With ever evolving lockdowns, I spent a lot of 2020 house bound. And so I didn’t have much to blog about. However, I decided during this time to learn a new skill: graphic illustration through software.
I’ve always had an interest in sketching with paper and pencil but I have always had a fascination for artwork created with software. However, I had no idea where to start. And so, after much googling, I purchased a cheap graphic tablet and started tinkering away trying to draw illustrations onscreen.
After I got a feel for it, I decided to set myself a goal, to write and illustrate a children’s book for my niece for Christmas.
After many drafts, I created a character based on my niece, drawn in the style of the LOL dolls she loves so much. The story came next, based on a family trip we took to Portrush in January 2020.
After lots of drawing hours, and proofing, Boo Bear and the Bug Go On An Adventure was finally ready for print. I got a small print run commissioned with Belfast-based Kaizen Print.
I have to admit I was so excited when I picked up the hard copy books from the printer in November. They looked better than expected and I have to say this was undoubtedly one of my proudest moments of 2020.
Anyway, here are a few snaps of the book. And who knows, maybe the Boo Bear books will become a series.
This Halloween, the Lyric Theatre has the perfect online treat for those looking for a fright: ‘Listen at The Lyric: Ulster After Dark’, a series of especially commissioned audio plays inspired by Ulster folk tales and unexplained real-life experiences.
Directed by Emma Jordan and performed by three of Northern Ireland’s acting greats, Ulster After Dark is comprised of three eerie tales.
First up and setting the tone perfectly is Outside Her. Written by KarisHalsall and performed by the superb Stella McCusker, Outside Her is based on true stories, recounted by Karis’ family from Co. Down. The play opens with Iris telling a terrifying tale from her youth. After the traumatic death of her mother, Iris and her father move to a remote farmhouse, which legend has it was built on a fairy road. Iris, not believing in things that can’t be seen, chalks this up to being nonsense. However when the unexplained phonecalls and strange noises begin, she is forced to re-evaluate if it’s her mother attempting to contact her or something more serious.
Heightening tensions even further is The Familial Binds of Cheiromancy by Kat Woods, performed by the compelling Frankie McCafferty. The play recounts the story of Mark. Following in the family tradition as a psychic and palm reader, Mark decides to abandon his ‘gift’ after a terrible experience, much to his mother’s dismay. However, when Mark tries to make peace with his mother, everything is not as it seems.
Listen at The Lyric: Ulster After Dark concludes with Bad Ground, written by Gary Crossan and performed by the captivating Sean Kearns. This audio play introduces Frank Devine, who has returned to his dilapidated family home in Co.Derry to renovate the building and start a new chapter. Upon the suggestion of his daughter Sarah, Frank keeps an audio diary of his progress. However, after a prolonged of isolation, Frank seems to be chipping away at his sanity as much as he is at the rot of his old family home.
The Listen at the Lyric: Ulster After Dark series, although featuring rehearsed readings which are an evolving work in progress, is a genuinely spooky and captivating showcase. The wonderful direction, high caliber writing bursting with local colloquiums and the natural performances of all of the actors transport the listener to a place where the impossible seems very plausible.
As well as genuinely causing goosebumps, the Listen at the Lyric:Ulster After Dark reaffirms the theatre’s dedication to nurturing creative talent and providing a platform to showcase new work whilst the Lyric remains closed due to the ongoing pandemic.
Listen at the Lyric: Ulster After Dark is an authentically spooky selection of ghost stories which will provide the ultimate treat this Halloween. Prices start at a very reasonable £6, so if you like being scared, you won’t wamt to be tricked into missing it.
‘Listen at the Lyric: Ulster After Dark’ will be available to listen until 2rd November. Tickets are on sale at a standard price of £6 with optional donation tickets available at £12 and £20 to support the Lyric in continuing to produce great theatre during the pandemic.
Actress Stella McCusker with director Emma Jordan. Images courtesy of Johnny Frazer.
I recently went back to school when I registered to attend The University of Wonder and Imagination. Created and directed by Paul BoscoMcEneaney, this fun and interactive hour-long theatre experience uses the magic of technology to deliver an ambitious theatre experience for all ages.
Staged by Cahoots NI as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival, this unique production puts the audience in the director’s chair as the choices you make during the live event, hosted via Zoom, will shape your individual experience.
