Act One’s Twelfth Night: An Elaborately Tangled Web of Displaced Desire

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

Student Drag Show Review: Sly’s Self-Conscious Slay Was An Elitely Executed Lesson in Camp

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

Behind the magic: an Interview with Oliver Tabor

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

Galliano and McGrath: Weird Girl Couture

The 2023 ‘clean girl’ has been pierced. Make-up influencers are putting down their sad beige palettes, and painting themselves in layers of colour and gel face masks. From aloe-vera, honey, vaseline, to even egg-whites, make-up lovers have been experimenting in an attempt to achieve Pat McGrath’s iconic shiny finish. This collection marks a dramatic semantic shift for what we once thought of as ‘glass skin’, … Continue reading Galliano and McGrath: Weird Girl Couture

Pale Waves: In Conversation with Hugo Silvani

Ahead of the release of their fourth studio album Smitten, I had the opportunity to speak to Pale Waves guitarist Hugo Silvani. We spoke about the inspirations of the new album, the writing process, and discussed Silvani’s passion for the sonic side of the musical world. We then delved into details of the upcoming 2024 Smitten tour. Talk me through your writing process as a … Continue reading Pale Waves: In Conversation with Hugo Silvani

That’ll Be The Day: The Review

Words by: Bhamini Khandige & Charlotte Hardie-Watts Following our opportunity to get press tickets to the theatre show That’ll Be The Day, as the editors of the Quench Culture section, we have each provided a run-down of our experiences of the show. As well, we were fortunate enough to have been able to interview the show-runner and performer, Trevor Payne. Happy reading! Bhamini’s Opinion I … Continue reading That’ll Be The Day: The Review

Nepotism Babies in the Fashion World

When I first jumped on this pitch, I actually had to have a serious think about what my opinion on nepotism really was, especially as I work quite a bit in the fashion industry – where the general attitude towards so-called nepo-babies is so negative. The unfairness of individuals succeeding in a highly competitive industry because they are the child or close relative of someone … Continue reading Nepotism Babies in the Fashion World

Festive Fashion: What To Wear This Holiday Season

Festive Fashion: What To Wear This Holiday Season

The holiday season is soon upon us, and with that comes the plethora of events; from Christmas dinners to course balls, there are so many outfits to plan. Any excuse to dress up immediately gets me going through Pinterest for an endless scroll of outfit inspiration. When it comes to holiday parties, there are some classic trends like velvet, emerald green or burgundy, knit dresses … Continue reading Festive Fashion: What To Wear This Holiday Season

Amelia Wollacott – Short Story Collection.

Amelia Wollacott is currently pursuing a master’s in English Literature at Cardiff University. Amelia submitted a portfolio containing a series of short stories and flash fiction pieces. All of these pieces were written during her undergraduate degree. Here are a couple of pieces that we have selected to give you an insight into Amelia’s literary prowess. Sierra Nevada. The car engine sang to the open … Continue reading Amelia Wollacott – Short Story Collection.

Met Gala 2024 Theme Explained: Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion

On Wednesday 8th November, Vogue revealed the upcoming theme for their annual fashion showcase and exhibition; Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. The Meta Gala, held on the first Monday in May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, raises funds for the Costume Institute. The prestigious event is attended by the biggest names in fashion, as well as a plethora of famous faces: the … Continue reading Met Gala 2024 Theme Explained: Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion

What Was Left Behind

By Tash Sood And when she left,She left you the sky,The shadows under leaves,The pins holding down the world,And the secret to pulling them outto set it all free. She hid the will behind the curtainIn a yellow envelopeIn blue ink. She left me the smell of rain,The shock of lightning,The roots of the trees that reach under housesTo tear at the foundationsand bring it … Continue reading What Was Left Behind

Bakes for Autumn

Plum Crumble Cake This has to be one of my all time favourite cakes to make, you can do it so easily,no icing required, only one mixing bowl needed. You can swap out the plums forwhatever fruit you fancy an apple/blackberry version of this would be amazingtoo. Ingredients 175g butter 175g sugar – caster or light brown will work 3 large eggs 275g self-raising flour1 tsp baking powder 2 … Continue reading Bakes for Autumn

(Not So?) Happily Ever After: The Depiction and Evolution of Marriage in Literature

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

Working Towards A Better Future: Union in Literature

Words By Molly Chambers A novel I find particularly interesting and hooking in the way that it explores unions and political pressures is Animal Farm by George Orwell. The intriguing nature of the novel stems from the setting of a farm and a collection of animals to communicate a story structured around changing levels of dictatorship and democracy, in hopes of a better environment for … Continue reading Working Towards A Better Future: Union in Literature

Drumkit at Maisie Peters' gig

Maisie Peters @ Tramshed 23/04/2023

Maisie Peters is a name we should all be familiar with. She is taking the world by storm, with half a billion streams worldwide, a sold out UK tour and earning the approval of big names such as Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith – and sheÔÇÖs only twenty two! Her tour, the final chapter of touring You Signed Up for This … Continue reading Maisie Peters @ Tramshed 23/04/2023

Stomping About: The History of Dr. Martens

Words by Katie Storrie Born in a prominent time in history of social change and reform, Dr. Martens have played a huge part in the evolution of youth fashion, being in association with the subcultures of the British working class. Dr. Martens have been portrayed as a symbol of protest and rebellion, aligning with anti-establishment views, with the boots representing freedom of expression and individuality. … Continue reading Stomping About: The History of Dr. Martens

A Guide to Becoming a Digital Nomad

Words by Jasmine Dodd With flexibility, independence, and an exciting lifestyle, it is easy to think that being a digital nomad is the perfect role, and the right thing for you. However, when actually looking for that ÔÇÿidealÔÇÖ role, it may be hard to find. Managing visas, finding accommodation, and trying to save money whilst travelling can be a difficult balancing act, but if done … Continue reading A Guide to Becoming a Digital Nomad

A Rundown of Glastonbury 2023’s Lineup

The Glastonbury line-up has been announced for 2023, making it the 53rd year running. The five-day festival is taking place this year between June 21st and 25th, at its normal location at Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset. After a two-year break due to the pandemic, Glastonbury returned in 2022 with headliners Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Sir Paul McCartney. This year, the pyramid headliners are listed … Continue reading A Rundown of Glastonbury 2023’s Lineup