Bren McGowan
@brenmcgowan.bsky.social
Engagement and health policy nerd, but very likely to post about birds, books, coffee, crosswords, opera, plants and theatre.
Coeliac and vegan (for the fun of it).
Northerner transplanted into the South. All opinions my own - and I've plenty to spare.
Coeliac and vegan (for the fun of it).
Northerner transplanted into the South. All opinions my own - and I've plenty to spare.
Another of those pictures that could be monochrome or full colour. Who can tell?
February 6, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Another of those pictures that could be monochrome or full colour. Who can tell?
I'd heard good things about this but wasn't sure it was for me - however, a great Friday Rush ticket meant I was willing to give it a go.
I half expected the audience to be full of 'Nutcracker' nuts, but I was spared that.
It turned out to be fun and endearing - and not at all twee.
But...
1/2
I half expected the audience to be full of 'Nutcracker' nuts, but I was spared that.
It turned out to be fun and endearing - and not at all twee.
But...
1/2
February 5, 2025 at 7:25 PM
I'd heard good things about this but wasn't sure it was for me - however, a great Friday Rush ticket meant I was willing to give it a go.
I half expected the audience to be full of 'Nutcracker' nuts, but I was spared that.
It turned out to be fun and endearing - and not at all twee.
But...
1/2
I half expected the audience to be full of 'Nutcracker' nuts, but I was spared that.
It turned out to be fun and endearing - and not at all twee.
But...
1/2
Sterling work from National Theatre stage management.
As the show's about to start, the stage manager comes on stage (rarely good news).
Someone was off (that never goes down well) so we'll get to see brilliant understudies and covers. Made us feel lucky!
Huge applause.
That's the way to do it!
As the show's about to start, the stage manager comes on stage (rarely good news).
Someone was off (that never goes down well) so we'll get to see brilliant understudies and covers. Made us feel lucky!
Huge applause.
That's the way to do it!
a man in a star trek uniform is clapping his hands in front of a starry sky
Alt: Patrick Stewartin a Star Trek uniform, clapping his hands in front of a starry sky.
media.tenor.com
February 4, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Sterling work from National Theatre stage management.
As the show's about to start, the stage manager comes on stage (rarely good news).
Someone was off (that never goes down well) so we'll get to see brilliant understudies and covers. Made us feel lucky!
Huge applause.
That's the way to do it!
As the show's about to start, the stage manager comes on stage (rarely good news).
Someone was off (that never goes down well) so we'll get to see brilliant understudies and covers. Made us feel lucky!
Huge applause.
That's the way to do it!
It may just be me, but I don't think 'Uncanny' works on TV.
On the radio, it can be genuinely scary but on TV I find it a bit silly. And that doesn't mean that I don't think people weren't scared witless (they clearly were), but the 're-enactments' just do the opposite of convince.
On the radio, it can be genuinely scary but on TV I find it a bit silly. And that doesn't mean that I don't think people weren't scared witless (they clearly were), but the 're-enactments' just do the opposite of convince.
February 1, 2025 at 10:14 PM
It may just be me, but I don't think 'Uncanny' works on TV.
On the radio, it can be genuinely scary but on TV I find it a bit silly. And that doesn't mean that I don't think people weren't scared witless (they clearly were), but the 're-enactments' just do the opposite of convince.
On the radio, it can be genuinely scary but on TV I find it a bit silly. And that doesn't mean that I don't think people weren't scared witless (they clearly were), but the 're-enactments' just do the opposite of convince.
I mean, I'm good - but I'm not *that* good!
January 28, 2025 at 9:22 AM
I mean, I'm good - but I'm not *that* good!
I've just started reading @sarfrazmanzoor.bsky.social 'They' - and it starts with a mention of him never seeing a photo of his parents' wedding.
I'm in the same boat - and would have wondered whether they had actually married (there's history in the family!).
1/x
I'm in the same boat - and would have wondered whether they had actually married (there's history in the family!).
1/x
January 27, 2025 at 12:51 PM
I've just started reading @sarfrazmanzoor.bsky.social 'They' - and it starts with a mention of him never seeing a photo of his parents' wedding.
I'm in the same boat - and would have wondered whether they had actually married (there's history in the family!).
