So last night my long awaited dream came true and I finally got to see Les Miserables in it's original home and 30 years exactly after it's first performance. Considering it is my all time favourite show, you could say that I was certainly excited when the time came to see it. Walking up Shaftesbury Ave to the theatre I found myself with butterflies in my tummy, as I couldn't quite believe that I was finally there.

When the first pounding notes swelled out of the orchestra pit, I felt tears well in my eyes and I settled back for the 3 hour journey that I knew so well. For the most part I was not disappointed.

Jeremy Secomb as Javert brought a new appreciation of the role to me. 'Stars' was never one of my favourite songs but his acting and singing were superb and I found myself covered in goosebumps as he reached his final crescendo!

Rachel Ann Go also reminded me why Fantine is one of my favourite characters and why her song 'I Dreamed. Dream' holds such a place in my heart. Over the years this song has been beat to death, now even being used in a TV service television advert and I had come to dread it. So many actresses who have played Fantine in the past have portrayed her as angry and screechy but Rachel Ann gave such a sweet and beautiful innocence to the role and brought me to tears. Anne Hathaway, eat your heart out as Rachel Ann Go is my definitive Fantine and is certainly Oscar-worthy herself.

The ensemble cast were outstanding with Enjolras, the Thenardiers and Gavroche particularly strong. However I was shocked at a few of the principle cast members distinct lack of diction. As a voice student and stage performer myself I know that my voice teachers and musical directors would kill me if I had sang like that. It came across very poorly, especially considering these were professional performers who should have known better.

Despite that, the overall show is still as incredible as when it first premiered and will always hold a special place in my heart! Though I was gutted to have missed Colm Wilkonson, my all time favourite Valjean by one night.

All in all, if you happen to be in London, do yourself a favour and see this show. Until next time.

Like Joey and Rachel did with the books that upset them, yesterday I too wanted to put my copy of Harper Lee's 'Go Set a Watchman' in the freezer.  I refrained partly because I'm sure the freezer would not be kind to my Kindle, but also because I was trying to be open-minded and finish the book before passing my final judgement.

When it was announced that Harper Lee was releasing another book after 55 years I couldn't wait.  I had loved 'To Kill a Mockingbird' when I read it at school.  The film is one of my favourites and in my opinion Gregory Peck's best role and I have seen the stage play more times than I can count.  It is a timeless tale that to this day captures the masses.  How could I not be excited to return to the characters I so loved and proceed on an all new adventure with them?

Before the book was even released though controversy began to boil.  First off many felt that with Lee's sister Alice no longer around to watch out for Lee, she was being taken advantage of and never wanted to.  Secondly, Atticus was suddenly a vile racist and the golden book that had introduced him was now tarnished.

Now that I'm finished with the book it is not either of those issues that troubles me and made me want to put the book in the freezer.  What had upset me the most was the disregard for 'Mockingbird' and the story it had told.  The trial that Lee details in 'Mockingbird' was based on a real trial her father had been involved in, and while our fictional hero Atticus loses that case Lee's father had won.  In 'Watchman' this was also the case which changes the character of not only Atticus but Scout as well.  The case and it's outcomes and repercussions are what shape the Finch family and by changing that, their personalities and beliefs changed to.  

I also was surprised by the introduction of characters that never existed in the 'Mockingbird' world and felt they were out of place and hampered the story.  But mostly I felt that Lee had not found her voice quite yet when she wrote 'Watchman'.  The story certainly reflects what was happening in the south during the civil rights and desegregation period.  It shows how people on both sides reacted and while we now look at it a find it evil and wrong, we must understand that things were different then and beliefs were different.  While we can be surprised by them we shouldn't condemn them completely.   Perhaps the real reason so many people were upset is the book reflects so much that is happening in today's America.  Uncle Jack's speech to Scout after she discovers Atticus attending a Citizen's meeting speaks of this change.  America was once a country for the little man, who could achieve the American dream.  Now it is a land for the wealthy and powerful who do nothing but demand it's people live a certain way and stomps on those who dare to dream.  This reflection maybe something that we wish not to see.  We love pretending that we've grown and evolved but the recent shootings in the South and the battle over the Confederate flag only prove that the same prejudices and mistrust that existed 50 years ago and even 100 years ago still runs rampant today.

