#3 A tiny seal in a sou'wester
Issue #3 A tiny seal in a sou'wester
30th March 2022
Hello. My name is Chris Mead.
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has responded so positively to this newsletter. I've really enjoyed chatting with folks about the recommendations and topics brought up in last week's mailing.
Hopepunk seemed to really strike a chord with people (and the show at the TÖRN festival went better than we could have hoped).
So don't hesitate to hit reply and say hello. Even if we haven't chatted in years. It'd be great to hear from you.
And now, onwards!
Rule of three
[Film] Together Together
I thought this was an exceptional film based around two remarkable performances by Patti Harrison and Ed Helms. It's about a single guy and the woman who is acting as his gestational surrogate. And here's the thing, my friends, it doesn't go the way you think it's going to go. The relationship that develops is nuanced and beautiful. I've never seen anything like it. BONUS FUN: Radio was named for a line of dialogue in this film.
[Comic] Saga
Years ago, when this series first came out, I remember someone describing it as "Romeo & Juliet meets Game of Thrones ... in space". It is a quintillion times better than that sounds (and if that sounds good then you're REALLY going to like it). The universe is batshit bananas, the characters are relatable despite having TVs for heads or being a tiny seal in a sou'wester, and the artwork is as glorious as it is idiosyncratic. If you've never read comics, make this your first comic.
[TV] Rectify
No one ever talks about Rectify. It flew by under the cultural radar here in the UK at least. It's the story of a death row inmate released 20 years after his initial conviction as a teenager. I don't have the superlatives to do it justice - simply put, every element - the performances, the writing, the way they lit and shot it, is world class. Majestic, wise, heart-breaking and, against all odds, life-affirming.
Hmmm, I've just realised all three of these could be considered Hopepunk. I have a type.
Spotlight
My friends at the Bristol Improv Theatre (an absolute joy factory of talent and improv wonder) are hosting my best friend and duo partner Katy Schutte for a 5-Day intensive in August. This is an amazing chance to work with one of the absolute best in the business. Now, it goes without saying that Katy is hugely talented and knowledgable but, for me, what makes her truly special, is her refusal to rest on her laurels. Her classes are always packed full of new exercises and bespoke content she's created just for the group she's working with. That level of care and craft is something I aspire to whenever I step into a classroom. If you want your improv to flourish this summer, I can't think of a better way to level up.
Longform thoughts
4. The first rehearsal is incredibly well attended and feels like magic. People get excited to be at the start of a new adventure.
5. After 2 weeks someone drops out of the WhatsApp group. That person is never seen or heard from again.
Read The life-cycle of an improv group - a cautionary tale.
Radio days
Love you too, Radio!