Wharf Life, Feb 22-Mar 8, 2023

Image by Jon Massey

Where? Shopping Malls Canary Wharf

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Welcome to the 82nd issue of Wharf Life. This is a paper about learning and self expression, whether that’s the history of public execution in London, discovering new shows and productions to experience or even nding freshly created fashion from a local designer to wear...

READ | International Women’s Day Canary Wharf’s Short Story Stations will be given an all-female line-up to mark the event with works by Virginia Woolf and Emily Bronte featured. Mar 6-12, daily, FREE, canarywharf.com

Where?

Boisdale Of Canary Wharf Cabot Square

The actor, TV and West End star brings his band to Boisdale for an evening of popular song including The Power Of Love and Just The Way You Are Mar 16, 9.30pm, from £29, boisdale.co.uk

Where? East Wintergarden Canary Wharf

SPORT

Classic

The tournament returns as some of the best squash players in the world hit the glass court in 2023. Early booking is advised as it’s usually a sell-out. Mar 12-17, from £31.50, canarywharfsquash.com

If dance is your thing, then Move It at Excel has classes, big names, exhibitors, gear, advice and plenty more for visitors as the three-day event returns to Royal Docks

How Karyna Sukha started her own fashion business,

| Canary Wharf Squash

GIG | Lee Mead

Fabrika

Avanton unveils The BeCa at its Ruby Triangle scheme

on the radar

need to know

Seeking a new look or just a place to source makeup and skincare –Weather + Palette can be found championing brands that promote sustainability, animal welfare, design, craftsmanship and non-toxic formulae in Jubilee Place weatherandpalette.com

Roberto Costa, the restaurateur behind meat-focused Macellaio RC is understood to be preparing to open a joint called Fish Game in Canary Wharf. While details are scarce at present, diners can expect seafood and game dishes soon macellaiorc.com

Canary Wharf

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write me

words you don’t know you need

teaster xyst

noun, fake, from High German Old Easter chocolate discovered tucked away on shelves or hidden at the back of cupboards that reminds you more is shortly going to be on the way. Best eaten rapidly to make way for this year’s forgotten crop

style it

noun, real, from Latin

You know when you’re walking through an ancient Roman villa and you see a beautiful tree-lined path in its garden? Well, now you can con dently refer to it as a xyst. May apply to other planted walkways as well, we don’t know

Natasha

Is it just me or has the world gone into a time machine back to Y2K? “Bennifer” are back together. Paris Hilton, Miley Cyrus and Sia performed Stars Are Blind on New Year’s Eve. Beyonce announced her world tour. Rihanna performed at the Superbowl half-time show, and bagged the March British Vogue front cover. I am thoroughly enjoying this throwback, and it makes sense that fashion will follow suit for spring summer 2023. We already had a taste in 2022...

● Low-rise waists were big in the noughties and, while I prefer a high-waist these days, everything from evening skirts, jeans and suit trousers have been given the low-rise treatment on the catwalks, including at the Givenchy and Stella McCartney shows. I spotted a pair of Low Rise Straight Jeans in faded black at Zara in Cabot Place for £35.99, which would work with a blazer for a casual evening look.

● Paris Hilton embodied the Barbie aesthetic back in the day, and still does at times. But instead of bright fuchsia pink being the colour of the day, a softer candy oss pink emerged on the catwalks, as seen at Victoria Beckham and Acne Studios.

LK Bennett’s Heidi Pink Cotton-Blend Rib Knit Dress for £259 hits the spot, and reminds me of the type of thing Elle Woods might have worn in Legally Blonde. Find it in the Jubilee Place store.

● Ripped jeans used to be spotted on a plethora of stars, and rocked by girl band Destiny’s Child. Does anyone else remember bleaching their jeans in the bath and attacking them with a cheese grater? The DIY look is more grown up now, as seen on the Frayed Hem Denim Jacket, £49.99, from Mango in Canada Place. It’s a little bit biker, a little bit grunge, and is made from recycled cotton-blend fabric. What’s not to love?

● Lingerie detailing such as corset-style tops and lace edging screams of the Lady Marmalade music video with Christina Aguilera et al from 2001. It was seen on the runways of Versace and Christopher Kane, and is certainly one of the more sexy trends of the season. For an understated look, I love the COS Corset Tank Top in black, £59, at the brand’s Canary Wharf store in Jubilee Place.

● Sienna Miller and Kate Moss were poster girls for the boho, hippie-luxe look, and orals were abundant. Loewe and Dior showcased some theatrical oral prints for this season. On the high street, my go-to for orals is Ted Baker in Canada Place, and the brand’s Arianya Blouson Sleeve Floral Midi Dress, for £225, is simply stunning.

Love it or loathe it, this style is trending on TikTok. Even Gen Z, who probably don’t remember these looks rst-hand, are getting in on the action. I’m very much here for the nostalgia.

Natasha Maddison @pazzanatasha on Insta

watercolour by Ed Bucknall - edjbucknall.com

says styles from the 2000s are the trend for spring summer this year

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by Jon Massey

Yes, nobody has ever committed a crime after being executed. 100% success rate,” said Lee Anderson, the Tory MP for Ashfield, in response to being asked whether he would support the return of the death penalty, during an interview with The Spectator The former Labour politician, who was recently appointed deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, had made the comments shortly before getting the job. His apparent stance was subsequently disowned by current prime minister Rishi Sunak and his government. However, it’s sobering to think such ideas continue to circulate in the upper echelons of public life.

After all, it’s a little over a decade since Priti Patel, then the relatively new Conservative MP for Witham, advocated for the return of the death penalty as “a deterrent” on BBC Question Time

At the time, she seemed bemused at the idea that innocent people might inadvertently be put to death by the state following miscarriages of justice. She went on to hold high office, including the position of home secretary under Boris Johnson.

It’s been nearly 59 years since the last hangings in the UK took place – incidentally three years before Lee, now 56, was born –although final abolition didn’t come until 1998 when the country signed up to the 13th Protocol of the European Convention On Human Rights.

This is all very interesting, but what have the extreme views of two Conservative politicians got to do with this part of east London? Well, perhaps Lee, Priti and anyone else with an interest in formulating a view on state sanctioned killing would do well to pop over to the Museum Of London Docklands.

Its latest major exhibition Executions is in place at the former sugar warehouses on West India Quay until April 16 and acts as an in-depth examination of some 700 years of public capital punishment in London. Granular, macabre and fascinating, it’s a potent, sensitive and poignant exploration of the extreme things humans find excuses to do to one another in the name of justice.

