laurel bee

Lotty's War, Exeter Northcott

Powerful stories are retold in Lotty’s War, written by Giuliano Crispini and set during the German occupation of Guernsey, Channel Islands, in WWII. From childish playfulness and romance to dramatic changes in pace, tension and emotion, Lotty’s War tackles themes such as loyalty and betrayal while considering the trials of growing up in a world encapsulated by the harsh realities of war. As a Guernsey local myself, I found this production particularly poignant, as Lotty experienced many things that I’ve grown up hearing about from older generations.

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The play focuses on the relationship between Lotty and General Bernberg – a German officer played with great expertise by Mark Letheren – with whom she is forced to share her house. An immediately curt relationship was established between the two and I failed to see how this would change, but the actors worked together skilfully to gradually evolve the relationship. From slight alterations in conversation to sudden plot twists, the chemistry between the two created an interesting dynamic which sustained the play throughout.

Olivia Hallinan gave a stunning performance as Lotty, a headstrong whirlwind of emotion, portraying her journey from an innocent youngster to a worn-down, troubled woman with immense talent. Her tearful monologue in the only “outdoor” scene of the production stood out for me as one of the most striking moments in the play, delivered which such raw emotion that I truly felt her pain.

With so many unexpected twists and turns, it was impossible to be bored for even a second in this slick production; the cast were a well-oiled machine. Aside from the superb performances, it was the technical detail that made this piece so outstanding. The use of an old radio added both music and news clips, creating moments of high tension as well as a true sense of realism. Meanwhile, the set was beautifully designed to recreate an immeasurably detailed Guernsey house, while flickering lights and dark shadows established a permanent sense of unease.

The production eventually comes full circle in the final scene, with Lotty and Ben (convincingly played by Adam Gillen) reuniting once more and speaking their secret childhood language as they had done in the opening scene. As Lotty drew the scene to a close singing “Sarnia Cherie”, the anthem of Guernsey, I knew that this would stay with me for a long time. “This is my home”, she cried. Mine too, Lotty. Mine too.

Originally published in Exeposé.

In books,

The place of poetry in modern society

Many young people nowadays seem to find poetry incredibly boring, which definitely saddens me as an English student. I suppose I can't really blame them having this impression (even I struggled a little trawling my way through Homer's The Odyssey), but I think the real reason poetry has such a reputation is often due to the way in which it is presented.

Our generation has grown up in such a fast-paced world, jam-packed full of social media activity. You don't even need to leave your bed in the morning to check the news, and your friend living halfway across the world is only a couple of button-clicks away. With this kind of action constantly surrounding us, the idea of taking time to sit down to read a thirty-page poem doesn't appeal to many teens who aren't hardcore English students such as myself.

What most people don't realise is that poetry is everywhere and can be found in many different forms. A lot of today's teens may have outgrown classical poetry, but the great thing about literature is that it is constantly evolving. Modern poetry exists not only in the form of sonnets or epics, but also in music lyrics. Rap songs place the same importance on rhythm and rhyme as any other poem, but are simply presented in a way that is arguably more relevant to young people today.

My favourite form of modern poetry is that of spoken word, or 'performance poetry'. Spoken word is poetry written specifically for the purpose of being read aloud, so a lot of emphasis is placed on its delivery and the way the words sound to an audience. Poems conveyed with this much emotion are more engaging and accessible, and automatically make the audience excited. My favourite orator is Sarah Kay, a woman who teaches young people the importance of self-expression through Project VOICE. In 2011, she gave a TED talk and performed her poem 'B (If I Should Have A Daughter)', a poem about life lessons and growing up. Sarah uses actions and expression to engage her audiences, and her poems are always relatable to young people.

Another great thing about spoken word is the subject matter. Although performance poetry can pretty much be about anything, many poets often choose to address more serious and controversial topics, using poetry as a way to express feelings and let things out that they may not have otherwise felt confident enough to convey. A fantastic example of this is Kevin Kantor's poem 'People You May Know', which bravely addresses the issue of rape.

Writing your own poetry can be incredibly therapeutic - in the same way that keeping a journal can help sort your thoughts, poetry enables people to learn things that they may not have otherwise realised. Encouraging creativity, introspection and boosting self-confidence, poetry can really take a large role in helping young people discover themselves.

Originally published in Exeposé.

In food,

Tea on the Green

Nestled between Ask Italian and St Martin’s Church in central Exeter, Tea on the Green is a local culinary classic. In the summer months, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea sat outside in the sunshine admiring Exeter’s impressive Cathedral or, if it’s slightly chillier, there is plenty of space inside in the cosy two-floored tea room, complete with quirky décor and stunning window views.

Flickr

Following the devastation of the fire that destroyed the Royal Clarence Hotel last October, just across from Tea on the Green, it’s easy to understand how business has suffered for the local tea room. After being forced to close for three weeks while safety was restored to the area, the café now has a new neighbour in the form of a rather strapping orange digger. The quality of its food and service, however, has remained strong, so I took a little trip to Exeter’s favourite tea room to remind myself just why Tea on the Green is so well-loved.

