1470

Redbrick Issue 1470, Vol. 80

Friday 10th June 2016

Road to Rio Pullout Six pages of Olympic coverage Page 18

Still milking it?

One year on from the abolition of Guild Council, Redbrick investigates its replacement, Your Ideas Of 91 ideas voted on via the Guild's website, only 16 have passed Just one idea - milkshakes in Joe's bar - has materialised on campus News // Page 3

Sophie Milligan interviews refugee crisis journalist Edward Jonkler

Redbrick Food visit Digbeth Dining Club's street closure

Redbrick TV have some boxset tips for the summer break

James Moore investigates Guild officers' promises after a year

Features Page 12

Features Page 14

Features Page 15

News Page 4

02

REDBRICK

Friday 10th June 2016

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Online this week at redbrick.me...

TRAVEL

NEWS

MUSIC

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Budget Holidays Tara Kergon tells us how to have a summer holiday without breaking the bank

Midland Metro Tram Opening Megan Stanley reports on the opening of Birmingham's brand new tram service

Busk in London Ella Talbot previews the first International Busking Day, coming to London in July

Peaky Blinders Premiere As the series closes, revisit Matt Dawson's red-carpet interview with the cast.

REDBRICK INSTAGRAM: BEST OF THE YEAR

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NEWS

Friday 10th June 2016

03

@redbricknews

Redbrick Investigates:

Your Ideas

James Moore

Redbrick takes a closer look at the replacement of Guild Council, the Your Ideas forum, and looks at what it has achieved after its first year in place.

Anna Griffiths

the Guild website puts out two contradictory figures. In the Officer Editor elect Achievement Round Up poster, they claim that each round (not James Moore individual proposal) had over 500 News Editor voters. Representation and Resource Officer Daisy Lindlar’s After a year of ‘Your Ideas’, achievement poster even claims Redbrick looks at the successes there have been over 1000 votes and failures of the initiative by cast in each round. surveying students and analysing Speaking to Redbrick, Daisy the passed proposals. informed us that 91 proposals had Your Ideas is the online forum been voted upon. There were 125 designed to replace the now abol- original submissions this year. The ished Guild Council, where stu- submissions that were cut from dents submit an idea and vote upon public vote were for the most part it. If the idea reaches quoracy, duplicate ideas. An unconfirmed which the Guild has set at 0.5% of small number were vetoed, whilst the student population, and the others didn’t make it to the vote as idea receives over a 50% approval similar initiatives were already of those who voted, the ‘idea’ being discussed by the Guild. passes. An ‘idea’ has five days to Of the students who knew get enough votes to pass, and run about Your Ideas, only 23% over the course of a week called a thought it was well promoted, with ‘round’.

77% believing it had not been proThe replacement system ena- moted well at all. bles students to submit ideas to the Daisy told Redbrick that the guild online for voting, rather than Guild utilises several promotional having to go in person to the Guild tools to encourage students to parbuilding, which benefits part time ticipate in Your Ideas. This includes students or students with access the use of social media, ‘from our issues who cannot make it to the Guild accounts and the Officers campus site. accounts, through posters around However, a Redbrick survey the Guild building, and updates in carried out online found that over the emails that are regularly sent to 62% of student respondents did all our members. We also encournot know about Your Ideas. age students who have proFewer than 40% had posed an Idea to “camheard of the platpaign” for their Idea, form. which also increasThe survey es engagement.’ of 52 students The Your also found that Ideas forum is 28% of all one of the respondents most imporhad voted on tant tools the Percentage of a proposal.

Guild offers students who 70% of stuto hold the dents who had officers to did not know heard of the account, yet what Your Ideas platform have the forum is difvoted on at least ficult to access was one proposal, on the website. which is a high level Third year politics of participation. student Ben told When asked by Redbrick, Redbrick that when he went to Guild President Jack Mably said vote on a proposal, he couldn’t that each proposal gets around 500 find the Your Ideas forum through votes, and that the proposal with the website and had to access it the highest votes was the idea to through direct links to the vote on disaffiliate with the NUS, which social media. On the website, you tallied over 900. With this in mind, can access the forum through a

62%

revolving slider on the home page.

Giulia Bardelli, a campaigner for the original live music at the guild proposal, found the lack of clear quoracy on the website a hindrance to her campaign (which initially failed but has now passed).

Quoracy is defined as 0.5% of the student population, which changes round to round. At present quoracy is 201.

Due to the level of dissatisfaction with the Your Ideas website, a proposal has even been submitted to Your Ideas calling on the Guild to review the online interface of the forum.

Redbrick found that Guild Officer Question time is known by only a minority of students, with only 42% saying they had heard of the forum. Only 4% of those questioned by Redbrick had said they had ever attended the event.

Termly YouTube videos are posted by the Guild to allow the officers to update the student body on what they have been doing.

These videos are embedded on the guild website. None of these videos have more than 100 views and some have as low as 6. When the officer update videos are embedded on Facebook, they average 243 views.

Despite a minority using their vote in the new platform and attending Officer Question Time there were more students who felt that the Guild Officers were accountable than those we felt they were not accountable. 31% of respondents believed they are accountable, while 29% thought that the Officers were not accountable. 40% had no opinion.

33% of Students prefer the new Your Ideas platform to the Guild Council, which was preferred by only 22% of students. The remaining respondents were freshers, who weren’t at university when Guild Council existed.

The Redbrick survey highlights the poor level of general participation with the Guild, but does show that when people are aware of Your Ideas, there is a relatively high level of participation.

Speaking to Redbrick, President Jack Mably referred to the aboli-

tion of Guild Council as the ‘highlight of [his] year’. The decision to scrap Guild Council was highly controversial, with the Guild referendum to abolish it failing to reach quoracy last academic year. The general meeting that eventually abolished it in Special Resolution 1 was criticised for taking place too close to the beginning of this academic year. Redbrick reported that student Michael Foley complained, ‘Because of the timing of the meeting, liberation associations were not able to be consulted.

Consultation with liberation officers was done before the start of

'For an organisation highminded enough to try and influence national politics, changing its own menu really isn't much of an achievement' term; before many of the liberation officers had come back’.

All of the Guild Officers that Redbrick spoke to loved the new model of Your Ideas, including President elect Ellie Keiller, who in an interview after her election stated that Guild Council was difficult and ‘unpleasant’ for Guild Officers, and that the new model is much more inclusive.

The ‘We’re Working On It’ section of the Your Ideas forum does not seem to have been updated since April, as the NUS National Conference Section, ran by Jack Mably, promises updates and ‘more details after April’. The NUS conference took place the 19th-21st of April. No update is listed in Your Ideas.

Within the ‘We’re Working On It’ section, eight votes that passed are detailed. Of these, only one has produced tangible change: ‘milkshakes and smoothies in Joes bar’.

Milkshakes have since been added

to the menu, and have proved enormously popular. Yet, as second year history student Harry put it, ‘for an organisation high-minded enough to try and influence national politics, changing its own menu really isn't much of an achievement’.

Other ideas detailed in the ‘We’re Working On It’ page include ‘Bring an inexpensive and studentbudget suitable convenience store to campus. Spar and Costcutter are too expensive!’ Daisy has updated the progress on this passed idea, stating that the contract with Spar runs until 2019 so cannot be fixed immediately. However, she promises the Guild is working with Spar to include more student deals. In order to show progress, the website needs to be updated to state specifically which deals have been introduced as a consequence of this proposal passing.

Another popular ‘Your Idea’ was ‘More Live Music at the Guild!’, which passed on the 11th Feb. Yet three months later, the update on the website is still ‘we’re looking into ways in which we can make the Guild work better for regular live music nights’.

The Your Ideas website states that ‘If over 50% of Voters agree with you, we’ll get started on making your idea happen. Easy as that!’

Your Ideas is not a bad concept. It allows students to submit ideas of all sorts who would not have otherwise have attended the long and often tedious Guild Council. However, without frequent updates, no Guild Council to hold officers to account, and a poorly promoted Guild Officer Question Time, it is very easy for the Guild to keep voters and students in the dark. The Guild needs to promote Your Ideas, as not enough people vote on them, or have even heard of the forum.

They need to make the website more accessible, and update students more often on their progress. This isn’t just about changing the menu in Joe’s; this is necessary for democracy and accountability.

Milkshakes are a start, but they aren't enough.

04

NEWS

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbricknews

Jack Mably

Guild President

Bigger events on campus Created the Winter Spectacular with an ice rink and ferris wheel on campus, which will return next year.

More Grad employment Last year Birmingham was University of the year for Grad employment, this year we came in at 5th according to the Telegraph.

Better Joes+ and Meal Plan in the Guild Hasn’t had a chance to get round to Joe’s+ card. Meal Plan has proved more difficult than expected, but should happen over summer.

Daisy Lindlar

Representation and Resources

Cheaper grad ball & priority booking Priority booking came in, but students still had difficulty buying tickets. Ticket prices offered a higher cost but better 'value for money' according to Daisy, despite complaints about the lineup which led to a petition to have it changed.

No cardboard signs & cut campaign times Elections this year saw a ban on all cardboard signs and campaign length reduced to only one week.

International student support Next year will see a pilot buddy scheme for a handful of international students.

Ben Chapman

Activites and Development

Society of the Week There has been no society of the week this year.

Sponsorship for societies Some societies this year have started sponsorship and promotion deals, but not with the help of the Guild. Anime Society President Thomas Scone said of the deal they secured with Tokyo Toys ‘We had no help from the guild on that.’

Society fair on the Vale There hasn't been a societies fair on the Vale, but society members have been asked to represent their societies at accommodation open days.

Ross Strong

Welfare Officer

Get better welfare tutors Pushed professional welfare tutors and training for academic tutors coming in the next months, but this has been ongoing since before Ross took office.

Reduce mental health stigma Created ‘mind your head week’ opening conversations about mental health, changing culture on campus.

Improve sexual health Bringing in free contraception and testing. Part of sexual assault in extenuating circumstances explicitly. New sports centre will have ungendered block of single cubicles changing rooms

Roberto Sorrentino

Housing and Community

Recycling, wheelie bins & events in Selly Some houses have received wheelie bins, but not due to guild intervention.

Could not bring major events to Selly, but did host a Open Air Cinema screening at the Guild.

Cut Selly Crime The crime rate in Selly Oak has stayed constant but Roberto, along with Rémy, has provided self-defence classes.

Better Wifi in accommodation Wifi is halls has been inconsistent with numerous outages in Pritchatts Park this year, some for nearly a whole day.

Guild Officers under the Redbrick spotlight How well have the Sabbs kept their promises? News Editors Danyal Hussain and James Moore report Izzy Lenga

Education Officer

Rémy Claustres

Sports Officer

Louder Student Voice How loud a student voice actually is can be hard to assess. This year did see the abolition of Guild Council and introduction of Your Ideas, a joint effort of the entire officer team.

Bigger crowds at games Promoted Xplosion to a record crowd of over 3000. Women’s Hockey 2nd team captain Katie Batchelor says: ‘You can tell there has been an effort to watch events. They have definitely been promoted better’

Timetable improvements Along with Rémy, supported keeping Wednesday afternoons free and use of lecture recording.

Get you active Hosted free fitness for more than 300 people with Zumba and Body attack classes.

New better study spaces There have not been noticable changes to spaces or wifi on campus. Izzy's main work has been in securing a Postgrad officer and BME student group.

Intra-mural sports for all Rémy accepts this is an area where it has been harder to achieve, but he has held the cost of the new sports centre to only around £20 more

NEWS

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbricknews

05

UOB Climbs Four Places In Guardian University League Tables 2017 Anna Griffiths Editor Elect @AnnaPhoebee

Ranking 17th in 2015, the University of Birmingham has climbed four places to 13th in the Guardian’s University League Table.

Cambridge took the top spot for the 6th year running, with Oxford just behind. St Andrews and Surrey maintained their positions from last year (3rd and 4th respectively). Interestingly, Loughborough make joint 4th, a

huge jump from their 11th last year.

Birmingham ranks just behind London School of Economics, and just above University College London. UoB scored highly in course satisfaction, teaching satisfaction and graduate prospects. To climb higher in the league tables, Birmingham needs to improve the levels of satisfaction with feedback, where it places in the bottom half of the table.

Despite Birmingham’s impressive rise, 2016’s league was a poor one for Russell Group Universities: Liverpool main-

tained 59th; Kings College London fell to 42nd; Sheffield

Birmingham ranked 1st in both American Studies and Drama and Dance.

41st; Bristol 38th; Newcastle 37th; Queen Mary 34th; Cardiff 33rd; and Manchester 31st.

Despite a successful sporting

year for Leicester, the university suffered one of the worst drops, falling 15 places to 47th. Essex fell equally as far to 62nd, Bournemouth fell 16 places to 79th, and Birmingham City dropped 19 places to 105th.

Brighton had a particularly bad year, falling from 67th to 91st.

Many Russell League Universities performed well, with City of London University climbing to 18th on the back of its strong Journalism courses, Coventry maintaining 15th and Lancaster taking 8th.

UoB performed strongly in

individual course rankings too.

Birmingham ranked 1st in both American Studies and Drama and Dance. Physics at UoB placed 2nd.

Notable top 20 course positions at UoB include: Medicine at 16th; Psychology 13th; Philosophy 3rd; Music 19th; Modern Languages 11th; Mathematics 9th; Law 13th; History 15th; English 6th; Chemical Engineering 3rd; Dentistry 10th; Computer Science 16th; Chemistry 14th; 3rd for Biosciences; 6th for Education; and 9th for Religious Studies.

Summer Of Library Closures Looms Grace Duncan News Editor @gracieellen_

Emily Young News Reporter

This summer the libraries on campus are undergoing massive changes with closures already underway in preparation for the opening of the New Library in August.

The Law and Education libraries closed at 5pm on 3rd June followed by the closure of floors 2-5 of the main library on 5th June starting from 3pm. The Music Library is soon to follow with its closure on 17th June. The Selly

Oak Library will be unaffected.

During this time the Main Library will be open from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 3pm on weekends.

With the majority of the floors closed, students will be unable to browse specialised reference collections themselves, although books will still be available throughout the moving process with the development of the Library Services’ new ‘Fetching Service’. The process of receiving resources will take longer.

FindIt@Bham can be used to see if the books and journals are affected by zone closures. The website will direct you to a request form to order your resources,

you’ll then get an email when they are ready to collect.

The ‘Fetching Service’ will operate twice a day and will run from 8am on Mondays through to 1pm on Fridays. This means that finding resources could take up to 48 hours to find some texts due to the mass scale of the move.

However, by Mid-June much of the reference material will be relocated to the ground floor – where the Short Loan section currently is – to make them more accessible.

Due to the complexity of the move it will be difficult for the library to locate books. However Library Services will look three times before treating the item as

lost and then you will be contacted to be offered a free inter-library loan.

To compensate for the incon-

'Finding resources could take up to 48 hours' veniences of the move, the library has increased the amount of resources you can take out at a time to 30, as well as increasing the number of materials available online. Although this does improve the usability of the

library, if the materials cannot be located the number you can take out becomes irrelevant.

The Main Library’s ground floor will be open all summer, as well as research rooms in the Cadbury Research Library and spaces across campus. There will also be rooms booked specifically for study in the Guild.

The New Library is set to open in mid-August and Library Services are working hard to ensure that students have everything they need during the move. Whether they are successful at this remains to be seen.

For updates on how the move is going follow @ UoBLibServices, or use the hashtag #newlibraryUoB.

'Vote To Stay In' Says Life Sciences Minister During University Visit Rachel Kahn News Reporter

On Monday the 6th June, the University of Birmingham welcomed George Freeman, MP and Minister of Life Sciences, to Birmingham’s Research Park.

Mr Freeman, alongside Professor David Adams, Professor Charles Craddock and Dr James Wilkie, addressed academics, scientists and local business leaders at the Life Sciences Rally where the University of Birmingham and its highly recognised research were described as ‘world class’.

The address directly covered the importance for science to remain in the EU, so the high quality of research at Birmingham, as well as across the country in Universities and Industry, can continue at the standard it is currently.

During his talk, George Freeman said, ‘Birmingham is, quite simply, a powerhouse of life sciences research’. He continued ‘Birmingham is on its way to becoming a world leader in

medical research. We must stay as part of the EU to protect Birmingham’s ongoing strength

‘Being part of the EU is crucial to access staff from across Europe' in this sector.’ Between 2007 and 2013, €5.4bn were put into the EU’s research and development programme. In the same time frame the UK received €8.8bn of investment into research.

Head of College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Professor David Adams said, ‘being part of the EU is crucial to access staff from across Europe. Many of these people come in funded by grants from Europe’.

Professor Charles Craddock, Director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Professor of Haemato-oncology, told the panel that remaining within the EU means that

‘patients see drugs that they would not otherwise see outside of the EU’.

Redbrick got the chance to ask the Minister a few more detailed questions: ‘The Spokesman of the Science for Britain campaign argues remaining within the EU means we lose out on collaborations with other countries of the commonwealth. What are your thoughts on this?’

Freeman: ‘It’s rubbish!’ ‘I respect both sides of the argument, but Science for Britain represents 150 scientists. There are hundreds of thousands of UK scientists, the vast majority of whom want to remain in the EU. Through the genomics programme, I’ve already put in place collaborations with Canada and Australia. Remaining within the EU does not mean we cannot put collaborations in place elsewhere as well’.

‘The UK government has been criticised for not investing as much money into Research and Development as other countries in the EU. Putting arguments to remain in the EU

aside, how are the government taking individual responsibility to overcome this?’

Freeman: ‘Over the past 30 years, the UK has been in deexpenditure, but we have increased science spending. In the last Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced that the science budget would increase over five years and we’ve ringfenced £1 billion a year into the National Institute for Health and Research as well as investing elsewhere. We are increasing expenditure into science but it takes time’. ‘Remaining part of the EU means we can be an attractive place to invest in’.

Describe why Science is safer within the EU in three words.

Freeman: ‘Collaboration because science is essentially collaborative, investment because science requires vast amounts of money and lastly market, because investment comes in on the basis of large market opportunities’.

Is there an aspect of research at Birmingham that particularly excites you?

Freeman: ‘Yes! The trials acceleration protocol, generating faster access to innovative medicines to NHS patients. They’ve generated over £150million of free drugs for the benefit of patients which is world class pioneering research’.

Birmingham is home to the largest cancer trials unit in the UK and where personalised medicine is taking off. It is no surprise the minister considers the city to be a world class centre of international research.

06

EU VOTE

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbricknews

UoB In Europe Statement Jeevan Jones Britain faces one of the biggest decisions it will make for a generation. Within the EU, our economy is stronger, providing good job prospects for graduates. Students are able to work, study and live abroad. We can better tackle cross-border problems such as organised crime, terrorism and climate change.

And our universities have access to vital research funding, expertise from across the EU and are able to work collaboratively across borders.

We recognise the EU isn’t perfect and reforms have been secured to protect the UK and ensure we have the best of both worlds: a stronger economy and access to opportunities alongside greater control and the ability to block future changes.

But leaving puts all this at risk. Leaving will damage our economy and trade, cause instability, limit our future prosperity, and reduce the UK’s standing in the world.

We are stronger, safer and better off in the EU than we are alone. On 23rd June, Vote Remain.

B-Leave Statement B-Leave is a nonpartisan student group campaigning for a Leave vote in the upcoming EU referendum.

The truth is that the EU has been a disaster for European students. Under 25s in Spain face a 50% unemployment rate, young people in Greece have suffered under austerity forced on them by the EU, and EU membership has cost the UK £87 billion since 2010 (more than all the money “saved” through Tory cuts combined).

Voting to Remain is an endorsement of these failed policies that have created immeasurable human misery.

On the other hand, when we vote to Leave, we’ll be able to reinvest that money in our NHS, reclaim our democracy, and become a truly Global Britain with trade links around the world.

These are just some of the arguments for Leave, but if you’d like to discuss them further in a friendly setting, then B-Leave meets every Monday at 6pm in the Bratby Bar in Staff House, and our meetings are open to everyone – we have regular attendees from the Remain campaign and every political party.

EU REFEREND Opinion: I'm Undecided James Moore News Editor

There’s less than a month to go until the day of the EU referendum, but I still don’t know whether to vote to stay or go.

I’ve seen the arguments. I’ve seen the partisan petty squabbling and the fear mongering, the outlandish claims and the impossible promises. And for all of the worst that the British political elite have to offer I just can’t decide.

When it comes to the economy Brexiteers say we’ll have more money of our own to sort out our NHS and deprived areas, to balance the books and cut the deficit.

Remain says we’ll be plunged into another recession and need to spend more to get out of it.

According to vote leave we send £350 million every week to the EU. That figure doesn’t include the money we get back. Remain claims if we leave the EU every household in Britain will be £4000 worse off. Channel 4’s fact check has said the figure was ‘fiction’.

Both sides are deliberately inflating figures.

On trade both sides claim they’re on top. The Leave camp says we’ll trade more with America and the Commonwealth and the gateway to India and China will be easier since we won’t have to go through Brussels. Remain on the other hand claims we’ll lose hundreds of thousands of jobs tied to the EU,

and the majority of our trade is with Europe so that’s where it’s best to stay.

Vote Leave’s unique selling point is sovereignty. By being part of the EU we give away our ability to govern ourselves to unelected officials in Strasbourg and Brussels. If we leave they say we’ll have control over our country again. We won’t have to conform to excessive EU regulation which hurts

I’ll make my decision when sanity prevails our industry to the sum of £600 million a week that none of the rest of the EU even obeys anyway.

The last 40 motions we opposed in the EU all went on to become law.

Britain also ‘vetoed’ the Lisbon treaty only for it to come into force anyway.

Remain thinks the leave camp is blowing the EU’s regulation out of proportion and by being in the EU we don’t actually give away much of our sovereignty at all. Even if we did leave we’d have to negotiate a deal with the EU that would probably mean we’d have to conform to the regulations anyway.

Some sources out there say that countries within the EU do not need to buy product that conforms to EU standards if it was produced outside of the EU. Some say they

do. If we wish to keep selling Whiskey to the French it’d be a lot cheaper in the EU than out, that’s for certain, the question is whether it’s better to keep doing that, than to start selling to America and the Far East.

Cheaper flights have come up in the debate. Remain thinks cheaper flights have been made possible by the EU. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has in the past said that the EU only served to protect the high cost flights sold by Air France and British Airways and the like.

Recently O’Leary has reneged on that, saying that the EU has allowed cheap flights across the continent through deregulation.

Security is also a huge issue in the debate. Remain says if we leave the EU our country will be at greater risk of terror attacks, crossborder crime and Russian aggression. Leave on the other hand quotes the former head of Interpol, that being in the EU is like ‘hanging a sign welcoming terrorists’.

Vote Leave reminds us that there is no EU wide database or security force and the European Court controls our ability to deport terrorists.

Currently universities in the UK receive huge amounts of funding from the EU. Remain claims that if we leave many universities will be forced to shut down courses or altogether without European money. Vote Leave assures that the money previously sent to Europe will be more than suffi-

cient to fund Higher Education.

Every step I look both sides have strong arguments. Both sides make excellent points. Both sides seem feasible and the correct one can only be known by predicting the future.

I think about whether the EU is the place to be, and I see France, a net gainer, sending less than it receives back despite being one of the largest economies in Europe. Greece receives less net EU money than France.

I see the Euro, weaker than the pound and something I’m glad we never entered into.

I look at the economies of Spain, Italy and Greece, which in many ways did well out of the EU until the recession. Then their membership of the EU nearly dragged them into bankruptcy.

I wonder if Brexit is jumping off the sinking ship.

I can’t predict the future, I don’t know whether I’ll be better off in future if we leave or not. And I’m part of the generation for whom it matters the most, since I’ll be living in it for the longest, but I’ve still got a say. I can go out on June 23rd and cast my ballot. I just don’t know what to vote for.

I’ll decide when I know the facts.

I’ll decide when I see some independent argument that isn’t racist or partisan. I’ll make my decision when sanity prevails and I know which will make me better off.

Brexit Team Dominate PPE Debate Danyal Hussain News Editor

Image: Anna Griffiths

The University of Birmingham's Policy, Politics and Economics society recently hosted a 'PPE Forum' on the upcoming EU Referendum. The debate, which included a panel of six experts, held three separate audience votes to gauge student opinion on the Referendum.

Team Brexit, headed by

Conservative MP Graham Brady, UKIP Birmingham Spokesman Keith Rowe and UoB academic Anthony Hopkins, clearly were the more successful side, having increased their vote share from 15% in the intial vote to 35% in the final vote of the night.

The EU In team, headed by Green Party Leader Natalie Bennet, Defence & Security Correspondent for The Guardian Graham Norton-Taylor and Laura Sandys, Chair of the

European Movement, saw their vote share fall slightly throughout the night, going from 60% to 59%. They failed to appeal to the 25% of the audience that were undecided at the beginning of the night.

The event was attended by over two hundred students, adding legitimacy to the voting figures. One audience told Redbrick that he was 'impressed by the EU Out team', highlighting lecturer Anthony Hopkins for praise.

Birmingham Vice Chancellors advocate Vote In Three Vice-Chancellors of Birmingham universities have coauthored the following statement: 'The forthcoming Referendum on EU membership will have important implications for our world-class universities and their students.

In considering the issues, we urge the wider public to consider the vital role the EU plays in supporting our universities.

Inside the EU, we are bet-

ter able to collaborate with partners across Europe, to carry out cutting edge research, from medical and health care advances, to new materials, products, and services. Membership of the EU also ensures that we are a very attractive destination for global talent, including international students.

Currently our three universities receive in excess of £25 million in EU research funding.

Nearly 3,000 students from the EU study at our universities,

contributing directly to the prosperity and international character of our city. Across the West Midlands more widely, just under 10,000 EU students are studying at our universities and on an independent analysis they generate £219 million for the regional economy and support 2,079 jobs.

Our universities are seeking to facilitate Referendum debate and are not taking a position in that debate. As institutional leaders though, we believe that

the interests of our students, universities, and the prosperity that they bring to our city are best secured by remaining in the EU.' Professor Cliff Allan, Vice Chancellor, Birmingham City University Professor Sir David Eastwood, Vice Chancellor, Univeristy of Birmingham Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Aston University

EU VOTE

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbricknews

DUM SPECIAL 64% Of Students Worry What Will Happen If We Leave A new survey shows that a majority of students have concerns over travel, jobs and prospects if Britain were to leave the EU James Moore News Editor

A survey carried out by a money saving voucher website has suggested that Students have concerns about the outcome of the EU referendum. The research shows that 64% of students are concerne over travel opportunities around Europe if the UK voted to leave the EU. 48% of students felt that neither campaign has provided a clear picture of the UK following Brexit with 20% believing their generation has been overlooked in the referendum.

Amid the campaigns releasing sound bites and statistics those at university are saying no one cares about their views and concerns.

To assess how those at University feel about the EU referendum and their future concerns website My Voucher Codes surveyed over 2000 students. This

survey asked ‘How have you been no clear statistics as to what found the campaigns to stay or will happen with both sides using leave the EU?’ allowing respond- ambiguous stats to support their ents to choose statements from a own argument’. One student said list. Of those asked 48% they were ‘mudslinging felt neither side had campaigns that feel given a clear answer. designed to discredit 38% of students the other rather than thought neither reinforce their own campaign had argument although given enough the in campaign information on feels more crediStudents key issues and ble’. were 20% that neither The website campaign cares for then asked: ‘What surveyed the younger generaworries you if the tion’s views. 18% felt UK was to vote to that neither of their leave the EU?’ 64% of arguments were well students were most conthought out. cerned about travel around Students were also offered the Europe. 49% answered ‘Harder to chance to give their opinion on gain work in Europe’, 46% ‘Effect the referendum. One said ‘Both on employment after university’, campaigns seem inherently biased 45% ‘Loss of funding for educaand it's difficult to access impar- tion from EU grants’, 41% tial views’, another stated that ‘Making it harder to study in ‘There has been a lot of scare- Europe’, 38% ‘Rises in interest mongering however there have rates of loans’, 28% ‘Harder for

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collaborations between UK and European universities’, 17% ‘Those from Europe facing higher fees to study in the UK.’ The General Manager of My Voucher Codes, Chris Reilly said: ‘There are a number of key areas that students, currently studying at university, feel like they either have not been given enough information on the referendum or else been misinformed on it.’ He went on to say ‘No one appears to be taking the time to talk to and engage this group of voters’.

Third year history student Matt is most worried about the potential impact Brexit may have upon workers rights and his future wages. He continued 'the leave campaign runs with the slogan 'take back control', yet all that would happen is take back control and give it straight to the Tories. That worries me'.

Opinion: For the Love of ScIeNce! Rachel Kahn News Reporter

Six months of media publicity, numerous political debates, and a whole host of ‘what referendum?

Never heard of it!’ jokes will reach their climax on Thursday 23rd June 2016 in the EU referendum.

Admittedly, as a science student, Politics is something I take an interest in but not something I actively engage with, so my initial thoughts were simple: ‘there’s not enough of a problem to consider leaving, so why are we questioning it?’. There are a number reasons regarding whether we should stay in or leave the EU, but for me, the particular niche I have taken interest in is what it means for the UK in terms of Science.

Israel and Switzerland are both countries that sit outside the EU but remain ‘associated’ with it. They are both known for their strong research endeavour, with as many grant applications accepted as countries within EU, receiving high levels of funding for research. Problem solved - if these countries can do it, surely we can too, right? Not quite.

GDP is a term used to indicate and describe how a country’s

economy is doing. The government invests varied proportions of their GDP into certain areas such as Research and Development.

The proportion of GDP put into funding research in both Israel and Switzerland is far greater than the average EU nation. The UK government is particularly bad, and have so far rejected calls to increase investment into research and development.

Investments have flat lined within the UK, whilst EU spending has trebled since 2002, highlighting the positive effect of remaining within the EU. Countries associated with the EU do not retain the same rights in terms of influencing research and innovation as countries contained within the EU, something that Britain currently plays a leadership role in.

Nobel Prize laureate Professor Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Biomedical Research Centre Francis Crick, has warned that if the UK were to leave the EU, research would suffer and gaining appropriate access to funding would be far more difficult. Within the EU we have access to ‘ideas, people and investment in science’ which, he argues, is the very essence of what drives new scientific discoveries.

Words can be powerful, but let’s look at some facts and figures. Between 2007 and 2013 the UK government invested €78 billion into the EU, of which €5.4 billion was put into the EU’s research and development programme. Within the same timeframe, the UK received €8.8 billion worth of investment into research and development clearly showing that with regard to research, we get far more out of the EU than what we put in.

Now as with any argument, there are two sides to the story.

There are a group of around 150 UK based scientists who believe Britain would benefit from leaving the EU, although their arguments are far easier to dispute.

Professor Angus Dalgeish is one scientist who believes the arguments to remain within the EU are driven by self-interest of large scientific institutions, yet self-interest is necessary to deliver internationally recognised research. He also argues that remaining in the EU means we lose out on potential collaborations with America and other commonwealth countries. The accuracy of this I question as UK scientists do frequently collaborate with American and Commonwealth institutions; for

instance, scientists here at the University of Birmingham are currently collaborating with scientists in America on the discovery of Gravitational Waves. You can’t get much of bigger than what’s described as ‘the biggest scientific breakthrough of the century’.

I think it’s quite clear to see that it would be hugely unlikely that the UK would be able to secure the same level of scientific funding if it were to leave the EU. We’re in a very privileged position in that the UK are at the centre of many worldwide scientific collaborations, underpinned by the excellence of our Universities which have the strongest national presence in Europe.

The EU referendum is confusing, with a whole host of issues that have been debated for months.

When making your decision, the best advice I can give is to consider what interests you, and what it could mean for your future.

Some may say focusing on one issue is narrow-minded. I contend that it’s a way of sieving through the vast array of information being fed to us by the media in order to make a personal and informed decision.

