Alton Towers – travel blog post

May 13, 2024May 13, 2024Leave a comment

On Saturday 11th May, me and a big group of friends went to Alton Towers, for my mate Shez’s birthday.

Aww, wow, what an incredible day! I have only gone to Alton Towers once before, when I was a teenager and braved ‘Air’ (now called Galactica)

Our first port of call was the ‘Spinball Whizzer’. Unfortunately, it needed essential maintenance (no, that doesn’t scare you at all! Haha 🤣) So we ventured and some friends went on the nearby ‘Smiler’. I was a bit too much of a sissy, ha… Alternatively, we split the group and me and three friends had a bite to eat at the ‘Woodcutters Bar and Grill’ – a halloumi and mushroom burger for me, to be exact 😋 I’m a veggie!

Afterwards, me and my really good friend Louisa went to ‘The Alton Towers Dungeons’. The experience was frightening but extremely funny at the same time. We travelled in pitch black between different areas. The ‘Bishop of Stafford’ first humiliated a ‘peasant’ (embarrassed audience member), judging her guilty and locking her in a cage, lol. Then we glided through on the ‘Black River Boat’. The ‘Torturer’ showcased an array of torturing instruments, shackling a young woman and terrifying (humorously) a ‘peasant’ with a hot poker, and genital torturing device, ha. Then at the ‘Welsh Harp Inn’, the owner scares us, warning of the terrible ‘Dick Turpin’, lurking around the premises. The ‘Plague Doctor’, boils and all, grossed us out pulling organs out of a bubonic plague sufferer! The scariest of all however was at the abandoned cottage, where all the lights flickered on/off, and a petrifying white witch suddenly appeared right in front of you! It was literally like a horror film! 😱😱 We then had a stroll around ‘The World of David Walliams’ before reuniting with our friends.

The ‘Curse of Alton Manor’ was our next attraction. Walking through the eerie gardens, then a haunting ghost ship ride, with nail biting twists and turns. I was very nervous to do the underground ‘Nemesis Sub-Terra’. Descending below in an elevator into the ‘Phalanx’ research facility, we caught a glimpse of the nemesis monster egg – we were fastened securely before an unexpected drop!

Some of my friends then went on ‘Nemesis – Reborn’, but I was too much of a chicken 🐔 We all aborded the ‘Blade’, a high swinging pirate ship which was so much fun, and we also got soaked on the ‘Congo River Rapids’, with splashing waterfalls. This was my favourite and so enjoyable.

The last ride, twice, I braved the ‘Spinball Whizzer’. No wonder I have got a sore throat! I screamed my lungs out, yelling, cursing and swearing, ha! It was petrifying, but simultaneously exhilarating and a massive adrenaline rush!

It was such a wonderful day.. 🥰 I bought my mum a cute turtle teddy as a souvenir from the gift shop 🐢

I was smart and brought factor 50 suntan lotion, but after a full day walking miles in the sunshine 🌞, we were all absolutely shattered!

Even though we were there practically all day, and even with some of us having queue skipping passes, there were still rides we sadly didn’t have time for 😢 If I go again (and there are talks of returning in the summer or for ‘scarefest’ for Halloween- which I would SO be up for)… I would, with my new found bravery 😜, go on ‘The Wicker Man’, ‘Runaway Mine Train’ , and maybe ‘Nemesis – Reborn’, ‘Thi3teen’, ‘Rita’ and ‘Galactica’ again 😁😁

Thank you as ever for taking the time to read/view! 😁 Tomorrow I am going to pub painting, so look out for a new giraffe 🦒 painting! Also got a diamond art 🎨 💎 on the go!

https://www.altontowers.com/ [Accessed 13th May 2024]

Robin Hood – Easter pantomime, theatre review

April 25, 2024April 25, 2024Leave a comment

A few weeks back on the 9th April, me and my best friend Robyn and a couple other friends went to see Robin Hood – the Easter pantomime at Cast, Doncaster 😄😄

The heroic outlaw legend, Robin Hood, who famously steals from the rich, and gives to the poor, is certainly prominent in our psyches; depicted heavily in cinema, theatre and literature. Countless films (including Disney’s cartoon version) have portrayed the dashing swordsman and archer. One of my dad’s favourite films is actually ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), with swashbuckler golden age of Hollywood – the hedonistic romancer, Errol Flynn

It was unfortunate that in Cast’s Easter pantomime, Louie Spence, who was supposed to be playing the bad ‘Sheriff of Notingham’, took ill and was unable to perform 😢 Instead Divino Decampo, a professional drag queen, actor and singer, understudied almost perfectly. As she only had a few days to learn her lines, she unsurprisingly made one or two mistakes/ long pauses (i.e. not remembering lines). But, on the whole, a dastardly delight, with a wicked, bold deliverance 😜

