A Wonderful World

                                                     'A POWERFUL TALE OF A MOTHER'S SURVIVAL' Netflix have returned with another hit series ‘ Maid ’, which follows young mother Alex as she fights to care for her daughter Maddie while experiencing abuse, lack of support and income. Although it’s extremely hard hitting, covers some sensitive topics and has some very raw moments, it’s a beautiful and very honest portrayal of the reality of the circumstances for many and provides light and hope for those who may have been affected by similar situations.   It’s inspired by Stephanie Land’s 2019 Memoir, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive , in which she shares about working as a maid while raising her daughter. It’s ‘inspired’ by rather than ‘based’ on, as many of the characters, happenings and storylines have been created for t...

                                                Channel 4 returns with another powerful piece of television. New drama ‘Help’ centres itself around the Coronavirus pandemic in its height as it first emerged in 2020. The two hour long drama is set in a fictional care home in Liverpool in the spring, and follows a carer (Jodie Comer) as she bonds with a patient (Stephen Graham), as the pandemic hits she is put to the test in horrific circumstances. This vital one off television creation shares insight into the impact Coronavirus had on care homes during its initial onset and looks at the undervalued care workers whose job was to keep the patients going. Its necessity comes with its strength at shining a light on the hard work and voices of those that continued to work and care during such a difficult and uncertain time, recognising how important the work is that thes...

      After shedding light on the impact of Suranne Jones’ performance and the harrowing storyline shared in Episode 1 ‘I am Victoria’, I wanted to touch upon the other two episodes in the series. ‘I am’ is a mini-series on Channel 4, made up of three episodes with different casts tackling challenges and taboo topics faced throughout womanhood that are all emotionally raw, thought-provoking and personal. As addressed in a previous blog, episode one takes us through Victoria’s journey as she’s pushed towards a breakdown. The powerful performances, Dominic Savage’s detailed direction and step to bring such a sensitive subject matter to screen has been praised across the nation. It’s proven to be a success, Episode 2 and 3 haven’t been a disappointment either, they’ve continued to have a huge impact on viewers and the conversations had around women, wellbeing and taboo topics. Episode 2 ‘I am Danielle’, delves into consent, relationships and boundaries. Danielle is playe...

                                                   ‘CHANNEL 4's POWERFUL NEW MINI SERIES’ ‘I am…’ is a new three part series on Channel 4 of searingly truthful dramas. Each one hour episode follows a different protagonist and shares their story, each focusing on an important subject matter, supporting raising awareness and increasing conversation around such topics. ‘I am Victoria’ is the first of the three. Suranne Jones takes on the role of Victoria and does so phenomenally, her performance is extremely raw, honest and at times difficult to watch. Sharing Victoria’s story, a mother trying to do it all and hurtling towards a breakdown. We see her juggle multiple aspects of her life, finding it difficult to manage until it reaches a point of extremity. It’s a very moving and harrowing piece, equally important in raising awareness and discussion around m...

                                    CHANGELING THEATRE'S CHANGING THEATRE As restrictions ease further, theatre progressively makes a come back. With social distancing reducing, audiences are starting to return to theatres and enjoy live performances again.  Changeling Theatre returns with the Shakespeare spectacle 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', touring across South London and beyond, performing in outdoor spaces until the 15th August. Venues include London, Sevenoaks, Margate, Brighton, Greenwich, Isle of Wight and Maidstone. The company was founded in 1997, producing entertaining theatre in non-traditional locations for underserved community audiences across South East England. Taking theatre beyond the stage, they've had performances in locations including castles, football grounds, parks and gardens.  Rob Forknall directs 'A Midsummer Nights Dream', bringing the classic tale to a place ...

                                         TWO FILMS. ENDLESS IMPACT. This week I watched two new films that I’d like to share with you. Films that are both now among my favourites. The direction, story, acting and craft behind both of these films is incredible and I urge you to watch them if you get the chance. BABYTEETH: “ When a seriously ill teenager falls for a small-time drug dealer, her parents disapprove. However, she soon finds a new lust for life from her blossoming romance.” This film is utterly beautiful. Touching and heart breaking in equal measure. Extremely moving, with a rollercoaster of emotions. It follows sixteen year old Milla as she battles with cancer, all the while falling in love with Moses who she meets at a train station. Her overprotective parents disapprove, but he ends up being surprisingly good for her. The film follows their unexpected relationship as ...

                                                  3 FAVOURITE RECENT TV SERIES 1. 'THE PACT' - BBC 'An unexplained death - and five friends bound together by a fragile pact of silence. What really happened that night in the woods?'  If you like a drama, this series is for you. Crime thriller, six one hour episodes. The cast alone makes it worth watching, starring the likes of Julie Hesmondhalgh, Eddie Marsan, Laura Fraser and Gabrielle Creevy. As the story unfolds you're left on the edge of your seat, holding your breath or gasping in shock. Faced with hair raising twists and turns, the journey follows four female employees at a Brewery in Wales, exploring the overwhelmingly suspicious circumstances surrounding the murder of their boss Jack Evans.  At the start of the series, boss Jack organises a party, but after crossing the line with one of the worker...

                                                Amidst our third lockdown, television can provide a necessary comfort and distraction from the ongoing pandemic. Since Coronavirus initially hit and we entered our first lockdown, television viewing has increased. Of course, when caring for both our physical and mental health during lockdown it's important to consider how much time we're spending in front of our screens to avoid too much of a sedentary lifestyle and unnecessary health detriments, but dedicating some of our day to such a pastime isn't wholly a negative thing when it has also shown positive benefits. Spending a little time watching the newest series or our favourite classics can help us through this challenging time, a support tool in relaxing us, reassuring us during what can be an isolating and overwhelming time, and distracting us for a while from the ne...