I hope that this book can be seen for what it really is; a single step in a writers process.  While the characters may have the same names in 'Watchman' as in 'Mockingbird' it is Lee and essentially Scout's voice which are missing.  The reason that 'Watchman' was not published 55 years ago is not because it is bad, but that it had not found it's feet.  'Mockingbird' is a true masterpiece and 'Watchman' only proves this.  To be brilliant Lee and her characters just had to grow.  

Above all these two books exist in different worlds and 'Mockingbird' can never be tarnished unless we let it.  'Watchman' helped 'Mockingbird' take shape but it can never take it's place.  If you can read 'Watchman' with this in mind you may enjoy it.  If you can't then go read 'To Kill A Mockingbird' again and rediscover it's brilliance.  

*** 3 stars out of 5

I got a chance to see this film a bit early and I'm so glad that I did.  Before viewing I knew little about the film other than that it was done by the same people involved with The Book of Kells, another film that I had thoroughly enjoyed.  However by the end of the film I was absolutely blown away and can honestly say that this is one of my new favourite films.  I can't wait to own it on DVD to watch on rainy duvet days!

First off the artwork in this film is incredible.  It draws together so many beautiful Irish traditions and presents them in a brand new and fresh way.  Each frame of this film is so stunning to look it.  You could nearly place each one on your wall to enjoy forever. 

Secondly the story, while somewhat familiar to anyone who knows Irish folklore is brought leaping from the screen with beautiful rich and full characters.  From the smallest role to the biggest, I loved every single character introduced throughout the story.  Of course being a dog fanatic, Cú was my favourite, but every single character has such a important role in the story, that you can't help but love them all.

Finally the music brought everything together and added that extra depth to this film.  Without it the film stands on it's own but the addition of it really adds a new depth that allows the most special parts of the film to truly shine through.  I found myself humming little pieces for days, something that just proves how wonderful the music is.

If you do anything this weekend, make sure you go so this film!  Ireland is full of amazing and talented people and this little film showcases exactly that!  I can't wait to see the next outing offer Cartoon Saloon, as they just keep getting better and better!

Five stars out of Five *****

I had been excited to see 'Unbroken' the minute I watched the preview shown during the Sochi winter Olympics.  It had looked stunning and the story seemed interesting.  I honestly could not wait.  However there were 10 long months to go before the film was released.  So to help fill the time I picked up the book that the film was based on.

From the moment I 'turned' the first page on my Kindle, I was hooked.  Louis Zamperini leapt from the pages and became bigger than life itself.  I routed for him from the beginning and sped through the book like it was a Dan Brown novel.  Every-time I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again.  The book was powerful, sad and in the end inspiring.  With every page I marvelled at how Louis had made it through his ordeal.  When I finally 'closed' the book for the last time, my hunger for the film had only increased.  

And so it was with great trepidation that I settled into my seat to watch this film I had waited so long for.  And sadly to say, I had waited in vain. 

I won't say the movie was bad.  The actors were very good, especially Domhnall Gleeson.  In the next year he will certainly be one to watch and I hope he earns the fame he so deserves. The shooting style was visually pleasing something that I had worried would be hard to achieve considering so much of it takes place on the open seas.  However somewhere between page and screen the magic of Louis Zamperini's story was lost.  His suffering became trivialized and his journey back to redemption was cut from the film entirely.  It had become any other war film about any number of soldiers and this was a great disservice to the man that had inspired so many.  I understand that movies adapted from books will almost never live up to expectations, but 'Unbroken' didn't even try and this can be scene with the bad pacing in the script and the exclusion of important story points.

