In The Words Of

from Cardiff Times - March 2020

An Early Morning Of

“in the words of…”

By Carl Marsh

If any month of the year makes me happy, it’s March, yet I’ve no idea why, it could be when I start to really notice that the nights start to get lighter. Another part of me thinks that it’s having shed the doom and gloom that January and February bring, often after a heavy spend at Christmas!

This month I have been kindly invited to visit Qatar and The Maldives by Qatar Airways. As you will know (maybe not), Qatar Airways has Cardiff Airport as its main hub and you can fly to Doha and on to lots of destinations worldwide. I am to spend a couple of nights in Doha, visit a few locations that the capital of Qatar offers, and then fly down to The Maldives for five days. I will be writing a full-page review of my travels and flight out of Cardiff Airport next month.

Interviews Coming to South Wales in March is the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Showing at various venues, those to note are March 12th at the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl and St David’s Hall in Cardiff on March 25th. What is in essence a collection of very short films, shot beautifully in some of the most stunning locations in the world, but with a message. I spoke to the director of one of the films that will be showing (The Imaginary Line) and that is Kylor Melton via phone, who was in Oregon, USA.

Susan Boyle is back in Wales on Tuesday 10th March, performing at St David’s Hall in Cardiff. This is her tenth year since appearing on Britain's Got Talent. Who can believe it’s that long! I spoke to her at length and it was a ball, she really did keep me on my toes and made me laugh. It has always been my wish to speak with her, and it really was a treat. I think a few tickets remain for her show.

2 On Thursday 26th March, Planet Earth II will be at the Motorpoint Arena. Hosted by Liz Bonnin, this will be a spectacular event not to be missed, as The City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Matthew Freeman, will be playing the beautiful music that accompanied the award-winning BBC show. Liz Bonnin gave me a little bit of her time to chat. I have an apology to make, I had planned on having a Cardiff resident or native (as mentioned last month) in the interviews section but I had a last-minute opportunity to interview Jo Brand. So I did. She is hosting an event in Swansea to celebrate her very dear friend Helen Griffin who passed away in 2018, sadly not long after completing her role in Keeping Faith. The event is on March 31st at Swansea Grand Theatre. I know it’s not in Cardiff but Swansea was where Helen came from, so a worthwhile journey to a very rewarding night. I hear that as well as Andy Robinson and Noel James, more names will be added nearer the event!

Carl Marsh How did you get to know the late Welsh actress Helen Griffin, who the night is Swansea is in aid of?

Jo Brand We were both on the same four-year psychiatric nurse course. We both trained together but I was the year ahead of her. I started in ’78 and she started ’79 but we kind of immediately clicked with each other and became really close friends ever since.

Carl Marsh Seeing as you were both in the nursing profession, who was the one that gave up nursing first, was it yourself or was it Helen?

Jo Brand Well, we weren't that far apart really. I think I started doing stand up in 1986 but I didn't leave for two years, I couldn’t afford to. And by, I think 1986, she’d already started and had headed off towards the acting profession in one way or another, so she just kind of beat me to it really.

Carl Marsh Was this something that you both discussed when you had both gone off into your nursing careers or was it something you just found out after she'd done it all?

Jo Brand No, we always used to talk about it. We also have a friend who was a frustrated jazz singer, and now is a jazz singer, most of the time! [Laughs] We had a fourth friend who wanted to be an artist, but I am afraid she never got there [laughs], but she is retired now and is doing it as a hobby, so there you go. So in someway we kind of all moved towards what our secret ambitions were.

Carl Marsh With the night in question in Swansea, what will it entail?

Jo Brand Well, pretty much the basis of it will be a stand-up show. I'm gonna compere it and then Andy Robinson, who I tour with and is great, will do a set, as will Noel James, who Helen used to love. And as well as that, there will be kind of extra bits and pieces added in. We will have some special guests who knew Helen very well, who I think people would know from various things on TV or in films. I'm just not saying who they are just yet in case they can’t come as they could get a job at the last minute, you know I think it's very different for actors, really.