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Why You Should Vote IN Steve McCabe MP for Selly Oak

I am not some flag waving European obsessive but I believe 'on balance' the UK should remain in the EU. This is a once in a generation decision that will affect millions of people not only in the here and now but well into the future, impacting our children and grandchildren.

Our universities receive millions in funding every day from the EU, this investment supports cutting edge research which in turns nurtures British talent and encourages the brightest people from around the world to come to the UK to carry out their research. I would be really worried about the future for research and development, particularly in the medical, engineering and digital technology sectors, if Britain were to leave the EU. Students across Birmingham need to make sure their voice is heard and vote in the referendum – this is an irreversible decision that will affect our young people for the rest of their lives.

Why You Should Vote OUT Gisela Stuart

MP for Edgbaston Chair of Vote Leave

I believe that we should control our own destiny and be a free, open and outward looking nation. The European Union is the opposite: it is undemocratic, unaccountable and elitist to its very core.

Every day laws are passed by people we don’t elect and cannot remove.

Businesses are prevented from creating jobs for young people because of unnecessary regulation and a system that is rigged in favour of the multinationals and big banks. The Euro has led to high levels of youth unemployment and inequality across Europe and far right nationalism is on the rise in many European countries.

I am worried about the risks we face if we remain inside the EU and we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to vote for a better and more empowering future. By voting to leave the EU we can trade with Europe and the rest of the world, but make our own laws and control our own affairs. That is the future that I will be voting for on Thursday 23rd June.

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NEWS

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbricknews

Families React as Inquest into Birmingham 1974 Pub Bombings is Re-opened

Paul Thrupp addresses the media following the inquest.

Emily Roberts

The initial investigation carried out by the force resultNews reporter ed in the imprisonment of six innocent individuals – comLouise Hunt, senior coroner monly referred to as ‘The for Birmingham and Solihull, Birmingham Six’ – who were has ruled that the inquest into later released in 1991 followthe 1974 twin attacks is to be ing a successful appeal. reopened, following the emerThe decision to reopen the gence of new information. investigation was inspired The attacks, which by allegations that the took place on conduct of West November 21, Midlands Police 1974, hit two busy led to a miscarpubs – The riage of justice.

Tavern in the Following a Town and The review of the Mulberry Bush, original inquest, Number of deaths killing 21 and Hunt expressed following the 1974 injuring almost ‘serious conpub bombings two hundred. cerns’ that police Although the ‘failed to take the bombings are widenecessary steps to ly understood to have protect human life’. been carried out by indiThere is evidence to sugviduals associated with the gest that the force missed two IRA, West Midlands Police warnings about the bombings failed to convict the perpetra- prior to the event, leading some tors. to claim that if appropriate

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action had been taken, the attacks could have been prevented. It has also been reported that, of 168 pieces of evidence presented during the original trial, thirty five have since been lost – including the remains of a third bomb that failed to detonate.

However, Hunt also stressed how some of the claims surrounding police conduct presently lack a secure foundation of evidence. Upon examination of the facts, Hunt dismissed the notion that the response of the emergency services contributed to the miscarriage of justice.

Although West Midlands Police initially argued that there was a lack of sufficient evidence to support a fresh investigation, Chief Constable Dave Thompson recently showed his support for the new inquest, stating that the original enquiry represented ‘the most serious failing in this force’s history’. Steve McCabe, Labour MP for Selly Oak, also

Moseley Named the Best Place to Live in the UK Danyal Hussain News editor

Moseley Village has been named the best place to live in the UK for city living by The Sunday Times. Praised for its ‘village community’, it beat out competition from famous London suburbs such as Mayfair and Blackheath.

The award is the latest in a prestigious trend for the city, with Birmingham recently being ranked alongside Rome for quality of life and the University of Birmingham rising in the national league tables.

The award was bestowed on Moseley village after the Sunday Times writers judged it in a number of categories. These categories included number of schools, crime rate, house prices

and transport links.

Its biggest feature, according to the judges at least, is the famous Cannon Hill Park, a Victorian era location that attracts a significant number of tourists and local families. The park, combined with the many independent retailers, coffee shops and restaurants in the area is a major draw and received positive comments from the judges.

Moseley village is well known for its scenery and nature, with Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien frequently visiting the area during his childhood. A third year politics student agreed with this statement, telling Redbrick that Moseley village has ‘beautiful scenery’ and the independent bars and coffee shops are ‘great’.

Cafe manager Tim Campbell-

Gunn told the Birmingham Mail that ‘Moseley is a little oasis with a great sense of community, but it isn’t exclusionist, it’s not as if everyone is a middle class Land Rover driver’.

welcomed the news, telling The Birmingham Mail that ‘if this inquest is a step towards finally giving people some answers

'If this inquest is a step towards finally giving people some answers then it has to be regarded as good' then it has to be regarded as good.’

The ruling came as great news to families of the victims, who have campaigned for justice for many years, most notably through the creation of Justice4the21 – a group led by Julie Hambleton, whose sister

Maxine was a victim. Speaking to the press following the news of Hunt’s decision to reopen the investigation, Hambleton said, ‘all we want is to be heard... if we don’t fight for truth, justice and accountability, then what we are basically enforcing and allowing is for any future terrorist group to come to any of our great cities and kill with impunity and without fear of retribution.’

Hambleton also urged the bombers to confess, saying, ‘do the right thing. If you have any level of humanity and any moral compass then by rights you should come forward.’

West Midlands Police are now cooperating with investigators to provide information regarding the events of the bombings. It is hoped that this inquest will shed light on claims of police corruption, and bring peace to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.

The Lapworth Museum Reopens Grace Duncan News editor

Friday 10th June will see the reopening the Lapworth Museum of Geology at the University of Birmingham.

The £2.7 million refurbishment of the building includes the installation of new exhibits including a replica dinosaur cast.

The redevelopment of the museum has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £1.5 million and support of University of Birmingham alumni and grant awarding bodies, trusts and foundations.

The museum, established in 1880, has undergone major changes so that now visitors will be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art museum experience showcasing one of the U.K’s most outstand-

ing rock, fossil and mineral collections.

The museum will enable visitors to explore life on Earth over the past 3.5 billion years through much more innovative and interactive exhibits. Visitors can study all aspects of geology – rocks and fossil, volcanoes and earthquakes and even dinosaurs all completely free of charge.

Second year geology student Dan said of the opening: 'Everyone in the department is really excited for the opening and those involved with the process are very proud of it. The Lapworth seems to be under the radar for most, but hopefully now more will be attracted to it and spread the word of our wonderful little museum.'

COMMENT

Friday 10th June 2016

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No-platforming: Stunting our Intellectual Growth and Development

Paige Tracey argues that no-platforming is at odds with the very ethos of our attending university: to challenge, and to be challenged Paige Tracey Commentator

“Freedom to speak only inoffensively is a freedom not worth having,” said Lord Justice Sedley, in the 1999 case of Redmond-Bate v DPP. Since then, Sedley’s comments have set something of a precedent for the debate surrounding free speech. He continued to argue that if we are to have free speech in its purest form, we m u s t embrace "the irritating, the contentious the unwelcome and provocative,” opinions of people. For, at the end of the day, who exactly has the authority to judge what opinions are ‘provocative’ and ‘unwelcome’? When we allow a ruling authority, of any sort to have absolute power in deciding what opinions can be broadcast and what cannot, we must hope that those we hold are considered orthodox by their interpretation. For the most part, there is consensus between authorities and the public on what constitutes “hate speech”, and where restrictions to what is said should be applied. However, recent events in the arena of student politics have revealed how the declaration of offensive speech can be abused, and skewed in the favour of a minority of individuals.

No platforming (that is, the banning of) supposed fascist,

transphobic or other speakers who are considered ‘offensive’ at public debates is a trend at student unions. Notably, feminist writer and journalist Julie Bindel was banned from speaking at the University of Manchester, because of her views on transgender women and sex work. Even more absurdly, the National Union of Students recently tried to no-platform the founder of the anti-fascist and anti-Islamophobia website "Hope N o t Hate", Nick Lowles. This was in light of a bizarre accusation that he, himself was an ‘Islamophobe’.

If this didn't shed enough light on how distorted no-platforming has become, the University of Birmingham Guild of Students itself was coded red for free speech in a 2015 Spiked poll. This was after various restrictions on behaviour by student union representatives, such as the banning of loosely-interpreted “racist” costumes at events. This included a student who dressed up as Sacha Baron Cohen’s character from the film The Dictator. A character which the gentleman in question pointed out was “from a fictional country in a movie which parodies almost every country on earth with no particular bias.” Such events only serve to epitomise that this culture of banning and

"If we are to have free speech in its purest form, we must embrace "the irritating, the contentious the unwelcome and provocative," opinions of people"

no-platforming is ill thought out, and appears to be a vague attempt to tow all students in line with a single world-view.

One of my main concerns here is who we are giving the authority of no-platforming to.

It seems very much that if one’s views do not align with the specific stance taken by those organising talks and events, the right to speak one’s opinion is removed. However, isn’t that, in itself, quite a fascist and totalitarian action to take? The NUS's attempt to ban Nick Lowles demonstrates this dangerous notion, where a certain minority of individuals are able to enforce their agenda. The supposed reason for his being dubbed ‘islamophobic’ was his decision to condemn Islamic extremism. I don't think that this is an unreasonable, or in any way islamophobic opinion. I believe Lowles's sentiment is shared by the majority of Islamic people, notwithstanding the majority of

"If one’s views do not align with the specific stance taken by those organising talks and events, the right to speak one’s opinion is removed" the population as a whole.

Instead of this being acknowledged however, the NUS has created a horribly distorted portrayal of his character. Terms such as ‘fascist’ and ‘islamophobic’ are elastic, and vary with context. What may be considered fascist behaviour to one

person, is likely to not be by another. While there is a general public consensus on applying those terms to various groups (such as the BNP and the EDL) the decision to no-platform Lowles is instead born out of a very narrow application of it.

Certainly, the NUS’s (or these students’) view on "racism" does not seem compatible with the majority of people, given that there was a rather large backlash against this attempt. So, why should their narrow interpretation of what constitutes permissible opinions dictate the ideas that the rest of their membership is exposed to? Why should the view of those few NUS members have the authority to deny Lowles a platform to voice his opinion? It is difficult to see where the line can be drawn at who should be allowed to speak at events, and who should not, when such disparaging terms can be applied so freely.

However, let's say, hypothetically, that Lowles is indeed an ‘islamophobe’ (in the broad sense of the term). Is the act of censoring his opinion, and refusing to share a platform with him in debate, really the correct course of action? If we refuse him a platform, we subscribe to some sort of illusion that his views do not exist. This has the potential to do more harm than good. Surely, the better option would be to place Lowles on a public platform, and force him to justify his opinions in a public arena? This would not only demonstrate to a wide audience why his opinions are wrong. It would also allow us to strengthen and justify our own, ‘morally superior’ viewpoints. If our opinions are so correct, then surely we have no fear in using them to challenge the views of our opponents? If we are not prepared to stand up and justify

our opinions against those of others, I'm afraid we really have to question how fragile and unfounded they must be in the first place.

Students know that when they come to university, they will be exposed to a range of views. Many of these will contradict their own - some may even make them feel uncomfortable. One would expect this even more so in political contexts. Is debate and disagreement not at the very heart of politics? This is how we mature and grow, in both a personal and an intellectual fashion. We must be forced to reflect upon, and justify our own standpoints, if only to remind us why we held those beliefs in the first place. Students cannot go through life, refusing to engage with those that they do not agree with. Those who seek to ban such individuals as J u l i e Bindel speaking on their campuses are in danger of conforming to a culture of totalit a r i a n social justice. For while I do not agree with Bindel’s views myself (and acknowledge why people are rightly upset by comments she has made about transgender people in the past), I believe that the ‘right’ and the ‘wrong’ stances to take on the complex issues she deals with transgender rights, and feminism - is relative.

So, by all means, disagree with Lowles and Bindel. But, the moment you refuse to interact with, and debate people who have different opinions to you, your ability to function in an academic environment needs to be revised. No-platforming not only stunts our intellectual growth and development. It also incorrectly assumes that there are absolute answers to moral issues - which must be held and defended above all others.

"We must be forced to reflect upon, and justify our own standpoints if only to remind us why we held those beliefs in the first place"

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COMMENT

Friday 10th June 2016

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In Defence of the Safe Space Policy Joe Goodsall examines a controversial policy Joe Goodsall Comment Editor @mightyllama42

The debate around freedom of speech on campus rages ever onward and refuses to reach a logical conclusion - like the inevitable storm of abuse on the twitter page of any public figure. This isn’t the worst the debate has ever been (the issue was a marginally more hot button during French Revolution) but it's particularly prominent given the recent spate of noplatforming by various universities and the resulting outcry.

This is, however, only one aspect of this debate. Another which has caused just as much controversy and is frequently mentioned in the same breath is the Safe Space policy. It has attracted widespread criticism and derision linked to a supposed suppression of freedom of speech. I have often found, not only the criticisms of the Safe Space policy, but its implementation to be flawed in a number of ways and on both sides, and so I will endeavour to explain the purpose and value of the safe space policy and how I feel it should be used and viewed.

The idea of the Safe Space policy has increased in popularity in the past two or three years

and is based around creating an area of society in which the use of certain trigger words or phrases is prohibited. The words in question depend on the nature of the safe space, for example in an LGBTQ safe space, homophobic language and abuse would not be allowed. This notion has raised fear and alarm in many circles. All one has to do is Google the term Safe Space policy and numerous articles will come up variously condemning, condoning and confusing the idea. Whilst I understand many of these arguments I do feel that there is a place for the safe space and justification for its existence.

Many of the arguments against the Safe Space policy centre on freedom of speech.

Many people appear to be under the impression that if the safe space policy is allowed to continue then soon, challenging and provocative ideas will not be discussed as people insulate themselves from the grim realities of the world. This argument fundamentally misunderstands the nature of the safe space which is that a safe space is separate to the rest of society. It is not a bubble in which people can shelter themselves forever.

Rather, it is a place where people who feel at risk or vulnerable can go and spend a short amount of time with like-minded indi-

viduals, knowing that they do not need to worry about potential attacks directed at them.

The safe space does not seek to crush provocative or challenging ideas. Indeed, merely by existing, it acknowledges them and accepts that these ideas may make people feel uncomfortable or upset. It rather seeks to create an environment in which people can relax and not have to worry about these ideas before going back into the world and dealing with them. Such a space can be of great comfort to victims or sufferers of mental health disorders, where wrestling with upsetting content on a daily basis could worsen or aggravate a mental health condition.

Of course, the Safe Space policy can be abused and misused. A good example of that, which many people objected to, occurred in this year when a student at a council meeting at the University of Edinburgh was accused of violating the Safe Space policy by raising her hand and voicing disagreement. There are a number of problems with this. First of all it is difficult to justify making a council meet-

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ing a safe space as provocative ideas will naturally be brought up during the debate. Secondly, a safe space shouldn’t prohibit something as trivial as the raising of the arm. A safe space should exist to prevent very specific forms of abuse from being practiced to a vulnerable group, and not to censor any kind of disagreement.

"When used correctly the safe space does not exist to censor or quell deabte" When used correctly the safe space does not exist to censor or quell ideas. It exists to provide a breathing space for vulnerable individuals from potentially aggravating situations. The kinds of things that would normally be prohibited in a safe space are the kinds of things that no decent person would say in the first place. That’s not to say that you don’t have the right to

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say them, or that the safe space is in some way coddling its occupants. If anything a safe space is a reminder to its occupants that the world is not a friendly or welcoming one and that there are many who wish to harm or abuse the vulnerable.

If anything, it fosters debate and argument as, by providing a brief respite for its occupants before they resume engaging with these ideas, it allows them to re-energise and re-motivate themselves by spending time with people in the same position as them. For those of you who are concerned that you may somehow be dragged, kicking and screaming into an age where everywhere is a safe space, debate is hushed and freedom of speech a distant dream you’re worries are unfounded. To apply the safe space to the whole of society completely defeats the purpose of the safe space.

It is my hope that the Safe Space policy will one day be redundant as people will be accepting and understanding enough, that the marginalisation and discrimination will no longer exist.

COMMENT

Friday 10th June 2016

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Amber Heard, Johnny Depp and Abuse in Modern Culture Shannon Carey Commentator

When the news emerged that everyone's favourite pirate and newly-established enemy of Australia was getting divorced from his wife of 15 months, Amber Heard, there was no reason that this latest celebrity uncoupling would be any different from countless others.

However, fast-forward a few days, and the Depp/Heard separation has become something else entirely, with claims of gold-digging, lies and domestic abuse being brought into question. While the validity of these allegations will certainly be played out in the press over the next few months, the divorce has placed focus on a different issue: the media's reaction to women, and more importantly, women who claim to be the victim of abuse.

As soon as the news that Heard was seeking a restraining order due to domestic violence at the hands of her estranged husband, it was not met with empathy for the actress. Instead, she was quickly accused of using

her acting skills to fabricate the entire story, seemingly with the aims of getting a chunk of Depp's multi-million fortune. Articles emerged about a photo of Heard smiling before her court hearing, as if smiling is definitive proof that she couldn't have been victim to any form of abuse.

Typical comments about the whole affair included, "She's paid to act, of course she's

"The media was creating an image of Heard: the young, attractive, sexually promiscuous golddigger" lying!" and, "I know Johnny Depp wouldn't do that", as if having seen a few Tim Burton films means you're now on a personal level with the actor.

There were even claims that the whole divorce had arisen from Heard’s bisexual relationships

with other women, which clearly made Depp so jealous that nobody could blame him for needing to throw a phone or two. Overall, the media was creating an image of Heard: the young, attractive, sexually promiscuous gold-digger, wanting to drag down Depp's public image, in exchange for a few seconds of spotlight to fund to her luxury lifestyle.

Of course, it would be stupid at this early point to definitively place any wrongdoing on either party. Another popular comment that appeared online in defence of Depp was 'innocent until proven guilty', which is obviously true. But if Depp is innocent until a verdict is made, should this not be the case for Amber? Shouldn't we wait for a verdict until we label her as a liar? The truth is that nobody knows what happens behind closed celebrity doors and any outcome could still come true in this case. But if, heaven forbid, Heard is truly a victim of domestic abuse, the pain of this trauma will have been worsened by accusatory, hateful comments and defamatory articles from the likes of the Daily Mail.

Tuition Fees, the Government and You Harry Tennison Commentator

My local Conservative MP, Robert Halfon, always justifies that the reason tuition fees are high is because the degree that we receive helps us to earn more and thus improve our lives. Like many in the Conservative Party, he believes that the policies his government propose help to improve the lives of those with aspiration. This is understandable justification on many instances; now however, the issue of tuition fees rears its ugly head again.

"The Conservatives' ideas of capitalism and education seem to be wholly incompatible" I appreciate that those with a degree earn more money – on the whole – than those who don’t.

And I equally appreciate that such an advantage in life needs to be paid for, and that it wouldn’t be fair for somebody who is completing an apprenticeship, for example, to subsidise my learning, equally as it wouldn’t be fair for me to subsidise their learning.

This Conservative government claims to want to widen the socio-economic backgrounds from which students come from to study at university – and rightly so. Yet I fail to see how recent-

ly announced plans to allow top universities to increase the amount they charge for tuition in line with inflation helps to make higher education any more accessible.

If you wanted to buy a suit from Primark it would be affordable to the vast majority of society, but if you wanted to buy a suit from Giorgio Armani, the cost is considerably more.

Justifiably, the quality is better, the fit is tailored and it won’t tear within a week – but the incredulous cost associated with it comes at a price: it develops a very specific clientele.

The same can be said of universities should the government’s plans be implemented. If the best performing universities are allowed to increase their tuition fees, this makes their selection process immediately less diverse.

Students who may reach the academic requirements to study at universities like Birmingham may no longer have that access due to the more expensive tuition fees associated and thus find themselves unable to apply due to the financial implications.

This would thus create an education system no longer bound by academic performance, but by economic wealth: talented students from poorer backgrounds would, inevitably, find themselves forced to make conces-

sions on their university choices due to simply not being able to afford it, and this is essentially wrong.

Ultimately, what we see here is two classes of students: the rich and clever, and the poor and clever. Capitalism promotes competition, and competition is good.

Universities should strive to be better than each other and students should compete to gain access to them. But the Conservatives' ideas of capitalism and education seem to be wholly incompatible.

My Conservative MP is not evil: he has made voting decisions which I morally disagree with, but is always willing to justify himself with fair and coherent reasoning.

Yet I fail to begin to even consider a circumstance in which what the latest meddling into the affairs of further education is justifiable.

Seemingly, this cannot be said for Tory government.

The continued exploitation of the social groups who need governmental support – in this case, students – by the Conservative Party is worrying. Instead of building the society in which everyone has the opportunity to improve their lives in a fair manner, they are instead building a dystopia championed by the rich that relegates even the high achieving poor into second class citizens.

Previous statistics about domestic abuse have found that only half of such crimes make it to the police. Only in the last few years have we seen the crimes of Jimmy Savile others come out from the shadows, with victims only feeling able to report the abuse after decades of fear. We also saw the story of Ke$ha, kept prisoner in a contract with a man accused of raping her, with the court refusing to grant her freedom despite her pleas, being deemed a liar by many. This only goes to show there needs to be better measures and a safer environment for victims to feel able to report these crimes. But, if when a victim comes forward in the public eye, they are i n s t a n t l y accused of being a liar, or of in some way deserving of the abuse, what message does this send to victims across the world? Regardless of whether they are male or female, victims will be made to doubt the wrongdoing of their abusers and instead fall into the dark abyss of self-blame and silence.

Domestic abuse is still a huge issue in our society, with two

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women being killed each week in the UK as a result. We can't continue to create a society where victims are constantly subject to doubt even before a fair trial has taken place. The fact is that, while Heard's popularity will likely diminish over the course of this debate, known abusers like Chris Brown have continued to have a successful career after their crimes, creating a cruel juxtaposition between victims and abusers.

As I've already stated, nobody at this point can say for sure who is telling the truth in this case, with sensationalist articles the only point of reference for the majority of the public. But regardless of whether Depp is found guilty or if Heard is the gold-digging liar she's accused of being, or if the truth is something in between, it's clear this debate is about something else entirely: the treatment of potential victims in the press, and the devastating effect this may have on the future of domestic abuse crime reports.

What do you think? Tweet us at @redbrickcomment

Redbrick Satire

Puny Mortals have a Post Exam Impression of Freedom Joe Goodsall Satirist @mightyllama42

With the end of exam season and the long summer stretching out ahead, many students are beginning to relax, free from the stress of the near constant pressure to excel that our broken educational system foists upon us. However, these foolish mortals seem to have forgotten that all happiness is fleeting and this brief interlude of sun cannot last. Soon all this happiness will be swept away by a combination of the looming real world, existential dread and an unusually rainy September.

For the first years, happy to have survived their first year at University relatively unscathed, seem to be unaware of the academic shock to the system that is second year.

They may laugh now but soon their laughter will turn to tears and we shall revel in their misery. Just as we have done for the countless first years who have gone before them.

The second years who are about to enter their third year of

studies may be a little more nervous but optimistic. The fools! If only they knew the crushing weight of a dissertation, the long all-nighters, the broken pencils, the uncontrollable sobbing as you realise, with a sickening sense of inadequacy, that you are but a paw in our game, a cog in our wheel, a puppet on our string.

But it is the third years for whom we laugh the most. The ones who will struggle from the sheltered bubble of the university into the real world like frogs out of a very muddy pond. Here they are the leaders, the elders, their knowledge and wisdom was respected across the campus. Now they are just citizens.

Only we, the post-grads, understand the true meaning of freedom. For we must work all day, all year, and so find our freedom in our work. We have seen thousands of students come and go and not one has left the university feeling confident.

So we chose to stay here.

Forever. Come! Join us! Join us in seeking solace in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

You know you want to.

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FEATURES

Friday 10th June 2016

www.redbrick.me

If anyone thinks you're from Europe, they'll kill you Sophie Milligan interviews Edward Jonkler, the British journalist smuggled across the Mediteranean amongst Syrian refugees.

'Syrians are very educated.

Most have degrees, even Masters and PHDs. These seem like the people you'd want to have around'

Shrowded in darkness, a bright orange lifeboat is being tossed around 100 meters away from the Greek Coastline.

Anxious and tired passengers have endured over two hours in their overcrowded vessel. Suddenly, the engine lets out a groan and cuts out completely. *** The UN Refugee Agency found that in March this year there were an estimated 26,971 arrivals received in Mediterranean region. One of these arrivals was in the form of a British journalist, Edward Jonkler. Redbrick spoke to Ed about his attempt at the dangerous passage from Syria to Europe.

So Ed, what made you decide that completing the journey was what you should do? Once you had made contact with Ibrahim, why take the dangerous

boat ride rather than just write about his experiences?

'A lot of journalists were reporting on and from Calais already. It gets harder as a journalist to bring something new to the table. I realized that the thing that needs to be done is the trip.'

'Also, the article has to be as immersive as possible. There are limits; I wore a real life jacket and I had my satellite phone, but it was important to do as much of it as possible.'

In order to reduce the danger to himself and his fellow travellers Ed had to find a suitable partner; “Travelling with a family wouldn’t be a safe option.” Ed used his contacts in Calais to connect with Ibrahim through various social media platforms.

'I had close links with the Syrians in the camp in Calais. On a previous trip I went with a video camera and tried to get into a lorry with them.'

Ibrahim, like many Syrians, was fleeing the ongoing fighting which has been ongoing in the coutnry for several years.

In 2012 fighting erupted amongst a local rebel group in his village, before the region was swept up in ISIS’ advance in 2014. Ibrahim had also been tortured in Syria for participating in protests against Assad’s regime. Ibrahim is a young physical therapist from Deirez-Zor Governorate in Syria. Ibrahim has his eyes set on the UK. He told Ed: 'My first choice is the UK. Because I speak the language, I can connect with the people. And it’s best for Syrians in general; everyone wants to get there.'

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'I have heard it is very difficult now. I want to resume my job in physical therapy.'

Then, if you’re lucky and you have relatives, you'll go and stay with them. "

Ed met Ibrahim in Sanliurfa, southeastern Turkey close to the Syrian border. The men then undertook an 18-hour coach journey to Izmir along the Mediterranean coastline.

'From there you travel to a main city and stay there a few days to arrange travel to get you to Ismi. Then once you get there is normally an 8 hour bus ride, it will cost extra $40 to avoid the checkpoints, and you have to stay for another few days in a hotel and organise your crossing.'

'Originally the plan was to make land, have someone pick up my [journalist] credentials that I had travelled with and go through the system as a refugee with my fake passport.'

What would that process have involved?

Would you be applying for asylum in the UK alongside other refugees and migrants?

'People were WhatsApping their families on the boat'

'Firstly, there is a real difference between refugees and migrants. Your chances are also affected by your nationality, if you’re from Syria your asylum request is reasonably high chance of getting accepted.'

'The crossing from Turkey to Lesvos was $600. Those are smuggler transactions and they prefer US dollars.'

'When you arrive in Lesvos you need need to pay for living costs and buy a ticket to the mainland for €100. The ticket for the mainland is a legally bought one from a travel agent, in Lesvos, that the refugees have to pay for themselves to go to Athens and continue their journey.'

Forged documents are paramount to most of the refugees. Ed found these to be fairly costly:

'One of the problems with the process is the private sector [accommodation] is horrendous. The private sector in the UK is run for profit and is earning big bucks. You’re put in slums, in places like Newport and other communities which won't be a great place for these people to integrate and get a job. It gives refugees a bad quality of life.'

'A good forged passport would be around $1,200, a driving licence $200, and an official Syrian ID would be $100. A real passport can be obtained for $2,000, printed on a government blank by official equipment made in Germany, which was captured by rebels who have overrun government offices in numerous provinces.'

'Another problem is that the system is clogged up with people who aren’t all asylum seekers, from what I’ve seen looking at the data. I feel that people who are claiming false asylum are in large numbers and it's a shame, because there are people who really need it.'

Worryingly, Ibrahim is among the many Syrians who undertake the seafaring journey, but are unable to swim. The pictures of drowned three year old Alan Kurdi that surfaced in 2015 sparked international outrage, drawing attention to this dangerous journey many refugees were embarking upon in search of a better life. According to the International Organisation for Migration more that 3,700 migrants drowned in the Mediterranean whilst attempting the crossing in 2015.

'There is the relocation program in Athens (which is what Ibrahim is doing). The relocation is when you choose 8/21 countries and then you’re assigned one of them, you just indicate the 8 you’d like to stay in. The UK isn’t involved in the initiative but Ireland is.”

Before reaching Athens the refugees have to cross the Mediterranean. Ed and Ibrahim faced passage over Aegean sea. Preparation for this leg of the journey further highlighted the threads of the corruption and exploitation running through the crisis.

Much of the outcry surrounding the treatment of the refugees stems from the exploitative techniques of human traffickers, who charge vast sums of money in exchange for unsafe and unregulated passage. How much does it cost to make the journey?

'If you’re in somewhere occupied, it costs $500 to smuggle out of Syria.

In one shop called ‘Club Dinamik’, Ed recognized the lifejackets as similar to the fake ones he had seen on the island of Lesvos.

In January this year, an article by The Guardian found that Turkish police had seized over 1,000 fake lifejackets made with ‘nonbuoyant’ material in a factory in Izmir that month.

Was it difficult at any point knowing that this actually was just a job for you, but for some people their lives depended on the success of the journey?

'It’s really difficult, when you do a trip like this, for l4 days you go through a range of emotions.'

'One of the big feelings this time was guilt because you spend a lot of time together. You travel with them, and then you just leave and go back to the UK.' A lot of negative PR surfaced when pictures of refugees using smartphones were published online. But from your experiences it sounds like even starting the journey would have been impossible without a phone.

'Completely. Ibrahim used his phone to arrange our crossing with the smugglers.'

Ed and Ibrahim

'The mobile phone is the only thing they have to link them to the rest of the world.People were WhatsApping their families on their boat. Then people who don't have a connection go through groups on Facebook, post looking for something and someone will contact then with a direct message.'

Despite his relative ease in re-entering the UK Ed suffered multiple life threatening experiences on his journey. Before they got onto the boat Ibrahim warned Ed, "don’t say anything when you are at the

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boat. If anyone talks to you, ask for me. If anyone thinks you are from Europe they will kill you. This trip was the one where I thought, this is it now.”

When they met the smugglers Ed was presumed to be a British fighter for ISIS. “The smugglers were saying ‘take him and cut him and put him in the sea’.

Let's rewind to the passengers mid-rescue on the boat. What happens to people like Ibrahim who are rescued by the Coat Guard?

'You’re arrested when you arrive, and you're taken to Moria.

You're put in something like an open air prison. This is then when you register as a refugee for the first time.

Then people try to make it to the countries they want, most people want the UK. 'It’s in the top three, not many speak German.

Realistically they want to study or work when they arrive, computing courses in particular.'

'The people I have met would be an asset for the economy; they have a lot to offer.'

Ed's fake passport

Though numbers of people embarking on this dangerous mission have dropped since 2015 many desperate refugees are still putting their own lives, and the lives of their loved ones, in the hands of smugglers in the hopes of making it to Europe.

'Refugees need the right information about what they can and can't do, I don't want people to do this journey because its horrific.'

As someone who has gone through the system, so to speak, what do you see as the UK’s future role in the refugee crisis?

'The trip was the one where I thought, this is it now.'

'From my experience, the different countries produce very different refugees.

Syrians tend to be very educated, most have degrees even masters and PHDs, they seem like people you want to have around.

