Why we must ensure tech doesn’t take the heart out of the things we love Page 21
inside issue 162
London Wetland Centre - Crosswords
Skuna Boats - Boisdale Of Canary Wharf
Hawksmoor - Upper East Apartments
Prime Point - Bupa - Sudoku - Cutty Sark
Adult Literacy Trust - Poke House
Keonbae - Sunset Rollercoaster
Mark Silcox + Adam Larter
20-Jun 3, 2026
celebrating the best of Canary Wharf, Docklands and the new east London people - events - treasure - property - foolishness
how Interplay allows Phoenix Dance Company to explore meaning, collaboration and togetherness via a quartet of works on stage at Sadler’s Wells East Pages 30-31
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GIG | Horace Andy
Where?
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf Cabot Place
Sleepy returns to the Boisdale stage alongside the imperious Henry “Matic” Tenyue on trombone for a night of falsetto reggae. Expect plenty of Skylarking... Jun 19, 9pm, from £38, boisdale.co.uk
Where?
Eden Dock
Canary Wharf
KIDS | Mini Pride
This drop-in event is suitable for ages 3-7 and promises free, inclusive arts and crafts activities hosted by LGBTQIA+ charity Curious Arts. Jun 6, 11am-3pm, free, canarywharf.com
STAGE | Macbeth
Where? Westferry Circus Roundabout Canary Wharf
Expect an “outrageously funny, high-energy” take on the Bard’s Scottish play reworked through physical comedy, music and audience participation. Jun 17, 7pm-8.30pm, free, canarywharf.com
and visiting the estate to participate in. Book early to avoid disappointment canarywharf.com Scan this code to
Welcome to issue 162 of Wharf Life. As the weather turns this is a paper about getting out there and doing things, whether that’s organising summer socials at Skuna and Hawksmoor, diving into Boisdale and Sea Lanes Canary Wharf or jotting down those diary dates for evening shows
Reading skills are essential for life. The Adult Literacy Trust works across east London to provide volunteer coaches for learners to help them engage with the written word and is now recruiting
Taking a trip to the London Wetland Centre for wildlife and business opportunities How homes at Prime Point o
on the radar
It’s new arrivals thick and fast at the moment with diamond and watch specialist Chisholm Hunter set to open a branch in Canada Place. Wharfers can expect plenty of shining jewellery and a wide variety of chronometers from top brands chisholmhunter.co.uk
Named after the spot farmed by the founder’s grandad, Bewliehill is banking on Wharfers’ seemingly undimmed desire for salad bowls to continue. Expect £7.50 house bowls when it opens in Cabot Square and 50% o in its rst week (dates TBC) bewliehill.com need to know
Blow us down: The Cutty Sark is all set for sea shanties up on deck 28
How Phoenix Theatre Company is bringing Interplay to Sadler’s Wells East, four works performed by the Leeds-based rep out t that interrogate duality and celebrate dance 30
doing the deals
get more for less on and around the Wharf
Get 20% o at The Cube in Wood Wharf on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with code LOCALCCW31A until August 31. Access this o er via the Canary Wharf app canarywharf.com
We preview Mark Silcox’s latest show as he appears on a double bill at The Pen 24
subscribe to our Wharf Whispers newsletter and get our content in your inbox fortnightly £1
Buy a newly launched Honeycomb Pride Shake at Shake Shack in Park Pavilion for £7.50 before July 6 and the company will donate £1 to an LGBTQIA+ charity shakeshack.co.uk
Immigration Solicitors
Here’s a date for your diary, Whole Foods Market is set to open its doors on May 28. The rst 200 customers in the queue (which starts at 7.30am for a 9am opening) will receive an exclusive tote bag with “plenty of freebies” promised for those in line. The store will stock fresh, seasonal produce as well as ready-to-eat lunches. The launch is one of six across London with two more scheduled for June.
Our
This sorry looking bowl will cost you £11.25, although it’s (partly) better than it appears
Beware the late evening Deliveroo order, my son, the jaws that fail to bite on undelivered items and the deal that’s all catch and scant reward. I get it, I really do. It’s late. You just want to nish your shift, leave Wharf Kitchen and go about your business. But then an order comes in. One last bowl. You throw it all together (or you think you do) – who cares about presentation? Just blame it on the delivery rider. There, shipped. Oh crap, the sweet potatoes with spicy mayo. Never mind, they’ll just have to do without.
The tricky thing here is that even though this bowl looks like someone’s already eaten it once, much of it tastes delicious. There’s a silkiness to the hummus, the basil oil is rich and joyous and the sweetcorn is fresh and crunchy.
Unfortunately what should be a delightful base of soft basmati rice has been left under the hot light too long. Each grain is a shard of granite lurking amid the ingredients waiting to crunch in the teeth. I guess I’ll never know what the sweet potatoes are like.
as the weather warms up, we take a look at ways to get out on the water with Skuna at West India Quay
by Jon Massey
Summer party season is rapidly approaching as the weather warms and Wharfers turn their thoughts to socialising in the sunshine. Whether organising a full-blown corporate event or something smaller, the key to success is often opting for a memorable venue – a place that offers an experience like no other.
Operating from West India Quay, Skuna does exactly that. Founded eight years ago, the business has grown to offer three kinds of on-water activity during the summer months.
First there are its BBQ Boats, offering gentle cruising on the waters of the dock for up to 10 diners. These come complete with a central grill where guests can cook their own ingredients or indulge in a range of packages.
Then there are the Hot Tub Boats, craft filled with heated fresh water that can be sailed widely in the canals and basins that make up the West India Dock complex.
Finally, there are three Sauna Boats offering communal or private contrast therapy with spaces heated by wood-fired stoves and cold plunges on the roof of the main vessel.
All are available for hire in a multitude of ways, with Skuna even offering parties the opportunity to combine experiences across its extensive fleet.
“It’s National Barbecue Week at the end of May and in celebration, we’re launching a whole array of new food packages for our BBQ Boats,” said Stuart “Tommo” Thomson, Skuna’s founder.
“These include the British Barbecue with hot dogs, beefburgers and a variety of sides such as potato salad and slaw all prepared in-house.
“Then there’s the Mediterranean package with incredible wraps, lamb, garnishes, dips, grilled aubergine and a halloumi hot dog.
“We’ll also be introducing our Surf And Turf, with tuna steaks, king prawns, chicken and sirloin steaks.
