Fleeing from the hustle and bustle of the forever-moving rat race, Rosalind, along with her cousin Celia must seek salvation in order to avoid the prospect of Rosalind being persecuted by her wrathful uncle. Finding themselves seeking refuge in an enchanted forest, what could possibly happen? More after the break

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I felt the ensemble as per usual worked well together to bring the Shakespearean text alive. They opened the piece with a vibrant sequence of city life, which was repeated throughout the piece to break up the scenes. The staging was again in the round, which of course has its advantages as well as its disadvantages. I was really impressed with the scene whereby Rosalind and Celia read Orlando’s love notes on the various computer screens, which had been unveiled previously. This for me was a great updated way of representing the etched love notes you see written on trees. For me however, I found that the plot was confusing, and because of that I was missing out on a lot of the comedic moments. All in all I give As You Like it a 3/5.

3/5

As You Like It

Directed by Gavin Harrington-Odedra
Performed by Lazarus Theatre Company
Currently showing at The Space Theatre

Showing until 2nd June 2012

A couple of days ago, you saw the collection from Black Dice, here we have the LTD Ceramic Chrono watch. LTD have only been around since 2009 and within 3 years, they have made a good impression- taking classic timepieces and upgrading them with glossy accents and bold colouring that are always trendy. More after the break

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LTD Watches

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Presenting LTD watch- launched in 2009, a fashionable unique concept in accessorizing your time keeping. Who says that exclusivity equals expensive? Who says that creativity and irreverence have to be pretentious? LTD watches are classic silhouettes are supercharged with colours and accents that embolden the traditional timepiece.  Updated seasonally to reflect trends and fashion palettes, each model is uniquely produced in a highly limited run, casebacks are individually numbered, never to be produced again.

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Limited edition, the £250 LTD Ceramic Chrono comes complete with a sapphire glass face deeming it virtually scratch resistant, a white ceramic body and bracelet with rose gold accents- this watch has luxury written all over it. Ceramic watches are a great addition to a summer look but honestly I’m not particularly crazy about this model just because white watches aren’t really my thing. Having said that, I think the mix of rose gold, white and silver to make up the chronograph display in the dial looks really cool. In comparison to Black Dice’s slick collection, this collection has got the edge on style; functionality… well I wouldn’t advise dropping it as ceramic watches were not made to be dropped!! On the plus side, the glass is fairly durable and it’s also 10ATM Water resistant. View here

If you’re into your watches then you might know of Black Dice Industries and LTD Watches; two relevant sources of good quality yet stylish timepieces. Our friends over at Zeon, one of the UK’s biggest watch distributors, dropped us a couple of gems for your visual pleasure. Read up on Black Dice after the break and keep an eye out for LTD tomorrow.

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Black Dice Industries

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Each product appeals to a demanding sub-culture of consumer that expects styling and design that evokes the heart and soul of their lifestyle – and an uncompromising dedication to performance.  Quality materials, and cutting edge technology ensures that what is expected, is delivered.  All watches use high precision analogue movements, custom designed digital or cutting edge LED’s.  Bracelets and cases are made from solid stainless steel, straps from high quality genuine leather.

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In a nutshell, the company launched in 2005 with the vision of switching up the luxury timewear industry by producing watches that embodied elements of fashion, music and an urban edge. The masterpiece above is from the ‘Slick’ collection and it really is a slick incarnation of a classic casio watch complete with a digital display and a host of other functions- albeit minimal; the watch keeps its modern edge with ergonomic touchscreen technology and a world clock. All of that encased in jet black sold stainless steel and 5ATM water-resistance, this watch is perfect if you’re looking for something practical that will last you a while. With this kind of coating and minimal branding, you’re looking at a device that is mild in terms of aesthetics but a very sturdy one. Price wise, these ship for £160,00 and are available in other colours including grey and rose gold. View here

King Lear is the most powerful individual in the Kingdom looking to retire from his royal duties. In order for his Kingdom to thrive long after his reign, he takes it upon himself to determine who will gain the majority of his Estate. However, in order for King Lear to do so, he must see which of his three ‘devoted’ daughters is the most deserving. They must all pit against each other to declare which of the three loves him the most. Enraged by Cordelia, his most favoured daughter’s straightforward, non poetic response, he rewards both Regan and Goneril his Kingdom, but is this for the best?

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As soon as the piece began, the intimate dynamics of the Space Theatre were instantly brought alive by the use of song to create the feeling of a proud united nation. It was clear that as an audience member, you were now in King Lear’s territory. Traditionally played by a male actor, the Lazarus Theatre Company’s choice of having a female King Lear was not only a breath of fresh air but a brilliant way to highlight just how relevant and universal Shakespeare’s writing is. Jennifer Shakesby’s portrayal of King Lear was authoritative, regal and a force to be reckoned with.

