The Edinburgh Fringe Full Monty (nearly) – Day 12, 16th August 2022

Posted on August 15, 2022 by therealchrisparkle

Another full day of shows in Edinburgh? Yep!

Here’s the schedule for 16^th August:

12.00 – In Conversation with… Devi Sridhar, The Stand’s New Town Theatre. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Devi Sridhar is Professor and Chair of Global Public Health at The University of Edinburgh. As a Rhodes Scholar she holds an MPhil and DPhil from the University of Oxford, where she has since held research positions. She has served as a policy adviser for WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO and the Scottish, UK and German governments and in 2017 she co-wrote the academic book Governing Global Health with Chelsea Clinton. Devi writes for the Guardian and is regularly called upon to discuss the coronavirus pandemic for broadcast media.”

Devi Sridhar was one of the few people you could absolutely trust when it came to discussing Covid during the pandemic. I’m not sure if this is a presentation by her or an interview (by some unnamed person!) but whatever I’m sure it will be fascinating.

UPDATE: Not entirely sure what I was expecting from Devi Sridhar, but this conversation with sports journalist Graham Spiers revealed her motivations for becoming a public health expert, her background, her opinions on a wide range of subjects and also much of the private person behind the headlines. She’s a natural at the Q&A, and it was a fascinating hour. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

13.30 – Can the Police Be Feminist? The Stand’s New Town Theatre.

“Integrity, fairness and respect. Sound familiar? Sounds feminist. These are the values of policing in Scotland. But can policing have a feminist agenda when the police are renowned globally for misogyny, racism and homophobia? Emily Mann (The University of Edinburgh) asks are policing and feminism even compatible? And what would need to change to create a police force that genuinely does protect and serve everyone?”

The second of two Spoken Word events this afternoon, this is a vital subject and I shall be very interested to hear what Emily Mann concludes.

UPDATE: Edinburgh University PhD student Emily Mann didn’t conclude anything; rather she posed a rather loose introduction to this fascinating subject and quickly passed it over to the audience for their observations and questions, to the majority of which she had no answer. This wasn’t quite what I was expecting but it sparked off a big discussion between Mrs C and me later on about so-called Police Canteen Culture and abolitionism, which I really wasn’t aware is actually “a thing”. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

16.00 – (Le) PAIN, Assembly Roxy.

“'(Le) PAIN brilliantly expresses the pressure of generational expectations and a small-village mindset… using the metaphor of bread to capture the evolution of personhood, from ingredient to the dough and finally to hot-steaming wonder’ **** (Skinny). This five-star hit show is about breadmaking, physical heroics, growing up queer in a boulangerie in the south of France, endings and new beginnings and involves circus, dance, storytelling, Béarnaise folklore, video, karaoke and laughter. ‘Very funny’ **** (Guardian). ‘A thrilling collage’ **** (Scotsman).”

From the sublime to the ridiculous, if this show is done well I’m expecting it to be a total scream.

UPDATE: Jean Daniel presented us with some very funny moments and entertaining flour-based choreography; but the show itself came across as pretty surreal and I felt that maybe it was trying to tie together too many separate ideas. Nevertheless, there’s nice use of video, good pipe playing, and the oddest ever Holy communion! *delicious bread 😀 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

17.50 – Abigail Rolling: Shit Lawyer, Just the Tonic Nucleus.

“Abby has been chained to a radiator in the magistrates’ court for almost 30 years. With misanthropic mirth she pulls back the curtain on a criminal justice system in terminal decline. Dark. Funny. Underfunded. And that’s just her. The stories are true, the crisis real. ‘She’s ace’ (Micky P Kerr, Really Funny Comedy). ‘Some of the cleverest writing I’ve heard, beautifully balanced… truly masterful’ (RockCentral Promotions). ‘She’d better make it in comedy ‘cos she’s a shit lawyer’ (Picture House Comedy). ‘The funniest solicitor I ever met’ (Chris Lang, screenwriter).’”

I’ve never heard of Abigail Rolling but I’m loving the sound of her show. She could be the Adam Kay of Law!

UPDATE: “Shit Lawyer” is something of a misnomer as Abigail Rolling seems to be to be a pretty good lawyer; it’s just that when you’re defending someone who’s clearly guilty, there’s not much you can give. Less stand-up comedy, more light-hearted lecture, taking in some very serious and non-comedic topics. I wasn’t enthralled by her observation that 95% of women from Rotherham are in an abusive relationship, that doesn’t seem to treat Rotherham residents with much respect! (I know it’s meant to be a joke, but sometimes those jokes can feel rather iffy). One thing’s for sure – you wouldn’t choose to come into contact with the Criminal Justice system if you could possibly avoid it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

19.30 – Biscuit Barrel: Wafering Heights, Just the Tonic at The Caves.

