Author Archives: Lewis Packwood

I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this any more!

This week we’re plunged back into the seventies with Network, a satire on the ruthlessness of TV executives. Anchorman Howard Beale (Peter Finch) is unceremoniously ‘retired’ after the ratings on his news show dip, then threatens to kill himself live on air. After an unexpected rise in Howard’s ratings, the ruthless TV bosses decide toContinue reading “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this any more!”

Once: not that good

Seeing as Once (the musical) is just about to open in the UK, we thought it was the perfect time to review Once (the film), which was recommended to us AGES ago by stalwart reader Philip Rose. Unfortunately, well, we, uh, didn’t think it was that good. Sorry Philip. Jeez, this is a bit awkward isn’tContinue reading “Once: not that good”

Valentine’s Day Special 2013: Bring on the Break-ups

It’s that time of year again: Marmite Day. You either love it or hate it. Many people would happily throw everything related to Valentine’s Day onto a massive Return of the Jedi-style pyre and watch it burn as a wry smile played across their lips, whereas others love any old excuse to go out forContinue reading “Valentine’s Day Special 2013: Bring on the Break-ups”

Our apartment was so small that mother made me play in the oven

Considering that neither of us particularly like musicals, it’s something of a surprise that Hedwig and the Angry Inch is actually the third musical on our list (after The Sound of Music and Cabaret). Is this an admission that actually we secretly really love musicals but are afraid to admit it for fear of sullyingContinue reading “Our apartment was so small that mother made me play in the oven”