Hospital Club magazine issue 23 by topright design ltd.

2010 – Issue Twenty Three – London

Short sighted: Nik Mackey www.topright.co.uk

open the kimono

v. phr. to expose or reveal secrets or proprietary information.

The Introduction

he etymology of ‘open the kimono’ appears to be a somewhat sexist hybrid of Japanese philosophy and ‘90s business jargon. It faded away before the end of the century, but here at The Hospital Club, we’re breathing new life into the phrase and flinging it back at the lexicon. It is often said that the best creativity stems from honesty, to oneself and others. From Francis Bacon’s inner torment, brutally splashed on the canvas to the painful honesty in the bluesy voice of Nina Simone, it’s the truth which speaks to an audience and resonates with their experience. The Stanislavsky school of Method Acting made famous by Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio was founded on encouraging actors to open their emotional kimonos to facilitate genuine performances. Honesty can heal a situation, heighten a drama or create a very uncomfortable car ride; as David Parker found in ‘Truth Can be Murder’. It’s a good thing he’s one of the UK’s best therapists and well versed in hearing unsavoury confessions. Long before society became cosy with

online admissions, the traditional place for us to open up and spill our guts, was on the page, via a diary. We asked Julia Rebaudo to revisit her adolescent outpourings and then share with us her adult reactions to the tortured text in ‘Teenage Kicks’. We live in a culture, which compared to 20 years ago, is totally open kimono. Our parents (or their parents, if you’re very young) wouldn’t think of discussing political affiliations, marital/relationship pickles, money problems or mental health issues. Today, people Tweet such personal minutiae and update their Facebook profiles with one night stand details and revealing photos. In spite of our web savvy ways, technology is often the breeze that blows open our kimonos when we least expect or need it. Rob Hinchcliffe has explored the wince inducing history of such mishaps in ‘Oh, No, Kimono’. Nick Taylor is increasingly unsure where the truth ends and fabrication begins, but suggests the answer might lie deeper in ‘Hearts Don’t Lie’. So, when it boils down to the ‘business’ of creativity, is it best to

be transparent or shield your client from the awful truth? David Hart shares an upfront perspective in ‘Honesty is the Best Policy’. Actors of stage and screen are applauded for authenticity; but what does that require, extreme honesty or crafty deceit? Photographer Simon Annand would be well positioned to answer that question as for the past twenty five years; he’s been capturing actors in the moments prior to them stepping on stage. Here we publish intimate shots from his book ‘The Half ’. Also in this issue, we have an update on what our Creatives in Residence have been busy with. In addition to the Members Profiles’ we’ve also unveiled a new section called ‘What are You Up To?’ The first members who’re revealing their projects past and present are Martha Freud and Tim Holder. Our competitions on the site have proved hugely popular and perhaps more importantly, have inspired a huge amount of beautiful creativity. The fruits of such labours can be seen on the cover and throughout the magazine, which in many ways is our Kimono of Many Colours, have fun opening it.

Jasna Nikolic About the Artist The cover illustration is by artist Jasna Nikolic, judged one of the winning entries in conjunction with Art Below. The image was taken from the recent Art Below competition running on thehospitalclub.com. Nikolic has exhibited internationally, both in solo and group shows. Some of her work has been on display in London, Serbia, the US, Paris and Mexico. Recently she was part of a group exhibition at the Tate Modern, featuring in the ‘No Sole for Sale’ festival with the Museum of Everything. The image, entitled ‘Concerning intrusive Thoughts and Delusions’ is based on a quotation from the book Saint Silouan the Athonite by Archimandrite Sophrony. If you look carefully, you will see these words in the artwork.: ‘Beware these two thoughts and fear them .The first suggests “you are a saint”; the other, “you will not be saved.” Both are from the enemy, and there is no truth in them. Instead, think to yourself, I am a great sinner, but the Lord is merciful. He loves men with a great love, and will forgive me my sins’. With this piece, Nikolic is exploring the inner world of a person, especially their spiritual side. She is trying to show that not all things are visible in a human being and focusing on the idea that communication between material and spiritual world is possible through symbols. Head to www.thehospitalclub.com/socialsite/competitions to find out more about Art Below and to check out other entries from ‘Open Kimono’ and past competitions. www.jasnanikolic.com

CONTENTS Features

Truth Can be Murder

24 Members’ Profiles

Teenage Kicks

26 What are You Up To?

Oh, No, Kimono

28 Creatives in Residence Programme 2010

David Parker takes it to the bridge

Julia Rebaudo ponders her younger self

Rob Hinchcliffe charts digital mishaps

Who’s who and what they do…

Martha Freud and Tim Holder open up

Smells like keen spirit

10 Hearts Don’t Lie

30 Beautiful People

12 Wham Bam Gaga Lipstick Glam

32 Artistic Platform

Nick Taylor doesn’t trust Katie Price

The Hospital Club knows how to throw a party

13 Honesty is the Best Policy

The camera loves ‘em

Everyone’s a winner

Calendars

David Hart is happily transparent

14 The Half

34 Members Film and Events Highlights

Simon Annand goes behind the curtain

19 The Hospital Club 100

The future, in words and pictures

37 The Guide

Movers and shakers

Where to be and when….

22 Club News & Events

What’s occurring and what you missed…

Julia Rebaudo

David Parker

Nik Mackey

Fabia Palliser

Stewart Who?

CONTRIBUTORS

Editor

Stewart Who? Editorial team:

Oliver Morton Marketa Chlebova

David Hart

Nick Taylor

Rob Hinchcliffe

Fabia Palliser Sub Editors:

Oliver Morton, Dan Thorne Art Direction, Design and Artwork:

topright.co.uk 01737 558 990 Cover Artist: Jasna Nikolic

© The Hospital Group Ltd 2008. The copyright and contents of this publication are owned by The Hospital Group and no unauthorized copies of the whole or part may be made without express permission of The Hospital Group Ltd.

Through an unexpected intervention, I found myself granted residency in Sydney, Australia in 1987. Not quite what I had in mind for March of that year, but I went with it. ‘Neighbours’ was big on the telly, as was Thatcher, in the hearts and minds of the UK, so every reason to leave the homeland. Poor health and liver disease was my constant identity at that time, so sitting on Bondi Beach seemed like an answer to my prayers. Sadly, the old battered liver couldn’t take the prawns, no one would insure me and Medi-care said no, so it was time to fly home with dreams shattered.

ven in a short 3 month stay, I formed close bonds with people due to shared experiences and many knew of my impending departure. One guy asked me to dinner as a way of saying thank you for the support I’d given him over his own liver health issues. That evening, he drove me back over Sydney Harbour Bridge in his beaten up old Morris Minor. Unlike the carefree chatty journey prior to our meal, his sparkling Aussie mood changed as we clanked over the iconic metal bridge on the way home. He started to hunch his shoulders up as he stared ahead, white knuckling the wheel. “I need to tell you something that I can’t tell anyone and if I don’t tell someone I will go mad, so I’m telling you as you are going home in 2 days.” He had his eyes fixed on the road ahead, unwilling to look me in the eye The kimono opened when he spluttered, “Over 12 years ago, I lived in San Francisco and while on a drug binge, someone physically abused me. I wasn’t sure who it was, but eventually I realised and later befriended the

David Parker is a regular contributer to the site. To read more of his work head to thehospitalclub.com

Truth Can Be Murder by David Parker

person. I ended up manipulating the situation in order to live with the abuser and shared his dealer, so a bond was formed. “It was not unusual for us to spliff up while overlooking the Bay of San Fran, car doors wide open, music blaring from the car speakers. We’d done this endless times, but on this occasion, I opened the glove department, clasped a gun I’d placed there and blew his brains out.” What? We were still riding the metal bridge, but now it seemed I was sat next to a murderer. All I could say was, “What happened next?” One was trying to maintain a stiff upper lip, staring straight ahead. He then turned to me, tears streaming down, as he said quietly, “I went to the boot of the car, where I had a change of clothing, towels to wash the blood, a packed suitcase and a one way ticket to Australia. I hailed a taxi to the airport and here I am 12 years later. I have never told anyone.” For a moment I said nothing. I wanted to ask questions, but this

level of confession only fueled the compassion churning inside me at his storage and outpouring of suppressed grief, sadness, anger and relief. All while he was still driving, I might add. Consequently, I was somewhat relieved to reach the other side of Sydney Harbour Bridge where he slowed down into a side street, stopped the engine and sobbed in my arms. I just held him as someone had held me before, when I required silent, non-judgmental support. We never spoke of it again. On returning to England, I learned that my best mate Barry had his humdinger of a mother coming from Canada for a week of expectant turmoil. This anticipated drama was upstaged by his mum having her handbag stolen a few yards from Barry’s flat in Notting Hill. The whole lot gone. Six months later, the day after Boxing Day, Barry and I were due to see a concert at Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank. Strangely, he didn’t show. This was a Tuesday and the next day I was out of town ready for New Year, but I kept calling his landline. Consistently, there was no answer.

