SPRING 2026
ISSUE NO.2
MEDIA CIRCLE ART • STYLE • STORYTELLING
EXPLORING STUDENT CREATIVITY St Peter’s School 13 -18 SINCE 627AD
MEDIA CIRCLE 2026 ST PETER’S PRESENTS;
THE MEDIA CIRCLE MAGAZINE FULL OF FILM, TELEVISION, THEATRE, BOOK, MUSIC, FOOD, TRAVEL...
CONTENTS Foreword..........................................................................1 Mrs Houldridge on Workshops.....................................3 Film Reviews...................................................................5 Television Reviews........................................................11 Theatre Reviews...........................................................17 Book Reviews................................................................19 Interviews......................................................................23 Music Reviews...............................................................25 Food Reviews.................................................................29 Travel Reviews..............................................................32 Photos.............................................................................36
A NOTE FROM MR REDHEAD Our reviewers have once again proven that an inquisitive mind matched with an opinionated personality can most certainly result in a recipe for success! Since September we have held a whole host of events, talks, outings and experiences for our students to enjoy, addressing a multitude of topics! Please take a look at the vast array of activities below:
Oscar-worthy Just before the Easter break our reviewers starred in their own awards ceremony, shortlisting the 2025 cinematic sensations that they felt deserved their moment in the spotlight. Through articulate discussions and a pinch of competitive spirit, our students impressed audiences with their honest feedback and astute opinions. The award for ‘best Oscars spin-off’ most certainly goes to our students!
Guest Speakers Last year we welcomed Sarah Clark, Head of Publishing at Rough and Insight Guides, and Tom Hall, Vice President of the Lonely Planet group, to meet with our reviewers and share their expertise on travel journalism. Our guests gave our students a real insight into the industry, as well as explaining the pros and cons of an AI dominated world. Nevertheless, pocket guides appear to still generate interest amongst younger consumers, and so it was useful discussing how the industry is having to adapt and evolve to meet these expectations: creating bespoke, tailor-made itineraries that capture the true essence of a destination, whilst offering total and utter escapism; no pressure reviewers!
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Food, Glorious Food! In light of our screening of ‘Oliver!’ this year, this joke could not be missed! Students were treated to a product tasting workshop last year, focusing on the most popular ‘trends’ of 2025. Matcha, seaweed, and the resurgence of rhubarb, were just some of the products on offer, with students being encouraged to offer their opinion on each. Let’s just say that some were more popular than others… Our reviewers also took a trip into York and attended the York Food and Drink Festival. It was impressive to see our students trying alternative offerings, such as bubble-tea-waffles and cheesecake on a stick. It’s great to see such eclectic food offerings in our great city, and long may this continue!
Trips Trips are a must for the Media Circle, and this year was no exception. With a keener focus on students broadening their understanding of cinematography, many of the outings we conducted were centred around acknowledging the hard work that goes on behind the lens. One’s ability to immerse audiences in the ‘world of a film’ is a skill, and one that our reviewers are beginning to appreciate in abundance. Our initial outing to see ‘Hamnet’ was certainly a tear-jerker, with many students reacting passionately to Jessie Buckley’s character, Agnes, as she deals with the cruel and harsh realities of losing a child. Students agreed that Buckley triumphed in this role and rightly deserved the Oscar for Best Actress.
Likewise, students appeared to appreciate our trip to the Mountain Film Festival in York: a selection of short films following the wild and wonderful exploits of adrenalineinduced adventurers. A particular moment of interest was when a group of Dutch mountain climbers were jovially playing music in their tents (or ‘portaledges’) as inclement weather began to take hold. Please bear in mind that these tents are suspended from rock faces, and so one wrong move could be their last…
Screenings and Workshops We decided to showcase some cinematic classics this term, with a bountiful supply of popcorn on standby. ‘Oliver!’, ‘The Planet of the Apes’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’ gave students an opportunity to appreciate oldschool favourites without the technological ‘flair’ that you might find in today’s film industry. From shaky camera shots to melodramatic acting, these films have stood the test of time and so it is worth asking the million dollar question (or 138 million dollar question, in terms of the accumulated sales of these three movies), why? In terms of workshops, Mrs Houldridge and I have been offering cinematography, animation and documentary workshops to our students over the course of the year, something that will be covered in greater depth throughout this publication.
It’s always a proud moment for me to see the final publication printed and distributed across the school, being well aware of our students’ hard work and dedication during this lengthy process. Biased or not, our reviewers have produced a ‘5 Star’ publication; I congratulate them on their wit, creativity, and, above all else, for ‘putting opinion into practice.’
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A YEAR OF FILM, CREATIVITY AND CRAFT This term, the Media Circle has immersed itself in the world of film in homage to the Oscars, all while preparing for our very own Oscars-style celebration. If we are to truly appreciate cinema, it is essential to understand what goes into creating it. With that in mind, our workshops this year have aimed to equip pupils not only with knowledge, but with a deeper appreciation of the artistry behind the screen.
Cinematography Workshop – We began with a deep dive into cinematography, the craft at the heart of visual storytelling. As the Oscars themselves reminded us this year, “cinematography is the language of light and movement. It’s how a film breathes, it’s how a moment becomes unforgettable. It’s what makes us feel, turning images into emotion and moments into memory.” In our session, we explored key techniques used by directors and directors of photography: lighting choices, sound, costume design, camera angles, framing, shot length and editing cuts. Pupils studied how these decisions guide emotion and shape narrative, often more powerfully than we realise.
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This understanding felt especially timely, as history was made at the 2026 Oscars. Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman, and the first woman of colour, to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, recognised for her work on ‘Sinners’. She additionally made history as the first female cinematographer to shoot a feature film on IMAX 65mm and Ultra Panavision 70, an achievement that elevates the conversation around representation and innovation behind the camera. Her win helped reinforce to pupils that cinematography is not just technical, it is expressive, meaningful and world-shaping.