'We need to make sure we're taking in genuine people, and then we should take more people. There are a lot of genuine refugees who need our help. A lot of headlines have showed people behaving badly but thats not representative at all. They are regular people, like you and me. No one tried to convert me to Islam.' *** Ed’s journey brought him face to face with smugglers who threatened to ‘cut him’ and throw his body in the sea, merchants selling fake lifejackets, culminating in arrest by agressive Turkish lifeguards. After making it safely to the other side Ed is now sponsoring Ibrahim through his application with the hopes of a successful request for asylum. Ed's experiences have revealed a new, intimate and humane side to the refguee crisis. In highlighting one man's struggle Ed's reporting demands respect and compassion for people not so different from ourselves.

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FEATURES

Friday 10th June 2016

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D IG BETH DINING C L UB

The Redbrick Food team headed to Trinity Street to sample the delights of DDC's monthly street closure.

Habaneros The nachos from Habaneros were quite possibly the best Mexican dish I have ever tasted. A treat in both their appearance and taste, this snacksize box packed a real punch and a lot of nachos!

The tortillas were extremely crisp and about the size of a pizza slice which ensured they were a good base for loading the toppings onto.

Tender minced beef was seasoned well and there was plenty of it. I particularly enjoyed the coleslaw and chilli lime mayonnaise, which were absorbed by some of the tortilla nachos towards the bottom of my dish and made a perfect combination. This dish was topped off with a layer of cheese which slowly melted over the nachos. Habaneros Company at Digbeth Dining Club – you did not disappoint!

Rosie Twells

Cafe Horchata

Andy's Low N' Slow

I knew I had to try Cafe Horchata’s Tacos. Served lovingly from a French 1969 Renault Estafette van with a Welsh food standard sticker in the window, I chose the ultimate finger food. With ingredients and flavours sourced directly from Mexican streets, these tacos were a tasty morsel which left plenty of space for dessert. Layered on tortillas with shredded chicken, a scattering of salad and a sour cream dressing, these were a moreish mouthful. The only thing I disliked was that on occasion I could only taste the salad, which sometimes overpowered the subtle taste of the chicken.

Roshni Patel

Low N' Slow has achieved almost mythological status in Birmingham, regularly praised by local tastemakers like Independent Birmingham and ICHOOSE Biringham, so I had high hopes queueing up for my first taste - I was also extremely hungry. All that said, I wasn't prepared for literally the best burger of my life. The pulled pork, hickory smoked for 18 hours, had an incredibly delicate texture, and the sweet heat BBQ sauce and mustard slaw brought a perfect sweet/smoky balance to everything. Sometimes it's okay to believe the hype.

Matt Moody

Persian Street Food My first try of Persian Street food was an absolute delight.

Wrapped in a freshly made flatbread (so fresh we watched them making it!) was chicken marinated in Persian spices and cooked to perfection! This was then combined with lemon hummus, pomegranate, mint, and rocket, a mixture of flavours that went flawlessly together. Though not usually a fan of hummus I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the lemony flavour alongside the spice, and with the amount of different ingredients used the veggie version would have been just as flavoursome. Overall, this stall created a fresh and filling wrap, making me very happy with my choice!

Tasha Smart

Habaneros The Indian Rasoi Having trawled through all of the stands for the best veggie options, I decided upon a meal from The Indian Rasoi, whose stand smelt incredible. I wanted to try something new and as I’d not had pakora chaat before, I plumped for this dish with all the possible toppings. A potato, onion and spinach mix, the chaat complimented the lightly spiced chickpea dhal perfectly. I loved the yoghurt and carrot topping, which added colour and coolness to the dish. It was the sprinkling of pomegranate seeds on top that sealed the deal for me however; a perfect mix of sweet and spicy.

Anna Griffiths

Find DDC on Trinity Street, every Friday from 5pm.

I opted for the pulled pork burrito from Habaneros. An avid burrito lover anyway, this certainly exceeded all expectations and could well be labelled the best burrito ever. The burrito was comprised of the usual: rice, black beans, meat and cheese. The pork itself was tender, marinated in smoked paprika and mustard for a spicy and intense flavour.

The rice, beans and cheese made this a complete meal.

You can choose various sauces and toppings with salsa and chilli-lime mayo was on the cards. The mayo was one of the best additions with a fresh, zesty kick. If you’re on the hunt for a good, hearty Mexican meal that’s full of texture, then Habaneros is the stand to visit whilst at Digbeth Dining Club.

Sophie Neal

Bourneville Waffle Co Digbeth Dining Club is a regular haunt for Bourneville Waffle Co. and it is easy to see why: they are an excellent option for dessert.

They were offering several topping options, but the new Oreo Cheesecake tickled my taste buds. The waffles all start the same and then they work some crazy magic, serving up sweet flavour combos that will appeal to everyone. The waffle I chose was topped with an Oreo Cheesecake cream with sliced strawberries and chocolate sauce. This wasn’t too sweet, but there was just enough to make this a tasty dessert. The waffle was crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, adding a great amount of texture to the creamy cheesecake. They often change their flavour combinations so you can totally justify going back again and again...

Sophie Neal

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Friday 10th June 2016

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What to watch this summer

With what seems forever until term starts again in September, Redbrick TV recommends the year's best shows so far to watch or catch up on Game of Thrones Confession: I'm fairly recent to the Thrones bandwagon. But if binge-watching five seasons over an Easter break taught me anything, it's that Game of Thrones deserves its status as one of the best modern TV shows, and this year's sixth season has maintained this. So far this series we've had resurrections, visions of the past and more gruesome deaths than you can shake a stick out. Throw in the potentially saddest death of the whole show (so far), and it's clear that Game of Thrones still has it, becoming one of the few shows you can guarantee all your friends will be talking about the next day. Plus, with a good few episodes still left until the current series ends, I'm sure there's many more twists and revelations to be come. Shannon Carey

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia is a show that revels in juxtaposition. It follows five people united by firm friendship but divided by firmer self-interest. The cast are limitlessly lovable while portraying people who are truly despicable. Although the show is unbelievably consistent throughout its eleven current seasons, it never fails to push boundaries and create narratives bursting with endlessly quotable, cringey and comedic content. This is a show with so many quality stories and running jokes, it's impossible not to discuss your favourites among fellow fans. If you haven't tried the Sunny life yet, give it a season to warm yourself up to the torrential humour and get hooked.

Matthew McCrory

Orphan Black When I was younger, I would perform one-woman shows for my family in the living room, where I would act out different scenarios via swift costume changes hastily performed in the hall. Needless to say, I think you could tell I was the same person. With Orphan Black however, Tatiana Maslany pulls off a feat of acting quite unlike anything I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching. She has played no less than TEN different clone characters thus far, and I am genuine when I say I have googled to see if she really is part of some sort of super-secret nonuplet acting dynasty. Her breadth of diverse emotion and charismatic individualities for each of her characters is nothing short of mind-boggling and something that absolutely everyone should witness. And Maslany’s only part of the action - the supporting cast play off of each other beautifully, bringing real emotional depth to each of their characters alongside a pretty radical storyline. Summing up Season 3 so far is difficult, since SO MUCH has happened, but if you’re into not-too-sci-(butstill-definitely-)fi-type TV shows then I couldn’t recommend joining the ‘Clone Club’ more. Watch Orphan Black now on Netflix, new episodes weekly.

Lucie Turner

Louis Theroux Personally my favourite show of the year has been Louis Theroux's new BBC2 documentaries; 'Drinking to Oblivion' and 'A Different Brain'. These documentaries have received a lot of criticism since they aired, and as a huge fan of Theroux I'll be the first to admit they're not his best topics. However, I'm just glad we had a new one back on our screens! Both documentaries explored relative and interesting issues, particularly as Louis explored the effects of both alcoholism and brain damage on the younger generation and on families. These episodes are definitely worth a watch. Louis Theroux's 'My Scientology Film' is also coming out at the end of this year, so the hour long documentaries are a nice build up to its release. Tamsin Hackett

Peaky Blinders Peaky Blinders, since it started airing, has become my favourite show on television. Over the top, exciting and utterly ridiculous it grabbed me from the very first episode and refused to let go.

Despite this, I went into the third season, currently airing on BBC Two, with a sense of trepidation. I feared a drop off and a move to America, something that is overdone and predictable. Obviously, Peaky Blinders scoffed and flipped my predictions completely.

Every episode of the third season is beautiful, with a strong cinematic element to almost every scene. As the Shelbys have grown so has the show. Everything is polished and has an ‘epic’ feel to it. I urge you all to watch the series, it is the next great British export and, as some reviewers have described it, could be the Godfather of our generation. Peaky Blinders is the best show on TV this year.

Danny Hussain The 100 The series that has got me through second year has been The 100.

After the earth was almost completely destroyed by nuclear armageddon the only survivors were the 400 inhabitants of twelve international space stations that were in orbit at the time. Three generations have been born in space, the survivors now number 4,000, and resources are running out. The series follows the story of a group of 100 juvenile prisoners who travel to the earth's surface to test whether it's habitable. Despite its improbable settings the series manages to retain the allusion that the situations they are in could actually happen, which adds to the series. After three series The 100 has remained as good as it started, and I look forward to the next series getting me through the next academic year.

James Tyson

Fresh Meat The not-so-accurate portrayal of wild and frivolous uni life is what makes Fresh Meat one of the highlights of this year. Perfectly capturing the uni lifestyle we all expected to have when we became freshers, Channel 4’s Fresh Meat reached its finale in 2016. Without giving too much away, the final series saw each lovable character rewarded with a well-fitting farewell as they ventured into their post-uni lives.

With its classic one liners and bizarrely relatable scenes, this is definitely a must watch for those of us not quite ready to leave the student mentality behind.

Ella Talbot The Night Manager The line between film and television has blurred so much that both have started to overlap. The recent BBC miniseries The Night Manager showcases this brilliantly, adapting the John le Carré spy novel into what is a film split into six parts, each directed by Susanne Bier (rather than following a traditional, multi-director format). It is essentially Tom Hiddleston’s James Bond audition tape as he plays the lead role of ex-soldier Jonathan Pine, who is recruited by Angela Burr (Olivia Colman) to infiltrate the organisation of Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie), a slimy international arms dealer. Peppered with an all-star supporting cast, what makes The Night Manager stand out are the tense interactions between Pine and Roper maintained throughout a globetrotting story. Much like le Carré’s other work, The Night Manager can be a slow burn at times, but it is well worth giving it a chance.

Matt Dawson

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Friday 10th June 2016

Redbrick celebrates the best of its 80th year at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

WINNERS Best Interview Daniella Bassett Best Review Alex Ekong Best use of Social Media Redbrick Sport Best Line/Pull-quote Phil Jones Best use of Multimedia Roshni Patel & Kirstie Sutherland Best New Idea Redbrick Sport Best News Report James Moore Most Controversial Article Reece Roberts Best Newcomer Greg Woodin Best Behind The Scenes Hannah Coles Best Design Redbrick Food Most Improved Redbrick Sci & Tech Best Feature Rosie Solomon Best Writer James Moore Best Editor Matt McCrory Outstanding Contribution Roshni Patel Best Section Music

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Road to Rio

Friday 10th June

@redbricksport

The Road to Rio hasn’t been without its fair share of bumps, sharp turns and a near emergency stop. Planning the biggest sporting spectacle is not an easy challenge but with 56 days to wait until the opening ceremony, the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games 2016 is going to be the event of the year.

This special pullout courtesy of Redbrick Sport celebrates the talent, ambition and strength of all those performing at the Rio Olympics this year. Four years since London played host, the leg-

acy left behind is there to sustain as Rio aims to ensure the stage is set for a global performance of sport.

The Olympics are a special time, showcasing some of the best athletes from different countries and celebrating joint values of friendship and culture. Continuing the theme of transition from London to Rio, there will be a range of young stars hoping to shine at these Olympics where individuals will be aiming to push themselves to achieve a place on the podium.

Furthermore, the Olympics often provide those special

ROAD TO RIO

moments (who can forget Super Saturday 4th August 2012 as Ennis, Farah and Rutherford all struck gold for Team GB?) which live long in the memory. Some of these recollections can be found in this pullout, as well as looking ahead to which GB athletes have the best medal hopes in both individual and team disciplines.

It’s also true that the University of Birmingham and the Rio Olympics have more in common than you might think. 5772 miles apart is nothing considering the work of The Olympian Project.

This innovative study has been carried out at UoB and is a special feature we’re honoured to present.

The Olympics are a time of unison, celebrating everything that is good, not just in the world of sport, but also humankind. They are a fine example of inspiration, hard work and belief combining together to create success. Just as London 2012 saw the very best of Great Britain, we hope the same can be said for Rio 2016. So buckle up and hold on tight as Redbrick Sport provides a journey on the Road to Rio...

Road to Rio

Friday 10th June

@redbricksport

Rio 2016- The Youngsters

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Alex Davis Sports Writer

Sports writer Alex Davis evaluates the young talent set to compete for Team GB at Rio 2016.

Adam Peaty (Swimming):

James Guy (Swimmer):

Big things are expected of Adam Peaty this summer.

The 21 year old came to prominence after two golds in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and hasn’t looked back since. Later that year he won four golds and broke two world records at the European Aquatics Championships. The rise and rise of Adam Peaty continued into 2015 where he broke the world record for the 100m breaststroke at the British Championships and World Trials. His year was capped off at the FINA World Aquatic Championships where he won three gold medals and broke the championship world record for the 100m breaststroke twice. It’s easy to see why expectations are high for Peaty in Rio.

Also looking to make his mark in the pool this summer is James Guy. Like Peaty, James Guy burst onto the scene at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, achieving gold in the 4x100 medley and a bronze in the 400m freestyle. Guy took this success into the World Championships in 2015 winning two golds and a silver, including swimming the fastest time in the pool in the 4x200m freestyle. At the 2016 European Championships, Guy hit success again a bronze in the 200m freestyle and a gold in the 4x100m medley.

He should definitely be looking at a podium place in Rio.

Dina Asher-Smith (Athletics):

Katarina JohnsonThompson (Athletics):

To put it simply, Dina AsherSmith is the fastest British woman in history. She holds the national record at the 60m, 100m and 200m and she could be celebrating on the podium this summer in Rio. Only 20 years of age, AsherSmith is in her second year at Kings College London studying History but this hasn’t affected her focus as the Olympics approach and she registered a 6th place finish at the World Indoor Championships in Portland earlier this year. She may not be a favourite for a medal this summer but she’s certainly one of Great Britain's ones to watch.

Looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance in the 2015 Beijing World Championships is heptathlete Katarina Johnson Thompson.

Having been second to Jessica Ennis-Hill after the first day’s events, Johnson Thompson recorded three fouls in the long jump to end any medal hopes. If she can stay focussed, she has an excellent shot at a medal in Rio having already demonstrated her potential in claiming both the British high jump record and the British indoor long jump record.

Amber Hill (Shooting): Great Britain have a rising star in the ‘Skeet’ event in the form of Amber Hill. The 18 year old first came to prominence when she became the youngest ever winner at the ISSF World Cup series aged just 15. Her success resulted in her being named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year. Since then her success has continued and at the 2015 European games in Baku, Hill beat her Italian rival Diana Bacosi to win gold on her senior international debut. All eyes will be on Hill to see if she can produce on the biggest stage of them all this summer.

London to Rio: An Olympic Narrative

Cameron Uppal reminisces over his Olympic experience whilst spectating at London 2012 and shares his outlook on the upcoming Games in Rio Cameron Uppal Sports Writer

The long walk that I took through milling crowds and excited spectators at London’s Olympic park on Saturday 11th August lives long in my memory as I approached the Olympic stadium. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend what was a truly exceptional Olympic Games on the final day of the athletics events. To see Mo Farah claim victory in the 5000 metres before Bolt helped the Jamaican team to a gold medal in the 4x100 metre relay, and then for these two great athletes to exchange celebrations was a fitting end to a special couple of weeks for the city of London.

Now as the world prepares for another Olympic games in

Rio I wonder if the same level of excitement that was created in London can be replicated in Rio; it is badly needed. As Lord Coe has found in his new role as head of the IAAF, the job of trying to “clean up” athletics is a very difficult one with many of those in athlet-

'I was fortunate enough to be able to attend what was a truly exeptional Olympic Games' ics tainting the name of the sport after being exposed to have taken performance-enhancing drugs in recent years.

With lead villain Justin Gatlin lurking in the wings this summer, hoping to finally eclipse Bolt at the centre piece event which is the 100 metres, Rio

presents a valuable opportunity for some new Olympic heroes to emerge and insert a sense of feel-good back into sport.

Even though Bolt amicably managed to fend of the threat of Gatlin in last year’s World Championship, this year’s games will need some fresh talent to help reinvigorate, and in the case of track and field, save their sports. Upcoming young talents include the 18 year old Jaheel Hyde from Jamaica, Brazilian Marcus Vinicius D’Almeida also aged 18 years old and Katie Ledecky aged 19 years old from the USA. Hyde posted a stunning youth world record of 12.96 on his way to 110 metres gold at the Youth Olympic Games. Nicknamed the “Neymar of Archery” D’Almeida has a lot of pressure to cope with in his own back yards, and will surely be able to cope with the expecta-

tion better than the real Neymar did in 2014. After shocking Rebecca Aldington in 2012 Ledecky is hardly a novice to the big time event, but having

'Rio presents a valuable opportunity for some new Olympic heroes to emerge and insert a sense of feel-good..' four world titles already underneath her belt we could be seeing the spirit of Michael Phelps in this amazing young talent.

As demonstrated by Sarah Attar’s appearance as the 2012 Olympics, making her the first

ever woman to represent Saudi Arabia at the Olympic games, there is no better platform than the Olympic games for sport to emphasise a positive message and create a sense of optimism amongst the viewing public. Just as Farah and Bolt stood 4 years ago as icons of their sports, exchanging their equally iconic celebrations, this year’s games presents the opportunity for new icons to be made on the back of a dark landscape for track and field.

However as demonstrated by the legendary status of Jesse Owens at the Berlin Games in 1936, when the situation seems bleak an individual often arises who will capture the hearts of supporters and change the shape of their sport. The question is: who will that person be this summer?

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Road to Rio

Friday 10th June

@redbricksport

10. Jade Jones

9. Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark

8. Siobhan-Marie O'Connor

7. Gabby Adcock

The 2012 Welsh Personality of the Year won gold in London, becoming the first Brit to win a taekwondo gold medal. Since then, she has competed in many Championships and World Cups; although not medalling, Jones is a major championship performer and, if on form, could makeit all the way to the final.

Two more London 2012 medallists, the pair sail in the 470 class and have also won silver at the 2015 World Championships, ending 2015 as the number one ranked boat in their class.

They will be hoping to upgrade their silver from London to gold in Rio.

The 20-year- old was the youngest GB swimmer in London and has since medalled at the Commonwealth Games, 2015 World Championships and the European Short Course champs in 2013 and 2015. A multievent swimmer, there is the possibility of O'Connor picking up a medal individually, as well as in the relay events.

Partnering her husband, Chris, the mixed doubles pair could become the first badminton Olympic medallists since Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms in 2004. They won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and also finished 2015 winning the World Superseries Final in Dubai.

6. GB Hockey Team

Bronze medallists at London 2012, the Great Britain Women's Hockey squad have been rebuilding, winning the EuroHockey Nations Championship in 2015. Despite some disappointing performances at the World Hockey League, the squad have the opportunity to take an experienced but young side to Rio and potentially win another medal.

5. Jazz Carlin

Great Britain's Women Top 10 Olympic Medal Chances Nicola Kenton, discusses the best medal hopes for Great Britain's women across individual and team disciplines

Stepping out of Becky Adlington's shadow, Jazz Carlin has come into her own since failing to qualify for London 2012. The Welsh swimmer has won gold medals at the Commonwealth and European Championships, as well as beating her American counterparts at the Duel in the Pool in 2015 in the 400m Freestyle, also winning a World Championship medal.

4. Laura Trott

3. Jessica Ennis-Hill

2. Charlotte Dujardin

Bursting onto the scene with two gold medals at London 2012, Trott has been balancing track and road cycling. In 2014, she became European champion in the Omnium and the Team Pursuit, as well as winning gold in the Point Race at the Commonwealth Games - Trott has also finished on the podium at each World Championship since 2012.

The poster girl of Athletics in 2012, gold medallist Ennis-Hill had been injured in 2013 and missed the 2014 season due to her pregnancy with, and giving birth to, her son. In 2015, the aim was to qualify for the Rio Olympics and Ennis-hill achieved that, along with winning gold at the World Championships.

Along with her horse Valegro, Dujardin has become the most successful British dressage rider in history. Since gold in London, the 30-yearold has won all of theelite individual dressage titles available to her such as those at the World's and European's as well as medalling in the team events.

1. Helen Glover and Heather Stanning

The pair who won gold at London 2012 have remained dominant since the Games, extending their unbeaten record to 28 races by winning the World Championship Gold in 2015 to retain their title. As long as no injuries crop up, the pair look set to dominate Rio and win gold for Great Britain.

Road to Rio

Friday 10th June

@redbricksport

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University of Birmingham Research: The Olympian Project Harry Wilkinson Print Editor @harry_wilks

Official title: The Role of the Olympics in an Athlete’s Sporting Journey: A Life Story Investigation into Pre- and PostOlympic Elite Sport Careers Team: Dr Jonathan Grix; Ceri Wynne; Hannah Wood; 4 Yr3 Dissertation Students The Olympian Project is an innovative study being carried out by the Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences department at UoB The project is investigating the life story of past and present Olympians (and Olympic medallists), conducted by asking said athletes a series of questions, or prompts, whereby each interview is recorded, evaluated and compared in order to see if there is any similarities between the elite athletes. Similarities may include anything from inspirations, experiences and role models, to simple thoughts and feelings.

The project aims to conduct around 200 interviews, which, with their being around 6,000 Olympians ever to exist, will be quite a challenge. So far around 30 interviews have taken place, a good number of which have been with friends of the UoB team conducting the project.

However, with the help of BOA, BOC, and in particular, the Olympian Group, finding past and present Olympians to interview has been made easier.

The goal is to interview at least one Olympian from every Games since London 1948, as to receive the widest range of Olympic experiences possible.

Participants in the project are encouraged to shed light on certain events throughout their whole life; from their often humble beginnings, to the aftermath of a career competing at the top level. To do this the project undertakes ‘The Life Story Approach’, which was developed by Sigmund Freud in a psychoanalytical study of personality development. This method is known as personology, whereby the whole person is studied via a biographical and cultural context.

Using this method, as well as a set base of fixed questions, the study aims to gain answers to queries such as: To what extent do Olympians act as role models for others to engage in sport or succeed in life?

Do Olympians acknowledge the Olympic values? Were Olympians themselves inspired by role models as they began their journey?

Do Olympians go on to succeed after their competitive career? Is the transition into a regular civilian helped by an Olympic experience?

The question as to whether Olympians themselves used a role model for inspiration in their early days as an athlete is particularly interesting, especially when considering one of the primary phrases used during London 2012 was ‘inspire a generation’. Well, according to the study so far, which has featured around 30 interviews, the answer is one that some may find surprising. It seems

most participants, when prompted to say whether they had a role model, often replied vaguely or indifferently- often referring to their parents or family as their role models, rather than a specific athlete that was prominent whilst they were young.

In addition, how former-Olympians go on to succeed after their athletic career, and transition themselves into ‘civvy street’ is another fascinating query explored in this study. See, when a person becomes an Olympian they give themselves a kind of global brand, a special quality that instantly associates them as hard-working, persistent, interesting, and therefore highlyemployable. These traits are enhanced even more so if the person is not only an Olympian, but, an Olympic Medallist. It has been noted that many participants were very quick to correct anyone who labelled them an ‘Olympian’ when they were, in fact, a ‘Medallist’. In that world of elite performers, there seems to be a very significant difference between the two.

This highly innovative study is further evidence of our university being at the pinnacle of academic research. With its ambitious goals, fascinating content and highly relevant findings, the Olympian Project demonstrates UoB’s capacity in providing top-rate research used to provide an enlightening outlook on specific subjects.

With special thanks to Ceri Wynne and Dr Jonathan Grix for taking the time to speak to Redbrick Sport.

The Professional Dilemma

Online Editor, Nicola Kenton, explores the issue of professional sports men and women competing at the Olympic Games Nicola Kenton Online Editor @QueenNikNak

Last week, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) decided that professional boxers would be allowed to compete at the Rio Olympic games. This came after an extraordinary congress was called and 84 of the 88 delegates voted in favour of the inclusion of professionals in Rio. Since this announcement, there has been much criticism from boxers both past and present.

However, the AIBA stated that the wildcard places should not be given to the professional boxers; thus leaving them to qualify, as any athlete has to, for the Olympic Games at a tournament in July.

Many of the biggest names in boxing have come through the Olympic Games route. These include: the greatest of them all, the late Muhammad Ali who won gold at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome; Wladimir Klitschko also became Olympic Champion at the 1996 Games held in

Atlanta; Amir Khan was the only British boxer who competed in Athens in 2004 and Anthony Joshua became a household name after winning gold in 2012.

These boxers started their careers as amateurs, before competing at the Olympic Games and then turning professional in the years afterwards. However, the AIBA president has said that “In my belief every athlete should have the right to go to the Olympic Games.” Professionals will, most likely, not be included in the Great Britain squad as many of the qualification spots have already been taken. The British Boxing Board of Control and the WBC have both criticised the move and asked for the decision to be overturned.

Whereas, current and former professional boxers have mixed opinions on the subject. Retired fighters, Ricky Hatton and Carl Froch, believe that it would be dangerous for professionals to box with amateurs and that there would be a higher chance of injury. Yet, Carl Frampton thinks that the best amateur boxers would be able to compete with the professionals. This may be due to the

fact that amateur fights are only three rounds long, with each round three minutes in length; in comparison to professional fights which are 12 rounds long with each round lasting three minutes.

Nevertheless, this is not the first time that the inclusion of professional athletes in the Olympics has been debated.

Sports such as: golf, tennis, football and rugby have all attracted controversy with who is able to compete or not. Football has been played at the Olympic Games since 1900 for men and 1996 for women. Since, 1992 the men’s competition has become an under-23 format which allows countries to compete on more of a level playing field than before and thus African teams have enjoyed success since this rule came into force.

Rugby union and golf will be played at the Rio Olympics having been absent from the sport since 1924 and 1904, respectively. For golf, this is seen as the fifth major of the year - although due to the Ryder Cup also taking place, the golfing schedule for this year is rather hectic. Big names such as Australian, Adam

Scott, have said that they will not play because of a clashing with his schedule. Whereas, the rugby union competition is not featuring a ‘normal’ rugby format instead a sevens tournament will be played with only 12 teams competing - all of whom had to qualify. Those competing will probably have qualified through the Sevens World Series competitions, who play professionally for their club as well as country.

Tennis stopped being an Olympic sport after the 1904 games. Two demonstration events happened in 1968 and 1984 before the sport was included again for the 1988 Olympics.

Professionals from the ATP and WTA tours compete in the games with ranking points on offer; if somebody wins an Olympic gold medal and all the Grand Slam events, it is known as completing a ‘Golden Slam’. In the sport of tennis, many see winning the Olympic title as just as important as winning any of the other majors and the professionals seem to take it seriously.

The Olympics is seen as a competition where amateurs compete to become professional,

as has been the case for boxing.

But with the introduction of the new rules, professionals could compete. The effect of this might not be seen in Rio, due to the announcement happening so late but for Tokyo in 2020, boxers may wish to fight for Olympic gold. Should they be allowed to compete? I don’t think so, as some of the best boxers in the world have worked they way up using the Olympic Games as a platform but others would say let them in.

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Road to Rio

Friday 10th June

@redbricksport

The Olympic Memories of a London 2012 Torchbearer

Nicola Kenton recalls her best Olympic memories and role as a London 2012 Torchbearer

Nicola Kenton Online Editor

As far back as I can remember sport has been a passion of mine.

This passion has increased further in recent years but the Olympic Games have always been a big part of that. I remember shouting at the TV with my family in 2004 willing Dame Kelly Holmes to win her second gold medal.

Another key moment was the Men's 4x100m Relay, where the Great Britain team put together a fantastic run - which hasn't been replicated since - to take the gold medal.

Beijing was a different type of games. I remember more of it and I was more emotionally invested in certain athletes. Rebecca Adlington was one of the stars of those games and participating at my swimming club, this spurred me on to work harder in the pool.

And of course, the star of Beijing was Usain Bolt. Watching that man run his world records in the 100m and 200m was unbelievable - even if it was only on TV. Next was London. The Games I had been looking forward to since 2005. The Games I wanted to go to so badly and hoped nothing would go wrong. One aspect of the Olympics that is not necessarily featured as heavily as the actual event is the Olympic Torch

Relay. Unbeknownst to me, my mum had nominated me to be part of the Torch Relay for London 2012 and I was one of the 8,000 people selected. The slogan to go with the torch relay was "My Time to Shine".

My time to shine was to take place on July 2nd 2012, when the torch travelled between Coventry and Leicester. I would take part at Wellingborough - the town on the route closest to where I'm from - and continue to Kettering on the minibus. Because

'Rebecca Adlington was one of the stars of those [Beijing] games and participating at my swimming club, this spurred me on to work harder in the pool' I was the first person to carry the torch in Wellingborough, the flame was transferred from the lantern to my torch.

That day was indescribable.

Having found out in December 2011 that I had been chosen, it was not confirmed until March and then there was another few

months of waiting until the day arrived. Myfamily had come to watch. Some had travelled many miles to see "my time to shine".

Meeting the other torchbearers that morning was fantastic and hearing the stories of why they were nominated. Everyone was slightly nervous but excited at what was to come.

Eventually it was time to get onto the shuttle bus and wait for the parade to pass through followed by the Olympic flame.

The weather was not at its best. An average day temperature wise with some slight drizzle in the air. A very British summer day. I got out of the bus and held my torch for the first time. The sponsors passed through: Samsung, Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB - all with vehicles blasting music and giving out freebies for those who have lined the route. Then suddenly it was here, the vehicle carrying the flame. I was about to hold the Olympic flame!

The police officers (those running beside

me) held the lantern and transferred the flame to my torch. They made sure that it would burn bright, even though it was raining, and then I was allowed to go. My stretch of the relay was only just over 300m or so and it went so quickly. The noise is something I will never forget, people cheering you on, cheering your name whether they know you or not. Students from my school were on one side of the road, I waved tothem and made sure they could take a clear picture. Every time that someone cheered I tried to wave directly at them or look at them so they could enjoy the moment as much as I was. When the time came for the changeover, I slowed down and approached Kathy who was waiting in the road. The gas was transferred between the two torches and then we posed for the press before Kathy continued the relay.

After this, I was than escorted to the second shuttle bus - near the back of the parade - had some more photos before I got on and then continued with the rest of the relay.

The crowds got noisier and noisier. Due to being the first torchbearer in Wellingborough, I was the first one on the second bus. I felt overwhelmed and sat down on the bus drinking my Coca Cola. I then started to wave at the crowds as they were still waving the whole parade through

and spotted some people I knew.

One by one, the torchbearers got back on the bus. We each quickly told our tale of how it went before continuing to wave at the crowds and hold the torches for photographs. From Wellingborough, we continued through some villages before reaching the next town of Kettering. Even though the villages had small populations, the streets were still lined and the school children waving wanting to catch a glimpse of the Olympic flame. Kettering is a larger town than Wellingborough and the crowds there were much bigger.

The weather had improved and everyone was enjoying their 'time to shine'.

The 2nd July 2012 was one of the best moments of my life. To get to hold the Olympic flame that symbolised so many different values and carry it through my local community was more than I could ever have asked for. Nevertheless, what I did afterwards e.g. the presentations to scout groups and local schools (Secondary and Primary), the questions asked and the photos taken was what I really enjoyed. The Olympics was always the best sporting event to me and this experience only helped to cement it as that.

