A candid perspective on the arts, culture, and travel…
Without The Fear To Wander – Tourist’s Guide to the Urban Jungle Archipelago of Singapore
First Impressions When we first arrived in Singapore a powerful storm was in full swing. Sheets of rain fell and fell like a city-sized waterfall and it was absolutely magnificent. Later on our visit we had the pleasure of lightning and thunder too – with the backdrop of towering skyscrapers and the Marina Bay Sands…
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Armchair Philosophy – The Ideological Roots of Fascism & The Flaws in the Traditional Left-Right Paradigm
I’m writing this article primarily for and from my own understanding. For a long time I believed the outrageous and frustrating ideology of fascism was a far-right conspiracy-fuelled ideology, and then for a while I believed it was a far-left conspiracy-fuelled ideology. Now – I don’t believe fascism can accurately be characterised as either left…
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Armchair Philosophy – Plato’s Aristocracy & The Lure of Fascism in Academia
Sapientia potentia est – wisdom is power. Alternatively: scientia potentia est – knowledge is power. Two of many Latin phrases which send chills down my spine. I’m writing this article because I want to demonstrate how within academia there is a certain lure towards fascist thinking and ideas. Through reading this article, hopefully it will…
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Polari Pages – In Conversation With Nurse, Poet, Comedian & Drag Artist Sister Brandy Bex
Last year I was invited to attend a charity event for the Martin Fisher Foundation called Extravaganza 2 – Glamourpuss, and you can read my review of this Brighton bonanza here. Then last week I had the pleasure of interviewing the witty and fabulous Sister Brandy Bex during my visit to Brighton, the poet, drag…
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Without The Fear To Wander – Exploring Siem Reap & The Hidden Jungle Kingdom of Angkor
Angkor has been at the very top of every travel bucket list I’ve ever written, and this year my Mum and I had the eye-opening opportunity to actually visit this vast religious complex deep in the jungle of Cambodia. The flight from Singapore was short, and the best take-off and landing I’d experienced since leaving…
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Look Over There! Small Boats, Drag Queen Story Time & Gary Bloody Lineker
Cancel culture is rife. The hot topics in recent weeks reek of distraction. Both the coverage of the debate about drag queen story time, and the xenophobic narrative around immigration are part of a much wider attempt by the mainstream media to gaslight the general public into a moral panic. Since the Brexit referendum the…
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Armchair Philosophy – What Can We Learn From Plato’s Cave in the Age of Absurdity?
Across most of the world, any philosophy student worth their salt will be familiar with the work of Plato, in particular his profound Allegory of the Cave in The Republic. The first encounter I had with this infamous ancient scholar happened when I changed school for Sixth Form, during the first term studying for A…
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Dazzling Burlesque & Comedy Gold at Extravaganza 2 – Glamourpuss
A happy house with a delighted audience, The Old Market hosted a truly Brightonian event to raise money for the Martin Fisher Foundation. From burlesque dancers playing with fire to hybrid comedy gold from versatile comedians, Extravaganza 2 – Glamourpuss lived up to all of its promises and more! With a fine selection of the…
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Reasons To Smile – Valentine’s Edition
Last month I grappled with the maudlin muddle of mental health, and through sharing his mischief, memorialised my uncle. This month’s counselling session is all about affairs of the heart, and so naturally we’ll also be mourning my love life. Pontificating on passion. The sweetheart seminar. A heartfelt homily. Lectures of love, if you will. …
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Reasons To Smile – January Blues
Are you having a dry month? Chocolate and Turkish delight overload? Feeling a little bloated? Got the January blues? Paying too much for your car insurance? Chin up, duck! After winter must come spring. In these difficult times we should savour every smile, every laugh, and cherish every life. In November last year my uncle…
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Polari Pages – In Conversation With Actor, Live Singer & Drag Artist Ava Cardo
Enter entertainer, actor, live singer, and drag artist Miss Ava Cardo! I had the pleasure of chatting to Jack (a.k.a. Ava Cardo) in a very middle-class cafe in the centre of Brighton. Ava now performs all over the UK, including in all your favourite London, Manchester, and Brighton venues! Read on to get some insight…
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Armchair Philosophy – The Attempted Cancellation of Jimmy Carr & The Case for Jester’s Privilege
I’m no great fanboy, but I wanted to weigh in on the recent controversy surrounding Jimmy Carr. As I’m sure you’ve heard, he’s made headlines for his Netflix comedy special, ‘His Dark Material’. Even if your head has been buried beneath sand for the past decade, and you were unsure about what you were in…
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Polari Pages – In Conversation With Musician & Singer-Songwriter Alfie Sharp
I recently reviewed a song by a lad I went to secondary school with – a beautiful, soulful song I can’t get out of my head. I’ve since had the pleasure of interviewing Mr Alfie Sharp and learning more about what makes him tick! I was pleasantly surprised to find a thoughtful and down-to-earth singer…
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Polari Pages – In Conversation With DJ, Compere & Drag Artist Alfie Ordinary
I caught up with the fabulous and extraordinary, Alfie Ordinary; a global drag phenomenon, an award-winning performer, and the Drag Prince of Brighton! Alfie regularly hosts at Proud Cabaret, and performs at all your favourite queer venues in London and Brighton. Read on to steal a glimpse into the jester’s sequined star-studded life! Who is Alfie…
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Armchair Philosophy – Injustice at the University of Sussex, Kathleen Stock & the Cultural Revolutionaries
Kathleen Stock has even greater notoriety following her cancellation than her academic stature won her before. It just goes to show what students gathered in masks and balaclavas, wielding smoke flares on the University of Sussex campus, can achieve. If I’m perfectly honest, prior to actually sitting down and watching Stock’s interview on the popular…
