My hero of the year is Steven Moffat. The guy is a genius and his writing is fierce, he has taken the reins of Doctor Who and made it even better than I could have thought possible. Matt Smith's portrayal of the Doctor is wonderfully eccentric and fun, whilst Amy Pond and Rory are a great pair of companions. The story arc was pitched perfectly and all my love for Who can be summed up in the two part season finale which was just plain awesome.
If you needed another reason to adore Mr Moffat then I add Sherlock to the mix. Fantastic combination of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. Three ninety miniute episodes of awesomeness, ok the Blind Banker was a tad weaker than a study in pink and the great game. Overall, a fantastic idea.
So things that Steven Moffatt hasn't been involved in: True Blood. I know, I know, it's trashy TV, but it's very seductive kind of trashy and well it has Alexander Skarsgaard who is just incredible. The Walking Dead which is just breath taking TV and probably the closest thing to BSG I've seen in a while, not at the same level of intensity and awesomeness but still a really gripping story about humanity on the edge.
Mad Men, late to the party on this one and only one season deep but so beautifully shot the character development on this show is second to none.
This year's series of Merlin was a reward for the previous two series of mediocre plodding to give glimpses of how exciting Merlin can be.
Of course, there's the doctor who xmas special to come and that will be squee tastic :D
Monday, 20 December 2010
I've been a neglectful fangirl
I know, I know and I apologise heartily for this fact.
The excuses are panto and being ill and just struggling to get back into a writing groove. I started to write an opinion on Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows pt one but somehow just couldn't get the words from me. I really enjoyed it, although there was one moment where Harry and Hermione look like they are about to rip each other's clothes off and it was just plain ew.
In other news I've finished watching The walking dead and loved it, I've watched the whole of season 2 of Warehouse 13 and my gods that show has just about killed me. The show has just become something rather special. I totally love it.
I'm thinking I should do a review of the year, what have I watched and what have I loved and what I'm looking forward to.
Yes I think I shall.
The excuses are panto and being ill and just struggling to get back into a writing groove. I started to write an opinion on Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows pt one but somehow just couldn't get the words from me. I really enjoyed it, although there was one moment where Harry and Hermione look like they are about to rip each other's clothes off and it was just plain ew.
In other news I've finished watching The walking dead and loved it, I've watched the whole of season 2 of Warehouse 13 and my gods that show has just about killed me. The show has just become something rather special. I totally love it.
I'm thinking I should do a review of the year, what have I watched and what have I loved and what I'm looking forward to.
Yes I think I shall.
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Where's the real Zombie?
I admit it, I've overstretched myself this month. Nanowrimo, combined with working a fulltime job as well as rehearsing for a Panto iminent at the beginning of December. It's turning me into a ZOMBIE with full on groaning, shuffling and desire to eat ur brainz.
I apologise for this lack of blog posts about TV and I'm interrupting my flow of words in Nano to get rather excited about the Walking Dead.
We watched the first episode last week and I freaking loved it. Andrew Lincoln (hello Egg) was great and the story was compelling. I am all fired up about these walkers. I believe it's based on a graphic novel and there is a visual style to the series which oh so subltly tells you that. I cannot wait to see more.
I apologise for this lack of blog posts about TV and I'm interrupting my flow of words in Nano to get rather excited about the Walking Dead.
We watched the first episode last week and I freaking loved it. Andrew Lincoln (hello Egg) was great and the story was compelling. I am all fired up about these walkers. I believe it's based on a graphic novel and there is a visual style to the series which oh so subltly tells you that. I cannot wait to see more.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
A little bit of magic
I know I've not been the most prolific recently. I've had a fair amount going on in real life which has impeded my tv watching so I've not had a whole lot to say.
In an insane move I've also signed myself up to do NaNoWriMo this year and after years of procrastination I've given myself an ultimatum to write the novel I've been thinking about forever.
How this will impact what I can find to say about TV I don't know so I shall have to wait and see what happens. But to quote Granny Weatherwax. I aten't Dead.
I appear to have picked up a few readers! Which is awesome and I think some of you I don't even know irl. Which is even better I'm finding an audience somewhere which is good. Please feel free to comment, I live for the knowledge that someone other than me is interested in my blatherings.
While I'm here I kind of wanted to talk about the BBC show Merlin. Its shown on BBC One on a Saturday night in what I call the Doctor Who slot. It stars Colin Morgan as a young Merlin with Bradley James as Arthur. There is Morgana and Gwen played by Katie McGrath and Angel Coulby. Not to mention the best bit Tony Head (giles!) as King Uther and Richard Wilson as Gaius Merlin's teacher. There are loads of great cameos in the show, episodes veer between funny and dark with plenty of monsters. Having said that this series has been much darker in tone. And whilst the show can feel a little bit repetative at times the calibre of guests the show attracts more than makes up for it.
Great Saturday night tea time fayre.
Oh and John Hurt is the voice of the dragon :D
In an insane move I've also signed myself up to do NaNoWriMo this year and after years of procrastination I've given myself an ultimatum to write the novel I've been thinking about forever.
How this will impact what I can find to say about TV I don't know so I shall have to wait and see what happens. But to quote Granny Weatherwax. I aten't Dead.
I appear to have picked up a few readers! Which is awesome and I think some of you I don't even know irl. Which is even better I'm finding an audience somewhere which is good. Please feel free to comment, I live for the knowledge that someone other than me is interested in my blatherings.
While I'm here I kind of wanted to talk about the BBC show Merlin. Its shown on BBC One on a Saturday night in what I call the Doctor Who slot. It stars Colin Morgan as a young Merlin with Bradley James as Arthur. There is Morgana and Gwen played by Katie McGrath and Angel Coulby. Not to mention the best bit Tony Head (giles!) as King Uther and Richard Wilson as Gaius Merlin's teacher. There are loads of great cameos in the show, episodes veer between funny and dark with plenty of monsters. Having said that this series has been much darker in tone. And whilst the show can feel a little bit repetative at times the calibre of guests the show attracts more than makes up for it.
Great Saturday night tea time fayre.
Oh and John Hurt is the voice of the dragon :D
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Up
We watched Up earlier in the week.
It's a brilliant film but what got me was the opening sequence which had me sobbing. It is so honest and sad and it just got to me. The rest of the film thankfully is nowhere near as sad. But I imagine its a very different experience watching it as a child than watching it as an adult.
It's a film about loss, its about hope, its about adventures and its about surprises. I think it's probably the best film they've ever made.
I loved Doug. He was the best interpretation of a Golden Retriever I've ever seen.
I also loved the cone of shame!
Pixar really nailed it with this one.
My Doctor?
Matt Smith was mostly something new. He shared enough traits with David Tennant's Doctor for it not to feel quite so jarring but he was the new Doctor and like the hussy I am I loved him straight away.
Ten was amazing because a lot of the time with the coat and the energy he felt more like a superhero. Eleven, well he's kind of geeky all thinky and much more awkward. This doctor seems that little bit less human and more prone to disengage.
So when eleven turned up in the Sarah Jane Adventures I was joyful, because it was lovely to see him interact with the scooby gang. I'm not old enough to remember Sarah Jane from the first time around, so I'm really not old enough to remember Jo Grant. I thought their interactions were very sweet, there was a very big sense of Mallory Towers between the two of them, they were altogether dotty but marvellous.
I loved the episode but I have some reservations to do with the idea that RTD was treading on an already well trodden path. I know SJA is a kids show. But in the past RTD has written some incredible things for children's TV. Century Falls anyone? This felt a little derivative for me. I liked it but it felt like I'd eaten too many sweets after it was over.
Monday, 4 October 2010
A slow burn
I'll admit it I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to some things. As a rule I don't watch reality TV, I don't like back catalogue musicals and I don't do soaps.
Having said that there are a few exceptions to most of these things; I like strictly come dancing, We will rock you and no I don't watch soaps. Or if I'm more honest I don't watch things on ITV. However, one show has in recent times made me tune into ITV1, Law and Order UK. Even that's unusual for me, I'm not really a lover of procedurals.
So what on earth has made me leave my snobbish high principaled tv watching and watch not only a procedural but one on ITV1, well that's an interesting story and my boyfriend will probably tell you that it's down mainly to Jamie Bamber...
I'm a big fan of pretty much all of his work, having come across him first in Battlestar Galactica I sought out other shows he's been in like Hornblower and when Law and Order UK came out I was watching pretty much for one reason only.
Having said that over the last two and a half series has managed to make this show graduate from a chance to watch Jamie in a show to being something I watch because the stories are compelling. Dammit ITV doesn't make drama like this anymore does it? I hadn't thought so but it appears it does. So I've been sucked in and now I'm a fan not just of 'teh Bamber' but of the show, of the fantastic performances from Bradley Walsh, Harriet Walters and Team Order Ben Daniels Freema Agyeman and Bill Paterson. They also have a pretty high calibre of guest stars too which has made for pretty compulsive viewing from someone who wasn't expecting to enjoy it and was just hoping to see some pretty.
