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The Charioteer by Mary Renault: Book Review

This positive, sincere and heartfelt classic novel has just been reissued by Virago modern press who are also undertaking a project to reissue all of Renaults books, Hurrah!


the charioteer

Her work can be divided into two strands: the searing, evocative historical novels she is justly famous for, which couldn’t be more appealing today, and humane, intelligent romantic novels set in the thirties and forties that are lesser known, but no less wonderful of which this is one, and a real hidden gem it is too.

The Charioteer is the 1953 gay second world war novel from Renaults  and was hugely influential and popular when first published. This reissue gives us another opportunity to look at Renaults book from the comfort of our more tolerant times. With an affectionate introduction by the actor Simon Russell Beale the book launches us back into this perfectly pitched period peace. It’s a peek into a twilight world that no longer exists in Britain although many will remember it, most fondly. It’s a bit dusty and old fashioned in parts but that just adds to its charm and as it unwinds the plot slowly and inexorably you will be delighted. The love story is heart wrenching, the characters – although not all of them likeable – are recognisable and believable and the themes are universal event though the setting is in a world that long ago ceased to exist for most of us.  It’s the charm of the book i loved though, it begs to be read, and i enjoyed every page of it. This is a book that stays with you.

This book, apart from being so beautifully written with her flowing prose rippling off the pages is also a monumental work in gay literature, it’s love story and realistic portrayal of the choice between chaste innocence and the distinct pleasure of experience is unmatched and you can’t you get better than that. Buy it if you’ve never read it, buy it if you have and enjoy it again.

Out now £8.99

Virago Modern Press. 

For more information or to buy the book, CLICK HERE: 

 

ALADDIN: A family panto for Christmas

Alladin

A company of Brighton’s local talented actors and performers are to stage a performance of Aladdin in support of a worthy charity, and to give local families a traditional and magical festive pantomime.

In the absence of a family Christmas show at the Theatre Royal in Brighton this year, Music Theatre 2000 is bringing to the Barn Theatre, Southwick, Brighton a traditional, magical, musical pantomime for all the family to enjoy.

Aladdin is one of the best-loved pantomimes of all time bursting with boos and cheers, songs and laughter and has a first rate cast of singing actors, dancers, a live band and a sprinkling of magic.

Rub the magic lamp, enter the cave of wonders and be transported to this fun fairytale world where you will meet the lovely Princess Jasmine, the wicked Abanazar, the hilarious Widow Twankey and a host of other characters as well as, of course, the hero of the story, Aladdin himself!

Aladdin is co-directed by Simon Gray, who also musically directs, and Nathan Potter who also choreographs. Simon and Nathan have a wealth of professional theatre experience between them and have collaborated on many successful productions including the highly acclaimed production of Cinderella at the Barn Theatre in 2011.

MT2000 will once again be supporting the Martlets Hospice which cares for over 1000 people living in and around the Brighton and Hove area with a life limiting disease where a cure is no longer possible. The hospice is not part of the NHS and needs to raise over £8000 every day to care for the patients.

The cast of Aladdin consists of experienced local singer/actors including Steve Emery (from Brighton) as Widow Twankey, Jim Upton (from Chichester) as Abanazar, Madison Horne (from Worthing) as Princess Jasmine, Karen Young (from Hove) as the Empress, Alice Crossfield (from Hove) as the Genie of the Ring, Mark Gordon (from Worthing) as the voice of the Genie and Nathan Potter and Edd Berridge (both from Brighton) as Ali and Baba, guards to the Empress. Inti Conde who plays Aladdin is originally from Hove where he went to school but is currently living in London.

The cast is complemented by a chorus of experienced singing dancers, along with children from the Brighton based Drama Queens School of Musical Theatre.

There are ten performances from December 18-24 including several matinees – check with box office for performance times.

Tickets from £13.00 are on sale now and are available from the Barn Theatre Box Office (01273) 597094

To book online, CLICK HERE:  www.southwickcommunitycentre.org.uk/the-barn.html

All children’s tickets include a free toy – flashing wands/sabres/swords or a soft toy for the under 3s.

Alladin, The Barn, Southwick

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