Theatre Review: The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time

Based on the much-loved 2003 novel by Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time was brought to the London stage in 2012, and later to Broadway in 2014. Having already own won a mountain of prestigious awards, including seven Olivier awards in 2013, comprising including best of best actor, best set design and best new play, these achievements accumulate to create one the most creative, mesmerising and acclaimed shows to appear in recent years.

The story concerns a mystery surrounding the death of a neighbour’s dog that is investigated by 15-year-old Christopher Boone, who we learn has suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome. The narrative also focuses on vulnerable Christopher’s relationships with his parents and school mentor, specifically the struggle for him and others to create and maintain relationships, and the tragic damage that his relationships creates for the lives of others.

The production is one of the most creatively diverse in the West End currently, due to the number of elements to it that work so well. Everything from the acting, to the staging, the script and close relation to the book is so captivating; there is something for all theatre lovers to enjoy.

The set, for example is seemingly simplistic at first glance, but as the story unfolds, the audience is treated to an array of lighting and sound effects, as well as interesting staging which highlighted the quality of acting, and helped the plot to progress, whereas some hinder and distract play components such as acting and lighting.

The staging also assisted in building the tension of the plot, in tandem with the futuristic, heart-pumping music and effective choreography, which fit the narrative like a glove.

The protagonist, currently played by Graham Butler (pictured), was one of the most precise actors I have ever seen perform. Not only was his portrayal honest, it was very consistent and charming, with excellent execution of the comedic parts, in addition to an extremely expressive and passionate performance in the scenes that demanded nothing less. The supporting cast were also fascinatingly diverse, all playing various parts, keeping the story fresh.

In terms of the story itself, drawing attention to the issues surrounding autism is something rarely, if ever, seen on the West End stage. And I am certain it will seldom be carried out in such an enthralling and informative manner as it is in The Curious Incident….

The story is also composed a blend of emotion-forming moments, so there is something for all members of the audience to enjoy and relate to. And being led by a fantastic yet simplistic first person narration style, you are certain to be allows the audience to deeply immerse themselves in the tale and truly understand the struggles of Christopher.

With everything from top-notch acting, to sensory and emotional overload, this heartfelt rendition of an incredibly popular, poignant and powerful book is nothing short of a wonderful representation of the power of theatre done well.

5/5

The Big Questions about Scottish Independence

The time to vote for or against Scottish independence is creeping ever closer. With less than a week until the big ballot day, big names from Rita Ora to Sir Sean Connery are actively highlighting their views on the matter to sway voters. So the question is, what will life be like in Great Britain if Scotland becomes autonomous on 18^th September?

According to a new poll, 53% of people will vote for Scotland to stay in the U.K. in next week's independence referendum. If the majority of Scotts were to vote Yes, their government has a set a date 18 months from now, 24^th March 2016 for their official independence day.

There would be amendments made to the constitution and the 1707 Act of Constitution would be dissolved but the Queen would remain as monarch of the country. It’s also been said that the Queen has been privately concerned over the referendum, and as for the 2015 General Election, Scotland would still be invited to take part, but their representatives would only potentially serve a 10-month term in office.

Whichever way the poll sways, it’s still yet to be decided what currency Scotland would employ if they separated from the rest of Great Britain. The three main Westminster parties - the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats have ruled out a currency union, although Mr Salmond, Scotland’s  First Minister insists an independent Scotland would keep the pound, take on the Euro or retain their own Scottish pound exclusively. Moreover, in terms of national debt, it’s also yet to be decided how much of the UK national debt would be transferred to Scotland. It’s likely to be worked out on a per capita share based on population.

Additionally, an independent Scotland’s stance on global affairs is yet to be negotiated. The nation would have to negotiate its own entry into the European Union and NATO and with regards to the issue of defense, the strategy is not yet certain if Scotland were to be a standalone country. As NATO is fundamentally a nuclear alliance, and if Scotland struggles to become a member, they are likely struggle to join the EU too, which would have a big impact on their economy. They are likely to have their own defense force, particularly because they have their own North Sea oil and fishing industries to maintain and protect.

Immigration is undoubtedly an immense problem in Great Britain currently, but it’s already been decided that an independent Scotland would control its own borders. However, the Scottish National Party (SNP) aspires to have an open border policy but Home Secretary Theresa May has already warned she will not allow Scotland to be used as a way for immigrants getting into England if Scotland adopts a looser immigration policy.