“69 sketches performed in an hour! The acclaimed hyperactive group return to Edinburgh. ‘The hit-rate of their sketches is high’ (List). Absurd slapstick, quickfire wordplay… and a detective trying to stop a killer from the future destroying the show. Skits include a bickering set of door keys, an abattoir for vegetarian substitutes, and the strange creatures of the Origami Universe. Featuring DazzReviews, as seen on YouTube. The Barrel have previously had sold-out runs at Edinburgh Fringe, Brighton Fringe, Winchester Comedy Festival and their own comedy night in Bristol. ‘Fast, slick and very funny’ ***** (Derek Awards).”

Here’s another show that has grabbed me by the ridiculousness of its name! We’ve not see the Biscuit Barrel before but I do like a good sketch show – and we have 69 of the little beauties promised!

UPDATE: The Basket Barrel team are blessed with heaps of energy, which makes for a very fast paced show. They’re also a very likeable bunch and, for the most part, naturally funny people. However, a sketch show has to stand or fall on the quality of its humour and nearly all the sketches were just dismal in the extreme. Should have been so much better than it was. ⭐️

The Edinburgh Fringe Full Monty (nearly) – Day 8, 12th August 2022

Posted on August 11, 2022 by therealchrisparkle

What’s on the list of shows for today? I’ll tell you!

Here’s the schedule for 12^th August:

10.55 – An Audience with Stuart Bagcliffe, Zoo Playground. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“’Hilarious’, ‘mesmerising’ and ‘outstanding’ **** (LondonPubTheatres.com). This comedic one-man show introduces Stuart Bagcliffe, who is about to perform his autobiographical play to an audience for the first time. Ill-prepared and lacking experience, Stuart is naturally a bundle of nerves. Join him as he attempts to make it through the play in one piece, contending with his overbearing mother watching from the wings and a sound technician who’s half asleep, as well as his own demons and insecurities. What could possibly go wrong?”

Triptych Theatre are the group behind this production, which I think sounds like a lot of fun, and if done convincingly, should be great!

UPDATE: The story is kept secret in the promotional material and it’s important it stays that way. Suffice to say there are many twists to Stuart’s tale. But it’s blisteringly well told and there’s a fantastic performance by Michael Parker as Stuart. Only a tiny venue, so book early! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

13.35 – The MP, Aunty Mandy and Me Pleasance Dome.

“A bittersweet tale of political campaigns, sexual consent and steam trains. Dom wants to be an #InstaGay and #Influencer but it’s hard in a small northern village five miles from the nearest gay. One day, a chance meeting with his MP turns his life upside down. Written by Rob Ward (Gypsy Queen, Away From Home, ***** (WhatsOnStage.com)).”

We always catch Rob Ward at the Fringe because he always comes up with intriguing and powerful plays and I’m sure this will be no different. Looking forward to it!

UPDATE: Rob Ward gives a fine performance as always but the play isn’t quite as gripping as the others we’ve seen him in. The acid trip scenes last too long and our attention wandered at times. A slice of difficult life, but I didn’t feel it shed that much light on a potentially abusive situation. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

16.30 – Iain Dale: All Talk with Keir Starmer MP, Pleasance @ EICC.

“Award-winning LBC radio presenter brings his acclaimed, incisive insight on current affairs back to the Fringe with these in-depth interviews. Today’s guest is Sir Keir Starmer MP, the leader of the Labour party and former Director of Public Prosecutions, who will be interviewed by Iain and his For The Many co-host Jacqui Smith. ‘The indefatigable Iain Dale always cuts to the nub of politics’ (Adam Boulton). ‘There are very few commentators and broadcasters with an instinctive feel for real politics. Iain Dale does, which makes him endlessly listenable-to and peerless’ (Andrew Marr).

If we’re going for some of these political talks, we might as well see the big names! It’ll be interesting to see if Keir Starmer has that necessary bite to take Labour to government.

UPDATE: Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith both grilled Keir Starmer and I must say I was very impressed with the Labour Leader, much more than I expected to be. You can see he’s a thoughtful, intelligent man, he listens in full to the question then gives a most considered answer to it. I don’t think he suits the world of quick off the cuff comments; he’s much more the measured, detailed, considered kind of politician. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

19.40 – Rachel Parris: All Change Please, Underbelly George Square.

“BAFTA-nominated comedian, Rachel Parris, is back with a brand-new show about big life changes. Join viral sensation and star of BBC’s The Mash Report as she performs stand-up and songs about sudden love, the highs and lows of relationships, family, weddings, kids, going viral, going mental, and the baffling state of play in society right now. ‘Venomously witty’ (Evening Standard). ‘A natural charm and keen eye for observation’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘This is classy, clever comedy – uproarious’ (Scotsman).”

Never seen Rachel Parris doing proper stand-up before, but I always enjoy her TV appearances, so I’m hoping for a very good show!

UPDATE: An interesting mix of comedy songs and stand up from Rachel Parris which was always enjoyable and entertaining, but never really soared or entered the realms of bold, incisive comedy. Fun, yes, but rather safe and predictable. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

21.45 – Your Dad’s Mum: Tonight at the Social Club Underbelly, Bristo Square.

