doing nothing. After cancelling my Bell T.V. contract a few years ago
( poor service and programming), I really haven't missed it all. I did have
Netflix for a while which got a bit boring and now stream with Acorn TV
which I really like, all British TV and more importantly NO SPORTS or
imported American crap. OK, not ALL of it is crap but a lot of it is.
But, when I can, I do love me a good movie or "going to the flicks" as
they say over here. There's something about watching a movie on the
big screen that just can't be replicated at home.It's really about the
whole experience. I also like catching up on British films as I can't get
to see a lot of them back home.
So what did I go to see:
set in the Australian Outback in the 50's and is about a
dressmaker who returns to her tiny hometown to right
wrongs from her past and look after her ailing mother.
That's all I'm saying but I loved it and especially the 50's
vintage clothing. Well worth watching. A feel good movie!
And lots of eye candy in the shape of Liam Helmsworth!!
This is where I saw it:
The next one I watched was:
This was listed as a comedy- drama and was written by
Alan Bennett, a famous Brit playwright. It tells the true
story of an elderly woman who lived in a dilapidated van
on Bennet's driveway for 15 years. Actually I didn't find it
at all funny,in fact it was depressing although it got rave
reviews and my friends loved it.! No accounting for tastes!!!
I saw this movie at the Savoy Cinema in Nottingham, a lovely
Art-Deco theatre that still has the original double seats- for date
nights!!!
And finally, wait for it.........
Which I saw here at the Cornerhouse cinema in Nottingham. I've just
realised that each cinema has its own unique personality - I like that,
no massive big box theatres although they are here too!
But, I digress. I was sort of looking forward to this movie. I actually
enjoy James Bond movies and always look forward to what new
gadgets he has. I really liked the previous movie, SkyFall, but this
one was boooooring! I actually fell asleep! Nuff said but isn't it great
we have such a great choice of movies to view.
And, of course, as its Christmas and panto season, I had to see this:
Dick Whittington at the Nottingham Playhouse.They always put on a
great panto and this year was no exception. I've written about the
concept of a pantomime before. This one is based on English folklore
surrounding the real-life Richard Whittington, wealthy merchant and
later Lord Mayor of London, who supposedly escaped his poverty
stricken childhood and made his fortune thanks to the ratting abilities
of his cat. I still remember the childhood nursery rhyme: " Turn again
Dick Whittington, Lord Mayor of London" which the church bells had
supposedly pealed out and prompted his return to London.
And continuing with live theatre...... we went to see this great production:
Piaf, at the Charing Cross Theatre. The play celebrates the
centenary of the birth of Edith Piaf, France's most loved
cultural icon:
and tells the story of her rise from the gutters of Paris to become a world
renowned chanteuse, addicted to alcohol and drugs, and, to her early
demise at the age of 48. Her songs were often autobiographical with
her songs reflecting her life, often about love, loss and sorrow.
She was nicknamed "the little sparrow" as she was very petite, always
wore black on stage but could belt out a song with such feeling and intensity.
The play was brilliant and the actress who portrayed Piaf had a strong and
powerful voice.
PS I MUST remember to tell my kids to play 'Non, je ne regrette rien' at full
blast at my funeral!!!
The play was held at the Charing Cross Theatre which is conveniently
located under the railway arches of Charing Cross:
and occasionally we could hear the sounds of overhead trains thundering above
our heads but it didn't detract from the performance!!!
And, seeing as we've covered movies and live theatre, let's move onto another
genre: television!
Last week we were fortunate to receive freebies to view the taping of this TV series:
The recording was held at the ITV studios at the South Bank. It was a
different experience! 'Vicious' is a sitcom about two elderly gay men
who have lived in a flat in Covent Garden for 50 years. The main stars
are Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir Ian McLellan and Frances de la Tour, all
well-known and respected actors. I never realised or appreciated how
much work and effort went into filming even one scene! The actors
looked totally exhausted by the end of the taping but I give them credit
for being totally professional throughout.
And on the train home I picked up the Metro paper:
It's quite sad really, it's all become a big shopping- fest.
So to cheer myself up, this what I'm going to see tomorrow:
And no, I'm not really extravagant. I don't do this in Canada and all
the money NOT spent on Bell, goes towards my theatre addiction
while I'm over here!!
Merry Christmas!
Talk soon
Zoe
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