Tag: blogging

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.

Biographies Can Be Eye-Opening

As an avid reader, I love nothing more than getting sucked into a good book. Although I often write about a range of fiction genres, I hardly mention another favourite of mine – biographies.

Non-fiction books are just as popular these days and I especially love books written by famous people about their own lives.

It can be a real eye-opener to get inside a celebrity’s head and learn about the way that they became who they ended up being.

Biographies I Have Loved

Going back to when I was young, I remember enjoying the quirky but honest recollections of Roald Dahl. He wrote ‘BOY – Tales of Childhood’ and then ‘Going Solo’ all about being a young adult.

Similarly, I loved finding out about Julie Andrews and how she became an actress. She had quite a challenging upbringing with a horrible step dad. Her book ‘Home’ was followed by ‘Homework’ which took the reader through the Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music period, when she had moved to America.

Having read about various people, I am still enjoying the funny recollections of Miriam Margoyles. Called, ‘This Much Is True,’ this autobiography is full of anecdotes about childhood in Oxford and fascinating facts about historical figures she came across.

Final Thoughts

I love getting to know what celebrities have experienced. It somehow makes them feel more real and gives interesting insights into their journeys to fame.

On my shelf is a biography about Demi Moore which I am really looking forward to. Look out for ‘Inside Out’ and I will post a review when I get into it.

How many biographies have you read?

Which is your favourite famous person’s biography?

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. For more book suggestions, have a look at my recent Reading Right Now article. Please also consider following my blog for more book, TV and film reviews as well as climate change thoughts.

Take A Breath And Think – Poem

Today I have written a poem which is based on gut feelings. I want to encourage everyone to take a breath and use their voices at a time where sensible, level voices need to be heard over angry ones.

Take a breath and ponder,

All the crazy in the world.

The last time I thought about it,

My fingers and toes curled.

But think about it nonetheless

And try and take it in.

The world needs clever thinkers

To ensure changes can begin.

A lot of things are thoughtless

Knee jerk reactions cause most wars.

Pollution comes from thoughtlessness

Meanwhile Antarctic ice shelves thaw.

As anger drives decisions

And feelings drive divide.

You need to take a moment

And carefully decide.

Will you sit and watch the chaos

And allow for things to spin?

Or will you make a choice to fight

To turn a corner with a grin?

Only clever thinking

Will help to steady the divisions.

Political clear thinking

And some really tough decisions.

So vote for those who care

About society at large.

Don’t allow the ignorants

To easily take charge.

Think about the climate

As it steadily decays.

Use you voice and thinking

To make a difference. Don’t delay.

Thank you for reading my ‘Take a breath and think’ poem. For more of my poetry check out my Terrible Turmoil poem. Please also consider following my blog for similar future content.