St. Mary's Telegraph

Spring/Summer 2012

SMT St Mary’s Telegraph news • radio • up and comers • film / tv / music • art • theatre • fashion • LIFESTYLE • FUN • SPORT

Hello and welcome to SMT

The New Year is a distant memory and all the resolutions we have made are in the toilet.

But don’t worry we are here to help. The SMT team have been working around the clock to revive the University newspaper. So I would like to officially welcome you to the first edition of SMT (St Mary’s Telegraph).

If you’re looking for the newest TV shows, look no further. If you’re craving the latest fashions then we have searched high and low to get them to you. Or if you just want to have a laugh at your horoscope for the month then you have come to the right place.

We are always looking for new and exciting articles so if you want to submit a piece it may get shown in the next edition. Or if there is a topic you want to read about then let me know by emailing cassie854@hotmail.co.uk.

Other than that, I hope you enjoy reading the paper because we certainly had fun making it.

the SMT Team

Cassidy Cassidy Johnson Editor

Illustration by Juchinar Searles

Grand Reopening of the SMSU On the 9th of February an official ceremony was held by the St Mary’s Students’ Union to reopen the newly refurbished Hall. The short ceremony involved the symbolic cutting of a ribbon by St Mary’s Principal, Professor Philip Esler. The Students’ Union President, Jonathan Miller, gave a short speech thanking various parties for their help as well as what they hoped for the future. Professor Esler said, “We did what the students asked for.

University is a social experience as well as an academic one and we hoped to provide a suitable venue for the student body.”

He then went on to lay some concerns to rest in regards to the increase in tuition fees,

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

saying, “Increases to fees would be matched by an increase in the quality of service.” After the brief ribbon cutting ceremony, the crowd was treated to an act by St Mary’s very own dance society. The renovation of the SU Hall cost in around the region of £57,000.

The money went towards installing new windows, buying new furniture, re-flooring, as well as setting up a DJ’s booth to the left hand side of the main stage.

So what can students expect from the renovation of the SU Hall? Well, the Hall is going to become far more student-friendly during the day time as well as the evening.

The new furniture that has been bought will

be available at any time for the students to come and use. The Hall is also Wi-Fi enabled, so students can bring their laptops and work, much like the Dol.cHe Vita Café nearby. Of course, the Hall will still play host to many events during the semester. RAG Week was the first big event and went off without a hitch.

We have been given reassurances that rise in tuition fees will lead to a better university lifestyle and more changes, like that of the Students’ Union Hall, but I guess time will tell.

Robert Edwards Sheree Fadil Photographs

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INTRO

Principal Philip and his Plans for the Future

Key Dates for your Diary

by Cassidy Johnson

We have had a great freshers’ two weeks and a number of other events scattered across this year, but now it leaves us asking the question, what next? What plans are there for the future of St Mary’s University College, and what changes are in store? So I went straight to the man who has the answers.

Principal Philip Esler went to the University of Sydney and became a solicitor. After a few years he went to Oxford, completing his PhD, before returning to Sydney and becoming a barrister. In 1992, he and his family settled permanently in Britain, but this is only about his education achievements – not about the man himself. This interview is a chance for all students to see a different side to the Principal and get the facts on what changes we should expect in the coming months.

What University did you go to and what subject did you take?

P: I did my undergraduate degrees in English, Greek and Law at the University of Sydney. I then went on to do my Doctorate at Oxford.

But I’m sure you can get all that info on my bio on the University College website.

What are your views on the newspaper?

P: The newspaper is a very important part of university experience. It helps the student population to be informed and is a great way for them to communicate. But it is also great experience for the newspaper team. What they learn is a vital aspect of university life.

How do you feel about first years running the paper?

P: Having a succession plan in place is key to keeping the newspaper running. Therefore, if first years are in control of the paper, as the years roll on, it will become a mixture of different ages teaching each other.

What do you do in your spare time?

P: I love walking my dog in the woods behind my house in Scotland. I also like reading novels and seeing films, but walking my dog is the most relaxing thing I like to do in my spare time.

Have fewer students applied this year because of the increase in tuition fees?

P: Other people predicted that numbers would plummet due to the increase in tuition fees, but they have only dropped by 7%.

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But we have had healthy application numbers and expect the numbers to rise again next year.

The SU hall has recently been renovated.

Are there any other changes planned?

P: I really want to make the refectory more user friendly. We want to break it down into zones with different themes, to make students more comfortable. It is also very noisy and, even though we have tried to sound proof it, it doesn’t seem to have worked. However, we are working towards condensing the noise and sound proofing it.

In the SU we want the shop to be brought downstairs and knock out some of the walls.

Getting students more involved and feeling more comfortable in the SU is the main objective. We also want it to be a place they can go at lunch time as well as during the night.

Now students of 2012 are paying £9,000 in tuition fees, where is that money going?

P: We chose the amount of £8,000 not £9,000 for our future students. We do not want to make our students pay at premium prices. When the government made the choice we knew we had to improve the service we offer the students. The refectory and SU are some changes that are being made but we are also spending more resources on the LRC. The quality of teaching is also increasing and an example of this change is shown through moodle. This makes submitting essays and accessing results easier. We are also changing the module structure from 15 credits to 20. This means students can take less modules each semester and spend more time on the modules they do take.

We have also taken on gardeners whose main objective is to make the campus look and feel more welcoming. There are also plans to make a separate pedestrian entrance so students can have a much more sociable area.

Why did you take up the post of Principal at St Mary’s?

It was an institution where I can make change and do some good, but I am also at home here. I’m a Catholic and I find that I am at the climax of my career to be working here at a Catholic University.

The Annual Leavers’ Mass Sunday 6 May 2012 at 6.00pm University College Chapel With reception in the Dol.cHe Vita Café Summer Ball Friday 11 May 2012 Boat Trip – London Saturday 12 May Graduation Wednesday 18 July 2012 Westminster Cathedral and afterwards St Mary’s Event details can be found at www.smuc.ac.uk

Editorial Team The SMT team have worked long and hard in this edition and I thank all of them.

Cassidy.

Editor Cassidy Johnson Cassie854@hotmail.co.uk Assistant Editor Danni O Connell Doc1990@hotmail.co.uk Advertising Hannah O Donnell Hannahodonnell8@gmail.co.uk Graphic Design FREDD www.fredd.co.uk

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

INTRO

Getting to Know our New AU President, Luke Allen

by Lucy Upstill

LU: Hi Luke. Thank you for coming and speaking to us at St Mary’s Telegraph.

Huge congratulations are in order and I think the first question that everyone at St Mary’s wants to know is how you are feeling with becoming St Mary’s new AU president!

LA: I'm still buzzing about it. I was massively overwhelmed to know so many people supported me and got behind the campaign.

It increases my motivation to re-pay their faith by doing as good a job as possible next year.

There's been some great AU presidents over the years; hopefully, I can follow in their footsteps and do a good job!

LU: Did you expect to get as many votes as you did, and to get as much support from everyone at St Mary's?

LA: Not at all. On the Monday of campaign week my team were going around trying to drum up support and the students were asking, 'Who's Allen?' The team worked hard and we gained more and more support each day. By Friday, it was a case of working as hard as we could to get the votes.

It’s one thing you and your team knowing you can do a good job, but it’s another level trying to get people to believe that and have faith in you. I didn't expect it, honestly; I saw myself as the complete underdog.

LU: Well, you certainly proved to everyone at St Mary’s that you had a lot of support from your campaigners and people around the University College! What was the initial thought for going for AU president? Did you know you wanted to run for it for a while or was it quite a spontaneous decision?

LA: A few guys at the club had said it to me before Christmas and I kind of dodged the question every time because I wasn’t 100%

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

sure what the job entailed and also whether it was for me or not. I thought helping to run the Athletics club over the past couple of years was as good as it got. It wasn't until I spoke to Sam Grayson and Joni Miller about a month before that all my questions were answered. I had nothing to lose. I've always been a passionate guy and I've shown that throughout the time I've been at St Mary's, so I decided to give it my best shot with the hope that whoever got elected would push that passion through the whole uni.

are wondering if the fees for clubs are going to be decreased. Are there any ways this can be changed in the future?

LA: As I said at hustings, membership fees is something I really want to look into! Of course we want to pay less and I will do my best to make that happen. However, that will only happen if we can make sure the students get what they need included in the price they pay.

So ensuring all clubs and societies budget correctly for the year ahead is so important.

Getting the most for your money is the key!

LU: The risk certainly paid off then!

LA: It was more about taking the fun experience but, yeah, it definitely did.

LU: Is there anything else you want to say to the readers? Anything to leave us with?

