Popularity can buy you a trip to Sweden

By Virginia Mitreva

A hotel in Sweden is offering accommodation to those with a high number of Facebook friends and/or Instagram followers. If you have either more than 2,000 Facebook friends, 100,000 on a fan page or over 100,000 followers on Instagram, the hotel offers you a free seven-night stay at the luxury hotel, which will usually cost you £260 per night.

So what do you have to do? All you have to do is post when you make the reservations, when you check in, when you check out and you have to tag the hotel's website and Facebook page.  The same rules apply for those on Instagram, in all posts, guests must use #nordiclighthotel and tag Nordic Light Hotel when you're there and have checked-in. 

The hotel believes by doing this “they increase their income by accepting personal social networks as currency.” The CEO of the hotel commented on this bizarre giveaway by saying that he believes that “the promotional benefits outweigh the cost of giving away free hotel rooms”.

And for guests who are not quite so popular on social media, but have a fair share amount of friends or followers the Nordic Light Hotel has something to offer too.

Facebook:

100,000 fans or more= 100% discount

2,000 friends or more= 100% discount

1,500 friends or more=15% discount

1,000 friends or more=10% discount

500 friends= 5% discount

Instagram:

100,000 followers or more= 100% discount

15,000 followers or more= 15% discount

10,000 followers or more= 10% discount

5,000 followers or more= 5% discount

More female characters to be in the new Lego film

By Aydah Ashraf

The Lego Movie directors have said they'll put more female characters, like heroine Wild-style, in the sequel. They think it’s not fair just to have men, as women are active and strong as well.

They told the BBC that it's important to inspire young women as well as young men. 

They haven't revealed whether the main character would be female, but they did say they think there's a shortage of female leads in recent years. 

The Lego toy company made headlines in August when it released a set of three female scientist figures - a palaeontologist, an astronomer, and a chemist - but it has also faced criticism for the predominantly pink Lego Friends range, which is aimed at young girls.

The Lego Movie has made more than $468m (£294m) worldwide and will make more in many years to come. 

Enid Blyton Set for Cinema!

By Alisha Shaikh

Enid Blyton’s stories have always been some of my favourite books to read, whether it’s one from her boarding school series or her mysteries. No matter how much I tell myself that I’m far too old to still be reading stories intended for much younger children, I just can’t resist picking up a Malory Towers book when I feel like relaxing. Generations of families have been enchanted by her captivating novels and now her stories are going to be spread to a far wider audience than people who enjoying reading.

‘The Magical Faraway Tree’, one of Blyton’s most loved books, is all set to be made into a movie. It will be produced by Neal Street Productions (Sam Mendes’ company) and may even have three parts, like the book - The Magic Faraway Tree, The Folk of the Faraway Tree and Up The Faraway Tree.

Marlene Johnson, head of the Enid Blyton Estate, told the BBC, "Enid Blyton was a passionate advocate of children's storytelling, and The Magic Faraway Tree is a fantastic example of her creative imagination.” Many of Enid Blyton’s series were “fantastic examples of her creative imagination”, including the ever popular: Famous Five, Secret Seven, Five Find-Outers, Malory Towers and St Clare’s, to name just a few.

Enid Blyton is also well-known for assisting in the production of Noddy, the TV show that several young children grew up to. I still own the Noddy annual story book of 2004 and I consider it a pretty good representation of my childhood!

I’m incredibly excited about the movies and, although as of yet the release date hasn’t been specified, I just can’t wait!

