How are you all? Yes, I know it’s hard to believe I’m posting something that isn’t a theatre review or a poem (#onbrand) but the time has come once again to share a few of my favourite things from the last month of my life.
March was a month of intense ups and downs.
Technology turned against me. I lost *all* my photos and writing when my external hard-drive backup broke (idiot), my bluetooth speakers fell apart, and my TV and (fairly) new phone started playing up. Add to that some intense hormones, blue evenings and a whole week of almost-sleepless nights and it was rather tough.
But the ups? The ups were great. I read some fantastic books, performed at my first poetry gig, saw some fab theatre and, most importantly, went on holiday!
Really, it all evened out and turned out to be a pretty good March.
So, here’s what I fell in love with while all that was going on.
Jersey Boys
I had the pleasure of reviewing Jersey Boys at the Mayflower Theatre last month and I’ve pretty much been humming Frankie Valli songs ever since. I adored this show and it certainly lived up to the hype. You can read my review here, to find out more.
Derry Girls
It’s back! I am delighted that Derry Girls is on our screens once more. It’s quick-witted and big-hearted and just full to the brim with nostalgia. Not to mention the utterly marvellous characters: Sister Michael with her cynicism and dryness is a particular favourite of mine. It’s poignant too; juxtaposing the tension and tragedy of the Troubles against everyday life and humour. I’m so sad the second season is nearly over; I have everything crossed for a third.
Promising Young Women by Caroline O’Donoghue
This was my first holiday read and I devoured it in a matter of hours. Promising Young Women is a story of break-ups, office romances, and mental health and it grips you with its honest and easy-to-read words.
I’ll be honest, there were times when the storyline felt very slightly implausible…but otherwise it was addictive, witty and relatable. Add this to your TBR list, for sure. I can’t wait for someone to adapt it for our screens (it’s sure to happen!)
Fleabag
More fantastic TV! I am equally as delighted for Fleabag‘s return to our screens as I am for Derry Girls. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a talented writer and this show is as sharp as a tack. And that Priest…yowza. Please don’t let this series end!
Paradise City by Elizabeth Day
I am really enjoying Elizabeth Day’s books at the moment, and while I wait to get my hands on her latest non-fiction creation, How to Fail, I got stuck into Paradise City after finding it at the library.
This is a tale with twists and turns and characters whose paths unexpectedly cross throughout. I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it!
Poetry at Hunter Gatherer with Front Room
March saw my first ever proper poetry gig! I’ve only ever performed at competitions and open mics, but for the first time, I had my name on a lineup and was actually invited to perform!
The Front Room, a collective based in Portsmouth, asked me to perform my work as part of their special International Women’s Day event at Hunter Gatherer coffee shop in Southsea. I was delighted to be a part of such an exciting night for a good cause (all proceeds went to charity).
Although I have never been so nervous in my life, and I wasn’t completely thrilled with how I did (I know, I’m very hard on myself) I enjoyed the experience and was proud to step up to the mic. Hopefully I’ll be back soon!
The Lake District
This isn’t a new one. I have loved the Lakes since we first visited as a family when I was younger, but I had the pleasure of returning for a week in March.
It was a much-needed rest and felt great to get away from it all, with limited Wi-Fi, no signal, and just countryside and hills for miles. This will always be one of my most loved places on the planet, and I already can’t wait to go back.
Leonardo Da Vinci: A Life in Drawing at Southampton City Art Gallery
We are lucky to have such wonderful culture in Southampton, and at the moment we are blessed with the presence of one of the greatest artists of all time.
It’s quite surreal seeing Leonardo Da Vinci’s work in real life, just five minutes away from the local Asda and in the same building as my library…but it’s a very special little exhibition.
If you’re local, catch it before it goes (it’s there until 6 May)
Jo Fisher Writes 
Hooray for Derry Girls! And a bleaker, more cynical but equally enthusiastic Hooray for Fleabag!
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Haha yes! All hail these two wonderfully witty shows.
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