The euphoric palette and the impact that colours have on us as simple beings is something that I believe we wash over a little too much. We are distracted by the fact that we are running late for work or too conscious about the fact that our jeans may fit a little differently to notice the comforting natural colours surrounding us. I come from Pembrokeshire, … Continue reading The Euphoric Palette
As uni students, we are living the best years of our lives. Yes, we capture those moments, taking out our phones and snapping a shot with an intentional aesthetic edge, uploading them to a highlight named ‘second year’ and moving on. It’s a simple and easy way to look back on key moments, but it is not unique, sentimental, or even natural. My camera, a simple … Continue reading A Look Into The Digital Camera Frenzy
Right now, we are witnessing a new way of perceiving art, one of scepticism and constant critique. Our eyes are drawn to subtle discrepancies and potential mistakes to prove that the art was not made with human hands but rather generated by artificial intelligence. The negative term “AI Art” can be applied to many fields, the most common types we associate it with are pictures … Continue reading Canvas to Code: Are We Experiencing a New Era of Art?
From joint ‘rope’ socials with the Cave Society to navigating online trolls, Aber KinkSoc President Alex talks to Quench Deputy Julia Bottoms about Aberystwyth’s very own kink society. Ah, University – that cherished baptism into adulthood, an epoch of self-discovery and exploration, and perhaps regrettably for many, the most sexual freedom you will ever have. But in the charming seafront university town of Aberystwyth, students … Continue reading Bonding in all its forms
In Conversation with Delphi Campbell. As International Women’s Day approaches, we reflect on the voices and stories that shape the discourse on gender, health and identity. One such powerful voice is Delphi Campbell, the artist behind Unwanted Flesh, a deeply personal body of work that explores chronic illness, medical misogyny and the lived experience of a female body in pain. Through an intimate conversation, we … Continue reading Unwanted Flesh: Art, Illness, and the Female Body
As the jeep drove off and Junha Park’s The Town started playing, I knew I’d never look at snow the same way again. Mr. Plankton is the third K-Drama I’ve watched this year, and it had me bawling from start to finish. Without spoiling anything, it encapsulates a messier side of love while still embracing familiar tropes—the slow-burn romance, the infamous love triangle, and the … Continue reading Love Is Just A Word
The media we consume massively influences the kind of love we view as acceptable or desirable. Whether it’s the latest couples trend on TikTok, a Shakespeare play or a Picasso painting, we are guaranteed to internalise these depictions of love, and begin to form preferences for the love we wish to receive – be that romantic, familial or platonic. Of course, we can also develop … Continue reading Love Is Just A Word
‘Cupid, draw back your bow. And let your arrow go. Straight to my lover’s heart for me.’ From artwork to literature to modern media, Cupid has been a symbol of love, and known for uniting lovers throughout history. Cupid, or the original Latin Cupido, is the god of love, desire, attraction and affection. Whether you know him as the winged child, the semi-sexless babe, or … Continue reading Calling Cupid
With the recent premiere of Wicked skyrocketing the West End world levels beyond London, the gravity defying movie isn’t the first to turn classical musicals into cinema. At the turn of the decade, Hamilton became an on-screen hit. Newer and undoubtedly granted a bigger budget, Matilda also became a movie masterpiece in 2022. This evolution of theatre is not only comparative to cinema. Broadway is being reinvented, and the stage is … Continue reading Broadway to West End: Are Classical Musicals Disappearing?
I was kindly given the opportunity to attend The Overtones Good Times Christmas Tour in October. As someone who has briefly heard of the group, but isn’t incredibly aware of them, I went into this show quite blind and was pleasantly surprised with my evening. The opening act, Tom Ball, was incredibly notable for me, as his stage presence, crowd control, and voice were all … Continue reading Guaranteed Good Times with The Overtones!
