Exeposé issue 625, June 3rd 2014. by Exeposé

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Tuesday 3 June 2014 • Issue 625 • Twitter: @Exepose • www.facebook.com/Exepose • Free

Looking for loopholes? • Whistleblower leaks email proposing “totally unacceptable plans” for unpaid internship ‘module’ • Guild takes stance against the principle • Angry academic defaces our reporter’s notepad upon questioning about Biosciences’ pilot scheme Photo: Josh Creek

EXCLUSIVE Harrison Jones and Gemma Joyce Editors THE UNIVERSITY’S plans to introduce an unpaid internship ‘module’ have been met with criticism from a number of sources. Concerns were raised when an anonymous academic, identifying themselves as a ‘concerned member of

Festival focus: We preview this summer’s festivals, including Edinburgh Fringe Pull out

staff’, forwarded a Biosciences department newsletter to Exeposé. The email alluded to the proposal of an internship ‘module’ that would justify taking on interns without paying them, thus evading legal restrictions on paying interns as set out in new government legislation. The module is designed to allow students to gain experience during the summer, but there is confusion over whether it will count towards their degree. Students will not be entitled to

payment. Biosciences have said their proposed module would not contribute to student marks, but a University spokesperson appears to contradict this, believing it to be “part of a credit bearing module... [with] clear educational outcomes.” The Students’ Guild, having had the module brought to its attention by Exeposé, has made clear its disagreement with the principle of unpaid internships, whilst the anonymous Biosciences staff member labelled the idea

Features: Is the South West deprived of resources? Matt Bate investigates Page 8

hypocritical and “totally unacceptable.” National media appear to have formed a general consensus against the practice in recent coverage, whilst MPs voted emphatically in favour of a motion restricting unpaid internships in March. Professor Richard Titball, who sent the email as Head of Biosciences, defended the idea, despite the fact that the College of Life and Environmental Sciences’ ‘internship advice’...

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Lifestyle: We chat to Exeter graduate and MasterChef �inalist Jack Lucas Page 12

Students rally against DSA cuts Hannah Butler and Emily Leahy News Editors

• Proposed changes spark NUS campaign • Local MP Ben Bradshaw backs Guild response • Day of action planned for 6 June THE student body, Sabbatical Of�icers and Head of Student Support Services at the University have backed an NUS campaign condemning planned cuts to Disabled Student Allowance funding (DSA). In April, Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts announced that DSA funding available to Higher Education students across England would be subject to review and modernisation. Involving restrictions to non-medical support such as note-taking and access to computers and laptops, the move has been heavily criticised by the National Union of Students (NUS). Exeposé spoke to Liz Murphy, Head of Student Support Services at the University, who expressed concern over the proposals. “We’re disappointed, but not entirely surprised,” Murphy commented, noting that after almost 25 years of DSA funding not being reviewed, the University had anticipated changes would be made. “DSA has made a real difference to students’ ability to reach their...

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Groundbreaking Professor joins National Environment Mars meteorite research at Penryn Research Council Laura-Jane Tiley Online News Editor EXETER scientists have conducted ‘groundbreaking’ analysis of a 4.4 billion-year-old Mars meteorite. It is believed to be the �irst time any university has carried out this kind of research. Dr Gavyn Rollinson and other scientists from the University of Exeter’s Camborne School of Mines, on the

It’s a testament to our global reputation that we were asked to help

Dr Gavyn Rollinson Analytical Laboratory Manager and Experimental Officer Penryn campus, used pioneering technology to map the mineralogy of the meteorite. Discovered in North Africa, the Martian meteorite dates back to the Earth’s formation and was brought to Cornwall by Dr Martin Whitehouse and Dr Jeremy Belluci, scientists at the Swedish Natural History Museum. QEMSCAN technology was used to carry out the mineral research. An electron beam scans the simple surface and maps the chemical composition. The meteorite comes in the form of a

smooth black rock called NWA 7533. Rollinson, CSM’s analytical laboratory manager and Experimental Of�icer said: “I think we are the �irst university in the world to carry out this type of analysis on a Martian meteorite.” “It’s a testament to our global reputation here at CSM that we were asked to help, and the results were excellent. We only had access to a small fragment of the original meteorite, but we wereable to map its mineralogy in very �ine detail. “When you consider the age of the meteorite, and the distance it has travelled through the solar system to reach Earth, it was a remarkable and fascinating opportunity.” FXU President Chaz Malyon told Exeposé: “It’s really encouraging to see the Camborne School of Mines continue its world-class research. The department should be proud of its international reputation - and its continual engagement with students is a testament to the identity that is so strong within CSM.”

Photo: cornish-mining.org.uk

Vanessa Tracey Deputy Editor

THE UNIVERSITY’S Professor Pierre Friedlingstein has joined the in�luential National Environment Research Council (NERC)’s Strategic Programme Advisory Group (SPAG). Professor Friedlingstein, one of Exeter’s leading mathematicians, has expressed his “honour and delight” after being invited to join the group alongside 11 other scientists across the UK. He commented: “this group offers unprecedented opportunities to drive the UK’s world leading environmental research to exciting and important new levels.

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NERC supports: 3000 Scientists 1000 PhD students 55 universities 20 research institutes

“The research being conducted by NERC scientists has a direct impact on society as a whole, and I am honoured and delighted to be able to play a part in its future success.” Professor Friedlingstein will hold the role for a year, with the expectation that it will be extended for a further two year period. The SPAG is designed to help NERC by recommending strategic research opportunities to NERC’s Science & Innovation Strategy Board. SPAG mem-

Photo: University website

bers ensure that those strategic investments are appropriate, timely, support excellent research and tackle environmental challenges faced by business and society. Professor Ken Evans, Dean of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, congratulated Prof Freidlingstein on his new role. He said “It is a testament to Pierre’s outstanding reputation for producing groundbreaking, world-class research that he has been invited to join this prestigious group “Exeter is committed to playing an integral role in solving some of today’s most crucial global problems though environmental science and engineering, and Pierre’s research and dedication is a pivotal part of that commitment. This is an exciting opportunity for Pierre, and we are all delighted with his involvement.”

Exeter student wins national competition Alex Bonner Online Sport Editor EXETER student Hannah Wakeford has won a prestigious national competition designed to promote the pioneering work of early-career scientists to a wider audience. The Astrophysics PhD student had to beat off stiff competition, with 13 other �inalists from around the country vying to secure a �irst place �inish in the Institute of Physics’ ‘3 Minute Wonder’ competition. The event was hosted recently in the Royal Institution’s historic Faraday Theatre in London. The competition saw each �inalist explain their research to a general audience in no more than three minutes, with Hannah speaking on her chosen topical area entitled the ‘search for water in the atmosphere of exoplanets.’ The talks were given marks out of ten by each of the four main judges

- author Simon Singh; solar scientist, writer and broadcaster Lucie Green, creative director of TV and science communications company Re�inery Productions Lindsay Keith, and scientist and comic of Festival of the Spoken

It was a great evening, every one of the competitiors had such a presece standing at Faraday’s desk Hannah Wakeford competition winner

Nerd fame Steve Mould. The contestants then answered some brief questions from the audience after their talks, receiving immediate feedback from the judges. Professor Ken Evans, Dean of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, said: “This is a

magni�icent achievement for Hannah, and I congratulate her on her success.” Hannah said: “It was a great evening, every one of the competitors had such presence standing at Faraday’s desk. It was fantastic to get such a response from the judges and the audience.” Wakeford received £500 and a ‘3

Minute Wonder’ trophy for winning the competition. Alex Louch, VP Academic Affairs, said: “I congratulate Hannah on her skill in condensing her complicated research matter into a digestible nugget that retained enough strength to beat off the national competition.” Photo: University website

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Uni “worried” by cuts as Guild launch campaign CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ... potential, so these cuts may impact upon students’ experience and performance,” she said, describing the cuts as a “challenge for the future.” Explaining “the expectation is that Higher Education Institutions will make up some of the difference,” Murphy highlighted dif�iculties faced in planning ahead, due to the unspeci�ied nature of the proposals. “We’re waiting for more detail so we can build a clearer picture of what it might be possible for us to do to respond,” she said, adding: “it would be helpful now if we had some clarity.” She did however voice concern about proposed DSA restrictions for students not seen to have “complex” disabilities.

“We’re worried that the cuts are targeting complexity and mainstreaming everything else,” she said, asking: “where is the difference between a standard and a complex disability?” Chris Rootkin VP Welfare and Community commented: “The Students’ Guild strongly opposes cuts to the Disabled Students Allowance that were proposed in April. The DSA is a vital resource for a large number of students who would be unable to attend university without this support. Cutting funding puts these students at an unfair disadvantage, with a likely end result being that many of these students will be unable to enter higher education.” Explaining how the University would respond, Murphy told Exeposé that mainstream teaching would be

adapted to account for this shifting of the burden, saying: “we already have systems in place, such as Echo360. We would want to extend that good practice anyway, regardless of the changes. We will now just have to think about the timescale.” She added: “all of our services are based on the premise that we’re trying

We didn’t realise it would be this bad

Hannah Paterson, NUS Disabled Students Officer to help students manage their own dif�iculties and develop their own tools and strategies.” A University spokesperson said: “we know that many disabled students have bene�ited from the funding provided through the Disabled Students’ Allowance... At the present time details of proposed changes need to be clari�ied, but we are concerned that reductions to the DSA may impact on progress and attainment for disabled students. We are disappointed that the proposed changes were not subject to consultation or an equality impact assessment.” NUS are encouraging a national campaign against the cuts. Exeposé spoke to Hannah Paterson, NUS Disabled Students Of�icer and co-ordinator of the campaign, who said “we knew

for around 18 months that the government would drastically cut DSA... as soon as the cuts were announced it was all systems go.” She added that NUS “didn’t realise it would be this bad” and that beyond dyslexic students receiving free laptops and specialist software; students with sight impairments; those who are unable to write and specialized accommodation provisions will be affected. A national day of action has been scheduled for Friday 6 June, which Paterson outlined as a “big push” for students to act against the government’s decision. She encouraged students to change their pro�ile pictures to support the cause, to tweet using the hashtag #degreesofdescrimination and to lobby MPs through email and Twitter, emphasising: “students can get involved at any point.”

Should students back the campaign? Comment Page 6

At Exeter, Alex Louch, VP Academic Affairs and Chris Rootkin are organising a student campaign group, who will campaign in the Forum on 6 June, conducting a photo petition where students can demonstrate support and raise awareness. The Guild, working in collaboration with Bristol University, are also

collecting student testimonials, charting how DSA has helped people in the past. One anonymous student said: “DSA has given me vital equipment and access to essential software, meaning that I can study in a fair and equal way to my peers. Without this essential funding, I don’t think I would still be here studying.” The campaign aims to reverse the drastic nature of the cuts. Paterson hopes the government “will put people above pro�it” and pleads for them to “make concessions on where they cut.” Ben Bradshaw, Exeter MP, told Exeposé he was “extremely concerned” about the cuts. He declared his backing of the campaign in a tweet to Alex Louch, writing: “fully support your campaign outrageous move by the Govt to �ill hole in student loan book.” Liz Murphy also expressed support, noting: “I hope the messages you’re aiming to get out there are heard.” Students who feel passionately about cuts to DSA funding are encouraged to join the Exeter DSA campaign group on Facebook, like the group’s page at https://www.facebook.com/ DSACutExeter and participate in Friday’s events. Those interested in the campaign can also email Guildacademic@exeter.ac.uk and Guildwelfare@exeter.ac.uk to get involved.

Crawling with pest complaints Green Unit wins international award Photo: Edwin Yeung

Harrison Jones Editor

THE UNIVERSITY has received 151 complaints regarding rodent and pest infestations in halls since September 2011, including instances of students being bitten by �leas and bed bugs. Incidents have involved rats, mice, ants, wasps, cockroaches, bed bugs, �lies, ladybirds, squirrels, birds, carpet bugs, �leas, silver �ish and even badgers in or near University accommodation, according to �iles released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI). £39,716.68 has been spent on pest control by the institution in the last three years, though that �igure does include “all relative and planned work for residential buildings.” Third parties – mainly a company called Rokill - are employed to deal with pest related issues, since certain quali�ications are required to undertake work in the �ield.

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Complaints over the years: 2011/12 : 69 2012/13: 46 2013/14: 32

Eight of the complaints from staff and students were deemed “urgent,” whilst the University also dealt with concerns regarding “ants in a Holland Hall salt shaker,” “big rats” at Birks Grange and Clydesdale Rise and “a nest of very angry wasps” at Rowe House. A Holland Hall student reported being bitten by bed bugs, with another suspected case at Garden Hill House; �lea bites at Nash Grove and “unknown

biting insects” at Rowancroft House. Other notable entries include: a “ladybird infestation (the nasty type),” cockroaches in Birks Grange C block and “suspicion of badger ‘nesting.’” The majority of ‘pests’ appear to be ants, �lies and mice, with silver�ish and rats are also prominent. The full scale of the problem could be far larger than the given �igures, which rely on students and staff of�icially reporting any problems they might encounter. A student living in Lafrowda, where no reports of pests have been submitted, said: “the exposed walls in Old Lafrowda are crawling with silver�ish and earwigs - I once lifted up my mattress and the lower wall was overrun with different bugs. Bugs frequently appear from cracks and crevices in the exposed wall, but we’ve learned to co-exist peacefully!” The FOI reveals a downward trend in complaints over the past three academic years. Of the 32 reports received this year, 14 related to mice and ten to silver�ish. The data does not include informa-

tion on academic buildings or housing for returning students, which is notorious for pests and rodents. A University spokesperson said:

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Halls with the most complaints: James Owen Court: 22 Birks Grange: 20 Holland Hall: 17 Nash Grove: 17

“The number of people on campus, the communal living environment and the rural surroundings in which the University is situated mean that a small number of incidents involving pests is inevitable. “The University always responds promptly when made aware of problems and has a pest control contract with an external provider who will attend within 24 hours. The safety and comfort of both staff and students is always a priority when dealing with this type of situation.” * Data accurate as of 7 May.

Rachel Gelormini Online News Editor

THE STUDENTS’ GREEN UNIT (SGU) has been awarded the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) Excellence Award for Student Leadership. SGU Manager Norrie Blackeby will travel to Cambridge, Massachusetts to collect the award, which will be presented at the ISCN conference next week. Hosted by Harvard University

Our goal has always been to place students at the forefront of sustainability solutions

Norrie Blackeby, SGU Manager and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the conference will be of huge bene�it to the Guild and University, in providing knowledge and learning from global leaders in sustainability from HE institutions. Commenting on the SGU’s achievements, Blackeby said: “we are absolutely delighted to have won this award against strong international competition. Our goal has always been to place students at the forefront of sustainability solutions and I am so proud that my team has been recognised for achieving that aim in such a short space of time.”

The SGU at their annual showcase last Friday, Photo: Niklas Rahmel

Blackeby added: “I am very excited to represent the Students’ Guild on an international level.” The SGU, which operates within the Students’ Guild, promotes sustainability at the University, and supports students wishing to make environmental and ethical improvements. Having only been established since October 2013, and consisting of a small team, the award signi�ies an enormous achievement for the SGU. The award recognises the unit’s successes in developing students’ awareness of their responsibilities as global citizens, supporting students to challenge unsustainable behaviours and in�luence change, establishing the University of Exeter as a renowned hub of sustainable activities, and its contribution to ongoing strategies through effective lobbying and campaigning. ISCN Secretariat Dr Matthew Gardner labelled the achievement “an outstanding example of excellence and initiative by a student group, and a project that exempli�ies the principles of the International Sustainable Campus Network.”

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National Student News Simon Dewhurst News Team

Crackdown on university binge drinking

A NEW government backed project is being introduced to prevent initiation ceremonies and pub crawls at UK universities. The project aims to create a “café culture that runs into the evening” in order to limit harmful effects of binge drinking and generate a safer, more productive place to study and live. Seven universities have already joined the 12 month pilot scheme run by the National Union of Students (NUS) and the Home Of�ice. University management and student unions will achieve accreditation under the scheme if they meet a range of criteria. These include ensuring student bars sell non-alcoholic drinks, preventing alcohol-related initiation ceremonies and tackling pub crawls and drinking games. Unions are also being asked to organise regular non-alcoholic social events and to develop workshops on the dangers of excessive drinking. The project, costing £90,000, is hoped to eventually become permanent and funded by the universities. Norman Baker, Crime Prevention Minister, said: “binge drinking at universities is nothing new but that doesn’t mean it is a good idea. Some students �ind themselves encouraged to participate in alcohol-fuelled activities which can damage health and in some cases spill over into disorder and anti-social behaviour.”

Oxford NUS vote void

OXFORD University Student Union has rejected a student referendum to leave the National Union of Students (NUS) due to voting irregularities. It was discovered that over 1,000 votes for the ‘No’ campaign had been faked in short bursts at a similar time. The referendum, which ‘No’ won by 128 votes, has now been declared void by a Union committee. The incident has also been reported to the University Proctors’ Of�ice which deals with student discipline. The complaint was originally submitted by Jack Matthews, leader of the ‘No’ campaign. He said: “While recognising that students did indeed vote to remain af�iliated to NUS, it is hard to see how anyone can claim victory when democracy has been so brazenly violated. It is absolutely right that the entire referendum has been voided.” The election’s returning of�icer Alex Walker has resigned, admitting “the grave situation with the NUS referendum happened under my watch.” It is now expected that a motion will be brought to the union’s council in two weeks to re-af�iliate, meaning another referendum is unlikely.

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Biosciences plan unpaid internship ‘module’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ... document argues that offering unpaid internships “would be grossly inconsistent,” given that the University is “pushing employers hard to cease unpaid internships.” In the email, he wrote: “government policy has prevented the offering of unpaid internships to undergraduates over the summer months. We need to be careful that we are not exploiting students, but we also need to be aware that students do volunteer to do this because of the added value it provides to their degree. Sara Burton has come up with a good solution to this problem. Students would now register for an ‘internship’ module which does not count towards their degree mark, but does add to the value of their degree.” When questioned further on the matter, Dr Burton refused to comment or provide any information on the proposals in a strange and oddly hostile meeting with Exeposé. She claimed it was “factually incorrect” that the proposed module was her idea, before being told that Exeposé had obtained an email from her Head of Department which claimed the opposite. After

snatching and defacing our reporter’s notepad, she was asked why she was being so defensive. She later told the reporter to leave.

The Guild does not support unpaid internships which restrict the opportunities to students from less affluent backgrounds

Jak Curtis-Rendall, VP Participation & Campuses The sender of the original email, Professor Richard Titball, added: “we have a lot of students wanting lab experience, and the government has said you can’t have unpaid internships... The only people being disadvantaged in this [new legislation] are the students.” He explained that without the internship module the lab experience gained by students during the summer would not be possible, since funding for paying interns is not available.

However, critics claim that the module will disadvantage poorer students. The staff member who forwarded the email questioned whether the practice would break University policies, writing: “the only assumption that can be made from this is that the University values middle-upper class students with parental monetary support over others.” Paid internships are already set to be piloted by Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology this summer, whilst a number of other departments already offer work experience modules which contribute to degree marks. The University has a strict policy on advertising unpaid internships, and the Career Zone does not promote them. Paul Blackmore, Head of Employability & Graduate Development, said: “the University takes this issue

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•A University spokesperson said the module would be credit bearing. •The Head of Biosciences said it would not be.

extremely seriously and does not advertise unpaid internships that con-

travene NMV legislation. “Students are volunteers in this instance without a formal contract or regular hours of work. As students electing to take a module this is also exempt from legislation as the student is engaging in the activity for educational bene�it and professional development purposes.” Jak Curtis-Rendall, VP Participation & Campuses said: “The Guild does not support the use of unpaid internships which restrict opportunities available to students from less af�luent backgrounds. A student who cannot afford to take up an unpaid internship is no less deserving of the opportunity to boost their employability. “The Students’ Guild itself offers students many and varied opportunities to volunteer or to take up paid employment within the Guild and does not offer unpaid internships.” A University spokesperson said: “The University of Exeter has a very clear stance on the subject of unpaid internships. It does all it can to ensure that our students are not exploited by employers keen to bene�it from our students’ skills and knowledge at no cost.”

Exeter scientists help predict Students’ Big Walk for Ghana fever risk during World Cup Hannah Butler News Editor

Fiona Potigny News Team A TEAM of University of Exeter scientists have helped develop an early warning system to predict the risk of Dengue Fever, which will be implemented during the Brazil World Cup this summer. The study, which was published in the prominent medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases was elaborated by Professor David Stephenson, Professor Trevor Bailey and Dr Tim Jupp from the University’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences alongside a team of European scientists. Using data on rain, temperature, population density and altitude from a 30-year period, the research team concluded that the chances of outbreaks warrant a “high-alert” warning in Brazil’s administrative areas, such as Natal, Fortaleza and Recife – the latter of which will host England in their second-round match, provided they top their opening group. Outbreaks are also predicted in the southern and central capitals of Brasília, Cuiabá, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, and São Paulo, though the risk is considered to be lower than that of the aforementioned micro-regions. Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte are still at a medium risk. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection, which can, in some cases, lead to life-threatening conditions. Given that there are currently no licensed vaccines or treatments available, the state-of-the-art system’s predictions will serve to be particularly signi�icant in helping curb the illness’ spread.

Photo: Exeter University website

Brazil has seen more than seven million cases of dengue fever reported between 2000 and 2013 alone, a larger �igure than anywhere else in the world. With this summer’s football World

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Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infection which can lead to lifethreatening conditions.

Cup seeing record amounts of visitors entering Brazil, Dr Rachel Lowe from the Catalan Institute of Climate Sciences and lead author of the study described the ability to provide warnings three months in advance as “invaluable”, as it will “give local authorities the time to combat mosquito populations in those cities with a greater chance of dengue outbreaks.” Professor Trevor Bailey told Exeposé: “it’s great that Exeter features strongly amongst the international team involved in the paper, which may well put down markers for the future development of infectious disease early warning systems.”

TWO �irst year Exeter students are set to walk almost 160 miles to raise funds for this year’s International Project. Alex Hills and Roman Christoforou are taking part in the International Project, run by Community Action in conjunction with KickStart Ghana. The project will see a team of ten students conducting an approximately 30-day programme of sports and education in the township of Ho, in Ghana’s Volta region. The team have already begun organising, training and fundraising for the trip, with £14,000 needing to be raised for the project to go ahead. As part of their fundraising, Hills and Christoforou plan to walk from their accommodation at the University to Halesowen in the West Midlands, where the former lives. With a fundraising target of £3,500, the pair hope to complete the walk within nine days, setting off from the University on Tuesday 10 June. Speaking about why the pair are getting involved, Hills told Exeposé: “I believe the International Project is a brilliant project in that it gives people the opportunity to realise more of their

potential. By serving the young Ghanaians we meet through the programme, we can inspire them to see more of the ability they have within them and we can encourage them to dream!” Christoforou added: “this project stood out from others that I’ve heard about in both what we would actually do and the length of time we’ll be there. “Hopefully we’ll be able to make a difference... It’ll be something new.” Hills told Exeposé: “I �igure doing something a bit ‘out there’ makes people sit up and notice and encourages them to donate.” He said that the pair have “had a really good response so far” but are still approximately £1,500 short of their £3,500 target. Jak Curtis-Rendall, VP Participation & Campuses, said: “KickStart Ghana is an inspiring project that makes a life-changing difference to communities in Ghana. “The project requires genuine dedication from its volunteers and Alex and Roman’s fundraising efforts demonstrate the sheer commitment of our Community Action members. I wish them the very best of luck and a safe journey.” Donations to the project can be made through: https://mydonate. bt.com/fundraisers/thebigwalk Photo: thebigwalk.org

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Objections raised over plans for new student housing Emily Leahy News Editor AS the University attempts to cater to the growing number of students it enrols, the St David’s Neighbourhood Partnership has objected to plans for a student accommodation block, as they believe large numbers of students “will

The views of community groups are vital to inform decisions in Exeter

Chris Rootkin, VP Community and Welfare seriously impact community balance.” The plans proposed a block of �lats to house 130 students on Queens Street. The application to the city council planned to build on the car park of the Rougemont Telephone Exchange. The partnership claim there is an over-supply of student accommodation in the city, citing similar local developments, including Brunel Close, Point Exe and the converted block next to Premier Inn in Bonhay Road.