1/x
I'm in the same boat - and would have wondered whether they had actually married (there's history in the family!).
1/x
To say I don't go to stand-up very often is an understatement (I think last time was Victoria Wood!) but @lucyportercomic.bsky.social was definitely worth going out for.
James Gandolfini, Vesta meals and a loathing of 'My Way', it was the perfect mix for the Radio 4 crowd.
Recommended!
James Gandolfini, Vesta meals and a loathing of 'My Way', it was the perfect mix for the Radio 4 crowd.
Recommended!
January 24, 2025 at 10:58 PM
To say I don't go to stand-up very often is an understatement (I think last time was Victoria Wood!) but @lucyportercomic.bsky.social was definitely worth going out for.
James Gandolfini, Vesta meals and a loathing of 'My Way', it was the perfect mix for the Radio 4 crowd.
Recommended!
James Gandolfini, Vesta meals and a loathing of 'My Way', it was the perfect mix for the Radio 4 crowd.
Recommended!
Roy Williams' adaptation of Sam Selvon's 'The Lonely Londoners' shows life for immigrants from the Caribbean in 1950s London. So, we do get racism, slum landlords and violence. And it's funny, moving and - ultimately - hopeful.
1/2
1/2
January 22, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Roy Williams' adaptation of Sam Selvon's 'The Lonely Londoners' shows life for immigrants from the Caribbean in 1950s London. So, we do get racism, slum landlords and violence. And it's funny, moving and - ultimately - hopeful.
1/2
1/2
Very nice people and brilliant service at theKiln Theatre in Kilburn - when some idiot turns up a week early, they just find them a seat without any fuss.
Apparently.
So, I've heard.
Not that I would ever make that mistake...
Apparently.
So, I've heard.
Not that I would ever make that mistake...
January 22, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Very nice people and brilliant service at theKiln Theatre in Kilburn - when some idiot turns up a week early, they just find them a seat without any fuss.
Apparently.
So, I've heard.
Not that I would ever make that mistake...
Apparently.
So, I've heard.
Not that I would ever make that mistake...
The Parks people are cutting down the shrubbery (which does need doing, to be honest), but what will this mean for the Big Garden Birdwatch?
January 22, 2025 at 11:21 AM
The Parks people are cutting down the shrubbery (which does need doing, to be honest), but what will this mean for the Big Garden Birdwatch?
I'm not having I have - and I'm not saying I haven't - but I *may* have just tried to bake a potato by turning on the grill.
a man with glasses and a stethoscope around his neck says it 's a severe case of stupidity
Alt: A young doctor wearing light blue scrubs and glasses walks across a corridor, smiling while he pulls off his gloves. The caption reads, It's a severe case of stupidity.
media.tenor.com
January 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
I'm not having I have - and I'm not saying I haven't - but I *may* have just tried to bake a potato by turning on the grill.
A sky that manages to look both rather beautiful and just a little bit threatening.
I also think it's suggesting it will be bloody cold.
I also think it's suggesting it will be bloody cold.
January 20, 2025 at 4:46 PM
A sky that manages to look both rather beautiful and just a little bit threatening.
I also think it's suggesting it will be bloody cold.
I also think it's suggesting it will be bloody cold.
I mean, just what is the point of tactile paving when this happens?
(Apart from general road safety - specifically pedestrian safety!)
(Apart from general road safety - specifically pedestrian safety!)
January 20, 2025 at 11:30 AM
I mean, just what is the point of tactile paving when this happens?
(Apart from general road safety - specifically pedestrian safety!)
(Apart from general road safety - specifically pedestrian safety!)
Well, 'The Invention of Love' seemed to be less of a play and more of a MENSA entrance exam.
It seemed to be Stoppard in hyperactive mood - with fewer laughs.
I probably should have stayed at home and watched 'Carry On Camping'.
It seemed to be Stoppard in hyperactive mood - with fewer laughs.
I probably should have stayed at home and watched 'Carry On Camping'.
January 18, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Well, 'The Invention of Love' seemed to be less of a play and more of a MENSA entrance exam.
It seemed to be Stoppard in hyperactive mood - with fewer laughs.
I probably should have stayed at home and watched 'Carry On Camping'.