The play was forever shifting, constantly beaming with the cast of 27 actors. The ensemble were brilliant, especially when it came to depicting King Lear’s descent into madness as I felt these image based moments in particular really helped to bring the text to life. Set in the round, the negative was that some reactions were lost due to actors having their backs towards the audience, but the positive was that the action was happening not only on stage but around the theatre as well. There would be moments where you could see the performers respond but could hear the speeches around you, which was very powerful and in a sense quite filmic, as if the character’s fates were determined by these voiceovers. Another great show by the Lazarus Theatre Company, and therefore I give it a 4/5.

4/5

King Lear

Directed by Ricky Dukes
Performed by Lazarus Theatre Company
Currently showing at The Space Theatre

Showing until 2nd June 2012

On 29th April Tara, Derek and I headed to the graffiti-covered Old Vic Tunnels in Waterloo, central London, to party with Converse and much of the grime scene’s finest for a Y&Y day out. Alongside a music line-up boasting Wiley, Skepta and P-Money were a gang of talented skateboarders and graffiti artists. The night’s best bits were all captured through Derek’s lens, with words from myself and Tara (Tara’s words are in italic).

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Upon arrival, I thought the large, gritty, industrial feeling Old Vic Tunnels was quite a cliche choice of venue for an ‘underground’ music festival. But when I stepped inside, that thought was replaced with appreciation at how well the space was used. All the action wasn’t solely centred around the stage – from the graffiti wall decorated by the aerosol toting artists, to the skater ramp, the bar area and the tantalising smells wafting from the food stalls (burgers and jerk wraps!) – all of our senses were stimulated.

However, even with everything else going on, it was the stage that captured most of our attention. It had been a long time since I’d been around a grime audience; this was a slightly more contrived set who were just as likely to have found their way at the gig because of their love for the brand as those there for the love of the artists – however, the crowd culture was still the same. Hard to please, the crowd was unmovable until the acts on stage gave them a reason to ‘buss a skank’ (dance) or throw up a gun-finger – and only a few really managed to win them over.

An important part of the Converse Block Party Campaign was the MC Clash where budding lyricists had battled in their hometowns across England, to then be picked to clash live on stage at The Old Vic Tunnels. The patron artists, Scrufizzer, Lady Leshurr and Mic Righteous were guest judges for the clash, who chose North London’s Row.D as the winner.

After a short pause, Mz Bratt stepped out next, head to toe in a Converse tracksuit which reminded me slightly of her pre-record label days. Lots of titty-grabbing, hip whining and winking meant the men of the audience were like putty in her hands. I however, can’t name a single song that she performed…(Tahirah can – with the aid of her energetic hypeman Clencha, Mz Bratt performed a four-track set including “Get Dark”, her new song “Falling Down”, and D&B-tinged party cut “Selecta”).

Everyone huddled close around the stage as the words “Bluku Bluku” bellowed out from D Double E‘s mic. The Newham General‘s stepped out on stage to an eager and excitable crowd, many of whom knew all of the words to the pairs tracks, “Bluku! Bluku!”, “Street Fighter Riddum” and new hit, “Pumpin’ It Out”.

South London’s most energetic rapper, Clement Marfo and his 7-piece band, The Frontline took to the stage next to perform their popular hits such as “Champion”, “Mayhem” and “Overtime”. A combination of the band’s enigmatic energy, Kojo’s amazing vocals and Clement spraying the crowd with water – meant the crowd were totally awake with all eyes on the grime/hip hop/rock collective. I look forward to their many festival appearances this year, something they’ll be perfect for!

Between us, we missed Skepta‘s performance (though my sister assured me it was ‘amazing, bluuuud’), however, I was centre-stage to catch one of my favourite recent arrivals to the scene – P Money. P was lucky enough to have a thoroughly warmed up crowd as he followed Clement Marfo and the Frontline’s rockstar performance and a lively showing from Skepta (well, according to my sister, anyway). This meant his slightly lacklustre performance, and one-too-many shoutouts to his DJ JJ was overlooked by the crowd and he was able to please with his True Tiger produced hit “Slang Like This”.

It’s a long running joke for grime fans that one of the scene’s legends, Wiley, often fails to appear at his scheduled appearances. Armed with this knowledge (from first-hand past experiences) and after some deliberation, my sister and I decided not to wait to see if the Godfather of Grime would make his headline slot. We learned afterwards that our lack of faith in Wiley was misplaced, and the grime don took the stage and ended the party on a high – and Derek stuck around to snap him.