“Explosive, gag-packed comedy from Leicester Comedy Festival Award nominees returning to the Fringe following their acclaimed 2021 run. Join your hosts – jaded northern entertainer Pat Bashford and his over-woke niece Cheri-Anne for a raucously daft, fast-paced hour, featuring games, adequate prizes, musical interludes and late-night fun. Starring Chortle Award winner Bexie Archer and Fringe-favourite Kevin Dewsbury (Kev’s Komedy Kitchen). ‘Archer has funny bones’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Dewsbury’s delivery is spot on… delightfully funny’ (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘This show packs in the punchlines, the duo can certainly craft a good gag’ (Skinny).”

Knowing what a knockout Kev’s Komedy Kitchen could be, I can’t wait to finally see Kevein Dewsbury’s Your Dad’s Mum show. It’s had great reviews and I reckon it will be blistering!

UPDATE: Your Dad’s Mum is a nightmarish comic creation; a social night out, with a grim compère stuck in the 70s and a woeful but feminist assistant who together take us through some deliciously lamentable games and quizzes. And it’s all absolutely brilliant! Once you get the joke – that he’s deliberately awful and she’s trying to do the best she can to make up for it – it works a treat. As the catastrophes pile up, the audience creases up! The audience hurled themselves into the fun and played along with everything that Pat and Cherrie-Ann threw at them. Just don’t ask her to do her Christmas Tree routine. Loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Edinburgh Fringe Full Monty (nearly) – Day 4, 8th August 2022

Posted on August 7, 2022 by therealchrisparkle

What’s in store for us in Edinburgh today?

Here’s the schedule for 8^th August:

10.20 – About Money, Summerhall. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“’Weans. They get expensive, you know?’ Fast-food worker Shaun is your average 18-year-old boy. He likes music, video games and getting stoned. He’s also the sole carer to his eight-year-old sister, Sophie. Without enough money for childcare and under pressure from an unsympathetic boss, he’s forced to make decisions that could have devastating consequences. Drawn from interviews with young kinship carers and inspired by the McDonald’s strikes of 2018, this Glasgow drama is about family, love and friendship in a world where the lack of money threatens all three.

65% Theatre are the team behind this intriguing and promising sounding play, that tackles important subject matter. I hope it’s a great show.

UPDATE: Splendid way to start the day with a very thought provoking, and brilliantly written play about poverty and responsibility amongst young people and the things they make you do. Great performances, especially from the amazing child actor Lois Hagerty. Touching and moving; is incredible how using just two chairs and wearing two red caps can say so much. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

12.50 – Ultimatum, Pleasance Courtyard.

“Two strangers have one hour to split £1m. Sounds easy, but what happens when one of them refuses to play fair? What is fair? Who deserves money? Why? Ultimatum is a new play by Jon Gracey that forces a conversation on class, autobiography, truth, reality TV and ethical duty to our fellow humans. Praise for previous Treehouse productions: Courtroom Play: A Courtroom Play – ‘Delightfully silly’ ***** (One4Review.co.uk); Bring Them Home – ‘One for the bucket list’ ***** (LondonTheatre1.com); Werewolf: Live – Nominated for Best Newcomer, Brighton Fringe 2017.”

This sounds immensely entertaining and done well I think could be a big hit!

UPDATE: A very entertaining story and clever premise, although I did find the ending slightly predictable. It could have benefited from a little tighter writing and stronger performance which I am sure will come over time. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

16.30 – Iain Dale: All Talk with Angela Rayner MP, Pleasance @ EICC.

“Award-winning LBC radio presenter and For the Many podcast host brings his acclaimed, incisive insight on current affairs back to the Fringe with these in-depth interviews featuring audience questions. Today’s guest is Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, deputy leader of the Labour Party under Keir Starmer and shadow cabinet member across multiple portfolios. ‘The indefatigable Iain Dale always cuts to the nub of politics’ (Adam Boulton). ‘There are very few commentators and broadcasters with an instinctive feel for real politics. Iain Dale does, which makes him endlessly listenable-to and peerless’ (Andrew Marr).”

We’re really looking forward to hearing Angela Rayner speak. This will be fascinating!

UPDATE: Another interview; unlike his conversation with Rory Stewart, Iain Dale asked much more personal questions of Angela Rayner, who was extremely engaging, intelligent and impressive. There was a question about Scottish Independence, her answer to which I don’t think will have the local people returning to the Labour fold in a hurry. Near the end four young women got up to make an environmental protest, which Ms Rayner took in her stride but which really pi**ed off Iain Dale.

18.40 – Luke Kempner: Macho Macho Man, Pleasance Courtyard.

“Star of Spitting Image (Britbox), Steph’s Packed Lunch (Channel 4) and with over 10 million views online, comedian Luke Kempner has found out he is to become a father, but can he be the macho macho man he believes he needs to be? With a razor-sharp roster of contemporary impressions from Piers Morgan and Bojo to Ted Hastings and Paul Hollywood, Luke is bringing his highly anticipated show to Edinburgh. As seen (and heard) on: The Last Leg (Channel 4), The Stand-Up Sketch Show (ITV2), Love Island: Aftersun (ITV2), The Now Show (BBC Radio 4).”