The laws surrounding passports depend almost entirely on whether Scotland joins the EU; Scottish citizens would be entitled to a Scottish passport, but a UK passport would still be valid until it expires. British citizens who were habitual residents in Scotland would be automatically considered Scottish citizens.

State taxes and benefits would become the responsibility of the new Scottish government, meaning they could potentially create their own policies, and with this and so much else to consider before the poll, it’s easy to see why many English politicians, including David Cameron and pushing the No Campaign.  However, Mr Cameron has insisted his sudden boost in interest in the referendum is not due to a lack of support in recent polls and that he will not be resigned as Prime Minister not matter the outcome of the vote. Some have even argued that the announcement of a second royal baby was tactically revealed to sway voters to remain faithful to the unity of Great Britain.

Furthermore, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has drawn up plans to shift its Head Office from Scotland, where it has been based since 1727, most likely to Central London, in the event that next week's referendum backs a break away from the rest of the UK. On the other hand, one of the North Sea’s biggest investors, BP has urged Scotland to vote against independence, arguing that oil wealth would best be protected by remaining inside the UK.

Scotland’s ­education system has always been distinct from the rest of the UK, but the future of the country’s schools and ­universities is still a key issue in the independence debate. Questions have been raised about tuition fees, research grants, overseas students, teacher recruitment and exam options as the Yes and No ­campaigns battle it out and with four universities based in the Capital, Edinburgh has a special interest in what independence might mean for higher education.

Whatever the final verdict come 18^th September, Scottish and British politicians alike have a great deal of negotiation and debate ahead of them in order to decide how to lead their nations if they do their separate ways. Many aspects of British life are up in the air, but it’s only a matter of time before questions about the vote will be answered. 

Album Review: John Legend- ‘Love in the Future’ (30/08/2014- Columbia)

Actor, do-gooder and 9-time Grammy Award winning R&B/Soul Singer songwriter- John Legend has been gracing us with his presence since 2004. Before becoming a recognised artist in his own right, Legend collaborated with the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye West and Alicia Keys.

Legend’s debut studio album ‘Get Lifted’ sold over 116,000 in its first week, but since then, the Ohio-born singer has gone from strength to strength, with his first single from ‘Love in the Future’, ‘All of Me’- which is dedicates to his model wife Chrissy Teigen. The single has shifted more than 4 million copies in the U.S. alone, and has therefore gone 4x platinum. As for the album itself, it’s sold over 500,000 copies in the U.S. and 100,000 in the U.K.

‘Love in the Future'- the artwork

‘Love in the Future (Intro)’ is a simplistic, tender welcome to the record, with elements of seduction, romance and looking ahead, thrown together with an unadulterated golden voice. Right from the word go, John Legend draws you in with his warm and soulful flair and each track is seamlessly intertwined with the next.

‘The Beginning…’ is put together in a timeless manner, combining strings, heavier beats and top notch vocals. The instrumentation of this track is on point, despite the sexual nature of it- proving that writing songs about sex doesn't need to be seedy. John Legend is all about commitment on this album, and ‘The Beginning...’ is no different. It introduces the idea of optimistically planning for the future…babies, a home and o course, changing the world along the way. 

However, I can’t help but feel the record's appeal wanes due to the generic feel of the backings and melodies. But it’s given a lift fine piano playing and minor production tweaks. Yet he does capture intimacy very well, and paints a picture of a long-term couple.

Legend’s dulcet tones in Legend’s cover of Bobby Caldwell’s classic ‘Open Your Eyes’ are the perfect addition to up-beat piano playing weaved into energetic yet light back beats. While some R&B singers can get by on the strength of their voices alone, Legend puts in the extra effort to stand out; he knows how to play to his strengths. 

John Legend performing

These songs are carefully crafted exclusively to his fitting and he performs every one with so much soul and passion that it really is moving at times. Album production is also top notch- creating a record that has a modern vibe with a timeless heart.

The hap-hazard beginning of ‘Made to Love’ forms the pathway to a hook-laden, handclap infested feast for the ears. The track also makes use of djembe drumming and voice-effects that make Legend’s dreamy vocals come across as even more classic, if a little repetitive. It also features Synthpop singer Kimbra- and its clear her musical influences have crept their way into the recording. In fact, towards the end of the song, with the addition of soulful backing vocals, and a sample-like feel, ‘Made to Love’ comes across as a mediocre remix of an R&B classic with a melodramatic ending. 