Carl Marsh What's your favourite memory of Helen then when you were on your nursing course?

Jo Brand Most of my memories of her are quite unrepeatable, from going out in the evening and getting extremely drunk and behaving very badly. But I think sort of as a general rule, she was the one, which is why we were such close friends, who was always up for a bit of an adventure. I think one thing [laughs] that springs to mind and this is just the sort of person she was: she was going out with a guy who she was really keen on, and was going to his sister's wedding and went to have a really extreme haircut, and it was terrible. And she was really worried how it would look to his family. But anyway, we just happened the day before to go and see a play about Edith Piaf in the theatre, and we didn’t like it so we left at half time. And as she walked past this usher, and it wasn't his fault, she was in a really bad mood, she just said, “We’re leaving, we didn't like that, it was sh#t!” [Laughter]. So this poor guy! But anyway, as we walked further on he shouted out, “and so is your haircut!” [laughter]. She used to be in a sort of situation all the time. She just made me laugh.

An Evening With Jo Brand is on March 31st at Swansea’s Grand Theatre, and all proceeds from this event will go towards supporting a young actor in training.

Carl Marsh Who came up with the idea in the first place?

Kylor Melton I'm a high-liner myself, and I also rock climb and do all these crazy things, but the idea itself came from the main character of the film whose name is Corbin (Kunst). So, I don't know if you know much about what happened with the government shut down in the United States last year?

Carl Marsh Your short film The Imaginary Line, it speaks volumes about deconstructing the line between Mexico and the US, so can you tell me what’s been the most positive feedback you've had about the film?

Kylor Melton It’s quite interesting because, like you said, the basic premise of the film is this slack line that we rigged between these two countries right over the border. And the symbology in that is very, very simple but very powerful in the fact that we're walking across this line that is so real in our heads, it's so concrete. In reality this is just a figment of our imaginations right like because we believe in it, it becomes real, but in all reality it's just a canyon, you know, just like two different parts of the same land. And as far as what the most profound feedback I've had, it’s been wild as with people connecting with the story and with the idea at a deeper level and just hearing the stories of those characters who the idea itself means so much to them. I had one of my best friends from high school, she actually, and I didn't know this, but after I’d published the film, she called me and she was crying. She was in tears and she was originally from Costa Rica and I didn't know this but she had come to the US illegally. And she was crying and gushing and I was like, “What's wrong, what’s wrong?” She just wanted to tell me that my film was so beautiful because she’d gone through that experience and had to, you know, push past those boundaries herself. For her seeing it broken down in such a simple way and forgetting about the politics and the intricacies and policies, and all the hate and negativity that comes with, you know, this kind of idea of conflict in general, and just letting the idea speak for itself. Carl Marsh Yes, I recall all of that stuff going on.

Kylor Melton It was heavy man, it was like more than 30 days of the government completely ceasing to operate, and where this really is felt is often in national parks and these kind of areas right. I was like, pretty aware of it but I was pretty removed because I was at home kind of working on some ideas, and out of nowhere Corbin calls me. And he's like, “Hey man, I have this idea. And I don't know if it's possible. But I want to go for it. I want to rig a slack-line between the US and Mexico. I want to do it in the next like year or two, and I think it'd be really cool if like I could tell a story about it you know like in the next couple of years.” And then I pause, after he said his idea, and I was just thinking for a good 60 seconds. I was thinking about everything man, thinking about the potential of this idea. And I was like, “Dude be at my house tomorrow, right.” So, three days later he came over and then a day after that we were heading south and as we were heading south we were assembling the team.

You can see Kylor's epic short film as part of the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Showing at various venues, those to note are March 12th at the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl and St David’s Hall in Cardiff on March 25th, I'll see you at one of these!

Carl Marsh It was filmed on a beautiful day and the location itself is even more beautiful whether you're on the Mexico or the US side, was it paramount on selecting the location because it shows that it's irrelevant whether you’re on the Mexico side or the US side, it's still beautiful and just a line across, you know, two pieces of the planet?

