aged sixty, what inspired you?
My husband, initially. He’d been asked to write his autobiography, but then his publisher went broke. The book was finished but needed to be collated and formatted, so I helped out, and once the book was published I found I really missed working with words. I decided to write a murder mystery — my favourite genre — and the result was Murder at Melrose Court. With just under one million copies sold, there are now nine books in the series, with more to come.

What has been the biggest highlight of your writing career?
Sharing the journey with like-minded readers. I really enjoy devising puzzling, complicated murder mysteries. I’m fascinated by the complexities of human nature and exploring motives that lead to murder. And I share this with people who enjoy reading the books as much as I enjoy writing them.

You’ve been a number 1 best seller in the USA, how difficult was it to reach readers in the beginning?
Bringing a book to the attention of readers is a huge challenge. Providing good quality, entertaining stories is key. Gaining recognition for this and being included in curated book lists, which match books to readers, really makes the difference.

How can readers find you?
I have a website here: https://karenmenuhin.com/
A Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/KarenBaughMenuhinAuthor
And if anyone would like to contact me direct, here’s my email: karenmenuhinauthor@littledogpublishing.com

Finally: fabulous news.  #1 bestselling author Joy Ellis has surpassed 3 million copies sold. Hearty Congratulations to Joy.  Read the full story of Joy’s incredible milestone on the Joffe Books blog: https://www.joffebooks.com/blog-1/joy-ellis-sells-3-million-books

More information on the books Joffe have available here

Heavens what a start to the week that was, Marion tells us. The walkers’ early morning meeting went well and from the feedback the CCA will be hosting many more.

Cultural Creatives and Equans followed on, more knitted hats were delivered courtesy of the lovely people from Plain n Purl. There is a birthday party booked in for December.

Exciting news came by way of Julie Milne, who asked if we were interested in hosting a Basic Sign Language course and if so, she would provide free training. A date has been scheduled for March 8th – how marvellous is it to be being able to broaden your communication skills.

Courses on flower arranging are in the pipeline and a date is set for the next CPR & Defibrillator training. The CCA have received amazing donations from Liz Gaskin and Ann Stephenson which have all been put to good use and for which they are most grateful.

JLA Lewis, chief honcho              Darren                             Liam

A phone call came through from JLA to say that the Electricians would be back on-site from Tuesday 14th. Heaven be praised, they were indeed, and fitted new sockets throughout: tick.  Completed work on the intruder alarm and fitted a light in the loft: tick. Intruder alarm activated: tick. Fobs allocated and ID programmed in: tick. (This spells f-u-n  until everyone gets used to it) Joining in with the ‘lock’ scenario  going on, Red Shoes Bob took himself off to Screwfix to purchase a Yale Lock for the office door. (Marion fears it’s to  lock her in) Time will tell. She got extra keys cut just in case.

The new volunteers started this week and a good job they did too as Marion nipped off to have her  nails done before compiling some case studies relating to the Warm Spaces Project. She finds she types much faster with newly polished red nails! Well, who wouldn’t. There was even a visit from the contractors to look at the external wiring prior to the start of the roof refurb. Apparently, the wires need to have sheath wrap around the outside of the cable to protect the conductors inside and enable electricity transmission.

Whilst all this was ongoing the CCA were of course operating business as usual. Warm Spaces, dancers, exercise classes, Bingo and the Gold and Silver Road Show were there on the 16th & 17th. Marion placed the order with Phil for the catering of the Friday coffee morning: corned beef pies, mince pies, fruit Scones with fresh cream. She also sped out to buy a jar of jam.

Then, Linda arrived with her lush cakes and oh dear me… she  only  brought the man with the red shoes a corned beef pie. This spoiling must stop, as it seems to have gone to his head, and the smug smile is highly irritating. (Marion’s words, not mine, Bob, though I feel, frankly, it is foolish to spoil husbands. They get so out of hand – just saying)

After discussions the team have decided to change the Warm Spaces days : so, from  Monday 20th Warm Spaces will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, to fit in with other venues. However, as Marion emphasises, the kettle is on the boil every day of the week at the CCA,  from 8am to 4 pm. Just pop in!

It is clear that all those at the CCA ended  the week full of positivity knowing they are moving forward and have the support of their wonderful Brady Square community and as Marion’s dear old dad used to say “There is no I in team, pet”

Indeed there is not.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Frost Magazine has had a really good look at Danish Dantoy’s intriguing, and delightful bioplastic recyclable tableware, which was given a test drive by our editor’s 2 year old pal, who even with a limited vocabularly certainly approved, evidenced by ‘Nice’ and whack with the spoon in the bowl. Followed by  ‘More.’  Margaret Graham can therefore vouch for its stability, strength and appeal.

