INTE RAC TIVE MAG
AZIN
E
“THIS IS not AN ACT” STEPHEN FRAYNE ON BEING DYNAMO…
S I MON PEGG ELIJAH WOOD CA N T E C HNO L O GY FI ND YO UR S O UL M AT E ? FASHION SHOPPING BE AU TY E N T E RTA I N M E N T G O I N G O U T
CONTENTS Issue 11
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BLIPPAR Blippar Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CELEBRITY Dynamo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Elijah Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Simon Pegg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 FASHION Women’s Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Men’s Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 LFW Decoded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 The Pembridge Files: Ep 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
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EDITOR’S LETTER he leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping, and the days are drawing ever shorter. Winter may be just around the corner, but we’re doing our utmost best to ignore it. It’s not been particularly hard; what with
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT Alexa Goddard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Alex Clare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Prides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Under Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 James Acaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
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of London Fashion Week, and the making of that will continue throughout every issue’s
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BEAUTY Beauty Essentials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Male Grooming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Tried And Tested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Seduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
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FEATURES Not Merely Practical Magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Poor And Penniless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Choice Or Chance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Real Women Drink Whisky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 ChimpShop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Kate Temple Gets Angry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
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LIFESTYLE Inside Your City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Dine Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 On Screen And On Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Less City, More Cycle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Staycation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Editor Rivkie Baum rivkie@draftedmagazine.com • Managing Editor Kyle Goodwin kyle@draftedmagazine.com • Deputy Editor Hannah Slapper hannah@draftedmagazine.com Chief Contributing Editor Sarah Blinco sarah@draftedmagazine.com • Contributing Editor Matthew R. Cook matthew@draftedmagazine.com
Beauty Editor Kate Temple kate@draftedmagazine.com • Staff Writer Matt Russell matt@draftedmagazine.com • Online Editor Michael Bartlett michael@draftedmagazine.com Picture Editor Jay McLaughlin jay@draftedmagazine.com • Chief Sub Editor Hannah Slapper hannah@draftedmagazine.com
Sub Editors Kyle Goodwin, Sam Jones, Sarah Blinco • Creative Direction Nick Cannons design@draftedmagazine.com • Designer Tom Hay design@draftedmagazine.com
Designer Danny Nash design@draftedmagazine.com • Junior Designer Melanie Manning design@draftedmagazine.com • Feature Contributors Rebecca Holman, Henry Fry, Portia Panteli, Elisheva Sokolic, Ben Keenan • Photographic Contributors Simon Wiseby, Arron Dunworth Illustrations Melanie Manning, Rory Taylor • Videographers Laurence Dobie, Andy Herby
Video Editors Matt Carson, Andy Herby • Cover Photo Jay McLaughlin Commercial / Sales Director Lena Robinson lena@draftedmagazine.com
Published by Drafted Media Limited • General Enquiries info@draftedmagazine.com
contents INTERACTIVE November 2013
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CELEBRITY McFly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 The Fratellis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
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FEATURES Role Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 I Am Superman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Harrison’s Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Kate Temple Gets Angry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Watch This Space… Rory Taylor . . . . . . . . . . 63 Work Experience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
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he days are getting shorter as the crisp, cold evenings take over and those hazy days of rooftop drinking are now but a distant memory. But fear not for we have rounded up a great selection of waterholes and amazing restaurants to ensure that your social life doesn’t disappear with the sun. On top of covering the latest fashion, top beauty and grooming tips and hottest new bands, we chat to some of the lead
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Jon Fratelli and speak to dance music legend DJ Yoda. Our Deputy Editor Kyle heads up to Leeds for this month’s Work Experience got on training with the England rugby team for the day. Of course, Drafted wouldn’t be complete without some hard hitting articles, with Elisheva Sokolic investigating modern day role models and Henry Fry’s great feature I Am Superman. Our cover shoot this month sees McFly take over Kensington Roof Gardens
FASHION Women’s Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Men’s Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ankle Boots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Tech Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Women’s Fashion Editorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Men’s Fashion Editorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 MUSIC Austin Mahone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 DJ Yoda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 New Bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
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BEAUTY Beauty Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Must-Have Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Male Grooming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Tried And Tested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
industry. We won’t be surprised if we’re giving them another Drafted cover in 2023 as they’re blowing out twenty candles on their band birthday cake. Hope you enjoy! Until next month...
Rivkie Baum
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CREEN SEE IT COME TO LIFE! PAGE
LIFESTYLE Restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 French Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Year to Go. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
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Editor Rivkie Baum rivkie@draftedmagazine.com • Deputy Editor Kyle Goodwin kyle@draftedmagazine.com to get instant access to extra digital content Fashion Editor Krishan Parmar fashion@draftedmagazine.com • Beauty Editor Kate Temple kate@draftedmagazine.com
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Features Editor Elisheva Sokolic elisheva@draftedmagazine.com • Staff Writer Matt Russell matt@draftedmagazine.com • Online Editor Michael Bartlett michael@draftedmagazine.com Picture Editor Jay McLaughlin jay@draftedmagazine.com • Designers Kelsey Adams & Duygu Korkut design@draftedmagazine.com Business Development Manager Anastasia Meldrum anastasia@draftedmagazine.com • Commercial Manager Luke Warren luke@draftedmagazine.com Advertising Anastasia Meldrum anastasia@draftedmagazine.com • Feature Contributor Henry Fry • Music Contributors Liam McCreesh, Jono White Photographic Contributors Hanna Hillier, James Hazlett, Claire Harrison • Videographers Barry Curran, Jay McLaughlin • Illustrations Rory Taylor Published By Drafted Media Limited • General Enquiries info@draftedmagazine.com
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Not Merely Practical Magic WHE T HER I T’S CANDLES, QUI DD IT C H , IM P R OV OR T AT T OOS, WE ’ R E ALL J U ST L OOKI NG FOR A SECRET E N T R AN C E IN T O T H E WOR LD OF M AGIC Words: H E N R Y F R Y , Illustration: R o r y T a y l o r
M educated has
and
moved
agic is part of a lexicon of words that were once very powerful; yet now exist as faint whispers of a fading roar. As humans have grown both more inquisitive, we’ve found away
from
inexplicable
that transcend the everyday. This word connotes Derren Brown’s mind manipulations, TV shows where you see the ‘Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed’, and a certain wizard school brought to life on the silver screen. (In the last case, the most magical element is often the supernatural proportions of the budget.) Magic means illusion. It is a word divorced from its original meaning, because we understand the phenomenon behind what our ancestors would have required runes and dowsing rods for. What magic really means is: ‘I am happy to be fooled if it’s clever enough’. Yet, when we remark that something is ‘magical’ it generally means that we have 6
FEATURE
witnessed something so incredible, so out-ofcynical bodies in a state of awe, amazement and glee. So what gives us this sensation of magic now, and why is it important? It varies widely across cultures and continents. In Mexico, candles are burnt to the Virgin Mary to aid the success of seduction attempts, in a bizarre mix of Catholic and occult ritual. In 2008, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 13 alleged ‘sorcerers’ were arrested under allegations that they had been using black magic to shrink the size of local men’s penises. Luckily this epidemic of ‘penis snatching’ has yet to hit globally, and these instances of witchcraft and miracle-searching are stemmed more in faith than in science. As with faith in anything, awe is derived from the limitations of what we know, what we fear, and what we are willing to ignore. Generally humans want everything to be easily comprehensible. Yet the power of magic, in all of its forms, is our tacit agreement to not understand, even if it frightens us. We like to
believe there is some secret world functioning just below the surface that we can glimpse, through a talisman, trick or prayer. We still want precious, immutable, unknowable and sacred things in our lives. In his book, Religion for Atheists, staunch, smug non-believer Alain de Botton makes the case that an appealing aspect of religion is that it provides a reassuring sense of largeness, of oldness and greatness that puts our worries in perspective. In fact, he comments that “it should be accepted as a relief from our insanely hopeful ambitions for our lives.” In classic late ‘90s witchcraft rom-com Practical Magic, Sandra Bullock says, “Magic
star... It can’t stop criminals in their tracks can it? It has power because you believe it does.” To put it another way: the power to believe the unbelievable, to follow your heart rather than your head, and to understand that symbolism carries a certain mystery, is what’s really behind modern magic. I Will Always Have You is a Bristol-
based project commemorating and exploring the importance, power and stories behind tattoos. An exhibition featuring photographs, models and the stories of the people from Knowle West, who took part in the mobile tattoo parlour, has been on display at Knowle West Media Centre. The collaboration between artist collective Stand + Stare, digital agency Play Nicely and Knowle West Media Centre also has an online gallery showing the range of stories that become symbolised inside the ink of a tattoo, often taking on a totemic sort of solemnity. After a car accident, Charmaine Collins got tattooed to distract from the scars on her legs. “Since I had this done,” she said, “people look at the tattoos, not at my body. It’s like a mask, almost. They’ve made me feel more
my tattoos.” The belief that her inked markings somehow distract from her previous traumas is not only magical, it’s real, and it worked. You don’t have to be Nancy from The Craft to appreciate that. Aside from self-decoration, the world of literature is also crammed with wizardry, bewitchement and conjuring of spells, even when outside the realms of fantasy genres. Magical realist author Salman Rushdie has often defended the literary tradition of infusing real political scenarios with fantastical or allegorical elements, such as in his controversial novel The Satanic Verses. Commenting in an interview about what kind of ‘truth’ readers are looking for in literature, he said: “Clearly what we mean is human truth, not photographic, journalistic, recorded truth, but the truth we recognise as human beings. About how we are with each other, how we deal with each other, what are our strengths and our weaknesses, how we interact and what is the meaning of our lives... human truth is what you’re looking for and There has been a similar mantra in the visual arts: “Art is a lie that makes us realise truth, at least the truth that is given us to understand,” goes Picasso’s famous quote. In other words, we willingly suspend our
WHAT MAGIC
REALLY MEANS
IS: ‘I AM HAPP Y TO
BE FOOLED IF IT ’S CLEVER ENOUGH ’
Celebrations with a difference P LAN N IN G A P AR TY? . . . Words: E l i s h e v a S o k o l i c
PLAY WITH A LEGEND
THE MOST BORING AND UNPRODUCTIVE QUESTION ONE C AN ASK OF ANY RELIGION IS WHETHER OR NOT
Does playing football alongside the idols of your youth sound like a dream come former Arsenal footballer and TalkSPORT pundit Perry Groves. With over 40 'legends' to choose from, share a beautiful game and then
www.playwithalegend.com / @playwithalegend
IT IS TRUE
From magic ink and magic words, to magic minds, this artistic lie also has the capacity to create ‘magical’ transformations within the brain. There has been recent evidence to suggest that indulging, or even providing, imaginary scenarios to those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may enhance their ability to ‘live in the moment’ and, somewhat ironically, improve their memories. The Memory Ensemble was set up in 2009 in Chicago, USA, by the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Centre and the Tony Award-winning Looking Glass Theatre Company. It encourages patients to utilise improv in order to be creative and witty in ways they would never explore without the construct of an acting project. From the unreality blossoms a stronger grasp on physical reality, showing that, yet again, turning away from factual existence can only enhance our understanding of what is real. De Botton’s guide for atheists seeking the social pleasantries of religion begins on this divisive cracker: “The most boring and unproductive question one can ask of any religion is whether or not it is true.”