Eventually other friends called the police, but they refused to break the door down until the Friday when I rang the police and offered to pay for the door myself. Two hours later I was informed that he was dead, murdered in his sleep, 67 stab wounds and his head decapitated. When the body was removed, I was asked to go into the flat to see if anything was missing. The murderer had taken 5 suitcases, stuffed them with splattered duvets and curtains, had taken a bath, cooked a meal and changed into Barry’s clothes before leaving with the suitcases in a bizarre way of dissolving evidence. Going into the bedroom on the arms of detectives, I recalled my own memory of being stabbed in the face 3 years earlier, how I should have been living in Australia, how I should be dead with liver failure, how Barry should be alive, how I had heard the outpourings of a planned pre-meditated murderer in Sydney and how I was witnessing the aftermath of a blood-stained bedroom in London 6 months later. I was stunned and humbled by this spiritual opportunity for forgiveness. All veils of anger toward the killer 5

lifted as I realized that I knew nothing. I continue to know nothing about the order of it all. Why was I stabbed? Why was I chosen to hear the Sydney confession? Why was I standing in this flat? Why was Barry dead? Why me? Why this? It was not until 6 months later at the inquest that the kimono was opened. Even after hair and blood samples were taken from over 300 people in 6 countries the murderer was never found and we don’t know the real motive. However, there was enough circulating evidence to indicate that decapitation symbolised a fear of a secret exposed, of the kimono unfolding. What we do know, is that the keys were stolen to order, in June from his mother’s bag, so the murderer could enter the flat 6 months later at 2am, the day after Boxing Day and kill him in his bed asleep. Both victims knew their killer and their murders remain unsolved cases on police records, violent mysteries that herald the thought that resentment destroys the container it’s kept in. Silent, resentful rage fuelled both premeditated murders. One can’t help but wonder if both men would still be alive had someone opened their kimono earlier and told the truth quicker.

Teenage Kicks

Julia Rebaudo

alibu/Diamond gal glass of M le y ll ta to a the Facebook yourself ory lane’ says em diaries, pour m ur n w yo f do of ay t – uproarious ur w ‘Dus e to cringe yo Cringe nights ar e ep th pr of d teenage r an de e, un Whit embarrassing Brown, fo , ty h ra gs Sa an r er ei rk years, om th page of New Yo r the last six up and read fr fo d rk an Yo st w le Ne op The ing in events where pe take place at has been runn ts h gh ic ni h w ge t, in en Cr thly t on by diaries. The ev London (mon exhibition pu in y’ ar et Di fe r s ea it ‘D d its very own ople like Anais has now foun tracts from pe rand) and had ex St y e h ar T di g in in ge ur Geor t feat Cntrl.Alt.Shif youth charity e Harsh. di Jo ve and Lo ey tn ur Co Nin, ge founder upset about something,” says Crin “Typically you write when you’re n you’re happy.” Sarah Brown. “You don’t write whe an era points out that, “We live in such Katrin Owusu from Ctrl.Alt.Shift is rself you of personal intimate account of digital information that the le’s peop into ing a powerful tool for gett disappearing, but the diary is such innermost thinking.” king, eight the pages of my innermost thin The last time I flicked through ded to burn deci I in, the embarrassments with years ago, I was so horrified by sat in them of currently have a whole pile them. Thankfully, I didn’t and 13. I set was I n whe 1 sizes, dating from 199 front of me, different colours and ed mood, eart t-h ligh a age years. I started in about the task of reliving my teen with a off sign y, diar immaturely ‘talk’ to the laughing at the way my entries ers. flow d bble scri of s and feature entire page “Lots of Love” or “‘heart’ Jules” school – in my life – being sent to boarding I soon reach a big turning point the way the e hat I . prickly heat on my neck and immediately start to feel a a pted ado I’ve , ths worst in me. Within mon trial of adapting brings out the e isit requ and – l” peta That’s so shan”, “Settle whole new Edinburgh lingo, – “ of lot a d spen and d’ ending to be really ‘har Scottish accent, have started pret , ‘blunders’ I love and miss (my family mainly) I le time categorising things: peop ts’. ‘tar be to girls at school I consider have made with new friends, and C over the arations of “So happy! Snogged Boyfriends come and go, with decl pings dum ous call great time together,” to wall last night. We have such a easy. was it but sed, He didn’t seem too plea days later. “Dropped J at lunch. Onwards and upwards!” , “He on for breaking up with boys was Hilariously, the most common reas of ents ’ mom den There are the cliche -rid doesn’t like to talk that much.” nt out orta imp and big like there’s something yearning spirituality, “I really feel to back get er bett ll, words,” followed by “We there that I just can’t put into me.” of k thin le peop t schoolwork and what my normal life of worrying abou going out the shape of “I can’t believe he’s Affronted complaints feature in PERSON AND RY EVE OF D RYONE. I’M SICK AND TIRE with that tart” and “FUCK EVE

periences DPHONES.” Ex A HE G IN CK OOOOO MY FU HAS NICKED wls, “I AM SO ra IT sc SH n E ke M n ru SO I feel with d THING. The Beatles tly recorded to ap g e in ar en e st oz Li ith “ f in the with bo r moments w ing to mysel te rr ie fe re qu t d ar an st inserting DRUNK!” actually the ‘I’ and t one point I ou t A g n .” si d os sa ies cr a security. really ian for extr backdate entr al d It an in on te rs ri w pe third asionally I et name. Occ my new secr alities. The ss likable qu le y m of e As I read, row som e reflective. it 16, I outg or h m I e is m d ti an e By th s out after my tears. Just tude smooth ti by at d ed ed an rs g supe y, I never writin boy. Bizarrel recedes but is d or ba ct l fa oo h ge sc in the cr ly pages are with the then sudden t , I break up bu ay , d h it rt in bi long-term 16th ip while This was a . e relationsh im th h t g in ou av ab rt. I write write s of le pros and con ng, on his pa li e ol th tr n to co ed d e an devot isolated me was obsessiv y life – he m at th ge ip an ch sh on would relati he day I leaving him at school. T e ow bl h ou y tr it ar ss cl with ck together to endle later I am ba d got me in an ks s ee d w n o ie w fr T from “DID IT!” unger self. him I write: sob for my yo d an finish with b so I t this point py, with him. A ly the unhap otions, main em ere are y th m s en of y late te a record m e ar In . es es ri ia on d The d angry , confused an strife-ridden ly brought on by the and self-doubt. Possib s od mo sed res dep of bouts er to other than a , something I rarely ref ned sto en oft ite qu am fact I ng cold caravan in the with friends in a freezi ’ ing uch ‘ga nt spe d weeken ounce and danced to cool. We smoked a whole ooo soo s wa “It s: nd Highla uate’ start appearing e words ‘socially inadeq Th n.” Ma er ach Pre a Son of left me out of plans en I think friends have wh et ups y gel hu am I a lot. tion of certain books, rt weaving in my adora sta I nt poi is th at s and it’ es stronger than ever rning for true love featur yea e Th . sic mu d an films l mate, analysing finding the perfect sou ut abo sly les end te wri and I bittersweet that my ite up to the job. It’s qu t no are s boy s iou why var all those years. At under my nose through ht rig s wa nd frie boy t curren e me when I’m so know, “Why does he lov to nt wa n’t did I e, the tim ulantly write. weak and insecure?” I pet I write about the drugs e bits I left out. I never th are ng er sti aft ere ng int rni s What’ taking the mo , losing my virginity or took (other than dope) my hopes and dreams ut But I did write abo y. wh n lai exp ’t can I pill. Although I feel writer and a journalist. a be to ng nti wa ut and abo what takes the sting what I’ve read, this is by sed ras bar em d an shaken shaping a future however clumsily, I was at, th , me t sha e th all out of y cathartic. For the firs e experience feels hugel th er, lat ys ve da ha few me A self. incarnations of e different shades and time, I feel like all th . ole bigger and better wh layered together in one is that everybody was from the Cringe nights rnt lea I’ve ing th e on “The says Sarah Brown. about the same things,” ing rry wo , ger na tee e the sam back up to the attic, ore.” Hauling my diaries bef at th n ow kn I’d h “I wis I couldn’t agree more.

tributer to the site. Julia Rebaudo is a regular con to thehospitalclub.com d hea k To read more of her wor

warning ! last chance

OH, NO, KIMONO are you sure that you wish to send this?