The writing has been consistent and the characters are all pitched beautifully and have developed or at least gained confidence and have become something quite slick and very enjoyable. I don't mind eating my words when something comes along to change my mind and to do so in a grown up and convincing way.
It seems I'm now a real fan of the show and I don't care who frakking knows.
Having said that there are a few exceptions to most of these things; I like strictly come dancing, We will rock you and no I don't watch soaps. Or if I'm more honest I don't watch things on ITV. However, one show has in recent times made me tune into ITV1, Law and Order UK. Even that's unusual for me, I'm not really a lover of procedurals.
So what on earth has made me leave my snobbish high principaled tv watching and watch not only a procedural but one on ITV1, well that's an interesting story and my boyfriend will probably tell you that it's down mainly to Jamie Bamber...
I'm a big fan of pretty much all of his work, having come across him first in Battlestar Galactica I sought out other shows he's been in like Hornblower and when Law and Order UK came out I was watching pretty much for one reason only.
Having said that over the last two and a half series has managed to make this show graduate from a chance to watch Jamie in a show to being something I watch because the stories are compelling. Dammit ITV doesn't make drama like this anymore does it? I hadn't thought so but it appears it does. So I've been sucked in and now I'm a fan not just of 'teh Bamber' but of the show, of the fantastic performances from Bradley Walsh, Harriet Walters and Team Order Ben Daniels Freema Agyeman and Bill Paterson. They also have a pretty high calibre of guest stars too which has made for pretty compulsive viewing from someone who wasn't expecting to enjoy it and was just hoping to see some pretty.
The writing has been consistent and the characters are all pitched beautifully and have developed or at least gained confidence and have become something quite slick and very enjoyable. I don't mind eating my words when something comes along to change my mind and to do so in a grown up and convincing way.
It seems I'm now a real fan of the show and I don't care who frakking knows.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Meeting your heroes.
Have you missed me?
I know I promised a write up of Dragon*con and I did on my live journal but some of the things I wrote about I wasn't sure I needed to share, I'm not sure the audience for this blog wants to read about which fast food outlets I sampled in Atlanta. But the Con was a hell of a lot of fun and I really wanted to write about meeting Eddie McClintock.
I wanted to talk about meeting Eddie McClintock. The guy is a complete rockstar. I got to chat to him at the convention and he's very sweet and funny. We got to talk about London, about Manchester and Factory records. He was okay with the mild flailing and generous with his time. He made my convention because whenever I encountered him, whether waiting for a lift, or in a panel he was happy to be there and soaking up the atmosphere. As an aside he does some amazing artwork and he's been designing t-shirts all of which are great. I love my purple goo 2010 Warehouse 13 t-shirt :D
.JPG)
What I like most about Eddie, is that he wants to interact with the fans. He responds to them on Twitter and facebook. He's certainly won me over as a fan and as such I feel much more loyal to Warehouse 13 as a show and I'm now forever telling people about it and recommending that they catch it when they can.
That's the pinnacle of fandom, as I interact in it, meeting the people who make the shows you love and then getting to talk to them and letting them know you appreciate their work.
I know I promised a write up of Dragon*con and I did on my live journal but some of the things I wrote about I wasn't sure I needed to share, I'm not sure the audience for this blog wants to read about which fast food outlets I sampled in Atlanta. But the Con was a hell of a lot of fun and I really wanted to write about meeting Eddie McClintock.
I wanted to talk about meeting Eddie McClintock. The guy is a complete rockstar. I got to chat to him at the convention and he's very sweet and funny. We got to talk about London, about Manchester and Factory records. He was okay with the mild flailing and generous with his time. He made my convention because whenever I encountered him, whether waiting for a lift, or in a panel he was happy to be there and soaking up the atmosphere. As an aside he does some amazing artwork and he's been designing t-shirts all of which are great. I love my purple goo 2010 Warehouse 13 t-shirt :D
.JPG)
What I like most about Eddie, is that he wants to interact with the fans. He responds to them on Twitter and facebook. He's certainly won me over as a fan and as such I feel much more loyal to Warehouse 13 as a show and I'm now forever telling people about it and recommending that they catch it when they can.
That's the pinnacle of fandom, as I interact in it, meeting the people who make the shows you love and then getting to talk to them and letting them know you appreciate their work.
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Steven Moffat, Sue Vertue and Q&A at Kaleidoscopicfest.
Last Thursday I had a real treat. We, that is me and my chap went to see Steven Moffat and Sue Vertue at the Catrin Finch Centre, Glyndwr uni.
It was quite an intimate setting about 200 hundred people in the audience all there to listen to them speak about the process of adapting Sherlock in their recent adaptation with Mark Gatiss.
The first thing that struck me is just how dry Steven Moffat's wit is. He's also very playful and teasy with his wife which was lovely to see.
We were treated to some clips from the shows and questions were asked about casting Sherlocl (Benedict was the only person they asked to read.) Casting John (Matt Smith auditioned pre who but Martin Freeman twinkled). They were also asked how they choose which parts of the story and he said that Mark Gatiss especially is like a magpie where SH is concerned and they use parts from everywhere in order to create the stories. He also mentioned that MG and he both loved the 1940s Rathbone Holmes films.
It was definitely a fascinating insight into a process that fascinates me, I've always been interested in adaptations and I like to see where they go.
Steven Moffat really is my writing idol.
It was quite an intimate setting about 200 hundred people in the audience all there to listen to them speak about the process of adapting Sherlock in their recent adaptation with Mark Gatiss.
The first thing that struck me is just how dry Steven Moffat's wit is. He's also very playful and teasy with his wife which was lovely to see.
We were treated to some clips from the shows and questions were asked about casting Sherlocl (Benedict was the only person they asked to read.) Casting John (Matt Smith auditioned pre who but Martin Freeman twinkled). They were also asked how they choose which parts of the story and he said that Mark Gatiss especially is like a magpie where SH is concerned and they use parts from everywhere in order to create the stories. He also mentioned that MG and he both loved the 1940s Rathbone Holmes films.
It was definitely a fascinating insight into a process that fascinates me, I've always been interested in adaptations and I like to see where they go.
Steven Moffat really is my writing idol.
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Dragon*Con - The Photos
Well I survived Dragon*Con.
Above are my photos from the event. I managed to get a mixture of pictures from the panels I attended as well as getting many shots of friends and of the cosplayers. Because I was there for a week I've also got some pictures of the the things we did before and after the con and I will be writing this up properly when I'm no longer feeling quite so crappy. Jetlag has been kicking my arse ever since I got back and also I think I've come down with con crud which is making me woozy and my tonsils are both up.
I hope you enjoy the photos - please leave a comment if you do; for I am shallow and need to feel appreciated.
Monday, 30 August 2010
Scott Pilgrim Vs The World
Well last night my chap and I went to see the Scott Pilgrim. It's directed by Edgar Wright and it's so much fun.
Its mucho fun. It's edited in such a way that it plays almost like a dream sequence, then there is the video game references. Someone whose a gamer could probably tell you where the reference were from, I;m not a gamer so I can't. Didn't stop me enjoying the film, its a hell of a lot of fun and so slick it hurts.
Not sure what else to add. Other than go see it, its very clever and lots of fun and I need to get the soundtrack ASAP.
Its mucho fun. It's edited in such a way that it plays almost like a dream sequence, then there is the video game references. Someone whose a gamer could probably tell you where the reference were from, I;m not a gamer so I can't. Didn't stop me enjoying the film, its a hell of a lot of fun and so slick it hurts.
Not sure what else to add. Other than go see it, its very clever and lots of fun and I need to get the soundtrack ASAP.
Sunday, 29 August 2010
This is going to be an unapologetic Squee post!
I'm off to Dragon*Con on Tuesday and with the panel schedule just being released I've been trying to get my head around it.
There are so many panels that I want to go to.
This is where the problem starts; how the hell do I decide where I want to go?
There are a number of Fan tracks and so far I've seen 32 panels I'm definitely interested in going to.
I'm currently up to my eyes in paper, highlighters and a notepad to try and plan some ideas.
The thing with never having to been to an event that is quite this big is a scary prospect. I've managed to pick some panels I wouldn't mind going to and it should be fun.
I'll see you on the flipside.
There are so many panels that I want to go to.
This is where the problem starts; how the hell do I decide where I want to go?
There are a number of Fan tracks and so far I've seen 32 panels I'm definitely interested in going to.
I'm currently up to my eyes in paper, highlighters and a notepad to try and plan some ideas.