Its primary focus is on the first recorded and last public executions to take place in London between 1196 and 1868.

“We wanted to focus on where we had evidence,” said Beverley Cook, curator of social and working history at the Museum Of London. “The first was recorded at Tyburn, which

killing in the

name

how Executions at the

Of

In the centre of the capital you’re never more than five kilometres from a site of public execution

Beverley

became the main site for public executions in the city until it closed in 1783 and then moved to Newgate Prison. The exhibition is quite traditional in that it relies very heavily on material and visual culture, which we have interpreted to tell the wider story.

“Where we don’t have objects, we’ve used some audio-visual elements to present content with a design that’s very strong and atmospheric to tackle a potentially challenging subject and deal sensitively with the difficulties of bringing that to an audience of the general public.”

Executions examines the mechanics and practicalities of the killings – what methods were used to end the lives of the condemned and where these acts took place.

Over the course of the 700 years people were hung, drawn and

quartered, burnt alive, hanged and beheaded – the latter being a fate mainly for convicted members of the nobility. Two poisoners (one a chef) were even boiled to death in separate incidents.

“In the earlier period, with governments and the monarchy being more unstable, you find more people being executed for things like treason, rioting, rebellion and of course heresy,” said Beverley.

“When you move to the 18th century, you start to see it becoming more urbanised, with more emphasis on property –governments are more stable, so you start to see more people being executed for crimes that we might be more familiar with today, such as crimes against the person or against property.

continued on Page 8

Discount Wharf Life readers can get on adult tickets to see Executions at the Museum Of London Docklands using code Wharf25 – see the end of the article for terms and conditions

Museum

London Docklands is vital viewing, even in the 21st century

Cook, Museum Of London

A visitor to the exhibition listens to condemned prisoners’ last letters in front of the door from Newgate Prison, through which the convicted people passed on their way to be executed

“There was this bizarre thing called the Bloody Code where every sort of offence mainly against property was added to the statute book. That meant that there were more than 200 crimes – many similar to one another – where people could in theory be condemned to death, as that was one of the only forms of punishment at the time.

“There are some very strange ones, such as impersonating a Greenwich Pensioner – presumably to get certain privileges – which was a capital offence. We don’t know whether anyone was actually executed for it.”

While my assumption before visiting the exhibition was that people would primarily be killed for committing serious crimes of violence, it turns out many were put to death for relatively minor offences.

Coin clipping – slicing silver off the edges of coins to be melted down and sold – one of the main forms of fraud in the Mediaeval period did, however, see offenders put to death.

“We know this was a crime that Jewish people were often executed for,” said Beverley. “This was part

of the discrimination against the Jewish community at the time, and in the exhibition we show how they were more likely to be executed for this than members of the Christian community – even though there were probably more Christians committing that crime.

“Between 1278 and 1279, 600 members of the Jewish community from across the country were sent to the Tower Of London and 279 were hanged at Tower Hill. That’s in contrast to 29 Christians.”

The exhibition only sets out to deal with executions carried out in public to examine their impact on Londoners’ lives.

“In the centre of the capital, you’re never more than five kilometres from a site of public execution,” said Beverley. “Although people think of Tyburn, Newgate and maybe Smithfield, there were multiple execution sites throughout London.

“The reason for that was partly because people were often executed close to the site of their crime. It was seen as important to have visible justice in a local area, so people couldn’t ignore the fact that this was the punishment for a particular crime.

“For very serious or high profile

Beverley Cook, curator of social and working history at the Museum Of London says Executions focuses instances of public capital punishment rather than killings carried out behind closed doors, to examine its impact on those living in the city

crimes people were often brought to London for execution – such as William Wallace who was hung drawn and quartered at Smithfield – and over time you get the press, printers and publishers all focused on London. Like today, if something happened in the capital, word spread very quickly.”

Asubstantial chunk of the exhibition is given over to telling the stories of the condemned. Dressed to represent a cell at Newgate Prison where those sentenced to death at the Old Bailey would have been held ahead of their execution, it tells the stories of those pleading for mercy and final letters from the prisoners – some saying farewells and others maintaining their innocence.

“When Newgate was demolished in 1902, the museum acquired some of the relics such as the bolt from a condemned cell,” which we’re able to display,” said Beverley.

“Those convicted at the Old Bailey next door might have been held for a few days or a few months but everyone had the right to petition for mercy – not exoneration but to commute the death sentence to imprisonment.

“We have petitions on display from the national archive including one from a man named Joseph who argues he was led astray by a gang of youths who got him drunk before he stole from someone.

“His mother signed his petition with a cross because she was illiterate. People would try to get as many signatures as possible but Joseph didn’t have many supporters so his petition failed. He was described as ‘dreadfully distressed’ at the time of his execution. It’s quite shocking. He was only 18.”

The exhibition includes the door from Newgate through which prisoners passed on their final journey. It’s a solid iron-bound touchstone linking all who visit to those put to death.

Capital offences: A display at Executions scrolls through some 200 crimes people could be put to death for committing

Executions also looks at how public killings were received, publicised and attended –including a mock up of the three-cornered gallows at Tyburn.

“We have a representation of the procession from Newgate to Tyburn, which was a few miles, and the crowd would line the streets,” said Beverley. “The prisoners were taken in carts, and in the cart was the coffin they would be put in – their arms would be pinioned so they would be allowed to pray, but that was all. The nooses were put around their necks while they were in the continued on Page 10

Canary Wharf - West India Quay

royal reminder possibly the vest of King Charles I

One of the key exhibits at Executions is a sweatstained knitted silk vest, reportedly worn by King Charles I at his beheading.

“This would have been worn under his shirt, which would have been plain white according to illustrations of the scene,” said Beverley. “We know it was a bitterly cold day, 30 January 1649, when he was executed in front of Banqueting House, and he did ask for a second vest, because he didn’t want the crowd to think that he was shivering from fear.

“It is an amazing story and we have done some analysis on the stains. We believe that they are bodily uids, but we can’t prove that they have been there since 1649.

“At the time it came into the Museum Of London’s collection with this story attached, there was no reason to disbelieve the claim, although now as curators we are rather more cautious in our approach.

“What we do know is that it is correct for the period – it’s ne knitted silk, which wouldn’t have been generally worn by the public. It’s an amazing story and we have been doing further tests to uncover more evidence.”

