Venue 395

from Venue’s co-editors

Why hello, and welcome to Venue! For many, you’ll be embarking on a brand new adventure here at UEA. However for many others, including myself, this will be our last year here. It’s always said that University goes by in the blink of an eye (and annoyingly, they’re right!). So now, I’m writing this as a third year with eye bags heavier than a luggage allowance.

Tee and I are so excited for you to finally see our version of Venue. After many hours spent putting our heads together (often getting side-tracked by baking recipes, or our ever-growing crystal collections etc.), we came up with what you see before you. Underneath, you will see some introductions from our lovely Venue Section Editors, who have also been working hard over the summer to provide a brilliant first issue of the year for you!

Oh and to the fresher reading this, I promise everything will be okay, and a trip to unio is always a good idea (get a spiced chai latte). From a tired, but happy third year x

- Millie Smith-Clare @millie.s.c | she/her

Hi there! It’s such an honour to present to you the first print issue of Venue 23-24! Similarly to Millie, my eye bags are just as big as this month marks the beginning of my master’s degree in Modern and Contemporary Writing, and my final year at UEA. If you’re just starting – welcome!

It has been so lovely so far to work alongside Millie, and our section editors, to produce this issue of Venue – being the first, we’ve had to work extra hard to get everything sorted, but I hope you’ll all agree with me in saying that it was absolutely worth it!

As we move our way into the autumn months, these pages are filled with inspiration of what to watch, read, wear and see (between binging Gilmore Girls and reading for your seminars). Be sure to also check out the What’s On section on the back for some great things to get up to in Norwich, as well as some top Norwich recommendations from Millie!

Happy reading :)

Ocean at the End of the Lane: Review, Landscape Narratives, The Eerie Whimsy of The Globe’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

books

Romanticising Reads for University Life, Ace! How reading helped Heartstopper’s Isaac understand his sexuality, Falling into New Beginnings: Our Favourites from the Literary Universe, Book Review: Bitch by Lucy Cooke.

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6 creative writing

Heroes, My friend is made of mud and I am Diamond, Parting Lovers’ Eyes, Diamond, How to be a Modern Woman. (This issue’s Creative Writing prompt was ‘Diamond’ in response to UEA’s 60th Anniversary)

fashion

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The Art of Autumnal Accessorising, New York Fashion Week 2023: What’s Coming Up, The Circle of Fashion: How Popular Styles Always Make a Comeback, The Power of Dopamine Dressing: Using Science to Dress Happier.

film

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The Best Film of Summer 2023, Film Delays and the SAGAFTRA Strikes, Booksmart (2019) and the Coming-of-Age Experience, National Cinema Day 2023: The Classics at their Best.

tv

Our Flag Means Death Season 2: What we know so far, CITV closes after 17 years on air, Heartstopper Season 2 Review, UEA’s 60th Anniversary: Celebrating The Diamond Alumni on Our Screens.

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18 music

-

Tshequa Williams @lifeinateecup | she/her

ISSUE 395 | TUESDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2023

FRONT COVER CREDIT: The Met (Open Access)

arts editor: Lily Glenn

@lilyglenn1 | she/her

From ‘debut’ Cowgirls to Midnight Rainclouds, there’s an era for everything at Taylor’s Tour, The Mercury Prize 2023: A joyous night of music, Super Shy or super successful? New Jeans’ rise to fame.

what’s on

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Upcoming Welcome Week events, live music, craft fairs, and food events. A little foodie introduction to Norwich.

our section editors

fashion editor: Caitlin Bennett she/her

“Hi! I’m a second year English Literature Student. You’ll also find me as the Social Sec for the Creative Writing Society! I’m looking forward to reading your submissions”

arts editor: Sara Budzinska @_sarabudzinska_ | she/her

“I am a second year English Literature and Creative Writing student. As well as books, art and musicals, I love volleyball and swimming. I’m tremendously excited to work with some great writers and publish some amazing articles this year :))”

books editor: Sophie Handyside

@maysbooks | she/her/they

“I’m Sophie May, a third year Literature and History student from the Southwest countryside. You will never find me without a coffee and a book! Contact me via Instagram (above) for recommendations, reviews, or a chat.”

creative writing editor: Will Muncer

@will_writes_stuff | they/them

“Hi I’m Will. I’m a third year Creative Writing and English Literature student who loves film, comics and audio dramas. After uni, I’d love to break into the comics industry!”

“I’m Caitlin, a first year Natural Sciences student. I am very passionate about writing and enjoy conveying meaningful, creative stories. In a previous life, I delivered several babies, having began my journey at UEA on the midwifery course. I am excited to work with you on all the Fashion articles and news this year!”

film editor: Ore Adeyoola @ore.adeyoola | she/her

“Hi! I’m Ore, this year’s film editor :) I’m a third year Media Studies student who loves all things pop cultureread more of my writing on my Instagram (above).”

tv editor: Lucy Potter

@lucyclairepotter | she/her

“I’m Lucy, and I study Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism. I am also Head of Tech for Livewire1350, and a Publicity Secretary for UEA Ballet. Personally, I love writing about theatre, and of course TV - my favourite shows are Our Flag Means Death and Taskmaster!!”

music editor: Lily Taylor

@lilypt27 | she/her

“I’m Lily and I’m a third year English Literature with Creative Writing Student. I’m a big music fan who is an avid gig-goer and loves playing guitar.”

Ocean at the End of the Lane Review

By Eve Attwood

Icame to Ocean at the End of the Lane with expectations it would be like many of Neil Gaiman’s stories –spooky, fantastical and packed full of adventure. The play I watched included all these elements, but the emotional intensity of the performance took me by surprise. I had not expected the story to move me so much, nor to see myself in the characters displayed, perhaps because I had assumed the story would have a more childlike feel to it. Though the main characters Boy and Lettie Hempstock are children, the story of Ocean is far from a child’s, and more of one on the cusp between childhood and adulthood, often stuck between the pull of both worlds.

On the opening night of Ocean at the Norwich Theatre Royal, the performance began amongst a backdrop of thorns and branches, which circled the stage and repeatedly lit up throughout the play, particularly during moments of conflict. We meet an older version of our protagonist, Boy, who reminisces on his childhood with Old Mrs Hempstock (Finty Williams). As they begin to talk, he is reminded of the time he spent at Hempstock Farm in his youth and the memories he made, which he still looks on fondly. The story then transitions from the present to the past, with Keir Ogilvy taking over as the younger version of the protagonist. From here, we quickly learn that not only has Boy’s mother passed away in recent years,

but the lodger who stayed with the family has committed suicide. These events take a toll on Boy, causing him a huge amount of confusion, grief and anger. On top of that, his father (Trevor Fox) is struggling to balance the responsibility of taking care of two children with no help, while working fulltime. The play leans into the emotional weight Boy’s home environment has on him, and how he looks to stories as a form of escapism.

It is only when Boy meets Lettie Hempstock (Millie Hikasa) and her family that events begin to shift. His friendship with Lettie is both a blessing and a curse – he gains a brave and loyal friend, but opens himself up to the darkest parts of himself as he risks being captured by ‘The Flea’ – an ambiguous monster which represents all his overwhelming anxieties.

It would be wrong of me to write this review without paying tribute to the incredible set of visuals in this performance. The play used lighting to its fullest effect, with flashing lights across the branches during battle scenes, doors lit like a nightmare turned real, and beautiful hues cast across the stage as the ocean was formed out of reflective fabrics.

The play was at its most stunning when the puppets of Lettie Hempstock and Boy swam across the stage, glowing in an ethereal haze. It was a moment of pure childlike innocence and joy, reminding me of the

excitement of being a child and playing imaginary games.

The darkness of the play could be seen at its height during the emergence of ‘The Flea’ as it moved and writhed with different fabrics and faces, crawling across the stage like a furious spider with claws, ready to entrap prey. It was a terrifying depiction of the weight of grief and anxiety, a monster refusing to let Boy go.

Joel Horwood’s adaptation, directed by Katy Rudd, reimagines the child psyche, giving it more sensitivity and depth. Ocean is not just about adventure, but the pain of growing up. It is about friendship and trust, and where we find comfort in the darkest of times.

Ocean at the End of the Lane ran from Tue 5 – Sat 9 Sept 2023 at the Norwich Theatre Royal.

PHOTO: BRINKHOFF MOEGENBURG

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

arts editors: Sara Budzinska & Lily Glenn

Landscape Narratives

By Sara Budzinska

The Crypt Gallery can be easily omitted due to its location. Dwarfed by the impressive height of Norwich Cathedral, its small door often goes unnoticed by those who fail to register the few signs pointing towards it. But to those who dare to take a couple steps downstairs, a whole realm of beautiful, varied and free art is revealed.