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fundamental it is to question the validity of everything: the news headlines, the origins of a second hand car, poor excuses from late friends. But there is certainly space for imagination, for making something magical through sheer belief. It is no coincidence that times, whether in physical or mental states, and that the escape from the everyday can have both a practical and indulgently positive impact. Perhaps we all just need a bit of magic in our lives. FEATURE
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DRAFTED UNCOVER THE COMICA L D E P T H S A N D D E P R A V I T Y O F T H O S E C R E A T I V E SOULS STUCK IN M IDDLE -C LASS P OVE R T Y … Words: H A N N A H S L A P P E R , Illustration: M E L A N I E M A N N I N G uring a recent rush hour on the southbound Victoria Line, I overheard a young bearded man voice his woes to a female redheaded companion. Both wore noticeably shabby clothes and looked tired and beaten down, like they hadn’t slept or been paid for a considerable number of weeks. Their conversation, however, revolved around problems with their weekly Ocado shop. “Not only did they give me unripe avocados,” the young man winced at the memory, “they also replaced my Arborio rice for basmati. Can you imagine?” The young lady shook her head in despair. No risotto tonight. What this couple represent is far more than just an amusing anecdote, but a simultaneously hilarious and depressing
D
a kind of middle class poverty that stretches out beyond class and education, and forms an almost farcical lifestyle that goes deep, deep, deep into the bottom of your overdraft. Even if you, yourself, are a sensible budgeting pro, there’s a good chance you’ll The Bernard from Black Books or Daisy from Spaced an artistic genius, but live in the kind of squalor seen in Withnail & I, surrounded by unwashed dishes and velvet soft furnishings. Speaking from experience, living as a middle class pauper has its perks. You happily skip past the ‘value’ meat section, instead spending your last pennies on questionable out of the paella pan you got for Christmas. travelcard, because cycling is an ecological and physically challenging way of life. And comedy box sets provide so much warmth? Personally, I think the problem stems from dangerous years living as a student, Children raised in cushy middle class families, with a fridge full of probiotic yoghurts and an shunted into reality and wondering what their priorities are. After spending their entire student loan on rent, Rioja and Red Bull, they are unable to stomach the prospect of instant noodles and dishwasher-less 12 FEATURE
existence, but they’ll easily take out a credit card and purchase all the printed knitwear no logic in this decision, but those jumpers will be worn for the next ten years, until they are barely recognisable, misshaped and malformed shadows of their former glory. eyed creatives will probably be holding down a job as a graphic designer for a web-based start-up, and crying into their collective chai lattes. Just yesterday I witnessed a talented fashion editor pranging about spending £200 of her savings on a pair of (granted, absolutely stunning) Sophia Webster shoes. I have watched in awe as my boyfriend willingly and knowingly spent his last £3 on sun-dried tomatoes. I, myself, lived a similar existence to that of Gollum while I was trying to save for a new laptop.
Ultimately we’ve got good intentions impressive as those who have worked their way out of the mire and into the money bestseller, to start that game-changing rock band, or to become a high powered executive. Well, maybe if we stopped obsessively redesigning our CV on a dodgy download of Photoshop. So, what can be done to save or solve this rabble of cigarette-rolling, scrounging scoundrels? The choice is simple: we either challenged, or, one of these days, we’ll actually start doing what our parents did to fund our comfortable childhoods: we will have to do some bloody hard work.
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inside your city WHAT WE’RE LOVING IN LONDON THIS MONTH... Words:
Debbie Cohen and Gaby Edwards
LAURA MERCIER URBAN RETREAT AT HARRODS
JIMMY CHOO PRÊT-À-PORTEA AT THE BERKELEY
SHERLOCK HOLMES AT THE MUSEUM OF LONDON
It’s all too easy to get stuck in a rut in terms of make-up rituals and products. Walking around with the same half-empty bottle of BB cream is
Taking afternoon tea is an institution in this
With the tag-line ‘The Man Who Never Lived And Will Never Die’, it’s already a given that The Museum Of London’s new exhibition series will be as epic as it sounds. The legendary tales of Sherlock Holmes, his righthand man Watson, and the dodgy dealings of London’s crime scene have already been
Harrods are hosting a Laura Mercier event that’s sure to boost your beauty regime, and within London’s most luxurious department store, you can have a professional makeover with tutorials, to ensure you can recreate the look at home. The focus is very much on caring for and improving skin, rather than covering up blemishes, as is the Laura Mercier way. At a very reasonable £40 for 45 minutes of facial transformation, this is the ideal option if you’re planning on going to a big event that you have to look perfect for, or when you can’t trust yourself to have a steady hand after a couple of glasses of wine. The best news is that the price is redeemable against a purchase of
make it a weekly activity. However, if you are going to fork out for two hours of super small sandwiches and tiny treats, at least eschew the boring combinations of cucumber and salmon, strawberries and cream, for something a little more interesting. Both
certain sexy BBC drama, so why not dig a little one of London’s kookiest luxury hotels, and one of the world’s most famous characters? à-Portea is a Fashion Week themed tea, with biscuits, cakes and desserts all inspired by the strongest trends of the season. Dining out on Dior, munching on Miu Miu and readily available, with or without a glass of champagne. What’s even more exciting is a recent collaboration with every girl’s favourite shoe brand, Jimmy Choo. From October 13-18
treat yourself to some pampering potions.
of edible delicacies based on some of Jimmy Choo’s most iconic accessories. Who knew there was a place where you could be both
www.urbanretreat.co.uk
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the world of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Victorian London, discover the stories behind some of as his violin and pipe - and get a little closer to uncovering the secret behind his mysteriously universal success. The £11 exhibition starts on October 17, but keep your eyes open for more themed events, including Late London tours, cocktail making and subsequent hunting, and archaeological mysteries, where you can don the detective cap, and do a little problemsolving of your own.
BLIPP ATCH EX- O to W IVE VIDE CLUS RVIEW INTE e 5 for
Shirt – Zara
Suit – Moss Bros
pag See par ns… Blip ructio inst
HE’S THE MA N TASKED WI T H CARRYING M AG I C INTO THE M O D E R N WORLD; AL R E A DY CEMENTED AS T H E GREATEST MAG I C I A N OF HI S G ENERATI O N.
Cover Credits: Three Piece Suit & Tie – River Island Shirt – Topman
A VERY MODERN MAGICIAN
AS HE PRE PAR ES FO R HIS FOURT H A N D FINAL TV S E R I E S, DYNAMO TELL S KYL E GOODWIN A B O U T MAGIC IN TH E 2 1 ST CEN TURY…
Words: K Y L E G O O D W I N Photography: J a y M c L a u g h l i n Styling: R i v k i e B a u m Styling Assistant: H o l l y M o o r e Grooming: L a u r e n K a y - Using Bareskin Beauty Skincare, Coleur Caramel Cosmetics and John Masters Organic Hair Products
W
atching Dynamo enter a room is very much like theatrics; no melodramatic gestures, nothing momentarily forgotten who he is: the Great Dynamo, the Magician Impossible. He strolls in quietly with his manager, politely introduces himself to our team of stylists, hair and make-up artists, photographers and videographers, and gently replies, “bacon butty with brown sauce please” when asked what he’d like for breakfast. To his credit, Dynamo extravagance through his actions. He doesn’t He doesn’t need to be the loudest for people to listen. He doesn’t even rely on language to be understood. He has at his disposal a raw talent that transcends cultures, leaving many scratching their heads, in awe of what they’ve just seen. From Snoop Dogg to Saturday night bar crawlers, it always ends the same: in complete disbelief. At just 31, Frayne is already among the
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has to be relevant to the world we live in. We’ve had to strip away all the props. Magic, now, has to be more explicit and more open. “With all the resources and technology we have access to; people are a lot more sceptical, because we’re cleverer than ever before. It’s harder to impress people now, and magic has really had to raise its game.” Today’s magicians have set a new standard, entrenched in realism; illusions stripped and bared. They create magic to meet a more advanced level of expectation from their audience. We’ve seen the rabbit pulled out of the empty hat, we’ve had the coin plucked from behind our ear, and now we expect something a little more, well; modern. This generation of magicians have to be more forward-thinking, more radical, more
which will forever see him etched in the history books. He has intensely studied the greats of
levitate alongside a double-decker bus, at least), and Frayne has been very aware of this shift from tradition. “It’s about doing magic which is raw and open, so people see there’s nothing hidden,” Frayne continues. “Back in the day, a lady would be put in a box, and the magician would saw through
and honed an act which further carries magic into the 21st Century. “Modern magic is very
These days, people want to see a lady literally be sawn in half. It has to be that explicit.”
CELEBRITY
CELEBRITY
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Opposite Page: Suit, Moss Bros – Shoes, Burton This Page: Three Piece Suit & Tie, River Island – Shirt , Topman
Shirt – Zara, Trousers – Paul and Joe Homme, Belt – Hermes, Shoes – Burton Right: Shirt – Zara
We meet on a blisteringly hot mid-July morning; Frayne carefully manoeuvring his gargantuan Mercedes G Wagon into a tight space outside the North London photography studio. As he peruses the variety of suits on our clothing rail, preparing for the imminent photoshoot, his publicist approaches: “It’s going to be so nice to see him looking smart,” she says, stunned and delighted that he’s agreed to deviate from his usual baggy t-shirts, the partiality towards grunge look.
It’s a long way from the cloaks and for so long. There is simply no demand for these stereotypes in modern magic. Today, the relationship between a magician and his audience stems from a more personal connection. “The way magic has been presented in the past is very much about the performer on the stage,” he says. “He is the almighty performer, and you are the mere peasant watching the show. It was all a bit of a God complex scenario, which I hate. For me, magic is about being personal.” Raised in Bradford’s Delph Hill estate, (“having to perform magic on the streets to get enough money for a £5 electricity token”), Frayne’s upbringing was far from sheltered; something he frequently refers to within his TV shows. There were bullies: “I used magic to freak out the bullies: like snapping my bones and putting them back together. If they threatened to break my bones I was like, ‘Look, I’ll break them myself’. I used magic as a defence mechanism.” There were hard times: “It’s those hard times that shaped who I am today. If I’d had it easy, I might have become an a***hole. I wouldn’t change any of it.” There were even moments where Frayne was under serious threat: “I found myself in front of hardcore gangsters, due to my Dad’s background. If I didn’t impress happen.” Frayne developed a natural ability to connect with people, regardless of class epitomises his shows. Despite this turbulent start, there is a distinct charisma about him today; a strong sense of self. With every episode of Dynamo: Magician Impossible, he further cements the lack of stage persona separates the performer from the person. and many other classical magicians is that there is no divide,” he considers. “Stephen Frayne is Dynamo. Dynamo is Stephen Frayne. This is not an act. When
I put a show together, I’m doing it from my heart. “In this day and age, being authentic is the most important thing. There are so many fake ‘reality’ TV shows out there, which people just don’t believe anymore. I try to be as real as possible. I’ve seen enough bulls**t in my own life to not want to bulls**t my audience. I’m always going to be Stephen from Bradford.” Due to the media buzz surrounding Dynamo: Magician Impossible, Frayne has found that even one of the greatest magicians of all time can’t escape media obligations. It’s the result of his vast success. The previous three series of Dynamo: Magician Impossible captured the imagination of millions around the world, airing in 180 countries, and catapulting Frayne into international stardom.
“ I WA N T P E OPLE TO S E E T H E BEST S H OW T H E Y’VE E VE R S E E N I N TH E I R L I F E ” cultures and languages; taking magic to exciting and unprecedented new levels the new scenes, it is clear his childlike passion for magic hasn’t diminished. “Instead of trying to top my extravagance, I try to top the experience for my audience,” he explains. “You can keep making something bigger and bigger and bigger, but it doesn’t necessarily always make it better. A lot of my new series is about bringing things back to street level, that authentic edge. “Houdini once said: ‘If you want to get someone’s attention, put your life on the line’. That’s one way to look at it, but there are so many other ways to take your audience on a journey. You can have the same power without having a shock value.”
H I ST O RY ’S M OST I M P O RTA N T M AG I C I A N S, ACCORDI NG T O DY NA MO… HO U DIN I You can’t really summarise him with one moment in his career. He’s the most talked about, and most written
televisions and everything we have today surpass all of that. Imagine what he’d be like in this day and age. He was a pivotal point in magic.
a characteristically climactic twist, Frayne plans to turn his attention to a live show. It’s been brewing for some time. The stage is set, and now, without the pressure of producing ideas for a new series, a Dynamo live
up, Frayne pulls out a deck of cards. There are two die-hard fans in the room: studio owner, Adrian Pini, and his 8-year-old son Alessandro. “I don’t normally come down to the studio for shoots,” Adrian beams, “but I just couldn’t miss this.” Through his job, Frayne has been travelling the world for years; from the slums of Rio to the beaches of California. He’s performed magic for some of the most powerful people on the planet, and seen his face plastered over countless billboards. However, watching on today, as he performs card tricks for an excited studio owner and his star-struck son, Frayne is in his element. It doesn’t matter where he is, or who he’s in front of. Magic simply means everything to him. “In a hundred years from now,” Frayne concludes, “after I’m long gone; when people mention the word ‘magic’, I hope my name is one that comes to mind.”
people to see the best show they’ve ever seen in their life,” he warns. “It has to be the ultimate. I want to destroy what people perceive as a magic show, and
this humble magician is having on history, but one thing is clear: Stephen Frayne needs magic, and magic most certainly needs Stephen Frayne.
but to really bring magic into the 21st Century, and beyond. I have lots of ideas, now it’s just about condensing them down and making them a reality.” As the photoshoot starts wrapping
To see Dynamo on his 2015 Live Tour go to for more information. Page 14 blipp, originally built for Now You See Me.