Some more pictures from the party

A tale of love, defiance and adventure, the girl with the iron claws explores the lengths and breadths the youngest daughter of a king must take to find her true love… a bear, Valemon to be exact. This is the debut show from the theatre company The Wrong Crowd, a collaboration between writer/director Hannah Mulder and designer/puppet director Rachael Canning who ‘share a similar vision for inventive, joyful, provocative storytelling that revels in the wonder of live performances’.

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This was apparent in this hour-long spectacle, which managed to transform a small black box space into a vivid landscape. I found that the rustic setting transported the audience into this deep dark forest and that the white canvas backdrop was successfully used to create great shadow imagery.  This world however could only be complete with the characters, which inhabited it and I have to say that the ensemble were brilliant. From Clare Franenkel’s sweet yet defiant characterisation of the girl, the core of the whole piece to Laura Cairns’ characterisation of the villainous yet hopelessly in love Troll Queen, you couldn’t help but be drawn into this colourful setting. The puppetry added another dimension to the piece, which I felt was absolutely mesmerising. I can’t recommend this enough! An absolute must see. All in all I found the piece a breath of fresh air and look forward to hopefully seeing future projects from The Wrong Crowd. I give the piece a 5/5.

5/5

 The Girl with the Iron Claws

Performed by ’The Wrong Crowd‘ Theatre Company
Currently showing at Soho Theatre

Final shows this Saturday 5th May

Imagine a world whereby butterflies make the world go round. Whereby butterflies are a means to escape. This indeed is a reality for two brothers who deal butterflies to their addicted customers for a living. Set in a post apocalyptic East End, all Elliot and Darren have to do is host a party for their boss’ amusement, but will it all go to plan?

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To me, it felt as if this piece had literally been written yesterday. Although written in 2005, the parallel to the 2011 London riots was extremely haunting. As an audience member, you could feel an angst simmering from the underbelly of the society they were living in. Ciaran Owens’ quick-witted, sharp tongued Elliot plus Frank C. Keogh’s docile inarticulate Darren create the perfect double act making you root for their relationship to be strengthened by what is going on around them.

I have to say that at points, Mercury fur made for an uncomfortable watch, but when first performed in 2005 at the Theatre Royal Plymouth, it was said to be highly controversial in terms of the characters displayed. Philip Ridley’s writing is raw, gritty and packed full of poeticism which makes for a success. I was immediately immersed into this fast paced world, which is due to the strong performances given to each cast member as they really worked well together to bring their world alive. For that reason I give Mercury Fur a 4/5.

4/5

Mercury Fur

Written by Philip Ridley
Directed by Ned Bennett
Performed by Greenhouse Theatre Company
Currently showing at Old Red Lion Theatre

Final shows this Saturday 14th April

Following the dreadful fates of the male soldiers of Troy, Women of Troy shines a light on a nation of women who must band together to rebuild the foundations of their community. The very essence of the community was prominent throughout the piece which I felt was communicated brilliantly throughout.

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The piece highlighted a well observed part of human nature, that when we find ourselves in man made or natural disasters, we as humans come together to help one another. I found that although the piece was written thousands of years ago, it still resonated with the present as it drew upon issues such as war, which is very relevant in today’s climate. Euripides was a forerunner for the female voice in theatre, depicting a strength that had barely been seen on stage.

I felt that the cast were a defiant army of their own preparing for battle. Although the Trojan women had become spoils of war, their history, their roots and their inner strength could not be taken away from them by the Greeks. Euripides carved three-dimensional female characters through poetic yet political verses that really made me empathise with the characters. The talented ensemble effectively shaped the landscape with vivid imagery and fantastic choral work. I felt that Alice Brown’s Hecuba was truly regal yet resilient, caring yet sophisticated as she served as a figurehead for the women of Troy. This was beautifully contrasted by  Kerrian Burton’s Cassandra who was playful yet daring, witty yet ethereal. All in all I give Women of Troy a 4/5.

4/5

Women Of Troy

Directed & Designed by Ricky Dukes
Currently showing at The Blue Elephant Theatre

Final shows on Saturday 14th April

Following a sold-out US tour, last week Drake kicked off the European leg of his Club Paradise tour in London and Y&Y were in the audience for the second of his London nights (March 27th) at the o2 Arena.

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Super-talented producer and musician Labrinth opened the show, setting the bar high with the delivery of an energetic and eclectic set of cuts from his debut album, Electronic Earth (released today).

