CUB ISSUE 529

529

CUB Katy

B on her

debut

album, being a

fresher

and hangover cures...

Sam Creighton exec, design Steph Pickerill editor Tal Davies london Tom Stevenson and Anna Matheson features Amelia Jeffries and Lauryn Murdoch arts Keeren Flora and Bethia Stone photography Angel Lambo and Ryan Ramgobin music Amy Bowles and Lucinda Turner fashion Mark Birrell and Kamilla Baiden film Colette Yapp-Davis qupid Maria D’Amico cartoon

@cubmagazine.co.uk 1 That London 2-3 A very inaccurate tour of Queen Mary

CUB offers you an alternative tour of the common (mis)adventures of QM life. Including a handy campus map!

4 Glamour of the Gods 5 “Get yer tits oot”

Queen Mary Theatre Company takes over the Edinburgh Fringe.

6 CUB’s EYE: Destruction 8 To In-festival and beyond...

A one night stand that leaves you shaking on the grass, or comfy wellies, hot chips and lots and lots of mud?

“Maybe it’s more than just a vintage shop” p. 11

9 COVER: Katy B cuddles CUB The Grand Duchess of dubstep talks to Angel Lambo abot her student mission.

10 The price of Celine “Comfy shoes advisable, terrible dance moves optional” p. 2

11 The East End Thrift Store CUB Fashion visits the home of vintage chic in Mile End (and gets you money off in the process!)

12-13 Cinemas we love...and some we don’t 13 ‘Ed to ‘Ed: Micahel Bay p. 8 “Hidden behind a red velvet curtain lies a makeshift cinema of candle lit tables and decadent sofas” p. 12

A genius of cinema or the cancerous growth at the heart of modern filmmaking?

14 Qupid

Eleanor Hallam and Gruffudd Watts are the first lucky couple to be caught by Qupid’s wandering arrow.

Natalia Davies

That London

I

remember the drive through East Gate towards my new home: the confusion of The Village Shop (what village?!), the fear of living with psychopaths, but mostly the wonder and nerves of moving to London. Being one of those people who come from a town such as mine (a time-warp town where no one leaves, where ‘London’ is always preceded with the word ‘that’, and you’re the subject of ridicule if you express a liking for anything remotely ethnic), the idea of moving to the bright lights of the big city has been overly romanticised in my head for as long as I can remember. This whole higher education thing, well, I imagined it to be a fruitful byproduct of an otherwise cunning escape plan.

That was, of course, until the week building up to The Big Move. Suddenly the hourly bus from my house that stops running at 8pm (seriously), seemed quaint and totally forgivable. On my last day I recall taking a look around the neighbourhood that I had enthusiastically criticised my entire life and thinking: ‘What the hell am I doing going to that London?!’

I knew what I was doing of course. I was running as fast as I could from the alternative lifestyle I would be leading, had I not come to the Big Smoke. At best I’d be working for the local newspaper, though there doesn’t seem to be much call for new interns when front-page news was once about a man mistaking a chinese lantern for a UFO and taking refuge in his cattle shed.

Realistically, I’d work in a small office with limited prospects, where the manager’s only cure for the monotony is ‘dress-down Fridays’. I’d be looking forward to the weekend where I would go to my town’s only nightclub (that still has carpeted floors from when it was a bingo hall, might I add), and see the same people from my primary school every week.

And that would be enough, because it would have to be. But I bet that hourly bus wouldn’t look so quaint after endless nights of taunting myself with what might have been.

For me, that’s what being in London is all about. It’s about escaping the mundane,

come to accept that “ I’ve crossing even a sidestreet involves opportunistic panic-sprinting.

”

thriving in a bit of anonymity, knowing that almost anything can be easily accessed at virtually any time (and I’m not just referring to fried chicken). The sudden independence bestowed on students is even greater in London, perhaps because of its size, or population, or simply because it’s such an iconic (and therefore intimidating) city. There’s a sort of community of independence, a collective of people who have their mentality in common, not just their location. In

my hometown, my sense of kinship with each person is ‘I went to Brownies with his sister’ or something of that ilk, whereas here, the most I can guess from a person is that they too have chosen to be here. It reminds me of the difference between uni and secondary school; at uni there’s no one sat at the back of the room sulking and being disruptive because they’re here against their will. You rarely hear of someone being ‘stuck’ in London the way people get stuck in the little towns where they grew up.

Two years down the line and I’m on to my third and final Big Move, to uni at least. It is scary how much a few weeks of being ‘home’ can make you set up roots against your will. I suppose it is comforting to know that it doesn’t matter if you get so drunk that you forget where you live, because the taxi driver probably knows your family home anyway.

I do empathise with the freshers when I watch them lining up in their cars, looking a balanced combination of scared, excited and embarrassed by whoever brought them here. Some of their expressions are so recognisable; you can spot an escapist from a mile off.

You can see it in their eyes (as they peer over boxes of ‘moving out stuff’, trying to comprehend an occasion where there would ever be a need for so much tupperware).

They

wonder if it might just be easier to commute from godknowswhere everyday rather than sleep through the lullaby of perpetual sirens, or face ‘the tramp outside Budgens’ whenever they need emergency loo roll.

That all changes so quickly, of course, because I think everyone who has chosen to come here from a faraway place automatically has the London mentality that I’ve been talking about. And sadistic as it might sound, I like seeing their nervous faces because it reminds me of the choice I made, and consequently my love for this wonderful city.

This is all getting a bit too idyllic. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think the streets are paved with gold.

Prices for everything are extortionate; rent, travel, nights out. Often during a grim moment of sobriety when I realise how much I’m actually paying for a drink, I think about how I would never accept that fee on a visit to my hometown. If I was out with my school friends and someone tried to charge me eight quid for a small glass of vodka and diet coke, I would expect the drink itself to get me pissed from just smelling it, politely drive me home and make me a bacon sandwich the next morning.

I’ve learnt that the green man is not to be trusted.

His relaxed strolling position when the traffic lights are on red is no guarantee that relaxed strolling is remotely possible. I’ve come to accept that crossing even a sidestreet involves opportunitistic panic-sprinting, and it’s become second nature to hold my bag as though it were my firstborn child whenever anyone tries to walk near me.

I could rant for hours about tube closures (I understand , Mr ‘Person-under-the-train’, that life has got a bit too much and you want to end it all, but please, jump in front of a train on the Hammersmith and City Line at midday, not the Central Line at rush hour). And that dreadful feeling in the pit of your stomach when you realise you actually need to go to Oxford St and the only day you can do is a Saturday.

But to rant any further would be futile. Because I’m still here, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Like all humans, I favour the familiar and it’s nice to know that my hometown remains a constant. Even now my mother always asks why I want to live in that London. It’s always said in such an accusatory way, the way she’d refer to ‘that hussy down the road’.

That London, that everchanging, grimy, scary hussy down the road (well, 150 miles down the road). Bane of my life and the place I’ll never leave.

And, in case any of you were wondering, nowadays on the last day before I go to visit my hometown, I take a quick look round my new neighbourhood, and then Euston Station, and think: ‘What the hell am I doing going back?!’