The thing with never having to been to an event that is quite this big is a scary prospect. I've managed to pick some panels I wouldn't mind going to and it should be fun.
I'll see you on the flipside.
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Roger and Val have Just Got in
We've been watching this as it was billed as a new comedy drama featuring Dawn French and Alfred Molina. I've been watching it and have found it to be an acquired taste so far. There are some funny moments, but its all about the characters because they really do spend all their time procrastinating and that is where the laughter comes from.
Anyhow, this last week's episode was the best one so far, there were a lot of laughs at the very human and very minor mistakes that both characters had made but then over the last few episodes that they don't have children and there are these utterly beautiful realistic awkward pauses whenever the couple talk about children.
The end of the episode was so poignant I found myself in an unexpected state of almost weepiness, which for a show I hadn't been all that into was a huge turning point.
If you haven't seen Roger and Val have Just got in, you should. Right now.
It kind of packed a similar punch as The Royle Family's Queen of Sheba special, which left me huge wracking sobs.
Its strange how so-called comedy programmes are able to do that.
Anyhow, this last week's episode was the best one so far, there were a lot of laughs at the very human and very minor mistakes that both characters had made but then over the last few episodes that they don't have children and there are these utterly beautiful realistic awkward pauses whenever the couple talk about children.
The end of the episode was so poignant I found myself in an unexpected state of almost weepiness, which for a show I hadn't been all that into was a huge turning point.
If you haven't seen Roger and Val have Just got in, you should. Right now.
It kind of packed a similar punch as The Royle Family's Queen of Sheba special, which left me huge wracking sobs.
Its strange how so-called comedy programmes are able to do that.
Monday, 23 August 2010
Gotglue?
I was watching some Saturday morning TV and heard about the website Getglue.
Getglue is a website and an app that allows the user to 'check-in' with various pieces of media like users would with a given location in foursquare.
For me, as a large consumer of media most days, this is a nice way of tracking what exactly I have been watching. They also have stickers that you can collect and share on twitter and facebook. Though I'm trying not to spam the hell out of either.
I'm really liking the interface and as I said I'm a bit of a geek when it comes to things like this. If any of my readers are out there and want to follow me on get glue feel free, you'll get to see what I'm watching, reading, playing and thinking about.
Getglue is a website and an app that allows the user to 'check-in' with various pieces of media like users would with a given location in foursquare.
For me, as a large consumer of media most days, this is a nice way of tracking what exactly I have been watching. They also have stickers that you can collect and share on twitter and facebook. Though I'm trying not to spam the hell out of either.
I'm really liking the interface and as I said I'm a bit of a geek when it comes to things like this. If any of my readers are out there and want to follow me on get glue feel free, you'll get to see what I'm watching, reading, playing and thinking about.
Sunday, 22 August 2010
The Con Approcahes
I've not had a whole lot to say on the subject of TV for a little while and I think it's down to being preoccupied with preparation for Dragon*Con.
At the time of writing this there are nine days to go until I fly out and I've already got things mainly packed. I know what I'm wearing to fly and I've gathered together my essentials for any trip books, ipod and some sweeties.
It's going to be interesting as I've only met two of the girls I'm going with before. I've interacted with everyone else online via twitter or livejournal or other places. I'm also going to find it tough because I'm a person who likes solo time, where I don't have to be 'up' and 'on'. I can manage a couple of days like this but then I start to find it wearing. I know the girls are cool people but I still get the old churny gut about meeting people for the first time.
I've been looking at the various tracks trying to plan my con, where I want to go, who I want to see. I read something about morning walks in Atlanta with a group from the con and that sounds like it could be fun.
I'm also being wracked with doubts about things, a week is a long time to be away from my chap, he is my rock and understands me better than anyone. However I'm balancing this with the fact I'm going to meet some of my heroes from the TV that I watch and meet some cool new people.
Wish me luck.
At the time of writing this there are nine days to go until I fly out and I've already got things mainly packed. I know what I'm wearing to fly and I've gathered together my essentials for any trip books, ipod and some sweeties.
It's going to be interesting as I've only met two of the girls I'm going with before. I've interacted with everyone else online via twitter or livejournal or other places. I'm also going to find it tough because I'm a person who likes solo time, where I don't have to be 'up' and 'on'. I can manage a couple of days like this but then I start to find it wearing. I know the girls are cool people but I still get the old churny gut about meeting people for the first time.
I've been looking at the various tracks trying to plan my con, where I want to go, who I want to see. I read something about morning walks in Atlanta with a group from the con and that sounds like it could be fun.
I'm also being wracked with doubts about things, a week is a long time to be away from my chap, he is my rock and understands me better than anyone. However I'm balancing this with the fact I'm going to meet some of my heroes from the TV that I watch and meet some cool new people.
Wish me luck.
Monday, 16 August 2010
Spoilers
Want to know what I dislike more than anything else in the world?
Spoilers.
I've had people spoil me for things in the past and I find it really ruins the moment. There are different levels of spoiler of course and as with a lot of things the spoiler continuum what might be acceptable to some people is not acceptable to others.
As with a lot of things I'm kind of ambivalent about them but what I'm going to do here is explain my rules for spoilers.
I find that the biggest no-nos for spoilers are plot related, please for the love of all that is sacred do not blurt out the critical denouement of a show, there is a special circle of hell reserved for people who do this and once the revolution comes and I am made grand high leader of all the world they will be the first to meet sticky ends.
Also you can be too precious about spoilers. If a show is currently airing and you've had to record it or you're catching up via iplayer then you have a right to ask people not to talk about it in your hearing. However, if you have just discovered a show and it's been off the air for a number of years then you really don't qualify for special consideration.
Then there's what constitutes a spoiler.
Some people will run from a room with hands clamped over their ears, eyes screwed closed, yelling la la la la la. So that they will not be spoiled by a trailer. Trailers are sneaky like that, they are meant to give a taste of what's up coming and for the most part they are fine until they give the game away. Trailers should give a taste, they should tease, they should not show the big reveal. For the most part trailers are ok, until the few times they are not. I tend to watch trailers.
I'm in two mind about casting notices it can be too much of a spoiler in some cases. If it's known that a certain actor is being cast as a specific role if that role is of iconic bad guy then it's very definitely a spoiler. As a rule for me in a sci fi show I don't want to know because I like the surprise and recognition. However in something like Glee where the plot doesn't really matter then I'll lap up news of upcoming guests.
As far as this blog is concerned it is unlikely that I'm going to talk spoilers, but rest assured it will be well labeled so that you can avoid.
Keep buggering on.
Spoilers.
I've had people spoil me for things in the past and I find it really ruins the moment. There are different levels of spoiler of course and as with a lot of things the spoiler continuum what might be acceptable to some people is not acceptable to others.
As with a lot of things I'm kind of ambivalent about them but what I'm going to do here is explain my rules for spoilers.
I find that the biggest no-nos for spoilers are plot related, please for the love of all that is sacred do not blurt out the critical denouement of a show, there is a special circle of hell reserved for people who do this and once the revolution comes and I am made grand high leader of all the world they will be the first to meet sticky ends.
Also you can be too precious about spoilers. If a show is currently airing and you've had to record it or you're catching up via iplayer then you have a right to ask people not to talk about it in your hearing. However, if you have just discovered a show and it's been off the air for a number of years then you really don't qualify for special consideration.
Then there's what constitutes a spoiler.
Some people will run from a room with hands clamped over their ears, eyes screwed closed, yelling la la la la la. So that they will not be spoiled by a trailer. Trailers are sneaky like that, they are meant to give a taste of what's up coming and for the most part they are fine until they give the game away. Trailers should give a taste, they should tease, they should not show the big reveal. For the most part trailers are ok, until the few times they are not. I tend to watch trailers.
I'm in two mind about casting notices it can be too much of a spoiler in some cases. If it's known that a certain actor is being cast as a specific role if that role is of iconic bad guy then it's very definitely a spoiler. As a rule for me in a sci fi show I don't want to know because I like the surprise and recognition. However in something like Glee where the plot doesn't really matter then I'll lap up news of upcoming guests.
As far as this blog is concerned it is unlikely that I'm going to talk spoilers, but rest assured it will be well labeled so that you can avoid.
Keep buggering on.
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
what's a fangirl and beary good fun.
So the name of this blog is fangirl uncovered. I've not yet talked about fangirls and why I'm one of them.
I'll start by talking about fandom. Fandom is a following for a particular film, tv show, franchise or series of novels a bit like an umbrella. Under that umberella are fans of the show who basically want to celebrate how awesome their show is. Identifying with a show; buying into it's premise and for me anyway feeling some kind of affection towards the show is all important. Fandoms are a bit like tribes although you can belong to many fandoms. You also get people right along the sanity spectrum from die hard fans who to be honest can be a little bit scary to more moderate and chilled fans who just enjoy getting invested in a tv show.
