115th Blog Post - Review of Mary, Queen of Scots

I've been to see the historical film Mary, Queen of Scots, and I must say that it's historically more accurate than Mel Gibson's Braveheart.

I knew a bit about the the period of history the film covers as I saw programme by Neil Oliver telling the role the Scottish clans played.  History generally remembers the deeds of great man and kings, but Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth of England were women who lived the times of kings and when men could over-rule their councils, and when religion (Catholic and Protestant) were fierce rivals and who the queens should marry and who would become their heirs.  I think that it's sad that the nobles against Mary were able to twist her supporters to end up supporting them, or kill off her other supporters.  Another point that connects to this day, is the issue of gender and religion; the Catholics and Protestants may be more peaceful now, but the issue hasn't gone away, and we are starting to see more women taking up the role of men.

I had never seen Saoirse Ronan on film before, only clips or trailers of her previous works, and I was impressed that she was able to portray one of Scotland's rulers who tried to prove her worth.  The same for Margot Robbie, who has been nominated for an BAFTA Award for supporting actress for her role.  I don't know who else has been nominated, but she would have my support at least.

David Tennant's John Knox was very good, because unless you heard his voice, and recognise the look he used to give when he played the Tenth Doctor in his time on Doctor Who, you wouldn't know it was him.

One piece of history that was unmentioned was that the English nobleman who helped Mary's son, James VI, become king of England was the son of the nobleman who convinced Elizabeth to execute Mary.  What a twist of fate? How history could change the fate of nations, and the world, so quickly.

I hope that you will come, see and enjoy at Eden Court

New Eden Court Website is Up

Eden Court's website's newest version is now up.  The address is the same, just a new look to help navigate and find the latest shows and films.  I have taken a quick look, and I'm impressed.

I hope that you will come see and enjoy at Eden Court.

Review of the Jack and the Beanstalk Panto

I went to see the Panto performance of Jack and the Beanstalk, and I enjoyed it very much.  I think the last Panto I ever went to see a performance of Aladdin when I was still at primary school because I remember a couple of people coming to see my class and asking us to "Boo!" the baddy and "Yea!" the hero.  That was before Eden Court had its rebuild shortly afterwards.

The Panto was all full of songs and encouraging the children in the audience to join in.  There was a version of the "Oh no it wasn't!" from the baddy's assistant and "Oh yes it was!" from the audience.  There was parts I thought "How did they do that?", usually when there was a lot of speaking in a tight timing.  After Jack rescues the king's hen that lays the golden hens, the baddy's assistant goes to find out who is behind it all, and there a point when the characters give him a bell, and while encircling him give him the names of quiz shows, such as Pointless, Countdown, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and Blankety Blank (that's an old quiz show I've heard about).  The audience was encouraged to say how Dame Trot (Jack's mother) looked in every scene the character appeared.

The next Panto will be Beauty and the Beast, and I hope to see it.

I hope that you come, see and enjoy at Eden Court.

Mary, Queen of Scots

Eden Court welcomes Mary, Queen of Scots to the big screen.

Widowed at a young age, Mary returns to Scotland to reclaim her throne while trying keep on good terms with her cousin, Elizabeth of England.  With religion dividing them in a male dominated world, the two queens soon become rivals, each equally determined to be more than who they are, as they make history.

Duration: 125 minutes

Director: Josie Rourke

Cast:
Saoirse Ronan
Margot Robbie

Here's to the Eden Court website for tickets and timings.

I hope that you will come, see and enjoy at Eden Court.

Swing into the Spider-Verse

Marvel's animated film with many Spider-Man from different universes grouping together to stop a serious threat.

Duration: 117 minutes

Directors: Bob Persichetti
                 Peter Ramsay
                 Rodney Rothman

Voices of the Cast:
Shameik Moore
Hailee Steinfeld
Nicolas Cage
Mahershala Ali

Here's to the Eden Court website for tickets, do hurry.

I hope that you will come, see and enjoy at Eden Court.