This is an article is about those heart-stopping moments of inadvertent and embarrassing revelation. It’s not so much about opening the kimono, it’s more about forgetting to wear pants under your kimono and then riding the Tube all the way to work, legs akimbo, wondering where that breeze is coming from.

hen Gordon Brown got into the back of his car and loudly pronounced the lifelong Labour voter he’d just met to be a “bigoted woman”, you could almost see the kimono flapping around his hairy, Scottish thighs.

Technology is making these types of mistakes easier to make, and once they’re made, technology amplifies the ramifications. I’m not just talking about gobby politicians here, this applies to all of us. Thanks to the sheer number of communication channels and social networking platforms that now litter our lives, our proverbial kimonos have shrunk to little more than flimsy mini-skirts.

Of course, normally this wouldn’t be a big deal. GB’s staff would lick their wounds and move on. But if you’re still wired up to your Sky News microphone and there’s a pack of salivating hacks listening to your every word, then it becomes an election-decider. But the enemy here is not the press, or the Tory spin doctors, or even UKIP... the enemy is in the machinery.

It all started with Clare Swire. If you worked in London in 2000, you probably remember Clare as the ‘tasty sperm’ woman who emailed her boyfriend one day to let him know how “yummy” the previous night’s blowjob had been.

The gallant boyfriend forwarded it to a bunch of friends, they forwarded it to their mates... and so on. The Clare Swire email went round the world quicker than you can say ‘spit or swallow?’ Nine people from Norton Rose were suspended, and no one would ever look at their ‘Send’ button in quite the same way again. Since the dawn of the Millennium, technologicallyenhanced slip ups have become an almost weekly occurrence. My personal favourite was the email sent by investment banker Peter Chung in 2001 after he’d landed a plush job in Korea. Emailing

his colleagues back home, Chung wrote that he was “going to fuck every hot chick in Korea over the next 2 years”. A few days later Peter was forced to resign and the ‘hot chicks’ of Korea breathed a collective sigh of relief. With the advent of platforms like blogging, Twitter and Facebook, the internet has become a virtual battlefield littered with the corpses of people who’ve been fired, dumped or just plain humiliated after an unguarded moment of ‘over sharing’. There’s even a word for it: Dooced - to get fired for something you’ve written on your website (named after the blog of American Heather Armstrong who was sacked after penning ‘satirical’ comments about her workmates). In 2005, Britain got it’s first Doocing when 37-year-old Waterstone’s employee, Joe Gordon, was sacked after he wrote on his blog about his ‘evil boss’ at ‘Bastardstones’ (personally I think he should have been sacked for ‘lazy and unimaginative attempts at satire’). Then, in summer of last year, a young woman named Lindsay updated her Facebook account with a vitriolic (and badly spelled) diatribe against her boss whom she accused of being ‘pervvy’ [sic] and of making her do ‘shit stuff just to piss me off ’ [sic]. Writing something like that when you’ve already invited your boss to becomes a Facebook ‘friend’ takes a special kind of stupid, but luckily for us it prompted one of the greatest boss-employee exchanges of all time:

Rob Hinchcliffe

“Hi Lindsay, I guess you forgot about adding me on here? Firstly, don’t flatter yourself. Secondly, you’ve worked here five months and didn’t work out that I’m gay? I know I don’t prance about the office like a queen, but it’s not exactly a secret. Thirdly, that ‘shit stuff ’ is called your ‘job’, you know, what I pay you to do. And lastly, you also seem to have forgotten that you have two weeks left on your six-month trial period. Don’t bother coming in tomorrow. I’ll pop your P45 in the post and you can come in whenever you like to pick up any stuff you’ve left here. And yes, I’m serious.”

Kimono folder

The Hospital Club

Kimono Back-up

h.issue23AW.sit

But while social networking kimono catastrophes can be entertaining for the rest of us, if you’re the kimono-wearer then your name will be indelibly engraved on a wall in the darkest recesses of the internet’s hall of shame. In the past few weeks, Google have started archiving Tweets, which means the ‘delete’ and ‘undo’ buttons just don’t exist any more. The next generation of teenagers won’t learn about their parent’s indiscretions via a heart-to-heart conversation over a few drinks, instead one of their mates will send it to them (and everyone else) on Facebook. Tomorrow’s celebrities won’t guard their privacy, they’ll just crisismanage their fuck ups. It’s a scary thought, but one day the phrase ‘opening the kimono’ just won’t be relevant anymore because there won’t be any kimonos left to open.

by Rob Hinchcliffe

Rob Hinchcliffe is a regular contributer to the site. To read more of his work head to thehospitalclub.com

Hearts Don’t Lie

By Nick Taylor

I just don’t trust Lady Gaga. I know there’s lots to love – the lobster millinery, the cloven, heel-less toe-lettos, hair sculpted into the shape of that eponymous telephone. But there’s something that makes me shiver as consistently as knowing what to do once you’ve killed a cow. Maybe it’s the repeated motif of manslaughter in her videos; a feeling that beside the piles of poisoned corpses, the first and most tragic victim in her rampage through the tweeny years is the singer’s own soul.

here’s little objective truth to this feeling. Like any other feeling it’s irrational, personal and defiant of scientific proof. I feel nauseous when I watch Jordan go shopping. Never mind how much I’m told Katie Price is a considerate mother or that Elisabetta Canalis isn’t a trophy beard, our hearts, as Gabriella Cilmi says, don’t lie.

For proof of the impossible contradiction of truth, it is hard to better Jordan, when, last Christmas, she was simultaneously spread over the covers of Hello! and OK! announcing in one that she was back together with Pete and in the other that she would never get back with Pete. As the juggernaut of information lumbers on, the single authority of certain truth devolves into random factoids littering the verges of our minds like waving carrier bags on the pilgrim’s path of the M1. We pass so much of it, we can’t remember what meant what. With media now an unceasing stream, most of us are no longer sure whether the ice caps are melting or reforming at a recordbreaking speed; whether Jedward were hideous or brilliant.

It’s difficult to locate definite truth from a place of cool thought. Much of what is presented through the media manages to fudge definition, either by accident or willful obfuscation. The information overdose available via the internet might reel off pages of theories about Lady Gaga’s Masonic symbolism, but provide clarity it doesn’t. Truth comes to resemble less a handbag-sized formula than a many-headed monster of conflict and contradiction; smoother than a conservative Prime Minister professing love for his Liberal Democrat partner, and just as unbelievable.

For every story erupting through the vents of multimedia, there come those in pursuit who would make an effigy of it with a broom and burn it, had they the matches. Booksellers lick their pages at the promise of a new chapter of misery memoirs, with their promise to satiate our hunger for absolute honesty. Inevitably the sequel is a series of accusations from vilified figures that such memoirs are a pack of lies. James Frey wrote a harrowing autobiography of his recovery from drug addiction and made the whole thing up.

I suppose once upon a beginning, truth was dispatched from on high like a cashier at a drive-thru McDonald’s. Moses retrieved it from his earpiece to the unnamable authority and that was that. Times change and now truth is one of D-ream telling us when the sun will explode. Anyone saying they have heard the truth as a little voice inside them is more likely to be offered anti-psychotics than an audience.

Maybe it was ever thus. Pi manages to be a symbol resembling a Neolithic dolmen and an impossible number with an infinite 11

number of digits. Paradox is not an aberration: it’s the condition of life. For someone like Katie Price, living such a schizophrenic existence with another character in the same body, it should come as no surprise when two separate truths appear on the shelves of W H Smith in the same week. Some may despair at the tarnishing of the gold standard of truth. But opinion, story and personal feeling are not poor relations chavishly stealing the limelight, they offer routes for us digital rabble to find others who share the truths of our heart and reconnect with our tribe. As intellectual truth leads to arguments that black is white and back again, it is our hearts that prove a more constant compass. We may try to convince ourselves that our lowest actions have nobility, but the nightly necessity of sleep will wake us up to any whiff of the contrary with a cold scream. This doesn’t mean all our hearts share the same truth. Anyone who’s staggered out of a relationship, readjusting their narrative of buckets of roses and perfect endings once they’ve been dumped, will know the way the most private of shared truths can seem suddenly solitary. But it does suggest that if we are to regain our sense of direction in a culture where a murdering Mickey Mouse is a signature of aspiration, we could do a lot worse than listening to the irrational little voice of our feelings. Nick Taylor is a regular contributer to the site. To read more of his work head to thehospitalclub.com

Wham Bam Gaga Lipstick Glam

by Dan Thorne

The Hospital Club events team are used to demanding clients and unusual requests but the M.A.C. cosmetics Viva Glam event in March took things to another level entirely…

aga and Lauper, a fine combination. The generation-straddling pop starlets were together in the spotlight on Monday 1st of March for an evening of candid discussion about HIV and AIDS awareness. Spicing up the atmosphere was every rocker’s favourite mumsy figure Sharon Osborne, who led the proceedings. Although there were some terrifying rumours regarding Lady Gaga’s previous rider demands, the backstage team seemed to get off fairly lightly on this occasion. The event was part of the M.A.C. cosmetics’ Viva Glam ‘From Our Lips’ campaign, a special autograph range of particularly shimmery

lipsticks. The aim of the night was to get people across the globe to think and act differently around AIDS issues. Also, it was a great excuse for Gaga to pick out another weird and wonderful outfit to wow the photographers. So far, they’ve raised over $150 million for people living with HIV / AIDS by donating all the profits from their Viva Glam range. Glamorous attendees included Agyness Deyn, Henry Holland, Jodie Harsh, Susie Bick, Bella Freud, Tallulah Adeyemi, Peter Pillotto, Nat Weller, Princess Julia, Percy Parker, Jonathan Saunders, Todd Lynn, Jason Gardiner and Richard Mortimer.

