Tag Archives: british

Joo Yeon Sir in Concert at St Martin’s in the Fields 9th January by Margaret Graham

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Some years ago I was honoured to be invited to speak at the commemoration  of Vera Brittain’s life, at St. Martin’s in the Fields. I was delighted to pay homage to the author of Testament of Youth, (soon to be released as a film) who wrote with an eye to the social and political context of the time, as indeed do I. So, on went the hat, and off I went.

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In the front pews were the great and the good, rewardingly attentive. At the back, secure in the knowledge they were welcome at St. Martin’s whatever else was going on, were the sleeping, snoring homeless. St. Martin’s has endeared itself to me ever since; with its balance of religion, and community.

 

Part of this ethos had led, 65 years ago, to the free lunchtime concerts. At last I caught one, featuring Joo Yeon Sir and what a treat.

JooYeonSir Joo Yeon Sir  photograph by www.benjaminharte.com

 

Joo Yeon Sir (violin), acclaimed and award winning Korean born British violinist, has performed as soloist, recitalist and chamber musician at major venues across the UK. At the concert on 9th January she was accompanied by Russian born Irina Andrievshy .So there I was, sitting in St. Martin’s again: did it disappoint?

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Absolutely not, it was a tour de force.

 

As I sat towards the back, pre-concert, admiring the East Window created by Shirazeh Houshiary and Pip Horne with its etched mouth blown clear glass, I wondered if St Martin’s ethos of ‘all welcome’ still held good; especially in such a full house. Then I heard it… A homeless gentleman sitting in a pew across from me, asking where was God, loudly, and then rather more vehemently where the …. was he? Security arrived, a kindly security, who had a little chat, and the visitor left, amicably, to return halfway through the concert. A frisson ran round our area. He plonked himself in a congested pew, (they all were) getting everyone to shove up, and then settled to listen to the marvelous music, along with the rest of us. Perfection at all levels  – again.

 

Joo Leon Sir had chosen to open the concert with Grave in style of F. Bach. I’m a great weeper when listening to the violin, because I find it the most beautiful of instruments, if played well. It was played, more than well, so things became blurred. What enhanced the piece was the glorious building. Both the playing and the architecture inspired awe.

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Then it was the Sonata No 3 in C minor for Violin and Piano, which was beautifully and empathetically imagined and finally a Concert Fantasy on Gershwin’s Opera ‘Porgy and Bess’, which was cheeky, energetic and as haunting, as Gershwin always is.

Joo Yeon Sir plays not just with her fingers, but her whole body. She is a joy to listen to, and to watch. So, take the upcoming opportunity: Joo Yeon performs all ten of Beethoven’s sonatas for violin and piano, in a series of four rush-hour recitals at the Royal College of Music, starting 3rd March.

Again, all recitals are free but tickets are required from the RCM Box Office. 020 7591 4314/ www.rcm.ac.uk/events  Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BS.

Le Fear II: Le Sequel Review By Jason Croot

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After reading BFI advice on writing a review of your own film I thought why not!

Le Fear II- Le Sequel Review By Jason Croot

Le Fear II: Le Sequel is a 90 minute 100% improvised feature film about the making of a film. Based in London U.K it follows the journey of hapless 22 times film director Carlos Revalos [Kyri Saphirs] who is about to embark on his biggest movie yet Le Fear II: Le Sequel a film noir horror love story. Carlos’s journey starts with a meeting with the shrewd movie executive Dirk Heinz [Andrew Tiernan] who agrees to back Carlos’s film as long as Revalos puts up some of his own cash as collateral, one other condition is that Carlos intertwines his movie with Nollywood  [Nigeria] the fastest growing film industry in the world. Dirks Secretary Helga [Shona McWilliams]does the paperwork and the deal is done commence the movie.