There were quite a few ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ former auditionees in the pantomime, such as Ashleigh and Sully playing ‘Maid Marian and Sully’, Jamie and Chuck’ as ‘Little John and Friar Chuck’ and George Sampson as a dashing Robin Hood. Sully the dog was exceptionally talented! Jamie and Chuck were very funny too, but I thought Ryan Greaves, who played ‘Wally Scarlett’ was a comic genius! He graduated 🎓 from the Manchester Met School of Theatre with a first class honours degree in Acting. Kate Salmon as ‘Fairy Cher’ and Wayne Morgan-Williams as ‘Dame Dolly’ were both fantastic on stage too, and complimented the other characters’ comedy very nicely

The production was so impressive. The song choices or ‘musical numbers’ were great. It was so much fun! Giant beach balls were flung out into the audience, sweets being tennis racketed, water guns etc.. 😁 (We stupidly thought the water guns wouldn’t get us at the back!) ..There were chicken costumes, and all kinds of objects, inflatable bananas 🍌/ hula hoops, all sorts, tossed around the stage! The cast impersonated a well known Chuckle brothers scene: ‘If I weren’t a so and so, I would be…’ with repetitive movements/ and bumping into each other! Dame Dolly and Wally Scarlett did the classic cake in your face, and a hilarious magic show involving chopping a cucumber 🥒 🤣

Overall, a brilliant Easter pantomime!

Thank you for taking the time to read/view 💕

My next few posts will be a ‘Stitch’ Disney diamond art 💎 🎨, a ‘giraffe’ 🦒 pub painting and a travel blog: Alton Towers with friends in May! So watch this space 😜

Much love, Lauren xx

‘Timothy and Tina – two turtles’ amateur pub painting

April 17, 2024April 17, 2024Leave a comment

Hi everyone! My latest UnicornPostbox blog post is progression photos of two amateur turtles, pub painting.. hope you enjoy! 😄😄

We started off with a complete navy blue background 💙 incorporating at the top white and light blue shimmer streaks to replicate the sunlight shimmering down…The ocean floor bed was silhouetted with dark blue/black… Then dark green seaweed was added, highlighted with white… Also fluorescent glow in the dark pink and orange coral/clams/shells were introduced, really cool! 😎 After black silhouettes, hexagonal shapes were outlined on the turtle shells 🐢 the features more defined with dark green / light blue shimmer and white to illustrate where the light touches 🐢… and here is the finished painting…

I realise I’m not the best painter in the world, but I find it very therapeutic. I’m so glad our pub painting art teacher is back! (Since the start of the year, she was teaching art on a world cruise with her fiance, living the dream!) It’s very sociable the pub painting sessions, me and my friend Denise love it 😀

The next pub painting in May is a giraffe 🦒 I’m well looking forward to it because I love giraffes! 🦒 Becca is also going to offer a free oil painting introduction soon too and her fiance, photography lessons, so that’ll be fantastic! 😄💕💕

I also have a couple of diamond arts to start; one of ‘stitch’ (lilo and stitch) for my friend Chelsea and a gorgeous sunset diamond art 💎 🎨 So watch this space!

Thank you as always for reading/ viewing..much love, Lauren xx

‘Shrek: The Musical’ theatre review

March 13, 2024March 13, 2024Leave a comment

On Thursday 7th March 2024, me and my best friend Robyn hopped on the train to go see ‘Shrek: The Musical’ at Hull New Theatre, the matinee performance. She very kindly bought my ticket as a birthday treat, as my birthday falls on the end of this month… The show was absolutely spectacular! 😄😄

Shrek (2001) is iconic as an animated Dreamworks comedy fantasy film. The grumpy stinky ogre Shrek is content in his solitary swamp life, isolated and alone. So he will do anything, such as go on a far travelled quest, with an annoying steed, to rescue a beautiful fair princess, cruelly imprisoned in a huge dragon guarded castle, to win back his beloved swamp, peace and quiet. Some fairy tale folk had inhabited Shrek’s land you see, but Lord Farquaad had promised to get rid, so long as he gets the girl, aka Princess Fiona 😛😛

William Steig (the writer) did a fantastic job introducing such brilliant characters – Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Lord Farquaad, alongside other familiar fairy tale creatures. In terms of ogres, over the centuries there have been different imaginations; big heads, fat bellies – green, brown, red or even orange – ugly, smelly! With extra toes and fingers, horns and claws! They are usually depicted as villians, hence why William Steig’s reimagining is deemed so progressive, and a welcome change in storytelling

What stood out greatly to me in the stage production was the incredible singing voices of the cast, especially Cherece Richards as the dragon. She was just phenomenal. The dragon was played by her but additionally there was a gigantic red dragon puppet controlled by puppeteers holding strings. Very aesthetically impressive!

Shrek’s Scottish accent was on point – his mardy demeanour well executed – Donkey both pesky and lovable, Princess Fiona sweet and super sassy, Lord Farquaad flamboyant and ever so pompous

There were many comical aspects, especially with Donkey’s exuberance. And a bit of… flatulence! “Better out than in!”