One exhibition I had the joy of viewing was the Landscape Narratives of Ruth Grindrod and Caroline Evans. While this exhibition is now closed, its beauty is still worth commenting on. Both women drew huge inspiration from Norfolk and its incredible how this translates differently into paintings and photographs. In the painting entitled Norfolk Reeds, Evans’ bold use of colour and dynamic texture explodes in the viewers’ minds as much as it does on the canvas. The abstract interpretation of nature doesn’t fail at evoking the same level of awe that standing face to face with a force beyond human control does. Contrastingly, Grindrod’s ability to capture the serenity of a cloudy sky and lapping water in Holkham Lights casts a magical soothing effect on the observant. In my experience, attempts at replicating the effects of nature are hardly ever successful, however, Grindrod has skillfully trapped the tranquility of the scene in her photos. These two

artists thus complement each other with their ability to capture an accurate, yet varied, snapshot of nature in their respective mediums.

The wider scope of the inspiration for this exhibition takes us far away to Scotland, Northumberland and even stretches out into Iceland. Through this, Evans and Grindrod are capable of showing us similarities and differences between the intimacy of Norfolk land, as well as the daring foreign lands. It is incredible how despite the distance, there are so many patterns within landscapes, as well as its behaviour. Whether it’s angry or quiet, we can rest assured that nature is always feeding into our feelings. This exhibition takes its viewers across flatlands, gentle hills to towering mountains, calm waters and foamy waves.

One print in particular caught my attention: Breakthrough Light. As Grindrod herself comments, “When printing your work, the attention to composition, colour, tones and textures and particular nuances becomes imperative. And that’s before you even press print! Many landscape photographers now are choosing not to print due to costs and the overwhelming domination of social media, but it is a skill which creates great enjoyment and which I feel serious photographers should acquire.” Her efforts to ensure the essence of her

work remains, even in widely distributed prints, is commendable.

Much of Evans’ work is on a large scale. Compared to the misty ambiance surrounding Grindrod’s photography, which she creates with the help of neutral density filters, Evans’ brown and orange hues magnify the strength of our landscapes. Autumn Mountain is the perfect display of the autumn atmosphere without tying it down to a particular place. Evans is able to utilise this quality of abstract art very effectively.

Looking at Grindrod and Evans’ art purposefully invites us to reflect on our own influence on these landscapes, especially our contributions to climate change and global warming. Their choice in holding a physical exhibition during an uncertain economic time, deliberately hopes to influence us to respect landscapes, by extension to respect nature. In one moment, we are enjoying the sights, in the next we are called to question how we treat the planet we’re marveling at. Perhaps we should even ask ourselves how beautiful the rest of the world would have been without our influence. In the meantime, we can head to the Crypt Gallery to check what else they may have in store for us.

PHOTO: UNSPLASH

The Eerie Whimsy of The Globe’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

In August, I saw The Globe’s performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in London (dir. Elle While).

I’ve seen a handful of the Globe’s productions in recent years, and am almost always thrilled by their talent at re-imagining; mixing aspects of the Jacobean with modernday elements, such as the ever-present doc martens and the occasional anachronistic delivery of certain lines, connoting whole new meanings, whilst still always maintaining use of the original Shakespearean. This play was no exception.

The Globe’s production imagines the hidden horror of many of the play’s aspects; the arrival of Puck (Michelle Terry) is precipitated by her maniacal, almost joker-esque laughter, immediately establishing her as a sinister character. The grotesque violation of the spell she casts on Bottom (Mariah Gale), transforming her into a donkey, is evoked by Gale with horrifically prolonged slack-jawed, dead-stare gurning - both hilarious and extremely unsettling. Simultaneously, though, the whimsy of Puck is maintained continuously, for example with the physical comedy of her trying to leave the stage, but repeatedly recalled by the continuation of Oberon’s (Jack Laskey) self-indulgent monologuing, and with her irreverent reaction to realising she made the wrong Athenian fall in love.

The play’s casting was brilliant. Francesca Mills, an actress with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, played Hermia, a choice that made the (canonic) height-based insults hurled at her character infinitely more shocking, sometimes even eliciting gasps from the audience. As usual, The Globe’s casting was both gender-blind and employed many queer actors; Peter Quince was portrayed by transgender actress Rebecca Root, whose character was adored by the whole theatre, joining the crowd to watch the play-within-a-play during the final scene and weep with pride at her cast’s performance. Meanwhile the two traditionally male leads of the productions were both portrayed by non-binary actors, with Vinnie Heaven as Demetrius and Sam Crerar as Lysander. Heaven particularly shone in their role, portraying Demetrius with a captivity dichotomy of hateable, violent arrogance and ridiculous, love-struck swooning postenchantment.

I thought the production’s portrayal of love was especially interesting. The relationship between Bottom and Titania (Marianne Oldham) was presented as comedic, but with a heavy undertone of melancholy; the two frolic, tumble, and bray around the stage, yes, but also act so tenderly with each other that it is impossible not to feel pity for the two,

By Lily Glenn

particularly Bottom, who is only enchanted physically. Indeed, when Titania is released from the spell of the magic flower, she looks at her lover with sorrow rather than disgust, and at Oberon with betrayal rather than humiliation. When Bottom awakens, she laments the end of what she rationalises as a dream, and cries movingly for the loss of Titania. In contrast, the enchantment of Demetrius and their subsequent relationship with Helena (Isobel Thom) is never portrayed as ‘real’. Heaven portrays Demetrius’ obsession with Helena as crudely artificial, literally weak-kneed and transfixed at the sight of her. Equally, Thom never portrays Helena as truly believing or accepting of Demetrius’ proclaimed love, hesitant and uncomfortable at his touch. As a result, in comparison to the idyllism of the relationship between Hermia and Lysander, the play’s implication that Demetrius will live the rest of his life drugged into a relationship with a woman he cannot ever truly love is slightly disturbing, despite the cruelty of his character pre-enchantment.

One aspect I enjoy the most about The Globe is the sense of community, built over the play between both theatre-goers and actors, coming away with a head spinning from the exhilarating joy of the final dance - performed after every production by a rambunctious, stomping, whirling cast.

PHOTO: UNSPLASH

Romanticising Reads for University Life

By Hettie Garnham

September signals the start of another academic year. This means new beginnings, the start of autumn, and for many, rewatching Gilmore Girls and romanticising their lives Rory Gilmore style. It’s the perfect time to start embracing transitions, whether they are seasonal, or more personal, like kicking off a fresh year at university.

The beginning of an academic year can feel daunting, and what better way to unwind than curling up with a warm drink and a good book?

And obviously, you’ll be gazing out of the window mysteriously at the autumnal weather. Here is a list of books for you to romanticise your university experience (or if you just want to get yourself stuck in a really good book):

The Idiot, Elif Bautman (2017)

This semi-autobiographical novel follows a college freshman attending Harvard in the 1990s, confronting the terror and joy of becoming a person and transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. It battles new beginnings, the realisation of both beauty and disquietude in the world, identity, and the intricacies of language and love.

Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro (2005)

UEA alumni Kazuo Ishiguro’s novels are beloved by many, and Never Let Me Go

is no exception. Set in a dystopian England where humans are cloned for organ harvesting, the narrative follows Kathy H, as she reflects upon her childhood and her transition into adulthood. We witness her coming to terms with her idealised childhood as something not so sweet and look upon the friendships and bonds that grew with her through her teenage years.

Normal People, Sally Rooney (2018)

By this point, most people have watched the BBC series, or at least have not escaped hearing about it. If you haven’t already read the book, I urge you to do so. This is one that I have returned to time and time again over my time at university, finding solace and comfort in the lessons between its pages. Of course, there is an incredible connection between Connell and Marianne, but their personal experiences are what makes this novel outstanding, in their transitions through life from school to college, and the emotion and growth rooted in these experiences.

Everything I Know About Love, Dolly Alderton (2018)

This deeply personal and honest memoir follows Alderton as she navigates her life through her 20s and beyond, exploring messy nights, love, friendship, and womanhood. This is an essential read, and there’s a great TV adaptation to enjoy too.

There are so many more that might take

your fancy, for example Donna Tart’s dark academia classic The Secret History, or Mona Awad’s brilliantly weird Bunny both take place within college campus. Nicola Dinan’s debut Bellies, Douglas Stuart’s Young Mungo, and Jeanette Winterson’s Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit are queer must-reads that explore growing up, selfacceptance, and transitions through life. My Education by Susan Choi details the coming-of-age misadventures of a small university town, while Joe Dunthorne’s Submarine highlights the affairs of being a teenager. And if you need to take time to de-stress, Patrizia Collard’s Little Book of Mindfulness might be just the thing.

books editor: Sophie Handyside

PHOTO CREDITS: UNSPLASH

Returning to our screens this summer, Heartstopper Season 2 reunited audiences with our beloved bookworm, Isaac, delightfully portrayed by Tobie Donovan. Shy, introverted, and never seen without a book in his hand, Isaac attempts to navigate his way around his loved-up classmates and find his own place in the world. Relatable to the many of us who seek comfort in our books, it is hard to not like Isaac.

Following the popularity of Alice Oseman’s graphic novels in 2019, the addition of his character to the 2021 Netflix series brings a heartwarming, fresh representation of understanding Asexuality. Season 2 breaks Isaac free from being a wallflower, yet as a character who struggles to express his feelings, the 25 books he is seen to be reading, strategically showcase his path to understanding his sexuality.

