18/05/2019 by Peter Viney
The 60s retrospectives again. Three in three days. When the physio says I should spend at least two hours every afternoon with my operated leg elevated, it’s a chance to extend the series. This time it’s Blake Edwards THE PARTY (linked) starring Peter Sellers from 1968. It’s held to be another influential movie, bridging Jacques Tati before and Mr Bean afterwards. Trouble is, Peter Sellers in brown face make up playing an inept Indian actor.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Blake Edwards, Claudine Longet, Peter Sellers | Leave a Comment »
17/05/2019 by Peter Viney
The 60s Film Retrospective series continues with Nicholas Roeg’s 1970 film Performance, (FOLLOW LINK) starring Mick Jagger, James Fox and Anita Pallenberg. It was filmed in 1968, but the studio was so shocked that its release was delayed two years. Launched to horrendous reviews, it became a cult classic and one of the most influential films from its era. The 60s series will be continuing rapidly with additions while I recuperate from a knee operation so can’t do theatre or current film!
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Anita Pallenburg, Anthony Mrton, Donald Cammell, James Fox, John Bindon, Johnny Shannon, Michele Breton, Mick Jagger, Nicholas Roeg | Leave a Comment »
15/05/2019 by Peter Viney
Back to my 1960s films revisited series. The Rise & Rise of Michael Rimmer (FOLLOW LINK TO REVIEW) was filmed in 1969, and released in 1970. It stars Peter Cook as the manipulative political pollster who takes over the country and decides to govern by referendum. Yes, that’s why it’s being quoted fifty years later. The comedy is laden with the cream of British comic actors … John Cleese, Arthur Lowe and many others. The review (obviously) mentions Brexit.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Arthur Lowe, Denholm Elliot, Diana Coupland, George A. Cooper, Graham Chapman, Harold Pinter, John Cleese, Kevin Billington, Michael Bates, Peter Cook, Ronald Fraser, Ronnie Corbett | Leave a Comment »
27/04/2019 by Peter Viney
Review of The Unthanks at Wimborne Minster on their 2019 “Unaccompanied As We Are” tour. And they are unaccompanied. A sublime show, with sterling support from Scottish singer-songwriter Tim Dalling.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Becky Unthank, Niopha Keegan, Rachel Unthank, The Unthanks | Leave a Comment »
19/04/2019 by Peter Viney
Having watched David Attenborough on Climate Change last night, we discussed it at length and I realized how often I’ve ranted on the same stuff, so I thought writing it down might at least spare the family having to listen again … LINK TO MY RANT. Comments are enabled if you want to make them.
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18/04/2019 by Peter Viney
Review added of the latest animation from Laika Studio, MISSING LINK (er, linked). Visually stunning and there are plenty of jokes for the accompanying adults. Highy recommended.
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12/04/2019 by Peter Viney
Review of the third RSC play, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (Linked). The RSC have reversed the roles. This is England, 1591 and it’s a matriarchy. All the male roles are now female, and Katherine and Bianca (Bianco) are now men. It’s not “gender blind” but a rethink of the play in a world where women had all the power. And it’s absolutely wonderful! We loved it.
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12/04/2019 by Peter Viney
The second of three plays in Stratford, AS YOU LIKE IT (linked). Some new variations on lines and scenes, as expected at the RSC. All RSC Shakespeare is unmissable …
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Amelia Donkor, Antony Byrne, David Ajao, Emily Johnstone, Kimberley Sykes, Laura Elsworthy, Leo Wan, Lucy Phelps, Sandy Grierson, Sophie Khan Levy, Sophie Stanton | Leave a Comment »
11/04/2019 by Peter Viney
Review of Kunene and The King (LINKED) at the Royal Shakespeare Company. 2019. A dying white South African actor (Antony Sher) and his African carer (John Kani). John Kani wrote it. A powerful play, which also manages to be controversial AND funny.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Antony Sher, John Kani | 1 Comment »
04/04/2019 by Peter Viney
This 1963 film, SPARROWS CAN’T SING, featuring many of the later British sitcom stars, led by Carry On films Barbara Windsor has been added to the 60s Retrospective film reviews. It’s there because I was interested in Joan Littlewood and the Theatre Workshop which provided almost the entire cast.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Arthur Mullard, Barbara Windsor, Brian Murphy, George Sewell, Harry H. Corbett, James Booth, Joan Littlewood, Murray Melvin, Roy Kinnear, Stephen Lewis, Victor Spinetti | Leave a Comment »
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