Moanments & Memories

  Many thanks to Hijinx Theatre Company  for the complimentary virtual invite. [AD - Gifted]. To say the pandemic has taken it's toll on most industry sectors would be true, however the theatre industry is one of the most which has been hit the hardest. That is why it is important to support local theatres, especially even more so now... you can make a donation to Hijinx by clicking here .  I think it would be true to say that everyone has missed something due to lockdown measures, however escaping to a new world whilst watching someone 'tread the boards' has been one of the biggest challenges for me. However, this is especially a struggle for those who work in the entertainment industry, but creative people have creative solutions. Hijinx overcome barriers everyday to combat inclusion and are a prime example of being innovative to keep their productions running. I recently 'attended' a Hijinx virtual performance of  Metamorphosis ; an adaptation of the novella by F

Many thanks to the staff at Llancaiach Fawr Manor for making our trip so memorable. You can also see more of what we got up to over on Instagram ! [AD – Gifted]. Now that we are post pandemic I have so many places that I want to visit... and Llancaiach Fawr Manor has always been a priority! However, as many people with a chronic illness will understand even a short trip in the car, takes a lot of planning. From parking to level access for a scooter... will there be a lift to any upper floors?! It frankly isn't easy just thinking about the logistics of going somewhere and lets not go there about energy levels. However after a short phone call the friendly staff put me totally at ease and gave me all the information needed to make sure I was able to access the Manor. Armed with this new information I set about researching the practicalities of the visit and decided to travel by car.  Nestled in the Rhymney Valley   the Grade I listed Manor House is situated in  20 acres  of beautifu

  Recently I visited the  Swansea Waterfront Museum , it was after venturing into the City, that I picked up a copy of Ariadne . Consequently, I got drawn into the world of ancient Greece, amongst the life and pages of Ariadne: a princess, sister to Phaedra & the  Minotaur and voice for forgotten women throughout the generations. Author Jennifer Saint was kind enough to answer some questions about the book, her upcoming new novel Elektra and her writing practices.  Hi Jennifer! Thanks for taking the time to talk with me today. Having recently read your novel Ariadne - what inspired you to begin writing the novel?  The original inspiration came from reading Ovid’s Heroides at university. It’s a collection of letters written in the voices of women in mythology and both Ariadne and Phaedra are included, Ariadne writing to Theseus and Phaedra to Hippolytus. It was such a revelation to me to see these women fleshed out as passionate, defiant and clever women. I n Ariadne’s letter, she