Orientation comes from the mysterious Professor Bamberg (SeanKearns) who explains the steps of your educational quest. As the audience solves puzzles they are introduced to a range of engaging lecturers in specially themed rooms; as you follow each quest, you could find yourself anywhere across space and time.
Our jam packed semester at The University of Wonder and Imagination saw us take lectures from the intriguing Professor Sharma (LataSharma), magical Professor Danny Carmo (CaolanMcBride), the creative Professor Lola Hurst (PhilippaO’Hara) and the imaginative Professor Wilbert Hoffman (Hugh W. Brown). The result was a mind boggling experience of wonder and illusion.
The University of Wonder and Imagination is unlike anything I have experienced before. Completely immersive, the experience is unconditionally engaging, educational and exciting. The purpose-built set and superb staging combined with the inventive incorporation of technology is revolutionary, showcasing that there is wealth of ingenious opportunities to be explored in the new era of theatre we have found ourselves in.
The University of Wonder and Imagination, which is suitable for ages 7+, runs until 1 November. To book your place and earn your diploma from The University of Wonder and Imagination, visit: cahootsni.com http://cahootsni.com or belfastinternationalartsfestival.com
Theatre has not been the same since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. New approaches have needed to be employed to bring new works to an eager assembly of spectators. To continue to connect with its audiences, the Lyric Theatre has a launched a creative programme of audio plays. Listen at the Lyric offers an exclusive ‘first listen’ of brand-new work from emerging, established and new Northern Ireland writers.
I caught Burnt Out by Gary Mitchell, the second in the series of audio plays. Burnt Out is a dark psychological thriller which follows a couple as their perfect life unravels into a disorientating nightmare of suspicion, paranoia, and intimidation when they unwittingly move to a new home opposite a bonfire site.
Michael (Michael Patrick) and Cheryl (Roisin Gallagher) seemingly have it all: a posh house, good jobs (primary school teacher and salon owner), and 2.4 pets (Lancer the Alsatian and Scamper the cat). But the every day bickers of a married couple turns to something more sinister when they become the focus of attention of Loyalist youths who are guarding the bonfire opposite their house. When their claims that they weren’t responsible for lodging a complaint about the bonfire to the police falls on deaf ears, they soon find themselves the victims of a hate campaign comprising of missing pets, explosions and graffiti.
The couple are torn between seeking help from the police, such as the inane Constable McGoldrick (played superbly by the wonderful Tara LynnO’Neill), and Michael’s brother, Loyalist stalwart Danny (played with ferocity by Packy Lee) and the conniving Leslie (Shannen McNeice). However, as words and actions are twisted, Michael and Cheryl find themselves in a waking nightmare, where their lives unravel faster than you can say ‘get ‘er lit’.
Burnt Out, another shockingly captivating play from Gary Mitchell and directed with aplomb by Dan Gordon, uses dark humour, creative language and excellent performances from all the cast, to tell an enthralling tale which scratches beneath the surface of Northern Ireland in peace times. Much like Michael and Cheryl, the façade looks good, but tension is lurking close to the surface. Fast paced, edgy and perfectly translated for radio, this innovative play will have you ready to close your curtains and hide under the bed. Or that’s maybe just Covid talking. Either way, this is an exquisite piece of theatre, with an ending that will have you completely gripped.
The face of theatre has unquestionably changed as a result of Covid-19. For the time being, group excursions, sell out shows, and opening nights are a no-go. However, the Lyric Theatre, BBC Arts and BBC Northern Ireland, supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, have curated a collection of six new bite-sized drama commissions that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
Initially broadcast on Thursday (25 June) on BBC Two Northern Ireland, Splendid Isolation: Lockdown Drama, boasts commissions from some of Northern Ireland’s biggest names in writing and acting – including the wonderfully talented Lisa McGee (Derry Girls) and the brilliant Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones).