LA: Thank you to everyone for giving me this opportunity! Even though I’ll continue to be overwhelmed by the support 'Team Allen' has, I won't be getting complacent. Next year is a massive year for us at St Mary’s so, with the backing of the SU team, myself and SU President, Charlie Benson, will do our best to make it a special one.

LU: What are your main plans for the sports sector at St Mary’s? Are there any things we will see changing around university for the better?

LA: As I've said, I'm big on passion and, judging by this year’s Varsity, we have plenty of that. What we saw is difficult to replicate on a weekly basis at every match, however, I would really like to increase the support we have for ALL our teams every week. Varsity was a fun but scary place to be. Blue and white everywhere, from sports students to drama, dance and teaching students getting behind our University College. I want to make sure that we increase the awareness of all sport and activity throughout the University College, creating that 'One University, one team' atmosphere on a regular basis.

LU: Yeah, I agree. I think a lot of the smaller teams aren't publicised throughout the uni and, from what I hear, need the support of St Mary’s behind them!

LA: It’s essential to me to establish the lesser known clubs and societies. I've met a lot of great and talented people over the last few weeks. For example, the rowers, who are a small club but have some real talent in their squad. Everyone should know these people and the great things they do and have done!

LU: I think that would be a great change for the University College. A lot of people

LU: Thanks very much for talking to us and good luck in your upcoming year!

LA: Thanks very much!

Next Issue

The next edition will feature ‘Getting to Know our New SU President, Charlie Benson. In his manifesto Charlie said, “My interest in the Students’ Union is not merely social; I have taken a long time to look at the academic side of things”.

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RADIO

Could you be the new voice of

SMUC Radio?

We’ve all walked past the SMUC RADIO pop-up banners and wondered why we haven’t heard much of it this year. With a bit of poking around in our SU, the SMT team have found out why.

It seems there have been some organisational issues this year leading to very few broadcasts coming from our SMUC radio team. The intern who was here for the past few years was dedicated to keeping up to date all of the publicity, artwork, paper work and equipment, left when his contract ended at the end of last year. To replace the intern at the beginning of this University year, the SU had just enough funding to arrange someone to come in once a week to try and keep it going, this also fell through when they were offered a job at the BBC and left us back at square one.

On a positive note, this could be the best position for us to be creative and get everything up and running again. We spoke to Adam Tolfrey, Rhys Crane, Josh Walker and Ben Prosser. They are just a few of the first year students who have managed to get themselves on the SMUC Radio over the past few months. They told us the radio is an opportunity to have a laugh, but a structured laugh, there are always rules when it comes to what can can and can’t be said.

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You also have to actually own all the music you play (uh oh!) but I’m sure you clever SMUCs can weave in some quality tunes that you have spent actual money on and a bit of comedy gold regardless!

More of us need to get involved and join the team to create fun, good quality entertainment. The radio also needs fellow students to tune in and support the team. The reason you don’t hear the radio being blasted into Dol.cHe Vita and the Refectory is because there is no electronic system connecting to the radio. However, there is a plan to take over the SU for a day. The radio team are going to set up some portable gear, giving us a taste of what it’s all about to be part of SMUC Radio.

So keep your eyes peeled for that. For those of you desperate to get heard, make your way over to the SU and bug anyone until they spill the beans and tell you how. Meanwhile, get onto www.smucradio.com and the SMUC RADIO facebook group to check out the standard we want from you; have a browse to gain some inspiration and don’t be afraid to bring something new!

Deanna Addis

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

RADIO

New Nathan and Danni Show

by Cassidy Johnson With the revival of the radio, students like Nathan Rhodes-Brandon and Danni O’Connell have come out of the woodwork. The ‘Nathan and Danni Show’ are just one of the many new slots being filled on the University College Radio. I was able to do the impossible and pull them out of their sound proof booth, getting a one-on-one with Danni and a bit of background on this duo.

Q. The two of you seem to have known each other for years. How long have you been friends?

Danni: At this point in time, 8 months, but it feels like 20 years! The reason we get on well, is because Nathan is exactly like my younger brother. For real. He’s scarily like my brother. In the way he looks, what he watches on TV and plays on xbox. Also, scarily, we have pretty much the exact same sense of humour. Except I’m funnier.

Q. What time is your radio show on?

Danni: Cheers for the plug! It’s Tuesdays from 12pm till 2pm. Next year it will be on every week. This year we’re just starting out, really.

Q. What kind of music do you play?

Danni: Nathan picks the music. I never know exactly what’s going to be on! He takes a band not many people have heard of and plays them.

Sometimes I’m allowed to play my songs but, to be honest, Nathan’s music taste is pretty good. It pains me to admit it, but he does like good music. For example, he might play an indie band and then some Bob Dylan, and then some classic Madonna track, etc. It’s a mixed bag.

Let’s put it this way, he plays something for EVERYONE. Q. How long is your show?

Danni: It’s long enough! It’s two hours but when you’re on air it feels like 12 minutes.

Q. What do you end up talking about for two hours?

Danni: I’m a pop culture junkie. I read blogs on celebs every bloody day.

Literally. I could reel off Ryan Gosling facts for 4 hours straight. We don’t just dish out that superficial bull. We talk movies, and news – we chat a lot about news, news, news. It’s stuff from the Metro that day, Take a Break, and then Satan’s toilet paper: Daily Mail. Everything!

Someone said (my mum to be exact), it’s like listening to a couple of people having fun. I think that’s why, on some weird level, it goes so quick.

Photo by Sheree Fadil

Q. How do students tune in?

Danni: Go to smucradio.com and press the listen live button in the corner. It’s amazing. It sends you right there.

Q. What year are you in?

Danni: This year we are first years, but next year, hopefully, we will be second years.

Q. How old are you guys?

Danni: Ha! Well, here’s the story. I’m 21 and Nathan’s 18. And let me tell you, those three years make all the difference! Nathan is terrible in new social situations. He cannot, for the life of him, make small talk with people he doesn’t know. I’m the complete opposite. I love talking to new people. It’s rad! And I put that down as an age thing. I think you turn more insane as the years rattle by.

Q. Does that mean that you plan on doing this show until you finish University?

Danni: Unrealistically, I would love to do radio. Suppose it’s good somewhere to have dreams … I would love to do radio professionally.

That’s what I want to do. Nathan probably wants to do something lazy professionally.

Q. How did you get involved in radio?

Danni: It’s a long, tiring process. You have to audition to a panel of celebrity judges and do a military obstacle course. You need to be able to speak two languages, and have at 11 GCSEs. It’s a long, horrific process. Not many people make it out alive! Honestly, if I was you, I wouldn’t attempt to do it. It’s a lot of work.

Q. What are the top 3 reasons people should tune in?

Danni: 1) I’m on it!

2) It’s the most unorganized and ridiculous show you will ever hear in you lifetime.

3) I read every email we get. I mean every email. Every email. Try it – nadsradiosmuc@gmail.co.uk.

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

Issue 1 |

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UP AND COMERS

Up and Comers Danni O’Connell meets

‘Via the Void’ is a southern-based metal band formed by a gaggle of surprisingly fresh-faced young men. I don’t like metal. I have no real passion for its existence and little understanding of its history. Yet, ‘Via the Void’s’ vividly sensory performances are enough to tempt even a nun to mosh.

They play with a teenage vigour, whilst remaining somewhat older than their years. They look like teenagers, but sound like they have been doing it for centuries. It’s worth checking them out to see how many sticks Joe breaks.

“The record amount was three in a sound check“, Joe says, a slight grin spreading on his face. “They are about £12 for a pair, though, so expensive!”

There’s five of them, Brandon the bassist, Lawrence on vocals, Beau and Connor, the other guitarists and then Joe. The crowd essentially play with as much passion as the band themselves do. Jumping, punching, and throwing each other from one direction to the next. It’s a mass of young lads totally enthralled in the music, living mindfully in that exact moment of shambolic screams and Joe’s flinging sticks. I wanted to interview them to see what the fuss was about … So, here it is.

Q How young are you?

L: 17…

(Look blankly in disbelief) Q Really?!

How do you get in venues?!

(The boys laugh) J: Well, I’m 19, so it ain’t so bad.

L: Yeah, you don’t really mention it. The people on the door don’t seem to realize and let you walk in. It’s pretty good actually.

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‘Via the Void’ Q So how long have you lot been together then?

L: The band first formed … I think it was about 4 years ago … but we weren’t really a band then, we just played about in school together.

J: I joined the band in late 2009. I met them through ACM (Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford).

L: I then met the other guitarists at a youth café.

Q Where the hell do you practice that amount of noise?

L: Round my house. In my, like, second lounge upstairs.

J: Lawrence’s house is amazing to practice in and we’re very fortunate. We have our own living room, kitchen, dinner table, smoking area, giant TV. L: Yeah, they basically trash it.