King Charles I was executed for treason in front of a large crowd at the culmination of the English Civil War. In line with custom, the identity of his executioner was never revealed to the public.

from Page 8

cart, the horses would be driven away and that’s how they were executed. There was no science behind it – there are accounts of people taking half an hour to die.

“One story we highlight is about a man called John Smith, who had the noose around his neck. The horse was driven away and he was reprieved suddenly, so he was cut down and revived. People were then asking him what he’d seen close to death, because they were very religious at that time.”

Such sudden changes to the expected outcome could be problematic as printed accounts of executions were big business and widely sold – often before the killing had actually taken place.

The exhibition includes many examples – telling the stories of crime and death in lurid detail –including one of a man who was never actually killed despite the description of his execution. He actually wound up being transported to Australia instead – an example of fake news.

In contrast there are the forensically accurate sketches of the dead – complete with rope marks on the neck – from the Royal College Of Surgeons where bodies were often sent for dissection. This constituted an extra punishment as it was thought the process would prevent resurrection in the afterlife.

Perhaps the most powerful part of the exhibition is a simple scrolling list of those executed – their names, the date of their death, their age and their crime. There are 16 and 17-year-olds featured. Many were executed for crimes such as theft, burglary and fraud.

After execution bodies were often put in gibbets on public display – these were a popular attraction and people would travel to see the corpses. Enterprising Londoners would set up food stalls to cater for the crowds

It’s impossible to do full justice to the rich and deep vein of tragic stories that Executions brings together in a single article. While the exhibition offers no overt comment on the death penalty, it is chilling to think many of those put to death over 700 years were doubtless innocent of their often minor crimes. We must never repeat that

crime

Executions runs at the Museum Of London Docklands until April 16. Standard tickets start at £12. Wharf Life readers can get 25% off adult ticket prices when visiting before April 1 by using promo code Wharf25

● Terms and conditions apply. The offer is only valid on visits on or up to March 31. Only adult tickets are covered and the discount will be applied during the checkout process. The offer applies to max four reduced tickets per customer and there is no cash or credit alternative.

Go to museumoflondon.org.uk

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We’ll help you build on your skills and discover new strengths, while providing the support and training you need to prepare you for policing in London through one of our entry routes, including the opportunity to gain a fully funded degree through our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship programme.

Meet your local officers at one of our upcoming recruitment events to learn more about the Met, the role, and even get some help with your application.

2-5 March 10am-2pm

Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Prince Charles Drive, Brent Cross, NW4 3FP

16-19 March 12pm-4pm

Ades Cash & Carry, 132 Nathan Way, Thamesmead, SE28 0AU

For more recruitment events, or to speak to a member of the outreach team visit www.met.police.uk/meet-our-recruitment-teams or scan the QR code.

Proportion of the world’s lands and oceans countries have an ambition to conserve by 2030 30%

getting greener

by Sophie Goddard

In recent years it’s become more and more obvious that the benefits of access to nature are massive, both for our wellbeing and for combating the climate crisis. We are increasingly seeing research that demonstrates these positive influences, with one study finding trips into nature at least three or four times a week improved wellbeing and cut the chances of developing health problems.

But how to fit this into an already busy life and what is happening globally to protect nature? For some time now, we have been committed to prioritising green and blue spaces at Canary Wharf.

With great access to parks, boardwalks and the water, I recently started to have the odd meeting outside – a pleasant way to break up the day.

We also have related targets for our projects and are even focusing on our public realm with construction starting on our Middle Dock transformation scheme next month.

But to truly address how we can pursue these aims takes a “bigger-picture” approach. In December, global leaders convened in Montreal for COP15 – the UN Biodiversity Conference. While not as widely publicised as the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), COP15 was just as crucial.

Activists and researchers have long been pushing for a global nature conservation target – a way to ensure that we are protecting wildlife and the natural world.

In the final hours of COP15, leaders agreed on a highly ambitious target known as 30x30 – an aim to conserve 30% of the world’s lands and oceans by 2030, while respecting indigenous lands.

This is a big commitment, and it will not come easily. It should mean unprecedented

nature

levels of action from governments across the world and a focus on prioritising nature. COP15 also produced a requirement for nature disclosures for businesses. Companies like Canary Wharf Group will soon be required to publicly report their impact on the natural world.

This focus on nature fits perfectly with our existing plans for the estate. We have already started to enhance the greenery you can see around Canary Wharf and the revitalisation of the Middle Dock this spring, adding a whole host of new plants to the estate and allowing people to access the water more directly.

It is great to have the parks and open space we have here and I’m so excited about the plans we have put in place to continue to build these brilliant spaces over the coming years.

I’m also hopeful, after the result of the COP15 conference, that the wider importance of these spaces is recognised, and that we can all act together to protect nature for ourselves and for the generations to come.

Sophie Goddard is director of sustainability at Canary Wharf Group and can be contacted via sustainability@canarywharf.com

Go to canarywharf.com or breakingtheplastichabit.co.uk

Scan this code for more information on sustainability in Canary Wharf

looking after

A gardener hard at work on the Canary Wharf estate

Blue and green space at Harbour Quay Gardens on Wood Wharf

ready for the

how The PA Show is set to offer executive professionals a wealth of attractions as it gears up for 2023

by Jon Massey

The PA Show returns to Excel in Royal Docks from March 1-2 with a new format inspired by its boutique autumn edition in Canary Wharf. Following the one-day event at the East Wintergarden, the main show has been restructured for a “closer, more intimate feel” according to organiser Mash Media, which promises a busy exhibition floor and plenty of networking opportunities over the two days.

Centred around the personal development of PAs, EAs, VAs and office managers, the event will feature five theatres – Keynote, Key Skills, Tech, Personal Development and The Office Management Conference –each aimed at providing executive professionals with skills to enhance their careers.

“The theatres are organised in a way that people can decide to

focus their learning in one area or choose a variety of sessions and build their own agenda,” said Lisa Farnfield, sales director at Mash.

“The Keynote theatre provides an overview of the industry whereas the others focus on practical skills to implement in people’s day-to-day roles.

Sessions available include The Power of NO: Strategies To Take Back Control Of Your Time in the Key Skills theatre, Inside The Head Of A CEO: A Deep Dive Into A Successful CEO/EA Partnership (Keynote theatre), Transformative Communication Tools (Personal Development Theatre), ‘Automation: Your Next Best Conversion Tool (Tech Theatre) and Talking Anxiety With Nick Elston (The Office Management Conference).