I always enjoy seeing Luke Kempner and am really glad he’s bringing this show to Edinburgh as we missed it when he performed it locally! Last time I saw him he had me up on stage with him, so I must remember not to make eye contact…

UPDATE: An entertaining show about whether Luke was ready for parenthood but which was perhaps rather slight in comparison with his previous shows. Nevertheless it was still very funny and he is a true master of impersonation. He did involve me in the show again, fortunately this time just from my seat! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

20.10 – Hal Cruttenden: It’s Best You Hear It From Me, Pleasance Courtyard.

“After 21 years and 224 days Hal’s back being single. But it’s all going to be fine. Instead of getting the therapy he clearly needs, he’s made a cracking show about it. He’s lost enough weight to almost get his wedding ring off and, while he may be flying solo, he’s far from alone; he’s got his grown-up daughters, his dogs and his divorce lawyer. The fickle finger of fate has turned Hal’s life upside down but he’s sticking a finger right back at it. ‘Funniest he’s ever been’ ***** (Times).”

Hal Cruttenden’s a great comedian and I’ve heard very good things about this show, so I’m looking forward to it enormously!

UPDATE: Crammed with callbacks, this is a beautifully constructed, very personal and very impressive show, with great audience interaction; probably the best I’ve ever seen Mr Cruttenden. Perhaps he should have more marriage breakdowns, it would be great for his career! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

21.55 – Blunderland, Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows.

“The subversive break-out hit of the international cabaret and circus circuit, we have arrived with a strong dose of what we all need at the moment: some outrageous nightlife naughtiness, club-kid antics and a heady dose of arthouse weird. Born out of the New York underground queer nightlife scene this show has titillated packed crowds worldwide who are enthralled with its uniquely whimsical and ridiculous performance combinations. Join us for an evening of sensually disastrous drag, burlesque and circus you won’t forget!”

There are a number of circus/burlesque shows on this Fringe and we are seeing a few of them – I don’t know if this will be any different from the norm – we wait and see!

UPDATE: One of those “only at the Fringe” big top experiences where fantastic Circus skills and some of the less classy elements of burlesque mix. Amazing aerial acrobatics, and some very funny routines. One couple left early on, it was clearly not what they were expecting! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Edinburgh Fringe Full Monty (nearly) – Day 2, 6th August 2022

Posted on August 5, 2022 by therealchrisparkle

Another day in Edinburgh – what’s on the slab for today?

Here’s the schedule for 6^th August:

10.45 – The Mistake, The Space on North Bridge. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“1942. On an abandoned squash court, a dazzling scientific experiment takes place that three years later will destroy a city and change the world forever. This compelling new play by Michael Mears (‘One exceptional man’ (Observer)) explores the events surrounding the catastrophic “mistake” that launched our nuclear age. Through the lives of a brilliant Hungarian scientist, a daring American pilot and a devoted Japanese daughter. Partly using verbatim testimonies, this powerful drama confronts the dangers that arise when humans dare to unlock the awesome power of nature. Preview audience reviews: ‘Superbly written’, ‘Very powerful’, ‘Deeply moving and engaging.’”

I admire Michael Mears as both an actor and writer and have no doubt this will be another of his thought-provoking and challenging works.

UPDATE: It’s not often that a play leaves you almost lost for words. The Mistake is a heartstopping, blistering piece of theatre, telling the story of how atomic power was developed and misused to devastating effect. Michael Mears and Emiko Ishii create a cast of characters who either caused or suffered from the 1945 attacks on Japan, using just a few props with amazing inventiveness. Vital viewing for everyone. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

12.45 – 1972: The Future of Sex, The Space on North Bridge.

“1972: The Future of Sex. A 50-minute farcical journey through those excellently awkward first sexual encounters. Christine knows tonight’s the night with Rich. Penny tries to channel Lady Chatterley’s Lover in the bedroom and Anna thinks Tessa is just the coolest. From Ziggy Stardust to Deep Throat, the 70s was an era of polyester, pubic hair and endless possibility. Devised by The Wardrobe Ensemble, the show uses the company’s trademark theatricality, irreverent humour and spectacular ensemble moments to tell the story of three couples having sex for the first time in 1972.”

Durham University Woodplayers might have their work cut out to make this funny and not embarrassing – but if it works it should be great!

UPDATE: That was fun; three relationships put through their early paces, with some nice characterisations and some good lines. Nothing earth-shattering, but enjoyable. ⭐️⭐️

16.30 – Iain Dale: All Talk with Rory Stewart, Pleasance at EICC.

“Award-winning LBC radio presenter and For the Many podcast host brings his acclaimed, incisive insight on current affairs back to the Fringe with these in-depth interviews featuring audience questions. Today’s guest is Rory Stewart, former MP, Cabinet member and London mayoral candidate who is now a politics and international relations fellow of Yale University. ‘The indefatigable Iain Dale always cuts to the nub of politics’ (Adam Boulton). ‘There are very few commentators and broadcasters with an instinctive feel for real politics. Iain Dale does, which makes him endlessly listenable-to and peerless’ (Andrew Marr).”