Members listed their objections regarding a community imbalance, speci�ically how “high student numbers must also be seen in the context of a neighbourhood which also has a dual alcohol/drug rehabilitation block, youth offending team, YMCA for homeless young people, asylum seekers’ accommodation and social housing for vulnerable people.” Another objection is on the grounds that it will mean the loss of green space and they say that: “the student block proposal appears to result in town cramming.” Chris Rootkin, VP Welfare and Community, told Exeposé: “Community relations are very important, and students are an integral part of a balanced community. The views of community groups are vital to inform decisions like this in Exeter, and I will continue to work with all parties to reach the best result for everyone involved.”

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RILD building wins property award Reuben Grace News Team THE RESEARCH, Innovation, Learning and Development (RILD) building has won a prestigious West Country property award. The £27.5 million building is the result of a partnership between the University and the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation. The new facility, which is connected to the Medical School’s existing building on Barrack Road, puts Exeter at the heart of a world-wide healthcare innovation. Under one roof, researchers can now test patients, analyse samples, complete case studies and communicate with clinical colleagues. Trust judges for the Michelmores and Western Morning News Property

Awards praised the building as a “real asset” for Exeter, attracting high-end jobs while enabling better research and healthcare. The judges were impressed by the “dramatic” interior, but the design also encourages collaboration between the different groups using it. Groups using the building include the Postgraduate Education Centre and Exeter Clinical Research Facility. The building also boasts several seminar rooms which the NHS Trust’s learning and development team will use to train managers and other non-medical staff. The building also uses renewable energy sources alongside a heat recovery system. This means it has also received a BREEAM “excellent” rating in the world’s foremost environmental assessment and rating system for

buildings. Professor Angela Shore, Head of Research at the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “I’m delighted with this award, which recognises the vision and hard work of a large number of people from across the University and the hospital working together with the design and construction teams to create this excellent building.”

ticket refunds, with students still entitled to the money until 13 June. The £7 can be reclaimed by going to the AU Of�ice with a ticket and �illing in a form, but of the 226 tickets sold, only

33 have so far been reclaimed. After the deadline for refunds has passed, the AU will split the remainder of the money between clubs and charity, according to a Freedom of Information Request (FOI). The original deadline was 2 May, but this was extended after a low number of requests for refunds. Rugby Varsity was due to take place on 19 February but was postponed until 29 April due to bad weather, before being cancelled entirely.

Photo: BBC

Over £1000 of Varsity money unclaimed Harrison Jones Editor

THE ATHLETIC UNION (AU) is holding £1,365 from unclaimed Rugby Varsity

Photo: Exeter Express and Echo

É:

AU holding £1,365 £7 can be reclaimed in AU office, by Sports Centre

Photo: Joshua Irwandi

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it’s a duck.’ Ultimately the idea entails students completing unpaid labour for the University, whatever they might try to dress it up as. On that understanding we agree with the general feeling of the Students’ Guild: the principle is unethical and disadvantages poorer people. We understand that the department will not be performing any illegal activity in their taking on of unpaid internships and support the idea of students gaining valuable work experience, but wish to highlight that such a programme automatically puts less well off students at a disadvantage and that the University should not be promoting such a practice. The Guild have taken what we see as a similarly commendable stance on the cutting of the Disabled Student Allowance. In yet another round of cuts to vulnerable people and public services, the government have reduced funding to disabled students. We back the campaign against this policy and applaud the work of Alex Louch and Chris Rootkin in organising the Exeter strand of this national movement in the hope that the NUS-backed day of action can actually achieve some success.

Festival fever; farewell ‘til Freshers

ON a more light-hearted note, you That, then, is it from the paper unmight have noticed that this issue we til Freshers’ Week (though our webhave included a ‘Festival Focus’ pull out site will maintain some limited cover(post page 16). We feel like culture is of- age throughout the holidays). In the ten given too little coverage and there’s meantime, we hope you have a great a glaring gap in what we can cover over summer. Best of luck to those of you the summer, when most arty, literary, we won’t be seeing again, and to those music-y stuff happens. Have a gander skipping back to Exeter next Septemat our eight pages of colourful cultural ber, we hope you enjoy our editions stuff - it’s fun, we promise. next year. Thanks to those who helped proof this issue: Isobel Burston, Sabrina Aziz, Flora Carr, Evan Jones, Niklas Rahmel, Kitty Howie, Meg Drewett, Immy Watson, Karan Mulberry-Twix and members of the Exeposé editorial team. Exeposé apologises for an article in our last issue, entitled ‘Professor “honoured” to receive climate award.’ The article referred to an academic who received an award earlier in the year, not Geoff Vallis, who won an award more recently. A headline on page four of our last issue referred to the ‘Oxford Student Union President’ but should have read: ‘Oxford Union President.’ We are sorry for any offence caused.

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“As a recipient of DSA, the specialist equipment I have been provided with has proved invaluable for my studies.” Duncan Patman

Inequality of opportunities

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THIS week’s front page features two politically provocative issues. Our lead article was a surprising and concerning one, both in the principle of a supposedly ethical institution not paying its ‘customers’ for their work, and in the obvious ill effects this will have on the opportunities of poorer students. Written in the email informing Biosciences staff about unpaid internships, was the somewhat suspicious line: “we need to be careful that we are not exploiting students.” The supposed “good solution” to avoiding such exploitation was to brand the work as a ‘module’ which does not contribute to your degree. We’re not quite sure how this stops the exploitation and when Exeposé went to �ind out more we were greeted with a hugely defensive meeting de�ined by question avoidance, some vigorous scribbling on our now infamous notepad and generally hostile behaviour on the part of Dr Burton, who apparently came up with the idea. Biosciences later told us that their idea was merely a valuable module for students in need of work experience, but as we’ve been soundly advised about unpaid internships: ‘if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then

ARTS 23-24

THE cuts to the Disabled Students’ Allowance are an ideologically driven attack on the prospects of disabled people. The changes to the way DSA is awarded, and the decrease in support this will entail, will have devastating consequences for thousands of those who depend on the allowance to keep them on an academic par with their peers. As a recipient of DSA, the specialist equipment I have been provided with by way of the allowance has proved invaluable for my studies, and I know people with more severe disabilities than my own who simply would not be able to study were they unable to

receive their current level of support. This will not only exacerbate inequality between disabled and non-disabled students, but will cause disparities between disabled students. In his report announcing the cuts to DSA, Universities Minister David Willetts talked of the need to “rebalance responsibilities between government funding and institutional support”. However, it is a well-documented fact that the provisions for disabled students vary hugely from institution to institution. While the needs of many dyslexic and disabled students are met, or can be met already by the university they attend, others will lose out because of their university’s inability to match government support. Willetts opens his report with a comparison of the £91.7 million

granted to 40,600 DSA recipients in 2008/09 to the £125 million granted to 53,000 in 2011/12. It is dangerous to look at these �igures and only see an increase in government spending; they

for dyslexia, I still feel that the allowance offers a disproportionate response to mild problems. However, I feel that the cut is mor-

promote and nurture in our daily lives. Messages of equality and mobility for all, that the government seem to promote in all but action, here become confused and lacklustre through this cut to disability allowance. The Disabled Student’s Allowance should act less as a practical tool, but as a symbolic showpiece to demonstrate the government’s support behind those who are disabled, sending the message that it is right to support those who are less abled than the norm. The DSA is especially important as it marks governmental support for those wishing to access higher education, a very important milestone in people’s lives whatever their ability.

The changes to the way DSA is awarded will have devastating consequences for thousands

also speak of a 25 per cent increase in the number of students entering higher education who depend on DSA in order to complete their studies. Cutting DSA will merely ensure disabled people are less able and less likely to go to university. Thrift should not come at the price of inequality.

“Cutting funding for disabled students erodes fundamental principles of equality that we are being asked to promote.” Tom Covington

I NEVER thought I would be writing a piece on attacking a budget cut. This is because I believe in a smaller state that champions and facilitates individual self-suf�iciency, rather than a bloated, overly dependent relationship between the state and the individual. So on the surface of things I �ind it dif�icult to condemn the cut to the Disabled Students Allowance, especially because it is a cut to support for non-essential, mild to moderate disability for students. Despite the fact I am currently receiving the allowance

A cut like this should not be allowed to happen

ally wrong because of the kind of message it sends. This is where the debate should lie. A cut like this should not be allowed to happen, not necessarily on political terms, but because, symbolically, cutting funding for disabled students erodes fundamental principles of equality that we are being asked to

Summer term: ﬁnal blowout

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“Those who �ind themselves in need of “The incredible academic and social pressures at Exeter help should realise they are not alone.” can trigger or heighten anorexia, or any mental illness.” BodySoc President 2013-14

LIVING is not the same as being alive. This was the conclusion of my most recent trip to the Student Health Centre. After seven years of being controlled by my self-loathing I made it to an appointment where I burst into tears the second I walked in the room, handing the doctor a list of all that I could not say. I strongly believe that no one wants to have an eating disorder – no one would wish to hate themselves so much. However, such is this paradox that it is one of the hardest things to get out of. Here in Exeter I live with two beautiful women, I study with gorgeous girls and my BodySoc committee are out of this world! I have been desperate to be anyone but me for as long as I can remember and being around such attractive people has at times made me strive to change even

No one would wish to hate themselves so much, but it’s one of the hardest things to get out of

more; however, watching how con�idence comes across from some of these ladies as such an attractive thing, I have learnt that that is what I truly aim to be – happy and secure in myself. That said this is one of the most dif�icult things to learn. People have often told me to “stop being silly” or “you are beautiful, so get over it” – but it does not work like that. You cannot expect people to “get over” something like Body Dysmorphic Disorder as the likelihood is that it consumes them. You wouldn’t tell someone to get over a broken leg or a collapsed lung, but these are physical issues for which no one is ashamed to get help. You should not feel silly about talking! I told the doctor that I felt silly being there and when she asked what I enjoy doing and the response was

“nothing” - and we realised that I don’t remember what I used to enjoy - she explained that this is not normal and exactly why I should not feel silly. As I was once told, “you may always think someone else is worse off, but it is your reality, and if it matters to you then it is important.” I still struggle to believe that I will ever be comfortable in my own skin; however, with the right encouragement I decided the doctor would not hurt and if I changed my mind I could just avoid future contact. It is still early days but my mood is being dealt with so far; I am yet to know how she plans on teaching me to not hate all re�lective surfaces, but one can only hope. I strongly urge anyone who feels in any way similar to contact a GP at the Student Health Centre or go to Wellbeing or even drop me, or a lecturer, or your Personal Tutor an email. You should not have to feel unhappy within yourself. Having been BodySoc President for 2013-14 as well as this year’s Fitness and Wellbeing Exec (don’t worry, I am aware of the irony), I of course think that it is great to see so many people in sports gear. It is encouraging seeing people on campus taking care of themselves – obviously not all those who frequent the gym have disordered eating! (Plus I am sure a lot of us need to run away from certain mistakes we have made at Timepiece...) That is why this year we have pushed particularly hard to ensure that our Bodysoc members have a lot more to gain than just exercise: the mood-lifting feel from Zumba or the friendship-making opportunities from both classes and socials show how �itness on campus is a fantastic thing for your wellbeing! Obviously I see it from a BodySoc point of view but the same goes for many types of social exercise. All this said, those who do �ind themselves in need of help need to realise that they are not alone and that they do not have to face this alone anymore. Trust me, asking for help has already begun to turn things around – you will be surprised how many people genuinely want to support you.

Carmen Paddock

FIRST, an apology: for someone who spent three years of her life battling anorexia – three years thankfully behind me but which I’ll never get back – I am remarkably ineloquent and gen-

Eating disorders are never about being thin as an end in itself, but the culture makes you see thinness as a standard of worth

eral about the terrible illness and will certainly leave out many key factors. Collecting my scattered thoughts on last week’s cover story was an impossible task as personal memories blurred into studies and research that I read during the depths of recovery. Please forgive my insuf�icient response; my statements are based on my observations and experiences and thus may be far from all-inclusive. There is no denying that today’s �ixation with the slender ‘ideal’ form and the widespread use of photoshopping to achieve this illusion exacerbate anorexia. The illness is never about being thin as an end in itself, but when people are shown ‘perfect’ bodies and given endless (not to mention contradictory and confusing) advice on how to achieve them they begin to see thinness as a standard of worth. Furthermore, the incredible academic pressures of university and social pressures of new friendship groups can trigger or heighten anorexia (or indeed any mental illness). Considering the rigorous academic standards and the predominantly middle class demographic, both are noticeable pressures at Exeter. Anorexia, however, is not a modern phenomenon. The 1200s saw ‘fasting

girls’ revered by the Church, the 1600s saw such women as witches and heretics, and the term ‘anorexia nervosa’ was �irst coined in Victorian times.

If we don’t talk about mental illness, we’ll never find a solution

Consequently one cannot consider it an illness exclusive to the 20th and 21st centuries, much less one exclusive to Exeter University. It is an illness born of genetics and other underlying issues – it is the need to deal with pain and low self-esteem by starvation. And

although af�luent women sufferers seem to get all the press, anorexia is not exclusive to that bracket. Possibly the most important issue Exeposé raised was the damage done by silence. If we do not talk about mental illness, about women (and men) starving themselves or developing unhealthy relationships with food to cope with life stressors, we’ll never �ind a solution. If we do not address society’s fetish with collarbones and ribcages, we will still see super�icial, scarily skinny forms as the worthy ‘ideal’. If sufferers are not given another healthy way to cope with their mental illness, eating disorders’ prevalence will continue to rise.

Out of Market Place The poo taboo James Pidduck

STUMBLING into the Market Place during exams half-dazed after an intense library sesh - most likely procrastination at its �inest - I experienced a confusing encounter. In dire need of various edible treats to motivate myself into the early hours, I came across the changed layout of the Market Place. Those aisles of sugary goodness were muddled – what had been a haven from the piercing orangeness of library -1 was now a seemingly foreign land. No warning whatsoever. It took me by surprise and disorientated my tired and stressed brain, especially with mere seconds until closing time.

However, despite this initial aversion, I realised the Market Place’s revamp was much in need. No longer do queues stretch through the store and block me from Walker’s Thai Sweet Chilli crisps, and the changed format is a much more organised �loor plan, creating a lot less havoc at those crowded times. Like 9:55pm when I typically lurched in welcoming almost anything into my craving arms. The dreaded queue that used to put me off even entering the Market Place seems to move a lot faster too. Shifting it into the cor-

ner of the shop was a wise move and means a more relaxed trawl around the aisles for all. A bargain bin of chocolate bars on offer has even been added to help satisfy and distract any waiting customers. Reduced Dairy Milk, you say? It seems the Market Place knows how to sway my opinion all too well.

Marcus Beard

IT’S hard to know why pooing is so universally humorous, and why so many try to hide the fact they �ind excrement chucklesome. But from squirts to logs, our bathroom ritual is no laughing matter. It’s estimated we spend about 91 hours on the toilet each year - that’s almost four days. For me, it’s a place to go when I’m tired of conversation, dripping with exam stress or ready to part ways with the oily mounds I devoured earlier that day. It’s my sanctuary. Exeter’s water closets - unfortunately - just aren’t up to the smear. I applaud the rollout of unisex toilets, and admire

the efforts of the Physics department and the Business School - these are specialists who know the value of blowing mud in comfort. But the Forum sees repairs neglected for months, with hand

Exeter’s water closets just aren’t up to the smear

dryers barely able to burn off the lingering residues from students’ palms. It’s a taboo issue, I know, but such an important part of our wellbeing should not receive so little attention. Even as I leave, I urge the University to rethink their poop stop strategy. We’re in this together, and we don’t want to be in the shit.

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As the South West �inally approaches normality again after huge weather destruction, Matt Bate considers whether the UK government has forgotten about the West Country PENZANCE, Fowey, Teignmouth. Names usually associated with relaxing days on the beach after the stress of exams or childhood holidays to the West Country; perhaps an ice cream in hand or bucket and spade purchased. But not on 5 February 2014. Anyone living in these towns knows that the ocean is a �ickle neighbour to have; an enviable sea view by summer can become distinctly unenviable when the view is of 30 foot waves encroaching on your property. On 5 February, residents of these towns, and many more across the South West peninsular, awoke to �ind that nature had cast aside the manmade armour shielding our coastline. Houses were �looded, promenades looked unrecognisable and harbours had their �ishing �leets scattered.

Despite this hardship, the South West is used to winter storms piling in from the Atlantic and the worst impacts are usually localised. The key difference this year can be

There appears to be a widespread feeling that the region has been somewhat abandoned by the UK government

summed up in one word: Dawlish. Hugging the base of the cliffs is a sea wall carrying the Great Western mainline, a vital artery linking Torquay, Plymouth and the whole of Cornwall to the rest of the UK rail network. The line is usually regarded as one of the most picturesque in Britain, but on 5 February it was severed; the tracks that usually carried thousands of passengers a day now dangled helplessly above a gaping hole in the sea wall. The railway did reopen on 4 April but by

that time the economy of Devon and Cornwall had incurred a high cost estimated by some reports to be up to £20 million per day. Is there any way that this could have been prevented though? Prior to the 2014 storms, many experts and local politicians argued that such an event could occur in the foreseeable future and the government should invest in a suitable back-up route. Despite years of lobbying by the South West, this has largely fallen on deaf ears and there appears to be a widespread feeling that the region has been somewhat abandoned by the UK government. Devon County Councillor for Teignmouth (Lib Dem) and former Teignbridge MP Richard Younger-Ross told Exeposé, “I would not say that the government has abandoned the South West, they have never known where it was in the �irst place. The South West has had a poor deal from Central government for at least the last 50 years.” This response is not uncommon and there are often accusations from varied sources that the region is very much the poor neighbour to the rest of Britain; especially compared to London and the South East. Is it true then, that the government has abandoned the South West? I travelled to Totnes (ironically a journey which I would not have been able to make two months ago) to gauge the opinion of business owners in a town that is highly reliant on daily visitors – many of whom travel by train. 36 of the 51 businesses surveyed thought that South West does not receive a fair share of investment from the government with 11 believing it did and eight who were not sure. There was a commonly held frustration that expensive projects such as High Speed 2 from London to Birmingham were going ahead whilst areas such as South Devon had a fraction of the service currently seen in those cities. Indeed, several re s p o n s e s w e r e

made with such passion I’d be quite worried for an MP’s safety if they should have chosen that moment to walk in. It’s not dif�icult to see why this is the case. A strong transport network and investment in infrastructure are key driving forces behind economic growth. The West Country becomes a far less attractive place to locate a

Students in Penryn felt disconnected from the rest of the country

Chaz Maylon, FXU Exeter President

new business and create more jobs if there is no guarantee of an adequate link to the rest of the country. I asked John Clatworthy (Conservative), who represents Dawlish and is Deputy Leader of Devon County Council, whether he felt the government had abandoned the South West: “Clearly the West is not receiving its fair share of resources with spending on transport down by 13% at £184 per person whilst there is no equivalent reduction in London at £644 per person. I think the West needs a fairer share of the allocation of resources to both existing and new infrastructure and the Dawlish breach of the main line should be a wake-up call to the government.” There’s a signi�icant chance that you, the Exeposé reader, will have been affected too. Many Exeter students couldn’t travel home due to �looding in Somerset that may likely have been avoided if the Environment Agency had dredged the nearby rivers. Those studying at the Penryn campus were hit particularly badly; Chaz Malyon, FXU Exeter President informed me that “students in Penryn felt disconnected from the rest of the country, with a general feeling that they wouldn’t be able to make it home in time for Easter.” As vital as a reliable transport network is for the economy, has Devon and Cornwall received less than its fair share of investment in other areas? I again spoke to Chaz and asked if the government could do more for Cornwall: “Given that Cornwall is considered to be one of the

poorest regions of Europe, it should [invest more] in social mobility through education and opportunities. Cornwall was also more severely disrupted than other parts of the country in the recent winter storms, yet it received less funding and parts of the county still remain in jeopardy from the damage.” There are areas, however, where there has been signi�icant investment from the government. Small and medium sized companies have been greatly helped by the government’s regional development fund; an example being the £1 million currently available to Cornish businesses to upgrade to superfast broadband. In Totnes, several of the traders I spoke to said that they wouldn’t have been able to open without the government’s Small Business Funding and there was also a de�inite sense of gratitude to the “Orange Army” of engineers who descended on Dawlish to �ix the track as quickly as possible. The European Union has also earmarked Cornwall to receive £500 million in grants from the EU Regional Development Fund over the next

Action of some kind is urgently needed to avoid future storms isolating the region and depriving it of vital income

�ive years so whilst the situation may have appeared bleak during those two months of relative isolation, there is reason to be positive about the long-term fortunes of the region. It is hard to argue that the government has abandoned the South West. When vital routes such as the Dawlish mainline are cut due to insuf�icient investment, however, the effects permeate through many other areas of the economy and the infrastructure failings are very visible. This may explain why a large proportion of businesses and residents of the South West see the government as failing the region. It must act now if it is to change this perception, with pre-emptive rather than reactive policies and a focus on increasing the resilience of these vulnerable yet important routes. This may be easier said than done, but action of some kind is urgently needed to avoid future storms isolating the region and depriving it of vital income. Photo: The Guardian

The Conchie Courage EXEPOSÉ

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Approaching the First World War centurial, Flora Carr, Copy Editor, took to the Exeter streets to gauge the public perception of conscientious objectors, and was shocked with the results THE teenage years are often associated with tears, tantrums, and even hysterics. The sound of slamming doors shudders through homes and the accompanying war-cry of “I hate you!” leaves parents sinking into their chairs, glass in hand, wondering where they went wrong. So it might surprise you to know that much of my adolescence was spent in silence. And not the calm-after-the-storm kind of quiet, your voice so hoarse from screaming that you can’t even manage a sarcastic comment or three. No, just complete and utter silence. This is because I attended a Quaker school. Quakerism is a Christian movement; one of its more famous de�ining characteristics is its use of ‘silent meetings’ instead of church services or, in the case of my education, school assembly. Sitting in a circle, with no clergy or any hierarchy, there’s complete silence until someone feels moved to stand up and speak. And whilst initially I would use this time to pull faces at friends, I soon began to appreciate Quakerism. As a country we certainly owe the Quakers a lot; Cadbury and Rowntrees were both companies set up by teetotal Quakers who started giving their workers drinking choco-