Natalia Davies is a third year English Literature student and editor of CUBs LQMDON section. If you want to be next LQMDONer then email her at london@cubmagazine.co.uk 1

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AN INACCURATE GUIDE TO LIFE AT Q

Once Fabric and Ministry are done and dusted, and you’ve experienced the glory that is the number 25 bus on a week night, it’s time to acquaint yourself with Drapers. The Student Union has some good nights if you fancy staying close to home for a cheap drink, FND is usually rammed with people, and ‘Pound a Pint’ on a Monday is particularly deadly for those with Tuesday morning lectures (the name is pretty self explanatory). Here at CUB, ‘Hail Mary’ was unanimously voted the most popular union night; on the last Wednesday of every month the sports teams and societies come out in all their glory, to see who can consume the most red beer. The result? It’s more than a little messy (down right disgusting), but makes for the best memories. CUB’s Hollie Carter sums it up: “the best night out in the SU, such a good atmosphere and generally just a great night, (I think, from what I can remember!).” So come along, even if you chose not to join a club or society, it’s worth downing a few pints of red beer and hitting the dance floor anyway (comfy shoes advisable, terrible dance moves optional).

Once the freshers week frenzy is over, you probably won’t be quite ready to hang up the vodka bottle and new Topshop dress, so there’s plenty of time to head out into the wide array of clubs and venues London has to offer. If you’re happy to stay in the East End, head over to brick lane for a curry followed by drinks in Cafe 1001 or 93 feet east. Look out for the in-store gigs in rough trade or take a trip up to Shoreditch for The Bathhouse, Motherbar or Catch, all of which prove to be amazing nights out and are slightly cheaper than anywhere central.

If it’s music your looking for, there’s a whole host of small venues to check out some really amazing bands. Keep an eye out for nights at XOYO, Hoxton

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dance moves optional

CUB’s Lucy Bell recommends ‘Ain’t Nothin But The Blues’, on Regent Street, for something different, and “you don’t need to be into blues music to enjoy it”. White Heat, in Soho’s Madame Jojo’s, is worth checking out on a Tuesday, which has DJ sets from bands, cheap drinks, and Pixie Geldof has been spotted stalking around (so, er it has the ‘celebrity’ seal of approval).

Needless to say, there’s never a shortage of new venues and club nights to check out; our one word of advice would be to check bus routes home before you go – being stuck in Kensington at two am after a few too many tequilas is never a good time.

Food Nights out sorted, the next main worry is (obviously) where can you go for a good hangover breakfast. Well, on campus there’s plenty of outlets to choose from. The Curve, offers a good priced meal throughout the day, whereas World Marché is a good choice if you fancy a quiet place to study by the canal. Coffee wise, there’s Ground, where there will permanently be at least five people you know. Meanwhile, the village shop is home to CUB’s Robert Hainult’s favourite sandwich, (ABC Cajun chicken) and Mucci’s on library square is brilliant for “proper” food at Student Prices. Drapers also does a mean burger and chips for those with eyes bigger than their stomachs, and Infusion offers coffee deals before 10am for those who can manage early lectures.

If you’re looking slightly further afield, Roasters seems to fare pretty high on most QM coffee lover’s lists, with battered old sofa’s and almond croissants to die for. It offers the perfect meeting place for early morning coffee runs on the way to Mile End station. Budgens, also on Mile End Road, will soon become the home to your late night

ice-cream runs (it’s open until 11pm on weekdays). But definitely check out Low Cost Food and Wine, for, well, the name gives it away.

You will soon become acquainted with Mile End’s delicacy eateries, such as Dixie Chicken and Golden Fryer, after nights in Drapers, but the less said about those the better. Spoons is another obvious and satisfying choice for

“

It does a really nice herbal cuppa and plays 50s hits in the morning

“

Nights Out

shoes ad“ Comfy visable, terrible

“

elcome to (or back to) QM! Now that summer is over, and results are in, it’s time to up and move back to the City.

So, to get us all in the mood for another year of binge drinking, over spending and some occasional studying, the CUB Features team have compiled a list of some of our favourite campus nights and city haunts.

Bar and Grill and Vice magazine launch parties at the Old Blue Last. In terms of central clubs and nights out, it’s hard to know where to start. CUB’s Charlotte Maddox recommends Tottenham Court Road on a Wednesday for Moonlighting’s student night. Mondays at HEAVEN, in Charring Cross, come with role reversal – men get hit on, and girls are left to dance on their own. There’s also Tiger Tiger on a Monday night, for some general chart music dancing sessions.

QUEEN MARY words by Anna Matheson find a whole host of restaurants from French Cuisine to (my personal favourite) Hummus Bro’s, follow the road down and you’ll end up with a plethora of choices in China Town. Finally, be sure to check out Qmessenger’s food section for some brilliant recipes, you never know, you might actually cook for yourself at some point.

Culture Don’t worry about becoming a fullblown tourist. Do all the Museums, book a ticket to see a performance at the Globe, or hire Boris bikes in Hyde Park (weather permitting, it is London).

Closer to home, Brick Lane has some amazing little vintage shops, street art and markets on a weekend. Columbia Road Flower Market is always nice to wander round on a lazy Sunday, the same can be said about Roman Road Market on a Saturday. Alternatively, take a short walk down the canal to Victoria Park and have a coffee in the Pavilion, or Loafing, just across the park, in Hackney, offers the most beautiful afternoon tea. Hackney Zoo is also within walking distance and promises a good afternoon out. Down the ca-

worry about “ Don’t becoming a full-

a cheeky all day breakfast, whilst Jade French recommends the Breakfast Club on Hoxton Square, “it does a really nice herbal cuppa and plays 50s hits in the morning.”

When your looking for a nice meal out – as opposed to just feeding the hangover – there’s some brilliant choices close to campus. If you can manage to walk further out than Nando’s, then Fat

Cat down in Bow Wharf offers mammoth sized portions of home cooked meals and offer discount to students (or free if you go with Qupid, see p.14).

The most acclaimed of the lot is Tayyabs on Fieldgate Street. Be sure to get down early as queues can be huge, but the “Bring Your Own” drink policy and quality of the food makes it worth the wait. Pizza East in Shoreditch is also

worth a try for main meals around £10 £13. CUB’s Cathryn Parks recomends a trip to the 02 venue for a whole host of restaurants if friends are visiting, and with cinemas and attractions it also makes for a good night out. If you’re feeling for something a little more central, take the central line to Tottenham Court Road and walk down Wardour Street towards Soho. On the way you’ll

“

blown tourist

nal in the opposite direction is Canary Wharf and St Katharine’s dock; worth the walk for some more upmarket bars and restaurants. If it’s shopping you’re after, then after spending way too much time on Oxford Street (it’s addictive, we know) try out the new Westfield in Stratford or take a trip to the East End Thift Store (armed with your voucher, see p.11) and be sure to look out for the “fill a bag” parties for a bargain or two.