Le Fear II: Le Sequel Review , Catherine Balavage. actress, Scottish actress, actor, British, actor, Scottish, Jason Croot

The world’s worst director Carlos Revalos meets the world’s worst film producer Efi womonbogo [Seye Adelekan] the clash of the titans or rather the clash of the tits, because these guys each are as clueless as the other about filmmaking. Efi has his entourage, Africa special effects [Roxy Sternberg], Femu [Schee Bell] the runner and Witch Dr Charles [Sean Earl McPherson] none of which really have a clue what to do. Carlos has his film crew Jacques the French cinema photographer, [Hadien Mekki], Jessie [Leila Reid], the production assistant Chafarafa the Script Supervisor [Jay Croot] Berwyn [Catherine Balavage] the stunt coordinator and Queenie [Victoria Hopkins] the Makeup artist. Hollywood meets Nollywood this is where the fun begins, and Conflict time! Everything Carlos wants, romance, film noir and horror is not delivered by Efi who has a different take on it with his motley crew. Africa the vibrant special effects girl, who apparently worked on big movies, Efi Tells Carlos “Avatar and Pride and plagiarist”. Africa brings Carlos nothing but cheap sci-fi effects which she believes is the best thing since sliced bread. That’s the problem with the Nollywood guys they believe their shit is good shit, and Carlos the man who has his own money on the line £500000, is in deep lumber. Bring on the Piece de résistance the actors within the film. We have the fiery French actress Racquel [Denise Moreno] and the green drama school first time film actor Oliver[Jack W. Carter] they cause poor Revalos’s pain to deepen not only is he combating of a motley crew from Nollywood he has disgruntled actors to please now can it get any worse? YES. The film set is not a beautiful purposed built location but a make shift set the input of Efi, “I wanted to make a film noir not a camping film” Jacques tells Carlos. The plot thickens and Carlos calls Dirk to sort out this rabble “Dirks going to have your arse” Carlos tells Efi who replies “My ass is he gay?” Dirk arrives and puts Carlos straight, the movie continues we now bring in two other actors within the movie these hired by Efi Vanessa [Vampire] Eleanor James Dr Strange [Julian Lamoral Roberts] Bmovie actor, Vanessa drives Berwyn the stunt coordinator barmy and proceeds to act more like a L’Oreal shampoo advert than scare people. We also have a student filmmaker Mickey [Warren Taylor] who is filming behind the scenes of the film within the film.

Le Fear II- Le Sequel

The night scenes have to be the most classic and funniest ones we have Witch doctors, Lesbian Vampires, Alien Explosions and a very angry actress “SUSHI DE MERDE Carlos you are a piece of shit little man! I’m going back to Paris right now” Carlos now one actress short of a picnic or rather of making his worst movie, and now without a location when disgruntled land owner Tom Dickinson[Ian Cullen] arrives and kicks them off “my land what are you doing in my land are you filming one of those pornographic films?” Efi replies “I swear on my father’s grave and my mother’s goat”

Le Fear II: Le Sequel will go down in history if Carlos can manage to complete it won’t be the classic he longed for but his worst yet. Bring on a new actress Racquel replacement Lucy Lou [Aiko Horiuchi] a Japanese actress brought in by Efi she joins the madness. “Can we use it?” Carlos asks Jacques about the new location, “Yes but I don’t want my name on that movie” Jacques replies “At this stage fuck your name” Carlos tells him the film gets more crazier and continues to deliver humour right until the end.

Summary Comedy is complex some people laugh at Dad’s Army, Fawlty Towers and Porridge all classic British Comedies others won’t get the humour of those classics! some will love Flight of the conchords and Curb your enthusiasm and others won’t, you can’t make everyone laugh no matter how good the comedy is, Le Fear II: Le Sequel has already made a few people smile and laugh and we hope to continue to do so, I’m not going to say we created the best film within film the world but we have made a film that me and the producers are very proud of we are proud of the cast and how hard they worked to create the humour the crew and how hard they worked to get the camera lighting and sound to be as good as it is the editor who has done a great job and the musicians who have supplied us with a great soundtrack.

 

I will leave you with some other funny lines from the film Le Fear II: Le Sequel

Cast Lines

Carlos Revalos [Kyri Saphiris]

“They Buy a bloody blow up doll, stick some sparklers up its arse, and call it special effects of a high budget production”

Dirk Heinz [Andrew Tiernan]

“You’ve got a fucking film to make, so pull it out of the bag”

Lucy Lou [Aiko Horiuchi]

“My English is very little”

Jacques [Hadrien Mekki]

“You’re just crazy fucking English people who want to drink tea; I just want to make a good film”

Racquel [Denise Moreno]

“If we die what happens? Because I don’t feel I’m going to come out this film alive”

Africa [Roxy Sternberg]

“It’s beyond Hollywood, Nollywood, Woody Allen my gosh we have it”

Dr Strange [Julian Lamoral Roberts]

“If Crossed I get cross if cross I need Blood”

Jessie [Leila Reid]

“Can you teach Carlos to keep the fire inside of him”

Vanessa [Eleanor James]

“I’m a professional actress I have been in god knows how many movies”

Queenie [Victoria Hopkins]

“Do you like it wet? I bet you do I bet you like it real moist Don’t you?”