Ranging from Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, a contemporary tale of negotiating school bullies and coming out, to Victor Hugo’s revolutionary masterpiece, Les Misérables – the producers do not shy away from exhibiting a diverse range of texts. A key plot point in Isaac’s narrative is the introduction of a possible love interest, James, a fellow classmate, and a seemingly perfect match as they share their lunchtimes arranging pride-themed displays in the library.

Aptly titled, The Awakening by Kate Chopin becomes a pivotal read for Isaac in his realisation that James has a crush on him. The novella follows Edna, a young married woman who connects with her sexuality by indulging in her painting, seeking freedom from her husband. Isaac sees his struggle to conform to the expectations of a relationship in Edna’s own self-awareness and non-conformity in 1899. Where Edna paints to understand herself, Isaac has his books, which we later see him turn to at the start of his introspection. Delving into a poetry anthology at a party, exploring queer love and obsession, Crush by Richard Siken helps Isaac to understand his reaction to a kiss he shared with James. Isaac then begins to question why he struggles to connect with people the way his friends do, sitting alone on the balcony, he closes his book and looks up.

Ace! How reading helped Heartstopper’s Isaac understand his sexuality

By Sophie Handyside

It is not until he meets another Ace character at an exhibition on identity, that Isaac truly understands his feelings toward James. Turning away from the exhibition, Isaac finds solace in the book Ace by Angela Chen: ‘What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex.’

Clutching Ace close to his chest, we see the spark in Isaac’s eyes, and a smile larger than the pile of books he accumulated in Paris, that he found a book that underpins how he feels. The breakthrough, the coming-of-age moment.

Isaac’s happy resolution is, therefore, not found in a relationship with James, but in his acceptance of his Asexuality. This is only the beginning for Isaac, who we hope to see more of in Season 3.

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

Falling into New Beginnings:

There’s nothing quite like the start of a new book. When you make the first creases in the cover and fan the pages to find the opening chapter, there’s the distinct smell of publishing buried in the spine. If you are anything like me, you have to be captivated by the book within the first few paragraphs. I love being encompassed in a new adventure, so much so that when the book goes down, I can’t wait to pick it back up again. So what makes us want to read on? What makes a good beginning?

Typically, we need to be bestowed with some information, and this requires one of the 5 W’s, cliche though it may sound. We need to know either who we are travelling with, where the story takes place in time and space, how the situation came to be, what the story will be about, or why this story is worth reading. However, the best stories scatter this information methodically throughout, careful not to give it all away at once.

Before we get to this bulk of excitement though, we read the opening line. An opening line can be long, convoluted, and complicated, or simple, short, and direct. My favourite types of opening lines are those which could lead onto anything, one which is slightly irrelevant and ambiguous, to the next piece of information, a short and clever welcomer.

Literature, by nature, is a gloriously grand range all the way from romantic comedies, to calculated mysteries and misfortunes, so it is expected that when we take our metaphorical comb to select the best opening lines, we will definitely be missing some favourites.

Penguin spotlights Nineteen Eighty-Four, “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen”, and a favourite from Ellison, “I am an invisible man”.

Book Review: Bitch by Lucy Cooke

By Tshequa Williams

As a literature student, I often like to dip into nonfiction books to satisfy my interests in other areas, giving my brain a break from the many worlds I immerse myself within when reading fiction. Bitch by Lucy Cooke is an informative, but highly enjoyable, exploration of the ways that biology has been riddled with misogyny. Focusing on females from across the animal kingdom, Cooke uncovers the truth behind the outdated assumptions of the female sex. Bitch is an essential book for anyone interested in science, feminism, or even just bizarre biology facts.

Before this book was mentioned in my Feminist Writing class

Our Favourites from the Literary Universe

By Caitlin Bennett

The publishing house also chooses Austen with, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”, and the enigmatic line from Beloved, “124 was spiteful. Full of Baby’s venom”. A modern popular by Kawaguchi, “Oh gosh, is that the time? Sorry, I have to go”, from Before the Coffee Gets Cold. BBC honours Dickens’ “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”, and finally, “It was a pleasure to burn.” from Fahrenheit 451

It is significant to mention, finally, that in famous literature, particularly of the previous century, there is a lack of recognition of authors from minority cultures, highlighting the historic lack of equality within the literary field.

last year, I was not aware that feminist biology was a thing, believing (naively) that everything we were taught in school was true and well-researched. Cooke explains that while studying zoology, she felt like “a sad misfit”, as in the field, “we eggmakers had been betrayed by our bulky gametes” having “pulled the short straw in the primeval lottery of life”. Due to a string of biases, with funding and research often focused on the male sex of a species, science “is soaked in accidental sexism”.

Victorian scientists such as Charles Darwin, created many unevidenced assumptions about the roles, behaviours, and anatomy of the female sex, which have carried through into numerous contemporary theories. Females across the board, whether homo sapien or insect, have been gravely misunderstood for centuries. It’s no surprise that with a grounding built on assumption, the female body is still under-researched in modern science and medicine.

Bitch portrays the work of many feminist scientists (male and female scientists included), who have come together to redefine the “narratives about evolution, gender and sexuality”, through an absorbing exploration of species from across the globe which have proved the “dynamic and varied” nature of the female sex.

My copy is filled with tabs, as I just found it all so fascinating! From questioning the biases in sex hormones (it turns out oestrogen plays a “fundamental role in the development of male testis and sperm”), to the cannibalistic nature of female spiders – Bitch demystifies the truths of the females of species through humourous writing. I would highly recommend this book to everyone as Cooke makes science accessible. It really changes your perspective of the ways that cultural and societal ideals of gender and sex have stemmed from these outdated beliefs.

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

creative writing

creative writing editor: Will Muncer

Heroes

By Eve Attwood

It’s near closing time. I know this because the group of boys outside –always in trackies – have descended. It’s always the same group at 9pm exactly. They stand outside in a kind of protective huddle by their bikes, talking loudly about someone who’s ‘bare stupid fam’. Sometimes I listen in if I’m bored enough. If I don’t, I only hear the hum of the deep fryer or the sound of another order coming through.

‘Sixty-eight!’ I call out.

The man whose order it is looks up as though I’ve asked him to pay my taxes, not collect his food. He shifts over to the till, taking his food without so much as a thank you. It should faze me, but it doesn’t. I put another order of a double cheeseburger and fries through.

When we’re five minutes from closing, a little girl comes in. Asks about the loo. My head hurts and all I want to do is go home, but I let her. It’s dark out and it’s no time for her to be wandering around. She thanks me. She’s the first one to do that in two hours.

I watch her linger outside as we close for the evening. She sits, slumped on the bench outside in the cold as we mop floors and clean down surfaces. She can’t be more than nine – as old as I was. She wears a tired expression like she’s seen too much.

‘You can’t sit out here all night,’ I say to her, locking up.

She sizes me up. ‘Why not?’

‘Because it’s cold, and your mum will be worried about you. Where’s she meeting you?’

‘She’s not.’

I reach for my phone and she reacts immediately, straight to her feet.

‘Don’t call the police,’ she says. ‘They’ll take me home.’

‘But that’s where you should be!’

She shakes her head. ‘No. Please believe me. It’s not.’

I’ve never seen a child look like that, right through to your soul. I’m used to the high-pitched laughs and screams, the constant laughter and the playful running around that we see as we serve customer after customer. I’m not used to this, to the seriousness, the fear her eyes communicate.

I walk all the way home without a call to the police or local hostel. I keep my promise, and when I return to work at 9am, she’s disappeared.

I fry burger patties and fill plastic cups to the brim with Coca-Cola so easily it’s as though the movement’s become automatic. And I wait, just to see if she’ll come back.

I get home at ten-thirty at night, put my work clothes on the sofa. Outside, the light is dimming and the girl’s nowhere to be seen. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, the bruise on my back still visible as it was in my youth. The long nights, the anxious sleep, how quickly I lost my girlhood to the streets.

The sky above displays a collection of stars and a small group emerges in the shape of a diamond. It’s unmistakable, a sign through and through, I think. I imagine the girl’s watching with me. I imagine we’re both safe.

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

So I do what seems unthinkable – I leave her.

Diamond

By Rowena Kaye

She blinked away the diamonds in her eyes. They fell like summer rain and shattered on the ash. Those that clung to her eyelashes refracted the firelight that remained – they made it dance among the dead pines and draw an afterglow of the day’s inferno.

Her ink-stained fingertips found the trail of tears on her cheeks and the riverbed they had carved in the soot on her skin.

The moment froze as her gaze found the fuel of the fire. A spark leapt into the dark. She snatched a paper from the dying flames and watched it burn in her hand. With a sharp breath, its glow dissipated into the night. She winced. The message of pain relayed through her nervous system, it ran along her arm and climbed up her spine. As it dissolved into a dull ache, she brought her focus to the paper between her fingers. The elegant twirls of ink that pirouetted across the page and the ragged dark that ate into the

letters. She read over the words that still held on. Retraced the movements of her own pen. The movements that no other eyes would watch. Her mouth could never form those syllables. And no ears were left to hear them.