There will still be the usual host of celebrity cameos, of course, which have become a staple of Frayne’s shows; having previously performed in front of Will Smith, Ashton Kutcher and Pharell Williams, alongside many more of entertainment’s elite. According to Frayne, though, his Bradford upbringing helps him keep his cool in front of the megastars, and avoid any potential nerves. “Some of the people I came across growing up in Bradford were far more scary and terrifying than any celebrity,” he smiles. “They are like pussycats compared to some of these people. That it came to meeting the rich and famous.”
The Blipp for this spread was originally PAU L DA N IE LS built for Now You See Me. People don’t necessarily give him the credit he deserves, but he is an incredible magician. He’s been a huge famous magician to come out of the UK. A lot of people don’t realise, in his early shows, he was bringing in magicians from all over the world to showcase their talents. He opened a lot of doors for magic. You could make an incredible documentary about Paul Daniels.
DAVID COPPERFIELD When he walked through the Great Wall Of China, not only was it a huge moment for magic, but the symbolism of breaking through the cultural divides had such a powerful meaning. He’s done so much, on such a huge scale, that magic today simply wouldn’t be the same without him. He shaped magic for the 21st Century, and is an icon for any modern magician in today’s world.
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IN A WORLD WHERE LOVE CAN B E F O U N D AT T H E SWI P E O F A F I N G E R O R T H E CLICK OF A MOUSE, DOES T H E C O N C E P T O F S O U L M AT E S N E E D A M OD ER N UPDATE? Words: R e b e c c a
nyone old enough to remember life before Tinder, smartphones and online dating may have spent their teenage years as obsessed as I was with the Pulp song Something Changed. The lyrics appealed to my neurotic teenage soul, as did the thought that one wrong step could cause me to walk right past the love of my life, never to see them again: ‘I could have stayed at home and gone
Holman
of a Magic 8 Ball and went about my life date I get asked on, lest I miss out on my future companion, and am consistently romantic fantasies on Victorian Gothic novels. disappointed at how little these nice, normal, But about a year ago I joined Tinder and, fairly attractive men resemble my soul mate. once again, became preoccupied with the And now there’s Happn - a new(ish) app that matches you with people you’ve just walked true love rests on one key decision: do I swipe right or left? If I swipe left because I don’t like feed on your phone, which sounds really rather enchanting, until you consider what it must be doing to your battery life. In theory, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, I will never lose out on an
could have changed your mind and seen your constantly connected to every possible chance for happiness. If I do have a soul mate, how could I possibly miss him?
but something changed.’ Sliding Doors, meant that I became gripped with the idea that every decision I make could take me closer to, or further away, from my one true love. This works on the assumption that
age-old one. It’s not about serendipity, or fortuity, or being in the right place at the right time. It’s the pressure we put upon place. We’re after this instant connection that we read about in books, see on television, and hear about at every wedding speech
everyone. Aged 15, I hadn’t really considered how practically improbable that is, and if it is true, how highly unlikely it is that on a planet of seven billion, you’ll end up in the same place at the same time. And secondly, that even if there is such a thing as one true love, and the city at the same time, surely my decision to take the bus rather than the tube wouldn’t be enough to scupper the whole thing? But I was young, a bit of a d**k, and, as such, paralysed by indecision lest one wrong move resulted in a lifetime of unhappiness. Eventually, I grew out of it, stopped making every decision based on the wisdom
the look of someone, or worse BY MISTAKE BECAUSE MY HAND SLIPPED, does that mean I’ve missed my chance forever? If the Universe is kind enough to stick this bloke onto my Tinder feed, surely the rest is up to me? The result is I either swipe right on Tinder reckons it makes ten million matches
it’s all hyperbole? What if we (I) am missing out on some seriously great people because that instant white-hot chemistry isn’t there? Or what if they’re missing out on me? The idea of a lifelong relationship based purely on romantic love is an incredibly archaic one. The idea that you must also be soul mates is even more so. The Internet, social media, dating apps may make these things seem like more of a possibility, but we’re still setting ourselves an impossible task. After all, the world’s still a pretty big place. FEATURE
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BR A N C HING OUT
FRO M HOBBI TS TO H ORROR, E LI JAH W O O D IS QU IE T LY C H AN GIN G T H E F ILM INDUSTRY, ONE INDEPENDEN T M O V I E A T A T I M E . D R A F T E D C H A T T O H I M A B O U T H I S NEW EXPERI MENTAL T H R ILLE R G RAN D P I AN O A N D T H E F I R S T STEPS IN THE W O R L D O F P R O D U C T I O N …
Wo rds: H a n n a h S l a p p e r
E
lijah Wood. If we were playing a simple game of word association, there’s a good chance you’d all shout out the name of the only small ring-bearer who doesn’t appear as a pageboy at a wedding. However, take a moment to consider his backcatalogue of work and you reach a startling conclusion: Elijah Wood is not an actor, he’s one retractable tongue and tail away from With over 150 acting credits in 25 years of work, many of which are rooted in horrors, thrillers or dramas, it’s a seriously impressive feat that he hasn’t been typecast. “I’m just his answer to how he chooses his roles, and Grand Piano.
when I am not a pianist,” he laughs, “But, in some ways, I was more excited about working with director Eugenio Mira, who is a friend and
a lot of work, preparation or method, Wood relishes getting stuck into the task at hand, which is probably why he didn’t blanche at the prospect of playing a convincing concert pianist with very little previous experience. Instead of crumbling under the pressure, he used every setback to help him enhance his performance: “To a certain degree, the piano playing itself was as useful as it was stressful,” he admits. “ I could take the tension of the adversity, draw upon the reality of the situation and utilise it.” Taking the physically and emotionally demanding requirements of balancing dialogue and music and tuning them into his on-
categorise, but could be described as horror with an instrumental twist. Wood plays the protagonist, Tom Selznick, a brilliant young progresses, the specially written music pianist who, after a disastrous on-stage escalates, sharpens and becomes both more exultant, and more disjointed. It helped comeback. “I was looking forward to the challenge of successfully playing a pianist, shot in relative sequence. But what really
aided Wood’s performance were his own unique adventures when it comes to sounds and songs. “My pre-existing love and appreciation of music certainly fused into my performance, and my relationship to the piano. I honestly don’t think I could have done it if I didn’t have some sense of rhythm,” he admits. “So much of it required my ability to work out timing.” And timing is exactly what he excels at, as part of his duo DJ act Wooden Wisdom, who surf the celebrity circuit, playing parties, creating mixes and headlining some impressive US venues. Alongside this, Wood owns independent label Simian Records, along with a vinyl collection that reaches into the thousands, and is even credited on fellow LOTR actor Viggo Mortensen’s sixth album. (Yes, we were also surprised that Aragorn was so It’s obvious then, that it was only a matter of time before Wood used his knowledge and experience actively in an acting role. Active is actually a useful word when describing Elijah Wood. Unlike many A-listers,
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unless he’s ‘doing’. Whether he’s acting on an impulse, or actively beavering away at a long term project, there’s always something going on behind the scenes, which is why we weren’t surprised to learn about his growing In 2010 Wood met directors Daniel Noah and Josh C. Waller and their instant rapport and mutual interests gave birth to a production company, recently rebranded as SpectreVision. “It’s something I wanted to do for a long time,” he tells us, “primarily because I love
and patchy phases, but when we started the company, it wasn’t a great time for Since then there has been an explosion of interest, internationally. At this year’s Sundance Festival, SpectreVision brought two projects to the table. One, Cooties, is a comedy horror battle between teachers and virus-infected pupils. The other, A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night, is a self-styled ‘Iranian vampire Western.’ Wood was delighted with
ways, even when I’m just hired as an actor, I feel like I’m part of the fabric of the entire production.” Not only does this producing role allow
are relegated to the midnight section of any
him to explore a genre he has a particular
around to make room for some of the more unique and original genre concepts? According to Wood, all you need to do is step into some of the more up-and-coming
followers, but often overlooked or mistreated “You have to be very forgiving to be a horror fan. It might excel in one aspect, and fail in most, but it doesn’t matter because you love the genre so much,” he explains.
IT FEELS LIKE WE’RE IN THIS
SPACE, IN AMERIC A, WHERE THERE’S
SUCH RELUCTANCE TO PUT MONEY
INTO SOMETHING NEW
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CELEBRITY
out of midnight, and into the other categories, which was pretty incredible” It seems the climate is changing within
Texas, or Sitges outside of Barcelona, to get your answer: “When I’m there, I see that it’s a very interesting time in this industry. Almost like we’re in a kind of new renaissance for However, it’s not all rosy: “Studios aren’t really making movies anymore, because they’re more interested in franchises. They tend to be more about risk management than taking a chance on something.” Impassioned, he explains his irritation with this attitude: “It feels like we’re in this space, in America, where there’s such reluctance to put money into something new. So they think - why not remake something released in Europe two years ago? “It’s bizarre because, more than ever before, we are a global community. The audience for international cinema is much wider, and we have access to movies that would have previously been relegated to Art House cinemas.” Examples are plentiful, including the US remake of Let The Right One In two years after the Scandinavian original, or The Girl With The
Dragon Tattoo, which Wood pointed out was a particularly pointless endeavour. “I don’t want to say anything against David Fincher’s remake, because I think he did so similar to the it great, it was also seen by millions of people around the world. It wasn’t a weird, obscure a movie, a series of books, that everyone knew about. A remake did not make sense in any Knowing what he does about the industry road forking into simultaneously exciting independent ventures and unimaginative formulaic Hollywood box-tickers, Wood has a clear idea of where his future interests lie. “I’ve always wanted to direct,” he says, “as that’s an avenue I haven’t travelled yet. In terms of life accomplishments or goals, things I’d like to experience, or achieve, directing is certainly one of them.” It’s a natural next step for a creative chameleon; always moving forward and blending, with ease, into whatever work needs doing. Taking charge or taking orders, playing Wood can do it all. But we couldn’t help but wonder if he worries, sometimes, that he’s “Actually, I love the freedom that it allows but also as a human being. If someone puts you in a binder, or in a box, it can be limiting.” There’s a hidden smile, he obviously feels complimented that he’s been perceived as “I’ve always felt that I could never be
not perfected one single thing, that wouldn’t bother me. I would have lived a full life, and prospect of that is exhilarating.” is out now at select UK cinemas, and available on DVD from October 20
LFW DECODED MISSED LONDON FASHION WEEK? DRAFTEDS FASHION TEAM TOOK TO SOMERSET HOUSE TO GET THE LOW-DOWN ON NEXT SEASON’S BIGGEST TRENDS Words: J O S I E J O N E S
t’s that time again; the fashion circus has swept into town and turned central London into a catwalk, which is why you might have noticed people wearing alarmingly bright coloured shoes, and using
I
as you try to navigate the Strand on a busy weekday morning. For all those vaguely confused as to more important than you might think. What we’ve been seeing on the runways will dictate exactly what we’ll be wearing come next
THE TOPSHOP SHOW
WHITE
The high street store’s high-end Unique label is always one of the most anticipated collections of the season, not only for their irreverent take on traditional trends, but also for the stellar front row. Naturally the world’s most famous party girl, Cara Delevingne,
A key trend that’s been highlighted in both New York and Milan, it’s always a winner for warmer weather. There are various ways to wear it, from the delicate-yet-androgynous looks at Daks, with a quaint traditional tailoring note, to the crisp, clean jumpsuits worn by the models at Anya Hindmarch’s colourful ‘customised’ bag presentation/rave. Osman’s dreamy pebbled collection added another dimension with a textured polka-
friends Alexa Chung and Anna Wintour, looking on. The preppy, sporty looks led into embellished sheer mini dresses, making for yet another ‘90s inspired bout of festival uniforms come next year.
party in 2015.
experimental pair of printed trousers next May The hub of the action, Somerset House, is host to some of London’s brightest talent, and more than a handful of the world’s most beautiful models, who expertly, and somewhat unrealistically, give us an idea of what trends we’ll be sporting in six months time. If you were too busy avoiding tiny dogs and stampedes of bloggers to take notice, here are a few of our highlights…
MARY KATRANTZOU’S ROBOTS One of London’s most beloved designers, Katrantzou’s totally unique perspective on pattern is always a fun aspect amidst the collection chaos. In February, the master of digital and Clocktopia, to her fashion fans. This season, those characters came to life on the catwalk, complete with intricately crafted costumes. Not only is it lovely to see a bit of light-hearted humour in an industry that, arguably, takes itself a little too seriously, it’s also the perfect way to showcase Katrantzou’s expertise when it comes to creating mesmerising symmetry and mindboggling optical illusion style patterns using her architectural mind.
