Westworld - May 2011 - Issue 8

May 2011

008

Exploring Arts, Culture, Music & Film within Bristol.

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INCLUDING

Jennifer Lo The Comedy of Errors Festival Preview Outside the Law The Bronze Medal Hip Shape and Bristol Fashion – Degree Show Preview This months issue features a indepth look at some of this years emerging talent.

All students featured can be seen at the show.

FEATURED ARTIST

Thomas Buttery & Joel Bates

Front cover: Jennifer Lo jenniferlo1188@hotmail.co.uk Level 3 Photography Jennifer is a third year photography student with a passion for analogue photographs. Using this medium she aims to create images that project a soft and feminine aesthetic throughout her work.

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Featured Artist - Thomas Buttery/Joel Bates

Featured Artist - Thomas Buttery & Joel Bates Level 3 - Media Practice Tri Hita Karana is a live-cinema performance told through multi-screen video projection and live-music directly influenced from Balinese culture.

The documentary explores the Balinese philosophy of the Tri Hita Karana and how disregard for this balance has culminated in the loss of cultural values and a sustainable way of living.

Diversifying from traditional documentary with the use of live performance and modern techniques, the piece is a cultural insight and exploration of documentary.

View the trailer here vimeo.com/22965117

From everyone on the Westworld team, we hope you have enjoyed the read and insight into the goings on within the culture of Bristol. Westworld will be back with a new group, aiming to take the foundation of the paper further. If you are interested in being involved contact - westerneye.net

Join us on Facebook Westworld news

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Publications Editor George Rowe Editors Sean Guest Alice Palmer Brown

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Creative Direction & Design James Somerfield

Contributors Jennifer Lo Jack Dowell Emma Wood Hattie Barnes Matt Smalley Lucia Dobson-Smith Thomas Buttery & Joel Bates Jenny Pearce

hello@jamessomerfield.co.uk

Alex Green

Rebecca Gibbs

alexinleeds@gmail.com

Design

Contact UWE Publications Frenchay Campus Coldharbour Lane Bristol, BS16 1QY www.westerneye.net

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Degree Show Preview - 2011

DEGREE SHOW PREVIEW 2011

LUKE ARCHER BA PHOTOGRAPHY Inspired by a 100 year-old camera inherited from his grandfather, Luke traced its lineage back to Bassano, the famous 19th century society portraitist.

The work he has produced as a result examines the notion of inheritance through photographing descendants of the titled elite first captured using this same equipment.

HANA BAUMAN-LYONS - BA 2D FASHION Sensuous: A Journey Through Beauty Hana Bauman-Lyons is a graduate in 2D fashion. Her book ‘Sensuos’ is a reflection on the declining importance of beauty and handcraft in the contemporary world of mass production. Providing an alternative viewing of fashion photography.

An experience that is both emotive and tactile, taking the viewer on her personal journey through beauty. The book is designed to encourage the viewer to take their time in looking through it, interacting with it throughout.

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Degree Show Preview - 2011

BEATRICE BORGHINI MA ANIMATION Beatrice's project is a short animated film. The technique is the traditional hand drawn animation.

Giovannino Guareschi has written the story, he was an Italian writer famous for the creation of the "Don Camillo" saga about war and liberation.

The tranquil little world of an old farm man and his dog is ravaged by a war played with very peculiar rules. Several soldiers fighting for the liberty of the farm man’s country visit him, but they need his help in the name of Liberty.

They need animals and food and they gradually take everything away, even on the day of the "Liberation".The man has no food left, so he ends up eating his only friend…his dog. Beatrice painted all the backgrounds with watercolors andanimated the film with pencil and paper

MARIA BOWERS MA MULTIDISCIPLINARY PRINT MAKING ‘A Chair for Charlie’ by Bristol MA artist Maria Bowers will be on show at the University of the West of England, as part of the final year show for the MA Multi-Disciplinary Print course, from 11th-16th June 2011. The chair explores the idea of heirlooms and printed onto this chair are images and letters from the artist’s family history.

Most people have a story to tell about their childhood and family, and this is my way of telling of mine to my daughter. Covering furniture with family photographs and memorabilia is an on going theme in her work which has previously been exhibited at the Royal West of England Academy.