In the case of both World Wars, every single British citizen was affected, and the Quakers were no exception

late to keep them off alcohol. You may wonder - as you mentally ransack your cupboard for any remaining chocolate bars - why I’ve chosen to re�lect on my hushed secondary school mornings. Why now? Well, apart from the fact that during exam times chocolate becomes a staple of most students’ diets, as a country we are fast approaching a signi�icant milestone: the First World War centenary. We’ve heard about it in the news, read the papers, and earlier this month the government announced its plans for the commemorative events taking place on the 4 August, the date WW1 was declared, with candlelit vigils and visits to memorial graves included in the plans. In the case of both World Wars, every single British citizen was affected, and the Quakers were no exception. The term ‘Quaker’ was originally meant as an insult to the movement, but was then adopted by its leaders; however, during WWI many Quaker men were known by another, equally insulting name: ‘Conchie.’ Well known for their opposition to war, the paci�ist Quakers made up a large proportion of the 16,000 conscientious objectors in WWI who refused to �ight on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience or religion after the 1916

conscription laws enlisted 2.5 million extra British troops. Having attended a Quaker school I have always been familiar with the term ‘conscientious objection’. However, last week I was shocked when I mentioned the subject and a friend in my accommodation had no idea what I was talking about; they thought that I was discussing people who were refusing to vote in the upcoming elections. The revelation that not everyone might have heard of it got me thinking. So often conscientious objection is downplayed; in WWI �ilms and television dramas it more often serves as merely a neat reference or sub-plot placed in the broader context of the war. How many people have actually heard of it, or can correctly de�ine it? Intrigued, two friends and I took to the streets of Exeter. Armed with a survey I’d drawn up, between us we quizzed 63 passers-by on conscientious objection and Quakerism. The results surprised even me. Whilst 31 per cent hadn’t heard of Quakerism, a staggering 46 per cent of those asked didn’t know what conscientious objection was. And although there were several services held across the country to mark International Conscientious Objector’s Day on the 15 May, 100 per cent of the people we asked had never heard of the event. But does this really matter? After all, Remembrance Sunday is about remembering those who fought and died for their country, isn’t it? ‘Lest we forget;’ surely it’s better to forget the ‘conchies’ than the soldiers. The idea of honouring soldiers killed in action alongside men who sat at home? Disrespectful. Or is it? In my opinion the conscientious objectors were among the bravest men who emerged during WWI. Firstly, some conscientious objectors fell into the category of ‘non-combatant’, meaning they were prepared to enter the military in a non-combat role; around 3,400 entered into the Non-Combatant Corps (which the press dubbed the No Courage Corps) or else the Royal Army Medical Corps. Under heavy �ire, these

Whilst 31% had not heard of Quakerism, a staggering 46% of those asked did not know what conscientious objection was

men often returned wounded soldiers to base camp whilst remaining completely unarmed themselves. Other conscientious objectors were ‘absolutists,’ opposing any activity that helped the war effort. 6,312 conscientious objectors were arrested, most sentenced to hard labour in

camps or prisons such as Maidstone in Kent. In total 73 ‘conchies’ lost their lives in the UK as a result of the poor conditions. There are multiple �ilms detailing the British experience in prisoner of war camps in, for example, Japan, but who remembers the British prisoners who died in British camps? And of course, let’s not forget the torrent of abuse that ‘conchies’ faced at home, as the handing

had a right to stay at home.” Paxman is right in saying that without �ighting soldiers we would not have won the war. But the conscientious objectors were men who sacri�iced their homes, their freedom, their families, and in some cases their lives for their Image Credit: British Library, Gallery Hip, Flatworld Knowledge

out of white feathers to young men in civilian clothing became a common means of publically shaming them. But - as we will constantly be reminded over the next four years - this all happened 100 years ago. Lifetimes ago. In our survey the large majority of people said that society is now accepting of conscientious objectors; of the 23 individuals I spoke to only two said there might still be issue. Most cited increased freedom of speech as a reason. In 1987, the United Nations recognised “the right of everyone to have conscientious objection to military service.” As a society we are now more accepting and liberal. But, then again, perhaps not. Joe Glenton is one of nine British soldiers who fought in Afghanistan before raising a conscientious objection after witnessing the

atrocities committed. He was branded a “coward and malingerer” by his superior of�icer and his request was among the three that were denied; ‘Forces Watch’ has now raised concerns about their treatment. During the survey I spoke to one gentleman, a Mr. Philip Bourne, who served in an RAF regiment for three and a half years during the Irish Troubles; he told me that “soldiers don’t make wars, it’s politicians.” Following Obama’s orders in February for the Pentagon to prepare for full troop withdrawal from Afghanistan after years of anti-war campaigns, perhaps Glenton and his comrades were simply soldiers condemned for speaking a truth politicians were not yet ready to hear. In a recent BBC documentary Jeremy Paxman branded WWI conscientious objectors “cranks” who “believed they

In my opinion the conscientious objectors were amongst the bravest men who emerged during World War One

belief. 100 years and another World War later, isn’t it their message, their message of peace, which we should be advocating? In a world saturated with violent images, the braver option is standing up and saying “there has to be another way.” In a move that served as two �ingers up to their opponents, the Quakers took an insult and embraced it as their name. 100 years later, maybe it’s time the name ‘Conchie’ became a word associated not with cowardice, but with courage.

Breaking the ice in Antarctica

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Stats & Facts Only 33.8 per cent of the public voted in the European Elections. Despite considerable controversy surrounding the European Elections, only 33.8 per cent of the UK public voted. This is a reduced figure since the 2009 EU Elections, and considerably less than the 2010 General Elections, where 65.1 per cent voted. However, UKIP gained a majority with 27.49 per cent of the vote. labour came in second and Conservatives third. The Lib Dems lost all but one seat. In a 2013 poll, 64 per cent of non-voters attributed their non-participation to a lack of trust in MPs. Perhaps with the outcome of the European Elections this will change. Emma Thomas, Features Editor

The Burning Question

Olivia Paine analyses the statistics behind Antarctica’s rapid ice loss, and considers the implications both for the environment and society

CLIMATE change is something that we all know about; it is often on the news, it features in all school curriculums and politicians occasionally talk about how their party is the most committed to addressing it. How much does it actually �igure in our daily concerns though? Probably not that much. A recent study, however, suggests that its effects may be visible sooner than anticipated, with potentially devastating repercussions. This surely should be a sign for us to sit up and pay attention. A study conducted by scientists at the University of Leeds between 2010 and 2013 has found that ice in Antarctica is melting at a much faster rate than expected. The �indings of the European Space Agency’s CryoSat satellite indicate that annually Antarctica is losing 160 billion tonnes of ice, a staggering �igure which is double that previously surveyed between 2005 and 2010. This loss has the potential to increase sea levels by 0.45mm every year, which may not sound like much, but trust me, it adds up.

Antarctica’s melted ice will be catastrophic for small island states and coastal regions, especially when combined with the other factors that contribute to sea level rise

CryoSat is basically a really clever satellite which scrutinises 96 per cent of the Antarctic and accurately measures height alterations in the ice as a result of snow and melting. This, then, is the most exact study of ice depletion in Antarctica that there has ever been.

Although ice loss was recorded across the continent, it was most drastic in West Antarctica which lost 134 billion tonnes annually. In contrast, the Arctic Peninsula lost 23 billion tonnes and East Antarctica only three billion. Unsurprisingly then, it is this Western belt, known as the Amundsen Sea Embayment, which scientists are most concerned about. Responsible for 87 per cent of ice loss, the six glaciers located there are melting rapidly due to rising sea temperatures. Smith Glacier is reportedly decreasing in height by nine metres every year. What is more troubling is that the �indings from this study were released

Not enough is being done by the international community to address climate change

only days after scientists at NASA claimed that the melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet was “unstoppable”. The collapse of the whole sheet, which could increase sea levels by four metres, is now seen as inevitable due to a chain reaction which has already begun. Even reducing greenhouse gas emissions will not prevent it. Ian Joughin from the University of Washington suggests in a further study that Thwaites Glacier, which would cause sea level rise of 2ft, could collapse in as soon as 200 years. To put this in perspective, the Maldives are on average only 1.3 metres above sea level. Antarctica’s melted ice will be catastrophic for rural islands and coastal regions, especially when combined with the other factors which contribute to sea level rise. These �igures are genuinely scary and show that Antarctica’s ice is melting much faster than predicted by the

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its recent report; which in turn means that sea levels are going to rise much faster. It also shows that our carbon-intensive lifestyles are starting to have an irreversible impact on the environment and that not enough is being done by the international community to address climate change. Whilst the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet may not be preventable, it will be a gradual process over approximately 1000 years. In the mean time there are countless other climate change effects that can be mitigated. It is easy to be overwhelmed when looking at �igures about climate change. I certainly was when I attempted to get through the report from the Leeds study. We must not forget, however, that these seemingly abstract �igures will shape the future of our planet and are likely to devastate the lives of people in some of the most vulnerable regions, particularly in isolated islands. The leaders of island states have been extremely vocal in their concerns about rising sea levels. At UN negotiations, leaders profoundly aware of the costs of climate change have called for temperature rise to be limited to 1.5C rather than the of�icial target of 2C. In 2009 the Maldives P re s i d e n t Mohamed Nasheed organised an underwater cabinet meeting to illustrate the threat ahead of the Copenhagen Conference of Parties (COP) summit. At Copenhagen itself the represent-

ative of small island developing states declared, “we have a moral imperative to act. All of us face this. But as small island states are going under water […] we stand to lose the most if nothing happens here.” These new �indings surely con�irm

These seemingly abstract figures will shape the future of our planet and are likely to devastate the lives of people in some of the most vulnerable regions

the need for more serious and immediate action to limit climate change. If the international community does not act soon then we risk causing further irreversible changes to our planet and stand to lose things that cannot be replaced. Climate change will not only touch the lives of people in vulnerable areas, it will come to affect us all.

After UKIP managed to claim just over two per cent of the vote in the European Elections and the Green Party overtook the Lib Dems, we want to know: “Is the age of two party politics coming to an end?” “Healthy competition is always good in politics, and the public have clearly emphasised their desire for change. But UKIP’s success has been due to the public’s protest vote, rather than being a signal that the age of two parties is coming to an end.” Kayley Gilbert “I’d rather accept a two-party culture than entertain the idea that UKIP or a similar party might up that to three.” Flora Carr “Like Cleggmania I think that Farage is probably a passing fad that will be tarnished come the next general election.” Rory Morgan “With the current electoral system, we will essentially have a two-horse race. But parties like UKIP influence major parties. Last time round, it was ‘I agree with Nick.’ This time, it will be ‘I agree with Nigel.’” Jamie Bernthal “I would love there to be some healthy competition in politics, but not from UKIP. I’ll take a two-horse race over Farage in Westminster any day. Every dog has his day, and I think today is his. But it won’t last.” Fran Lowe “Whilst there seem to be more parties vying for people’s votes than before, realistically, I think it’s unlikely for Labour’s or the Tories’ dominance in the general elections to ever really be broken.” Meg Drewett

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LIFESTYLE Fancy getting your name in the paper? Tweet us @ExeposeLStyle KATH @kathbailey Beyoncé was right, being this pretty does hurt #prettyhurts JOLENE @yongz_here a black cat is always hanging out outside my accommodation... i bet he/she enjoys my music choices :D #ohyeah KITTY @kittylikescake I just cried cos @EmilyRomain and I have the same toothbrush #toothpastekisses #meant2b #4evs ELLIE @elliejesson Post degree realisation: doing nothing is both tiring and time consuming. SHEV @Shevvvv Disney for life CARMEN @carmenpaddock The awkward moment when you forget to put your mobile on silent and everyone soon learns your extremely geeky ringtones... #fandomftw OLIVIA @Olivialuder I have so many X-Men questions about timelines, backstories, Wolverine’s hairstyle. But chief among them is: why the grey tracksuits? ELLIE @elliebarton13 thrashing the family at boardgames #TakingNoPrisoners NUALA @nualakirby deserve mitigation cos got the attention span of a fly RICH @richdrain I’m hungover and I can smell bacon, this is torturous ALEX @alexwoolley555 Exams are done, someone get me a beer #UniLegend #NotJustTheOne #ProfessionalFresher CLARE @claremort Cannot cope with TP middle floor music and how much some people love it. ESZTER @eszterjendruszak That awkward moment when your mum adds her first selfie onto her Facebook profile #why

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Jack of all trades, master of one

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Sophy Coombes-Roberts, Sport Editor, cooks up a conversational storm with 2014 MasterChef �inalist and Exeter graduate, Jack Lucas THIS year’s climactic tenth series of MasterChef had the nation gripped to their sofas witnessing amateur cooking at its very best. The entertainment value came from the quality of food, the celebrity chefs drafted in to spice up the competition and of course the surprising brilliance of Greg Wallace and John Torod’s judging relationship as they predictably declare “cooking doesn’t get tougher than this.” However, the tenth series threw in something nobody quite expected: 21 year old heartthrob Jack Lucas, who made the show that little bit tastier... in more ways than one. Graduating from Exeter just last year, Lucas made it all the way to the �inal, impressing some of the world’s best chefs and making us all feel guilty about the quality of our student meals. In fact Jack even admitted that “having more spare time at uni meant I learnt a massive amount in the last few years.” So how did he manage to hone his culinary skills in his Exeter kitchen on a student budget? “It was dif�icult, that’s for sure!” he joked. “Me and my girlfriend would go to Waitrose late at night to get the reduced stuff and often came away with �illet steaks for two pounds so that was good. But usually I’d just cook cheap cuts of meat for a long time which meant it was inexpensive but tasted really good!” So how did a university hobby catapult him into the �inal of one of the world’s biggest cooking shows? “I had always watched MasterChef and wondered if I could ever go on it, but I never really considered applying.” Jack explains that it was actually his girlfriend who persuaded him to apply. “She really encouraged me to do it and having a year off I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to give it a go.” ‘Perfect’ turned out to be an un-

derstatement as Greg compared Jack’s cooking to the same way people remember the young Sinatra or Picasso. Throughout the competition Jack cooked for the critics, the public, countless Michelin-starred celebrities and Ferran Adria, arguably the world’s greatest chef... but what was the highlight of the experience? “Going to Spain was awesome, cooking with the best of the best and I took a massive amount away from my time there.” He couldn’t name his favourite chef that he got the chance to work with, but did manage to name a particular standout moment with his newest Twitter follower Tom Kerridge: “My �irst experience with

We’d go to Waitrose late at night to get the reduced stuff

Adam Handling was incredible and John Campbell was an amazing mentor but I will de�initely remember my time with Tom Kerridge, he is a massive legend!” No MasterChef experience could be complete without the Ant and Dec of the culinary world, John and Greg. So what are they really like? Jack was quick to praise the duo, explaining that they are more than just judges but “really great guys and it was so good to have the opportunity to meet and get to know them. What you don’t see on camera is that they’re genuinely incredibly supportive and just want you to do well so it’s great to get their encouragement and reassurance when you need it!” However, the process was hardly plain sailing and the fast paced inten-

sity that accompanies the programme is something which distinguishes it from the likes of the charming Great British Bake Off or comedic Come Dine with Me. “I �ilmed the whole thing for over three months and towards the end our last month was practically non-stop �ilming.” Jack explained “you spend a whole day in the studio from around eight to six and they manage to condense it into a half hour episode, so yeah, it’s very intense!” The show is packed with constantly evolving challenges which push the contestants and make for results which even the most loyal of viewers would struggle to predict. ‘There were so many challenges throughout the competition that were incredibly tough, individual dishes and cooking en masse, but the one I found the hardest was cooking a dessert for Christian Escriba in Barcelona.” In this task the �inalists were required to create an innovative dessert for the king of cakes. “I think Luke, Ping and I could have all made some sort of dessert for him but the challenge was to make something that would genuinely surprise and

amaze him which was incredibly hard, especially in the time frame!” Yet despite the stress and narrowly missing out on the crown to fellow competitor Ping Coombes, who produced a �lawless �inal menu, the competition was truly life changing. He was able to develop his cooking style “most notably in terms of technique and �lavour combinations,” mastering the famous foams and deconstructions. On top of that, his twitter account is 10,000 followers stronger, and he confesses to have already been offered a few jobs! So with all the excitement surrounding this fresh new culinary talent, what does the future hold for Jack Lucas? “I’m not entirely sure what’s next for me at the moment, I have a few things lined up and I’m just going to see if anything comes my way. TV stuff would be pretty awesome and I’ve got another month travelling in which I will hopefully �igure something out!” With a �irst class degree and a stint on MasterChef, expect this exciting new talent to continue bringing big things to the table!

Nudist beach? No fracking way! James Smurthwaite recalls his holiday horror story - it totally rocks!

IT was 2010 and the infamous Eyja�jallajökull (good luck pronouncing that one) volcano had just caused unprecedented disruption across Europe. For one group of plucky Geology students from Blackpool on a �ield trip to the Costa Blanca, it was a blessing in disguise. As opposed to their mandated �ive days of intense geological study, the students could now enjoy the very best of Catalonian culture (i.e. cheap alcohol), compliments of their insurance company, for as long as the ominous ash cloud engulfed the airways.

I was one of these students and the situation could not have seemed more perfect. The sun was shining, our apartment was adjacent to the beach and we were responsibility-free for the foreseeable future. Our teachers had other ideas. The very aptly named Mr Winter�lood decided that there was one ‘must see’ rock face we were yet to visit, so, the morning after a heavy night in the local taverna, off we trudged with heavy feet and heavier hearts. To be fair, the excursions began pleasantly - a nice coastal drive, some

epic natural arches with broiling sea crashing against them and the Spanish sun all framed what we hoped would be a positive learning experience. The one thing our teacher had overlooked? That the rock face itself was situated on a nudist beach! This beach was clearly a popular one amongst the naturist community because we studiously collected our data and measurements whilst being watched by hordes of leathery locals with sagging… erm… skin. Coincide this with all the sexual punnery Geology has to offer (“ooh look at this slag

deposit”, “a �ine crack here” and “can you imagine fracking this?”) and you have all the ingredients for a very awkward afternoon indeed!

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Not so safe sex... (Swim) suit up!

An anonymous Lifestyle writer suggests some exotic options Natalie Clark, Books Editor, investigates some of the best highstreet beachwear for relocating your love life beyond the bedroom this summer IS having sex in 20 different places on your bucket list? If it’s not, it probably should be, and if you’re ambitious, summer is the season to get brainstorming and acting. If you plan on being an over-achiever with this goal, the obvious ones have most likely already been ticked off: the beach in the middle of the night with the stars overhanging the kisses, behind a bush on a sweaty day at the beach with your family sunbathing only 50 metres away, on a boat, at a playground at three a.m. on the way home from a boozy night out. But why not make this summer more original, less clichéd, more spontaneous? As they say, you only live once, and you want to have experiences that you look back on when you’re 60 and think ‘how the heck did I even think that this was a good idea, let alone actually follow it through?’ Summer 2014 is your time to shine. Why not learn how to ride a horse and then go on a two person ride, get lost in the woods and make love in a tree? Or on top of the horse? (Although that may be slightly inconsiderate for the horse.) Maybe you want a funnier approach, in which case you could hijack a bouncy castle (close the entrance off) and get naked as you bounce away, and giggle in ways you didn’t know you could giggle. Or, going back to the nature scene, in a �ield of sheep, aiming for the middle of the �lock where no dog-walkers or

passing cars will see you - as long as the sheep let you be. If you are really adventurous, you’ll want to go for a more public kind of place like the top of a ferris wheel. Speaking of getting air, hire out a hot air balloon just for the occasion, it’ll be a once in a life time kind of view. Since there are a lot of house parties this third term,

Why not try the middle of a flock of sheep, where no dog-walkers will see you

think that this is overthought. Who cares about where you have sex, isn’t having sex fun enough? No, I say, you can always have at least one more bucket load of fun. Yes, you should make a list of the 20, or at least ten, creative, funny, and exciting places you will get action in this summer. We’ll be old sooner than we think, and while we still have the happy-golucky energy of youth, we can’t not maximise the humour. Go crazy, think big, like on an elephant big.

you could aim to have sex on someone else’s kitchen counter, to avoid the cleaning up. You could have sex while baking cookies on a nothing-else-to-do summer afternoon. The possibilities are horrendously endless: underwater in the sea, in the middle of a football pitch during the day, in a barrel whilst going down a waterfall, on a quad bike, on the hood of a cop car, or on a Saturday night on the Lemmy roof to the sound of Freshers partying as your soundtrack. Perhaps you

Plan your summer schedule

Georgina Choyce & Carmen Paddock tell us how to make the most of summer and be super productive! WITH exams over for another year, how is one supposed to �ill the vast expanse of time between now and September when we will all once again descend in swarms on Arena and Timepiece? Yes, re-enacting Freshers’ week all over again is great, especially as you now actually know people’s names and that you should never, ever step foot in Rococos , but drinking way too much gets boring

Drinking way too much gets boring for everyone

for everyone. So what are you supposed to do with the 16 weeks until we come back for another year? Here are a couple of different suggestions for ways that you can have a great time whilst also building your CV.

1. Go travelling Employers love someone who has seen the world and gained some life experience. If you didn’t take a gapyear before university then it’s de�initely worth considering because you’ll have loads of fun. InterRailing is a cheap way to go very far, but if

Europe isn’t your scene, follow Georgina’s lead and organise a road trip across America (the skills shown by organising a huge trip like this will be great for future employment!)

2. Work abroad If you want to do something more productive than just going on holiday for a while, you could consider actually securing paid work. Admittedly the prospect of working during your holiday doesn’t sound amazing, but Georgina is jetting off to live and work as part of BUNAC Work America. The programme helps people pre-arrange summer jobs and secure an American visa, and the exciting thing is that the jobs could be anything from working in an American theme park to a summer camp. Georgina will be working at a beach club on the island of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, the same holiday island that Barack Obama will be visiting this summer. Now that’s got to be more interesting than sitting at home under a duvet and watching Loose Women on repeat. 3. Complete an internship If the thought of something that ma-

jor is a bit too much, a less intense option is to apply for a summer internship. There are businesses all over the country who would love to have the help of a bright, lively university student. These can be dif�icult to get if you don’t live near a major city and can’t afford to live in one for a few weeks, but remember that the investment you put in now will be rewarded when your experiece means you get that job on the other side of uni. Carmen has secured a four-week internship through City Travel Review in Berlin. The intensive programme consists of designing and writing an entire travel guide, giving her lots of opportunities to explore Berlin and build her work experience. 4. See family These years when we’re old enough to be independent but aren’t quite ready to move away from home forever won’t last long, so make the most of your time while you have it. There will always be time to secure work experience, but time with loved ones is precious. If all else fails, you won’t have wasted your summer if you spend it seeing family!

BIKINI season is upon us, and whether you’re looking to bare all on the beach with a bikini, or be more conservative with a cute one-piece, we’ve trawled the high street and online retailers for the best swimsuits out there! Whether your destination is Bali or Bognor, St Tropez or Skegness, getting the right bikini is one of the most important parts of going on holiday. Right now the highstreet is awash with every possible colour, shape and size and the baf�ling array of strings, briefs and thongs is a terrifying prospect, so to give you a hand, here are just some of the choices out there. 1. You can’t really go wrong with a standard two piece bikini. If you’re not blessed with ample assets they’ll be perfect because they can make the most of what you’ve got and are great to wear under your clothes for impromptu sea-frolicking. 2. If you’re feeling adventurous, push paradise to the max with this wonderfully bright bikini. The high-waisted briefs and bold pattern are perfect for hiding a multitude of summer sins, so you don’t need to go on a massive gym spree before jetting

off! If you want to recreate the look, Florence & Fred do a great version of this suit that comes in at a total of just £13. Bargain! 3. This bikini is perfect if you want to ramp up the sex-factor. The string detailing makes this twopiece sizzle, and the halter neck style means it will be great for pear shapes as well as hourglass girls. A word of warning though, if you’re planning on lying in the sun all day the tan lines will be severe! 4. If letting it all hang out isn’t your style. or if you want a bit more substantial, supportive swimwear then go for a one-piece swimsuit. It’s the perfect piece for anyone actually planning to do some lengths in that pool. The detailed waist will also add structure, and give the illusion of a ﬂatter stomach. These work great on you girls with - in the immortal words of that great philosopher Gok Wan - big bangers. Because they’ll hold you in and prevent any awkward slips on the sand!