Portabello Road on a Saturday morning offers a lovely little vintage market and the shopping centre in St Paul’s has all the generic shops, but tends to be less busy than anywhere else. In terms of art galleries, East London has a lot to offer, and Shoreditch alone offers some crackers. Whitechapel Art Gallery is just a ten minute walk up the road, whilst White Cube isn’t too far to travel to either. Jade French recommends Red Church Street for a whole host of galleries and cafés.

Finally, remember to keep up to date with events across London with CUB, check out the website for updates on Fashion, Film, Art and Music across the city; we’ve got it all, so go out and enjoy it!

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Arts

Gallery • Dance • Comedy • Campus • Drama Events • Poetry • Photography • Print

Gallery

The Glamour of the Gods

T

o look at a 1940’s still of Rita Hayworth can be, to women, rather intimidating. Robert Coburn’s iconic portrait features Hayworth starring in ‘Gilda’, Naomi Mullins demonstrates the potential perfection of the female form; all curves, wispy smoke rising from a poised cigarette, a mane of perfectly curled locks and a dress that I could only wear in my haziest of daydreams.

And so it is with dreamy far off expressions that myself and the other viewers of the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery gaze upon these suggested Gods and Goddesses from the position of mere mortals; reminding ourselves of a time when actors and actresses were revered as something beyond human, almost celestial and worthy of worship.

The images, collected and restored by film historian and Hollywood film-photography lover John Kobal, aim to demonstrate how exactly these stars from the ‘Golden age of Hollywood’ (ranging from the late 10’s to the late 50’s) were presented to the world. With emphasis taken away from the personalities of the stars and focused more heavily upon the secret of the immaculate image; a secret previously witheld from the general public. The collection from the John Kobal foundation features never before exhibited photography from some of the most prolific photographers of the age including George Hurrell, Lazlo Willinger, Robert Coburn and Ruth Harriet Louise. Portraiture featured in the exhibition makes it easy to define exactly the archetypal image the photographer wished to achieve, ranging from the clown (The Marx Brothers) to the sophisticate (English born Cary Grant) and the sex symbol (Marilyn Monroe) to the elegant (Grace Kelly).

Photographs in the exhibition include re-enacted moments from the movies themselves, John Miehle’s Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers portrait demonstrates them doing just what they did the best: dancing like no-one else could and looking a damn sight better than most of us whilst doing it. Aside from the beauty of the portraits themselves, the most wonderful thing about this exhibition is

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Events Nothing better than free art SEPTEMBER 17th - 25th London Design Festival Now in it’s eighth year, the festival features almost 300 events and exhibitions across the capital, the majority of which are, mercifully, free!

17th - 18th Open House London For one weekend only, over 700 of London’s most prominent landmarks open their doors and offer free tours to the public.

23rd - 25th London Art Book Fair Just a stone’s throw away from campus , the Whitechapel Gallery in Aldgate is again hosting its annual homage to the international art publishing world, from individual artist publishers to rare book dealers. Most events are free or available at a nominal student price.

OCTOBER 2nd Punch and Judy Festival Yes, that’s right, Covent Garden’s North Hall is again hosting it’s annual Punch and Judy festival between 11am and 4.30pm. Hosted by the Punch and Judy fellowship as the Pièce de Résistance of their UK tour, the artiste’s will be travelling from all over to perform in the birthplace of the show.

6th National Poetry Day Celebrating the wonder of words, poetry enthusiasts are invited to a selection of events in and around London as well as several competitions for all you budding Shakespeare’s.

Rita Hayworth for ‘Gilda’, 1946 by Robert Coburn © The John Kobal Foundation 2011

“All that glitters is not gold...” that we are actually able to see exactly how these idealist looks were achieved (perhaps so we don‘t go home with heavy hearts).

Slideshows and photographs allow us to witness how, with the use of extreme lighting, heavy retouching, lavish sets and costumes make-up the ‘perfect’ image could be achieved. This is no better demonstrated than in one section of the

exhibition where a before and after shot of Joan Crawford in her glory days (before the heavy eyebrows and smudged red lippy), reveals that ‘all that glitters is not gold’. It’s the retouching treatment that Cameron Diaz could only pray for.

The exhibition is perfect for lovers of photography, film, history and fashion alike; John Kobal arguably has achieved exactly what he set out to do, preserving these marvellous examples of film and photography history and teaching us all about them.

Glamour of the Gods is at the National Portrait Gallery from 7th July to 23rd October

23rd Harvest Festival Feel like embracing your pagan roots and marching through Borough Market to welcome in the Harvest? Then head to the October Plenty, leaving Bankside by the Globe at 12 noon; a day of effigies, theatre and merriment in true peasant fashion.

Editor’s Note: As there was no room for website details I’m afraid you are going to have to use your initiative and the google machine, dear readers.

Campus

our guide to some of the other “Get yer tits oot” And more artistic societies at QMUL...

For the seventeenth year running, the Queen Mary Theatre Company graced the stage of the Rebecca Coxon prominent and reputable Venue 45 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with four shows: From the Dark Hills –1980’s Geordie miners cleverly combined with a contemporary form of Commedia dell’Arte. (Editor’s Note: classic comedy models in face paint to us simpletons.)

Sii Me – a show about what really happens when you stop playing with your Sims.

Give the Fig a Roll – a devised show bringing another surrealist, ineffable dance experience to the Fringe.

And finally, Golden Aged – a play about what happens when superheroes retire.

Competition is fierce at the Fringe, with 21,192 performers in 2,542 shows and 257 other venues to compete with; persuading people on the street to come to our shows was never going to be an easy task, and with the Scottish ‘summer’ weather, it sometimes meant getting a wee bit wet.

Now, flyering in the rain is not fun, but neither is being audience-less, so we ploughed on through the dreaded ‘fringe flu’ to perfect our promotion techniques: we picketed, wore ‘plumbobs’ (the green diamonds from The Sims), face-painted, danced on stages, hid in phone-boxes and wished everyone a happy birthday. Sounds silly, but with such merciless competition you need to be a bit weird to get noticed.

For many of us, seeing one of our presidents, Henry Bishop, dressed up as a prostitute (one of his comic multi-roles in From the Dark Hills) holding a sign reading ‘GET YER TITS OOT’ was one of the best experiences of the fortnight.

With an average audience of less than 10, it’s always a struggle to get bums on seats at the Festival. But our flyering techniques obviously paid off as we managed an average of 37 ticket sales

per show per night and even a couple of sell-out performances!

QMUL Art Society A perk of performing at the Fringe is getting to see plenty of other shows QMUL’s Art Society is a forum for both for free with our venue passes. We saw artists and those who share a real interest in some good shows, but we also saw plenart. Started last year, the Art Society holds exhity of not good shows too. But it’s all part bitions of student work, runs workshops and arrangof the fun at the fringe, walking into an es gallery visits and talks from people within the art auditorium and not knowing whethworld. The Art Society has hosted a number of hugely sucer you’re going to see a five star show cesful exhibitions of student artwork with live music from about the holocaust or a one star play Queen Mary’s own bands and singers. We have also arranged about lesbian incest... trips to art galleries such as The Whitechapel Gallery and You can find literally anything at the Tate Modern, plus talks from artists such as Kathleen Fox, a Fringe: from cabaret to comedy, from fascinating artist who has recently exhibited at the Saatchi physical theatre to ‘Puppetry of the PeGallery. They are organising their first exhibition of the year nis 3D’ (and yes, it’s exactly what it says at the moment, and the date will be publicised shortly. on the tin)!