Lisa said: “We have carefully selected a collection of speakers we feel are relevant and who will support the learning opportunities for our audience.

“They include Lauren Bradley, founder and lead trainer at The Officials, Lindsay Taylor, director

at Your Excellency, and Sarah Howson and Marianne Whitlock, co-founders of Strategic PA Recruitment.

“Speakers really understand the industry and challenges as they have typically worked in the roles or are trainers in these skills.”

The show will also feature a networking bar with speed networking sessions to allow attendees to meet relevant suppliers.

More than 90 exhibitors will be in attendance, covering sectors such as venues, restaurants, bars, hotels, business travel, office supplies and corporate gifting. The PA Passport will be returning for the March event.

The system allows attendees to collect stamps from exhibitors and then be entered into a prize draw on the day.

Go to thepashow.com/welcome for more information or to register to attend the event

exhibitor spotlight

The Pearson Room, Canada Square, Canary Wharf

The Pearson Room will be one of the businesses exhibiting at The PA Show in March. Located on the second oor of the building above Waitrose overlooking Canada Square, this restaurant and bar serves seasonally inspired cocktails and creative dishes, in the heart of Canary Wharf.

The venue can cater for parties of 10 to 350 people with options for events organisers to host anything from casual drinks to formal sit down dinners, birthday bashes or wedding celebrations.

For PAs, EAs and o ce managers it o ers a exible space that can accommodate business dinners, meetings or away-days and team building.

The Pearson Room has a dedicated events team, committed to tailoring its o ering to meet clients’ needs,

whether its a team night out or hire of the full venue for a department or whole-business party for hundreds of guests. The team can be contacted on events@thepearsonroom.co.uk.

For more casual customers, the venue has also recently started hosting live acoustic music fortnightly on Friday evenings by duo Jack & Illy. The next dates are February 24, March 10 and 24, April 14 and 28 and May 12 and 26.

Go to thepearsonroom.co.uk for more information or call 020 7970 0920

The Pearson Room is located in Canary Wharf overlooking Canada Square

The theatres are organised in a way that people can decided to focus their learning in one area or choose a variety of sessions

Lisa Farn eld, The PA Show

The PA Show o ers ample opportunity for networking, learning and face-to-face meetings with relevant suppliers

Camille O’Sullivan is set to play at Wilton’s Music Hall from May 30-June 3

The Mikado Miss Hope Springs

Under Milk Wood

Kabaret Nasuntara

Sweeney Todd

Rules To Live By: Joni Mitchell And Poetry

Wilton’s

from July 10-11

Liza Pulman

Yippee Ki Yay

Ashes To Ashes

The Swingles Vocal Weekender

Martin Bisi

Wapping - Limehouse - Shadwell

diary dates as Wilton’s Music Hall unveils a summer season that’s packed with productions

by Jon Massey

Like our readers, we’re a highly organised lot at Wharf Life and love looking into the future and planning our lives. So the fact Wilton’s Music Hall has released news of a blizzard of productions that are set to grace its stage over the summer is most welcome. Here are some highlights to ink in those precious diaries.

Heading up a clutch of musical shows is Opera Della Luna’s production of Sweeny Todd – The Victorian Melodrama (April 25-29), a gothic take on Fleet Street’s closest shave complete with a 10-strong orchestra. This is followed by National Opera Studio and Opera North’s Cautionary Tales (May 2-3), which aims to breathe fresh life into the artform by tackling topics such as gender identity, animal rights and climate change.

The venue will also be hosting an all-male version of Gilbert And Sullivan’s The Mikado (June 7-July 1) before Express G&S (August 15-18) rips through every single one of the duo’s operettas in a mere 75 minutes.

Live music comes in the form of Liza Pulman Sings Streisand (May 4) with various arrangements of the singer’s hits, followed by The Swingles Vocal Weekender (May 5-6) a two-day belter of workshops, events and pop-up performances from the ve-time Grammy winners.

Storyteller and songstress Camille O’Sullivan is set to bring her concert Dreaming to the Wapping venue’s stage from May 30-June 3, while drag performer Miss Hope Springs will tickle the ivories from May 19-20. Amy Key and Sorana Santos will discuss their lifelong love of lyrics in Rules to Live By: Joni Mitchell And Poetry on May 22, while there’s Bowie cabaret from Ashes To Ashes on July 19-20, Indonesian dance and ritual with Kabaret Nusantara on July 27 and a racy nonnet with Tricity Vogue’s All Girl Swing Band from July 13-14. Further highlights include dance from Martin Bisi And Friends on July 7, a comic retelling of Die Hard from Yippee Ki Yay from April 18-22 and Olivier award-winning actor Guy Masterson’s sonorous version of Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood (May 9-13).

The bard will also be occupying the boards with Martin Parr’s musical version of Twelfth Night hitting Wilton’s from July 10-11 and a slew of silent movie nights from Lucky Dog Picturehouse including Safety Last, Speedy, The Freshman, The Navigator, Seven Chance and Battling Butler with various dates in July and August.

While this isn’t a comprehensive list of all the shows that are coming up, hopefully some will turn your head.

Go to wiltons.org.uk for more information

Scan this code to nd out more about the events listed above and a whole host of other shows at Wilton’s Music Hall

Cautionary Tales

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where?

Troxy Limehouse

GIG | Dexta Daps

The Dancehall returns to the UK for his Trilogy tour. Curated by the man himself, who is doing VIP meet and greets from 5.30pm, this is sure to be popular. Mar 10, 13, 5.30pm, from £58.20, troxy.org.uk

Where?

