Laura Lawrence, Author at The Orbital

12Dec

By Laura LawrenceNo Comments

Ho Ho Christmas Adverts

Everyone has their favourite thing that they love about Christmas time. There is so much to choose from: the food, the films and the presents! However the thing that finally makes it feel like Christmas for me is the much anticipated Christmas commercials. So here are just a few of my favourites this year: ‘Santa Forgot’ from Alzheimer’s Research UK- Stephen Fry narrates the heartbreaking story of a Santa who has been struck by the currently incurable disease of Alhzehier’s and the little girl who wants to save him from its all too common fate. This could perhaps be the most important advert on our televisions this Christmas. It raises the message of how crucial funding and research is to the disease- and that maybe with it we can make it curable. I urge everyone to watch this advert. J...

4Nov

By Laura LawrenceNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Stage School Trouble

E4's new structured reality TV drama 'Stage School' has caused a lot of controversy recently. So much so that after its very first episode a petition to have the show taken off air arose online. The argument is that the show is an utter misrepresentation of what stage school is actually like. Orbital spoke to Roho’s very own MTS president Stephen Johnson who felt that, 'E4's Stage School is a false representation of studying at drama school. Not only does it make for appalling TV, but is frankly dangerous to prospective drama school applicants who may be put off applying and for the entertainment industry in general. Performing arts can provide a stage for current important societal and political events. Stage school however, empresses the stereotypical vindictive and venomous behavi...

9Sep

By Laura LawrenceNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Film & TV

No More iPlayer

Over the past few years the BBC has seen major changes to its organisation. These changes have included the proposed closure of BBC Three, the shutting down of the BBC Trust, the appointment of the National Audit Office as its financial auditor and a whole new board put in charge of the company. In addition to these changes, the government have just announced that from 1st September the Licensing Law will be changing. This will result in it being illegal to watch television programmes on BBC iPlayer without a TV licence. Although this does not affect the huge number of Britain’s population who already have a licence, it will affect the thousands of students who rely on the medium for entertainment without having to pay £145.50. Now many students may be thinking that it doesn’t matter th...

27Nov

By Laura LawrenceNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Harry Potter and The Fight for Tickets

This month saw the release of the long awaited Harry Potter and the Cursed Child theatre tickets which opens in the summer of 2016. It is safe to say that the fight for tickets was not a pleasant experience for many fans as thousands attempt to secure their place at the show. For the smart fans who signed up for pre-sale tickets their journey started a week before general release when they had to sign up to the ticket merchant to be in with a chance of getting tickets. This saw some fans waiting for up to five hours in order to get tickets which did not even guarantee tickets. Under eight hours 175000 tickets were sold and cheaper tickets sold out within the first hour leaving younger fans unable to afford the £130 for higher priced seats. Presale tickets immediately went of sale on second...

10Oct

By Laura LawrenceNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Music

Christian Union Acoustic Night

The Christian Union hosted a love-based acoustic night in Stumble Out. (more…)

6May

By Laura LawrenceNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Film & TV

It’s All About The Waistline

It's All About The Waistline Last month saw the release of Disney's new live-action re-telling of the classic fairy tale Cinderella. Kenneth Branagh's masterpiece has obviously been a success making over $70 million on its opening weekend. However the film has already sparked controversy among the parents of its target audience due to Lily James’ unbelievably small waist. Before its release the film was accused of using digital trickery to enhance James’ waistline in the movie promotion advertisements. However, Disney reacted by insisting that this was not the case and that her waist in the movie is natural but enhanced by the corset of the dress. Although, Lily James, who plays Cinderella, did admit to undertaking a liquid diet throughout the filming process in order to fit into the icon...