The afternoon was produced by The Hospital Club Events Company, who sourced the venue, produced, designed, catered and filmed the event, whilst streaming it live to thousands of U Stream viewers around the globe. Head of Events, Michael Berg, on pulling it all together: “The event had a very short time scale, was very complex in nature and constantly grew in size. This was a first for MAC Cosmetics, and much time originally was spent on finding the right venue as the event had very specific needs!” The Hospital Club Events team specialize in all kinds of events; launches, parties, dinners, weddings, whatever your needs are. For more information about the events team go to www.thehospitalclub.com and click on Events.

Honesty is the best Policy It’s funny that throughout your childhood you are told never to tell lies. Although you quickly learn that lying can help you avoid getting told off, bullied or ridiculed, there is an underlying sense that telling lies is a bad thing...

ut then you become an adult and enter the world of work and suddenly you’re surrounded by a complex map of secrets and lies. These come in the guises of employment contracts, NDAs, client confidentiality, Public Relations, Shareholder Agreements, gagging clauses, even the Official Secrets Act. We’re basically discouraged from being transparent, because to behave otherwise would, at best, be unprofessional and at worst, be illegal. Back in the day when any written correspondence would be sent via dictaphone, through to the typing pool and back again to the writer for a signature, there would be a self-imposed time for reflection. But now, everything is instant. You can read something, think of a reply, and within a second publicise your thoughts to the world. So should that mean we need to be more careful, or does this herald a new era of transparency? I work at a digital agency, Codegent. We recently had a situation where a project was about to miss a deadline and both the project manager and lead developer on the project had handed in their notice. “What should we tell the client?” I was asked. Was the triple whammy of a late project

and two key people on your account resigning too much bad news to deliver in one go?

So, again, if we are truly transparent, should we be Tweeting about our successes and our setbacks? Should we blog when we’ve had a good month as much as when we’ve had a rubbish one? Should we come clean that we came second in a pitch that we hoped to win? I think the answer is yes.

Over the previous month we’d been talking a lot about ‘us’. The things that made us unique and the kind of company we wanted to grow. The recurring themes we discussed were around honesty, transparency and doing the right thing. This was countered by being firm with people who mess us about. After a session of navel gazing we proclaimed to everyone internally, that honesty, transparency and doing the right thing, plus a zero tolerance for timewasters were the principles by which we would operate.

So, back to the project that was not going to plan. “Let’s tell them the truth. Let’s call them up now and explain what has happened and why and what we’re planning on doing about it.” Because, when you tell the truth you show that you are human. And generally when someone shows you that they are human, you have a humanly empathetic response. Everyone knows that nothing is perfect. We all come up against problems and we all make mistakes. The client, it turned out, far from freaking out or questioning our professionalism, was sympathetic and even thanked us for being straight. Of course he did – being a grown-up he trusted us that we weren’t pulling the wool over his eyes, that we were treating the problem seriously and that we’d got a plan moving forward.

This all made us feel good, but then we had a thought: so, does that mean that we actually come clean when we mess up? Not just put our hands up when we’ve been caught, but proactively tell the world about it? If you read most digital agency’s websites you would be forgiven for thinking that they are infallible centres of excellence constantly on a quest for digital perfection. Nowhere will they tell you that sometimes they struggle for resources, sometimes they have too much work and sometimes not enough. Sometimes their clients love them, but sometimes they fall out.

Don’t get me wrong, this transparency isn’t going to be easy. In fact it’s going to be really hard and the temptation 13

by David Hart

will be to toe the party line because that’s the way we’ve been trained all our working lives. Me writing this article is in itself a public admission of fallibility and I will certainly ask people here to sanity check that what I’m doing is right. But I think this is the right thing to do – even if it sometimes shows us in a less than positive light. And, if you don’t believe me or think I’m naïve ask yourself these two questions: 1. Do you believe that some companies are perfect and never make mistakes? 2. Assuming the answer is no, then would you rather work with a company that will be straight with you, or would you prefer one that always creates a positive spin no matter what sort of shit-covered fan is spinning away behind the scenes? This article was brought to us by BIMA, one of the Club’s official partners. The must-join trade organisation for everyone working in digital media in the UK. BIMA showcases and rewards great digital work, celebrating excellence and raising standards, and in doing so inspires and supports current and future talent. For more information please visit www.bima.co.uk

Judi Dench in ‘The Royal Family’ Judi Dench was filming her first James Bond film during the day, and then performing in the evening at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. This room is the famous Number 9 which was just big enough for John Gielgud to use as a flat during the Second World War. Many distinguished actors have looked in this same mirror over the years.

The Half T

he hallowed thirty minute period before the curtain goes up is known in theatre lingo as ‘the half ’. During this interlude, a tense hush descends on the backstage area as everyone but cast and crew are required to leave. It’s a time for meditation, contemplation and last minute adjustments. Over the past twenty-five years, Simon Annand has been granted remarkable access to a variety of actors during this crucial timeframe, just before they step into the limelight as someone else entirely.

His images are poignant and filled with suspense, illustrating beautifully the most vulnerable time for any stage actor. In fact, this selection of images seems to whisper….and occasionally shout, ‘candor’ and ‘openness’.

any way. To uncover this secret narrative I have received invaluable assistance from numerous people – stage managers, company managers, dressers, stagedoorkeepers, agents, friends and family – to whom I owe my deepest gratitude. ‘…These photographs show a world that is not normally seen, and I am forever indebted to all the actors who have allowed me privileged access to share their private space before they go on stage to face an audience.’

Annand explains, ‘Each photograph in The Half, has been hand-picked by me for many different reasons: personal, historical, the performances, the rooms themselves, and so on. The selection of photographs is not intended to be comprehensive in

Martin Sheen ‘The Normal Heart’ Martin Sheen was producing, directing and starring in ‘The Normal Heart’, the first play to tackle the AIDS issue during the early stages of the disease. For me he represented the best of the American radical spirit.

Daniel Craig in ‘A Number’ Daniel Craig was filming ‘Sylvia’ during the day, in which he played the poet Ted Hughes, and then he come in to perform at The Royal Court with Michael Gambon in the evening. Every day. The dressing room was essential to allow him to relax and make the shift between the 2 fictional characters.

Matthew Rhys standing at the Stage Door in a scuba diving costume. This photo shows Matthew Rhys looking out at the street before a matinee. He is standing on the physical dividing line, between the everyday world and the fictional world, wearing the diving suit in which he plays the first scene.

Jos Vantyler & Lucie Dobbing in ‘Charley’s Aunt’ This photograph shows a man, Jos Vantyler, dressing up as a woman for ‘Charley’s Aunt’ and the real thing, Lucie Dobbing. There was so little space backstage, they shared the dressing room together, a familiar circumstance in Fringe theatres.

Maggie Smith in ‘Interpreters’ This was the same room that Maggie Smith had been in on her first engagement in the West End, 30 years before. She said nothing much had changed, which re-assured her.