“We have 10 boats so we can have 100 people on the water at continued on Page 8
Skuna operates 10 BBQ Boats from its base on West India Quay with a maximum capacity of 100 people floating and cooking
Image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Maximum capacity across all of Skuna’s craft, should organisers opt for a multi-boat event
from Page 6
any one time. Across the whole business, we can accommodate about 160 guests for a multi-boat event including hot tubs and saunas.
“Barbecue is a great way to cook together and also a wonderful way to collaborate making it perfect for corporate events.”
Skuna is now in its eighth year hiring vessels in the waters around Canary Wharf having started with its hot tub boats – a familiar sight in the area.
Tommo said: “They’re still my favourite experience – they really put a smile on people’s faces.
“This will be our fifth season with the BBQ Boats and they’re growing and growing in popularity. We love large group bookings and we’ve had companies hire the whole fleet for summer parties in the past – it’s the ideal summer activity where people can combine, socialising, sailing, dining and drinking in one.
“Sauna Boat is our latest offering. Designed in Scandinavia, they have large glass walls so people can enjoy the heat while looking out over the dock. It’s really relaxing.
“We have one large one and two smaller ones that can accommodate up to six people each.”
All of Skuna’s boats can be hired individually or booked in blocks to accommodate larger parties, events or celebrations including birthdays, anniversaries and even weddings. During the colder months, the business converts its BBQ Boats into Igloo Boats and serves fondues.
“We’re currently looking at expanding our existing fleet and we’re always on the lookout for new water-based experiences we can bring to our customers,” said Tommo. “For me, the more that happens on the water, the more interesting Canary Wharf becomes as a place to visit, have fun and entertain.”
key details
Full details of Skuna’s packages and rates can be found on the company’s website. BBQ Boat hire starts at £35 per person, Sauna Boat sessions start at £15 per person and Hot Tub Boat self-drive cruises start at £45 per person.
Those booking larger events can book online or get in touch via email to info@skunaboats to discuss details
Go to skunaboats.com for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about Skuna’s o ering
Sauna Boat o ers oating contrast therapy with wood- red heat to enjoy and plunge pools on the roof
Skuna’s Hot Tub Boats o er a way to explore the docks unlike any other
Skuna founder Stuart ‘Tommo’ Thomson launched the business in Canary Wharf eight years ago
Image by Jon Massey / Wharf
Images by Skuna
How Hawksmoor Wood Wharf boasts a full complement of outdoor spaces for warmer weather celebrations - Pages 10-11
Skuna’s BBQ Boats are back in action and ready to welcome parties with a
Maximum capacity for a summer event at Hawksmoor Wood Wharf off Water Street
The restaurant and bar boasts a wide range of indoor and outdoor spaces for events
The first floor terrace
The Queenie Watts private dining room for up to 21
how Hawksmoor Wood Wharf is primed to host summer parties as workers look to celebrate in the sun
where’s this?
Hawksmoor Wood Wharf.
The restaurant is located on a oating barge o Water Street, close to the Jubilee line station’s east exit.
for summer parties?
Absolutely. Both the restaurant and its bar on the lower oor have indoor and outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed as the weather warms up.
tell me more
Hawksmoor is fully equipped to deal with events of all shapes and sizes.
The venue’s private dining room is named Queenie Watts after the Isle Of Dogs singer and publican and can accommodate up to 21 guests around its brass-topped dining table.
Downstairs, the Hawksmoor Bar can be hired with a maximum capacity of up to 330 guests in the summer months including its terrace. Inside, the space can t 90 for dining with an option for semi-private hire accommodating 60 guests.
what about the facilities?
The venue is well versed in events with the team able
to arrange everything from appropriate food and drink to entertainment and DJs.
what’s on the menu
Hawksmoor o ers both canapés and bowl food options for organisers to consider, as well as a wide selection of drinks. Sample menus can be found on the venue’s website, with parties able to take advantage of the team’s exible approach.
all kinds of everything
The restaurant and bar are able to host not only summer parties, but networking events, business presentations, team nights out and private dinners as well as weddings for up to 100 people.
Menus are built around the brand’s steaks, seafood and seasonal sides, with plenty of options to suit all dining requirements.
key details
Hawksmoor Wood Wharf is open daily for lunch and dinner. Email party enquiries to events@thehawksmoor.com
Go to thehawksmoor.com for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about spaces at Hawksmoor
The bar’s summer terrace
Hawksmoor is known for its steaks, seafood and sides
The main restaurant
The bar o ers exible spaces
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NEW OPENING
Bupa Health Care Canary Wharf 50 Bank Street bupa.co.uk
Private healthcare provider Bupa has opened a new 20,000sq ft outpatient and diagnostic centre in Canary Wharf.
Located at 50 Bank Street, the facility will provide secondary care services in areas including cardiology, urology, orthopaedics, spinal medicine, dental, breast, gynaecology and ear, nose and throat.
In addition to these, clinicians will be able to carry out MRI and CT scans, X-Rays and mammograms on-site as well as minor procedures.
The centre will also provide services including health assessments, private GP appointments, women’s health services and physiotherapy appointments.
The launch will see Canary Wharf Dental Care relocated to 50 Bank Street, o ering patients an integrated approach to their healthcare.
“We know the challenge of tting appointments around family, work and life responsibilities, so we are bringing integrated health services to customers where they live and work, making it easier to stay on top of their health”, said Sarah Melia, general manager for Bupa Health Services.
SEASONAL LAUNCH
Summer Terrace Boisdale Of Canary Wharf boisdale.co.uk
The Summer Terrace at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf’s Hine Bar is o cially back in business with a trio of blockbuster o ers to tempt diners.
First of all, the drinks. The venue has updated its Happy Hour, which is now running from Tuesday to Friday from noon all the way through until 7pm. O ers include pints of Single n Lager for £5 and glasses of Boisdale Bekaa Valley Grande Cuvée rosé or white for £6.
During these hours, drinkers can also indulge in buy-one-getone-free frozen cocktails for £14 or £14.50 with avours including Pina Colada, Summer Splash and Banana Split.
Then there’s the food. Served Tuesday to Friday from noon-3pm, Boisdale’s Ultimate Surf And Turf is back. This year diners can order the Scottish Wagyu Burger with cheese plus a Chargrilled King Prawn Brochette, pickles and lettuce hearts with blue cheese for £19.95 per person.
There’s also the option to upgrade to a Half Grilled Lobster and a 200g Scottish Flat-Iron Steak with garlic and herb butter and a house salad for £29.95 or to build your own.
