Play Review: National Theatre Live Film of Frankenstein

It may have slipped your attention but for one night only (of the whole year),tonight, a film of the National Theatre's 2011 performance of Frankenstein finally featured at cinemas across the UK. Featuring the acclaimed actors, Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, both actors demonstrate a switch in roles as either Frankenstein or the creature. In tonight's performance I was witness to Benedict's interpretation of the physically inept 'creature', or monster as most people cried out.

It's extraordinary how well Benedict brought this character to life, simply through how he moved and spoke. For at least 10 minutes I was witness to what can only be described as a scene mimicking birth where Benedict was seen crawling from a womb-like screen and left alone to deal with becoming aware of his body and how it was created to move and function. Like a child making it's way into the world, I felt I was watching him grow into something incredible and it was beautiful to see. But you also saw his innocence and fragility and how easily he was affected by what surrounded him as well as how people taught him. I really admired how the company behind this production had structured this play and showed this slow development of the creature's character. I saw his elation at the new world and the surprise to feel new sensations like rain, grass and all the simple things we take for granted. I felt as if I was watching a child exploring a new world. But then I saw how society treated him: with fear, disgust and contempt. People hurt him and for no good reason. He was innocent, a good 'man'. This built pathos and I'll admit I felt close to tears watching this profoundly dramatic performance.

Frankenstein's monster, as we know, was a monster to the characters in the novel. He appeared like one, was treated like one and became one. The theatre production really highlighted the fact it wasn't the creature who was the real monster, it was society; society who had corrupted this character. It was man's world who destroyed his goodness and shaped the evil inside of him. He saw man and learnt from what was before him, believing that's what it meant to be a man. Never had I seen an adaptation of Frankenstein that gave the creature a voice! Never have I seen a production put across Shelley's deep and integral message about society. It almost seems obvious now that she would think of reflecting society through how the creature was treated, considering she was an impressionable young woman who would have had strong beliefs. After all, she lived in a time where corruption hid in the darkest of places, swimming in the streets of England. Being just a year older than I am, she was also just as likely to form a strong opinion against it.

Although good reviews need criticisms to prove it effective I really can't fault this. It was incredible re-enactment of the classic gothic novel which will remain one of my favourite plays for a long time! I think it's also important to mention that for an actor to be able to successfully play a character in such a convincing way as to grab the attention of a theatre full of people, with simply the smallest inclination of their head or averted gaze of their eyes, you know you have a great actor under your hands. It's a real test of talent and Benedict definitely proved his worth!

http://vimeo.com/67405992

Gig Review: Ed Sheeran

 

You simply can't underestimate nor belittle the talent compressed into one venue when you are witness to one of the most profound and electrifying artists smashing the charts right now. That artist is Ed Sheeran. Last Sunday I camped out since 4am (dedication at its best) to see Ed at his second show in Birmingham (NEC). Ultimately the queuing is a bore, particularly when the doors are about to open and you're clustered within a group of people who are more than happy to push you out of the way just to get to the front first. Fear not, this was only the entrance to the venue, not the actual room. When it came to getting into the arena, security had us walk in a single line before we could disperse to whatever point in the line we desired most. Organised and systematic, the structure was well thought-out.

First act up was Jamie Lawson. Significantly serene, his voice had me lulled into wonder as he called out songs of his own and began to make a connection with the audience. Shortly followed by this was Saint Raymond-a spark in the bonfire. I had already heard of Raymond's work before the gig and just like many acoustic songs, his music has solid, steady beats and a rhythmic tune which is simply enjoyable to listen to. However at the concert Raymond completely smashed this and crashed out lucid tunes with erratic beats. Not only was Raymond's passion evident through his singing but also in his body language. There is nothing more enthralling than being able to see an artist stand up on stage, crunching their eyes in concentration and embracing their guitar whilst pumping their body to sound of their music playing out through the speakers. Adrenaline coursed through my veins and it was a good job, because Ed was next,

When Ed arose on stage, the arena instantly became one. Animated and enthralled Ed's mere presence caused hands to rise in unison as he cast a downwards stroke on his guitar and strummed his way to the song 'I'm A Mess'. One of the most effective things about an Ed concert that you need to know, and if you have never been to one of his concerts, something you ought to know, is that Ed doesn't just recite his songs but he transforms them, adding ad libs here and there and adding pulse to the beats much like a DJ does when he/she edits a song. This show was no different. You can really feel him put his heart and soul into the music, making every show unique. Even with slow songs such as 'Bloodstream' Ed had the chorus sounding more like a club classic than a soothing tune. With arms raised, ready for them to bounce over our heads, a sense of unity and love for the music had me feeling that the arena was bursting with life and just like family, we shared a bond, simply because of how profound an effect this one man had on us all.

It wasn't just the music that had me screaming until my voice gave way. Digital graphics, and moving images were projected onto a series of screens behind Ed as he sang. Some were more artsy and interesting than others whilst some graphics had instant links to the songs. For example, when 'I See Fire' was played, footage of the mighty Smaug from The Hobbit was presented. Being a geek and insane fan of Tolkein's work there was hardly a moment for me to be rendered silent as already the outcries and moans of joy took over.

At the end of it all, this was a prodigiously phenomenal experience that I definitely recommend any one going to see. Even if you only feel an ambivalence towards Ed or you think his music is fairly okay, there is no doubt in my mind that venturing out to a concert will leave you with a higher appreciation for this singer who once struggled for audience appeal but is now selling out arenas across the world-a house-hold name with the potential to go beyond our expectations and more.