The artist behind these wonderful cartoons is Jed Pascoe. Pascoe started as a studio artist and typographer for Eureka Arts before taking a position in the Creative Services Unit at Ogilvy & Mather. He turned freelance in 1985 and almost immediately his work started winning awards. (He created the idea of Rutger Hauer as the Guinness man just before he left O&M). His work has won British Design Awards for best corporate identity manual and best catalogue cover. He has won several awards and prizes in international cartoon festivals and competitions over the years. He has created work for the Daily Express, the Daily Mail, The Financial Times, and the Sunday Mirror. www.jedpas.co.uk

The Hospital Club 100 The Hospital Club 100, in association with The Independent Newspaper, is a search for the most influential people in the creative and media industries. The list is unique in that it highlights both established and emerging talent side by side. The people with the most votes make it in to the final Top 100 list which will be published with The Independent newspaper. Head to thehospitalclub.com/100 from July 7 to check out the results.

e live in uncertain times, unsure of God, Gaza or Gaga. Will we have a ‘double-dip’ recession? How can you argue with a volcano? What will Cheryl Cole do next…. and is the ‘80s revival over or back again? Nobody knows, everything is a gamble and up for grabs. The creative industries have never been so fluxed up, down with the kids and round the twist with each other. Paralysing panic is coupled with untold and unpredictable opportunity. In the film world, it’s not just Hollywood that’s looking for a break, even the once stable porn industry is pegging its hopes on a 3D future. With regards to the music industry, it seems that only pensioners and middle aged

ravers are still buying CDs and yet 71 year old David Hockney is painting on his iPad. This shifting, self-fellating circus of uncertainty has made a mockery of the usual power and status criteria. The journey to the top of one’s game and to a successful creative venture is far less predictable than it used to be. Andrey Ternovskiy, the 17-year-old Russian founder of Chatroulette has already been awarded a Webby and is underage proof that the Internet still offers a level playing field where anyone with a novel idea or product can succeed. This anarchic democracy makes The Hospital Club 100 an even more interesting prospect. Those

who were cosy as ‘established’ bigwigs might be feeling the chill wind of doubt. Have they steered their company through the rocky digital seas, or did they stay on land, clinging to the ruins of what they knew? Is that kid in IT more likely to be running the company in a few year’s time and what’s the future for a boss doesn’t Tweet, Skype or know what a Gleek is? It could be the first time in history that creatives who’re ‘established’ might be usurped by the ‘emerging’ talents sooner than they think. As shares plummet and teenage boffins nail the zeitgeist, The Hospital Club 100 becomes a fascinating reflection of these shifting foundations.

To support the announcement of the shortlist and encourage debate, we commissioned a series of cartoons as a cheeky representation of the current state of change within the creative industries. As technology evolves and digital media pushes forward, it’s often a case of the blind leading the blind, with no one quite sure what lies around the corner for their sector. We’ve named the campaign “Brave New Future” and hope to identify which creative individuals will lead us out of this period of change and into a bright new future

d ok an o b e c t Fa s on the lates u w o t Foll er to ge b news. Twitt es on clu updat

Club News & Events Dear Members… Hopefully you’ll have seen the new 2nd floor make-over, giving it a fresh new look and also gearing it up for live performances. Also, with the screening room now upgraded to 3D, make sure you come in a have a nose around. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to complete the questionnaire. There was lots of useful feedback as well as many weird and wonderful ideas. If you ever have any more feedback, please email us, so we can continue improving the club. Here’s a summary of the main themes. It’s clear that you have a lot of love for Reception; and we’ve made sure that Sukima and her team have felt the love on your behalf. You were also brimming with compliments about the gastronomic delights coming out of our restaurant; as well as the Members’ Events programme. We will keep trying to maintain these high standards to ensure your positive experience continue. The refurbishment of the second floor was done in part to combat some of the points that emerged from this questionnaire. You said

that there were not enough places to sit and work; but now with the new décor, the more spacious feel and more furniture this should be a much improved place to hang out. (You’ll also notice a few more, all-important power points). You also asked that we include more members’ info in the magazine, so we’ve added a new section where members can talk about their current projects ‘What are you up to?’. There’s a lot we could talk about here, so going forwards we’ll be running a competition on our website to determine who will be featured next in this section. There were also a few website usability issues which came up, so we’ve redesigned the way the site is laid out to make it easier to navigate. There were also some questions about making the wi-fi easier to log-in to, so if you’d

like your phone to be recognized automatically when you enter the building, please see someone from reception and they will get our lovely IT department to set this up. Congratulations to all the winners of our various online competitions, with prizes ranging from Latitude festival tickets to having your artwork displayed in Bond Street tube station; and of course the continued cocktail connoisseurs whose creations have won a place on our drinks menu. Now, we hope to see you at the next 90s Night on 9 July, our monthly Back to Ours and Studio 24. Also, look out for the new kid on the block, “MixDown”, which set to make the first Saturday night of the month a big party night!

Marketa and Oliver Membership

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Adrian Bailey

Company

Unstick Ltd & PeopleFanClub Ltd Industry

Cross industry, but particularly creative/arts/financial/media But come on, what do you actually do?

Make companies and people more successful by ensuring their strategy is as good as it can be, designing/leading change initiatives including mergers and cultural change, communications, OD, HR, personal coaching. What projects are you currently working on?

Communications strategy for Diesel fashion; TV and media client financial performance improvement.

Christina Bradley Company

Are there any people you’d like to collaborate with?

CBM

Our clients get our cross-industry experience because we work with all kinds of businesses and individuals, and we like working with creative clients and Hospital Club members… they’re fun.

Industry

Entertainment Industry

But come on, what do you actually do?

I run an all-inclusive agency providing actors, extras and voiceovers for a variety of different productions; anything from corporate training videos to feature films, with a bit of Shakespeare thrown in for good measure.

Do you like people to be Open Kimono with you?

If they’d like to be, yes that’d be grand. Have you ever opened your kimono and regretted it afterwards?

Better to make sure you don’t find yourself in that situation.

What projects are you currently working on?

There are always lots of different projects going on simultaneously. At the moment I’ve got actors out touring, doing voice overs,

www.unstick.co.uk www.peoplefanclub.co.uk adrian@peoplefanclub.co.uk

working on documentaries, video games, audiobooks and fun things like that. Some of my extras can even be seen in the latest Poker Stars ad – blink and you could well miss them though!

Are there any people you’d like to collaborate with?

Oooh lots and lots! It’s always great getting casting briefs in for different projects and helping people find the right person for the job. It’s hugely satisfying when it all comes together. Do you like people to be Open Kimono with you?

Most definitely. Have you ever opened your kimono and regretted it afterwards?

Yes and never!! www.cbmlondon.com

Kevin Cheesman Company

aussieBum Industry

Men’s Intimate Apparel But come on, what do you actually do?

We don’t use agencies or PR companies, so we cover all our work in-house which means you get to work on a little bit of everything from our retails stores, completing a press release to booking media. What projects are you currently working on?

Underwear, so now we need to think of another food group which we can turn into a pair of underwear. Are there any people you’d like to collaborate with?

It would be fun to have Baz Luhrmann direct a meeting when we are in production for new product ideas.

Sara Tye Company

Do you like people to be Open Kimono with you?

redheadPR

If it is a group meeting, then a room of open kimonos can be very interesting. If it’s the one person, then I would tie their kimono to the chair so when they get up it would rip off anyway and I get to know everything.

Industry

Organisational development, public relations and integrated marketing But come on, what do you actually do?

Develop people, businesses and organisations through effective PR - traditional print, online, events, internal communications, pricing development, work with buyers right through to effective social and business networking on and offline.

Have you ever opened your kimono and regretted it afterwards?

Yes, it normally happens when a meeting turns into a drinks meeting and before I know it I’m exposing myself.

What projects are you currently working on?

www.aussiebum.com

Renewal of an important church, development of a town, UK representative of a sparkling vodka, adviser to numerous charities, agent to a spiritual author and promotion of a Chelsea Flower Show garden.

Stockist: Selfridges Harvey Nichols ASOS.com Selected House of Fraser stores

Are there any people you’d like to collaborate with?

People who have a desire to break boundaries, turn things upside down, sometimes take a risk and see the benefit of something WOW – that might be the painful route. Do you like people to be Open Kimono with you?

Always, sometimes it hurts; but it’s always the right thing to do. As a child I spent a lot of time being told I was too honest – people said it was odd…but it has definitely paid off. Have you ever opened your kimono and regretted it afterwards?

Honest always and sometimes that goes down like a lead balloon. It’s always the correct thing to do as its part of your makeup. Of course sometimes you have regret – but you lose that memory. www.redheadpr.co.uk sara@redheadpr.co.uk

To find out more about fellow members, join our social network and meet virtually at www.thehospitalclub.com

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?