Clouds parted above the pine wood clearing and she lifted her head to the stars, but they were wrong. Those constant constellations had lost their shape in her eyes. Their patterns had warped, twisted into a distortion of the sky she thought she knew. The words slipped from her hand and the breeze lifted them to the mouth of the fading fire. She didn’t watch as the paper curled in the burning embers. As it wilted to hot ash.

The darkness clung to her bones, and she forgot who those words were for.

Parting Lovers’ Eyes

By Tshequa Williams

Are diamonds really so rare? Sometimes they are there when parting lovers stare. Glassy eyes reflecting the light of the moon, diamonds lying in their tear-filled lids. Or when the sun climbs on a spring morning, light dancing across the sea. The hot heat rises until the pink blobs on the sand glisten, with beads of sweat forming on their tired cheeks.

When the night falls again, the sky is painted with the shimmer of stars, and the dust on the wings of moths who have finally reached the light.

There are diamonds in the trees too, the way the rays on a summer day scatter through the leaves onto the forest floor, sap on the branches glinting in the wind. In this breeze, the ground becomes a dance floor, the trees a diamond mirror ball, scattering the sun around the wrinkles on the trunks. When it rains the trees come alive again, each sprig of life dripping in diamonds until each drop falls to the floor. The rain has stopped now, but by the morning the dew rises, and shines. It’s only if the clouds gather and the air is still, when the forest doesn’t glow.

Mist and fog throw diamonds onto the roads as cars creep home in the dead of night.

They’ve just been to a party, where bubbles in crystal glasses winked across the room, and candles sparked as the wicks burnt low, drawing the night to a close, with hazy eyes and lingered goodbyes. Some of the guests wore diamonds round their necks, or on the slender fingers looped in the hands of another. A marker that I’m yours, the diamonds formed under pressure, of being in love, a diamond can be the perfect cure to heartache.

The glasses come back out again when the year rolls to an end, and each and every street is lined with twinkling lights, diamonds on drainpipes. Snowflakes set a shimmering chill loose across the land and the woods move inside to form acquaintances with family cats, hiding in amongst the tinsel. Loved ones draw in close like the nights and diamonds are exchanged again, but it is joy which shines brighter this time. Suddenly we are dancing under moonlight, counting away the hours and kissing under showers of sparks until, from the darkness, the sun rises again, and the diamonds return to parting lovers’ eyes.

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

PHOTO CREDITS: UNSPLASH

How To Be A Modern Woman

They told me to be pretty, But that I should be happy in my skin,

But I can’t wear too much makeup Or too little, beauty’s from within.

I must have large breasts, But too large and I’m a whore, I also can’t have surgery, But too small then I’m a bore.

They control my choice in clothing, A pretty sundress I’m a tease, Covered up they call me prudish, Showing skin makes me a sleaze.

They want me to be skinny, I’m not allowed to eat.

I must have curves but can’t have fat, And also I can’t cheat.

They want me educated, But I can’t speak my mind. I must take on his opinions, He can be anything and I can be kind.

By Ellie Dharamraj

I try to check all the boxes, To be soft, gentle, fierce and strong. They tell me to just be myself, But I’m always doing it wrong.

I don’t recognise myself anymore. Do I even own my own soul?

It may have turned me to a diamond, But I was happy as a coal.

I must be career-oriented, A full-time mother too, As well as live-in cook, maid, butler and I must have hobbies I pursue.

My friend is made of mud and I Am Diamond

By Michael Baker

Each day she wakes, pokes in her eyes and face, and softly smears her smile. She checks her roots and pebbled tooths - and warmly all the while – she mutters, gutters, spurts and splutters tales of epic woe, telling me the dreams she dreamt not very long ago. Her face is never quite the same, but always wide and friendly, I sometimes wish that I could too just change myself so gently.

But I Am Made Of Diamonds so it’s all a bit beneath me, I’m perfectly unchanging as a painting of the scenery. For breakfast I’m a simple thing, just tea or maybe coffee. It’s better that a Diamond not be seen as being wanting. I’m patient waiting by the door, when near-late Mud is stressed, but even there she makes the half-dressed-panic look seem best.

On we go about our day, make our weary way to work – Mud sees friends and smiles and waves, nothing fake behind her smirk. “Mud, my friend,” I have to ask, “you make it look so easy. Why is it the thought of all that talking makes me queasy?” She pauses, sits right in the street, humming

loudly at the pavement – leaves me, gobsmacked, wide-eyed, shocked and standing in amazement. “Thing is, Di, it’s hard to say, I don’t do much by tryin’. If I said I had a trick I’d have to tell ya I’d been lyin’.” And up she stood right after that and took me by the hand. Mud on Diamond interlaced; I held tighter than I’d planned. It wasn’t like a Diamond to be so sick with worry, and if even Mud could not help me then I really had to hurry. I sat and watched her at her desk, passing friends and notes and laughter, but even then at long days’ end I still had nothing mastered.

There I was, up on my chair, sat with head in hands, wondering if shining skin was worth the pressure of demands. The weight of sheer perfection asked, not a spec or smudge or less, but all that time spent cleaning left my soul in quite a mess.

And so it was that I decided, just me and on my own, that actually a Diamond’s life could be more than what was shown.

I let go. And I was mud again.

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

The Art of Autumnal Accessorising

By Caitlin Bennett

As the days get shorter, the weather gets colder and the leaves begin to fall, we all head back to campus for another successful and exciting year here at the UEA.

Here’s to autumn, the season of hot beverages, cosy walks, wholesome foods and new beginnings. With the changing season, we feel a change in our wearing habits too, finding the knit scarfs in the back of our wardrobes and polishing the high boots off again.

Every year we see the shops switch out the clothes as soon as the calendar rolls to September 1st, in a flood of check patterns, burnt colours, knit textiles and embroidered leaves, but here is how to rethink your wardrobe into the autumn term, without having to break the bank or invest in more garments.

The first thing to consider about fall fashion is the colour palette, bringing out the oranges, all the way from pumpkin, to sunset and through to burnt copper. We also see more greens, browns and burgundies, so whatever clothes you have in the wardrobe, the easiest way to

get into the autumn spirit is to don the distinctive tones of the season with pride.

The next thing us Brits are all too familiar with is layering. When our seasons change they don’t do it when the months roll into each other, they do it as they please, which means wet and cold summer days and temperature records being made in September. The best way to avoid over or underdressing is layering. A tank top can be worn on any day of the year, as long as it is paired with a thick cardigan and scarf, topped with a coat.

The key to layering is about thinking how the items work together to create the outfit. To consider the balance of the outfit, imagine where the garments overlap.

Is your cardigan going to be longer or shorter than your coat? Do you want your boots below or on top of your bottoms? Do you want a high neck top or a scarf, or both?

Now, this year’s Autumn trend focuses on the comfy jumper, but from a quick look on the internet there are now so many styles, from material, to neckline, to

length and thickness. Despite what instagram influencers are portraying, you only need enough jumpers to be comfortable, and not one of every shade and style. So instead of following the trends this fall and needing a new jumper next year because you weren’t comfortable in the current style, find a jumper which you can’t wait to come back to next year too! Sustainability is the style of choice this autumn.

For some inspiration whilst having fun making your autumn outfits, there are some classic pairings to be played with. Following the influence of Millie Bobby Brown, why not try a thick cropped jumper and a long skirt, this sounds like it would go perfectly with a nice pair of ankle boots. Another modern take is chunky jewellery and knit items. The best place to find eccentric jewellery to pair with these garments is in second hand shops, whether that’s on the high street or online. Finally, have fun with your summer pieces, like shorts and skirts, but pair with warm tights and high boots.

However you choose to dress this autumn, keep warm and have fun!

fashion editor: Caitlin Bennett

PHOTO CREDITS: UNSPLASH

New York Fashion Week 2023: What’s Coming Up

By Caitlin Bennett

It’s that time of the year again: New York Fashion Week. In September, every year, New York hosts the second of its two yearly fashion weeks, with the earlier usually being held in February. As the name suggests, the runways are adorned with new collections, the trends being set for the coming months and designers unveiling their newest works in the realms of fashion. Nowadays, the events of the week are held around the city at different locations, but according to InStyle they mainly use Spring Studios, Tribeca. For the most up to date schedule for the show, see the official NYFW website - from this you can see just how hectic the schedule is for one of the world’s most famous and prestigious events on the fashion calendar.

There are some very talented designers on the runway this fall, starting with Colin LoCascio. This designer has a distinctive

use of colour and texture, as observed by L’Officiel, using the full spectrum of textiles to their advantage. The designs are truly art, and refreshing to behold. Weiderhoeft is also taking the runway, and this season’s collection could continue the bridal theme that they have been experimenting with recently, or it could revert to the bright, surprising and fantastical, or even a brand new trope could emerge! This list is by no means the definitive favourites, but simply some professionals picked out to highlight beautiful designs, which are by nature, subjective. The last designer is Adeam, a brand which has a refined, traditional and luxe look to their garments.