Rosetta: The Most Daring Landing Ever Attempted

10 years ago, the Rosetta deep space explorer was sent off to begin its long journey into deep space. This journey was long, and along the voyage to the comet it had to get not one, but three gravity assists from earth and one from mars (Using the gravity of the planets to get to the right direction and increase its speed). After that, the comet went into hibernation for a couple of years, before finally embarking on the comet earlier this year. However, (If everything goes to plan that is) today will prove the be a historic event in the history of astrophysics and space travel, as this is both the first time that an orbital spacecraft has ever orbited a comet, and the first time that a lander has attempted to land on one. This could prove to be a historic day for earth and physics, as if the landing is successful, scientist will be able to know a large amount of information about how comets work, and whether they were the reason as to why our planet has an atmosphere and oceans. In fact, even before they have landed scientists have begun to find new and unexplained things, such as a strange noise coming out of the comet, which they believe to be a stream of charged particles coming out of the comet, however the exact reason is not yet fully known (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2830476/Listen-Rosetta-s-comet-singing-Scientists-baffled-mysterious-sounds-recorded-near-67P-ahead-Philae-landing.html, visit that link to hear the singing comet).

Today will be a day that will truly go down in history, and the knowledge gained from the comet should prove revolutionary. Remember to visit the live stream at: http://new.livestream.com/esa/cometlanding

The landing should happen around 3:30 PM GMT, and we should get the first images at around 5:30, as there is a several hour delay from the spacecraft to earth. Make sure to stay tuned!

Damian Bemben
Columnist

A Helping flipper from the Robo-Penguin researcher

By Emily Bonner

On 2^nd November, findings from a report on the behaviour of Emperor penguins in the Antarctic were published thanks to the help of a robotic rover dressed as a penguin chick. The researchers, from the French National Centre for Scientific Research, told BBC news they were trying to find "a less invasive and stressful way to collect data on these species", which are known to be extremely timid.

Dr Yvon Le Maho, who led the study, found that when approached by humans, the penguins’ heart rates would increase considerably, so came up with the idea of using a rover to study them in their normal state. Early models looked a little like remote controlled cars and Dr Yvon explained to BBC news that "Emperors huddle together, because they have no [other] territorial defence… So when they see the rover approaching, they get very stressed.”

Five models later, and the researchers had disguised the rover as a fluffy chick. The penguins seemed much more comfortable around it, even huddling with it and trying to communicate with it.

The scientists wanted to avoid the usual approach of tagging flippers, because they felt it was “unethical” and altered the penguins’ health. They worked with nature filmmakers to come up with a new approach of using under-the-skin transponders, which work like microchips. The rover can recognise the transponders within 60cm of a penguin, providing useful data for scientists.

"Scientists do not generally speak about disturbance they cause," Dr Le Maho told BBC News. “But I have always been very concerned with that - it relates to both science and ethics."

#dontpanicbutton

By Kyra Balderstone

Today in aid of World mental health day, I sported my red button in aid of anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of worry and nervousness for fears and just panicking in general. Believe it or not, 1 in 6 people experience anxiety at least once in their life. There are many different symptoms of anxiety which can include:

·         Feeling frightened, nervous or panicky all the time

·         Feeling down or depressed

·         Having difficulties sleeping and eating

·         Difficulty to concentrate on things

·         Feeling tired and irritable

·         The racing of your heart

·         A dry mouth, trembling

·         Faintness

·         Stomach cramps

·         Diarrhoea

This campaign was originally made by beauty blogger and Youtuber Zoella (a.k.a Zoe Sugg) because she is the new ambassador of mental health. Zoe herself suffers from quite severe anxiety and panic attacks and likes to raise awareness by posting videos on her channel and writing passages on her blog.

Zoe told her viewers on her daily vlog to wear a red button if you suffered from anxiety or knew someone who did, take a picture and upload it onto social media with the hashtag: #dontpanicbutton

The red buttons symbolize solidarity and also to help raise awareness of mental health issues. The symbol is a red button because a red button is normally considered a symbol of emergency and panic like a fire alarm or an emergency button in a lift. So to try and raise awareness Zoe and the mental health charity Mind took the button and have adapted its meaning.

I sported my button today, did you? Will you be inspired and raise awareness?

Shakespeare’s Coriolanus (Performed at the Donmar Warehouse): A Review

On Thursday 30th January, a streamed live performance of the critically acclaimed Shakespearean play Coriolanus, which was hosted within Covent Garden’s Donmar Warehouse, swept cinemas across the country.