Q You aren’t signed yet?

J: We’re not really looking to get signed just yet. I want to avoid dodgy label companies. But if you go where it’s good to be, then you just want to have fun.

L: It would be good just to play for playing’s sake, really.

Q How has the band dynamic or style changed over the years?

J: We’ve only just found our sound really.

It’s pretty amazing. And we just want to focus on that for the time being.

Q Are there ever any tensions in the band at all?

L: No, not really. There have been people in the past we just never really gelled with.

J: Like one bassist who was really lazy and uninterested, but he soon left.

L: He wasn’t committed enough.

J: He did nothing.

L: Sometimes we have our disagreements, but we get through it. It works like democracy; we all try to try everyone’s ideas.

J: Sometimes we get the best response from it that way.

Q Where does the name of band come from?

J: Doctor Who. Q Really?!

J: Yeah … They mention it throughout the last series.

Q What’re your fans like?

J: They range from, like, 13-30 year olds. Our fan base is vast in age ranges.

It’s brilliant.

L: They are mental. I love them.

There’s a large group of them!

Some are different from the others; they’re a bit more than your typical Guildford stoner metal heads.

J: Yeah, like the ones with the piercings and old Iron Maiden t-shirts …

Q You lot don’t really appear to have image entirely? Is that because you come from different musical backgrounds?

L: I used to have long hair! But I cut it off. I used to be heavily into Pop/Punk and Rock.

J: I like everything really. Jazz, Pop … everything.

L: The only thing I’m not so into is Funky House.

Q I don’t even think the Funky House people are into Funky House, to be honest. Anyway, so groupies. Let’s get to groupies.

J: Lawrence was the last one to get any action!

(Lawrence coughs some of his chicken club sandwich out) L: Yeah, there’s quite a few of them.

J: Groupies are just groupies. They turn up with bleached hair and piercings; they are just there, to be honest … I quite value them. Ha. Q Best gig you’ve had yet?

J and L: Boileroom, EP Launch.

Q Worst Gig? L: We played Guildford commy. There were three people there. We were allowed to smoke in the bar. It was just not very nice.

J: It’s the place homeless people go to brush their teeth, basically, and grab a pint.

Q It must be so sweaty after the gig?

J: My car reeks after the gig.

Q And, of course, you all shower together afterwards?

J and L: Always.

L: (laughing) we all get in together!

Q Biggest influence?

J: Devil wears Prada – the band, not the film.

L: I would like to say Bring Horizon. Even though they get a lot of stick, I like where they have come in terms of music background.

Q Favourite film?

J: Gladiator.

L: A Beautiful Mind.

Q Ideal woman?

L: Someone who’s fun, small and cute.

J: Yeah … I would date the same, actually.

Q Favourite colour – gut reaction – Go! L: Purple. J: Blue.

Q Thanks, Boys. Good luck with the gigs.

Please please please, follow Via The Void on facebook at www.facebook.com/ VIATHEVOIDUK. Do it!

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

UP AND COMERS Hannah O’Donnell meets photographer,

Lotte Simons H: When did you first decide photography was for you?

L: When I was about fourteen. I broke my leg horse riding and as I couldn’t really do anything with the horses for half a year I became the person that would tag along and take photos for everyone.

Although my dad has always dabbled in photography and would take hundreds of photos of anything he found interesting. So I used my dad’s knowledge to get my first DSLR (digital camera for those of us who don’t speak photographese) and teach myself as much as I could.

H: So what has made you stick at it?

L: I think initially it was just the obsession of pushing my abilities to take better and more interesting photos. I’ve always liked being able to share my vision though. Everyone has a slightly different interpretation of the world. We all find different things interesting and things make us feel a certain way. Photography gave me a way of sharing how I felt or saw my subjects.

Ever known exactly what it is you wanted to do? Very few people know any more. So if you know what you want to be when you grow up, good for you.

Lotte Simons is like that. She has always wanted to be a photographer and, at only nineteen years old, she is one.

Totally crazy? Well she’s a personal friend of mine, so she must be. But I also think she’s really brave, and someone we can all learn a little something from. In an exclusive interview she tells us her secrets to success.

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

H: Has it been hard to get into the industry? Do you consider yourself in it yet?

L: Yes and no. It’s not been an easy ride, but if you’re willing to work hard for what you want then it will get you noticed. I think I’m floating around the outskirts of it somewhere! I’m definitely in it, just not necessarily where I want to be at the moment.

H: Do you think your age is a factor?

L: Age seems to work the opposite way round to how you might expect it to. I always have noticed a huge emphasis on fresh, young talent, particularly in fashion. I feel being young more often than not works to my advantage. People

tend to look at your portfolio, then find out how old you are and can’t believe the quality of the work you produce.

They are always keen to encourage your development as a photographer.

H: Would you ever go back and do it differently?

L: I still feel like I’m at the start! I’ve got nowhere to go back to yet. I wouldn’t do anything differently, because how I’ve progressed and what has happened up to this point has influenced my style.

H: Would you even consider going back to school and getting further qualifications before striking out on your own?

L: No! I hated formal education and the reason I didn’t pursue photography at Uni is because having to formally study something I love doing would kill my passion for it. I don’t think it’s necessary to have a qualification in something creative, it’s more important to have a strong portfolio showing what you’re capable of. That’s just my personal feelings though, there are benefits to getting qualifications, it just wasn’t for me.

H: What is your main goal with your photography?

L: To share my vision. I want people to be able to look at my photos and see the subject exactly as I intended.

Particularly with my horse work, so that they see them in a way they perhaps hadn’t before.

H: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

L: Who knows what the future holds?

Life is full of twists and turns. Who knows where this is going to take me?

One big adventure.

Continued over >

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UP AND COMERS

H: Who would be your greatest inspiration?

L: I wouldn’t say I have an inspiration, I am inspired by varying things, like personal experiences feelings, movies, films, all the common sources. My friends inspire me to push myself and never stop; they’re a huge motivational factor that my dreams are achievable.

H: Are there any other photographers you aspire to be like?

L: No, I think if you’re aspiring to be someone else you’re going about life the wrong way! Always aspire to just be the best version of yourself that you possibly can. Also keep pushing your abilities so that you develop your own style.

H: Where do you start when coming up with an idea for a shoot?

L: It varies, if it’s my own shoot, like a test shoot, for example, then I have full control over concepts and ideas. I’m a daydreamer, so it tends to just be scenes and images that I’ve imagined whilst zoning out. A lot of my clients have been completely open to ideas and particularly with my horse work they’re happy to let me do whatever I want with the shoot! I always take account of what they want from the shoot, though, and develop ideas with them based on that.

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Alternatively I’ve also been on shoots where I had very little input into the visuals, so then the challenge is making sure you’re able to bring something extra to the shoot and the image.

H: Worst and best thing about being a photographer?

L: There’s nothing I particularly hate about being a photographer. It depends on your personality type and what you thrive on doing.

But the most stressful part for me is possibly just organising teams for shoots. You sometimes get a lot of trouble with people bailing out the last minute and having as little time as a day to replace them. But I love so much of it.

I think it’s always amazing when your work inspires other people though, that’s probably one of my favourite things.

Lotte Simons is inspirational and there is a part of all of us that wants to succeed and do a job we love. Lotte is an example of what happens when you never give up and follow your dreams.

Please show support by taking a look at her work on her website and, if nothing else, take away the message that if you fight hard enough for something, then you will succeed.

Email: info@lottesimons.com Tel: +44 (0) 7879 882 265 www.lottesimons.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

FILM

‘The Artist’

by Robert Edwards

Hammer is Back with a Vengence

by Zöe Marshall Film Review: The Woman in Black (2012) Director: James Watkins Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Janet McTeer and Ciarán Hinds

Film Review: The Artist (2011) Directed by: Michel Hazanavicus Stars: Jean Dujardin as George Valentin, Berenice Bejo as Peppy Miller “A loving Homage to a byegone era of Cinema”. That one sentence pretty much sums up what The Artist is. Set in the dying days of the silent era of Hollywood and the rise of the ‘Talkies’, The Artist tells the story of George Valentin, played to perfection by Jean Dujardin. Valentin is at the height of his career at the start, as he wows audiences both on and off screen with his charisma and charm (as well as his charming dog, Uggy). By chance, he meets Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) who starts out as an adoring fan, but who slowly rises in fame as a star in the new talkies, which Valentin objects to. The story itself is very much of old making way for new, as well as the dangers of pride. The film is in black and white, very much like the films of old, but the director uses very modern camera tricks and lighting which help to make the film feel both old and new. The cigarette smoke of the studio’s viewing suite is well caught in the lighting. This helps make the film more visually stimulating than one might expect from a monochrome picture. The Artist could most easily be described as a comedy drama; there are both comedic and tragic set pieces, even a climactic fire and attempted suicide.

