Close-Up Culture

Independent journalism on the things we love

James recommends: The Shallows (Film Review)

It has been 42 years since Steven Spielberg’s killer shark blockbuster Jaws splashed onto the big-screen, scaring audiences off the beaches and changing the movie industry forever. Inspired by the immense cultural – and financial – success of Jaws, many filmmakers were more than willing to jump in the water and try to emulate the…
Do Your Duty – and go to a Sarah Gillespie gig

THERE are few more versatile – and talented – musicians currently doing the live London circuit than Sarah Gillespie. With three albums (Stalking Juliet, In the Current Climate and Glory Days) and an EP (Roundhouse Bounty) under her belt, she brings a rich play list to the stage. Gillespie is difficult to pigeon hole. Her…
An Arthur Miller Gem – Incident at Vichy (Theatre Review)

THE Finborough Theatre in London’s Chelsea is in a rich vein of form judging by its latest production Incident at Vichy. This little known Arthur Miller play, which runs until April 22, is a sell-out although it is possible that the richness of the production will win it a follow-up billing closer to London’s West…
Sarah Jane Morris and Antonio Forcione – Musical Magic

PEOPLE of a certain age may remember Sarah Jane Morris for being the counterpoint to Jimmy Sommerville in the Communards. Jimmy’s falsetto, Sarah’s contralto. Many will not. More Jimmy, Jimmy (Undertones), not Sarah, Sarah. Yet since those hedonistic days in the 1980s, Sarah Jane has become a tour de force on the live music scene.…
Sexual Healing – 46 Beacon (Theatre Review)

TRAFALGAR Studios is off the beaten track for most West End theatre goers, especially tourists. This isolation might explain why the two auditoria theatre, situated within spitting distance of 10 Downing Street – and yes, Trafalgar Square – strives harder than some to host commanding theatre productions. In recent years, stand out productions include Harold…
Awash in an Islington bout of Sea Fret

SEA Fret is a term used to describe a wet sea mist. It is also the title of a new play at the Old Red Lion Theatre in Islington, North London. It lives up to its name, enveloping the viewer for two hours as relationships twist and the tide turns. It is written by Tallulah…
In Other Words – A Play About Dementia That Hits Hard (Theatre Review)

LIVING longer is all well and good but it sometimes comes at a shocking price. It is a point vividly made by the latest play to come out of The Hope Theatre in Islington, London which quite rightly badges itself as ‘the little theatre with big ideas’. And a big heart too. The play, In…
Limehouse – ‘Woy’ would have loved it (Theatre Review)

‘WHAT if?’ It is the question asked by Debbie Owen right at the end of Steve Waters’ splendid new play Limehouse at the Donmar Warehouse about the Gang of Four and the setting up of the Social Democratic Party in January 1981. ‘What if there’d been no Falklands War?’ she reflects, referring to the electoral…
‘LOVE AT THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ – SHE LOVES ME (THEATRE REVIEW)

IF you are fortunate – or wise – enough to have purchased a ticket for She Loves Me, you are in for a right royal treat. A feel good musical that will leave you wearing a smile stretching to Timbuktu and beyond. The show, at the marvellous Menier Chocolate Factory – a stone’s throw from…