Tuesday, March 19Royal Holloway's offical student publication, est. 1986

Author: Hannah Sayer

An Interview with Writer-Director of Insidious 3, Leigh Whannell
Culture & Literature, Film & TV

An Interview with Writer-Director of Insidious 3, Leigh Whannell

With his fellow collaborator on the Saw franchise and Insidious films James Wan busy directing Fast and Furious 7, Leigh Whannell has taken over the helm with his directorial debut Insidious 3. In the form of a prequel, this impressive next step in the franchise focuses on the demonic interest on a teenage girl after she attempts to connect with her dead mother. By drawing on the world of The Further established in the previous installments and bringing Lin Shaye’s character back into the narrative, Whannell’s first stint at directing is successful in its handling of its source material, but also in developing his own style of filmmaking. With a relatable family driven plot that is likely to connect with its audiences and its subtle handing of slow burning sequences that are designed to su...
The Vote
Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

The Vote

The Vote is a groundbreaking new play by James Graham which covers the final ninety minutes before the polls close in this year’s general election. Dame Judi Dench, Mark Gatiss and Catherine Tate are among the ensemble cast of fifty actors who have been brought together to star in the production which is set in a fictional polling station with the action taking place in real time. Being staged at the intimate Donmar Warehouse in London from the 24th April to the 7th May, The Vote marks a monumental national event, as the play will be broadcast live on television on the 7th to coincide with the closing of the polls. James Graham’s previous political drama This House premiered at the National Theatre in 2012 and went on to be screened nationwide in cinemas through the NT Live scheme. As a y...
BAFTA, Backstage- An Exclusive Exhibition
Culture & Literature, Film & TV

BAFTA, Backstage- An Exclusive Exhibition

With both a passion for film and photography, I was excited to get tickets to a free exhibition at the BAFTA Headquarters in London showcasing the best work of eight talented photographers who are well known for capturing the BAFTAs throughout the years. This was a rare opportunity to see behind-the scenes of one of the most celebrated nights in the UK film calendar. The afternoon at BAFTA began with an introductory Q&A where the audience were given a chance to quiz the photographers on their experiences in the industry. Jessie Craig was the official backstage photographer at the 2014 BAFTAs and it was interesting to hear her discuss how they are only given two minutes with each person to capture their perfect image before they have to move on. As if photographing the likes of Leonard...
Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Cheap Theatre- a How-to!

Theatre in London is becoming more accessible for students on a budget and cheap tickets can even be purchased on the day of performances. The TKTS booth in Leicester Square sells tickets for many popular West End shows on the day with special deals and half price discounts. Another option is to go to the theatre’s box office when it opens to queue for day seats which are reserved tickets at a considerable discount, often selling at £10 to £20 a ticket. If you want to book tickets in advance before trekking to London, rehearsals and previews of West End shows before their main run are more likely to sell tickets at a discounted rate or even for free! £15 Mondays at Trafalgar Transformed proved such a success for Jamie Lloyd’s productions in 2013 that the scheme has been reintroduced for h...