Category: Lifestyle

The Enfield Haunting – Theatre Review

I am a massive West End theatre fan and missed watching shows during the Covid period. Now I am back in the swing of things and absolutely loving live theatre once more.

This week I was pleased to go to one of the West End’s smallest theatres to see a version of ‘The Enfield Haunting.’

‘The Enfield Haunting’ Review

I knew that the Enfield Hauntings were a News event in 1977, just before I was born. It was intriguing to see how the writer, Paul Unwin, decided to represent such a chilling story of a family affected by a poltergeist.

I was not disappointed.

Peggy was played by the incredibly funny Catherine Tate (Dr Who/ The US Office). In this production she combined moments of real drama and sadness with occasional one-liners. She was a superb fit for this role and was supported by ‘Shameless’ actor David Threlfall as Maurice, a supernatural investigator.

On this occasion the play was just 75 minutes long but this length felt appropriate and satisfying.

Peggy had two daughters and one son, with an ex-husband lurking in the background. Holding her household together, she had enough on her plate, without all the media coverage about her potentially haunted home.

All of the children were played well. A feisty daughter was matched by one who played possesed very well indeed.

The script was a mix of poignant, sharp and funny. Special effects were used for the haunted moment and the pitch black theatre really drew the audience in.

And Finally…

This was one of the best theatre shows I have seen in ages. I tend to watch a range of musicals and dramas but this one really performed well.

A highlight for me was getting to meet Catherine Tate again. She was lovely and we recalled the last time I met her when George Michael also came out of the stage door. She told me that he had been late and they had to hold the curtain for him that night in 2008.

If you get to see one show in London this winter, I would definitely suggest checking out ‘The Enfield Haunting.’

Thank you for checking out my theatre review. If you fancy another, have a look at my Frozen Musical Review.

Almost Christmas

It is almost Christmas,

The skies are getting cold.

Stockings are filled

Sweet stories are told.

It is nearly Christmas

With decorations and lights.

Hot chocolate and mulled wine,

Calm, cosy nights.

It is close to Christmas

As we spread Christmas cheer.

We watch festive movies

Sometimes shedding a tear.

Right before Christmas

As the excitement grows.

We put out the mince pies

And pray for some snow.

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Thank you for taking the time to read my little Christmas poem. Have a Merry Christmas! For another of my poems, have a read of Finally Cooler.

Is Christmas Too Commercial?

Sometimes I wonder why Christmas is still so very popular. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love the festive vibe. It is great finding an excuse to get together with friends and family and share a laugh (or a drink).

But fewer people are religious these days.

In the UK Census of 2021, only 46 percent of citizens said they were Christian, and many of these were loosely so (not actually actively doing anything about it). 37 percent said they belonged to no religion at all.

Yet Christmas stays significant and hugely popular.

I just hope it is for the right reasons.

Are We Obsessed With Presents?

For me, Christmas is a tradition. A wonderful winter time tradition. Sadly the wintry aspect has fizzled away, as we rarely get snow in England these days and certainly not during the Christmas break.

But when I speak to my students, Christmas is mainly about presents; Being given nice presents.

When I dig down and ask about why they celebrate Christmas, present receiving is the main reason. This is fair enough for children but many adults are the same.

I recently asked five different friends why they celebrate Christmas and they all said it is about the present giving. They were busy fulfilling shopping lists and worrying about getting those particular gifts that were expensive and difficult to get hold of.

To add to this, many of the people I spoke to who said they were Christian knew very little about Christianity.

One of the reasons several people gave was that they were Christened when they were a baby.

They had never been to a church since, other than for weddings and funerals.

Anyway, you must get what I am saying by now.

Christmas is about consumerism first and foremost. That is the reality of modern Britain.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with that but I just wish I could rekindle the festive spirit and get people to care more about being charitable and sharing experiences with people at Christmas time.

And Finally

At Christmas time retail industries make their most profit. They often hike up prices to make the most of the consumerism associated with Christmas.

Whether this is a good or bad thing, you can be the judge. It certainly seems to have moved away from community spirit and celebrating Jesus’ birth and more towards, ‘How big will my present be?’

What are your thoughts on this matter?

Has Christmas become mainly about buying presents and greedy recipients?

For a recent article of mine, check out Wonka – A movie review. Also consider following my blog for similar future content.