Video Nice, Video Nasty Special: The Noughties (According to Me)

Clips, Music, Miscellany from Everybody's Favourite Tube

Party like it's 2009!

2000

Ah! The new millennium! The beginning of a new chapter in the book of human history. Apart from my dad stocking up tins of food and water, I don't remember any real worries over the Millennium Bug; do you? I cared more about the election of an Idiot Cheating Warmonger as Leader of the Free World. I was right to be worried.

A shame the protesters didn't succeed, no? Having said that, he did manage to make himself the most unpopular president in modern history, so it just goes to show that some sayings can ring true: "Give him enough rope..." Meanwhile, a year earlier, Robbie Williams was revelling in the postmodern joy that was the oncoming turn of the century. Watch and see how many references you can pick out - both visually and from the lyrics - from his innovative masterpiece, helpfully titled Millennium, in case we didn't get it.

2001

Well, I think we all know which event dominated this year. I remember watching that second plane hit the tower. 'Nuff said, huh?

2001 was also the year I was introduced to Coldplay. This song takes me right back to that autumn.

2002

The only event I can remember of this year was the return of the Musical Movie in Chicago. Oh, I love this musical; and I loved the film!

All of this meaning, of course, that this year gets two songs thrown in. Ha! Good; the songs are easier to find. Who remembers this mix classic which brought Elvis back?

2003

While strange things were happening in world politics, as we embarked on an illegal war, television was becoming even stranger. I know the American soaps bring characters back from the dead all the time; but EastEnders? I couldn't believe it, but despite the plot stretching further than Dawn French's knickers, it was dealt with superbly - especially by Letitia Dean, the actress playing Den's daughter Sharon. The return was short-lived, though, due to Leslie Grantham's bad behaviour. Den was killed off for good only two years later.

The following song revived the term Diva to modern music. I'm not even a big fan of hers, but I can't ignore the fact that the woman can put on a show. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Ms Beyonce Knowles

2004

Call me an old commie, but I couldn't help include the glorious victory of the Spanish Socialist Party in the general election held early this year. Sure, the victory could be atributed to the terrorist bombings in Madrid and the Conservative PP's lies about it a few days before the elections, but the Party has done a lot of good things for Spain ever since.

I have already professed my love for George Michael's Music, and I think he's amazing (poor segue, I know, but it's late and I need to get ready for the New Year party).

2005

Ridiculously, I cared about only one thing, this year. The return of my favourite television programme ever.

This was the song of my summer. I've loved Gorillaz ever since.

2006

A year after I come out - and nearly forty years after the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the country - gay people in the UK are finally able to have their relationships legally recognised via Civil Partnerships. Though full marriage equality is still yet to come to Britain. I don't know the men in the video below, but it's such a beautiful little snippet, wouldn't you agree?

I hate Justin Timberlake with an unrivalled passion, but I just couldn't get enough of this song, and it's haunted me ever since its release.

2007

We were all jumping for joy at the prospect of Tony Blair's exit from Downing Street. However, on the day, I almost began to miss him, as I realised who would be replacing him. Mr Brown promised a government of change. Well...

Before the whole world loved Amy Winehouse, I loved her. By the time the world did love Amy, she was a mess, but she still has the best voice our generation.

2008

We survived George W Bush. We welcomed Barack Obama into our consciousness. An historic win, and perhaps a dividing line in world political history. Time will tell. Too many clichés in that one, I think.

I exited the world of English-language music for a year and discovered Nena Daconte. When I arrived in Madrid in late September, every single club and bar was playing this song.

2009

The defining moment of the year? Well, I couldn't say. There are still three hours left. However - just as in 2001 - I think I will never forget the night I watched the rolling news coverage of Michael Jackson's death. The Last Great Superstar of the 20th Century had gone.

And finally, an unusual choice for the end of the decade, but with all the saturated, factory-produced pop being churned out of Simon Cowell's arsehole, I couldn't help but revel in Rage Against the Machine's Christmas Number One Single, having nothoing to do with Christmas. Wonderful! I don'teven like the song, but anything is better than yet another X Factor winner...

So, this is it, then. 2009 over. The noughties over. The beginnings of a new decade. But what will the new decade bring? Well, don't ask me, 'cos I don't flipping know: let's just enjoy the party!

Happy New Year!

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

Still Jolly!

Christmas has continued to be a time of fun and frolicks. After paying a long-awaited and eagerly-anticipated visit to one of my best friends, and fellow blogger Garçon Stupide, I hotfooted it down to Stamford Hill and spent Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day with more of my best friends. As you can see, much food was gorged, much drink was quaffed, much jollity was had and many smiles were held for several photos.

I hope your Christmas was just as good. Here's to New Year's Eve!

Merry Christmas!

Concert Review: The Pet Shop Boys

The Pet Shop Boys, O2 Arena (London), 21/12/09

Before I begin, you ought to understand two things: 1) My overwhelming bias in favour of the Pet Shop Boys; and 2) How I came to attend the final show of Pandemonium, their latest tour.

My Friend (in a text message): Hello. What are your thoughts on the Pet Shop boys? ASAP

Me (in the same format): I think they're brilliant. Absolutely fantastic. Why?