The performance, directed by Josie Rourke, was truly memorable and exhilarating. By employing renowned actors such as Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers) and Mark Gatiss (Sherlock) the play was able to attract a phenomenally large audience, who were able to watch the play either at the Donmar Warehouse itself, or simply at their local cinemas.

Tom Hiddleston as Coriolanus

Shakespeare’s 17^th century play of Coriolanus is centralised around the main character of Caius Marcius Coriolanus, who prides himself upon his arrogance and courage in battle. The citizens of Rome continually hold a grudge against Caius Marcius, believing that he prevented the citizens from accessing the city’s grain store, which later leads to riots and uproar among the public when he aids Rome in winning over the city of Corioles and is allowed the opportunity to run for the role of consul. For winning the city of Corioles, Caius  Marcius is bestowed the new title of Coriolanus, who due to his distaste for the lower class Plebeians, is overthrown during his election and consequently exiled. Coriolanus then becomes allies with his previous Volscian enemy Aufidius and the two arrange an assault on Rome, which results in the city, out of desperation, sending Coriolanus’ mother Volumnia to dissuade Coriolanus from continuing the attack. Coriolanus then eventually listens to his mother and forms a peace treaty; however Aufidius deems such an act to be betrayal and treason to their agreement, resulting in Aufidius organising assassins who successfully kill Coriolanus.


Hiddleston performed the role of Coriolanus with excelling aptitude, with support from the special effects team which most certainly did not go unnoticed. Coriolanus’ mother, Volumnia (Deborah Findlay), takes a macabre pride in her son’s wounds and war reputation, believing that his blood “more becomes a man than gilt his trophy”. This theme of the honourability of shed blood was dramatically emphasised in Rourke’s performance, with the use of bloody make-up and costumes which were so prominent and realistic that the hearts of even our somewhat jaded 21^st century audience were nevertheless still tactfully struck.

As a member of the cinema audience I developed shivers as Hiddleston’s Coriolanus stepped onto the stage after returning from battle with the Volscians. Hiddleston’s body and face can only be described as simply saturated with blood, which continued to slowly drip from his chin as the scene continued. The cameras focused in on this, heightening the impact of the bloodthirsty nature of the play and providing a truly chilling experience. Alongside this, the Donmar Warehouse successfully adopted a somewhat modern touch to their production by employing modern music which played during scene transitions and digital projections of moving wall graffiti upon the stage backdrop, allowing an unusually effective yet eerie atmosphere to be created.

It can certainly be argued that the Donmar Warehouse’s production of Coriolanus was a success; the theatre itself has described the sheer size of the audience to be completely “unprecedented” and the play’s success was significantly reinforced by the fact that many members of the live audience were shown giving a standing ovation at the play’s conclusion.

By Violet Quinn,

year 13

BAWB – Boston Area Wind Band

Boston Area Wind Band is run by Mr Lee Hextall at Haven High School and is open to people of all ages in the Boston area who play wind instruments, but is mainly for secondary school pupils.

On a Monday night from 4:30- 6:00pm, BAWB showcases Boston’s youth talent in music. With instruments such as the clarinet, flutes, trombones, French horns, trumpets, saxophones, tubas, bass guitars and many more, it helps youths to build their confidence when playing their instruments to large audiences. It also helps to make friends that don’t necessarily go to your school, with members’ ranging between all grades from beginner right up to advance.

The conductor Lee Hextall is a county music teacher specialising in brass instruments. He also runs BYJO (Boston Youth Jazz Orchestra) which is for musicians with higher grades. When you are in BYJO you get a chance to go on tour in other countries as well as all over Lincolnshire.

BAWB is having a performance on Thursday 13th of February to show off their talents to local primary schools. Hopefully this will inspire the next generation to get involved in music and to start playing instruments. This concert will be interactive by getting children to become the conductor for the orchestra. They will be playing many pieces such as work from The Life of Pi, a medley from Brave the movie and even Gangnam Style!