If you enjoy biographies and inspirational stories than do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of Laura Hillenbrand's book 'Unbroken' at your nearest library or book store.  If you want a war film, watch Unbroken, just don't expect to be changed or moved by it.

** two stars     

Do you ever find that you need a little musical inspiration to help you do something, ie workout, clean the house or just chillax!?  Well I for one certainly do!

Being a singer, music is one of my great passions and I find that I take a lot from melodies and lyrics and certain songs can change how I'm feeling.  So I thought I'd share with you the music I turn to when I need that little extra push (sure we all need a little help sometimes) so without further to do... read on for my playlists!  Got your own, why not share below.  Until next time, xoxo.

Exercise Playlist

1. Roar - Katy Perry
2. Trouble - Taylor Swift
3. Sexy and I know It - LMFAO
4. Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5
5. Mercy - Duffy
6. Black & Gold - Sam Sparro
7. We No Speak Americano - Yolanda Be Cool
8. Some Nights - FUN
9. Another One Bites the Dust - Queen
10. Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
11. Footloose - Kenny Loggins
12. Don't Stop Me Now - Queen
13. I want it All - Queen
14. Hammer to Fall - Queen
15. I'm not Sorry - Smash Hit List

Sleep Mix - (for when I find it hard to unwind and fall asleep this always playlist always helps)

1. 1. Chim Chim Cheree (East Wind) - Saving Mr. Banks Soundtrack
   2. Hushabye Mountain - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Soundtrack
   3. Dragonheart Theme - Dragonheart Soundtrack
   4. Homeward Bound - William Joseph
   5. Prelude from Unaccompanied Cello Suite in G - Bach
   6. Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis - Vaughn Williams
   7. North - Paul Mounersey
   8. Stolen Kiss - Ronan Hardiman
   9. Lament for the Wild Geese - Phil Coulter & James Galway
   10. Lament - Ronan Hardiman
   11. Irene Lament - Sherlock soundtrack
   12. Caledonia - Phil Coulter
   13. Wolsey Commits Suicide - The Tudors Soundtrack
   14. Nocturne in E Flat Major - Chopin
   15. Nocturne in E Minor, Op. 72 #1 - Chopin
   16. Mistake of Your Life - Rachel Portman
   17. Neverland - Finding Neverland
   18. Unbroken Trailer - Confidential Music - Unashamed
   19. Some Things Too Late, Others Too Early - Rachel Portman
   20. Jessica's Theme - The Man from Snowy River Soundtrack
    

If like me, you devour books within days of starting them it can be difficult to pick what to read next.  My phone is full of photos and lists of books that I've stumbled upon either online, in shops, in magazines or through word of mouth that appeal to me.  Sometimes the books are wonderful and sometimes not, however I thought I'd share the books I've been reading over the past few months good & bad.

Unbroken – Lauren Hillenbrand – Now some of you may have seen previews for the film that is based on this book lately.  I urge you to read the book first.  The film doesn't come out until December so you have just less than six months to read it.  It is so worth it, I promise.  Hillenbrand is a brilliant writer and the story is incredible, heart breaking and yet inspiring.  It is a treat and I highly recommend it.  5 stars

The Glass Painters Daughter – Rachel Hore – My mom recommend this book to me and while I found it to be readable and sometimes entertaining I felt the religious overtones were just a bit much for me.  As well as that I felt the book was far longer than it needed to be and it was a little dragged out.  Still it was okay.  3 stars

Inferno – Dan Brown – I was extremely hesitant to read Inferno as I hated his previous book The Lost Symbol.  I felt the ending of The Lost Symbol was horrible and that Brown had lost his spark.  The ending I had come up with while ready was far better and I felt let down.  This meant that when Inferno came out, I was very slow to pick it up and give it a chance.  However, I'm glad I did.  Brown has returned to form and the book was not only page turning but also thought provoking.  A great beach read.  
4.5 stars

