Cardiff / Comedy / Fantasy / Film / Horror / Romance / Victoriana / Wales

A monster of a night in a spooky castle – with real bats

The Monster carries his victim into a spooky cave, and a fake bat on a string flaps in front of him, just as real bats flit more convincingly in front the screen. Special effects? Nature can provide something much more special, when films are shown in unusual locations. In this case, it was the 1935 … Continue reading

Cardiff / Comedy / Film / Jazz / Music / Pop / Songwriting / Theatre / Uncategorized / Wales

The musical that rains supreme

It doesn’t have much of a plot, its songs were mostly recycled from earlier productions, and the star was suffering a fever when he had to film the title song-and-dance routine, getting soaked to the skin in a shrinking wool suit. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, doesn’t it? But this was Singin’ in the … Continue reading

Crime / Drama / Horror / Serials / Television / Victoriana / Writing

Farewell to the Rozzers of Ripper Street and their daily dealings with dippers and dollymops

Ripper Street, BBC’s intelligent crime drama set in late 19th century Whitechapel, has been cancelled after two series. We asked the lead character, Detective Inspector Edmund Reid, for his thoughts. I have been surprised and gratified to learn that reports of our work in H Division have spread beyond London to the Provinces, and – … Continue reading

Music / Pop / Rock / Songwriting

More Leigh-on-Sea than LA, meet the Essex Steely Dan

Much of Steely Dan’s music oozes California sunshine. Which is odd because Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are born-and-bred New Yorkers. But here’s something odder – jump a further 3,000 miles east and you find a new bunch of Dan-alikes, who are actually more Leigh-on-Sea than LA. I say “bunch”. Actually, I don’t know how … Continue reading

Film / Funk / Jazz / Lyrics / Music / Pop / R&B / Rock / Songwriting / Superheroes / Television / Uncategorized / Writing

If you’re seeking a pop-inspired philosophy, be a driver, not a rollercoaster rider

Maybe pop songs aren’t the best place to seek your philosophy of life, but if that’s where you’re looking, may I recommend you pay more heed to the acid-jazz/funk of Brand New Heavies than to the pop-pop/pop of Ronan Keating? Ronan told us in 2000, “Life is a rollercoaster/ Just gotta ride it” and I’ve … Continue reading

Jazz / Lyrics / Music / Songwriting / Wales

Strong contender for jazz stardom at Brecon

After some turbulent times, Brecon Jazz now seems to be in safe hands, with new operator Orchard serving up an impressive line-up of established stars and emerging talent. Among those surely destined for fame is Anthony Strong, who wowed a packed Theatr Brycheiniog on Saturday. With a show as sharp as his suit, 28-year-old Strong … Continue reading