So there you have it. Invest in head-to-toe white, get ready to bear it all in see-through party dresses, and get prepared to invest in kaleidoscopic knitwear, courtesy of Mary Katranztou. Fashion week might be over, but these trends have only just begun… FASHION
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Photography: S i m o n W i s b e y Styling: R i v k i e B a u m Make Up: L a u r e n K a y using Skincare Coleur Caramel Cosmetics E m m a J a n e B o r l e y using Fudge Hair Products Video / Direction: A n d y H e r b y
Ollie wears: Dress – Paul and Joe Lloyd wears: Coat –
Shirt - Topman, Watch - Model’s Own
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Seb wears: Coat - Autograph @ Marks and Spencer, Trousers - Topman, Shirt and Sweater -
Pia wears: Dress - Paul and Joe, Shoes - Stylist’s Own
Lloyd wears: Coat –
Ollie (male model) wears: Roll neck- Burton, Suit- Paul and Joe Homme, Shoes - Burton
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Marcel wears: Suit and Shoes - Burton, Shirt and Coat - Topman
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Models: Female Models in order of appearance: O l l i e a n d P i a - Milk Model Management Male Models in order of appearance: L l o y d , O l l i e - Nevs Models, S e b - Models 1, A l e x - Nevs Models and M a r c e l - Milk Model Management
...Y OU CAN FI ND TH E NEXT IN ST ALM E N T OF T HE P E M BR I D G E FI LE S I N DR AFT E D’S N OVE M B E R ISSU E
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just me and my manager,” she says. “We would organise everything, and it was great to start that way; I felt in control and it taught me a lot about the industry.” It seems Goddard was fairly smart from the get-go in terms of industry tactics, as she believes her refusal to join a major label in her early years is part of her subsequent success. “I’m a lot more aware of smaller details, which I’m not sure I would be if I’d gone ahead and signed for a label before doing anything myself. I’ve had a chance to really develop as an artist over the last few years. I wouldn’t have been ready in the same way four years ago. Being an independent artist for so long gave me a little taste of everything, and set me up well for what’s happening now.” These days Goddard is working with global hit-makers, Stargate, of Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Katy Perry fame, who produced her new single So There, out on October 12. This highly infectious track serves as a follow up to Marilyn and Pretty Girls, introducing her to a new legion of fans on top of her already strong social media following. While she
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SMALL TOWN SUPERSTAR
her big signing, this self-professed “homethe ground. “I’ll always be the girl from the small town, who’s excited about everything. I don’t ever change; I just get to experience new things. It makes me laugh; I could be in London at a lovely, glamorous restaurant, and I’ll come home and one of my Chihuahuas will my hands and knees cleaning up dog wee.” From small town to superstardom, you can see why the UK is so excited about this
Words:
Portia Panteli
W IT H O V E R 4 4 M I LLI ON YOUTUBE VI EW S AN D H E R IN DE P E N DE N T R E LE ASE S H IT T I N G TH E A LE X A GO D D A RD ’ S DOOR. FROM SMALL TOWN GIRL TO POP’S NEXT RISING STAR, HERE’S WHY T H I S R O C NA T IO N ARTI ST I S ONE TO WATCH ...
t
he digital age has brought with it a new breed of
publishing, socially driven artists who cultivate an organic fan base, independent of the industry’s gatekeepers. Signed to Roc Nation, opening the main stage at this year’s Wireless Festival and selling out her recent headline gig at the Islington Academy in a speedy two minutes: Alexa Goddard is one of these very modern musicians. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this small town girl is an overnight sensation - but you’d be wrong. Goddard travelled across Europe recording early demos from as early as 14 years old, going on to become one of the ten most subscribed musicians on YouTube in the UK. Her popularity led to her selling over 250,000 singles independently, and entering the UK Top 20. “For a long time it was literally
BEING AN
INDEPENDENT ARTIST FOR SO
LONG GAVE ME A
self-made woman. Independent beginnings and a loyal fan base are sturdy foundations for pop’s next big thing. Goddard paves the way for others to do the same, and is testament to the power of talent, timing and tenacity. With her debut album set for release early next year, there’s no doubt that this girl-next-door is set to become a one of the global greats.
Alexa Goddard’s new single So There is out October 12. www.alexagoddard.com
LIT TLE TASTER OF
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The Alchemist
MELDING SPIRITUAL AWAKENI N G W I T H S O N G W R I T I N G I S S O M E T H I N G T H A T A LE X CLA RE I S USED T O, AN D WE DISC OVE R T H AT T H E TWO TOGE T H E R C A N M A K E M A G I C … Words: P o r t i a P a n t e l i
n our ‘material world’, an
I
between faith and stardom is a game changer. For Alex Clare, songwriting is a “form of catharsis”, and like all the greats, he transforms joy and pain into art, lead into gold; this man is a modern day alchemist. Many of the world’s best stories start with a call to adventure. A hero accepts the invitation to enter a strange new world, and must face trials and tribulations along the way. At the climax of the narrative, this hero will survive an acute challenge and will receive a gift that leads to an enlightenment of sorts. With a single, Too Close, selling over 5million copies worldwide and a debut album, The Lateness Of The Hour, that has shifted over half a million, don’t be fooled into thinking that singer-songwriter Alex Clare didn’t encounter those same twists and turns on the journey to unfolding his own destiny. As far as knocks go, getting dropped by your label because of personal religious obligations is a tough one. A practicing Orthodox Jew, Clare’s religious commitments prohibit him from performing on Shabbat or on the High Holidays, a slight problem when many gigs land on Fridays and Saturdays. His label gave him an ultimatum, when a of the no-go days. “I knew if I didn’t play that show I’d get dropped,” he explains. “I asked for a couple of days to think about it, but they dropped me. I moved to Jerusalem. I had somewhat come to terms with it all; that I was going to have to do something else until a new musical opportunity presented itself.” Clare’s archetypal rise stayed true to form. The setback came right before his To keep going despite seeming failure is an act of ultimate faith, one that shows heart; something that Clare’s got plenty of - you need only listen to his voice. In an unexpected turn of events, the single Too Close which, on 40
MUSIC
IT ’S SO BORING
WRITING ABOUT DISASTROUS
THINGS ALL THE TIME; IT ’S NICE
TO WRITE ABOUT SOMETHING THAT ’S JUST REALLY GOOD
initial release, had garnered fantastic reviews and all-round acclaim, but struggled in terms of sales and chart positions, was picked up by Microsoft who wanted to use the track in a global advertising campaign. “Everything just blew up massively,” he recalls. “There I was sharing my room with a cat and some ants, and next thing I know I was all over the charts. Things went crazy, it was a moment that vindicated everything that had Clare’s new album Three Hearts was recorded between London and Los Angeles with a superstar group of producers working on making it as slick sounding as possible. The dream team included former Pulp member Antony Genn, Semisonic frontman Dan Wilson, John Newman producer Steve Booker and frequent Kanye West collaborator Ben (Mr) Hudson. It’s no wonder his powerful new single War Rages On has surprised fans, along with the other tracks on the album, with the
“When I wrote Lateness Of The Hour I skint, living on people’s couches and had a series of disastrous relationships.” Clare is unapologetic about the fact that a number of the new songs deal directly with the joy that marriage and fatherhood have brought him have roused in him. “If you’re an honest songwriter and live an honest life,” he comments, “and you write songs about that, I think most people can relate to it, whether it’s negative or positive; and I hope people will be able to do that on this record, on a human level. The lyrics aren’t far-out, or material-centric; they’re just about living. It’s so boring writing about disastrous things all the time; it’s nice to write about something that’s just really good.” album is the far more studio-led side of the production: “The electronic elements are still there, but we wanted to incorporate more live
There’s a track on the album called So Deep. and it’s literally a jam track. To be able to do that on an album is really cool. “I’m a songwriter, at the end of the day. I just wanted to have a more organic, classic sounding record. The whole dubstep thing has become so big all over the world, but when we recorded and produced Lateness Of The Hour, and in particular Too Close, no one in the mainstream had really heard that sound yet. It was still underground. Hence the reason it took eight months before it really blew up. But now you hear everyone using that half-time drumbeat, and when you hear everyone doing it, you kind of want to move on to something new.” All this is said in a cool, composed and thoughtful manner, but it’s impossible to ignore that, for Clare, this is more than just business. Far from fame hunting, he is playing out a personal journey in a very public sphere, and trying to express himself without exploiting his own vulnerability. “Before Lateness Of The Hour I didn’t really know what morality was,” he says. “Things needed to change, for the sake of my own sanity and personal growth. Where your head is at, mentally and emotionally, Songwriting is ultimately a form of catharsis; Of course, exploring religious identity within the secular world of the music business
THERE I WAS
SHARING MY ROOM WITH A C AT AND
SOME ANTS,
AND NEXT THING I
KNOW I WAS ALL
OVER THE CHARTS
Despite these strong views, there isn’t a pretentious bone in Clare’s body. Far from being precious about his music, he’s keen to share and happy to collaborate with other artists, having sung on two singles from Rudimental’s hugely successful and acclaimed album Home, He has also featured on Sub Focus’ Endorphins, as well as performing alongside Kelis on Don Diablo’s Give it All, and we’re sure to hear his unique voice on many other chart-topping singles in the future. Alex Clare is without question one of the UK’s most interesting international success stories, and Three Hearts promises to solidify talent. His epic journey shows us that we are, undoubtedly, the protagonists of our own stories. We can’t predict what the future will bring for ourselves, or for Alex Clare, but one thing is for sure: we’ll keep turning the pages. Three Hearts is out now on Island Records. www.alexclare.com
and balance. This is one of the many things that sets Clare apart from the plethora of artists currently saturating the industry; his attitude is not one of wanting more. “A lot of people are very focused on the physical aspects of life. The focus in life is on materialism. It’s not about that. Physical possessions come and go, and people tend to lose them, anyway.” o suggest that Clare is breaking the mould, what it means to be an artist in the modern anything, or be a part of a scene,” he admits. “I work with a lot of people who are a big part of the UK and international music world, but I try to do my own thing. I do what makes me happy.” A refreshing departure from the overly press-prepped and easily malleable young stars.
MUSIC
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IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT— YOU’RE
SIMON PEGG HE STOLE OUR HEARTS WITH BIG TRAIN AND SPACED. HE FILLED US WITH PRIDE IN SHAUN OF THE DEAD AND STAR TREK. NOW THE MAN IS GIVING US A LIFE LESSON - AN ENGLISHMAN TRULY CAN MAKE IT IN HOLLYWOOD WITHOUT HAVING TO BE AN EVIL VILLAIN OR BUMBLING ROMANTIC GENTLEMAN… Words:
Matthew R. Cook
Interview:
Jack Courtez
H
earing Simon Pegg troubled creatures who create joy for others, talking about his new yet cry themselves to sleep, just doesn’t sit well with Pegg, who seems genuinely happy. watching it: “Happiness is actually something much “The great thing about it more profound and long lasting, it exists within is: she thinks he knows us. It has to come out of us, so that we can she is a prostitute, but he doesn’t know. enjoy comfort, pleasure and entertainment in They’re both fooling each other.” a deeper way.” Nobody likes spoilers, so we’ll just leave One in-house theory for Pegg’s perpetual it at that. Simon Pegg is a giver, he’d tell cheerfulness is his plethora of comedian you the plot of his underpants if they had a friends (It’s surely impossible to be miserable good publisher, and that’s why we love him hanging out with Nick Frost every day?) In so much. fact, it is almost easier to name the British comedians from the ‘90s and ‘00s that Pegg of Peter Chelsom’s adaptation of François hasn’t worked with; such is his position in the Lelord’s internationally best selling book close-knit industry. He is so deeply rooted in Hector And The Search for Happiness, lead British comedy, it warms the cockles to see Hollywood fall passionately in love with his own personal epiphanies on happiness, particular brand of geeky charm, and hold him the universe and everything. “I think we all mistake certain things for happiness,” Pegg muses. “We mistake comfort, pleasure and I got into the group, learnt how to live there, entertainment for happiness, but really these and now I love it.” Previously, Pegg has had great success proxies.” playing the loveable wisecracking Brit, and has His relaxed nature and ease in injected some of his characteristic humour conversation gives you the kind of envy that is usually reserved for rock stars and toned the role sees him playing a psychiatrist yoga teachers. The cliché that comedians are
44
CELEBRITY
by no means an enlightened soul or a moral message in disguise. “He’s a bit of a d**k, actually,” Pegg laughs, “It’s a similar arc to my character, Gary King, in The World’s End. I had to sustain that character’s un-likeability for as long as possible because when it’s revealed that he’s actually in pain, we wanted the audience to kind of feel bad about it.” Hector And The Search for Happiness hints towards the premise that many of us can be unlikeable and “a bit of a d**k”, yet all we need is a little time to process our personalities,
author François Lelord is a French psychiatrist, and his theory suggests that you can construct a psychological mechanism within yourself to eradicate your contradictions and inner who you are. According to Lelord, you can hone this technique whether you’re waiting for the 149 to Liverpool St, sitting at your desk at Canary Wharf, or even jetting around the globe making a blockbuster movie… “We were travelling all over the world,
process.” The production carried its cast and crew of happiness-scavengers from sizzling South Africa to sweaty Shanghai to sipping butter tea on a Tibetan plateau, and there was a frenzied turnover of actors to add to the mix. “Jean Reno was on set for two days but still forms an important part of the journey, for me. Stellan Skarsgard as well, we had a couple of days running around China, and then he was gone. I love them all, I felt very supported by the quality of actors around me. I felt kind of spoilt.” Director Peter Chelsom also seemed spoilt for choice, with an impressive cast willing to give what little time they had for a chance to work on the production. Pegg, of course, is used to this array of talent, yet sometimes even he gets starstruck: “When I introduced Jean Reno to my daughter Matilda, he said her name and I went “OH MY GOD!” I had a total fan boy moment, and immediately tweeted “Jean Reno just said Matilda!” My wife might say we named her after the Roald Dahl book, but now I’ll always say we named her after Natalie Portman in Leon.” Despite the fun and friendships built, it wasn’t all a smooth process. Moving a production around a multitude of locations can cause several complications, especially with a project of this size and scale. Filming in remote villages is not always welcome with the locals, and Pegg empathised with the intrusive element of setting up shots and gathering material, “There was a particular place in South Africa that we managed to drive before we had to leg it. It was a very dangerous location, because the young men would look at
us?” I get it, because it’s not a museum, it’s a township, a genuine functioning township. It has been there for a very long time and, although seem like that.”