Carl Marsh I can't believe it's been 10 years since obviously, you know, you went on Britain's Got Talent, that time must have flown by for you. Do you still pinch yourself now wondering what you've done over the last 10 years.

Susan Boyle It was really like a whirlwind as everything happened all at once. Visiting America and Japan, and China, it was hard to take in. It’s been really surreal as it was like living in a bubble not realising what I was doing. When I look back at it now, it was pretty amazing.

Carl Marsh Has music always been something you've always had a passion for since you were a child?

Susan Boyle Well, my family were all musical, my dad was a singer, my mum was a singer, my brothers played the guitar and they sang as well. It was definitely in the blood since I was a kid.

Carl Marsh What’s been the biggest highlight for you over the last 10 years?

Susan Boyle It was my first visit to America and they took me to Disneyland and they had given me some lessons on how to behave in public, and one of them was ‘don’t swear’. So they took us on this fast mountain ride and I'm telling you something, they didn't tell me that there was a massive drop at the end of it! You can imagine the air was blue! [Laughter] It’s straight down and I was ‘bleep, bleep, bleep! [Laughing] I wouldn’t mind but Mickey (Mouse) and I got soaked, but the security guy who was with me didn’t get wet, so I was chasing him up and down the place after it, and he was laughing his head off. Carl Marsh It sounds like you’ve got a wicked sense of humour then?

Susan Boyle Yes, I need it [laughs], I need it to keep going.

Carl Marsh Yeah, you do. So what makes you laugh when you watch TV and films?

Susan Boyle What makes me laugh, oh gosh, anything makes me laugh, I’d laugh at the kettle boiling, me! [Laughs] I’ve got a wicked sense of humour. I like watching some of the comedy programmes that are on TV. Billy Connolly is great, he is so natural, the way he paints the picture for other people is really good. You do go on a journey with him, you really do.

Carl Marsh You’re going to be on tour soon and will be coming to Cardiff, isn’t this your first tour in about six or seven years?

Susan Boyle Yes, it is, as I had to take a little bit of a break to sort my life out but I’m fine now, stronger than ever. I’m coming back with a different act, different format, different songs and more upbeat.

Carl Marsh What have you been up to in the last few years, and am I correct in saying that you’ve been learning to drive?

Susan Boyle Driving a car, well I’ve had two lessons, so I’ve not killed anybody yet! [Laughs]

Susan Boyle is back in Wales on Tuesday 10th March, performing at St David's Hall in Cardiff. This is her tenth year since appearing on Britain's Got Talent.

Carl Marsh You're presenting the Planet Earth II tour, that must be one of your ultimate goals?

Liz Bonnin I guess it was, and the more I think about it, now that I'm doing press, the more I realised this was an absolute dream job. It is to be in arenas full of people where we can all celebrate the wonders of the natural world, and also celebrate the beauty and creativity of humanity with a 74 piece orchestra with music written by an absolute genius, Hans Zimmer. I think it's going to be a very special, very unique experience. And what I'm looking forward to more than anything really is how we're all going to be connected in that celebration of wildlife. I think that's going to be very special to me.

Carl Marsh Did you see the television show?

Liz Bonnin I didn't, because I was travelling at the time, so I didn't get to see it. So in a way, it's interesting because I don't really have an idea of what it's like. And so I'm kind of grateful for the rehearsals because I can get emotional every time I hear that music. It's pretty extraordinary, so I just can't wait.

Carl Marsh I really can't wait too. Like last year, I took my daughter to the Blue Planet II tour and that very night, and for months after, she would only listen to the music from the show when she went to bed!

Liz Bonnin My gosh! You see what I mean, we can't underestimate just how powerful events like this can be. Yeah, I think that's what's really wonderful about the landmark series and they're now extended and adopted by the BBC to bring it to an audience in a different way. Almost raising the bar with respect to the kind of experience you're going to get and how much is going to inspire you and move you and ultimately change you as a person. I just think it that's what this concert is going to be about and I mean your daughter is a shining example of that.