I missed the original broadcast on BBC Two, but thankfully the series is now accessible on BBC iPlayer. A short intro, narrated by Kerri Quinn (a regular treading the Lyric boards and star of Coronation Street and Come Home), paired with footage of a deserted Belfast, perfectly sets up the tone of the theatrical pieces: five minute commissions which explore the positive and negative aspects of social isolation and lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The quality of the writing, acting and directing in each set piece is of a superb quality; the result is a collection of fantastic little gems which pack an emotional punch. The impact of this creative body of work is all the more impressive as it was created and filmed whilst strictly adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Each instalment is remarkable. ‘Just the Two of Us’, written by Sarah Gordon, is a hilariously relatable snap shot into the lives of partners Karen and Simon, who are trying to survive working from home together. Having had to divide our house into two makeshift offices during lockdown, I could completely understand how the Wi-Fi can suddenly become an all-powerful presence in the house, whilst the petulant dynamic between the two protagonists seemed eerily familiar.
Stella McCusker features in ‘A Random Act Of Kindness’.
Isolation has been a major negative of lockdown. However, ‘A Random of Kindness’ written by Owen McCafferty and starring the legendary Stella McCusker, and ‘Best Wishes’ written by Abbie Spallen and featuring David Pearse, are thought-provoking and heart-warming reminders of how a friendly face or an unseen but amiable presence can make a huge difference to those living alone.
David Pearse in ‘Best Wishes’.
Abigail McGibbon features in ‘Love Lockdown’.
Whilst isolation plays a large part of Splendid Isolation: Lockdown Drama, it is refreshing that it also delves into how this unprecedented moment in time has afforded us the opportunity to re-connect. When lockdown brings Gillian’s first love out of the woodwork in David Ireland’s ‘Love Lockdown’, she has to decide whether she wants to see him again, never mind exploring if it is even possible with social distancing restrictions.
Anthony Boyle in Lisa McGee’s ‘The Girl At The Window’.
Whilst there are moments of comedy throughout, there is also melancholy as loss plays a recurring theme. ‘The Girl at the Window’ written by Lisa McGee and featuring award-winning actor Anthony Boyle gave me goosebumps. It tells the story of Jimmy, who is packing up the family home after his father passed away during lockdown. Jimmy becomes obsessed with the girl in the house opposite, who seems to be watching him but is unresponsive to his attempts to communicate. With a powerful performance and an eye-opening twist in the tail, this brief production absolutely blew me away. Likewise, Stacey Gregg’s ‘Wake Cake’, also had a profound effect on me. The emotive material and the stirring performance from Kerri Quinn as a young woman in mourning was a stark and poignant reminder of what loss means post-Covid. With the only option in many cases being to grieve via a Zoom funeral, it gave a face to the startling reality that many people across the country have had to forgo physical support during a time when it is needed the most. Though somber, it was the perfect note to conclude on, emphasising why the extreme measures we have had to endure have, and continue be, so important as we strive to limit the loss of life throughout the pandemic.
Kerri Quinn in Wake Cake.
Splendid Isolation: Lockdown Drama is a creative and inspiring project which delivers very welcome shots of culture to an audience, who like me, have been starved from the lack of real-life theatrical productions. Celebrating local talent, this ambitious project perfectly showcases the resilience of the arts sector and its ability to unequivocally translate everyday experiences into a record that captures a unique moment in time. This is a marvellous exercise in storytelling and collaboration; the result is an imaginative collection of theatrical pieces that can either be devoured whole or savoured at your leisure, but either way, you will feel enriched for having consumed them.
Splendid Isolation: Lockdown Drama will be screened on BBC1 on Wednesday 1 July at 11:20pm and is also available on the BBC iPlayer.
Angst: I am addicted to it. Since I watched My So Called Life as a barely teenager, I was hooked. To this day I still have an emotional reaction when I think of Angela Chase and (the ultimate 90s crush) Jordan Catalano. My addiction was further fuelled by Dawson’s Creek, swiftly followed by Freaks and Geeks. I have always known I get too emotionally invested in fictional characters, and in all these drama series I felt the tension and turmoil on a very real level, whether it was ‘will they, won’t they’ or ‘should they, shouldn’t they’; it mattered to me if Angela and Jordan got together, if Joey dumped Dawson for Pacey or if Lindsay Weir would ever kiss Daniel Desario.
As a teenager the intensity with which you feel is unsurpassable, and I figured my addition to angst would die a death as I got older. Fast forward 20 years, and, if BBC’s Normal People has taught me anything, it’s that my addiction with angst is as strong as ever.