WE MISTAKE COMFORT,
PLEASURE AND
ENTERTAINMENT FOR HAPPINESS, BUT REALLY THESE ARE
COMPLETELY
DIFFERENT THINGS WE’RE USING AS PROXIES
started out in obscure British backwater comedy has ended up in the centre of Hollywood’s productions, commenting on their politics, and enriching their storylines. It seems like only yesterday that Rik Mayall was lifting him up by his nipples in Guest House Paradiso, a pairing of comedy talent that sadly only scratched the surface. “I was incredibly sad about Rik Mayall
interested in comedy.”
projects such a jolly demeanour, and who has dedicated much of his life to making people
doubt that Simon Pegg has stumbled across his own particular brand of bliss.
is out in UK cinemas from October 18
CELEBRITY
45
IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE TIPPLE OF MEN FOR CENTURIES, BUT NOW WOMEN ARE RECLAIMING WHISKY WITH GUSTO Words: M I L L I E S T E P H E N S he world of recreational drinking is changing. Back in the day, women were associated with giggling and white wine spritzers, while men sat in their smoking jackets, sipping on bourbon and discussing politics. Just watch Titanic for some to the same conclusions as we did: it’s just not fair. The times are changing, though, and women today are getting a serious taste for whisky. What was once commonly known as the ‘businessman’s spirit’ seems to be experiencing a recent gender renaissance, with a well-known supermarket recently reporting, in a study on drinking patterns and behaviours, that 35% of women now select whisky recreationally over any other alcoholic beverage including wine, white spirits and champagne. Even a wine-tasting venue such as London’s Vinopolis has seen a 25% increase in women opting to taste, learn about, and buy whisky rather than wine. This is a demonstrable shift from previous decades in which males were predominantly responsible for drinking harder liquors. Women now make up almost a third of all whisky drinkers, which, if true, means that surely Topshop will have to start stocking quilted satin dressing gowns, and cigar holders to boot. Cara Laign, Director of Whisky at luxury blending and bottling company Laing & Co, attributes the statistical surge to several key components: “My father, who is our in-house ‘nose’ and whisky expert, believes us girls have a far better nose for appreciating whisky,” she explains. “Our early love for perfumes gives us a bit of a head-start I think. I certainly love nosing whiskies before going on to taste 46
FEATURE
them, and then writing up tasting notes which feature on every Douglas Laing bottle. I also believe females are better at expressing descriptive in the way we explain what we’re experiencing.” Laing & Co has also noted this rise in women selecting whisky over other spirits: “I see a lot more female whisky drinkers than I ever did when I started in the industry,” Laing recalls. “It has been wonderful to see the trend grow. A lot of my non-industry friends are enjoying their whisky more and more our Big Peat, which is an Islay Vatted Malt heavily peated and very smoky - appeals to many of them. Not what you’d expect, but heavy duty Islay whiskies are very popular with girls.” Interestingly, the recent survey into adult drinking habits also revealed that 52% of the women who choose whisky as their spirit, prefer to drink it neat, without watering it down or adding a mixer. Resident Vinopolis expert Mel Sawbridge comments that “there is such a stereotype that whisky is a ‘man’s drink’. It can only be a good thing to occasionally disprove this with well educated, knowledgeable and passionate women waxing lyrical about Scotch whisky”. Whatever it is that is contributing to this rise in popularity, it seems certain that the trend will only grow as women expand their tastes beyond the obvious. And we heartily raise our glasses to that. Sláinte!
WHISKY VIRGIN? TRY SOME OF THESE... Known in the industry as ‘The Gentle Spirit’ this light, fruity whisky is the ideal way to kick-start your single malt journey, and start when you’re home from a hard day at work and want to unwind.
Getting a little more boisterous, this woody
smouldering oak. You might want to add a few drops of water to this one to open up the aroma, but remember that ice can stunt those delicate tones...
A favourite of Cara Laign, this is a powerful punch of whisky with seriously smoky tones distilling process, where the malted barley is dried over peat. Sounds ominous, but those on a cold winter night.
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5 Things We Learned About Prides…
SITTING BAC K STAG E AT B R I XTO N ’ S O 2 ACA D E M Y, EATING A VARIETY OF TAKE AWAY, D RA F T ED C H AT TO G L AS G OW’ S P R ID E S. HERE ARE FIVE TH INGS WE L E A R NE D… Words: K y l e
Goodwin
Reason To be Sneerful
T H E Y ARE (PRETTY MUCH) L I VI N G T HE DR EAM…
TH EY ARE (R E AS O N AB LY ) WELL B E H AV E D…
If you told us at 14 that we were going to be supporting Blink 182 at Brixton Academy, and playing Reading and Leeds Festival, we
We’re quite professional, on the whole. We have a good time, but we want to make sure every show is us at our best, so we tend not to get too f**ked up before we play. We don’t want to be that band that crawls out on stage,
L O N DO N - B AS E D C O MIC B E N KE E N AN H AS BE E N R E ADI N G TH E P AP E R S ...
apologises and leaves. We have a good time but not at the expense of the show. Although,
Ready the bunting. Release the corgis. And higher those taxes. The Royals are expanding. Yes, move over George, you’re so last week. The media went into meltdown again, recently, over news that another young
dream. However, the dingy basement we’re sat in right now might not speak towards as we’ve got to so far. Everything is going amazingly.
THEY LIS T E N T O F L I G H T O F TH E C ON CH O R DS … A L O T! It’s just this tradition we seemed to have developed in the band. Whenever we’re
T H E Y ARE AMBIT IOUS WI T H T HEIR BA CKSTAGE R E Q U EST S…
stick on Flight Of The Conchords and have a big sing-a-long. It’s on quite a heavy rotation. [They break into a short rendition of You’re So Beautiful]
THEIR D E B U T A L B U M I S NEARLY R E ADY … We’re so close. Everyone is feeling really good
and if we even get a fraction of it we’re all happy. We ask for EVERYTHING. We know we’re not going to get it, but you’ve got to try. We normally ask for a bottle of gin, or vodka, rather than beers. We once got a bottle of gin AND a bottle of vodka, and they even threw in a bottle of Jack Daniels. It was a good show that night.
bits and pieces now. We’ve taken all the something that makes sense. Once it’s out we’ll be going on tour, we’ll play everywhere!
Words: B e n
Keenan
a good chance they’ll grow up to be exceptionally dull and sheltered, with weed-smoking, party-going, army-joining Harry as an uncle, there might be hope for them yet. Poor Harry now shifts further down the line to the Royal Throne (as a Manchester United fan; I can only share in your pain, Harry), but maybe it’s a good thing. Maybe Harry has an important part to play in all this; by ensuring the future King of England won’t grow up to be stale and out of touch with the modern world. George may already look like the poshest child on the planet, but we see a bright future. Maybe he’ll buck the trend: become a footballer instead of a serviceman? A big chunky centre-back at QPR, perhaps. And what if the new sprog is a girl? Now there’s a potential X-Factor star in the may struggle to come up with the obligatory ‘sad and compelling backstory’ to properly melt our hearts. There is a lot of derision directed at our Monarchy, but I for one think this is all about to change. So Harry, no pressure or anything, mate, but the nation is counting on you. The history books are in your hands. Good luck.
www.pridesband.com ENTERTAINMENT
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ARE CH I MPS REALLY T H E AN SWE R T O C U T T IN G B ACK ON ALCOH OL C ON SU M P T ION ? Words: M i c h e l l e R o s w e l l
It’s Monday evening. You pop into temptation, which leads to improved sobriety. Sainsbury’s on your way home to pick Who would have thought a simple formula something up for dinner. However, far from the usual, standard supermarket scene Indeed, studies show that playing the game for just 10 minutes a day, four times a week random puddle of water by the frozen aisle), will make cutting back easier. Plus, according to Chris Hillier, co-founder amok. Chimps. They have taken over the of Attention Retraining Technologies, this supermarket and are causing havoc. couldn’t have come at a better time. “In How do you react? Well, you do what any London alone, it is estimated that 2.4million people drink alcohol at harmful and hazardous down the aisles in an attempt to catch them, levels,” he says, “and that a further 280,000 whilst also collecting certain useful items are dependent on alcohol in order to function they throw over their shoulder at you as you in daily life. It is clear that further intervention scamper (such as bananas and energy drinks), and dodging the bottles of alcohol they try to But here comes the best bit… ChimpShop smash at you. Whoa there, no, this isn’t some kind of people reported drinking less, but enjoying crazy nightmarish dream; it’s the world of their drinks more, which has got to be a good thing, right? Bring on the weekend. by Attention Retraining Technologies and digital agency Tangent Snowball. Developed with funding from the Department ChimpShop can be downloaded by of Health’s Small Business Research Initiative, anyone over 18 on the App Store (69p) and supported by NHS England (London), and GooglePlay (99p), and is available to both ChimpShop is actually designed to reduce the general public and health authorities alcohol consumption. and practitioners. The concept was based on original research by Professor Miles Cox, who discovered that training our brains to pay less attention to alcohol related stimuli could lead to reduced consumption. Taking this thoughtprovoking technique and turning it into a distracting piece of Chimp-based supermarket mayhem was a genius next step. Currently, ChimpShop is the only intervention mobile game that has been found
CHIMPSHOP HAS
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FEATURE
RISE - ALARM CLOCK (£1.49) Standard phone alarms are notoriously jarring, but Rise’s beautiful light-inspired interface will ensure you actually look forward to getting up for work. Plus, you can set your own songs or playlists to kick-start your day with only good vibes. It’s a real eyeopener. 2. CARROT – TASK LIST (£1.99) app that provides some serious incentives to get things done. Whatever you write will be taken as law, and if you don’t complete your tasks in a timely manner then Carrot will get seriously stroppy. However, if you’re prompt and organised with your list, you’re rewarded with in-App Easter Eggs, stories, and a few more surprises too…
TO HAVE A PROVEN
3. FX GURU SPECIAL EFFECTS (Free) Are all your home movies boring and dull without some of the drama you would expect from, say, a Hollywood blockbuster? No more, thanks to this innovative and entertaining app, which allows you to
ON PEOPLE
spaceship landing at your Nan’s birthday, or a few choice explosions as the kids take the dog for a walk. You’ll never be bored again.