As if that wasn’t enough, Boisdale is o ering a new Summer Set Menu. Served Tuesday to Friday from noon-3pm and 5.30pm to 7pm, diners can indulge in one course for £17.50, two for £23.50 or three for £28.50. Booking is advised as these summer lunchtimes are likely to be popular.
OPENING DATE
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf
Eden Dock sealanescanarywharf.co.uk
The o cial opening date for Sea Lanes Canary Wharf has been announced.
The oating lido is all set to launch on June 19 so Wharfers will be able to take a dip over the summer. Founder memberships are still available (limited to the
rst 500 sign-ups) and cost £75 per month for a year, saving more than £280 on a standard membership. Pay-as-you-go options will also be available at the venue with swim sessions costing £10. Combined swim and sauna sessions cost £18. The venue is also hosting two Open Water Masterclasses with Olympian Katy Sexton for the Wharf Wellness festival on June 25, costing £15 per person. Find full details online.
virtual viewpoint
by Chris Ezekiel
Running an AI company in 2026 is sometimes like trying to build a plane while it’s ying. This coupled with having three boys under ve makes for a crazy time. Watching West Ham is one way I like to switch o . It’s my relaxing digital detox. Any West Ham fan would appreciate that "relaxing" may not really be the appropriate word, but such is my life of lovely chaos (as I like to call it).
But technology has followed me there and it’s ruining the vibe. We’ve all been there. The ball hits the net. The stadium erupts. I’m hugging someone who smells faintly of 1970s aftershave and lager (it’s actually my mate, Richard Stone).
For 30 glorious seconds, the AI Revolution doesn't exist. There is only the beautiful, analogue chaos of a goal.
And then comes the dreaded graphic: VAR Check. Suddenly, the game stops. We aren't watching football anymore; we’re watching a Zoom call from Stockley Park.
Somewhere in a dark room miles away, a person is squinting at a monitor, performing a forensic autopsy on a blade of grass. They are zooming in and enhancing.
They are looking for a stray nostril hair that might be o side. They are analysing whether a little nudge in the box is a foul when it’s meant to be a physical game and where there’s no consistency on how that's accommodated.
Then comes the on- eld review. The referee, who already gave the goal, is told to go and look at a screen. Further minutes pass. The goal is disallowed, over four minutes later, making the celebration a farce. I can’t turn the clock back and remove the scent of Old Spice from Stoney.
We are using technology to solve problems that don't exist, while destroying the beautiful game in the process. As someone who spends my life pushing the boundaries of what machines can do and how they can assist humanity, the impact of VAR is an example
his well-scented mate Richard
where technology doesn’t always mean progress. By the time you read this, the nal whistles of the season may have blown. West Ham’s fate, and the Premier League title, may well have been decided not by a moment of sporting brilliance, but by a pixelated analysis by an o cial miles from the stadium and a referee who couldn’t see a clear infringement either in real-time or from the multiple slow motion replays.
This isn't just about a disallowed goal at the Bobby Moore end. It’s a cautionary tale for all of us in the industry.
Whether we are developing AI solutions for businesses or o ciating the Premier League, we must ask: "Does this assist the human experience, or does it destroy the essence of something?"
Sport is built on raw emotion, split-second errors, and the glorious subjectivity of the human eye.
When we replace that with a lengthy digital inquest, we lose the very reason we showed up in the rst place. I just want to watch a game where a goal is a goal, and the only thing being processed is my frustration with a striker who’s missed a golden opportunity. Some things are better left unplugged. Now that’s o my chest, back to my lovely chaos. Come on you Irons!
Scan this code for information about Creative Virtual or follow @creativevirtual and @chrisezekiel on
PUBLIC NOTICES
SPECIAL TREATMENT LICENCES
LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS SPECIAL TREATMENT LICENCES
Notice is given that: Xiaying Xu
Has applied to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for: Laser Hair Removal, Laser Tattoo Removal, Laser / IPL Skin Rejuvenation, Radio Frequency Micro-needling, Chemical Peel, Herb Peel, CoolSculpting Body Contouring
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Anyone wishing to oppose the application must give notice in writing to the Service Manager Of Regulatory Services (Commercial), Communities Directorate, 4th Floor Tower Hamlets Town Hall 160 Whitechapel Road London E1 1BJ WITHIN THREE WEEKS specifying the grounds of opposition. Persons objecting to the grant of a licence must be prepared to attend in person at a hearing before a Committee of the Council.
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Chris says it’s time ministers took action over children’s access to social media
Chris Ezekiel is founder and CEO of customer engagement solutions specialist Creative Virtual based at Canary Wharf’s Cabot Square
X
Chris at West Ham with
on track
by Joe Thurgood
It’s a win-win where you get the same prices you’d nd at the station kiosk alongside the heavy-duty reporting companies need
Joe Thurgood, SWR
QMany ticketing platforms charge fees for their services when I’m booking rail tickets. How is SWR Business Direct di erent and how can it operate without charging them?
AIf you’ve ever booked a train ticket online, you’ve probably felt that little sting of annoyance when you get to the checkout page and see a booking fee tacked onto the price. It feels like paying extra just for the privilege of buying the ticket.
This happens because most third-party platforms are middlemen – they have to charge those fees to stay in business and cover their overheads.
With SWR Business Direct, the most common questions I get are: “What’s the catch? How can they o er a full corporate booking suite for the entire National Rail network without charging a single penny in fees?”
The answer is actually pretty simple, once you look behind the curtain. SWR is a train operating company, not just a middleman. Our Business Direct tool isn’t built on skimming a couple of pounds o your transaction, it’s built on getting people onto trains and then supporting them after they have purchased the tickets.
By providing a high-quality, fee-free platform, we remove the barriers for businesses to choose rail over road or air. It’s essentially a value-added service that keeps corporate clients loyal to rail.
SWR Business Direct also operates under a National Rail Contract with the Government. Our goal is to incentivise railway travel by making it more e cient and accessible for everyone. By o ering tools like carbon reporting and automated expenses at no cost, we can help businesses meet their own sustainability goals while ful lling their mission to modernise how we all travel.
There is no quick win by adding on a booking fee – the aim is to be your long-term partner in transit. It’s a win-win where you get the same prices you’d nd at the station kiosk alongside the heavy-duty reporting companies need.
Thurgood is
Scan this code to nd out more about SWR Business Direct and the ways it makes booking train travel for sta across the UK easier
19
how Barnes o ers businesses a truly singular location for events amid the wetlands
by Jon Massey
Finding genuinely stirring locations for business events or celebrations can be challenging in the capital. Take the South Western Railway service to Barnes, a few stops from Waterloo, however, and you’ll be close to more than 100 acres of habitat quite unlike anywhere else in the city.
