Contains mild spoilers BBC Radio Dramatisation by Bert Coules. Starring Clive Merrison and Michael Williams. 50 mins approx. The Lions Mane is one of the later stories in the series in which the tale is told by Holmes himself. By now, the former resident of Baker Street is in his 50s and living in a remote … Continue reading Radio Play Review: Sherlock Holmes and The Lion’s Mane
Week 7 of curating my own TV line-up
Contains mild spoilers I'm on holiday this week, staying in (sometimes) sunny Cardigan, exploring shops and out-of-the-way places. I'm house-sitting for my parents, who are fully paid-up streamers, watching the majority of their visual entertainment from online. Conversely, my home media set-up is geared up to watching things offline. So, this week required a little … Continue reading Week 7 of curating my own TV line-up
Week 6: Ditching the streaming algorithms and building my playlist
Contains mild spoilers Welcome to this feature-length installment of the Retroscopic Roundup - where I look back over the week's entertainment to see how varied it's been (or not), and to keep track of where I am with the various programmes I've got on the go. Scroll past the diary if you want to read the ‘Story … Continue reading Week 6: Ditching the streaming algorithms and building my playlist
This isn’t my first self-published book, but it’s the first time I’ve promoted one
Phil's Marvellous Machine isn’t my first self-published book. But it's the first one I’ve actually tried hard to promote.I realise that may seem strange. Why would anyone go to the trouble of writing and publishing a book, then not tell anyone about it?There is a reason. I’ve always had social media anxiety. In 2018, I … Continue reading This isn’t my first self-published book, but it’s the first time I’ve promoted one
Week 3 of ditching the algorithms to curate my own classic TV lineup
Contains mild spoilers The schedule is a bit different this week, knocked off course by seemingly-endless work promoting my new self-published book, (Phil's Marvellous Machine and Other Stories, available here). How did I manage the diversions, deviations and distractions? Scroll past the preamble to find out. The Story So Far... When linear television was at … Continue reading Week 3 of ditching the algorithms to curate my own classic TV lineup
Review: My Favourite Doctor Who Audio Spin-offs
Contains mild spoilers Jago and Litefoot Starring Christopher Benjamin and Trevor Baxter. 13 x 4-part full-cast series released as ‘box sets’ from 2010 – 2017 by various writers. Henry Gordon Jago (Benjamin) is a theatre impresario, master of ceremonies, a booker of talents, and king of the art of alliteration. His best friend is Professor … Continue reading Review: My Favourite Doctor Who Audio Spin-offs
Exploding retro tech, dark mysteries, and 10 tales to tickle ribs and chill Spines
I’m thrilled to share the news that my short story collection, Phil’s Marvellous Machine and Other Stories, is officially available now across multiple formats. Suitable for teens, and adults of (almost) all ages, this collection brings together ten different tales of comedy, mystery, and a touch of the uncanny. Phil’s Marvellous Machine: Phil’s childhood friend, old Mr. … Continue reading Exploding retro tech, dark mysteries, and 10 tales to tickle ribs and chill Spines
Week 2: Build a Better TV Guide – Ditching the algorithms to curate my own lineup
Contains mild spoilers The schedule is a bit different this week, knocked off course by seemingly-endless work promoting my new self-published book, (Phil's Marvellous Machine and Other Stories, available here). How did I manage the diversions, deviations and distractions? Scroll past the preamble to find out. The Story So Far... When linear television was … Continue reading Week 2: Build a Better TV Guide – Ditching the algorithms to curate my own lineup
Retroscopic Round-up: My Week of Self-Curated Classic British TV
Contains mild spoilers When linear television was at its height in the UK, I had my own schedule. I’d flit between channels to catch my favourite programmes, and use things from my own video-cassette collection when there was nothing else worth watching. I had my own schedule: a personal routine of programmes, slotted in perfectly … Continue reading Retroscopic Round-up: My Week of Self-Curated Classic British TV
Obscure Drama – Jennie: Lady Randolph Churchill (Network DVD Review)
Contains mild spoilers I collect the DVDs released by Network, even things I wouldn't necessarily have a desire to watch, or even knew existed. I picked up Edward and Mrs Simpson starring Edward Fox, in my local charity shop. It was £1, so at the very least I'd get a DVD with a Network badge … Continue reading Obscure Drama – Jennie: Lady Randolph Churchill (Network DVD Review)