Berwyn [Catherine Balavage]

“Oh I’m swishing my hair like I’m in a 1970’s fucking porn film”

Witch Dr. Charles [Sean McPherson]

“Ring Nigerian now £5, no problem”

 

Twitter https://twitter.com/Lefear2lesequel @lefear2lesequel

Facebook Like Page https://www.facebook.com/Lesequel

Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/163431550389968/
IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1982759/

 

[Editorial note: Frost Magazine founder and owner Catherine Balavage played Berwyn in Le Fear, Le Sequel]

 

 

 

Sleeping Dogs Film Review

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sleepingdogsfilmreview

London. Eve spends her days caring for her almost vegetative fiance Tommy while struggling to make ends meet. Tommy’s only hope of recovery is a radical new treatment, but it’s expensive. Running out of time, Eve turns to Tommy’s old friends for help. Little does she know that journeying into Tommy’s murky past will unravel a chain of deception that will prove the ultimate test of her devotion.

This film was shot as a collaborative project by a crew of two and a core cast of five for a production budget of £100. It went on to be nominated for a BiFA.

Floris Ramaekers co-wrote, directed, was DOP, camera operator and editor. Pretty impressive stuff. Now for the film…

Dark and heavy, the film is beautifully shot and looks far more expensive than it is. I cannot tell this is a low budget, scaled back production. The acting is great. While some of the characters are not exactly likeable, each is well-written and the actors do an excellent job. Special mention to veteran British actor Jon Campling who has been in so many great films he has probably lost count himself. He is a star who is destined for great things. Liberty Mills is also amazing in the title role.

Sleeping Dogs is an entertaining, gritty British film in the way only Brits can do. It is no surprise it has received nominations. I loved it and was incredibly impressed at what was achieved. I hope this team of cast and crew make another film as this one really is excellent.

Go and see it.

The Life of a Banana PP Wong Book Review

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Novels that bring an insight into race and culture can be sorely lacking. PP Wong is the first British-born Chinese novelist to be published and I find that very sad indeed. It does not say much for diversity. We can’t necessarily blame publishers, they only buy what they think will sell, what the public want. So maybe it is time we opened our eyes more to other cultures and the absolute horror of racism.

After the heavy opening paragraph I hope you don’t get the wrong idea, The Life of a Banana is a (mostly) funny tale of a young Chinese girl growing up in London. It is written in her style, something that is very hard to do, and harder to do well.

Of course, not everyone is racist or a bully and racists and bullies just embarrass people who aren’t racist and bullies, but some of the things Xing Li goes through are truly horrible and shocking. This is an excellent book on identity and the end of childhood. I really enjoyed reading it and it is a triumphant first novel.

thelifeofabananabookreview

Xing Li is what the Chinese call a banana – yellow on the outside and white on the inside. Although born and raised in London, she never feels like she fits in. When her mother dies, she moves with her older brother to live with venomous Grandma, strange Uncle Ho and Hollywood actress Auntie Mei. Her only friend is Jay – a mixed raced Jamaican boy with a passion for classical music.

Then Xing Li’s life takes an even harsher turn: the school bullying escalates and her uncle requests she assist him in an unthinkable favour. Her happy childhood becomes a distant memory as her new life is infiltrated with the harsh reality that comes with adolescence.

Consumed by secrets, violence and confusing family relations, Xing Li tries to find hope wherever she can. She realises that in order to find her own identity, she must first discover what it means to be both Chinese and British.

The Life of a Banana is available here.

Retro Swizzels Sweets Review

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When I was growing up I spent a large amount of my pocket money on swizzels sweets. Their iconic sweets are all included in their Sweet Shop Favourites tin and gift box: love hearts, refreshers, fruity pops, drumsticks, parma violets. The tin also has fizzers, two double-dips and two of the latest additions: drumstick and refreshers squashies. If you haven’t tried them yet, you don’t know what you are missing. They also have a One Direction tube of love hearts. Perfect for any 1D obsessed family members.