The sights on the Royal Mile (which If you are an artist or musician and would like to take becomes a pedestrian only flyering part in an exhibition, if you have an idea for an event, hotspot for advertising) alone are quite want to get involved, or to join our mailing list, amazing. My personal highlight was email artqmul@live.co.uk. an American yoga-fanatic wearing just a bra and knickers whilst demonstratFollow us on Twitter: @ArtQMUL ing some rather painful-looking positions on the damp, cold street. Eventuhttp://www.qmsu.org/groups/artally someone put their jumper over her society crotch to cover her modesty. What’s worse was that her show was free; she was freezing cold and losing her dignity QMUL Photography advertising a FREE show.

Society The food served at the Fringe (and astonishingly Edinburgh and Scotland at The Photography Society is open to all all times of the year) is definitely worth QMUL students and staff who enjoy sightseea mention too, and something that realing, taking photographs, developing their pholy added to the bizarre experience. Our tography skills and carrying them to a professiondiet for the fortnight included deepal level. Sharing the art of photography together with fried mars bars (yes they exist, and yes social interactions in the university are the most imthey taste like heaven and a heart-atportant aims. This society is designed for people to meet tack simultaneously), cheesy chips, new friends, enjoy their time and explore the wonderful jacket potatoes and haggis – all washed world of photography. Sightseeing tours to different parts down with a nice bottle of Irn Bru, Tofof London, attendance to various exhibitions, a chance fee Apple Cider or Lambrini (if you’re to photograph different festivals in London, various feeling cheap). ‘themed’ competitions, photography courses and workAnother year, another Fringe over – shops and many more events are the major offerings but QM Theatre Company have anothof our society to the members, together with meeter jam-packed year planned for 2011/12, ing new friends and having a fun time... so if you want to get involved then get writing, auditioning and mingling at Email: qmulps@gmail.com our socials – and who knows maybe you could be heading up to Edinburgh Add us on Facebook: QMUL Phonext year! tography Society

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CUB’S EYE: “Destruction” The half-ruins of the old Chemistry building, located alongside Bancroft Road, shoots spires of scaffolding into the sky. The constant renovation of campus has become a recognisable element of the University over the past year, welcoming new students that never knew it.

Image by Matthew TK Taylor

“To in-festival and beyond...”

BENICASSIM The Continental

From the outside, Benicassim de la Playa may look like the quaint little seaside town set out the Spanish Mediterranean, but for one week every July it becomes the home to the most popular European festival.

Kicking off the four day party on Thursday, Paolo Nutini proved once again that he will always be the most wasted man at any festival. Whilst Plan B showed his relentless suit wearing abilities, even in the 30 degree Spanish heat; but provided and aggressive set including favourites, “Stay Too Long” and “Welcome To Hell”. Later, the crowd were treated to one of Mike Skinners many “last tour” charades; in which “Dry Your Eyes” stood out in a particularly energetic set.

It’s hard to explain the kind of euphoria that The Strokes caused across the festival site after their sensational showcase on Friday night. The set completely eclipsed the rest of the festival; from the first riff of “New York City Cops”, to the infamous “Reptillia” the Strokes certainly reminded us why they had been so missed; and reaction to new tracks “Machu Picchu” and “Taken For a Fool” proved the need for Julian and co. to sort out whatever Man issues they are having with each other and keep making bloody good music. Later the punters had the Bombay and Mumford clash to deal with; the latter drawing an epic crowd to which they treated new song “Lover’s Eyes”.

The return of Arctic Monkeys to the FIB stage left any doubters retracting their comments. With a perfectly mixed set from all four albums the crowd was up to their usual piss throwing frenzy. Still, it doesn’t matter how hard they try, the crowd will never be happier than when they kick into, “When the sun goes down”. Primal Scream closed the night in style; there is something special (and quite disturbing) about singing your heart out to “Get your Rocks Off”, at four in the morning in a foreign country, whilst Bobby Gilespe is running around stage in silver trousers. Noah and the Whale pulled out all the stops on Sunday to pick up the mood after three days of late nights and little sleep; “L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N” seemed pretty fitting, and classic “5 Years Time” also went down well. Arcade Fire closed the festival with another monumental set; mixed with the best moments from all three albums. Emotions were certainly running high during encore picks “Wake Up” and “Sprawl II”; no one was ready for the festival to end.

All in all, it safe to say whatever member of the FIB team came up with the festival by a beach idea is a fucking genius!

Anna Matheson

GLOBAL GATHERING

IN THE WOODS

The music began at five pm and despite the late start and dreary weather, revellers were out in their droves and hyped for the madness that was about to ensue.

The pick of the earlier acts has to be Modestep, with their thirty minute set causing carnage in the Wax:On arena. This band ought to have more of a following and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them back next year on a larger stage. Headlining the main stage were drum and bass heavyweights, Pendulum - and they certainly didn’t disappoint. An energetic performance saw the crowd mosh non-stop.

Underworld lit up the Global stage, with the anthem Born Slippy stealing the show. Whilst on the Rinse stage, Boy Better Know failed to entertain a crowd which was clearly only there for Skream and Benga. They started their set at two-thirty am but the crowd was visibly fatigued and can’t get into it - which is a shame. An enjoyable first night but it was a warm up for Saturday - where everything went up a notch.

The grey and dull weather is replaced with blue skies and scorching temperatures. Felix Da Housecat and Fake Blood helped the crowd recover from the night before with some chill vibes which was perfect as the hot temperature made it nigh-on impossible to dance.

Masterminded by Laurel Collective, organized by friends, staffed by volunteers and compered by Xfm’s John Kennedy, the feeling of familiarity is rife as In The Woods has offered the same invitation is open to you.

It’s just gone midday as you watch this undisclosed field in Kent begin to fill up with gentle revellers. At the far end of the field there is a sign propped against a gate and pointing at an entrance flanked by river and trees.

This woodland walkway takes you all the way to The Quarry stage, but you fall short of your destination as you hear rhythm and vocal rising from your right, you detour into the Laurel Lounge, and it is Dongtanion, first artist up – you take a seat on a felled log and realise that your festival experience has already begun.

2011 introduced us to a whole host of exciting and new talent. The set performed by Peter and Kerry was a tremendous depiction of the simplicity, beauty and harmony of two voices singing together with equal amounts of passion and intention. Dels provided that much needed urban-flair, with his spitting vocals, rough beats and inventive lyrics, which definitely got the masses shuffling from side to front, to back, to side. The most entertaining group of the night, however, had to be Man Like Me. A tourade of dell-boy-esque mannerisms, shell suits, trumpets, trilbys and loafers, with singer Johnny, going bare-torsoed and taking the mic for a run around in the woods - as performances go, music fails to get any more entertaining than this. This is just a corner of a snapshot of an entire hoarde of artists on the line-up that continually wowed and amazed an unsuspecting audience. Finally, Laurel Collective grace the stage and although playing mostly new tracks off an eagerly anticipated album coming out later this year, the crowd still danced as if they were songs that were played to them from childhood.

