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/.

Sun of Blood and Ruin | An Epic Debut Historical Fantasy Unlike Any Other | Book Review

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(AD PR Product) Combining historical fiction with fantasy, based on Mexican mythology and a gender-swapped retelling of Zorro, Sun of Blood and Ruin is an epic debut novel from Mariely Lares that had me hooked from page one until the very end. Own photography (well, with help from a supportive dad!) Book: Sun of Blood … Continue reading Sun of Blood and Ruin | An Epic Debut Historical Fantasy Unlike Any Other | Book Review

The Book Thief Musical | One of The Most Incredible Pieces Of Theatre That Has Ever Been Staged | Theatre Review

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Disclaimer: I did previously review this show in the Bolton run. If you wish to read that review, you can do so here. This review is for the newest run of the show.  (This is your notice to get comfy and get a drink. I have a lot to share). Show: The Book Thief MusicalVenue: … Continue reading The Book Thief Musical | One of The Most Incredible Pieces Of Theatre That Has Ever Been Staged | Theatre Review

Fury Of The Dragon Goddess | The Epic, Adventure-Filled Sequel I’ve Been Waiting For | Book Review

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After the first book in the instalment, City Of The Plague God, Sarwat Chadda returns to the Rick Riordan Presents world, and therefore the world of Mesopotamian mythology for the sequel I’ve been waiting for: Fury Of The Dragon Goddess. Every part as epic and adventurous as the first book, my favourite Muslim hero and … Continue reading Fury Of The Dragon Goddess | The Epic, Adventure-Filled Sequel I’ve Been Waiting For | Book Review

I Should Tell You | BATS Have Created Something Really Special Here: RENT the Musical Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 1 Comment

Following their rehearsal last week (you can read my piece on the rehearsal here), this week the curtain came up as Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) brought RENT to Basingstoke’s Haymarket stage. Under the direction of Louise Travis (who also directed Sister Act and starred as Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical), with musical direction … Continue reading I Should Tell You | BATS Have Created Something Really Special Here: RENT the Musical Review

No Day But Today | Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society is Bringing RENT to Basingstoke at a Perfect Time!

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 1 Comment

I have been lucky enough to have been invited into a few rehearsal rooms now, yet the feeling never feels any less special; the anticipation feels almost magical, as does the energy from the cast; that feeling that they’re bringing a show, story and characters to life and something special is being created. A feeling … Continue reading No Day But Today | Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society is Bringing RENT to Basingstoke at a Perfect Time!

Brighter Than The Sun: A Story That Needed To Be Told | Book Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 1 Comment

Books are known to be a form of escapism, shutting away from one world for a few hours to experience another. But they can also be a really creative and wonderful way to read about experiences outside of our own, to learn about different cultures and lives. Daniel Aleman is an author who is a … Continue reading Brighter Than The Sun: A Story That Needed To Be Told | Book Review

Escape Under The Sea | Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society Presents The Little Mermaid!

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Following their hit production of Kinky Boots last year, Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society (BAOS) is back; this time presenting none other than The Little Mermaid. Running at Basingstoke’s Haymarket Theatre from 22nd-26th March, this show is not one to miss.  With the new live-action movie coming out this year, what better way to get ready … Continue reading Escape Under The Sea | Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society Presents The Little Mermaid!

Can’t Wait To Leave | A Thought-Provoking Show With Lots of Potential | Theatre Review

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Running until 26th February, Can’t Wait To Leave is a new British play brought to you by Stephen Leach. The one-man play is currently making its world premiere at Waterloo East Theatre. There are not many complex and crucial themes the play does not cover, and what starts as a mostly amusing play about one … Continue reading Can’t Wait To Leave | A Thought-Provoking Show With Lots of Potential | Theatre Review