Under the sea, it is certainly wetter. Act One’s sin-soaked panto The Small Mermaid plunges us into the deep end of a very wet (fever) dream; think Rocky Horror meets Sea World meets Am-Dram. Directed by Millie Quarm (Twelfth Night), the plot is anchored in the upcoming erections, I mean elections, of the human world – of which Just Stop Oil leads the polls – … Continue reading Act One’s The Small Mermaid: A Horny Whirlpool of Eco-Conscious Crustaceans
Cardiff’s University’s winter showcase was an electric evening of singing, dancing, drama, and excitement. The show ran for just under three hours, broken into three parts with ten minute intervals. I found every single performance captivating, and at times I even had goosebumps. The evening demonstrated the immense amount of artistic talent amongst Cardiff’s students. Shriya Aaytee, the president and performance coordinator of Bollywood Dance … Continue reading Cardiff University’s Winter Showcase: A Night of Unforgettable Talent and Community Spirit.
Kicking off the festivities and celebration, Cardiff University recently hosted their first Winter Showcase of 2024. A three-act performance made up of a variety of society’s prepared five-minute pieces, I was lucky enough to watch alongside two members of the Quench Team. The showcase was organised meticulously by Cardiff student union staff who made the audience feel welcome and prepped for a night of fun. … Continue reading Winter Showcase Review: A Medley of Musical Masterpieces
In an age where journalling has become a means of emotional overflow, creativity is often a form of release for those in search of relief. Looking at the bigger picture, there seems to be a connection between those with personal battles and creative pursuit: specifically in public figures. Conditions, ranging from bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia are, more often than not, diagnosed to these individuals. … Continue reading Mental Illness and the Creative Mind: Is There a Connection?
In a time where independence often dominates conversations, women are increasingly reclaiming traditionally ‘girly’ activities – sleepovers, brunches, cosy nights in – as essential rituals of connection and self-expression. Far from being silly and idle, these gatherings serve as powerful spaces for women to unwind, connect and embrace femininity in its many forms. From doing each other’s hair, dressing up for drinks, to chatting late … Continue reading Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
I was incredibly fortunate to be invited to watch That’ll Be The Day: Christmas Special. The show itself has been running since 1986 and has only grown in popularity since. The performance takes you on a journey through the mid-20th century with famous Christmas songs from several iconic eras. Oddly enough I had no prior knowledge of the show before, and I decided that it would best to … Continue reading That’ll Be The Day: So this is Christmas Review
In recent years, an overconsumption of media, mainly among younger generations has led to a rise in parasocial relationships. In these unrequited and one-sided relationships, members of the public obsess over influencers and celebrities, who are clueless about their followers’ existence. These relationships have sometimes proved helpful in providing a sense of community. ‘Swifties’, for example, are a massive fandom united around their shared love … Continue reading Parasocial Relationships: Helpful or Harmful?
The lights dim and the familiar opening twangs of ‘Love Story’ echo out across Cardiff’s Temple ofPeace. It is through this unexpected fusion of the Swiftian and Shakespearean that Act One DramaSociety’s production of Twelfth Night transports us into the mystical realm of Illyria. Directed byAmelia Quarm and produced by Luke Knights, the production premiered in February for a three dayrun; starring students across years, … Continue reading Act One’s Twelfth Night: An Elaborately Tangled Web of Displaced Desire
A night of naughtiness, raucous laughter and pure queer joy, Student-run drag show Sly landed with a bang on the 25th of April in the Student’s Union. The university’s first-ever drag show and held in support of Mind Mental Health Charity, Sly’s triumph represented a landmark feat for Cardiff’s queer communities. Creative polymath Josh Salisbury created, hosted and performed as a part of Sly. Since … Continue reading Student Drag Show Review: Sly’s Self-Conscious Slay Was An Elitely Executed Lesson in Camp
Distinguished magician and producer, Oliver Tabor is celebrated for his captivating performances and innovative contributions to the world of magic. His flagship production, West End Magic, is London’s longest-running magic show. This theatrical spectacle combines mesmerising illusions, comedy and a diverse lineup of talented performers. From being president of the IBM British Ring or FISM Champion, in this interview, he shares insights into his journey … Continue reading Behind the magic: an Interview with Oliver Tabor
