Category: Reviews

1. A simple statement : Desenio review

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 9th Jun 2020

   A few years ago, we were contacted by Desenio - the frame and print people and were asked to take a look at their fantastic library of prints - needless to say we loved them and they still hang on the teenagers wall even now. Home is where your WiFi connects automatically is one of our previous word art prints and this has never been more relevant with us all working from home at the moment.

   In the current climate it seems a simple statement can make a loud noise.

   We have recently had the opportunity to get some more prints and frames from Desenio and I don't mind admitting that I spent almost an hour lost in their website. The range has expanded since we last worked with them and they have a very wide portfolio of prints and posters and even more frame options too.

   There are many ways to browse using the easily identifiable and suitably located starting headers of PRINTS/FRAMES/BESTSELLERS/NEW ARRIVALS and for a fantastic inspirational treat GALLERY WALLS.

   All of these headers offer a drop down sub menu either by hovering over them or selecting, each full of additional options to explore…all making for a very quick and simple user experience, a welcome layout structure considering the vast array of options on offer.

   

   Once we had selected our frame style and size (again very easy with all dimensions listed and easily identifiable) we chose our prints and checked out.

   When our package arrived it echoed the clean and simple brand identification of the website with a sturdy plain box with a DESENIO logo on the top. Inside was a very well packaged set of high quality frames sandwiched in between air bag wrap insulation and perfectly positioned to fill the ergonomics of the box – impressive we thought! Clearly some time and effort has been put into packaging the products so the customer is welcomed by a very nicely laid out set of products. Obviously we ordered quite a few frames but I’m sure if only 1 or 2 were ordered there would be a similar level of packaging finesse.

   The frames themselves are high quality and sturdy without being too heavy and come with double sided protective film on the Perspex, all individually wrapped with cardboard corners.

   At first glance we thought our prints had been forgotten however upon further exploration we found that in true Desenio fashion they had not been forgotten, in fact they had been placed underneath the frames in a lovely envelope with an obviously hand stuck sticker seal keeping it shut – again giving a feel of consideration and personal attention. Reluctantly ripping the sticker seal (weird how I never like doing that?) we discovered our prints delivered on high quality photographic paper with excellent print clarity – surprising considering the modest cost.

    

   Overall a fantastic user experience with great quality products and fast, free delivery when you spend over certain amount. We would encourage you to put aside plenty of time to explore all the prints on offer – you’ll need it!

    

   Disclosure : This is a collaborative post 

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2. The Best Games To Play To Keep Yourself Entertained If You’re Self-Isolating

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 26th Mar 2020

   Covid-19 has turned the world upside down. Everybody’s lives have been affected in some way or other, with many of us now having to spend our days cooped up indoors. The cabin fever can be hard to fight off, but getting into a good game can definitely help you out with that battle. If you’re a keen gamer, (like my girls) you’re probably already rejoicing at the seemingly endless amounts of time you now have to play your favourite games. And if you’re not a keen gamer, that may well soon change. 

   

   Slots

   Online slot sites have become incredibly popular lately. There is no denying the fact that online slots are the most popular type of casino games. They have come a long way from the the first physical online slot machine, the one armed bandit which appeared in the 19th century. There is a wide variety of different games out there to play, it’s nice and simple, and you can potentially bag yourself some nice cash prizes too. If you find yourself with extra time on your hands during self-isolation, you should definitely try these slot sites out.

   Animal Crossing

   First released back in 2001, Animal Crossing has proven to be an ever-popular game with kids and adults alike. For those who aren’t familiar with Animal Crossing, it’s a life simulation game. Each game has you living in a new town, inhabited by cute human-like animals. You can visit other people’s towns, decorate and expand your house etc. Nintendo launched Animal Crossing: New Horizons earlier on this year, and people are already loving it.

   The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

   Released in September 2019, Links Awakening is the latest edition to The Legend Of Zelda franchise, and a remake of the original released back in 1993. Playing as Link, you awake in a unfamiliar place away from Hyrule, where there are talking animals and monsters roaming free. You must discover your whereabouts, exploring the island with all its traps and dangers.

   The new Link’s Awakening is an almost perfect example of a remake: it retains everything that made the original so memorable, while making it work for a modern audience.

   The Outer Worlds

   This action role-play game, released in October 2019, is another highly popular game of the year just past.  In the early stages of the game, players can build their own character and unlock a ship. This functions as the games’ central hub space, and provides a fast travel point to access different locations within the game. The player then ventures off on various missions, fighting off enemies and developing their technical skills. 

   Clash Of Clans

   Available to download on the app store, Clash Of Clans is definitely a great game to get into whilst your self-isolating. Mobile gamers love it for its engaging gameplay and competitive scene. In fact, around 3 million people play Clash Of Clans each an every month.

   You simply build yourself a base, protect it, train up your troops and attack others. As you procure more gold and resources, your base will grow bigger and bigger. It’s fairly simple, but incredibly addictive.