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Degree Show Preview - 2011

JANET BRANDON MA ANIMATION Beneath the Factory Floor was inspired by Janet's hobby of nosing around dead industrial zones. She is haunted by the pathos and the echoes of human toil contained between layers of peeling paint.

Using timelapse photography and around 130 life size paper cutouts in real locations, the film tells the story of a seagull and a fox that are drawn to a empty factory. Once inside they find the gateway to another time.

GENEVIEVE BROWN MA TEXTILES 'Memory Debris – Between Nostalgia and Legacy' This Project is an investigation into sentimentality and the reinterpretation of inherited customs and cultures in the context of clothing and identity. As a heuristic examination of the haptic and its ability to depict memory, each piece represents the innate value of clothing as material culture.

Genevieve's work is predominantly within the discipline of printmaking, exhibiting internationally and with a patent pending in a hybrid printmaking technique using laser machinery in conjunction with textile printing.

Genevieve is a Lecturer in Fashion / Textiles at Swindon College, Wiltshire, UK whilst also studying for an MA in Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking at UWE, Bristol.

Genevieve is the Creative Director and Designer of Contemporary Cravats and was twice invited to participate in Light Up Bristol, having work projected 400 ft wide onto the Council House on College Green, Bristol.

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Degree Show Preview - 2011

REBECCA HARPER BA DRAWING AND APPLIED ARTS With drawing as a lynch pin, Rebecca's multi disciplinary practice utilises print, photography, installation and performance. Sketchbooks have also been an accessible portable depository: instantaneous recording of observation and holding thoughts is key to her practice.

Within the studio Rebecca have been working in a space named the Shed Head.

The Shed Head , which acts a multi functional space, essentially a diary that converts from being an enclosed private space to a theatrical performative space.

This current work deals with the escapism, distortion and subtle surreality inherent in the transition from childhood to adulthood and vice versa, using the autobiographical alongside my interpretation of social dynamics and the observation of the strangers that surround us.

CLAIRE SUZANN TAYLOR BA GRAPHIC DESIGN Claires work is about how to become an optimist... As apparently she is a very pessimistic person.

Research has shown that pessimistic people are more likely to have bad things happen to them.

Miss Taylor wants to know if it is possible to become an 'optimist' or are you stuck being a certain way. She is currently exploring pessimism in the media , using quotations and facts sourced and then creating weekly responses to this information .

LOUIS LABRON-JOHNSON BA ILLUSTRATION Louis is currently studying Illustration, where he has developed an affinity for narrative-based work based around poetry, script and prose. His meticulously crafted artist's books demonstrate a satisfaction in the tangible, made object, challenging an increasingly digitalized industry.

Louis’ work draws on Surrealism, the juxtaposition of word and image, and early 20th Century lithography. After graduating, Louis will continue making limited runs of hand-crafted books, whilst taking commissions for book covers and editorial work. Working hand-in-hand with publishers and writers provides the perfect conceptual framework for Louis to develop his drawings in.

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Degree Show Preview - 2011

JOE WALDRON BA ILLUSTRATION Joe Waldron has accelerated through this degree with a certain sense of modesty that really does not reflect his talent. Concentrating on capturing emotion through the use of characters Joe really is peaking at the right moment. His colour palette ain't too bad either! Joe's most recent book was highly commended by the MacMillan childrens book prize; this was a great achievement as he has only recetly adapted his style towards a younger audience.

MEGAN PARROTT BA DRAWING AND APPLIED ARTS

CLARE SHORROCK BA ILLUSTRATION Claire Shorrock is interested in editorial and children’s illustration, and was recently awarded highly commended in the MacMillan children’s book competition as well as winning the Bristol Short Story Prize cover. She intends on living and working in Bristol after graduating.

Megan's work is based upon a brief period of illness whilst travelling in nepal in which she involved visual and olfactory hallucinations. Using various printmaking techniques (etching, screenprinting, lithography) alongside photography and drawing she has attempted to explore and communicate this confusing multi-sensory experience.