The Wildfowl And Wetlands Trust’s London Wetland Centre opened its doors in 2000 – a sprawling site based round four disused Victorian reservoirs that’s home to hides, boardwalks, reed beds, ponds, large stretches of open water and plenty of vegetation.
The complex at its entrance includes a wide range of facilities including rooms for corporate hire suitable for 20 to 150 delegates.
Spaces include the Water’s Edge Room for large theatre-style set-ups and H20, a 90-delegate meeting room equipped with smart screens and a covered decking area with views over the site.
The surroundings are, of course, the main attraction. The centre is perhaps the only place in London where those attending corporate events can combine business with an opportunity to discover a breathtaking array of wildlife.
The site is not a zoo. While some animals are looked after at the centre – including a charming, boisterous pair of otters – the majority are free to come and go as they please.
Walking around the site’s extensive network of footpaths, this makes for the constant and genuine thrill of the potential for a wild encounter. The air is often thick with the calls of chiff-chaff, blue tit, crow, Egyptian goose, reed warbler, magpie and greylag goose.
On a recent visit to the site, my companion and I were astonished to come over a bridge and find ourselves a few feet from an almost completely motionless grey heron semi-camouflaged amongst the reeds.
Minutes it takes to reach Barnes from London Waterloo on SWR’s regular services
Joe
business sales manager at South Western Railway and works to assist companies with their transport booking needs
One of the London Wetland Centre’s two otters prepares to dive
Grey Heron
White-headed duck
The visitors centre
into the
visit
Marc Bolan’s Shrine
>> T-Rex lead singer and guitarist Marc Bolan has a deep connection to Barnes, having recorded elements of Prophets, Seers And Sages: The Angels Of The Ages at Olympic Studios there. Tragically, the star also lost his life after the car he was travelling in left Gipsy Lane and crashed into a tree in 1977.
Today the site of the accident is marked with a shrine decorated by fans with statues, white swans and memorials to other members of the band who have since passed away. It is located a few minutes walk south from Barnes station visit between 8am-10pm
The encounter lasted several minutes before the great bird took to its wings and flew a couple of leisurely circles around us before heading off over a hedge.
The centre can also be visited on a more casual basis with day tickets starting at £17.10 for adults and £11.12 for children.
In addition to spotting a wide range of species of bird – think swifts darting over the waters to gobble up insects on the wing, swans preening and oyster catchers rearing chicks – there are plenty of activities to get involved with.
Pathways on the site include bouncing rope bridges and elevated walkways. There’s also a picnic spot with percussion instruments, pond dipping, a well-stocked cafe and a gift shop.
Visitors can also attend daily talks on the centre’s two resident otters – Tod and Honey – and watch them being fed, while learning about this remarkable apex predator.
The glass-fronted enclosure offers plenty of space for the audience to see and capture the animals’ playful movements as they scurry about, swim and roll in the dirt.
Everywhere there’s information, facts to absorb about the white headed duck (which has an iridescent blue bill) who loves to dive, for example. Then there’s the water boatman who is the loudest animal relative to its size in the world.
Hides come fully equipped with bird guides and one is always staffed by a volunteer who’s ready with a telescope to help visitors get the most from the experience.
There’s a wealth of information to absorb, probably too much for a single visit, which is why many choose to become members at the centre.
This costs £54 a year for adults and includes unlimited access to WWT’s 10 sites.
You can find out more about the WWT London Wetland Centre on its website at wwt.org.uk.
key details
SWR Business Direct is free to use and allows companies to book, plan and manage business travel across the whole of Britain. There are no hidden fees or charges and no booking fees on tickets purchased via the service.
Go to southwesternrailway.com for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about SWR’s services
dine
Olympic Studios
>> Going beyond the London Wetland Centre, Barnes is an attractive, quiet area of the capital to explore.
One absolute must-visit is Olympic Studios, a cinema, recording venue and brasserie with a storied history.
Music by an incredible list of artists has been committed to tape on-site including Prince, Adele, T-Rex, Queen, Bjork and many more. The venue even has two police truncheons that were once used as percussion instruments by the Rolling Stones. It’s also a pretty decent shout as a place to nd refreshments. I tried the hot dog, which comes juicy in a toasted brioche stu ed with pickles and sauerkraut. This is served with fries for £16 , which is a steal.
Other top picks on the menu include ham and cheese croquettes for £7.50 and crispy fried squid for £8.50.
Located a short walk from the London Wetland Centre, this warmly appointed venue is all generous hospitality and good value.
Go to olympicstudios.com for more information or to book a table
Images by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | Shall We Gather?
Where?
The Brunel Museum Rotherhithe
Vocal ensemble, The Hithertones, return to the venue to perform a medley of folk songs, Ola Gjeilo’s The Lake Isle and Sigur Rós’ Fljótavík amongst others... Jun 25, 8pm, £20, thebrunelmuseum.com
Where? Corner Corner Canada Water
EVENT | General Pub Quiz
Teams of up to six people are invited to stretch their brain cells for a chance to win prizes including a £75 bar tab. Hosted by Harvey, Queen Of The Quiz... Jun 4, 7pm, £3, cornercorner.com
STAGE | Next Up Festival
Where?
The Albany Deptford
Enjoy eight days of musical performance at the Deptford venue from bands and solo artists studying at Trinity Laban. Expect new sounds at this showcase. Jun 15-20, 5pm, £5, thealbany.org.uk
ash back
Plant And Person sells plants at Canada Water on weekdays and at Wapping Docklands Market at weekends as well as running terrarium building workshops, all with a side of patient advice and a smile @plant_and_person on Insta
Scan this code to read our interview with Plant And Person founder Will Daltrey online at wharf-life.com
Cost of a ticket to see both shows at The Pen Theatre on June 12
Rotherhithe - Deptford - Bermondsey
how The Pen Theatre is set to host shows by Mark Silcox and Adam Larter as Edinburgh grows nearer
by Jon Massey
The Pen Theatre in South Bermondsey is set to host a comic double-bill in June with a pair of acts that demand attention. Mark Silcox – known for his role as Mohammed Shah “Shady” Shaheed in Man Like Mobeen and as Joe Lycett’s on-screen sidekick – will perform his show Gold Trading Sucks, I Lost Everything. The work tells of broken dreams, business disaster and silent meditation as a universal panacea. Also on the bill is Adam
Larter, whose Who Remembers The 90s? promises to nally get to the bottom of the mysterious last decade of the millennium.