BEEN FOUND
fun. By using psychological techniques, such as CBT, ChimpShop helps players in their quest to cut down on drink. Players’ attention is focused on the task at hand, and away from the alcohol being thrown at them by the Chimps, meaning they experience less
THE LATEST APPS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY
POSITIVE EFFECT
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DRAFTED EXPLO R E S T H IS M ON T H ’ S BEST READS... Words: ELISHEVA SOKOLIC
STATION ELEVEN EMILY ST JOHN MANDEL
simple words hit home as we contemplate a world stripped of everything we take for granted. In this way, Mandel sees the book functioning as a “love letter to the modern world, contemplating it’s absence.” The more macro picture of civilisation in the post-apocalyptic sections of the novel is painted with an absence of information. Mandel explains that the episodes “take place in a fairly small geographic area” leaving both the characters, and the reader, with “no way of knowing what’s happening elsewhere in the world.” Rather than social commentary, this novel explores
THE STORY TAKES PLACE BEFORE
Emily Mandel is a thunderstorm. A whirlwind of Canadian talent, captivating everyone who picks up one of her novels, and impacting their thoughts and feelings with her larger-thanlife characters and narratives. It’s no surprise, then, that Station Eleven, her fourth venture into the literary world, has created a “frenzy of enthusiasm” in critics, even pre-publication. The novel could be categorised as post-
AND AF TER A PANDEMIC WHICH
KILLS 99.9% OF THE EARTH ’S POPULATION
rejects the bitter, depressing and generally ominous themes that characterise the genre. The story takes place both before and after a pandemic, which kills 99.9% of the earth’s population, and follows the lives of the Travelling Symphony, a group of artists, musicians and actors trying to carve out a meaningful existence. This, in itself, is a fascinating concept; the idea that, in a world where food and shelter cannot be taken for granted, a troupe of actors and musicians Sitting down with Mandel to discuss the root of this idea, she suggested that although these are artists by profession, they are “profoundly shaped by the circumstances with viola players, but these are viola players who can capably hunt wildlife, and defend themselves from brigands, and such.” The juxtaposition of art and survival makes them intriguing characters to engage with. This collection of creatives employ a mantra to help justify their existence as
journeys, relationships, and the choices they make. It’s a story about people, and despite the dramatic premise, it’s these people who drive the narrative. It is because of this very human thread that Station Eleven makes you want to connect with someone. You’ll be compelled to call your best friend, plan a romantic dinner
nigh, but perhaps because at any moment, things could never be the same again. And, let’s be honest, we could all use an excuse to feel a little closer to the ones we love.
F I F TY S H ADE S O F F E MINIS M V AR IOU S AU T H OR S : L IS A APP I GNA NESI , S U S IE OR BAC H , R AC H E L HOL M ES
VIRAGO
Fifty Shades of Feminism brings together a group of incredible women who demand more from the media than the sexualised, receive. Feminism is often characterised by a certain vitriolic reputation, and this book combats that with its warmth and variety of voices. It brings together entrepreneurs, scientists, mothers, media personalities and politicians alike, of all cultures and all ‘shades’. Every contributor could silence a Twitter brigade of #IDontNeedFeminism in her sleep. The topics are insightful, broad and engaging. One thing’s for sure - you either are a woman, or know a woman, so add this to your reading list.
SELF PUBLISHED
BOOK with a BUZZ
WH AT I DI DN ’T S A Y KE AR Y T AY LOR
EMILY ST JOH N MA NDEL was born in Canada and studied dance at The School Of Toronto Dance Theatre.
New York.
Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, the story of Jake, who loses his ability to speak after involvement in a drink driving accident, will stay with you forever. Written in emotive prose, with a plot that will hark struggles to communicate his previously unspoken feelings to the love of his life, without a spoken word. What I Didn’t Say is a perfect example of why Keary Taylor stands head and shoulders above other self-published authors of the YA genre, his compelling characters draw you in again and again. ENTERTAINMENT
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SWAY BAR
W H E R E D O L O N D O N E R S PA RT Y O N C E T H E W E E K I S OV E R ? I T U S E D T O B E A L O C A L B AC KWAT E R B A R , B U T N OW T H E R E ’ S A N E W V E N U E I N T H E H E A RT O F C OV E N T G A R D E N T H AT ’ S B O T H L U X U R I O U S A N D L O N D O N - C E N T R I C Words: M I L L I E S T E P H E N S ondon’s bar and club scene often splits into two distinct categories. There are secluded establishments, strictly for locals, and the more glamorous, suave venues which have a distinctly touristy feel. We’ve often longed for a weekend hangout that provides both the slick VIP experience of the mainstream clubs, with all the intimacy of our favourite secret
L
in Sway. The impressive pillar of partying can be found on Great Queen Street, a stone’s throw from both Covent Garden and Holborn, and the venue’s recent revamp has ensured it’s a powerful player in terms of hosting a wild winter weekend. Sway is already a bastion of the West End scene, with numerous spaces catering for anything from private parties to impromptu revelry. Whether it’s drinks, dinner or dancing that you are hunting for, it always seems to have the solution, with ample bar space to sippers and disco divas, plus a new range of entertainments to keep a night out in London exciting. One of the refreshing things about Sway is that it has a distinct, and unusual, focus on the weekend. As Londoners tend to party on Thursdays and Fridays, it’s good to see some encouragement for non-week festivities. Their new ‘Saturday Night Sessions’ includes an impressive list of DJ talent, which could rival any club in London. From the end of September to November many names, including Jameela 50
LIFESTYLE
Jamil, Dev, Steve Smart, plus Rickie and Melvin, will be gracing Sway’s legendary decks to spin up a storm until early in the morning. So, your desire to dance can be easily met, without delving into some of London’s sweatier, grimier
We were also excited to discover that Sway plays host to nationwide comedy club Jongleurs, which showcases some of the best and brightest talents of the British comedy scene. Perfect for those looking for a weekly
Across Sway’s many spaces, the energy and glamour of the surrounding cosmopolitan package in one location, without making area has certainly seeped in, giving it a highyou feel claustrophobic or unadventurous. end but relaxed vibe that ensures it’s the ideal location to start, end or spend the evening it’s cocktails is what we’d suggest, as they range favourites. With three bars, a restaurant, and the
COMPETITION This month Sway will be giving away an incredible VIP night on the tiles including: from your favourite classics to some fun, city-inspired beverages like the rhubarb infused ‘London Mule’ and the blueberry ‘Black Cab Cooler’. When it comes to the cocktail menu you really can’t go wrong, so simply close your eyes and let your hand land somewhere, who knows where the night will take you? After your pre-dinner tipple, head down to the traditional British fare awaiting you in the restaurant, where you can order anything from feta risotto.
• Access to the VIP Area in the exclusive Milk lounge • A bottle of Grey Goose and mixers • A bottle of luxury Moet Chandon champagne • Complimentary entry to the bars and club for all guests BLIPP THIS PAGE TO ENTER
Kate Temple
G ETS ANG RY E A CH MONTH W E FI ND OUT WH AT ’ S M AKIN G KAT E T E M P LE AN G R Y Words: KATE TEMPLE
Bridge, “Why did I think exercising could be replaced with an indulgent diet of deep-fried chicken wings, goose-fat chips and what may as well have been lard sandwiches? Is it a generationl shift in attitudes that lets us convince ourselves we can get away with doing the bare minimum, and still enjoy the the best results? Or were our parents the same? Did people stress about spinning in the ‘70s? Maybe I’m just bagging everyone else in are tribes of gym bunnies, yoga mummies,
R
is it just an age thing, or do we pretend that stacking on the pounds, and not being able to run around the block anymore, is just inevitable as we get busier in our personal and professional lives? Whatever it is, I’m either lying to myself, eating more, or both. my long-awaited Caribbean holiday. I paid for the 10-night stay in February and fully intended on looking like Candice Swanepoel on the beach. I envisioned leaving my villa in the morning sunshine, with long golden hair tousled down my back and a light honey-dipped tan complimenting my ripped, muscular abs. I had a long way to go but, hey, hard work gets you to places right? So I joined the gym in March and began a thrice-a-week workout regime. And boy, and I was looking, and feeling, fabulous. Then I got tonsillitis. Due to the impossibility of swallowing, I began a simple diet of ice-cream, sorbet I’m sure you’ll agree. I forwent fruit and vegetables for several weeks, foolishly, and gently slipped back into the routine of buttery toast in the morning and devilish packaged sandwiches for lunch. Soon I hadn’t been to the gym for weeks, and my three month membership was up for renewal. “Meh. As a 20-something I’ll look
naturally good on the beach, no” I thought, as I swung by the pub, thanks to the extra £40 a month in my pocket, after deciding the gym Now, four months later, I have a fortnight until my holiday and I can’t bear to look at myself in a bikini. The idea of pulling on a tight me with so much fear, i’m genuinely tempted to go snorkling in jeans and jumper. As usual I’ve left it too late to work gradually towards my goal, so I am currently thrashing out the Couch to 5K app, kindly provided by the NHS, to try and tone up my bingo wings and diminish a set of chins. But, I ask myself as I jog breathlessly through the crowds of tourists at Tower
THE IDEA OF PULLING ON A TIGHT TWO-PIECE AND STRUT TING DOWN TO THE POOL FILLS ME WITH SO MUCH FEAR.
fanatics out there, but somehow I missed out on this culture of health and wellbeing, and have lost my way. It’s possible this is a turning point for me, where I realise I am responsible for myself, and have to look after my one and only body. On the other hand, if you take this ‘YOLO’ attitude, then why waste your life on spinach and sit-ups when there’s all that macaroni cheese out there? Maybe I’ll just start this health kick next month?
RUNSPIRATION OFF-BEAT JOGGING ROUTES IN LONDON PARKLAND WALK – 4.5 miles Stretching between Alexandra Palace and Finsbury Park, this hidden gem is one of London’s best secrets. Following the path of a disused 19th century railway, it’s a winding and tree-lined treat, perfect for solitude seekers. — THAMES PATH – 8 miles Chances are you’ll walk along this route section in mind. Forget the tourists and Putney for a waterside wonder-run that ends in leafy Richmond. It’s one for the nature lovers. — THE EAST LONDON CANAL – 13 miles Running by water is always a soothing your mind. This canal-lined route is full of transitioning terrain, and a clique of other enthusiasts, if you’re feeling in a social mood.
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MONDAY TO SUNDAY MUSLINS AURELIA £18 The antibacterial nature of these bamboo muslins means your skin works faster to renew itself. Far better than a bog standard
BEA
ESSE N
PROBIOTIC SKINCARE SERUM AURELIA £47 This lightweight and easily absorbed Revitalise & Glow serum uses BioOrganic plant defend your hard-working skin from nasties.
ORGANIC BURST ACAI (VEGAN) CAPSULES: 500MG FEEL UNIQUE £18.99 An Amazionian berry that works miracles for both the skin and body, protecting healthy cells with its antioxidant properties.
3D WHITE GLAMOROUS SHINE ORAL B TOOTHPASTE & BRUSH ORAL B PRO 5000 £84.99 hhjjjjjjj jj What’s more natural than a beautiful smile? Nothing. So invest in a top-notch toothbrush to keep your tegs pearly white (and the toothpaste removes 90% of stains in just 5 days!)
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BEAUTY
UTY
T IALS Words: K
ATE TEMPLE
When it comes to health and beauty, it really does matter what you’re rubbing into your skin - it is the largest organ in the human body, after all. So, this month, DRAFTED’s beauty team has searched every inch of the world for the best natural and organic products to give you the ultimate body boost. From swallowing supplements made with the healthiest acai berries, to rubbing your scalp with almost
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER AUBREY HONEYSUCKLE ROSE £10.49 EACH These moisture-heavy hair Rosa Mosqueta oil scent as well as smoothing away tangles and leaving dry, frazzled and frizzy hair super smooth, shiny and perfectly perfumed.
(EAU DE PARFUM): 80ML LA PERLA IN ROSA £55 Okay. Not a natural product but this scent is exclusive to Harrods, and is every bit as fabulous as it looks. The twist on the classic rose cent comes from fruity top notes.
so you don’t have to. Plus, all the brands on this page specialise in their natural products, so you don’t have to worry about false claims or small print. It’s all pure and simple.
LIMITED EDITION MASCARA RIVITALASH £97 RevitaLash creator Michael Breast Cancer Awareness eyelash conditioner as a gift to his wife after her intensive chemotherapy weakened lashes look thick and full.
LUSH HONEY FARM £21.95 This beautiful set includes hard soap, gel, a bath bomb and a massage bar. Honey, the key ingredient, is a natural antiseptic, wonderfully moisturising, and what more do you want from a farm? www.lush.co.uk
BEAUTY
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Men’s GROOMING Words: K
ATE TEMPLE
The summer’s nearly over but just because you’re tucking away your salmon-toned chino shorts and growing that beard for the winter, it doesn’t mean you can let your beauty regime slide. (Yes we used the word beauty - the men of London really are that good.) We’ve got plenty of products to inspire both your morning and pre-slumber routines, and all come tried, tested and seductively fragranced.