Epicentre inauguation Senegal

Creating a community vision in India

Tim Holder M

y career began at the East Anglian Daily Times, then to The Times and Sunday Times and lastly in a variety of creative communications agencies working with organisations as diverse as Microsoft, 32 London Boroughs, Oxfam, Tesco, McDonalds, University of the Arts and NSPCC. Current projects (Where can we see them?) I’m currently working on an amazing creative project to raise awareness of the plight of the 1.2 billion people (or one in six of us) who exist on less than $1 a day. This unbelievable social injustice continues to take the lives of our fellow human beings at an incomprehensible rate of 20,000 each and every day. I hope to also raise significant amounts of money to further the work of The Hunger Project. As a charity we work tirelessly to give those suffering these terrible conditions, the skills and motivation they need to improve their own situation, and live sustainable and productive lives with dignity. To achieve this I am leading a small team to produce a multi-media ‘LiveAid’ style concert event with the legendary Dionne Warwick (and friends - she’s opening up her

legendary black book for the cause, details are still under wraps but it currently includes include one of the greatest songwriters of all time, a stunning orchestra of young musicians from around the globe and a growing list of who’s who of the music industry). I am also planning to combine this with a conference event which I hope will bring together senior members of Government, business leaders, other NGO’s and members of the public to hear more from those leading our projects in over 20 countries across the world.

Dionne Warwick supporting The Hunger Project UK

The Hunger Project (UK) Country Director Empowering Women, Children and Men to End Their Own Hunger & Poverty

hoping you might be able to help me with is…Who else could get involved? What? – I’m still creating the vision for exactly what this event could become in its entirety. There are some great main ingredients already, but I’m looking for more…..What else? When? – There is already a date pencilled in January 2011 for the main event, but I hope to develop new platforms to raise awareness in the lead up to 01/11; and crucially continue to deliver opportunities long in to the future.

In writing this article for The Hospital Club I also hope that, as part of THE creative community in London, you may well have a creative idea of your own or perhaps be in a position to offer practical assistance in some way? Who, what, when, where, why? This is not just a title of a little known track from Dionne Warwick but also very much a summary of the questions I have running through my brain 24/7 at the moment. Who? – This article already gives you a view of the potential we already have. But the question I am

What does the future hold? The future for me is all about creating even more opportunities and projects that ensure the momentum continues. Plans already include the creation and launch of a brand new national business women’s network, a partnership with an organisation called “Extraordinary Ones” who are about to launch a major initiative with food outlets in London; and a dance project with my husband, Gary Avis, who is a Principal Character Dancer and Ballet Master with The Royal Ballet. So plenty to be going on with I’d say and I’m loving every minute of it!!

Where? – Well so far in a major London venue, but I want to make sure that the experience, messages and impact are not confined within the four walls of a concert hall…. Where else?

Where can we normally find you in the Club? I can be found in the club several times a week and am always up for a chat. I enjoy a sofa and a coffee on the 2nd floor. Come and find me, I’d love to hear more about you.

Why? I firmly believe that this is not a matter of charity, it’s a matter of mutual responsibility for us all. The Hunger Project is all about asking those of us who live lives of privilege and creative fulfilment to find sustainable ways to support the one in six of us who have a right to the same.

P.S. The first person to email me the name the year in which the song Who, What, When, Where, When, Why? was released can enjoy a cup of coffee at my expense. After all, that’s what friends are for! Tim Holder, The Hunger Project, tim.holder@thp.org. Mobile: 07711 362864.

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?

photos Angelo Plantamura

Martha Freud I

was born in my mother’s home in Battersea, London and have lived in that area all my life, currently next to the park with my two cats: Snoop and Detroit. After leaving school I worked on the feature film Thunderbirds in the art department. I then continued my education with a foundation at Chelsea School of Art and Design, and then a degree in Product and Furniture Design at Kingston University. I graduated three years ago but am still trying to learn new skills. I worked at Issa Couture for two seasons in 2007/2008 before taking on my own studio where I have been experimenting with materials and developing my first collection of lighting and furniture. Last year I cycled from London to Paris last with some friends for charity; I find it very difficult to have just one espresso martini. Current projects (Where can we see them?) I make my lighting and furniture in the new Great Western Studios,

a purpose built building next to the Regents Canal near Westbourne Park.

In this way much of my work exists on the boundary of art and design: many of my pieces are essentially functional sculpture. I do however also take on commissions and operate as a more traditional design practice. Where possible, I try to create something novel. A recent kitchen I designed had door panels of reeded glass and recessed LEDs to give an illusion of depth beyond the shallow kitchen door.

My work is very much informed by nature. I sculpt natural forms; use natural materials; and most of my current work uses light to highlight or create depth and relationships. One of my most popular lampshades is made out of porcelain butterflies. (This is one of my main battles with gravity: encouraging flight from sculpted objects.) The pieces use varying thicknesses of translucent porcelain, the resulting range of opacity gives an illusion of depth to the shadows cast.

I also enjoy some of the wider processes that go into the creation of my pieces. The branches I sculpt with have been collected, in a very much sustainable way, from ancient woodland in Dorset. More recently we had a very enjoyable day collecting branches from Camley Street Natural Park, run by the London Wildlife Trust in Kings Cross. It would be great if my work can publicise and support their wonderful conservation projects whilst fulfilling its own aesthetic aims. And another great thing about it is that their Kings Cross site and the studio are connected by the Regents Canal, so the branches can be delivered by boat!

Other lights will deliberately use non-translucent clay (stoneware) to direct light so it can create relationships with its neighbouring bodies. I also make nest lights, that hang from the ceiling and span over a meter and a half diameter, and I have made a large nest table using light and branches to cast woodland shadows.

Martha Freud Design Furniture and lighting design. www.marthafreud.com

Commissions keep me busy but I spend as much time as possible experimenting and developing new work. My work is available to view on my website at www.marthafreud. com, and anyone interested in seeing my work is welcome to make an appointment to visit my studio. What does the future hold? In September’s Design Week (18th – 26th) my work will be on display at The Hospital Club. I am also planning to show in another location (to be confirmed) at around the same time. As well as working on commissions, I plan to develop a range of tableware. And I want to get into bronze casting! I share my studio with Danny Wootton and Sid Dawe: We have formed an LLP together (Sid and Danny also undertake the display and transport and installation of fine art, often monumental sculpture). We will develop this partnership and thus our capacity for ambitious projects. Where can we normally find you in the Club? On the fourth floor, out on the terrace when the sun is shining.

If you would like to take part in our new section “So what are you up to?” please head to the competition section of the website. 27

Creatives in Residence is a philanthropic programme whereby The Hospital Club supports an exceptionally talented group of emerging creatives over the course of a year, actively contributing to their career progression and personal development. Head to www.thehospitalclub.com/cir to find out more about the programme, the Residents’ latest work and read their blogs.

Dean Quinn

Destiny Ekaragha

Dean, who shot his A/W 2010 Look Book in The Hospital Club Gallery in February, is in the midst of his own whirlwind. He is currently working in Milan with Donatella Versace on an ongoing project.

Destiny has a lot on her plate… She has just finished her first draft for her first feature film. Moreover, she has received funding by the UK Film Council to develop another feature and recently was invited to speak about her experience in filmmaking so far at the launch of Film Nation: Shorts. There is a potential third feature film in the works, so keep checking the CiR website.

Dean is mentored by fashion journalist and writer Camilla Morton and coached by Nick Allen.

Destiny is being coached by Club member Emily Man.

Joel Horwood

Joel’s adaptation of ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, described as ‘masterly, like a Godfather movie plot’ by The Stage closed to a standing ovation at The West Yorkshire Playhouse on Saturday 15 May. His most recent short piece was shown as part of ‘7:1 Beyond Control’, an evening of short plays featured at Theatre 503 on 14 June. Watch this space for news on his next musical, programmed at the Latitude festival.

Theatre

Joel is being coached by Club member Margaret O’Keeffee.

Film

Visual Art

Following the success of his exhibition ‘Suspended Exhalation’ at the Son Gallery in Peckham. Alex Shepherd presented an edited version of the installation for The Hospital Club. In a continuation of his exploration of form and artistic fallibility, he created a structure fabricated from over 200 square-meters of supple PVC and 500 latex balloons. The balloons were held in plastic cases to protect them and installed in the Lobby for a period of two weeks. He is currently working closely with Rukhsana Jahangir, an independent curator and Committee member.

Fashion

Alex Shepherd

3 6 7 8

Theatre & Opera

Luc is being coached by Club member Matthias Gruendler.

House of Jonn ‘Welcome to Your City’ ongoing installation at Selfridges’. Photographs by Anna Robertson

Peter Gregson and Daisy Chute performing at Alt_Classical on 19 May

Reinterpretation of ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ by Joel Horwood, running in May. Joel was the writer on the production, which ran at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

Poster of Mozart’s Idomeneo, on which Luc is Assistant Director at The English National Opera

Dean Quinn Fall/Winter 2010 Look Book – shot in February in The Hospital Club Gallery

Alex Shepherd ‘untitled series 2010’

Alex Shepherd ‘Suspended Exhalation 2010’

Destiny Ekaragha and CiR coach Emily Man

House of Jonn

Peter has been touring all over the US, promoting his new album. Commissioned by Bowers & Wilkins and Peter Gabriel, the album was launched at The Hospital Club during the first alt_classical concert series, which aims to bring contemporary classical music to new audiences. It’s a promising initiative bringing interesting and talented emerging musicians into the building.