Expect serious, well-researched journalism rather than a load of surreal balderdash.
key details Mark Silcox and Adam Larter are set to appear at The Pen Theatre on June 12. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £7.21. Go to thepentheatre.com f or more information
Scan this code to nd out more about the shows
Adam Larter
Mark Silcox
Sunset Rollercoaster are Kuo-Hung Tseng, Hung-Li Chen, Shao-Hsuan Wang Tsun-Lung Lo and Hao-Ting Huang £42.85
Cost of a ticket to see Sunset Rollercoaster in east London as they tour latest release Quit Quietly
Scan this code to nd out more about the gig at Troxy
soundtrack to the
how Sunset Rollercoaster are set to bring their gentle indie stylings all the way from Taipei on to Troxy’s stage
by Jon Massey
Aheady blend of synth pop, indie rock and a is set to fi the air at Troxy in Limehouse as Taiwanese band Sunset Rollercoaster come to town. Named for the background of a photo booth picture taken for the act’s Myspace page in 2009, audiences can e ect t nes rom their fi e studio albums including most recent release Quit Quietly from 2025.
a ing started as a trio ins ired b ideos o the e et nder ground, the group disbanded in 2011 after debut album Bossa Nova, reforming in 2015 and going on to release Cassa Nova in 2018.
o a fi e iece, the o nd significant s ccess ith 2 2 s Soft Storm, named the fourth best album in Asia by the NME
Performing predominantly in English, the band has long looked o er the sea to the , recording in LA and performing at the Coache a m sic esti a in 2 2 .
Building a following through relentless touring, the band’s
latest record surpassed a million streams on oti on the first da of its release.
Look out for single Bluebird, a delicate ballad featuring o ng seng s characteristi ca is oca s.
key details
Sunset Rollercoaster are set to play Troxy in Limehouse on June 9, with doors open from 6pm. Tickets start at £42.85 with a maximum allocation of eight per household.
Go to troxy.co.uk for more information
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | Carradine’s Cockney Sing-A-Long
George Tavern Whitechapel
Joined by six-piece band The China Plates, Tom Carradine is gearing up for another night of rolling out the barrel and moaning about Tipperary. Jun 10, 7pm, from £9.50, wiltons.org.uk KIDS | Take Flight
GIG | Glass Eel + Mabel Clarke + Ropeburn The solo project of London-based artist Alice Western delivers sharp folk with support from an alt country singer and a post-rock quintet. Jun 23, 7.30pm, £9.50, thegeorgetavern.london
Suitable for ages 0-2, Rebel Sparks present a 35-minute show for babies and their carers following the story of a musical mother bird as their baby hatches and grows. Jun 5-6, times vary, £18, halfmoon.org.uk
Dock is set to host the Bike Shed Moto Show from May 22-24. Expect more than 250 signi cant rides to be on show alongside entertainment, refreshments and plenty of brands. Tickets start at £39.78 bikeshedmotoshow.com
Scan this code to nd out more about the event or to purchase tickets for any of the three days
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENT | Waterways Clean Up
Where?
Poplar Union Poplar
Join the East London Canal Network, jump in a boat or on a paddleboard and help remove rubbish from the Limehouse Cut Canal. All equipment provided. Jun 13, 11am-1pm, free, poplarunion.com
Where? The Space Isle Of Dogs
COMEDY | Sam Nicoresti Shenanigans In (The) Space returns with Edinburgh award-winner Sam Nicoresti topping the bill. Other acts are Tim Renkow and MC James Dowdeswell. Jun 19, 7.30pm, £18, space.org.uk
Where? Theatreship Isle Of Dogs
Expect Tamil songs, carnatic fusion compositions and other genre-crossing sounds from the London-based artist and her six-piece band. Jun 20, 2pm-4pm, £12.07, theatreship.co.uk
powerful jollof rice alongside a wide range of toppings having opened a branch in Marsh Wall on the Isle Of Dogs. Go for the meat rather than the plantain mrptasteofafrica.co.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about Mr P Taste Of Africa, discover its menu and how to order online
15%
Of adults in England fall below the basic level of literacy, which has a signi cant impact on their lives
Adult Literacy Trust volunteer, Declan Cashin, says seeing the reader he’s working with grow in con dence has been very rewarding
GIG | Vish In Fusion
Image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
how the Adult Literacy Trust is seeking volunteers to help people in London who struggle to read
by Jon Massey
Literacy is – if you’re reading this – probably something you take for granted. The ability to understand, evaluate and engage with written texts is typically one that’s acquired young, a process di c t to reca . hi e e a de e o and hone these skills individually, the majority of adults in the UK are able to read to at a least a basic level.
But that’s not everyone. The Adult Literacy Trust – a charity working across eight London boroughs including Tower Hamlets – puts the proportion of the population struggling with basic reading skills at 15% of adults in England. Being unable to decode complicated written te ts can affect a areas o a erson s i e.
The charity says people with poor literacy are twice as likely to be unemployed and, for those in work, earn 60% less on average than those able to read well. Then there are many wider social impacts – the challenges faced by children when their parents struggle with literacy, the shame and stigma the adults feel when masking a lack of ability and the extreme social exclusion of simply not having access to the same information as everybody else.
orse sti , margina ised comm nities are among the orst affected inc ding ethnic minorities, e offenders and those living in poverty.
To help break those cycles, the trust recruits volunteers to act as reading coaches or ad ts. orking ith learning providers, they take part in free one-to-one sessions for people on courses to help them improve their skills, gain confidence and boost their em o abi it and general wellbeing.
“My father left school at 13, so his education was interrupted,” said Declan Cashin, who volunteers as a reading coach through the trust at New City College’s Poplar campus. “He could read, but it probably held him back.
“I’ve made a career out of reading and writing, I know the joy they can bring and how important these skills are, but I also understand how vulnerable someone can feel if they’re having trouble with them.
“I’ve been involved in voluntary work before, but that was usually over the phone or through text messaging. I missed interacting with people and being a reading coach is something you have to do in person, so it seemed the perfect thing to try.”
Born in Ireland, Declan knew he wanted to become a journalist at a young age but initially studied English at university after a teacher talked him out of it. Nevertheless, after graduating he trained to be a reporter and spent years working in the media, moving to London more than a decade and a half ago.