The real magic of the festival, however, is powered by the light of the moon.The string of lights that ceiling the paths, the candles in jars hanging from trees and a line of lampshades to make you feel at home whilst you sit and watch a 3-D graphic art projector installation. It is all this and more that have pushed In The Woods into the foreground as Laurel Collective have managed to rekindle the spirit of a ‘festival’ as opposed to promulgating the dark reality of which they have fallen into.

The Mainland

The temperature drops and the evening is upon us. We head to the Metropolis Stage and this is where Global evolved into an amazing festival. Skrillex, the new dubstep king unleashed a monster set, leaving many in the audience in open-mouthed awe. There are too many highlights from the set to mention but it contained the song of the weekend, Needed Change which saw the crowd take moshing to a new level at a dance festival.

Next up are headliners Chase & Status and there is much anticipation for the duo. They delivered an unforgettable 90 minute set featuring special guests such as Marley, Tempa T and Delilah. These boys are the biggest name in British dance music and will continue to be so if their live shows are consistently this good.

However, a duo that has the potential to be bigger than Chase & Status is Nero who was the best act over the two days. It took forty minutes for their futuristic stage to be constructed and it was a thing of beauty. Unique staging combined with superb lighting and an insane amount of bass made it a show rather than just a set.

If you love electronic music and fancy a music festival which isn’t infested with hordes of teenagers sporting their finest Jack Wills hoodies, then Global Gathering is the answer.

Ryan Ramgobin

The Secret

Which other festivals can boast a hog silently spinning on a spit, or a festival where both guest and artist can share a camping area and a cold cider around a hot bonfire? – ignore every piece of advice your mother ever gave you. Go play in the woods.

Angel Lambo

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KATY B CUDDLES CUB WORDS BY ANGEL LAMBO

S

itting under an neon orange Jägermeister tent, backstage at Beach Break Live, cameras in hand, notepad at the ready - we await the arrival of Katy B. There is an audible buzz of excitement whilst waiting for an artist of such pint-sized proportions that has the ability to command an entire crowd. A figure comes bounding into view from the horizon, holding a bottle of water, simply clad in greyish dungarees and management struggling to keep up behind her.

Cub Music, you’re up! Two minutes! As we edge towards the table we’re greeted by a civil smile and a handshake. We plunge straight in: “When everyone in London is trying to move out for university, why did you stay?” It took her less than a second to respond and we were immediately struck by the frankness in which she spoke: ‘Well, because I was making my album and doing music and stuff – I dunno, I felt like I had to be in London and I’ve had so many trials in my life and I love the industry. It’s always been about making my album and doing my music – I dunno, I just felt like I had to be here. There’s nowhere else to go.” She glared at us as if say-

ing ‘what other answer could I have given’ and we immediately gave a general mutter of agreement, stuttered and then looked down at our notepad and moving on to her experiences of playing to a student crowd instead of the general public. A moments pause and she looks at us inquisitively, tosses her red locks over her shoulder and shakes her head saying how she has never played to a student crowd before, we are pretty sure that she has - our question just hangs in the air until she screams: “Oh god yea!

I’ve done a couple of University balls actually, students are crazy man, they’re just crazy...erm...they’re mad. They love a mosh. They just love a mosh pit!” We smile and swiftly move on whilst she readjust her wooden seat, ready to pay more attention: “What hangover cure would you recommend for Queen Mary Freshers?” Immediately her face brightens up, we have found a topic that she actually cares to talk in length about: “A can of coke is the best hangover cure ever! Because it’s so cold and refreshing but it’s also, like, really sugary and tasty so it takes away the alcohol taste and if there’s too much sugar in it, it like perks you up! So a can of Coke or Lucozade...I can’t

drink water, I dunno how people drink water.” By the end of this excited tirade she is sitting on the end of her chair, legs akimbo and imitating the stance of a weight-lifter and flexing her muscles as she envisions the invigorating qualities of having a Coke after a night of raving hard. Feeling a lot more comfortable we put our two cents in and respond “Yea! We hate water! It makes you feel really full!” Still beaming, she continues that “with Coke, all the bubbles make you feel nice.” Her expression and manner showed us that she was definitely a girl that just wants to party - just like any other person that listens to her records. With renewed energy, we edge on and ask how she relates to students moving away from home: “Well, at the moment, definitely on tour and stuff. But actually, it’s alright really ‘cause my band are really nice and so I’ve got good company” Amanda, the backstage manager is staring us down from the sidelines, tapping at her watch and making it more than apparent we’re running over time.

Katy is none the wiser and neither are we. We plug ahead and realise we only have one question left, the big question,

the philosophy and inspiration behind her extraordinary debut album Katy B: On A Mission. As customary, there is a gaping pause before the words come to her: “The whole album is just like my whole time at university and even if there was songs about going out and enjoying myself, songs about love and lots of different things – it’s really representative of me really, the music behind it.

Some of the tracks are more dub-step, there’s some hardcore breaks in there, some drum’n’bass, and some even more of an R’n’B feel; so each song is like a representative part of my personality... depending on where I would go to; depending on if I go to a club and listen to dub-step, or go to another club that’s funky, it’s all a different part of my personality. I can’t chose really!” As we say our pleasantries and begin to make an exit, Katy rises with us, completely confused we move out of her way thinking that she was attempting to get past us.

But no! She laughs as she extends her arms out for a cuddle, leaning forward we join in a massive embrace as other press look on and wonder why they never received the same level of warmth. As we leave, there is a distinct feeling that we have just been in the company of one of the most frank and genuine individuals in the industry.

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The price of Céline 2011: the year of minimalism.

This isn’t groundbreakAmy Bowles ing news: ever since the return of Phoebe Philo and those unashamedly functional white shirts this time last year, the rise of clean and simple chic has been on the cards. With every season this look has undergone an evolution, but it still retains its simple aesthetic: basic, lasting, classic garments.

From the original camel coat obsession that gripped both fashion’s front row and London’s streets alike, to spring 2011’s sharply tailored white-out, to the long lines of next season’s fitted maxicoats and two-tone trousers, Philo has created a look that makes the most of our wardrobes’ classics. Flick through autumn’s campaigns: the precise Calvin Klein monochromes, the colourblocked MaxMara brights, the less-is-more Chloe pastels, Michael Kors, Nicole Farhi, Daks. The mark of Céline is everywhere, endlessly influential but discretely subtle.

