One of the main reasons to stay in London in the summer is the Proms. I admit that I am in love with the Royal Albert Hall. There is something about sitting in this circular, wedding cake structure that has an effect on the psyche.
Stuart Henson wonders about the title but in other respects finds that the sharp-pointed humour in Ian McMillan’s new chapbook penetrates most of its targets.
Marcus Brigstocke makes his play-writing and directorial debut as actors Bruce and Sam Alexander, father and son in real life, give drama and poignancy to a story that begins with the funeral of the father.
Opera and cabaret singer Melinda Hughes lost her mother in June. Two months on, she has immortalised her in a song and is finding catharsis in a satirical take on the world.
For painter Victoria Crowe, who was born in England but made her home in Scotland, tapestry produces richer, warmer versions of the colours paintings reflect. For Grayson Perry, tapestry is the medium to explore his fascination with class, craft and community.
Logos: Where Word and Flesh Interact: Brian Docherty takes a close look at Dinah Livingstone’s 10th collection
P.W. Bridgman sums up Gary Allen’s powerful book-length poem as “a jagged lament for a despoiled Eden that never was”
Emma Lee dips into a collection of gentle and reflective poems by Bethany Rivers
Kate Noakes considers Jane Clarke’s new pamphlet in which she takes on the challenging task of writing war-related poetry
Wendy French ponders over the questions raised by a new chapbook from Sophie Essex
Pam Thompson considers in depth a collection by Janet Sutherland which uses personal recollection as a starting point for dealing with wider issues.
by Michael Bartholomew-Biggs • books, poetry reviews, year 2019 • Tags: books, Mat Riches, poetry • 0 Comments
Mat Riches follows the canine theme in Colin Dardis’s new collection