THERE'S CULTURE ON THEM THERE PLAINS
It pleases me to see the cultural offerings in Ōtautahi creeping back to pre-quake levels, with, despite the global pandemic, many international acts choosing to quarantine here for a fortnight before trekking around the theatres. We’ve recently had Bill Bailey take in some Aotearoa avian oddities and deliver laughs. This month, I’m giddy with excitement for Ben Elton to grace the James Hay Theatre. The writer behind Blackadder will have two shows on 14 and 15 May – I’ve already bought my tickets. Also coming in May is the Pink Floyd Experience. They’re stopping by Christchurch Arena to pay homage to albums of near perfection, Animals and The Wall. We’re slowly reclaiming our position as a bastion of the arts; may 2021 see them flourish.
IT’S GOT ME HOOKED
From the minds behind QI comes an equally stimulating and entertaining podcast, No Such Thing As A Fish. The experts break down a central pondering along with a bunch of random facts, like how salesmen used to carry around miniatures of each item, from coffins to stoves. I love this podcast because one learns a little in the most soothing of ways.
3.5 out of 5 stars
A CUP OF JONES
It is safe to say; Sir Tom Jones still has what it takes. The Welsh baritone is back with a new single, One More Cup of Coffee. He has reworked the four-decade-old Bob Dylan ballad into his unique sound and style – reminiscent of his classic soft rock ‘n’ roll tone. This version had me swaying and bopping my hips with a glass of Pinot Noir in hand.
Five out of five stars
TWO WORLDS
Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s New York Times Bestseller, Unfinished: A Memoir, is a thoughtful and revealing tale of the former Miss World, actress, and producer’s self-discovery journey. Elegantly written, the memoir divulges Priyanka’s life split across two worlds – her childhood in India and later coming of age in the United States. I found the tales of her relationship with her father particularly moving, and she explains the closeness of the friendship between the pair. These segments often left me a bit teary-eyed.