   The Game Of Life

   Unfortunately for a lot of people, broadband speeds are down due to Covid-19, meaning playing online games and video games might not be as easy as it usually is. However, there are loads of great board games out there to enjoy still, including The Game Of Life. This is a great game for the entire family to get involved with. It’s a two to six players game, centered around money. The wealth your token car collects as it travels around the board represents your score, with the aim of the game being to finish the game as the wealthiest player on the board. This game has been a family favourite since the 90s, and well worth ordering if you haven’t already got it tucked away in your cupboard somewhere.

   Ludo

   Another great board game to enjoy if your broadband speeds are down is Ludo. This game has been a true board game classic for decades, with its super simple rules and fast-spaced action.

   Ludo was actually first invented back in India in the 6th century, known then as Pachisi. By the late 19th century, variations of the game made it to England, one appearing in 1896 and taking on the new name that we all now know it by.

   With many of us now having to spend a lot of time indoors, there is no better time to try out a new game, whether that be online slots, a new video game or even getting back into playing a classic family board game. Times are tough for everyone right now, so let games distract you from the all the craziness in the world for at least a little while longer.

   This is a collaborative post.

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3. The Snow Queen | Review at The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 25th Nov 2019

   The Old Rep Theatre in Birmingham hosts The Snow Queen for Christmas this year and we were lucky enough to be invited along for their press performance on Saturday 23^rd November 2019.

   

   The Snow Queen (not to be mistaken for a certain Frozen Queen currently at cinemas right now) is a force to be reckoned with. This tale is based on the original from Hans Christian Anderson, however is a modern day version of the classic story. If I am honest, it is not a story that I was overly familiar with but that didn’t stop me from becoming immersed in the story from the second the curtains went up.

   

   The Old Rep adaptation has the basis of most historical tales, and centres around good versus evil, but what makes The Snow Queen stand out is how the “bad guys” are still likeable characters. The Snow Queen has an underlying vulnerability that evolves as the story is told. Although her voice and presence are both strong and powerful in presence and delivery.

   Despite Letitia Hector playing a phenomenal role as the evil Snow Queen, it was Hader (played by Charlie Keable), her goblin sidekick, that was my favourite character with his bumbling charm that made me laugh so many times I lost count.

   

   The story follows the adventure of best friends Kai and Gerda but when The Snow Queen steals Kai, can Gerda rescue him in time and find her way through a whole heap of obstacles (and creative characters) along the way to bring him back home? We don’t want to ruin it by telling you what happens, but the cast were exceptional, with many of the lead characters playing multiple roles.

   

   The Snow Queen is on at The Old Rep until the 30^th December and it is the ideal show for all the family. Our youngest is 8 years old and sat through the performance, both engaged and fascinated by the story. We all enjoy the theatre and I think it is the first year that she hasn’t whispered relentless questions throughout the performance, showing how captivating the tale actually is.

   The Snow Queen is packed with songs, dance and plenty of family fun for audience, making it the perfect choice for a family theatre trip this Christmastime.

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4. Whats on in Birmingham theatres this Autumn / Winter?

   Posted on 10:00am Tuesday 17th Sep 2019

   Last weekend we went to see the AMAZING 9 to 5 Musical at the Alexandra Theatre. It has finished its run now in Birmingham but it is travelling round the UK. I didn't actually know the story or many of the songs but it was a couple of hours of sheer entertainment. 9 to 5 the Musical tells the story of three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the women manage to reform their office - or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?

   We got an unexpected surprise when we found star of the show, Louise Redknapp outside the stage door on the way home, so it would have been rude not to say hello! 

   

   In addition to 9 to 5 in Birmingham last week, the cast of the fairest panto in the land came together for the first time in costume to officially launch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which plays at Birmingham Hippodrome from Saturday 21 December 2019 - Sunday 2 February 2020.

   The spectacular production will feature Lesley Joseph as the Wicked Queen, Matt Slack as Muddles, Joe McElderry as The Spirit in the Mirror, Faye Brookes as Snow White, Flawless as The Wicked Queen’s Men, Doreen Tipton as The Lady in Waiting, Andrew Ryan as Nanny Annie Aspirin and Jac Yarrow as The Prince.

   

   Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs at Birmingham Hippodrome from Saturday 21 December 2019 - Sunday 2 February 2020. Book now to secure the best seats, or you won’t be able to look yourself in the mirror! To book visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge). 

    

   In November and December The Old Rep brings Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale The Snow Queen to The Old Rep stage.

   

   This adaptation of the magical adventure follows inseparable friends Kai and Gerda.  When the heartless Snow Queen steals Kai to help rebuild her broken treasure, can Gerda rescue him in time before she plunges the world into an eternal winter? With the help of an unlikely band of companions, Gerda travels to the Kingdom of Ice to confront the Snow Queen and rescue her friend.

   From the creative team behind last year’s Pinocchio, comes a seasonal adventure for the entire family. We loved Pinocchio last year and can't wait to see what the creative team have in store for The Snow Queen.

   Have you booked anything for theatreland this winter? 

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