Fandom isn't all squee and biscuits, fandom also encompasses a heck of a lot of snarking about the show, generally about the writing and the direction of the show when it's going in a direction the fans don't like and generally because you can't please all of the people all of the time a show is bound to be upsetting someone somewhere. There's also an element of snobbiness, my fandom is better than yours. But for the most part fandom is a pretty positive place and there is a great deal of creativity that goes on within it.
So what are fangirls? Literally a female within a fandom doesn't matter if you're eight or eighty. What do fangirls do? They are creative: they write fic, they make vids, they make fan art, they make graphics, they discuss themes and plot intricacies. Some fangirls (relation)ship a pairing but by no means all and within shipping it can get pretty insane. For example in the Harry Potter fandom, there are groups which ship Harry and Ginny, there a groups which ship Harry and Hermione. It doesn't stop there, there are groups which ship Snape and Harry and the list goes on.... Dean Thomas and Blaise Zabini? I'm sure there's fic out there...
I identify as fangirl because I do over obsess about some shows, films and books, you may have noticed. I write and I've dabbled in writing fic and no I'm not linking to any from here. But when I really get into a fandom what I really want to do is make a bear. No, that isn't a euphemism. I go to a build-a-bear store and I select a bear and I try and make that bear as much like the character in the show that I can.
So without further ado...
Claire bear.
Peter Petrelli Puppy
Lee Adama Bear
Matt Albie Owl
And it's great, bears are awesome. I went to a con with Lee bear and the BSG peeps there totally loved the bear, I thought that Kate Vernon was going to bear nap him. And with that in mind I've got a new fandom that is making me very happy. I am of course talking about Sherlock and I really need to make a Sherlock Bear. I'm going to document my bear making quest so you can see just how bonkers I am.
I'll start by talking about fandom. Fandom is a following for a particular film, tv show, franchise or series of novels a bit like an umbrella. Under that umberella are fans of the show who basically want to celebrate how awesome their show is. Identifying with a show; buying into it's premise and for me anyway feeling some kind of affection towards the show is all important. Fandoms are a bit like tribes although you can belong to many fandoms. You also get people right along the sanity spectrum from die hard fans who to be honest can be a little bit scary to more moderate and chilled fans who just enjoy getting invested in a tv show.
Fandom isn't all squee and biscuits, fandom also encompasses a heck of a lot of snarking about the show, generally about the writing and the direction of the show when it's going in a direction the fans don't like and generally because you can't please all of the people all of the time a show is bound to be upsetting someone somewhere. There's also an element of snobbiness, my fandom is better than yours. But for the most part fandom is a pretty positive place and there is a great deal of creativity that goes on within it.
So what are fangirls? Literally a female within a fandom doesn't matter if you're eight or eighty. What do fangirls do? They are creative: they write fic, they make vids, they make fan art, they make graphics, they discuss themes and plot intricacies. Some fangirls (relation)ship a pairing but by no means all and within shipping it can get pretty insane. For example in the Harry Potter fandom, there are groups which ship Harry and Ginny, there a groups which ship Harry and Hermione. It doesn't stop there, there are groups which ship Snape and Harry and the list goes on.... Dean Thomas and Blaise Zabini? I'm sure there's fic out there...
I identify as fangirl because I do over obsess about some shows, films and books, you may have noticed. I write and I've dabbled in writing fic and no I'm not linking to any from here. But when I really get into a fandom what I really want to do is make a bear. No, that isn't a euphemism. I go to a build-a-bear store and I select a bear and I try and make that bear as much like the character in the show that I can.
So without further ado...
Claire bear.
 |
| From 2010-08-11 |
Peter Petrelli Puppy
 |
| From 2010-08-11 |
Lee Adama Bear
 |
| From 2010-08-11 |
Matt Albie Owl
 |
| From 2010-08-11 |
And it's great, bears are awesome. I went to a con with Lee bear and the BSG peeps there totally loved the bear, I thought that Kate Vernon was going to bear nap him. And with that in mind I've got a new fandom that is making me very happy. I am of course talking about Sherlock and I really need to make a Sherlock Bear. I'm going to document my bear making quest so you can see just how bonkers I am.
Monday, 9 August 2010
Waxing lyrical
I've been one of the many enrapt by Sherlock. It's a frighteningly good television show and last night was the climax of three ninety minute dramas and it blew me away. Well done Mr Mark Gatiss, you slugged it for six.
What can I say it ticked all my boxes for a good night's entertainment. There was banter, there was guy love of the most epic variety, there was puzzles and action and 'splosions and and and a nemesis. I'm not the only one who saw shades of John Simm as the master am I? Surely not.
The relationship between Sherlock and John (I still kind of want to call them Holmes and Watson) is what makes this show for me. Benedict Cumberbatch is slightly unhinged as Sherlock and reminiscent of Richard E Grant in Withnail and I. Actually the relationship between S and J has echoes of the classic film without the demands for booze. Cumberbatch is tall and elegant and dare I say it dashing but also wonderfully lacking in some basic social skills which again makes him not unlike Sheldon from the Big Bang theory. There are the inevitable comparisons to the Doctor and yes I agree with that too only Sherlock could be living in our universe though could you imagine the crossover potential...
I have to make a confession, I've got a soft spot for Martin Freeman. Ever since he played Tim in the Office. He get's a lot of goodwill from me in anything he's in, purely because it's him. I think he makes an awesome John Watson, but there's a small irk somewhere in the back of my brain. He's supposed to have been an army doctor and that doesn't ring true for me so I push it to the back of my brain and enjoy the cantankerous sparkage between the two of them.
Inspector Lestrade is also a poppet I missed him in the second episode, he and his team adds a nice new dimension and relationship between the dynamic duo. Also Una Stubbs as Mrs Hudson the housekeeper is sheer joy and ruthlessly steals every scene she's in.
Then there are the other characters and if you've seen the eps, you'll know who i mean, if you haven't you might have a good idea. I adore them too so very much.
I love the audacity of the writing team to give us blue balls at the climax of the three episodes.
Dear BBC,
Please recommission a new series of Sherlock ASAP.
Yours J
What can I say it ticked all my boxes for a good night's entertainment. There was banter, there was guy love of the most epic variety, there was puzzles and action and 'splosions and and and a nemesis. I'm not the only one who saw shades of John Simm as the master am I? Surely not.
The relationship between Sherlock and John (I still kind of want to call them Holmes and Watson) is what makes this show for me. Benedict Cumberbatch is slightly unhinged as Sherlock and reminiscent of Richard E Grant in Withnail and I. Actually the relationship between S and J has echoes of the classic film without the demands for booze. Cumberbatch is tall and elegant and dare I say it dashing but also wonderfully lacking in some basic social skills which again makes him not unlike Sheldon from the Big Bang theory. There are the inevitable comparisons to the Doctor and yes I agree with that too only Sherlock could be living in our universe though could you imagine the crossover potential...
I have to make a confession, I've got a soft spot for Martin Freeman. Ever since he played Tim in the Office. He get's a lot of goodwill from me in anything he's in, purely because it's him. I think he makes an awesome John Watson, but there's a small irk somewhere in the back of my brain. He's supposed to have been an army doctor and that doesn't ring true for me so I push it to the back of my brain and enjoy the cantankerous sparkage between the two of them.
Inspector Lestrade is also a poppet I missed him in the second episode, he and his team adds a nice new dimension and relationship between the dynamic duo. Also Una Stubbs as Mrs Hudson the housekeeper is sheer joy and ruthlessly steals every scene she's in.
Then there are the other characters and if you've seen the eps, you'll know who i mean, if you haven't you might have a good idea. I adore them too so very much.
I love the audacity of the writing team to give us blue balls at the climax of the three episodes.
Dear BBC,
Please recommission a new series of Sherlock ASAP.
Yours J
Friday, 6 August 2010
Sondheim revisited....
Well these two videos were really worth sharing. Bryn Terfel absolutely owning the stage at the Royal Albert Hall singing excerpts from Sweeney Todd.
I've got three different recording of Sweeney Todd and I think hearing Bryn sing it has just become my new consumate Sweeney. Johnny Depp is kind of timid in comparison.
Oh and while we're at it... Judi Dench showing everyone how Send in the Clowns should be sung...
Oh and because there isnt' a decent clip of this song from the prom... here's the original cast with Mandy(my name is inigo montoya) Patankin and Bernardette Peters....
and I'm spent.
I've got three different recording of Sweeney Todd and I think hearing Bryn sing it has just become my new consumate Sweeney. Johnny Depp is kind of timid in comparison.
Oh and while we're at it... Judi Dench showing everyone how Send in the Clowns should be sung...
Oh and because there isnt' a decent clip of this song from the prom... here's the original cast with Mandy(my name is inigo montoya) Patankin and Bernardette Peters....
and I'm spent.