'To get to hold the Olympic flame that symbolised so man different values and carry it through my local community was more than I could ever have asked for'

Road to Rio

Friday 10th June

@redbricksport

London 2012 To Rio 2016: Continuing The Legacy

Rosie Twells examines the legacy left by London 2012 and how it will be continued in Rio Rosie Twells Online Editor

"Let us determine, all of us, all over the world, that London 2012 will see the very best of us." Lord Coe's final words in an inspirational speech at the opening ceremony to the Olympic Games four years ago live long in the memory. It felt a long time since 6 July 2005, the date London was announced as the winner to host the Games, but there was a clear message: London 2012 would be an Olympics to remember.

Creating an impact that stretched beyond the final curtain of the closing ceremony on 12 August 2012 was the target, and one that was most certainly achieved.

Legacy and London were words used interchangeably in the summer of 2012 and it was a vital part of the Olympics that this partnership was sustained. As defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, legacy can mean: "designating something left over from a previous era but still in active existence". Those behind the planning, funding and staging of the Games were extremely considerate of London setting an example which could be followed by Rio. Regeneration was key, especially in the six London boroughs hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games: Barking and Dagenham, Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. The main stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park stretches across the latter four of these areas and will be home to West Ham

It's now Rio's time to do it right and continue a sporting legacy that has lasting impacts for all of humankind.

United next season. The club have already sold 50,000 season tickets, meaning that the site will attract more visitors in the years post 2012. Other Olympic venues, for example the Aquatics Centre, have been opened up which allows for direct engagement between the public and the facilities.

Knowing that you’re swimming in the same pool as legends such as Michael Phelps and Ellie Simmonds is an opportunity not to be missed.

Alongside the building

work and infrastructure regeneration, the London legacy has also reached out to other aspects of the community. In regards to encouraging participation in sports, especially in primary and secondary education, the School Games were set up. Available on four different platforms, intra school, inter school, county festivals and national finals, there were plenty of ways to get involved, and continue to be involved.

After one year post London 2012 fever, over 14,000 schools were registered and this was a fantastic figure, highlighting the impacts that the Olympic and Paralympic Games had on inspiring the next generation.

A further example of the London legacy continuing is shown in the funding for elite sport in the run up to the Rio Games. The day after the London Games had finished, the coalition government announced that Team GB athletes would receive £125million each year before Rio in 2016. This step was put in place so that performances in sport would advance and allow for greater success in future competitions. However, the division of money to individual sports often depends on which have done the best at Olympics previously. For example, synchronised swimming and handball lost their funding altogether after 2012, whilst others such as swimming had reduced amounts due to poorer performances than expected at the Games.

Government funding and the National Lottery charity are the main sources of financial support for athletes who may otherwise struggle without this money. It may not be fair that often ‘bigger’ sports receive the most income, but what is important to remember is the fact that Team GB are in a position to take advantage of this funding and create a stronger legacy from the London Olympics.

From these selected examples it’s clear that London has been successful in creating a sus-

tainable legacy for the future.

But the big question is, four years later, how will Rio cope in comparison? It has already been estimated by the International Paralympic Committee president, Sir Philip Craven, that the Paralympic Games would not be as well attended as those in London four years previous.

Despite the fact that less than a third of tickets have been sold for the event, organisers still believe that sales will increase closer to the beginning of the Games.

"Let us determine, all of us, all over the world, that London 2012 will see the very best of us."

In addition to this, fears of cancelling the Games seem to have vanished after concerns over the Zika virus (a disease mainly spread by mosquitoes) were raised again. Although sporting stars including Rory McIlroy have spoken out and voiced their worries, every effort will be made to ensure that the safety of the competitors comes first. Other athletes such as Novak Djokovic have displayed their frustration against any thoughts of cancelling the Games, brandishing

this action as "unthinkable". This highlights the extent to which the Olympics are considered a sporting tradition and that many performers who plan to attend at Rio believe they must go ahead.

This summer, Rio will become the first South American city to host the Olympic and Paralympics Games. With such a major event as this, there is bound to be controversy and a few concerns regarding finishing times of building infrastructure in the lead-up. The Games will go ahead, Rio will make sure that the celebratory, carnival-type atmosphere is emphasised and in the process, their own legacy will be created. On the final night of London 2012, Lord Coe in his closing ceremony speech stated that: “When our time came – Britain we did it right.” must go ahead.

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CAREERS

Friday 10th June

@redbrickcareers

Art, Clothes & Raves: The Story of Fables

Greg Woodin chronicles the journey of the company behind Ouse from their beginnings at university to the top of the underground Birmingham dance scene.

Greg Woodin Careers Editor @greg_woodin

We spoke to Oliver Elmes (Business Manager) and Ben Clark (Lead Designer) of Fables, a Birmingham-based company specialising in nights out, installations, illustration and clothing.

Beginning as a loose collective of Birmingham City University students living in Erdington, Fables has rapidly grown into a fullyfledged business with connections across the UK and Europe.

In the beginning...

In 2012, eleven BCU students in their second year of university moved into two houses in Erdington. Some of these students were illustrators, some were into media and others were more business-minded. At this point, Oliver remembers, “Ben started up his own illustrating company doing jobs on the side during uni. He called his company Fables Illustration”. And so the first seeds for the company were sown.

At around the same time, Oliver and his housemates started throwing parties in their house at university. Because most of the parties they attended were in Selly Oak on the other side of Birmingham, throwing their own parties allowed them to bring the party to where they lived. As Ben recounts, "We had these two adjoined houses that we bodged together with tarpaulins and lasers and it kind of turned into a twohouse fancy dress fiesta that we would throw once a term." These parties steadily became a regular

fixture of Erdington life, with students travelling from Selly Oak and even cities as far afield as Leeds and Manchester. The tables truly were turning.

The housemates decided to brand their parties ‘Ouse’, a name that stuck even as their parties broke out of the house environment and in third year relocated first to Suki10c and then to Boxxed in Digbeth. “We started enjoying going to house parties as much as going out," Oliver recalls, "They have a good vibe. You feel safe and at home, so we thought it’d be a cool name to call a night and try to get that vibe across”.

Ironically enough, as Ben explains, "The name never had anything to do with house music, although as its popularity boomed in the last few years people naturally assumed that that was our inspiration."

As I speak to Oliver, I notice that he’s pronouncing ‘Ouse’ a little differently to how most people would. Pronounced like ‘moose’ without the ‘m’, this pronunciation started life as something of an inside joke, with the original Erdington party-throwers being reluctant to use a name that sounded too similar to the word ‘house’ - or indeed that might get confused with Oust the aerosol.

However, as the brand has grown

'With tarpaulins and lasers, it kind of turned into a two-house fancy dress fiesta'

bigger, the Fables team have gradually come to accept that, generally, people will pronounce it like ‘house’ without the ‘h’. “We’ve just kind of let it go now,” Oliver laughs.

While these two concurrent enterprises began separately - Fables Illustration and Ouse’s parties after a while the decision was made that the two should join together. “We decided to get all of our skills, bring it all together and try and make a business out of it”. This business took on the more simplified ‘Fables’ name, and the Ouse name was subsumed under its banner.

Onwards and upwards...

As the newly united Fables crew entered their third year of university, they started doing small builds and installations for nights outside of Birmingham. The parties they were throwing kept growing bigger and bigger, and Fables began to branch out into different parts of the country, slowly but surely gaining a reputation across the UK. “We started off with these small jobs which were just a bit of fun at the time,” Oliver explains, “and now it’s led onto large-scale commissions, getting recognised and becoming a bit of a brand.”

The team established links with a few friends who ran a suc-

cessful decor-based night called Good Life in Leeds. This quickly led to Fables producing the stages for Good Life nights on a regular basis, bringing their playful Ousestyle production to the north.

Through these different avenues, working across the country showcasing their production talents, Fables began to push further into the festival scene, working with respected festivals such as Outlook, Secret Garden Party and Shambala.

It was at this point that the clothing side of Fables got up and running, with Ben’s illustrations being used as the basis for t-shirt and jumper designs. This was the perfect opportunity to turn Fables into the all-encompassing brand they had always intended it to be.

“We had a chat and decided to start it off - get a few designs, get a few t-shirts printed, see how it goes. It started off quite small because it was third year and we had a lot of work on but we kept it going.”

Post-university life...

After graduation, most of the original Fables team moved home and only the people who could commute into Birmingham were left to keep it going. For this reason, the original eleven-strong team were forced to condense into a more compact five-man business. As well as Oliver and Ben, this quintet consisted of Saul Blake (Team Manager), Ross Lamerton (Production Manager) and Josh Fry (Media Director).

For about a year, these remaining members were forced to take different jobs to keep Fables going, and it was only after a lot of hard work and graft that Fables began to look like a profitable venture. However, with a smaller group of members and a more formal arrangement than the scattered eleven that began the company, it became easier to really try to make waves in the industry.

And now that university was

behind them, Fables could begin to think seriously about where they wanted to take their company.

Seven months since this overhaul of personnel, Fables have gone from strength to strength. The past weekend saw them put on their biggest Ouse event to date, a seventeen-hour epic sprawling across the whole Boxxed complex with the largest number of DJs that Fables have ever put on, and this sum-

'The weekend past was their biggest Ouse event to date, a seventeen-hour epic sprawling across the whole Boxxed complex' mer is set to be their biggest yet.

“We’re building one of the stages at Gottwood, which is one of the biggest jobs we've had,” Oliver tells me, “and we’ll be doing most of the production at Cirque Du Soul’s new El Dorado Festival. It just shows how Fables has expanded over the last two years.”

It really is a remarkable success story, and its significance for university students with an appetite for business isn’t lost on Oliver. “The basis of this is that it all began at uni. This all started from all these random people meeting in our first year, and now it’s grown up to be quite a big brand within the Birmingham scene”. Only time will tell just how big this brand can get.

Visit Fables’ website at www.fablescreative.com

Let’s Go Dancing: A quick look at the club nights that Fables run in the second city.

Ouse Starting as a series of small house parties in Selly Oak, Ouse is now one of the biggest monthly dance nights in Birmingham. “That was just a hobby, but then a couple of years later we moved it to Boxxed and it started becoming a bigger party." Depending on which party they attend, revellers can expect to be thrown into environments ranging from a 90s rave to an underwater paradise, with a focus on art installation and good music.

Fables

Their newest night, Fables, evokes the sounds and vibes of various different US cities. Designed as an intimate series of parties, Fables combine all of their talents, fusing together “a little bit of production, some illustration work and live art”, as well as selling clothes from their clothing line. You can catch the next Fables night, a Detroit-themed loft party at the Hare and Hounds, on June 17.

Pagoda

“Because a lot of us were enjoying underground music, we really wanted to do a night that was a bit more niche”. A more alternative night than Ouse, Pagoda invites partygoers to embark on a musical pilgrimage to their ‘oriental temple’ LAB11, delving deep into dance subterranea to serve up an eclectic mix of underground house, techno and disco.

CAREERS

Friday 10th June

@redbrickcareers

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Alumni Interview: Daniel Bridgewater Director of Hero and Founder of Fourth Wall Molly Garfoot Careers Editor @mollytuesday

Earlier this year, the University of Birmingham was ranked among the top three for producing CEOs in the UK, just behind London Business School and Cambridge. Molly Garfoot interviewed Birmingham graduate Daniel Bridgewater, Director of Hero (a Social Value Consultancy) and Founder of Fourth Wall, to find out how he went went on to run his own company.

What was your career journey after graduating from Birmingham?

I left UoB with little clue about what I was going to do, but finally decided to take the plunge and start a new business. I was really interested in marketing, so I decided to launch a marketing agency. Within a few weeks, and before I even had a name for the company, we had our first client! I started working with a company called Suitcase Learning, basically offering a comprehensive marketing package for a new product they were launching.

The reason I managed to get this contract was not because I was phenomenally good at marketing (because I wasn’t), but because I had networks and had been working my arse off throughout university to make sure I had a track record.

Basically, I had a good run. I worked with a number of different businesses, employed two

'Trying to change something without a clear business model is not a social enterprise - it's a charity at best.' people and things were going well. But I was always going to be going for the low hanging fruit. I was never going to achieve my vision with a business that wasn’t scalable. So I joined an incubator programme called Entrepreneurial Spark and through this I did tonnes of research and evaluation, and developed the business into what it is today. Hero did change quite significantly, but we now have something that’s exciting, innovating, and has the potential to change the world in the process.

How are you helping companies to increase their social impact through Hero?

I’m going to be honest, it’s a complicated one. Hero helps

corporate organisations increase their social value so that they can win public sector contracts.

So, put simply, if Amey wanted to win a contract resurfacing the roads in Birmingham, we would help them do good stuff in the city to increase their chances of winning the contract from Birmingham City Council.

This is in direct response to something called the Public Sector (Social Value) Act 2012.

This piece of legislation states that to win public contracts, private companies now have to show that they will ‘improve the social, environmental and economic well being of an area.'

I think the Act is fantastic! It’s making social value logical, which in my opinion is what we need to do to get corporates to create meaningful and genuine social change.

Alongside this, Hero runs a Foundation which is made up of small community groups, social enterprises and projects that we offer support to to help them grow and create social value on the ground. The Hero Foundation is small, but we’re working on it!

What does your role involve as Trustee at Uprising Leadership?

Being a trustee is all about managing risk, helping to form strategy and acting as a critical friend for the CEO and management team. It’s a voluntary role that involves attending meetings and discussing the current operations and future plans of the organisation. I genuinely do love board positions like this.

I’m a chair of governors at a school and have been involved in a number of other organisations at a governance level, and I find it so rewarding. You’re offering a small time contribution, but making an impact in a huge way.

Uprising has been a huge part of my life. I joined the programme as a fresh-faced 19 year old who was unemployed and on Job Seekers Allowance. It gave me skills, confidence, knowledge and - importantly networks. It made me realise who I was and what I could offer.

You seem to be business driven, but also concerned with social impact. Is this balance important to you and do you intend to remain in both spheres throughout your career?

Both are very important to me. I think I’m slightly more focused on the business side than the social side, but I’ve noticed that anyone who knows a thing or two about this space is also the same. Trying to change something without a clear business model is not a social enterprise - it’s a charity at best. The balance is important because it has

to be important - or else it won’t work.

I will remain in both spheres.

My plan is to further define myself as a thought leader in the social business space. I’ve been involved in it a long time, and do a lot of stuff in the space, but

'I want to become recognised as a leading thinker for social enterprise, social value and social change.' haven’t capitalised on it enough.

I want to become recognised as a leading thinker for social enterprise, social value and social change, so will continue to learn about, challenge and contribute to both spaces.

What was some of the biggest obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them?

Weirdly enough, my parents were quite sceptical about what I was doing. In the early days, they would challenge me about the fact I was attending meetings on the other side of the city, or speaking at events, and not being paid to do so. They didn’t understand why I would spend my evening at a networking event with no promise of financial return.

Secondly, I think confidence and anxiety was quite a big issue, especially around sales. I was scared that people weren’t going to like me, or weren’t going to want to work with me.

In my head - even now - I have quite a pessimistic view about how things are going to go. I don’t know whether that’s necessarily a bad thing, because it makes me go the extra mile to convince them, but overcoming that was a challenge. When you start realising that people do want to buy things off you and you can offer something of value to them, you start to believe that you will be able to get sales, and then you do get sales!

When has been your proudest moment in your career so far?

I was invited to meet Prince Charles, David Cameron and leaders from across the country at Buckingham Palace for the launch of something called Step Up To Serve. I remember getting the call to say I was invited, receiving the formal invitation in the post, and the moment when I walked into the main room in the Palace. I remember the conversations that me and Prince Charles had and the buzz

I felt during the whole experience. It was truly phenomenal.

Another highlight comes from the business I set up when I was 19. Fourth Wall, which is still running, uses theatre to develop the skills of young people. One of our members joined the group at six years old and with a stammer. He was on the waiting list for treatment with the NHS. Within a few weeks of being part of our company, his stammer had gone. I can’t emphasise enough how overwhelming that is to me. That child’s life has been changed for the better, all because of something that I had created.

What do you see for the future of social enterprises and of your career?

I think business will become more social. We can see this from the Social Value Act. I think doing something good will become more logical for businesses and more expected.

Hopefully, if the economy sorts itself out, we will become more sensitive to the good (and bad) that businesses do in the world as opposed to just the price of things.

On a personal level, I just want to grow my business, grow my team and start building the Hero brand and identity. It’s going to be a hard slog, but I’ve got the belief in myself and my business that we can make it happen. www.hero-communications.com www.fourthwalltheatre.co.uk

Daniel's Top Tips

Build your networks now.

Don’t wait until after university. People see it as three years of their life blocked out in their calendar, but that is the wrong way of looking at it. It’s an opportunity.

Go into the city, meet people, go to events, share ideas, challenge yourself. Your networks and your relationships will be the foundation that you build your social enterprise on.

What do you care about?

If you don’t care about anything, then there’s no point saying you’re going to create a social enterprise. If you want to run a business then do that. Businesses do a lot of positive in the world (creating jobs for one) and we need enterprise.

But as soon as you start caring about something, and then incorporate it into a nice business model, that is when you have a social enterprise.

26

LIFE & STYLE

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbricklife

False Reality: Sun, Sea, Sand and Social Media

Life&Style writer Lucy Joseph explains how getting the perfect photo has become more important than living in the moment those likes roll in for an absolute unstoppable confidence boost.

Then there is “Pimm’s Life&Style writer o’clock!” Every sunny hour of summer is Pimms O’clock and Taking photos of what you get up we get it. We really do but don’t to is a great thing, don’t get me take a picture of the pitcher wrong. I, of all people am totally please - is there really anything guilty of overdoing it at times that interesting about a jug? because “I want to remember this Your travels will really gage moment.” But is that all we have attention online. If you’re going in mind when we decide to climb away taking photos is a must-do, over a table in the middle of a especially if it’s somewhere you restaurant in order to get a birds aren't planning on returning to eye view of an aesthetically for a while or it is somewhere pleasing brunch we had on an unusual that most people won't average weekday? No and thanks have been before. Capture the to Instagram and Snapchat. culture, cuisine and landSo what will be the scapes and make sure classic grams of sumyou come back with mer 2016 that are more stories than posted in hope Kylie Jenner has leaving their folever posted about lowers dripping her new lip kit.

The number of with jealousy?

Actual, real, verhours the average Firstly, beach bal stories though. bodies- and if you I don't mean those person spends haven’t been that you post with online in a week working towards with a Starbucks such a goal during and passport in hand, exam period (because as you patiently wait levels of procrastination for your flight to board stop before exercise) you’re with the snapchat filter that going to scroll past these posts as somehow transforms you into fast as possible. But for those what I can only describe as a fit who have taken the time to reach dog. their summer body goals, good BBQs and I personally have on you and the unspoken rules of the most time for posts. Whenever social media dictate that you there’s any good food in front of should show it to the world. me, the camera will always reap Shove it in your ex’s face and let benefits before I do. I don’t know

Lucy Joseph

20

whether this is done because I’m genuinely excited about the meal or because I want to show others that the uni days of spooning custard out of an Aldi tub for dinner have finally come to an endfor a few months anyway.

However, the amount of good, clean and probably vegan foods you’ll find on social media this summer will remain outrageously high and make you feel guilty about eating that burger with all the toppings.

But despite what social media suggests, we all have summer holidays that drag on far too long. Days are wasted in your pyjamas, having eaten a load of stodgy foods and done desperate acts in order to keep yourself entertained. And that’s fine too.

Just because you don’t see it on Instagram and Snapchat, doesn't mean it doesn't (and shouldn't) happen.

Documenting things is a great way for friends to keep in the know as to what you’re up to, but dont fool yourself into thinking that’s the entirety of one’s existence. My guess is, the posts that receive such envious responses are probably overly edited and posted from the mundane reality of someone’s bed. After all, if you were having such a blast would you really be on your phone in the first place?

Social media puts so many demands on us to share every

intersting moment, to filter our lives into beautiful snapshots but that just isn't real life. The flaws, mistakes and dull days all make life just as beautiful as holidays, brunch with friends and achieving your goals. We have all become so obsessed with getting likes online that we are missing out on living life in the present. Admit it, how much time have you wasted trying to get the perfet selfie with the lighting just right to show off your makeup and the background carefully selected to show off your wonderful life? How much of life have you missed while you scroll through filters to get the perfect look? How much have you missed because you've been glued to a screen?

It is time to stop obsessing over images and live in the moment.

Yes, photos are great but they aren't everything.

Do you feel pressured by social media to post certain images online?

Let us know @redbricklife

Top Five: Swimwear Brands

Delfina Rainoldi explains which swimwear brands you need to know about this summer

Triangl

Rat and Boa

Mgra Swimwear

Skye and Staghorn

Sophie Blaydon

This is quite a famous Australian brand that most people would recognise from the colourful neoprene they use. Their new spring/summer collection is beautiful and very feminine. They have also added a ‘cheekie’ bottom to their collection for girls who prefer to get a better tan on their bottoms.

Rat and Boa specialise in clothing. However, they have recently expanded into swimwear and it’s not just any swimwear, it’s crochet.

The swimwear collection isn’t very large, thus there isn’t much to choose from; regardless, they are incredibly funky and definitely different from the norm.

What I love about this brand is that it is environmentally friendly. Their swimwear os made from 78% recycled material and 10% of profits go to Mgra Wildlife and Habitat Conservation. The patterns on this swimwear are all made by artist and founder of the brand Sally Mustang and her partner Mitch.

This swimwear brand is amazing! The patterns, shapes and cuts are clean and unique.

It combines block colours with mesh and interesting styles. If you want to stand out on the beach or poolside for having a distinctive bikini, then this is the brand to go for.

Like Mgra Swimwear, Sophie Blayden Swim is also sustainably made.

The patterns and colours used on their swimwear are incredibly delicate and feminine.

They have cool halter neck bikini tops as well as normal style bikinis.

LIFE & STYLE

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbricklife

The Rise Of: Lifestyle Festivals

Life&Style writer Jade Woodhouse tells us which lifestyle festivals you shouldn't miss out on this year As the current popularity of health, fitness and clean-eating continues to rise, so does the interest in the latest trend of ‘Lifestyle’ festivals. Festivalgoers across the nation are swapping the hungover, mud-drenched scenes of UK music festivals to indulge in weekends of health renewal, physical rejuvenation and peace of mind. Be prepared to say goodbye to your flower headbands and hello to yoga pants as we give you the lowdown on some of the best lifestyle festivals in the UK this summer.

The Big Feastival Join Instagram’s favourite foodie Deliciously Ella alongside the renowned Helmsley Sisters for a feel good weekend of music, craft and most importantly food. Set in the glorious surroundings of the Cotswolds, festival-goers head down to their very own Lifestyle Village, where you can browse stalls offering everything from natural skin care to recycled candles. As if this wasn’t enough, there is also the incredible Wellness Kitchen, where specially curated talks and tutorials on the art of wellbeing, healthy eating and balanced lifestyles will be taking place across the weekend.

GoFest From rock climbing to archery, this festival of health, dance and fitness brings together the whole family for a jam-packed weekend of non-stop action. As a festival at the forefront of the UK’s battle against diabetes and obesity, GoFest encourages people of all ages to try something new.

Innocent Unplugged A festival that rejects all modern technology, Innocent Unplugged invites all visitors to leave their phones at home and instead take in the natural surroundings.

With no contact beyond the festival site, Innocent Unplugged offers a refreshing take on a UK festival, focusing on the great outdoors and everything that comes with it. From the outdoor spa to the food banquet in the forest, you won’t find yourself bored without Wi-Fi!

Yoga Connects Yoga Connects is a weekend of relaxation, flexibility and Mother Earth. This festival encourages people to bring out their holistic side and indulge in meditation, gong baths and hot tubs all whilst learning new skills in the practise of yoga. As well as the physical rejuvenation you’ll feel upon leaving the festival, you can feel safe in the knowledge that this ‘Plastic Free Zone’ festival will do no harm to the environment, it’s a winwin!

Wanderlust Focussing on mindfulness, Wanderlust Festival offers a range of activities to nourish your mind and body. For explorers there are mountain trails, sunset hikes or activities such as padel boarding whilst for those still seeking more traditional festival vibes there is a wide range of acts performing a variety of music genres. There are also chances to hear inspirational speakers, deveop your yoga skills and simply relax in the beautiful outdoors. Perfect for post-exam destressing.

Top Four: Instagram Travel Accounts to Follow

@theblondegypsy

FIERCE Summer Balls We’ve made it through another year of deadlines, stress and exams and now it is time to well and truly let our hair down! What better way to celebrate the end of term than getting all dolled up for a glitzy ball with course mates or society friends.

Vogue Goes Pop After the success of Vogue’s first adult colouring book last year, they have decided to release a second one.

Featuring the fashion of the swinging sixties, it is full of retro looks reminiscent of the likes of Twiggy and Mary Quant. Time to sharpen those pencils and get creative!

Red Lipstick Usually resigned to autumn/winter, the statement red lip is here to stay this summer and we can’t get enough of it.

From bright coral to deep burgundy, there is a shade to suit every skin tone and every mood.

Man Perms After man buns we didn’t think male hair trends could get much worse but thanks to a certain Game of Thrones character, men are now rushing to the hairdressers to get a perm.

Whilst Jon Snow can pull it off, we’re not sure this is a trend that should take off...

White

Life&Style writer Hannah Strong tells us which Instagrammers you should be following for ultimate summer inspiration @Theblondegypsy

@kirstenalana

This account offers the ultimate insight into European travel. Between mountains and beaches and everything in between, followers are treated to stunning landscapes which inspire the ultimate (and achievable) wanderlust.

It is one of this season’s hottest colours, promising to show off a summer tan in all its glory. But there is so much stress involved in wearing all white!

Between grubby public transport and meals or drinks that could spill, it is just more hassle than it is worth!

Thermal Highlighting After Bitter Lace Beauty’s rainbow highlighter broke the internet a while ago, some beauty gurus took the radical step of using the product to thermal highlight- using the vivid colours to replicate the look of a thermal camera.

Enough Said.

@Kirstenalana Kirsten Alana is a NYC based photographer who captures her travels to Europe, Australia and Africa in beautiful images which will make you want to hop on a plane right away.

@Stephbetravel

Zoe Screti

Life&Style Editor

Steph has a penchant for sunny beaches, exotic pools and warm-weather getaways offering the perfect Instagram escape for anyone wishing they were on holiday.

@Adventurouskate Kate travels the world for a living and has already been to 63 countries in 5 years setting wanderlust goals for everyone, whatever their budget!

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@stephbetravel

@adventurouskate

FINISHED

28

SCI & TECH

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbricktech

Chinese Rival Sues Samsung

First Apple, and now China's biggest smartphone producer is claiming the South Korean firm infringed upon its patents.

Mason Cusack Sci & Tech Writer

Huawei, which just launched the P9 handset in Europe, and is the only formidable third horse in the Apple vs Samsung arms race, announced they are pursuing cases against their South Korean rival in both Shenzhen and Californian courts, the BBC reported.

The Chinese firm, based in Shenzhen, China, basically owns its country's domestic smartphone market, which reportedly consists of 700 million+ active phones.

The company produces communications products for Google and others worldwide.

The company refrained from revealing exact details of the apparent infringements, but alleged in their announcement that proprietary communications software has been used, without

their consent, on Samsung devices.

This comes five years after Apple waged a 38-page federal complaint against Samsung for infringing upon patents and trademarks relating primarily to an updated iPhone user interface and product design. After Apple's evidence was contested as being allegedly doctored and misleading, Samsung counter-sued later in 2011, alleging that their Silicon Valley competitor had infringed upon (rather vague) patents they held for various 'mobile communications technologies'.

This back and forth continued for three more years and was settled and reignited several times until May 2014, when Samsung was instructed to pay $119.6 million to Apple for smartphone patent violations, and Apple paid out $158,400 for a single recognized

violation of Samsung IP. The amounts awarded in this case were said by many involved to represent a small percentage of the amounts claimed for by either company, so who knows if these kinds of legal battles are necessary or just a process of point

scoring and profit skimming.

Either way, it's certainly good publicity - and it's always fun to see tech giants battle it out in the market or in court. We'll keep you up to date with proceedings from the rest of the case, should it get interesting.

Tesla Gigafactory Grand Opening Date Set Gigafactory 1 will be the largest building in the world by physical area, producing more lithium-ion batteries per year than ordinarily created Mason Cusack Sci & Tech Writer

Now, after just two years, the world's biggest lithium-ion factory, which is set to propel the automotive industry towards an allelectric future, is almost ready for a grand opening, the date for which has been announced as the 29th of July.

This will kickstart a massive venture to service the demand for the Model 3 in particular, which racked up almost 400,000 pre-orders and amassed more than $14 billion dollars in prospective sales revenue for the once-struggling start-up car manufacturer.

Only partially operational for the past few months, Gigafactory 1 - seemingly the first of many in Tesla's vision for the future - will

" ...probably the most audacious move in Musk's repertoire..."

Nevada where the factory is situated expects it to bring in $100 billion for the local economy over the next two decades. In short, it's a massive risk, a massive investment, and probably the most audacious move in Musk's repertoire since SpaceX secured its partnership (and synonymity) with NASA.

It won't be long after the July 29th opening that we'll find out whether it pays off - whether demand will indeed meet the tremendous supply the factory promises. Given the market-bending quality of Tesla's vehicles and the brightness of the future the company talks about, here's hoping.

have the largest footprint of any building in the world, and will produce more lithium-ion batteries than were produced in the entirety of 2013 by all worldwide producers combined. The state of

Brains Eden's Record Breaking Registrations All you need to know about the student gaming festival this June Joe Casey

Sci & Tech Writer

The UK’s largest student gaming festival is set to get even bigger this year as record numbers have registered for the 2016 Brains Eden event which is held annually at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. The four day festival attracts students from around Europe and functions as both an informative and innovative experience that allows participants a platform to demonstrate their skills to industry professionals. Companies such as Guerrilla Cambridge, PlayStation First, ARM, Unity and Jagex look to the event as an opportunity to offer internships to students.

Thirty people have received internships as a direct result of the festival, with eight going into full time employment with major industry names.

Dan Moody, a student at Southampton University who

gained an eight-week internship with ARM after last year’s festival, explained the potential benefits of the festival for students, “I thought it was really interesting that not only were games companies present at the festival, but technology and digital giants were too. It’s awesome that Brains Eden offers the opportunity to come face to face with industry, and some of the games legends that you aspire to be like one day.”

"...comprised of a 48 hour games jam..."

The festival is comprised of a 48-hour games jam, with a clear and defining theme, previous themes have included ‘unequal’ and ‘displacement’. The international nature of the festival is demonstrated in the combination of last

year’s participants, a team called Silent Squid was formed of students from NHTV University in the Netherlands and Norwich University of the Arts. Their game ‘Gust’ was developed at the Brains Eden event and is now available on Android. Silent Squid member Alex Clarke commented, “Brains Eden is such a fantastic opportunity for games students across the world. I didn’t expect to be sur-

rounded by so many people from the games industry who are happy to answer any questions we have about the games being created or the broader games sector.’’ The combination of invaluable industry opportunities and the chance to create and design your own games has evidently proved irresistible for students this year as they sign up in record numbers.

Creature Feature Ninja Lanternshark Kara Watson

Science and Tech Editor

This weird looking and incredibly named shark is a recent discovery for scientists at the Pacific Shark Research Center in California. The ninja lanternshark (Etmopterus benchleyi) was discovered at the end of 2015 off the Pacific Coast of Central America.

Its Latin name is a reference to Peter Benchley, the author of the book ‘Jaws’ and co-author of the film as well. The common name was invented by the young cousins of researcher Vicky Vásquez. Lanternsharks are the name by which the Etmopterus genus of dogfish sharks is known by.

