Add to List - #48
Holding space for Wicked and snail flatbreads
Add to List is the Sunday round-up containing the small things that brought me joy, evoked an emotional reaction or became some short-lived stability in the past 7 days.
Thanks for reading!
Obsession
Anora…quickly followed by Wicked.
Anora, the latest movie from Sean Baker is, what I’d call a tragi-com.
The first half of the film is nothing but hilarity, euphoria and ludicrous scenes. Yet, within this eccentric display of hedonistic party life are dark messages about the dangers of wealth, sex work and the impact they have on the human psyche. All these themes come to a head towards the end of the film. Mikey Madison is sparkling as Anora and portrays a savvy, grounded yet optimistic woman looking for escape. She’s defensive, vulnerable, brave an all in one. She screams a lot (maybe at times, too much). The film is long but events play out almost exactly in real time. It was one of those flix that stayed with me a few days later. An ending that leaves you feeling unresolved, in a good, cogitative way. It’s a post-modern Pretty Woman. Plus, any film that opens with an intentionally ironic Take That club remix? Genius. I’m in immediately.
And then I went to see Wicked and my obsession with Anora was quickly knocked off the shelf. HOLY SHIZ. This musical perfectly aligns to the big screen. I used to be something of a musical theatre lover back in the day (I did a LAMDA musical theatre exam where I sang ‘Popular’. Embarassing, I know).
Cried pretty much the whole way through this film because it was just so fantastical, magical, and wonderful. I am holding space for it and its lyrics. If I could, I would clasp a singular claw in appreciation for this film. If you don’t know what I mean by that where have you been this week? But also, see: here.
Confession
I went out on a school night until 4am.
My en-suite is being redone after multiple leaks and issues. It’s been quite a saga but we are close to the resolution. As a result, my bedroom is covered in plastic sheeting and there is a toilet cistern at the foot of my bed (gorgeous sight to wake up to). So, this week I’ve been residing with a friend in London Bridge. It’s been nice stay-caying on the river. I’ve fed her cat, I’ve enjoyed having her flat to myself during the day. I’ve found new coffee spots and I’ve been for a jog along the river. But the ‘on my holidays’ mentality was rife. One night we ended out til the small hours. Good memories, not such great heads the next day.
Shook
My clever, hilarious pals.
I went to watch two of my improv girlies do stand up. WOW. I knew these two were intelligent, funny gals but my oh my…were they hilarious. I am in awe of their bravery and talent. They also happen to be here on Substack where they are equally as witty and wonderful. Check them out below.
Cook
Tuna salads and snail flatbreads.
I sadly haven’t cooked much this week and when I have it’s been really, really boring but when I have eaten out it’s been phenomenal. I treated myself to a working lunch at my local. A fishy, artichoke salad and a white wine.
Then, later this week I was lucky enough to sample a lot of the menu at Roe, Canary Wharf. Skewers grilled to perfection, brilliant cocktails. Plus, a snail vindaloo flatbread? If I see a wildcard item like this on a list, I just have to try it.
Book
Will You Read This, Please? - Edited by Joanna Cannon.
A frank and affecting series of real-life stories told through the words of some of our best writers, this is a book which is hard-hitting but ultimately hopeful. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a needed education into mental illness. It’ll open your eyes and soften your heart.
Can’t Stop Scanning
Wicked Memes.
Seems like this musical is not only one of the greatest of our time, but also cursed (or shall I say blessed) with cultural memes. First Adele Dazeem and now the holding space finger grab?
Forward Planning
The Substack Festive get together.
This week is already shaping up to be busy with various projects but the highlight of my week will definitely be the Substack meet Lex Hearth and I are hosting on Wednesday (4th Dec).
There’s still a handful of places left so if you’re a writer on here (or thinking about becoming one) then make sure you pop along!
I’ve said it before but I really can’t emphasise enough how every Substacker I’ve ever met is SO interesting. The way everyone uses this platform to form a part of their wider creative journey is so inspiring. From researchers to public speakers, authors to illustrators and musicians to marketeers, there is basically no creative avenue we’re missing in this community. Looking at the sign up list, I can see lots of familiar friends who I can’t wait to catch up with but also a great influx of newbies. We cannot wait to welcome you all in together! I have a feeling this is going to be the best yet.
Snail flat bread pain d’escargot… je t’aime l’escargot