April Culture Roundup

Everything I've watched, read and listened to in the month of April

Yes, I've become addicted to reading. No I'm not okay… But while MOST of my time has been spent reading (I haven't watched TV for basically the whole month), I've managed to spare a few evenings for theatre and, of course, listened to Tay Swift's new album.

Crescent City Series, Sarah J Maas

House of Earth and Blood: 3/5

House of Sky and Breath: 4/5

House of Flame and Shadow: 4/5

Continuing on from last month (where I read all five ACOTAR books in a few weeks), I decided to read Sarah J Maas's next series: Crescent City.

Set a bit more in the 'modern' day – with the obligatory fantasy characters (werewolves, witches and angels) thrown in – I was sceptical at the effort of reading another world-building book. But there wasn't much time to grieve ACOTAR as I was thrown into the world of Lunathion.

While the first book in the series took some warming up, I was hooked by the second and couldn't pause for breath until the end of the final instalment. I LOVED the meshing of worlds and series and, as always with Maas's work, the final few chapters are always a treat.

Hadestown

Quickfire summary: This musical retells the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

Rating: 2/5

Branded 'the show of the year', I was extremely disappointed I wasn't wowed by it. While Grace Hodgett-Young (previously in Sunset Boulevard) gave it her all as Eurydice, I didn't take to Dónal Finn as Orpheus at all. Zachary James proved to be some light relief as Hades, but not enough to redeem the serious plot holes and songs that seemed to full short of the belters I was expecting.

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

Quickfire summary: Two strangers (Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift) find themselves thrust together with the approach of an important wedding.

Rating: 4/5

While a friend of mine gave a mediocre review the week before I saw it, I really enjoy this fun-loving play. With Tutty (previously Dear Evan Hansen) as the British clutz and Gift the exasperated American, this captured the culture clash I didn't know I needed to see on stage. The crowdpleasing comedy wasn't too cringey, nor did it miss the beat of British humour. A quirky yet lovable piece of theatre!

Taylor Swift: The Tortured Poets Department

Rating: 4/5 (a grower!)

As a longstanding Swiftie, I obviously couldn't pass up the opportunity to mention TTPD. While the album had an ominous hype (after the release of the tracklist led to speculation of WHICH ex the songs were about), I really like the first half of the album. Faves include: Who's Afraid of Little Old Me, The Alchemy and Florida!! However, as a sub-editor, I know how easy it is for writers can go over on word count – and this Taylor did in spades for The Anthology.

While I think Cowboy Carter was SPECTACULAR and each song aged like a fine wine, I felt Taylor's Anthology fell short of iconic and leaned more into long-winded ramblings… I'm also speaking as someone who doesn't always care for Evermore or Folklore-y songs, so I don't think this one was for me. Still love you though, Tay!