A member of BAWB, Polly, plays the clarinet at grade 3 and is an up and coming musician. Polly attends the majority of BAWB rehearsals as well as playing in Boston High School’s orchestra. She told YJA; “I think it is really great that you get to mix with other musicians of varying standards, I thoroughly enjoy the rehearsals and concerts. It is great of Mr Hextall to run these out of school opportunities. I can’t wait for the concert.”

By Nesta Baxter,
year 9

 

56th Annual Grammy Awards

The 56th Annual Grammy Awards took place on the 26th January at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles. The show was hosted for the third time by LL Cool J.

Daft Punk won four awards including Album of the Year for Random Access Memories and Record of the Year, with Pharrell Williams, for Get Lucky. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis won four Grammies, including Best New Artist, whilst also leading a massive show of support for gay marriage with a performance of their song Same Love to accompany a mass wedding of both gay and heterosexual couples inside the venue.

Lorde's Royals received awards for Best Pop Solo Performance and Song of the Year. Carole King was given the honorary title as MusiCares Person of the Year on January 24^th, two days prior to the awards ceremony.

The first performers for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards telecast were Grammy nominees Daft Punk, Kendrick Lamar, Imagine Dragons and P!nk with Fun’s Nate Ruess, as well as a special Grammy moment featuring two-time Grammy winner Merle Haggard. There was also three-time Grammy winner and 2014 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Kris Kristofferson, seven-time Grammy winner Willie Nelson, and current nominee Blake Shelton.

Here are some of the night’s winners:

Best Rap Performance - Thrift Shop, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (feat. Wanz)

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration - Holy Grail, Jay-Z (feat. Justin Timberlake)

Best Rap Song - Thrift Shop, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (feat. Wanz)

Song of the Year – Royals, Lorde

If you want to find out more, you can look on http://majicatl.com/2022311/56th-grammy-awards-winners/.

 

By Olivia Haigh and Virginia Mitreva

year 8

The Fault in Our Stars Trailer

Millions of readers have already fallen in love with ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ and on June 6th they will finally get the chance to see Hazel and Augustus’ story play out on the big screen. The first trailer for the movie debuted on the 29th of January and already has over 7 million views.

The first trailer for the big screen version of the young adult smash hit novel, The Fault in Our Stars, has finally been revealed and playing the lead roles are Shailene Woodley & Ansel Elgort.

The Fault in Our Stars is a touching story about two teenagers, Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Augustus (Ansel Elgort), who fall in love at a child support group. As the story progresses, we learn about the struggles of cancer and about the undying spirit of hope as Hazel struggles to defeat this terrible illness.

John Green, the author of the original novel, tweeted “IT IS HAPPENING! @TODAYshow premiered a segment of the #tfios trailer. Full trailer online soonish!”.

So what do you think? Will you go and see it in the cinemas on 6th June 2014?

Virginia Mitreva,

year 8

Check out the trailer here:

BMX Stunt Rider Cycles over a New Bridge for its Opening

In Fort Worth, Texas, a new bridge was built and to celebrate the opening someone cycled all the way over the top of one of the sides.

The cyclist was filmed and also had a camera on his handle bars showing how steep and thin his track was.

The side of the bridge went up and down very steeply making it even harder, but the cyclist made it all the way to the other side without even nearly falling off.

The cyclist went at a fast speed making it look scary and dangerous.

By Anya Stacey

year 9

Video: ITN News report on the stunt 

Frozen Film Review

Frozen, a Walt Disney Production, was released recently in the cinema box office.  It is created by the makers of Tangled and Wreck-It-Ralph and I knew for sure that I could never miss out this opportunity to watch it in the cinemas. I was fortunate enough to go see it and, in all honesty, it was the best Disney film I had ever seen.

I was deeply stricken by the plot of this film. It was nowhere near to what I had expected would happen. The plot was fairly simple and unexpected. Queen Elsa of Arendelle is cursed with magical powers that no one knows about. She faces great consequences to try and hide it. Anna, Queen Elsa’s sister, a very cheerful girl, longs to reconnect with her sister after she shut everyone out but causes tragedy as Elsa’s powers are revealed. She decides to escape Arendelle hoping everyone will be safe without her, but doesn’t realise she’s made a big mistake.