For the first time at the Edinburgh Fringe, we’re seeing a few shows that come under the “Spoken Word” heading, including a few political interviews by Iain Dale. We’re only seeing politicians who interest us though! This should be very interesting.

UPDATE: Hard to review an interview but both Iain Dale and Rory Stewart were both on good form. Amongst the revelations was the fact that they both went for the Conservative nomination to stand for the constituency of Bracknell. Rory told some awful stories about Johnson that were ostensibly funny but just showed what an utter disgrace the PM is. Good questions, fascinating answers, and a surprisingly entertaining hour.

19.00 – Feeling Afraid as if Something Terrible is Going to Happen, Roundabout @ Summerhall.

“’I’m 36, I’m a comedian, and I’m about to kill my boyfriend…’ A permanently single, professionally neurotic stand-up finally meets Mr Right and then does everything wrong. But is Mr Right quite what he seems? And how far will the comedian go to get a laugh? A dark new comedy about vulnerability, intimacy, ego and truth from the Olivier Award-winning producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer. Starring Tony and Olivier-nominated actor Samuel Barnett. Written by Marcelo Dos Santos (Lionboy, Complicite) and directed by Matthew Xia (Blue/Orange, Young Vic).”

Samuel Barnett is one of my favourite actors and I’m sure he’s going to be tremendous in this fascinating sounding play.

UPDATE: Like “Colossus” yesterday, here’s another “false testimony”-type play given a brilliant tour de force performance by Samuel Barnett who has a huge number of words to remember! You can’t know what to believe and what not to believe as he pieces together the various stages of his relationship with “The American”. Both funny and occasionally ghastly, the play holds your attention throughout; and Mr Barnett is on fabulous form. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

22.00 – The Best (and Worst) of The Dirty Tattooed Circus, Laughing Horse @ The Counting House

“Direct from their UK tour, Martin Mor and Logy Logan bring their unique brand of comedy and circus back to the Edinburgh Fringe. Two dangerous Irishmen doing dangerous things for a laugh. Hilarious comedy is combined with world-class circus skills to produce a show that will leave you breathless. This show is suitable for adults only. ‘Dangerous and hilarious… Just how we love our circus’ (TheClothesLine.com.au). ‘This show is truly a tour de force of strange circus and comedy skills’ (StageWhispers.com.au).”

This one is definitely a risky punt as far as I’m concerned. All you can do is give it a go!

UPDATE: Two larger than life, hairy, tattooed jugglers put on a show full of silliness and fun, which included Mrs Chrisparkle throwing a hoopla ring over a man with a dildo on his head, a circus feat she accomplished with alarming ease. Lots to laugh at, quite a lot to make you go wow, and a few bits where they fumbled it, but who cares, it was all very entertaining! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Happy Christmas!

Posted on December 24, 2021 by therealchrisparkle

Hello everyone! Just a few words from me to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – it’s been another rollercoaster with this bloomin’ virus but if you’re reading this, congratulations for having got through another year. We are/were planning to go to London to see a few shows between Christmas and New Year – at this point in time, who knows if that will happen?! And as for 2022…. will there be a proper Edinburgh Fringe? Will there be easy foreign travel? Even a Leicester Comedy Festival? Don’t ask me – I gave up epidemiology at O level.

So stay safe, but support the arts if you can – wear an FFP2 mask in the theatre and cinema to protect both yourself and others.

Blog plans for next year including hopefully finishing both my Agatha Christie Challenge – not many books to go now, just six “proper” books and a few posthumous wraps and scraps, and I have 29 short stories left in my Points of View Challenge. I’m aware I’ve fallen badly behind on my James Bond Challenge – I just can’t get around to seeing the films! I’d also like to get further into my George Orwell Challenge, and maybe start a new Challenge (or two?!) It all depends on what the Coronavirus does to the theatres. Less theatre, more challenges; more theatre, fewer challenges – simples. Whatever – normal blogging service will hopefully be resumed on Tuesday 4th January. Thanks for reading my stuff – I appreciate it! Take care all 🙂

So How’s it Going?

Posted on May 18, 2020 by therealchrisparkle

How’s Lockdown treating you, gentle reader? I hope you and yours are safe and sound, exercising “common sense” (whatever that is) and minimising risks wherever possible. There’s a whole beautiful world out there, where all your friends and relatives are waiting, The Arts are waiting for a kick-start, comics are preparing a barrage of new jokes for us (or they’d better be) and there are exciting places to discover – once it’s safe again. Until then, pull up the drawbridge, log into Zoom, and catch up with your DVDs and books.

I say “books” – as though that was a thing. I don’t know about you, but since Lockdown I have not been able to concentrate on reading AT ALL. I’m too easily distracted, I read a paragraph and instantly forget what I read. So for the moment, my Agatha Christie Challenge and Paul Berna Challenge are on hold until my reading Mojo comes back.

