Beth Carr, Author at The Orbital

#KeepTheSecrets: Harry Potter Play Reviewed

7Jul

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

#KeepTheSecrets: Harry Potter Play Reviewed

Beth Carr reviews the highly anticipated Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ahead of its official opening in late July Walking up to the Palace Theatre, it is clear that this is the only place in the West End to host Harry Potter's eighth story. Visually spectacular, the Victorian red brick frontage is reminiscent of Hogwarts and the interior is equally magical, benefiting from a refurbishment especially for J. K. Rowling's newest creation. The theatre was surrounded by eager fans and as doors opened the queue was already winding around the entire building. A warm welcome awaits spectators from security and staff, and after parting ways with an unfortunate packet of BBQ Beef Hula Hoops (no food is allowed into the theatre but you can take in water bottles) we were soon seated, ready to enj...

Film adaptation of Wicked announced to be released in 2019

27Jun

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Film & TV, Theatre & Performance

Film adaptation of Wicked announced to be released in 2019

The adaptation has been discussed since 2004, but was viewed by some fans as a mere rumour after news of the film had gone quiet. Universal Pictures, however, confirmed via Twitter that the motion picture is scheduled for release on 20th December 2019. Within 24 hours, their tweet has received over 5,000 likes and 7,500 retweets, with speculation already rife about who will play the lead characters and visible excitement from eager followers. The musical phenomenon WICKED comes to the big screen. In theaters 12.20.19. pic.twitter.com/rFojgh56oH — Universal Pictures (@UniversalPics) June 16, 2016 Wicked retells L. Frank Baum's 1900 story The Wizard of Oz, popularised by the 1939 film, from the perspective of the witches, exploring their childhoods and how they came to take the titles o...

Kygo triumphs with debut album Cloud Nine

7Jun

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Music

Kygo triumphs with debut album Cloud Nine

There hasn't been an album in recent years that has surprised me as much as Cloud Nine, the debut album of Norwegian DJ and songwriter Kygo. Having risen to prominence with his single Firestone in late 2014, it is hard to believe that this is only his first album but it is well worth the wait. It captivates from the very beginning with a minimalist track Intro, full of building emotion and repetitive themes that leave you longing for more. More is exactly what the album brings, showcasing his production talent with 14 collaborations with artists including Tom Odell, Kodaline and Labrinth. The quality persists throughout the whole album with each track bringing a different vibe but reflecting the consistency of Kygo's technically complex but audibly pleasing style. A surprise highlight w...

28Mar

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Opinion

Has Facebook taken over?

Beth Carr explores how we struggle to switch off from social media Think about the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning. Or the last thing you do at night. Or the thing that comes top of your procrastination list throughout the day. If it starts with ‘F’ and ends with ‘book’ you are not alone, and for some students websites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram take up huge amounts of their time. What makes it worse is that social media is central to many aspects of student life and switching off is something that seems near impossible without extreme fears that you are missing out. Social media is the first port of call for sports, societies and media outlets to post their news and let members know what’s going on, because members are most likely to see it there. Before...

Over 300 students queue for half price Summer Ball tickets

24Mar

By Beth CarrNo Comments

News

Over 300 students queue for half price Summer Ball tickets

Beth Carr reports on the Summer Ball launch. 6am on campus is often a quiet place with few people, if any, having the unfortunate opportunity to experience the sunrise. However the morning of 24th March saw a very different story, with hundreds of students seeing in the day outside the Students' Union in the hope of getting hold of one of the 300 £35 tickets for this year's Summer Ball. While those at the front of the queue had reportedly been there since 10pm on Wednesday night, the queue only started getting busy by around 3am, with some students joining straight from the paint party and others rocking up at close with blankets, coats, and electronic devices. With essay deadlines in sight, it is not surprising that many people brought their laptops and finished work sat outside the...

19Feb

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Features

Interview: Gun Threat in the USA

Katherine Gorman spent a term studying History at Royal Holloway during her Junior year of college in the USA. Last month her college was closed after parents informed the administration that their son, Jacob, retrieved a gun from their home and went missing. In light of the previous major gun incident in America that led to threats being made against the University of Edinburgh, Beth Carr spoke to her about her situation and the steps taken by the college leadership. (Photo: Katherine outside the college, credit: Katherine Gorman) TIMELINE OF EVENTS November 16th 5:30am- Texts and emails were sent to students, faculty, staff and parents informing students of the suspension of classes due to the threat. The gunman’s identity was revealed shortly afterwards. 7am- College was closed w...

19Feb

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Opinion

The Perils of All-Nighters

Beth Carr on why we need to stop the habit of staying up all night to complete work It’s 3am on a Wednesday night and campus is buzzing. But it’s not the SU that’s full: it’s the library. Not so much buzzing with activity but buzzing with caffeine. This is a picture of end of term deadline season and it’s worrying to think about. A second year historian floats into her sixth consecutive all-nighter. An MA student spends 50 hours awake to complete an essay and falls asleep in the SU. Even first years don’t escape the lure of skipping sleep in order to complete work on time. Third years in the midst of dissertations keep the quietest about their essay writing habits, but with the increasing trend of squeezing work into the night before the due date, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of t...

The Christian Union present the Mark Drama

8Feb

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Sports & Socs

The Christian Union present the Mark Drama

"It's about 80% shouting and 20% crying" was one reaction to the Mark Drama, a 90 minute exploration of the gospel of Mark by the Christian Union. Perhaps this is an exaggeration, but this comment expresses how immersive the experience is. The show is in-the-round, with three aisles and action going on all around the audience, as well as in the centre of the circle. You are truly part of the performance and it's hard not to join in at points. The cast interact with you and address you, as if you were truly there. And so it is that you experience what the book of Mark has to say. Being run by the Christian Union it is about Jesus, but not aggressively so. Not every character believes what he has to say, and even those that do show their doubts and changes in opinion. The acting is ...

BBC Broadcasting House Tour a hit for Media Society

5Feb

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Sports & Socs

BBC Broadcasting House Tour a hit for Media Society

A gloomy January day was no obstacle for Media Society as members and non-members enjoyed their first event of 2016: a trip to BBC Broadcasting House. Our group was eclectic, with students studying a wide range of subjects from all across Europe, and included people who hoped to work in the broadcasting industry and those who simply wanted to gain an inside look at a British institution. The intimate tour provided both of these things and more, looking at news, radio and television across the BBC network. We started with a peek at the behind the scenes cameras for the news studios and radio areas which we couldn’t visit in person, with our knowledgeable tour guides providing a commentary on what is happening outside of the studio areas we see on TV. One set we did get the opportunity...

Christian Union plans annual Events Week for February

30Jan

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Sports & Socs

Christian Union plans annual Events Week for February

After a term, or more, at Royal Holloway it is very likely that you will have come across the Christian Union, and if you haven’t then you are sure to bump into them during their events week coming up in February. Voted Best Dressed at Come in Your Socs, the CU are more commonly found in the smoking area every Friday night, armed with doughnuts, water and a friendly face to help you when the SU gets a little bit much, or you just fancy a chat. Meeting every Thursday at 7:30 in MX034, everyone is welcome, whether you are a Christian, of a different faith or have no faith at all – and there are always plenty of free snacks! The CU’s purpose is to reach out to the university community and provide an opportunity for everyone on campus to hear about Christianity and the gospel and ask que...