Iconic family-owned British sweet makers Swizzels have an array of Christmas crackers available this festive season. They are great stocking fillers and they also have amazing tins for the whole family to share.

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Available from tesco.com

 

 

Actresses Deserve Much More Than Being ‘The Girl’ And a Naked One At That

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film characters - anna paquinIn my other life as an actress I have noticed a worrying trend. Well, I say ‘trend’ but actually it has been going on for years: female parts in films were the character has no name and is called ‘The girl’. The girl is usually the only female part in the film and will also have at least one nude scene. Just because it is not humiliating enough to be offered a script where all of the men have names and you don’t, you also have to get your tits out. Nameless and objectified: actresses deserve better than this. WOMEN KIND deserves better than this.

It is hard to describe just how depressing it is to work in an industry where women are reduced constantly to the sum of their parts and not even named. the worrying thing is that this is a common practice. Upon complaining about this on my Facebook, prominent film maker and casting director Rory O’Donnell said: “This is incredibly common. I made fun of it when I wrote The Landlady and gave all the female characters first, last and nicknames and called the only male character ‘The Boyfriend’….but he did get a name during shooting.” If only there were more people like Rory. 

But what is to be done? Well we need more female filmmakers for a start. Here are some highlights from an amazing survey done by Stephen Follows on his must-read blog.

 

  • Between 2009-13, women made up 26.2% of crew members on British films.
  • This compares favourably with top US films over the same period (22.2%)
  • Of all the departments, the Transportation department is the most male, with only 7.7% women.
  • The only departments to have a majority of women are Make-up, Casting, Costume and Production.
  • Visual Effects is the largest department on most major movies and yet only has 16.5% women.
  • 6.4% of composers on UK films were women.
  • 14% of UK films had a female director, compared with 3% of top US films.
  • The percentage of women on British films has barely changed in the past five years.

 

Read more about his survey here. It was in all of the papers so Stephen is truly doing his part for equality.  I often get asked why I don’t leave the industry. The truth is I did take a little break. Of course if my agent had called during that period I would have not said no, but it was a quiet period and I took the moment to reflect on my chosen path. One of them anyway. I often think that if I did not have this magazine and did not make my own projects I might go slightly mad. Luckily I do and I can fight instead. I made Prose & Cons which had a strong female cast and I am making more films with my filmmaking partner Steve McAleavy. The way forward is not to quit the industry, not to let these men give our breasts the starring role while our actual talent is just a nameless supporting character: the key is to raise awareness and FIGHT. Get men to join the battle and equal the playing field. Women deserve more and we won’t stop until we get it. The fightback starts here.

 

Catherine Balavage is a writer, film director, actress and the owner and editor of this magazine. She is also a published author and wrote the book How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur which has received rave reviews and is a must for actors everywhere.

 

 

Beefeater 24 Quintessentially British Edition Review

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Beefeater 24 'Quintessentially British Edition' 2

We get sent a lot of stuff to review at Frost so it takes a lot to bowl us over. The Beefeater 24 Quintessentially British Edition definitely managed it. The packaging, by talented illustrator Glenn Hin, is in a world of its own. It even pops out in a very fun way. All of that before we even get to the actual gin, which is first-class, first-rate stunning. This gorgeous bottle also came with a so-fashionable-it-hurts glass teacup and the best tea I have ever tasted in my life: My Cup of Tea Breakfast Tea. Sigh. Tea? With Gin? Yes, this is for the Beefeater 24 Gin & Tea cocktail which features on the ‘gates’ of the limited edition pack. Infused with English Breakfast tea which compliments Beefeater 24’s unique blend of rare Japanese Senchea and Chinese teas, the Gin & Tea is a refreshing modern interpretation of the classic Iced Tea, making it the perfect drink this summer. This is a limited edition so get your hands on one as soon as possible.


Toast ‘Distinguished British Country Chic’ this summer

Introducing the latest from Beefeater 24 – the ‘Beefeater 24 Quintessentially British Edition’. The limited edition collectible gift pack showcases a multi-dimensional design by talented illustrator Glenn Hin and was selected as the winner of a competition held by the brand inviting artists to capture ‘Distinguished British Country Chic’. To be released selectively worldwide, Hin’s pack design evokes images of British secret gardens and sophisticated summer parties.