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
In which I get a little over excited.
I've been a big fan of Sherlock these last couple of weeks. Benedict Cumberbatch and Marin Freeman are making me squee with the banter as they investigate and deduce things.
The things that made me most excited though was the fact that Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss were writing it. I've been looking forward to this show ever since I heard it was being made about eighteen months ago.
The squeeful stuff is that there's going to be a conference in the beginning of of september where Steven Moffat and Sue Vertue (his Co-Executive Producer and wife) are doing a Q&A session on Sherlock.
Sherlock Q & A details.
So the question is: are you coming?
The things that made me most excited though was the fact that Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss were writing it. I've been looking forward to this show ever since I heard it was being made about eighteen months ago.
The squeeful stuff is that there's going to be a conference in the beginning of of september where Steven Moffat and Sue Vertue (his Co-Executive Producer and wife) are doing a Q&A session on Sherlock.
Sherlock Q & A details.
So the question is: are you coming?
Monday, 2 August 2010
Trubie through and through.
As you may have guessed I've got a number of obsessions. One of my longest standing fascinations has to be vampires. I was corrupted at a young age and I've kind of adored them ever since. From the artsy Francis Ford Copola's Bram Stoker's Dracula to Joss Whedon's Buffy in all it's pop-cultured glory. I've dipped my toe into the vampire diaries and will watch at some point but really my heart has been captured by the wonderfully trashy True Blood.
True Blood as I'm sure you're aware is an adaptation of the Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris and they've both become my unhealthy obsession. I've talked about the books at length on my journall but its telly and films that rule here so the series it is. First off you have to remember the series is based on the books and in some respects Alan Ball and his creative team play fast and loose with some of the plot elements that happen in the novels. For instance we see a physical manifestation of what Sookie is a lot earlier on in the tv series than we do in the novels. Characters change and are merged and whilst the books are great candy I actually think creatively the show has a lot to offer and adds dimensions of meaning which might not have been quite so prevalent in the novels.
What I love about the show is it is designed in the old fashioned notion of a pot boiler novel. The episodes end in a climax that begs you to devour the next episode immediately if possible. Now, when watching this show as transmitted that means it isn't possible and I spend my week waiting for my next hit. Which is how I'm getting by on season 3. Seasons one and two I was able to watch in gluttonous sessions where I was able to watch half a season in one sitting the show is as addictive as V (which is vampire blood as a drug). The best thing about the show is that it is also very very funny. Admittedly it uses black humour and there's a lot of graphic sex which won't be to everyone's taste.
True Blood as I'm sure you're aware is an adaptation of the Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris and they've both become my unhealthy obsession. I've talked about the books at length on my journall but its telly and films that rule here so the series it is. First off you have to remember the series is based on the books and in some respects Alan Ball and his creative team play fast and loose with some of the plot elements that happen in the novels. For instance we see a physical manifestation of what Sookie is a lot earlier on in the tv series than we do in the novels. Characters change and are merged and whilst the books are great candy I actually think creatively the show has a lot to offer and adds dimensions of meaning which might not have been quite so prevalent in the novels.
What I love about the show is it is designed in the old fashioned notion of a pot boiler novel. The episodes end in a climax that begs you to devour the next episode immediately if possible. Now, when watching this show as transmitted that means it isn't possible and I spend my week waiting for my next hit. Which is how I'm getting by on season 3. Seasons one and two I was able to watch in gluttonous sessions where I was able to watch half a season in one sitting the show is as addictive as V (which is vampire blood as a drug). The best thing about the show is that it is also very very funny. Admittedly it uses black humour and there's a lot of graphic sex which won't be to everyone's taste.
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Squeeing about Sondheim
In the UK there are a season of classical concerts called the proms. The idea was conceived in the 1890s for the then newly built Royal Albert Hall to host a season of concerts at an affordable price so that people who couldn't ordinarily afford to come to a classical concert would be able to. That tradition continues a good one hundred and fifteen years later. Prices for seats start at £7 and if you stand they are only £5. The proms have become an institution and each year they showcase a lot of music and the BBC broadcasts as much of it as it can between BBC2 BBC Four and the radio stations. Last night's was a celebration of Stephen Sondheim.
Stephen Sondheim is a composer and he writes musicals, however, his musicals are a very different beast to the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein or Andrew Lloyd Webber for that matter. His music is what some people like to call challenging and some of it isn't all that easy to listen to, he's discordant, rhythmically unpredictable, playful with music and lyrics but then he writes wonderful songs that kind of burrow into your head and heart.
Happily if you're in the UK you can catch up with this gem for the next seven days. It even involves the ORGAN.
Sondheim Prom - Iplayer
Keep an eye out for Bryn Terfyl being an amazing Sweeney Todd. He frightens the pants off me. And Dame Judi Dench showing everyone how to sing Send in the Clowns. Plus Daniel Evans and Jenna Russell doing selections from Sunday in the Park with George... I could go on and on and on.
Keep Buggering On.
Stephen Sondheim is a composer and he writes musicals, however, his musicals are a very different beast to the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein or Andrew Lloyd Webber for that matter. His music is what some people like to call challenging and some of it isn't all that easy to listen to, he's discordant, rhythmically unpredictable, playful with music and lyrics but then he writes wonderful songs that kind of burrow into your head and heart.
Happily if you're in the UK you can catch up with this gem for the next seven days. It even involves the ORGAN.
Sondheim Prom - Iplayer
Keep an eye out for Bryn Terfyl being an amazing Sweeney Todd. He frightens the pants off me. And Dame Judi Dench showing everyone how to sing Send in the Clowns. Plus Daniel Evans and Jenna Russell doing selections from Sunday in the Park with George... I could go on and on and on.
Keep Buggering On.
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Twisteder and Twisteder
There have been two shows eating my brains this week. First off, I fell deepy and madly in love with Steven MOffat and Mark Gatiss' Sherlock. It was a dream of a tv show, good pace great action, much banter and totally enjoyable.
I don't like spoilers so I won't ruin things if you've not yet seen it but golly gosh, I was seriously excited and was thoroughly pleased with how things turned out. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman rocked my world with chemistry and good humour.
One tiny tiny whingette was that sometime's Sherlock was speaking so quickly I couldn't always catch all the dialogue. But I did like the way texts and thinking were displayed on the screen.
My other joy has been Breaking Bad. My chap and I are six episodes deep into the second season. I am amazed at the starkness of the show. It seems to waver on a very thin line between being too bleak and very very funny. I'm laughing at things that on paper sound impossible to laugh at. It also highlights some interesting issues. I don't doubt that this show isn't for everyone, I wouldn't recommend it to my mother. It's challenging but ultimately rewarding.
Keep Buggering on.
I don't like spoilers so I won't ruin things if you've not yet seen it but golly gosh, I was seriously excited and was thoroughly pleased with how things turned out. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman rocked my world with chemistry and good humour.
One tiny tiny whingette was that sometime's Sherlock was speaking so quickly I couldn't always catch all the dialogue. But I did like the way texts and thinking were displayed on the screen.
My other joy has been Breaking Bad. My chap and I are six episodes deep into the second season. I am amazed at the starkness of the show. It seems to waver on a very thin line between being too bleak and very very funny. I'm laughing at things that on paper sound impossible to laugh at. It also highlights some interesting issues. I don't doubt that this show isn't for everyone, I wouldn't recommend it to my mother. It's challenging but ultimately rewarding.
Keep Buggering on.
Sunday, 25 July 2010
What to do...
Well rehearsals are now broken up for the summer and that means there is time to catch up on the TV that I've missed or postponed in the last few weeks because I've been too damned tired to watch most of it. So with that in mind we've already made a bit of a start on things with Breaking Bad. It's an incredible show to watch alternating between something that is very very bleak and being laugh out loud funny if you have a sick and twisted sense of humour.
In addition to that: we series linked the Silence which was shown on the BBC a couple of weeks ago, we're determined also to catch up on Misfits series one too as we were caught out by a technological malfunction when we first tried to watch it.
The big news is tonight though: Sherlock. Written by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat its a modern day retelling of Arthur Conan Doyle's stories and quite simply put I cannot wait. Two of my favourite writers colaborating on something delicious.
There's plenty to be getting on with especially when you look to the shelf and find that my copy of Mad Men seasons one and two have arrived and I'm chomping at the bit to get to grips with Don Draper et al.
I'm also fitting in True Blood as and when as my other half turns his nose up at this. I'm still watching the West Wing when I can as whilst the other half enjoys it, he enjoys an episode now and again whilst I like to inhale discs of it. My rewatch of American Gothic is progressing slowly too but I kind of want to savour it. I love the character Selina Kyle as much as I ever did.