 Tiny, the Danish Dantoy tableware for little ones  is produced in bioplastic  from sugar cane, a 100% sustainable raw material. The entire series is 90% Swan-labelled, which means that the toys are environmentally friendly and free of dangerous chemicals, always good to know when children are involved.  Margaret  explained the ins and outs to our 2 year old tester, with limited success, but his mum was intrigued: the  production of bioplastics reduces CO2 in the atmosphere, The sugar cane is grown on controlled, non-toxic plantations. The Bioplastic is produced from sugar cane, a 100% sustainable raw material.

To which our tester again replied. ‘More.’ Whack whack.

Frost Magazine particularly likes the fact that the set’s plate allows parents to divide the food into type, colour or size. If the 2 smallest spaces of the plate are not used for food, the bowl and cup can instead be placed in these spaces and used as a tray to carry food and drink together.

The  recyclable dining set has a long life, as it can be used right from the child’s first meal, and from there it can be adapted as the child’s skills and motor skills develop.

The set consists of 7 parts in fine, natural colours. Recommended age 0+ months, let’s detail it here:

• Produced in Denmark
• Bio-based material
• 100% recyclable
• Food approved
• Contains no harmful substances
• Withstands machine washing up to 70 °C
• Can be microwaved up to 70 °C

With Danish Dantoy’s quality dinnerware, Dinnertime, the child can explore food. I should say so: Whack. The plate’s 3 compartments make it possible to sort the food and give the child a well-arranged meal. Combine different sets and colours from the Dinnertime series and achieve a lovely selection for the home.

The Dantoy Tiny BioBased Dinner Gift Set costs £18 from Coolshop.co.uk

The CCA team is bursting  with pride as they applaud their very own Aimee Green and her dance group who attended the dance festival of the year in Alton Towers last weekend. ‘The group did brilliantly in all categories of the competition. All age groups produced winners. Well done kids (and dads) you smashed it,’ Marion says. Frost Magazine is absolutely in awe at their achievements.

Men at work in the Air Raid shelter preparing for the re-structuring to commence.

‘The cheek of it, some pussycat thought they would leave paw prints on our newly laid concrete. If I could have got to it, I would have left my initials too, for posterity you know.‘ Marion said. Then she mentioned that the men at work outside appear to be happy and cheerful, despite the chilly day. Margaret suspects they wouldn’t dare be otherwise after the cat issue. Just saying.

The shelter has water in it yet again and in addition the wall that was damaged by a stolen car is being re-built. Claire CCA’s surveyor, is visiting this week to ensure all is going to plan.

Nev Harris with Gemma and her certificate. Bravo Gemma!

The courses are still going strong, with  Cultural Creatives busy busy, and  Equans weekly meetings also in play. In addition Nev Harris, who is delivering CPR and Defibrillator training, came. It is wonderful that through the generosity of the community the CCA is able to offer free places for this extremely important training. One last minute cancellation was soon filled by Jordan who was very eager to step in.

Corey Barnes arrived to measure the corridor and office area for new flooring. English Oak was the unanimous choice and it’s fabulous. And … And … Believe it or not, this will be the last job on the agenda then it will be fingers crossed ‘all finished’.

Tuesday, brought the CCA’s very first volunteer meeting, held to get people together to discuss issues, including identification. Lo and behold the postie delivered the Volunteer Lanyards, just it time. Red Shoes Bob, reckons these are just in case volunteers forget who they are. Then two new lads from Equans popped in to say hello: Adam, a Bricklayer and Sean a joiner who didn’t have time for coffee but perhaps Marion should have told them Thursday is cake day…

Anyone for a coach trip?

Leaflets about Coach Day Tours have been dropped into the centre. Margaret of Frost Magazine LOVES day trips, and I bet I’m not the only one. Marion is intent on making enquiries to see what can be arranged.

The Friday coffee mornings are becoming quite something, and Margaret can’t wait to return for a  chat, and Dick too. Just look at the goodies on offer. There is to be a fun prize Bingo planned too and all free of charge. Marion loves these mornings. ‘Everyone has so much fun,’ she says. ‘Chatting away, reminiscing, putting the world to rights and usually forgetting the time, but that’s the way it should be, sharing, caring and having a good old laugh.’

Finally a word from Marion, on behalf of us all I am sure, including Frost Magazine:

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in this devastating earthquake in Turkey. God bless you all.’

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square