The Beefeater 24 Quintessentially British Edition design centres around an imposing, fine country house hidden in the British countryside, which theatrically releases a pair of beautifully manicured shrubs on opening the pack. On closer inspection the elegant illustration reveals details that hint at a Quintessentially British summer garden party; cocktail glasses, tennis rackets and botanicals found in Beefeater 24 all float magically around the grand estate.

JC Iglesias, Global Brand Director of Beefeater 24 said “Beefeater 24 asked artists to draw inspiration from the theme ‘Distinguished British Country Chic’, as we were seeking designs that celebrated our elegant, British traditions but in a romantic and contemporary way. Glenn Hin captured this beautifully with exacting detail referencing a glamorous garden party. Beefeater 24 is the perfect accompaniment for such an occasion so the design really grabbed the imagination of the judges.”

As an ode to Hin’s design and the Quintessentially British garden party, the Beefeater 24 Gin & Tea cocktail features on the ‘gates’ of the limited edition pack. Infused with English Breakfast tea which compliments Beefeater 24’s unique blend of rare Japanese Senchea and Chinese teas, the Gin & Tea is a refreshing modern interpretation of the classic Iced Tea, making it the perfect drink this summer.

To accompany a selection of Beefeater 24 cocktails, the brand has also teamed with prestigious British chef Mark Hix’s newest venue HIXTER to create a selection of delicious canapés that can be created at home.

Ensuring that guests are treated to the full Quintessentially British garden party experience, hosts have the opportunity to share a piece of Glenn Hin’s work as an elegant invitation or thank you card featuring a vignette from the one-off design. Available to download from www.beefeatergin.com/24

Created in 2008 by Master Distiller, Desmond Payne, Beefeater 24 is a traditional gin with a modern twist, capturing the essence of contemporary British life and is the perfect accompaniment for the inspired Quintessentially British garden party this summer.

 

 

 

 

What Makes Us British? Tea, Tomato Ketchup & Moaning About The Weather Apparently

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Being perfectly happy to queue, saying thanks when you have nothing to say thanks for and our ironic sense of humour were revealed as the most common the traits that define us Brits. We don’t agree with the queuing (no one enjoys that) but we do say thanks a lot and are quite ironic.

The study of 2,000 adults found that attempting DIY on a bank holiday, applying red or brown sauce to everything and our love of Saturday night TV are unique to us British.

what makes is british. Tea, moaning about the weather, tomato ketchup

Feeling discomfort when strangers attempt conversation even though you are smiling, moaning about the cold weather, but complaining when it is hot, and our obsession with political correctness also made the list.

A cup of tea being the answer to any problem and not making eye contact on public transport were also top British traits.

Yesterday a spokesman for energy firm OVO, which commissioned the study, said: ‘’The list shows many of our unique qualities as a country and gives a rare insight into how we perceive ourselves and the way we think ‘being British’ is defined.

‘’It shows a quirky range of qualities from our famed stiff upper lip and ability to grin and bear things to our patience and the ease with which we’re able to laugh at ourselves.

‘’Lots of the traits listed centre around putting up with discomfort, not wishing to cause a fuss or being quick to apologise even if it’s not our fault. It shows we still value manners and good spirit, but of course it’s important people feel they aren’t being taken for granted in any areas of life.’’

The survey also revealed that only half of the nation feels they are getting value for money with their current energy and service providers. Moreover, 40 per cent of Brits don’t know if they are currently getting the best deal with their energy supplier.

Over a third of us are worried that changing energy suppliers would be a complex process and want to stay with their current supplier as it is ‘easier than looking for alternatives’.

The OVO spokesman added: ‘’ We are well known for our politeness and ability to accept bad situations, yet so many of us could be saving hundreds of pounds getting a better deal. Switching energy supplier for example only takes five minutes online and the supplier does the rest.”

The study also found getting painfully sunburnt, binge drinking and a love of curtain twitching were a few other traits us Brits are guilty of.

Three quarters of Brits are proud to be British and believe that we Brits are able to laugh at ourselves when things go wrong.

Our fondness of mowing the lawn, obsessing over our pets and not leaving a tip as a sign of poor customer service also made the list.

What do you think? What makes someone British?