Carl Marsh Yes, and she has come away and to be motivated when she was only 10 when she saw it; she is motivated to want to do something in that sort of field when she leaves school.

Liz Bonnin That’s a gorgeous thing to hear, it really is.

Carl Marsh With the tour, what are you going to be more talking about in between the scenes and music, will it be the impact of what's happening to the environment?

Liz Bonnin Oh well, my role is really to take the audience by the hand and contextualise each scene. I spend my life working on these types of programmes, so we're working on the script together. And you know, I really want the music and the sequences to work their magic. I want to keep the talking to a minimum. But I do want to sort of add my experience to it. And as much as the messaging is going to come through in the images and the music, I also want to help to inspire by sort of communicating how these sequences move me. I'm also really excited because when we were choosing the sequel that was being picked, you know, I want to give extra little tidbits that we may have not got from the series. Also to respect how the sequences were achieved to perhaps the behaviours of the wildlife themselves. And actually how Hans Zimmer and the team went about writing music for particular sequences, kind of to enrich the experience for the viewers. But ultimately, I hope that because of my experiences and my understanding of the natural world, I can add another layer of understanding and appreciation. But really and truly first and foremost, it's the music that's going to do most of the work for us.

On Thursday 26th March, Planet Earth II will be at the Motorpoint Arena. Hosted by Liz Bonnin, this will be a spectacular event not to be missed as The City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Matthew Freeman, will be providing the musical accompaniment.

Entertainment Reviews

Food & Drink

The Botanist - Bar/Restaurant - 10 Church Street (near to the Castle) Once I had received an invite to the opening night, I was expecting great things from this venue as I had been desperate to attend once I knew that the chain was coming to Cardiff. My expectations were met. I didn’t know how much I would be astonished by the decor and vibrancy. I only got to sample the drinks, sadly no food; this was all down to myself having such a good time talking to friends and new friends, I missed out on sampling anything to eat! I did hear that the food was delicious based on the many people that I had spoken to. It’s in a prime location, and it’s a place I know will do really well. What capped it off for me, and do take note all other venues in Cardiff: if your staff look like they are really happy and enjoying themselves at work, then they are, and so will the customer. Let’s hope I can come back and taste the food!

(Five Stars)

Literature

Finding Henry Applebee by Celia Reynolds Do you want to read a book that will leave you with a warm glow? Maybe even wanting to read a book that hooks you in from the first few pages? Or perhaps likes different genres of books but want to pick up something special? Then this book is for you.

There is a lot of mystery surrounding the main protagonists of the story yet without this being a mystery novel. It’s a book about following your heart, your desires and to always learn from having tried, and failed, but at least trying, then picking yourself up. You will also find some Welsh locations mentioned in the book, mainly due to the author being from Wales and now living on the Gower coast. A wonderful tale that will be reread, and reread, and reread!

(Five Stars) Screen

1917 - Cinema

I always get nervous when I see certain films getting nominations for certain film awards, I get more agitated when a film wins said awards. I am bordering on meltdown if a film is war based, as I come from a military background. 1917 settled my nerves after five minutes. I love the long shot, which is the usage of one camera to record a scene. Most films have tons of cameras, and lots of edits but this film, albeit with a few careful discreet edits, is basically set over one long shot.

The amount of detail and logistics and timings and work that has gone into this movie is mesmerising, I was transfixed with the screen, I even left the movie theatre quite emotional and breathless. Never have I felt like I was a part of a film before this. Granted that ‘Saving Private Ryan’ might be a better story, but imagine if the opening scene of that film was just one camera, you can’t comprehend that was ever an opinion. Fast forward to this film, and it was possible. The ‘making of’ documentary when the DVD is out will be my first thing to watch!

(Five Stars)

Until next month.

Carl Marsh

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