How the internet saved a community opera
It began with open workshops in community halls across County Durham, from ancient places sheltered in mountain valleys to younger
A dialogue of stories
Designing the regular marvel books is always enjoyable. Visual judgements involve a different part of the mind to writing, and
Books can take care of themselves
I once bought a six-volume set of Clarendon’s History of the Rebellion. It had been printed in 1717, less than
The difference between enjoying and participating
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted and adopted very fast, between 1946 and 1948, by nations reacting
Flowers for Kazuo Ohno (and Leonard Cohen)
Is artistic excellence really incompatible with social purpose? It’s an argument I’ve heard throughout my working life but it has
A perfect delight
A delight in useless beauty is part of what makes us human. Walking down a street in Mannheim yesterday, I
A pause on the landing
The Regular Marvels idea started in 2011, with the project about West Bromwich Operatic Society that became Where We Dream.
Chalkie’s Demon Diary
I have written about Mike White before. He belongs to the quiet army of artists and creative people who’ve nurtured
Singing in the ambulance
Everything is Connected At the end of his hour long set in the Federation Hall last night, the singer introduced
Welcome to the house of fun
JOE: …small town. I suppose. You have to make your own fun. ANN: Everybody makes their own fun. F’you don’t
January skies, wide horizons
The Light Ships voyage is completed and, with the turn of the year, A Wider Horizon comes into view. It’s the
