Culture vulture
Every Saturday morning, I stroll up to the newsagents for a fresh loaf and weekend paper. I always find myself reading the Saturday Review, getting to know that week’s ‘my culture fix’ guest a bit better. So this week, I thought I’d mix it up and try it myself!
My favourite author or book
As a kid I grew up reading Roald Dahl books. I think they’ve helped me think outside the box in later life (which comes in handy with marketing). The Twits was always my fave… although I’m yet to glue a desk to the office ceiling.
The book I’m reading
Shoe Dog by Nike founder Phil Knight, learning how he built his empire from nothing.
The book I wish I had written
How I made my millions by Luis Florez.
The book I couldn’t finish
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. I just couldn’t get into it… I’ve since watched the film adaptation though (cultural balance restored).
My favourite film
Ghostbusters… it has everything: amazing characters, crazy storyline and endless one-liners! The 40-Year-Old Virgin and L.A. Story come in close second and third.
My favourite play
I’m not sure about favourite, but the last stage show I saw was The Addams Family. A few weeks later I was updating some product literature at work, and spotted Lurch (the butler) on one of the pages. It turns out the company had previously recruited some actors for a photoshoot, and the guy that played Lurch was one of them… random!
The box set that I’m hooked on
Sons of Anarchy came highly recommended, so binging that at the moment. It’’s an action crime drama about an outlaw biker club, running illegal operations. Season one was a bit slow, but it’s now in full throttle…!
My favourite TV series
I love Ricky Gervais, so was a huge fan of The Office. I’ve recently given the US version a go, and am pleasantly surprised… Steve Carell plays the David Brent equivalent, and could crack me up by doing absolutely nothing.
'“You rang?”
My favourite piece of music
I’m a sucker for a synth, so Donna Summer’s I feel love is up there. We used it on a TV advert I worked on and I thought it might put me off it… thankfully it didn’t (although I remember it’s licensing costs were eye-watering).
The lyric I wish I’d written
Hot Dog, Jumping Frog… Albuquerque!
The instrument I play
I’ve never been in a band, but have spent enough hours in studios to work a keyboard. I reckon I could rock a Keytar.
The music that cheers me up
Love Shack by The B-52’s. Tin roof, rusted!
The song that saved me
A track called Falling by Maceo Plex. It helped reignite my passion for music that was starting to fade.
If I could own one painting it would be…
The Scream by Edvard Munch. I’ve probably pulled that face at a few deadlines!
The place I feel happiest
Sat in the back of the room at Komedia (safely outside the reach of the comedians).
My guiltiest cultural pleasure
Ru-Paul’s Drag Race… a colourful, catty cauldron of comedy and creativity!
I’m having a fantasy dinner party. I’ll invite these artists and authors (living or not)
Bill Murray, assuming I can get hold of him. Legend has it he doesn’t have a mobile, and is only contactable by one landline. I love street art, so think Banksy would be fascinating (he’d be the guy no one recognises). Joan Rivers and her unapologetic blunt humour would complete the guest list!
And I’ll put on this music…
Heart 80s is the soundtrack at home. If it ain’t broke…
The show I’m looking forward to
My missus got us tickets for the Pet Shop Boys at The O2. Roll on 2022!
I wasted an evening watching…
An evening? Try a whole week wasted on The Haunting of Bly Manor. That one dragged!
The film that I walked out on
I’ve had an unlimited cinema pass since 1999, but have never walked out on a film. I may have fallen asleep once or twice though.
Overrated…
I think I’ve missed the boat with James Corden!
Underrated…
Sky Comedy have started showing Saturday Night Live, the American sketch show. It’s been one of their biggest and most popular shows for decades, but literally no one watches it over here!
WriteHereWriteNow is my new adventure, diving into the world of freelance writing. Personal blog aside, I’m available for all types of content requirements (Articles, Emails, Socials etc). Feel free to get in touch, cheers!