The best way to keep up to date with the designers is on their socials, so make sure to seek the Autumn NYFW designers out, and see what they have to offer the fashion world this season.

The Circle of Fashion:

How Popular Styles Always Make a Comeback

By Caitlin Bennett

Fashion cycles are an interesting and amusing phenomena to ponder, how our parents or caregivers wore many of the same styles we did, and saw many familiar themes striding on catwalks in their youth too. Many times, for instance when I have wanted bangs cut in, bleach blonde dip dyes, denim jackets or thick black eyeliner, I’ve been told by my loved ones that they too wanted those things at my age. This concept is also driven by entertainment being revived from times past, Top Gun: Maverick saw an iconic return of aviators and flight jackets, Barbie brought back pink and fluorescent hues to our stores and Bohemian Rhapsody may have been the unofficial origin to the wolf-cut trend, flares and animal print. There are also those timeless fashion enthusiasts out there, who manage to curate a wardrobe which could have been transported from the glamorous 30’s, disco 70’s, bright 80’s or grunge 90’s.

So why do we see trend recycling in society? This is most probably due to the love for nostalgia, a finite amount of styles and business-type marketing for sales. We also love to know that others before us have approved and loved the current trend, when we wear our block highlights or chunky heeled boots, fishnets or fingerless gloves, we embody the generations before us and this creates an enjoyable feeling of belonging.

Now the important thing to discuss is which trends have recently made a comeback which we love and those which need to make a reappearance. Recently, the biggest aesthetics have been the ‘clean’

look, with pinned up and slicked hair, minimal makeup, dewy skin and neutral tones, and this isn’t something we would class as a comeback. The comeback trends of the year would be corsets and corset tops, which look beautiful, traditional, cinch in the waist and can be worn in an array of ways. Glamour’s article in July, forecast the sheer fabrics, taking a leaf out of the 80’s and 90’s archives, and florals which mimic 70’s patterns. The sheer fabric trend was one where the outfit needed to be carefully thought through, mainly for the logistics of which underwear needed to be worn. The floral trend was, in my opinion, a blooming success, with many items featuring peasant sleeves as well, these garments made for a flattering and romantic look. Another trend they predicted from the catwalks, was bright and fluorescent shades like the 80’s and a lot of black like the 90’s. In conclusion, it has definitely been a year for throwback styles.

For my wishlist of iconic trends that need to be ushered in, I think it’s about time to welcome back timeless trench coats and denim jackets this fall, both pieces are so versatile to pair with any outfit. Another favourite of mine which would be a joy to see hit the streets, is more headwear. Berets are a really cute and adds a French touch to an outfit. A flat brimmed trilby hat can also be accessorised or, when found in the right colour, can be a bold statement.

Is there anything we have missed, or any trends that have appeared this year that you don’t wish to see return? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

The Power of Dopamine Dressing: Using Science to Dress Happier

By Caitlin Bennett

The arts and sciences may sometimes be viewed as two separate roads, but this highway has plenty of crossroads. One particular crossroad has psychologists looking at how dressing a certain way can increase our dopamine hormone. So how is this beneficial for us?

Dopamine 101

Not to be confused with serotonin, which is responsible for happiness and peace, dopamine is the chemical which is associated with motivation, mood and reward which also in these ways increases our mood also (Cleveland Clinic and Healthline).

Some natural ways to increase dopamine include exercising, listening to music, meditating, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet. Another way, in our everyday lives, that we can boost our dopamine is to dress with purpose and meaning.

The Science

One of the researchers which brought these ideas into scientific credibility according to Harper’s Bazaar, is Professor Karen Pine, in the book Mind What You Wear; the book discusses colour theory, intentional choices, and increasing our confidence and mood.

Colour theory is about thinking about how certain colours make you feel, having pyjamas in relaxing, dark and muted tones, having formal suits in traditionally professional colours, or having brights and neutrals for a celebration.

Harper’s Bazaar, addresses the issue that happiness is subjective and therefore only we know which colours bring us joy, but then there are some universal colours that we assign to certain feelings such as red with arousal, or blue with melancholy. Their article also makes reference to Professor Pine, drawing the conclusion that the idea of dopamine dressing is more than colour theory, and is more personal than a formula.

Lessons and Conclusions

When we wake up in the morning, and assess our wardrobes for the day ahead, we think primarily about the day’s activities, the weather and the aesthetic appeal.

Next time, give dopamine dressing a try, make intentional choices and select pieces that make you feel how you want to throughout the day.

The idea could also be extended to say, next time you have a clear out, be gone with those garments that don’t quite fit, and don’t make you feel like the best version of yourself.

Don’t be afraid to be bold and vibrant with your choices, they will bring a smile to your face, and maybe someone else will feel inspired to do the same!

PHOTO CREDITS: UNSPLASH

film editor: Ore Adeyoola

The Best Film of Summer 2023

By Will Bale

Arguments surrounding objectivity feel all-consuming in the world of film criticism. Those seeking to find the “best” film of a period are forced to compare and contrast films that often hold astoundingly little in common: how can one compare Asteroid City to Oppenheimer, really? When attempting to find my “best film of summer 2023”, I sought to find a film that was most able to blend my subjective experience as best it could with some supposed objective “quality” – it did not, surprisingly, take long before I found my conclusion in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (ATSV).

This is not to say that ATSV lacked competition – in fact, this summer has provided a bounty of films for even the most casual of film fans to revel in. Mutant Mayhem presents as a film clearly inspired by the Spider-Verse series which transcends to some of the most striking visual design in animation; Barbie stands to be remembered as the most “important” film of the year for its now renowned feminism, in spite of its choice of accessibility over a more nuanced critique; Past Lives remains both thoroughly romantic and reflective while remaining somehow accessible to casual audiences. ATSV feels, ultimately, to be the film best able to provide its spectacle, cinematic importance, and thematic depth simultaneously.

To call ATSV beautiful alone almost feels

reductive – it is spectacular in a manner that will amaze any audience it could ever receive, while the visuals remain intrinsic to the emotional craft of the film. We learn to fall in love with New York through the vistas it portrays, immediately justifying protagonist Miles’ desire to protect it, while characters such as Hobie Brown relish through revolutionary techniques in animation that will inevitably come to influence the industry with as much brevity as the film’s 2017 predecessor.

The contemporary works of animation mainstay Pixar feel comparatively out of their depth, with summer feature Elemental feeling again like more of the same, whereas Sony’s hardworking animators continue to innovate. The combination of these intricately, astoundingly crafted frames, with an emotionally riveting story (as Miles fights tirelessly to protect those he loves), makes the film one deserving of the attention of all audiences in search of pure entertainment: this not even accounting for an endlessly charismatic and amazing cast! Beyond even that, the film presents an arresting critique not only of the current state of comic book movies, but also of itself, in a manner that feels introspective to the point of earning many delightful video essays for your post-screening enjoyment.

ATSV is the first film I have seen three times at the cinema, but it is easily the most deserving of that title. While

audiences will likely have to wait many years for the third part of its trilogy, anyone searching for a spectacular time will find it in what I consider the best film of summer 2023; a film whose most tragic flaw is that it will one day leave cinemas.

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

Film Delays and the SAG-AFTRA Strikes

By Will Muncer

Hollywood remains at a virtual standstill as the WGA (Writers Guild of America) and SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) continue to strike over concerns about wages, residuals and AI technology’s capacity for abuse. Despite an estimated $300-$500 million loss by media conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery alone, film and television studios (represented by the trade

association Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers or AMPTP) have yet to concede to either union’s demands. With no end in sight, future projects are being pushed further back, leading to a fast-approaching drought of American film and television.

Production has been suspended on a number of highly anticipated films such as musical theatre adaptation Wicked, the next two films in James Cameron’s record-breaking Avatar series and sequels to Gladiator, Deadpool and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Also delayed are seasons of several popular television shows. Projects affected include neo-western Yellowstone, Star Wars spin-off Andor, teen drama Euphoria and several shows set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

SAG-AFTRA’s strike has been widened to include actors working in the video game industry. Union leadership has authorised a potential future action- citing familiar issues with pay and AI. This step comes after ongoing negotiations

with major video game studios such as Epic Games, and Electronic Arts failed to produce a satisfactory new contract. If this strike goes ahead, it may spell disaster for video game studios if it disrupts expensive projects in key stages of development.

Time will tell if the upcoming SAG-AFTRA internal election will have a significant impact on the possibility of a speedy deal. Union presidential candidate Maya Gilbert-Dunbar has been critical of the extended strike action and wishes to unseat incumbent Fran Drescher who has overseen the strike since its inception.