My Friend: Question two. Are you free tomorrow evening? 5ish onwards.


Me: If this is going where I think it is going, then I can MAKE myself free! In London in the morning, but can return anytime...

My Friend: How about you stay in London, and then come and see them at the O2. With me. For Free.

Me: Err... YES!

And that's how I came to be standing in the pit of the arena, staring at Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe do their amazing thing for two glorious hours, a few days before Christmas.

Those boys have still got it. They know how to put on a show. Everything was perfectly crafted in order to provide a sensory overload which was just on the right side of bewildering. Between the music, the distinctive personas of the Boys, the projections and lighting, and the choreography in certain songs, the audience were never allowed to even take their eyes away.

All the classic hits were played, some with modern twists. I particularly liked the Soviet motif used in the video to Go West (itself a song originally by The Village People about the relative liberal West Coast of America, particularly San Francisco) being updated to that of a Chinese theme, with two dancers even mocking the planned-to-perfection Olympic opening and closing ceremonies in Beijing. Neil and Chris's popular double-act was kept in place, the latter remaining silent throughout the entire concert. The costumes used for the performers were funny, interesting and innovative, while the staging was nothing short of impressively resourceful: I've never seen so many white boxes used so effectively. At certain points they were projection screens - particularly touching when Dusty Springfield's section of the original video was projected fully at the back of the stage in a poingant homage during the song What have I Done to Deserve This - and at other points they were props; or even stacked upon each other to become part of the stage.

The Boys also gave a nod to Coldplay by covering Viva La Vida in such a way as to make me seriously consider whether Coldplay had actually covered The Pet Shop Boys. Finally, the second (yes, second) encore was a rendition of It Doesn't Often Snow at Christmas, their latest single, accompanied by - wait for it - dancing Christmas trees! I kid you not: just look at the photo below if you don't believe me.

With such great, intelligent and catchy songs and a show so entertaining - both superficially as well as intelectually - how could one not love The Pet Shop Boys?

Dancing Christmas Trees!

Concert Review: Ojos de Brujo

Ojos de Brujo, Brighton Dome, 29/11/09

What better way to end my birthday week than with a bit of live music from one of my favourite Spanish groups. I first heard Ojos de Brujo when I was 17; still studying intermediate Spanish, and watching TVE, the only Spanish international TV station, courtesy of my grandmother’s digital satellite box. Every Sunday, a music show similar to Top of the Pops would come on, and since I figured that learning the lyrics to songs would help me improve my level, as well as find some new music to listen to, I became a regular viewer. Thanks to that programme, I discovered Julieta Venegas, Alejandro Sanz, Soraya Arnelas, Jarabe de Palo and quite a few others. Not all of them are the crème de la crème of musical arts, but it was all part of a vital education in being able to understand not just Spanish, but the way that native speakers would manipulate their language to create (mostly) interesting lyrics. This is why I was fascinated by Sultanas de merkaillo, which was the first song by Ojos de Brujo I ever heard, and which still remains my favourite.

Put simply, the show was excellent. A classic blend of hits and material from the group's latest album. A particular highlight was the use of a flamenquera, that is, a female flamenco dancer who appeared throughout the concert, each time in a different costume. The atmosphere was vibrant and eclectic, just like Ojos de Brujo's own music. The audience was made up of people of all nationalities, though the majority of people were, unsurprisingly, Spanish: oh, it took me back!

Anyway, the point is I've loved Ojos de Brujo for years, and seeing them live in concert was just as much fun as I had hoped it would be. Now, here are some photos and for you to look at: -

 

 

 

Musical Review: Chicago

Chicago, Brighton Dome, 16/12/09

It isn’t often I get to see a musical performed professionally on stage. I’m not as big a fan of them as I am of straight Drama, anyway, but I will occasionally go crazy for a tune and a dance routine. I can rarely ever afford to see West End Musical Theatre, though; and yet Drama is always a dime a dozen, even in London: why is that? The last time I did go was when Avenue Q came to London, back in 2006.

Chicago is one of my favourite musicals ever, partly because I was hugely impressed by the sight of Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Queen Latifah and even Richard Gere doing star turns in the 2004 Oscar-winning film. Imagine my glee, then, when my housemate – who conveniently works at the Brighton Dome – invited me to see the touring show for free! A perfect addition to what has been fast developing into my Best Christmas Ever.

However, things went wrong as soon as I asked for a programme. In my opinion, £5 is a lot to ask for what is essentially a book of adverts and promotions with a bit of cast and crew information and director’s notes thrown in. Of course, I didn’t fork out the cash for it, and therefore my references to performers will have to be confined to naming the characters.

All in all, the show was entertaining and enjoyable; but how much of my enjoyment came from my love of the musical, rather than the production itself. The fact is that the performances were pretty dull and uninspired. The force of Chicago lies in the strength of the four principal characters: Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly, Billy Flynn and Matron “Mama” Morton. Unfortunately, none of these performers played their roles with gusto or passion. The satire and burning sexuality with which the characters are meant to brim was absent. Even Gary Wilmot, that classic West End veteran, was pretty boring.