Half Moon Theatre Limehouse

KIDS | The King Of Nothing

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s Emperor’s New Clothes, this show is billed as a wild puppet musical. People can be made to believe anything... Mar 11, 11am, 2pm, £7, halfmoon.org.uk

Where? Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping

STAGE | Ruddigore

Surreal comedy meets spooky chiller in the familiar pomp of this Gilbert And Sullivan classic. Expect ghosts, sailors and bridesmaids all over the stage. Mar 14-25, 7.30pm, from £15, wiltons.org.uk

ash back

This is Limehouse-based lmmaker Mark AC Brown whose latest feature Dead On The Vine is gearing up for its UK premiere, having won three categories at Kevin Smith’s inaugural Smodcastle Film Festival in the USA markacbrown.com

Scan this code to read our interview with Mark, covering his journey to become a writer and director

want more? @whar ifelive

Express G&S

Swinging At Wilton’s

Lucky Dog Picturehouse

Tricity Vogue

3,000+

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where? Poplar Union Poplar

EVENT | Women United

This ladies-only evening of entertainment will feature live performances from singer songwriter Grace Fleary, plus DJs, poets and open mic slots. Mar 17, 6pm, FREE, poplarunion.com

Where? Poplar Union Poplar

GIG | Teakyz + Hani

Reading-born solo artist Teakyz showcases her vibes alongside east London r’n’b singer Hani at Jordan O’s regular Friday Sessions, hosted by Soul MC. Mar 10, 7pm, FREE, poplarunion.com

Where? Craft Central Isle Of Dogs

SEMINAR | Marketing For Makers

The Design Trust’s Patricia Von Den Akker will lead a session aimed at helping designer makers understand how to get more sales of their products. Feb 24, 10am-1pm, £54 (non-members), craftcentral.org.uk

ash back

Theatre maker Matthew Jameson is bringing his contemporary comic and entertaining slant on the Russian Revolution – 10 Days – to The Space’s stage from March 14-25. Expect drama and a warning from history space.org.uk

Scan this code to read our interview with Matthew and to nd out more about his latest work, 10 Days

want more? @whar ifelive

Square footage of Lantern’s dance oor, which is regularly used by major production

Jamiel Devernay-Laurence has created The Ignition Platform at Lanterns Studio Theatre on the Isle Of Dogs to showcase the work of talented choreographers and dancers locally

the movement

Image by Sian Trenberth

Of

by Jon Massey

Tucked away behind glass and green steel ust off illharbour lies the Lanterns Studio Theatre. The venue, which boasts a vast, 3,000sq ft plus, sprung dance oor is generally used by major production companies as a rehearsal space – one of the few capacious enough to accommodate the really big shows.

These sessions are typically held behind closed doors away from the eyes of the public. Lanterns, however, is starting to open up to audiences, thanks to Jamiel Devernay-Laurence.

Building on Ballet Nights, a show he hosted there in October 2021, TheIgnition Platform is set for a public performance at the sle f ogs venue on arch .

Jamiel essentially grew up at Lanterns – run by his mother Janet Viola – and following a dance career with Scottish Ballet, it’s where he’s decided to base his newly minted venture, Jamiel Laurence Creation.

“I’ve worked all over the UK,” he said. “I’ve lived in Glasgow, London and spent the past year orking in ardiff bringing quality dance performances to that city. When that came to an end and I was thinking about what to do next, I decided to put on a new intensive programme at the Lanterns Studio Theatre – which is no stranger to new and exciting things, although often there isn’t a performance output.

“We rehearse, without doubt, every major production company in the UK and now some in Europe as well – we’ve just had Theatre Du Chatelet, who were preparing for their production of 42nd Street

“After spending a decade learning how to put on those shows and seeing the companies in action, I decided it was my go. The rst thing did in anuary as to launch an intensive programme for professional dancers and the response to that was hugely overwhelming – there’s a real gap right now in contemporary dance for professional development.

“I hadn’t realised how big the need was – it was exactly the right time –and off the back of that reconnected ith ennedy unior untanga ho performed at Lanterns as part of Ballet Nights. Chatting with him about his ambitions was a powerful moment because it made me aware young choreographers are really feeling the pinch. There are lots of cuts to the arts right now and that means there are fewer opportunities out there.

“I’m a doer, so I decided to launch Ignition in response – a platform to put work by young choreographers up on stage. The rst level of that is hat audiences ill see on arch . ur budget might be minimal, but what matters is that the dancing will be anything but. It’s

about showcasing a really big voice in dance that needs to be heard on the Isle Of Dogs – not an area that’s traditionally known for these things.

very con dent there ill be an appetite for this locally so that’s stage one – the plan in future will be then to come back with a bigger production the next time. Hopefully the third time will be an all-singing, all-dancing, hologram-showing extravaganza.

“The idea is that Ignition will allow choreographers themselves to make a case for why their work should be on stage – then we make it happen for them.”

Tickets for the event on arch

The Ignition Platform: An Evening With Kennedy Muntanga – cost £20. The performance is set to start at 7pm.

“The performance itself will consist of a 30-minute trio from A Death Has

Occurred, which is a piece that Kennedy has written, taking inspiration from his faith to explore themes of destiny, identity, spirituality and truth.

“It follows the story of Nebu, a young journalist obsessed with the idea of being his own helmsman, as he struggles to offer hi self to od s plan for his life.

“Reporting as a war correspondent, Nebu is given a vision that prophesies a city abandoned and left to crumble to the wrath of war.

“Nebu’s interpretation of the dream leads him to reject God in protest at hat he sees. ennedy uses ction to bring to the forefront his learning and understanding of accepting a plan much greater than his own, even when suffering prevails. e plans one day to turn the piece into a full 90-minute show.

“After that, we’re going to have a solo dance by Kennedy himself, created exclusively for Ignition. There will also be a Q&A with the choreographer following the performances.

“It’s really exciting that I can take someone like him and give him a platform. His dancing is not any recognisable contemporary technique or format, his movement is really from a new place –it’s very contact-heavy.

“The word you see about him in every review is ‘visceral’, and that tells the tale – his work features very muscly, athletic men and women in contact with each other.

“He lives in Finsbury Park, but spends much of his time in Greenwich as the artistic director of Trinity Laban’s Youth

Dance Company as well as Kennedy untanga ance Theatre.

“What he does that’s really interesting is that he puts on classes for free every Tuesday night, and they are his practice in action that s ho he s re ning his voice.”

a iel said the arch perfor ance would also help to make the case for further events at Lanterns and beyond.

“The Ignition Platform is really about support and what I want to do is build an audience who feel like they’re the home crowd for dance,” he said.

y philosophy is that don t think dance on stage is broken as a model –that’s not where the problem is. Instead, it’s the pastime of going to see dance.

“For example, people on dates might go to the cinema or a show and have a eal rst they d kno ho to navigate that. ut ith dance theatre it s different.

“Would it be a long show, a short show? Would there be time to eat? Is it expensive or affordable

“I’d like to achieve for dance what stand-up has for comedy – to have artists practising their craft and audiences getting a raw, accessible version of the work. Right now there are too many dancers and not enough opportunity.