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Festival Preview

This Summer's STOKES CROFT STREET FEST

Festival Preview

By Emma Wood

BEACH BREAK LIVE

Where: Stokes Croft, Bristol When: 21st May 2011 Line up: During the day expect market stalls, food, arts and crafts, graffiti, art exhibitions, live music, and street theatre.

At night expect an after party at venues across Stokes Croft, including The Croft, No. 51, Canteen, the Blue Mountain and Attic.

The street festival is still relatively new, only in its second year. Throw caution to the wind and embrace all that is unconventional about Bristol – for free! Stokes Croft is an area characterised by the leftfield - always challenging convention, rejecting corporate ideals, and packed full of creativity. You won’t be surprised to hear this alternative feel is mirrored in the festival’s ethos. With every pub and bar in the area participating and the transformation of the Bear Pit into a venue, you can look forward to a day (and night) when anything can happen. Last year impromptu performances took place throughout, with one band standing on a substation playing to a huge crowd below. This year should prove no exception. The ‘after-party’ is billed to continue all night, and all you need is an £8 wristband to admit you to the fun. A really exciting event, definitely make sure you are free for this one! stokescroftstreetfest.wordpress.com

DOT–TO–DOT

Where: Various venues across Bristol town centre When: 28th May 2011 Line up: Hurts, We Are Scientists, The Naked and Famous, The Joy Formidable, Ed Sheeran, SBTRKT and more.

Founded in 2005, Dot to Dot is a well established one day festival calling at Bristol, Nottingham and Manchester.

Think Camden Crawl and Great Escape and you’re not far off.

With multiple venues across Bristol and wristband access, this looks to be a great event. Every year, the Dot to Dot line up is packed full of bands destined to be ‘the next big thing’ and this year is no exception. Don’t miss the opportunity to see some of these guys in the more intimate venues, as in a couple of months you probably won’t be able to get tickets to see them for love nor money. Be prepared to queue to get into each place however, as they are likely to have strict capacity rules. This minor drawback aside, for many it will mark the end of exams - providing a fantastic excuse to let your hair down to a pretty cool soundtrack. dottodotfestival.co.uk

Where: Pembrey Country Park, South Wales When: 16th – 20th June 2011 Line up: Tinie Tempah, White Lies, Magnetic Man, Zane Lowe, Nero, Example, Katy B, Beardyman, and more.

Think of a lovechild between freshers week and a miniGlastonbury and you have Beachbreak – a festival created specifically for students. If you haven’t heard of it, where have you been? Posters have been plastered across campus since early January. Cleverly timed to coincide with the end of term, this makes an excellent opportunity to let off some steam, dance away the exam stresses/deadlines and chill out with everyone before they scatter off to their hometowns. Fun and friendly atmosphere with activities including zorbing, surfing, kite surfing and landboarding, you can be sure that there will be plenty to keep you entertained. Being hosted in South Wales though, you can only hope the weather holds out… beachbreaklive.co.uk

Think of a lovechild between freshers week and a mini-Glastonbury and you have Beachbreak – a festival created specifically for students.

If you haven’t heard of it, where have you been?

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WE, THE PEOPLE FESTIVAL

UPFEST

Where: Tobacco Factory, Hen & Chicken and Spotted Cow pubs, Bristol When: 4th – 5th June 2011 Line up: An Urban paint festival, with live music and market stalls.

In its 4th year, this is an internationally renowned festival celebrating street art. With 250 urban artists set to descend upon this area of Bristol, along with live acts, a kids area and market stalls this looks to be an interesting event – perfect if you fancy something a bit different. Artists are travelling from 17 countries, so you can be sure that the cream of the artistic crop will be in attendance. Beatboxers are also listed on this year’s bill, something that everyone should experience at least once (if only to marvel at how they do it). As if you need more persuasion, 40 DJs are also set to perform. What more could you ask for? The festival is also completely free, so there is absolutely no excuse for missing this! upfest.co.uk

Where: Bristol Harbourside When: 4th – 5th June 2011 Line up: Chase and Status, The Streets, Sub Focus, Example, Annie Mac, Roots Manuva, Krafty Kutz and many more A newbie festival in its debut year, the organisers are billing it as a celebration of Bristol’s music scene, and its legacy.