Booksmart (2019) and the Coming-of-Age Experience

By Ella Hamlin

Coming-of-age films could be viewed as the keyhole into adulthood from adolescence. They’re a relatable carnage of awkwardness, through the perspective of teen eyes. I have always turned to the comforts that a comingof-age film has to offer. They shaped my expectations for my teenage years. I expected puberty to be a certain way, I expected my friend groups to be a certain way, and I expected my first encounter with love to feel a certain way. Coming-of-age films offered a sort of consistency in my life. Every school year, I would refer to the characters that I had fixated on the summer prior, who were often played by actors in their early 30’s. I would compare my new beginnings with theirs. These films made me feel safe, but also enthusiastic for the new school year.

Booksmart (2019) was released during my final year of A Levels, at a time when I felt my fixation on the teenage experience was long gone. I knew I didn’t want to go to university yet, and I was determined to ditch education and delve into the adult world. I no longer craved that feeling when you watch a TV show or film and try as hard as possible to relate to a character. But Booksmart threw me right off.

Booksmart follows two high-school seniors as they realise they regret dedicating so much time to their studies and not to inevitable teenage experiences. They spend the night before their graduation embarking

on a wild night of mayhem to fulfil all they missed out on. The plot’s focus is female platonic love and the importance of understanding your friend’s needs as well as encouraging their strengths. It has no difficulty addressing themes such as peerpressure, queerness, and school clique clichés. On my first watch, I remember being impressed how the ‘party-goers’ were also intelligent, ambitious people, and the ‘nerds’ were represented as eager to find their rebellious sparks. The film twisted your expectations of certain characters and their arcs.

As well as being empowering and moving, the film is very funny. It is rare that modern coming-of-age films are as hilarious as I found Booksmart. The dry tone to the humour, and random chaos that unfolds just creates the perfect level of comedy that you want in a film like this. Director Olivia Wilde was not afraid to mix feminism with funny, and it came across in a very selfaware way.

The reason I return to Booksmart is because it’s a film I wish I had watched as a preteen. Sometimes the pressure to act a certain way as a teenager was very overwhelming, and Booksmart did not shy away from admitting that you don’t have to act one way ust to fit in. You can be a bookworm know-it-all and love to party. Or you can love to stay within your comfort zone. It was nice to relate to characters even when I thought my teenage fixation was over.

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

National Cinema Day 2023: The Classics at their Best By Will Bale

On September 2nd 2023, film fans across Norwich and the country entertained our second successful National Cinema Day. Born from the post-covid desire to return audiences to the big screen, over 1.5 million people have flocked to their local theatres, with lowered ticket prices that can only be considered any student’s dream. While audiences were offered a variety of contemporary films, including superhero flick Blue Beetle and Disney’s latest Haunted Mansion, cinema fanatics would likely have seen these films very recently. Instead, the best appeal could be found in the re-release of classic films many of us have not seen in their original form.

Back to the Future is not a film I had ever taken seriously, despite my high opinion of it; a film so outrageously memorable to the point that I had found it misplaced in my mind to be simply a childhood classic from an old, scratched DVD. Yet, as my flatmates and I found ourselves in the theatre on September 2nd, the film became hilarious in a way I had never recognised. Back to the Future finally appeared as a blatant comedy: how had I never really recognised it as such before? Had the film lost itself to its iconic status, its immeasurable influence?

Was this actually the fault of Family Guy clips referencing the series? In the cinema, Back to the Future’s ridiculous humour had reinvigorated itself in the silver light of the projector in an unparalleled experience that had highlighted, underlined, and laminated the importance of the cinema in the love of film.

Following this revelation came a late screening of Aftersun, a film I had previously loved but never found myself entirely engaged with. The screening was painful in many ways: a small theatre, my head tilted 60 degrees upwards to even see the screen, a completely packed room. 2 hours later, Aftersun became a film I had become so enamoured with that I felt I needed to walk home, just to think about it a little more.

The film is beautiful in a way my laptop could never have shown me, so perfectly crafted in its visuals that I could almost see its scenes in the evening streets and skies of Norwich, endlessly beautiful and enigmatic. In the days thinking of it since, it has solidified itself among the most wonderful cinematic experiences of my life, one that I could not soon forget.

Norwich’s three cinemas release these classical films surprisingly often, and it is an experience that should be sought after by many. National Cinema Day 2023 has proven again the importance of the cinema to the film industry, for how it can present classics in a new light, or for how it can hook you to its seats for a revelatory experience. I encourage all readers to engage with this opportunity in the coming weeks, months, or at National Cinema Day 2024.

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

Our Flag Means Death Season 2: What we know so far

By Ellie Taylor & Lucy Potter

Our Flag Means Death, created by David Jenkins, is a comedy series centred around the antics of pirates Stede Bonnet and Edward Teach. Teach, more commonly known as Blackbeard, and Bonnet were real-life pirate captains in the 18th century. The show stars Taika Waititi as Blackbeard, and Rhys Darby as Stede, as well as Samson Kayo, Con O’Neill, and Joel Fry.

After the first season’s release in March 2022, the cast took part in interviews to promote the show. During these it was revealed that, intentionally, very little research had been done into the figures whom the characters were based on. The most prominent example of this is with the ages of Stede and Blackbeard. In real life, the pirates met in their late twenties, whereas in the show they are portrayed by men in their forties. This provides a unique opportunity to represent an older queer couple on TV, which is something that is often neglected in mainstream media. The exploration of a queer relationship between the two main characters provides a contemporary twist on the story which allows for other aspects of modern life to slip in unnoticed. For example, Samson Kayo’s character Oluwande is often seen wearing Crocs, which were invented 300 years after he was alive! The inclusion of elements like this makes the characters more personable, in contrast to the brash and violent stereotypes of pirates. This cleverly creates two

subgroups of characteristics: those who fit the effervescent gay stereotype which Stede personifies, and those such as Blackbeard and his first mate Izzy Hands (played by Con O’Neill) who oppose it. This in turn shows that whether you fit these conventions of being gay or not, the identity should be seen and celebrated all the same.

Season 1 left us with Blackbeard and Stede being separated as they both return to a life of piracy. History tells us that the two were never reunited after this point, however it is unlikely that this will be the case in the show. On August 30, the trailer for Season 2 was released on David Jenkins’ Twitter account. Interestingly, it never shows the pair together, perhaps lending itself to historical accuracy. But if we know the writers at all, we can expect them to have taken creative liberties, allowing the couple to meet again. From the trailer, it seems like Blackbeard is going on a killing spree of aristocrats. This is seen where he crashes a wedding while accompanied by Stede’s old crew. He appears to be destroying everything that reminds him of Stede, which mirrors his breakdown at the end of Season 1. The trailer also shows that Blackbeard has taken the figures off the top of the wedding cake, with the groom looking like Stede, and he has painted the bride to look like himself. It will be interesting to see if Stede can lead Blackbeard away from his violent roots

like he did in the first season, or whether the heartbreak has pushed him too far.

The first season of Our Flag Means Death is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Season 2 is set to be released on HBO Max in America on October 5, but it has not yet been confirmed if the series will also be available to stream globally on other services. However, fans across the world will surely find their own ways of watching the second season, as the show is certainly no stranger to piracy.

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

CITV Closes After 17 Years on Air

By Tshequa Williams

Any child of the early 2000s will remember the fun of coming home from school to watch Mr Bean, creating wacky art with Art Attack, and watching the antics of My Parents Are Aliens - always a highlight of the day. However with the rise of online streaming and YouTube content for children, ITV have announced the closure of the CITV channel (as of 1st September 2023), replacing it with ITVX Kids.

CITV launched as a standalone channel in 2006, after previously running as an afternoon slot on ITV from 1983. According to The Guardian, when the CITV channel launched in 2006, ITV were spending “about £35m a year on children’s programming. Almost two decades later, its outlay is only a few million a year”. With such a massive decrease in spending, it seems that the younger ITV audience have been neglected by the company as the years have gone on – although I must admit that I do occasionally enjoy their newer series The Rubbish World of Dave Spud, which first aired in September 2019.

ITV have confirmed that they will still “offer some early morning children’s content on ITV2 and ITVBe from September”, however most of its content will be online [itv.com]. Back in May 2023, the BBC also announced that over the next few years, they too would stop broadcasting the CBBC

channel, in favour of a digital channel on the iPlayer. This move would be similar to BBC Three’s online-only stint, although the channel has since returned to our TV screens as its own channel again.

Moving most of children’s television to streaming platforms is bound to greatly influence the way future generations will consume television. There is also the argument that not all children have access to the internet. Of course, streaming for kids has its pros; including being able to watch whichever programme they like regardless of a schedule. This is definitely a plus for parents who often rely on certain shows which are guaranteed to please while they get on with work or chores!

The other benefit is a wider push for accessibility – which ITV state as a “big priority”, with the goal of having “all ITVX Kids content subtitled” and “20% of the content offering audio description” [itv.com]. Still, it seems strange to me that eventually kids won’t be able to just stick the TV on to be entertained.

Heartstopper Season 2 Review

By Eve Attwood

*TW: Mention of eating disorders*

If you want all the comfort and cosiness of Autumn without the awful weather, it’s worth tuning into Heartstopper Season Two – perhaps its most wholesome season yet. I enjoyed Season One a lot, but found myself wishing at times certain issues were delved into with more depth. Season Two dives into the lives of all characters, not just Charlie and Nick, making us care about the characters and their conflicts more intensely.