What was the reason for this revolution, this rise of the unadorned and un-

exposed new woman? Philo herself said that “it was just about something that was not disposable. And I think to offer women something that feels more about investing in something, and less about being disposable, is a complete corrective to the world we’re in.” This movement is more than a rise of the classic and the everlasting: it is a rejection of what preceded it. What I think truly defines this development is a progression from the kooky, vintage, granddad-cardigan, got-it-in-East-London-for-a-fiver outfit, to the Chelsea-loafer, Aquascutum, classic, inherently Harrods-issue ensemble. And with this evolution, there is an inescapable financial change: the new woman needs a new budget. Classic is quality, and quality isn’t free. However everlasting and essential they may be, camel coats, leather tunics, and white trouser-suits come with a bigger dry-cleaning bill than last season’s high street offerings.

The overwhelming opulence that arrives with a classic, perfectly understated, minimal garment, cannot be bought on the high street. Primark, Marks and Spencer, even Topshop, do not sell lux-

ury. What a Philo-crafted white shirt – fluid silk, hidden buttons, no pockets – loses in whimsical uniqueness, it gains in precision and tailoring. Philo’s dignified stripping away of ostentation has

left nothing but designer luxury. That luxe attitude is something that cannot be recreated for a fraction of the price.

Inseparable from the high street’s attitude is a sense of inevitable disposability, at odds with the corrective values of Céline. How can a classic be disposable?

Is a copied classic still a classic?

The high street changes each season, in accordance to the catwalk. But what happens when the catwalk solely advises the non-seasonal, non-high-street, designer quality of a classic garment?

How can the high-street interpret what is, by definition, unavailable to it? This season a change has hit the high street: the minimalist trend is largely unrepresented in our shops. Classic garments must be bought from classic designers: Céline, Burberry, Aquascutum.

When the Céline look is only truly available from high end designers, is it really changing the disposability of clothes for the majority of us? When access to style is limited and exclusive, fashion is not democratic. The high street renders fashion widely available, and although Céline’s advocation of what is classic may limit the disposability of clothes, by cutting off the high street, it also limits the woman that it is trying to define.

Student Street Style

Laura, first-year English student, outside the Physics building. She wears Topshop maxi-skirt and denim shirt, Primark boots, Rockit belt and vintage jewellery.

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Tucked away between the fried chicken, Chinese supermarkets and sirens of Mile End Road is a venue full of vintage treasures. Not that you would guess that the stretch of road between PC World and Sainsbury’s was home to a fashion Mecca of the East End. The East End Thrift Store is one of the bestkept secrets of vintage shopping in London and ‘the last fair deal in town’. Although, after fantastic reviews from the likes of Time Out and Vogue and the message on their Facebook page reading ‘we can’t add any more friends’, maybe it’s not such a secret after all.

After opening it’s doors three years ago the East End Thrift Store has gone from strength to strength and it seems like their mix of affordable and quirky vintage clothing hasn’t just caught the eyes of economically minded students.

The brand of ‘Assembly Vintage’ has now opened concessions in both House of Fraser on Oxford Street and up in Manchester, not bad for an old warehouse in Tower Hamlets.

So what gives the East End Thrift Store its unique appeal? Why would you choose to visit them as opposed to the plethora of vintage shops that can be found on Brick Lane just down the road?

It could be the pretty darn attractive pricing. It’s a far cry from the vintage clothing shops of Notting Hill or King’s Road. With prices ranging from £15 for a skirt, shirt or pair of shorts to around £20 for a camel boxy blazer with preppy gold buttons (very A/W 11) (pictured). But it’s got to be more than that fact that the East End Thrift Store may in fact be the ‘last fair deal in town’ as their sign prominently states. They also run jumble sales on the second floor every few Sundays. The deal here lets you pay either £10 for a small bag or £20 for a large bag that you can fill to your hearts content. There are piles

and piles of clothes, many of which may need a bit of customising before they are ready to wear. However, with the challenge of cramming as many items as you can into one bag it’s a fantastic cross between Project Runway and Dale’s Supermarket Sweep. What more could you wish for?

Maybe it’s the unassuming and unpretentious layout and décor. The inside of the shop is not cluttered with decorations and branding.

It is, essentially, an old warehouse in east London stuffed full of fabulous clothes, but that it what gives it its charm.

The clothes speak for themselves and the whole place is just so… cool. There really is no other way to describe it. If you are looking for a way to nail that eclectic, quirky yet ontrend look, there is no finer place to go.

London is regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world and within the capital it is definitely time to look east for the heart of the fashion scene. The East End Thrift Store captures the essence of London fashion all in one shop.

But still this is not enough. To gain recognition from British Vogue you need more than bargain prices for brilliant clothes. The shop must have some kind of hook, some feature that sets it apart from the others. Well in Assembly Passage E1 that comes from the fact that the East End Thrift Store is more than just a shop. If you time it just right you can walk into the shop and discover one of the great, unsigned bands of the East End or get treated to free wine and beer while you shop. The East End

Thrift Store tries to make shopping a real experience.

Their next event is happening on Thursday 29th September. The shop will be open for late night shopping; there will be a DJ, performance art by Figs in Wigs (a performance group originally from Queen Mary who have just returned from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, http://twitter.com/figsinwigs) and, if that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, there is an open bar offering free wine and beer.

Vintage clothing, entertainment and free alcohol; it seems hard to find any drawbacks.

So maybe it is more than just a vintage shop (after all it is a ‘thrift store’). With a multitude of plus points, including the fact it is only a short 10 minute walk from campus, there really is no reason not to visit the East End Thrift Store.

For information about upcoming events and sales, like https://www. facebook.com/pages/East-End-Thrift-

Store/165943483434967 Even better, the East End Thrift Store are giving Queen Mary students a thrifty 10% off until the 25th of September. CUB Fashion have brought you a stylish shoot showing the best of the Thrift Store, online at qmessenger. co.uk.

10% off for Queen Mary Students until 25.09.11.

Take this voucher and your student card to the East End Thrift Store.

10% OFF

THE CINEMAS WE LOVE...

Words by Mark Birrell and Kamilla Baiden

RIO Nearest Tube Stop: Dalston Kingsland Overground Directions: When you come out of the station simply turn left and walk down the high-street, you should see the cinema less than a minute away from the station on your side of the road.

Number of Screens: 1 Why We Love It: If David Lynch made a cinema it would probably look a little like Rio, a grand old building that’s home to the last surviving indie cinema in the Hackney area. It’s a deliciously eclectic affair with its oldstyle tickets (which you sadly don’t see around that much anymore) and wonderfully designed, 50s-vibe, auditorium coupled with the modernity of the café reception where you can pleasantly kill time before the movie. Host to, largely, the more independent side of mainstream cinema, Rio also plays some very hard to find art-house classics during both its Sunday Matinee double bills and its midnight screenings, another piece of cinematic iconography that you don’t see enough of anymore. It’s also worth mentioning that when you sit in Rio cinema you’re sitting in not just a good cinema but a piece of London’s heritage. From its rich history dating back just over 100 years to its odd little quirks, like the little commemorative plaques screwed to the backs of the seats, Rio is a cinema with character; something the country needs more of.

THE PRINCE CHARLES Nearest Tube Stop: Leicester Square Directions: Head into the square when you come out of the station and

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you’ll find The Prince Charles at the top of a side street on your right just before you reach The Empire Cinema.