FERRARI VETIVER ESSENCE EAU DE PARFUM AVAILABLE OCTOBER 2014 HARRODS EXCLUSIVE £79 Surprisingly, this luxury range of fragrances doesn’t smell like a sports car, but it does attract potential partners with similar success to their signature pillar-box red convertible.
DUST MATTE HAIR POWDER STRUCTURE £12.95 Ideal for a busy man, this thin-textured hair powder absorbs greasy oils, making it perfect for in-between washes, or for an easy way to subtly volumise your style. www.amazon.com EYE CALMING WATER SANTA MARIA NOVELLA 50ML £25 Banish those bleary tired water. It contains chamomile to tighten and refresh the skin, and hides any redness from staring at computer screens all day.
FACE MASK REFINERY £27 EACH This brilliant product is detoxifying and gives a stunning boost for tired skin that’s been over exposed to climate control. The perfect hangover cure.
BOY’S OWN GIFT SET HAIRY JAYNE £29 A deep cleansing shampoo with a peppermint and basil scent, that ensures your lovely scalp feels clean and gel-free.
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TRIED& TESTED WHEN’S A BRAZILIA N N OT A B RA Z I L I A N ? WH E N I T ’ S N AN O KE RATIN SYSTEM R ECHARGE TH ERAPY, O F CO URS E
DANIEL GALVIN SALON LONDON Words:
A
nyone remember those far gone days when your hair was beautifully virginal and completely untouched by heat and straighteners? Nope, me nether. As someone
all four seasons, I’m perpetually on the look out for a brilliant yet not-so-chemical treatment to help me get locks like Elle MacPherson. When I happened across Nanokeratin’s Recharge Therapy it described itself as “a nano-molecular cashmere keratin protein” blowdry , with “amino acids and a series of hand-selected vitamins and essential oils”. It’s a whole lot of jargon, and very little understandable English, but my immediate thought was that it must be okay because it said the beauty buzzwords: ‘vitamins’ and ‘essential oils’. So I booked myself into the Daniel Galvin salon for the blow-dry, and eagerly anticipated my appointment.
I practically bounced to the salon with impatience and excitement. As I approached the receptionist, a hairdresser came over and enquired whether I was here for the panicked. I didn’t want to fry my hair, and I’d heard plenty of nightmare stories from the likes of Jennifer Aniston, who had to cut However, the stylist calmed me down and I decided to take the plunge. The thick conditioner was pasted onto my shampooed hair and left to settle for 25 minutes. After that, the remaining treatment was blow-dried into my hair until it was soft and shiny. Contrary to popular
KATE TEMPLE
belief, although I’d had conditioner blown into my hair, it didn’t look lank or damp. It looked good and I felt great. I strutted out of that salon dying to bump into an ex, or sexy former co-worker, so they could spread the word about how fabulous I looked. But, followers were the only ones who saw me that day. I didn’t wash my hair or get it wet for the rains on you because you can just straighten the damp out. treatment I was apprehensive, but I had no reason to be. The silky smoothness of my beautiful new mane was unparalleled. It’s now three months on and my hair is still mainly frizz-free. It’s no longer poker straight, but I like used a hair dryer for 12 weeks and have given It might seem pricey but, to forget the woes investing in. www.danielgalvin.com
THE FIRST TIME I WASHED MY HAIR AF TER THE TREATMENT I WAS APPREHENSIVE, BUT I HAD NO REASON TO BE. THE SILKY SMOOTHNESS OF MY BEAUTIFUL NEW MANE WAS UNPARALLELED
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S e d u c t
Photography Arron Dunworth www.arrondunworth.com Model Lucinda Warby @ Models 1 Curve Make up and words Lauren Kay www.prettyraw.co.uk Hair Lauren Kay using www.johnmasters.co.uk
ALLURE Ensure your lips are unforgettable by painting on a coat of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Matte Lip Tar in neon red coral ‘Queen’. www.cocktailcosmetics.co.uk Using an Eco Tools Full Eye Shadow Brush, blend Ilia Multi Stick in ‘Tenderly’ across the of the product onto your cheeks. All from www.naturisimo.com
Tempt Add a bold burst of colour to your lips by applying OCC Matte Lip Tar in ‘Rollergirl’. www.cocktailcosmetics.co.uk Keep the eyebrows thick and glossy by using MyChelle Ultimate Lash & Brow Serum as a nightly treatment. Available at www.naturisimo.com
Taboo
For a more provocative, evening look, extend team with a bold raspberry pink lip, like Jane Iredale’s PureMoist Lipstick in ‘Rose’. www.naturisimo.com
Intense
Team smoked eyes with soft, pouty lips. Blend RMS Beauty Cream Eye Polish in ‘Karma’ over the entire eyelid, and then apply a heavy line of Vapour Organic Beauty Mesmerize Eyeliner in ‘Black’. www.beingcontent.com Now smoke the line using Eco Tools Sharpen and Smudge Duo Brush. Finish this look with a plump rose pout, using Jane Iredale Lip Fixation in ‘Fascination’.
DEEP Take this look from day to night, thanks to the alluring deep burgundy lip. First, using Borlind Natural Lip Liner in ‘Black Raspberry’, create an even, accentuated lip Lily Lolo in ‘Berry Crush’ over the lips, for a longlasting sensual statement pout. www.naturisimo.com
ENTICE
Create a timeless, youthful look with fresh, glowing skin. Massage the face in upward strokes with Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum, until the
Apply Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation to the skin with a foundation brush, like Eco Tools Flat Foundation Brush. Then swipe a hydrating layer of Jane Iredale PureGloss blend RMS Beauty Cream Eye Shadow evenly across the lids. All available from www.naturisimo.com Lavera Liquid Eyeliner Dr Haushcka Kajal Eye Pencil along the bottom lash line. Both available from www.soorganic.com
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DINE OUT
FA N CY A BI T E TO E AT ? H E RE A RE S OME OF LONDON’S NEWEST CULINARY OFFER INGS… Edited by H A N N A H S L A P P E R
2.
1.
OUI, MADAME!
Finding yourself out late and hungry in East London can sometimes be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re not in the mood (or the company) for fried chicken. However, the founders of Favela Chic in London and Paris now bring you a cheeky outdoor bistro, serving excellent quality French cuisine to the fine dining minded of Stoke Newington until 2am. Whether you’re on the look out for a classic crab and avocado salad or some crispy confit duck, you’ll be certain to find a dish as demure or daring as your heart desires on the fast-changing menu. Even better, the downstairs basement, La Culotte, is hosting a series of events throughout the Autumn, ensuring that an early bedtime less likely than ever before. We can easily see how you could wile away several hours enjoying Madame’s excellent selection of wines, classy cocktails and Gallic gastronomy, c’est magnifique!
Nearest Station: Stoke Newington 182 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 7UY 07739 798566 www.oui-madame.co.uk 60
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GB PIZZA COMPANY
For Londoners sick of choosing between the same ‘authentic’ Italian toppings in the glut of this city’s pizzerias, it’s time to explore a new eatery, ensconced in East London’s backstreets, providing a very unique twist on tradition. Dedicated to providing the best British ingredients on a freshly made floury base, GB Pizza Co. take some of your favourite food pairings and use them as a springboard for each pizza. Think pear and Stilton, goat’s cheese and red peppers, ham and mushroom – and every ingredient will be locally sourced with a quality guarantee. Their new Exmouth Market location is nestled on an inviting street of bustling cafes and bars, and their tables spill straight from the wooden restaurant floor onto the paved street, for a wonderful cosmopolitan feel. You’d be hard pressed to find a more perfect backdrop to devouring stringy melted cheese and spiced meats on wood-fired bread, and slurping sweet Hiver beer, made with urban honey.
Nearest Station: Farringdon 50 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE 020 7278 6252 www.greatbritishpizza.com
3.
Pacata
Nestled in the heart of theatre-land comes this high-end twist on Asian street food, bringing a serious hint of the Orient to the historical depths of Covent Garden. Owned by beer giants Singha, Pacata is the first restaurant of its kind in Europe. So extreme is the collision of cultures that Pacata’s exquisite Grade II listed home is part of the site that was once King John’s kitchen garden, now offering Michelinchef created fare to theatre-goers, tourists and office workers alike. Items not to be missed on the menu include the popcorn chicken, the Pacata pasta (with squid ink tagliatelle!), and the Beef Yakiniku. For good measure, be sure to wash everything down with a range of their exciting Singha Beer infused cocktails, how on trend. Nearest Station: Covent Garden 4 New Row, Covent Garden, WC2N 4LH 020 724 01602 www.pacata.co.uk
bars OH I T ’ S A D R I N K YOU’R E AFTER ? TRY TH ES E OUT. . . Edited by H A N N A H S L A P P E R
1.
3.
SHOREDITCH GRIND
BARTS
What serves as a quick-stop fatigue fix during the day transforms into an intimate cocktail space at night, with clusters of friends sipping on painstakingly perfect creations, many of which have a caffeinated twist. We were promised the best espresso martini on our jaunt, and were not disappointed. Made with fresh coffee, it really does pack a punch. Another of our dangerously delicious discoveries was a Flat White Russian. The strong nutty coffee is given a cheeky kick with some Kahlua, vodka, and frothy hot milk - a brilliant alternative to cream, especially on a cold winter’s night. There’s also an impressively functional recording studio upstairs, used by several artists, including Sam Smith and Pixie Lott. With new locations rearing up in Soho, Piccadilly There’s a fairy-tale hideaway in London, and The Hoxton Hotel, it seems London and like all good fantastical places, it serves excellent drinks. Positioned on will be the new city that never sleeps. a busy street in Farringdon, the gently decorated bar seems incongruous with its surroundings, but walk through the doors and you’ll feel like you’ve left the city far far away. The literary theme is rife throughout, with considered effort placed on the design, from the spidery menu font to the statement book-bench. An edge of modernity ensures the atmosphere does not come off as trite, and it’s hard not to feel charmed as your drinks arrive – garnished with edible flowers. The unique cocktails are full of fruity, floral flavours and cheerful bright colours, and there are seasonal variations to ensure there’s something new on the menu every time you pop in. We recommend a hearty Autumn Ramble sharing cocktail, filled with sloe gin, winter berries and gingerbread syrup.
Post-midnight trawlers need not resort to their local dive bar. Bart’s, otherwise known as ‘London’s worst kept secret’, is a late night haven for Chelsea’s creative scene. The place operates under the premise that it is a legitimate ’20s speakeasy, run by Chicago-born gangsters. Menus, hidden in books, reveal some genuinely imaginative concoctions that combine cocktails with your favourite snacks. The Pickled Ploughman contains Stilton, the Pre Action features avocado and prawns,
Nearest Tube: Old Street 213 Old St, London EC1V 9NR
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square Chelsea Cloisters, 87 Sloane Avenue, London, SW3 3DW 0207 7581 3355 barts-london.com
2.
020 7490 7490 www.shoreditchgrind.com
the FABLE
Nearest Tube: Farringdon 52 Holborn Viaduct, London, EC1A 2FD 0845 468 0105 www.thefablebar.co.uk
and there’s even a smoked salmon and whisky combo, for patrons not looking to pull. To get in, head to the website and sign up for the secret password, without which you’ll be lucky to gain entry. Yes, it’s more of an effort than rolling into a Wetherspoons, but play ball and you’ll end up with a unique night that will provide a decade’s worth of anecdotes. Just keep it hush-hush.
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ON SCREEN and ON STAGE
TIRED O F S I TT I N G I N F RO N T O F T H E TV ? T H E R E’S PLENTY OF ENTERTA I N M E N T ON YO U R D O O RST E P, J U ST H EAD TO THE TH EAT R E OR YOU R LO CA L C I N EM A A N D C H EC K OUT TH ESE NE W R E L E ASES…
Edited by H A N N A H S L A P P E R
1. BALLYTURK
2. KING CHARLES III
3. THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
After astounding success in Enda Walsh’s Misterman, Cillian Murphy returns in this unique playwright’s new comedy Ballyturk. The 90-minute masterpiece features the stories of two men, who inhabit a world of hysterical slapstick comedy and crippling isolation. With notes of Beckett, and a ripple of anguished reality piped through the laughs, it’s an expertly penned and creatively acted treat to offset the autumnal blues.