Speaking of sampling, ‘Who Do We Think We Are’ intertwines Legend’s sublime talent with Jean Knight’s ‘Mr Big Stuff’, creating an example of why sampling is tricky to get right, as this track is a very hit and miss affair and trickles into its lackluster ending of talk-singing. It also features rapper Rick Ross to emphasise that John Legend’s best work is definitely his ballads. 

Legend co-wrote next track ‘All of Me’ the song with Toby Gad and co-produced it with Dave Tozer. It’s easy to see why it was selected as the first single from the record- it’s intricate tones and meaningful lyrics make it radio-perfect and suitable for music fans who are into various genres. It’s stunning in its simplicity, and also highlights the consistency of Legend’s voice as well as his pure talent as a songwriter. His voice is clear as a bell and generates a calm, intimate feel with his velvety smooth style and honest lyrics.

‘Hold on Longer’ is a tender yet dreary track to say the least; even Legend’s focused singing doesn’t overwrite how eerie yet dull this song is. With its funky, modern groove, ‘Save the Night’ makes use of current recording and studio tricks without superseding John Legend’s lush vocal abilities.  It’s also another example of how ‘Love in the Future’ looks at a relationship from different perspectives- the good and the bad, to form a steady theme.

John Legend

‘Tomorrow’ is about seizing the moment and ‘What if I Told you?’ boasts a Motown tone 

against Legend’s husky vocals until it comes to a halt with a cautious trumpet section. Incredibly repetitive, but bursting with cynicism and vigilance, ‘Dreams’ is so dreamy and quietly unapologetic, it almost sends you snoring.

Both ‘Asylum’ and ‘Wanna Be Loved’ are moody and sinister; even when the latter breaks into a section with backbeats, they’re incredibly tentative and timid. Soul/Jazz star from the 70s, Anita Baker is also covered on the record. Her track ‘Angel’ (featuring Grammy-nominated Stacy Barthe) is so short-lived it’s barely worth featuring, especially along with another cover previously.

As for ‘You & I (Nobody in the World)’; it’s obvious this song was composed as a single- with popularity taken into consideration. Having said that, it’s just as vocally haunting as ‘All of Me’ and takes up the theme of being absolutely in love with someone. In complete contrast, ‘Asylum’ begins eerily yet somehow, introduces love song ‘Caught Up’ really well.

Cynical and cautious at times, this record is often the tricky balance of warm, soulful performances with the precision of digital programming. John Legend’s caramel-like voice intertwines seamlessly with the more gentle melodies; however some tracks are so laid-back they practically send you to sleep, whilst others take away from his vocal flair.

3/5

A Meal at Scott's

Situated in swanky Mayfair, 164 year old Scott’s has played host to the likes of Simon Cowell, Bill Clinton, Cheryl Cole and Tom Cruise, so I was expecting big things.

The restaurant’s exquisite exterior is well-suited to the rest of the businesses that make up the road’s selection of shops, cafes and eateries. Although it appears quite corporate, it is complete with sparklingly clean doors, cheery doorman and an alfresco dining area with outside heating for the typical weather conditions of the capital.

The kitchen & oyster bar

The impressive marble floor foyer has a gorgeous statue on one side and a complementary cloakroom on the other. It almost has a feel of a classy hotel as you are greeted by courteous staff waiting to seat you. It is recommended that you book at least a couple of weeks in advance due to the popularity of Scott’s but the waiters are incredibly accommodating throughout the experience.

When my boyfriend and I arrived, we were a little early and were offered the option of enjoying a drink or two at the bar or being seated immediately, but as my stomach was rumbling profusely, we decided to sit down to eat straight away.

I was delighted with how comfortable the seats were and how quaint the atmosphere was. It also managed to be busy without being noisy or hectic, perhaps due to the great design of the main room with its various sections and beautifully-decorated pillars.

The kitchen and wonderfully arranged oyster bar are situated in the centre of the room for all customers to see and witness the experience of their food being prepared. They are right next to the bar so there is a collective feel.

