Category Archives: Books Films, TV & Radio

Creative twists on children’s fiction – a writewyattuk book review special

In which writewyattuk runs the rule over three recent publications offering a creative twist on established children’s fiction – with great success. Back in my school days, I’d have loved poring over books of the quality of Mick Manning and … Continue reading

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Once upon a Tyne … Seven Stories’ secret of success worth sharing

In a further feature linking in with World Book Day (which seems to last at least a week these days), writewyattuk reports back on a recent family day out at Seven Stories in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Despite all the hard work over … Continue reading

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Authors’ roadshow proves books still have a bright future

When The Biggest Bookshow on Earth On Tour dropped by at the King George’s Hall in Blackburn earlier this week, writewyattkuk was there to savour the atmosphere. While cynics might suggest it made perfect financial sense to invite some of the UK’s … Continue reading

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Boycie’s Bonus – the John Challis interview

Cards on the table first. Only Fools and Horses – classic comedy. Up there with the very best of British. I’ll add Dad’s Army in that bracket too. That wondrous combination of superb character acting and top-notch writing. Hats off to … Continue reading

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Face Time approaches for comedy’s Wonder Woman – the Kerry Godliman interview

With her latest stand-up show, Face Time, set for a 20-date tour from early March until mid-April, actor and comic Kerry Godliman will soon be juggling domestic goddess duties with life as a gigging performer. And there’s no doubting that … Continue reading

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Helen Dunmore – The Lie

We’re already seeing a surfeit of news stories and TV documentaries marking the centenary of the First World War, with the library and bookshop shelves full of related publications. Some are already established classics, some are new spins on past … Continue reading

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Tubthumping, suffragism and pantheism – the Boff Whalley interview

With ‘one-woman suffragette musical’ Wrong ‘Un about to embark on a 21-day national run, starting at The Lowry Studio, Salford Quays, writewyattuk caught up with the play’s author on the phone from his home in West Yorkshire. Lancashire-born and bred … Continue reading

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It’s a wonderful life (and a marshmallow world, apparently)

I left it a little too late this year. You know how it is – all those work deadlines (some met, some over-hanging) and family commitments. The focused part of you wants to get your workload out of the way … Continue reading

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Martha inspires 53 Degrees in a December Heat Wave

I’ve just re-read the chapter dedicated to Martha Reeves in Gerri Hirschey’s excellent 1984 biography Nowhere to Run – The Story of Soul Music. It includes a description of the Alabama-born, Detroit-raised chanteuse warming up for a post-Vandellas era show … Continue reading

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Holly returns to the Far North for another winter warmer

With the festive season well and truly here, what better way to get in the mood than journeying to the Far North via the power of children’s fiction. And in similar territory to where Holly Webb went last year with … Continue reading

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