“Long term, the goal for Ignition would be to build our own touring circuit – we’d very much like events to be exportable. That might be to other venues in London, but we’d also like to connect with Scotland, Wales and other towns and cities in England as well.

urther a eld fro this ould love to have work that could tour internationally. That’s for the future.

“Right now I believe there’s a huge opportunity in Docklands – a place that’s become a growing residential community. Lanterns can provide something for people locally where they don’t have to travel to the West End to see high quality performances – it’s right here on their doorstep.”

Go to jamiellaurence.com for more information

how The Ignition Platform aims to light up the work of choreographers and establish the Isle

Dogs as a natural home for dance at Lanterns Studio Theatre in Millharbour

The Ignition Platform is really about support and what I want to do is build an audience that feel like they’re the home crowd for dance

Jamiel Devernay-Laurence, The Ignition Platform

Above, Jessica Chambers, Elisa Igrassia and Olivia Grassot perform in A Death Has Occurred by Kennedy Junior Muntanga, left

Image by Paul Seaby

Image by Johnny Morgan

by Jon Massey

Aniche is what every entrepreneur needs for their business to be a success and that’s what Karyna Sukha spotted while working in the fashion industry. Originally from Ukraine, she came to the UK to study some 13 years ago.

“I did my degree at the London College Of Communication in graphic design and illustration, but I always wanted to work in fashion,” she said.

“My parents thought I should study architecture or interior design, so graphic design was somewhere in between.

“It’s something that gives you a wide range of skills. After university I started working for fashion companies such as Tata Naka, House of Holland, Alexander McQueen and Tateossian.

“I was mostly doing graphic design including print, textiles, photography, editing and that journey eventually led me to become a studio production manager

“That involved a lot of work with manufacturers to develop the collections and that s hen rst thought about starting my own company.”

The challenge for Karyna and the designers was the traditional approach of the makers when faced with fresh ideas.

“At that time, communication as di cult and it as causing problems with both design and manufacturing,” she said.

“So I thought it would be great to set up a company that would understand the new generation of designers.

“I was a young graphic designer at the time – I had so many friends ho ere nishing their degrees in fashion and needed someone they could relate to and have their designs produced by.

“I bought a machine, started making garments for them and that was the start of Fabrika. After about three months we got our rst client a bigger brand and we’ve now been working together for more than six years.”

Originally operating from North London, the business – which produces garments for Richard Quinn, Phoebe English and Matty Bovan as well as smaller labels and startups – recently moved to Design District on Greenwich Peninsula.

Occupying a lofty triple height space in one of 6A Architects’ steel, glass and marble cheesegrater-like buildings, Fabrika today is a team of 13, having grown its pool of skilled machinists to meet demand.

“We specialise in working with small designers producing anything from one to 300 pieces depending on their needs,” said Karyna. “They might come to us with a drawing or a pre-made sample and we will then help them develop the design, produce a paper pattern and then continue to make reproductions for however many items they need.

“Our current turnover per month is 600 garments and we’ve moved to Greenwich to expand – we want to push things a bit further this year.

“I’ve developed with the company – I was in my early 20s when I started and I’m 30 now.

“It’s been a long journey to get where we are now. The more clients we got, the more people started talking about what we were doing because of the quality we were able to achieve.

“We expanded with machinists and some freelancers working from home. About two years ago I employed a studio manager and that really helped because before that I was doing everything myself.

“There have been ups, downs and lots of nice times over the past few years. But it’s always interesting to grow and develop, to try new things and to meet new people. Every challenge is a good challenge.

There is de nitely a de and for garments made locally and sustainably. We’ve always tried to

from ideas to

build strong relationships with the clients we work with – we love when they come down to see how their garments are made.

“Moving to Design District was about growth, but also about breaking the stereotype that manufacturing takes place in large spaces with no natural light. Here we have a beautiful space that is comfortable for our workers.

“We are trying to be as open as possible to show that manufacturing is not something scary that happens in the background but something people can see.

With the core business on a stable footing, Karyna has turned her attention to a fresh, albeit complementary venture, in recent years.

“I got a scholarship to study for a masters degree in international fashion business at Polimoda in Florence, which led me into thinking about what other ways there might be to develop Fabrika,” she said.

how Karyna Sukha created Fabrika to serve designers’ needs and Vavi Studio as her own creative outlet

I thought it would be great to set up a company that would understand the new generation of designers

Karyna Sukha, Fabrika

+ Vavi Studio

Scan this code to nd out more about Fabrika

Karyna Sukha founded Fabrika in response to designers’ needs, going on to create her own styles with Vavi Studio

As well as producing pieces for a wide range of designers,

Fabrika also makes clothes designed by Karyna herself

“We’d got to the point where everything was working without me having to be in direct control –I didn’t have to worry 24 hours a day anymore. So I stepped back a bit and tried to decide what other options there might be.

“I’ve always been creative and I wanted to put a little bit of creativity back into my business.”

The result of that thought process is Vavi Studio – her own label, named for her younger sister. It’s a creative outlet for Karyna’s own designs, which are then made to order by Fabrika in Greenwich.

“I wanted to develop clothes for the everyday, busy woman,” said Karyna. “The collections are based on interchangeable garments, which can be mixed and matched and are appropriate both for a working environment and then going out in the evening.

“Each piece is made to order so there is no waste. I think sustainability is increasingly important – especially manufacturing in London where a lot of people expect this in the production of the garments they buy.

“We are making clothes locally rather than overseas, so that cuts down on transport emissions and a lot of our clients also try to source fabrics in this country. any ask for the offcuts too so they can recycle them.

“Right now, the plan is to expand, to grow the team and to start working with bigger brands to bring more production back to the UK. It does cost more but it’s good for the environment and for people to have longer lasting garments rather than ones they just wear once or a few times and quickly wear out.

“I hope that people will be thinking about these things in a more environmentally positive way in future especially as the industry has not been so good in the past.

“A lot of people are talking about it and brands should too. We do our best, but a lot depends on the designers too. Many are now interested in using recycled materials and that’s great.

“We also recently worked with a designer who was using silk that was produced without the silkworms being harmed – normally they die in the process.

“I think there should be more educational content produced so people know how things are made to enable them to be more responsible as consumers.”

Go to fabrikalondon.com or vavistudio.com for more

Greenwich - Peninsula - Woolwich

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where?

