40 Shades of Green

This is a first novel by the popular television personality and came as a big surprise as I certainly had not expected it to be such a simple tale of country folk.

The novel is set in a small village in the South West of Ireland and as Norton comes from this area he has captured the cadence of the local residents and their unsophisticated lives.  Of course, you know that underneath there are unspoken resentments and age-old acrimonies that lurk in the past of any small community.  And this being remote Ireland there are the constraints of respectability and Catholicism, which cloud the reality of past events.

Our hero is an overweight, socially inept Sergeant Collins of the local Garda.  If you were expecting a hero of the handsome but laconic detective type you will be disappointed.  Patrick James Collins known to all as PJ, is a result of a ‘combination of appetite and inertia with the task of slimming down being beyond him’.

Nonetheless, we like PJ, and when he is embroiled in the mystery of human bones found buried in an old farmhouse, we feel that he is up to the job of solving the crime. He does have the help of a Mercedes driving urban detective from Cork, but they have an uneasy relationship.

All the characters are skilfully drawn and if, at times, the storyline felt like an episode of Ballykissangel mixed with Father Ted, it developed into an intriguing story of credible characters.

Forget this was written by a celebrity, it actually comes from the imagination of a man who knows and cares about people:  maybe this is why he is such a good interviewer.

A lovely tender tale with a plausible, if predicable plot and characters that reminds me of an Edna O’Brien novel – praise indeed.

Holding by Graham Norton is published on 6th October by Hodder and Stoughton in Hardback RRP £20

Spiritual and secular shenanigans

I missed this book when it came out in hardback in November 2015 so I was pleased to be sent a copy of the paperback version due out on 6th October.

Quentin Letts, a high profile political journalist and writer, has brought all his talents into the authorship of this fascinating book.  He is also a devout member of the Church of England and uses his understanding of both the Establishment structures of the Church and Westminster to create a highly entertaining and clever novel.

Using a variety of stereotypes, from celebrity atheists to greedy parliamentarians and entrenched Anglicans, he has given us a narrative of modern manners worthy of Anthony Trollope.  Our faith is as stretched as that of Rev Tom Ross, who finds himself embroiled in the Westminster media maelstrom as Chaplain to the Speaker.  I paused several times to wonder who the Wife of the title actually was and why she appears in the title, but no matter, the book was compulsive reading.  I must confess to taking to my bed in order to complete it.

The language is inspired – how I wish I had thought of some of those words and phrases – but they work so effectively to tangle the reader in the machinations of the political plotting.  I am sure he has devised some of his words – is there such a one as “sherryish”?  I don’t know but it is beautifully descriptive of the imbibing in the Westminster hospitality rooms.

The rituals of the House and the Church may be lacking in verisimilitude but it really doesn’t matter.  We understand the characters and what they want:  they may be ciphers, but no more so than actors in a social drama.  This is a rollicking good story that mixes religion, avarice, sex and betrayal with mobile phones and the Ancient and Modern Prayer book. This is one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read this year.

The Speaker’s Wife by Quentin Letts is published in paperback on 6th October 2016 RRP £8.99

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

This touring production sees Georgia May Foote making her stage debut in the lead role of Holly Golightly.

While all the publicity shots show Georgia looking very like Audrey Hepburn it was somewhat surprising to see that she actually plays the role as a blonde. So forget Audrey and enjoy Georgia’s performance – flowing golden locks and all. Incidentally, she makes a really good job of the songs and has a perfectly lovely voice.

The set moves between seedy bedrooms and bars, which is technically very well done, to create the feeling of New York apartment life. Matt Barber continues in the role of Fred – which he played in the West End; Victor McGuire is very convincing as the New York bartender Joe Bell and Robert Calvert’s Doc was just wonderful. Bob the cat performed well too!

Georgia May Foote

An enjoyable production that brings 1940s New York back to the stage.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is currently on tour:

Sept 28th – Oct 2nd
Bristol, The Hippodrome
Oct 10th – Oct 15th
Malvern, Festival Theatre
Oct 18th – Oct  22nd
Sheffield, The Lyceum Theatre
Oct 25th – Oct 29th
Brighton, Theatre Royal
Oct 31st – Nov 5th
Belfast, The Grand Opera House
Nov 7th – Nov 12th
Cardiff, The New Theatre
Nov 14th – Nov 19th
Norwich, The Theatre Royal

Our music choices for October

The Teenage Pavarotti

Jonathan Antoine found success after his appearance on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in 2012. This is his second album and is a compilation of classical arias, musical theatre songs and contemporary classics, this is a well-made and well performed album.

There is no doubting the extent of Jonathan’s vocal range and his voice has a maturity that belies his youth. He has the ability to move between singing with terrific vocal power to quiet tenderness with ease and it’s clear why he’s been dubbed the ‘teenage Pavarotti’.

He sings with a clear passion and joy for his music. If you like Alfie Boe and Russell Watson, then this album will most definitely appeal.

Believe by Jonathan Antoine is available from Amazon and all good music stores.

Shakin’ with surprise

Shakin’ Stevens was once known as the Welsh Elvis, and was one of the biggest stars of the Eighties, with 33 hit singles – including four UK number ones.  Possibly the creator of the double denim look and teenage heartthrob, he was not one to take seriously musically.

Now, almost four decades after his first hit, Hot Dog, in 1980,  he has just released his 12th album, Echoes of Our Time.

Born Michael Barratt in 1948 in Cardiff, the youngest of 13 children, and went on to make huge rock and roll hits in the 80s with This Ole House and Oh Julie and the seasonal stalwart, Merry Christmas Everyone.

Blues, roots, Americana and classic rock take centre stage on this surprising record. His voice has developed a deeper raw tone and the rock and roll style evolved into more bluesy country sound.

I was delighted by the soulful sound and range of instruments used.  Shades of Bob Dylan with the harmonica, and  the poignant loneliness of Chris Rea kept me listening.  Surprising and satisfying,  this is one I album I will give the green light rather than the Green Door.

Echoes of Our Times by Shakin’ Stevens is available from all good music stores.

by Tina Foster and Annie Johnson