‘What’s the Buzz?’ Volume 6

Television

Look out for Press airing on BBC1 in September. It is written by Mike Bartlett who wrote King Charles III (which was a huge critical success and, understandably, generated a lot of controversy) and the nerve-shredding Doctor Foster. It stars Ben Chaplin and Charlotte Riley. Expect to be challenged!

Television

This snippet is for those of you who have Netflix – if you have not already seen in it then watch La Mante (The praying mantis), a French psychological thriller. We watched all six episodes in two sittings. See the original before the Amercians produce a flashy re-make. This is nuanced television at its best, starring the enigmatic Carole Bouquet who was once the face of Chanel No 5.

Films

Look out for The Children’s Act. Based on Ian McKewan’s best-selling book, it stars Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci and Ben Chaplin. A judge must decide a case involving a teenage boy who is refusing a blood transfusion on religious principle. Lots to discuss after you have seen it!

Theatre

All About Eve starring Gillian Anderson and the red-hot Lilly James. The stage-adaptation is by Ivo van Hove (whose View From the Bridge was a huge critical and commercial success; for those lucky enough to have seen it it was a truly landmark production). The movie is one of my favourite films of all time (I can karaoke it!) and I am sure it will be another memorable night at the theatre. Look out for ticket details.

Buzzlets

For the past 27 years Pimlico Opera has produced musicals in prisons. Last year we took a group of 60 to see Les Misérables in HMP High Down. This year Pimlico is producing Sweet Charity at the all women HMP Bronzefield. It is an extraordinary feeling, going through an hour or more of checks to get into a high security prison and then watching a mixed cast of prisoners and professionals performing. So many of the cast inspire.There is a mixture of despair and hope and, after another slow crawl through security, nobody in the audience emerges unmoved.

The opinions in Maria Says are Maria’s (with some input from Julian). There is no intention to offend or to suggest that other views might not work just as well for others – we live by learning. However we steer away from politics, religion and intolerance. Also, we do not receive any reward for recommendations; we decided years ago to remain independent and not carry advertising or promote places, goods or services because we are paid to do so and we shall stick to that.