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Stephen Farrow

@stephenfarrow.bsky.social

6K followers 3.4K following 13K posts

Writer, reader, grammarian, shower singer, theatre addict, news junkie, eyeball-roller. European. Powered by Vimto. Love language, hate sushi. #FBPE Void where prohibited. Cannot be successfully delivered to your location. Please think responsibly.

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Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 42m

Unfortunately I'm not all that surprised.

It's playing in Kingston - not that far from here - for a couple of weeks, starting next week, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get over to see it.

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 51m

Reading between the lines, it looks as if some members of the Octagon's audience have - how can I put this nicely? - reacted very negatively to colour-blind casting in their production of 'Private Lives'.

In 2025, we really should be better than this.

Screenshot of a statement from the management at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton in north-west England:
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At the Octagon, representation matters. We celebrate diversity by supporting artists
from all walks of life and nurturing talent at every stage. It's a chance to break down
stereotypes and open minds to different ways of seeing the world, and for audiences to
recognise themselves on stage and know that they belong in our theatre.
Breathing new life into a classic play, such as Private Lives, takes creativity, curiosity and
bravery by everyone involved. We know audiences have different tastes and
expectations. We thank everyone who has taken the time to feedback their thoughts
on the production.

However, we will not accept comments that are prejudiced or discriminatory. There is no
place for racism at the Octagon, and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and
respect.

You can read our welcome policy here:
octagonbolton/everyone-is-welcome
Theatre is an opportunity to share our stories, be entertained, and empathise with
others in a safe, friendly space. We look forward to welcoming all audiences who share
in this belief.

A photo collage of production shots from the Octagon Theatre's production of Noel Coward's 'Private Eyes' - five pictures of a multiracial cast of actors wearing elegant 1930s costumes on a stage with an art deco backdrop.

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Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 1h

That's "one small explosion in 2014" in which an employee was killed and three more were injured.

Nope. No safety issues there at all.

BBC News website update about the Accurate Energetic Systems plant explosion in Tennessee:

18:28

Hickman mayor says facility has no safety issues
apart from one small explosion in 2014

The mayor of Hickman County says there are still a lot of questions to be
answered after the explosion.
Speaking to CNN a few minutes ago, Mayor Jim Bates says the cause is
still unclear, but the impacts on the community will be wide-reaching.
"It's pretty devastating to see this."
He also says he's heading to the site now.
Apart from one "small ammunition explosion" in 2014, the facility has had
no safety issues, he says.
As for concerns about hazardous materials in the air or the risk of
secondary explosions, Bates says he's not aware of any.
"There's a lot of question," he says, stressing that they will be answered in
an investigation.

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 1h

For World Mental Health Day, a special inspirational message:

Cartoon by Depression Chicken.

A green monster with purple spots talking to a yellow chicken.

Monster: Happy Mental Health Day.

Chicken: One day isn't enough for this mess.

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 1h

Not bad.
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#waffle1358 4/5

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wafflegame.net

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 1h

A very easy one:

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#Worldle #1358 (10.10.2025) 1/6 (100%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🎉

worldle.teuteuf.fr/share

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 1h

Quite pleased.
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wördle.de #1367 - 3/6

⬜⬜⬜🟨⬜
⬜🟩⬜⬜🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 1h

En deux. I totally rule.
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Le Mot (@WordleFR) #1370 2/6

🟨🟩⬛⬛⬛
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

wordle.louan.me

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 1h

Ooh. Pretty.

Wordle 1,574 4/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜🟩
⬜⬜⬜🟩🟩
⬜🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 2h

Words to live by:

On a stair in a supermarket, yellow masking tape covering a broken tile. On the yellow tape, in black capitals, it says 'DAMAGED DO NOT RE-USE'.

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 2h

They hunt in packs.

On Wellington Street in Slough, a mass of rentable e-scooters - about 15 of them - blocking the pavement.

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 2h

Flashbacks to my unbearably glamorous afternoon:

The entrance to Tesco in Wellington Street in Slough. Above the door, a large sign saying 'Hello Slough'.

On a table in a Starbucks in Slough, a mug of coffee and a (weirdly chewy) cheese toastie on a white plate.

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 3h

“To make shopping at Sainsbury’s more fun, we’re introducing a new element of jeopardy to our self-service checkouts. Will a member of staff come along to approve your coupon before you get old, keel over, and die? Wait and see, suckers!”

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 5h

Despite the fact that today is World Mental Health Day, I am on a bus to Slough.

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Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 6h

“Hello, Police? I’d like to report a murder…”

Headline from Time Magazine: Trump Loses Nobel Peace Prize He Shamelessly Campaigned For

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 6h

Thinking of nobody in particular…

Cartoon by David Gomberg. A large auditorium, in which the Nobel Peace Prize has just been announced, From a lectern centre stage, the presenter says, “Don’t leave just yet, we still have Nobel door prizes.”

1 1 7

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 19h

After the first trial he was apparently given a deferred detention (presumably pending his appeal) on health grounds.

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 19h

Thank you!

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 23h

Really, Netflix? REALLY?

Screenshot of an email from Netflix:

Header:

Stephen, we've just added a documentary series you might like

For Stephen

VICTORIA BECKHAM

Step into Victoria Beckham's London atelier, as the Spice Girl-turned-powerhouse designer opens up about her life while preparing for Paris Fashion Week.

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 1d

Today's inspirational message:

Cartoon by Monster Picnic.

A purple monster and a green monster are in bed together.

Green monster: Wanna do it doggy style tonight?
Purple monster: You know I do.
Green monster: Get off the bed.
[the green monster kicks the purple monster out of the bed]
Green monster: Get. Off. The. Bed.
[the purple monster kneels on the floor at the side of the bed]
Green monster: Good boy.

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Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 1d

I don't let him put any product on it because I have sensitive skin and I only use stuff I know I'm not allergic to, so it usually ends up looking a bit wild after a haircut. It needs a little bit of clay or wax to keep it in place.

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Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 1d

I wouldn't entirely trust any of the stakeholders here, but this *could* be an important step towards peace.

First phase of ceasefire deal to end war in Gaza agreed by Israel and Hamas

Donald Trump announces all hostages will be released ‘very soon’ and Israel will withdraw troops to an agreed timeline

www.theguardian.com

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Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 1d

Whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooosh.
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#waffle1357 5/5

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🟩⭐🟩⭐🟩
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🟩⭐🟩⭐🟩
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wafflegame.net

Stephen Farrow @stephenfarrow.bsky.social · 1d

Grrrr.
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#Worldle #1357 (09.10.2025) 3/6 (100%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟨➡️
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟨↖️
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🎉

worldle.teuteuf.fr/share