Number of Screens: 2 Why We Love It: The Prince Charles Cinema (or PCC for short) is the only independent cinema functioning in central London, its tendency to show blockbusters long after they’ve gone off of general release coupled with its extended runs of independent films makes it a cinephiles favourite. The PCC offers films at £1.50 for the first matinee on weekdays, £2.50 for the second matinee on weekdays and £4 in the evening.

This is of course the price for members but considering that annual membership for a student is a meagre £5 you can get cheap films all year long and have a warm fuzzy feeling in your heart because you helped out an independent establishment. It’s also one of the few places left in the country you’ll find showcasing both silent films (with a live piano score) and sing-a-long events.

the cinema its repeat business though, for £15 a month you have unlimited films. Student pricing for the less frequent viewer still stands at just over £6, meaning that for a fraction of a price increase you can have 10 times the quality you would get at Genesis with double the film selection. The cinema presents the option of usually between 15 and 20 films at any one time that range from the biggest to the smallest. It doesn’t have the character of say Rio or the PCC but this is reliable economy cinema at its best, the most bang for your buck, and what kind of student doesn’t snap up a great deal?

ROXY Nearest Tube Stop: London Bridge Directions: Turn left out of the station and head down the main street towards Borough, after about five minutes you

CINEWORLD: WEST INDIA QUAY Nearest Tube Stop: West India Quay DLR Directions: When you descend from the platform head behind the Marriot on your right and walk a few hundred yards down the road, you can’t miss it.

Number of Screens: 10 Why We Love It: It isn’t the most glamorous, or unique, or the most interesting for that matter. But what the West India Quay Cineworld possesses is all-round greatness. The smallest screens, which are spread out amongst three floors with a bar in-between, is as large as the main screen at Genesis.

The proximity to the university, is more than ideal. The price is what really gives

The Roxy: “Hidden behind a red velvet curtain lies a makeshift cinema of candle lit tables and decadent sofas”

should see the bar on the opposite side of the street.

Number of Screens: 1 Why We Love It: It’s a bit of a cheat this, considering that it’s technically not a cinema. But ROXY: Bar and Screen offers one of those unparalleled enjoyment factors that you have to take into account. It’s an small unassuming bar in the London Bridge area, but hidden behind a red velvet curtain lies a makeshift cinema of candle lit tables and decadent sofas huddled around the large screen emblazoned across the back wall.

It plays host to major sporting events and genre-classic films alike, but what makes ROXY a place worth visiting is its vibe. If you’re a member the screenings are about £3, £6 if not, and the bar (for something so central) is really rather well priced. I can’t urge you more to go down to ROXY if you’re looking for a great night out involving film.

AND SOME WE DON’T ODEON MEZZANINE Nearest Tube: Leicester Sq Directions: Literally a five minute walk from Leister square station.

Tucked away next to the Odeon, interestingly enough, prior to it being the Mezzanine, it was an alleyway.

Number of Screens: 5 Why we loathe it: Tucked next door to the Odeon multiplex hellhole, this is apparent first “mini-plex”- and by mini, boy do they mean mini. With just five screens and around 50-60 seats, this complex is more claustrophobic than cute and compact. Although the seating plan is designed quite well which allows even the crappiest of seat occupiers to get a good view. However, yet again the Mezzanine lets its self down with poor sound- I’m pretty sure it isn’t Dolby, and has quite poor soundproofing. Poor décor, sound equipment and size aside, the eye-watering price is what makes this cinema the worst of the worst. A standard student ticket will set you back £8.30 during off peak time and a wooping £11.45 during peak times -that’s from 5pm Monday- Thursday and all day Friday to Sunday and Bank Holidays.

CINEWORLD: TROCADERO Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus Directions: Right on Shaftsbury Avenue, quite complicated to find, as there is no signage saying it is inside the Trocadero until you are inside.

Number of Screens: 7 Why we loathe it: Located in the heart of a capital city, you would think that more would be done to revamp this dated cinema to make a good impression.

Two of the screens inside, are relatively good sized, with a capacity of around 200 people, but the other five screens are very small in comparison. On my first visit to this cinema, I was faced with squashed popcorn etched onto the carpets and loud 14 year olds wandering about. Although this cinema is a bit easier on the pocket, a student off peak ticket is £6.90, but I certainly would not advise this cinema to and London cinema goer- especially if your going on a date.

‘Ed to ‘Ed: For and Against Michael Bay The old joke is that Michael Bay Fast cars, explosions, loud noisdoesn’t understand the differ- es, sexy women and car chases. ence between special effects and The infamous Micheal Bay’s sigideas, and special effects aren’t nature moves- enough to make ideas. It would seem that “ide- any cinemagoer cringe in their as” have to pertain to some clas- standard seat and choke on their sical body. It must be a literary mixed popcorn. or theatrical device. Because if Making a career directing high cinema’s unique visual narra- budget films which thrive off tives were counted as ideas, then beautiful models-turned-acthat would have to mean the tors, dynamite and cars- is evedreaded plebeian beast of cine- ry male’s inner-boy dream. But, ma was, god forbid, a new form Bay is infact everything that is of art. Do I think watching Meg- wrong with cinema today. He an Fox running in slow motion forces cinema goers to susGENESIS is art? No, but the colour, the pend their disbelief, disregards madness and the choreography original material and creates Nearest Tube: Mile End, Stepney of a Michael Bay film – these down-right stupid movies, beGreen things are cinematic magic. Let coming the definition of a HolDirections: Simply continue walking me present a defence the same lywood cliché. OK. It is a bit too past the Queen Mary, Mile End campus way the man himself would – in far though to describe him as (as if you’re heading to Whitechapel) simple, emphatic, bullet points. ‘the worst director’, but just beyou can’t miss it.

•HE’S BRUTAL: In an age where cause Bay directed Armageddon Number of Screens: 5 we increasingly complain about or Pearl Harbour does not mean Why we loathe it: the pampered lives of actors we he should be taken seriously.

Before I start, here’s the good. Geneis should be applauding Michael Bad as Bay films are, some find sis excellent value for money, a stuBay for the risk he places his ac- them ridiculously entertaindent ticket will only set you back £5.50 tors under for the sake of his ing. When Bay directs a reand they have lots of other deals going cinematic vision. Megan Fox fa- make, such as the Transformers, on in the week. Not stopping there, you mously quit the Transformers he completely disregards the also can apply for a student discount franchise calling Bay a Nazi. original material. Of course the and get entry into the bar and get half •WEAPON-O-VISION: It’s Bay’s special effects are impressive, price drinks! Pros aside, Genesis is sim- trademark.