And with a line up like that, they have certainly proved they aren’t messing about. With a belting list of dance acts this is guaranteed to be one you’ll remember (or perhaps not, depending on your alcohol consumption!). On a different note, The Streets recently announced that it is the end of the road for them, so this is probably your last opportunity to see them live – definitely not to be missed. Being around the end of term, this is a great final blowout for the academic year and a great way to kick off the summer. wethepeoplefestival.co.uk/

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Festival Preview

BOOMTOWN FAIR

RELENTLESS NASS

Where: Secret location within 1 hour of London When: 11th – 14th August Line up: Gogol Bordello, Goldie Lookin Chain, The King Blues, Ms Dynamite, Toddla T ft. Serocee and many more.

Where: Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset When: 8th & 9th July Line up: Sub Focus, Tinie Tempah, Nero, Labrinth, Modestep, Ms Dynamite, Redlight, Dirtyphonics, Flux Pavilion and many more.

Now 5 years old, BoomTown Fair prides itself on creating a festival town year after year, with the stages named after areas of a fictional city (e.g. Old Town, Downtown, Ghetto town, Mayfair Avenue... you get the idea). With a strong emphasis on outlandish fancy dress and embracing the eccentric – it gives the impression of an authentically wacky weekend. It also plays host to cabaret, comedy, anarchist theatre (whatever that is), decidedly offbeat music and on site art. The line up has a much more eclectic mix than many other festivals, which provides a refreshing change. Ticket prices come in at under the £100 price tag, and would be great if your budget is a bit tight.

The location is also kept secret until 1 week before the event, so expect the unexpected and let your inner weird take charge.

This event puts action sports together with live drum & bass and dubstep. What a combination! The line up looks to be absolutely unforgiving and if you take nothing else with you to this festival, take pro-plus. Adrenaline junkies – this one is for you. World class BMX, inline, FMX and skateboarders take to the purpose built skate parks and arenas, promising breathtaking performances. There are loads of other activities to entertain yourself with including DJ/MC workshops, Zorbing, live graffiti walls, public skate parks and more.

The festival is also incredibly good value for money, only costing £78 for the weekend. All in all a great recipe for an awesome weekend.

boomtownfair.co.uk

relentlessnass.com

BRISFEST

BRISTOL HARBOUR FESTIVAL

GLASTONBURY

Where: Worthy Farm, Pilton When: 22nd – 26th June 2011 Line up: With Glastonbury, it’s more a question of who ISN’T playing than who is, but some highlights this year include U2, Beyonce, Coldplay, Elbow, Morrissey, Biffy Clyro, The Chemical Brothers, Queens of the Stoneage, DJ Shadow, The Streets, Skream & Benga, Katy B and Mumford and Sons.

After sun-soaked pictures of last year’s 40th anniversary, and the fact that there will be no Glastonbury 2012 – the scrum for tickets this year was particularly savage. With the resale a distant memory, if you don’t have tickets already you almost certainly won’t be going! If you are one of the lucky few, you should expect a weekend to remember. Glastonbury truly is the mother of all festivals, retaining a friendly village atmosphere while having a population the size of Swansea.

The line up has something for everyone – and it’s a guarantee you’ll never be bored. Even if you didn’t see a single band at Glasto, there’s still plenty to keep yourself entertained with.

The stone circle at sunrise is an absolute must, if you can make it that far! Let’s hope the rain stays away for another year, as the legendary Somerset mud-bath is a force to be reckoned with. glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

Where: Lloyds amphitheatre, Bristol Harbourside and other venues across Bristol When: 23rd – 25th September Line up: TBA

Where: Bristol Harbour, across to Castle Park When: 29th – 31st July 2011 Line up: live music, dance areas, circus & street theatre, market stalls and fireworks on Saturday night.

This not-for-profit event sprang out of the ashes of the Ashton Court Festival, which showcased local talent and provided a great focal point for the community. Unless you are something of an aficionado on the Bristol music scene, don’t expect to have heard of many of the line up – but don’t let this put you off. There are ¬ incredible bands who call Bristol ‘home’ and this festival provides a great opportunity to hear something new. The Saturday night event, Rave on Avon, runs from 10pm – 3am with wristband access to 10 venues playing music ranging from dubstep to house. Not only that, but the event plays host to cabaret acts, comedy, circus, poetry, street art, dancers and free workshops. As you can see, this festival has a pretty broad appeal, and would be a great way to kick off the academic year before term gets a bit too serious! Or, looking at another way - a great finale to the summer. Whatever your outlook, you are bound to find something you’ll enjoy here.