Tan-through swimwear

Some tips for the guys

Tan-through swimwear is a contentious issue in the swimsuit world. Achieving the perfect all-over tan is near impossible, unless you’re willing to bear all on a nudist beach (hey, we’re not judging), but Kiniki claim to make it easier. Their patented material, Transol, allows 80 per cent of the sun’s rays through. It means consistently applying the sun cream all day and all over, which is dif�icult at the best of times, let alone when you’re on the beach. With the seams that bit thicker too, you might still be reduced to moving the straps around as usual to avoid those tan lines. Despite this, a Kiniki bikini may well be a worthwhile investment (if you’re prepared to pay through the nose for it, and will put up with designs that could easily have come from the eighties). £40, Kiniki

Essentially, you guys are limited to two options unfortunately. Sorry! The classic swimshort is a great option for pretty much all guys because the shape is comfortable and you’re not in danger of showing too much to the world! Your other option, if you’ve been working out and are feeling brave, is to channel 007 himself and go for boxer-brief swimshorts. If you’ve got the body, or want something more �itted, go for these because you’ll look smoking! Oh, and one more thing. NEVER... EVER... WEAR SPEEDOS!

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MUSIC Wednesday 4 June Bridge Jazz Club Exeter Phoenix Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 June Levi Roots, Danny and the Champions of the World among others Grill Stock Festival, Bristol Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 June Let’s Rock Bristol! Ashton Court Estate, Bristol Sunday 8 June The Howling Bells Bristol Thekla Friday 13 June Pylo Bristol Thekla Wednesday 25 June Paolo Nutini Bristol Amphitheatre Thursday 26 June Young Knives Exeter Phoenix Saturday 28 June Gary Numan Exeter Phoenix Thursday 3 July Paolo Nutini Bristol Anson Rooms Tuesday 8 July Dandy Warhols Bristol Anson Rooms Sunday 17 August Reel Big Fish and The Blackout among others Merthyr Rock, Merthyr Friday 29 - Sunday 31 August Flaming Lips, Wild Beasts, The Gene Clark No Other Band among others End of the Road Festival, Dorset

Spotlight

“Situated in a secret, albeit well-signposted glade in the Larmer Tree Gardens woodland... There is music, storytelling, adventure and of course laughter and it all often continues late into the night, with all kinds of unexpected impromptu conversations and happenings thrown in.”

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Tristan Gatward, Music Editor, talks to Baraboo-based PHOX before the release of their debut album PHOX hail from Baraboo, Wisconsin. For those of you wondering what you’d say when asked what Baraboo, Wisconsin, is, you’d say, “it’s a circus town. And then there’s a Wal-Mart. And that’s it. There’s really nothing there at all.” Lead singer Monica Martin’s description feels all too familiar as I write, sitting by myself in a �ield on a makeshift tower of tractors and haybales; Exeter’s no circus town, but the surrounding countryside also lacks the vibrancy of the rock and roll lifestyle she jokes they’re leading, a few years after their own ‘bring-your-tractor-to-work’ day. “It really was kind of lame. You have to make your own fun… usually that means drugs,” she says. I chuckle, at

Their sound straddles Feist and Monty Python

which point the �ive other members of PHOX stare Monica down, before she embarrassedly laughs, “I won’t say which of us dabbled in that. I have to police myself so I don’t make us sound like drug addicts; we’re really not a rock and roll band.” It seems not – oboe solos aside, guitarist Matt Holman says their sound straddles Feist and Monty Python: “Nobody likes to describe their music – it’s the worst thing. I �igured a reference point to a comedy group – a lot of voices and multiple collaboration which we do pretty heavily – would be suitable… I like Monty Python’s willingness to be so many different things, and to move on and do a fully different approach to

something straight away.” The musicianship waddles up to you like Proko�iev’s duck, gets swallowed by you – the wolf – until you’re so immensely satis�ied, taken aback by the taste of this adrenaline-fuelled sadness, and so confused by this analogy that you just have to try it again. PHOX are refreshing in that sense. Their music refuses to be re�ined amid an on-going establishment in its sound: “every song called for a different palate or approach, and I still feel a whole different palate opening up for future songs,” says Matt. Following the release of the bedroom recorded EP Confetti, the self-titled debut scheduled for release 24 June is a beautiful progression in their careers as musicians. You won’t have heard anything like it before, but it does sound like a friend. Even their name gracefully skips past any pretentiousness: “These days when you’re naming a band,” explains Matt, “you really have to consider Google. That’s a true issue. One of my old bands was called Flights, I mean, try Googling ‘Flights’ sometime. I’ve always enjoyed brevity in band names – people seem to try putting too much meaning into everything.” The same spontaneity came about in PHOX’s creation: “Everyone has their own path to �inding music, from Jason whose Dad ran a boys’ choir who he travelled the world with, to Monica who I discovered had a voice in the car, singing along in the radio with a perfect harmony. Baraboo was a small town, everyone knew each other. Jason had previously come up with this arrangement, the Baraboo Secret Group, and

some years after that we started jamming, and it just came about.” And who would they like to collaborate with? Su�jan Stevens or Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. So, Su�jan, if you’re reading… help the in-

These days when you’re naming a band, you really have to consider Google

dustry out. And Sergei, if you’re reading… well, I’ll leave that there. It was on asking for the band’s Desert Island Discs that both their maturity as musicians and personality as a band came to the fore. Immediately, Monica piped up for the luxury item, in the style of ‘if I had one wish I would wish for a hundred more wishes’: “an ever �illing box of nice chocolates. It’s my

island, I create my own atmosphere.” Despite almost having drummer Davey agree to a Nickelback cover, all six instead collaborated to choose a piece from fellow Wisconsin based band The Daredevil, Christopher Wright, Billie Holiday, Herbie Hancock, Mahler, Sibelius and two pieces by Mozart. The nature of this particular castaway island gave them a wild card – one last song. Monica again made a split decision, half ashamed, half delighted: Jason Derulo – ‘Talk Dirty’. We need one jam to get ourselves together before we go out to the island club which one of us will surely build. The club which will play these eight songs… you know, after these big classical pieces, we’re gonna need Jason to pick ourselves up from people slow dancing with one woman and �ive weeping men.” All I could reply: “Well, it could lead to some pretty interesting remixes.”

Live review: Polly and the Billets Doux

Ollie Neale reviews the Bristol folk and country four-piece at their gig in Totnes Polly and the Billets Doux South Devon Arts Centre 24 May 2014

The End of the Road Festival @ Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset

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AFTER failing to navigate the A380 successfully, taking absurd detours deep in rural Devon to places unknown, I �inally managed to arrive at the South Devon Arts Centre. Situated in the middle of a muggy and soulless industrial estate with only the local kebab van in-sight,

Barefooted front woman Polly Perry filled the room with her vibrant personality

I wondered whether this experience would drag as long as the car journey certainly had. Polly and the Billets Doux are far from the kind of music I’d usually go to

watch, laying a better-than-Duffy soul pop voice on a background dedicated to its American roots, initiating a certain level of apprehension as well as intrigue on my part. I instantaneously regretted my original presumptions of the place and felt utterly naïve when going inside to �ind a remarkably cute, intimate and cosy little venue which is now somewhat a rarity. The sit back and sip your wine vibe throughout the whole night, however, detracted from the opportunity to get involved with the music. The energy radiated by the band was unfortunately not rewarded by the

audience. Despite this inconvenience, barefooted front woman Polly Perry �illed the room with her vibrant personality and powerful voice, performing exquisitely crafted original songs from both the new album Money Tree and E.P Hold Fast. The peak of her singing capacity was delivered in their titular track, ‘Money Tree’. The deep, gritty, soulful nature of her voice- containing a sweet tinge- echoed profusely. Only a carefully selected few can de�initely pull this off, as well as beautifully adapting to softer touches reminiscent of Lucy Rose in her song ‘Stories of Our Own.’ In congruence with Perry, the profusion of ability cre-

ating an extremely diverse range of sounds was apparent, changing from a classical country, folk ilk to some rock and roll vibes. A particular mention to Hendrix-child Andrew Steen, whose mystic solos screamed passion and love for his music, riffs for an age. I’m not complaining. ‘Hymn Song’ which gained the band a certain level of minor fame on social media was performed with amazing harmony from all, none of which took away from the Thea Gilmore like tones of Perry. The sophisticated and energising performance from this hugely promising band is certainly one I would recommend to anyone: extremely easy on the ears.

EXEPOSÉ

P.K.’s Korner Pavel Kondov, Online Music Editor, discusses how to best spend summer. Well, this is it. The academic year is over and we are all once again without a care in the world until next September (apart from the grave threats of student debt, unemployment, and superpower geopolitical conflict). So, here are three things each of you should do in the summer: 1. Visit a festival There’s Isle of Wight, Glastonbury, Boomtown and Bestival… need I mention any more? And then there’s Europe, and the smaller festivals, and then there are free ones, so you really have no excuse not to go to one. 2. Go camping with a guitar If you’ve never been camping in the woods with a barbecue and music, you’ve been doing it wrong. Before you go, please, PLEASE make sure the guitarist knows the chords to something other than just ‘Wonderwall’. 3. Discover a new artist Being sociable can be a bit of a pain and, if you ask me, ‘spending waaarm summer daaaays indoooors’ is the perfect cure for it once in a while. Use them to fall in love with a new band – they’ll remind you of the season during dreadful deadline time next year. Above all, get some tan, some refreshing drinks and some rest. These three months will go away faster than your student loan, and if you waste them the same way, you’ll end up regretting it even more.

Exeposé Music Singles Chart

It’ll be Isle of Wight on the night MUSIC

www.exepose.ex.ac.uk

Exeposé Music catches up with Exeter alumnus and Isle of Wight Festival curator John Giddings to talk 2014’s lineup and Exeter’s (lack of a) music scene When did you come to Exeter? JG: I’m 61, but I’m dyslexic so I think I’m 16. I still think I’m a student, and I’m surprised when I look in the mirror and see grey hair… The only good thing about getting older is that you know more. Plus, I lived the golden age of music which you didn’t. I saw Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin in pubs. You didn’t.

What was your best moment at Exeter, did you have any good acts come to the University? JG: We had incredible acts like Focus. Genesis on the Foxtrot tour was probably the best one ever, Peter Gabriel came on in a fox mask.

Exeter doesn’t have the best internal reputation for music now. JG: That’s because nobody’s dealing with it. When I was there we had an 1800 capacity hall which was better than Leeds, and yet The Who did Live at Leeds and I couldn’t believe it. Exeter University Student Union was losing a fortune on concerts. I came up with the genius idea of ‘why don’t we open it up to the general public?’ and then we suddenly sold tickets. There were only 3,500 students there at the time, and we were looking to sell 1,800. It was nigh-on impossible to sell that many tickets.

November. You’ve got 20,000 plus students, yet every place I used to hang out is now a bloody coffee shop. You have a great venue and a great location, the resources are there to compete in the market, you just need someone to run it properly.

What was your own path from the University of Exeter to co-ordinator of the Isle of Wight festival? JG: Well, I went to university to become social secretary and meet people in the music industry. I didn’t go to uni-

You’ve got 20,000 plus students, yet every place I used to hang out is now a bloody coffee shop

gig than being in it.

Moving away from Exeter, what would you say is the most dif�icult part of running a festival? JG: Gambling your own money. If nobody turned up I would lose £10 million… thankfully people do turn up.

That’s the bene�it of having a festival with such a rich history. JG: I would never have started a festival anywhere except the IoW. It had the heritage and the history of Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and The Who.

This is going back to 1970? JG: Yes, I went there in 1970 and it was the most incredible moment in my career. I walked over the hill and discovered there were 600,000 other people who liked the same music as me. Of course, they banned it after that year. They had an act of parliament against gatherings of over 5,000 people for 32 years. Then they offered everyone in the music business the chance to restart it, and I suddenly thought it would be a good idea.

With Bristol having a monopoly over the South West music scene now, is there still hope for us? JG: Of course. You need someone dynamic to show you that you can make money. It’s a good hall; I was there in

versity to study. When I was 14 my mate said, “join my group, learn to play bass and we’ll pull some chicks”, and six months later we were playing a youth club in Harpenden. A skinhead came up to me and stood two inches in front of my face. We were playing ‘The Nile Song’ by Pink Floyd and he said “if you don’t fucking stop playing now I’m gonna fucking hit you,” at which point we stopped playing and my musical career ended. At that point I realised I was better at booking the

Nick Mulvey First Mind 12 May 2014

Coldplay Ghost Stories 16 May 2014

Thumpers Galore

FIRST MIND trips itself up with music that isn’t particularly �lattering to technically talented Mulvey. The surface sound running through situates Mulvey among the good, but easy-listening likes of Ben Howard. Maybe I do have a glorious hangover from Portico Quartet, but not nearly enough of their ingenuity is present in First Mind. I want more hang, less guitar! Some tracks are sublime, particuarly ‘Nitrous’ which does something far beyond the realms of the attractive-male-plays-acoustic-guitar-for-those-who-haven’t-gotover-Jack-Johnson-quite-yet bracket. A genuinely beautiful, yet often safe album. KATE BURGESS

TO say that the best two minutes and twenty seconds of this album is the silence between the last track on the album (imaginatively named ‘O’) and some sort of unfortunate attempt at a hidden track is no exaggeration. Instead of building upon what was a good previous release this has been a step back for Coldplay to the days of producing whiney bullcrap instead of music. This album was so bad that, while listening to it, it started to rain. That’s right, Coldplay even managed to make the sky cry. Save your money and emotions and avoid this album at all costs.

THUMPERS’ debut album Galore is disjointed in places, with a handful of excellent tracks padded out by some insigni�icant and occasionally uninspired numbers. Spangling guitar rifts and fast-paced vocals are intertwined with percussion-heavy segments and dreamy synths, making debut single ‘Dancing’s Gone’, ‘Sound of Screams’ and ‘Unkinder (A Tougher Love)’ highly enjoyable, but many of the remaining tracks are overproduced and rambling. The album is upbeat and catchy, but lacks ambition, leaving me wondering what might have been. It’s good, but it could have been so much better.

What is it that makes the island such a great venue? JG: Well, it’s a holiday location: going on a boat puts you in a good mood. In over 58 days of doing the festival, we’ve only had three or four days

of rain - microclimate. It’s a beautiful place to go to, steeped in real history… And because I’m older, I can book groups past, present and future. I can book acts like Caravan or Procul Harum, put them on at two o’clock in the afternoon, and everyone says “who the hell are they?” then they realise that they’re great musicians. Who are you most looking forward to seeing this year? JG: The 1975, they’re a personal favourite - absolutely stunning. I know the headliners are going to be incredible, but I can’t wait to see them. If you could pick any band to headline, who would it be? JG: I’d love to be the �irst person to book Oasis when they reform. What three words would you say de�ine the festival? JG: Music, sun, fun.

Nice rhyme, very poetic. JG: Syd Barrett’s my hero – I believe in alliteration and anagrams.

Shine on You Crazy Diamond? JG: Exactly, have you seen that picture he did as a tribute for Pink Floyd? I put that on the back of a bus and people are going wild about it. What other job is there where you can do that for a laugh? IoW this year is headlined by Biffy Clyro, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kings of Leon. We think you’d be a fool to miss it.

Owen Pallett In Conflict 26 May 2014

19 May 2014

Adult Jazz Spook 28 May, 2014 Sam Smith Stay With Me 18 May, 2014 Clean Bandit Until It’s Gone 16 May, 2014 Linkin Park Until It’s Gone 6 May, 2014

For more reviews and features, scan the QR code for Exeposé Music online

WILL SHORT

JAMES BEESON

ON In Con�lict, Owen Pallett proves himself to be the secret string genius behind Arcade Fire that he’s been for a decade. His most varied and polished solo work yet trades the almost oppressive string dominance of Heartland for an art-pop blend built more on keyboards and kinetic percussion. It ditches the fantastical conceptualism of previous works for a more personal, introspective brand of lyricism that lends signi�icantly greater depth and emotional complexity. In Con�lict lacks some of the bizarre character of Heartland, but it is a more ambitious, con�ident work, and an equally compelling one. HUGH DIGNAN

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Festival Focus Pullout 2014

FRONT PAGE BY MAGENTA FOX

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

1-25 August

REVIEW TEAM

Exeposé Arts are looking for reviewers for the summer festival season. If you’re planning on going anywhere already or want us to try and get you press tickets for something, drop us an email at arts@exepose. com!

Alfie Moore swaps crime for comedy

Sarah Gough, Arts Editor, interviews comedian Al�ie Moore ahead of his Edinburgh Festival Fringe show The Naked Stun ALFIE MOORE, cop turned comic, is How would you describe your style returning to the Edinburgh Festival of comedy? Fringe for the third time this year with AM: I didn’t talk about the police to his brand new stand-up show The Na- start with. I met Rhod Gilbert in 2008 ked Stun. One of the stars of ITV’s Show and he told me I needed to start talking Me The Funny, Moore has already about being a cop, that supported the likes of Sarah people would be Alfie came Millican, Russell Kane and interested. Last Milton Jones on their nayear I went 3rd in Dave’s tional comedy tours. to EdinFunniest Joke of the His anecdotal wit conburgh with tinues to attract more Fringe Award (2013) with: a show and more proli�ic ata b o u t “I’m in a same-sex tention, with his own gambling marriage… BBC Radio Four show but everyIt’s a Fair Cop set to be one I spoke the sex is broadcast in July. I spoke to, like youralways the same” to Al�ie before his recent self, just wantperformance at Exeter Phoeed to talk about nix. me being a policeman. Now it’s taken over So crime into comedy isn’t the most my set. logical career progression. What happened there? You’ve supported Sarah Millican, AM: I’m still technically a cop, I’m on Milton Jones and Russell Kane on sabbatical. I loved the police, I’d com- tour, how was that? pleted 18 years of service and just AM: Yeah it was a great experience. passed my inspector’s exams. Having They’re top comedians with different always loved a laugh, I appeared on styles, it’s amazing to watch those peoITV’s Show Me The Funny, which was ple and how they interact with the aubasically an X Factor for comedians. dience. Everyone thinks TV is a young A London based management agency person’s game but these guys are testaliked what they saw and took me on ment to how us middle aged fogies can tour. I had to decide whether to accept break through. a promotion as inspector or sleep on people’s settees as a stand-up comedi- Does Sarah Millican eat as many an. My wife was supportive of the lat- cakes as she makes out? ter, so I went for it. AM: She used to say her love handles

were her cake shelves and she was always unashamedly tweeting her interval snacks.

Tell me a bit about your Edinburgh show this year. AM: I’m performing in Assembly George Square Studios and I’m there for the full run: the end of July up until 26 August. The show is called The Naked Stun and I’m talking about tracking down a serial �lasher. What’s your favourite thing about the Fringe Festival? AM: It’s a fabulous place. It’s so vibrant with all the street theatre and there’s just live entertainment at every bar and on every street corner. I love it.

Why do you think Edinburgh has become the best place to break through as a comedian? AM: It’s the largest comedy festival in the world so it’s become an industry showcase. It’s where well connected media people gather. My Radio 4 series has been commissioned as a result of a BBC producer walking into my Edin-

burgh show. One night I shook David Mitchell’s hand on the way out, we went for a drink and then, completely unexpectedly he tweeted to his 1.5 million twitter followers about my show being his favourite of the Fringe. It’s a place where people are so interested in what you do, not due to PR or marketing as such, but due to a shared interest. If a show is eye catching, industry professionals may just wander in. Any advice for comics starting out at Edinburgh Fringe? AM: Keep your expectations low. There were 950 comedy venues last year, you have to expect small audiences. You spend a lot of time �lyering so it’s a lot of hard work before you’ve even started performing. I also wouldn’t harbour an expectation for being discovered, you might be disappointed. Work hard, don’t go out on the pop every night, treat it as work or the show will suffer. But more than anything, just have a laugh. Al�ie Moore, ‘A Naked Stun’, Assembly George Square Studios, 6-24 August

Society Spotlight

Exeter Revue’s Sketchy At Best 2-23 August, Ciao Roma

IN their inaugural year, modest geniuses The Exeter Revue are returning from their hugely unsuccessful safari holiday to Basildon to bring you an hour of surreal sketches and songs heavily in�luenced by their own work. Only a year ago the idea of a laughter-inducing troupe was conceived over some lagers and now said troupe, the �irst from Exeter, are taking on the biggest comedy festival in the world. Considered “The UK’s �inest student sketch troupe” (Darren’s mum) they’re making their Fringe debut with a show full of bizarre scenarios, daft characters and mistakes so small you’ll only notice them once

you’ve left. They’re so excited to be heading to the Fringe and through both rehearsed and improvised madness, are desperate to put Exeter comedy on the metaphorical map. They’ve had great support at their Revue and improv. shows this year, so come and laugh at them amongst the beer and cheer of sumptious Scotland! . Whilst bodily presence is delightful, �inancial support is preferred - Edd needs some new glasses - so donate to the worthiest of worthy causes on their hubbub page: www.hubbub. net/p/theexeterrevue Follow them on twitter @TheExeterRevue for potential updates (they might be too busy drinking).

EUTCo’s A History of Falling Things 1-16 August, The Space, Royal Mile

A HISTORY of Falling Things follows the story of two young people in their journey to overcome Keraunothnetophobia, a rare and limiting fear of being hit by falling satellites. Through this light hearted and romantic piece Robin and Jacqui

develop an online relationship, con�ined to the safety of their bedrooms. As their connection strengthens they begin to explore the origins of their fears, questioning whether the security of their indoor existence is a fair exchange for happiness, or if the dangers of the outside world are worth the risk for love. The most exciting part of our process so far has been developing two adaptations of the same play due to our alternating cast. Both pairs interpret the characters of Jacqui and Robin in their own unique and creative way presenting a different take on the show each night. We can’t wait to perform at the Bike Shed as part of Ignite before taking our play to London and then the Edinburgh Fringe in August.

Theatre With Teeth get dirty

Bethany Stuart, Arts Editor, interviews Ben Seward and Kate Lines, Director and Assistant Director, about their upcoming production Dirty Decadence, the first Exeter student ballet to head to the Edinburgh Fringe

WHEN seven close friends escape to a country estate for a weekend of fun, things begin to fall apart as the group’s indulgences cross the boundaries between friendship and love. Theatre With Teeth’s Dirty Decadence is a bold and innovative step from the University’s ambitious theatre society. Describing their production as “Matthew Bourne on LSD”, I was intrigued to talk to the brains behind what is sure to be a beautiful show. So what is Dirty Decadence all about? TWT: It’s inspired by a play called Posh by Lydia Wade. It captures the type of society where money doesn’t matter, where it’s not thought about - the Made in Chelsea generation. We used this to develop the story, it’s about a group of friends who stab each other in the back. It’s quite �lirty and seductive but at the same time the characters are real and tangible. In terms of performance it’s a contemporary ballet using a mix of classical and dubstep to give the ballet a really urban edge.

Staging a ballet in reasonably small venues must have its problems? TWT: It’s quite a simplistic set with just a dining room table in the middle and we use the props within the choreography so we’ve worked around it. In Edinburgh we’ll only have 50 minutes before we have

to leave the venue and the performance is 40 minutes, so that’ll be interesting.

How dif�icult was it to �ind a group of talented dancers? TWT: All the dancers are from the University, across all three years. There’s no big dance company at the uni so we held open auditions throughout the Drama department. They’re all of a really high standard though. There are three boys, and obviously there’s a gender split when it comes to ballet so the girls are more technically advanced, but the boys offer a real strength.

TOP TIPS BEFORE YOU GO

Get hold of a programme as soon as you can! They’re out on 5 June. Order one from the Fringe website Book tickets for any big names early to avoid disappointment. Top comedians will especially sell out very quickly All Edinburgh accommodation is expensive in the festival season but the University often rent out rooms pretty cheaply

WHEN YOU’RE THERE

Go for the most random thing on the programme and be pleasantly surprised

Whereabouts will you be performing? TWT: We’re performing a preview at the Exeter Phoenix on 3 and 4 June as part of the Ignite Festival and then we’ll be up in Edinburgh performing at the C Venue.