Mrs Chrisparkle has discovered cooking! Who knew that there were other items of kitchen equipment apart from the microwave? So that’s great news. And fortunately, fine food always deserves a fine wine – that’s a bonus. As a downside, The Real Chrisparkle’s Facebook page has fallen foul of some odd computer hiccup and I can’t access it at all. So if you check that page every so often – I wouldn’t bother, nothing’s going to be happening there for some time, I fear.

Now that the Eurovision that never was is over, I need to find something else to write about. What I’m proposing, gentle reader, are alternate blog posts where I share some holiday snaps from the great places we’ve been to over the last ~~[redacted]~~ years, and retro theatre posts where I go back over all the shows I’ve seen in ~~[also redacted]~~ years of theatregoing. Not promising anything truly exciting or revealing; we’ll just see how it goes.

So, see you tomorrow with some holiday snaps from Buenos Aires. Take care!

So what happens now?

Posted on March 23, 2020 by therealchrisparkle

Another Suitcase in Another Hall… no, this is no time for Evita. With theatres, cinemas and pubs closed, there’s not a lot for me to talk about in these stressful times. No plays, films, comedy, dance; the local University acting students’ FlashFringe Festival has been cancelled, and, looking ahead, can you really see the Edinburgh Fringe taking place as normal? Still, at least we’ve always got Eurovisi…. Ah, bollocks!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. It’s vital that these events be shut down and that people do their best not to come into contact with others so that this terrible virus can be managed and its potency reduced. The quicker we hole up and hunker down, the quicker we can go out again. On a personal note, I’m happy to report that Mrs Chrisparkle and I, plus all our extended families and close friends, seem to be currently healthy and I pray to the God I don’t believe in that this will continue. Mrs C is permanently working from home but, luckily for us, we’re used to each other’s company, having worked together in the past, so we’re not yet calling in the divorce lawyers. In the absence of live theatre action, there’s always the written word, so I’ll be continuing with my Agatha Christie Challenge and my Paul Berna Challenge, and I’ll try to keep up with my James Bond Challenge too. My friend Lord Liverpool’s new book is out soon and I’m reading it so that I can grill him on these pages in a month or so’s time.

But yeah, Eurovision…. It was never going to be sensible or even possible, to get people from all around the world congregating in Rotterdam in mid-May. The EBU in their wisdom have declared that the songs that had been chosen for this year will not be eligible for the 2021 contest – and I can appreciate that in fourteen months’ time those songs could feel stale to the performers and some fresh excitement needs to be injected. However, that means there are 41 songs this year that have ended up in no man’s land; and some of them are pretty amazing.

So I thought I’d conduct my own Eurovision Song Contest 2020 through this blog; two semi-finals and a final consisting of the top twenty from the semis plus the Netherlands and the Big Five. It’ll take a week or so to set up I expect, so watch this space for the first semi-final coming soon and advice on how to vote.

Are you with me?

Soo Yoga, Sol Centre, Northampton – A New Wellbeing Centre for the Town

Posted on August 29, 2019 by therealchrisparkle

About a year ago, gentle reader, Mrs Chrisparkle and I dipped our tentative toes into the world of yoga, when we had an hour’s session during the Edinburgh Fringe with part time yoga teacher and full-time funny lady Abigoliah Schamaun. We enjoyed it and promised ourselves that we would take it up on our return. Then we went home and forgot all about it.

Then in January this year, I answered a local advert for a ten-week yoga course here in Northampton. The timing and the price were right, and, as a big bonus, the sessions would be led by none other than Strictly Come Dancing alumna Kristina Rihanoff. We took the plunge. It was in a cold little dance studio in a town centre back street. And, although we were absolutely awful at it, we still enjoyed it.

Fast forward to June, and the opening of the new Soo Yoga suite on the first floor of the Sol Centre in Northampton. Kristina, and partner and local rugby hero Ben Cohen, have realised their dream of creating a first-class, swish, state-of-the-art wellbeing centre – and Mrs C and I are completely hooked. First things first; it’s not a gym. If it was, I’m sure I wouldn’t like it. If you know either of us IRL (as the young people of today say) you’ll know that we’re adamantly NOT gym bunnies. When it comes to pumping iron, I have all the skills of King Henry VIII’s marriage guidance counsellor.

So, not a gym but a wellbeing and family fitness centre. As a result, it’s a welcoming place, where you are met with friendly smiles and personal greetings on arrival. This is not the kind of place where someone is going to laugh at your puny abs and condemn you to a hundred press-ups on the spot like at school. I can’t speak for the ladies’ changing room, obviously, but the guys’ room isn’t full of muscly men dripping testosterone, making you feel inadequate in every aspect. We’re much more likely to be saying to each other “God I’m unfit, that was knackering!” – creating a nicely informal self-help group.