It seemed to be Stoppard in hyperactive mood - with fewer laughs.
I probably should have stayed at home and watched 'Carry On Camping'.
I've just tried to put the butter dish in the cutlery drawer.
How's your day going?
How's your day going?
January 18, 2025 at 11:33 AM
I've just tried to put the butter dish in the cutlery drawer.
How's your day going?
How's your day going?
The bonkersness of rail travel no. 173:
If I travel to West Hampstead Thameslink, it costs more (only a few pence, but it's the principle) than if I went to St Pancras - which is further - on the same train.
In what world does that make sense?
If I travel to West Hampstead Thameslink, it costs more (only a few pence, but it's the principle) than if I went to St Pancras - which is further - on the same train.
In what world does that make sense?
a man sitting at a table with a whiteboard full of equations and the words it 's simple math
Alt: A man sitting at a table with a whiteboard full of equations and the words It's simple math. )
media.tenor.com
January 17, 2025 at 12:34 PM
The bonkersness of rail travel no. 173:
If I travel to West Hampstead Thameslink, it costs more (only a few pence, but it's the principle) than if I went to St Pancras - which is further - on the same train.
In what world does that make sense?
If I travel to West Hampstead Thameslink, it costs more (only a few pence, but it's the principle) than if I went to St Pancras - which is further - on the same train.
In what world does that make sense?
Before the start of 'The Importance of Being Earnest' at the National there's a helpful announcement voiced by Sharon D Clarke telling people to turn off their phones or put them on silent.
So why did notifications sound at full volume a few minutes later?
Several times!
So why did notifications sound at full volume a few minutes later?
Several times!
woody and buzz lightyear from toy story are standing next to each other in a room and talking .
Alt: Woody and Buzz Lightyear from toy story are standing next to each other in a room and talking . The caption reads, Idiots... They're everywhere.
media.tenor.com
January 15, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Before the start of 'The Importance of Being Earnest' at the National there's a helpful announcement voiced by Sharon D Clarke telling people to turn off their phones or put them on silent.
So why did notifications sound at full volume a few minutes later?
Several times!
So why did notifications sound at full volume a few minutes later?
Several times!
"Rise, sir, from this semi-recumbent posture." in a Caribbean lilt is worth the price of admission on its own. Sharon D Clarke is, as you would expect, magnificent.
This was great fun, highly enjoyable and worth seeing, but it didn't quite work for me.
1/2
This was great fun, highly enjoyable and worth seeing, but it didn't quite work for me.
1/2
January 15, 2025 at 7:55 PM
"Rise, sir, from this semi-recumbent posture." in a Caribbean lilt is worth the price of admission on its own. Sharon D Clarke is, as you would expect, magnificent.
This was great fun, highly enjoyable and worth seeing, but it didn't quite work for me.
1/2
This was great fun, highly enjoyable and worth seeing, but it didn't quite work for me.
1/2
For the first three weekends in March, I had some treats planned.
Now I see that Thameslink would send me via bloody Hitchin. (Nothing against Hitchin, but it'll add an hour to my travel time.)
Time to see what swaps I can do, I suppose.
(Yes, I know. I want trains to be safe too, but still...)
Now I see that Thameslink would send me via bloody Hitchin. (Nothing against Hitchin, but it'll add an hour to my travel time.)
Time to see what swaps I can do, I suppose.
(Yes, I know. I want trains to be safe too, but still...)
Robert Downey Jr Face Palm GIF
Alt: Robert Downey Jr runs his hand across his forehand and then his mouth. He looks irritated. The caption reads, If It's Not One Thing, It's Another.
media.tenor.com
January 13, 2025 at 5:09 PM
For the first three weekends in March, I had some treats planned.
Now I see that Thameslink would send me via bloody Hitchin. (Nothing against Hitchin, but it'll add an hour to my travel time.)
Time to see what swaps I can do, I suppose.
(Yes, I know. I want trains to be safe too, but still...)
Now I see that Thameslink would send me via bloody Hitchin. (Nothing against Hitchin, but it'll add an hour to my travel time.)
Time to see what swaps I can do, I suppose.
(Yes, I know. I want trains to be safe too, but still...)