Bristol Harbour Festival promises an event to remember, marking its 40th anniversary with a bang. Being 40 (and organised by the council), this is a more cultured, grown up affair boasting ballet and theatrical performances as well as orchestral music. Not to worry if this isn’t your thing however, as more contemporary music acts are also out in force along with some quirky interactive theatre. From the festival’s position on the quayside, you’ll see boats assembling from across Europe and beyond, and a big fireworks display on the Saturday night. Bottom line? There looks to be a lot going on, so it will definitely be worth having a wonder down there if you are in the area! Again, being free there really is no excuse for missing this – and you won’t want to.

brisfest.co.uk

bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

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Outside the Law Review Reviewed by Jack Dowell

OUTSIDE THE LAW is a historical epic that documents the formation of the National Liberation Front during Algeria’s fight for independence from French rule. Director Rachid Bouchareb, a man of dual French-Algerian nationality, attempts to resurrect the ghosts of France’s colonial past whilst associating with contemporary post-colonial themes and issues.

The film follows the lives of three brothers as they each take varying paths offered to them by colonialism. Said moves to the slums of Paris with their mother in search of making his fortune through promoting boxers and prostitutes alike, Messaoud enlists into the French army to fight in Indochina and Abdelkader is an intellectual who becomes radicalized against the French government during eight years of imprisonment and begins to organise the National Liberation Front. Despite their differences, all three become embroiled in a fight for their independence, a fight which highlights the personal price of revolution.

Although Bouchareb does attempt to tackle the racial and cultural boundaries that faced the colonised, the way in which he attempts to do so leaves a gaping hole of moral justice. As the brothers settle into life in the slums of Paris, the film adopts the mise-en-scene of a generic mafia film as pork-pie hats, heavily-lapelled coats and machine guns dominate the screen.

There is even a scene where the leader of a rival political party is strangled from behind whilst he’s eating spaghetti Bolognese. The action quickly descends into a conventional police-attempt-to-catch-the-rebels plot with shoot-outs galore, which only help to mask the politics in order for the predictable narrative to absorb the viewer’s attention.

However, Bouchareb was successful in dragging out the skeletons from the French colonial closet as its debut screening at Cannes last summer was received by a thousand protesters and riot police. Recent uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East have given modern relevance to the issues raised

by Bouchareb in Outside the Law. The scenes of peaceful protest following the immediate end of World War II at the films beginning are reminiscent of those seen throughout Tunis, Algiers and Cairo earlier this year.

Although colonialism in its most potent sense, with countries gaining all economic and political power has ended, elements of it still remain. The U.S heavily subsidises most of the military operations, governmental buildings and judicial systems across North Africa, thus being able to have a hand in the decision making which shapes their political policies and agendas. With this in mind it is difficult to consider whether the formerly colonised nations of North Africa have ever truly gained independence. Colonialism is still driving problems through the world, but in this age it’s sat in the backseat as opposed to directly behind the wheel.

Outside the Law will be screened at the Watershed until May 19th.

Outside the Law / The Bronze Medal

The Bronze Medal

By Hattie Barnes

MANY BANDS have interesting back-stories, funny ways of meeting and things like that, but The Bronze Medal have a uniquely interesting one: they formed in the autumn of 2009 after two of the foursome (Hillier and Southwell) embarked on a back-packing trip through Southern Europe and Scandinavia, funded, in part, by their busking.

They describe themselves as ‘a four-piece dynamically driven, indie-rock-band from Bristol’ and are comprised of Chris Hillier (vocals/guitar/piano), Robin Southwell (vocals/ guitar/piano), Mike Barnett (bass/vocals) and Rory O’Gorman (drums/percussion/vocals).

Despite being a young band, they have played many a soldout performance across the UK, including sets at festivals, such as Bristol’s Dot to Dot and the Wychwood Festival. They have also played a variety of high-profile supporting sets for bands such as Chapel Club, Anberlin and Brother.