After much deliberation (the breakfast menu is seriously extensive), both my friend and I went for the classic full English, complete with sausage, bacon (in her case, at least – I’m veggie), eggs, baked beans, griddled tomato, hash brown, mushrooms and toast. I’ve had my fair share of fry-ups in the past and let me tell you – this one is pretty darn great. If you’re not in the mood for breakfast food, the menu also covers a range of snacks, lunch, afternoon tea and a wonderful array of locally baked cakes. I’ve been lucky enough to experience the cream tea on more than one occasion and there really isn’t anything much better than enjoying scones and a good pot of tea overlooking the Cathedral.

Tea on the Green has clearly considered the demand for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options; I was particularly impressed by the choice of Linda McCartney sausages, which any self-respecting vegetarian knows to be the king of all veggie sausages. The café also has a range of gluten-free items and a couple of vegan options too, such as the Lebanese panini, mixed seasonal salad or roast butternut squash wrap.

In addition, the café has a unique affinity to locally sourced produce. All the meats and eggs used are free-range and locally produced, while much of the fresh produce and cheeses are also sourced locally. Even most of the drinks are from the West Country, with the beer, lager and cider all made in Devon and Cornwall and some wines even from Exeter itself. The business also donates 1% of their profits to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), an international humanitarian organization. Let’s face it, good food is always going to be the most important factor for hungry students like ourselves, but at Tea on the Green you can enjoy their extensive, high quality menu safe in the knowledge that your custom is also supporting local produce.

As if you didn’t need another reason to check out Tea on the Green, they’re currently operating a deal in which, on weekdays between 8am-10am and 4pm-6pm, customers can receive 90% off the breakfast menu if they sit outside. I challenge anyone to find a better deal, so wrap up warm and head on down to enjoy your morning fry-up for less than a pound.

Tea on the Green is located next to the Cathedral Green and is open 8am-6pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am-5pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

Contact

2 Cathedral Close

07426 203862

green.tea@zen.co.uk

teaonthegreen.com

Originally published in Exeposé.

In food,

Top 6 cafés and pubs in Exeter

Having spent the past three years living in the lovely Exeter, it's safe to say I've learned my way around the very best cafes and pubs in the city. I put this little piece together for the student newspaper at the beginning of the academic year, as an introduction for new students to the wonderful world of Exeter eateries.

Tea on the Green

An Exeter classic, Tea on the Green is the ideal place to relax and make the most of the Devon sunshine. Located in the centre of town, it’s an easy meeting place for a quick break from exploring the local shops.

Perfect for: Overlooking the Cathedral as you have a bite to eat with your visiting relatives.

I recommend: A cream tea, of course. Grab a table outside and enjoy the fresh air whilst arguing over whether the jam or the cream should go on the scone first.

The Imperial

Everyone’s favourite local Wetherspoons, The Imperial, or the ‘Impy’ as it’s affectionately known, is the perfect summer pub - there’s nothing better than enjoying a cider with friends on the benches outside.

Perfect for: A quick lunch with coursemates; perfect for Drama students who have classes opposite.
I recommend: A classic cheese and tomato panini with chips.

The Glorious Art House

One of Exeter’s best-kept secrets, The Glorious Art House is tucked away at the bottom of Fore Street. Combining amazing cakes and lunches with vibrant decor, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Perfect for: A catch-up with a few friends.

I recommend: A Glorious Hot Chocolate and a slice of banana bread.

The Old Firehouse

Famous for its range of affordable pizzas and fruity ciders, the Firehouse is a must-visit for any self-respecting Exeter student. It’s a great alternative to a night out, and leftover pizza the next day isn’t so bad either.

Perfect for: A cosy Sunday night recovering from your weeklong hangover with your new flatmates.

I recommend: Greek pizza and a pitcher of toffee cider please!

Boston Tea Party

At the end of Queen Street, this popular chain has a huge menu ranging from breakfasts and brunches to toasties and salads. With lots of large tables and comfy sofas upstairs, Boston is always a safe bet when searching for a bit of extra study space.

Perfect for: Procrastinating seminar work with your study group.

I recommend: Smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and avocado on sourdough toast #Exetah

The Ram

There’s no denying that the Ram’s curly fries are truly legendary. As well as a great selection of pub food, the Ram is always a fun place to be with a pool table, a weekly pub quiz and Rameoke on a Friday.

Perfect for: Meeting up with friends or doing a bit of extra reading in between lectures.

I recommend: Curly fries, obviously.

Originally published in Exeposé.

In screen,

The Jungle Book

When I first heard that Disney were going to be releasing a live action remake of the 1967 animated film The Jungle Book, I'm not sure my brain was fully capable of understanding the complexities of such an undertaking. 'But how will they get the animals to look like they're talking?' I asked anybody who would listen. As it turns out, I was surpassing even my own levels of idiocy; the animals and environments would actually be created entirely using computer animation, but trust me - when you see tis film, you'll sure as hell think they're real.

