Cultural Diet - May 2025

A run down of everything I’ve consumed this month. May was lovely. Sunshine! Wedding (not mine)! Birthday (mine)!

Yes, I turned 37 and I don’t understand how we got here so soon. But I did what everyone hurtling towards the grave does - I did my first parkrun and joined Mensa.

The Ballad of Wallis Island

I went to the cinema for my birthday to see The Ballad of Wallis Island, and what a treat it was.

I’ve adored Tim Key’s comedy for years. His live shows are works of genius, packed with surrealism and pathos. Whether it’s his radio shows, his appearances on Taskmaster, or his role as Sidekick Simon in Alan Partridge, Key has always brought a unique blend of wit and absurdity to everything he touches.

This film is no exception.

I deliberately avoided reviews and trailers beforehand, knowing he’d be teaming up again with his old comedy partner Tom Basden (who is also superb here). Basden’s music, which he wrote for the film, is also a perfect fit. Carey Mulligan fills out the third role with effortless Hollywood charm.

I won’t spoil the plot for you. You deserve to go in fresh. But rest assured: the jokes are constant and creative and I laughed all the way through. That said, this isn’t just a comedy, it has a gorgeous, tender heart beating at its core. The emotional moments are beautifully handled and, yes, I cried. I haven’t loved a film like this in years.

Go see it. Go see it. Go see it.

Cultural Diet - April 2025

A run down of everything I’ve consumed this month. April was warm and the extra daylight has been great for the old menty hel (mental health).

Cultural Diet - March 2025

A run down of everything I’ve consumed this month. March has marched on out, but spring is here and summer is on the way. I managed to get my new office space decorated (but the cat isn’t very happy about it).

Cultural Diet - February 2025

A run down of everything I’ve consumed this month. February was quite the month for me. For personal reasons as well as feeling like the year has really taken off. Time is moving so fast, and there’s a lot I want to experience. Bring on spring!

Cultural Diet - January 2025

A run down of everything I’ve consumed this month. January was long. And busy. And sober.

Work has been getting busier and so I’ve fallen into a trap of putting something on in the background in the evening and barely paying attention. Gigs are back in Feb though, got some good ones in the diary.

Cultural Diet - December 2024

A run down of everything I’ve consumed this month. After November’s hectic gig schedule, this month was rather quieter with the festive holidays in mind. As we got closer to the winter solstice and it got dark and cold from 2pm, staying in and watching TV or a film became my preferred choice.

I hope you had a wonderful and peaceful Christmas break and you’re looking forward with hope into 2025.

Cultural Diet - November 2024

A run down of everything I’ve consumed this month.

November has been busy. I’ve overdone it and December is supposed to be the month of excess. It has, however, also been fun. And that’s important too.