House of Jonn, (made up of Jordan Hodgson and Niall Gallacher), teamed up with aberrant architecture - current architecture residents at the V&A and the RIBA - to stage a joint residency in Selfridges’ Wonder Windows during Architecture Week, from 16 – 26 June. They set up a temporary office and worked there to build a large-scale and very detailed model city, integrating thoughts on London from passers by. Other past and current Residents are also involved in the project.

Peter is being coached by Club member Paulo Pisano, director of philanthropic company Pearson. He is mentored by Mark Prescott, out-going head of cultural campaigns at Greater London Authority.

Niall and Jordan are being coached by Club members Claudie Plen and Andrea Ingrisch and mentored by Lee McCormack, creative director, Oculas.

Architecture

Luc is to assisting acclaimed director Katie Mitchell. The project consists of a major new production of Mozart’s Idomeneo at the English National Opera. Working with Mitchell is proving to be an extraordinary experience for Luc, what with Katie’s visionary ideas and the exceptional cast (including Paul Nilon in the title role). The production runs for seven performances at the London Coliseum, from 18 June – 9 July.

Peter Gregson

Music

Luc Mollinger

29 23

Are you one of the beautiful people in some of these shots? Here are a selection of pictures from the uber glamourous Studio 24, the ever-changing Back to Ours, the ping-pong extraordinaire – Members’ Drinks, the laugh-out-loud Comedy and Variety Nights and many other fabulous Club events… To see more scandalous photos from our events, join the Party Nights group at www.thehospitalclub.com Photographs by Joanna Dudderidge, Anna Robertson, Sophia Shorr-Kon, Suzie Blake.

AN ARTISTIC PLATFORM Art Below competition

ne of the most exciting areas of our website has sprung to life recently with partnerships with Jotta.com and Universal Music… One we hope you’ll have noticed is our partnership with Art Below, which has yielded some inspirational work from a really diverse mix of entries. The competition was based around a billboard site located at Bond Street station where each month our winners got the chance to

Escape Winner: Hannah Biscombe – in Bond Street tube station

Escape Winner: Hannah Biscombe

Gravity Winner: Massimo Ratti

showcase their work to thousands of commuters every day. The three campaign themes have been Escape, Gravity and Open Kimono. The latter is on show in Bond St right now as well as on the front cover of this magazine. We are already working on another exciting campaign with Art Below for later this year…but in the meantime, you can still see the entries to all three campaigns in the Competitions section of the website.

FOR MORE CREATIVE CAMPAIGNS LIKE THIS AND TO WIN SOME OTHER GREAT PRIZES, VISIT OUR COMPETITIONS SECTION OF THE WEBSITE www.thehospitalclub.com/socialsite/competitions

A QUICK WORD ON ART BELOW - THEY PROVIDE THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION FOR ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS WANTING TO EXHIBIT THEIR WORK TO THE WIDEST AUDIENCE POSSIBLE USING BILLBOARD SPACES IN MAJOR STATIONS ACROSS THE GLOBE INCLUDING LONDON, TOKYO, BERLIN AND PARIS. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ART BELOW, HEAD TO: www.artbelow.org.uk

Got an idea for a campaign which you want to run with the club? Contact: gavinn@thehospitalclub.com Open Kimono Winner: Eloise Fornieles

Gravity Winner: Carlos Saladen-Vargas

Open Kimono Winner: Fran Williams

July Toy Story 3

hig

Woody and pals are back in 3D, get ready for Mr Potato Head’s features flying right at your enthralled face as Buzz Lightyear whizzes past your head proclaiming something heroic. Andy’s outgrown his toys and is off to college, so it’s time for the gang to pick up the old P45 and head to the big jumble sale in the sky. But wait, mom, don’t toss those lovable play-things in the dumpster just yet, they could be worth something on ebay!

Inception

If you’re dreaming about where you’ve hidden your secret stash of valuable World Cup collectors coins, or the combination to your bike lock, be aware that in Inception’s future world, hitech criminals can invade your subconscious thoughts and steal all your precious brain booty. Fugitive highly skilled dream burglar Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is hired for the old ‘one last job’. This time, rather than stealing, he’s actually implanting incriminating evidence in some poor sap’s mind. Christopher Nolan, last seen at the helm of The Dark Knight, directs this sci-fi.

Quiz Night ‘The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool’. So said Bill Shakespeare, in one of those plays wot he did write. Which play though? How many times have England come second in the World Cup? Which bouffanted ’80s band sang the song ‘The Reflex’? If you can answer any of these questions, you’ll enjoy our monthly knowledge tester.

OneTaste Fresh from acclaimed spots on the summer festival circuit and a big show at Koko, the eclectic OneTaste collective of songwriters and spoken word performers leap back into the First Floor spotlight to profile talented performers, the likes of which have recently gone on to work with the National Theatre (Innua Evans) and sign to Polydor (Jamie Woon) & Ninja Tune (Jono Mccleery). Come and witness their musical flair and lyrical dexterity before they hit the big time.

Comedy Night Edinburgh Previews Funny folk ranging from the pros on the circuit to a liberal sprinkling of TV faces, it’s the time of the year for them to come and flex their mirth-making muscles on the warm up track and try out material for the big off in Edinburgh. Be prepared to cackle like a deranged witch at a medieval dunking pond.

The A Team Apparently, ‘there is no plan B’ in this all action ‘80s revival of the popular Saturday afternoon series for kids with an affection for high octane pseudo violence and wisecracking AWOL good guys. Fans of the ridiculously over the top Taken will be pleased to see Liam Neeson starring as leader Hannibal, the fella from District 9 cracking the funnies as “Howling Mad” Murdoch. But can pro wrestler Rampage Jackson fill the very large shoes of Mr T? We pity the fool that doesn’t appreciate a long overdue nostalgia spin-off.

Members’ Events Highlights

Sequel to part one of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy. Fans of the harrowing noir original, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, will enjoy this second portion of Swedish underworld murder mystery. Controversial magazine investigator Blomkvist and his team of loyal corruption sleuths attempt to get to the bottom of a double murder linked to sex traffickers and high profile Swedish public figures who aren’t likely to go down without a fight.

August

The Girl Who Played With Fire

ghlights Poker Night

Check, check, check, raise, raise, all in, cards on their backs, ladies and gents, ooh, that was a bad beat. Come to Poker Night and learn the game. It’s simple to pick up and tricky to be great at. But then, it’s all about luck, right? Beginners welcome.

Studio 24

The idea behind Studio 24 is to give Hospital Club members a monthly event where they can let their hair down, show a glittery leg and get down to a choice selection of classic disco. Obviously, the night is a respectful homage to Studio 54, but it also serves as a nod to Paradise Garage and The Loft in ‘70s/’80s New York, which were made infamous by DJs such as Larry Levan and David Mancuso. It’s been going for a year now, make sure you come along and see what the fuss is about.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Being a wimpy socially awkward kid in the terrifying and perilous world of middle school is never going to be easy. Hey, we’ve all been there. Based on the New York Times’ best selling illustrated novel about the joys of junior high by Jeff Kinney. Greg Heffley lives in fear of the dreaded wedgie, the ‘swirly’ (think toilet + head + flush), and other such ritual humiliations. As wretched Gregg puts it – “I’ll be famous one day, but for now I’m stuck in middle school with a bunch of morons”.

The Expendables

Every action hero you’ve ever seen in the whole of Hollywood land comes swinging in for Sly Stallone’s latest (even the governor of California himself, big Arnie). Be prepared for the biggest injection of testosterone ever seen on the silver screen with blood, sweat and bullets by the bucketload. Our expendable crew head off to a South American country to overthrow a corrupt dictator, the infamous General Gaza (not played by Paul Gascoigne). Things get a bit sticky when they realise they’ve been at least double, if not triple, crossed and all is not what is seems in this seemingly impossible suicide mission…

Cocktail Competition Once a month we give you the opportunity to make up some crafty concoctions with a different spirit each month. The most delectable and quaffable creation of the night will be awarded the coveted place on the pages of The Hospital Club cocktail menu for a month, and full bragging rights in the Martini Lounge. Keep a keen eye on the events page online for other tempting tasting events.