To break the season down, it’s worth highlighting where the show succeeded the most and why:

Bisexual representation

This season placed Nick (Kit Connor) in the spotlight as he struggles to confidently discuss his sexuality with friends and family. Many characters were quick to assume Nick was gay, without even asking him his sexuality. It was a great example of how many jump to conclusions about men in relationships with other men, stereotyping them and putting them into a box. By the end of the season, Nick proudly corrects characters who try to describe him as gay, and even stands up to his bullying brother who attempts to project his inferiority complex.

Charlie’s eating disorder

This was another important part of the season, but difficult to watch. In line with Alice Oseman’s books, the show portrays how Charlie (Joe Locke) deals with his stress and overwhelming emotions by refraining from eating. This is a habit which his boyfriend, Nick, picks up on and tries to help him with, but to no avail. I think this is an issue which will definitely be explored in more depth in Season Three, but it was definitely done with sensitivity. It is rare to see men and boys struggling with eating disorders in the media, so I think it’s important representation for >

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

> years to come.

Coming out as an adult

How could I write this review without talking about Mr Ajayi and Mr Farouk?

Though Heartstopper mainly focuses on teens and young adults, it was heartwarming to see yet another romance develop. Heartstopper, while lovely, is often a pretty romanticised depiction of the LGBTQ+ teenage experience, and Mr Farouk was a reminder of that – a teacher who spoke about missing out on gay teenage experiences, having felt afraid and isolated. For many who do not have supportive parents, coming out as an adult, when you are financially independent and have your own place to stay, is the only option.

The entirety of the prom episode

One of the sub-plots this season centred around Tara and Darcy, with Darcy struggling to tell Tara she loved her, mainly because of her lack of confidence as a result of being brought up in a homophobic household. I found the scene in which Tara reassures Darcy that she will love her for all her many sides (confident, not confident), particularly emotional and relatable. For many of us who are ‘out’, we put on a confident façade, despite often feeling the opposite.

Whether you’re an Alice Oseman lover or just a supportive ally, Heartstopper Season Two is well worth the watch, even if it’s just for the scene where Imogen tears Ben to shreds!

UEA’s 60th Anniversary: Celebrating the Diamond Alumni on Our Screens

By Caitlin Bennett

the originals. Also, he worked as Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. RhysDavies’ career holds an impressive display of work, from TV, films and also voice acting.

and Kingsman: The Secret Service. It is rumoured by a few media outlets that Davenport is up for a Norrington spinoff. Something I would definitely watch after having greatly enjoyed watching the rest of the franchise.

Established in 1963, the UEA has been home to thousands of students over the last 60 years, and has expanded from a capacity of 1,200 to currently nearly 17,000 students annually. Throughout this time, many alumni who have thrown caps and donned gowns, have gone on to adorn our screens. From timelords, to directors, pirate hunters, to producers, let’s journey through the successful names who have found themselves working in the film industry.

To begin the celebrations, UEA was once home to John Rhys-Davies who achieved a Bachelor of Arts in 1966, most famous for the roles Sallah in the Indiana Jones world, which returned to the big screen this summer, and brought all of the die-hard original fans to the cinemas to appreciate all of the references to

In 1977, Paul Whitehouse, comedian, actor, producer and screenwriter, joined our alumni. He is best known for his comedy roles in The Fast Show and his current role in Gone Fishing, with Bob Mortimer.

In 1983, Gurinder Chadha OBE was awarded a Bachelor of Arts and is now a very influential film director, having a filmography focusing on films portraying the lives of Indians living in England, and the difficulties Indians experience as immigrants. Another fact about Chadha, is that they also directed a childhood classic, the teen movie, called Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging

UEA was also once the stomping ground of Jack Davenport, an actor who has played big screen roles like Admiral James Norrington in Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and in films including The Wedding Date, The Talented Mr. Ripley

Matt Smith is, arguably, one of the most famous and well-known names on this list, leaving with a degree in 2005. He graced our televisions as the Eleventh Time Lord in Doctor Who, who is personally my favourite, due to the fun, charisma, energy and humour he put into the role. It is still a memorable first episode, when he crashes into Amelia’s life, and begins to make himself fish fingers and custard. Smith has continued his careers into more high profile roles, like Daemon Targaryen in the series House of Dragon, and Young King Philip in The Crown

There is no doubt that the UEA’s family of alumni hosts a magnificent wealth of talent, and that there are many more who also deserve the credit and recognition for their efforts in the entertainment industry, but we only have room for one star studded list in this issue. It is, also, no secret that the UEA has many more budding writers, actors and producers, waiting to make their success in the world, and we can’t wait to see them on our screens too.

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

music editor: Lily Taylor

From ‘debut’ Cowgirls to Midnight Rainclouds, there’s an era for everybody at Taylor’s Tour

By Libby Hargreaves

Rolling Stone called it a “threehour career-spanning victory lap”, Swifties are calling it the best night of their lives; Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour has made a worldwide impression like no tour before. The global superstar began her stadium tour in March, in Glendale. Arizona- a city now synonymous with the singer-songwriter as “Swift City”. Now. the rest of the world gets the chance to be enchanted by her pop magic, with the UK leg kicking off in Edinburgh next June.

I’m lucky enough to be attending Taylor’s first night here and I couldn’t be more excited. After the major pop culture revival of the summer, I know I’m not the only one geared up for what’s to come next year. Harry Styles Love on Tour sowed the seeds for this pop phenomenon last year as seemingly everyone on social media gathered in feather boas to hear Watermelon Sugar, Matilda and As It Was. It stirred the mainstream online world from its pow slumber, priming us for this summer’s glitter bomb explosion of joy; Renaissance, Barbie, and of course The Eras tour are trending hot topics across a huge variety of demographics- not just individual fandoms.

That being said, one thing sets Taylor’s tour apart from any other; the sheer demand. Tickets were in short supply and the likes of Ticketmaster and AXS saw two sides competing for them. On one, queues of Swifties who had stood with

her from Debut or Fearless through the misogynistic #TavlorSwiftisoverparty* Twitter frenzy- true fans who may not have had the opportunity to see her before, and who deserved those priceless tickets. On the other side though, scalpers and wannabe influencers - those who take advantage of this new wave of support for Taylor, as obstructed view tickets are already selling for over four times the face value price on UK resell sites.

Tour ticketing is not the only industry to take advantage of this new wave of support for the pop queen. Themed club nights such as Swiftegeddon are selling more tickets than ever, and the pop resurgence can even be observed on a local level; the likes of Loft, Popworld and other ‘ cheesy’, ‘throwback’ or charttopping dance venues are the clear choice on Friday and Saturday nights, leaving some shorter-term music trends behind.

But what actually is an era? Taylor’s success is marked by her ability to reinvent herself and adapt her music. Her beginnings in country were marked by an accent. Curly hair and a fire in her belly. Whilst her transition to pop came with a New York street style, catwalk and a high-profile group of friends. Each album came with a whole new aesthetic or theme for fans to decode and replicate. Icons of each era include…

Debut: Cowgirl hats and country boots. Fearless: Fringed hems and golden glitter.

Speak Now: Purple period-inspired glam. Red: I hope this is pretty selfexplanatory, even for a non-swiftie.

1989: New York, seagulls and beach vibes.

Reputation: Snakes and all-black resurrection.

Lover: Pride and pure romance.

Folkmore: Poetic and cosy winter nights. Midnights: Maturity, growth and 70s magic.

These eras are the perfect inspiration for fans costumes and have even been reflected in high-street fashion brands. The likes of Cider, ASOS, Free People and of course independent talent are recreating some of Taylor’s famous tour looks and song inspired accessories such as the Midnight Rain cloud hat or Lover temporary tattoo. As for my own preparations for the tour, one line of a non-single track has somehow sparked an international fan project; “make the friendship bracelets”. The song itself, You’re on your own, kid, carries a message of growth, perfectly encapsulating Taylor’s journey through the music industry to reclaim her lyricsit resonated with fans so much that we have all began making our own friendship bracelets inspired by her songs to trade at the concert: I’ve made twenty so far!

It has become clear this summer that from debut’ cowgirls to midnight rainclouds: there’s an era for everybody at Taylor Swift’s tour.

PHOTO CREDIT: SARAH WORTHINGTON

The Mercury Prize 2023: A joyous night of music

By Tshequa Williams

The Mercury Prize is one of the most prestigious prizes in the music industry, with 12 shortlisted artists battling it out for the coveted award of Album of the Year. This year’s ceremony took place on 7th September in London’s Hammersmith Apollo and was presented by Lauren Laverne. London-based band Ezra Collective took home the trophy, marking the first time a jazz artist has won since the Mercury Prize began in 1992.

Last year, rapper Little Simz’s fourth album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert won the award. When presenting this year’s prize on behalf of the judging panel, DJ Jamz Supernova said that Ezra Collective’s album Where I’m Meant to Be was an “uplifting and timely record that represents the very best of where we are now in 2023”.