The activity spaces are smart, new, clean and bright. The highlight room is the Hot Yoga studio, which is heated to 38° Celsius and with 50% humidity, to recreate the atmosphere in India where yoga originated. We go for a weekly session there on Monday nights, led by Kristina, but they have many other classes all through the week, for all abilities in many different yoga styles. We’ve also taken up the spin classes on Friday lunchtimes, in a terrific cycling room with about fifteen exercise bikes in it. Once you’ve warmed up a little, you pedal your heart out to a cracking, motivational musical soundtrack and expert guidance from the inspirational Megan Hosken. No point hiding it; the first time I tried it, it killed me. The second time – I loved it! We also do a 25-minute exercise session with Megan on Wednesday mornings – Soo Fit HIIT – which is fifteen minutes of interval training followed by ten minutes of resistance training. Listen to me, all technical. What have I become?!

There’s a meditation suite too, where we go for two classes on a Wednesday – Soo Zen and Chakra Yoga – hosted by Chinmayi Dore, who’s incredibly enthusiastic in giving people some “me time” where they can relax, renew and reinvigorate themselves. After my first session, I was so relaxed I could – literally – barely walk. It was an amazing feeling. The other regular class we attend is Kristina Rihanoff’s Strictly Dancing in the dance studio, where you can learn the basic steps of salsa, jive, cha-cha-cha, lindy hop and so on, which actually turns out to be a good exercise workout too. We’re thoroughly useless but it’s enormous fun. The new Anton and Erin we are not.

But there are so many other classes on offer that we haven’t tried yet; Pilates, TRX, Box-fit, Barre… you name it, they got it. I am tempted to try Ben Cohen’s Soo Strong Beginners’ Class because I really ought to convert some fat to muscle… ok, a lot of fat to muscle… and I can’t think of a safer opportunity to get introduced to that kind of activity by a true expert without intimidation. You may have guessed that me and exercise had a very poor relationship when I was young; when I left school at 17 I was only too happy to end that relationship, and it’s taken over 40 years for us to get on good terms again! If you’re like me, then I really recommend Soo Yoga for providing a welcoming, non-judgmental route to regaining fitness.

There are often a variety of offers on; next week, for example, from 6^th – 8^th September, they are holding a Free Taster Weekend where you can try lots of classes for free to see how you get on with them. There’s really nothing to lose. In any case, you can buy an introductory month’s pass for £39 which gives you unlimited access to all the classes, and if you like it, you can progress to an annual membership; or continue to attend classes on a pay-as-you-go basis. We’ve bought an annual membership as a couple. It’s £1835 for the pair of us, which may seem a little steep at first but think; we attend on average five classes a week – sometimes more – and when you divide that over the year it’s the equivalent of about £3.50 per person per class. That’s a steal. And the more classes you do, the better value it becomes!

I haven’t even mentioned the café, or the crèche, or the physio/massages, or a wealth of other options they can offer. They have a whole range of kids’ classes too, and I think are introducing some junior drama lessons as well. They have a very useful app for your phone, but the website tells you everything you need to know. It’s certainly changed the way Mrs C and I keep fit, because it’s fun, fascinating, and friendly, and you can’t beat that! Give them a try – contact them using the app or the website or just drop in at the Sol Centre. You won’t regret it!

A word about GDPR

Posted on May 24, 2018 by therealchrisparkle

Bewitched, bothered, and bewildered. That’s three words, actually; well, three adjectives and a conjunction. And if not so much bewitched, definitely the other two.

But I digress, gentle reader. We’ve all been inundated with those emails asking you either to opt back in to mailing lists or to read new privacy policies because the time is fast approaching (25th May) when the new EU legislation comes into force, protecting individuals’ interests and giving them access to data held about them. I’m as keen as anyone on the subject of online privacy, and think it’s great that we have these new powers to protect ourselves.

Then yesterday a friend sent me a note enquiring whether bloggers have to follow this legislation too. Damn! Why didn’t I think of that sooner! Much Googling later, and it looks as though there are also requirements for bloggers to comply. Makes sense, really. However, I also understand that those nice people at WordPress are putting into place centrally all the requirements to make WordPress blogs compliant. I’ve not actually heard anything from them directly, but I believe it’s only a matter of time.

Meanwhile, I thought I should put your mind at ease by letting you know what I, personally, do with your data. The fact is, I only have access to two types of data about my gentle readers. I have access to your email address, if you have subscribed to the site. Even then I don’t keep this data myself; it’s only available if I find the right part of the WordPress Admin page and click the correct button. And if you have commented on any blog posts, and your comment is linked to your own site, I can trace you back to the site by clicking on your name. If you are not happy with my having access to your email address or website then the simplest thing to do is to unsubscribe from the blog; just locate your list of blogs that you follow, then click on mine where it says “following” and you will automatically unfollow. Similarly, if you wish me to remove any comments you have made on my posts, simply ask and I shall do it.

The majority of bloggers who may have to comply with GDPR regulations more closely are those who use mailing lists, Google Analytics, a contact box or an online store. I don’t use any of those things. However, rest assured, if I discover that there are any more aspects of the site that need to become compliant, I will make it a top priority.