For those who are drawn by big names, The Artist could be said to be lacking, at least from a British/American standpoint. Jean Dujardin is quite the star in his native France (being named by Michel Hazanavicus as the French George Clooney). Bejo herself is also a starlet in France and it is good to see more European actors being brought into the spotlight, instead of the typical Hollywood fare. That is not to say that there are not a few Hollywood names in the film – John Goodman, Missi Pyle, James Cromwell and Malcolm McDowell all provide recognisable names and faces for those who would prefer some familiarity in their casts.

The film for the most part is silent, save for the brilliant soundtrack that feels perfectly attuned to the films event. Brief moments of sound are sparse and used for both comic and dramatic effect. The Oscars seem to agree, as The Artist received five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor for Jean Dujardin. It received similar praise in the Baftas.

In conclusion, The Artist is a wonderful example of modern cinematography meeting old fashioned ideals. If you’re sceptical about seeing a silent movie in black and white you should try to look past any preconceptions you may have. Just try and enjoy the sights and sounds of The Artist for it is a true cinematic joy.

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

Having been out of the film world for 23 years, not many people would have expected Hammer Horror to come back with such a punch. The five films that have been released under the label in the last five years have maintained Hammer Horror’s ability to shock and scare people; and ‘The Woman in Black’ is no exception.

Yes, it may star Daniel Radcliffe, the one we all know as a little boy with the lightning scar and glasses, getting locked in his cupboard, but he strips this image completely. The film was so scary to one of my friends that she admitted she tried to imagine him as that boy. But she couldn’t, because his acting was so different – he has come on in leaps and bounds and suits this role completely.

Set in the Edwardian era, Radcliffe portrays Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor sent to handle the estate of the late Alice Drabelow who owned Eel Marsh House. Whilst at Eel Marsh House, located on an island in the marshes, Kipps repeatedly hears footsteps and sees a woman dressed in black. The locals believe that the woman causes terror and heartbreak whenever she is seen. As the film progresses, so does the tension and the heart rate of the audience, with no lack of moments to make you scream and sometimes (for those of a wimpish nature like myself) cry. The point of view flicks over to the woman in black, and I was very impressed with how convincingly this was done. The acting is superb by all the cast, and the music accompanied the tension brilliantly.

Some people have criticised the film, mostly for the fact that they did not find it scary enough ("Traditional to a fault, ‘The Woman in Black’ foregoes gore for chills – although it may not provide enough of them for viewers attuned to modern, high-stakes horror"), but it is based on a novel, not an original story, so it was not made to give the audience a cheap thrill and scare, but to do these things whilst sticking to its roots.

Personally, I thought it was a very good film, one which made me hide behind my hand and my friend behind her jumper. It doesn’t matter how faint-hearted or brave you feel yourself to be, I highly recommend that you go and see this film.

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FILM

Mystery Movie

by Cassidy Johnson Film Review: The Hunger Games (2012) Director: Gary Ross Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth There has been a lot of hush-hush whispers about The Hunger Games (released on 23rd March 2012).

‘Strategy is everything’ was plastered on the bottom of our screens as we got a tease of the trailer. It has already been compared to the next Twilight saga and has a huge following. I have to admit that I have been pulled in by this shiny new trilogy and am also interested to see what is to come of it.

For those who have read the books by Suzanne Collins, I’m sure you already have expectations, but for the few of us who haven’t, let me give you an outline of what happens.

It is set in the near future and twelve boys and girls are forced to take part in a live event called ‘The Hunger Games’. This reality show is watched by everyone and there is only one rule: kill or be killed.

The main character, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence), takes the place of her sister who is chosen in this lottery.

Everyone sees it as a death sentence, but I guess we have to watch the film to see how, or if, she survives.

If you are as intrigued as I am by this new film, then hop along to the cinema and judge how good this hyped-up shiny new story actually is.

One thing I know for sure is that no matter how good or bad this film is, it won’t be the last. So we’d better get used to hearing about The Hunger Games and the other two films that are on the list to come.

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SPRING/SUMMER 2012

FILM

Top 12 ‘Must Go See’ of 2012

by Alex Birch 1 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Release date: 14 December Arguably the movie event of the year, Peter Jackson’s long awaited two-part prequel to his epic Lord of the Rings Trilogy sees Martin Freeman play the eponymous hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who goes on a quest to win the share of the treasure guarded by the dragon, Smaug. An Unexpected Journey is out this December while There and Back Again is out December 2013. The countdown has begun.

2 The Dark Knight Rises Release date: 20 July Christopher Nolan brings his inspired Batman trilogy to a close by introducing Bane, now a terrorist as well as a brute, played by Inception’s Tom Hardy, and Catwoman, played by Anne Hathaway, as the new villains. Following the death of District Attorney, Harvey Dent, Batman assumes responsibility for Dent’s crimes in order to protect Dent’s reputation and is subsequently hunted by the Gotham City Police Department. Eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, Batman returns to Gotham where he must discover the truth regarding the mysterious Selina Kyle, while stopping Bane’s plans to destroy the city.

It’s going to be great.

3 Prometheus

Release date: 1 June It’s what Alien fans have been looking forward to for over 30 years: Ridley Scott making another movie in the franchise. Everything’s a bit hush-hush at the moment but what we know is that it’s going to be a prequel and/or stand-alone part of the Alien mythology and stars Noomi Rapace (from the Millennium Trilogy), as a sort of Ripleytype heroine, and Michael Fassbender (the star of 2011).

We haven’t had a decent Alien movie for years so this is much-anticipated in my book.

4 Skyfall Release date: 26 October Daniel Craig’s third turn as James Bond sees him question his loyalty to his superior, M, when her past actions have consequences in the present. When MI6 itself is attacked, he must seek out and eliminate the threat. After the rather disappointing Quantum of Solace, let’s hope that this is Bond back on form. The villain is Javier Bardem and the Bond girl is Naomie Harris. The wait is on.

5 Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 Release date: 16 November For a certain demographic, this is the movie event of the year as Edward and Bella’s human/vampire hybrid baby is seen as a threat to the evil vampire clan the Volturi, who come in force to wipe out the Cullen coven. Hmm. OK. Undoubtedly, Taylor Lautner will be topless within seconds.

6 The Amazing Spiderman Release date: 4 July Taking the number of British actors playing superheroes to three (Christian Bale as Batman and Henry Cavill as Superman, too).

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

Andrew Garfield takes on Tobey Maguire’s mantle as the Web-Slinger in Marc Webb’s reboot after Sam Raimi’s rather muddled Spiderman 3. With a new villain, Rhys Ifan’s Lizard, and new love interest, Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy, this could be the birth of a brilliant and fresh superhero franchise.

7 The Avengers Release date: 27 April Every comic book fan’s dream sees Iron Man, Captain America, the Incredible Hulk and Thor join forces to save the world from destruction under the leadership of Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, who’s had cameo appearances in each of the team’s individual outings. It’s gonna be epic!

8 The Woman in Black

Release date: 10 February Daniel Radcliffe grows up after being in this big movie franchise called (oh, what was it?) Harry Potter and takes on a role in the movie version of Susan Hill’s crap-yourpants play of the same name. He plays Arthur Kipps, a solicitor who travels to a secluded house to go through the papers of a deceased woman, and gets haunted by the figure of the title.

9 Bourne Legacy

Release date: 17 August If you thought the Bourne series had ended with Ultimatum, you were wrong: this film’s story resumes after that film’s conclusion as a new cast of characters grapple with the consequences of Jason's actions. Matt Damon, however, is not in the lead role, being replaced by Jeremy Renner.

10 Snow White and the Huntsman Release date: 1 June An interesting re-imagining of the old fairy tale has Kristin Stewart’s Snow White fight Charlize Theron’s evil Queen Ravenna with the help of Chris Hemsworth’s Huntsman.

The teaser trailer looked great so I think we should look forward to this.

11 Cosmopolis Release date: TBC Harry Potter grows up in The Woman in Black and here, Edward Cullen becomes a man, too. In legendary director David Cronenberg’s new film, Robert Pattinson plays a millionaire who treks across Manhattan to get a [ahem] haircut. Well, we’ll see if he succeeds, won’t we?

12 Lincoln Release date: 2 August Steven Spielberg directs Daniel Day-Lewis in this biopic of the U.S. President who saw the abolition of slavery and the Union victory in the American Civil War before an assassin’s bullet took his life. I can almost smell the Oscars.

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TELEVISION

What’s On TV 2012:

by Zöe Marshall

Grimm, Monday 9pm, Watch

similarities he has with his new associate, Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams).

Mike is a brilliant college dropout who always dreamed of being a lawyer, but his dreams were dashed after he was caught selling exam answers to other students. He instead makes a life out of taking exams for other people and helping them get into law school.

