Published in The Observer March 29, 2020
When #MeToo broke, it wasn’t just about high-profile cases of abuse – it felt like a new light being shone on all past interactions, allowing us to see them differently. Everywhere you saw women talking feverishly to each other, you knew it would be about this creepy boss, or that older guy.
Continue reading “Review: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell”Published in Time Out June 20, 2019
Really, what is the point? Why stage this? I write with weariness, not anger. Because it’s all too tiresome, and too predictable. Turns out, nope, we really didn’t need a Harvey Weinstein play, written by a man and from a male perspective. The whole thing leaves you feeling… grubby.
Continue reading “Review: Bitter Wheat, Garrick Theatre”Published by Oh Comely in June 5, 2019
A comedian and actor, Doon Mackichan has worked as a stand-up and in influential TV comedies such as The Day Today, Brass Eye and Smack the Pony.
Continue reading “A chat with Doon Mackichan”Published in The Independent February 15, 2019
“To anyone I have ever hurt, however unintentionally, I apologise deeply and unreservedly.” So tweeted Ryan Adams when The New York Times article on the singer-songwriter’s alleged sexual misconduct and manipulative behaviour towards women was published this week. His forthcoming album has been pulled; he’s reportedly being investigated by the FBI over the allegations that he exchanged explicit messages with an underage girl.
Continue reading “The Ryan Adams revelations are all too familiar. Time’s up for the tortured male genius myth”‘Remember us from your GCSEs?’
It’s Henry VIII’s six wives – and they’re back, bitch, to re-tell ‘her-story’ as a slick, sassy girl band. Think Euro-pop remixes of ‘Greensleeves’, Anne Boleyn spouting tweenage text-speak (‘everybody chill/it’s totes God’s will’), and K-Howard warbling #MeToo tales of gropey employers. Continue reading “Review: Six the Musical, Arts Theatre”
“The works shall speak for themselves.” So wrote Artemisia Gentileschi in 1649, in a letter to a patron acknowledging her rare position in the art world at that time: a painter, and a woman. Although all too aware that she had a harder job being taken seriously, she had faith in her talent, her work. Continue reading “The artist who triumphed over her shocking rape and torture”
Looking back at her first play, Vicky Jones says: “I don’t think I’ve written anything as brutal since,” before adding: “I’m sort of appalled and proud at the same time.” Continue reading “Fleabag’s Vicky Jones: ‘After #MeToo, I feel people are more ready to talk’”
The Writer opens with a crackling interaction between a young woman and an older man. He’s a director, she’s a writer. He has the power – and he’s turned on by the commercial potential of her rage. Continue reading “‘Dismantle capitalism and overturn the patriarchy’: Why The Writer is more than just a #MeToo play”
When Soprano Danielle de Niese was asked to present a televised singing competition, The Glyndebourne Opera Cup for young performers, the decision was a no-brainer. “Of course I was going to say yes. I am literally married to this place: in my heart, artistically, and also because of Gus.” Continue reading “Opera star Danielle de Niese: ‘It’s good to put a modern face on opera’”