Animation Workshop
Storyboarding Workshop
Our next workshop shifted focus to animation. Mr Redhead introduced the group to the 12 Principles of Animation, first articulated by Disney animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas in 1981. These principles, such as squash and stretch, anticipation, and exaggeration act as the foundation of all compelling animation, whether in a simple pencil sketch or in major productions like Pixar films or ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’
Our most recent hands-on session brought together both cinematography and animation in a practical challenge: Mrs Houldridge asked pupils to create an 8 frame storyboard that told a complete story without dialogue. To do this, they combined:
We watched the acceptance speech delivered by David Appelhans (director alongside Maggie Kang) as ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ won the Oscar for Best Animated Film. In his message to young artists, Appelhans encouraged emerging creators to stay true to their own voice:
Students then justified each creative choice, gaining firsthand experience of how storytelling relies on visual clarity and emotional intention.
“Tell your story, sing in your voice… I promise you the world is waiting.” It was an inspiring moment, one we hope resonated deeply with the Media Circle.
Animation principles such as key poses and visual rhythm Cinematographic choices including shot size, angle, and composition
The results were impressively imaginative. Many pupils noted how difficult, yet powerful, it was to communicate narrative purely through images. The workshop highlighted just how integral the languages of cinematography and animation are to modern storytelling.
Looking Ahead This has been a wonderful and enriching year for the Media Circle. Through learning, making and celebrating film together, pupils have explored the artistry behind the movies they love. We look forward to providing even more exciting opportunities in the future - who knows what future filmmakers, animators, or cinematographers might be sitting in our meetings right now? Lights, camera… on to the next challenge!
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FILM REVIEWS
Faith as Salvation and Corruption
Like cinema, religion is experienced subjectively, shaped by personal belief and interpretation. Human nature inevitably creates bias; regardless of the subject, individuals bring their own preferences to what they see and believe. In Rian Johnson’s latest work, these preferences come into play in both cinematic and religious contexts, as ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ invites us to reassess our judgments. It challenges us to view religion more holistically and to consider the power of faith - whether as a force for good or as a tool for deception. This November, Netflix released the third installment of the ‘Knives Out’ series, once again taking the franchise’s familiar whodunnit framework and subverting it, as in this series, the unexpected becomes almost inevitable. This time, Rian Johnson expands his thematic ambitions, pairing the mystery with a pronounced political undercurrent. Audiences are already familiar with his critiques of classism: from the elitism of the Thrombey family in ‘Knives Out’ to the corrupting influence of extreme wealth in ‘Glass Onion’. Here, however, he turns to a new subject: religion. Rather than attacking it, he explores its potential, presenting faith as a site of struggle, capable of offering both salvation and corruption.
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However, this film marks a clear shift in tone: darker, rain-soaked, and more fatalistic. This time, we find detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) working alongside the optimistic and compassionate Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) to solve the murder of the ungodly “Monsignor” Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). Once again, Rian Johnson presents a vibrant and distinctive ensemble, maintaining the lively energy that defines the ‘Knives Out’ series. Here, the story is set in Chimney Rock, a town in upstate New York, where the church “Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude” is home to five devoted parishioners, members of Wicks’ flock who have become increasingly radicalised in their beliefs. Through these characters, Johnson gestures toward a broader critique of corruption within the Catholic Church, which lies at the centre of the narrative. Importantly, however, this is not a story driven by religious condemnation. If anything, the film rekindles a sense of faith, illustrating the power of good leadership and sincere belief. While watching, I initially found myself aligned with Blanc’s devotion to rationality, “kneeling at the altar of the rational”, yet I came to realise that, like any great film, its impact lies not only in its cinematography, costume, and music, but in its message. Through the actors’ performances, particularly Josh O’Connor’s, and the carefully crafted script, a vision of genuine faith emerges. It leaves us with a lingering question: “Do these stories convince us of a lie, or do they resonate with something inside us that is profoundly true that we can't express any other way?” I could continue to explore ‘Wake Up Dead Man’s’ visual brilliance, and would happily do so, but no element proves more compelling than the message it conveys. It feels essential that films engage with the world around them, and few do so as effectively as the ‘Knives Out’ series. I can only hope and pray Netflix continues to bless us with these stories, as audiences would eagerly return not only for the intrigue of the mystery, but for the enduring appeal of Benoit Blanc himself. Until then, I will return to the film repeatedly, as its intricacies ensure that, even once the mystery is “solved,” its message remains far from exhausted.
MEG SHARP 7
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‘You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home’
My most eagerly awaited watch this year was ‘Sinners’, a vampire horror-thriller set in the Jim Crow era in Mississippi, directed by Ryan Coogler. The story follows gangster twins Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), as they return from Chicago to their home town to open a new club as a safe space for Black culture to thrive in a racially segregated America. Coogler blends both realistic and supernatural struggles for Black people in a stylish and emotive style, complimented by truly amazing performances, particularly from Miles Caton in his debut role as Sammie, the twin’s musician younger cousin. The Vampire aspect of this film appears to be the most controversial aspect to professional reviewers - some finding it random or misplaced. However in my experience, vampirism has always been used as a metaphor for, or to exaggerate outcasts in society since its conception in the media in books such as ‘Camilla’ and both the book and TV film adaptation of ‘Interview with the Vampire’. It’s part of the reason that these are so popular the supernatural aspect heightens the stakes and makes the messaging feel more relevant to a larger audience. I feel that this use of vampires ties in suitably with the themes of racial segregation and immigration as trying to create a place for themselves in society where they feel safe and accepted is a uniting struggle for both the protagonists and antagonists.