Harvey is promoted to senior partner at his firm and is therefore forced to hire a new associate; an idea he is totally opposed to. But, after an accidental interview with Mike (a hysterical end to a possibly very damaging situation for Mike), Harvey is impressed by Mike’s quick wit, perfect memory, encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and genuine desire to be a lawyer. He may have all the know-how and charm, but Mike has never experienced the day-to-day working life of a lawyer, something he has to pick up quickly to work as one whilst pretending he has a law degree. This is an original series, nothing like anything ever shown before. The fresh humour, wit and exciting twists and turns will keep you loyally watching every week. A truly high-quality piece of television and cuttingly funny, catch Suits at 9:00pm on Tuesdays on Dave.

Touch, Tuesday 8pm, Sky 1 It’s currently only a few episodes in, but popular US show, Grimm, has been received very well over this side of the Atlantic.

Inspired by, and loosely based on, fairy tales by the Grimm brothers, the show follows the character of Nick Burkhardt who, in the first episode, discovers that he is one of the last ‘Grimms.’ He finds out that his family members have all had the ability to ‘see’ what other people cannot: monsters from the Grimm tales that were not, in fact, just made up fairy tales.

The show has already had some brilliant, shocking and heart breaking moments; it has many people hooked already and it is definitely one for lovers of the hit show Supernatural.

David Giuntoli shines as the main character and it is hard not to be taken in by his charm. But Silas Weir Mitchell definitely steals the show for me as Monroe, a Wieder Blutbad who aids Nick with his cases.

This show is witty, funny, and has the brilliant ability to take a procedural story and twist it. See what all of the fuss is about on Monday nights at 9:00pm on the Watch channel.

Suits, Tuesday 9pm, Dave

Suits is a few more episodes into its series than Grimm, but still definitely worth a watch. The two main characters appear quite different, but bounce off each other brilliantly and, as the character of Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) slowly emerges, you begin to see the

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With incredible acting from a very strong cast, Touch is a new show to watch out for. Up-and-coming child star, David Mazouz plays Jake, a boy who has not spoken a word his entire life, but can see how the world works; he sees patterns in numbers and seems to foretell the future too. In the pilot episode, you see his struggling dad, Martin – played by Kiefer Sutherland – follow the cryptic signs that Jake leaves behind wherever he goes; it leads him on a journey with twists around every corner and it makes for brilliant television. With the ending of the first episode alone nearly having me in tears, I couldn’t wait to see what episode two brought, and it did not disappoint.

As Jake’s voiceover at the beginning of both episodes states, the series shows the lives of everyday people whose lives were destined to meet. In the second episode, you find out how Jake leads Martin to a shop robbery before it happens, and how they figure out what had happened. Air hostess, Becca, seems to be having a bad day from the start when she is running late for her flight, before losing a dog and knocking a young man’s dad’s urn onto the floor. You find out how her life was meant to touch a young Indian man’s and why, as well as how a young boy from Russia, struggling to make friends, touches the life of a peanut vendor in America.

The show is not short of twists, turns and surprises and I highly recommend it; with superb performances from Danny Glover and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as well. Touch is teeming with talent and definitely one to watch.

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

MUSIC

Weapons Album Launch at the Hippodrome, Kingston

Rita Ora’s Running Up the Charts

by Cassidy Johnson

by Zöe Marshall

On Monday 2nd April, Banquet Records produced an album launch for Lostprophets in the Hippodrome; their new album, Weapons, brings back the feel of when Lostprophets first exploded onto the scene in 2000 with Thefakesoundofprogress. Between their debut album and this new release, the band have experimented with various sounds and songs, and many original fans became disconcerted when they went ‘mainstream’ with Liberation Transmission.

Weapons is a welcome shock to the system, with songs like Better Off Dead bringing back the old-school Ian Watkins’ rapping, and slow song, Another Shot, showing off Watkins’ stunning vocals. All songs are catchy, none more so than We Bring An Arsenal, with an exciting sing-a-long moment from the very first line. Song Somedays begins with an acoustic introduction, odd for Lostprophets, yes, but Watkins’ stunning vocals makes it work. The songs change melody and flow throughout the entire album but it works and the album is absolutely brilliant.

Despite only being a small venue for a band as big as Lostprophets, there was no shortage of fans and nervous energy. Anticipation filled the air as only a select few of the audience knew what they were in for – many of us pre-ordered the album for the gig, but not everyone (myself included) had time to listen to it before the night. But hearing some of the material for the first time live was brilliant. The band opened with Can’t Stop Tomorrow (Good Shoes Won’t Save You This Time) and the audience exploded into a frenzy in an instant.

During their smash hit, Last Train Home, drummer, Luke Johnson, got so into the moment that he stood up just to try and play harder. The fans had their hands in the air for most of the set and it is clear that Lostprophets are back with a vengeance. With their fan base as strong as ever, and an outstanding new album that hit the shelves on Monday 2nd April, it is clear that this band are going nowhere for a long time.

Visit banquetrecords.com for more information on upcoming shows including The Used’s album launch for Vulnerable which will include a meet-and-greet at the Hippodrome on the 28th April.

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

If you switch onto any music channel or flick on the radio in your car, you will hear Rita Ora’s voice. She is the new big British singer and at the ripe young age of 21, she has blown up the music scene.

Rita is the kind of singer who is influenced by all types of music and doesn’t want to be put into a box. Touching everyone with her music reminds me of a new, shiny version of Jessie J. Now don’t get me wrong, Rita has her own taste and their songs have no similarity, but she similarly pushes her pitch and voice, experimenting with different sounds.

Rita has been around since she was 15 in one of Craig David’s songs, ‘Where’s your love’, and has spent the time growing up and perfecting her voice. She thought she would be a big star and by now and her walls would be covered in awards. It didn’t occur to her that she would only really be starting her career this year, making it a humbling experience.

Rita Ora’s debut solo UK single, ‘R.I.P’ is already a hit and is just the beginning. She also has an up-and-coming album written by Drake, produced by Chase & Status and Stargate, also featuring Tine Tempah.

With that combo, surely it has to be a recipe for a successful career on the charts.

Information from : http://rocnation.com/ritaora/ and www.ritaora.com Pictures from: www.flickr.com and http://rocnation.com/ritaora

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ART

Art-icle

by Sheree Fadil Hello everyone and welcome to Art-icle, giving you monthly news on photography and art exhibitions near you. This week we plan to explore two of the must-see exhibitions including the long awaited, ‘The Queen: Art and Image’. Enjoy.

‘The Queen: Art and Image’ The National Portrait Gallery 17 May-21 October 2012 To mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the National Portrait Gallery will stage an innovative touring exhibition bringing together 60 of the most remarkable and resonant images of Elizabeth II spanning the 60 years of her reign – some on public display for the first time. The exhibition includes formal painted portraits, official photographs, films, press images and works by contemporary artists. Artists and photographers include Pietro Annigoni, Cecil Beaton, Lord Lichfield, Andy Warhol, Lucian Freud and Gerhard Richter.

The Queen: Art and Image celebrates and explores the startling range of artistic creativity and media-derived imagery that the Queen has inspired. “It’s about how changing images of the Queen act as a kind of lens through which to see changes in our society and changes in artistic values”, says exhibition curator, Paul Moorhouse.

Through the representation, we take a trip back in time and embark on a journey across British History and art, political and social upheaval and our shrinking empire. It reveals the relation of imagery to a world of changing values during a reign that has engaged the attention of millions.

Press images explore the tragedies in Her Majesty’s life, such as the death of Diana. These images have led to inspire artists like Kim DongYoo to create pieces like Elizabeth vs. Diana, with the Queen made from 1,106 tiny pictures of Princess Diana.

Hew Locke created his sculpture, Medusa which is made entirely of beads, bugs, trash and toys. “Obviously it’s a portrait, but it’s something much more than that. It’s a kind of dark talisman. It’s about the state of the nation”, Locke says. He says traditional “sycophantic” images of the Queen make him physically sick. The piece isn’t the only contemporary exhibit either. Chris Levine’s haunting holographic portrait of the Queen resting her eyes, Lightness of Being, is inspired by meditation. “I was trying to create that sense of stillness. When she shut her eyes, it was kind of meant to be”, he says of his photo shoot with Elizabeth II. The historian, David Cannadine, believes the Queen “is probably the most visually represented human being ever to have existed in the entire history of the world”, if one includes coins, stamps and media imagery.

Yet her real persona remains an enigma and the exhibition makes no pretence of solving it.

“All you really have of the Queen is images”, says Moorhouse. “You never have an intimation of what she’s like as a person. The pieces reveal the intimacy we, as the British public, desire to have with Her Majesty, which is always out of reach.

