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Cheltenham Literature Festival 2017: Out-Spoken Press

Let me begin with a confession. Books often need to be prized unwillingly from my enraptured grip. Fire up Spotify or ensconce me sardine-like in the theatre and I will happily lose myself. Shamefully though, the torturous trudge through turgid GCSE poetry; dissecting prose perfectly formed yet entirely unrelatable to my angst-free teenage self; has left me rather unenamoured with poetry. I suspect I am not alone. It is perhaps surprising then that I found last night’s Out-Spoken Press Book Tour at the Cheltenham Literature Festival so affecting. Who are Out-Spoken Press? As an independent publisher of poetry and critical…

The Weir at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

No-one tells a tale quite like the Irish. It should come as no surprise then that The Weir’s characters, sheltering from a stormy Irish night, are naturally disposed to exchange ever more haunting anecdotes as the drinks flow and long buried emotions are uncovered. The Story Conor McPherson’s award winning play perches the audience on a long-forgotten bar stool in the corner of a rural Irish pub, The Weir. As they settle in for the evening, it quickly becomes apparent that The Weir’s regulars are as isolated and desolate as the pub itself. Garage owner Jack is the archetypal old…

Twelfth Night / Romeo and Juliet at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

The Everyman Theatre is currently staging two of Shakespeare’s best known plays, Romeo and Juliet, and Twelfth Night. Nothing unusual there you might think. Although given the fresh and vibrant productions they’ve recently brought to Cheltenham, you might think it’s a little out of character… …and you’d ordinarily be right. Except The Watermill Theatre productions of these well-loved classics are anything but ordinary. Featuring a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians, live music and bawdy humour are skilfully weaved around Shakespeare’s prose, breathing fresh life into something so well known that it can become a bit, well, predictable. Arriving at Twelfth…

Cotswold Adventures Bushcraft Courses

Cotswold Adventures If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise. Or at least you might be if your bushcraft skills aren’t up to scratch. Luckily Cotswold Adventures have recently launched a series of bushcraft courses at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park. Sarah and I were thrilled to be invited along to sharpen our skills on their inaugural course with Adam and a group of other local bloggers. A word from Adam Henson You might at this point be wondering if Cotswold Adventures bushcraft course is really for you or your kids? Here’s Adam explaining,…

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Some actors often struggle to learn their lines, but thankfully for the cast of Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, there are none. Instead, they just have to worry about making them up, fresh every night, based on the audiences random suggestions. All set to music. Impressive, yes?! I’d be the first to admit that I am not a huge fan of improvisation. Several cringe worthy student shows spring to mind. The Showstoppers! are no amateurs though and within the first minute, I was already completely sold. The premise for tonight’s show, chosen through the power of whooping and cheering, was a…

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at The New Theatre, Oxford

A National Theatre production of Mark Haddon’s acclaimed novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, arrived at The New Theatre, Oxford this week. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time follows the story of fifteen year old Christopher Boone as he struggles to make sense of the often complicated world around him. Adapted for the stage by playwright Simon Stephens, this show has proved immeasurably popular since it opened at The National Theatre back in 2012, and it is easy to see why. The show captures your attention right from the off, beginning with a…

Sister Act at the New Theatre Oxford

Alexandra Burke is getting into the habit (sorry I couldn’t resist!) of stepping into big shoes. Having already brilliantly filled Whitney Houston’s shoes for The Bodyguard, this time she easily fills Whoopi Goldberg’s size nines in the role of Sister Act’s Deloris Van Cartier, slapping some fierce heels on the bottom in the process. Strutting her stuff around the stage whilst not missing a note, Alexandra’s vocals are rich, warm and powerful (she did win the X Factor after all). It is her comic timing that surprised me though; Whoopi was hilarious in the original 1992 film and I was…

Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2017: Top 10 Free Gigs

n its 22nd year and curated by the world renowned Jamie Cullum, it’s fair to say that Cheltenham Jazz Festival is once again bringing the biggest names in jazz from 26 April to 1st May. However, if you’ve missed out on tickets for the likes of Laura Mvula, Ben Folds and Gregory Porter then fear not as you can still get your groove on to the freshest, funkiest sounds around. With over 90 free gigs popping up all over town featuring a mix of local talent, the stars of future festivals, and maybe even a few surprise guest headliners, there…

Pop Up Opera at Hillside Brewery

Opera. Beer. Both equally brilliant on their own, but you probably wouldn’t consider them a perfect pairing. However, you’d be wrong. Hillside Brewery recently hosted the Pop Up Opera Company for the second time after a roaring success last year, and I can assure you that they complement each other perfectly. From the opening scene of Bellini’s “I Capuleti ei Montecchi” to the emotional final ending, the small cast delivered an intimate spectacle. Something that could never be recreated in a large theatre. Having a soprano sing 6 feet from your face is an exceptionally powerful experience You simply have…

Grease The Musical at the Oxford New Theatre

I love Grease. It is my favourite musical. I have seen it several times, performed in it twice, and choreographed a production too. Hell, even my hen weekend had a Grease theme, so you can only imagine my joy when the Oxford New Theatre invited me to review the new touring production. Danielle Hope (West End leading lady and winner of the BBC show Over the Rainbow) is an obvious choice for the role of Sandy with her pitch perfect voice and flawless American accent. She steals every single scene she is in; this is a real musical theatre masterclass…

Adam & Sarah

Hi!

Thanks so much for stopping by. We're Adam and Sarah, a husband and wife team blogging about our life with our gorgeous new son, Harry, around the Cotswolds and beyond.

You'll often find us ensconced in a delicious foodie hot-spot, or visiting some of the most beautiful places around, typically with a gin in hand!

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