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Polari Pages – In Conversation With Actor, Singer & Drag Artist Stephanie Von Clitz
“Von Clitz is the name, finding it’s the game!” The witty, glamorous, and personable cabaret sensation Miss Stephanie Von Clitz is known across Brighton and all over the country for her appearances in adult pantomime and of course her cabaret residencies. Currently, you can find Miss Clitz at Le Village on High Street in Kemptown…
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Single Review – Silvery Silk ‘Nostalgia’ by Alfie Sharp
Put your headphones on and tune in to the silvery silk voice of Mr Alfie Sharp. His recent single, ‘Nostalgia’, has been stuck in my head for weeks and reportedly reached Number Two on iTunes following its release in October last year. The song soundly demonstrates Alfie’s vocal agility with an abundance of melody and…
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The Beating Heart of Residential Brighton – The Open Market
In the middle of town, huddled between London Road and The Level, you’ll find Brighton’s bustling Open Market. Home to a glut of gorgeous little independent cafés, restaurants, and food stalls, Bohemian retail therapy, a grocery market, and what is personally my favourite shop in the whole of Brighton! As you enter from the London…
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Janine Harouni Enters the Building With Outstanding Comedy Set at Soho Theatre
Writer, actor, and comedian Janine Harouni is witty and fabulous! The impersonations – incredible. The jokes – from the heart. Precision, and good structure. Harouni has impeccable timing, wry facial expressions, and all the charisma necessary to become a household name. Her cabaret set at Soho Theatre was insightful, entertaining, and hilarious. Known for her…
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Polari Pages – In Conversation With Singer, Dancer & Drag Artist Darcey Nox
A triple-threat herself, poised and polished Darcey Nox has had a recent residency hosting the ‘Triple Threat’ cabaret at Studio in Brighton, alongside fellow performers the fabulous Miss Ava Cardo, the energetic Miss Mary O’Kart, and occasionally the soulful Miss Alex Fincher. The show’s set to continue, with the new venue yet to be confirmed.…
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‘Consumerism’ by Ms. Lauryn Hill – A Damning Critique of Modern Society
If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on in the head of a politics student, honey do I have the song for you. From ‘Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit’ to ‘Miseducation’, Ms. Lauryn Hill has captivated audiences around the world with her soulful voice and whip-smart lyricism. “As the world turns in isms” Ms.…
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The Nottingham Project So Far & the Recent Controversy
Ay-up miduck! Some exciting things have been happening in Nottingham during the Earth’s last orbit of the sun, and I’m here to be your guide! Buckle up, settle in, and get ready to find out more about The Nottingham Project. The Nottingham Board for Culture and Creativity has a vision for the future of our…
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Single Review – ‘Wallowing In Self-pity’ by Jack Monaghan
After releasing two singles, Jack Monaghan has taken to the microphone again to record his first EP, ‘Wallowing In Self-Pity’. Released in 2021, this EP is comprised of four tracks – one of them a previously released single, and another which is a cover. The previously released single, ‘Open Up’ has had a vocal and…
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Yuletide Feast & Performance at Bom Bane’s in Brighton
Book your table at Bom-Bane’s early on because this quaint and quirky place exclusively hosts only three to four tables at a time. There’s Aesop’s Table, Tablerone, TurnTable, Twenty-Seven Chimes Table, either way capacity is so limited even the tables have personality! A cafe, restaurant, and cabaret hybrid, Bom-Bane’s is situated halfway down George Street…
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Style & Splendour at The Regency Tavern in Brighton
A hidden but beloved gem, The Regency Tavern is nestled between Russell Square and Regency Square, just a minute walk from the Churchill Square shopping centre – perfect for a post-shop pint! This charming, flamboyant pub is one of the two still standing that applied for the original 1830 ‘Beer Shop Licence’. With over 250…
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Polari Pages – In Conversation With Singer-Songwriter & Drag Artist Alex Fincher
I’m thrilled to introduce to you my next interviewee, a spell-binding singer and enchanting performer, the fierce Miss Alex Fincher. The interview covers a plethora of contemporary socio-political issues, from racism to Drag Race! As well as considered, heartfelt advice and candid insight into the inspirations, motivations, and work of the artist Alex Fincher. At…
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Polari Pages – In Conversation With Artist & Designer Denholm Munn
Welcome, welcome to my new interview section! It covers a range of subjects focusing on both well-established and up-and-coming LGBTQIA+ artists and designers, not to mention drag and cabaret acts! So, it’s bona to vada your dolly old eek and without any further ado let’s learn about our first queer creative of the series -…
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‘The Chair’ is a Thoughtful & Humorous Commentary on Contemporary Education & Politics
Netflix’s latest drama has been frequently described by pundits as their “best yet” or “best in a while”, and in my humble opinion this is an accurate assessment of what is essentially a groundbreaking, nuanced, and empathetic portrayal of modern society. The lovechild of Amanda Peet and Annie Julia Wyman, ‘The Chair’ confronts many controversial…
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Find Joy in the Unreleased Music of Amy Winehouse
For me, there’s at least one Amy Winehouse song for every mood. There’s one for every hour of the day! I’ve adored her image and her music from a young age, and Back to Black was one of the first CDs I bought, followed quickly by Amy’s first album Frank! It wasn’t until later in…
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Cameron Foster’s ‘The House On The Edge Of Innocence’ Chills Spines at Television Workshop
Murdered children, lesbian ghosts, the sixth member of The Five? Zombified Tory, high camp 1950s theatre queens, and all manner of things that go bump in the night! What appeared at first glance as the tried-and-tested theatrical archetype – a group of curious teenagers solving mysteries between homework assignments – developed into an intricate tale…
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Without The Fear 