I wouldn’t normally use the title of a film as the heading for a blogpost about it. But how can you improve on Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband of the Screeching Dead? It’s the best movie title I’ve come across for a long time. And the film is every bit as entertaining. It’s the latest … Continue reading
Acclaimed former Welsh National Opera singer Alwyn Mellor is giving a rare performance in Wales in aid of a local charity, close to her heart. The show, Something Wonderful!, will include well known songs from film and stage by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and other greats, with soprano Alwyn accompanied by Michael Pollock on piano. … Continue reading
As The Rocky Horror Show reaches its half century, with a UK tour in 2023, we’re pleased to publish this interview with its creator Richard O’Brien. What was your inspiration behind The Rocky Horror Show? Someone asked me to entertain the Christmas staff party at the EMI Film Studios and so I wrote a song … Continue reading
The much-missed Swansea International Jazz Festival is back this summer. The city’s celebration of jazz has had two years off because of the pandemic, and had already switched to a more low-key autumn event because of budget uncertainties in 2019. But now, thanks to a partnership between the city council and Swansea Jazz Club, it’s … Continue reading
Molly-Grace Cutler is touring the UK as Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. In this interview she discusses her role and the show, as she prepares to open at Cardiff’s New Theatre tomorrow (Tuesday 24 May). Continue reading
I first came across super-talented jazz singer and pianist Anthony Strong at the 2013 Brecon Jazz Festival. I loved the performance, describing it as “as sharp as his suit”, and since then we’ve kept in touch on social media. If you’re not familiar with Anthony’s work, you can check his website here. But I wanted … Continue reading
I was delighted to learn that Swansea Jazz Club is back in action! Artistic director Dave Cottle has revived the club after the COVID-19 hiatus, with a busy autumn (2021) programme, featuring many top UK jazz artists. Dave has been presenting live jazz in the city for 25 years, including the Swansea International Jazz Festival … Continue reading
A series of short screenplays, known as The Annalium Project (featured in this blog earlier this year), has been finding success in international competitions. The project’s creator (my pal) Robert Lancey had been hoping to have started filming the first film ‘Sssss’ by now, but the continuing COVID-19 pandemic has kept that on hold until … Continue reading
Billed as ‘music like you have never heard before’, pianist Anders Helmerson leads bassist Lukasz Chula and drummer Juan Meija as the Anders Helmerson Trio to present ‘the world’s first opus in the key of i’. To my unsophisticated ears, the lead track at least is a glorious mix of piano-led jazz fusion with elements of prog rock, though … Continue reading
Live in-person performances have been a rarity lately, so I was delighted to hear that Sarah Moule will be appearing at Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho later this month. The gig on Wednesday 30th June marks the premiere of her new album Stormy Emotions, which I reviewed earlier this year. She will be performing with … Continue reading
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