Screen success

When I finally came to pick the 3 events I was inclined to attend, I became rather over-excited and signed up for 6.  But top of my list is the discussion with author and screenwriter Andrew Davies on Wednesday 27th February. 

Davies  will be discussing his work with Deborah Cartmell and Yvonne Griggs (DMU).  These include his BAFTA-nominated adaptation of Charles Dickens' Bleak House, as well as television versions of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Vanity Fair. He also collaborated on the screenplays for both Bridget Jones films. His latest work, period drama Mr Selfridge, is currently being aired.

I'm looking forward to hearing from one of the UK's most critically acclaimed screenwriters and learning how he works.


J.Wedgbury

After the laughs

This weekend Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival comes to an end and Cultural Exchanges week begins. Cultural Exchanges will be great and I urge anyone and everyone to go.

However, I'm sceptical that this week of events can possibly live up to the 16 days before it. Can it possibly be as interesting as seeing stars such as Russell Howard, Jon Richardson, Gary Delaney, Johnny Vegas etc. at Marc Oliver's comedy chat show Dancing About Architecture? Can it be as touchingly insightful yet hilarious as Francesca Martinez's touring show WTF Is Normal? Can it be as charmingly surreal as Joey Page at The Exchange? - incidentally he is an absolutely lovely man who put me on the guest-list for his show because I gave him directions.  Can it be as outrageous and spontaneous as An Ideal Night Out? And who can forget last night's Gagging For Attention? (Admittedly that one is more memorable for me Because I happened to be in it.) 
 
And, although Cultural Exchanges is just around the corner, we mustn't forget that the comedy festival is still in full swing. Tonight sees legendary punk poet John Cooper Clarke take to the stage, there are still two more Dancing About Architecture shows to go and the last show I'm going to see is Sean Walsh in Sean To Be Wild on Sunday night. My account of all the above events will be in the next issue of The Demon.

I'm particularly interested in seeing the interview with Geoff Rowe at Cultural Exchanges. He is the director and founder of the comedy festival and will be talking to the big man, VC Dominic Shellard. 
 
I am also reliably informed by DMU's Rob Brannen that Daniel Bye's show is well worth watching.
 
Hope to see you there.

Matt Watts

Making politicians sweat

We have been asked to attend at least three events at the Cultural Exchanges Festival next week. We need to consider one we will enjoy, one we would not normally consider and one in between. In doing so, I have actually ended up booking an event that is possibly fits all the above categories.

Professor Andrew Tolson is giving a talk on how the party leaders of the 2010 General Election interacted during its broadcast. Most would assume that all those attending would have a keen interest in politics but this couldn't be further from the truth where I'm concerned. Yet I still feel there is much pleasure to be gained from learning about what made the lovely politicians sweat. I think this should be a must for any other who dislikes politics but loves the thought of seeing politicians being picked apart.



Sam Kay

What will Zandra wear?

With Cultural Exchanges week starting next Monday I'm anticipating the varied and exciting speakers that I have chosen to see, wondering what I'll learn - and what they'll see. Zandra Rhodes in particular intrigues me. Princess Dianna, Freddy Mercury and Kylie Minogue are just a few of the iconic superstars that Zandra has designed for, so she really is a legend in her profession.

Surely such a cooky individual with her bright pink hair and funky fashion sense must have something bizarre, unusual and inspiring to share with me. It's a privilege that somebody so well known and respected in the fashion industry is coming to talk at our university.

There are so many different things that I am wondering, what will Zandra be wearing when she talks to us? What jewellery will she have on? Will she go for a simple elegant look or will she dress in multiple colours and patterns with extravagant jewellery wrapped around her neck?  I hope it's the latter. 
 
Zandra Rhodes is somebody I cannot miss. I plan to be sitting in the front row eagerly awaiting her arrival.


Taylor Williamson

Sleep will have to wait

As part of my creative writing course I was instructed to sign up to at least 3 events at DMU during Cultural Exchanges week. I must admit, to begin with I was rather upset at being robbed of the prospect of spending the whole week in bed.

Nevertheless, I obediently looked in the leaflet we had been given and I realised I may be able to cope with a week out of bed after all. Alan Garner was coming to do a talk.

I will shamefully admit that I had never actually read one of his books, but several of the titles, such as The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and The Owl Service, were very familiar to me. As an aspiring fantasy author, the fact that he was so well known in the genre was enough for me, and I even dragged myself out of bed early to be sure I could secure my place as soon as the booking site opened. For a mere £3, the infinite wisdom of this man would be mine to behold.  I also ordered a copy of The Weirdstone of Brisingamen. I've started it, and it's truly a wonderful book - my excitement for the event is only increasing.

I will end my ramblings here, and recommend that you pick up one (or all) of his books, and if you're around the Leicester area next week with some money to spare, try and book yourself a place!

(If you are interested in booking this event or any others during Cultural Exchange week at DMU, click here)


S. J Miners

My interest is piqued

I have to admit, I'm appalling with names. Give me J.K. Rowling and I'll still be hesitant to claim she's the one who wrote Harry Potter in case I'm wrong (seriously who wants to screw up a fact like that?) So I may have come across Alan Garner, or I may have not... either way it's time for Google

Children's fantasy novels... retellings of traditional British folk tales... if his wikipedia page is anything to go by then I'm feeling a little more excited. Don't get me wrong, I was already looking forward to seeing a published novelist, especially when it's just a five - ten minute walk from my front door, but when his books seem just a little more suited to my taste it adds that hint more of anticipation

So roll on Alan Garner, you have my interest piqued.



Laura Jones

Anticipating Alan Garner

Like many, I was intrigued by the phrase "rare public appearance" in the information about Alan Garner, despite being previously unaware of his work.

I've never been a fan of fantasy novels but, after booking, I promptly purchased two of his books: The Owl Service and Red Shift. When they arrived, going against all I've been told, I chose to read the book with the most intriguing cover first: The Owl Service. Since the genre does not usually appeal to me I paid particular attention to the style of language, the techniques used and the effects these create. I have, however, been surprised at how absorbing the story is. Garner writes with incredibly strong imagery; the characters are deep and unclichéd and the plot is full of mystery. I'm now excited and curious to hear what the man behind this involving, well-written story line has to say. 

While the book has been very enjoyable, I haven't been converted to a fully-fledged fantasy fan just yet. Perhaps Red Shift will change my mind later this evening.  

 

 

Hannah Maggs