Lucian Freud Portraits National Portrait Gallery 9 February-27th May 2012 Lucian Freud (1922-2011) was one of the most important and influential artists of his generation. Paintings of people were central to his work and this major exhibition, spanning over seventy years, is the first to focus on his portraiture.

Produced in close collaboration with the late Lucian Freud, the exhibition concentrates Freud’s development as an artist.

Lightness of Being* by Chris Levine, 2007. Courtesy of Mr Kevin P. Burke and the Burke Children. Private Collection. © Chris Levine

Intimate and revealing paintings of the artist's lovers, friends and family, referred to by the artist as the 'people in my life', demonstrate the psychological drama and unrelenting observational intensity of his work.

Featuring over 100 works from museums and private collections throughout the world, some of which not previously exhibited, this is an unmissable opportunity to experience the work of one of the world's greatest artists.

“I've always wanted to create drama in my pictures, which is why I paint people. It's people who have brought drama to pictures from the beginning. The simplest human gestures tell stories.” Lucian Freud

Reflection (Self-portrait), 1985** Private Collection, Ireland © The Lucian Freud Archive.

Photo: Courtesy Lucian Freud Archive

‘Photography: New Documentary Forms’ Tate Modern – 1 May 2011-31 March 2011 The exhibition presents shocking and outstanding images by Luc Delahaye, Mitch Epstein, Guy Tillim and Akram Zaatari, as well as two important earlier works by Boris Mikhailov. The five-room display explores the ways in which five contemporary artists have used the camera to explore, extend and question the power of photography ‘Biloxi, Mississippi’ 2005

by Mitch Epste as a documentary medium with explosive detail broadcast amongst the displays.

The exhibition includes work covering topics as diverse as the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, studio photography in Beirut, elections in the Congo, everyday life in pre- and post-Soviet Ukraine, and power production in the United States.

*For use ONLY in connection with The Queen: Art and Image National Portrait Gallery, London 17 May – 21 Oct 2012 **For use ONLY in connection with Lucian Freud Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, London from 9 February until 27 May 2012

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SPRING/SUMMER 2012

ENTERTAINMENT / THEATRE

Wisecrack Comedy presents

SU Bar Night

by Zöe Ann Marshall and Robert Edwards Fancy a joke? How about a witty one-liner or the scathing put down of a drunken moron? Well then, Wisecrack Comedy at the SU in February was a damn fine place to start. An SU bar can be a daunting place for young comedians, as they have to contend with audience indifference, drunken hostility or maybe one misplaced line sinking their entire set.

It’s under these harrowing conditions that so many comedy stars cut their teeth and earn their battle scars before reaching the lofty heights of the Apollo and critical acclaim. The MC for the night was Christian Elderfield who led with enthusiasm and charm as well as a brilliant routine which included the phrase, “Trojan Horse of gayness”, a phrase which, no doubt, shall become common on campus. First up was Glaswegian, Larry Dean, with Frankie Boyle-style, dark one-liners and the bravery to insult members of the audience outright. But all of this was done with a boyish charm that was hard not to be taken in by.

Second on the bill was Nathan Khan who made me, personally, feel like a bit of a tit when he asked me to stand up and beat box to prove I was bigger than two inches erect. But my lack of ability in the beatboxing department left me just standing there and doing nothing (for those of you who don’t know me personally, I am the whitest man alive).

Of course, that is the price for sitting in the front row, and he was most pleasant when I spoke to him after the show. Nathan’s humour was derived mostly from his ethnic background of being half white, half black and half Asian. While this brand of humour can come across as a little like being flogged to death, he still managed to breathe some new life into that long-dead horse.

Headlining the night was Matt Richardson. Matt told the typical tales of school life angst and humiliation that is common amongst comedians of his age, and something that most of the audience could relate to, so I think he went down the best. Matt’s set (and, to a lesser extent, those of the other three guys) was, however, marred by drunken hecklers at the back, but he did manage to shut them up, briefly, by saying one looked like a hooker and the other looked as if the last fight he had had was with a dragon, online.

Abusive drunks at the SU bar are, of course, no new thing (with a few of them in permanent residence there), especially to unknown comedians, but these took it too far. However, all four of the comedians dealt admirably with these pests. It’s looking likely, with the newly renovated SU Hall, that more comedy will be coming to St Mary’s. With comedians of this calibre, it is well worth the price of admission.

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Drama-rama Drama St Mary’s Spring & Summer Season 2012 They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?

Showing Wed 7th-Fri 9th March Drama St Mary’s Theatre Tickets £5 Based around a 1936 Dance Marathon in the United States, what starts out as a competition has disastrous consequences. Performed by Level 2 Theatre Arts students.

1, Beach Road by RedCape Theatre Showing Monday 19th March, 7.30pm Drama St Mary’s Theatre Tickets £5 Drama St Mary’s invites RedCape Theatre Company to perform this season. RedCape are a new national and international touring company.

RedCape use physical theatre and stunning visuals to tell stories that matter.

Valley of the Blind Showing Wed 28th-Fri 30th March Drama St Mary’s Theatre Tickets £5 The second of our Level 2 Physical Theatre devised shows of 2012.

The Alice Project Showing in late April Local Community Project Following their successful series, A-Political Cabaret, which featured in Drama St Mary’s Autumn/Winter season, the Applied Theatre Company will embark on a project based on Alice in Wonderland.

Can’t Pay, Won’t Pay Showing Wed 9th-Fri 11th May Drama St Mary’s Theatre Tickets £5 A satirical farce set in Milan during the 1920s and one of Dario Fo’s greatest works. Performed by the Level 2 Theatre Arts students.

Also in 2012 …

Drama St Mary’s students will perform their graduate showcase in London’s Soho Theatre to an invited audience of theatre professionals. If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please contact boxoffice@smuc.ac.uk.

To keep up to date with all dates and info, please see: Facebook: Drama St Mary’s (Official) and Twitter: @Drama_StMarys www.dramastmarysreservations.weebly.com Box Office: 020 8240 4040

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FASHION

The Tribal Trend

by Rebecca Madeleine Zamora

If, like me, you love to get out there and see the new styles that are appearing, go no further, as here you’ll find popular looks and top tips on how and what to wear them with.

Recently, the native print has overwhelmed clothes lines with its bold colours and striking patterns. It takes pride in a clash of pattern and colour, the print often referred to by retailers as an ‘Aztec’ design. The popular prints are seen on cropped tops, skirts and leggings, accentuating figures with their eye-catching design.

A keen favourite of Rihanna’s, this print compliments tanned or darker skin with its mix of darker browns and blacks interspersed with patterns of bold blues and reds. The bold print allows for its wear during evening nights out with skinny jeans or a plain top and chunky platform heels, as well as during the day with jean shorts (in the (hopefully) warmer weather!) and loose fitted t-shirts.

Sometimes teemed with the tribal print are sequins which really jazz up the look for evening wear. As seen here with a skirt from Zara, (£79.99).

Fitting closely with the tribal trend is the bold animal print which seems to re-appear every so often, but is currently most popular in a monochrome style popular in cropped tops, pencil skirts and leggings, such as this one (of many) in River Island (£16.00).

A must with this look is chunky tribal themed accessories – and lots of them! Go for gold, woody and bright coloured stones in short and longer necklaces, chunky bangles and feather earrings which are all easy to find and go so well with the print.

Colour of the month!

By Cassidy Johnson Peach!

Spring is apparently supposed to be here, and even though the weather doesn’t know that, we certainly do. So brighten up your wardrobe with a few peach items.

Peach is our colour of the month and is very versatile. Whether you use it in your makeup or through your clothes, you can’t go wrong with a bit of peach. However, there is one rule: Only wear one item in this colour per outfit. So if you have a peach lipstick, don’t wear peach on your eyes as well. If you wear a peach top, don’t match it with peach jeans, you will look like … a peach. But a pop of nails and lips will make a huge difference and I promise you will be complimented on taking the risk.

Adding a peach varnish to your nails will give your outfit that modern feel.

A tasselled bag is a finishing touch to this look, perhaps in shades of browns or black which go great with anything throughout the season.

Finally, don’t be afraid to go for bright colours and bold patterns with this style; they look brilliant on and can always be toned down with plain items if the full, head-to-toe tribal look isn’t your thing!

If you liked this article please go and visit my fashion blog: http://madeleinessecrets.tumblr.com and follow me on twitter: Becky_Zamora

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These skinny jeans are £55 from Top Shop and will go perfectly with a black or white top.

Since the weather doesn’t look like it’s getting warm any time soon, this Comfy hoody with give you a spring look. Get it at Top Shop for £22.

Throw it on with some black skinny jeans.