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However, critics and I are in agreement that the performances in this film were outstanding. This was Micahel B. Jordan’s fifth feature film directed by Ryan Coogler and it’s easy to see why. Jordan played the twins with such finesse, drawing out individual personalities and quirks to define them as separate characters. The Smoke-Stack twins were written well not to have fallen into the ‘serious vs stupid’ trope that plagues cinematic sibling duos. While Smoke is clearly the more serious and violent brother, he still has loving family and romantic relationships which drive his desire to protect. Stack is also not brushed off as the bumbling brother despite his more lighthearted demeanor; it is still clear to see how he makes a successful gangster with a mind for business. Jordan’s ability to act out brotherly chemistry with himself is awe-inspiring, the twins felt realistic in both their arguments and harmonious exchanges. The fight scene and battle of their ideologies was poignant and nearly reduced me to tears in the epilogue. Annie and Grace were also prominent characters for me. Realistically, without Annie (Wunmi Mosaku) the movie would have been half as long, as the other characters would have lasted 10 minutes maximum against the vampires without her. While being a source of wisdom in the film, Mosaku shows deep, heartbreaking emotion in Annie’s turbulent marriage to Smoke, the death of their baby alongside their sensuality and intimacy making her a well rounded and realistic character that the audience cares deeply about. Her knowledge of Hoodoo practices is paramount to the film and culture of the time with Coogler going as far as to have Dr Yvonne Chireau consult on this aspect to ensure its authenticity. He similarly used consultants on the Choctaw Native Americans and Chinese communities also living in the Mississippi Delta in the 1930’s to build a cohesive and representative world . Li Jun Li who played Grace Chow had thought she would be hated for the difficult choices her character made. The effect was quite the opposite for me, as Coogler said when she brought up these concerns - ‘she’s a mother’. I found it contradicted the other characters who only cared about those in the club but her world still extended beyond that of her daughter - a true innocent in a film of sinners.
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I adore a film that has something to say - a strong message to its audience and that’s what Coogler achieves. The power of music is essential to this film, and that is reflected in its blues soundtrack and the casting of Miles Caton as Sammie with his impeccable voice and acting. The plot connecting the power of music to both the vampires and Black culture is fantastically done. Remmick’s longing to see people from his own time leading him to seek out Sammie’s power to summon spirits with his music made me feel almost sorry for the lead vampire. Whilst I can’t fault a single actor or musical performance, I felt that there were some rather staggering plot holes. When the vampires first reveal themselves, for reasons unbeknownst to me, our main cast even including Annie - see fit to send all of their guests home. Outside. Where the vampires are waiting! This felt nonsensical to me especially as Annie knows that the vampires can’t enter uninvited. To me this seems like a cheap way to get rid of the extra cast to make the story more intimate - which is understandable, however I feel that the opportunity to build suspense was wasted. In my opinion the pacing felt disjointed and that either Coogler needed to draw out the survival aspect within the club more or allow a more intense chase scene as one of our main cast flees. Every time a character was being turned into a vampire the scene cut away which left me - a vampire geek - utterly disappointed. This seems to be great if you're looking for a very analytical, character-driven film exploring these themes; however, it wasn't the horror I was hoping for and expecting - a vampire film where no one cares about the vampires.
KATIE PEARSON 10
TELEVISION REVIEWS
I’ve seen...
‘Stranger Things’ was an immediate classic when it was released in 2016, reeling its viewers in with mysterious entities and gripping character arcs. A show that has captivated audiences for over ten years deserved a finale for the ages, but what we got felt rushed, uneven, and unsure of its own legacy. Season 5 is an emotional final chapter of the series set in November 1987, roughly a year and a half after Season 4. It follows the core group uniting in a damaged, quarantined Hawkins as they finally try to destroy Vecna once and for all. Besides the unnecessary time jump, Volume 1 of Season 5 started out relatively strong. The acting felt neat and authentic and the pacing was satisfactory. This Volume also displays some stunning acting performances, especially during the final scene of the first Volume that carried strong themes of self-acceptance and identity so well. It was a really promising start to the season and a great set up for the finale. After the success of Volume 1, when I watched Volume 2 it unfortunately felt extremely out of touch and confusing. One of this Volume’s greatest issues was plot inconsistencies. Characters suddenly being friends with those they had not talked to, relationships that were previously established not being mentioned at all. Small issues like this added up to make the series feel disjointed and disorganised. As well as this, the Volume had a strange ‘modern’ feel to it that made everything feel alien. For a show set in the ‘80s, many characters reacted to crucial information as if they could take out their cell phones and post it on Instagram. On top of this, the writing of relationships during this volume felt very immature. Instead of committing to one relationship in the previously established love triangles, they staggered their characters between both hoping to not upset anyone (which is ironic considering this ended up upsetting everyone).
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You would think that all the series’ character arcs and plotlines would have a conclusion, wouldn’t you? And while some characters saw their happy endings, others got sidelined or forgotten completely. The final battle against the series’ main villain was extremely lacklustre considering the lack of injury or any dramatic moments at all. The epilogue also felt tiresome considering it was around 40 minutes yet most of the characters still did not get a concrete ending. Although the final scene felt sweet and wholesome, it just felt overshadowed by every ending that I would never get to see. In conclusion, ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 felt hollow and like a shadow of what it once was and could have been. The Duffer Brothers have hammered into our heads constantly that this was a show for the outcasts, a show for those who never fit in. Yet, the ending highlighted the exact opposite, an ending of predictability and conformity. It unfortunately shows the writers’ cowardice and unwilling to do anything risky that would cause backlash in the community. By doing this, it becomes disappointing and unsatisfying, leaving us with an ending that closes the story but not the conversation.
LILY-ANNE DE GOEDE
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Killing Comedy in
‘Only Murders In The Building’ is a mystery/comedy TV series set in an apartment complex: The Arconia, in New York. It follows the characters Mabel (Selena Gomez), Charles (Steve Martin), and Oliver (Martin Short) as they investigate the murder of one of their fellow tenants at The Arconia – Tim Kono (Julian Cihi). Having initially bonded over their love for true crime podcasts, the trio decide to start their own and use it to solve the murder. There is a clever combination of suspense and comedy in this series, giving it a very unique feel. Adding to its uniqueness, is the cleverly designed, animated opening sequence, which is edited every episode to include one significant feature of said episode. As an audience, you instantly connect to the characters and to the plot, wanting them to solve the mystery and to work it out yourself. You stay hooked on the storyline, trying to guess the twists and killer the whole time, and often failing; it’s just that unexpected. It is fairly unrealistic, having carried on for 4 additional seasons now, with a new murder taking place during each one. The involvement of the mafia, secret casinos, and a murder-based musical are only a brief taste of what is on offer; however, that does not take away from the excitement and well created plot of ‘Only Murders In The Building’. The actors are all cast perfectly for their parts, well embodying their characters’ personalities and goals into their performance. Over the course of the series, the original cast has also been joined by multiple well-known faces (such as Meryl Streep, Renée Zellweger and Zach Galifianakis) who all add their own comedic touch to the show. From a viewer’s perspective, it was easy to picture those actors as their respective characters, almost so much that you can’t see them as any other part after watching the show.