In addition to that: we series linked the Silence which was shown on the BBC a couple of weeks ago, we're determined also to catch up on Misfits series one too as we were caught out by a technological malfunction when we first tried to watch it.
The big news is tonight though: Sherlock. Written by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat its a modern day retelling of Arthur Conan Doyle's stories and quite simply put I cannot wait. Two of my favourite writers colaborating on something delicious.
There's plenty to be getting on with especially when you look to the shelf and find that my copy of Mad Men seasons one and two have arrived and I'm chomping at the bit to get to grips with Don Draper et al.
I'm also fitting in True Blood as and when as my other half turns his nose up at this. I'm still watching the West Wing when I can as whilst the other half enjoys it, he enjoys an episode now and again whilst I like to inhale discs of it. My rewatch of American Gothic is progressing slowly too but I kind of want to savour it. I love the character Selina Kyle as much as I ever did.
Friday, 23 July 2010
Reaction to Toy Story 3.
Well thank the gods for Orange Wednesday. Firstly for making the cinema affoardable again. We have gone on other days but frankly for two grown ups to go and see a film these days costs 20 quid and that's before you've been mugged at the concessions stand. So glad I trotted down to Wrexham odeon at lunchtime for tickets.
The evening brought Toy Story in 3D. And I'm not going to spoiler here. It was an incredibly moving narrative; so much so I think I cried throughout the last fifteen minutes of the piece. It's a story that resonated with me on quite a deep level. It deals with themes of loyalty and moving on and like almost everything else Pixar do they got the story spot on.
Go see it, because it's fast paced, it's action filled, its kind of the ultimate buddy movie. What I would say is that if you don't want to bother seeing it in 3D then don't. In my humble opinion it didn't add a whole lot to our movie going experience apart from having to shell out another £2 for two pairs...
The evening brought Toy Story in 3D. And I'm not going to spoiler here. It was an incredibly moving narrative; so much so I think I cried throughout the last fifteen minutes of the piece. It's a story that resonated with me on quite a deep level. It deals with themes of loyalty and moving on and like almost everything else Pixar do they got the story spot on.
Go see it, because it's fast paced, it's action filled, its kind of the ultimate buddy movie. What I would say is that if you don't want to bother seeing it in 3D then don't. In my humble opinion it didn't add a whole lot to our movie going experience apart from having to shell out another £2 for two pairs...
Giggles guffaws and geeks.
I've been trying to write this post for ages, I wanted to talk about comedy and which shows tickle my funny bone.
At the moment my chap and I are regularly sitting down to watch two comedies. James Wood's Rev on BBC2 and Graham Linehan's The IT Crowd on channel 4. Both are excellent in very different ways.
Comedy is utterly subjective and what one person finds hilarious someone else will label it bad taste or that it is too bland. We are not a fan of family situation comedies. My Family has been around about 5 series too long and whilst I adore Zoe Wannamaker and Robert Lindsay that show now makes me want to poke my eyes out with the dull end of a spork.
I could argue that I don't like the show because it's the traditional sit com format that doesn't sit well with me but that really isn't the case. The IT Crowd is very much in that mould and I sit there and PMSL every week. What the IT Crowd does well is it captures IT geek stereotypes quite accurately I'd hazard a guess that because I've got more in common with the IT Crowd and I find these references funnier than comedy derived from family situations where I don't have children.
Rev on the other hand is one of those new breeds of comedy without the audience and the laughter track. I don't discriminate between either type of comedy, in that if it's funny I will watch it. And Rev is. Very very funny. Tom Hollander plays a rural vicar posted in an central london parish with his congregation of nutters, criminals, drug addicts and slightly inapropriate old ladies. There is also a Dean and whilst on paper it sounds like a rehash of the Vicar of Dibley, it's much more subtle and a lot more viscious with it's humour.
I am also a big fan of the Big Bang Theory again with geek based humour this time with an American flavour. You could compare Jen and Penny because they are the female leads both cast in female non-geek roles to the male geeks. I find this a little frustrating being a female geek as well, we are out there and when it comes to popular culture we're definitely just as nerdy. The Big Bang Theory does come out a little way ahead than The IT Crowd in this stake with the creation of Leslie Winkle who whilst not a series regular she crops up often enough to remind us that women are geeks too. Both shows work on a number of levels whether you get some of the geeky in-jokes and laughing with the characters, or laughing at them.
What tickles your funny bone?
At the moment my chap and I are regularly sitting down to watch two comedies. James Wood's Rev on BBC2 and Graham Linehan's The IT Crowd on channel 4. Both are excellent in very different ways.
Comedy is utterly subjective and what one person finds hilarious someone else will label it bad taste or that it is too bland. We are not a fan of family situation comedies. My Family has been around about 5 series too long and whilst I adore Zoe Wannamaker and Robert Lindsay that show now makes me want to poke my eyes out with the dull end of a spork.
I could argue that I don't like the show because it's the traditional sit com format that doesn't sit well with me but that really isn't the case. The IT Crowd is very much in that mould and I sit there and PMSL every week. What the IT Crowd does well is it captures IT geek stereotypes quite accurately I'd hazard a guess that because I've got more in common with the IT Crowd and I find these references funnier than comedy derived from family situations where I don't have children.
Rev on the other hand is one of those new breeds of comedy without the audience and the laughter track. I don't discriminate between either type of comedy, in that if it's funny I will watch it. And Rev is. Very very funny. Tom Hollander plays a rural vicar posted in an central london parish with his congregation of nutters, criminals, drug addicts and slightly inapropriate old ladies. There is also a Dean and whilst on paper it sounds like a rehash of the Vicar of Dibley, it's much more subtle and a lot more viscious with it's humour.
I am also a big fan of the Big Bang Theory again with geek based humour this time with an American flavour. You could compare Jen and Penny because they are the female leads both cast in female non-geek roles to the male geeks. I find this a little frustrating being a female geek as well, we are out there and when it comes to popular culture we're definitely just as nerdy. The Big Bang Theory does come out a little way ahead than The IT Crowd in this stake with the creation of Leslie Winkle who whilst not a series regular she crops up often enough to remind us that women are geeks too. Both shows work on a number of levels whether you get some of the geeky in-jokes and laughing with the characters, or laughing at them.
What tickles your funny bone?
Monday, 19 July 2010
Live at Somerset House
A gig and a half.
So the Divine Comedy Gig was just Neil Hannon and a piano or just Neil Hannon and a guitar and it was really good. He did 21 songs ranging through all the albums from Bang Goes the Knighthood right the way back to Promenade with a little bit of the Duckworth Lewis Method thrown in for good measure. I honestly believe that Jiggery Pokery is an anthem for all time.
I have to confess, I'd been a little sceptical as to how Neil Hannon could recreate the lush sounds from the albums which usually involve at least half an orchestra, but there is nothing more versatile than a piano and with a little audience participation the audience filled in admirably. Singing the bassline to Blue Monday.
What I love about Neil Hannon is that he is so wonderfully charming that when he makes mistakes, and he does regularly, it's part of the charm like a bespoke suit the imperfections make it truly unique.
The set list my able assistant and partner in crime thinks the set list was this:
Probably not in order, but somewhere around right-ish:
So the Divine Comedy Gig was just Neil Hannon and a piano or just Neil Hannon and a guitar and it was really good. He did 21 songs ranging through all the albums from Bang Goes the Knighthood right the way back to Promenade with a little bit of the Duckworth Lewis Method thrown in for good measure. I honestly believe that Jiggery Pokery is an anthem for all time.
I have to confess, I'd been a little sceptical as to how Neil Hannon could recreate the lush sounds from the albums which usually involve at least half an orchestra, but there is nothing more versatile than a piano and with a little audience participation the audience filled in admirably. Singing the bassline to Blue Monday.
What I love about Neil Hannon is that he is so wonderfully charming that when he makes mistakes, and he does regularly, it's part of the charm like a bespoke suit the imperfections make it truly unique.
The set list my able assistant and partner in crime thinks the set list was this:
Probably not in order, but somewhere around right-ish:
The Complete Banker Assume The Perpendicular Everybody Knows Pop Singer's Fear Your Daddy's Car If... National Express Neapolitan Girl Alfie Snowball In Negative Indie Disco Time To Pretend Geronimo Don't Look Down Lady Of A Certain Age Songs Of Love Our Mutual Friend Tonight We Fly ... (Encore) Jiggery Pokery Can You Stand Upon One Leg I Like Down In The Street Below Have You Ever Been In Love? When A Man Cries
My partner is quite the keen photographer and this picture is his.
Keep Buggering on.
Sunday, 18 July 2010
You'll be with me like a hand print on my heart.
The weekend consisted of a trip to see both the saturday matinee of Wicked and to see Neil Hannon playing a solo Divine Comedy gig at Somerset House.