This shark can be found around 1000 metres deep and it is about half a metre in length. It’s black in colour with white markings around the mouth and eyes. The ninja lanternshark has organs called photophores in its skin which allow it to produce a faint glow, and these are concentrated around the head, although this species has less photophores overall than other species of lanternsharks. It isn’t known what purpose the photophores serve. It may be that in combination with their dark skin, it allows them to be invisible to the small fish they predate on and also larger predators, as the glow would mask their shadow. It could also be used for communication or to even attract their prey towards them, these methods being a common use for light in the deeps.

This is a great new species to have been discovered and hopefully more will be learnt about it soon as well as an increase in the general knowledge about the lives of the lanternshark genus.

SCI & TECH

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbricktech

UoB Studies a Key Cancer Gene The role of BRCA1 in breast cancer has been investigated Kara Watson Sci & Tech Writer @Karaml_Watson

BRCA1 is an important gene in the development of breast and ovarian cancer. It is what is known as a tumour suppressor gene, so it helps protect against cancer development. It becomes a problem when there is a mutation in this gene and its function is reduced or abolished. This is associated with a large increase in the risk of developing these cancers, and a lot of research is focussed on finding out the specific function of the gene. Now scientists at the University of Birmingham have started to identify the role of BRCA1 by researching its involvement in DNA repair systems.

The researchers investigated the role of BRCA1 by looking at how its function changes when

alterations are made to its partner protein, BARD1. From this they identified that BRCA1 is involved in attaching ubiquitin to other proteins. The gene promotes a process called ‘ubiquitination’, which is when the ubiquitin protein is attached to other proteins as a kind of label. This labelling regulates various processes in the body, including DNA repair. This means BRCA1 uses its ‘ubiquitin ligase activity’ for a type of DNA repair that is error-free, called homologous recombination. This is an important repair system for certain types of DNA damage, and it acts as a suppressor for cancer development.

Cells without this BRCA1 action (i.e. those with mutations in that gene), are more sensitive to DNA damage and so are more likely to start uncontrollably dividing. This is linked to cancer development. They also identified

that BRCA1 has several functions, independent of each other.

This allows for more ways for targeting and treating the tumour.

As clinicians are concerned that individuals with no BRCA1 ubiquitin function are becoming resist-

ant to certain cancer therapies for BRCA1 mutations, such as Olaparib, this provides hope that there will be another way to target these tumours, and prevent them from becoming completely resistant to therapies.

Meteorite Mummy Dagger Discovery Charlotte Ward Sci & Tech Writer @charlieward135

In a newly released journal article in Meteoritics and Planetary Science, researchers have found evidence using portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry, that a dagger in the tomb of King Tutankhamun was made from a meteorite. They tested various amounts of nickel, iron and cobalt, and the composition was compared to known meteorites around the Red Sea coast in Egypt. They were able to determine with some cer-

tainty that the dagger was made with material that had derived from a meteorite.

In 1922, Howard Carter and George Herbert discovered Tutankhamun’s nearly intact tomb.

The identity of Tutankhamun was confirmed by comparing his DNA to the mummies found of known relatives and evidence from ancient literature.

There have also been two other artefacts in Egypt found to have meteoritic origin from ancient civilization, including small beads that had the meteoric iron carefully hammered into thin sheets. This has suggested that the Egyptians

had iron smelting capabilities and more research into the ancient artefacts found could help to improve our knowledge of ancient Egyptian metalworking technologies.

A suggestion for why they choose this source of iron was that iron from meteorites was consid-

ered a precious resource as it fell from the sky, where they were known to believe their Gods lived.

This new evidence has changed some views on how the ancient Egyptians lived and a possible misconception that iron works were not common in those times.

29

Stress can Increase Back Pain

Kara Watson looks at how to relieve stress-related pain The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) has released new research showing that 89% of 16-24 year olds have experienced back and neck pain and that this pain increased when they were stressed. Although stress does not cause pain, it can intensify the symptoms. Back pain is one of the physical symptoms of stress as under stress, the body functions differently.

Stress can affect the muscular system by causing the back muscles to tense up to protect themselves from injury. This can cause pain as muscles are tensed for extended periods of time as this tension is often not noticeable as it is done unconsciously. The BCA have provided a number of tips to reduce this back pain for times of work and stress.

Sit up.

1 Kind of obvious, but if you’re working at home don’t

work on your bed or the sofa.

Work at a desk. Relax, and make sure your shoulder blades are touching the back rest of the chair and you are maintaining an upright posture instead of hunching over.

Take Regular Breaks 2 The BCA suggest moving every 20-30 minutes to

stretch, walk around or just change your position. This helps relieve the tension in your back.

Coding Bootcamp Offers Student Loans 3

Carry Less Weight

James Pettit breaks down the latest collaboration between Markers Academy and Future Finance London based junior developer bootcamp, Markers Academy, have recently joined forces with the UK’s first specialist student lender Future Finance in order to widen the accessibility of their 12 week coding crash course.

This is part of an effort from Markers Academy to attract individuals who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford their studies, which are priced at £8,000 for a fully immersive in-person training option, or £4,000 for a remote online course.

Future Finance aims to assist

"...without the need to seek high interest loans..." students of software without the need to seek high interest loans or having to work multiple jobs to pay their way, and their loans are commendably flexible. The part-

nership has been a success, with eleven people so far this year graduating from the course with the aid of the student lender.

"...Oxbridge meets the Royal Marines..."

Chuka Ebi, one of the first graduates to benefit from the scheme back in January, gave credit to Future Finance for allowing him to successfully complete his studies. Without Future Finance’s financial backing, Ebi notes that the course “was not appealing”, and would have gone on to do a Masters instead. With the help of the scheme, he achieved the position as a Creative Technologist at Fjord, the Design and Innovation consultancy firm.

Based in the booming tech hub of East London, Markers Academy provides an immersive

and intensive environment in order to produce future talent, allowing people that have no prior knowledge of web development to become job-ready junior developers within the space of just 12 weeks.

By making this scheme more accessible, Markers Academy believe that they are filling the education gap in the industry which has often seen those that wish to learn priced out. Jordan Poulton, the Sales and Marketing Director at the firm, was keen to stress that

"Based in the booming tech hub of East London" with the help of Future Finance, “students from a range of backgrounds” are able to take part, because the firm removes “the financial barriers that may be preventing others from pursuing the education and the career they want.”

The course is highly intensive, which can be seen in their own self-assessment which claims that they are Oxbridge meets the Royal Marines. Previously, because of this intensity, the course could be seen as unattractive, yet this notable collaboration is part of a clever marketing strategy by Markers Academy, which is leading the field in European Developer Training courses, and looking to catch up to the already long established coding boot camps of the US.

12 Weeks it takes to become a junior developer

Try not to carry all your heavy textbooks around with you, but if you need to then make sure they are in a bag that you can carry across two shoulders, and that the weight is distributed evenly.

Stay Hydrated 4 If you drink lots of water then your body will be

refueled, and your muscles and joints will work more efficiently and for a longer period of time.

Stretch 5 If possible, regular stretching while working can prevent pain and improve posture. The BCA have some suggestions for stretches on their website.

Follow us:

redbrick.me/tech @redbricktech f Redbrick Sci&Tech

30

CULTURE

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbrickculture

Review: The Seven Ages of Shakespeare Ruth Horsburgh Culture Critic

If you didn’t already know, 2016 is the year in which we are celebrating 400 years since William Shakespeare’s death. At the Symphony Hall, as part of their ‘Our Shakespeare’ season, it was the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus’s turn to pay homage to the Bard.

Performing pieces spanning four centuries, (between 1693–1948), this ‘Seven Ages of Shakespeare’ concert illustrated the great playwright’s remarkable longevity and popularity throughout the ages, and indeed across different musical mediums.

We were once again reminded of Shakespeare’s brilliance through a range of musical styles, from opera to sassy Cole Porter renditions, from Baroque songs to rousing overtures, Shakespeare’s plays and texts have inspired, and continue to inspire, composers and lyricists through the ages.

This concert was about enjoying the collaboration and mutual inspiration between Shakespeare and music.

Numerous composers have been inspired to compose works and set Shakespeare’s text to music. From Purcell to Porter, a

variety of musical genres have embraced Shakespeare and his understanding of human nature and emotions, as well as the fantastical and the imaginary.

Nicholas McGegan expertly and energetically conducted the orchestra and chorus with an infectious enthusiasm. There was an abundance of skill on display on stage, with excellent solos performed from all sections of the orchestra. The orchestra performed every piece strongly, with pinpoint accuracy in achieving the softest and tender dynamic to relay poignancy or a wave of sound which triumphantly enveloped the music hall, as was evident in their commanding performance of Sullivan’s ‘The Merchant of Venice – Masquerade Suite’. This effect was also enhanced by the CBSO Chorus, which is made up of, as was said in the programme notes, ‘amateur professionals’. Their skill as a choir was particularly evident in their performance of Vaughan William’s ‘In Windsor Forest’, with sweeping and beautiful melodies filling the auditorium.

There were also vocal solos performed throughout the evening, including a memorable and charming duet of ‘Wunderbar’ from Kiss Me Kate by Cole Porter, Mezzo Soprano by Sandra Piques

Eddy, and Baritone Duncan Rock. Soprano Fflur Wyn beautifully performed several solos, a highlight being ‘When Daisies Pied’ by Thomas Arne, which epitomised the harmonious relationship between Shakespeare and music, with a call and response ‘Cuckoo’ section. This was then followed by tenor Andrew Henley who sang Arne’s ‘Fear No More the Heat o’ the Sun’.

Shakespeare is renowned for his ability to convey the complexities of love and human relationships, and this variety was reflected in the performed pieces, from the poignant Berlioz performed by the two soprano soloists to the feisty and amusing ‘I Hate Men’ performed by Piques Eddy. The evening culminated in a united and compelling rendition of Purcell’s ‘The Fairy Queen’.

Shakespeare was a writer of ‘infinite variety’, and his works have proved an inspiration to some of the most gifted composers and musicians of the past four centuries. This concert captured and conveyed the highs and lows of human experience in an engaging and memorable way. From impassioned declarations of love to mournful sorrow, Shakespeare’s legacy lives on.

Review: King Lear Olivia Boyce

Culture Editor @liv_boyce

Over the years, the REP has played host to a great many of Shakespeare’s plays, with memorable productions of ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Twelfth Night’ in the last year alone. Their more recent selection, including the emotional powerhouse that is ‘The Father’ and the heart-breakingly moving ‘Iphigenia in Splott’, has drawn attention to characters who undergo a full range of tragedies, a veritable palette of plays showing the unpredictable and often fragile thing that is the human condition. It is only fitting then, that Shakespeare’s monumental tragedy, the story of a great king who descends into madness amongst growing betrayals and separations, graces their stage in the year of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

Set in an ancient Britain with a very different and somewhat more brutal ruling system than our own, Lear chooses to step down from his role as King to allow his daughters and their husbands to rule alongside each other in his stead, dividing his land in accordance to the love which they profess for him. However, after the youngest Cordelia refuses to lie to him to gain his favour, and is quickly disowned, pride, greed and the threat of war leads to what is possibly one of the most dramatic and brutal climactic acts in the history of theatre.

The role of Lear falls on the very capable shoulders of Don Warrington, often referred to as a national treasure, and rightly so.

His Lear is a tour de force, at times quiet yet utterly intense, at others a frenzy of hurt and insecurity bundled up in an outpouring of rage. He does not always command the stage, yet he brings to life some of Lear’s more iconic lines, such as ‘Better thou hadst not been born than not to have pleas’d me better’, with great intensity. His is an accomplished performance, and most certainly provides a memorable Lear.

The ensemble cast is delightfully excellent. Lear’s Fool, played by Miltos Yerolemou, steals a great many of the scenes in which he features, flipping between exceedingly wise and unsettlingly humourous so naturally that you cannot help but focus on him. The Earl of Gloucester is played brilliantly by

Philip Whitchurch, and Fraser Ayres and Alfred Enoch as his sons Edmund and Edgar are both captivating, with Enoch certainly proving that he is as stellar on stage as he has been on screen.

Even the typically more reserved part of Oswald is given a comical edge in the hands of Thomas Coombes, often delighting the audience.

The staging is, simply put, rather brilliant. Signe Beckmann’s set is rather bare, a few circular platforms of earth forming the stage, though towering pillars that encircle them call to the fore images of Stonehenge, giving the entire spectacle a somewhat otherworldly, viscerally ancient feel.

The costuming, hair and makeup is particularly outstanding, with Lear’s three daughters bedecked

in gowns and battle armour that would be no stranger to a film set, such is the quality. Lear’s transformation from imposing ruler, resplendent in cape and golden crown, to confused wanderer in plain garment and with a crown of flowers, is one of great visual impact, and the moment in which he cries out into a downpour that materialises from above, as thunder flashes around the auditorium, is an image that I will not soon forget, so breathtakingly was it staged.

Of course, being a tragedy means that, inevitably, there is death. Lots of it, in fact, and some scenes of a slightly more gruesome persuasion unsettled the audience. The National Theatre’s 2014 production was undoubtedly a little gorier than this at the REP,

but all in all, the effect is much the same – it ends in a brutal, heart-breaking fashion, and get there in a most bloody of ways.

Within the play one character acerbically remarks that ‘The younger rises when the old doth fall.’ In a modern world with many productions resembling little of those which populated the stage in Shakespeare’s time, it is a testament to the intricate and long-standing appeal of the text and the brilliance of its cast and creatives that this production excels, as at home at the REP as it once would have been at the Globe. There is no definitive production of Lear, but in this staging, I see a contender to that throne, and long may it reign.

Photos : Jonathan Keenan

CULTURE

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbrickculture

Review: Shadowlands Julia Walmsley Culture Critic

Ostensibly a counter to the world of magicians, godlike lions and an unquestioned sense of devotion conjured by CS Lewis most renowned works The Chronicles of Narnia, Wi l l i a m N i c h o l s o n ’s Shadowlands grounds us unequivocally in the reality of CS Lewis’ tumultuous personal affairs and crisis of faith. In 1952, Lewis met a charming American woman seventeen years his junior and her brief dalliance in England blossoms into a lifelong bond when Lewis unexpectedly takes to her after a series of afternoon teas.

The majority of the play is set in Oxford, bar a scene where Lewis and Gresham make a revelatory holiday in Greece.

The music that punctuates the performance is evocative of the choirs of its many churches and retains a haunting beauty. This land of ‘dreaming spires’ may be the apotheosis of English tradition and its historic splendour, but is here remarkable as an anachronistic, stuffy institu-

tion populated by gruff, old white men debating religion yet still believing women to possess inferior intellect. Gresham pierces this chauvinistic landscape with her witticisms, delivered brilliantly by Amanda Ryan, before overtly challenging Lewis on the serious aspiration-limiting nature this atmosphere holds. She believes ‘possibility’ is something rendered by real challenges made to the status quo by Lewis and the like, rather than remaining an irrelevant abstraction conveyed only in meaningless words.

'The music that punctuates the performance retains a haunting beauty.'

Indeed, the play considers the salience of human actions against forces which transcend and contend our capabilities to apply rationally, even in an age of increasingly advanced technology. At once, this is the lin-

gering question of the existence of God, but this transforms into a more tangible threat as Gresham learns she has cancer.

The generally astute persona of Stephen Boxer’s CS Lewis cracks at the prospect of her cancer being incurable, as he wonders if it is a result of God’s ‘hate’ for his best friend. I believe Douglas, played by the prodigal Shannon Rewcroft, provides an answer; an avid reader of Lewis’ works, he seeks the magic of the books in the world around him as his mother becomes increasingly ill. The rendering of a mystical tree beyond the window pro-

vides the nuanced staging of Douglas’ fantasy, as even one the most exaggerated examples of children’s literature is an apt way of confronting reality.

Another means of revolt against cancer is humour.

Despite the tear-jerker premise of Shadowlands, Nicholson employs Wildean repartee befitting to a climate of persistent contention over moral, intellectual and political matters. The funniest moments derived from the musings of Lewis and his brother Major, the latter performance marked by Denis Lill’s impeccable comic timing as he forms an unlikely bond

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with Douglas. Certainly, as Lewis bemoans the transient, erotic nature of most contemporary relationships, the extraordinary platonic connections forged by the characters are emphasised through moments of sheer comedy and justified in moments of tragedy.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable production which, ultimately, elucidates the potential for reconciling reality and fiction, a quandary which consistently plagued Lewis’ life and found some kind of expression in Joy.

Upcoming Shows: Mamma Mia! - The award-winning musical, featuring many of Abba's hit songs, brings a story about love and family to the Hippodrome.

Runs Tue 28 Jun - Sat 3 Sep. Footloose - Based on the hit 80's film, and starring Gareth Gates, the rock and roll musical plays at the New Alexandra from the 4th -9th July.

GMTG's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Guild of Students Sophie Neal Culture Critic @sophie_etc_

The Guild Musical Theatre Group productions consistently showcase the incredible range of talent of their members, and this year’s summer production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is no exception.

Retelling everyone’s favourite childhood musical, GMTG put on a comical performance that was full of energy. The performance started with two narrators reading from an old book, the story of Joseph, the favourite son of Jacob’s twelve sons, introducing themselves with a colourful and comical rendition of ‘Jacob and Sons.’ From the initial songs, it was clear to the audience that they were in for a real treat. Chris Allen played the hero of the show and suited the role incredibly well, putting on an innocent and emotional performance.

'The standing ovation they received at the end was truly deserved' Jacob gives Joseph a multicoloured dreamcoat which provokes jealously among the brothers. They decide to kill him but instead sell him to a group of Ishmaelites travelling to Egypt,

who paraded across the stage in leather jackets and sunglasses, accompanied by a camel. The brothers return to tell their father that Joseph is dead and present him with a blood-stained coat.

They pretend to grieve but when he leaves, they celebrate singing ‘One more Angel in Heaven’, a lively number which definitely had the audience clapping along.

Meanwhile, Joseph becomes slave to Egyptian millionaire, Potiphar. Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph who bemusedly tried to turn her away. Will Jackson and Annie O’Brien played the hilarious duo and had the camp, hyperbolised characterisation down to a tee. When Potiphar catches the two together, he throws Joseph in jail. Joseph meets a baker and butler, servants of the Pharaoh. He interprets their strange dreams, correctly predicting their future.

The Pharaoh has also been having some strange dreams, which no one else can interpret.

Joseph is brought in to interpret his dreams. The Pharaoh, played

by Jimmy Van Hear, had a very strong resemblance to a certain King of rock n’ roll, which made his role all the more comical.

Joseph predicts that the Pharaoh’s dream means that Egypt will fall to famine after years of successful harvest. The Pharaoh appoints Joseph to make sure the food is stored correctly.

The final few songs were some of the funniest and truly showcased the talent of the performers.

The famine hits Joseph’s family, who go to Egypt to seek food.

Joseph recognises his brothers but they do not realise who he is. He tests them by placing a golden cup into Benjamin’s sack and they plead his innocence in a hilarious number entitled ‘Benjamin Calypso’ with some well-choreographed dance moves which got the audience clapping along once again. He reveals his identity and him and his father are reunited once more.

The finale was a real treat, packed with the all-singing, alldancing numbers from the show.

The whole cast should be commended on their tremendous effort, particularly when this will

have been put together during the exam term. My cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing throughout the whole show, and the standing ovation they received at the end was truly deserved. Everything from the costumes to every last dance step was faultless, making the whole experience an incredibly enjoyable one. This is a show to ‘see for certain’, and I can guarantee that you will be singing ‘Any Dream Will Do’ for the rest of the day.

Production Photo: Layne Cooper (Alba Cove Photography)

'Everything from the costumes to every last dance step was faultless.'

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MUSIC

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbrickmusic

Album Review: Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool Jack Lawrence Music Critic @r3dclyffe

Now on their ninth studio album, Radiohead have proved to be no strangers to reinvention. From the guitar-driven, spacey rock of OK Computer to the dark, hostile sounds of Kid A and Amnesiac, the band has proved to know when and how to subvert their listeners’ expectations. Their latest album, ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’, is similarly ambitious, but in a much more immediate and perhaps traditional fashion. This is in part due to the reappearance of the guitar and piano, instruments that make the album feel more organic and distance it from their recent electronic and sample-based compositions.

A newly prominent and welcome element of Radiohead’s music is the orchestral backing provided by Jonny Greenwood, which frequently recurs across tracks like ‘Burn the Witch’ and ‘Glass Eyes’. These string sections that Greenwood adds to the music are particularly cinematic and beautiful, strengthening the emotional impact of the tracks in both dreamlike and nightmarish fashion.

Similar to Bowie’s ‘Blackstar’ released earlier this year, ‘Moon Shaped Pool’ sees the band contrast this powerful orchestration with synthetic and electronic instruments, highlighting the distinct styles that Radiohead often employ in their songs. Also similar to ‘Blackstar’ are the lyrical themes presented in this album,

which deal with topics of ageing and death and give its powerful sound a distinct melanchol However, the affecting nature of this album is contrasted with menacing undertones. As shown in the recently released Claymation video for ‘Burn the Witch’, Radiohead’s latest tracks seem to deal with the sinister as much as the sincere, creating a sense of dread and paranoia that seems almost threatening- ‘We know where you live!’ Yorke wails on the first track. Dread is further evoked in the freakish, dance-influenced later songs ‘Full Stop’ and ‘Identikit’, both of which are as apocalyptic and menacing as they are catchy and rhythmic.

Despite the elusive and everchanging instrumentation on ‘A Moon-Shaped Pool’, Yorke’s lyrics

Single Review: Justin Timberlake - Can't Stop The Feeling Gregory Robinson Music Critic @GregoryBTW

The world’s favourite and most successful Michael Jackson tribute act and former NSYNC frontman Justin Timberlake is back with yet another tepid disco inspired funk track.

‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ is a soundtrack single, taken from the upcoming Dreamworks animated film Trolls, which is probably the song’s only redeeming quality. As someone who loves the occasional bubblegum pop song and throwback, it soon becomes clear that only certain artists like fellow Trolls co-star Gwen Stefani are able to pull it off.

In regards to lyrics, the song is quite simple although that is to be expected for a song released for a children’s film. In the opening verse, Justin chants 'I got this feeling, inside my bones / It goes electric, wavy when I turn it on / All through my city, all through my home / We're flying up, no ceiling, when we in our zone’ as he beckons the audience to join him on the dance floor, leading into the chorus: 'So just dance, dance, dance!'. Although I’m sure by the end of the summer everyone will be chanting ‘I can’t stop the feeling!’ thanks to the contagious hook and chorus, any fans

expecting the Justin’s usual sexual innuendo filled romps or indeed any lyrical depth at all should look elsewhere.

'Hopefully Trolls won’t be as generic as ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ suggests'Despite Timberlake reteaming with the legendary pop producer Max Martin, who continuous to be one of the most adventurous and diverse figures in music, ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ feels like yet another uninspired Timberlake.

The track sounds like the unwanted sequel to the posthumous Michael Jackson single ‘Love Never Felt So Good’ on which Timberlake and frequent collaborator Timbaland were featured.

Hopefully Trolls won’t be as generic as ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ suggests.

seem to be at their most direct and unambiguous in years- gone are the references to Androids, Homesick Aliens and Karma Police. In many ways, this lends perhaps more of an urgency to the statements he makes; for example in the political warning on ‘The Numbers’ - ‘People have the power/ we’ll take back what’s ours’.

Similarly, Yorke’s musings on love go straight for the gut. In ‘Daydreaming’ he repeats the line ‘half of my life’, a reference to the recent end of his 23-year marriage, further noting now that ‘The damage is done’. The prominent themes of melancholy continue throughout much of the album, with little in the way of relief.

This melancholy is best seen in

the brutal final track, ‘True love Waits’. This piano ballad’s lyrics show the band at its most vulnerable and emotional, with lines like ‘I’m not living/ I’m just killing time’ standing as poignant highlights on the album. Like the concluding track of their 2007 album ‘In Rainbows’, this song manages to create a resonant and moving ending.

Though ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’ may lack the unpredictability of Radiohead’s former classics (‘Kid A’, ‘Ok Computer’ etc.), it also shows the band at their emotional and compositional peak. For both old and new Radiohead listeners, this album serves as a celebration of melancholy, making sadness and desolation sound strangely welcoming and enjoyable.

Single Review: Catfish and the Bottlemen - Glasgow Holly Carter Music Critic @holscarts

As the third single preempting Catfish and the Bottlemen’s hotly anticipated second album The Ride, ‘Glasgow’ has a lot to live up to.

Previously released singles ‘7’ and ‘Soundcheck’ are perhaps two of the most accomplished songs of the Welsh band’s career, and whether 'Glasgow' can join them in this accolade is, to be frank, pretty questionable.

‘Glasgow’ starts promisingly with a sweet, picking pattern, but as the lyrics kick in it all goes downhill.

Catfish aren’t exactly known for lyrics that break creative boundaries, but ‘Glasgow’ seems particularly dull. It opens with ‘it’s good that you’re home / it’s good to spend a

night without him checking my phone for you’. Home and phone?

Probably the most boring rhyme they could have picked. It’s all made slightly better by Van McCann’s voice of gold, of course, but as he sings on it, it becomes clear that the song just isn’t going to go anywhere.

No drums, no harmony: nothing but plinky-plonky guitar and Van’s dulcet tones.

It is true that the band typically write louder numbers, but it’s not that Catfish can’t do enchanting acoustic. They did it pretty perfectly with ‘Hourglass’ on The Balcony, but their second album equivalent doesn’t seem to do them justice in this area. ‘Glasgow’ isn’t objectively terrible, it’s just disappointing by Catfish standards and certainly shouldn’t have been released as a single. It’s cute, but dull, and an album track through and through.

MUSIC

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbrickmusic

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Single Review: Stone Roses - All For One Matt McCrory Music Editor @IAmNotMatty

A 20 year break has done wonders for The Stone Roses. Most have forgotten the embarrassing ordeal of Second Coming, a five-year-inthe-making dry-hump of a record that portrayed the group as a wheezing one-trick pony; unable to get it up for a second LP and unabashedly willing to call it quits after the infamous anti-climax of their 1996 Reading Festival headline set. However, their crucifixion and subsequent silence has only worked to cement their status as one of the most influential bands of all time: the producers, although not practitioners, of a seminal debut record and celebrated British counter-culture. As a consequence, their 2011 resurrection was met with fervent enthusiasm. A fiveyear wait for the culmination of this comeback has arrived.

I think ‘All For One’ has managed to leave most fans quietly disappointed. Although John Squire’s opening guitar lines are goosebump-worthy, they provide the only good groundwork for an indistinct and un-endearlingly average three and a half minutes to follow. The instrumental is noticeably nondescript with the exception of a deceptively decent guitar solo in which Squire bursts through the mix with a tone that does just enough to promise a taste of eclectic eighties ecstasy. think

Kirstie Sutherland Music Editor @whatkirstiedid

One only has to utter a single name and everyone is aflutter: Adele. The last few years have been wonderful for Miss Adkins, having received critical acclaim from every outlet possible the minute her debut album was released in 2008. It's not that often you get to witness true talent on a firsthand basis, so thank heavens she visited Birmingham for four exceptional nights on her live tour this week.

Emerging onto a B-stage with her famously well-lined eyes blinking behind her on screen, she proceeded to belt out her record-breaking hit, 'Hello'.

Before we could even get our breath back from singing along

'Her earnest and sincere emotion was clear' to the opener, the first bars of 'Hometown Glory' filled the arena, bringing with them a very apparent sense of nostalgia as videos of Birmingham played throughout. Having written the song when her mother attempted to convince her to move away from London for university, it was the first of many instances where earnest and sincere emotion from Adele herself was clear, the much more mature and nuanced delivery of the now 27-year-old sparking several tears from myself and others - it was going to be a long

Phil Jones

the main detriment of this track comes from repetition. The aciddrenched bass mantra of ‘I Wanna Be Adored’ and gut-punch guitar riff of ‘Love Spreads’ defined their earlier career. On ‘All For One’ these riffs, as decent as they are, come with a verse-chorus monotony only emphasised by Ian Brown’s repetitive and uninspired lyrics. All-in-all he’s only got 11 lines that are rehashed and repeated enough to bring attention to their parodyworthy, faux-unity message evocative, yet totally ignorant, of Primal Scream’s ‘Come Together’ Okay, ‘All For One’ isn’t as bad as I’m making out. It does just enough to make firm fans quiver with excitement in anticipation of the seeing The Stone Roses on stage and isn’t offensive enough to annoy anyone on the other side of the argument. It’s distinctively average; measuring the asphalt so it can achieve the perfect middleof-the-road experience. The most assertive of 5/10s. Perfectly passable in every sense of the word.

night, even longer considering the amount of time she took out to welcome fans on stage and take photos with them.

Considering that most of her back catalogue features heartrending ballads, Adele's bubbly and warm personality is a complete juxtaposition. This made her performance much more heartfelt, reinforcing a songwriter's quintessential need to express themselves through song. She spoke in-between tracks about headlining Glastonbury, whilst sipping on a Mother's Day mug of hot honey, making jokes, swearing constantly ('I'm sorry parents, but if I'm not swearing, I'm just not comfortable in front of you') and causing the crowd to fall about laughing throughout much of the evening, be that through 'belching' before a song or her hilarious reaction to breaking a nail. Alluding to her material, she made sure the crowd knew she was performing all her up-tempo numbers together: 'this is your last chance to dance, then we're in this misery together!' A trio of the incredibly sassy 'Rumour Has It', the beautifully anthemic 'Water Under The Bridge' and darkly sexual 'I Miss You' went down a storm, Adele constantly looking to her band as she got lost in the music. Taking her Alison Krauss moment, being surrounded by her band on a tiny stage set-up, she revelled in her note-perfect, acoustic performance of 'Send My Love (To Your New Lover)', a track rooted in telling someone you hate to 'get the fuck out of my fuckin' head and leave me alone'.

Considering her talent as a songwriter, Adele is also a fabulous storyteller when addressing her audiences, and we were happily

Music Editor @PhilRDJones

The most anticipated single of recent memory has been released.

The Stone Roses have finally made their return to the modern music scene with an emphatic comeback single. With optimistic lyrics preaching of making a wall with our hands and joining together, the Roses are charting the same positive course that they began in the late 80s.

The thing that was never in doubt is John Squire’s ability to produce an iconic riff, and that is exactly what he has done here. The fret-work is closer to the classic sounds of the band’s debut that the Jimmy Page-esque noodlings, and rescues the song from being just another indie rock tune emerging out of Manchester.

subjected to several tales. She spoke of whilst being heavily pregnant at 23, she was asked to write the 23rd Bond film's theme song 'Skyfall', and saw this is a sign. She was inspired to write poignant track 'Million Years Ago'

'It was with heavy hearts that the crowd departed' after driving past Brockwell Hill alone, where she used to play with friends, realising the sadness she had for no longer possessing the freedom of youth. Added to this, she name-checked several of her collaborators - Paul Epworth, Max Martin, Tobias Jesso Jr. making sure they got their fair share of the applause. However, as was expected, the emotional tensions were high throughout.

The highlight of the evening, without a shadow of a doubt, was her famous Bob Dylan cover of 'Make You Feel My Love'. She requested the entire crowd turn the lights on on their phones and wave them in the air to create a 'sea of stars', dedicating the beautiful track to the victims of recent attacks in Brussels and Lahore, which evoked serious compassion and emotion across the room.

Earlier into her set, she produced 21 gem, 'One and Only'. A myriad of dramatic facial expressions and a spellbinding combination of notes made this one of the standouts in her live show and brought true class to proceedings.

Before 'Someone Like You' she explained how, 'I wanted a companion who would never leave me... [you've all] been loyal to me, I couldn't be more apprecia-

Stone Roses trademarks are handed out in spades, most notably a false-ending, which works just well enough to stop you from seeing this as self-parody.

