Author: Leyla Demirel

Hi! I am a British-Turkish nurse, writer and occasional actress. I can usually be found either in a theatre, a bookstore, reading or watching Formula 1. Probably with a piece of baklava close by too. Be sure to also check out my other website, https://one-day-at-a-time.co.uk/.

A Year in Books: 2024 Edition – The Good, The Middle Ground…And My Top 3 Books Of The Year!

~ Leyla Demirel ~ Leave a comment

Hello friends! Another year coming to an end...I actually can't quite believe at the time of writing this, there is only 13 days left of 2024...where has this year gone? I write book reviews on this page fairly frequently - if you follow my socials or visit my site regularly, you'll know that already. But … Continue reading A Year in Books: 2024 Edition – The Good, The Middle Ground…And My Top 3 Books Of The Year!

I Might Be In Trouble | Darkly Hilarious, Addictive and Emotive | Book Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 1 Comment

A perfect blend of dark, satirical humour and emotional vulnerability, I Might Be In Trouble is Daniel Aleman’s third novel and one that is very different from his previous two books; an addictive, multi-faceted and highly enjoyable book, I Might Be In Trouble is a brilliant thriller-comedy that truly shows Aleman’s versatility as an author. … Continue reading I Might Be In Trouble | Darkly Hilarious, Addictive and Emotive | Book Review

BATS’ Nativity The Musical | Wonderful Christmas Fun; Sparkling, Shining and Magical | Theatre Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ Leave a comment

Following their rehearsal (which you can read about here), Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) have once more hit the stage and are dazzling audiences with their production of Nativity The Musical.  Photo from Front of House Photography, used with permission from BATS. Based on the movie beloved by many, it may be argued BATS had … Continue reading BATS’ Nativity The Musical | Wonderful Christmas Fun; Sparkling, Shining and Magical | Theatre Review

Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society are ready to Sparkle and Shine! Presenting: Nativity the Musical!

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 1 Comment

Photo provided by and used with permission from BATS. Christmas is shining in the distance, approaching at a rapid pace, and what better way to get that holly jolly feeling than a trip to the theatre? This November, BATS (Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society) are bringing the magic of Christmas to the Haymarket Theatre stage with … Continue reading Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society are ready to Sparkle and Shine! Presenting: Nativity the Musical!

All About You | A heartwarming, warm hug of a book. A book for the hopeless romantics. | Book Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 1 Comment

A lighthearted romance featuring fake dating, childhood ‘enemies’ to lovers, with adorable characters to warm your hearts? Sounds like a recipe for a wonderful romance book to me - All About You by Shaina Veronica.  I was fortunate enough to have been sent an e-arc of this book to read and review before the release, … Continue reading All About You | A heartwarming, warm hug of a book. A book for the hopeless romantics. | Book Review

Theatre News: Pentabus Presents…ArtFlicks – New British Writing, Free to Watch on TikTok!

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 2 Comments

Pentabus Theatre are a theatre company who I have previously featured on this website, reviewing their play-turned-short film The Silence and the Noise, and the play Driftwood. Both of these plays were online for audiences to watch for free; not only did this promote new British talent - something which I believe we can never … Continue reading Theatre News: Pentabus Presents…ArtFlicks – New British Writing, Free to Watch on TikTok!

There Are Rivers In The Sky | A mesmerizing, unique and unforgettable story | Book Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 1 Comment

An intricately woven journey, There are Rivers in the Sky is Elif Shafak’s newest book, coming out on the 8th of August. An entrancing, moving, and unforgettable book, it may not even be a bold statement to say this is a contender for one of Shafak’s best books to date. Book: There Are Rivers In … Continue reading There Are Rivers In The Sky | A mesmerizing, unique and unforgettable story | Book Review

Hiding Him | A Cosy, Endearing and Heartwarming Read | Book Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 1 Comment

Adam Hattan who is primarily known for his YouTube channel, is now putting pen to paper with his debut novel, Hiding Him. I was fortunate enough to have been sent a copy of the book in advance of the release, and I had such a wonderful time reading it! A cosy, endearing and heartwarming read, … Continue reading Hiding Him | A Cosy, Endearing and Heartwarming Read | Book Review

Surfacing | A Haunting and Poignant Piece of Theatre | Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ Leave a comment

A dark exploration of one therapist's own personal struggles with her mental health, Surfacing is a chilling play currently running at Omnibus Theatre until 1st June before going on to Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud until 8th June.  Disclaimer: I was gifted press tickets to the show in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts in this … Continue reading Surfacing | A Haunting and Poignant Piece of Theatre | Review

Why have One Show When You Can Have Many? | Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society Presents ON WITH THE SHOW!

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 1 Comment

Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) are gearing up to take the Haymarket Theatre stage once more in their next show. Except this one is not like the others. The thing about amateur dramatic companies is that they are limited on the shows for a plethora of reasons. However, there is a way around that…who says … Continue reading Why have One Show When You Can Have Many? | Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society Presents ON WITH THE SHOW!