Anna sets out on a dangerous journey to find her sister, unravels mysteries and re unites with a snowman she built with her sister when they were young. His name is Olaf, and he likes warm hugs! He is simply my favourite character in the film. Olaf is dumb, but very kind-hearted and made me laugh throughout the whole film! They set out determined and never gave up on the quest to search for Elsa and save their kingdom.  

Idina Menzel, who plays the voice of Elsa, recently received an Oscar for ‘Best Original Song’. She sang ‘Let It Go’ in the film and I, myself, fell in love with the song. Originally sung by Demi Lovato, it has already sparked nearly 45 million views on YouTube.

Idina told Entertainment Weekly that “This is definitely a dream come true for me. I’m happy for the movie, I’m happy to be a part of the whole thing, and to have a song that really resonates with people is just beyond.”

Here are the main actors, who played the voices of the characters in the film:
-Idina Menzel Queen Elsa
-Kristen Bell Princess Anna
- Josh Gad Olaf the Snowman
-Jonathan Groff Kristoff
-Santino Fantana Prince Hans

Frozen is something completely new for the Disney productions. It’s a film about sisterhood, and the first Disney film ever to teach girls that they don’t need a man to save them. I was touched by the ending, nothing that I had expected, but was one of the most heart-warming endings of a Disney film.

I hope you enjoy the film as much as I did! I highly recommend it for anyone out there; it’s a great family movie with an incredible Plot Twist.

Zakia Nissar, 
year 9

You can watch the movie trailer for Frozen here:

The 40th People's Choice Awards

The 40^th People's Choice Awards took place on 8 January 2014 in Los Angeles. The hosts were Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs from the hit television show ‘2 Broke Girls’. The guest that attended included Sandra Bullock, Ellen DeGeneres, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder.

This year, actress Sandra Bullock swept up four awards including favourite movie actress, favourite comedic actress, dramatic actress and shared the favourite movie duo award with Gravity co-star George Clooney. Also Bullock earned another award for favourite comedic movie, The Heat, alongside Melissa McCarthy.

Another winner of the night was Ellen DeGeneres who was deemed by fans as their favourite daytime TV host, making her the woman who has gained the most People's Choice Awards with a total of fourteen trophies.

Iron Man 3 scored three awards including favourite movie, favourite action movie and the film's star, Robert Downey Jr., received the favourite action movie star honour.

Justin Timberlake also grabbed three awards including favourite album accolade for The 20/20 Experience. In his speech Timberlake thanked his "beautiful wife", Jessica Biel, "for teaching me patience and the little things, like just putting the dishes in the dishwasher. It goes a long way. Fellas, you're welcome."

Katy Perry, who was not at the show, scored the win for favourite video for the third year in a row, following up last year's award for Part of Me and 2012's honour for Last Friday Night with her hit Roar this year.

A highlight of the night was when Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev, the stars of The Vampire Diaries, earned the award for best on-screen chemistry. The duo told the audience about their breakups on and off screen. “The good thing is chemistry," said Dobrev, with her arm around Somerhalder, who are no longer in a relationship. Somerhalder also received awards for favourite Sci-Fi/fantasy actor.

Check out the other winners here: http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/

Virginia Mitreva

year 8

Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor

On the 23rd of November 1963 the whole world was reeling from the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Meanwhile, a small studio by the name of Lime Grove awaited in anticipation as at 5:16 the ethereal theme tune heralded the beginning of the phenomenon that has become Doctor Who.

