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The Galleon
Wednesday 17th October 2012
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT The Sweeney In cinemas now
SCREEN AND CULTURE
@GalleonArtsEnts
Photography Exhibition
A ‘future of sport’ exhibition excites
Amy West Screen Editor
The original 70’s British TV show about a bunch of thuggish police officers revolutionised the genre, with its gritty violence, womanising and introduction of the idea that the good guy isn’t always that good. But it’s more about reinvention in Nick Love’s 2012 interpretation rather than invention itself. The Sweeney stars Ray Winstone (The Departed) as bad cop Jack Regan who’s top dog at privately organised London Flying Squad (AKA “Sweeney”) specialising in fighting crime on the streets the old-fashioned way, rather than sitting behind a desk. Just underneath Regan is sidekick George Carter, played by Ben Drew, better known as the singer from Plan B. Also part of the team is Hayley Atwell (Captain America: The First Avenger) and recent Emmy-award winning Damian Lewis. The casting for Regan is spot-on, even though his character seems substantially different to his 1970 counterpart. Winstone’s Regan fits more into today’s society, with his leather jacket, RayBans and the over-pronounced swagger in his walk. Whilst it’s safe to say he overuses the words ‘schlaaag’ and ‘bird’, Love certainly picked the right actor to breathe new life into the fictional Detective. However, despite Harry Brown exercising Plan B’s acting talents, The Sweeney doesn’t really see him fit the role, as he often comes off as a chav, rather than just a rough ‘n’ ready copper. Despite the minor errors, The Sweeney is an entertaining film, displaying a realism not many action films possess.
Alex Bryan Living, as I do, on the outskirts of London, I was fortunate to attend both the Olympic and Paralympic games. At first, the Olympic motto “Inspire a generation” angered me. I lamented being born at the wrong time; I felt neglected. However, since attending the Paralympic games I had the obvious revelation – it isn’t what you are given that counts: it’s what you do with it. The New Theatre Royal and Aaron Bennett’s “Sports Future” exhibition are currently reminding me of this realisation. Often overlooked by students in favour of the plethora of bars along Guildhall Walk, the New Theatre Royal is currently displaying a set of six pictures of Portsmouth’s young sporting elite. The exhibition itself includes nine year old Artistic Gymnast, Alexia Welsh; twelve year old fencer, Oliver Bird; Tyler George, a tumbling ten year old; smiling swimmer, Oliver Jermy; tennis star, Aiden Brusby; and my own personal favourite, motorcyclist Rowan Miller. In the photograph Miller
stands proudly next to a Kawasaki motorcycle whilst in the background the sky peels into oranges and deep reds. This juxtaposition between the skyline and the all black clad is startling. The pictures themselves have their own story to tell; however, one thing remains the same in every single shot: the determination. A visible grit in the faces of all these young sports stars, a re-
Theatre Preview Snow White and The Seven Dwarves Kings Theatre, 12th December
Corrie Pitfield Culture Editor
Arriving outside the Kings Theatre, the cast of this year’s Christmas pantomime have already sprinkled their fairy dust all over the drizzly streets of Southsea, in true theatrical style. Seeing stars such as Lisa Riley and Marcus Patrick taking part in this year’s production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” has already lit the candles and hung the fairy lights for a truly wonderful winter. Retired ‘You’ve Been Framed’ star Lisa Riley truly made a
solve to become the best at the sport they love. This again came through when talking to photographer, Aaron Bennett Passion was a word that he used repeatedly to describe both his love of photography and the future sports stars he depicts. Bennett regaled me with tales of the hours of training that each young member has to go through in pursuit of perfection. Being a student, motivation is
often a cause for concern; personally, I am always in favour of staying in bed and nursing my hangover rather than doing work. However, having seen the achievements of these young athletes due to their perseverance, I may well put in that little bit more effort. The exhibition is running until Saturday 27th October 2012 at The New Theatre Royal.
Book Review memorable entrance to the King’s Theatre dressed in her emerald green costume attire as she stopped for photos with fans and gave a heartfelt smile to those around her. As for co-stars Jen Pringle and Rob McVeigh, not even the rain dampened their spirits as they greeted budding photographers and presenters; all fighting for their chance at a flash quote. Full of a cast of a variety of different actors and set to the be one of the best Christmas pantomimes the South West has ever seen, it is safe to say that the Kings Theatre is where you want to be this Christmas. Tickets are available now for “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”.
Casual Vacancy JK Rowling
Sophie Roberts Read without any previous knowledge of Rowling’s Harry Potter series, which let’s face it, is almost impossible to do, “The Casual Vacancy” is a solid piece of standalone fiction. It’s horribly pathetic, depressing and most of the time you hate the main characters but if that’s the kind of style you go for in a story then definitely pick up this book. Rowling’s new work of fiction focuses on a picturesque and idyllic town named Pragford; where all the villagers could be Vernon Dursley’s best friends. Stuck up, smug and ignorant, the characters each get a turn to share their point of view. Without giving away too much of the
plot, the lovely town of Pragford is not all it seems and if you enjoyed that cliché then you’ll love the rest of Rowling’s work. Riddled with the most obvious of clichés reminiscent of writing for children, her style hasn’t changed much from simple sentence structures and the basic vernacular. Nevertheless, the more mature themes of “The Casual Vacancy” - including self-harm, drug abuse and casual sex - definitely appeal to an older more adult market and push Rowling out of the children’s section in the library. The issues raised are the reason that the book is flawed, imperfect and despite Rowling clearly having done her research there are plenty of plot holes to pick at. Whether it will become as acclaimed as the Potter books or not, “The Casual Vacancy” is definitely well worth a read.