I am a firm believer that just because we grow older, that doesn't necessarily mean we have to grow up. That we can still read stories with heroes and villains, good and evil, witches and princes and magic and mystery and adventure. In short, that we can still read books like The Prince and the … Continue reading The Prince and the Witch: The Book that Feels Like a Fairy Story for Adults | Book Review
Magic schools are not a new concept in literature. You know the drill. Someone reaches an age in their life, they have someone show up and tell them they're special, magical, and need to come to a secret school to harness their power. And occasionally, this person will be the 'chosen one' to defeat a … Continue reading The Not So Chosen One: A Good Choice for a Magical Read! | Book Review
*Post was originally written on behalf of Dress Circle Antics*. Venue: Haymarket Theatre BasingstokePerformance Date: 18 May 2022Reviewer: Leyla Demirel Following the rehearsal of Basingstoke Amateur Theatre Society’s (BATS) Sister Act, I was looking forward to seeing the finished show. And it provided the fun, high energy and laugh a minute show everyone could do with a dose with … Continue reading REVIEW: Sister Act Is An Uplifting Show That Everyone Could Do With A Dose Of
*I have tried to keep this post as spoiler-free as possible, but there are a few minor spoiler mentions. Nothing major is spoilt, but you have been warned*. Alice Oseman's Heartstopper is a graphic novel series that was first published in 2019 and since then has taken the book world by storm. Loved globally, it … Continue reading Heartstopper: The Show I Wish I’d Had Growing Up
Do you ever read a book and love it so much you don't quite know how to put it into words? That is exactly how I feel about this book. I have been writing this review for weeks, hoping to be able to explain how much I loved this book and why. I only hope … Continue reading The Stardust Thief: A Reminder of Why I Love Fantasy | Book Review
*Post was originally written on behalf of Dress Circle Antics*. Venue: Haymarket Theatre, BasingstokePerformance Date: 29 March 2022Reviewer: Leyla Demirel The fun, positive and joyous show that is Kinky Boots is the perfect thing to bring smiles to everyone’s faces after the dark period we’ve all had, and Basingstoke’s Amateur Dramatic Operatic Society is providing exactly that to Basingstoke this … Continue reading REVIEW: Kinky Boots – It May Not Have The West End Budget, But It Has The Talent, Dedication, And Passion
Book: Daughter of the Moon GoddessAuthor: Sue Lynn TanReleased: 11th January 2022Genre: FantasyRating: 5 stars From the moment I heard the premise of Sue Lynn Tan's debut novel, I was intrigued and desperate to get a copy of the book to read it as soon as I could. The premise of the book is as … Continue reading Everything a Book Should Be | Daughter of the Moon Goddess | Book Review
Once again, this is a disclaimer that this review is entirely my own words, th9oughts & opinions, but was written originally for Dress Circle Antics. Photo Credit: Life of Pi, Wyndham’s Theatre Photograph: Johan Persson Show: Life of PiVenue: Wyndham’s Theatre, LondonReviewer: Leyla DemirelStar Rating: ★★★★★ Life of Pi is an unusual story you wouldn’t think would initially capture … Continue reading REVIEW: Life Of Pi – In A Word, Life Of Pi Is Spellbinding
*Disclaimer - whilst this review is my own words (that I am hugely proud of myself for writing!), this review was written for the reviewing company I write for - Dress Circle Antics*. Show: Broken WingsVenue Charing Cross TheatreRating: 5 stars I visit the theatre often, but as someone who is of Turkish heritage, it’s … Continue reading Broken Wings: A Captivating and Beguiling Show and a Celebration and Love Letter to the Middle East
So as 2021 draws to a close, I thought this would be a good year to reflect on my reading. Last year I managed to read 75 books. I did set myself a challenge to read 100 books this year, but about September I realised that maybe I was being quite optimistic and wouldn't hit … Continue reading A year in books: a review
One Show at a Time 