Today he lives in Hackney and works in communications in Stratford having succumbed to the lure of a
“steady desk job”. Having discovered the Adult Literacy Trust online, he applied to become a volunteer, enrolled on its training programme and began one-to-one sessions earlier this year.
“The trust had an initial chat with me and then invited me for an interview to get a sense of my style and temperament – to ensure I had the right approach and level of empathy for the role,” said Declan.
“Part of that process was about remembering what it was like to learn a skill, recalling being bad at something and then learning to keep that in your head because it’s probably how the person you’re matched with will be feeling about reading.”
Volunteers, who must be 18 or older, complete training sessions across four modules that include topics such as the purpose of the coaching role, who the learners are, the skills and knowledge needed and safeguarding. They are then matched with a reader and meet with them weekly during term time, typically for an hour.
“During training we were taken into classes at New City College to meet people who were using the trust’s service and to see how they were responding to it,” said Declan.
“One of the things I noticed was how much more seriously everyone seemed to be taking their education in comparison to a school classroom. These people are really dedicated.
“Older students often have many responsibilities – multiple jobs, kids and studying – and on top of that they’re taking time to improve their literacy. It’s incredible to see people making that effort to s cceed.
“I learnt that people often come to the Adult Literacy Trust when they are aiming to get a particular job or responsibility within their career and that further education is a route to that.”
Declan said that, while those using the trust’s services were struggling with
they say feedback from service users
It helps me to catch more, you know, so, with my teacher, I can ask him more questions. So, he is explaining more about what I’m interested in and I can talk with him about whatever I wish. It’s helping me a lot to improve my English.”
Learning to read has opened so many doors for me. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but my volunteer, Janine, stuck with me through it all. She never stopped encouraging me.
“Because of her, I found the courage to apply for a job I never
literacy, that didn’t mean they couldn’t read at all.
“I was matched with a learner from the charity’s waiting list and we met for o r first session st to get to kno one another,” said Declan. “He was born overseas and came to the UK as a teenager, so his schooling was interrupted.
“His reading was actually already very good, b t he anted to gain confidence. He was also very clear that he wanted to maximise what he was getting from his course at the college.
e sit in the ibrar and read. t first we used the Metro newspaper because there are assages o different engths and ots o different e e s o com e it – everything from features to advertorials and sports stories.
“It was a good way to get a sense of his ability and what he was interested in, and then I could start to tailor the material. A couple of weeks later he brought his own book from home, and we’ve been reading some of that for the last few weeks. He knows what his issues are and what he needs to work on.
“He’ll run into certain words he needs to spend longer on. He can read very well, but it’s making sure the comprehension is there too. One of the things I’ve learnt from volunteers and the trust is that it’s crucial to make sure the learners are understanding what they are reading.
“It’s something that’s easy to take for granted if you don’t have that issue yourself. People want to improve their ski s or man different reasons.
“It might be to read for themselves for pleasure, reading to their kids, understanding o cia doc ments or reading material related to their studies.
e re not there as teachers e always refer learners back to their course leader to answer any questions on their studies – we’re there to help them develop the tools to engage with text, to break it down and to understand it. You certainly don’t have to be an expert on what they are studying.
thought was possible – and I landed it. This programme has helped me read, but it’s much more than that – it’s been a turning point in my life.”
Before, when they say we should read in class, well, I tried to put myself back. But now when it gets to my turn to read, I’m happy to, even if I make one mistake.”
It helps you with your mental health and wellbeing because you are reading with someone that will listen to you. It’s really helpful to become, for a moment, separate from all the hustle and bustle around you.”
Source: Adult Literacy Trust
It’s crucial to make sure the learners are understanding what they are reading. It’s something that’s easy to take for granted if you don’t have that issue yourself
Declan Cashin, ALT Volunteer
“In the end, all you need to be is patient and constructive with your feedback to encourage them.
“English is a strange, irregular language – it’s not always easy to nderstand. ith m g , e go at his ace. e e been reading his book or the last few weeks.
“There might be certain words we need to spend longer on but that’s absolutely fine. ometimes it s abo t he ing him understand that something isn’t actually er e ritten in the first ace and why that might be. Getting through a few paragraphs is better than none.
“His book is quite academic and complicated, but seeing him dive into it and his confidence gro ing has been really wonderful.”
Declan said volunteering with the charity had been a pleasant surprise since he began as a coach.
“It’s very rewarding,” he said. “I get to come to New City College, which is so b fi ed ith eo e ho are getting on with things.
“It’s allowed me to meet people I perhaps wouldn’t have otherwise encountered and taking an hour out of my day to help someone is a real privilege.
“You also learn about yourself – how good you are at giving feedback and putting people at ease.
“It’s also about getting involved with something local that connects you to the people in the area you live and work in.
“I’ve got so much out of it, I come out of our weekly session feeling really pumped up. Everyone – the learners and the volunteers – are in this for the right reasons and it’s really inspiring.”
key details
The Adult Literacy Trust is currently accepting applications from prospective volunteers for training sessions in e tember. hose ishing to find o t more can email the charity’s volunteer and training coordinator via laura@alt.org.uk for more details or visit the organisation’s website. Go to alt.org.uk/our-volunteers for details
Scan this code to nd out more about the trust
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | Manilow
Having dropped the Barry somewhere along the way, the tent is due to ring with the sounds of Mandy and the Copacabana one last (last) time. Jun 17, 6.30pm, from £32, theo2.co.uk
STAGE | Tom Brace Saws Himself In Half
The magician attempts to make magical history by embarking on a journey through the story of illusion to a shocking, short, sharp climax. Jun 10, 7.30pm, £18.50, greenwichtheatre.org.uk
TRY | Neurodivergent-Friendly Photography
This workshop at The Photography Foundation’s studio is led by snapper Janine Smith and features a photo walk, printing session and feedback. Jun 11, 6pm, £15, greenwichpeninsula.co.uk
Catch The Cosmos Within, an exhibition at the Firepit Gallery of zen painting and associated works by artist Kamila CK. The show is set to be in place until June 6 and is available to view Tues-Sat from 11am repit.org.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the exhibition and to learn about the creation of the artworks
Price of an adult ticket to visit the
Visitors to the preserved tea clipper can enjoy nautical performances on June 6 and 7
busting out the
how Sea Shanty Singers at the Cutty Sark are set to fill its Tween Deck with the sounds of the working ocean
by Jon Massey
Visitors to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich over two days in June can look forward to a selection of rousing songs. Included with the price of entry, those touring the tea c i er i find either The HogEye Men (June 6) or Swinging The Lead (the following day) performing shanties and working tunes on the vessel’s ‘Tween Deck. Each group will deliver three
performances during their day on board.
