17 JUNE 2026

Two-two-two.

That’s a pleasing number of issues sent out.

Gosh, what a thrill to have this lovely constant in my life.

I always love it when something I’ve recommended really resonates with someone. Even more so if they take the time to let me know.

I’ve got a doozy of a fim rec this week too.

Rule of three

[Film] Tuner
I might be mistaken but I haven’t heard much of a buzz around this film. If that’s true, then let me be the first to start buzzing. It’s about a piano tuner who finds he can use his skills to crack safes. For me, it’s a truly five star experience. Direction, editing, script, performance - every character is so specific and wonderfully drawn. And the chemistry between the leads is lightning-in-a-bottle. Pitch perfect.

[Game] Ribbet
Another fun word game with a different puzzle every day. You find words and once there’s no more uses for any given letter, it turns into a singing frog. I don’t know why. I imagine the lore behind the game is impenetrably deep. Any way, it’s great but there doesn’t seem to be a way to link to the game itself - just each individual puzzle. So here’s the one for today - https://www.puzzmo.com/puzzle/2026-06-17/ribbit - and just change the date to whenever you read this, I guess.

[Ancient martial art] Tai Chi
I’ve always wanted to study a martial art. I looked into Krav Maga but all the websites were like Krav Maga is focussed on you breaking the most bones in the least amount of time so it didn’t really seem like my kind of thing. Tai Chi is absolutely a martial form (closely related to Qigong which is the movement branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine) but it looks more like a beautiful dance and everyone wears barefoot shoes so I feel very at home. Breathing, not breaking.

Spotlight

Just a few places left on Ursula and Anne’s Body & Voice course on 18th/ 19th July - hurry, hurry, hurry to avoid disappointment.

But more pressingly, it’s Pretend Night this Friday 19th June at the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham at 7PM (NOTE: the change of start time - more space for drinks afterwards).

And what do we have for you this week?

Well excitingly we have a world premiere from two of our favourite improvisers. Kathy Rinaldi and Arfie Mansfield, from Boston and Cambridge respectively, are meeting in Clapham to present Magnetic North.

MAGNETIC NORTH presents a tragicomic improvised play about the tiny but devastating differences and disagreements that pull two people apart, with heartfelt drama and acerbic wit. A transatlantic collaboration between Kathy Rinaldi (ImprompTwo) and Arfie Mansfield (Somewhat Theatre). 

We are so pleased we can present new work of this quality and scope. Kathy and Arfie will be joined (as always) by the Pretend Ensemble - this month featuring the entire cast: Stephen Lee, James Taverner, Emily Jane Kerr, Jennifer Jordan, Emily Murphy, Chris Mead and Liam Webber (with special guest Jacintha Damström - who can sing, improvise, play the flute AND walk on her hands).

Come and witness the glory by clicking here

Longform thoughts

If you want your improv to be nutritious - you need to find significant variation in the way you play.

I share an idea I’ve been thinking about for a while now in Improv nutrition.

Radio contact

Radio was very brave and went swimming for the first time.