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The pace in this series was fairly good; each episode seemed to end in a cliff hanger which instantly made you keen to watch the next. The climax at the end, specifically of Season 1, was very unexpected, leaving you shocked and desperate to start the next one. My only complaint would be that occasionally, in the middle of the series, there are almost too many red herrings, to the point where you needed a bit more evidence for the actual killer. However, the final reveal is still utterly drama-packed and always keeps you hooked right to the end. I would say that ‘Only Murders In The Building’ is a perfect combination of brilliant comedy and mystery that keeps you on-edge for the whole viewing. With the talent of the actors, the beautifully created set and costumes, and the cleverly built-up storyline, it is an unforgettable series which will hopefully gain much more of a following in coming years.
ISLA HAY
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Perfectly Incomplete
‘Adolescence’ is a 4-episode TV series revolving around 13-year-old Jamie Miller (played magnificently by first-time actor Owen Cooper) and his arrest for the murder of a school mate. The show explores themes of responsibility, family, and the corrupting power of social media. Each episode delves into the event from a different perspective: the police, the school, the psychiatrist and the family, avoiding a direct commentary on Jamie’s own experience. And the cinematography? I have no words. With only one take per episode, we are seamlessly immersed in the experience, something done so well that it is near impossible to notice. With all these elements combined, ‘Adolescence’ has become one of the greatest examples of modern cinema. However, not everyone agrees with this… Amidst a sea of reviews describing high emotion and immense tragedy, you will find some unhappy customers describing ‘Adolescence’ as “slow”, “lacking gravity” and “incomplete” - and that is exactly what it is. ‘Adolescence’ has vast areas of emptiness, and the whole storyline reveals a set of causes that don’t quite fit together with the actions of Jamie Miller. On top of that, the reactions of people around him seem perplexingly casual and dulled, and we never actually see things directly from his point of view. And that is what makes this series so astounding. Personally I, cannot sit through slow burn pieces, but I watched this whole series in a day. Because the silence isn’t stopping the conversation, it’s continuing it. Each look is loaded with emotion, each body movement a telling sign of everyone falling apart, and the breaks we are given are what pushes us over the edge. ‘Adolescence’ engulfs us within reality. This may well have been a story we heard from a classmate or co-worker about a boy from another school, except, no perspective is thrust on us. There is no evil villain or lovable victim, nor clear cut explanations or end-of-the-world devastation. Because that’s how life is, people do things that don’t make sense (especially young teens) and then life goes on, no matter how difficult it is. ‘Adolescence’ is relevant now more than ever, at a time of high tension and division in society, we must remember that all tragedies come from both sides, and nothing is as clear cut as good and evil. This series is an important reminder for all of us to watch out for the media we and our families consume, but also acknowledge the danger of clear-cut black and white perspectives; it teaches us that, at the end of the day, we are ALL human.
MATHILDA COPE
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THEATRE REVIEWS
Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair
William Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ is a dramatic and emotional play that focuses on how ambition can change and influence a person’s actions. The version of ‘Macbeth’ that I saw at the Leeds Playhouse was a classic telling of the Scottish tale, about a brave, loyal and respected soldier who gives into temptation. The play begins with Macbeth hearing from three cryptic Witches and their mysterious prophecy about his future; it plants a dangerous seed in his mind, and from that moment on ‘Macbeth’ torments over a difficult decision: to be morally righteous, or to pursue his bloodthirsty ambitions. Just like any gripping tale, nothing is ever easy. What stood out to me the most in this play was Macbeth’s descent into madness, especially after the murder of King Duncan and his ally Banquo. Seeing the tale of ‘Macbeth’ as a live production was an experience that was both thrilling and haunting. This particular production brought Shakespeare’s dark tragedy to life with an intensity that left me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The lead actor playing Macbeth delivered a powerful portrayal of this tyrannical Thane, especially as he begins to unravel later in the play. His transition from a loyal soldier to a guilt-ridden murderer was also convincing and deeply unsettling, capturing the twisted complexity of Shakespeare’s text. All the other actors also delivered in terms of their performance, creating drama and suspense throughout. The music in the play added to the overall intensity of the storyline. It was clear that the director thought carefully about what would underscore the production, to reflect what is happening and to build tension. I also enjoyed watching the multiple plot twists and the ‘softer’ scenes that tugged at my heart strings. Overall, this was an excellent production that I would recommend for those who enjoy a good mystery or drama. You may even choose to read the play!
EMMA ALBU 18
BOOK REVIEWS
When Survival Sparks Rebellion
‘The Hunger Games’ is a captivating, thrilling and brutal book series written by Suzanne Collins. The book is set in Panem, where the Capitol forces its 12 Districts to pick one boy and one girl to fight to the death in a televised game where only one of the twelve people leave the arena alive. 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister Prim’s place and resorts to using her hunting skills, as well as relying on strategic alliances, to keep herself alive. The book revolves around survival, oppression, media manipulation, and rebellion, as Katniss's later defiance against the Capitol causes a spark of rebellion that had never been seen before in the history of Panem. This book caught my attention because of the creativity behind the plot of the book and how well the characters are built and progress. The ‘extreme reality’ genre intertwines well with the idea of the 12 Districts and a ‘extremely wealthy’ capital city which has complete control over everyone's lives. The setting is described well and in detail; you really get a great idea of the contrast in living conditions between District 1 and 12, and the power the Capitol has over them. Katniss’ consistent attitude and motivation to overpower the Capitol is promising and may even be relatable to some people. Peeta Mellark is a deuteragonist with very different qualities to Katniss; he is courageous, empathetic and more socially intelligent compared to Katniss in terms of impressing the Capitol, and desperately wishes to work alongside Katniss and form alliances; however, she thinks otherwise. I think the book is a lot better than the film adaptation because we miss out on important parts to Katniss’ backstory which often is the reason behind the choices she makes, and if you’ve only seen the movie, you wouldn’t understand that. The book also focuses more on the history of Panem and why the Hunger Games take place, whereas in the movie it’s more focused on Katniss’ aggression and persistent attempts to defy the Capitol rather than why she's trying to defy the Capitol and her reasoning behind it.
