Watch: HIV – The Musical
This short film, written and directed by Joseph Patrick and Tim Woodall, is a few years old now but it’s still one that makes me laugh each time I watch. It documents the process and increasing exasperation felt by young playwright, James McKenzie (played by ‘exasperated face’ gold medalist Martin Freeman), in having his play – initially a serious social justice piece on the plight of HIV sufferers in Africa – picked up and then “improved upon” by a producer. The producer is played by the underrated better half of The Mighty Boosh, Julian Barratt, who cares not so much for getting the message out there but the glitter and sparkles that will get the money in. A dry, funny, short film with a message.
Read: Mack the Life – Lee Mack
A couple of months before Christmas means it’s autobiography season. I love autobiographies. It may have something to do with being a nosey little thing with no regard for personal boundaries. Or, as I’d rather claim, more to do with loving hearing people talk about themselves and their lives. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it, officer.
English comedian Lee Mack’s autobiography is nothing overly special or revealing. Much like his act. However, that’s not a criticism of either the book or the comedy. As much as I wanted to hate his ‘does what it says on the tin’ kind of comic persona back when I first saw him on the telly, Lee has managed to weasel his way into my heart. Because quite frankly, sometimes all you need is that quick silly laugh. This autobiography is riddled with quick silly laughs his fans will appreciate. My favourite part is the decision to bookend each chapter with visits to a psychiatrist. Lee has asked his psychiatrist “Brian” to read and comment on the book, which he documents, along with the resulting internal (hilarious) struggles he has as a result of these sessions.
Listen : We’ll Be Coming Back – Calvin Harris ft Example
The sun is shining and the birds are singing. The dance music is thumping in our ears as we stagger along running tracks wondering why we’re not just taking pills for our adrenaline kicks and to enhance phat beats anymore. God, we’re so boring and lycra clad these days.
I’m not ashamed to say I love Calvin Harris and Example, so it was a safe bet I’d love their collaborative track. Released in time for the northern hemisphere summer We’ll Be Coming Back effortlessly becomes a part of the southern hemisphere summer soundtrack. While the lyrics may have a vague sense of ‘a kidnapping threat’ to them, Example’s vocals over Calvin’s aforementioned phat beats combine to get the blood pumping and inspire speeding about in expensive cars (as the video clip suggests). You could do worse for the final track you hear before collapsing from heart failure mid-run.