The adaptation follows a similar plotline to the classic story that we all know and love. Raised by a pack of wolves, ‘man cub’ Mowgli is warned to leave the jungle following threats from terrifying tiger Shere Khan, who insists that man has no place in the wild. Now, I know what you’re all thinking – Disney live action remakes aren’t always all they’re cracked up to be (I mean, did you see Cinderella?), but trust me – this one is different. For starters, it’s not entirely adapted from its animated predecessor, as director Jon Favreau picks and chooses elements from Rudyard Kipling’s classic text as well as drawing inspiration from the Disney classic. Favreau’s direction brings a set of fresh ideas to this well-loved tale, creating something new, exciting, and sometimes even dangerous. He carefully crafts a world of adventure in which the audience can lose themselves, enabling them not simply to watch Mowgli’s jungle journey, but to experience it alongside him.

Image credit: mediastinger.com

With a cast as brilliant as Mowgli is brave, it’s almost impossible to single out star performers, but I’d be mad not to declare Idris Elba as utterly faultless in his sinister performance as Shere Khan. Scarlett Johansson also certainly makes a chilling impression in her single scene as python Kaa, while Lupita Nyong’o’s vocal talent cannot be understated, bringing intense emotion in the role of Raksha – I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as she said goodbye to Mowgli before he returned to the ‘man village’. Ben Kingsley and Bill Murray are perfect choices for Mowgli’s companions Bagheera and Baloo respectively, and special mention must go to Favreau’s vocal cameo as a little pygmy hog – watch out for him in perhaps the most comical scene of the film.

Meanwhile, newcomer Neel Sethi shines as ‘man cub’ Mowgli, the only character that is actually real. I can hardly fathom the challenges of filming such immense scenes solely in a Los Angeles warehouse, but Sethi pulls it off with the ease and grace of a seasoned pro. You’d never know that he was actually acting with puppets and blue screens, and I love to imagine his reaction watching the film for the first time: seeing himself floating along rivers, swinging through treetops and even riding a baby elephant. Sethi brings a beautiful sense of innocence to the role as well as maturity well beyond his years and was never outshone by the huge Hollywood names starring alongside him; this kid is one to watch.

There’s no other way to conclude this review than by saying that you absolutely must see this film. From chase sequences and stampedes to wolf cubs and a singing bear, there’s something for everyone. Revolutionary technology used in Avatar and Gravity enables Favreau to put a contemporary twist on a beloved classic, creating a visual masterpiece that will no doubt stand the test of time.

Just don’t ask me specifics about how they achieved such a feat – I’ll probably end up telling you how they trained the animals to talk.

Originally published in Exeposé.

In travel,

London sightseeing

In books,

Reasons to Stay Alive

I've labelled this as a review mainly because I like to be organised and categorise things, but the truth is I'm not really sure that a review is the best way to go about this when all I'd really like to do is talk about it. So that's what I'm going to do.

My housemate Katie picked up this book in Waterstones one day. She read it all in one sitting, then preceded to order us all to borrow it/buy it and read it ourselves. I'm a bit of a book lover (I say 'a bit of' because Katie may well read this blog, and I am nothing in comparison to her level of book-loving, so I've got to keep it real here), so I'll always take a good recommendation, and I am, like many others, extremely interested in the topic of mental illness. It's something that pretty much everybody has either experienced themselves or knows of someone who has, so it's a universal topic, but one that is still surrounded by a lot of stigma and misunderstanding. Honestly, I was just intrigued to learn more.

Matt draws on his personal experience of depression and anxiety to share thoughts and advice about life with mental illness. It's an easy read, split into five chapters 'Falling', 'Landing', 'Rising', 'Living' and 'Being'. Each chapter is divided into short titled sections, such as 'Why depression is hard to understand', 'Things you think during your first panic attack', 'How to be there for someone with depression or anxiety' and 'Things that (sometimes) make me better'. He has such complex, interesting thoughts, but presents them in such a way that makes the book accessible to absolutely anybody. For somebody suffering from mental illness, I imagine the book to provide a level of comfort in the realisation that they are not alone. For those with family members or friends who are affected, it provides an insight into a world that is difficult to understand. The book has really made me step back and think about mental illness in much greater detail - how people can be affected, what it may feel like for them and what I can do to better understand and help. I'm by no means close to being an expert, I'm just grateful to Matt for opening my eyes and helping me to understand that little bit more. I'll leave you with a few of my favourite quotes from the book.

'It turns out that we are not only made of the universe, of 'star-stuff' to borrow Carl Sagan's phrase, but we are as vast and complicated as it too. The evolutionary psychologists might be right. We humans might have evolved too far. The price for being intelligent enough to be the first species to be fully aware of the cosmos might just be a capacity to feel a whole universe's worth of darkness'

'Life is hard. It may be beautiful and wonderful but it is also hard. The way people seem to cope is by not thinking about it too much. But some people are not going to be able to do that. And besides, it is the human condition. We think therefore we are'

'It may be a dark cloud passing across the sky, but - if that is the metaphor - you are the sky. You were there before it. And the cloud can't exist without the sky, but the sky can exist without the cloud'

And finally...

'I am you and you are me. We are alone, but not alone. We are trapped by time, but also infinite. Made of flesh, but also stars'

Thanks for reading.

Matt's website: www.matthaig.com

Pages

Lotty's War, Exeter Northcott

The place of poetry in modern society

Tea on the Green