A visual flour- but with lengthy film times- try ply ugly and outdated. Unlike the othish where the camera dons the 157 minutes- my bum becomes er retro cinemas that ooze class, Genegaze of a weapon. Memorable numb and I generally loose sis stems from a 150 year old history of instances are Pearl Harbour’s track of the film due to the lincinemas on 93-95 Mile End. The small- Bomb-o-vision where you follow gering camera shots of gleaming est of the screens, Screen 5, is practithe path of a bomb through the new military vehicles, fast edits, cally the size of a home cinema system- decks of a battleship and Knife- shaky camera actions and extra and it does not give out a warm, comfy, o-vision, where you loud foreboding home feel. If you’re on a tight budget, follow the aerial music. The novelty visiting Genesis will save you on travpath of Sean Conof buildings blowel and money- Genesis is your new best nery’s knife as it’s ing up and fire takfriend. But don’t say I didn’t warn you launched into a foes ing over the screen about the hell hole. neck. wears off pretty •‘SPLOSIONS: The fast in this day in explosions of Miage when all I have chael Bay are so bomto do is watch the VUE: STRATFORD CITY bastic and so giddiLondon riot footly frequent that the age for that.

Nearest Tube: Stratford word itself needed The problem with a Directions: About a 10 minute walk to be changed to betBay flick lies in the from Statford station, simply follow the ter suit him. If the fact that his films signs to the shopping ‘mall’ Westfield, Greeks had a god of are on a budget of and the Multiplex hell resides there. explosions his name around $100-200 Number of Screens: 17 would almost cermillion, meanWhy we loathe it: tainly be Baythos. ing the money is The don of multiplexes opened its •HE’S THE KID there to hire the doors only on the 13th September.

FROM NOWHERE: best that the film Equip with 17 amazing screens, and taken under the business has to one of the four IMAX Odeon cinemas wings of legendoffer. Yet with all in the capital there’s not much to comary producers Jerthat talent behind plain about. But if you’re looking for a ry Bruckheimer and him Bay films still cute, unique cinema- then steer clear of Don Simpson, Bay cause me to yawn: this. With sky-high prices (well they do was recognised as crash, bang, walneed to eventually make some profit), an enthusiastic talent who had lop does nothing for me. I can this whole experience - popcorn, tickbattled his way up. He’d worked see through Bay and his empty ets and all- will easily set you back £25 for decades behind the scenes shell of script and see it for it’s and with that you’ll get long ques, over of blockbusters and music vide- true colours: An excessive high packed cinemas, staff who don’t want os. In an industry where you’re budget CGI car crash. Someone to be there and a general over priced defined by who you know/are re- or something needs to stop himnight. lated to, Bay worked his way up before he releases another sumfrom nothing. mer popcorn muncher.

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Qupid

Eleanor Hallam History 3rd year “Outgoing. Friendly. Welsh.”

Being left waiting for well over an hour for my date to arrive was a very novel experience for me, even more novel than being on a blind date in the first place!

My first impressions of my date were dishevelled and windswept albeit goodlooking. Posing for the photos allowed us to quickly get over the awkwardness of our initial meeting and, if nothing else, we shared a laugh over the problems that occur when long hair is met with fierce winds, while attempting to

Gruffudd Watts English and Film 2nd year “Lazy. Footloose. Fancy-free.”

To be honest I thought going on a blind date was going to be awkward, especially when – for reasons which were only partially my fault – I arrived more than an hour late; but it surprisingly wasn’t that bad. (The banter during our ‘photo shoot’ certainly helped!)

In addition to this it did get me out of the house for an evening, an evening which otherwise would have been boring. I’d never been to the Fat Cat before.

In fact one of the reasons I was so late was because I couldn’t find it; but it was

pose for a serious photo.

After this bizarre start to the evening, it all seemed to continue surprisingly well; we both ordered steak and red wine which made me think that at least we had similar tastes in food (although I hoped that this wasn’t all we had in common).

The conversation was quite interesting and most of the time it flowed. His soft spot for bad films made me laugh– namely Hot Tub Time Machine. A film student should know better! The conversation moved to festivals too as we gave each other some recommendations.

I’ve hopefully convinced him to go to a European festival and he’s confirmed for me that I need to get to Glastonbury!

Despite the effective mood lighting in Fat Cat, I don’t think I was in a romantic mood. I’m sure I’ll see him again in Drapers on a Monday night but Qupid wasn’t successful on this match making mission. For all I know he has fallen head over heels for me and wants another date eating steak and watching a film starring John Cusack… I think that’s unlikely. pretty cool in a down beat kind of way, the menu seemed decent and the wine was definitely better than Raymond’s.

The mood lighting gave the place an air of romance but I don’t think this made our personal experience any more romantic.

Our conversation was, in fact, pretty decent, turns out we were both from Wales, which is a weird coincidence, or was it? Eleanor was chatty and effervescent so any first date norms (i.e. awkward silences) were easily overcome. I ordered a steak and some wine (for free!), which could never be a bad thing. It turns she ordered the exact same thing, which could have indicated we were meant for each other but more likely that we, like most of the world, enjoy beef. So yeah, if you get the opportunity to go on a Queen Mary blind date I wouldn’t turn it down, you’ll probably meet someone cool, I did, and, it won’t actually be as awkward as you think. My expectations were definitely exceeded and although we didn’t exchange numbers, I’m sure I’ll see her around again.

Do you want to be the next student struck by Qupid’s wandering arrow? You won’t only meet your potential soulmate, but you’ll get a free meal and bottle of wine at the rather lovely Fat Cat Cafe. If you’re interested email Collette Yapp-Davis at qupid@cubmagazine.co.uk

Qupid’s verdict With high expectations I embark upon my mission to spread a little love throughout Queen Mary. As the first blind date became imminent, I began to wonder, will I be successful on my mission? Is my dream of creating more love among students and breaking down the course divides too much to ask? Maybe Eleanor and Gruff have the answer...

Being the first to experience my blind dating service, they were fortunate in that they would set the bar.

They didn’t know what to expect and quite frankly neither did I, but I’m sure none of us expected an almost no show! Gruff being so late (over an hour) didn’t seem to phase Eleanor in the slightest (she may have even felt a bit sorry for him battling the ferocious winds and wandering the bleak Mile End streets to make it to the date) and although I admire Eleanor for her patience, this is defiantly something that Gruff should have made up for (whether he apologized or not is a mystery to me!). It seems that Gruff only managed to claw back from what is normally the ultimate first date faux pas, with his relaxed good looks and charming Disneyprince style floppy hair.

It seems that Gruff managed to make Eleanor laugh (they say that if

you can make a girl laugh it’s half the battle) and they made the most out of the few similarities they had; being Welsh, ordering steak and an appreciation of music festivals.

Although bonding over the hilarity of the photos and a love of all things red (meat and wine) wasn’t necessarily what I had in mind, I’m happy that these things stood in the way of awkwardness and paved the way for what seemed like a successful(ish) date, considering the circumstances...

I am disappointed that my lovetipped arrows missed these two, if only Gruff had been in more of a hurry to arrive, my aim could have been truer. However, this date was still successful; two people from two different courses have met and liked each other. While I have no fantasies of them becoming BFFs anytime soon, I have broken down the ‘course/ year’ barrier that can often get in the way of us making friends at QM. So, now at Drapers on a Monday night, they can exchange small talk over the £1.50 pints, introduce each other to their friends and I can relax in the knowledge that I have increased the number of friendly smiles exchanged among the corridors, paths and bars of Queen Mary.

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