Close-Up Culture

Independent journalism on the things we love

Cyril’s Success: Successful Farce

GOOD writing stands the test of time although it is not enough in itself to make compelling theatre. But if a director can use a masterful play as a platform and then infuse proceedings with a stellar cast, there is a possibility that the end result is eminently watchable. A play that transcends time. Cyril’s…
Welcome to Close-Up Culture

A new year, a new title for our must-read website on all things cultural. To reflect our coverage of the latest films, theatre and live music, Prestridgesquared.com has become CloseUpCulture.com. We hope you like the name change. This year, we will do even more to bring the cultural world into your home. We will review…
Quick Review: Glengarry Glen Ross

IF you like your theatre visceral, snappy and machine-gun like in terms of delivery, there is only one show in town. David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross. Grab it while you can – it runs until February 3. Forget the tremendous 1992 film starring a stellar cast (Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Ed Harris et al) which…
Close-up: An Interview with Aia Kruse

Q: You star as Maria in Aitor Arregi and Jon Garano’s film Giant. Can you tell us about your character and the film? A: THE film is about a man who was over 8 feet tall, a true giant who lived in the Basque Country during the 19th century. It looks at the sometimes complex…
Madness and Massacres – Into the Numbers (Theatre Review)

IT IS 80 years since the Nanking Massacre. A killing frenzy over six weeks that resulted in more than 300,000 Chinese civilians being murdered and some 80,000 young girls and women raped. This barbarous episode in Japan’s history was the focus of bestseller The Rape of Nanking in 1997: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War…
Rea Lest talks NO99 Theatre, Estonian Cinema and Tarantino

REA Lest is one of Europe’s most exciting acting talents having won praise for her lead performance in Rainer Sarnet’s film November. Prestridge² had the opportunity to speak with Rea about November, her stage work and much more. Q: You are part of the highly renowned NO99 theatre in Estonia. Can you tell me about your…
Close-up: An Interview with Ravshana Kurkova

RAVSHANA Kurkova is one of Europe’s most prominent actresses. In a wide-ranging interview, Ravshana spoke openly with Prestridge² about her challenges on stage, how she chooses projects, her favourite characters and much more. Q: You were born into a family of actors and had one of your first roles at the age of 12. Did…
Everybody Should See Jamie – Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Theatre Review)

EVERYBODY’S Talking About Jamie. Yes, everybody should be chatting about Jamie because this is a cracker of a musical which is destined for greatness. If you want some pre or post-Christmas cheer and need to be reminded of the value of inclusiveness, this show will be right up your street. I promise that you will…
Close-up: An Interview with Sophie Tergeist

SOPHIE TERGEIST has appeared in films such as Holding Back, Silently Within Your Shadow and Shakespeare’s Diaries. Prestridge² talked to Sophie about her latest film Echoes of the Passed, critiquing films and her background. Q: Your latest project is a short film called Echoes of the Passed. Can you tell us about the film and…
Close-up: An Interview with Wonder Woman actress Rachel Pickup

RACHEL PICKUP is an acclaimed theatre, television and film actress. She took time out of her hectic schedule to talk to Prestridge² about Wonder Woman, Tim Roth and her stage career. Q: Wonder Woman is out now on DVD and Blu-ray. What were your experiences on this hugely successful project? A: IT was wonderful! What can…