The royal family have traditionally been a private and mysterious family whose public image far outshines their private thoughts. In Mike Bartlett’s provocative new play, we’re invited to imagine a future where Charles, Prince of Wales has been crowned King of England. Both comically titillating and politically astute, it’s a fascinating exploration of the monarchy, with Tim Pigott-Smith executing his eponymous character with almost unnerving accuracy.
It’s not often that a theatre performance that revolves around relentless mistakes, mishaps and muddled-up lines becomes a smash hit, but this hilarious comedy makes the most of everything that could go wrong on stage. The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society struggle endlessly to complete their staging of a ‘20s murder mystery, but steal the hearts of their audience because of, rather than despite, their irrevocable incompetence. Perfect for lovers of timeless slapstick and fabulous farce.
Waterloo September 11 – October 11
Leicester Square September 2 – November 29
Covent Garden September 7 – February 2015
National Theatre, Southbank, SE1 9PX
0207 452 3000 www.ballyturk.com
Magic in the Moonlight
RIOT CLUB 1. THE Released: September 19 Set to be as controversial as the play it is adapted from, this tale of public school debauchery and psychotic dinner party antics comes from An Education director Lone Scherfig, who handles the touchy and taboo topics with as much humour, grace and intrigue as Laura Wade herself. The clever casting is a who’s who of rising UK stars, including Sam Claflin of The Hunger Games, Game of Thrones famed Natalie Dormer and Jeremy Irons’ son Max. 62
ENTERTAINMENT
Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DA
0844 4825 120 www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk
King Charles III
Duchess Theatre, Catherine Street, WC2B 5LA
0844 4829 672 www.theplaythatgoeswrong.com
The Play That Goes Wrong
MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT 3. GONE GIRL 2. Released: September 19 Released: October 3 Once again Woody Allen shows his mastery of unmasking the human condition in this touching romantic comedy. Colin Firth stars as a cynical illusionist, hell bent on outing a mysterious clairvoyant, played by a smouldering Emma Stone. The battle between playful ‘20s mysticism and rational thought provides a thematic backbone to the fast-paced witty dialogue, leaving you feeling nostalgic and heart-warmed.
We all read Gillian Flynn’s novel in 2013 and now the much-anticipated film is finally ready to hit our cinema screens. During a complex collection of flashbacks and imagined scenarios, the smouldering chemistry and tension between angstridden Nick (Ben Affleck) and his elusive on-screen wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike) lays down the foundation of curiosity as we eagerly await the unravelling twists and turns that led to her disappearance…
Less City, More Cycle A R E YO U T O U GH ENOUGH TO TAKE ON L ON DON ’ S N E WE ST B IKIN G CR AZ E ? Words: G a b y
Edwards
he popularity of cycling has been on a steep and rapid incline over the past few years, with more and more events springing up in the London area. Following the success of British riders in both the Olympics and the Tour de France, plus the rising public interest in committing to a
T
particular sport is gathering momentum. Alongside this, endurance events and are also very much in vogue. Participants get to look good, raise money for charity, join a community of other fanatics and experience amazing feats of strength and power that push them to their limit.
WE HAVE THE PERFECT
London 2012 Olympic course is still available for regular riders to try out. Other options include riding in Hainault or hiring bikes and going for a cycle around the stunningly beautiful Richmond Park. Unfortunately, however, until recently there have been very few carefully planned events that give riders all the ammunition they need to get stuck in and test out their skills by putting pedal to the metal. Thornycroft hasn’t done it by halves, either. He has worked with two three-time British Olympians, Oli Beckingsale and Liam Killeen, to create events that are as tough as they are rewarding, with the aim to ensure
TERRAIN FOR MOUNTAIN
their conquest. But that isn’t their only special
IT IS AMAZING THAT IT HAS TAKEN SO LONG FOR PEOPLE
another way for people to really push roads. Having completed ultra-marathons in his native South Africa and, with a busy job in the city, he realised that giving mountain bikers an opportunity to experience fantastic countryside vistas, while pushing their bodies beyond the comfort zone, could be an amazing solution for adventurers stuck in an urban landscape. With nothing but a map and a compass, he set about building a
TO BECOME AWARE THAT
BIKING IN LONDON AND THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND So, with all this building interest in adventure that drives people to partaking in intense sporting experiences, and exploring the great outdoors, has yet to translate into interest in the ‘other’ form of cycling, namely An expert in endurance events, Adrian Thornycroft, realised that there could be
proposition that would uniquely complement other cycling events in the calendar, and draw It is amazing that it is has taken so long for people to become aware that we have the perfect terrain for mountain biking in London and the South of England, and a large, passionate community of enthusiasts. There are a great many clubs for people who
by the thought of lugging kit around, the events remove all the hassle with accommodation, food and support all carefully planned and executed with precision. So, next time you see a motor-head (and maybe you are one) speeding along in a carefully custom built and tailored contraption, think just how refreshing it might be to ride in the wilderness in the tracks of Olympians. Just a thought… More information on MTBepics events can be found by visiting www.mtbepics.com
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staycation
DRAFTED EXPLORE S OME OF T H E B O U T I Q U E B E D A N D B R E A K FAST O P T I O N S SU RRO U N DIN G THE Q UAIN T CITY O F BATH. . . Words:
Hannah Slapper violet velvet and gold leaf, it’s impossible not to be taken aback by the modernity of the
ARCHANGEL
G
etting away from the hustle and bustle of the city can be a great
approaching winter. However we’ve noticed that, all too often, the eagerness to be immersed in peaceful surroundings can sometimes prompt a hasty booking of a faraway cottage - as impractical as it is isolated. So, imagine our delight with the dainty town of Frome. Yes, it will probably take you two trains and a taxi to get to this destination, but as we stepped out of our car
zinc roll-top bath at the foot of the bed. Furthermore, comfort is also at the crux of the impressive seasonal menu from Archangel’s brilliant kitchen. The three storey restaurant is a wonder to behold, with glass platforms suspended against bricks that are centuries old, and mounted modern art BEC AUSE RUNNING A providing yet another contrast. We feasted STANDARD B&B WOULD on herbed scallops, creamy pasta and a JUST BE FAR TOO DULL genius deconstructed peanut butter and IN A TOWN AS UNIQUELY jelly sundae, with nutty parfait, raspKOOKY AS FROME berry compote, banana fritters and more. Yes, this isn’t a place where you should be frantically checking your phone, get out some luxury-scented soak, clamber into that statuesque tub and take a long, hot bath, in Bath. and took in the inviting cobbled street that led up to our Archangel inn, with plenty of cafes, pubs, shops and market stalls in the vicinity, it all seemed worth it. With architectural and historical roots that stretch back as far as the early 14th century, Archangel is a hotel like no other. Paved passageways, corridors, courtyards and tiny staircases separating the various spaces highlight the diverse range of establishments a standard B&B would just be far too dull in a town as uniquely kooky as Frome. This artistically chaotic bundle of bricks is all things to all people: a friendly local pub, rave-reviewed gourmet restaurant, pulsing bar and club, healthy juice bar, easy-going brunch location, afternoon teahouse, could easily spend an entire weekend housed within its walls and never be bored, hungry or uncomfortable. Comfort, indeed, is really at the core of the Archangel ethos. As you step into your sumptuously decorated room, decked out in
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Frome, Somerset BA11 1BH Tel: 01373 456111 www.archangelfrome.com
THE KINGS ARMS
D
elve even further into the rolling
Didmarton, home to The Kings
name for a very unusual pub. What was once a coaching inn, back in the 1650s, is now an eccentric and yet elegant selection of boutique boarding rooms and snuggly supper spots. A strange mix of relaxing and regal, the rich colour scheme, alarming dedication to taxidermy, and plethora of trinkets, pictures and keepsakes on display provide a delight for the senses: and you get a childlike buzz of excitement as you prepare to explore. The rooms are decorated accordingly, with four poster beds and vintage create a sense of appealing familiarity, and accessible luxury. Ours had a startlingly large mural of a white hunting horse, which, like the individually named rooms, harks back to The Kings Arms’ long history with fox hunting. Downstairs there’s everything you’d associate with a traditional rural paradise. The owner’s dog lies sleepily by
Or, if it’s more of an informal lunch, you can perch on one of the many
until evening was setting in. It really was perfect place to wile away hours with
the
if that doesn’t sound like a right royal dream, we don’t know what does.
Alice
&
Wonderland-esque
garden
with a quality of meat so good it will ensure you never walk into a fast food joint again. Despite our plan being to return to
moreish caramel coloured, buttery ale on tap. the inviting atmosphere of this enchanting Here you can dine, surrounded by equestrian inn, we didn’t manage to catch that train wallpaper and romantic twinkling candle-
Didmarton, Gloucestershire GL9 1DT Tel: 01454 238245 www.kingsarmsdidmarton.co.uk
all locally sourced and creatively cooked. Tender venison, crunchy vegetables, rich boozy gravy and creamy potatoes all work together to create a hearty feast that will give you the same heady pleasure as a full plate of Christmas dinner.
THE OWNER’S DOG LIES SLEEPING BY A ROARING LOG FIRE, WHILE LOC ALS PILE INTO THE MOREISH C ARAMEL COLOURED, BUT TERY ALE ON TAP
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the last laugh J AM E S ACAST E R ’ S GU IDE ON H OW T O B E A C O M E D I A N … Words: K Y L E
GOODWIN HOW TO SLIP OUT OF COMEDIAN MODE IN EVERYDAY LIFE
it angry? Is it playful? Or are they just trying to get into the spirit of things? you’re not looking for material all the time, HOW TO BE A FULL TIME COMEDIAN AND STILL HAVE A RELATIONSHIP where I was worried that I’d never be able If you’re dating someone who does something similar, where you’re both away a lot, it makes
whole life. It was ruining humour for me; I was
schoolteacher, or something similar, you’re
things funny anymore. The learning can take
what they’re getting into, I suppose. Maybe not straight away, nobody wants to start a relationship like that: “Hey, I like you, let’s lay down some guidelines.” And if you’re having an argument, and a joke pops into your head, you have to try to be mature enough to ignore it! e has sold out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival; toured with Milton Jones; appeared on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and won numerous awards for his stand up. He even plays the drums. London comic James Acaster gives DRAFTED a run down on how to be a comedian…
H
HOW TO SURVIVE THE FIRST FEW TOURS
having a good tour support who you get on with is important, then you’re not just on your own. Also you have to get a sort of romantic notion out of some of the more tedious aspects of being on the road. You’ve got to think: “I like stopping at service stations.” Actually, when I stations for some reason, so I still have a bit of fondness for them. That helps a lot. Especially as that’s where most of your breakfasts are going to come from.
but that will pass once you know what you’re doing. I think I laugh more now than I ever did before. Catch James Acaster at Soho Theatre on October 7. www.jamesacaster.com
HOW TO REGULARLY COME UP WITH IDEAS I just write down everything… they tend to pop into my head while I’m doing mundane things, mainly. It kind of has to become part of everyday it rarely works anyway. It’s like in the Narnia books they can’t do it. But when they’re just hanging out in a wardrobe, not expecting it, they end up there. If you try and force it, put expectations on yourself, you’re going to stress yourself out.
I WAS GET TING TO A POINT WHERE I WASN ’T EVEN FINDING THINGS FUNNY ANYMORE. THE LEARNING C AN TAKE
HOW TO DEAL WITH HECKLERS
OVER A BIT AND MAKE YOU
I try to explain something to them: that it’s their fault if they’re not enjoying the show, because they’ve gone and spent money on an act without knowing anything about them. They’re old enough to know there are a lot
A BIT NUMB TO STUFF,
yeah, I tend to be a bit cheeky, but I have to remind the audience that it’s not actually my fault. You have to judge each heckle on its
YOU ’RE DOING
BUT THAT WILL PASS ONCE YOU KNOW WHAT
Officially Cool
Paul Mitchell has been voted one of the UK’s coolest brands for the second year running! ®
Synonymous with luxury and great performance every time, Paul Mitchell products are professional only, cruelty-free and support many charity efforts around the globe. ®
Since 2001 CoolBrands has been canvassing the opinions of experts and consumers to produce a barometer of Britain’s coolest brands, people and places. Each brand featured has qualified for inclusion based on the collective opinions of the Expert Council and just under 3,000 members of the British public. Judging criteria included style, innovation, originality, authenticity, desirability and uniqueness. ®
Paul Mitchell is the Ethicool Choice. ®
Discover your nearest Paul Mitchell salon at www.paul-mitchell.co.uk or call 0845 659 0012 ®
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