Visit Frankenstein’s pub at midnight Inbetween shows go and have a gander in The Red Door Gallery

Are you excited for Edinburgh? TWT: We’re the �irst dance show from the University to be taken to Edinburgh so it really is one of a kind. We think it’s really new, fresh and exciting because we’re putting together strong narratives, strong characters and new music. We’re really breaking boundaries.

If you talk to Christian Evangelists they give you free hot chocolate Drink Ginger Grouse, obviously Download the Fringe app, it makes life so much easier

Dirty Decadence, Exeter Pheonix 3-4 June, Edinburgh’s C Venue 30 July-21 August

BoomTown: Cat got your tongue? Exeposé Music brings you an interview with Melbourne’s Cat Empire, set to headline BoomTown Fair this summer

The release of your latest album Steal the Light saw you celebrate ten years since your �irst album. How does it feel to look back? CE: I suppose it depends in what mood I’m looking back. In terms of miles travelled, hotels checked into, sound checks completed, band meetings endured, it feels like a very long time. But that’s not the reason I keep coming back to it, that’s the work, the linear passage. Making music, live and in the studio, in the eclectic and curious way we do, is the less de�inable and more enjoyable experience. When it’s a good show for example, being on stage is like returning to a familiar dream, you can’t really remember the feeling that made it great, until you’re up there and in it again. That’s where it’s interesting for me, and that has its own deceptive way of renewing itself. Your performance at BoomTown Fair this August will see you return to the UK festival circuit for the �irst time since 2007, that’s a whole seven years hiatus. What kept you away from our festivals for so long? Did the biblical mud at Glastonbury have anything to do with it? CE: No, I loved the biblical mud at

Glastonbury. There’s an image stuck in my head of a gumboot deserted in the mud, as if waiting for some deranged Cinderella to come claim it… The band has been more or less having an affair with different countries from year to year, a kind of juggling act, mixed into that children keep appearing (our drummer Will has four kids under four for example), and so we just missed the summer festivals in the UK for a while. Damn, seven years? Really. We better make it count in 2014! BoomTown festival crowds have been requesting you perform since 2009, and now to be closing the Town Centre stage on the Sunday night, do you have any secret plans up your sleeve to give the festival an almighty closing party? CE:: It sounds amazing. Closing festivals is the best. There’s a sort of delirium that accompanies the set, and that’s usually where a band like ours comes to life. Sleeves will be rolled up, but no secret plans yet. The site and the line up look great, it’s exciting to be going.

Is there much difference between festival crowds and an audience at an indoor gig? CE: Usually at an indoor show, the people there are familiar with the music, and they’re maybe listening out for subtler details and dynamics. At a festival, the �irst thing is the energy and the intent to be part of that collective spirit. A

lot of people in the audience may not have seen or heard you before, so for a band like us there’s extra freedom in that.

The band formed in Melbourne, a vibrant, exciting and very musical city, how much do you think the city had an in�luence on you musically? CE: No doubt Melbourne had a big in�luence on our music. All those qualities you gave it are true, there’s a lot of quality and artistic diversity. When I was a teenager, I’d go to the late night shows of older musicians – especially a kind of punk jazz brigade – and often play with them til late. Personally that had a distinct effect on me. On the other side to that, Melbourne is a very quiet and strange place as well, and more of my formative time has been been �illed up with an atmosphere that’s opposite to that intoxicated lively side. A lot of music, especially when it comes to writing songs, comes out of that far less de�inable, haunted space. Looking at the BoomTown line up for this year, are there any artists that you’d like to collaborate with?

CE: The line-up looks swell, and I suppose a festival is equally as important for the bands you don’t know yet. Alabama 3 would be a lot of fun to work with… they probably get this all the time (and I’ve got their albums) but that theme to the Sopranos is absolutely killer writing and production. Easy Star All Stars and Dub Side of the Moon had many hours airtime in the tour bus when it �irst came out, I’m not sure we’d make anything new with them because we’d just like to play along with that. Tinariwen is deep, I’m not sure if we could make something together, but I love listening to that sound.

Finally, what other projects have you got in the pipeline for 2014 and beyond? CE: I’m writing some songs at the moment. I haven’t even shown the band yet, so I don’t know if they will even work, but It’s a band I enjoy coming up with ideas for. We’ll see. We live in a time where a band can record a song and have it released to the world within 48 hours, so it makes the idea of writng and recording more immediately achievable. Apart from that, we’ll take it as it comes.

24:7 THEATRE FESTIVAL MANCHESTER, 18-25 JULY 2014 is the ten year anniversary of this festival which focuses on new writing and untapped acting talent. Check out all that artsy Mancunian magic in the local bars and clubs.

BEYOND THE BORDER: WALES INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

£tba, tickets available soon from www.247theatrefestival.co.uk @247theatre

CARDIFF, 4-6 JULY The perfect event for creatives and lit-lovers, the festival offers activities from Tai Chi to lantern making, alongside storytelling workshops and performances from a variety of artists, including poets, authors, singers, musicians, actors and puppeteers. £25 day, £100 weekend www.beyondtheborder.com @BTBStorytelling

MERTHYR ROCK MERTHYR TYDFIL, 17 AUGUST Cyfartha Castle provides the setting for some great light-hearted rock music with Taking Back Sunday, Reel Big Fish and The Blackout. £25 www.merthyrrock.com @merthyrrock

GLASTONBURY 25-29 JUNE The shindig attended by hippies in the 1970s has since become Britain’s largest and most famous festival, hosting the biggest acts in music, dance, comedy, theatre and circus. Metallica, Kasabian and Arcade Fire will be found on the Pyramid Stage this year. £210 (sold out) www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk @GlastoFest

THE TELEGRAPH: WAYS WITH WORDS TOTNES, 4-14 JULY A self-proclaimed “festival of ideas”, Ways With Words incorporates literary performances with educative events. Performances from poets and authors appear alongside talks on a variety of global topics, with a particular focus on science and politics. Tickets per event, prices vary www.wayswithwords.co.uk @Way_With_Words

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE EDINBURGH, 1-25 AUGUST Every year Edinburgh hosts the largest arts festival in the world. Vibrant is an understatement: last year there were 45,464 performances through August. There really is a show for everyone. Everyone goes to the Fringe to get ‘discovered’ - go and discover someone yourself! Many tickets are cheap, if not free Available from 5 June www.edfringe.com @edfringe

THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL HARROGATE, 17-20 JULY Featuring an extensive list of bestselling crime authors, including Ann Cleeves and JK Rowling as Robert Galbraith, this festival is not to be missed by lovers of crime �iction. Tickets per event, prices vary www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/ crime @TheakstonsCrime

READING & LEEDS 22-24 AUGUST Sharing the same line up in two different locations, Reading & Leeds annually host the best rock and alternative artists to dominate their main stages. Not for the light hearted, this years main acts include Arctic Monkeys and Blink 182. Weekend tickets £213 Day tickets £99.50 www.readingfestival.com www.leedsfestival.com @Of�icialRandL

END OF THE ROAD SALISBURY, 1-25 AUGUST Not to even mention the Wild Beasts and Flaming Lips, this festival sees the creation of the Gene Clark No Other Band, a mix of all the best parts of folk-synth-pop-whatever-you-want-to-call-it. £170 www.endoftheroadfestival.com @EOTR

CAMDEN FRINGE 28 JULY-24 AUGUST An alternative mix of experiemntal theatre, comedy and improv to rival Edinburgh in entertainment and scope. Exeter students are also taking a production of Entertaining Mr Sloane to Camden. Go be entertained. Tickets available 1 June www.camdenfringe.org

The best music fests BRITISH SUMMER TIME Hyde Park 3-13 July Ones to Watch: McBusted, Neil Young, Tom Jones

BRITISH SUMMER TIME does Hyde Park is consistently the �irst place to look if you’re after great music, great atmosphere and a legendary venue. In previous years, the likes of Beirut, Arcade Fire and Owen Pallett have been showcased, climaxing last year in a line-up which arguably started the real ball of fame rolling for the likes of Tom Odell and The 1975, supporting the Godfathers of rock and roll, The Rolling Stones in a festival lauded as their best ever. This year, BST does Hyde Park is back with a series of line-ups to make a music lover’s mouth water. You’ve got to hand it to this year’s organisers of BST, they’ve realised that jaded, weathered boybands may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Their solution? To cram as many of

KING OF THE MOUNTAINS Muker, North Yorkshire 4-6 July One to Watch: Kyla la Grange

In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales comes the King of the Mountains festival (potentially the best named festival this summer has to offer?) celebrating the Yorkshire Grand Depart of the Tour De France. This festival is a oneoff (for now, anyway), and yet the great selection of artists is not of a festival in its establishing stage. Featuring the likes of Paul Thomas Saunders, Kyla La Grange and To Kill a King, King of the Mountains festival offers the chance to see some of the most genuinely exciting new music with a ridiculously idyllic setting for the more poetic among you, for a price you will not �ind at any other worthy festival. Depending on how its birth is received, it’s very possible indeed that this year’s festival could be the start of a great Yorkshire tradition. We at Exeposé Music see no reason why not. Price: £39 (£44 with camping)

them as humanely possible into the line-up of Sunday and Sunday alone, for the pure indulgence of those of us who do. The recognition of McBusted as a thing now brings together hoards of weeping 19 and 20 year olds, feeling their lyrics about a great-great-greatgrandaughter who realistically is still about 700 years older than what the modern media (in all its heteronormative gender de�ining ignorance) would classify as “pretty �ine”... Maybe that’s the beauty of Busted’s thoughtful and surreal lyrics. The combination of McFly and Busted are now set to headline one of the biggest dates for reminiscing in musical history. On Sunday 6 July, it’s not only McBusted who take that stage known all too well by your angsty teenage self. They will be joined by Scouting for Girls and - wait for it the cheese-�illed four-piece

SOMERSAULT Castle Hill, North Devon 17-21 July One to Watch: Jack Johnson

Somersault Festival is one thing this summer assuring us at Exeposé Music that there is still hope for the Devonshire music scene (enter vaguely expletive clichés about how bad Exeter’s music industry is etc. etc.). With acts dominating the pop-folk genre for decades such as Jack Johnson and Ben Howard headlining, the music side of the festival has outdone itself within its own niche. Outside of music, however, there are kayaking excursions, coasteering and sur�ing, as well as long table feasts, offering the epitome of under-canvas dining/ festival mealtime experiences. All ages welcome - Somersault festival caters to both festival goers searching for great atmosphere and music, as well as families after a good few days out. Line-up: Jack Johnson, Ben Howard, Half Moon Run, Bear’s Den, Cat�ish and the Bottlemen, Nick Mulvey, Spiritualized. Price: £129.50

who angered parents (fathers) of children worldwide, Backstreet Boys. It �ills me with a little bit of self-hatred, and even more pride, to imagine belting along to the charisma-free Irish band with what was without a doubt the keychange of my childhood in ‘I Want It That Way’. Wheatus also join the line-up, and while the young-at-hearts in the crowd may no longer be able to sing along to lyrics of ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ without breaking down in tears and will most likely have to replace classic Busted lyrics with “That’s what I go to the school gates for”, but it matters not. For one day, we can cast aside our 2014 woes and pretend it’s still the good old 90s. For that one Sunday, let’s forget that the recession, ‘Blurred Lines’ and Nigel Farage ever happened, dress up in quadruple denim

KNEE DEEP Secret Location, Cornwall 1-2 August One to Watch: Eagulls

Formed �ive years ago out of the relative wasteland that is the Cornish music scene, Knee Deep has expanded from local bands performing in a friend’s back yard into a full blown two days and nights festival with over four stages and a knack for securing up-and-coming artists. The size means that just by walking the site a couple of times, you’ll end up meeting the same strangers on several occassions everyone knows everyone by the end, and thus comes the community ethos. Past line-ups have beaten the masses to see the likes of Drenge, George Ezra, Wolf Alice and Crushed Beaks. So we can only assume that if you haven’t heard of half of this years line-up, you will have soon. Line-up: Peggy Sue, Flamingods, Oliver Wilde, Islet, Rosie Lowe, Apex Collective, Parlour and Team Me. More to be announced. Price: £40

2000TREES Upcote Farm, near Cheltenham 10 - 12 July OnetoWatch:FrightenedRabbit

and a backwards cap and be a teenager again. Fangirls of Great Britain unite. For those not quite as childishly inclined, there are still the hordes of ‘reputable’ musical legends. Saturday 5 July sees the rebirth of The Libertines, supported by the drunken tones of The Pogues in what promises to be a beautifully slurred evening. The following Saturday also plays host to a legend,:Canadian born musician Neil Young will take to the stage shortly after the release of his new album A Letter Home supported by Brooklyn based The National, pioneers of “music to hate yourself to.” Alongside some of the best music Britain has to offer, the BST Family Day offers one of the most affordable options for a festival experience this summer. On Sunday 13 July, a family of four can - for a total of £90 - see the likes of Sir Tom Jones, Bootleg Beatles and 10cc on the very same stage. British Summer Time has, yet again, outdone itself in making the UK one of the best festival experiences in the world.

Another festival borne out of frustration with the corporate feel of mainstream British festivals, 2000trees presents a smaller, friendlier offering to festival season. They have a Grass Roots Festival Award under their belt, and with a capacity of 5,000 it seems like a festival very much of the people, for the people and by the people. It’s small enough to offer the sought after - and all too often lost - intimate festival experience while having a reputation well capable of attracting names to perform. Previous acts include Frank Turner and Twin Atlantic, and this year sets itself up to more than equal that. Line-up: Band of Skulls, Dan le Sac Vs. Scroobius Pip, Blood Red Shoes, Wolf Alice, Natives, Kids in Glass Houses, Johnny Foreigner. Price: £75

BOOMTOWN FAIR Winchester, Hampshire 7-10 August One to Watch: The Wailers

GREEN MAN Glanusk, Wales 14-17 August One to Watch: Beirut

BoomTown is without a doubt one of the UK’s most unique festival experiences. The lineup and location don’t adhere to the strict indie-centric festival world we have come to expect in the UK. Instead, the festival puts the best of blues, country, reggae and psychadelic dance into the spotlight. Alongside legends in their genres such as The Wailers and Shaggy, the nine themed BoomTown ‘districts’ are set to reveal the best pirates, cowboys and skankers Winchester has to offer. The established BoomTown culture of “kinship and revelry” is going to be better than ever before, and that, given the strength of last year’s festival, is no mean feat. Line-up: The Cat Empire, The Wailers, Shaggy, New Model Army, Bellowhead, Alabama 3, Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit, Chas n Dave. Price: £150

What started out as the tweedy family option on the UK festival calendar is steadily becoming a heavyweight contender with a sharp but steadily widening demographic. You can still expect more strums than gun-hand thumbs, but these days the usual folk-heavy daytime roster, céilidhs and science tents are followed by a surprisingly taut after-hours bill. Caribou, Simian Mobile Disco, The 2 Bears and Ben UFO all swoop in to bulk out this year’s programme, but it’s just the cherry on top of certainly one of the strongest line-ups of the year. Neutral Milk Hotel make a rare appearance, Kurt Vile and The War on Drugs look set to avoid each other all weekend, Beirut and First Aid Kit promise hushed singalongs and East India Youth, Sun Kil Moon and Mac DeMarco all follow superlatively acclaimed 2014 albums. And how about the dizzyingly pretty Brecon Beacons for a backdrop? Price: £135

Poetry in the heart of Cornwall Lit-Fest Natalie Clark and Chloe Glassonbury, Books Editors, interview David Woolley to discover what this year’s Bodmin Poetry Festival has to offer WHAT goes into organising a literary festival? DW: A lot more than people would think – but beyond the obvious, the trick is getting the right blend – poets who can read with each other, the known and the newcomers and a variety of voices and themes. I like to think there’s a touch of alchemy about it!

How did the festival start? DW: My partner, the poet Ann Gray, is a good friend of the poet laureate. They did a reading together at Sterts a few years back, and Carol Ann said that it would be a good place to have a festival. Ann and I have known each other for a long time as poets, active in poetry in the South West originally, although I’ve been exiled in Wales until a few years back, and when we got together nearly three years ago, Ann knew my background was in festivals, so we decided to do it. What has been your favourite performance from the past two festivals? DW: I think it would have to be last year when we brought a great young poet over from the USA. Matthew Dickman is a real rising star, and Ann had discovered his work and had got in touch with him, and been corresponding for a while. He was doing some readings in Italy at the right time, so we took a risk and funded him to come over here. For-

tunately, he has made quite a name for himself, and we got a really good crowd. He did a great reading with Anthony Caleshu, another American, who is also professor of poetry at Plymouth university. It was fabulous. That is closely followed by Jackie Kay and Fiona Benson in year one – Fi is a fabulous poet from Exeter who has just had her �irst collection - Bright Travellers - with Cape. She’s going to be big. Now in its third year, what are your hopes for the future of the festival? DW: I hope that it will continue to grow and develop, but no to grow too big. I look at successful festivals that start quite small and are really exciting – like Ledbury or Much Wenlock say, and then they get the hay fever (!) and become more and more ambitious, and grow too big, and lose their focus. For me, small is beautiful – you get time and space to really take the poetry in, meet the poets, meet other people, have a drink and a walk, in a relaxed way. If there’s too much on, it all becomes a bit of a blur. Several of the workshops allow young children to express their creativity – why did you choose to focus upon this? DW: It’s important to build interest in poetry among future generations. We also have a poet-in-schools, and we’re doing a mentoring scheme for

two teenage Cornish poets during the year. It’s also a big help when applying for funding! How important to you is it to promote local writers? DW: Very. We want the big names to come and share the stage with the best up-and-coming writers from the South West region, but also to give a platform to local writers who may have no great ambitions but enjoy sharing their work with an audience, so we have two lunchtime sessions with local poetry groups doing just that.

What made you choose the Celtic theme? DW: Well apart from the obvious fact that we’re in Cornwall, it’s the centenary of the great Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, and it just happened that there were Welsh, Irish and Scottish poets we wanted to invite, as well as Philip Gross and Rachael Allen of course who are Cornish!

How important is government funding to literary festivals? DW: Vital. I know there are some people who don’t agree with arts funding, but whatever �ield of endeavour, you have to invest in the grass roots in order to reap the rewards further on. Imagine for instance how much tourism money is coming into Wales this year because of Dylan Thomas, but when he was alive the poor guy scrabbled con-

tinually to make a living – 50 years on he’s making a fortune for Wales... The arts as a whole brings billions into the UK, but you don’t get the Les Miserables or War Horses or whatever without the Fiona Bensons or Philip Grosses, so you have to support those people. Much of the arts as a whole is a niche market, and literature is a niche of that, and poetry is an even smaller niche of that. Literature gets a very small slice of the funding cake but produces great bene�its from that funding. Look at Shakespeare, the Brontës, Jane Austen etc. What I do object to is the huge pantechnicon festivals continuing to get state funding when they get huge sponsorship, all the media attention, big audiences and still charge high prices for their tickets. I think we should be concentrating on longer-term funding for the smaller festivals, and not encouraging them to grow bigger necessarily.

We got Arts Council funding in year one, had to fund it ourselves entirely in year two, and this year have excellent funding from both ACE and Literature Works – the agency that is funded by ace to support literature in the South West. It would have made much more sense if they could fund us for three years from the beginning. Anyway, we plan to continue, to develop creatively, certainly to attract more people, but to stay small and beautiful!

Fests of the West: Hay Festival 22 May - 1 June Haye-on-Wye, Wales Founded in 1987, this is one of the biggest annual festivals in the UK and attracts a huge range of writers and artists. Here, creative individuals �lock to talk, debate, laugh and share stories. An incredible range of activities, shows and workshops are on offer at the ten day festival with something for everyone. The programme includes events for poetry, journalism, comedy, children... the list is endless. The festival has announced a major global partnership with the BBC, and will run a full programme of events, with a BBC tent full of guests including Gillian Clarke, Toni Morrison and Sebastian Faulks. Other highlighted guests and performers include; Cassandra Clare, Judi Dench, Stephen Fry, Jacqueline Wilson, Lee Mack and Benedict Cumberbatch Entry to the main festival is free, however tickets for sessions are available to purchase on their site.

Penzance Literary Festival 16 – 20 July Penzance, Cornwall “The best in the West” Penzance LitFest returns for its �ifth year. The festival is distinctive for its stand against drawing crowds by using big names, endeavouring �irst and foremost to select speakers who have a ‘story to tell’. It also seeks writers who have a passion for the West, speci�ically Cornwall. This year’s line-up so far includes historian writers, with Exetonians Roy and Lesley Adkins discussing their new book on “Jane Austen’s England”, while novelists Kate Brown and Paul Murphy will talks about the �iction of the Spanish Civil War. Various local poets and authors will also attend to host workshops for aspiring writers! Events are wide-ranging, from talks to workshops specialising in writing and self-publishing. The standard admission price for a talk is just £3, and specialist workshops are only slightly higher.

Port Eliot Festival, 24 - 27 July St. Germans, Cornwall The annual Port Eliot Festival is a celebration of words, music, ideas, and imagination. The beautiful Cornish setting provides the relaxing environment that keeps festival-goers returning year after year. This year’s line-up includes journalist and author Lauren Elkin, poet and broadcaster Luke Wright and author Paul Kingsnorth. Port Eliot also hosts the some amazingly intoxicating music acts, such as Noah and the Whale, Stornoway, Frank Turner and Annie Nightingale. Each year the festival expands to increase its appeal to younger audiences, with �lower shows, fashion and food becoming regular features of the festival. Performers are encouraged to push the boundaries, and to perform material they would avoid at the more orthodox literary festivals.

With special thanks to all those who helped to write and design Exeposé’s ‘Festival Focus’ pullout, especially project leaders Sarah Gough and Bethany Stuart (Arts Editors) as well as Tristan Gatward and Kate Burgess (Music Editors), Natalie Clark and Chloe Glassonbury (Books Editors), Magenta Fox for her front page illustrations and Gemma Joyce, Editor, and Edwin Yeung, Photographer, for design input

Diary Stoke Newington Literary Festival

North London 6-8 June Highlight: The Kinks’ frontman Ray Davies discussing his life, his music and his book Americana. Price: Tickets for each event, prices vary

Eastbourne Book Fest

Eastbourne, East Sussex 30 May–1 July Highlight: character illustration workshop held by Gillian Toft. Price: Tickets for each event, many of which are free

Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate, North Yorkshire 17–20 July Highlight: a talk with JK Rowling as Robert Galbraith. Price: Tickets for each event, prices vary

BeaconLit

Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire 28 June Highlight: crime panel event featuring UK crime novelist Stephen Booth. Price: £13.50 for a full day pass

Voewood Festival

Holt, North Norfolk 15–17 August Highlight: the eccentric setting in a grand house, featuring a variety of arts and music. Price: Day tickets from £40, weekend tickets £110

Beyond the Border: Wales International Story telling Festival

Vale of Glamorgan coast, Cardiff 4-6 July Highlight: the multiple stages featuring a huge range of obscure and wonderful literary performances. Price: £25 for a day, £100 for a weekend ticket

Crossing the Tees

Middlesbrough and Stockton 6-21 June Highlight: bestselling author of Chocolat, Joanne Harris Price: Tickets for each event, prices vary

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EXEPOSÉ

SCREEN X-Men stomp Godzilla at box office The summer battle of the box office is underway, with Bryan Singer’s latest superhero romp X men: Days of Future Past leading the pack in the box-office stakes. The film, which opened to largely positive reviews, made an estimated $90.7m in its opening weekend, and looks set to top its rivals in the box office in the next few weeks.