The O2 Arena Greenwich Peninsula

FESTIVAL | Country To Country

Celebrating a decade of existence, this three-day celebration of country will feature Thomas Rhett, Lady A and Zac Brown Band plus lots of denim. Mar 10-12, 4.30pm, from £65 (one day), theo2.co.uk

Where? Greenwich Theatre Greenwich

STAGE | A Vampire Story

Rose Bruford College students perform this troubling tale of two mysterious women arriving in a nameless British town. But just who are they? Mar 9-11, times vary, £11, greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Where? Beanfeast Woolwich Works

KIDS | Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

MC Carly Smallman hosts a lunchtime gig featuring Sarah Iles and Thor Stenhaug, aimed at parents and babies over 15 months (no cost for the kids). Mar 10, noon, £13, woolwich.works

see it

The Queen’s House in Greenwich is set to welcome a blockbuster exhibition of artworks by the younger and elder Van De Veldes from March 2-January 14, 2024. Free to visit, the show is a celebration of maritime painting rmg.co.uk

Scan this code to nd out more about RMG’s Season Of Drawing based around the forthcoming exhibition

want more? @whar ifelive

Spinel Jacket, £285 Obsidian Trousers, £192 Moonstone Shirt, £185

Gatsby And Daisy Polo, £250 by Vavi

Sapphire Dress, £195 Opal Top, £100

vavi voom pieces from Karyna’s Peninsula-based label Vavi

Scan this code to browse Vavi’s latest collections

£23

Cost of a one-day standard ticket to Move It at the Excel centre

by Jon Massey

what’s all this about?

Move It is set to return to Excel from March 10-12, celebrating all forms of dance and the performing arts over three days. It’s for dancers, teachers, fans and professionals alike. Doors open at 10am, daily.

what’s happening?

The event features performances, more than 260 classes from some of the most prominent dance teachers in the world and brands selling equipment, clothing and merchandise.

who’s performing?

The line-up will include sets from Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, West End star Layton Williams, Ricky Jinks, IMD Legion and Josie Lee. The likes of Alex Chambers and Kai Scanlan are also set to appear alongside many other artists.

what classes are on o er?

There’s a vast selection scheduled including sessions with top teachers such as Dane Bates, Serena McCall, Dark Angels and Josh Pilmore. The programme covers 24 di erent styles with ballet, ballroom, acrobatics, musical theatre, audition training and West End workshops all on the bill. Each class is assigned a level to help visitors decide on the right one for them.

and there’s a discount on tickets?

Yes. Wharf Life readers can get 10% o standard one-day and three-day tickets, normally £23 or £50 for adults respectively with code LONDON10 Tickets must be booked by midnight on March 9 to use this code.

what does standard entry include?

Access to all four stages at Move It, the shopping village, the free talks programme, meet and greets with dance stars and the opportunity to purchase spots on the event’s Class Programme.

is there a premium option?

Also yes. The Ultimate Dancers VIP Experience ticket includes all of the above plus a goody bag worth £40, an o cial T-Shirt worth £15, fast track entry to the show, access to the main stage’s VIP standing section, reserved seating in the theatres, fast track access for meet and greets, VIP lounge access and fan meets with special guests in the lounge. The price of a VIP Experience is £85.

where can I nd out more information?

The best place to nd out more information is online at moveitdance.co.uk or by emailing moveit@upperstreetevents.co.uk.

Scan this code for more information about the event or to book tickets to Move It at Excel in Royal Docks

Move It features four stages with performances running throughout the course of its three day takeover of Excel

the world’s biggest dance event – Move It – returns to Excel with tickets now 10% o for readers

Move It is also a place for fans to meet star dancers and professionals

Royal Docks - Canning Town

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where? Fold Canning Town

CLUB | Transmissions

DJ Nobu and Batu are set to combine their considerable talents bringing sounds from the depths of Japan’s record stores to Canning Town. Mar 10, 10pm-6am, resales, ra.co

Where?

Excel Royal Victoria Dock

EVENT | Tech Show London

Attracting more than 10,000 business leaders, this conference and exhibition aims to help rms get involved in the biggest tech trends going. Mar 8-9, times vary, registration, excel.london

Where? Norton Quays Royal Albert Wharf

EAT | Royal Albert Wharf Market

Ace Events puts on its regular street food market –ideal for those looking for a mid-afternoon snack or a dinner treat. Held on the rst Friday of the month. Mar 3, Apr 7, 3pm-10pm, free to visit, bowarts.org

ash back

Cocktail bar and venue Social Convention is set to host screenings of three edgy movies – the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Pink Flamingos and El Topo – between February 15 and March 29. Tickets cost £6 socialconvention.org

Scan this code for full details of the screenings or to book tickets for the events online

want more? @whar ifelive

Price of small plates, desserts and cocktails on a Thursday at Buster Mantis in Deptford

Where? Canada Water Theatre Canada Water

by Jon Massey

GIG | Alysha

The 3million-streaming, Cuban-Indian singer, set for a performance in her native London, is billed as fusing lo- neo-soul and pulsating r’n’b. Mar 17, 7.30pm, £10, canadawatertheatre.org.uk

Where?

The Albany Deptford

STAGE | Blindmouth

Presented by Caleb Femi and Sloghouse, this evening of lm, poetry and music promises to capture the energy of a south-east London club. Mar 18, 7.30pm, £10, thealbany.org.uk

Where? Brunel Museum Rotherhithe

EVENT | Midnight Apothecary

The pop-up botanical cocktail event is all geared up for a St Patrick’s Day special, with plenty of decent craic, mixed drinks and re pit warmth on o er. Mar 17, 5pm, 7.30pm, from £8, midnightapothecary.co.uk

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see want more?

This is artist Alice Gur-Arie who uses digital techniques to paint the photos she takes. Based in Deptford, she’s recently released her second digital book Five: Wuxing Elements In Words And Pictures alicegur-arie.com

Scan this code to read our interview with Alice about her book and latest works wharf-life.com

With budgets stretched tight, bargains are very welcome when it comes to dining out right now. To that end, my companion and I popped down to Deptford to check out Buster Mantis’ Six Pound Thursdays o er.

For one day each week this makes 13 savoury small plates, three desserts and four cocktails available for £6 each (plus a selection of ve sides for £3.50 per portion).

Tucked away in an alleyway under a couple of brick-built railway arches and named for former Jamaican prime minister and independence champion Sir Alexander Bustamante, it’s a laid back kind of place.