Having formed, rather unconventionally, by playing to whoever would listen to them in crowded foreign tourist traps, the band quickly mastered the art of charming their listeners and their music balances beautifully their poignant lyrics and harmonies with a post-rock rawness of production that, whilst loud, manages to remain rooted in alternative-folk music.

In December 2010 the group recorded their studio debut with the critically acclaimed British producer Richard Formby, who previously produced Wild Beasts and Mogwai. Formby had described the band’s demos as “simply beautiful” and this recording session resulted in four finished tracks: one of these being Milk, which is to be released as their debut single.

The time spent in the studio also saw the boys refine their sound, as they experimented with the whole nature of the recording process, an experience that is bound to prove itself invaluable in the long-term future of the band and their development as musicians.

This year they have garnered much industry interest and after a recent performance at the London venue Monto, Water Rats described the band and their performance as “Powerful, tender and uplifting…Beautifully crafted songs, interesting arrangements and intense throughout. A band not to miss.”

After their performance at last years Harbourside Festival here in Bristol, Venue Magazine described the band as “sublimely powerful and stirringly delicate in equal measure, a stunning performance”.

Photography - The Bronze Medal ©

They are releasing their debut single Milk with East City Records on the 20th June and their Bristol single launch party is being held at Park Street’s The Cooler on the 17th of June.

In July the band will be spending some time writing and recording in France with James Sanger. This summer is set to be a very busy one for them; between writing, recording and a touring schedule that sees them travelling across the Country and Europe for much of the rest of this year. The band will be playing fourteen dates across June and July, including four (confirmed) local dates in Bath, Bristol and Cardiff.

17th June - Bristol Single Launch PartyThe Cooler.

18th June - Bath TBC 29th June - Undertone Cardiff 1st July - Louisiana Bristol You can keep up-to-date with the band through their Facebook, tumblr, and myspace pages. They have also uploaded a variety of demos to these, which are well worth a listen. Robin and Chris have also performed two tracks, Rabbit Hole and a cover of Frightened Rabbit’s track Backwards Walk for Squatter’s Den, that were filmed whilst out and about in Bristol and are available via Youtube.

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The Comedy of Errors

REVIEW: The Comedy of Errors At the Tobacco Factory.

By Lucia Dobson-Smith

Richard Neale in particular gave an outstanding performance, and probably achieved the most laughs with his energetic portrayal of Dromio of Syracuse.

– THE COMEDY OF ERRORS is arguably among Shakespeare’s greatest comedies. A quintessential confused identity farce, believed to be the Bard’s first comedy, The Comedy of Errors last month received a fine treatment at the hands of Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory (SATTF) director Andrew Hilton.

The plot follows the fortunes of two sets of identical twins, one set bought to grow up alongside the other set and serve them as slaves. The twins are separated shortly after birth by a shipwreck; one twin from each set is carried off towards Ephesus, with their mother in tow. Meanwhile, the second twin from each set is carried off towards Syracuse, with father in tow. Raised in separate countries and in ignorance of eachother, hilarity ensues when the twins are once again brought onto common ground in Ephesus. To add to the confusion the twins share both looks and names with their kindred.

Finding actors to play as identical twins must have been something of a challenge, but slave twins Dromio of Syracuse (Richard Neale) and Dromio of Ephesus (Gareth Kennerly) were made to look remarkably similar, at times allowing the audience to experience in the identity confusion firsthand.

Richard Neale in particular gave an outstanding performance, and probably achieved the most laughs with his energetic portrayal of Dromio of Syracuse.

Although a little slow to get moving, with a lengthy exposition by the father, Egeon (David Collins) explaining how his family became separated, the play swiftly gathers pace and the cast manage almost perfect comic timing throughout, without overdoing the slapstick element.

Dorothea Myer-Bennet gives a feisty and formidable interpretation of the commitment-obsessed Adriana, with SATTF regular Ffion Jolly playing her bookish younger sister, Luciana. Myer-Bennet also demonstrates frightening powers of elocution in her furiously paced petition to the Duke (Paul Currier) as the play moves towards its climax.

