A quick look at a book based on the prison-based comedy series, Porridge. This paperback book of the BBC's Porridge was adapted by Jonathan Marshall from Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais’s television scripts. Inside, each of the seven chapters are re-tellings of the television episodes, starting with the 'unofficial' pilot episode, Prisoner and Escort … Continue reading Porridge – The surprising facts behind this book based on the classic comedy
Surprises and New Old Things. The tenth algorithm-free week
For the first time the weekly Retroscopic Roundup is available in Pdf form. I haven't done anything like that before, so I hope it works and looks okay. Please let me know if it doesn't. Retroscopic Roundup W10 Download pdf This diary has been a real eye-opener for me. For example, I failed to realise … Continue reading Surprises and New Old Things. The tenth algorithm-free week
Week 9 of curating my own classic TV line-up
It’s been a supremely busy week of mixed fortunes for me, so I haven’t watched very much this week. Partly due to work, tiredness and some plans coming unstuck. It’s okay, you don’t need to feel sorry for me because I’ve watched some great stuff this week, even if it wasn’t mentioned on the list … Continue reading Week 9 of curating my own classic TV line-up
Retroscopic: Week 8 of curating my own TV line-up
Contains mild spoilers The holiday is over, and I'm back in my favourite armchair, slipping back into familiar viewing habits. Below is my ‘viewing diary’ that I use to kept track of where I am. It's fully expanded for your reading pleasure, with a preview of the week ahead. The full background ‘story so far’ … Continue reading Retroscopic: Week 8 of curating my own TV line-up
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
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
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
The Mighty Boosh Radio Series – audio review
Comedy written and performed by Julian and Noel Fielding. Six episodes broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001. Where do you begin describing The Mighty Boosh' to someone coming at it cold? Some random samples of dialogue should give you an idea. “I talk to the animals. I’ve got the gift. I’m like Mowgli in … Continue reading The Mighty Boosh Radio Series – audio review