In fact it invokes the perfect level of nostalgia and wipes any recollection of the surname Gallagher from your consciousness.

The weakest part of the track is the vocal melody, which is a pretty middle of the road, anthemic sound which is only saved by the masterful guitar sounds that back it. A further weakness comes from its production, which adds slightly too much sheen and loses the grittiness that gave the band their edge. The band used to be at the heart of the musical zeitgeist, pushing forwards at the vanguard of the Madchester scene which defined both club culture and indie culture from the 90s onwards. However, the production of this track is sadly more Radio 2 than Radio 6.

This is not up there with the band’s classics but is much better than it had any right to be.

However we must hope that if an album does follow, a few ventures from the mould are brought in to prevent it becoming a wholly by-numbers affair. If the purpose of the song is to get fans excited for the band’s shows at the Etihad stadium this summer, then it has more than achieved its aim. They are the resurrection, and this is just about what the world has been waiting for.

Live Review: Adele

tive... this song doesn't belong to me anymore, it is yours'. With such sincerity in this admission, she continued to cast her spell over the arena.

Despite explicitly not being a fan of encores, she disappeared for a few short minutes before launching up onto the main stage and belting out recent fan favourite, 'All I Ask'. Backed solely by a piano, the flawless key change within the song was all the more accentuated and awe-inspiring. Chatting between songs yet again, Adele prefaced her penultimate track with an explanation: 'I have one song for each album that sums it up and gives me the guts to understand and release it. For 19, it was 'Hometown Glory'. For 21, it was 'Someone Like You'...' before admitting that, working with Tobias Jesso Jr. in LA and talking about nonsense, their 'life, dreams, nightmares', they wrote her favourite song she's ever recorded and the track that ultimately symbolises 25: 'When We Were Young'. It was clear the song struck a chord with everyone in attendance, a goose bump-inducing performance of the song following quickly after. Ending on the rousing 'Rolling in The Deep', it was with a heavy heart that the crowd departed. We'd been on a rollercoaster with Adele on this second night of her trip to Birmingham, one that none of us wanted to get off. She is one hell of a superstar, and will no doubt will be heralded as a great for a long time.

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TELEVISION

10th June 2016

@redbricktv

Review:

Preacher Roshni Patel TV Critic @roshofalltrades

Following the success of Daredevil and Jessica Jones, comes an adaptation of a comic notorious for being difficult to bring to life on screen. The Preacher by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, is a comic known for its dark humour, blasphemy and eccentricity. While this isn’t the first attempt to adapt the challenging source material, from the pilot it definitely looks likely to be the best. Produced by actor and filmmaker, Seth Rogen (This is the End, Bad

Neighbours), Evan Goldberg (This is the End), and Sam Catlin (Breaking Bad), this show both sticks to and deviates from the comics, to create a show that can enjoyed by the masses without enraging the original fans.

Rated 18, Preacher isn’t afraid to get gory or break out the profanity, with an African preacher exploding during a packed sermon featured in the first five minutes. Imbued with the mystical powers of a shooting star, he was merely the first of many to abruptly explode during the course of the hour long episode. With Dominic Cooper (Agent Carter) starring as the titular Preacher, Jesse Custer, we

join him as he attempts to take up his late father’s mantle as the preacher of his small Texan hometown Annville, painfully performing sermons and reluctantly assuming his duty to the community. Over the course of the hour we learn more about his shadier past, as he meets and greets those who used to know him. From Tulip O’hare (Ruth Negga, Agents of SHIELD) his former partner in crime, to Emily Woodrow (Lucy Griffiths, Robin Hood) a single mother who acts as his right hand woman and church organist.

But it’s not just Custer’s character who gets the chance to develop nicely over the episode,

as we also switch to explore some of Tulips’ character, as well as meeting Cassidy (Joseph Gilgun, Misfits), an Irish vampire, who, whilst claiming to have no interest in faith, certainly takes an interest in the local preacher. The show transitions between these scenes clearly, but sharply, with large white font filling the screen and the viewer in on where the narrative has travelled to. While this method works, it’s far from ideal, rudely snapping you from the action. However this is one of the few faults with the show's premiere, which has started off strong with positive reviews from early screenings and over 5

million viewers tuning in for its US broadcast.

With a soundtrack by an odd Johnny Cash song among other blues and country artists, the music complements the show perfectly, adding to its dark themes. Which ends as mysteriously as it began, leaving us in eager anticipation for the next episode. Available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, this is undoubtedly a show to keep an eye on as the summer and story progresses.

Do you have opinions on this article? Let us know: @redbricktv

EastEnders: The Death of Peggy Mitchell James Tyson TV Critic @jamestyson06

After 22 years on our screens playing Peggy Mitchell, Dame Barbara Windsor has finally taken her last bow on EastEnders.

The character Peggy was diagnosed with terminal cancer and so in order to “die on her own terms” she took an overdose. To commemorate her leaving, many characters returned to the screens to wish her farewell, including Ross Kemp who played Peggy’s son Grant Mitchell and also Pat Butcher, played by Pam St. Clement, who returned from the dead, in a style only EastEnders could pull off, to wish goodbye

and give advice to her dying friend.

However, Peggy should not be remembered for her death, which in my opinion, was not one fitting of such an iconic character. It all seemed rushed and a bit random.

Such big storylines are usually given prime slots, such as Christmas instead of randomly being placed in the middle of May. Also the episode only lasted 35 minutes where it should have been made an hour episode, or even two episodes in one night as happened with the famous Lucy Beale’s murder storyline.

One thing EastEnders has done right is the fact that Peggy has her own ending tune which has been used twice, known as "Peggy’s Theme". It was featured in Barbara

Windsor's farewell episode, broadcasted on 10 September 2010, and was used again here as Phil Mitchell read the letter from Peggy following her death.

Peggy’s character had a larger than life personality on the square and this quote exemplifies how her death was not fitting for her character "I'm not some cuddly little old lady: I'm Peggy Mitchell! I'm old East End. Real East End. Proper. You don't mess with me."

In her final scenes she appeared to have lost all of this spirit she became known and loved for, and instead became everything she was against, leaving many fans, myself included, bewildered and disappointed.

One of Peggy’s most memorable, yet unusual scenes had to be

when Boris Johnson made a cameo on set. The two exchanged pleasantries with Peggy stating "I do so admire a man who devotes his life to serving society. I nearly went into politics myself you know" but Boris is believed to only have appeared on the show to prove he was in touch with the people after commenting that his £250,000 earnings for a column in the Daily Telegraph was mere "chicken feed".

This wont be the last we will hear of Dame Barbara Windsor though, as she is the voice of the dormouse in Tim Burton’s upcoming film Alice Through the Looking Glass, and I highly suspect we will continue to see her gracing our TV screens during the adverts for Jackpotjoy as the Queen of Bingo.

Review: Love Island Series 2 Tamsin Hackett TV Critic @TamsinAilishh

Last year Love Island seemed to be the new show of the summer, despite its more than trashy set up. The show is basically an X-rated Big Brother - young men and women enter the house with the prospect of finding ‘love’.

They choose to enter into different couples, which can be switched around throughout causing lots of drama for the

audience to relish in. The ‘best couple’ win a cash prize at the end of the series. Oh, and they all live in a luxury villa in some mysterious sunny location. The show sounds just bad enough to be mildly entertaining, and last year it was.

In the 2015 series of Love Island, there was drama and entertainment right from the start and viewers were hooked.

However, this season is dry and boring. The girls are already overly jealous and want to remain in their initial couples (apparent-

ly they’re unaware they’re on a programme competing with others for love). Moreover they all say the most outrageous things and act as if they’re back in Year 8 when communicating with the opposite sex was via friends.

In the opening week of this series, Love Island seemed to show its lowest moment yet, when Nathan begged Cara to perform sexual acts on him, and when she wouldn’t he aggressively accused her of being ‘fridged’. This is particularly repulsive behaviour and it is hard

to believe anyone would find it entertaining. The show last year promised more than just its explicit nature, but this year it seems to be playing that as its only source of ‘entertainment’.

The show will surely experience a rapid decline in viewing figures after its poor opening episodes. Not to mention that Love Island is a nightly show, (who wants to watch it that much?), and therefore pulls (or would hope to) the same audience as Big Brother. Once BB gets going on Tuesday 7th June I’m fairly certain Love Island will drop of everyone’s radar, not just mine.

TELEVISION

10th June 2016

@redbricktv

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s to...

oe Redbrick TV g

Last month saw stars from some of TV's biggest shows coming to London for its annual ComicCon. TV Writer Ellie Patten reports.

Big Bang Theory

The Shannara Chronicles

Sunday’s strangest panel at MCM Comic Con saw two of The Big Bang Theory’s biggest stars joined by Jesse Eisenberg in a two part panel to talk about both Eisenberg’s upcoming play, The Spoils, and The Big Bang Theory.

After a discussion of The Spoils, a play written by Eisenberg and starring both himself and Kunal Nayyar (who plays Raj on The Big Bang Theory), Melissa Rauch (who plays Bernadette) joined the panel to talk about the series.

With Big Bang Theory having been renewed for a tenth season, Nayyar talked about what it is that has made the series so successful.

“We’re really lucky, because it could have easily been a show that made fun of nerd culture, but I think where we got it right, and this is a real testament to the writers, is that we really celebrate nerd culture, that these guys are incredibly proud of who they are – they’re not afraid to hide their colours and what they’re like.

They’re an incredible, vibrant culture of people who really celebrate the things they love. I think that’s important about our show, and I think that’s why we come to Comic Con, and love meeting all of you, because you really represent what I think is happening in the world, that nerds are back and we’re cool and we’re smart and we’re sexy.”

The Big Bang Theory is wellknown for its array of famous

The Saturday of the Comic Con saw actress Poppy Drayton, discuss the recently concluded first series of The Shannara Chronicles.

In the series, Drayton plays a young woman named Amberle, driven by destiny to protect the world from demons.

The opening episode of the series sees Amberle taking part in a challenge called the Gauntlet, and despite the fact that no woman has ever run the Gauntlet before, Amberle emerges victorious Drayton hopes this story can help to inspire young women and girls. “She’s running this race with all the boys, and that was a chance for the character to prove herself as a woman, and prove that she can stand up alongside these men, and give them a run for their money...I hope that we can get that message across to young girls and young women watching it...we all have that strength, even if you don’t feel like you do.”

Drayton told fans that she felt an instant connection with the character when she read the script. “I started to read the script and I automatically just fell in love with the characters. I really saw so much of myself in Amberle, so it was a joy to read, because I kept going ‘that’s exactly what I would do’...I remember ringing my agent and saying ‘I have to have this part’,” she said.

Whilst Amberle’s arc seems to have come to an end, other character’s stories were left unresolved, and a second season has already been confirmed. Drayton was sadly not at liberty to say whether she will be returning for the next season, but fans will undoubtedly be hoping this won’t be the last we see of Amberle Essedil.

Season one of The Shannara Chronicles will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on June 6th.

guest stars, from Stephen Hawking to George Takei, so when the conversation turned to who should play Bernadette’s baby on the show, Nayyar and Rauch were quick to offer a suggestion. “[Jesse Eisenberg] should be the baby!” Nayyar decided.

“I want to birth Jesse Eisenberg,” agreed Rauch, before Eisenberg chipped in with: “I’ve also had that dream.”

In the first part of the panel, Nayyar and Eisenberg had discussed the possibility of Eisenberg co-starring on the show, in the sadder context of the possibility that season ten could be the last.

Nayyar told the audience: “Next season, as it stands in our contracts could be the last season of the show...but if Jesse [Eisenberg] comes on the show we can have season 11, 12, 13, 14...,” he joked.

But, in all seriousness, will season ten be the final season of The Big Bang Theory?

“Look, to be completely honest...I don’t know what’s going to happen. But if were up to me, I would be happy to do the show as long as you guys wanted us on the air,” said Nayyar.

“I’d love to. We’ll see,” said Rauch.

Nayyar added: “If it were up to us, we’d do, like I said, we’d be here for you guys.”

“One hundred per cent,” agreed Rauch.

Being Human Aidan Turner, Russell Tovey, and Lenora Crichlow reunited for a panel at MCM London Comic Con to talk karaoke, supernatural creatures, and what made Being Human so special.

As was clear from the excitable crowd in the Gold Theatre of the MCM Expo, the show and its original cast still holds a special place in fans’ hearts.

During the panel, the cast reminisced about their first impressions of the series.

Lenora Crichlow, who played a ghost called Annie in the series said: “Once I read the scripts I could see how each character was very much a human character and that their supernatural tendencies were all parallels towards something a bit more human, like addiction, or...anger issues.”

'A special would be kind of fun, wouldn't it?'

Russel Tovey, who played a troubled werewolf called George in the series added: “Toby Whitehouse’s writing was so deep and nuanced, and the characters were so beautiful and these relationships were so emotional and heartfelt and honest, and that’s what got you into it.”

Aidan Turner played brooding vampire Mitchell during the first three seasons of Being Human, and is now well-known for his roles in Poldark and The Hobbit.

Talking about why the show lasted as long as it did, Turner said: “Even reflecting on it now, it’s such a mismatch of genres. It’s not quite fantasy or supernatural, it’s not quite a comedy or a drama, and maybe that [is] its mass appeal, maybe that’s why it stuck around for so long, and why we’re talking to people here who want to listen to what we have to say about the show. It is quite a surprise that it’s managed to have the tenacity that it has...it’s a real testament to its writing.”

In the time since their last episode together aired, the trio don’t seem to have lost their chemistry, and were joking throughout the panel. They even confessed that they had reunited for karaoke recently.

“A few weeks ago...we all went [to do] karaoke,” said Tovey, “John Legend, I discovered, I’m pretty good at.”

Although all three of the actors’ characters were left walking towards the afterlife at the end of the series, this doesn’t necessarily mean the characters couldn’t come back if they decided to return the original trio to our screens. After all, when it comes to the supernatural, death never seems quite final.

But would the actors return? Tovey and Crichlow wouldn’t rule it out.

“A special would be kind of fun, wouldn’t it? A Christmas special in hell,” said Tovey, prompting the crowd to cheer loudly.

It might not be likely, but it hasn’t been ruled out either – and in fandom, that’s enough for us to hope.

TRAVEL

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Friday 10th June

@redbricktravel

Top Travel Spots: South-East Asia

Travel Editor Sophie Braybrook gives tips on the best destinations in South-East Asia Sophie Braybrook Travel Writer @sophiebraybrook

It’s that time of the year again.

Exams have finished, and most of us suddenly have a lot of free time on our hands. Make use of this freedom, take a trip of a lifetime and head to South East Asia!

Boasting a rich and diverse array of cultures and religions, the area, made up of 11 countries, undoubtedly has something to offer everyone.

Due to its size, it is advised to focus your visit around favoured destinations before jetting off.

Here is a compilation of my preferred spots within South East Asia, and why you should visit them.

Luang Prabang, Laos: Reason to visit: experience Buddhism.

The land-locked Laos is often overlooked in travellers’ itinerar-

ies, and for this reason Luang Prabang, capital of the Luang Prabang province in Northern Laos, is one of South East Asia’s most underrated destinations.

Rent a bicycle and spend the day exploring the city, weaving in and out of the 33 magnificent golden Wats (Buddhist temples) dotted between beautiful French colonial architecture. Seek out less touristy Wats and find yourself in conversation with young monks, dressed in orange robes, who will willingly tell you about themselves for a chance to practise their English language skills.

Arise early, about 5:00am, any or every morning and find a spot on the pavement near any of Luang Prabang’s many temples to witness one of the most sacred Buddhist traditions - the daily alms giving ceremony. Watch women individually appear on the streets, holding baskets of rice balls, and arrange into clusters of three or four on each road. The women kneel and await the arrival of hundreds of monks who leave their temples and walk in single file through the streets of the city, collecting one rice ball from each female devotee at each station. The monks then feed throughout the day on the food they have received from the devotees at the ceremony of alms. Be sure to witness this ceremony when visiting Luang Prabang - one of Asia’s greatest assets.

George Town, Malaysia: Reason to visit: delicious cuisine.

Malaysia, made up mostly of people from Malaysian, Indian and Chinese backgrounds, offers a diverse array of food. George Town is situated on an island off the North West coast of

Peninsula Malaysia and is known among locals to be the best place in the country for street food, and has been labelled South East Asia’s ‘food capital’ by Lonely Planet.

The city is renowned for its vender stalls and small independent restaurants which offer a plethora of choices at an extremely reasonable price. Snack on a large, freshly-made samosa for less than 10p, or enjoy an authentic biryani from a banana leaf in a local, family-run restaurant for around £2.

'Hoi An is... known for its picturesque and tranquil nature, with an absence of motor traffic and an abundance of bicycles.'

Hoi An, Vietnam: Reason to visit: culture and beauty.

Hoi An is a tourist hotspot, known for its picturesque and tranquil nature, with an absence of motor traffic and an abundance of bicycles. Hoi An’s atmospheric, quaint Ancient Town offers a fascinating history reflecting the fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures. The Ancient Town boasts traditional architecture, including beautiful Japanese merchant houses with the famous covered bridge, and spectacular Chinese temples, where tourists are spoiled with opportunities to watch and engage in prayer.

Calling all shopaholics! Raid the countless tailor shops for your favourite materials and prints, and have your very own suit or dress hand-made to fit for a very competitive price. Alternately, sun-

seekers can escape the town and reach the gorgeous white-sand beaches, situated only a few kilometres from Hoi An, by renting a local boat from Hoi An’s beautiful river front. Meanwhile culturevultures can explore the paddy fields that surround the town, and delve into traditional Vietnamese farming life on a bicycle.

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Reason to visit: all-round fun.

If having your own pet elephant for the day sounds like something you would be interested in, then Chiang Mai is a mustsee for you. With a great selection of tour companies offering a package including bare-back riding, feeding and bathing elephants, Chiang Mai has my vote for the best place in South-East Asia to partake in this adventurous day out. Continuing to heavily cater for the tourists, Chaing Mai is a top destination for cookery classes. Learn to make traditional Thai dishes, from noodle dish Pad Thai to the delicious Red, Green and Yellow curries.

With plenty of opportunities throughout Thailand to get a renowned Thai massage, Chiang Mai offers exceptional massages from various business which are staffed exclusively by female ex-prisoners.

These massage parlours, namely ‘Women’s Massage Parlour by Ex-Prisoners’, are highly rated by visitors on TripAdvisor as safe, clean and a fabulous experience, with the money going to a good cause.

Finally, it is definitely worthwhile making sure you visit Chiang Mai to catch the Sunday Market on Walking Street. Good quality, hand-made Buddha paintings, hill-

A Postcard From... Off-Sonar Katherine Lambert Travel Writer

Off-Sonar is a European festival located in the heart of Barcelona.

Planning for summer getaways with friends is now in full swing; with budgets low and tensions high between those who fancy a festival and those that would rather relax on a beach in warmer climes. If this sums up the discussion that is plaguing you with notifications on your Whatsapp group then Off-Sonar in Barcelona

could present you with a perfect compromise.

Running from the 15th to the 22nd of June, Off-Sonar is a great post exams trip and attracts worldfamous DJ’s straddling all genre’s and offering musical delights for all tastes. Names this year include Mano Le Tough, Seth Troxler, Joy Orbison, Hot Since 82 and Jackmaster to name but a few.

The events take place in amazing venues around the city including Plaza Mayor de Poble Espanyol, Parc d’el Forum and La Carpa which holds day and night pool parties. My hands down favourite, however, was El Monasterio - an old monastery high above the city

'It is these features that accumulate feelings of harmony, nature, and quirk.'

boasting stunning panoramas.

'It is these features that accumulate feelings of harmony, nature, and quirk.'

The events generally run from about 3pm to 1am, allowing you to watch a spectacular sunset whilst partying the night away and the warm Spanish nights allow you to don all those festival outfits that you inevitably cover up with rain poncho’s at English festivals. With tickets sold for each event separately, you also have the chance to explore Barcelona, with its famous beach being the perfect place to relax

following a night out.

For the culture vultures there are also a whole host of sights to see; get up close to Gaudi’s quirky architecture at the Parc Güell or make your way up to Montjuïc to visit the old fort and take in some of the most picturesque views of the city below. Give Off-Sonar a try for the perfect festival come holiday this year. If you fancy extending your visit a little while longer and recuperating after a hard few days partying you can take a train to Sitges; the gay capital of Europe, home to fun bars and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, if you haven’t soaked up enough sun on Barcelona beach.

This festival-city combo is the ideal getaway for you and your girlfriends this summer, so grab some cheap flights and head to Barcelona!

tribe jewellery and clothing, paper lanterns and umbrellas, incense sticks, bathing products and the famous T-shirts plastered with local beer stickers are all found here. Be prepared to be hassled and haggle with business owners for souvenirs from your wonderful trip.

'Delve deep into the fascinating Buddhist religion in Luang Prabang.'

Delve deep into the fascinating Buddhist religion in Luang Prabang; eat your way around Penang’s George Town; experience Vietnamese culture, history and beauty in Hoi An and make unforgettable memories among the energy of Chiang Mai. Plan your trip to South-East Asia for this summer and be sure to visit these spectacular destinations.

TRAVEL

Friday 10th June

@redbricktravel

37

A Diary Entry From... Europe

Travel Editor Delfina Rainoldi shares her travel adventures at her top three destinations Delfin a Rainoldi Travel Writer @DRainoldi

Last summer was probably the best summer of my life. It all began a few months before when my friends and I decided to go interrailling; it all started with checking what destinations we wanted to visit, how long for and where to stay. What I had not expected was how amazing those three and a half weeks would be.

If you have not been interrailling with your closest friends or even your not-so-close friends then you are missing out and must do it at some point in your life. It is an experience of a lifetime that will create a special bond between you and your friends. When I decided

'Interrailing... Is an experience of a lifetime that will create special bonds between you and your friends.' that I wanted to travel across continental Europe I had only thought about doing it with two or three others, funnily enough it was a group of six of us by then end of it - three girls and three boys. Slightly wary of how it would turn out with such a large group we departed to Berlin on the 13th July 2015, this was the inception of a great and unforgettable trip! We visited six countries and 10 cities/towns.

Although we visited many beautiful places, I will only write about three of my favourite destinations we passed by.

Croatia is a beautiful country that has spectacular seaside towns.

It was a hard decision choosing where to go, but in the end we chose to visit Zadar as it was not too hard for us to get to. Its historic Old Town of Roman ruins, medieval churches and petite cafés located all on a small penin-

sula meant that we would not get bored at all. Zadar has the perfect mixture between locals and tourists, it was not overcrowded like other seaside towns in Croatia such as Dubrovnik or Split but it had enough livelihood for it to be fun and enjoyable. Its two unique attractions - the Sea Organ which turns the incoming waves into beautiful music; and the Sun Salutation, which is a light spectacle that goes hand in hand with the Sea Organ’s sound - are truly amazing and an art that I have never experienced before. At night the town is vibrant and full of locals and tourists co-habituating and having fun along the seaside.

With many delicious-looking restaurants to visit and cool bars to go to, you’ll never get bored!

'A destination for young and old lovers, architect enthusiasts and heat fanatics.'

Budapest is the capital of party, fun, jaw dropping gothic architecture, culture, and food.

Our days there were filled with walking between Buda and Pest.

We stayed in the grooviest hostel of them all, Instant Groove Party

Hostel, which owns one of the best clubs in Budapest and it doesn’t shut until 6am (so if you wish to sleep perhaps that’s not the best place to stay). The fun nightlife of clubs and ruin bars in Budapest is balanced out with beautiful cultural tourist attractions and activities that one can do in the day, such as visiting the amazing Hungarian Parliament and admiring its beautiful gothic architecture, going to the renowned Thermal Baths of Széchenyi or even visiting the Anrássy Út and Heroes’ Square which is on Unesco’s World Heritage list. All of this beauty was not God-given - mankind used its skills in order to make one of the most beautiful architectural cities I have been to.

The food in Budapest is something to dive into, it is not all about goulash and pastries, Hungarian food has much more to offer, hence why it is one of the most sophisticated styles of cooking in Europe.

We lunched at a traditional Hungarian restaurant called Hungarikum Bistro which is not very vegetarian-friendly but their food was delicious. Budapest also has a beautiful food market - the Central Market Hall, which sells tasty fresh fruit, meat, fish, traditional Hungarian fast food and even souvenirs. And if you are planning on heading to Budapest this summer around August, you

The Secrets of Lake Bled Heather Jordon Travel Writer @rock_the_cazbar

Stepping off the train sometime before 7am, with a backpack that weighed more than my body weight, and after spending the entire night travelling, my arrival into Bled was not an easy one.

However, walking into the village centre, all of that trouble was swiftly forgotten as I absorbed Bled’s landscape.

Glimpsed through the trees was the picturesque Lake Bled, sheltered by the Julian Alps. Like a painting with the richest blues and greens, Lake Bled and its surrounding natural features is a spectacular vision of untainted natural beauty.

If you’re the outdoorsy type, you need to visit Bled. The most popular attraction is rowing on

Lake Bled. You can ride a traditional boat for €13, or hire your own for €10 an hour (saving money and offering you the fun of successfully or, in my case, unsuccessfully navigating your boat towards the island). Rowing takes around 10 – 15 minutes, so

'Lake Bled is a spectacular vision of untainted natural beauty' an hour gives you plenty of time to explore this quaint island.

After climbing the 99 stairs, you’ll reach the baroque church which is great for photo opportunities – you can even ring the church tower bell. I was told if you pull hard enough and the

bell rings three times, then your wishes are supposed to come true!

Another must-do is a visit to Vintgar Gorge. The gorge is 4km to the northeast of Bled village.

Interweaving the gorge is a 1600m wooden walkway that guides you over rapids, waterfalls, and pools before reaching the Sum waterfall. The sounds and sights on this walk are a far cry from Birmingham’s Selly Oak. There are no car horns or (if you’re lucky) screaming children, the only sound for an hour is running water. Overhead you can see the snowy alps and underneath your feet flows crystal clear waters. The experience makes you feel truly at one with nature.

To return from the gorge, you can either retrace your steps or walk eastward over Hom (834m) which will take you

also have the chance to go to one of the craziest festivals in Europe that’s seven days long and filled with awesome music!

Prague. A destination for young and old lovers, architect enthusiasts and heat fanatics.

When we arrived at the station on a hot, humid, sticky day and made our way (by foot) to our hostel half an hour away. Although it was uncomfortably hot, it was a marvellous experience. Prague has an astonishing amount of his-

about three hours in total - so stock up on water at the snack bar. I am not the walking type, so please trust me when I say it is worth it. Taking this route means you get to see even more picture-perfect landscape.

If all this physical activity works up a hunger in you, Bled’s cream cake is just the thing.

Made with layers of puff pastry and a hearty filling of cream, the traditional “Kremna Rezina” is best shared between two!

Bled is a one of a kind, untouched by the outside world, it appears utterly frozen in time. If you’re one who admires the wonders of the natural world, then Bled is an unusual and yet perfect holiday destination.

torical background buried in its maze of cobbled lanes and courtyards. Having been under communist rule for many decades, I was unsure what to expect.

Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised with the beauty of this city and its liveliness. In the Old Town Square I found myself marvelling at all the ancient buildings, chapels and its old-fashioned bars.

Whilst visiting we went to many interesting museums, unfortunately we didn’t venture into art museums or galleries (they are known for their beautiful art) but nonetheless it was formidable.

Prague Castle is a maze of beauty with a stunning Cathedral in the middle of it, and the miniature town found inside the castle walls feels somewhat like a Game of Thrones scene. In the evenings we roamed around the cool streets of Prague, and ate its famous Trdelínk sweet sticky pastry whilst exploring and looking for bars to go to.

What is great about Prague is that restaurants are cheap and open until late in order to make most of those warm summer nights with friends. This cheap destination is ideal for students that wish to have a great time!

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FOOD

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbrickfood

Foodies Festival Highlights Running from Friday the 3rd of June to Sunday the 5th, the UK’s biggest food festival arrived at Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham. Here are some of the highlights from the weekend.

Saturday Highlights - Heather Langdale Chaophraya Demo

Kiittikorn Clarke, one of Chaophraya’s head chefs, cooked up a tropical storm with his hake jungle curry and threw in a few tips on the way. He swapped coconut milk for water to make his curry more of a broth than the typical creamier sauce, and discussed the benefits of Thai curry as a cost and time-effective meal; preparing large batches of the

paste to freeze in an ice cube tray makes the curry a quick and easy option to whip up later. His meal smelt wonderfully fragrant and had me craving Thai food for the rest of the day.

'...the UK's biggest food festival arrived at Cannon Hill Park' Coco Labelle Coco Labelle are a street food stall serving up Mauritian, Jamaican, and Sicilian food from their charmingly summery mint green camper van. Their menu

consisted of three items including spicy Jamaican fried fish, but their most popular dish seemed to be the sweet potato and butterbean curry served up with a Mauritian farata (think roti or flatbread), salad, kale slaw, and various chilli sauces which provided a delightful combination of flavours.

was Mason’s Yorkshire Gin. I’m no gin expert and not even a huge fan of gin myself, but when it comes in traditional, lavender or Yorkshire Tea flavour, how could I say no? Mason’s has won awards for its smoothness and incredible taste, and adds an unusual twist to the standard girls-night-in G&T.

Little Miss Meat-Free Demo

Sunday Highlights Tasha Smart

You could be forgiven for thinking that Katy Beskow’s (better known as Little Miss Meat Free) demonstration isn’t for everyone, but even my meatloving boyfriend found her beetroot, lemon and thyme risotto tempting. Katy prides herself on delivering vegan food that is simple and accessible – her coconut panacotta was made of just coconut milk and agar and looked amazing topped with mango and passion fruit.

The Brownie Bar Where do I even start with this place? The Brownie Bar hails from Newcastle and sells a huge range of wonderfully gooey chocolate brownies. If a classic triple chocolate one isn’t hitting the spot for you, they have Malteaser ones (easily the best brownie I’ve ever eaten), Nutella, and peanut butter, as well as their pièce de résistance: a cookie with a brownie baked into the middle of it. Yes, really.

Mason’s Yorkshire Gin

Macarons galore!

The festival also hosted various drinks stalls, one of which

World Food It was a struggle to decide which vendor to buy from, with food ranging from India all the way to Germany. The selection made for fun exploration, and many stalls were giving free samples to give an idea of what they were selling, all of which were amazing. Our choice landed on World Foods, where we had a falafel wrap made with ingredients such as mint, hummus, beetroot, and sweet chilli, all in all creating a delicious and filling wrap well worth its price.

'It was alarmingly easy to spend the whole day there.'

Whipsmiths As dessert we were drawn to the stall making ice cream and sorbet to order, using liquid nitrogen to freeze it. Though a bit of a gimmick, the freedom of

choice was exciting and watching it being made was part of the fun.

Chef’s Theatre To keep everyone entertained, the festival also offered a variety of shows. Winner of the 2010 series of MasterChef, Dhruv Baker, hosted in the main tent as numerous chefs showed a captive audience how to create an impressive starter and main dish.

I was lucky enough to see Tony Rodd, finalist in MasterChef 2015, on the main stage creating a salmon and crab starter with a trout main course. The resulting dishes looked amazing, and the step by step was great to watch, handy for those planning a dinner party!

Baking Tent The next tent over was the baking tent, where we saw Adelle Smith, writer of ‘Baked’, giving her top tips on how to make kidfriendly cupcakes in the least messy way. The final cupcake was a lovely rainbow unicorn that would be perfect for any child’s party (and of course, some adult’s)! My favourite take away tip was to paint stripes of gel food colouring in the icing piping bag in order to achieve the rainbow affect – something usually impossible to achieve.

The festival had a lot to offer, with the vast array of food and the opportunity to buy from local producers. It was alarmingly easy to spend the whole day there, with cocktails and music later in the day.

