Everything is terrible BUT…
A list of 10 things to take your mind off the news. Come for the films, books, and TV, stay for the fish wearing a lifejacket. (Sunday 21st February 2021)
- Paddington 3 is in development! Details are scarce and the actual film will be some time off yet, but given that the Paddington films are such utter joy, this is very welcome news indeed. In the meantime, click here to relive Hugh Grant’s amazing dance number at the end of Paddington 2.
2. Speaking of much longed for sequels….it’s Gizmo and Billy! Yep that’s actual grown up Billy (Zach Gilligan) and Gizmo the Mogwai from Gremlins. Sadly it’s just an advert and not an actual film. It is fun to see them again (and let’s hope that we get a 3rd film one day! That would be amazing).
3. This Goldfish who couldn’t swim now has a life jacket. Read more about this wee dude here.
4. Harbour Lane Studio is one of my favourite shops ever. It’s in South Queensferry, and in the Before Times, I was lucky enough to visit. It’s a lovely art shop full of lovely cards (including the one above), prints, cushions, lamps, and other lovely things. They ship nationwide (and also internationally I believe) so do check them out.
5. Victoria Wood. I’m still catching up with things we recorded over Christmas (I know!), so I finally got round to watching Victoria Wood: The Secret List which was shown over the festive season. It’s a retrospective in two parts, featuring sketches chosen by Victoria herself (found on a list after after her passing), with reflections by figures such as Russell T Davies, Winsome Pinnock, Ken Loach, and others. This can be found on iplayer, as can Victoria Wood: A Bafta Tribute, and Victoria Wood: At It Again, both of which were broadcast this week. All very funny and highly recommended.
6. I’m really enjoying Traverse Theatre’s First Stages Festival, a series of workshops, exercises, and new plays. It’s already underway, but you can catch up with a workshop by playwright Simon Stephens (available until 23rd Feb), learn how to write a play with playwright Megan Tyler, which is available on demand, and book into workshops/Q & A’s with playwrights Hannah Lavery and Enda Walsh. For more details, including when you can hear new plays being read, visit here.
7. This Cat living his best life in Paris.
8. The Muppet Show is now on Disney Plus! I mentioned a few weeks ago that there was a Muppet announcement coming and it turned out to be something fans had longed hoped for — the original show with original performers, including Muppet Creator Jim Henson. I can’t wait to work my way through the episodes.
9. While we’re on the subject of Disney…..the trailer for the Cruella de Vil prequel landed. It stars Emma Stone in the origin story for the 101 Dalmatians villain. Cruella will be available on streaming from May.
10. This lovely memory from Terry Pratchett’s daughter about the day he got his knighthood.
That’s it for this week! Stay safe and wear a mask!
Mhairi x