September

The Adjustment Bureau An interesting addition to the admittedly limited sci-fi romance genre, and loosely based on a Phillip K. Dick short story. US congressman David Norris (Matt Damon) has his eye on beautiful ballet dancer Ellis Sellas (Emily Blunt). Mysterious unknown forces are at work, however, which keep the couple from pursuing courtship of a smooching and dating variety. Frustrated Norris is determined to find out why this might be…

Creative Capital A meeting of minds where experts are brought in to discuss hot button topics of today ranging from media and business to creativity, with plenty of opportunity to join the discussion, pose questions and chat to like minded folk. Recently we’ve discussed issues affecting the creative industries through government funding, venture capitals, and more specific themes like graphic novels and fashion. September’s event will be all about Design Week, the broad potentials for design and its social impact.

Tamara Drewe

highligh Back To Ours

Back to Ours is our monthly excuse to throw a party. Recently we’ve had nights of cabaret and burlesque, tweeds and Mexican wrestling action painting. One espresso martini is all you need.

A modern reworking of Hardy’s Far From The Madding Crowd. Journo Tamara (played by a flirty Gemma Arterton) returns to her home in the English countryside to find her childhood home being put up for sale. The once-ugly duckling has transformed into a city smart swan, who quickly gets herself involved with the local eligible bachelors and a complicated love triangle.

Music Sessions

Be sure to check out the Barclaycard Mercury Prize Sessions with The Hospital Club on Channel 4, Wednesday and Friday nights (they’re also available again on 4oD). The Barclaycard Mercury Prize will announce their Albums of the Year shortlist in July, and the Sessions continue here once a month, profiling some of the most exciting bands on the scene. Recently we’ve seen storming sets from The Drums, Bombay Bicycle Club, Corinne Bailey Rae, Fyfe Dangerfield, Foals, Temper Trap and The Maccabees. Check out video highlights in the online Features section, and if you’d like to be the first to hear about new musical events in the club, head online and join the Music Sessions group.

Eagle of the Ninth

It’s 140AD. That’s a long time ago, when all this was just fields. The Roman Ninth Legion has disappeared in the mountains of bonny Scotland, and Marcus, son of the Legions leader is none too happy. He sets off on a mission with his British slave (potentially a comedy Baldrick-style sidekick) over Hadrian’s wall and into the land of savage tribes, savage tartan, and Tennant’s super strong beer. He needs to reclaim the sacred golden emblem, the Eagle of the Ninth, and avenge his dad’s honour…

For more detailed information, check out our ‘Events’ section at www.thehospitalclub.com

The Guide

July

August

September

Now - August 21 Henry VIII, Globe Theatre.

9 June – 5 September Rude Britannia: British Comic Art at Tate Britain.

July 16 – 11 September Proms 2010.

Billed as ‘Shakespeare’s Most Sumptuous and Spectacular Play’ the most fun you can have seeing a man eat himself to death while growing mad with power. At the old Globe in 1613 a cannon shot used in the production set alight the thatched roof, burning the theatre to the ground. This would have certainly added to the drama, if there wasn’t enough already. www.shakespearesglobe.org

Exploring satirical jibes, sideswipes, lampoons and barefaced ridicules - all part of the British cartoonist’s arsenal, since the 1600s and right up to the present day. This exhibition gives much respect to the illustrators who have joyfully cocked a snook at authority figures over the centuries, reveling in a very British tradition and sense of humour. www.tate.org.uk

15 - 18 Latitude Festival, Suffolk.

6 – 30 Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Florence is going to be there, as are the majestic brooding chaps from The National, last seen stomping the stage at the Albert Hall. Plus there’s The xx, sure to bring an intensity that will block out the sun forever more. But as it’s never just about the music, be sure to see this year’s Theatre Arena where the RSC will be treading the boards and Bush Theatre are presenting The Great British Country Fete. After all that high culture, grab some cider and jig about to the head bobbing jesters Empire of the Sun and ska afrobeat preppies Vampire Weekend. www.latitudefestival.co.uk

The world’s largest arts festival, and the best place to be in August if you want to be applauded for turning up uninvited and displaying lewd behaviour in a kilt. Though there’s still a gargantuan amount of theatre, music and other performing arts, those cheeky comedians have well and truly taken over proceedings with more comic turns than you can shake a rainbow-coloured feather duster at. Be sure to catch some great comedians at our fringe previews here in July before they head north into the madness over the border. www.edfringe.com 29-30 The Notting Hill Carnival.

June 19 – Aug 1 CREATE10 – East London, various locations.

Pouring generous helpings of Red Stripe lager down your gullet, sampling jerk everything and dancing with willful abandon are all mandatory on this weekend in West London. Be prepared to meet the crowds, the parades, the whistles, the sunshine (hopefully) and the whiff of some sweet distinctive contraband in the air. www.thenottinghillcarnival.com

hts

Be wise. As all cultural London geezers know, the old east end is the place to be for the bubbling cauldron of arty exploration and innovation. CREATE10 is a series of events celebrating culture delivered by a partnership with some top outdoor festivals, producers, arts centres, galleries, museums and theatres packed full of world class, home-grown talent. Shoreditch Festival is one of the many free events hosted by the five boroughs (Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets & Waltham Forest). Tracy Emin and Dizzee Rascal are due to appear, hopefully attired as pearly king and queen of proceedings…

19 June – 5 September Festival Brazil - Southbank Centre.

Performances from Maria Bethânia, psychedelic rock band Os Mutantes singer song-writer Gilberto Gil, the legendary and Tom Zé, tropicália superstar. Lose yourself in the joyful carnival abandon and bring some colour and vibrancy to the grey concrete surroundings of the Southbank as you shake your booty to those crazy samba sounds. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

3 – 11 Big Dance, various locations July

Showcasing the diversity of dance styles all over the city in various unusual locations in a flash mob styley, Big Dance displays will spontaneously erupt in public spaces museums, galleries and parks. An annual event since 2006, supported by Arts Council England and The Mayor of London; hopefully we’ll see Boris shaking a leg. They’ll be dancing in the street, every guy, grab a girl, everywhere around the world. Well, mainly the capital of England, but who knows, it might well catch on. www.bigdance2010.com

Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2010.

The 242nd Summer Exhibition featuring photography, painting, printmaking, cheese-making and kite flying. Well, not the last two, but all of the previous with a mix of established and emerging talents. Tis the world’s largest open-submission contemporary art exhibition. Get your experimental bungee rope potato print masterwork submitted now.

76 classical concerts in the grand old surroundings of the Albert Hall, ‘prommers’ can grab tickets for the generous price of five of your English pounds. A fine tradition full of pomp and circumstance, since 1895. Highlights include Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic featuring the works of Wagner, Strauss & Schoenberg, a celebration of Rodgers and Hammerstein, and a set from jazz man Jamie Cullum. www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2010 30 June – 11 September The Prisoner of Second Avenue, Vaudeville Theatre.

Jeff Goldblum stars in this Old Vic production, written by Neil Simon. In the stifling heat of a New York City summer Mel Edison is being driven to distraction from lack of sleep, broken air con, noisy neighbours and a gang of burglars on the prowl. His loyal long suffering wife (played by Mercedes Ruehl) is there to absorb the moaning and hopefully prevent his descent into frustrated madness. www.oldvictheatre.com 9 – 12 Bestival, Isle of Wight.

From Rox to Roxy Music via The Flaming Lips, Rolf Harris and Gil Scott Heron, this is a well established cult festival with a reputation for fancy dress and general psychedelic fairy tale escapism. Rob Da Bank’s annual Isle of Wight weekend this time is The Year Of Fantastic. A fantasy world hideaway from the scary outside ravaged wind-swept real world of Broken Britain™, it’ll be difficult to get most revellers to leave… 18 – 26 London Design Week

This year there’s over 200 events going on in this creative city of ours, including “Travelling Bookbinder” Rachel Hazell who’s producing an exhibition with an atmosphere reminiscent of a cartographer’s studio. It is inspired by the original 1936 London streetmap by Mrs Pearsall . Don’t miss the interactive installation planned on Trafalgar Square, where the public will bw able to write in the air using light. www.londondesignfestival.com Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2010 Awards Show

It’s that time of year again and we’re all waiting with baited breath to find out who’ll be on this year’s Barclaycard Mercury Prize shortlist, which will be announced at the Club on 20 July. The Awards Show itself will take place on Tuesday 7 September. Hosted by Jools Holland, the event will feature performances from many of the 2010 shortlisted artists and will culminate in the announcement of the overall winner of the 2010 Prize for UK Album of the Year. The event will be broadcast live on BBC television and radio.

Check out The Guide online for our pick of weekly cultural highlights at thehospitalclub.com