Wicked, a show I've got more than a passing acquaintance with. I got to see it first not long after it first opened in London 13th October 2006 when Idina Menzel was resprising her role as Elphaba and she blew me away with her vocal ability. Adam Garcia was Firyero and Helen Dallimore played Glinda.
Since then I think I've asked my guy if we can go see it again probably twice a year since then. He's been strict with me and pointed out the fact that we really needed to see as much of the other muscials on offer as we could and grudgingly I've agreed, but still I've wanted to Wicked again for a very long time. A happy coincidence happened when my chap booked tickets to see the Divine Comedy, it was announced that Lee Mead was taking over the part of Fiyero and that made it a must and my boy knows when he isn't going to win.
Wicked is a big ensemble show and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Rachel Tucker who has recently taken over the role of Elphaba, I'll admit I had low expectations for her, she wasn't my favourite Nancy, not by a long way but her time in We Will Rock You has been good for her because her performance was really good and vocally much better than I was expecting. In fact she killed the Wizard and I.
Lee was intense and I think Fiyero could do with being played a touch lighter but I'll forgive him anything you can't fault him vocally and he really is a team player in the ensemble.
My chap was a little bit naughty and managed to take some pitctures of Act 1 my pick of them are below.
More on Divine Comedy later.
Keep Buggering On
Wicked, a show I've got more than a passing acquaintance with. I got to see it first not long after it first opened in London 13th October 2006 when Idina Menzel was resprising her role as Elphaba and she blew me away with her vocal ability. Adam Garcia was Firyero and Helen Dallimore played Glinda.
Since then I think I've asked my guy if we can go see it again probably twice a year since then. He's been strict with me and pointed out the fact that we really needed to see as much of the other muscials on offer as we could and grudgingly I've agreed, but still I've wanted to Wicked again for a very long time. A happy coincidence happened when my chap booked tickets to see the Divine Comedy, it was announced that Lee Mead was taking over the part of Fiyero and that made it a must and my boy knows when he isn't going to win.
Wicked is a big ensemble show and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Rachel Tucker who has recently taken over the role of Elphaba, I'll admit I had low expectations for her, she wasn't my favourite Nancy, not by a long way but her time in We Will Rock You has been good for her because her performance was really good and vocally much better than I was expecting. In fact she killed the Wizard and I.
Lee was intense and I think Fiyero could do with being played a touch lighter but I'll forgive him anything you can't fault him vocally and he really is a team player in the ensemble.
My chap was a little bit naughty and managed to take some pitctures of Act 1 my pick of them are below.
 |
| wicked |
More on Divine Comedy later.
Keep Buggering On
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
You learn something new everyday
It might be a cliche, but it is one for a reason.
I recently did a meme on TV programmes past and present and one of the questions was what was your first TV obsession. Thinking long and hard I had to discard Buffy The Vampire Slayer for that honour and Xena Warrior Princess and I dug further back in my mind and realised that in 1995 American Gothic was my first real obsession with a TV show. I taped every single episode of that show and I watched and re-watched until the tapes wore out. At 16 for me, this show was dark, impossibly sexy and I think for the first time I was actively watching a show, looking for clues making up theories with my friends at school and just plain obsessing about the show. It used symbolism and religion as metaphors and I loved it.
Fast Forward fifteen years and I'm now thirty-one and that tv meme I'd taken part in had given me an itch, the only way I was going to get any relief would be to rewatch the show. So I tracked it down: American Gothic (at amazon) and tonight whilst my chap was at a committee meeting I rewatched the first episode.
As the opening credits rolled and the twangly guitar music played it felt like coming home to something I hadn't experienced in a while. But then I noticed the producer David Eick. And I recognised the name because I'm a huge huge fan of Battlestar Galactica. It gave me a fluttery tummy feeling because he's now involved in three of my favourite shows. Rewatching the first episode was kind of strange, partly because I'd forgotten so much, but also somethings had etched themselves on my brain. Also I love Sarah Paulson, I remember thinking her an awesome actress in this back in 95 and I loved her as Harriet Hayes in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Some of the things in the show have dated badly, others not so scary.
So then the credits and I find out that Sam Raimi was executive producer as was Robert Tapert who both were responsible for Xena Warrior Princess amongst a lot of other things that have really made me squee over the years. When I first watched the show I hadn't been interested in who was writing and producing, but these days very much more so. It really tickled me pink to see people I've grown to have respect for from other later projects really managed to get their claws into me when I was young and impressionable. Also a taste for shows which either the networks don't like or general audiences don't.
I'm not sure there's much else of a point to this other than me geeking out but I wanted to share it with people because it sure as hell made me smile this evening.
Keep Buggering On
I recently did a meme on TV programmes past and present and one of the questions was what was your first TV obsession. Thinking long and hard I had to discard Buffy The Vampire Slayer for that honour and Xena Warrior Princess and I dug further back in my mind and realised that in 1995 American Gothic was my first real obsession with a TV show. I taped every single episode of that show and I watched and re-watched until the tapes wore out. At 16 for me, this show was dark, impossibly sexy and I think for the first time I was actively watching a show, looking for clues making up theories with my friends at school and just plain obsessing about the show. It used symbolism and religion as metaphors and I loved it.
Fast Forward fifteen years and I'm now thirty-one and that tv meme I'd taken part in had given me an itch, the only way I was going to get any relief would be to rewatch the show. So I tracked it down: American Gothic (at amazon) and tonight whilst my chap was at a committee meeting I rewatched the first episode.
As the opening credits rolled and the twangly guitar music played it felt like coming home to something I hadn't experienced in a while. But then I noticed the producer David Eick. And I recognised the name because I'm a huge huge fan of Battlestar Galactica. It gave me a fluttery tummy feeling because he's now involved in three of my favourite shows. Rewatching the first episode was kind of strange, partly because I'd forgotten so much, but also somethings had etched themselves on my brain. Also I love Sarah Paulson, I remember thinking her an awesome actress in this back in 95 and I loved her as Harriet Hayes in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Some of the things in the show have dated badly, others not so scary.
So then the credits and I find out that Sam Raimi was executive producer as was Robert Tapert who both were responsible for Xena Warrior Princess amongst a lot of other things that have really made me squee over the years. When I first watched the show I hadn't been interested in who was writing and producing, but these days very much more so. It really tickled me pink to see people I've grown to have respect for from other later projects really managed to get their claws into me when I was young and impressionable. Also a taste for shows which either the networks don't like or general audiences don't.
I'm not sure there's much else of a point to this other than me geeking out but I wanted to share it with people because it sure as hell made me smile this evening.
Keep Buggering On
Celebrating the end of term.
I'm not a teacher, but I do work in education behind the scenes with the administrative side of things so this is the busiest time of year for my team right now. So much so I'm sick of the sight of my colleagues and I've got my head down answering queries so that I can blow the joint Friday afternoon and head off to London for the weekend.
This short break in London is my treat for surviving the year and while I'm there with my partner we're going to indulge our mutal love of musical theatre and music and we're seeing Wicked for the second time and the Divine Comedy at Somerset house.
I literally cannot wait. Firstly because weighing up all the shows I've seen and loved; I would rate Wicked as one of my all time favourites. I love the themes of being an outsider and of friendship and love. I really enjoy the way it's told with humour and there is a big sense of spectacle in seeing the production. I was lucky enough to see it when it first opened in London with Idina Menzel (who originated the role of broadway) reprising her performance of Elphaba. I can remember being utterly blown away by her voice and I've been a huge fan of her's ever since.
This time Rachel Tucker, who was one of the wannabe Nancys in I'd Do Anything is taking on the role. I'm hoping she's going to be great. I have to say I enjoyed her performance as Meat when we went to see We Will Rock You but whether she can measure up to Idina Menzel I'm less convinced. Having said that I am more than willing to eat my words come Saturday afternoon. I am very excited about seeing Lee Mead as Fiyero; I saw him in Joseph a couple of years ago with my Mum (her birthday trreat) and we were both very impressed. I'm hoping to score an autograph.
The evening will be taken up with the Divine Comedy or rather Neil Hannon and a Piano in the courtyard at Somerset House. Again, I've seen the Divine Comedy before at the Lowry a number of years ago now in the Quays Theatre which is a really intimate space and really draws you in at a gig.
It's a really full Saturday we're having which is great.
Three days and counting.
Keep Buggering On
This short break in London is my treat for surviving the year and while I'm there with my partner we're going to indulge our mutal love of musical theatre and music and we're seeing Wicked for the second time and the Divine Comedy at Somerset house.
I literally cannot wait. Firstly because weighing up all the shows I've seen and loved; I would rate Wicked as one of my all time favourites. I love the themes of being an outsider and of friendship and love. I really enjoy the way it's told with humour and there is a big sense of spectacle in seeing the production. I was lucky enough to see it when it first opened in London with Idina Menzel (who originated the role of broadway) reprising her performance of Elphaba. I can remember being utterly blown away by her voice and I've been a huge fan of her's ever since.