JOANNE JIANG
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WATER MOON Would you sell your deepest regret?
Set in the backstreets of Tokyo, there is a little shop which to most is a ramen shop, but a few will find themselves in a pawn shop where they can trade their life choices and deepest regrets for a simple yet life changing cup of tea. One of these visitors is Keishin (Kei), a physicist from our world, who finds himself amidst the chaos of Hana’s first day running the shop, having taken over from her father who has disappeared on this significant morning along with one of the choices they had bought recently. This charming stranger, Kei, refuses to leave Hana in this state, so the two of them are soon travelling through this parallel world in search of Hana’s father and the missing choice. During this journey Kei is having to change the way he sees everything, ponds and paper become methods of transportation, markets are floating on clouds and even the stars that he’s spent his life researching are different. You very quickly find yourself immersed in this fantastical world that Samantha Sotto has created. This was a welcomed change from the typical high fantasy I often find myself surrounded by, the world of Water Moon keeps you intrigued all the way through with plenty of twists and continued character development. As a reader, you feel the hope but also the tension building as the pair get closer to their goal. Unfortunately, further into the book it feels like each escape is filling a plot hole, since every time they need to get away, there happens to be another magical way to travel; it was exciting to begin with but became a little repetitive.
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The relationship between Hana and Kei strengthens throughout the book, every stop on their journey, they trust each other more. Their conversations and feelings are enjoyable to read, and they make you reflect on a deeper level about how decisions impact your life and the world around you. Samantha Sotto has clearly written this book about belief and reflections but disguised it as a fantasy book, and it has truly achieved this. However, as powerful as the romance was, it felt quick and unrealistic. Kei has just met Hana, and immediately he is willing to do anything for her, it would have been nice for the romance to be more gradual and purposeful. Obviously, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this cover is simply exquisite with the representation of the parallel worlds and the references to the story all encompassed in this incredible artwork; it deserves recognition. A beautifully written stand-alone book with a conclusive ending, ‘Water Moon’ is a welldeserved winner of Waterstones Book of the Month in November 2025 and is definitely worth reading. Perfect for fans of Stephenie Garber and Erin Morgenstern, or a great way to jump into this mystical genre.
SOPHIE MCGILL 22
MADNESS and MYTHS
Bringing The Bacchae to Life We speak to director Lilly-Rose Wood and lead actors Issie Newman (Dionysus) and Issy Hill (Pentheus) about their current production of Euripides’ renowned Greek tragedy. What drew you to The Bacchae in particular? Lilly: I've always been interested in Greek theatre, starting with monologues for LAMDA; I studied Greek, and from there was kind of hooked on the way that Euripides uses language. I think it's just the way that nothing is solid with Euripides. Anything can be viewed in so many different ways, but his message is still so perseverant. Issie: I think it's just something a little bit different, you know? Obviously, it's also directed by Lilly, not something that is overseen by teachers. I've never really done a Greek play before, I've only really done musicals or typical plays that they do at school. I think it's good to do something different. Issy: I wanted to join it because I love classics. I always have; my father loves it too. Every holiday we go to all the ancient sites there are. And so I just love plays, and then in drama we're studying an ancient Greek play: Antigone. What was most important for you to preserve from Euripides' original text? Lilly: I think a lot of the jokes, making sure that they translate correctly. Having studied the text in Greek, I’ve seen there's so many different translations and not all of them have that same spark. So with our version we've got different bits from different translations. It’s supposed to be fun. It was supposed to be humiliating.
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Why do you think Greek theatre still resonates with modern audiences? Lilly: One of the best things about Greek theatre is that it's written about people. And even though they might be gods, they still are anthropomorphic. They have faults and Dionysus is not supposed to be the good guy. I think that the brilliant thing about Greek theatre is that you don't have straight heroes, you don't have simple villains. The events aren't exactly relevant for us today, but this idea of complex storytelling is so universal and reveals the importance of individual characters and how they reflect on society. What do we lose when classical theatre disappears from education? Lilly: So much. I think Greek theatre is the purest way of understanding ourselves. It's one of the things that I say about classics in general, that you can only truly understand yourself by studying people without so many outside influences. And that's one of the really great things about Greek theatre, it translates everywhere, and into everything. And losing that from our education system is just- oh, it makes me so heartbroken as you’re unable to fully reflect on yourself. What does performing ancient texts teach young actors that modern plays might not? Issie: I think with Greek plays you've got your masks to consider, which cover a large proportion of your face. Therefore, you have to work a lot more physically and be a lot more over the top. I think that that's a good thing to learn more about, especially compared with modern plays; it's great to explore a different style.