Smoked eel served with rosemary potatoes & crispy bacon

Almost as soon as I sat down, I was offered a glass of water while I perused the menu- and not just tap water; I was asked to choose between tap, still, sparkling or bottled still water, with or without ice and with or without a slice of lemon. After deciding on still water with ice and slice, my boyfriend and I asked our waiter to recommend a couple of wines that complemented the food we wanted to order. 

As Scott’s is renowned for its seafood, we were both planning to have fish-based dishes and the waiter was only too happy to recommend a few wines, even giving us a sample of each to help us decide. We opted for a crisp white (£42) that was exquisite and placed on ice for the entirety of our meal. Staff were courteous enough to refill our glasses whenever they spotted them to be empty, as well as our water.

I ordered girolle mushroom, pea and Gorgonzola risotto (£14.75) which was lovely and creamy and exactly what a starter should be- satisfying without being too filling. My boyfriend chose smoked eel served with horseradish potatoes and crispy bacon (£14.25) and although it is an usual dish, all the flavours complemented each other really well and both dishes were impeccably presented.

Lobster

We both selected lobster for our main course (both £42)- I chose grilled lobster served with veg and lightly seasoned fries and an exquisite garlic butter. My boyfriend chose lobster thermidor, which involves taking the lobster meat from the shell and serving it with a beautiful brandy and egg yolk sauce- a posh omelette! He chose mashed potato as a side which was served in a tiny pan which was a delightful touch to such a sophisticated meal. The portions were hearty and just like the starters, presented breathtakingly on the plate.

We were so full from out first two courses that we didn't have space for a third, but the dessert menu looked just as fantastic as the others.

The best thing about Scott’s is how well-cooked, promptly served and delightfully arranged the food is as well as how the entire experience is high-class without being pretentious with snobbish staff and minuscule portions. The ambience was outstanding and staff were attentive and obliging. Highly recommended- you may just have to penny-pinch before you go!

5/5

Dinner at Richmond's Newest Steakhouse

A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I were lucky to spot one of the best and most well-hidden eateries I have ever been to. This restaurant is a hidden gem if ever I saw one!

Situated in one of Richmond's tiniest crannies, this restaurant boasts immaculate wood-inspired décor, great service, and most importantly, spectacular food.

Now any foodie knows that if you're after steak when eating out, you're expected to pay a fair price for good quality meat cooked to your personal specifications; but this restaurant not only provides the latter, but also charges a fairly reasonable sum for such a great plate of food. (Prices ranging from £15.50-£148 for steaks- £148 being a 2kg steak. Wow.)

As I like my steak medium rare, I was delighted to discover that when my meal arrived, it was wonderfully cooked and teamed with the most beautifully seasoned chips I have ever eaten. Topped with rosemary and garlic, the crispy fries were presented in a small metal bucket so as not to be mixed with the steak too much.

Although I had to fork out an unexpected couple of pounds for a scrummy sauce to accompany my dinner, it was utterly worth it as the cheese sauce I chose was perfectly thing and very flavoursome without being overpowering. I highly recommend a visit to this place if you're ever out and about in London.

5/5

Film Review: The Book Thief (20th Century Fox- 12A- 26 February 2014)

American-German war drama flick based on Markus Zusak's critically acclaimed novel 'The Book Thief', this film is engaging, enchanting and fundamentally heart-warming.

Directed by Brian Percival, 'The Book Thief' is about a young girl called Liesel (Sophie Nelisse) living with her adoptive German family during the Second World War. It is set within an attractive picture postcard, snow-covered town ironically juxtaposed with the hardships of the Nazi regime.

The 131 minute movie has already racked in over $68 million at the box office, and it's not surprising given the spectacular performances showcased from Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson as Liesel's adoptive winking-addict father and cranky but caring mother. Brave Liesel is taught to read by her doting foster father, which causes her to 'borrow' books to learn more. She also shares these books with a Jewish refugee (Ben Schnetzer) that her parents are hiding and taking care of. But the niggling issue remains of what happens to Liesel's birth mother after she gave Liesel up for adoption and why exactly she had to be put up for adoption in the first place. Neither of these issues are answered or addressed for the entirety of the film.

However, the haunting musical score by Oscar-nominated composer John Williams really brings  the captivating cinematography to life. The emotion it creates is unbelievable, but expected from the composer of scores for 'Star Wars', 'E.T.'  and 'Jaws'.