For anyone who hasn’t seen it, Normal People, based on the novel by Sally Rooney, is about the complex relationship between Marianne and Connell – played beautifully by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal. Established when they are teenagers at secondary school in Sligo, their story continues to unfold as they both move to Dublin to study at Trinity. It starts out like many ‘teen’ dramas. Connell is sporty and popular, Marianne is intimidatingly intelligent and an outcast. But that is where the stereotyping ends. Connell is smart and Marianne is vulnerable. And they both are achingly insecure. However, as they begin to find themselves, often through each other, that is where the magic of the drama happens. Across 12 episodes you see these characters grow and evolve. However, life, as it often does, gets in the way. They suffer dramas and traumas. Life is not a fairytale. And the storytelling is all the better for realising that.
This show, although verging on soft porn territory at parts, is a tragic love story that absolutely destroyed me. The characters of Marianne and Connell are, as the name suggests, normal people. They are relatable, likeable but also broken. There is no perfection, just characters who are multi-layered, nuanced and honest. Although, perhaps not always honest with each other. Which creates a wonderful set up for angst; the viewer knows what the characters want, but they are often too afraid to communicate it to each other.
Once again I found myself fiercely invested in fictional characters. I think that is why I love angst so much. It reignites that level of passionate I thought would become relegated to my teenage years. But it also acts as a mirror of self-discovery. It is very easy to be voyeuristic about the experience, but it is also hard to not see yourself in some of the characters’ traits.Rather than urging Marianne and Connell to be more honest about their feelings, it often makes you ponder how honest you are being with yourself – which, in my opinion, can never be a bad thing.
So, whether for Marianne’s wardrobe, the thirst trap of Connell’s chain (check out the instagram if you haven’t already – @connellschain), the haunting soundtrack (relive it at BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p08b2qwp), or the authentic storytelling, Normal People is worth a watch. And, if you are a bit of a sucker for an angsty drama, be prepared to become obsessed with this emotional rollercoaster of a story.
L-R back row: Rebecca Mairs (Lyric Theatre), Lata Sharma, Dominic Montague, Jude Quinn (Amadan Ensemble) and Jimmy Fay (Lyric Theatre). L-R front row: Zara Janahi (Ajendance), Emily Foran, Clare Montgomery (Ajendance), Annika Graham (Ajendance), Gemma Mae Halligan (Amadan Ensemble) and Bronagh McFeely (Lyric Theatre).
I have been impressed and inspired by how swiftly the Northern Irish art scene has evolved and adapted to the new norm during the Coronavirus pandemic. (I would like to say I have also been creative during this time, however, this is my first post in over two months!) From workshops from ArtsEkta (https://www.facebook.com/artsekta1) and Beyond Skin (www.beyondskin.net/online-workshops); and online exhibitions from galleries such as ArtisAnn (https://www.artisann.org/exhibition—belfast-is-my-city.html); to musicians playing live such as the Ulster Orchestra‘s Facebook series #UOletsplayathome (https://www.facebook.com/ulsterorchestra); and authors using online as a medium to reach their audiences, such as award-winning children’s author Oliver Jeffers‘ Stay at Home Storytime every weekday on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/oliverjeffers/), the cultural offering is rich, diverse and engaging.
Another Northern Irish institution which continues to impress is the Lyric Theatre. On Friday they debuted their new online series of performances, New Speak: Re-Imagined. This initiative showcases five exciting and very different artists, working on their own forms, and reacting to the current political, economic and social climate of today. Each of the four weekly instalments debut on a Friday at 7pm on the Lyric’s YouTube channel or at https://lyrictheatre.co.uk/event/new-speak/ and are available to view for a week until the next weekly instalment is unveiled. Episode 1 premiered on Friday 24th April and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. Running just over 20 minutes, the production saw new works from Amadan Ensemble, Dominic Montague, Zara Janahi of Ajendance, Lata Sharma, and Katie Richardson.
Gemma Mae Halligan and Jude Quinn, Amadan Ensemble.
The Great British Lockdown, the opening sketch starring Gemma Mae Halligan and Jude Quinn of Amadan Ensemble, sees children’s entertainer Graham and civil servant Rebecca navigate their way through the pandemic whilst cohabiting. From ensuring they remain the required two meters apart (with the aid of a rope tied around their waists) to keeping their child in his room and feeding him with a bucket pulley system through his window, the result is a hilarious look at our new normal, providing much needed comic relief during these unprecedented times.