This tall box roll sleeve tee is the perfect casual item to wear in your lectures. At £15 from Top Shop it’s a great deal.

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

LIFESTYLE Now, let’s not be naïve. Your extra weight isn’t going to fall away after two days. It won’t even disappear over ten days, but you will start seeing a change soon after that. Also, if you run in the morning before uni, you will be more awake and alert for the rest of the day. That’s what I have experienced, anyway.

There are a few rules you should read. If you follow these rules then every day will be easier to run, and you will feel like a happier and healthier person. But don’t take my word for it. Try it for yourself.

Rules: Ipod: Find a good song with a strong beat. This will make it easy to jog to.

Exercise of the month: Running

by Cassidy Johnson It doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or a girl; it doesn’t even matter if you’re big or small; every one of us hates a part of ourselves, and for the most part it’s down to our weight. If you’re skinny, you want muscles or a curvy bum. If you’re fat you want to be skinny. It’s a vicious cycle but the sooner we admit it, the happier we will be. There is no point in sitting in a corner and feeling sorry for ourselves. Instead, we can pick ourselves up and try to be better. That is why we are at university isn’t it? We want to educate ourselves to be better people. We want to educate ourselves to get a good job, buy a nice house and have the perfect family. Isn’t that what we are told to want ever since we were kids? Well, we are one step closer to that ‘happily ever after’.

But in the meantime, while we sit here for three years and freak out over coursework and exams, we might as well make our bodies better as well.

Ask anyone what the best exercise is and top on people’s lists will be running. A lot of people ignore this exercise because it’s not the most comfortable way to lose weight, but it is the fastest. If you run every other day then weight will drop not just from your legs, but from your whole body. Are your arms or tummy your problem areas? Do you want tighter abs or stronger legs? Then running for half an hour to an hour every other day will get you there.

Running shoes: Believe it or not, good running shoes are everything. One day I wore flat canvas trainers and felt like an old lady who had broken a hip. I had to stop half way and limp back.

Breakfast: This is so important. I know that’s what everyone says, but you will end up in your lecture with your tummy grumbling. Your body will also gain weight because when you finally eat it will turn the food to fat because it thinks it’s starving.

Breathe!: This is what I have a problem with. I can run long distances, my legs will take me as far as I want to go, but my chest tightens and I have to stop. This is because I forget to have a steady breath. It’s harder than it sounds, but once you find your ‘stride’ running will be fun.

(That’s what I keep telling myself, anyway!)

Nothing tight: Loose, baggy clothes are key.

Thick socks: It took me three blisters before I changed to thicker socks and since then, I haven’t had one.

The reason I am doing this column is because I wish someone had given me the advice that I am giving you. I have wasted years trying new fad diets and stupid extreme exercise. But honestly, if you run every other day, you will become more toned and thin. I am really interested to hear from people who have been running for some time and want to give their input. Also, if you take my advice and start this lifestyle change then keep me updated on how you go.

Sam About Town Slipping out of my dad’s car I try to look at my new home. Shielding my eyes against the glare of the early morning sun, I realised that my halls look identical to the rest of the buildings surrounding it, great. While bags, boxes and suitcases are slowly trundled into the building, tears well up. I’m finally doing it, leaving home and, hopefully, taking the first step into an independent life. To be completely honest, I was thankful that the university campus, and Twickenham itself, reminded me of home. Heart-felt goodbyes echoed in the dimly lit corridors and were replaced with awkward introductions. After my family left, it was just me and all these strangers.

That day seems so long ago now, as do the first few days of utter confusion, destructive drinking and vomit inducing hangovers.

Unfortunately, those are the most vivid memories I have of my first week in halls. Since then, there have been never-ending parties and blurred nights out. However, for all the people from De Marillac halls, do you remember the first few hundred fire alarms?!

Having the opportunity to live in halls is a bizarre, yet marvellous experience. The people who live with you take a multitude of forms;

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

your BFFs, complete strangers, hermits and, occasionally, a welcome surprise. One of the best things in halls is that you will always have someone begging you to go out to McCluskys or Oceana on a regular basis. If, like me, you have a little concern for getting back home in one piece, there is always the Uni bus. This godsend takes you back to campus and all you will need to do is stumble into your room. There you will find your warm, stiff bed and sleep your altered state away.

This was the perfect start to the new chapter of my life and I hope there is more fun and memories to come.

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FUN / GAMES

SMT Stars – Horoscopes for the Cynical

by Danni O’Connell April It’s a strange time of the year. Diets have failed, cigarettes re-lit and gym timetables left bare. All in all, if you have successfully managed to cling onto the empty promises you made at the beginning of the year, then well done and what’s wrong with you?! Seriously, how did you do it? Are you a miracle of modern science or a smug self-obsessed, good person? I would like to assume the latter. Meh, whatever.

Here to ease the pains of the ‘mid-year crisis’ is your monthly horoscopes. Crafted by many nights of astrological research, then camping under the stars and even visiting a medieaval apothecary in order to gain insight into the month ahead. OR one Monday sat at home eating Jaffa cakes. Enjoy!

Pisces (Feb 20th-Mar 20th) You’re going to drive yourself insane. I know it’s your birthday, but alcohol and vomit doesn’t constitute three meals a day. You’re also being too sassy with your friends. C’mon, let them live their lives. The world only revolves around you one day a year. Let someone else do the talking. Try not to get pregnant.

Aries (Mar 21st-Apr 20th) This month you will mainly be ultra-creepy.

If you have irrational thoughts about an old pal, do not act on them – it will end in tears.

Also, that person you’ve not texted back and then ignore in public knows why. The jig is up.

Be honest and stay true. Then send me the text you send your stalker. I will laugh.

Taurus (Apr 21st-May 21st) Well, well, well. Look who’s feeling all flirty, fun and free. Hmm, you is hitting all colours of the rainbow and enjoy it while it lasts, sugar, ‘cos soon you gonna be back to your old ways.

Also, I would like to advise you, at this point in time, to phone your family. They need to know how you are. Seriously.

Gemini (May 22nd-Jun 22nd) You’re a double-edge sword; two personalities rolled into one person. You might like a gossip, but be careful. Enemies wear many guises. Some may even pose as friends.

They are toxic. And not fun toxic, like the Britney song, but genuinely toxic, as in mounting trust issues. Remember this: “With the taste of your lips, I’m on a ride. YOU’RE TOXIC, I’M SLIPPING UNDER …”. Wow, I love that song.

Cancer (Jun 23rd-Jul 23rd) Ok, someone needs to lighten up. Put on your best wig, and set the town on fire! The stars give you permission to act like a hot mess.

Please, grab the party by the balls (not literally) and dance till you land on the floor in a pile of your own body fluids! Live the moment, young one. Embrace its fiery feathers! (Remember to drink water.)

Leo (Jul 24th-Aug 23rd) You don’t need to change one little bit.

You’re fine just the way you are. Even with the various voices in your head. It’s the others who are the problem. Not you, sister.

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Like I said, you’re great. Keep up with the good work. *winkey face* Virgo (Aug 24th-Sept 23rd) Moan, moan, moan, moan, moan.

Annoying, isn’t it? Moaning. Well stop doing it then! Life’s too short, be the change you want to see and several other clichéd t-shirt mantras.

You need to be braver. Stop relying on your negativity. It ain’t cute.

Libra (Sept 24th-Oct 23th) Ohhh, check you out. Aren’t you balanced? Everything in its place. Well, the stars cannot offer anything to you that you don’t already have. Your life is like a tick list, with everything marked off. Good for you. Oh, one last thing … Check your text messages ... I won’t spoil the surprise on there for you. HAVE FUN. Scorpio (Oct 24th-Nov 22nd) You’ve been through hell and back. It has not been a good couple of months, but now, more than ever, try to slowly patch your life up by the seams. It’s not worth your time or energy. Instead, watch the new season of Mad Men, aka the best television program evverrrrrr.

Sagittarius (Nov 23rd-Dec 21st) What you did wasn’t very clever now was it? Hmm … I would lay low if I were you, bright eyes. If they haven’t found out yet, they will soon. Try not to give it away, the reaction you will get will be JKG (Jeremy Kyle Gold). Also wear a watch that works.

Capricorn (Dec 23rd-Jan 19th) You may have a holy holiday around your date of birth, but it doesn’t make you any more authoritative. Get off your high horse, man up and come live in the drains like the rest of us.

Cool down. Also, stop watching glee.

Aquarius (Jan 20th-Feb 19th) You’re sexy, a little too sexy. You know what I mean? There’s a lot of talk running around about you at the moment. The stars advise you to be less ... errr ... Vivacious?

Open? Never closed? You know what I mean …

Slutty. Stop waving it around.

Enjoy April, nut bags. I’m off to count up the star charts. See you later!