The HogEye Men have nearly 20 years of experience singing maritime music and perform unaccompanied, very much in the way working songs would originally have been sung on the Cutty Sark.
The group takes pride in performing both traditional shanties as well as more up-todate tales of the sea in their sets.
Swinging The Lead have been the clipper’s resident shanty singers since 2011.
All members have sea-going
experience and a keen interest in matters nautical.
key details
Sea Shanty Singers is set to take place on board the Cutty Sark on June 6 and 7. Performances will happen at 11.45am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
All entertainment is included with the price of entry to the ship, which costs £22 for adults and £11 for children. Concessions are also available for students and kids aged under 4 go free. Go to rmg.co.uk for more information or to book
Cutty Sark in Greenwich
Image supplied by Royal Museums Greenwich
how Keonbae delivers on food, avour, quantity and atmosphere with its ‘unlimited bu et’ o ering
by Jon Massey
There’s a danger when it comes to advertising hyperbole. Keonbae Korean Barbeque And Beer’s “unlimited b ffet offer comes, o co rse, ith a side o imits. t s a so not a b ffet.
he o a har resta rant is act a one o those se cook affairs. iners sit ro nd a centra metal hotplate with a chimney to s ck a a the smoke and steam. n esda s on , rom m, customers can opt to pay either £32 or 4 each to order ingredients to gri rom its si er or go d tier menus respectively. or those tariffs o get a strict timed 90 minutes to order and cook ith a arning that a ee o er erson i be charged or e cessi e aste at the end o the session.
hese r es are eno gh to s ark a little anxiety in me. We order and there s rther de a as o r ser er str gg es to ork the ordering s stem. t ee s ike it s her first da and she s as m ch at sea as m starting to ee .
ti , a ter the i ad is e ent a tamed, a stead o o goodies starts to arrive.
We go premium (which also has rules about how much you can order o certain meats) and an as best e can. anic and order miso so . t s great.
e ing itt e a anese sa sages on the h b ca st e barbie a ongside stri s o marinated ork, dressed sca o s and king ra ns. he air is soon thick ith de icio s sme s. n the meantime sides o kimchi ried rice and egetab e g o a arri e or s to snack on. s a first timer, it s no easier to kno ho m ch to order than it is or o r ha ess aiter to ork her de ice, b t she does manage to de i er a co e o cris Korean beers.
n the end, e er thing orks o t fine. he ood is enti and the staff are attenti e. r mea is esh hea . e sam e ag o ster b ade bee , something ca ed toro (ch nk att ork) and bulgogi.
These all come prepared and read to gri ith garnishes rom the kitchen. se ection o oi and
Cost of the silver tier package ‘unlimited bu et’ menu at Keonbae from 5pm on Tuesdays
rocking the
condiments is provided to help e things and rett ick , thanks to an i ad ised order o chi s, e re ee ing .
So’s the restaurant. Clearly we’re not the only east Londoners to hear abo t the bottom ess b ffet.
he cooking and eating is something o a b r. omeho , the invisible timer that’s counting down over our heads puts a degree
o s bt e ress re on roceedings.
i e finish e er thing o ong s e t s that bee done et here s no need hatsoe er, b t hen o r ser er cr ises back to o r tab e e decide to make one ast order, a sea ood ancake rom the kitchen.
t s no s r rise the ordering rocess takes some time, b t hi e every other dish or ingredient had emerged rom the kitchen ick (sometimes astonishing so), the ancake takes an age.
he in isib e c ock ticks do n and m ne roses take o er. tr and c ear the ates as best can to a oid a fine.
n the end, e ai the tard
ancake is st a bite too ar b t the staff gracio s et it go. Apparently it’s not as big a deal as think.
on t think an o the iss es reported here ruin things. This is a good offer at a n, engaging resta rant. t s st a ace o probably need to visit more than once to rea get the hang o
key details
Keonbae Korean Barbeque And Beer is located on Royal Crescent in o a har . t s o en dai or lunch and dinner.
he n imited b ffet offer is on a ai ab e on esda s rom m and costs 2 er erson or the si er tier or 4 or go d.
Go to keonbae.com for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about Keonbae
Royal Docks - Canning Town
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENT | Summer Open Day
Town
Where?
Excel London
Royal Victoria Dock
EVENT | Digital Construction Week
Learn about the latest trends in digital construction including AI and robotics as well as sustainable solutions to improve projects and delivery. Jun 3-4, 9.30am, registration, excel.london
Where?
The Cause Canning Town
Celebrating the arrival of summer and the launch of the project’s Heritage Pavilion, this event is one not to miss. Expect music, plants, stalls and more... Jun 20 , 11am-6pm, free, codydock.org.uk CLUB | The Cause 8th Birthday
This 24-hour party is set to feature the talents of Chez Damier, Jen Cardini, LB Dub, Paranoid London, Planetary Assault Systems and many more. Jun 6, 10am-10am, from £11.50, supportthecause.co.uk
ash back
Excel London is celebrating a robust year with visitor numbers at the exhibition and conference centre increasingly driven by sports and tness events as its extension delivers on business for east London excel.london
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENTS | The Music Is Black Festival
Responding to V&A East Museum’s exhibition, East Bank is hosting an extensive programme of events including four weekends of music.
Jun 13-Sept 13, free, queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk
Hackney Wick
COMEDY | Patrick Spicer + Micky Overman
The venue is set to host an evening of amusement from the Instagram performers as they step o screen and into the real world. Jun 4, 8pm, from £12, donttelldavecomedy.com Where? East Bank Stratford Where? Everyman Stratford International Stratford Cross Where?
FILM | NT Live: The Playboy Of The Western World
Screened from the National Theatre see Nicola Coughlan, Éanna Hardwicke and Siobhán McSweeney in this play of youth and self discovery. Jun 4, 12.30pm, £24.50, everymancinema.com
now showing
The Harder They Come has returned to Stratford East, building on the success of last year’s run. An adaptation of the 1972 lm of the same name, the show features a wealth of reggae hits. Performances until July 4 stratfordeast.com
Scan this code to read Wharf Life’s full piece on the show and nd out how to book tickets
how Interplay by Phoenix Dance Company delivers a programme of four works at Sadler’s Wells East
by Jon Massey
Collaboration is the word at the heart of Interplay, a series of works set to be presented at Sadler’s Wells East in June.