For all my complaints, the blame can only be laid squarely at the door of the director; for it was clearly a mixture of low production values and clumsy choreography which point to the lack of enthusiasm of the director and not necessarily the fault of the cast themselves.

It’s a shame I didn’t leave with a great big smile on my face – by the interval the only word I could use to describe the experience was “underwhelming” – but there were some highlights. “The Press Conference Rag”, “I Can’t Do It Alone” and “Class” were well sung with strong choreography, and most of the show was mildly enjoyable, but the show just didn’t sizzle with the sassiness necessary. Nonetheless, I got to see it for free, so it wasn’t all bad. At least I’m not out of pocket and artistically insulted...

It's That Time, Again!

Something's happened to me, this year. Well, several things have happened to me over the year, but that will be covered nearer the end of the month. What I'm specifically referring to is my sudden excitement over the advent of Christmas. I'm serious: I'm in the mood for Christmas!

It all started a couple of months ago, when I suggested to my housemates that we have a meal to celebrate Christmas in the last week of term before the vacation. On Tuesday we got together, chipped in some money to buy a whole load of food for the meal, and drank mulled wine and ate mince pies while watching Oliver! which although not specifically a Christmas film, it's the musical most suited to Christmas in our collection: it's Dickens, it's Victorian London, and it has singing and dancing cockneys in it!

From then on, it was downhill for my usual sense of restraint. All this week, I've been unusally affectionate to my friends and classmates, wishing them a Merry Christmas, and even being visibly excited for the oncoming  holidays. I'm currently sitting in my living room, surrounded by card, coloured paper and assorted stationery making - yes, making - my own Christmas Cards. I've gone mad.

I must make it clear to any new readers (yeah, 'cos there are so many of you...), I don't hate festivity. I love to throw a good party, especially if it is for my birthday; and I've yet to have a bad New Year's Eve. I just hate Christmas, mainly because of how fake it all is. People pretend that they are happy for a few days, surround themselves with their families (often the people most responsible for unhappiness) and force pleasantries out in order to keep peace. Which is why, for the last few years, I decided to spend Christmas on my own. I loved it: no pressure to do certain things with certain people, no arguments (I always get my way, anyway), and no sharing of food. I was eating that pork (I hate turkey) for days.

I have a feeling there are several reasons why I am more positive about Christmas, this year. Firstly, I didn't spend last Christmas on my own in Madrid, but rather spent the day with my friend's family. Not only was that a wonderful gesture greatly appreciated, but it also helped me realise that Christmas can genuinely be a fun time for all the family. Secondly, a similar thing is happening this year: my friend Sophie is having a few friends over to her house for Christmas, since not all of her family will be at home. Sophie and I have had a difficult year: she is one of my colsest friends, but we fell out back in Easter and didn't speak to each other until I returned to the UK. It's all fine, now, but it's especially good to know that we have recovered our friendship to the point that we'll be exchanging presents on Christmas Day, the ultimate symbol of putting the past behind us. Another reason is that I have been feeling so happy, lately, and I have had such a good 2009 - indeed, such a good decade - I'll be toasting it and hoping that the good feeling continues well into 2010.

Time for a brief aside. It's just occurred to me that 2010 will be the end of my formal education, and hopefully the beginning of my career as an actor. Since I'll be making applications for Drama Schools in January, if I get in and begin in September, my adulthood really will have begun. Scary and exciting, huh?

Finally, on probably the least personal note, I'm excited for Christmas because it means only one thing as far as my television viewing habits are concerned: Doctor Who and EastEnders Christmas Specials! With the noted absence of the former, and the resurgence in quality of the latter, I cannot wait for the production teams to pull out their big guns and show us what they have in store.

So, that's it. Christmas is going to be fantastic, I'm excited, and I don't care who knows it!

All The World's A Stage

Cabaret Brecht: Brighton, 17th - 21st November 2009

Plays poems and songs by the great artist and agitator, Bertolt Brecht, performed in an intimate cabaret setting with live piano accompaniment.

A rare chance to see lesser known material by one of the most important and influencial theatre makers of the 20th Century.

Brecht ended his artistic life as head of his own internationally renowned touring company, The Berliner Ensemble, but began it writing songs and skits for the Berlin cabaret circuit, some of which he performed himself. The development of his own theatre was influenced by notorious cabaret starts such as the clown Karl Valentin, who used picture cards to comment on the action in his scenes and wrote satirical songs in verse that critiqued the society and politics of the day.

Brecht was a prolific writer and collaborator, compiling a large body of work throughout his lifetime. As well as the plays for which he is famous, he also wrote simple and striking poetry. The Threepenny Opera, his well known collaboration with composer Kurt Weill, was only one of many such collaborations with other influential composers such as Hanns Eisler and Paul Dessau.

Cabaret Brecht weaves together some of this fantastically rich and entertaining material. This is a great introduction to his work and a must see for anyone who has ever been intrigued by Brecht and the versions of the world he puts before us on the stage.

That was the publicity, now for some photos of myself and my fellow cast-members in performance...