Frog Music – Emma Donoghue – This book seems to be everywhere I turn, receiving praise from bloggers, magazines and more.  So with the great reviews I thought I'd give it a try.  It did sound so interesting, a can-can dancer in 1890's San Francisco.  Sadly I thought it was horrible and couldn't even finish it.  The storyline seemed and probably could be interesting but the way Emma writes is terrible.  There was so much jumping back and forth in single paragraphs and even sentences that I really had no idea what was going on or who the characters were.  I tried to go back to it, but after a few pages I'd had enough.  ½ star

The Midnight Rose – Lucinda Riley – Lucinda Riley has quickly become one of my favourite authors since I read 'A Girl on the Cliff'.  She has great imagination and her stories feature rich characters and beautiful story lines.  I can't wait to read her next book and I recommend The Midnight Rose as well as her other books very highly. I hate finishing any of her books because it's such an enjoyable read that I hate when it comes to an end.  It's like loosing a good friend.  5 stars

Mariana – Susanna Kearsley – Another one of my favourite authors, Susanna brings a lovely mix of history, supernatural and romance together.  Her book The Firebird was the first of her books I read and it was just incredible, grabbing me from the first page.  Mariana follows the same beautiful formula that Susanna is so well known for; however I felt that the ending of this book was a bit of a letdown.  Everything ended so abruptly.  Still high entertaining with wonderful characters.  4 stars

Dark Amelia – Another book that was praised by many, I was intrigued due its subject matter, Shakespeare.  However again I was unable to finish this book.  It was like a teenager decided to write a romance novel due to her school girl crush on Mr. Shakespeare.  The characters were extremely 1 dimensional and the writing was choppy and uneven.  ½ star

The House of Special Purpose – John Boyne – I've been obsessed with the Romanovs from a young age and I've read every book I can get my hands on that even remotely features them.  I know Russia has said all the bodies have been located and no one survived that terrible night, but books continue to abound featuring Anastasia and her family and someone surviving.  Even some of the Russian people believe their government is lying to them about the bodies.  Anyway, The House of Special Purpose is a new take on an old story and one that is quite enjoyable.  John Boyne brings his characters to life in a way few authors can.  Even for a well known story he is able to bring his own touch to it and spin a beautiful tale.  I highly recommend this book for any Romanov fan.  4.5 stars

Hi Lovies, Now as much as I love Halloween I'm  huge baby and am unable to watch scary movies.  So I've put together a list of my favourite Halloween themed films that are a little more on the funny side than scary!  

Do you find it hard to watch scary movies as well?  Let me know your favourites in the comments below.  Until next time. 

Hi Lovies,

As a theatre graduate I love nothing more than getting involved in any form of theatre I can.  So when I found out that my local theatre in Birr would be holding a play writing festival I was uber excited.  However I'm missing out on it this year as I'll be in France.  First world problems huh?  Well since I can't take part myself I got the opportunity to conduct a little interview to help promote this festival and see it grow so that next year I can hopefully take part.  Read on below for the interview and for a full programme detail.

So tell me about Scripts.  How did this festival come into being?

Scripts is a collaboration between Birr Theatre & Arts Centre and Jasango Theatre.  We have a particular interest in new writing at Jasango and having worked with Emma Nee Haslam at Birr Theatre on a few other projects, we discovered we had a shared interest in the idea of hosting a writing festival.  We first talked about it almost three years ago.  Then in 2011 we co-produced with Selkie Theatre USA an Irish version of Selkie Theatre's festival of new plays on enviromental themes-"Electric Cow" which appeared in Birr as "Bo Leictreach"  It really highlighted the interest there was in new writing. Having conducted audience surveys, the overwhelming result was that there was a growing interest amongst audience and artists for a dedicated playwriting festival which would have changing themes.

In January 2013, we began putting together ideas and a committee was formed to work on the festival. A production meeting with committee members, Arts Officer Sinead O' Reilly and Playwright Eugene O' Brien took place and roles were established for all those involved in the festival.  Eugene has had a crucial role to play in the development of the festival, advising on the nature of the development process for playwrights and heading the reading/selection panel, acting as a mentor, where he will guide the four selected playwrights through a workshopping process and acting as a judge at the headline event.  Similarily so, the festival would never have taken off without the support of Arts Officer, Sinead O' Reilly and Offaly Local Development Company.