Patrick McBrearty (performing Dominic Montague’s Real Talk.
Real Talk, written by Dominic Montague and performed by Patrick McBrearty, is a though-provoking look at the current climate, touching on rationing and naming and shaming anyone acting suspicious in order to gain extra citizen points. The tone and content, although hiding behind a veil of humour, provides a dark commentary reminiscent of an episode of Black Mirror.
Lata Sharma performing Sausage Sodas and Onion Bahjees.
Whilst Real Talk provides a wide scope, Sausage Sodas and Onion Bahjees, written and performed by Lata Sharma, shines a light on the cultural differences which make up Northern Ireland. This is wonderfully highlighted by the ease at which Sharma switches between her Northern Irish accent to the Indian inflection when imitating her mother as she recounted the trials and tribulations of an Indian teenager being raised in Northern Ireland. Whilst seemingly light-hearted, the undercurrent is all the more powerful as the result of the intriguing and captivating delivery.
Zara Janahi (Ajendance).
The dance and musical aspects of this first instalment are truly captivating. The Perception of the World Through My Eyes, performed by Zara Janahi and choreographed by Annika Drennan-Rocke, Clare Montgomery and Zara Janahi, is incredibly relatable. Focusing on the relationship between Mother Nature and humans, the line, “Your actions will determine your fate, not mine – I am Mother Nature” denotes a dystopian future if we don’t change the world. Janahi’s emotive piece perfectly treads the line between vulnerability and dominance with an energy that it is hard to look away from.
Katie Richardson.
The concluding musical number, My Mind is a Weapon, written and beautifully sung by Katie Richardson, featuring an interpretative dance by Ryan O’Neil and Vasiliki Stasinki, is a breath-taking conclusion to the episode. ‘My Mind is a Weapon’ is a rousing anthem, which is riveting and haunting, and left me feeling surprisingly empowered, despite having found ourselves in a situation where the only course of action, is inaction.
New Speak is a skillful and invigorating project that continues to shine a light into our cultural lives even though stages across the world remain in darkness. As well as helping us to re-evaluate our world with fresh eyes, the different perspectives and fresh voices help inspire, comfort and challenge throughout; as a result is does exactly what art should do and makes us re-examine the here and now and look at it with a more open mindset.
You can still catch episode one of New Speak: Re-Imagined here:
Episode two will be screened from 7pm on Friday 1st May. For full listings, visit:
Christmas is my favourite times of year. Although I love the spontaneous nights out, the unexpected catchups with friends and making new memories every year, I also love those traditions which make the festive season complete. Here’s my top 5 traditions that are top of my Christmas list.
1. Christmas production at the Lyric
I love a trip to the Lyric Theatre in Belfast anytime of the year, but for me it does not feel like Christmas without catching the theatre’s Christmas production. This year’s festive offering was Grimes and McKee’s Driving Home For Christmas. Directed by Frankie McCafferty, Driving Home For Christmas sees various travellers finding themselves at the Dander Inn, deep in the Sperrins, on Christmas Eve as the roads become impassable as the result of a ferocious snow storm. As it seems unlikely the weather will clear up, they find themselves facing up to the liklihood of spending Christmas together, with their increasingly strange hosts, Pat and Paddy.
Grime and McKee’s Driving Home For Christmas.
Driving Home For Christmas is a wonderful combination of comedy and drama with just the right amount of musical numbers. The performances from all the cast were superb, though with the multiple role as proprietors of the Dander Inn, Connor Grimes stole the show for me.
After last year’s staging of Bah!Humbug, the standard of expectation was very high. Although Driving Home For Christmas took a while to warm up, it was bursting with laughs, creative staging and twists that’s keep you on your toes throughout. So, if you fancy something a little bit different this Christmas period, be sure to snap up tickets to the Lyric Theatre; Driving Home For Christmas runs until 4 January 2020, the recommended viewing age is for 14 years old +
2. Wrapping presents whilst watching Elf
Elf is one of my favourite festive films. It is fun, colourful and spreads Christmas cheer every year. I have seen the film that many times now, I can almost recite it word for word. It has also got to the stage, much like Will Ferrell’s other comedic masterpiece Anchorman, that I find myself laughing before key moments as I know what’s coming. As I love it so much, every year I love combining a viewing of it with one of my other favourite things to do at Christmas: wrapping presents. By the end, my Christmas cheer levels are through the roof.
