‘What’s the Buzz?’ Volume 14
Restaurants
Myrtle, 1A Langton Street, London SW10 0JL
An Irish chef, Anna Haugh who has worked with the best names in the business has opened her own restaurant. A short, sensibly priced modern European menu. After a short time, it has already attracted a loyal following and, as soon as we have had a chance to eat there, we shall tell you what we think.
Theatre
The Life of Pi
‘The next War Horse’ is how this adaptation of Yann Martel’s iconic bestselling novel has been described. It has opened to universal five star reviews at The Crucible Theatre Sheffield.
‘It is a triumph of transformative stagecraft’ – Michael Billington – The Guardian
Let’s hope it transfers to the West End!
Books
The Carer by Deborah Moggach
The best selling author of Tulip Fever and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has hit the jackpot again.
Reviewing her new book in the Guardian, Hannah Beckerman wrote, ‘With The Carer, Moggach explores the topical question of care for the elderly and whose responsibility it is. She infuses what could be a dry subject with her trademark humour and pathos, reshaping a societal dilemma into a family drama, by turns compelling and surprising’.
Books
Chanel’s Riviera by Anne de Courcy
De Courcy’s previous books include a biography of Diana Mosley and Debs at War.
What starts as an idyllic existence soon turns into a nightmare when France is occupied by the Nazis. De Courcy writes with great power on the fall of France – the sorrow and the pity with ‘foreigners’ having to leave at once. ‘Many were still in evening dress, some were drunk, a few hysterical.’ The English, for example, including Somerset Maugham, had to endure a 20 day-journey to Liverpool in the hold of coal shops with no facilities.
And at the centre of it all is the iconic, world-famous Coco Chanel, an acknowledged Nazi collaborator.
Fascinating reading!
Films
The Summer is normally a season for family films. However, there are three films that are well worth looking for on catch up, if you can find them. They are:
Wild Rose – Sebastian Lelio’s remake of his own life-affirming film about a middle-aged woman, starring Julianne Moore – who ‘begged’ the director to make the film and who brings warmth and much insight to the movie.
Gloria Bell – This gritty feel-good film tells the story of a fiery Glaswegian singer and single mother who dreams of Nashville glory. It stars Jessie Buckley ‘supported by’ wonderful co-stars Julie Walters and Sophie Okenodo.
The Kindergarten Teacher – This wonderfully sensitive remake of an Israeli film in which a precocious five-year-old is discovered by a pre-school teacher. It stars the ever watchable Maggie Gyllenhaal.
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.