Top Five Graduation Restaurants

Food Editor, Sophie Neal shares her top five Birmingham restaurants to toast your success in style this summer.

Sophie Neal Food Editor @sophie_etc_

Graduation season is fast approaching and if you are up for a celebration, then a meal out with family to celebrate your success is the perfect way to end your day. Here are five of Birmingham’s best offerings that will help you toast your time here in style. Once you’ve decided, start booking soon, there’s only a few weeks to go!

Sabai Sabai If you’re in need of somewhere fairly close to campus, Sabai Sabai is located in Harborne and you can experience the same quality of food as you might in the city centre. Classic Thai food is served in a stylish, contemporary surrounding, which won’t break the bank.

This is also a great option if you’re a more adventurous eater but a few family members remain a bit conservative in their cuisine, as they offer more basic Thai dishes too.

www.sabaisabai-restaurant.co.uk

The Plough Also located in Harborne, The Plough is perfect if you’re heading to lunch as opposed to an evening meal; as it has a wonderful relaxed vibe which doesn’t scrimp on the quality. Although it’s technically a local pub, the warm, welcoming environment suggests otherwise.

The food is very classic but with the occasional twist here and there.

They also have a great range of ales, whiskies and premium spirits so you can definitely try a celebratory cocktail... or three! www.theploughharborne.co.uk

Book your meal soon to avoid disappointment!

Opus Restaurant Head into the town centre to Opus Restaurant at Cornwall Street for some seriously great

food. This is a refined restaurant, serving classic British dishes (great for your Grandparents!) but with a modern twist to satisfy your inner foodie. The menus change depending on the season so you can be sure you are getting a fresh, unique dish. They often have set menus which can make your graduation meal a more affordable affair, so check out their website to find out more. www.opusrestaurant.co.uk

tions. www.rofuto.co.uk

Purnell’s Bistro A fine-dining lunch option, Purnell’s is located in the city centre. Their lunch set menu is excellent value at £20.00 per person, which is ideal if you’re on a budg-

et. The food remains classic but with some modern tweaks. The restaurant is intimate but decadent, inspired by the age of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, hence ‘Ginger’s Bar’. The bar offers remastered classic cocktails which will be the perfect accompaniment to your meal. www.purnellsbistro-gingers.com

Rofuto If you really want to push the boat out, Rofuto is the place.

Opening just over a month ago, it sits on the sixteenth floor of the new Park Regis Hotel in Five Ways with incredible panoramic views of Birmingham. You can just about see Old Joe in the distance! This is a modern Japanese izakaya style restaurant, meaning all of the dishes are designed to be shared. If you don’t like sushi, then perhaps avoid, but otherwise this is a dining experience you will savour for a long time. The Karubu cocktail bar is one to try too, with some deliciously fancy concoc-

Soft Shell Crab and Mango Maki at Rofuto.

FOOD

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbrickfood

Bitsize Review:

Celebration Cocktails

Celebrate the end of the year with favourite summer tipples from the food team!

Pina Colada

Gemma Allport Food Editor @gemma_allpo

Raspberry Mojito Sophie Milligan Food Editor @s_ophiemilligan

Food Editor @gemma_allpo

Food Writer @phoebe_rad

-12 ice cubes - 1 bottle of port - 6 shots (or to taste) brandy - 3 shots freshly squeezed lemon juice Lemonade, to top up - Orange, lemon and kiwi slices to decorate

- 4 ice cubes, crushed - 1 shot white rum - 2 shots coconut cream - 2 shots pineapple juice -Pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries to decorate

Method: This is a popular, fresh twist on a classic cocktail. It works best when made by the glass, but if you're making it for a big party, you can have the crushed ice on hand ready to go. It also works well with other summer berries like strawberries or blueberries!

You will need: - 50 ml White Rum, - 15 ml Raspberry Liqueur, - 25 ml Lime Juice, - 35 ml Soda Water, - 2 tsp Superfine Sugar, - 5 Raspberries, - 8 Mint Leaves

Place the crushed ice into a punchbowl (or large bowl equivalent) and pour over the port and brandy.

Add the lemon juice and stir well.

Pour into glasses and top up with lemonade.

Spear the orange, lemon and kiwi slices onto a cocktail stick and serve with a stirrer and straw.

Top Tip: Make a single glass using the same method and the following amounts: 4 ice cubes, crushed; 2 measures of port; ½ measure brandy and 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Decorate with fruit.

This elegant, delicate cocktail looks best served in a wine glass.

This is a very simple recipe, that means you don't need to be a mixologist to create it! Completely customisable, you can add your own preferences of spirits to this fresh, summery concoction. If you find this too sweet, add a little lemon juice to zest things up.

You will need: - ½ shot Elderflower cordial - ½ shot Gin - Prosecco or Cava - Mint - Cucumber Method: Fill a wine glass up to the top with ice cubes.

Then, add the elderflower cordial and gin to the glass.

Top up with prosecco (then take a sip and alter to taste.)

Finally, garnish with mint and cucumber and serve in the sunshine. Cheers!

This is a great cocktail for lots of people served in a big pitcher.

Simply pour into glasses over ice.

Method: Pour the alcohol. lime juice and soda into a tall glass with plenty of crushed ice.

Stir in the sugar, crush some raspberries in the bottom. add the mint leaves and push to the bottom.

Add some more raspberries and top up with some more ice.

Garnish with mint leaves and a slice of lime.

Summer Foodie Highlights

Phoebe Radford

You will need:

You will need:

Place the crushed ice into a cocktail shaker and pour in the white rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice.

Shake for 20 seconds or until well blended.

Strain into a tall glass and decorate with a pineapple wedge and cherry and serve with a straw (and a little umbrella for that extra exotic feeling!)

Gemma Allport

Elderflower Spritz

This creole punch is sure to be a crowd pleaser and give everyone that exotic, summer feeling!

Although generally quite an expensive drink to buy, you can find reasonably priced spirits in Aldi or Lidl.

Nothing screams summer more than a traditional, Caribbeanthemed cocktail such as a Pina Colada. This drink would be the perfect accompaniment to a BBQ, zesty salad or Mexican food such as quesadillas (heated. cheesefilled tortillas) or tacos!

Method:

Creole Punch

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Summer Market 11 June The Bond Company

BBC Summer Good Food Show 16 -19 June NEC Birmingham

Birmingham Cocktail Weekend 15 - 17 July Various Birmingham Bars

Digbeth Dining Club City of Colours 18 June Spotlight

Digbeth Dining Club Street Closure 24 June Spotlight

Carribbean Festival 29 - 31 July Centenery Square

The Lost & Found Jennifer Cook Food Writer @jennifer3cook

The atmosphere was wonderful on the night that I dined at the Lost and Found; the bar area was buzzing with a variety of clientele (young professionals straight from the office, students and actual ‘adults’) and the atmosphere was set for a wonderful dining experience.

Having heard positive reviews from everyone that I spoke to prior to my visit, I was excited to discover exactly what the hype was about first hand.

To whet our appetite for the delicious sounding food on offer we decided to try out the range of cocktails on offer at the restaurant. As it was Happy Hour when we arrived (Mon-Fri, 5-8pm), selected cocktails on the ‘Found’ cocktail menu were only five pounds. I plumped for a mocktail instead, choosing the ‘Hedgerow Cooler’ which was a mixture of rosehip cordial, blackberry puree, lemon and apple juice. Whilst I found my non-alcoholic alternative to be refreshing and sweet, I was slightly surprised that it was in fact more expensive than the alcoholic options on offer.

As for my starter, it was a combination of two tried and tested flavour pairings; parma ham and watermelon with walnuts and gorgonzola. (£6.95) The flavours worked harmoniously together, with the creaminess of the gorgonzola providing a pleasant accompaniment to the sweet melon. Although the chef had seemingly tried to hide some wilted rocket under the parma ham, the dish was nevertheless extremely tasty.

For my main course I chose the Harissa Rump of Lamb. (£14.95) It is worth noting that the menu is extremely good for anyone suffering from a gluten intolerance like myself, as most of the dishes were either naturally gluten free or could be adapted to be made so. The lamb was beautifully cooked and fantastically spiced, as were the accompanying potatoes. Again, the dish was garnished with some sprigs of coriander that looked a little sorry for themselves, however, as with the starter this only impacted the presentation and not the taste of the dish.

Overall, I would have to agree with the consensus, the atmosphere and the quality of the food made for a truly enjoyable dining experience and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to a friend. www.the-lostandfound.co.uk

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GAMING

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbrickgames

Review: Overwatch Inside Blizzards' New Sensation James Lentschner Gaming Editor @JLentschner

I really didn’t know what to expect going into this game.

Overwatch generated a lot of interest in the weeks leading up to its release with its high profile marketing campaign, its amazing cinematic shorts and its promise to combine the best aspects of the FPS and MOBA genres. I’ll admit that in general FPS games aren’t really my thing, not really having played one regularly since Call of Duty when I was younger and many seeming the same, however I love playing MOBA’s enough that I decided to jump into the open beta of Overwatch in early May. One month later with the full release of the game, I’m hooked.

Blizzard are a company known for dominating the genres in which they release their games, World of Warcraft still sitting comfortably at the top of the MMO world, StarCraft being one of the most competitive and popular strategy games around and Hearthstone revolutionising the fun of card games. Therefore when I saw Blizzard diving into the depths of online multiplayer shooters I was at least a little interested to see what they would produce. Now all things considered I’m happy to say that Overwatch is a game that seems destined to join the list of Blizzard’s successes.

Overwatch is a exactly what it promised to be, a polished team based First Person Shooter with MOBA elements with fast paced competitive action. Overwatch currently offers 21 playable heroes, 4 hero types, 12 maps, 3 game modes and hours of fun.

The gameplay of Overwatch differs throughout its 3 game modes however remains the same in essence, work with your team to complete an objective. The game modes currently on offer are Escort, where the team’s objective is in the name, escort a payload to a delivery point by the team limit with checkpoints along the way and fierce opposition from the defending team. Also on offer is Assault, a simple capture the objective point game mode already staple in many FPS games. This game mode is really nothing new, being the same as it’s always been.

Finally there is Control, a game mode that is very similar to Assault, however this time both teams fight for control of a single point, leading to a lot of close range fighting and many kills. There is also the option to jump into the Weekly Brawl, which is like Hearthstone’s Tavern Brawl, offering a maddened version of one of the game modes every week. These included things such as 300% health and reduced cooldowns to name but a couple. Each game regard-

less of type also ends with the ‘play tinct set of strengths and weakof the game’, which aims to show- nesses. Take my personal favourcase a particular awesome moment ite hero Tracer, she is capable of or bit of skill by an individual fighting almost every other charplayer in the game. Although this acter in the game one on one sounds like a great idea in theory, with her high mobility dashes currently it works in a way where a and quick burst damage and is lot of the time you watch the play incredibly hard to pin down of the game and just think, ‘why when played well, however has did the game select that?!’ your very low health and will die very own moments included, but quickly when caught out, the game is still generally focused by multiple better for having the players or stunned feature. While all meaning characthese game modes ters like McCree are enjoyable and counter her the maps that easily. Another house them are hero; Bastion, Players took part fun and well a robot capain the Overwatch thought out, this ble of turning isn’t where I into a stationOpen Beta believe Overwatch ary turret has really shines. been handed the Where Overwatch ‘overpowered’ title really shines is in its cast often, however is a of unique heroes. Blizzard character that is easily mentioned during the games’ countered by good teamwork development they wanted to make and clever hero selections such a every hero unique and distinct Genji, once again proving the from each other, offering multiple importance of teamwork and ways to play, and it is here that I rotating heroes in Overwatch. believe they truly succeeded. There Unfortunately this can also make are 4 basic types of hero in the game incredibly frustrating Overwatch, Attack, Defence, Tank at times when your teammates and Support and each hero has a simply aren’t doing their part to minimum of 2 abilities with which help the team. Only yesterday I to eliminate the enemy team and ended up on a team consisting help reach the objectives. This is almost entirely of snipers, which where the MOBA elements of quickly had me staring at a Overwatch are at their most notice- defeat screen wondering what I able, and as with any MOBA type did to deserve my luck. Therefore games, this is also where the issue while every character in the of balancing comes in. I have per- game is overpowered in their sonally seen multiple lists and own particular way and against a posts on sites and videos across the number of other heroes, what is internet talking about certain char- truly important in Overwatch is acters in Overwatch being ‘over- co-operation and versatility. powered’ or ‘broken’ and as a While you are perfectly capable MOBA player myself I’ll admit I of playing your favourite charachave been guilty of yelling at my ter all game every game, you monitor multiple times claiming will most probably find yourself almost every hero is broken at losing more games than you some point. However, what I’ve win, and it might earn you a few just said is really what helps makes choice words from your teamOverwatch as fast paced and excit- mates. Almost every possible ing as it is. Through the characters strategy, play or team composithey’ve created, Blizzard has done tion the enemy team can throw a fantastic job of forcing co-opera- at you is able to be countered by tive team play, as even a tank some hero in Overwatch and it’s characters will pop like a balloon up to you to adapt if you want to to a support if members of the team win. This all contributes to help aren’t doing their part. Blizzard keep every game feel fresh and have mentioned that they exciting regardless of how many don’t really want peo- you play. ple to do what they Overwatch also rewards do in MOBA’s, players for games played with picking one experience points which affect characters to your overall level, and with no play for an level cap in the game, there is no entire game, limit to the dedication you can instead want- show with your level. You are ing them to also rewarded every level with a switch char- loot case that has a chance to acters regular- provide some nice added extras ly to counter when opened. These include enemy character everything from sprays that your compositions, and character can place on surfaces thus keeping every in game to highlight intro for game fast paced, excit- when you achieve the ‘play of ing and unique. Also, regard- the game’ and even skins changless of the point in the game or ing the way your character looks. frequency at which you’ve died, These range in rarity all the way the respawn timer is always the up to legendary skins that comsame for every player with every pletely change of appearance of character sitting at around 7 sec- the character and in some cases, onds, helping keep players in the their abilities. This is an excelaction quite regularly and no pun- lent system as it rewards players ishing players too badly for having for their commitment, giving a bad game or taking risks and them something to show for the dying. time they’ve put into the game.

As I’ve already mentioned in Multiple of these loot cases can Overwatch every hero has a dis- also be bought in game with real

9.7 Million

money, however you are still capable of earning everything in the game without spending a penny should you play long enough.

The game is not without its faults however, one noticeably being the current lack of a ranked game option for players wanting to prove their competitive prowess. Blizzard have stated ranked gameplay was implements but then removed due to issues with matchmaking and will be back soon, however it is still disappointing if nothing else that this wasn’t included with the release of the game. The time it takes to get back into the action sometimes after dying can also be quite annoying on certain maps, especially when defending. This is no doubt to give the attacking team a greater reward for eliminating defenders and stop the defending team from constantly holding an objective by respawning and 0occupying it faster than the attackers can remove them, however the distance you sometime have to travel after spawning does it’s bit to slow down the otherwise fast gameplay even with the quick respawn times.

Another issues is also just how little an individual player can do when confronted with an underperforming team. As I’ve already mentioned, teamwork is vital in Overwatch, and sometimes when your team are just running around chasing kills and dying or just playing badly, there really isn’t much an individual on a team can do but sit and cry.

Simply put, an individual in Overwatch stands no chance against a team, so you’d better pray to your god you have one else you’re going to have a bad time. Lastly at the current time of writing I can’t help feel like the game doesn’t quite have enough content in it to warrant its current £30 price tag. While what is offered is for the most part amazing, I can’t help feel like a game costing as much as Overwatch should probably have maybe a couple of extra maps or maybe another game mode or two. I will still say all things considered the game is probably worth the money, however I personally feel that you would be justified in wanting a little more than is on offer for the price payed.

All in all Overwatch is a game that has done a lot to deliver on the hype that surrounded the games release, this being impressive as many games these days fail to do so.

Blizzard have done what they do well, create their own unique and exciting version of a popular premise resulting in a polished, enjoyable and unique game. Overall I would say Overwatch is worth a try for anyone, offering fast paced multiplayer fun whether you play alone or with friends, proving addictive enough to have you saying ‘one more game’ until its suddenly 4am. If you were considering playing Overwatch or weren’t but are at least interested now; then I have to ask, what are you doing reading this when you could be playing Overwatch?

GAMING

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbrickgames

41

Indie Review: Youtubers Life Ben Musgrove takes a look at the new indie game that's had Youtubers ironically interested.

Ben Musgrove Gaming Editor

In a market as saturated as that of the gaming scene in the present day, gamers are assailed with a number of games whose core concept is a play on meta-gaming; that is to say, a game about gaming. The Tycoon games of the noughties, whether your preference was rollercoasters or zoos, have led us to a place where gamers are placed in increasingly niche roles from which to claim success, and we can now include gaming journalist/blogger as one of those roles.

A Youtuber’s Life, still somewhat in its infancy as an early access game on Steam, follows your progress from your bedroom at home to the head of the top YouTube gaming network on the planet. The alpha only allows Roshni Patel progress in the gaming world, but updatesWriter to include careers in different @roshofalltrades fields – cooking, fashion, and the like – are in the works. As

you progress through your journey you can meet and hire fellow YouTubers, make a metric shitton of money, and generally attempt an online presence that you can’t be bothered to maintain in real life.

As well as the aforementioned Tycoon games, one of the first things I noticed was the shared ground between A Youtuber’s Life and The Sims series. Interacting with others is basically identical to the series, complete with the

'Attempt an online

presence you can't be bothered to maintain in real life' spamming of the talk/flirt interactions that I had nailed as a 10 year old. Indeed, I’ve been turned down for a date so many times that I have to assume it’s an objective for a later mission, and they won’t let me get one yet. There’s

also a stripped-down attribute system that affects the quality of your YouTube videos: if you haven’t eaten enough or got enough sleep, you’ll make crap content, get paid less, and end up on the street.

As an Alpha, there are of course some flaws to the build that one expects. Crashes to desktop are regular enough to mention as a problem, although a huge amount of credit must go to an almost instantaneous saving system that has saved me a huge amount of time that would’ve been lost otherwise. There are some clunky aspects to command prioritisation that make no sense that one will expect to be fixed in the fill game; you can’t ask your co-workers to make a video for you if you’re already making one, for example.

However, such flaws don’t detract strongly from the gameplay even at this early stage in development. If one approaches this title with one eye on what it will be, rather than what it is, they’ll see a really exciting title that people will be playing for a long time. The graphical style is suitable and playful, and as it’s not attempting photo-realism, is not victim to the aging of many modern titles. Moreover, this very morning, U-Play Online have released fixes to a now-public beta that claims to eliminate hosts of small bugs that cause crashing, so there’s even less reason not to play.

YouTuber’s Life is on sale for £10.99 from Steam.

NEW: Steam Roulette Peran Truscott Writer @perantruscott

Steam Roulette is a series in which the writer is reviewing a selection of three games generated randomly from their Steam Library.

The Rules 1. You can't have played the game or any of it's series before 2. You can't look up anything about the game both before and during playing it 3. Redbrick cannot have reviewed the game before Featuring 1. Knights of Merchants 2. Dino D-Day 3. Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut The first game on my randomly generated list is an old game called Knights and Merchants.

If memory serves me, I got it in a bundle a few years back. So

with no idea what I was about to be confronted with, I started the game and was immediately shown an option, to choose between standard mode or HD. Maybe this game wasn’t as old as I originally thought. When it finally loaded however, the age was apparent. A forced 4:3 aspect ratio was only the first trial I faced.

From exploring the menu, I quickly learnt that Knights and Merchants was an RTS and due to my supposed knowledge of the genre thanks to Age of Empires and Settlers, I decided to skip the tutorial, and go straight into the campaign.

This was a mistake. See to me, a strategy game lives and dies on its user interface.

Knights and Merchants’ UI was poor to say the least. Instantly I had no idea of what I was doing, so I promptly exited and went back to the tutorial. To my untrained eye, the first level seemed identical to the tutorial, only this time I luckily had a few tooltips in the bottom hand corner. I managed to flounder through. Thirty minutes later, I successfully had the world’s smallest village up. I couldn’t get, half the villagers to do anything, but this, I decided, was

Hands On: Binaries Roshni Patel

and never returning, is the nonlinear level map; which lets you Writer select a range of other levels when @roshofalltrades you can’t seem to get past one.

And while this game is certainly If there was ever going to be infuriating, its oddly enjoyable in a game that made you want to an almost masochistic way, you’ll scream in fury, rage quit and find yourself almost torturing throw your Xbox controller yourself with the same level for across the room, I’d wager that hours as you learn from your misit’d be this game. Binaries intro- takes and make your way to comduces you to two “loveable” balls pleting the challenge. Sprinkled which require your help to reach with a few sarcastic jokes across their chequered finish lines. The the levels, it’s hard not to laugh catch is that they move together the first couple of times you kill synchronously and the courses one of the balls. they’ll traverse to the finish may Overall this feels like a very not be identical. This means that polished game, which has hours more often than not a jump for of life in it, even if you don’t one ball, means the death of intend spend all those hours at another. once. This game is definitely on Featured at EGX Rezzed this the difficult side, so much so that year and available to play at the even the game developer who creNational Video Game Arcade in ated the game can’t currently Nottingham, this game gets complete all the levels. Binaries is fiendishly difficult very quickly. certainly not for the short temperPacked with 101 unique patience ed and will push even the longest testing levels, this game will truly fuses to the edge. With an 8 level test your puzzle solving skills. demo available to download for The saving grace of this game, free, proceed with caution, frustrathat keeps you from giving up tion ahead.

Peran Truscott brings us some of Steams lesser known gems in our new series.

enough knowledge for me to start the first level of the main campaign, and this time it was completely different. I was instantly placed in the middle of a warzone, my houses were on fire, my soldiers which hadn’t had a tutorial yet were dying, and all I could do was watch.

The slaughter was terrible, the corpses piled high, and with every fallen soul, was a cute

'A strategy game

lives and dies on its user interface' cartoony ghost.

There wasn’t even a defeat screen. Maybe I still had a troop alive somewhere, but watching the burning remains of my castle was too much for me, and I quit with a single tear in my eye.

All in all, I had no idea what I was doing but the ghosts were cute.

Dino D-Day is a gritty World War II class based first person shooter with the standard Allies vs Axis theme. It does however have something that makes it unique. Members of team Axis have access to a wide variety of

dinosaurs instead of the standard classes. Off the bat, this makes Dino D-Day very cool, and I was excited to try it.

However, when playing as a human class, Dino D-Day feels like every other first person shooter out there. The same standard control set and mechanics, yet lacking in any of the polish that the larger shooters bring to the table. When playing as a dinosaur however, the game gets much more interesting. The ability as to stick to ceilings and drop on your foes as a tiny raptor is a lot of fun, along with blinding your enemies with spitting acid in their face. This quickly became my favourite way to play.

Unfortunately, the human classes seem far more combat capable than most of the dinosaur ones. The ability for a medic to sit on their own health packs for the vast majority of a round makes it incredibly powerful, especially in an objective led mode. This leads to little reason to play any of the other classes.

Yet despite all its issues, Dino D-Day still manages to be a lot of fun. Fast paced hectic combat in a wide variety of game modes couple well with the chance for some truly hilari-

ous moments. This is definitely a game to play if you’ve got a couple of friends looking for some hours to kill.

Upon starting Q.U.B.E I was presented with a bleak white room in first person, with a voiceover telling me I was trapped inside an alien spaceship, tasked to destroy it from within. The voiceover is the only real story which you are offered for the rest of the game and it seemed to have little resemblance to the actual gameplay, which just consisted of increasingly complex and repetitive sliding block puzzles with little variation as you progress, a new gimmick is offered in the attempt to keep things fresh rather than using the existing ones in more inventive ways.

Throughout the game, I couldn’t help but think of Portal.

They’re both first person puzzlers in a bleak testing facility where things aren’t quite what they seem. Unfortunately, for Q.U.B.E, the comparison isn’t a flattering one. The art design is less sleek, the puzzles are less engaging, and the story line is less interesting and feels contrived. For a game released seven years later, it feels like one large step back.

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FILM

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbrickfilm

Who will be the next Bond?

It's the hottest news in Hollywood; who will take up the Bond mantle in Daniel Craig's wake? You've heard about your Damian Lewis's and your Idris Elba's so now the writers of Redbrick Film talk you through casting choices that may be more surprising...

Paapa Essiedu With the call nowadays for more diversity in Hollywood, the argument is often made to introduce the first black Bond as Daniel Craig’s successor. When it comes to fan casting, established names like Idris Elba and Chiwetel Ejiofor are thrown around a lot, but it is time to introduce someone fresh and new. That’s why I suggest that the next Bond should be Paapa

"Paapa Essiedu has what it takes oto reinvent James Bond in his image" Essiedu, a relatively unknown stage actor who is currently playing the lead in the RSC’s Hamlet.

It would be a big break for him, and he has the youthful charisma to pull off the role of the British spy, but can also handle complex, Shakespearian character drama.

It wouldn’t be the first time a stage actor has jumped onto the franchise bandwagon (see Tom Hiddleston as Loki), and Paapa Essiedu has what it takes to reinvent James Bond in his own image, rather than simply recreating what has come before.

Matt Dawson Richard Artmitage When you think British actors at the moment that play rugged yet refined, handsome and caddish heroes there is only one name that springs to mind: Richard Armitage. The odds may be on Hiddleston, who has met Bond execs: but he suits the Bond villain over Bond. Armitage is younger than Craig, he’s had the experience of working with a major film franchise in The Hobbit, but mostly he’s been

working in TV. Who doesn’t remember Armitage as the dashing Gisborne in BBC Robin Hood? Bond doesn’t need the flashiest Hollywood star, nor should it want it. Craig wasn’t huge before Casino Royale and Moore was tied up with television series The Saint. Brosnan was known for television roles, Dalton came from television too, starring in Sins. Armitage has proven he’s got the acting chops, he’s proven he can carry a major role through a franchise, and he’s damn good looking to boot.

James Moore Bill Nighy Currently, we are in the middle of a super hero crisis, a crisis where only the young play action heroes. The movie industry is in desperate need of an older hero.

Only Colin Firth in his portrayal of Galahad a parody of James Bond achieved such status. By playing this character Collin Firth proved to the world the possibilities of casting older men past their 50s in action. Sadly it would be too jarring to have Collin Firth play James Bond, however, I believe that Bill Nighy has the potential to be an even greater Bond.

James Bond needs to be two things: smooth but deadly. We all know that Bill Nighy can be smooth, seeing as he’s almost always type cast as a charming man in his 60’s. The question arises whether Bill Nighy can be deadly, and the answer lies within his performances in two Marigold Hotel films. In them, Bill Nighy performs a stylish yet tasteful performance, Bollywood style, highlighting his agility and dexterity. These attributes would certainly allow for some exciting chase scenes. Also, Bond carries a gun, so there is no real need for hand to hand combat; nobody is going to get past a gun.

Bill Nighy needs to be the next James Bond; it’s his right as a man over the age 40. Everyone

knows James Bond is at his peak when he is above the age of 40.

Why not go even higher with above the age of 60. In an age of young actors playing these big action hero’s, Bill Nighy would be a perfect change of pace.

Tom Edgerton Douglas Booth One of the most beautiful men in the world right now, Booth is always a scintillating presence on screen but has yet to have his break-out moment despite roles in Pride, Prejudice and Zombies and the Wachowski's Jupiter Ascending. The Bond film series needs a serious shot in the arm following the slightly lethargic Spectre and a younger, quicker Bond would aid the

"Booth could take the pathos that Daniel Craig has injected so brilliantly so Bond into new and excitng places" series' transition into a global phenomenon. He may be known for his looks, but Booth has also seriously impressed with his turns in Dickens' Great Expectations and Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. It's been said that the next Bond will be a complete surprise and Douglas Booth would be a massive surprise. It might seem like style over substance, but Booth could take the pathos that Daniel Craig has injected so brilliantly into Bond and run with it to new and exciting places.

George Griffiths Tom Hiddleston The long and storied history

of James Bond on the big screen has treated audiences to the sublime (Skyfall’s epic opening chase), the ridiculous (Roger Moore taking on voodoo priests and using crocodiles as stepping stones in Live and Let Die) and, most often, a combination of the two (barrel-rolling an AMC Hornet in The Man With the Golden Gun or The Spy Who Loved Me’s submarine car). Yet, as the franchise has grown and matured, the image of the suave, distant, impossibly cool Bond has remained almost the lone constant.

Enter, Tom Hiddleston. He may seem to many who call for a fresh take on the character to be a dull, conservative choice. But what they call stale, I call classic.

Why mess with a formula that, as the most recent Bond outings have proven, can still produce smart and gripping popcorn movie gold? While he may lack the pure, fiery physicality that the departing Daniel Craig brought to the role, Hiddleston has proven with the recent BBC series The Night Manager that he is quite capable of playing the action hero. Add that to his unique brand of British charm and keen intelligence, and this is a man who was born to play 007.

Let’s not let that go to waste.

Jobe Close Gillian Anderson Currently seen kicking ass in The Fall, the X-Files reboot and hypnotising our hearts and minds in the dearly departed Hannibal TV series, Gillian Anderson is one of our most enigmatic, intense and mysterious talents. A female Bond would most certainly change things up for the franchise, and it would be refreshing to see an older woman take the lead instead of a major Hollywood blockbuster. Or if Gillian's not available, give Olivia Coleman a call.

George Griffiths

FILM

Friday 10th June 2016

@redbrickfilm

Does Marvel have a villain problem?

Film Critic Alex McDonald considers the forgettable nature of Marvel supervillains

43

Film News

George Griffiths Film Editor @georgegriffiths

Elizabeth Banks directed and starred in Pitch Perfect 2 - which became the highestgrossing music comedy film of all time but is stepping aside for the threequel. No new director has been announced for the project but stars Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson are set to return. Banks will be seen next as villain Rita Repulsa in the Power Rangers' return to the screen and is also tapped to direct the Charlie's Angels reboot.

Sir Anthony Hopkins has joined the cast of the fifth Transformers film, The Last Knight.

The Michael Bay directed Autobot fest will see Mark Whalberg return alongside original cast member Josh Duhamel. The Last Knight follows Age of Extinction which grossed more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Hopkins will also return to the role of Norse god Odin in this year's Thor: Ragnarok.

Alex McDonald Film Critic @AlexMc2104

What Marvel has done with its cinematic universe is nothing short of remarkable. They not only rule the roost with regards to critically acclaimed comic book movies, but they also consistently dominate the box office around the world. They have revitalised people’s careers and made obscure of characters into worldwide phenomenons. And even after thirteen entries into their ever expanding universe, they are showing no signs of slowing down.

But like many superheroes, Marvel has one weakness: their villains. Overall, with arguably two exceptions, Marvel’s big screen villains fall into a range of “fine” to “forgettable”. If you can name the villain from Thor: The Dark World you’re either a super-fan or you just finished watching it five minutes ago.

With names like Jeff Bridges and Corey Stoll among their roster of rogues, there certainly isn’t a question regarding the acting talent on display.

So what is Marvel’s problem? Perhaps we can be more lenient with their earlier entries in the MCU as first and foremost they have to establish their heroes. But their sequels never fare any better either, as most bad guys are one-and-done acts who never get a chance to develop beyond “I am evil because this film needs an antagonist.”

The obvious exceptions to this rule are Loki and the Winter Soldier, but both of these characters have somewhat redemptive arcs, so Marvel still lacks a villain that you love to hate.There doesn’t appear to be any sign that this trend will be fixed soon.