This time Rachel Tucker, who was one of the wannabe Nancys in I'd Do Anything is taking on the role. I'm hoping she's going to be great. I have to say I enjoyed her performance as Meat when we went to see We Will Rock You but whether she can measure up to Idina Menzel I'm less convinced. Having said that I am more than willing to eat my words come Saturday afternoon. I am very excited about seeing Lee Mead as Fiyero; I saw him in Joseph a couple of years ago with my Mum (her birthday trreat) and we were both very impressed. I'm hoping to score an autograph.
The evening will be taken up with the Divine Comedy or rather Neil Hannon and a Piano in the courtyard at Somerset House. Again, I've seen the Divine Comedy before at the Lowry a number of years ago now in the Quays Theatre which is a really intimate space and really draws you in at a gig.
It's a really full Saturday we're having which is great.
Three days and counting.
Keep Buggering On
Monday, 12 July 2010
Conventions and other jazz
Well the subject of this post is Conventions.
In some ways I'm kind of new at this, I went to my first convention aged 28 to see Gareth David-Lloyd (Torchwood) and Chris Barrie(Red Dwarf). I was kind of awestruck and actually at that convention I had a really bad case of flu-cum-tonsilitis but there was nothing going to keep me apart from meeting these people.
And I got a buzz, it was kind of cool I got to meet my heroes, talk to them and have my photo taken with them with me grinning like an idiot. But that's okay it's kind of what it's all about. I've grown since then, I went to the Cylon attack last November with a friend. Three days in a grotty hotel at Heathrow, but you know what? Best convention I've ever been to! I got to meet a lot of people from Battlestar Galactica and Firefly. This was a small con, around 400 people and awesome because I got to have conversations with actors and again photos and again autographs and a great time. I smiled for three weeks afterwards.
There was even a local convention in Wrexham, where I live. I went along and this was tiny and a little sad and it wasn't well attended but still it was great to be able to meet in a fairly relaxed environment.
Anyhow this is all a bit of a warm up for the real thing. A proper big con in seven weeks time. I'm off to Dragon*Con baby. Sorry, I have to say that, it's a contractual obligation. When I've dreamed of going to the US I have to admit Atlanta wasn't high up my list of places to go, I want to see New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago but this convention is a big thing and I've got friends twisting my arm so I'm going and it's going to be awesome.
I've heard reports from last year's and I'm very excited, I've been watching the guest list with anticipation. It's all looking fantastic. I'll be making plans nearer the time of who I'm getting autographs from and photos with etc. I'm also kind of going it alone, my man is staying at home to let me go chasing autographs and it's the furthest I'll have been away from him in a long long time. But I'm a big girl and I'll be meeting friends once I get there. This being my first major con, I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to handle some things but I guess I'll live and learn. I won't be getting in on the fancy dress, no ideas what I could dress up as and look good.
What I do need and if anyone can help me I'll be eternally grateful, I'm looking for a ticker that does a countdown in days to an event... any suggestions would be gratefully recieved.
Keep Buggering On.
In some ways I'm kind of new at this, I went to my first convention aged 28 to see Gareth David-Lloyd (Torchwood) and Chris Barrie(Red Dwarf). I was kind of awestruck and actually at that convention I had a really bad case of flu-cum-tonsilitis but there was nothing going to keep me apart from meeting these people.
And I got a buzz, it was kind of cool I got to meet my heroes, talk to them and have my photo taken with them with me grinning like an idiot. But that's okay it's kind of what it's all about. I've grown since then, I went to the Cylon attack last November with a friend. Three days in a grotty hotel at Heathrow, but you know what? Best convention I've ever been to! I got to meet a lot of people from Battlestar Galactica and Firefly. This was a small con, around 400 people and awesome because I got to have conversations with actors and again photos and again autographs and a great time. I smiled for three weeks afterwards.
There was even a local convention in Wrexham, where I live. I went along and this was tiny and a little sad and it wasn't well attended but still it was great to be able to meet in a fairly relaxed environment.
Anyhow this is all a bit of a warm up for the real thing. A proper big con in seven weeks time. I'm off to Dragon*Con baby. Sorry, I have to say that, it's a contractual obligation. When I've dreamed of going to the US I have to admit Atlanta wasn't high up my list of places to go, I want to see New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago but this convention is a big thing and I've got friends twisting my arm so I'm going and it's going to be awesome.
I've heard reports from last year's and I'm very excited, I've been watching the guest list with anticipation. It's all looking fantastic. I'll be making plans nearer the time of who I'm getting autographs from and photos with etc. I'm also kind of going it alone, my man is staying at home to let me go chasing autographs and it's the furthest I'll have been away from him in a long long time. But I'm a big girl and I'll be meeting friends once I get there. This being my first major con, I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to handle some things but I guess I'll live and learn. I won't be getting in on the fancy dress, no ideas what I could dress up as and look good.
What I do need and if anyone can help me I'll be eternally grateful, I'm looking for a ticker that does a countdown in days to an event... any suggestions would be gratefully recieved.
Keep Buggering On.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
What I'm currently watching
There will be both a time and a place for TV shows which are no longer airing but this post is to introduce you to what I'm currently watching. What you need to know about my viewing habits, I'm a gorger, I love so save up shows and then watch them in a bum numbing marathon session when allowed, however, I'm not in sole control of our tv and sky plus box so we have to negotiate and my tastes are moderated somewhat. Due to work commitments and rehearsals its rare for me to be able to sit down and watch something as it airs. Another problem is I like a lot of US imports and to try and keep up with those requires patience and time. This list is probably going to be incomplete while I work out what I'm currently watching and what's airing right now. Trouble is we're in the bleak time in the UK. We've just come out of 4 weeks of World Cup coverage with added Wimbledon and the schedules have been empty. This will remain content light until mid September when the run up to Christmas means that we get decent telly again.
OK enough rambling shows that I'm watching currently and by that I mean shows which might not be airing this week but will be returning for new series as far as I know.
I've also just ordered Mad Men seasons 1 and 2 because it's an incredible show.
I've not ranked any of the shows, I've just listed them in the order in which they occurred to me. I like my shows with a hint of darkness in them and a lot of them do have that. One of the things I hope to do with this blog over the weeks and hopefully months to come is to be able to explain what I like about shows past and present and to give you my perspective on a few things.
Keep Buggering On.
OK enough rambling shows that I'm watching currently and by that I mean shows which might not be airing this week but will be returning for new series as far as I know.
- Doctor Who
- The Big Bang Theory
- Breaking Bad
- Dexter
- Nurse Jackie
- Warehouse 13
- Caprica
- Torchwood
- Law & Order | UK
- Glee
- Being Human
- True Blood
- Merlin
- Psychoville
- V
I've also just ordered Mad Men seasons 1 and 2 because it's an incredible show.
I've not ranked any of the shows, I've just listed them in the order in which they occurred to me. I like my shows with a hint of darkness in them and a lot of them do have that. One of the things I hope to do with this blog over the weeks and hopefully months to come is to be able to explain what I like about shows past and present and to give you my perspective on a few things.
Keep Buggering On.
My blog manifesto
Well hello, glad that you've managed to drop by. This is going to be my blog for talking about TV, Film and Musical Theatre. I'm an enthusiastic consumer of all three and I'm going to try and talk about my loves in an entirely coherent and hopefully entertaining way.
Right I'd better come out of the closest, I'm a fangirl, albeit not a rabid one. I'm not necessarily comfortable within fandoms because of the bad kind of insanity that lurks within them. I've seen what happens when rabid fangirls get mad and if I'm honest I really don't want to be a part of it.
What you will find here is honest opinion on the TV, films and theatre that I'm watching. If you're (un)lucky you'll get to hear how the musical theatre group I'm a member of is getting on too. What I'm hoping to talk about are my favourite shows, films and productions past and present. That and the fact that I'm heading to Dragon*Con this year. I warn you know I will become unbearable about this fact.
I think that's enough for now.
Keep buggering on.
Right I'd better come out of the closest, I'm a fangirl, albeit not a rabid one. I'm not necessarily comfortable within fandoms because of the bad kind of insanity that lurks within them. I've seen what happens when rabid fangirls get mad and if I'm honest I really don't want to be a part of it.
What you will find here is honest opinion on the TV, films and theatre that I'm watching. If you're (un)lucky you'll get to hear how the musical theatre group I'm a member of is getting on too. What I'm hoping to talk about are my favourite shows, films and productions past and present. That and the fact that I'm heading to Dragon*Con this year. I warn you know I will become unbearable about this fact.
I think that's enough for now.
Keep buggering on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)