'The Book Thief' is one of those rare films that makes you pinpoint human strength, love and family. The driving force behind the flick is the narration courtesy of Death, portrayed by 'Game of Thrones'  actor Roger Allam. His gripping narration provides a childlike element to the story and enhances the characters' personalities, actions and emotions.

The majority of mainstream reviews for the movie have been startlingly negative, but to me 'The Book Thief' is a human-interest film that tugs on your heartstrings and forces you to appreciate what you have. To my astonishment the cinema was practically private when I saw the film, but this actually made the entire experience more intimate and hard-hitting. It truly is a beautiful depiction of the brutality that Jews and non-Jews alike received from the Nazis.

Coming across as a Christmas card or vintage chocolate box, the movie's setting is ironically lovely, only making it more ferocious and unnerving when the community is destroyed in more ways than one. 'The Book Thief' wonderfully encapsulates the hardships faced by millions in 1930s Germany and during World War Two. One stand-out scene sees Liesel and her best friend Rudy walk into a lush forest with a steady, twinkling lake and scream "I hate Hitler" at the top of their lungs together. It's also striking to watch young children threatening to report one another to the Nazis, as well as how quickly Hitler's ideals are enforced into practice.

Sentimentality and courage run hand in hand throughout the film and bring the unsettling plot to a sticky end. 'The Book Thief' is as thought-provoking and touching as 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' through its dark scenes as well as optimism. Screenwriter Michael Petroni lifts the words off the page and has adapted a tough-minded children's book into a visually captivating masterpiece that hits you right between the eyes.

'The Book Thief' honours accuracy in a hypnotic, horrific and honest manner. This film deserves all the success of the book because if there was ever a dazzling, engrossing, must-see film, you've found it!

5/5

Single Review: 'Sittin' Here'- Dizzee Rascal ft. Fezzy (Universal Records- 21/08/2003)

Even after getting kicked out of four schools, losing his dad at a young age, Dylan Mills always had a knack for songwriting and music production and was encouraged by a school teacher to produce his music on the school computers. Dizzee Rascal was just 18 years old when 'Sittin' Here'  hit the shelves as the opening track on 'Boy In Da Corner'. He was also just 15 when he self-produced and released his debut track 'I Luv U'.   

'Sittin'  Here'  has a bouncy, almost Oriental, twinkling opening with a dark Grime vibe acting as a back-bet throughout the track even as a strong and steady thump comes into the mix. Fekky adds to
the gloomy allure with his rapping input and brings Dizzee Rascal's originality to light.

Lyrically, he makes an effort to try to connect with fans by reminiscing about his childhood with sharp-tongued lyrics such as, 'Only yesterday life was a touch more sweet.' It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but 'Sittin' Here'  illustrates modern youth life in East London with the bitterness of brutal honesty and integrity as a songwriter. In fact, little of what Dizzee Rascal describes is positive, from harsh Police, teenage pregnancy, choosing between living on the dole or going to university to losing a friend to a life of cash and crime. He really captures the fragility and danger of life for many people. Throughout the song, he is an observer watching ruefully as gunshots rattle and sirens blast through the East end.

Exploding with anger and disappointment, Dizzee Rascal's gutter-garage, raw edge is incredibly vigorous. It's also easy to tell that he is a rapper/MC-producer as he really knows his stuff; he really knows how he wants his work to sound and really knows what works well at each stage of creation and production.

Dizzee Rascal's voice seems to explode like a firecracker through the song, and his music and message are widely unique, particularly his lyrical mix of the hardships of life and lust for the innocence of childhood. His music is born in isolation; it sounds like nothing else. At times, however, the song becomes a little repetitive, especially for a grime artist who's become so mainstream and has recently collaborated with the likes of Robbie Williams and Calvin Harris.   

Since the rise of Garage, many MCs have become stars in their own right and Dizzee Rascal is no exception; he hits you right between the eyes with lyrics such as, 'Sittin' here thinkin' wagwan'. Lyrics such as this also make listeners feel they are part of London culture and the fabric of the track. His blends if rhythms, sound effects (such as Police sirens) and lyrics are liquid; effortlessly put together.

It's only right that over the last seven or eight years, Dizzee Rascal has deservedly carved his own name in rap, and his production skill throughout 'Sittin' Here'. A multi-talented MC with a sharp,  honest and witty tongue, it's no wonder Dizzee Rascal has come so far from producing his work on school computers.

4/5