In the meantime, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

Independent Traders of Northampton – Independence Day Independents’ Day Fair at the Guildhall – 4th July 2015

Posted on July 6, 2015 by therealchrisparkle

If you’ve read my previous two blog posts, gentle reader, you’ll know that last Saturday was not only Independence Day in the USA but also Independents’ Day in Northampton, when 30 or so local businesses stalled out in the beautiful setting of the Guildhall to promote their products and services and to tempt us with their food and drink. Mrs Chrisparkle and I were keen to try out any freebies on offer (we are only human, after all) and to learn about any local traders whom we haven’t yet discovered.

I did feel a little sorry for all the different people who were getting married that day as they posed on the steps for their photos whilst us punters tried to sneak past them – but there was also the courtyard access to the side which meant we didn’t disrupt them too much. Some very eclectic weddings took place whilst we were there; one had a vintage VW Campervan as their vehicle, all ribboned up and gleaming, whilst another had a vehicle breakdown pick-up truck! Maybe their original car broke down en route.

The first stall we discovered that was offering something new (for us at least) was Bite Me Spices, a little company that creates a wide range of blended spices, perfect if you’re into your home cooking of Asian dishes. We’re more the ping-a-microwave-meal or go out for dinner types, but were very taken with their range of sauces which ranged from the subtle to the well-spicey. Everything they supply is gluten-free, which is heaven to Mrs C’s ears. So we bought a three-pack of spices and look forward to trying them. Their website has several tasty-looking recipes too.

Still in food mode, out in the courtyard was an enticing looking stall with food from Nuovo and Papa Cino’s. Twice we huddled around this stall trying to get a look-in, but other determined food tasters got there first so we never actually got the chance to try. Obviously the keenness of the other customers told its own story. Instead we moved on to the stall from the Dining Room, part of the complex at the Mackintosh House at 78 Derngate. They were promoting their afternoon teas, with a special discount of 20% off for Midweek bookings until 1st August. As well as the traditional afternoon tea, they also offer afternoon tea with Pimms and afternoon tea with Prosecco. We thought of a number of friends who would find that a sheer pleasure. It’s essential to book in advance, and if you tell them in advance about any food allergies, they will cater for that too. Looks lovely!

The stall from NN Café were offering a range of delicious coffee frappés. We’d never tried this before but gave it a go. Mrs C loves an iced tea – personally I think they’re revolting, so I was a little unsure about this. But it was great, like a coffee flavoured milk shake. I had mine flavoured with gingerbread, Mrs C had hers with caramel. I think on balance the caramel won, but they were both excellent. We sat in the courtyard under the sun and had a very restful quarter of an hour with our drinks.

Back inside we noticed all the local producers of booze were attracting a lot of attention. In addition to Phipps Brewery, there were Two Birds, the gin and vodka makers from Market Harborough offering all their little bottles of flavoured yumminess, Warner Edwards, whose Rhubarb gin we had heard a lot about – and tasted, and it is sensational; and Saxby’s, who had a selection of three local ciders to try – one traditional apple cider, one with added blackcurrant juice and another with added plum juice – that was my particular favourite. We bought half-a-dozen to keep us happy on the warm summer nights ahead. And there was of course plenty of wines to taste at the Wine Connection’s stall – the independent wine shop at 11 Derngate – with the promise of a further tasting of Portuguese wines back at their shop (which we enjoyed on the way home). One of the wines we tasted was a rosé Sancerre – we all agreed it was To Die For.

We spoke to the people at Haycock and Tailbar, the trendy underground cocktail/supper room at 15 Derngate, and salivated at the prospect of their fantastic sounding steaks. We met a lady from Alflora Luxe Gifts, at 18 Market Walk, and were particularly impressed with their stunning bouquets and floral gifts. There were plenty of ladies’ accessories on offer from the people at Voni Blu, The Dressing Room, and the Wardrobe; cheeses from St Giles Cheese, and even a massage service – but I can’t remember who offered that! We spoke to a man who was promoting ginger sweets, perfect for settling those upset tummies you get on holiday (we bought a couple of boxes in advance for our next India trip, although I think they may all be eaten before then because they’re really tasty too) – you can buy those in the Northampton Health Store at 50 The Drapery.

And there was a stall from the Polish restaurant, the Chata, in St Giles Street, where I tried some of their new offerings that will be part of a new “Polish Breakfast” range. Simply mixed together and served on a biscuit, they were sensational. One was a combination of mackerel and cream cheese – delicious – the other also included a cheddar cheese and some onion, and that one was just heaven. I’m going to be down there like a shot when they start selling those. They had some gluten-free cheesecake for Mrs C – always a pleasure – and I tried some of their strawberry cake too, which was moist and flavoursome and yummy.

So I hope you enjoyed the fair if you managed to get to the Guildhall on Saturday afternoon – we certainly didn’t need any extra lunch, with all those tasty offerings! It certainly showed the wide range of independent traders we have in Northampton, and the high quality of their products, services and know-how. As a result, we certainly have many more ideas about where to shop and what to buy in future!