IN CONVERSATION WITH JONNY ELLIS: LIFE IN THEATRE We spoke to Jonny Ellis, the newly appointed Technical Director at St Peter’s, about his career and experiences in theatre, whether that's touring with the hit show Six, or working closer to home at York Theatre Royal . What first inspired you to pursue a career in theatre? My first memory of theatre was going to see the pantomime as a kid. It was the wonder of it all. How do you keep that wonder alive? At 11, in my church, I was asked to start helping out on the production team and doing lighting, and that was where the 2 worlds combined. I thought, ‘I enjoy this as a hobby’, so let's look at that as a career. My backup option was to become a chemistry teacher, which I still think is the most wonderful teaching position in school. But it was definitely the technicalities of it all, rather than the world of the acting, that drew me towards this career. How did you end up working in major productions like Six? I was very fortunate and went to Rose Bruford for uni. Without really planning to, without a job in line, I moved back to York. I found community in my church again and chose to stay there. Then COVID hit. I was put on furlough instantly, and as soon as the furlough scheme came to an end, redundancies had to happen. I was made redundant, but because I'd proven my worth to so many people a couple of colleagues said “we're just going to throw your name at people constantly because we really think you're worth it.” I got a phone call from a friend asking me to build a piano. I did that and then another job came up a few weeks later. I had a phone call and they said “Look, I’m not looking for the skill set because I can get 50 people who have skills, I need a person who I can trust; I know I can trust you going around the country with this show.” That's how I got Six. What was your experience working on tour for Six? Touring is a whole weird world. After COVID, the world opened back up and the industry was dead, really, for 2 years, so it was so much fun because we were the biggest hit show.
Getting to see full houses of theatres again and seeing these big crowds again was so lovely. And Six works really well in terms of touring, because it's a small group and you could get a decent community out of it. And it was very nice to see the country, really. I think it's under-rated. You’ve worked with theatre practitioner Emma Rice—what was that experience like? Oh, loopy. So the first time I worked with Emma was my second full week at York Theatre Royal. It was Emma Rice's first production as the Emma Rice Company. It's weird normalising all these people that you constantly are hearing about. It's nice that she's interested in all aspects of the shows. She does genuinely have an understanding of every department and is able to have those conversations; it's really good for a director, you get some directors who don't really know what they want and don't know how to explain it. Whereas Emma comes in with ideas for everything. She's hilarious. What skills do you think are most important for students who want to go into technical design and theatre? So I could spend ages going, oh, you should learn how to do this, you should learn how to do that. But really it's the stuff they don't teach you. It's your work ethic. It’s compassion, being able to have compassion in theatre is such a rare commodity, say you've missed your note on stage, just being able to compassionately handle that conversation or the subject matter sometimes can be really difficult. So how can you be compassionate in that? How can you still have a laugh within that? How can you still care? How can you still be fun to be around? I can teach you all day about how to programme a lighting desk and tell you how valuable that is as a commodity; however, if the designer doesn't like sitting next to you for a week and a half, how are you going to do that kind of job?
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MUSIC REVIEWS
Acrostico Finding Strength in Softness
‘Acrόstico’ is a beautiful change of pace for Shakira. After all the high energy “revenge” tracks, this piano ballad feels like a deep breath. It’s raw and simple; this composition stands as one of the most personal songs in her entire career. This track was released on 11th May 2023 as the third single from her twelfth studio album: ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’ (2024). The song’s most distinctive feature is its title; the song is a literal acrostic poem, with the first letter of each verse spelling out the names of her sons, Milan and Sasha. This structural choice serves as a sophisticated and subtle dedication to them. Lyrically, the song explores themes of resilience and healing. Rather than focusing on the hurt of her recent separation, Shakira talks about how her kids are the “anaesthesia” to her emotional pain. There’s a profoundly moving line where she mentions that “learning to forgive is wise,” showing a much more mature and peaceful side of her that contrasts with the sharper tone of her previous hits. The music video for this song reinforces the theme of transition, featuring Shakira at a piano surrounded by moving boxes- a literal representation of “moving on.” Most notably, the song features vocals from Milan and Sasha, who also play piano alongside their mother. Their natural, unpolished voices contribute to the track’s overall authenticity. By 2026, the song has firmly established itself as a fan favourite. It was a huge emotional highlight during her 2025 ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’ World Tour, where she frequently performed it as a tribute to new beginnings. Ultimately, ‘Acrostico’ is a striking reminder that Shakira doesn’t need a massive beat to make a powerful song, just a piano and her story.
ANU FAGBAYIMU 26
B U T T E R F LY UNFOLDING WINGS
In 1997, Mariah Carey unveiled one of her most influential albums - ‘Butterfly’. ‘Butterfly’ marks a turning point in Mariah’s career as it was a time where she started experimenting with R&B and hip-hop influences, unlike earlier in her career. Despite this, it still features her iconic, powerful vocals and is often seen as one of her most personal and transformative albums. ‘Butterfly’ blends pop, R&B, ballads and hip-hop - making it extremely versatile. The music style ranges from soft, smooth tracks to upbeat and lively ones, this contrast keeps the album thoroughly engaging. Mariah’s vocal performance is flawless and stunning throughout as she effortlessly moves from high soaring notes to soft intimate ones. She features her whistle notes which are used sparingly but have mystical and ethereal undertones which adds to the subdued feel. Occasionally, she uses her low register which gives the album depth and emotion while also adding warmth to the songs. The production of the album feels polished yet also allows her voice to remain as the focus and keeps the listening experience enticing. The album explores themes of love, heartbreak and self-discovery, and freedom. The lyrics – which Mariah mostly wrote herself – give a sense of honesty and pensiveness, this helps the listener achieve a glimpse of Mariah’s state of mind and emotions during this era. An example of this is seen with the title track, which is centred around embracing independence and takes a step back from her more polished pop songs. Although ‘Butterfly’ is considered Mariah’s magnum opus, it has only two #1 hits – ‘Honey’ and ‘My All’. ‘Honey’ is livelier and more upbeat, which makes it stand out from most of the album and reflects Mariah’s growing independence in her career. In contrast however, ‘My All’ strips the album back emotionally and features subtle Latin influences as it explores longing and devotion. Another significant track titled ‘The Roof (Back in Time)’, is a moody R&B track with an intimate, melancholic atmosphere which makes the song feel quiet and vulnerable. It is often seen as one of Mariah’s most under-rated tracks in her discography and is also one of her personal favourites. Overall, ‘Butterfly’ is a perfectly balanced album which leads the listener through themes of anguish and yearning with its enjoyable songs. Capturing the pivotal moments of Mariah Carey’s career, it shows her flexibility as an artist as the album continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