I've rather stupidly decided to try and print something.
The printer:
- is printing greyscale even though the setting is for colour
- is jamming every sheet of paper
- is hardly printing even though there's plenty of toner.
I'm admitting defeat already.
The printer:
- is printing greyscale even though the setting is for colour
- is jamming every sheet of paper
- is hardly printing even though there's plenty of toner.
I'm admitting defeat already.
Office Space GIF
Alt: A man with a beard, wearing a dark shirt is clenching his fists while looking at a screen. The caption reads, Why does it say paper jam when there is no paper jam?!!
media.tenor.com
January 13, 2025 at 1:49 PM
I've rather stupidly decided to try and print something.
The printer:
- is printing greyscale even though the setting is for colour
- is jamming every sheet of paper
- is hardly printing even though there's plenty of toner.
I'm admitting defeat already.
The printer:
- is printing greyscale even though the setting is for colour
- is jamming every sheet of paper
- is hardly printing even though there's plenty of toner.
I'm admitting defeat already.
Of course, you wouldn't be able to joke about that now.
Wait a minute...
It's 50 years since I first saw the 'The Producers' and this was just as deliriously irreverent and anarchic.
I don't know how the Menier produces such high quality with low prices but I'm glad they do.
Wait a minute...
It's 50 years since I first saw the 'The Producers' and this was just as deliriously irreverent and anarchic.
I don't know how the Menier produces such high quality with low prices but I'm glad they do.
January 13, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Of course, you wouldn't be able to joke about that now.
Wait a minute...
It's 50 years since I first saw the 'The Producers' and this was just as deliriously irreverent and anarchic.
I don't know how the Menier produces such high quality with low prices but I'm glad they do.
Wait a minute...
It's 50 years since I first saw the 'The Producers' and this was just as deliriously irreverent and anarchic.
I don't know how the Menier produces such high quality with low prices but I'm glad they do.
The train is virtually empty. The weather must be keeping people at home.
Sensible people.
I am not sensible people.
(The excellent news is it means no people on speakerphone.)
Sensible people.
I am not sensible people.
(The excellent news is it means no people on speakerphone.)
January 12, 2025 at 1:40 PM
The train is virtually empty. The weather must be keeping people at home.
Sensible people.
I am not sensible people.
(The excellent news is it means no people on speakerphone.)
Sensible people.
I am not sensible people.
(The excellent news is it means no people on speakerphone.)
There's probably a good measure of irony here as there doesn't really seem to be a source to link it to Orwell.
quoteinvestigator.com/2013/01/20/n...
quoteinvestigator.com/2013/01/20/n...
January 11, 2025 at 10:39 PM
There's probably a good measure of irony here as there doesn't really seem to be a source to link it to Orwell.
quoteinvestigator.com/2013/01/20/n...
quoteinvestigator.com/2013/01/20/n...
I've just rewatched 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' (which is - hear me out - a variation on 'A Room With A View').
Maggie Smith's character has a hip op and then is in a wheelchair for weeks.
That's not how it works. You're doing physio like it's going out of style so there's no time to sit!
Maggie Smith's character has a hip op and then is in a wheelchair for weeks.
That's not how it works. You're doing physio like it's going out of style so there's no time to sit!
January 11, 2025 at 10:18 PM
I've just rewatched 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' (which is - hear me out - a variation on 'A Room With A View').
Maggie Smith's character has a hip op and then is in a wheelchair for weeks.
That's not how it works. You're doing physio like it's going out of style so there's no time to sit!
Maggie Smith's character has a hip op and then is in a wheelchair for weeks.
That's not how it works. You're doing physio like it's going out of style so there's no time to sit!
I've just watched 'Where Eagles Dare' for the first time.
You don't so much suspend disbelief as much as drop it to the bottom of the deepest ocean never to be seen again.
You don't so much suspend disbelief as much as drop it to the bottom of the deepest ocean never to be seen again.
January 10, 2025 at 10:27 PM
I've just watched 'Where Eagles Dare' for the first time.
You don't so much suspend disbelief as much as drop it to the bottom of the deepest ocean never to be seen again.
You don't so much suspend disbelief as much as drop it to the bottom of the deepest ocean never to be seen again.