26 NOVEMBER 2025

Hello, friends.

I’m ill.

I don’t like it. My dad always says that he can’t be doing with all this sickness business.

I’ve got to say, after this experience, I have to agree with him. I really can’t see the point of it.

I’m resolving not to do it again for a very long time.

Rule of three

[Film] Train Dreams
Here’s a different kind of film. Minimal dialogue, zero sentimentality, the life of an entirely ordinary man against the backdrop of ceaseless, ever-restless modernity. I sat and let it wash over me and felt profoundly changed in the wake of its passing.

[TV] Riot Women
Based on the recommendation of too many people, I finally gave the BBC’s new series Riot Women a try last night. It’s a brilliant fable about how society treats women as they get older - the quiet horror of becoming invisible and the freedom that you can ultimately carve out for yourself. I think this is writer Sally Wainwright at her most angry, playful, life-affirming and devastating.

[Improv] Improv Lineage Project
The Improv Lineage Project aims to create a community-built, ever-growing map of how deeply we’re all connected through this wonderful art form of ours. Please take a moment to fill this in if you’re an improviser - I have no idea how they will visually represent so many inter-relationships, but it’ll be fun to find out.

Spotlight

If you’re reading this on the day I sent it, then this evening (26th November) is Pretend Night. We’ve had to change the line-up at the last moment so now you can enjoy - Somewhat Theatre, Tryphle and our own Pretend ensemble all on one wondrous bill.

And if you’re up for a spontaneous night out, use the code LATEBIRD for a 50% discount - meaning £5 for a whole evening of theatrical improv.

You can book tickets here.

Longform thoughts

You want the least structure you can possibly manage that still supports the exact show you want to create.

As our current Pretend cohorts turn their impressive talents to creating their final showcases, here are my collected Thoughts on show structure.

Radio contact

No shot of Radio this week, but here’s a lovely photo I took on our morning walk (Radio just out of frame, probably trying to play with a duck or something).

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Ok, fine, here’s a candid snap of him in his new sleeping nook under my bedside desk.