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EVELYN EVANS
W ishbone W ishbone Worth Breaking Worth Breaking
Following its release, ‘Wishbone’ saw immediate success, debuting at Number 3 on the Billboard 200. Released in August of 2025, Conan Gray’s 4th album was swiftly met with a widespread sea of praise from fans and critics alike. The 12-track indie-pop album has a run time of 43 minutes and takes listeners on a nostalgic, ‘90s inspired, journey of heartbreak, vulnerability and self- discovery. Gray has only continued to evolve and develop both his sound and fanbase, and his growth as an artist can be heard in the album’s confident, polished and sincere production. Gray has shared how the album was born from the aftermath of a significant breakup, which gives it a deeply personal tone shaped by heartbreak, vulnerability and self-reflection. This narrative is brought to life by a trilogy of interconnected music videos for the lead singles ‘This Song’ and ‘Vodka Cranberry’, as well as ‘Caramel’. Staring Conan himself alongside Corey Fogelmanis, these videos depict a cohesive and thoughtfully developed storyline that pulls on the heartstrings and further immerses the listener in the world of ‘Wishbone’. The album balances soft, calming ballads with more energetic tracks, all of which you just can’t help but sing along to. For me, one stand-out track is ‘Eleven Eleven’, a guitar strung ballad, bursting with nostalgic storytelling and perfectly crafted snapshots of youthful moments you can never forget. Another is ‘Vodka Cranberry’, a huge earworm of a track, filled to the brim with dynamic and impressive vocals that tell the story of a devastating latenight heartbreak. However, my personal favourite is ‘Nauseous’, a powerful and beautifully raw track that always hits me right in the heart every time it plays, due to its complicated mix of longing and fear. While there are a few less memorable in comparison, such as ‘Care’, they remain very well produced and are cohesive with the album’s sound and flow. Overall, ‘Wishbone’ stands out as one of Conan Gray’s most emotionally mature and refined projects to date. While not every track leaves a lasting impression, they still capture his careful and vulnerable songwriting, along with his thoughtful lyrics and production. Through the album, Gray captures the complexness of heartbreak and personal growth, overall making for a rewarding listen for longtime fans and new listeners alike.
LUCY RUSHTON 28
FOOD REVIEWS
AI FOOD ASMR AI FOOD ASMR Bringing Meretricious Synthetics to Life
As AI videos developed rapidly in 2025, a new form of sensation in food was introduced: ASMR. Estimating that 10-20% of the population experiences ASMR according to Cleveland Clinic, an academic medical centre, showing this genre of AI-generated content is becoming increasingly popular in teenagers’ daily doomscrolling of videos. These videos provide an innovative perspective on food, from crackling, solidified magma to translucent, glimmering crystals. These visuals, combined with crisp, immersive crunches and fizzing sounds, create a sensory experience that immediately captures the audience's attention, introducing a unique multi-sensory experience. The gelatinous texture similarly captivates the audience through unrealistic springiness, making AI food ASMR unique. These perceptions challenge traditional views of food, offering a new way to experience satisfaction. As molecular gastronomy has begun to vary in the last decade, this specific initiative caught my eye, appearing in every social media platform, highlighting its popularity. The graphics displayed a definition of ‘satisfactory’, meaning that in 2022 research found AMSR had the potential of decreasing signs of depression. The online visuals were truly gratifying, with the high resolution images bringing the “meretricious” synthetic to life. Following the vivid depiction of detailed texturing, there are different videos that explore the cutting, crunching and consumption of these objects, in order to entertain inquisitive online audiences. These interactions are demonstrated perfectly by AI, with exceptional videos and a delicate glossiness quality that cannot be recreated in traditional recording (or in reality) as effortlessly. Also, this is widely done with binaural audio technology to generate a 3D spatial audio which works best with headphones; the audio gently vibrates your eardrums and produces a captivating rhythm. This provides freshness and a strong aesthetic for audiences, and the encounter can be boosted further by a device with high display quality, revealing how exquisite food can be once merged with modern technology.
ISAAC NG
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An un-fur-gettable experience
In recent years, we have seen the rise of unique experiences which seek to refresh our regular and exhausted activities. This café retreat, amidst the bustling streets of York city centre, certainly did not disappoint. With many popular café spots now overflowing with customers, loud conversations and indifferent service, the friendly solitude that greeted me when entering The Cat’s Whiskers Cat Café was a truly pleasant surprise. After booking a slot for £8, upon arrival you can expect to be seated in a cosy waiting room before a warm welcome in, where many curious feline friends await. Across its two floors, cats freely and playfully roam (or sleep) across numerous shelves, mini bridges and hammocks mounted on the walls, collections of toys always within reach. Take your pick of the various seating available, from traditional coffee tables and chairs to the comfort of cushioned couches. Or perhaps indulge yourself in the novelty of a hanging egg-shaped chair. Oh, the choice! Immediately, there is an atmosphere of bliss and attentiveness, gentle piano music and birdsong behind the low hum of conversation, as people admire and embrace the cats that wander the premises. The staff, friendly and informative, readily converse about each cat to catch your attention. If you’re inclined to a sweet treat, The Cat’s Whiskers has plenty of choice. However, there is an unfortunate absence of the savoury equivalent. Ranging from £3-£3.95, the menu offered a great selection of generously portioned cakes. Each bite of the Red Velvet was delightfully rich in flavour, with a sweet cream cheese frosting complimenting its thick cake layers. A moreish taste indeed. The Carrot Cake had a wonderful, warm spiced flavour, a flavour present in its decadent moist cake layers to its light cream frosting. As for the Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake, its layers in contrast were drier, but its strong lemon tang punched through, and its frosting ratio pulled its citrus taste together in a graceful bite. Of the variety of drinks, their blueberry smoothie stood tall, a fresh and hydrating blend, with a thick yet smooth consistency. This smoothie paired well with the cakes, cleansing the palette between bites. Worried about any greedy paws snatching your food? You’ll be glad to discover the great array of plate covers available on every table, should an adventurous cat find their way onto your table! It is the well-thought-out details like this that elevate such an experience. Perhaps my favourite detail about this place is that each cat has been rescued and nurtured by the café. Each cat with a story, unique and fascinating, worth taking the time to discover on their website or at their café. Over the years, cats and kittens have found refuge within their walls and now journey on to adoption with their forever homes thanks to the existence of this business. Therefore, every visit and treat becomes an investment for the futures of these deserving cats. How precious!
