How do you go about writing your first novel? First-time author Davey D. Jones, whose debut A Different Reality is gaining rave reviews, kindly shared his thoughts about the writing process and self-publishing. Continue reading
Latest Entries
Remembering a tearful reaction to a childhood concert
My first music concert was a performance by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchcestra in the Great Hall of Exeter University, at the age of ten. It sounds very fancy, but my main motivation for going was because it involved a coach trip – always exciting, even if just a few minutes across town – and an … Continue reading
Feisty, funny & warm – Annalene Beechey on playing Anna in ‘The King & I’
The multi award-winning Broadway production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical, The King and I is again touring UK theatres. Ahead of its return to Cardiff’s New Theatre next week (Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 November 2023), I’m very pleased to share this interview with Annalene Beechey, who plays Anna to Darren Lee’s King. What … Continue reading
New murals celebrate city’s music and architecture
New murals celebrating Cardiff’s musical and architectural heritage have been unveiled in underpasses in the city centre. One designed by Unify Creative, the artists behind the ‘Butetown Mona Lisa,’ is in the underpass beneath Boulevard de Nantes, connecting Kingsway with the Civic Centre. The other by Wall-Op Murals, inspired by the city’s history and the … Continue reading
Stage fright – Dame Susan Hill on ‘The Woman in Black’
The spine-chilling stage thriller The Woman in Black arrives at Cardiff’s New Theatre next week [September 19-23] as part of its UK Tour. And I’m pleased to share this interview with the acclaimed author of the original novel, Dame Susan Hill. Continue reading
Hippies and religion in new hit film
There’s no shortage of ‘religion’ on film – priests battling demons, nuns singing, monks solving crimes. But a straightforward faith-based film about a church’s revival is much rarer. So, the success of Jesus Revolution might be something of a surprise. This new (2023) feature film from Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle tells the true story … Continue reading
Famous Five go by train again
The glorious retro animated Famous Five ads for Great Western Railway are back for summer 2023, with their first new adventure for three years. A new TV ad, Five Get There First, promotes travelling by train and how it can deliver a level of comfort, speed, sustainability and ability to socialise you don’t get by … Continue reading
TONY! Harry Hill and Steve Brown on their new ‘rock opera’
As the comedy musical TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] continues its UK tour and heads to Cardiff [June 14-17], I’m pleased to share this interview with its creators, Harry Hill and Steve Brown. What are audiences in store for when they come see the show? Harry: We’ve tried to make it as funny as … Continue reading
Crime / Television / Writing
Investigating a family murder in a new way
I’ve enjoyed plenty of reflected glory in recent years from the success of my brilliant crime writer friend Cara Hunter. Her Adam Fawley books have become worldwide hits, and now she has branched out with her first non-Fawley book. She kindly sent me a preview copy of Murder in the Family, an ingenious crime thriller, … Continue reading
Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband of the Screeching Dead
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
PieceOf Pink Pie 