If you have not yet watched Elf, or just want to rewatch it, catch it on Christmas Eve on UTV at 5.15pm.
3. Watching It’s A Wonderful Life at QFT
The Queen’s Film Theatre is a wonderful place to visit. This time of year it is even magical, as without fail it adds a screening of my all time favourite festive film to its listing. It’s A Wonderful Life, featuring the superb James Stewart, tells the story of George Bailey, who after problem and problem befalls him, begins to question if taking his own life is his only solution. After his guardian angel Clarence is sent to earth, he aims to show George what the world would be like without him.
It’s A Wonderful Life, whilst not a cookie cutter happy film, never fails to send me away with a smile on my face; George Bailey is a good man who goes above and beyond for those he loves and it’s hard not to get invested in his fate. With themes of friends, family and loyalty, set against Christmas, it’s the perfect film for this time of year.
It’s A Wonderful Life runs at the QFT until Christmas eve 2019.
4. Having a chimney cake at the Belfast Christmas Market
Christmas is a time for sugar and one of the things I love most about the festive season is my annual trip to the Belfast Christmas Market for my annual Chimney Cake. Originally a Hungarian street snack, the chimney cake has a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Coated in cinnamon and sugar and filled with ice cream, fudge and chocolate brownies, it is pure decadence and one of the things I look forward to every Christmas.
At the Belfast Christmas Market for my annual Chimney Cake.
5. Family time
My all time favourite thing about Christmas is getting to spend time with the family. The big day itself is filled with calling at different houses, delivering presents and spending quality time with loved ones. As the family make up changes, Christmas day traditions continue to change and evolve but as long it’s filled with family, good food, a few drinks, love and laughter, my wish list is complete.
The beginning of Christmas traditions, big sister Gail (left) and me.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your festive traditions, whatever they may be.
In the 90s my sister and I spent countless hours surfing music channels. Whilst my go to was MTV2, which played everything from Smashing Pumpkins to Willie Mason, Gail’s was MTV Dance, which soared from Chicane and BT to Faithless. Dance anthems were never my thing, I preferred lyrics over beats, but the older I get, the fonder I become of the tunes that were once inflicted on me during my teenage years. They make me feel nostalgia for a simpler time and they incite joy in me as they remind me of my favourite – and, ahem, only – big sister. So, last week (this unfortunately has taken me a while to post), I attended my first ever Lush! Classical at the SSE Arena. I attended, with Gail, of course, as well as my bro-in-law Alan and a few mates including Kyle who was instrumental in securing us a spot in the Golden Circle. Though the tickets were slightly more expensive, they were worth it as they included access to the Golden Circle bar, meaning you didn’t miss any action on stage.
The highlight of Lush! Classical, which is now in its fourth year, is getting to witness memorable dance hits being reimagined by the insanely talented Ulster Orchestra. After the crowd was suitably warmed up by guest DJs, including Seb Fontaine, the magnificent orchestra took their places on stage. The catalogue of the night included Planet Funk’s ‘Chase the Sun’, Fatboy Slim’s ‘Right Here, Right Now’ and Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’, to name a few. The excitement was palpable as sisters Philippa and Jolene O’Hara took to the stage; their powerful vocals perfectly complemented the stunning performance by the orchestra. The surprises didn’t end there as dance legend Maria Nayler and sensational saxophonist Lovely Laura absolutely wowed the crowd.
I was surprised by how much I LOVED my first experience of Lush! Classical. I was absolutely mesmerised by how the orchestra were able to capture the heart and sounds of each anthem. Whilst the Orchestra might be more known for pure classics, modifying their repertoire to include dance classics resulted in a truly memorable event which clearly has attracted a new audience to appreciate these skilled musicians. With impressive staging which included fire and lasers as well as glitter and streamers being fired into the crowd, Lush! Classical felt like it would have been right at home in Ibiza. I danced my socks off from start to finish, so much so, I was incredibly thankful for the advice from big sis to leave the heels at home. As the night concluded with a clear audience favourite, ‘Insomnia’, which saw a xylophone being used to wonderful effect, I felt seriously euphoric. I’m already set for a encore (en fois)!
For a snapshot of the night, check out a (rough) video of my favourite moments here:
LittleBurch 