SCREEN

SCREEN EDITORS

Josh Mines & Ciaran Willis screen@exepose.com

Don’t forget the summer screen

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From John Green to Jonah Hill, Exeposé Screen takes an early glance at the movies coming out this summer and lets you know what you can’t afford to miss

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Director: Dean DeBlois Release date: 4 July

The Fault In Our Stars Director: Josh Boone Release date: 20 June

The Inbetweeners 2 Director: Beesley, Morris Release date: 6 August

22 Jump Street Director: Lord, Miller Release date: 6 June

DREAMWORKS Animation’s sequel to How To train Your Dragon looks to be just as visually stunning and charming as the �irst �ilm. Once again under the reigns of Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois it’s sure to soar in the box of�ice. We join the affable Viking Hiccup on the Isle of Berk �ive years on from the last �ilm. Of course, now he’s pally with the Night Fury dragon named ‘Toothless’ – in fact the islanders now

AWAY from the blockbusters, this summer sees a more low-key and heartfelt movie in an adaptation of John Green’s recent best-selling novel The Fault In Our Stars. Josh Boone, of Stuck In

I’D BEEN busy lamenting the fact that my friends and I had failed to get our acts together and book a girls’ holiday this summer – until I found out about the release of The Inbetweeners 2. All �igurative rainclouds suddenly cleared and a beam of light shone down upon me, warming my cockles and reassuring me that this summer could still be fantastic. For the boys are ditching Malia this August, jetting off to sunny Australia and allowing us once again to live out all of the hilarious, cringe-inducing moments our bank accounts (and sense of dignity) won’t let us experience.

THE SEQUEL to the uproariously funny 21 Jump Street promises laughs a-plenty. The �irst instalment saw Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill playing hapless police of�icers assigned to an operation at 21 Jump Street and posing as highschool students to foil a drugs supplier. There were crude gags and ridic-

Cannes comes to a close The Cannes Film Festival came to a close this week, with Olivier Assayas’ Clouds of Sils Maria and the much anticipated Leviathan closing the illustrious event. The prestigious Palme d’or award was taken by Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan for his drama Winter Sleep. Though the festival was a success, some critics, including The Guardian’s Jonathon Romney described this year’s event as ‘exhausting’ due to the schedule packed with Hollywood A-listers, and the abundance of films which exceeded a two and a half hour running time.

Pixar release plot outline for Inside Out Good news for animation fans as fresh details have been released by Pixar about their newest project Inside Out. The story takes audiences into the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, and introduces them to the animated representations of her emotions. So far, so good, it sounds smart, fun and full of promise, and something that we won’t want to miss out on. Fans of Pixar will still have some time to wait however, as the film is not due to be released until 2015.

Gareth Edwards to direct Star Wars spin-off film The director of Godzilla has been recruited to direct the new Star Wars spin-off movie. The movie will focus on a subsidiary character - early candidates include: Yoda , Hans Solo and Boba Fett. Edwards, who had only directed a handful of films before given the job of bringing the Japanese lizard to the big screen has completed a meteoric rise to Hollywood stardom; the success of Godzilla - garnering the biggest opening of the year comes after Monsters, a film made in his one bedroom flat in West London on a budget of £297,000.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 looks to be just as visually stunning as the first film

live happily alongside the dragons, riding around on them for sport. But trouble is coming, in the ominous form of Viking meathead Drago Bludvist, a menacing dragon hunter, with a God-awful haircut, who is darkly rolling towards Berk Island. Some new voices include the Game Of Thrones buff Kit Harington and double Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett. It should be a fun family �ilm. And you’ve got to love a good Viking saga. CIARAN WILLIS

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For Director: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller Release date: 29 August

THE FIRST Sin City was damn cool. Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller turned the latter’s graphic novel into a brooding noir thriller, shot in stylised monochrome and shimmering with sex, sleaze and violence. Violence in Tarantino’s comic-book style: overthe-top and gratuitous, blood-gleaming under neon lights, femme fatales wielding machetes. A Dame to Kill For will return to the amoral Basin City and is part prequel, part sequel to the former �ilm. It

The dialogue is funny, there’s verbal badinage and wit

Love, directs – and if the trailer’s anything to go by it will be richly shot and spine-tinglingly emotional. The story follows Hazel Grace (Shailene Woodley), a 16-year-old with terminal cancer, whose life is turned upside down when she meets Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort) at a cancer support group. The dialogue is clever and funny, there’s verbal badinage and wit. And the characters are vivid and unusual. In short, it should translate well into a movie. As ever, fans of the book will be unsure, but the �ilm has John Green’s endorsement - he’s even overseen production on the set. The cast too is a good one. This could be one of the most-touching and surprising �ilms of the summer.

CIARAN WILLIS

follows an ensemble of villains, prostitutes, bad-boys and slightly better-guys in an urban wild-west. If you like �ilms that are visually compelling, or if you like your women windswept and darkly mysterious and men to sound like they knocked back ten whiskys and had a bar-room brawl before breakfast - this is the �ilm for you. Or if you’re interested in classic cinema, in the genre of �ilm noirs, or just fancy seeing seeing something exuberantly badass, this may be for you.

I for one will be quite happy to witness all of this from the safety of my cinema seat

And I for one will be quite happy to witness all of this from the safety of my cinema seat - sunburn-free, hangover-free, ants nest-free and with a large bag of pick and mix. Enjoy your trip, boys. HANNAH BUTLER

Their bromance will continue, perhaps after couples counselling

ulous, overblown action sequences – but it did these with a sense of irony. It was surprisingly satirical and smart, often subverting conventions of the undercover cop genre; it even featured a cameo from Johnny Depp – who was in the original television series – as a heavily tattooed undercover biker. In 22 Jump Street Hill and Tatum head to college to uncover another drug operation – and, of course, do so by way of Spring Break. No doubt their bromance will continue, perhaps after some couples counselling, and Ice Cube also returns as the brilliantly foul-mouthed police captain. If it’s half as funny as the �irst, it will be worth seeing. CIARAN WILLIS

With Mickey Rourke and Jessica Alba returning and newcomers including Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Josh Brolin, the

Its shot in stylised monochrome and shimmering with sex, sleaze and violence

�ilm is an intriguing prospect; at worst it will be visually stunning and unusual - like a hot date that goes wrong, but is still pretty damn good. At best: pretty much the same. CIARAN WILLIS

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 8-10 12-13 6-7

MUSIC 14-15

SCREEN 17-18

BOOKS 20-21

ARTS 23-24

GAMES & TECH 26-27

SPORT 29-32

3 JUNE 2014 |

EXEPOSÉ

A bright past, present and future for the X-Men

SCREEN

Carmen Paddock reviews the latest X-Men �ilm and �inds it a �irst-class addition to the series X-Men: Days of Future Past Director: Bryan Singer Cast: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence Marvel Entertainment

WHILE X-Men: First Class was unquestionably a prequel to Marvel’s previous mutant franchise trilogy, the newest release blurs the timelines – it is hard to tell if it is a prequel or sequel. In the 1970s, a drug-dependent Charles Xavier has closed his school and dulled his powers to forget the pain of losing his best friend, his adopted sister, and his legs; in the present day Professor X and Magneto have joined forces in a last-ditch attempt to save the world’s mutants from the Sentinels – giant robots whose weaponised power transforms to capitalise on opponents’ weaknesses. The two venerable X-Men enlist

Wolverine to be sent back in time to stop Mystique’s assassination of Bolivar Trask which initiates the Sentinel programme. There, Wolverine must convince the young Charles of his mission, break the young Magneto out of the Pentagon’s high security prison, and �ind Mystique before the Sentinels �ind them in the present day. The all-star cast, which combines familiar faces from the originals (Halle Berry and First Class Nicholas Hoult) with new arrivals, bring the beloved characters to life with gusto. Hugh Jackman delivers his classic Wolverine, and Sir Ian McKellen and Sir

Patrick Stewart seem entirely at home in their iconic roles.

James McAvoy convincingly portray Charles’s path from utter dissolution to returned strength, and Michael Fassbender gives us an amoral yet sympathetic Magneto. While the

The all-star cast bring the beloved characters to life with gusto �ilm may overuse Jennifer Lawrence’s nude action sequences, she is given the opportunity to show Mystique’s emotional life. Peter Dinklage plays Bolivar Trask, the relentless mutant-fearing politician, with an oily �lair. The standout newcomer, however has to be Evan Peters as Pietro Maximoff. He charms the audience throughout his all-too-brief appear-

ance with his rascally �lippancy and underlying vulnerability. Bryan Singer returns to the helm for the �irst time since X2, and his direction is solid. Character-driven and action-driven scenes are well-balanced, and despite its 130-minute running time the pace never lags. Without spoiling anything, the �ilm’s ending may contain a few surprises which further convolute the time relationship between the two series. It will be incredibly interesting to see where the franchise’s creative team goes from here – whether the past and present will further overlap, or some characters disappear as just one storyline continues. After this impressive installment both diehard Marvel fans and casual �ilmgoers will be eagerly awaiting the 2016 �inale.

Ex On The Beach BAFTAs: the winners and losers

The incendiary results of stranding Emma Sudderick , Online Screen Editor, looks at who won bachelors on an island with their exes and who was unceremoniously snubbed at this year’s BAFTAs

BUOYED by a pun-tastic name and an innovative premise, this new reality TV venture sees MTV gather a bunch of attractive singletons in an idyllic location, throw in their exes one by one, and wait for the inevitable sparks to �ly. In the �ive episodes that have aired so far, there has been drama aplenty: a resident meddler has been at work, cheating revelations have been spilled, romances have been resurrected and one quite possibly psychotic ex-girlfriend has emerged – we’re looking at you, Frankie. Whilst aware that this is not the place for some high-brow indulgence, the show has produced many commendable one-liners to tickle the funny bone, whilst raising some interesting questions on the politics of relationships. How jealous should he really be getting? Is she being too �lirtatious with someone else’s man? Is it acceptable to be blabbing your mouth off after a conquest? Constantly reminded of the imminent arrival of a new “ex”, the show sustains its fast pace throughout, whilst the numerous twists and turns so far means a web of crushes, loyalties and betrayals is now in place – a concoction that is swiftly shaping up to be a lot juicer than the freshly squeezed kind behind the beach bar.

The series is not particularly complimentary of the male species, however, and may make some despair for the modern perma-tan man. Shallowness and vanity came forth in the latest episode in particular, as one

A concoction a lot juicier than the freshly squeezed kind behind the bar

gentleman complained how the girls have “too much self-respect”, whilst newest arrival Joss - within seconds of being on screen - kissed his bicep. Leaving these two marooned once the series ends would be my vote, please. If you wade through trashy prejudice towards Ex On The Beach and take it as it comes, it is undeniable fun that provides buckets and spades of drama, shaping into a perfect sandcastle of addictive TV. If this tv treat washes up on your shore any time soon, don’t throw it back in the ocean.

THERE were tears and pride in abundance as the BAFTA’s 2014 came to a close. The show had so many highlights that it would be hard to sum them up in a long article - never mind a short one. Complete with the typical outlandish humour of Graham Norton and witty acceptance speeches, the awards were charming and exciting. It was a dif�icult call in many of the categories and, particularly for the International Award and Best Actress, almost impossible to make a judgement. Perhaps the highlight of the entire show was the acceptance speech from Richard Ayoade, who won Best Male Comedy Performance for his role in The

IT Crowd special last year. Using his exquisite and unusual charm, Ayoade said how he hoped it would “be an inspiration to other nasal men with no facial expression or emotion.” A personal high point of mine was screaming for Doctor Who to win the Radio Times Audience award so violently that both my cats and my mother left the room. Let’s be honest, what’s better than looking at both David Tennant and Matt Smith on one screen at the same time? Unfortunately, it was a bit slow going for the Doctor Who team to accept their award. Such modesty on their part meant they didn’t have anyone prepared to

go up to the podium. What a kerfuf�le. Ant and Dec were the proud, yet expected, recipients of both the Entertainment Performance and Entertainment Programme awards for their Saturday Night Takeaway. An exhausting night came to a close with a heart-warming and comically enlightening presentation of the Fellowship Award to Julie Walters, who received a standing ovation. Her �irst statement was to order everyone to sit back down as it had been a long night, ever the mother of British Television. For a full list of the nominees and winners, and to see the speeches, have a look at Screen Online.

JAMES PIDDUCK

What’s hot and what’s not in this week’s ﬁlm news? EDGAR WRIGHT - the Shaun Of The Dead director’s role in the upcoming Marvel movie Ant-Man is up in smoke like an ant under a magnifying glass - all due to arguments over rewrites of Joe Cornish’s script.

Stranded with the ex

RYAN GOSLING - here at Exeposé Screen we are professedly big Ryan Gosling fans. So it pains us to admit that his �irst �ilm as director, Lost River, was widely criticised at Cannes. It’ll be ok, Ryan.

WINTER SLEEP - as hot as winter? That’s right. The Turkish drama �ilm directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan took the top award at Cannes - Palme d’Or. As the longest �ilm though, 196 minutes, long, it may put you to sleep.

TIMOTHY SPALL - the British performer won the best actor award at Cannes for his portrayal of artist JMW Turner. An emotional Spall said he was ‘always a bridesmaid, and now at last a bride’ - frankly, the idea of Spall in a wedding dress terri�ies me.

X-MEN - the �ilm is pretty hot, taking over $90 million in three days in the U.S. A more accurate indicator is how it has students talking and �locking to the cinema - I missed a sold out show and wasforced to go to the pub instead. Shame.

X-Men

BOOKS

NEWS 1-5

COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 8-10 12-13 6-7

BOOKS On the Road – Jack Kerouac Why not try The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry – Rachel Joyce If the physical journey in Kerouac’s novel appealed to you, consider trying Joyce’s recent novel. Admittedly, the characters’ journey is where the similarities end – since Joyce’s novel follows an elderly retired man, Harold, on a journey by foot from Cornwall to Scotland. Nonetheless, it is a charming rendition of a literary journey, made all the more poignant by Harold’s passing through Exeter. A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini Why not try Half the Sky: How to Change the World – Kristof and Wuddun If Hosseini’s moving tale of two Afghan women left you interested to learn more about the plight of women across the world, Half the Sky is essential reading. The non-fiction provides an honest, brutal account of the lives of real women throughout Africa and Asia, and truly opens the eyes to the horrors many brave women continue to face in the fight for gender equality. The White Queen – Philippa Gregory Why not try Assassin’s Apprentice – Robin Hobb The White Queen is a book of court intrigue, power struggles and political mysteries. Hobb’s book offers a fantasy take on the world of royal courts, with a dramatic plot featuring a mysterious threat to the royal empire. If warring princes and an insecure heir to the throne sounds like your type of book, Assassin’s Apprentice could be worth your time. Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding Why not try The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic – Sophie Kinsella. Far better than the Americanised film adaptation, this book series is the classic London romantic comedy. Becky Bloomwood is a financial journalist with a serious shopping addiction. Her life’s story can be told from her credit card statement and with the bank breathing down her neck, they’re getting harder and harder to ignore. Retail therapy is her life, can she escape from this dreamworld of unlimited spending, and find true love? Secret Dreamworld is a hilarious pick-meup that is undoubtedly better than its screen adaptation.

NATALIE CLARK AND CHLOE GLASSONBURY, BOOKS EDITORS

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Geek Girl: an author interview

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Christy Ku, Online Books Editor, talks bullying, books and bestsellers with winner of Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2014 Holly Smale HOLLY SMALE spent most of her teenage years being bullied before being spotted by a top London modelling agency when she was 15, yet nothing changed at all. Picture Perfect is the latest novel in the international best-selling Geek Girl series, following teenage geek Harriet Manners. Online Editor Christy asked her about the series and its inspiration...

Can you tell us about the idea behind Geek Girl? HS: I wanted to write a comedy about my experience as a teenage model, and it wasn’t until I wrote the �irst line, unplanned - “My name is Harriet Manners, and I am a geek” - that I realised it wasn’t really a story about modelling at all: it was a story about geeks, and being an outsider. As it turns out, I had a lot more experience in both those things than I ever did in the fashion world, so the rest felt like the right story for me to tell.

I really loved how the transformation of Harriet Manners didn’t quite work in the conventional sense. Often, plot lines revolve around the Cinderella theme where a mis�it is “improved” before being accepted and loved. How important do you feel it is to challenge this? HS: I think it’s essential. I always had a problem with the Ugly Duckling story, because what were we supposed to learn from it? Become beautiful and everyone will like you? Look ugly or different and you’re on your own? Even before I started Geek Girl I was toying with ideas to turn that fairytale on its head, and Harriet gave me the perfect way to do it. In fact, I loved playing with all the fairytales and twisting them. Traditional fairytales were created to pass on morals, and those morals are no longer right or relevant today: particularly as a woman who doesn’t see marriage and obedience as a destination. I think it’s really important to challenge those messages wherever possible, and to show that you don’t need to change to be accepted and loved. As you were bullied at school, do you feel writing about that topic gave you an ability to express those experiences and reach out to those going through the same thing? HS: Absolutely. I was bullied from the

age of six to the age of 16 - that’s a decade of feeling scared and not good enough - and I’m quite passionate about how damaging that can be to a child. The majority of Geek Girl is made up, but

the scene where everyone puts their hands up to say they hate Harriet: that was true. It happened on my �irst day at secondary school, and it had an enormous impact on how I felt about myself for a long time. It was incredibly cathartic to write, and I’ll admit I was bawling by the end of it. It seems silly as an adult you’d just laugh it off, or tell everyone where to go - but as a child that disturbs some kind of fundamental path of emotional growth. I just hope that Geek Girl perhaps inspires children going through similar experiences to realise they’re not on their own, and it does get better. Judging from the love your audience has for the series, would you say success is the best revenge (Nice shout out to ‘Alexa’ in the acknowledgements by the way)? HS: I used to have fantasies when I was younger about doing something brilliant and then rubbing it

My bully gave me the story that gave me a bestselling novel

in “Alexa’s” face. Now I’m older, I’ve realised I don’t need to. I’m a fulltime writer, I have my dream job, I’m happy: it’s the ultimate revenge, and I don’t even need her to know. I also love the irony that while I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was four, it was my bully who gave me the story that gave me a number one bestselling novel. There’s a beautiful kind of symmetry and justice in that, I think. How much of your modelling experience did you use? Do you feel you gained much from it at all? HS: Other than being spotted at the Clothes Show in Birmingham - that

did happen - the modelling shoots in the ‘Geek Girl’ books are all completely imaginary, but I have enough knowledge after two years’ experience on photo-shoots plus years as

an adult working in magazines and PR to have a pretty solid base to invent from. I wish I could say I enjoyed modelling more than I did but, to be honest, I was too young, shy and confused to appreciate the opportunity: it was only in hindsight that I saw how fascinating it really was. I spent two years waiting for someone to realise they’d made a mistake, and I regret that now. It really was a great adventure. There are a LOT of unusual facts in your books - did you actually know them all? HS: No; sadly, I’m nowhere near as smart as Harriet! I ran out of my own unusual facts pretty quickly, so I research them all, via books or the internet. I always know exactly what I’m looking for, though - I �it the facts around what I’m trying to express so that makes it easier. And I try to remember them, so I’m gradually catching up! How was your university experience? If you were writing during that time, how did you balance your studies with writing? HS: Like almost every other student in England, I spent my �irst year trying to make friends, partying and avoiding studying. Then, from the second year on, I started focusing. I never, ever thought I’d actually be an ‘author’ - it was a dream, not a viable job option - so I focused on journalism. I wrote a lot for the student newspaper, worked as Features Editor and wrote a fair bit for local magazines. For three years, I juggled essays and reading with waitressing, bar work, editing the paper and writing my own pieces. Sad to say, but something usually has to give, timewise, and in my case I missed parties, nights out and time with my boyfriend so I could work to earn money or write.

Do you suffer from writer’s doubt? How do you overcome it? HS: I suffer badly from doubt and anxiety, and have been totally frozen by it for months. Now I know a little bit more - �ingers crossed - and I know the fear is always going to be there: you just have to shut it up, kick it to the side and tell it that words are just words: there aren’t right ones and wrong ones, just different ones to choose. Nobody is expecting you to be Henry James or Jane Austen, and they aren’t carved on your face. You can write them again. So get them down and worry if they’re perfect afterwards (they never will be).

What can we expect from Picture Perfect? HS: It’s quite a different book to the �irst two, and I did that on purpose; it’s boring for both reader and writer if you stick to the same thing. This time, Harriet and her family move to America and Harriet gets into trouble. She’s growing up and changing, and with that come some pretty messy lessons to learn: about love, about friendship, about who she is and what she wants. I so love going on that journey with her. And �inally, do you have any advice for our Geek Girls? HS: Just be yourself, all the time, and be proud of who that is, whoever it is. It took me far too many years to work that out. I spent a long time trying to be - and write - like someone else. Geek Girl: Picture Perfect will be out as a hardback and available in e-book format from 5 June 2014.

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The pastel-cover police: sexism in the books industry BOOKS

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Condensed Classics Tess of the D’Urbevilles Thomas Hardy (1891) “So each had a private little sun for her soul to bask in; some dream, some affection, some hobby, or at least some remote and distant hope....” TESS’ story is one of love, loss and tragedy. We first meet Tess Durbeyfield when she is young, naïve and soon to be sent by her parents to make their fortune with the D’Urbervilles. It is here that she falls into the merciless grasp of Alec who is responsible for all her subsequent misfortunes. Tess is the novel that never fails to make me cry. Our heroine is subjected to seemingly endless sorrow, personified in the brief life of her baby. After being fleetingly reunited with her husband Angel Clare, her story abruptly ends, leaving the reader with the understanding that “justice was done, and the President of the Immortals […] had ended his sport with Tess.”

Fiona Potingy condemns literature’s gendered genre expectations THE LAST thing I read on a beach was A Clockwork Orange. You know the one: Alex, his “droogs,” and moloko-induced super-violence a-plenty. “Aren’t you going to read something a bit, y’know, lighter?” queried a friend, noting the words “rape”, “drugs” and “terrible thrills” in the blurb. My mistake, I should have left the orange slice of dystopia at home, and pulled a book from the airport’s ranks of cakey-coloured italic-titled classics (‘Crazy Confession,’ ‘Dinner for Three,’ ‘All the Right Notes…’) with names so generic I could have (and did) make them up. These books are the sickliest sweet of the literary patisserie; one or two is �ine, three or four, and you’ll be nauseated with the all too heavy helpings of cliché cream. I am, of course, quite literally judging the books by their cover, and,

moreover (yet unintentionally), by their genre. Unfortunately, women’s �iction has now become synonymous with “chick lit”, which means that the very mention of the genre triggers secretions from the Gilmour Gland (astutely named after the Canadian literary professor who recently claimed he would only teach “serious heterosexual guys”) warning the avid male reader to stay well away, whilst providing other helpful assertions such as, “women can only do soppy” and “women just aren’t funny.” Publishers’ persistence to brand female works as women’s �iction, coating them in pastel pink icing, seems, therefore, to equate a subtler way of saying “vaginas only – gritty �iction upstairs.” Naturally, you’ve got to expect a few Bridget Jones’ knock-offs, but why shouldn’t we also anticipate the visceral, t h e

physical or the action-packed? These simple aesthetic assumptions cost women writers half their potential readership, and starve this same half of a new, feminine perspective. Could this account for the fact that just 27 per cent of books reviewed by The London Review are by women? Donning my Twitter wings, I asked Joanne Harris, woman and writer of Chocolat, who responded: “Women have a tendency to be self-effacing... Too many women writers put themselves down, describing their work as ‘chick lit’. What man would ever call his love story ‘chick lit’?” And it’s true. We see this re�lected in the eyes of the reviewer too. Over-simplistic synopses classify Michelle’s tongue-in-cheek work as “delicate, amusing and charming”, while Michael’s similar piece enjoys the strapline: “an emotionally-astute satire.” A review of Eimear McBride’s The Girl is a Half-Formed Thing praises it simultaneously as “dazzling” whilst complimenting it on “not being a beach read” – it’s this quiet supposit i o n that under-

it as a medium to present a �ictional yet highly believable narration of the twisted depths of developing science and the rift between classes. His narrative is split between the �irst person viewpoints of Dr Younger, a Harvard graduate specialising in the emerging �ield of psychoanalysis who is given the task of hosting Freud and his peers during their stay in New York, and Coroner Hugel and Inspector Littlemore during their investigation of a series of particularly chilling and rehearsed murders. As the attacks continue, with no hope in catching the offender, all hope rests within the repressed memories of a young Miss Acton, who survives one of the ritualised attacks of the sick killer. As the investigation becomes continually thwarted by the corruption of Manhattan’s legal systems in the wake of upcoming mayoral elections, it seems all hope lies

on Doctor Younger and his attempts to use his expertise in a new strand of radical therapy to bring the truth to light out of the subconscious corners of his new patient’s mind. The Interpretation of Murder is a gripping and enlightening novel, full to the brim with academic indulgences and historical insight, whilst providing enough material to cause you to individually question the routes and origins of the most primal expressions of our behaviour. Rubenfeld’s academic abilities strongly shine alongside the grace and intricacy of writing style, and I recommend anybody regardless of chosen department, be it English, Psychology, Medicine, History and so on, to pick up this book and become truly engrossed.