- What is the ultimate goal of Scripts?
The goal of Scripts is to provide a dedicated forum or avenue for new writing for the stage;  a festival where new works can be explored and the craft of playwriting can be promoted, celebrated and enjoyed.  Scripts provides opportunites for all makers of theatre to come together and take new works on a journey.  This journey, on Scripts' first outing has brought over 40 artists together to create; playwrights, actors, directors, facilitators, producers all working towards the goal of creating 7 new plays in 7 fun-filled days!

- Where would you like to see this festival go in the next few years?
We aim to provide a further path for the development of new theatre works.  We are delighted to be collaborating with Listowel Writer's Week in 2014 and we look forward to exploring how Scripts can link up with other literary/theatre festivals. 

We will endeavor to provide further opportunities for playwrights by providing opportunities to meet and engage with production and dramaturgy departments of professional theatre companies.

We hope to further explore our international links and look at how the festival can have an international presence.

We see this festival going from strength to strength over the next 5-10 years .  We look forward to expanding our programme, offering more opportunities for production, more workshops, further opportunities for involvement of children and young people, discussions, events and performances as per audience demand.

- Any advice for the budding playwrights out there?
See as much live theatre as possible and know what works and what does not from that perspective. Give yourself space and time to explore your writing.  Keep at it!  Keep writing about the things that excite, terrify or amuse you-if the subject makes your blood pump, chances are better that it will be interesting to the reader.  Challenge yourself to write x amount a day/week/year-give yourself targets!  Get out and about-meeting with other writers and creatives.  Join a writing group, attend as many workshops as possible and establish support networks.  Research writing competitions, festivals, theatre companies looking for new works-try to find places where you can send your work to.

Writing is very solitary and yet theatre is all about collaboration and the melting pot of so many ideas.  It can be why actors or directors can make good playwrights- they have an instinct for what works on stage. Learn to take rejections on the chin- it is never personal, grow a thick skin and take all constructive criticism with an open mind.  Enjoy it - there is no greater feeling than finishing a play, whether it be 5 minutes or 105 minutes in length. Remember that feeling and let it spur you on!

- Do you see the festival growing to showcase full length plays?  New musicals? etc
We are open to seeing the festival growing and responding to the interests/needs presented by the committee, audience, artists and the general public.  We will always aim to find ways in which we can provide the best avenue for the development of new playwriting.

Hi Lovies, I know I'm a bit late to the party but I finally saw Baz Lurhmann's 'The Great Gatsby.'  It being one of my all time favourite books, I was more than excited to see this new take on the classic book.  At the same time I approached the film with trepidation as with so many book adaptions the films can not always live up to their inspiration.  However I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the film.  I felt that Lurhmann really captured the grandiose scale that Gatsby so deserves.  The whole feel of the film was what I imagine the 1920's in New York and the lives of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda, were actually like.  Over the top, flamboyant and tantalisingly fun.  From the first frame I was captured!  Not only was the atmosphere perfectly correct, the costumes were stunning (God do I wish I could dress like that on a daily basis) and the acting superb.  I've never really been a fan of Leonardo Dicaprio, but I felt his performance as Jay Gatsby was well rounded and real.  So many of the Gatsby films I've seen paint Gatsby as such a flat character, partly due to the fact that he himself is a figment of his own imagination but due to this I never found the character very likeable in any film adaptation. Dicaprio however brought Gatsby to life in all his nuances and flaws and I have to say I was quite impressed. 

Overall I feel that this is one of the better adaptations, however one thing that really annoyed me was the current music mixed with a 20's feel.  For me the modern music ruptured the landscape that Lurhmann had so painstakingly put together and it tarnished an all together great and highly entertaining film.  For me I give this film a 6.5/10. 

Well lovies, any thoughts on the film?  Let me know in the comments below.  Until next time.