The jazz quintet, who have previously collaborated with fellow nominee Loyle Carner on their debut album, are known for their uplifting fusion of musical styles, incorporating jazz with Afrobeat, reggae, soul, hip-hop and calypso. In their winning speech, Ezra Collective called for more funding to be put into youth groups that give young people the opportunity to experiment and make music across the country.

Drummer Femi Koleoso said that winning “is not just a result for Ezra Collective, or for UK jazz, but this is a special moment for every single organization across the

country, ploughing efforts and time into young people playing music”. According to the BBC, three quarters of nominations were London-based [bbc.co.uk]. The UK and Ireland have proven themselves a goldmine for musical talent, however so many talented young artists go unheard due to a crippling lack of funding, and an uneven regional divide of what is available.

The judging panel, which included songwriter, DJ and broadcaster Mistajam, musician, songwriter and composer Hannah Peel and Jeff Smith (head of music, BBC Radio 6 Music & Radio 2), whittled down this year’s albums down to the following 12 artists: -

Arctic Monkeys - The Car

- Raye - My 21st Century Blues

- Olivia Dean - Messy

- Ezra Collective - Where I’m Meant to Be

-

Jockstrap - I Love You Jennifer B

J HUS - Beautiful and Brutal Yard

- Lankum - False Lankum

- Shygirl - Nymph

Fred Again - Actual Life 3

- Young Fathers - Heavy - Loyle Carner - Hugo

- Jessie Ware - That! Feels Good!

My personal picks to win were Loyle Carner’s Hugo, Arctic Monkeys’ The Car, and Olivia Dean’s Messy, but the shortlist had so many amazing albums. For me, Hugo is a raw and honest album, with Carner stripping himself bare to create a beautifully buttery and introspective collection.

It goes in deep, exploring “identity, family, roots and relationships”, as described by Laverne.

The Car marks the Arctic Monkeys’ fifth Mercury nomination, making them joint most-nominated alongside Radiohead. In 2006, the Sheffield group won with their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not

The night itself was buzzing with energy, with the varied nomination list drawing artists from all different genres and sounds together. There were performances from many of the nominated artists, kicking the night off with Jessie Ware’s Free Yourself, and ending with Carner’s emotional performance of HGU. It appeared that whoever won, the evening represented and celebrated the diversity and vibrance of British and Irish music.

After winning the award, Ezra Collective returned to the stage to perform the aptly named Victory Dance, and everyone was stood up cheering and dancing along, with a genuinely joyful smile on each face.

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH

Super Shy or super successful? New Jeans’ rise to fame

with Pink-Pantheress-like,y2k-inspired beats. Even the EP cover incorporates this theme with the five members (Hyein, Danielle, Haerin, Minji and Hanni) pictured as Powerpuff girls, the ‘90s cartoon series. I think what has drawn K-Pop listeners to New Jeans is the prioritisation of good quality music and interesting video concepts. In the last few years, particularly since BTS and Blackpink have dominated so much of the charts, many K-Pop groups and soloists have struggled to find their footing in such a competitive industry. There has been a rise in songs which include what fans call ‘empty choruses’ and ‘noise music’ where the majority of the song includes English phrases which don’t add anything to the song or simply don’t make sense, or choruses where loud EDM-like music plays repeatedly. Many K-Pop entertainment companies, in a bid to increase their groups’ success, have fallen prey to trying to overly-Westernise tracks in order to appeal to global audiences. In trying to do this however, they’ve actually ended up with the opposite, with many global fans finding these types of songs cringey or unenjoyable to listen to.

By Eve Attwood

Groups like BTS and Blackpink soared to fame for several reasons, but the main was their ability to stand out from the crowd. There are hundreds of Korean boy bands, but the lyricism and production of BTS’ music and their synchronised dances helped catch peoples’ attention. The same can be said of Blackpink, whose debut with ‘DDU-DU DDU-DU’ in 2018 began a trend in the resurface of the ‘Girl Crush’ concept, popularised by groups such as 2NE1. Groups or soloists who start a trend in this way, or are able to capture attention from a variety of listeners only come around so often. They have a certain star quality which encourages people to keep up to date with their activities.

New Jeans, the newest girl group to debut under HYBE (formerly known as Big Hit, BTS’ label), have similarly achieved an unprecedented amount of success, but arguably even earlier on in their career than BTS or Blackpink. This is partly because they have the privilege of being under a thriving entertainment company which has managed artists such as BTS and TXT, giving the group a headstart in the idol industry. However, just because a group debuts under a thriving entertainment company does not always mean they will succeed in the long-term. It is the quality of the lyrics, music and performance that determine this, and in New Jeans’ case, they have cracked the code.

Their second EP release, ‘Get Up’, features six tracks

In comparison, New Jeans have entered the K-Pop scene capturing the attention of a Gen Z audience. HYBE have clearly been paying attention to the trend in y2kinspired music with a more carefree, relaxed sound instead of a manufactured, cookie-cutter one. In many ways, what has attracted listeners to New Jeans is what has attracted them to artists such as Pink Pantheress or Clairo, who began with simple pop beats fused with heartfelt lyrics. Where other K-Pop groups have missed the mark with their concept and lyricism, New Jeans fully encapsulate the Gen Z vibe, paying homage to ‘90s culture and influences.

My favourite track on the newest EP is ‘Cool With You’ which features incredible choreography in the music video and has an ethereal feel. I’d also highly recommend listening to their first EP, as well as singles such as ‘Ditto’ which focus on the feeling of leaving behind childhood, and the sadness and nostalgia attached to losing a sense of innocence as one matures.

PHOTO CREDITS: UNSPLASH

Bunny Riot - 19th September, THE LCR

A new indie and alternative night in the LCR.

The Drifters Girl - 19th-23rd

September, NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL

(Under 25’s £5 off Bands A-D Tuesday-Thursday Evening & Matinee)

Roller Disco - 21st September, UEA

SPORTSPARK HALLS 4&5

(Get your tickets on the SU website!)

Glitterbomb x Spectrum Barbie Rave - 21st September, THE LCR

Get ready to experience the ultimate Barbie party of your dreams! The LCR will be tranformed into a pink wonderland with Dolly Drag performers and all your favourite plastic hits!

UK SUBS - 21ST September, THE WATERFRONT

Early Night Sessions: Sigma DJ Set - 22nd September, THE LCR Rhythm of The 90’s - 22nd September, THE WATERFRONT

The Big Officer Quiz - 24th September, THE LCR

This is the perfect chilled night to compete for prizes including LCR tickets.

what’s on

Life of Pi - 25th-30th September, NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL

(Under 25’s £5 off Band A-C Wednesday-Thursday Evening & Midweek Matinee)

ABBA Disco Wonderland - 29th September, THE LCR

African and Caribbean Market - 30th September (10am-5pm), THE FORUM Inside The Forum there will be stalls selling various products. Outside, there will be a street food market as well as performances from local musicians and dancers.

LOOKOUT Illustration Fair - 30th September (10am-4pm), THE HALLS

With 40+ local and national artists, this is a new event celebrating the diverse medium of illustration and its many forms. Expect live drawings and making from creators on the day.

w/c oct 2

Junkyard Market Festival - 6th8th October (12-10pm each day), EARLHAM PARK With Food Vendors, Entertainment, and Craft Beverages, Junkyard Market is coming to Earlham Park.

Freya Ridings - 7th October, THE LCR

w/c oct 9

2:22 A Ghost Story - 10th-14th

October, NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL

(Under 25’s £5 off Band A-C

Wednesday-Thursday Evening & Midweek Matinee)

Clutter City Night Market - 13th

October (5-9PM), NORWICH ARTS CENTRE

Clutter City is a market with over 25 stalls featuring local makers, artists, illustrators and designers. There will be a mix of jewellery, prints, ceramics, clothing and homeware.

Plus tasty Vietnamese spring roll pop-up by Papayaverte and tuns.

(Free Entry or £1 donation to NAC.)

a little foodie introduction to norwich

Norwich is such a beautiful city full of cobbled streets, architecture, and independents, but where do you grab a bite to eat? If you want to become a bit more accustomed to the places where you can eat and drink, then here are some recommendations for you..

If you need a pit stop after a busy day of exploring Norwich.. Bread Source is an artisan bakery, which has various cafés dotted around the city. The Bicycle Shop is a café/bar which often has live music events. Having recently opened a new site in Chapelfield Gardens, Café no. 33 is a perfect spot for brunch/coffee and cake. If you’re looking for a great space for studying as a student, Mitre is perfect. There is a selection of hot drinks, lunch items and sweet treats (espicially helpful to fuel you through summative season).

For an evening meal.. With a menu dedicated to pasta, Yard is a perfect spot for a meal and drinks (get the tiramisu!). If you fancy some pizza, nestled behind the market is the lovely Brick Pizza

Bars/Pubs:

• The Mischief.

• The Glass House.

• Gonzo’s Tea Room.

• Dick’s Bar.

PHOTO CREDIT: MILLIE SMITH-CLARE