OLIVIA PAINE

Any Last Words? WE asked for your dream literary setting to visit on holiday this year... The world of The Wind in the Willows. Tonnes of places to kick back and relax (and of course there is always the option of tearing shit up with Mr. Toad in his car). ROB HARRIS Verona. Cliché but every girl needs that balcony moment… finding Romeo may prove more problematic. SOPHIE HARRISON Gatsby’s mansion, of course. CHRISTY KU Enid Blyton’s The Secret Island, complete with the willow house built by the children. JOSH CREEK Rivendale from Lord of the Rings the luxury of elf hospitality! NATALIE CLARK

The Interpretation of Murder Jed Rubenfeld (Headline Review £7.99)

DESPITE what the title may make you think, this book is as much of a crime and murder mystery novel as it is a highly meticulous commentary on the development of human science, society and psychology. Rubenfeld’s debut novel plays on the brief period of history where Dr Sigmund Freud and his contemporaries embarked on an academic trip to Manhattan in 1909 for a series of lectures in America’s most prestigious universities. In his real memoirs, this trip is referred to with much resentment. Rubenfeld takes this opportunity to dive deep into the realms of early 20th century society and uses

LIAM MONSEL

mines the genre, and stalls female success. As Cordelia Fine’s Delusions of Gender shows us, “you can make women perform badly in a test just by telling them that it’s normally the sort of thing women can’t do.” So tell a woman she can’t write decent prose, and… Then again, in an era where we genderlessly say “actor”, “�ire�ighter” and “chairperson” must we really gender our genres? And who does this bizarre categorisation serve? One female writer recently dubbed it “the kiss of death”, choosing to opt for a pseudonym instead. Having one’s work labelled “Women’s Fiction” is like a pointless kind of positive discrimination where no one bene�its. Maybe authors of the pre-feminist Austen-era needed a leg-up when �irst �inding their voice, but now literary heroines should be able to stand alongside their male counterparts. To Dickens there is Dickinson, to Proust there is Plath, and to Rankin there is Rowling: it’s time to merge the Wikis, throw away departmental signs, and banish bookish sexism once and for all.

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Exeter Ignite set to be bigger than ever

Ignite Festival Bethany Stuart, Arts Editor, spoke to performer and theatre-maker Viki 2-7 June 2014

A History of Falling Things @ Bike Shed Theatre 3 June The Tempest @ Cygnet Theatre 3 June Peter and the Wolf (& Me) @ Exeter Pheonix 3 June

Dirty Decadence @ Exeter Pheonix 3-4 June Coated In Love @ Exeter Phoenix 3-4 June Gawain and the Green Knight @ Cathedral 3-7 June Gloriator @ Bike Shed Theatre 4, 5 & 7 June O and O Don’t Do Edinburgh: We’re Dead Serious. People Just Keep Laughing. @ Exeter Pheonix 5 June Joking for Justice @ Exeter Pheonix 5 June Impermanence Dance Theatre: Trust In Ideas @ Rougemont Gardens 6 June The Bread and the Beer @ Bike Shed Theatre 6-7 June Are You Lonesome Tonight? @ The Hall 6-7 June A Fool’s Proof @ Exeter Pheonix 6-7 June Put Your Sweet Hand In Mine @ Bike Shed Theatre 6-7 June Shakespeare In Hell @ Exeter Pheonix 7 June Fin Taylor @ The Hour Glass 7 June

Browne about the festival putting Exeter’s arts scene on the map VIKI BROWNE is an Exeter-based director, theatre-maker, performer and co-director of Jointventure Theatre. She offered us her insights on all things Ignite, from behind the scenes to on stage. You’re involved in all aspects of the Festival, what’s your favourite role? VB: I’m a theatre-maker �irst and foremost, I love theatre generally. I’m a solo performer so I have to produce my own work. Luckily I have a lot of experience what with working at the BikeShed Theatre and The Hall, and also I did a lot of it at university.

The festival has moved from being just a local festival, to an event for Exeter

So, it sounds like it’s going to be a huge year for the festival? VB: Yeah, 2014 is going to be the biggest year for Ignite yet. We’ve got more internationally renowned acts than ever. It’s really exciting for the city. As an example of the standard of work we’ve got loads of London companies coming down and headline acts like Don Quixote by Tom Frontland and Keir Cooper which was featured in the 2013 British Council Showcase. The festival has moved from being just a local festival to an event for Exeter. As a performer I would say it’s in the top �ive fringes in terms of programme.

How does Ignite differ from the likes of Arts on the Move? VB: This year Ignite is completely seperate from Arts on the Move. We’re creating a mixture of theatres and unconventional performance venues such as the cathedral: we’re incorporating the whole of Exeter. This year it’s only lasting for a week rather than a fortnight because we found that the concentration was more effective, people get more excited and there’s a great buzz of people travelling around the city taking part. Is there any underlying competition between the venues? VB: Actually not at all, everyone helps each other out with �lyering, retweeting and supporting each other, which is really rare. We have meetings every week. There’s a movement in Exeter trying to unite the arts based organisations so they come together as a force. Arts in the city feeds into each other to create an exciting buzzing scene - working on a Bristolean model. What are your top picks? VB: I would de�initely go and see Victoria Melody’s show Major Tom, it’s about a woman who enters her dog into a Crufts-like competition and when he fails miserably tries her luck as a beauty queen. What make it great is she’s an ethnographic artist - so she actually lives the experiences she recreates on

stage. She’s actually done it! For anyone who just wants to laugh for twenty minutes straight I would suggest Gloriator, a female version of Gladiator as they act out all the female roles with a load of cardboard. It’s nonstop

slapstick comedy.

Any tips for the festival in general? VB: If you head down on Friday or Saturday you’ll be able to watch shows from 12pm to about 10pm

- there’s so much going on. Also, Rougemont gardens will be turned into a kind of h u b where y o u can get reviews, p r o grammes and sample the Cocktail Caravan. Viki will be performing HELP! at The Hall on 5 June at 6pm, 6 June at 4.30pm and 7 June, at 6pm so go and check her out!

Hopes for The Hall, Exeter’s new cultural hub

Kitty Howie previews Exeter’s overhauled performance space as it opens its doors for Ignite

THE HALL, Exeter’s new interdisciplinary performance venue, will be hosting part of the Ignite Festival. This comes as exciting news and provides the unique opportunity to visit and interact with the un�inished venue, which hopes to of�icially open in 2015 after a major focused refurbishment. The refurbishment, headed up by a local family who bought the venue about two years ago, has been heavily reliant on the force and enthusiasm of volunteers. The project has been motivated and inspired by a spirit of inclusivity and opportunity for all. The venue sits on Stepcote Hill, just off Fore Street in the lower part of town. The venture will be more than a space dedicated solely to performance and aims to become a new focal point for the community. It will have a wide and varied agenda which will provide opportunities to participate in a huge array of charitable,

artistic, culinary and social events alongside theatrical and musical performances. Moreover, the venue, likely to be the new cultural bastion of Exeter, is also a Community Interest Company. This means that all pro�its the space makes will be invested back into the local community. Over the past year the owners have charted the venue’s refurbishment progress over social media, emphasising the strong ethos of community engagement and involvement. Amey Collins, a third year Drama student, has had the pleasure of get-

ting down and dirty in the venue’s refurbishment process: “Working with Alexei at The Hall has been a fantastic experience. It’s such a great resource for the local community, its history is fascinating and I can’t wait to see how it can bene�it Exeter in the future.” Ignite Theatre Festival will be the �irst public event at The Hall since it closed as a theatre over �ive years ago. Alexei, one of the organisers, said: “The Ignite Festival was just too much of a good opportunity to miss, ready or not. This festival could easily grow to be the jewel in the crown in Exeter’s cultural diary and

we would do anything to be a part of it. The Bike Shed have led the way for some time and it’s time we all got behind important projects like this. Exeter has never been so ready for it.” The four shows that have made their home in The Hall during Ignite, are ‘Don Quixote’, ‘HELP!’, ‘Breakers’ and ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ Of particular note is Tom Franklin’s ‘Don Quixote’. The play is running every day at 8pm and boasts four star reviews from The Guardian and Time Out. Ticket prices are decent – the way Ignite works is simple: the more shows you see, the cheaper each performance works out. Despite facing many setbacks, particularly regarding planning permission, The Hall plans to be fully refurbished by 2015. For more information on Ignite and The Hall visit www.thehallexeter.org

EXEHIBITION 24

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MUSIC 14-15

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Every issue, Exeposé Arts features a student and their art. This week, it’s second year English student, Graham Eveleigh, script writer of Xpression FM’s Union Road “I WAS brought up on a diet of soaps, really – there’s something about the shape of them that just downloaded into my head (thanks, mum). And I just came along to Xpression Scripted and said, ‘we should be doing something every week. We have the time, the facilities, the talent. Why not?’ A soap seemed a logical progression – Exeter’s first! Union Road is not an easy thing to write, direct or run. The ambition of the project was challenging from the start, but I was adamant not to scale back and compromise what the show was. Plus soaps are deceptively complicated in their design. You

Once Phoenix Theatre, London 11 April 2014 IT would be understandable for those who are familiar with the original movie of Once to be slightly sceptical of the small indie movie working on a West End stage. Yet since the show hit Broadway in 2012 it has enjoyed undeniable success comparable with other musicals such as Spring Awakening, explaining its transference to the London stage. From recently watching the show it is clear to see just why this small independent cult film has translated so well onto stage; it offers something entirely unique in the face of other brash musicals on the West End: intimacy and subtlety. The story is simple: boy meets a girl who reawakens his confidence in his music and pushes him into sharing it with others. But those who see the show will understand that this show is wonderfully void of any clichés, staying appropriately faithful to the 2006 film of the same name (with a few

Arts in the news

have to try to emulate everyday life but also pack in the twists and revelations to keep the audience returning! I wanted Union Road to be campus gossip, and whenever I hear that sort of thing, especially from strangers, that’s when I know I did it right. As Head of Scripted next year I’m looking forward to kick-starting a whole host of new projects that will hopefully be as successful as Union Road – if not more! Union Road returns next year, but you can catch ALL of this year’s episodes – including last week’s explosive finale – on Mixcloud: www.

mixcloud.com/UnionRoadOfficial. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter.”

more songs). This is a story that anyone can identify with. Its simplicity is its best quality and strongest charm. The chemistry between the two leads, played by Doctor Who’s Arthur Darvill and Zrinka Cvitešić (who has won an Olivier award for the role), is refreshingly natural and the whole audience cannot help but root for their story. Cvitešić wonderfully captured the humour and heartache that came with her character and very much felt like the glue tying the cast together. It must be said that Darvill’s Irish accent occasionally slipped, but his vocal talents more than made up for this. There is always something thrilling about hearing a beautiful sound come out from someone you had no idea possessed such a skill. Darvill bril-

liantly captured the emotional vulnerability of Glen Hansard’s music, whilst still stamping his own brilliant sound onto the Oscar winning soundtrack. However, music did play the dominant role, with the stage constantly being filled with acoustic instruments and every actor never being far from

Tracey Emin’s breakthrough work ‘My Bed’ put up for sale

Follow the QR code to listen to a compilation of Union Road’s best bits:

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Its simplicity is its best quality and strongest charm

one. This was most certainly what gave the production its strong and unique identity. It would be difficult for even the most West End opposed individuals to sit through both acts without experiencing some warmth from the wonderful folksy music being played by the skilled actors. After all, this was a cast of musicians as much as it was a cast of actors. The show itself could probably survive solely on the strength of its music, which is thankfully very ‘unmusical’. Those wanting ‘Defying Gravity’-esque songs might be better off looking elsewhere. This is definitely a production for those less predisposed to watching the flashier and camp musicals typically found in the West End.

RORY MORGAN FEATURES EDITOR

Cameron Mackintosh buys West End’s Victoria Palace and Ambassador theatres

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Artistic Licence Inspired by the cultural selfie movement where people around the globe recreate famous paintings with their own faces, we asked you to give us your best ‘Scream’ selfie based on Edvard Munch’s painting (pictured right) to reflect your feelings about the summer exams. Here are the best offerings, chosen because of their innovative use of props. Well done chaps, you did Munchy proud. TRISTAN GATWARD

Titus Andronicus Cellar Door 26 May 2014 SET in the uniquely intimate location of Cellar Door, it was difficult to imagine how Shakespeare’s epic Titus Andronicus was going to be executed. Let’s just say there was a lot of imagination and a lot of execution, but not a lot of well-executed imagination. The audience were confronted with the cast posed in a tableau, with Tamera centre stage, getting herself extremely worked up. The scene was effective, tension was building, audience members waited for some terrifying noise to release the anxious silence gripping the tiny space. After a good five minutes of suspense, the director reminded us to switch off our phones. The tension was suitably ruined. This bathos unfortunately prevailed for the entirety of the piece, as did the director, who was awkwardly perched onstage throughout, animatedly pressing play on her laptop, her black dress ensuring she was a prevelant distraction against the white stage and costumes. The company advertised the production as “an ironic horror play, laced with black comedy and gore.” Yet, the “black comedy” was largely created by the random use of famous eighties songs to twist the horror of the deaths

125 Folkestone folk get naked for performance photographer Spencer Tunick

KITTY HOWIE

into onstage irony. The haphazard cuts of the songs were badly edited and bizarre, making the grimness of what was occurring not only obscene but just plain stupid. One moment stands out: Lavinia was raped to the dulcet tones of Kylie’s smash hit ‘I Should Be So Lucky.’ It was unfortunate on so many levels. Additionally the attempts at conveying gore were lacklustre. Shakespeare wrote the play to cater to the needs of the early modern masses, it was the equivalent of today’s blockbuster, but

It was unfortunate on so many levels

blockbuster this was not. The stab of spectacularly blunt knife after spectacularly blunt knife, not to mention the atmospheric pop of fake blood pouch after fake blood pouch left me laughing out of embarrassment rather than sadism. Of course, the play is an ambitious choice for any student company, but paired with the limited venue, there was very little chance of the performers pulling off such an epic tale. Add into the mix a strained attempt at black humour, and you have a bloody great mess.

EMILY LEAHY NEWS EDITOR

James Corden in talks for Sondheim musical revival on Broadway

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We did Nazi this coming Wolfenstein: The New Order gives the swinging sixties a mecha-makeover

Wolfenstein: The New Order Bethesda Softworks Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC Out now

EVER wondered what a Nazi version of the 1960s would be like? No? Good, then you’re part of the sane portion of the world that hasn’t or wouldn’t. If you have, then you probably shared the same imaginative sense as the mad geniuses at MachineGames who’ve created this latest entry to the Wolfenstein Franchise. And oh how they do like to create a detailed world, no matter how twisted and dystopian it is. Welcome to the age of rock and roll – Nazi style. Wolfenstein: The New Order once again puts you in the boots of strongjawed William ‘B.J’ Blazkowicz doing what he does best: shooting, stabbing

and strangling Nazis. Of course, there’s a twist. After suddenly gaining a massive technological advantage, the Nazis start winning, and by 1946, have forced the Allies into a last-ditch attack, including B.J, to kill the source of the advantage, General Wilhelm ‘Deathshead’ Strasse, the villain from the last few Wolfenstein games. After receiving a piece of shrapnel to the head that knocks you into a vegetative state for 14 years, you wake up in 1960 to �ind the Nazis now rule the world. This is where the game properly begins. The story itself is very cinematic and music and cinematography are heavily employed to keep you engrossed. It’s very well composed, having a Pulp Fiction-esque style in its cutscenes and shots that makes them enjoyable to watch, which is good in a cutscene-heavy game like this. Perhaps because of this cinematic edge, however, the game is very linear, with only one decision you can make to change

the story in any way (which, to avoid spoilers, won’t be detailed). This means the game doesn’t have much replay value, at least story-wise, but it is how you play that adds that replay value. Wolfenstein: The New Order brings back old mechanics that have long since disappeared from most mainstream

There’s even a Nazi version of the Beatles who sing in German shooters, including health that doesn’t completely regenerate, healthpacks, armour, and carrying and dual-wielding more large guns than physically possible. Along with these, there is the unique perk system for shooters, which assists you in creating the play style you want by activating and improving as you play. Want to be stealthy? Your

perks will improve your ability to do just that. Want to run-and-gun? Your perks will make you better at that. In tandem to open situations, this allows you to approach situations differently in multiple playthroughs, adding to the replay value, along with searching for the massive number of collectables. For those achievement perfectionists, this will be a must as you won’t get everything in a single playthrough. The collectables are also notable as each adds to the world in their own way, from enigma code pieces to records of the world’s music artists, and the world itself is also very striking. The world of Wolfenstein: The New Order is amazingly detailed and full of depth, with everything down to news snippets, contemporary history, radio, language and accent, architecture and in-game music making the world feel as realistic as possible. They even create their own version of famous 60s artists, including a

Nazi version of the Beatles that sing in German. All of this creates a deep and disturbingly believable setting. The game is also nice graphics-wise, at least on the Xbox One, but at times still feels last-gen. It even suffers from last-gen problems, with texture pop-ins and screen tearing appearing rarely, but more than once. Regardless, for a multi-gen title, when it looks good, it looks REALLY good. Overall, Wolfenstein: The New Order is simply entertaining. From its Tarantino style, to its blend of old and new mechanics, to the disturbingly believable dystopian world, it is a joy to play from start to end. Although the graphic problems, singleplayer-only nature, and the occasional bugs might put some players off, it shouldn’t stop you from playing an utterly enjoyable game.

LUKE PILCHOWSKI

Xbox One is dis-Kinecting with users How will Microsoft fare now they have decided to put their major innovation out to pasture?

IT has been announced that from 6 June, the Xbox One will go on sale without the Kinect sensor. For many, this will come as welcome relief from the gimmicky attempt to incorporate motion controls into gamers’ consoles. It will also be a relief for those that have held back on purchasing a next-gen console because of the extortionate price; from now on the Xbox One will be able to match the price of the PS4 at £349.99. The hope, of course, for Microsoft and Xbox is that the sales of the Xbox One will now be able to made some gains on the PS4 - which has been

outselling its rival by seven million to �ive million. While it needs to be mentioned that both consoles are doing substantially better than their predecessors at the same time in their respective life cycles, ignoring a two million sales dip compared to your biggest rival would be a mistake that Microsoft cannot afford to make. But what of Kinect? Is it dead? If so, is it a good thing? The sad truth is probably yes. Devel-

opers will take a risk making games for what could potentially be a fraction of the market. That doesn’t mean though that losing Kinect is the best thing to happen, because the Xbox One is losing what made it special and stand out against its competitors. One of the most innovative features that the Kinect allowed was the ability to navigate its User Interface via voice control. Gamers were given promises of

a truly futuristic game console that, unfortunately, were not substantiat-

This will come as a relief from the gimmicky attempt to incorporate motion controls into gamers’ consoles

ed. However, compared to the Wii U’s embarassing motion controls and the PS4’s peculiar DualShock touchpad

the Kinect seemed like an addition that could eventually be built into something useful. Motion control ingame could have worked had it been for small motions, but it seemed Microsoft was loathe to invest the time and money into making it functional. Yet, with Microsoft making this announcement before E3, one of the biggest gaming conventions, gamers have to wonder what they are planning to unveil if it is not this price drop.

SAM BREWER

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GAMES & TECH

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If you like it put an iRing on it Horror can’t (out)last

Can IK Multimedia beat the DJ or is it just a broken record? The horrors of blowing the whistle YOU can’t have a good summer without having a good playlist. But a good playlist can’t really be utilised without a good DJ. IK Multimedia have attempted to do that with their DJ Rig apps, and have made the iRing to make that control touchless. The iRing works by making your iDevice register hand gestures and the dots on a couple of plastic rings. This works in conjunction with two main apps: iRing Music and iRing FX. I have three main issues with the iRings though. 1) Ease of Use Both of the apps are pretty easy to use. Music is overly simplistic whereas FX seems more dif�icult to master, although with considerable practise I’m sure it will become more intuitive. While using a ring to control reverb and �langers is pretty fun, especially when mimicking a Hadouken, I can’t see it being used instead of a usual DJ. FX is even more challenging, because a minor slip between controlling the resonance/cutoff ratio will make your music sound dreadful. I imagine this is something that will become better with practice, but the sensitivity

of the iRings means that you’re not going to be seeing many clubs controlling their music via Green Lantern-esque power rings just yet. 2) Cost On the plus side, both of the apps are free. On the downside, the rings have a retail price of approximately £16. That isn’t counting the extra cost of downloading an Audiobus application to have FX and Music sync with one another, or the cost of getting extra loops for each of the apps. Also, if you’re planning on using DJ Rig with the iRings, that’s another £6.99. So you’re already looking at spending around £23. This seems a lot of cost for something that should really be implemented as a standard

Nintendone?

Josh Creek, G&T Editor, asks if it’s-a not Mario Time

NINTENDO’S prospects seem grim. The once-great monolith of gaming is now an expensive joke. The reasons for this dramatic shift are clear. Let me take you back to the release of the Wii, a revolutionary new, cheap console which could be enjoyed by the whole family. Appealing to the most �ickle of markets, the casual gamer, it has to date sold over 101 mil7 million

2.7 million 6.17 million

Worldwide Sales

Wii U Mar ‘13 - ‘14

Wii U Lifetime

PS4 Nov ‘13 - Mar ‘14

lion units since its release in December 2006, and continues to be fondly remembered as the ‘revolution’ it was always designed to be, leading Sony to make the Playstation Move and Microsoft to develop the Xbox Kinect. The Wii U on the other hand has been an absolute disaster for Nintendo. Nintendo closed 2012 with a loss of

$452m loss

$982m projected

Nintendo Pro�its 2013 - 2014

$358 million, followed in 2013 with a loss of $228 million. In March 2014 they made a further loss of $240 million. Nintendo initially expected to sell nine million Wii Us, lowering that projection to 2.8 million units but actually only selling 2.7 million worldwide. This brings the lifetime sales of the Wii U to 6.17 million. By comparison, Sony sold seven million PS4s in the �ive months between November 2013 and March 2014. During that same period Nintendo projected a pro�it of $982 million, which they changed to a $343 million loss. They actually made a loss of $452 million. To continue reading the rest of the article, check out our website

Tech Man’s Tech Tip When in doubt, Alt+F4 out!

function of the free applications, rather than being an extra cost for a gimmick that has yet to prove itself. Using the free version of the apps, I could not �ind a way to import my own music into the applications.

