Tag: review

Culture

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

juliabottoms
Culture

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

juliabottoms
Culture

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

Charlotte Hardie-Watts
Cardiff cake: the bike lock
Food

Cardiff’s Bike Lock: a review

The doorstep toast While searching for a Cardiff cafe, I was stopped by the phrase “doorstep toast” and knew I needed to visit whatever establishment served this. So off I headed to The Bike Lock, with its miss matched tables and chairs and mellow lighting. All which emulate cosy, Gilmore girl vibes, and the pleasantness of everyone makes it one of the friendliest cafes around. With a system for storing bikes … Continue reading Cardiff’s Bike Lock: a review

ellenhollingshurst
Music

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

Jemima Lake
Live Reviews, Music

Eradication Festival ’23 @ Fuel

Eradication Festival is a 3-day extreme metal event which takes place in Cardiff every year. This year I was lucky enough to attend SaturdayÔÇÖs show to celebrate its 10-year anniversary, and I have to say; it must have been one of the best shows IÔÇÖve ever been to. IÔÇÖve been into the extreme subgenres of metal since my early teenage years but never attended many … Continue reading Eradication Festival ’23 @ Fuel

pollybrewster
Live Reviews, Music

Fall Out Boy @ Utilita Arena

On both occasions where I have been lucky enough to attend their shows, I have left in complete and utter awe of the raw, unrefined talent displayed by Fall Out Boy, regardless of it being some 20 years since they started out. The band honoured their pop-rock roots upon the release of their eighth, and most recent, studio album in March of this year ÔÇô … Continue reading Fall Out Boy @ Utilita Arena

Contributing Writer
Live Reviews, Music

Art School Girlfriend @ Clwb Ifor Bach

Watching Art School Girlfriend was multisensory experience. The Wrexham-born Polly Mackey delighted the mostly dungaree-clad, girlfriend-accessorised audience. Her set had a soft and gentle sort of melodic feel, vocally, which was flanked by a strong bass line and synth undertones, giving it the atmosphere of a DnB rave; this unlikely combination provided something truly unique and fresh. In fact, it felt like there were influences … Continue reading Art School Girlfriend @ Clwb Ifor Bach

pollybrewster
Food

Review: Rosa’s Thai

In the heart of Cardiff you will come across Church Street, a lane of trendy eateries and chain restaurants, strung with fairy lights like something from a post card or a film. Among the twinkling lights and the bustling people, you can find RosaÔÇÖs Thai.  When you enter this intimate dinner spot, the first thing you notice is the cosy vibe theyÔÇÖve created. Wooden slats … Continue reading Review: Rosa’s Thai

sabinewilsonpatrick
Live Reviews, Music

Punk Rock Factory @ SWX Bristol

Punk Rock Factory started their ÔÇÿItÔÇÖs just a stage weÔÇÖre going throughÔÇÖ EU & UK tour with a bang last night in Bristol. Combining nostalgic throwbacks and childrenÔÇÖs music with a contemporary pop-punk sound, their innovative twist has opened new possibilities for alternative music. Whilst fairly new to the scene after gaining popularity through TikTok, IÔÇÖd argue their stage presence was nothing short of energetic, engaging, and … Continue reading Punk Rock Factory @ SWX Bristol

Contributing Writer
Interview, Live Reviews, Music

Llais Festival: Welsh Music Prize 2023

 A fun filled event promoting and celebrating the musical talents in Wales has yet again proved that the Welsh indie scene is one to watch. As part of Llais Festival, the awards ceremony for the ÔÇÿWelsh Music PrizeÔÇÖ was presented for the second time in front of a live audience presented by BBC Radio 1ÔÇÖs Sian Eleri on October 10th, at the Millennium Centre in … Continue reading Llais Festival: Welsh Music Prize 2023

Contributing Writer
Live Reviews, Music

Girls Pushing Buttons: A Celebration of Music, Community and Womanhood

Quench were lucky enough to be invited along to Girls Pushing Buttons, a celebration of South Wales-based electronic pop artists – Honey B McKenna, Millie Blooms and Femmebug. As well as a night of fantastic music, we also got the chance to sit down and chat with Honey and Millie about community, their musical journeys, and what they liked about South Wales’ rich and diverse … Continue reading Girls Pushing Buttons: A Celebration of Music, Community and Womanhood

Contributing Writer
Half Happy performing
Live Reviews, Music

God Is In The TV: 20th Anniversary Celebration

┬áI didnÔÇÖt actually know very much about God Is In The TV until they sent Quench a message inviting us along to the 20th Anniversary celebration. In hindsight this seems like a bit of a misstep, because God Is In The TV is like a showcase of everything I love about the South Wales music scene, and represents everything I think the music industry should: … Continue reading God Is In The TV: 20th Anniversary Celebration

pollybrewster
Princess Goes performing
Live Reviews, Music

Review: Princess Goes

Princess Goes once said in an interview the perfect place to listen to music is ÔÇÿanywhere itÔÇÖs safe to close your eyesÔÇÖ – their music echoes this very premise, with every song encouraging an entire audience to pulse as one. Anyone who wishes they could have experienced the 80s and 70s club scene, where Blue Monday and Depeche Mode come to mind, fused with a … Continue reading Review: Princess Goes

Contributing Writer
Drumkit at Maisie Peters' gig
Arts Reviews, Live Reviews, Music

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

Contributing Writer
Live Reviews

Review: Act One’s A Few Good Men at the Temple of Peace

Words by Genevieve Gunn I canÔÇÖt say IÔÇÖve always been the biggest fan of army/war-themed media. ÔÇÿRamboÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿSaving Private RyanÔÇÖ were never really my thing. But I have to say that Act OneÔÇÖs production of ÔÇÿA Few Good MenÔÇÖ blew it out of the water for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it definitely proved to me that not all shows of the military … Continue reading Review: Act One’s A Few Good Men at the Temple of Peace

Contributing Writer
Arts Reviews, Live Reviews

Review: Healthcare Drama Society’s The Addams Family at The Gate

The Addams Family have been having a bit of a moment recently, with the release of NetflixÔÇÖs Wednesday placing the iconically sardonic family front and centre onto the cultural stage once again. ThatÔÇÖs why I was particularly excited to hear it when CardiffÔÇÖs very own Healthcare Drama Society announced The Addams Family as their Spring musical.  Still a relatively new society, itÔÇÖs becoming increasingly apparent … Continue reading Review: Healthcare Drama Society’s The Addams Family at The Gate

sophierevell
Features, Interview, Music

In Conversation with Opera Director, Daisy Evans

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

sophierevell