Drake hit the stage to Take Care album cut Lord Knows, dressed in a black button-down shirt and slacks. Initially the stage felt a little too big for the rapping Lothario; as he reveals later in the set, his two day stint at the 18,000 capacity o2 Arena marks a seminal point in his career – the biggest venue he’s ever headlined. After witnessing his awkward Hammersmith Apollo performance in 2011, I wondered if this show would follow in a similar fashion. But Drake dispelled my concern quickly, finding comfort in the space as he tore through a medley of some of his hyper hip-hop songs and features, Underground Kings, (DJ Khaled’s) I’m On One and Over.

Though clearly rehearsed, his interaction with the crowd didn’t feel too contrived and he succeeded in making us giggle a good few times. In fact, one of the highlights of the set was his hilarious and accurate impression of Lil Wayne, relaying their conversation when Drake told Wayne he’d sold out the now-iconic London venue twice in a row.

Drake shed his dress shirt for the hip-hop emo anthem of the moment, Marvin’s Room. “Everybody put your middle fingers in the air and dedicate it to the girl I was singing to,” he implored, as the track came to the end, inciting fingers to shoot up around the arena. Equally emotive album interlude Good Ones Go (which features backing vocals from The Weeknd) followed before the pace changed dramatically with album title-track, Take Care. Transitioning suddenly into a rave, strobe lights shot through the arena while the synthy Jamie xx beat pulsated through the floor and 18,000 fans belted Rihanna’s chorus. “Shout out to Rihanna and her sexy ass!” called out Drake to the popstar, who attracted media attention by taking the Tube to his show that night.

Since made famous by Jay-Z, many rappers now close their show by turning up the house-lights and peering into the audience, shouting out individuals in the crowd. Rather than carbon-copying Hov’s signature move, Drake spent 10 minutes in the middle of the 90-minute set to engage with the crowd. “Shout out all y’all with the sunglasses on who can’t see a muthafuckin’ thing, I hope you enjoyin’ the music and shit!” he laughed.

The crowd participation was consistently raucous throughout the show – a fact he wryly pointed out at some point. However, his closing songs, The Motto (which spawned the loathsome expression YOLO) and Headlines – which featured a VT with typography that would’ve made Yin happy – succeeded in tearing the roof off of the o2.

The stellar set arrangement showcased just how many hits Drake has had in his short time on the scene, from breakout mixtape cut Best I Ever Had (which was a crowd favourite), to Thank Me Later songs like Miss Me, and Take Care’s HYFR, Make Me Proud and Practice. However, it was Drake’s enjoyment and ease on stage which made the show. Watching his older performances, it’s clearly taken a while for the rapper to become comfortable onstage. This energetic performance made Club Paradise in London feel like an arrival of Drake as a stage performer. Other than a few moments of conceited ramblings (I affectionately moniker his ‘gems’ of knowledge ‘Drakeisms’) and his dancing – Drake really, really, really can’t dance – there was little much to fault in the Canadian’s show.

Amidst rapturous applause, he ended the night with the suggestion, “I’d like to do this again if you’re interested. Maybe I can bring my homie Lil Wayne and this beautiful girl we got called Nicki Minaj…?”

Drake headlines London’s Wireless Festival Saturday 7th July.

Photo by Burak Cingi © – view full photoset here.

Based on Charles Dickens’ Novel of the same name, Nicholas Nickleby is a tale of a young man’s struggle to support his mother and sister financially due to the passing of their father. Constantly under his Uncle’s scrutiny, will he ever be able to prove himself worthy?

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With a cast of 24, an array of 73 characters and spread over 2 nights, Nicholas Nickleby proves to be a vibrant melting pot of fascinating characters and captivating relationships. The talented cast were able to show just how versatile they were as they took on the roles of multiple characters. Like chameleons, they changed and adapted according to the situation. Nicholas Nickleby was set in the round, meaning that all of the action was staged at the very centre of the theatre. This had its advantages as well as its disadvantages. At times I could only see certain cast members face’s whilst others had their back towards me. This meant that reactions were lost. On the plus side, having it staged in the round meant that you were completely submerged into a completely different world. The minimalistic staging of 4 wooden blocks proved to be very effective. Used to create an array of powerful imagery from a horse and carriage to market stalls, it just went to show how a great ensemble can really bring a world alive. The Space Theatre was constantly humming with drama from stage left to stage right, upstage to downstage! All in All I give Nicholas Nickleby a 4/5.

4/5

Nicholas Nickleby

based on the novel by Charles Dickens

Further dates available