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
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
Food is a central aspect of every culture, yet it remains one of the most underrepresented areas in the culinary world today. Here are a few recipes that celebrate diverse cuisines and will awaken your palate. My Mother’s Lazy Nasi Lemak I was born in Malaysia and came here to the UK when I was 6 years old. Growing up, I had always wondered what … Continue reading Culinary Heritage: Recipes That Have Been Passed Down Through Your Culture.
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?
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
Words by Megan Philip We have all heard the phrase toxic masculinity often used to describe men displaying aggressive behaviours and in relation to sexual harassment. However, what is rarely discussed is the internal, negative effects it has on menÔÇÖs mental health and the ways in which it influences how men view their own masculinity.┬á What is toxic masculinity?┬á The dictionary defines toxic masculinity as … Continue reading Toxic Masculinity vs Movember
Words by Hansa Tote Diwali is known as the ÔÇÿfestival of lightsÔÇÖ (coming from the Sanskrit word ÔÇÿdipavaliÔÇÖ┬ámeaning row of lights) and is celebrated by over a billion people all over the world, all gathering to honour the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over dark.┬á The significance of Diwali in religion It is the biggest festival in India, being observed … Continue reading Celebrating Diwali
Words by Rhiannon James Picture this: sunny blue skies, students lounging on picnic blankets on pristine lawns in front of a stately manor house with an entrance hall filled almost entirely by a glittering chandelier looking down from above. You duck as the overbearing-yet-motherly receptionist tries to smother you with a hug and a ÔÇÿgood morning dearÔÇÖ as you pass through into a grand dining … Continue reading Communal Living: growing up, moving out, and moving in with others
Words by Ellie Young It is an indisputable fact: drinking is embedded in our university culture. Week after week of society events, StudentsÔÇÖ Union nights and irrefusable pub deals foster a social life rotating around alcohol. Of course, it feels like the natural path to follow: a new place, new people and complete freedom are reason enough to point one towards the ÔÇÿsocial lubricantÔÇÖ of … Continue reading Sober October vs Oktoberfest: Drinking Culture at University and Alcohol-Free Things To Do in Cardiff
Words by Anushka Kar Whether itÔÇÖs in Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility or any of her other novels, you can always rely on Jane Austen to advocate marriage, love, and the intermingling of the two in a taboo-esque manner of the nineteenth century. For Austen, marriage could not simply be an economic ordeal; it had to have that mutual attraction in order for it … Continue reading (Not So?) Happily Ever After: The Depiction and Evolution of Marriage in Literature
We’ve all got a lot of celebrating to do as the academic year draws to a close and there’s surely no better way to celebrate than over a cocktail. So, we asked our contributors for their Cardiff cocktail recommendations. Plus we like to cover all bases here at Quench, so we’ve got your hangover breakfast covered too. words by Floss Harrison Who says that Cardiff … Continue reading Cardiff’s Cocktail and Breakfast Tour
My father speaks almost exclusively in the form of food. His green, coconut curry with marlin means ÔÇÿI love youÔÇÖ. We were a basmati rice household, but I didnÔÇÖt like basmati rice, so he broke out the jasmine rice just for special occasions. The curry was always simmering far before I would come home from school. Little tidal pools of chilli oil accumulating in the … Continue reading Parents Know Best: Inheriting a Love of Food
words by Megha Roy Wales is a country of rugged landscapes and wild coastlines, and it is a place where traditions still run deep. One of these traditions is the rich and varied cuisine that has been enjoyed here for centuries. Welsh cuisine holds a fascinating blend of influences from the ancient Celtic tribes who first settled on the land to more recent English, French, … Continue reading Simple But Hearty: The History of Welsh Cuisine
Over the course of just six weeks in the Spring of 1948 Arthur Miller produced, in my opinion, the greatest play of the twentieth century. Centred on the Loman family of New York, Death of A Salesman serves as the psychological post mortem of a man who dared to buy into Capitalist dreams of success. MillerÔÇÖs subject for this dissection comes in Willy Loman, a … Continue reading The Most Heartbreaking Line of Dialogue Ever Written : How Arthur MillerÔÇÖs Death of A Salesman Reveals the Human Tragedy of Late Capitalism┬á
It is an interesting time for Opera.┬á What audiences nowadays expect and desire from the arts has meant that the elitism associated with Opera, along with its outdated themes and morals, are no longer accepted by a new wave of arts fans.┬á The recent decision made by Arts Council England to slash funding of leading Opera organisations such as Glyndebourne and English National Opera proves … Continue reading In Conversation with Opera Director, Daisy Evans