Friday 3rd October! Lewis Watson Gig

Hello! So on Friday, as it says in the title, I went to see Lewis Watson at the institute in Birmingham. I've made a video where I talk about it for a bit, mentioning the amazing support acts, Andreas Moe and Amber Run. I filmed it on Saturday so when I say the gig was yesterday I mean Friday. Plus I apologize for some very incoherent and perplexing sentences, trust me i'm just about getting used to talking to a camera :P Also i'm aware that most of the time i'm talking about why I love music so although the video does include me talking about the gig it did allow me to speak about how the gig has helped show me that I am passionate about music and the idea of a career working in music.

Ok, so this video may bore you, in which case i'm sorry but if you happen to listen for a little bit I would be more than grateful! :D

Album Review: No Sound Without Silence by The Script

After 2 years lost without the distinguished sound of Irish pop/rock group, The Script, we can finally burst out an elated hell yeah as the band have now released their latest album, No Sound Without Silence. Whilst The Script have held on tight to an almost indie/rock sound defining their distinctive style down to a tea, with songs like Man on a Wire and Without These Songs, they've branched out, favourably creating songs with different themes to appeal to virtually anyone. You have sweet songs like Never Seen Anything "Quite Like You" which contrasts with lyrical, evocative tracks such as Flares, that connects particularly with individuals who've had a troubled background, telling them that there is someone out there to help, they’re not alone and that they can fight the weakness that threatens to consume them. Hail Rain or Sunshine is jovial, genial and strongly rooted with a Celtic- folk background. You can imagine going to a party/club and using the song to cajole someone to dance, the way you urge your mates to get off their butts and dance because what's the point in a party if you don't enjoy yourself?

It's not just these few tracks that illuminate the adulation truly deserved of this album. The latest single, superheroes, is electric; if you simply plug your headphones in and sit listening to this song you're bound to be itching to move, to raise your hand in the air and rock it above you head, shaking your head like this is the first song you can really connect to with serious conviction.

Of course what I’m saying is all very positive and I don't expect you to relate to my stories or in any way feel strongly towards the music; after all it's only my opinion. But then aren't all reviews just opinionated comments by the writer?

If the artwork is enough to enthral the senses, then the beguiling beauty of this album is sure to have you lulled by this band's soulful sound. Public opinion can attest to its brilliance having shown that within the first week of release No Sound Without Silence was able to hit Number 1. Take a chance, listen to this album and revel in the artistry of these talented artists; it would be a shame if anyone were to push that away.

Single Review: Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart) by The Vamps

You either love them or you hate them. That’s how it seems to go, at least in a lot of peoples’ opinions The Vamps are simply regarded as another ‘boy band’,  apparently with a degenerative music taste and style, or as other people would have it: no talent at all. You can say what you like about this band, but a lack of talent is not one of them, unless you’re prepared to be countered. The Vamps, like many artists to hit the charts, have a sound that is instantly recognisable. 

Expressive and uplifting, Oh Cecilia is without a doubt a perfect song bound to surpass the top 10, even hitting the top 3. It’s energetic and just as with all of The Vamps songs, can either put you into a state of repose or a frenzy of euphoria and the latter is most often the case. It’s all good explaining how the lyrical nature of the song makes it pleasurable to listen to but as a concern, plagiarism takes place where we find that the chorus has been taken from the song Cecilia by Simon & Garfunkel. It’s seems obvious that management must have paid off the rights to use part of such a big song however the question still remains, did they have the right to put in half of their own work leaving the remainder of the song written by others who may have been considered harder working than these 4 guys? I’m not going to discredit The Vamps because the song is still effortless and beautifully constructed. Yet whether we can call it purely an act of their own creativity and intuitiveness we have yet to decide. Available for pre-order now, Oh Cecilia is due for release 12^th October, available on iTunes here.

Single Review: The Nights by Avicii

Swedish DJ Avicii, worldly acclaimed in his profession, has released news only recently that not only will he be releasing a new album (Stories) but new track, The Nights, set to feature on the Official FIFA 15 Soundtrack. What’s characteristically remarkable and effectively impressive about Avicii’s songs is that he sustains the ability to create powerfully anthemic dance tracks and he certainly doesn’t disappoint us here. Featuring the conventionally typical chanting of a thousand fans, chorusing one another in a moment of shared bliss for pride in their favourite team, The Nights captivates the optimism of the common football fan, smashing this with the love of a committed music enthusiast to crash forward a song anyone can appeal to. If you’re a fan of former hits, Addicted to You and Wake Me Up, then this is a song you’ll relish and appreciate tenfold. Ok, so you’ve heard the good points but what’s wrong it? If you despise techno music, or any form of music that now fine-tunes the meaning of festival spirit then you’re not going to enjoy this track. Luckily for you, there is only a small percentage of people who find that this is the case. 

Single Review: Blame It on Me by George Ezra

I’m sure you’ll agree that as an up and coming artist George Ezra is definitely set to be another favourite. He could run rings around the charts with his voice, unique as the likes of artists such as Sam Smith and John Newman, both of whom have consistently made the top 10 and obviously favourites in the public’s eye. Following on from the success of debut single, Budapest, George brings forward the insatiably catchy song, Blame It on Me. This tuneful track is beautifully euphonious; the combination of acoustic guitar, rubbing mixture of synth sounds, soft drum beats and naturally lyrical sounds like the clapping of hands, and the clicking of fingers come together to form a modern twist on folk music. Admirably, to be able to make a mainstream song from this stylised ‘genre’ is commendable. Despite what we love about this, the start as you may criticise, sounds like a retro TV show opening. Cheesy as that may sound, the moment George’s strong, and yet irresistibly rustic voice pushes its way through, that thought is instantly obliterated. In truth, everyone has their own thoughts on music which may cause you to pass this song off, however I’d say that even if acoustic/pop music isn’t your thing, this is definitely worth a listen to.