Marlene Dietrich’s audition for the 1930 film The Blue Angel is the stuff of legend. Cigarette and eyes alike are her props, and the capricious nature of her audition is absolutely mesmerising, even after all these years. Star quality is that rare thing and she simply oozed it. Josef Von Sternberg, the director, fell inContinue reading “Marlene’s Audition”
Category Archives: Lorna Irvine
Charlotte Adigery and Bolis Pupul 2027 Tour
The magnifique Charlotte Adigery and Bolis Pupul are touring the world next year. Go and see their beautiful, satirical and sincere joys for yourself. It’s sure to be a warm, witty and wild night. Their music crosses genres into something unique and remarkable: they’re two of the most exciting artists around. Together, they’re a powerfulContinue reading “Charlotte Adigery and Bolis Pupul 2027 Tour”
Lost In Music: Tom Waits- Step Right Up
This feels apposite right now, as capitalism, arguably, rots on the vine. The tepid applause from this audience suggests they don’t know what Waits is singing at all- but we do, and that’s enough. Picture by Joel Brodsky from the Small Change photo session.
Short Film Review: The Jillon
Harry Hill’s humour is rooted in nudge-wink end of the pier jokes and dark surrealism, so I was delighted to see that he’d created a short film, ‘The Jillon’, directed by Arthur Studholme. It’s everything you expected and a pinch of what you didn’t. It’s completely bonkers, but a shade darker than we’re used toContinue reading “Short Film Review: The Jillon”
RuPaul’s Drag Race Series 8 Finale
Beautiful in and out of drag, Flesh took the crown. Personally, Naya Thorn would have been my first choice, but Flesh is undoubtedly a worthy winner. She’s a talented queen: witty, humble, not afraid to laugh at herself, and not one for getting involved in the squabbles. So I’m pleased for Flesh, whose real nameContinue reading “RuPaul’s Drag Race Series 8 Finale”
That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore
It is not often that I comment on court cases. But the Russell Brand trial seems significant, because he’s been a huge cultural phenomenon in the UK for years, and to witness his downfall has been both fascinating and horrible in equal measure. Despite several weeks of the trial, he was found guilty on NovemberContinue reading “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore”
For Bel
We lost beautiful Beldina Odenyo Onassis five years ago today. Anyone involved in the theatre and music scene in Scotland knew this lovely and gifted person. I will never forget the first time I met her at the Hug and Pint bar in Glasgow. We ended up chatting and giggling away. She had a wickedContinue reading “For Bel”
Album Review: Party Dozen- 21 Bum Salute
Party Dozen are back with equal amounts sleaze and humour. The title is of course a ridiculous pun, but the music absolutely bites. Take ‘Euro Stomper’. It’s as if Suicide went glam rock. Like salted caramel ice cream, these disparate ingredients shouldn’t work, but do. ‘Captain Hook’ is a low-end psychedelic banger and ‘Toss MyContinue reading “Album Review: Party Dozen- 21 Bum Salute”
Film Review: Queer (2024)
Luca Guadagnino’s stunning film, based on William S Burroughs’ novel, has the cool, nocturnal colour palette of an Edward Hopper painting- at least for the first half. The second is febrile and fiery. Despite the anachronistic soundtrack (Sinead O’ Connor, Nirvana, New Order, Prince etc)it captures the druggy patina of fifties Mexico. Daniel Craig asContinue reading “Film Review: Queer (2024)”
Drag Race UK Series 8: KY is OUT !!!
And I couldn’t be happier. Initially, I warmed to her: Buster Bloodvessel out of drag; Joan Collins in drag. I was all for KY Kelly when Paris Baby had a go at her for her weight, but subsequently, she’s turned out to be a real bully. Despite her talents, she’s manipulative. She’s played the victim,Continue reading “Drag Race UK Series 8: KY is OUT !!!”