A policeman strides down 76 totters lane where unbeknownst to him lies the vessel which has featured in children’s dreams and nightmares alike for fifty years, The TARDIS. Except now we’ve moved on fifty years and we’re outside Coal Hill Secondary School where any moment now Clara Oswald is about to leap onto her motorcycle after a mysterious summons from her doctor…

The story centres around the Time War which has been a recurring theme since the series return in 2005. John Hurt features as the hitherto unknown ninth incarnation of the doctor however he is no longer the doctor, he’s the one who broke the promise, a warrior. Every moment in time is burning, a decision must be made but first in Christmas Carol-esque style John Hurt is visited by a consciousness in the form of Billie Piper who shows him what he will become should he destroy the time lords, the man who regrets (David Tennant) and the man who forgets (Matt Smith).

After a wild combination of convoluted sub plots including shape shifting aliens, the not so good Queen Bess and a time travelling fez, fans are treated to an awe-inspiring ending which celebrates fifty years of doctor who heritage.  

Directed by Steven Moffat, successor to Russell T.Davies and co-creator of the BBC hit Sherlock, the special conveys the very essence of Doctor Who since it started 1963 when William Hartnell began the legacy of the Doctor. The Day of the Doctor was broadcast in 94 countries at the same time earning it a Guinness World Record as "the world's largest ever simulcast of a TV drama".

The mystery of the doctor is unveiled as audiences finally discover what it means to be the doctor, 
“We’ve got enough warriors, any old idiot can be hero”

“Then what do I do”, replies the Doctor to Clara.
“What you’ve always done, be a doctor.”

Caitlin Gallagher and Melody Rawlinson,

year 12

Yonderland: A Review

Last Sunday Yonderland hit our screens. The new T.V. programme aired on Sky One and includes the cast of the famous CBBC children’s TV show Horrible Histories.

Yonderland follows 33-year old Mum Debbie Maddox who finds herself in a strange world inhabited by a collection of weird, and usually idiotic, characters with only an elf by her side. The story begins with Debbie thinking that she’s going mad. Perhaps she is, as an enthusiastic elf appears from a kitchen cupboard telling her that she is needed in another world for she is their saviour who they call ‘The Chosen One’.

Debbie is sure that there has been a mistake, but still decides that whatever the elf might need her to do can't be any worse than watching another episode of ‘What's in the Box?’, so she lets him drag her through a portal to the other world. As she does her best to help knights and monks who are incapable of lying and a race of people intent on firing the cleverest amongst them into the sun, the question is, can she fulfill the prophecy and save the world from the dark forces that are gathering to end it, and will she make it back to the real world in time for the school pick up?

The show is a real family favourite with plenty of humour for all ages. I loved when the gallants prepared to fight to the death over a point of politeness and the oracle who lived in an enormous mound of jelly. Yes, this does all sound rather bizarre but I recommend that you tune in and find out for yourself!

Olivia Haigh, year 8

The Day of The Doctor

With the 50^th anniversary of Doctor Who coming up, there are lots of talks about what will happen in the episode and who will be in it. It has already been confirmed that Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman will be joined by David Tennant, Billie Piper, and John Hurt.

People have been looking forward to this special episode for a very long time and the moment is almost here. Although Steven Moffat wanted to keep it a secret, the trailer was leaked but he knew that it would be very hard to keep from such excited fans. 

The Day of the Doctor will be aired on November 23^rd at 7:50pm and it will be the longest episode ever, lasting 75 minutes. It has been described at the Doctor’s ‘greatest adventure yet’ and the episode will show the Doctor’s own past which is coming back to haunt him.

After this tremendous event, there will be a Christmas special. We do not know much information about this apart from the fact that Matt Smith will regenerate into Peter Capaldi.

You can watch one of the trailers for the upcoming episode by clicking on the video below.

Shannan Smith and Anya Stacey,

year 9

Question Time at School

Today is probably our biggest scoop since starting YJA this year!

The BBC One show Question Time has descended on our school, Boston High, to record the popular current affairs show with legendary broadcaster David Dimbleby.

The crew and their trucks full of cameras, mics, and set pieces arrived here on Wednesday to begin preparation for the show's broadcast this evening. 