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EMMA BROOKES
TRAVEL REVIEWS
GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS Festive but Flawed
Germany is globally known for its collection of next level Christmas markets, often called the gold standard of festive markets worldwide, and sets the benchmark for atmosphere, quality, and scale. Ultimately, this is not often the case, with markets influenced over-consumerism and pressure to follow product demand. Many Christmas markets require a small fee to enter, usually around €2 – which feels unnecessary as you are already likely to spend money once inside. However, the Christmas markets are quite large, often housing around 80-200 stalls, and effort is clearly put into making the place feel festive, with dazzling lighting and carol singers, intending to distract from excessively priced items and low-quality goods. Although when you think ‘Christmas market’, images of handcrafted, unique goods flood your mind; the majority of the products are resold from off sites like Temu and Taobao, infamous for low quality products, designed with short lifetimes and often having designs stolen from smaller businesses and being popular sites for drop shippers. These re-sellers will also discourage photography, to prevent customers from finding the same products available online at cheaper prices. Although this is often the case, some stalls do offer products with genuine care put into making them, instead of ephemeral products and souvenirs. At Christmas markets, most of the purchasable items are consumable. The food and drinks are only enjoyed when consumed in the security of the holiday atmosphere, and when you look past the price. Almost half of the stalls will offer the same array of items and at the exact same prices – especially pre-made items like Lebkuchenherzen: gingerbread cookies in the shape of a heart, decorated with icing and generic messages. Most Christmas markets are tourist traps designed to overcharge you, however some, like Weihnachts Zauber Gendarmenmarkt, which I visited in Berlin, are highly commended for lower prices and cozy atmospheres. My time visiting different Christmas markets was definitely interesting, although the visit was undoubtably enhanced when shared with others. The Christmas market experience can vary in Germany depending on the market, depending on if it is more catered to locals or tourists. When you pay to enter a Christmas market, you are paying for the experience and the atmosphere. They are best treated as a social outing rather than a shopping trip; although is it the setting that makes it memorable, or the social aspect?
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ELLA CUNNINGHAM
PRAGUE
Where holiday embraces heritage
A tailored guide to the winter wonderland. A beguiling escape, topped with a mist- shrouded skyline, a panorama of Baroque domes and Romanesque spires. After all, Prague dons the title of “the city of a hundred spires”. Its entrancing demeanour lures travellers to roam the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, gaze in awe at the vast intricacy of the Prague Castle, marvel at the iconic Charles Bridge spanning the serene Vltava River and appreciate the winding folk melody of the bohemian harp. It is highly recommended to visit the Charles Bridge, and I assure you, this is a must. Keep in mind that this is a quintessential emblem of Prague, commissioned by the Holy Roman Emperor in 1357. Be sure to visit in the early hours of the morning, otherwise the view will be not of the Prague Castle complex, crowned by St. Vitus Cathedral, or the Vltava River flowing placidly below, often peppered with boats, but of the gaggling crowd, restricting even the ability to walk forward. From my perspective, the Old Town square is the beating heart of Prague, as it holds the centrepieces of the city, such as the astronomical clock, displayed with pride to its onlookers. Its lifespan dating back to 1410, the marvel is one of the most elaborate ever built, with its captivating show of the apostles upon every hour, and the ornate zodiac etchings on its golden surface. Upon reaching the starry hours of the night, ensure you visit one of the many Christmas markets Prague holds. I urge you to visit the Old Town Square Christmas market, as the bustling crowd, when paired with twinkling lights and the scent of cinnamon feels more endearing than infuriating. When there, be sure to taste the Hungarian, but Czech adopted treat, Trdelník. The pastry consists of a warm airy dough, wrapped cylindrically, and then roasted over a fire, which gives it a characteristic golden brown crispy coating whilst maintaining the fluffy interior. Then it is rolled in cinnamon sugar, and can be served topped with ice cream, or eaten in its original form.
SRIJA PAL 34
BERLIN Where holiday embraces heritage
Visiting Berlin was the highlight of my year! With a busy schedule, especially considering I was travelling during the Christmas period, it was, of course, worth all the pre-trip stress of packing bags and trying to dig up passports on time! While the trip was altogether amazing, there were obviously some defining moments for me, including the many museums and my trip up the famous Berlin TV tower (Fernsehturm) in Alexanderplatz; an exciting experience as it let me see the city in a whole different perspective. My favourite museum was the German Spy Museum, which we visited on the last day of the trip and, even though I was already worn out by all the excitement, the experience was especially memorable; I engaged in various fun activities, such as learning how to write my name in morse code and invisible ink. Truly an inclusive museum for all age ranges. The only downside to the trip was probably having to squeeze everything into such a small time period. I was tired to say the least! But apart from that the trip was even better than I could have ever hoped! However, my overall favourite moment during the trip was (of course) the Christmas markets. During my short stay in Berlin, I was able to go to two of the famous markets and would highly recommend getting a warm cinnamon sugar churro from one of the many stalls with them on offer. I was also able to cram in some last-minute Christmas shopping before returning home. I undoubtedly would love to return on another trip again in the future, to try to see some more of the fascinating history that I have missed out on this time around. I would highly recommend going to Berlin at Christmas-time with family, friends or even on your own, for an educational, joyous experience this holiday season.
ABIGAIL SNODGRASS 35
EDITORS CHIEF EDITOR Meg Sharp EDITORS Katie Pearson Sophie McGill
REVIEWERS Meg Sharp Katie Pearson Lily-Anne De Goede Isla Hay Mathilda Cope Emma Albu Joanne Jiang Sophie McGill Anu Fagbayimu Evelyn Evans Lucy Rushton Isaac Ng Emma Brookes Ella Cunningham Srija Pal Abigail Snodgrass