Leeds-based Phoenix Dance Company returns to the East Bank venue, following the sell-out success of Inside Giovanni’s Room last year, to showcase a programme of four pieces.
“Interplay is all about artistic expression – what we wanted to do was to produce works that were varied and that ask what it means to express ourselves in different a s ith s ecific reference to the idea of duality,” said Marcus Jarrell Willis, artistic director at Phoenix.
“The key is in the title we’ve given the show – it’s a way for us to remember that, while this is a dance rogramme ith a nified theme, we don’t always have to take everything so seriously.
“Yes, there are meaningful messages in the different orks featured, but it’s also about sim offering a a ette o dance so audiences can take what they want from it.
“I don’t have any intention of trying to prove anything with that, I just want it to be something that people can connect to. People may love all the works, just one or none of them.
“I just hope those watching feel something, that they are impacted by what they see and that they receive something.”
For Interplay, Phoenix, which operates as a rep company, will present Marcus’ Next Of Kin, Ed Myhill’s Why Are People Clapping?!, Travis Knight and James Pett’s Small Talk and a new collaboration between Marcus and choreographer Yusha-Marie Sorzano entitled Suite Release Some are duets while others are ensemble works.
Marcus said: “The programme actually came together quite seamlessly. With one selected, immediately it tapped into my brain and I’d think of a complementary work to go with it – it all gelled.
“Small Talk came first d been following Travis and James’ work already, connected and had a conversation. A year prior to them creating, I just invited them into the studio to have a jam session, to play and to see how they
related, with no real expectation. Straight after that, there was something there, which led me to commission the work.
“I’d seen Ed Myhill’s piece ears be ore in different iterations. He grew up in Leeds and has been a dancer for a long time in the National Dance Company Of Wales.
hen first came to the to focus more on creating dance as based in Cardiff and d viewed Why Are People Clapping?! digitally during lockdown and then seen it on stage.
“It’s set to Steve Reich’s Clapping Music, so people’s hands are the driving force that create the rhythm for the dancers. It’s really interesting to see something so unusual, but also about who is coming to our company.
“I’ve known Ed for a long time and I knew he’d bring a great energy to our studio and the culture of Phoenix.
“From there, I knew I wanted to restage Next Of Kin, which I choreographed and originally danced with a dear friend many years ago.
“I was quite precious about it at first, b t rea ised anted it to be reimagined with this company because there are such special relationships between the dancers and this is a work that draws on those.
“Finally, there’s Suite Release, which has been an incredible ro ect. t s m first time co cre ating. I’ve cooperated on many projects but never with another choreographer and it was about recognising that, while I have responsibilities and expectations, I’m still learning as well.
“So, I dug deep into what that might look like, picked up the phone and called Yusha-Marie. We have a 25-year-plus journey together.
“We danced together and have been friends for many years and we have seen each other grow. I wanted to make sure that it was with someone who I felt comfortable with but who would still push me and that I could push.
“We’d spent all these years in different com anies, contin o s trying to enhance and perfect o r cra ts, ith a these different styles and techniques.
“Our piece is about why we started dancing in the first ace. She was a young girl, born in Trinidad who migrated to Miami, with her dad DJ-ing and I grew up in Houston, Texas with hip
Image by Hugo Glendinning
Phoenix Dance Company’s artistic director, Marcus Jarrell Willis
Small Talk
Suite Release
Why Are The People Clapping?!
Stratford - Mile End - Bow - Hackney Wick
Starting price for a ticket to see Interplay at Sadler’s Wells East in June
The key is in the title we’ve given the show – it’s a way for us to remember that we don’t have to take everything so seriously
hop, r’n’b, house music and soul. I danced at the barbecues with my family and that’s where the moving started. So Suite Release is a big party. It allows the dancers to break free from all expectations.
“They know it’s on stage, but they have to dance like there’s nobody watching.
“Collaborating was really great, actually and I will admit I was a bit nervous. I hoped it wouldn’t ruin a friendship, but many of our ideas st inged off each other.
“We do have our own singular ways of approaching our practice as creators, but we have a common goal. It was nice to be in the studio and work in that way.
“One of the other really lovely things was that the dancers in the company got to see me in a different ight.
“We work and play hard in the studio, and so we always have openness. Having someone come from my beginnings into the space allowed them to see young Marcus hanging out with a friend, which then opened them up and made them more ready to go.
“It’s amazing and the four dancers have really held that essence throughout the tour we’ve taken Interplay on.
“It’s also been an experience that’s made me want to collaborate more. Even now I’m tapping into colleagues and friends that are trying to be involved in the more dramaturgical side of things.
“I feel I’ve opened up a whole new layer on how we, as a company, can collaborate too – we know how to bring creative people into the room, but what happens when we start producing?”
key details
Interplay is set to run at Sadler’s Wells East for four performances from June 24-27. Shows start at 7.30pm and last an hour and 50 minutes including an interval. Tickets start at £15.
Go to sadlerswells.com for more information
Marcus Jarrell Willis, Phoenix Dance Co
Images by Drew Forsyth except where stated
Next Of Kin
one of four works set to be presented by Phoenix Dance Company
Sudoku
Take a break from that phone
How to play
To complete Sudoku, ll the board by entering numbers one to nine such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
More to play
You can nd more Sudoku puzzles and a wide selection of other brainteasers available to download for free at puzzles.ca
Notes
beating
crossword
whether you’re cryptic sleuth or synonym solver in it for quick wins, this should satisfy
Cryptic Quick
Down
Mixed up meat dish over long periods (6) 8. Horticultural yearbook? (6) 10. Missive from a deity is very welcome (7) 11. Take these and you might get wet, we hear (5) 12. It may be status, but it doesn’t smell good (4) 13. Just the thing to join for a game of golf (5) 17. If you’re this, don’t lose it down the pan (5) 18. Your house or mine? It makes no difference (4) 22. Looked after confused runner? (5) 23. Act like a goon and you might be eight-sided (7) 24. Huge hairpiece could make you important (6)
25. What many politicians have wanted to get back to (6)
1. Accounts books on a narrow shelf? (7)
2. When a scam is finished, agree to it (7)
3. This Bard’s rodent is to be kept in line (5)
4. Extremely obsessive clothing? (7)
5. Sounds like you instruct this spice to enter (5)
6. Humid temperature is nearby (5)
9. Gain this by confessing? (9)
14. Young boy’s noise is a pantomime (7)
15. Good value from an hostelry (7)
16. It’s very important to be this in the play (7)