Some of the Young Journalist Academy team were lucky enough to have an experience of a lifetime by going to see the set. Not only this, but we were also given the privilege to sit in Dimbleby’s seat. Dave, one of the shows camera men, let us have a go at using the huge broadcast cameras and talked about how every broadcast is different due to filming and recording sound in such a variety of locations.

Question Time is a debate programme and it is based on politics. The show features politicians from at least three major political parties as well as other public figures who answer pre-selected questions chosen by the audience. David Dimbleby presents the show and has presented it since 1994.

Word has it that we might even get to interview Dimbleby himself so check back here tomorrow to see how we got on.

Anya Stacey and Shannan Smith,

Year 9

Matilda the Musical: Review

Based on Roald Dahl’s stunning children’s novel ‘Matilda’, Dennis Kelly (with the aid of Tim Minchin, the composer), has produced a striking and spectacular rendition that has previously sold out in Stratford – Upon – Avon and was the winner of numerous Olivier Awards in 2012. Incorporating a mixture of spine – tingling songs, such as ‘This Little Girl’ and songs that will have you singing all the way home, for instance ‘Naughty’, this musical depicts a life of child rebellion, rousing imagination and a girl with a will to change her destiny.

The musical portrays the story of a child (named Matilda), whose talents are dolefully neglected by her ball – dancing obsessed mother (portrayed by Kay Murphy) and her fraudulent car salesman father (James Clyde), who insists that books are unscrupulous to society. You may think that is all of Matilda’s troubles and she can surely resolve that, but you are mistaken. At school even the Headmistress, Miss Trunchball, a woman whose mission is to imprison all children in the infamous ‘Chokey’ despises Matilda’s aptitude to surpass her classmates. It appears only Miss Honey (Haley Flaherty), the reticent and timid teacher of Matilda, and coincidental niece of Miss Trunchball (Alex Gaumond) is the beacon of hope.  When Matilda is revealed to have talents above academic brilliance, it begs the question: can Matilda escape the world of unappreciative parents and teachers?

Unique to any other show playing in the West End and Broadway, this musical (some may say audaciously) relies on the infinite talents and enthusiasm of the children, who are able to deliver the brilliant and hilarious wordplay of Dennis Kelly. What I found most striking (in addition to the wonderful talents of the children), was the scenery. As soon as you walk into the theatre you are greeted with an alphabetical themed set that surrounds the seats. With library shelves that scale the entire stage and swings that glide over the audience in the stalls, you are guaranteed to be encapsulated simply by the set.

So, whether you are 9 or 109, you will be singing ‘Matilda’, it will have you chortling at the comic lines written by Kelly that are delivered with much conviction and expose by performers who are destined to have a fruitful career in the Performing Arts industry. If you haven’t already, I urge you to see it. Don’t be afraid to let the child rebel within you escape!  

Jenny Brown, year 12

Macbeth Performance at the Globe Theatre: Review

“Is that a dagger I see before me?” - The famous words uttered by Macbeth as he debates whether he should or should not follow through with his and Lady Macbeth’s plan to kill the King.

The play follows the story of Macbeth (Joseph Millson) after he is informed by three witches that his fate is to occupy the Crown of Scotland. Thus, he and his wife (Lady Macbeth, portrayed by Samantha Spiro) murder King Duncan, their obstacle to the throne of Scotland. Nevertheless, Macbeth must maintain his position by continuing to kill – initially Banquo, Macbeth’s former comrade – in – arms, and then anyone who is considered a menace to his crown as his paranoia is enhanced.

Along with enthralling monologues that stimulated the mind and left the Globe in silence, Eve Best, the director, audaciously incorporated an element of comedy and irony that juxtaposed with the tragic nature of the play. The performance was not without its music either, featuring pipe – and – drum music to mark the beginning of the performance, and ends with one of the witches playing a Scottish lament on the fiddle.

Employing authentic and quintessentially Renaissance costumes and staging, the Telegraph stated “Eve Best’s directorial debut is a cracking – at times, terrifying – production of Macbeth”. For anyone who watches this, it promises to be an illuminating and unique interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous works.

Jenny Brown, year 12