10/10/2026 by Peter Viney
Another one in the 60s Retrospective review series. Bryan Forbes directed THE L-SHAPED ROOM in 1962 (follow link to review) and Leslie Caron picked up two major awards in the lead role. A great trio of character actresses embellish the film: Avis Bunnage, Pat Phoenix and Cicely Courtneidge. This was another in the BFI Vintage Classics Blu-Ray series, which is the very best way of seeing these 60s classics.
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09/10/2026 by Peter Viney
Emma Rice’s production of TRISTAN & YSEULT (follow link to review) in its 2026 touring version, reviewed at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford. The tour goes on intermittently till April 2027. This is one of the most influential plays of the 21st century. It seems to get even better. Great cast, great choreography, great music. See the review.
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05/10/2026 by Peter Viney
Another review in the series of Film” 60s retrospectives. This time it’s John Schlesinger’s A KIND OF LOVING (follow link).
It was based on Stan Barstow’s kitchen sink novel from 1960, and scripted by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall. It starred Alan Bates, June Ritchie and Thora Hird. We saw it in the BFI crisp restored version, and it looks great. It’s at the upper end of the genre for quality too.
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30/09/2026 by Peter Viney
The third A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM of 2026 reviewed (follow link) This is at Chichester Festival Theatre and is a major production, It’s a radical new version, set in 1994 in Sussex. Theseus and Hippolyta are Conservative politicians and Raves have just been banned. The lovers end up at the rave, run by rich Bohemians, Titania and Oberon. The ‘rude mechanicals’ are the local Young Conservative Association, with Bottom the Video Rental’s Shop Owner. It’s very different, but then the Dream can be. See the review.
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27/09/2026 by Peter Viney
Review of the London African Gospel Choir with PAUL SIMON’S GRACELAND REIMAGINED (follow link) at Poole Lighthouse, 26th September 2026. They’ve been touring this with 23 performers since 2016, on and off. It was a sold out show, an exuberant performance, and they went down very well. BUT … my review is sadly, negative, I thought the sound balance was really bad, and sorry, their performances were a travesty on the original songs. There you go. I hate doing bad review, but if you don’t give an honest opinion, then the vast majority of good reviews don’t count.
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19/09/2026 by Peter Viney
Review of the 2026 production of AS YOU LIKE IT at Shakespeare’s Globe. Follow the link. This is the fourth good comedy at The Globe this year, they seem to be on a roll. It runs till late October too. There were lots of empty seats on Friday afternoon, as the season draws to a close, You can easily get in and standing is a fiver. It’s set in the 18th century and it’s innovative and an unusual take … not a radical one. It’s true to text. The cast shone, especially Lola Shalan as Rosalind and Jonnie Broadbent as Touchstone. Gracie Oddie-James was a memorable Celia.
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17/09/2026 by Peter Viney
A new “rant” added on tea and coffee and preferences. This was inspired by Paul ranting about preferences for tea and coffee, which made me think of the topic further. Take a look. LINK CLICK HERE TO TEAS & COFFEE. I don’t think it’s social class at all. I think it’s down to eras.
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15/09/2026 by Peter Viney
Review of PRESSURE (follow the link) featuring Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon, Chris Messina, Damian Lewis. We saw David Haig’s original stage play. This film about a tiny but vital piece of the jigsaw leading to D-Day in 1944 is essential viewing. At the cinema if you can.
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13/09/2026 by Peter Viney
Follow the link to TARTUFFE (REMIXED) at the Marylebone Theatre in London. It’s adapted from Molière by Darren Raymond and features Mark Rylance in the role of the “Imposter.” Here, Pastor Blake. It’s nearly sold out, so hurry. The theatre’s in a great location and is comparatively new. It’s set with two families, one Nigerian, one Jamaican. Have a look at the review.
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11/09/2026 by Peter Viney
Review added of RICHARD THOMPSON with ZARA PHILLIPS at Poole Lighthouse 10th September 2026. (follow link). A chance to see one of the legends of popular music in concert, solo with Zara Phillips accompanying half the show.
Holly Carter was a fine support act. Both reviewed.
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