Dear Auntie M. I have a son – lovely boy – but I'm worried he is misbehaving whilst away at university. Was thinking about moving up there and living nearby so I can keep an eye on him, do his washing and keep females away and only let him have a beer on a Friday if he's good. Do you think this is a good idea? Love, Worried of Kent.

Dear Worried of Kent, I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Your son is most definitely misbehaving at university. But I’d like to take this moment to say that he misbehaved at home, too. Trust that your son is not a complete moron and will learn from the mistakes he's hell bent on making and, in the meantime, take a leaf from his book and paint the town red yourself.

Aunt M. Dear Auntie M, Feel better already. In fact, I have decided to match my son’s behaviour in an attempt to understand his obvious inner struggle. You've been so helpful. I already feel a drinking competition, sex in the shower, puking in a corridor followed by a kebab and a game of rugby coming on. Love, Inappropriate Mother, Kent.

Dear Aunt M, My boyfriend and I have been together for seven months and at the start it was going really well.

But now it seems as though he doesn’t want to know me and doesn’t feel for me like he used to.

When I tell him this, it ends in an argument and he never makes an effort anymore. I don’t think he’s cheating, but he always seems to be talking to other girls. When I ring him, he always has an excuse to go, or a reason to talk to one of my friends instead of me. He has often pretended to like other girls and has pretended to dump me, leaving me in tears. What should I do? Anon.

Dear Anon, Pretended to dump you for other girls? He sounds like a coward who doesn’t want to be with you anymore but doesn’t have the nuts to break up with you and then deal with the drama.

Be the bigger person and ditch him. No one deserves to be treated that way, so get out as soon as you can! Aunt M. Dear Aunt M, My ex and I have been getting really close again.

We broke up for all sorts of reasons but, as I see her a lot, I don’t know what to do about it. My heart says we should try again, but my head doesn’t agree. What should I do? Anon.

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FUN / GAMES

Dear Anon, I rarely advocate getting back together with ex’s.

You broke up for a reason, whether it seems like a stupid reason now or not, one of you, if not both of you, didn’t want – or couldn’t be bothered – to try harder at the time. So my advice to you now is to take a step back. Don’t text or talk to her for a while. If you still have feelings for her after that time then go for it, but be careful. Either way, you’ll know what to do once you’ve had some space. Aunt M. Dear Aunt M, This guy from my course is a dick. He’s mean to me and calls me names like ‘bitch’, and ‘tart’.

I’m none of these things, but I don’t know what to do to make him stop.

Hurt student.

Dear Hurt student, Clearly, he was never taught, ‘if you’ve got nothing nice to say, say nothing at all’. But that is his problem, not yours. You know you’re not a tart, etc., so whatever he thinks of you really doesn’t matter. Next time he says something, just laugh and walk away. Nothing bursts an ego faster than laughter in the face. Aunt M.

If you need some advice, don’t hesitate to email your message to Aunt M at auntstm@gmail.com

We have a licence to thrill!

Do not miss the annual sell-out event of the year!

Across

Down

1. Undead (6) 2. Sick (3) 7. Flat (9) 11. A waters movement (7) 12. Uncommon (4) 13. … and dangerous (5) 16. Horridly distasteful (8) 18. 2.54 centimetres (4) 19. To court embarrassing favour (4) 21. A nucleic acid (3) 22. Not in (3) 23. The Good Guy (4) 24. Strange (9) 26. Single (3) 28. A hutch for a rabbit (3) 29. Scallywag (6) 30. A hound’s pursuit (4) 31. Before it’s gone (5) 33. Walk like one (8) 35. Strong roots and tall shoots (4) 37. Allergic to milk (7,10) 38. Moral eater (5) 41. Expletive (5) 43. To Cut (5)

2. Type of stallion (7) 2. Atmosphere (5) 3. Unfun (6) 4. Mailed (4) 5. A nice shock (8) 8. Churched area (6) 9. Sour fruit (5) 10. Not here (5) 14. Adhesive (4) 15. Fictional Performance (5) 17. Illusionist (8) 19. Eternity (7) 20. Pride (6) 21. Painting with your pencil (7) 25. Robbery without threat (5) 27. Fruit of shame (5) 32. To Write music (7) 34. Obvious (8) 35. Conviction (5) 36. Diesel and Petrol (4) 39. Donkey (3) 40. A French end (3) 42. Unodd (4) 44. Celebration (5) 45. From place to place (6)

Answers will be available on the SU website from Tuesday 3rd May or the next issue of SMT.

Belly dance classes in Teddington!

Casino Royale

SUMMER BALL Friday 11 May 2012 Headline act and ticket price TBA Dress code: Black Tie

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

Every Monday 7-8pm. £10 per class At Elleray Hall, Elleray Road Every Saturday 11.15-12.15am. £8/£10 per class.

At Fitness First, Broad Street (No membership required) Beginners welcome!

To Book: 07983 121832 • mahotribalbellydance@gmail.com www.mahotribalbellydance.com Book early – spaces are limited!

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19

SPORT

Scorpions deserve a cheer!

by Lucy Upstill

St Mary’s Scorpions Cheerleading squad had a fantastic weekend competing in their first competition at Loughborough University. On 17th February both St Mary’s 1st and 2nd team travelled to Loughborough to compete. After a tiring two and a half hour journey, the girls arrived at the hotel and relaxed before an intense few days were about to commence. On the Saturday the girls had the opportunity to get involved in ‘mini competitions’ to win extra prizes, so the Scorpions decided that ‘baskettossing’ (involving 4 bases throwing a flyer in the air and performing a trick) would be the best way to show off their impressive tricks. Despite

all the other teams having a male dominated base, our all-girls team stepped up to the challenge and proved the Scorpions’ place in this competition.

The first round consisted of 3 baskets that were issued by the judges. The girls performed fantastically and the team were through to the 2nd round of the challenge. Flyer, Billie Roberts, performed superbly with the first two baskets showing a toe touch basket, followed by a pike.

Billie then surprised the rest of her girls when she flew into the air and performed a back tuck which is a whole 4 skill levels higher than what the girls were competing in. The crowd was

amazed and the girls deserved the tremendous cheer they received. Our team came 2nd in the mini challenge and started the Scorpions off to a blinding start to the big competition on Sunday.

As the big day arrived, the tension was high.

After an early, 6.15am start the girls prepared for the main event. For round one the 2nd team were ready and warmed up by 7.50am and performed at 8.30. The 1st team performed a little later at 10.30am. As it was St Mary’s Scorpions’ first competition, the nerves were very high and affected the 1st round. Melanie Smith in Scorpions’ 1st team told us, “I was so nervous, my palms were sweating before we started and I had so much adrenaline. As soon as the music started, the routine happened so fast”. Both 1st and 2nd teams were not entirely happy with their first performance, however, this motivated the girls to perform even better in the 2nd round. Both teams should be proud of themselves in the 1st round as performing in front of 1,600 people is not an easy task!

In the 2nd round the girls performed brilliantly, the routines both went to plan and the day ended on a high. Hannah Miles for Scorpions’ 1st team stated, “The crowd were so much more energetic in the second round which spurred us on to step up our game”. The girls competed fantastically and brought St Mary’s bagged two trophies that have made the University College proud. Head Coach and President of the Scorpions, Amy Todd, told us, “It was a learning curve for the girls and for me creating and choreographing the routines”. So let’s hope this sets St Mary’s Scorpions off to a fantastic start to the year and can create new, improved routines from the competition. After a long, tiring day and a greasy Burger King, the girls were home. St Mary’s Scorpions did an amazing job. They should all be pleased. Let’s hope this is the first of many trophies to come.

Welcome to Sport St Mary’s Fitness Suite and Running Track Memberships The modern fitness suite allows students to improve their health and wellbeing; it also caters for high performance training.

There are 35 Life Fitness stations including a range of CV options with iPod docking points, and ten EXF lifting platforms.

This is an inclusive facility with equipment for disabled users. A variety of memberships are available providing not just use of the fitness suite but also access to the floodlit running track. The memberships are fantastic value for money with no additional joining fees or induction charges.

Membership Type Premier (Anytime) Classic (0730-1700) Early Bird (0730-1200)

Monthly DD

Quarterly

Annual

(min 9 month contract)

(one-off payment)

(one-off payment)

£25 £21 £17

£70 £55 £50

£210 £180 £160

SIMMSport SIMMSport provides opportunities for all St Mary’s students to enhance their experience at the University College whilst helping develop their CV with opportunities to volunteer and work in sports.

Many students at St Mary’s volunteer with SIMMSport. If you would like more information contact us now: Email: sportsvillage@smuc.ac.uk Web: www.smuc.ac.uk/sport Facebook: Search Sport St Mary’s

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SPRING/SUMMER 2012