Captain America: Civil War, Marvel’s first entry in their third phase of films, while being an excellent all-round film still features a bland villain in Daniel Bruhl’s Zemo that never has a big moment to shine and make a lasting mark. Following that we have many new characters to introduce with Doctor Strange, Black Panther and Captain Marvel, so the bulk of their films

"As the market becomes more and more saturated, Marvel are going to need more than quirky one-liners in order to be relevant"

will be dedicated to fleshing out the new heroes as opposed to building a truly frightening villain.

I feel like Marvel are putting all of their eggs into a big purple basket called Thanos. However, as of yet we haven’t seen potentially the “biggest bad” of the MCU doing anything but turn his head, sit in a chair and put on a glove. Hopefully since Avengers: Infinity War is in two parts, there will be ample time to develop his character. However, as Age of Ultron proved, too many cooks can spoil the narrative broth, and with so many heroes to service the villain may suffer the same fate as James Spader’s Ultron; a lot of menacing potential, but ultimately a flat bad guy.

The Marvel behemoth may stand head and shoulders above their comic book movie competitors but as the market becomes more and more saturated, they are going to need more than quirky one-liners and spectacle in order to be relevant. Take Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy for example, a series which continues to dominate pop culture and is constantly revisited for both its hero and its villains.

Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight is likely to be remembered for many years to come. While it’s not necessarily a bad performance, the same cannot be said for Lee Pace’s Ronan the Accuser from Guardians of the Galaxy.

Remember him? Yeah, me neither.

Everyone's favourite stormtrooper is going from strength to strength - and what better way to top one of the highest grossing films of all time than by playing Idris Elba's characters son in Pacific Rim 2 (literally cannot wait for his character name!) He will also be taking on producing duties through Upper Room Productions outfit.

America has spoken, and they have have made Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows the top of the box office.

Taking in the highest this week, TMNT2 beat out the likes of X-Men: Apocalypse to take the top spot. The film is fairing no better than its predecessor on the critical front but sees Dave Green bring back Megan Fox and the green-shelled gang back to our screens.

44

Sport

Friday 10th June

@redbricksport

How 23 English Footballers Could Decide the EU Referendum Print Editor Dan Steeden examines the possible impact of Euro 2016 on the EU Referendum Dan Steeden

Paper Editor

We need a win to make it past the group stage. Slovakia have defended well for eighty minutes and Daniel Sturridge has picked up a niggling calf injury. Geoff Shreeves is pitchside and informs us that he’s a tough cookie and he’ll play on. In injury time Dele Alli plays a sumptuous pass which Sturridge controls on his chest and volleys, nestling it in the top corner. The stadium erupts and the players pile on top of Sturridge (no doubt further aggravating his calf injury) but England have done it. They are through to the knock-out stages.

Three days later, once hangovers have passed and Sturridge shirt sales have skyrocketed, Britain votes on whether or not to leave the European Union. The euphoria has not quite faded and the status quo is appealing.

Isolationist feelings are put on hold as a chance to knock Germany out of the competition distracts the nation who vote to stay in the EU. The political equivalent of Geoff Shreeves, perhaps Andrew

Marr, tells the nation that despite our pride and bargaining rights being injured (just like our star striker) we will play on in Brussels, just as we play on in France and no doubt lose on penalties immediately (not that this should be a measure of how staying in the EU will turn out).

It works the other way too.

Get knocked out in the group stage and the nation will descend into a chasm of anti-European sentiment and nationalist resentment forcing us out of the EU. Who wants to sit at a tasteless but ludicrously expensive table paid for by the taxpayer with nations whose football players are better than ours anyway?

Forgive the Anglo-centricity of my manufactured scenarios as the notion holds true for both Wales and Northern Ireland who play Russia and Germany respectively in the days leading up to the referendum. The bottom line is that football could influence one of the most important votes in recent British history.

Voters are idiots. We don’t mean to be, it’s a subconscious idiocy – the kind where you walk into a room and forget what you’re

there for or walk into a voting booth and inexplicably recall Frank Lampard’s shot that definitely crossed the line. Voters are swayed by their mood and how they feel on that particular day.

Even the weather affects the way people vote.

I jest of course in my examples, as the impact is obviously not quite that definitive and clearcut but there is an impact nonetheless. There are famous examples of sports results influencing voters. The Redskins Rule was a relationship that revealed a strong correlation between the result of the Washington Redskins home game closest to the U.S. Presidential Election and the result of that election. Essentially if the Redskins won then the party already in power would win the election and if the Redskins lost then the opposition party would win the election. The rule correctly predicted every election result between 1940 and 2000.

Britain too has seen this kind of voter behaviour influenced by sport. 46 years ago Edward Heath pulled off the most surprising of election victories beating Harold Wilson just four days after

England lost 3-2 to West Germany in the quarter-final of the 1970 World Cup. Many believe that the defeat led voters to put their faith in something new, hence Heath’s election.

These examples may of course be little more than spooky coincidences but there is scientific evidence behind this too. Experiments like this one show clear relationships between the results of sports teams and election outcomes. The conclusion of the experiment is that ‘voting decisions are influenced by irrelevant events that have nothing to do with the com

petence or effectiveness of the incumbent government’ – in this case college football.

Britain's most talented football players will understandably be blissfully unaware of the European political shockwave-inducing power they hold in their hands (or feet). This is certainly the way it should be as politics should strive to interfere with football as little as possible. What we do know is that the fate of Great Britain rests with a small group made up of the preposterously over-paid and the politically naïve. No change there then.

Redbrick Sport Predicts: Euro 2016 Group Stages Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Albania, France,

England, Russia,

Germany, N Ireland,

Croatia, Czech

Belgium, Italy, Republic

Austria, Hungary,

Romania, Switzerland

Slovakia, Wales

Poland, Ukraine

Republic, Spain, Turkey

of Ireland, Sweden

Iceland, Portugal

Alex Davis: 1) France (9pts) 2) Switzerland (6pts) 3) Romania (3pts) 4) Albania (0pts)

Nicola Kenton: 1) England (7pts) 2) Wales (7pts) 3) Russia (3pts) 4) Slovakia (0pts)

Nancy Frostick: 1) Germany (9pts) 2) Poland (6pts) 3) N Ireland (3pts) 4) Ukraine (0pts)

Dan Steeden: 1) Spain (9pts) 2) Croatia (6pts) 3) Turkey (3pts) 4) Czech Republic (0pts)

Harry Wilkinson: 1) Belgium (7pts) 2) ROI (6pts) 3) Sweden (3pts) 4) Italy (1pts)

Dan Steeden: 1) Austria (9pts) 2) Portugal (4pts) 3) Iceland (4pts) 4) Hungary (0pts)

This group contains probably the most and least fancied teams at Euro 2016. France’s squad is fairly frightening whilst Albania must be wondering how on earth they’re in the finals. France will comfortably win this group whilst I fear Albania could struggle against decent opposition.

Romania’s phenomenal defensive record (just two conceded in qualification) means that they could sneak a draw in their important game with Switzerland; however I fancy the class of Xherdan Shaqiri and co to ease them into second place.

This group will be close at the top and it all depends on who will beat Russia and Slovakia more comprehensively.

England have the youngest squad in the tournament but their attacking force is one to take seriously. Even though, in some of the friendlies Hodgson played around with the attacking formation and it didn't necessarily work - the link up play between Dele Alli and Harry Kane should surely produce quite a few goals. Wales will do well, but they are not a high scoring team and thus may only 'scrape' past Slovakia and Russia by one or two goals. The draw between England and Wales will either be a goalless draw or 2-2, depending on how much the teams are up for the match and what has already happened. Russia will secure third place after a victory over Slovakia, who will finish at the bottom of the group. It's anyone's guess how the qualification works but this is a group you definitely want to win.

Group C is a bit of a nasty one if you’re not Germany, who should see it out easily enough without needing to hit form. Poland have plenty of goals in Robert Lewandowski as well as a squad with more tournament experience than Northern Ireland. Second, third and fourth place in this group will probably be tight, so a best third place spot will favour Northern Ireland if they can pick up a couple of points along the way.

As amusing as it would be to see Spain implode again, I think they’ll be back with something to prove and blow this group apart with a frighteningly strong squad.

Expect Atlético Madrid’s Koke to put in some good performances under the radar. My heart wants the game between Croatia and Turkey to end 9-9 as I’m going to see it but my head says Croatia will take second place in the group with Modric and Rakitic running the show in midfield. Turkey have some dangerous players like Hakan Calhanoglu (you’ll see him score a free kick or two) and should finish ahead of the Czech Republic and might grab a best-of-therest qualification place.

This group has been deemed by many as the 'group of death' and you can see why. Belgium with its abundant talent; recent World Cup winners Italy; the fearless Irish; and the underrated Swedes. Ultimately I think, like most people will, that Belgium will come out on top. Benteke will prove his doubters wrong by ending up top scorer in the tournament and destroying a strong Irish defence along the way. Italy will prove a disappointment but will scrape a draw against Belgium. Sweden, in possibly Zlatan's final appearance in a major tournament, will claim a third place spot. As a side note, Wales to win the entire tournament - I have complete faith in the power of Ramsey's bleached hair..

Austria are somewhat of a dark horse in the competition after going unbeaten in qualification and winning nine of their ten games. David Alaba plays in midfield for the national team and is an exceptional talent prone to a wonder goal every so often.

They might just surprise everyone and breeze past their Group F opponents with ease. Portugal and Iceland will battle it out for second spot and it comes down to whether Ronaldo performs at his best or an Iceland side led by the legendary Eidur Gudjohnsen can triumph. Portugal struggled for goals in qualifying while Iceland had an excellent campaign. Whoever finishes third might well end up qualifying anyway because everyone’s a winner in the new group stage system (and rumour has it everyone will get a medal for participation too). Hungary will struggle in this fairly tough group and the ‘who will get to swap shirts with Ronaldo?’ game might be where they perform best.

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Brum Novices Dominate BUTTS Outdoor Archery Championships Birmingham's archers have done well this season, Rebekah Tipping reports on the BUTTS Outdoor Championships which took place in Oxford.

Rebekah Tipping Sports Writer @ultimatellama

After UB Archery’s successes at the BUTTS league and Indoor championships, where they won both experienced and novice titles, there was a lot to play for at the BUTTS outdoor champs on Saturday 21st May. A team of 9 archers travelled to Oxford to take part in an St George/Albion/ Windsor round. These rounds consist of 9 dozen arrows shot over three different distances of up to 100 yards (91m) for experienced gent archers. Arrows are scored

"Jamal Rahman shot 634 to win the gent's novice recurve, and Tim Spankie and Guy Coop finished in 5th and 6th places with 558 and 553, respectively" with imperial scoring, which means they can only take odd values and are scored in colour zones on the target: a gold is worth 9

points, a red is worth 7, a blue is worth 5, and so on. The maximum score on this round is 972.

In the gents’ recurve category, Birmingham’s Francis Berti scored 684 to win a bronze medal and Sam Rees came 7th with 624. In the ladies’ recurve, Rebekah Tipping won gold with 759, and Alice Cotton came 5th with 659.

The windy conditions on the day provided a difficult challenge to all archers on the field, and every recurve archer on the field missed at least one arrow over the course of the day. But the archers did not let this faze them, and they continued to shoot strong against the weather in order to complete the round.

The experienced team finished in second place with a score of 2726 to Warwick’s 2803, ahead of Oxford, who finished on 2679.

This secured silver medals for Rebekah, Francis, Alice and Sam. Warwick’s all male team was headed by Tom Hall, who competed in the Team GB selection shoot for the 2016 Olympics in Rio this summer, along with Birmingham’s Ashe Morgan, who was not able to attend BUTTS Outdoors in Oxford.

Birmingham Novices had another incredible weekend, winning both ladies’ and gents’ recurve gold medals and team gold! Jamal

"BUTTS outdoor champs was the last BUTTS league fixture of the year, and the Birmingham novices remain undefeated over 6 events" Rahman shot 634 to win the gents’ novice recurve, and Tim Spankie and Guy Coop finished in 5th and 6th places with 558 and 553, respectively. In the ladies’ novice category, Birmingham’s only lady novice present shot a very impressive 692 to win. Tupa Silver won gold by over 50 points more than her nearest competitor! The novice team of Tupa, Jamal, Tim and Guy won gold with a score of 2437, beating Loughborough by almost 300 points!

With only one university event left this year, Birmingham archers are training hard for BUCS Outdoor Champs, which takes place on 11-12th June in Lilleshall National Sports Centre. This is the largest student archery event of the year.

Birmingham are set to field a team of 16 archers and are looking to

increase their medal haul from BUCS indoors in February this year, where both experienced teams won medals Team Captain Alice Cotton had this to say: “I'm really proud of how the team carried on through some really tough conditions, I think the team spirit was what kept everyone positive. It was great to win the three novice titles and for the experienced to also come away with three medals, everything is looking very promising for BUCS in a couple of weeks!”

Men's Cricket Victorious in Dramatic Twenty20 at Moseley

Men's Cricket firsts were victorious by 6 wickets in a twenty20 match, beating Durham with just one ball to spare in a fantastic game at Moseley Match Summary Match reduced to 20 overs due to rain Durham batted first, scoring 146 Tejas Wagle with bowling figures of 4-37 Birmingham chased down 146 after 19.5 overs Greg King scoring 55* and Tejas Wagle 43 Full Line-Up: Cameron Spence Keiran Evans Haaris Ayub Chris Beech Tejas Wagle Greg King Andrew Bell Jamie Tapper Aaron Patel Jimmy Hulton Harrop Alex Gill

Matt Payne

UBCC Club Captain

In a delayed start at Moseley due to rain, the BUCS clash between the Men's first and Durham was reduced to a 20 over match. Birmingham won the toss and chose to field.

Captain Cameron Spence and left-arm seamer Aaron Patel opened up proceedings on a good bowling wicket at Moselely.

Durham got off to a good start until Spence had the opener caught behind, leaving them 32-1 after 5 overs. Alex Gill came on and bowled a very tight spell; 4 overs, 1-19.

However, Durham continued to make good progress reaching 92-2 off 13 overs. Their opener reached his 50 in the 14th over.

Off-spinner Tejas Wagle then came on and got a vital wicket, having the threatening Durham number 4 well caught at long-off

by Jamie Tapper.

Durham reached 127-3 off 17 overs before the opener attempted to reverse-sweep Wagle, mistiming his shot to allow Gilly to take

a good catch at short third man, ending his innings at 68. The impressive Wagle then picked up 2 wickets in the last over to finish with 4-37 off his 4 overs, as Durham closed on 146.

Keiran Evans and Haaris Ayub began our reply, Evans getting off the mark with a glorious straight drive. Haaris guided a beautiful drive to the cover boundary for 4, however fell in 3rd over after chipping to mid-off. Chris Beech, who came in at number 3, followed in the 5th after driving upishly to short cover.

Super Kev (Keiran Evans) struggled to get the ball away, and not long after whipping one to the mid-wicket boundary he was caught behind, following a loose drive for 8.

At 35-3, we were in a spot of bother at the end of the powerplay. Left-arm batsman Greg King and Tejas Wagle were tasked to begin an innings rebuild, and were successful in working the ball around nicely. At the half-way stage we were 67-3; 80 required to win off the last 10 overs.

Runs started to come freely as we took 35 off the 4 overs follow-

ing the half-way point; the highlight being a glorious straight drive belted by Tejas onto the roof of the nets at Moseley. This left us needing 45 off the last 6 overs.

King took 8 off the first 5 balls of the 15th over, but then disaster struck as Tejas was caught at long on 43, leaving us on 110-4 off 15.

Andrew Bell joined King at the crease, and with some inventive shots and hard running, we were left needing 27 off 19 balls; boundaries desperately needed.

Then King, with no delusions of grandeur, audaciously ramped their quick bowler over the keepers head for four. 23 needed off the last 3 overs.

With 5 runs off the first 5 balls in the 18th, King produced a welltimed reverse sweep over point for another inventive four. 14 needed off 12.

Then, with 3 singles off the first 4 balls in the 19th, King ramped again for four. A dot finished the over. 7 runs required from the final over.

The first and second ball went for singles- 5 off 4 required. Bell then produced a glorious cover drive, but it was well stopped and

the pair at the crease could only scamper two. 3 off 3 required.

The fourth ball went for a single, meaning 2 were required off 2. Ball five was a yorker squirted out to their cover, who misfielded, allowing Bell and King to sneak a 2, and UBCC to win.

Greg King finished 55*; a heroes innings helping the firsts finish with 7 points from 6 games, hopefully seeing us stay up in the Premier North for next year.

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Men's Football promotion continued In the first team squad, there are four final years: Wojtek Opalinski , Jack Davies, Seb Bowerman and Jarred Isles; who are joined by fresher's: Jamie Weller, Dan Summerfield, Ollie Sitch, Matthew Rudolph, Robbie Murphy, Joe Cattermole and Simon Reynolds. Dan Morphew is a PhD student, but everybody else in the squad are second years including Mishra. "Only six of the current 1s squad played for them last year and there were a lot of uncertainties at the beginning of the year but we've grown stronger and stronger as a team and we've developed the ability to understand how to win games no matter the context. Hard work is never an issue and we've got a huge amount of talent in this team."

Last week saw the 1s travel up to Dundee to play Abertay University in their first play-off match - the result was a resounding 5-1 win. Williams said, "The journey didn't appear to affect us, the boys travelled up the day before, had a good rest and we had a team meeting in the morning. We played really well and worked hard, when we've lost it's been because we haven't worked the hardest."

Speaking before the match against Liverpool John Moores, Williams thought, " LJMU are an aggressive side that work really

hard. As long as the boys are able to cope with the physicality, they should be absolutely fine. We have a really good work ethic, they deserve to go up, their commitment is great. Tomorrow is not the be all and end all of the season, although it would be nice to get promoted."

Birmingham 1s beat LJMU by two goals to nil, the report can be read online here, to be promoted from the Midlands 1A to the Premier North.

"This is a massive deal for the club and the university's sporting reputationnotable alumni Christian Burgess, a professional at Portsmouth FC, tweeted his congratulations" Club Captain, Mishra said of the game, "We treated it as just another game of football, our plan was to deliver the same performances we've done all season - to stick with the programmer that had been working for us all year and it

well and truly delivered. Every single one of us left everything out there on the pitch and we managed the game perfectly over the 90 minutes to get the well deserved win to top off a dominating play-off campaign.

"It was unbelievable feeling, there was a real sense of justice and relief because we've worked harder and played by far the better football. Also, it's satisfying to know the boys in final year leaving, have left on the highest of highs, as well as Rob leaving on a high. This is a massive deal for the club and the university's sporting reputation notable alumni Christian Burgess, a professional at Portsmouth FC tweeted his congratulations, and this just goes to show how much it means to people that we're back where we belong. Personally the fact that it's been under mine and Josh Murrays tenure it's a great honour and it's been a pleasure. I couldn't have asked to play, work with and get promoted with a better bunch of lads. Their a credit to themselves, the club and the university."

Head Coach, Rob Williams, described his perspective of the game, "It was a much harder game than the previous week away at Dundee, it was more of challenge but that's what we hoped for. It was quite physical, aggressive and feisty. We found out a few key pieces of information about LJMU

and we set up deliberately to stop their most dangerous player, who hence wasn't very effective. Once Luke Barrow got his goal, he was high on confidence and flying and Jack Davies did what he had done all year, we defended really well.

"It's an honour to have had the chance to lead them for a few years and get a bit of success along the way. The reaction has been great on twitter, texts and phone calls. It's been an absolute pleasure, lads have deserved it. With 1sts and 2nds having been promoted, challenge to keep the teams in the leagues that they've made it. If I had written it, it couldn't have ended it in a better way."

Men's First Squad: Jamie Weller Dan Summerfield Dan Morphew Wojtek Opalinski AJ Adelekan Nitin Mishra Matty Jones Jack Davies Ollie Sitch Luke Barrow Seb Bowerman, Jarred Isles, Matthew Rudolph Robbie Murphy Joe Cattermole Simon Reynolds Dominic Lunnon

Spotlight On: Korfball

Online Editor, Rosie Twells, caught up with Ben Rendle, korfball's elected president for next year to find out the details on a very successful season Rosie Twells Online Editor

Korfball may be one of the lesser known sports at University of Birmingham but the success of the four teams this season have powered the club into the spotlight. Gold medals have been in abundance at tournaments and the club is able to boast a real team spirit that is infectious, spreading to wider circles than just the members of korfball. In this interview, second team captain, Ben Rendle, picks out his highlight of the season, as well as providing some

How has your season been?

On the whole it’s been a fantastic season for the club. We’ve built on successes from last year and developed greatly in our strength and depth. Our first team consolidated on the previous year, having a strong campaign in the league and matching the previous result at the BUCS National Championships finishing 7th.

The third team was the surprise package of the year, showing fantastic ability and achieving far greater than we could have ever anticipated. With half the squad consisting of players new to the

sport, they went unbeaten in the league, winning with a goal difference of approximately 200 and were the only third team in the country to make it to and compete at the BUCS trophy, finishing 7th and earning a ranking of 12 places higher than the next third team!

For the first time in the club’s history, we created and entered a fourth team into BUCS. They progressed to the BUCS Shield event where they played against a large number of second and third teams, with a few first teams as well.

Almost the whole team were korf freshers this year, but acquitted themselves well, producing some great performances to leave the club in safe hands for the future.

The highlight of the season though comes from as yet unmentioned second team though. With a tough local league, results throughout the year were mixed, but the improvement made as a result culminated in a fantastic display of korfball at the BUCS Trophy competition. Dominating the group stage, and after a closely and hard fought quarter and semi-final, they made it through the final where they went on to clinch the title and gold for Birmingham! This made it 4 golds in 4 years for Birmingham korfball.

What was your most memorable moment from last season?

It has to be the last 3 minutes of the BUCS Trophy final, forgive the small bias here from the second team captain! The score was

10-8 to Exeter when we called a time out, but on resumption of play we managed to pull it back to 10-10 with a minute to go and won it in the last 10 seconds when Josh Longstone sunk a free pass.

That moment will live long in the memory!

How many teams do you have?

As mentioned earlier, we managed to field 3 teams in the league and 4 teams at BUCS for the first time this year. We’re currently seeking to enter our fourth team into the league for next season and are also home to a development squad, such was the interest that we’ve had in the sport this year!

How often do you train and where?

We train 3 times a week at a variety of venues - namely the Munrow Sports Centre and King Edward Boys School on Bristol Road. Training this year has consisted of squad sessions on a Wednesday/Thursday morning and club sessions on Friday and Sunday evenings. Unfortunately, all training is done for this year, but we’re looking forward to taking up residence in the new sports hall next year!

What is your favourite thing about korfball?

My favourite thing about the club is the reason why so many people

end up joining and staying – the atmosphere. As a club, we’ve always been ridiculously welcoming to new people and there’s never been any pressure to commit anything other than having fun. You can be competitive if you want to or just come along for a good time and join in the socials.

It’s this attitude that’s made me fall in love with this sport.

"On the whole it's been a fantastic season for the club.

We've built on the success from last year and developed greatly in our strength and depth".

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From the Editor's Desk: Sporting Goodbyes

In her final article for Redbrick, Online Editor, Rosie Twells selects her top three sporting farewells and reflects on a terrific three years at Redbrick Rosie Twells Online Editor

All good things come to an end.

It might not always feel as if they should in the current moment, but decisions have to be made as time goes on. The world of sport has seen a long list of stars hang up their boots, gloves, racquets and other sporting equipment as life on the field, pitch and court draws to a close. Unforgettable experiences and incredible opportunities surrounded by some amazing people have to be left behind, but never forgotten.

"One exit that will live long in the memory is Zinedine Zidane's infamous red card at the 2006 World Cup Final that proved to be his final match as a professional footballer."

One exit that will live long in the memory is Zinédine Zidane’s infamous red card at the 2006 World Cup Final that proved to be his final match as a professional footballer. The game will always be remem-

bered for a moment of madness.

With 110 minutes and 21 seconds on the clock, Zidane (later discovered under provocation) head-butted Marco Materazzi, an action which earned Zidane a red card.

His reputation as one of football’s most decorated players took a punch as the Frenchman was forced to leave the pitch for the final time with his head bowed after delivering a knockout blow that ultimately cost his team the trophy.

Furthermore, another sporting legend stepped away from the sport he loved in a glittering twenty-one year career. Considered by many as boxing’s greatest, Muhammad Ali, who sadly passed away at the age of 74 last week, provided his fair share of big hits and successes. His outlandish style of speech attracted many fans and Ali built up a reputation as a strong and fearless character. His boxing record, 56 wins out of 61 fights is astounding and to this day he remains the only three-time lineal world heavyweight champion. Ali retired from the sport in 1981 but his inspirational words and actions will live on, both inside and outside the ring.

In addition, thirty-eight days was all it took to be the difference in 2013 for Marion Bartoli to win her first major Grand Slam at Wimbledon and her decision to retire. In an extremely emotional and honest video, Bartoli appeared mentally and physically tired as she explained her reasons: “I pushed my body to its limits to

win this [Wimbledon], I just can’t do it anymore”. It was a fantastic performance at the UK

"It is in this instance, a collision of emotions, that I feel parallels can be drawn to my time at Redbrick during my three years at university."

Championships by the French star – having not dropped a set all tournament, she defeated Sabine Lisicki in style, 6-1, 6-4. After years of hard work, dedication and dreaming, Bartoli had finally achieved her ambitions. Her desire to succeed and push herself will be remembered, as will her emotional farewell which captured the true fighting spirit she represented in tennis.

It is evident, therefore, that in the world of sport saying good bye is not an easy thing to do. Attitudes and emotions collide in the buildup to the final moment and these three competitors displayed both elements in abundance during their careers and in their farewells.

It is in this instance, a collision of emotions, that I feel parallels can be drawn to my time at Redbrick during my three years at university.

It doesn’t seem like five minutes since I attended my first meeting in October 2013. I was soon struck down by the Redbrick bug, a contagious but not threatening infection. I will always be grateful to the Food editors back then who published my first article on ‘Starbucks vs Costa’ in a battle of coffee war and gave me the confidence that I could write. Being asked to be the Online Editor for the section the following year was a huge privilege, before a transfer for an undisclosed fee to Sport for the start of the 2015/16 season.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked with groups of incredibly creative writers who continually produce articles and features of an exceptional standard. My fellow editors, past and present, for both the Food and Sport sections are phenomenal people and deserve every success in their future careers.

I would like to wish Nicola, Dan, Harry and Nancy the best of luck

The Redbrick Crossword

...is not atually a crossword this week. It's a wordsearch (hey, we're mixing it up) using 'Graduation' as our titular theme. Have a little search, draw some rings around words, lament the loss of boxes in which to scrawl letters and love life. You're free! Unless you're not- in which case see you next year folks.

1. We have to hire one of these for the day; probably one of the only times in your life that you’ll willingly pay for something hundreds of other people have also worn.

2. Everyone can appreciate the idea behind one of these, but upon wearing one will suddenly realise that yes their neck is fat, their tie will never fit and no white shirts do not hide all sweat patches.

3. From Taylor Swift to T-Pain- come Gradball everyone’s tastes will have to merge.

4. Thank god they don’t give these out to the whole year group because I’d suddenly realise how little I have achieved in the last 3 years.

5. Did we love it? Did we hate it? Did we just chuck 27+ grand down the toilet? Was it really the chicken that came first? Is this real life?

6. We all hope for this in our exams (and life/love/career/jean purchasing) 7. The Great Unknown/ Ciara’s ex.

8. Will our parents ever feel this emotion for us? Will they??

9. ‘Cos we like to ___’ said Beyoncé that one time.

10. Maybe you’ll receive one of these in the shape of a car, a crushing handshake or a couple of months free rent from YOUR rents.

11. You’ll probably take your divorced parents out for one of these after you graduate, resulting in soggy potatoes and well-timed sighs from both parties at their obvious distain for one another.

12. Whether you dab, duck, dip, dive or dodge- this is the only cardio accepted at gradball.

for next year who will be carrying the Sport editorial baton and I know they will do a fantastic job to develop the section.

With fear of this starting to sound like an Oscar acceptance speech, I want to conclude by looking forward rather than retrospectively. The experiences and opportunities that Redbrick creates for students is astonishing, making it not only stand out from other university societies, but also makes each one of these moments extra special. With each new year, ideas and improvements are suggested as a new team at Redbrick continue to move the newspaper and the website forward into different realms of student journalism.

With that in mind, all good things come to an end. I will miss it enormously but I think there’s only one thing left to say: goodbye and thank you, Redbrick.

Lucie Turner Crossword Editor

Men's Football Promotion Triumph 10.6.2016 Redbrick Sport predicts the Euro 2016 group stages

Page 36 Matt Payne

reveals how Men's Cricket were victorious at Moseley

Page 37

Rosie Twells provides a Spotlight On: Korfball

Page 38 For more, follow us on twitter:

@redbricksport

Men's first team celebrating moments after their crucial victory, including: Jamie Weller, Dan Summerfield, Dan Morphew, Wojtek Opalinski, AJ Adelekan, Nitin Mishra, Matty Jones, Jack Davies, Ollie Sitch, Luke Barrow, Seb Bowerman, Jarred Isles, Matthew Rudolph, Robbie Murphy, Joe Cattermole, Simon Reynolds, Dominic Lunnon

Nicola Kenton Online Sports Editor

In the days leading up to the Men's Football play-off matches and afterwards, Redbrick Sport spoke with Head Coach Rob Williams and Club Captain Nitin Mishra about this season.

At the beginning of the season, the captains in the club: Mishra (Club Captain), Josh Murray (Club Captain), Matty Jones (ViceCaptain) and Seb Bowerman (Men's 1sts captain), sat down with Head Coach Rob Williams and set targets for the season. They were: 3s to improve on points tally and possibly win the league, 2s to win the league

'The 1sts and 2nds won their respected leagues, with the 3rds setting a new best points tally to finish second' and 1s to have a good cup run and challenge for the league title, with the bonus of promotion.

Mishra says of the target for the 1s, "If I'm being honest I think we were all sceptical as to how good our chances were. We lost a lot of talented players last year and this year's squad was pretty much brand new so expectations come preseason were all up in the air. Having

said this, I was always confident we had the right crop of players together as we all wanted to play the right way and with the right philosophy.

Moreover we all got along and there wasn't one player who wasn't capable of leading the team so having 11 leaders was a big plus."

On the topic of trials at the beginning of the season, Williams says, "Trials weren't particularly successful in terms of the level, I was concerned about strength and physicality. We're not the biggest of teams but the football is better this year than the first two years. The team ethic is great and I've put trust in players that I haven't done in the past." Mishra added, " Trials is always a difficult time but very rewarding. We had around 400 people trial and in the end, we recruited around 25 players to the club which we were very excited about.

"It's difficult to gauge how influential new additions will be as trials are completely different from game environments but I was confident we had recruited the right players for each of the 3 teams. The new additions have been a credit to themselves and the club this year, they've played a big part in the success so far and have no doubt that they have big parts to play for the club in future."

The results for the whole team have been great this season and have fitted in line with the aims set pre-season. The 1s and 2s won their respective leagues, with the 3s setting a new best points tally and finishing second in their league.

Moreover, the development squad finished second in their league as well. Mishra says of this season, "It's been near perfect, it's an indication of how hard all the players have worked this year. A big thanks

'We're not the biggest of teams but the football is better this year' must go to Matty Jones too, who has been massively influential and vital whilst Josh has been away with injury. Every team has surpassed its standings last year and The club is heading in the right direction after a disappointing year last year for all. I am fully confident that the club is now back on the map regarding football specifically."

Speaking about his tenure as Club Captain this season, Mishra states, " My tenure as club captain has been brilliant and I wouldn't change a thing. I've learned a lot about myself, it has been tough and demanding at times but I enjoy the responsibility and it's a great feeling knowing that I've played a central figure in helping the club develop so significantly from last year. It's an honour to enhance the reputation of the club and the university and it's been a pleasure for me to, not just work with, but represent such a great bunch of lads."

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