SATTF once again provide a wonderfully intimate in-theround experience and with sparse sets and scant props, the company truly allow the humour of the play to speak for itself.

The confusion, witty jibes, and fast paced action often provoke uproarious laughter from the audience, particularly in the second half of the play.

Harriet de Winton provides a subdued Edwardian wardrobe for the cast which works well with the toned down sets, and is in contrast to the often garish costume style commonly used in The Comedy of Errors.

With laughs aplenty, the show is a forerunner of many of Shakespeare’s comedies by also retaining a more serious element. The final scenes of the play which see father, mother,

and both sets of twins reunited are particularly moving.

The play transcends the superficiality of many light comedies and is ultimately a tale of finding true identity, family and togetherness. The slave twins have the last exit, which they take, side by side having finally found their brother and their equal.

With a thoroughly enjoyable take on Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, SATTF proves, yet again, that Shakespeare’s works can be accessible, thought-provoking and fun too.

The Comedy of Errors follows the acclaimed Richard II as the second instalment in the company’s annual two-part Shakespeare season. The show achieved a sell-out run at the Tobacco Factory Theatre between the 24th of March and the 30th of April, before moving on to the Exeter Northcott Theatre where it played a successful run until the 14th of May.

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Hip Shape and Bristol Fashion

HIP SHAPE AND BRISTOL FASHION

By Jenny Pearce

Everyone knows that money is tight these days. So what must it be like for those wanting to start up a new business? And what if your business is in fashion, an industry dominated by high-street giants such as Primark and H&M? Sadly, it often results in companies taking shortcuts when it comes to being ethical. But Louise Halswell, aged 25 and 2010’s winner of Student Entrepreneur of the Year, tries her hardest to make her company as ethical as possible during the current climate, whilst creating unique clothing that encourages her customers to be adventurous and fun with their style.

I was lucky enough to intern at Fuud, the company run by Louise, an ex-UWE Fine Art student. When she got a break in her Stokes Croft studio from frantically juggling making orders with trying to teach a newbie, we had a chance to discuss her business, her hopes for the future and her advice for other budding entrepreneurs …

You have accomplished a lot for a 25 year old. What are you most proud of?

Starting up my own business and also winning Student Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010, because there is so much competition these days that it is a hard road to choose to go it alone.

Your clothes are so individual and exciting. What is it that inspires you?

Really just being as creative as I can and doing something people haven’t seen before. I try to come up with items that no one else would think of doing.

Your clothes are certainly fresh. The studio is like an Aladdin’s cave of amazing clothing! How would you describe your style?

My style has lots of influences. I love the 80s and using as much colour as possible. I just like having fun with my style and creating statement looks. I like coming up with new and innovative ideas and I also love Japanese fashion - it’s just so fun!

You studied in Bristol and now your studio is here too.

What would you say is the Bristol ‘look’?

The Bristol ‘look’ is an eclectic mix and match of different styles to make one outfit; a mix of DIY, high street and charity shops. It’s very individual.

Please give me some extra style tips! What will you be wearing this summer?

As much colour as I can possibly fit on my body and my onesies made from recycled bedspreads, as they are perfect for festivals.

So, what are your hopes for the future?

In the short term, I would love to get the business to a self sustaining point. In the long run, I want to create a successful brand of cool, alternative street wear and encourage more people to be adventurous with their style. As far as the textiles industry is concerned, it’s very hard to start up a business and keep it 100% ethical with the likes of Primark and Topshop making prices unbeatable. I also want to be able to use only ethically sourced and made materials. The way that fabrics are dyed is destroying our environment and there are too many people working in poor conditions to make them too. At the moment, I recycle all my scraps, I use factories as little as possible and only ones in London, and I have recycled ranges that use a majority of recycled fabrics.

And finally, the question for all those readers out there that fancy a pop at making it themselves; what advice would you give to anyone who would like to start their own business?

Be prepared to work obscenely hard and sacrifice a lot. Be very versatile and perseverance will get you there in the end.

Fuud, a brand consisting of unique and exciting street and festival wear such as versatile hoods, onesies and jumpsuits made from recycled materials, can be found at www.fuudhoods.com and on ASOS marketplace.

Hip Shape and Bristol Fashion

Photos - Max Harris

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