Inside it’s all corrugated metal, shiny white tiles and bare wooden tables – the kind of minimal aesthetic that does well as a backdrop. Fortunately there’s plenty of foreground. The o er means Buster’s bustling and booking is pretty much essential unless you’re willing to brave the chilly conditions outside.

While the service is a little on the sedate side – forgiveable, given the sheer number of diners – we manage to gabble an order at someone for a total of four small plates plus an order of chips.

We have no real idea whether this will be enough food – but with a Rum Punch and a Guinness Punch to knock us out we don’t really care. Both cocktails are actually subtle and fragrant despite the threatening sobriquets and do much to imperil our sobriety.

Our wits remain just sharp enough to appreciate a cavalcade of joyous dishes as they arrive. There’s a generous bath for a mound of mussels complete with samphire, searing nduja and a citrus note that cuts right through the delicately steamed shell sh.

Then there’s a perfectly spherical arancino, packed

with warm, toothsome rice, a mound of broccoli, falafel and broad bean hummus and nally a plate of breaded squid with a spring onion aioli.

Taken with the chips, it’s almost exactly the right amount for two at a combined price of £13.75 per head plus service. Add £6 for a cocktail and it’s still under £20 each.

Value is all about what you get for your money, however, and Buster passes muster here too. Without exception, the cooking is slick and accurate. The chips are fat, cut large for luxurious

dipping, the squid is succulent without being chewy and the broth the mussels are served in is so good it demands drinking down to the last drop. The only slight disappointment is the lack of actual Guinness on tap – the cocktail having been made ahead of time. But ordering a second spiced punch is hardly a hardship.

Go to bustermantis.com

how Buster Mantis’ Thursday offer on small plates is more than enough to pull you in off the street

Scan this code for more about Buster Mantis in Deptford

Above, from top left, crispy squid, £6 cocktails, chips, mussels and a lone arancino at Buster Mantis

Buster Mantis is located just o Deptford High Street

Cost of an early bird ticket to Taste at The Yard Theatre £15

Revellers can expect plenty of smoky, sensual sounds as Taste takes over The Yard

what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where?

Theatre Royal Stratford East Stratford

COMEDY | Live At Stratford East With Phil Wang

The comedian headlines an evening of stand-up with Slim, Felicity Ward and Thanyia Moore also gracing the stage with their routines. Mar 10, 7.30pm, from £10, stratfordeast.com

Where?

Stratford Picturehouse Stratford a matter of

KIDS | Where The Wild Things Are

Strictly for kids and their carers, this screening of Spike Jonze’s rich adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s classic picture book is a real treat. Mar 11, 2.30pm, from £3.30, picturehouses.com

Where? Rule Zero Fish Island

EVENT | Cabaret Lá Fhéile Pádraig

The Emerald Lounge presents an evening of drag and alternative burlesque featuring Kora Elle, pictured, and plenty of Irish tunes to celebrate St Patrick. Mar 17, 7.30pm, £15, rulezero.co.uk

ash back

how east and south-east Asian arts organisation Kakilang will fill Hackney Wick with queer vibes

by Jon Massey

The Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick is set to be taken over by east and south-east Asian arts organisation Kakilang for “a night of queer excellence”. Taste, curated by Princess Xixi is being billed as a joyous, chaotic and radical celebration of LGBTQIA+ artistry. Focused primarily on drag and dance acts, the event will

feature a series of performances from prominent artists in the community including Duane Nasis and Lusty Lovelace. There will also be “sensual sounds” from the likes of Jason Kwan, Henjila, Ellauro and Phe Phe.

Split into two sections,

Scan this code to nd out more about Taste

performances at Taste will take place between 7.30pm and 10.30pm. Then the after party begins, which is set to run until 3am.

This is an opportunity for audience members to strut their stu to sounds provided by DJ sets from Oh Annie Oh, Plushbaby and Chooc Ly Tan. Early bird tickets for the event on March 18 are currently on sale for £15. The standard entry price is £18. Go to theyardtheatre.co.uk for more information

The East London Science School is now the Harris Science Academy East London and is very much looking to the future as it welcomes the backing of the Harris Federation and opens a new sixth form building stratfordeast.com

Scan this code to read our interview with principal Mark Taylor, pictured, at wharf-life.com

want more? @whar ifelive

Sudoku

Take a break from that phone

How to play

To complete Sudoku, ll the board by entering numbers one to nine such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

More to play

You can nd more Sudoku puzzles and a wide selection of other brainteasers available to download for free at puzzles.ca

Notes

crossword beating

Cryptic Quick Down

Across

4. Drinking places for equal pressure? (7) 8. Wizard rhymes with 6 down? (6) 9. Term of ire for ancient rowers, perhaps? (7)

I’m uncertain about owning fur (6)

Probosces? I make sounds. (6) 12. Can’t bear teak? Have a cuppa! (8) 18. It’s often in the room (8) 20. Sounds like decoration if you spot fth child 21. Cadge money for a wash? (6)

22. n ate to ake a boon for all (7) 23. Fantastic short material for Richard? (6) 24. Shorten a river crossing (7)

1. A nest may provide exemption (7)

2. Elderly relative, sort of, provides syntax (7)

3. Could be a noisier meal? (6)

5. Scatter as per links (8)

6. Ex-Russian composer in Germany? (6)

7. Edged with less light, as it were (6)

13. Level vocal for clerics? (8)

14. Waterless grass makes washing, we hear (7)

15. Expand a prison sentence? (7)

16. Confused poet loses existing facial hair (6)

17. These are at the very centre (6)

19. Sounds like everybody loves E14! (6)

Across

4. Kentish town (7) 8. Sayings (6) 9. Trudge (7) 10. Bring goods in (6) 11. Changes (6)

Ant eater (8)

See 6 down

21. Steinbeck novel (2,4,3,3)

Unglazed clay (7)

Acts to say sorry (6)

Study sessions (7)

Down

1. Prospero’s servant (7) 2. oked sh 3. Ad lib (coll.) (6) 5. Ran naked (8) 6, 18 acc. Feeling so-so (4,2,8) 7. Beads (6) 13. Inhabitant of Yerevan (8) 14. Precious gem (7) 15. Struggle mentally (7) 16. Duty (6) 17. Travelling show (6)

Give (6)

the whether you’re cryptic sleuth or synonym solver in it for quick wins, this should satisfy