3) Practicality I think this technology is great, and I love the idea of being able to control basic settings on my iPad using a ring. However, the actual controls are just wrong. My instinct is to move the iRing accross the X axis rather than the Z one, so that’s immediately confusing; the sensitivity just isn’t good enough to really make the experience seem like something I could do practically, and it needs a few more basic features like a start-stop motion. I’d love to be using this in ten, maybe 20 years’ time. The idea has a nice ring to it.

ADAM SMITH, G&T EDITOR

Outlast Red Barrel Games PC, PlayStation 4 Out now

OUTLAST is a horror game from Red Barrels Games that was particularly effective at raising tension for terrifying jump scares, Clover�ield style. The Whistleblower DLC story is an attempt to wrap up some of the loose ends in the original game - and a second working through of the contents of your clean underwear drawer. The Whistleblower is Waylon Park, a software engineer working for the shady Murkoff Corporation at Mount Massive Asylum. Providing the tip-off that sparked the events of the main game, we can now see the asylum’s descent into anarchy, as the patients take grisly control over their maniacal captors. Familiarly unsettling locations and villains return, still bathed in the ghostly green light of your only weapon, your battery guzzling video camera. Whistleblower’s gameplay doesn’t get as formulaic and repetitive as the main game, but is still packed with moments that lead developer Philippe Morin claims will “scare the shit out of you.” It is clear from the outset that any

scares experienced in the main game will be made more extreme in Whistleblower, but the game unfortunately goes too far, too often (to the brave veterans of the DLC, yes I’m talking about THAT scene). The game gives you no control during what is a particularly harrowing and unnecessarily elongated event, and this lack of control happens far too regularly over the course of this scary slice of story. And while Outlast’s ending was interestingly ambiguous, we expect concrete answers and are sadly disappointed. The ending here is as vague and unclear as in the main game, which will make you feel a little cheated of resolution. The gameplay still shines, and remains a blast to play with friends or all alone. But the game has lost sight of what worked in the original Outlast. You are at your most scared when you have control over the protagonist, running out of batteries for your camera and forced to hide from the enemies that relentlessly hunt you. If you want to be a simple bystander watching a hideous �ilm, might I suggest The Human Centipede, or anything starring Adam Sandler. HARRY SHEPHERD, ONLINE G&T EDITOR

Shining some light on Monochroma

But this platform game isn’t as simple as black and white Monochroma Nowhere Studios PC, Mac, Linux Out now

TO REVIEW Monochroma presents a problem as dif�icult as most of the puzzles in the game itself. Nowhere Studios offers so much potential in a gorgeously visualised, monochrome world but is let down by variable gameplay in tandem with clunky storytelling. The story revolves around two brothers living in a dystopian 1950s. After a sudden fall through a barn roof, the younger brother becomes incapacitated and the player is forced to carry him for the remainder of the game. This introduces a refreshing gameplay mechanic. Whilst carrying your younger brother your athletic ability is reduced and, as he is scared of the dark, he can only be left alone in places where there is direct light. This adds an interesting dynamic to the puzzle platform genre, where a player must not only think of his own progress, but that of his brother’s as well. Unfortunately, this soon becomes annoying. In a world devoid of both colour and dialogue, it is very hard to create a character that a player can care about, unless you’re Limbo, and this is where Monochroma falls short.

The minimalist style prevents you from forming enough of a bond with your sibling to care about him. What should be a story of brotherly love overcoming diversity becomes an attritional experience in which you constantly have to overcome the shortcomings of a character you really don’t care about. The narrative is so sparse that it opens up a whole number of inconsistencies in the plot of the game. The only other human in the dystopian world is a red-jumper wearing henchman, who inexplicably chases the protagonists through the initial stages of the game, although to be honest, the whole nature of the journey seems unexplained – if your brother breaks his legs, take him to hospital, dismantling an autocratic regime can wait! There are lots of aspects to the game that can be applauded however. The landscapes are beautifully imagined and rendered. The combination of greyscale visuals, atmospheric music and clever level design does create a truly immersive experience. The puzzles are generally engaging and varied, constantly changing between those that need speed and those that require deeper contempla-

tion. In the moments when everything comes together, this game is very good. An especially memorable moment sees the protagonist attempting to navigate along a robotic production line while struggling to avoid the attention of a giant-eyeball shaped CCTV camera which is equally terrifying and sensational. As a debut game, Monochroma shows true promise. It does so much right and is addictively playable right through its six hours of gameplay. With a bit more time and money it may not be long before Nowhere Studios are creating the “deeply visual, intellectual and emotional experiences” they wished to offer with Monochroma. JAMES SMURTHWAITE

EXEPOSÉ

University sporting stars

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Exeposé Sport look ahead to this summer, when Exeter’s student athletes will be performing on the international stage...

The Final Whistle Here is your guide to a few upcoming sporting courses, classes and events: 3 May – 21 September Cornwall House Outdoor Pool Open 08:00-20:00 Platinum / Summer Membership: Free Standard / Golf: £2.50 Contact: 01392 724940

5 May – 7 September

Summer Membership Offer £35.00 Includes: The Russell Seal Fitness Centre St Luke’s gym Fitness classes Outdoor pool Indoor pool Badminton Squash Outdoor tennis Table tennis www.exeter.ac.uk/sport/ join/specialoffers 01392 724452 exetersport@exeter.ac.uk >> Clockwise from top left, Katie Bradbury (golf ), Laurie Potter (golf ), Gerda Pociunaite (archery), Kathryn Lane (hockey), Matthew Richards (hockey), Sophy Coombes-Roberts (lacrosse)

IT has been another exceptional year for Exeter Sport across the University. We currently sit seventh in the BUCS table, out of some 145 institutions which compete throughout the year. The University of Exeter undoubtedly has a knack for producing world class athletes, which is demonstrated by the number of students picking up international caps throughout the year. Whilst many of us see the summer as an opportunity to take a break and

Representing my country is the single greatest honour I could think to have

relax, for our top athletes the vacation period is one of intense sporting training with student athletes playing at the highest level in golf, archery, hockey and lacrosse. After achieving a huge amount of success in this year’s BUCS leagues, our top golfers will be out in full force this summer. Katie Bradbury has had an exceptional year so far, winning the BUCS individuals title and the Welsh Ladies Amateur Championship. She will be hoping to replicate her good form this summer when she heads off to Switzerland in June to compete in the World University golf Championships for the Great British University team. Speaking about the tournament, Bradbury commented: “this will be my �irst time representing this team and I am really looking forward to it as the

course is supposed to be fantastic, and hopefully the team will be able to bring back some medals! “Some of my best golf has come from representing Wales and when I play as part of a team, so hopefully this will continue when representing GB universities.” Teammate and 1s golf Captain Laurie Potter will also be competing for GB at the World University Games. Playing in the World’s will be a whole new experience for Potter, who has only ever represented GB in a friendly match. Setting his sights high, Laurie is aiming for a top ten �inish individually and is targeting a medal in the team event. Speaking about his time at Exeter Potter commented: “I have been fortunate enough to enjoy a great four years at Exeter, but to �inish my university career representing Great Britain at the World University Games will be the icing on the cake!” Gerda Pociunaite will make her debut for the Lithuanian Senior Archery team, progressing from the junior competitions. After leading EUAC this year and winning a Gold medal at the BUCS Archery Championships, she will be competing in her �irst World University Games, hoping to “set a new personal best and place in the top 20.” Following on from the University Games, Pociunaite will travel to Armenia to compete in the European Championships where she is aiming for a position in the top 50 competitors. She will be the only University athlete to play for a country outside of the home nations. Speaking of represent-

ing Lithuania, Gerda said: “I feel very proud that I can represent my country in a serious international competition. Every time I put on the national team uniform with my name on the back it feels very special.” Kathryn Lane will spend the summer vying for a position in the England U21 hockey team which will travel to the European Championships in August. Lane has had a successful �irst season playing in the national side, representing England against Wales and France earlier this year. She will continue her training with the team throughout June and July, playing in �ixtures against Spain and Holland, ultimately hoping to be selected for the Europeans. “Hopefully the team will qualify for the World Cup, so I can go to that in Argentina in 2016 if selected.” When asked about representing her country, Lane replied: “I’m proud to play for England, but it’s obviously really nerve-wracking at times too.”

Hopefully it will make the difference between a Gold and a Silver Medal

Alongside Lane, Matthew Richards is also hoping to travel to the Europeans this summer, with the Men’s U21 England Hockey squad. After playing for England for four years, Richards has put in some stellar performances on the international stage and hopes the team can win the European Gold

Medal in July. “Representing my country is the single greatest honour I could think to

Every time I put on the national team uniform with my name on the back it feels very special

have and it is very exciting to do so.” After representing Wales in the Senior World Championships last summer, Sport Editor Sophy Coombes-Roberts has been selected to play in the debut Lacrosse Super League throughout June and July. The teams are made up of the best players in Great Britain and mark an exciting development in British Lacrosse. “I am really excited to be a part of the �irst Super League Series, the standard of play will be really tough but it should be a great learning experience. Being one of the youngest players selected, I hope to continue playing for many years to come.” Coombes-Roberts will also be heading out to Italy in early September with the Welsh National team as part of the team’s preparation for the 2015 European Championships: “The hard work for the Welsh team starts this summer, but hopefully it will make the difference between a Silver and a Gold medal.” With so many students taking their sport to the next level, the University should be con�ident of putting in some more great BUCS performances next academic year.

4 June

Rowing Varsity (Rearranged) Exeter Quay 18:30 01392 723573 au@exeter.ac.uk

28 July – 1 August

ASA Level One Teaching Aquatics / Level One Coaching Aquatics St Luke’s Sports Centre 09:00-17:00 UofE Student: £295 01392 724940

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Boot Camp Birks Grange 17:00-18:00 FREE 01392 722039 p.d.mouland@exeter.ac.uk

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BOOKS 20-21

ARTS 23-24

GAMES & TECH 26-27

SPORT 29-32

3 JUNE 2014 |

Exeposé

Captain’s Corner

This week we chatted to EUBC Captain, Hugh Berry, ahead of the eagerly anticipated Rowing Varsity on 4 June

WHAT are your aims and expectations for the Varsity? HB: Last year we won every event except the novice men (those that started rowing that year) as far as I can remember, so the aim this year is to take the lot - be untouchable. How is the squad shaping up this year? HB: The squad is looking quick, we have definitely come along a lot in the later part of the season so hopefully we can put on a great show for everyone

coming down to watch on 4 June down at the Quay.

Who are the rowers to look out for on the team? HB: Alex Davison is one to watch, narrowly missing out on being invited to GB final trials this year. Rhys Westall also did well only 18 months after taking up the sport and will look to make another attempt at trials next year. Ben Weston too, he’s currently trialling for Scottish rowing to race at the Commonwealth Rowing Championships.

Crossword No. 63 by Mishka

How hard does the team find training and competing during exams? HB: Summer exams are a difficult time for the boat club, we had training camp in Seville over Easter with three sessions a day on the water, we then come back to BUCS regatta from Saturday to Monday and exams start on the Tuesday so it’s difficult. Lots of the squad cut training to only once a day during exams and even that means getting to the library at 1pm! However, it’s what is required if you want to race and win.

What is your favourite thing about EUBC? HB: My favourite part of the club is knowing that you are all going through tough training together, it means that when you get to a Wednesday evening you can enjoy yourselves knowing everyone has put the work in. My favourite part of the sport is being able to look backwards and watch the crews that you are beating, it’s very satisfying. What has been your greatest sporting achievement to date?

HB: Qualifying for Henley Royal Regatta last summer. Racing there is the first goal of everyone who takes up the sport, so to do it in my second year of rowing was very exciting. Where will you be competing over the summer? HB: I am representing the Isle of Man at the Commonwealth Rowing Championships in August in Strathclyde just outside Glasgow. It will be the first time the Isle of Man has been represented so we are very excited about it.

Sports Park: triumph or tragedy?

After one academic year, Sam Buxey and Adam Smith discuss the successes and failures of the Sports Park

Down:

1.Place to lounge, 6 2.Sun block, 7 3.Sore spot, 5 4.Tweak, 4 6.Seething, 5 7.” Water Music” composer, 6 11.Film genre, 3-2 12.RSVP component, 3 15.Battery size, 2 17.Cobalt symbol, 2 18.Start for nob or goblin, 3 19.Georgia neighbour, 7 20.Thingamajig, 6 22.Hot pepper, 6 24.Knot type, 5 26.Southern sound, 5 27.Flightless bird, 4

Across:

1.Little angel, 6 4.Mealtime pleasure, 6 6.Courtly, 5 9.Island, eg., 7 10. Quash,8 13.Chromosome carrier, 4 14.Undercover org., 3 16.Taqueria treat, 9 21.Gut reaction, 3 23.Poor Yorick, 4 25.Garden fixture, 4-4 28.Nocturnal lizards, 7 29.To no ___, 5 30.It’s only skin-deep, 6 31.Basic stuff, 6

Solution:

UNLIKE many here in Exeter, I am not a frequent gym goer, with abdominals about as solid as the Liverpool back four. However, when I haven’t been too bogged down with coursework, I have had the opportunity to make use of the facilities up at the Sports Park, and I would largely consider the developments to have been a success. Despite that really annoying hill, the new developments have definitely made the walk worth my while as the size of the Sports Park has increased astonishingly. Last year, the price to join the gym seemed very costly for what you got because it was just too small. However, despite the notable increases in students on campus over the years, I think this problem has been solved. Okay, so there is a wait from time to time for the odd piece of equipment, but it isn’t nearly as bad as it was last year. Furthermore, there is plenty of equipment to choose from, so you are undeniably getting your money’s worth. The increase in the size of the gym also improves the personal training

service offered by the Sports Park. The increased space has simultaneously led to increased support, which is great to see. This has arguably also made it more accessible to those who may have previously felt uncomfortable and daunted by going to the Gym. I hope over time that increased membership will eventually lead to increased revenue, and hopefully a reduction of fees. Although the facilities have improved tremendously, it is one of the most expensive memberships in the country compared to other universities. Furthermore, it would be nice to see the Sports Park offering a pay per month scheme. Paying a bulk fee at the start of the year seems be to taking advantage of the fact that that is when students are richest, so it would be nice to see some alternatives. On the whole, however, the facilities are superb, and I am sure they will only continue to grow.

SAM BUXEY

SPORTS TEAM

TO put it bluntly, students are not the wealthiest of people. There are few luxuries those in higher education can afford stretching beyond a night out or a trip to the movies. However, there is also the need for students to keep fit, as walking up and down Cardiac Hill will only do so much. Unfortunately, I find the Exeter University Sports Park to be rather unfairly priced. Currently, standard annual membership stands at £22, gold membership demands £240 and platinum costs a whopping £300. Many freshers joining the University in September will undoubtedly be intimidated and deterred by the Sports Park’s costly membership, especially when accompanied by the further costs of club fees, equipment and insurance. I cannot say that the Sports Park has been a complete waste of money. Exeter’s sporting prowess has thrived thanks to the new developments. However, for those who wish to become healthier without having to dedicate themselves to a uniform, the costs involved are definitely daunting. If the Sports Park do not make a concerted effort to reduce prices, the less well off students at our University may unfortunately get priced out of the sporting benefits Exeter is renowned for.

ADAM SMITH

GAMES & TECH EDITOR

Across: 1. Cherub, 4.Relish, 6.Aulic, 9.Britian, 10. Suppress, 13.Gene, 14.Cia, 16.Enchilada. 21.Oof, 23.Alas, 25.Bird Bath, 28.Geckoes, 29.Avail 5, 30.Tattoo, 31.Alkali Down: 1.Chaise, 2.Eclipse, 3.Ulcer, 4.Edit, 6.Irate, 7.Handel, 11.Sci-Fi, 12.Sil, 15.AA, 17.Co, 18.Hob, 19.Alabama, 20. Gadget, 22.Chilli, 24.Ascot, 26.Drawl, 27.Dodo

Cricket Varsity in numbers EXEPOSÉ

Player Ratings

Runs per over

By Ben Pullan Andrew Curtis - 10 Last year’s Club Captain played the perfect innings in front of an adoring home crowd, providing the glue for Exeter’s 270-3 with 114 not out. This plus two good catches ensured a deserved MoM award, and a fantastic farewell for a club legend.

Shots at a glance (EUMCC)

Matt Laidman - 8 Exeter’s wicket keeper played a fantastic innings, entertaining the crowd with a quickfire 53. His partnership with Curtis took the game away from Bristol.

Runs Balls

Fours Sixes Strike Rate

1) A. Curtis

114

135

84.4

2) A. Morgan

47.0

3) W. Leith

81.2

4) M. Laidman

117.8

5) N. Prowse

100.0

Bowler

Overs Maidens Runs 1

1.44

2) T. Barton

4.00

3) Z. Bess

3.00

4) J. Rimmer

3.83

5) N Prowse

3.67

6) R. Craze

4.33

>> EUMCC 1s Captain Joe Barrs re-

ceives the Bruce Coleman Shield after taking four wickets.

His opening partnership with Curtis set the platform for Exeter’s impressive score. Saw off some decent opening bowling from Bristol, which allowed Laidman et al to make hay later on.

Photo: Edwin Yeung

Many thanks to Simon Dewhurst and the rest of the

Rob Craze - 7

Xpression Sport

Only Fresher in the XI dealt well with the pressure of his first Varsity. Gave his off-breaks a real rip, clean bowling Bristol’s number three to start the collapse.

team for their help with match statistics

Neal Prowse - 7

Tom Barton - 7 Another Exeter seamer who capitalised on the frailty of Bristol’s batting to claim two wickets.

James Rimmer - 6 This year’s Club Captain bowled his off-breaks accurately and intelligently. Perhaps deserved more than a single wicket.

Will Leith - 6 Made a start, threatened to go big, but didn’t push on.

Zach Bess and Brad Lane - 6 Fairly hard to grade these two, given the fact they did little wrong, but didn’t bat or take any wickets.

Wkts Econ

Alex Morgan - 7

1st team veteran didn’t get many with the bat, but played a key role in the attack, bowling his medium-pace swingers accurately and incisively to pick up two cheap wickets.

Batsman

1) J. Barrs

Joe Barrs - 9 In his final Cricket Varsity, EUMCC three-time First Team Captain did not disappoint. A battered Bristol XI simply had no answer to his sustained pace, movement and accuracy. Figures of 4-13 (off nine overs) would normally be a shoe-in for MoM.

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Key: Singles: Black. Twos: Green. Three runs: Orange. Fours: Blue. Sixes: Red.

EUMCC win by 125 runs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32 ...fortune and continued to frustrate the expectant crowd as they began to �ind the boundary with increased regularity. The visitors put on 87 for the second wicket but never really seemed in the game as Exeter’s bowlers showed great discipline to keep Bristol well below the run rate. This pressure told eventually, as fresher Rob Craze found the breakthrough with his �irst ball, bamboozling the batsman with some vicious turn. This breakthrough opened up the Bristol line up and once Craze picked up his second and the very important wicket of Bristol opener Chris Lacey for a solid 56, the game appeared all but over. Barrs realised this and went for the jugular bringing himself and Barton back to the attack to rip

through the middle order; and the plan worked to perfection. Barrs’ pace proved far too much for the Bristol batsmen as he picked up three wickets in quick succession, as he ended with sensational �igures of 4-13 (from nine overs). Meanwhile, the canny Barton also picked up two wickets of his own as the Bristol order capitulated in quick time. With two wickets left, there was just time for all-rounder Neil Prowse to join the action as he outwitted the tail with his intelligent medium pace. The �inal catch �ittingly falling to Man of the Match Andrew Curtis, prompting celebrations on and off the �ield. The day was an extremely successful one for EUMCC as they raised a large amount of money and were able to showcase their ability to hundreds of spectators. Speaking after the match, Captain Barrs said, “we

all felt really lucky to play at an event in front of so many people and were glad we could put on a performance for everyone.” Exeter’s thoughts now turn to their �inal three BUCS Premier games over the next couple of weeks.

Check out our full Cricket Varsity photo gallery online: scan the QR code

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GAMES & TECH 26-27

SPORT 29-32

3 JUNE 2014 |

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Curtis and Barrs shine in Varsity win Photos: Edwin Yeung & Daniil Orlov

>> Clockwise from top left; Neal Prowse bowls to the Pavillion end; the Varsity is well attended by EUMCC members and spectators alike; Exeter’s players celebrate the victory; one spectator struggles to contain his excitement.

M��’� C�� V�� Freddie Turner Online Sport Editor EUMCC Bristol

270 - 3 145 - 10

A STELLAR performance from EUMCC led to an emphatic win in front of a bumper crowd at Varsity 2014. An unbeaten century from Andrew Curtis and four wickets from Captain Joe Barrs gave the green army a 125 run victory and the regional bragging rights. Although overcast, the weather remained dry enough for the match to go ahead and the crowds �locked to Exeter CC to revel in some post exam fun. Play got underway on time and Exeter were put into bat �irst. Alex Morgan and EUMCC club captain Curtis opened the innings and they got off to a very steady

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start. They negotiated the new ball with real aplomb, leaving the swinging balls well and punishing any loose deliveries. The two brought up their 50 partnership in the 14th over, but some steady bowling from Bristol meant they were able to sti�le the run rate. However, the batsmen remained unfazed and continued to build the perfect platform upon which Exeter could post a huge total. Morgan clipped well of his legs, whilst Curtis soon began to judge the length perfectly, smashing any short deliveries to the boundary and driving well through the off side. The two reached a well-deserved 100 partnership before Morgan eventually was bowled by a good delivery for a well made 39 in the 28th over. This brought Will Leith to the crease and he hit the ground running �inding the boundary with his fourth ball. Meanwhile Curtis passed his half

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century and began to look dangerous, timing his shots superbly. Just as Leith appeared to be hitting at his scintillating best, an unfortunate LBW ended his innings on 26 runs off 32 balls. Exeter’s innings needed some impetus and this came in the form of wicket keeper/batsman Matt Laidman, who strolled to the crease and bludgeoned the ball from the onset. He and Curtis formed a blistering partnership putting the Bristol bowlers on the back foot. They peppered the boundaries

Curtis carried on the carnage and eventually brought up a fantastic century in the 47th over

at regular intervals and both began to work their way through their full

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repertoire of strokes. Laidman raced to 53 off 45 balls before being caught, but Curtis carried on the carnage and eventually brought up a fantastic century in the 47th over. It was an innings of real class and be�itting of the big occasion. He eventually �inished on an unbeaten 114 and a brief cameo from Neil Prowse helped push Exeter up to a formidable total of 270-3. The interval gave a chance for members of the EUMCC to entertain the crowds with their now annual half time ‘Stump challenge’ show. This organised chaos was extremely well received and added to the day perfectly. When Bristol’s reply began, captain Joe Barrs got Exeter off to the perfect start, picking up a wicket with the second ball of the innings. The fast bowler’s delivery lifted off the surface and found the edge of the bat, with Laidman taking a regulation catch to the delight of the crowd. With Barrs at his

rapid best and Tom Barton getting the ball to talk from the over end, Bristol’s batsman went into defensive mode in a bid to rebuild their innings. They man-

Barrs got Exeter off to the perfect start, picking up a wicket with the second ball of the innings

aged this successfully as they crawled to a 50 partnership amidst some disciplined Exeter bowling. James Rimmer entered the attack with his off spin and appeared to have found the breakthrough as he had a tight LBW shout that was vociferously supported by around 800 spectators, but the umpire did not buckle. The batsmen seem buoyed by this good...

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