The array of fairytale characters; the three bears, sugar plum fairy, the big bad wolf, the three little pigs, pinocchio, fairy godmother, the ugly duckling, Peter pan and the white rabbit, etc, really brought the production to life (no, sorry pinocchio, you still aren’t a real boy, haha) 🤣

The choreography was so creative and the scenery/props to be admired

The final song ‘I’m a believer’ (as in the film also) – everyone in the audience were up on their feet, singing and dancing, a standing ovation! Incredible!

For my next blog post, it may be a pub painting as classes resume in April. I also have a ‘Stitch’ and a sunset diamond art to start 🎨 💎

Thank you as ever for reading/viewing. Lots of love, Lauren xx

‘Leonardo the lion’ 🦁 Diamond art

February 18, 2024February 18, 2024Leave a comment

Hello everyone! My latest UnicornPostbox blog post is progression photos of a lion diamond art! Hope you enjoy! 😁😁

And here is the finished piece:

I love all the different tones and colours. This one took me weeks and weeks to do, I started it before Christmas! 🤶🎄 To be fair though, I haven’t been doing it consistently, with many breaks in-between. I do find them very therapeutic though

My next two diamond arts are a gorgeous sunset and a ‘stitch’ character diamond art I am doing for my friend. She loves ‘stitch’ so much she has a recent tattoo on her arm!

I am possibly going to Hull theatre next month to see ‘Shrek – the musical’ with my best friend Robyn for my birthday 🎂🥳 So if I do so, please look out for another theatre review 😜

Also, in spring, my art teacher is coming home after teaching on a world wide cruise (and getting engaged 💍 I’m so not jealous!) so expect another pub painting come April..

Thank you so much as ever for reading/viewing. All the best, Lauren xx

‘The Wizard of Oz’ theatre review

February 6, 2024Leave a comment

The 1900’s children’s novel ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ was declared by the library of Congress as ‘America’s greatest and best-loved homegrown fairy tale’. The classic 1939 MGM film ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was voted one of the best 10 American films of all time, in 1977, 38 years after its release.

The tale has been widely translated in over 40 languages and adapted for other cultures. The themes of the story are so universal – the constant battle between good and evil: “Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?” The yearning for a better life beyond the rainbow 🌈 Is the grass greener? Actually, no, we discover (or are reminded) “There’s no place like home”

It is hardly surprising the tale has over the years dominated television, screen and stage. One notable and popular retelling is Gregory Maguire’s ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ book, or more simply in the smash hit musical adaptation ‘Wicked’. In 2018 for my birthday, me and my mum (before she got too poorly) went to see Wicked at the Liverpool Empire theatre. Here the ‘Wicked Witch’ is portrayed in a totally different light, and not as the heinous villian audiences have been previously accustomed to.

Disney’s ‘Return to Oz’ 1985, a sequel, adapted from the other Oz series of books is a franchise I am familiar with, though this version was quite the flop at the box office unfortunately and never got near anywhere as successful as the 1939 favourite

It is undeniable that elements of the tale; Ruby slippers, emerald city, munchkins, the yellow brick road etc are so iconic and embedded in modern culture. Musicians for instance take massive inspiration, such as Elton John’s ‘Goodbye yellow brick road’.

The protagonist heroine ‘Dorothy’ was intriguingly based on a daughter L Frank Baum desperately longed to have (he fathered 4 boys). The excitement she would have felt reading of such fantasy and wonder. But he was also intrigued by The Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The ‘Scarecrow’ fascinatingly had a real original! Standing in Baum’s childhood’s home’s field for a multitude of years.

There’s the background introduction 😜 now how about the Sheffield Lyceum production…

The ‘Vivienne’ was undoubtedly the star of the show. The winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the first champion, she has evolved into a massive global fabulous diva, both internationally and in the UK. The first drag queen impressively also to compete in a reality TV series, ‘Dancing on Ice’. Her performance as the ‘Wicked Witch’ was teasing and tantalising, excellently executed, and domineering. Each word a dagger, each move a danger. Her witches cackle a high pitched cruel torment and threat: “I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog too!”

Aviva Tulley, only a very young actress it must be mentioned, played ‘Dorothy’ superbly, very believable. Her voice singing ‘Over the Rainbow’ was absolutely breathtaking. ‘Toto’ was actually a puppet controlled by a puppeteer! Benjamin Yates as the ‘Scarecrow’ was charismatic, cheeky and cheerful (even if brainless), Marley Fenton as ‘Tin Man’ certainly not rusty – with his funky robot street dancing skills, and Nic Greenshields ‘Cowardly Lion’ admirable and adorable, even when afraid. Alex Bourne as ‘Professor Marvel/ the Wizard’ was simply awe-inspiring and Emily Bull as ‘Glinda/ Aunt Em’ mesmerising and majestic

The entire production was perfect and flawless. My, my best friend Robyn, and friends Sheridan and Tyler had a WONDERFUL time 😍

The show was such a spectacle, the scenery superb. Smoke special effects, lighting, prop design – the yellow brick road continually fragmented and then wheeled back together, the cast dancing with choreography from one section to the next. Impressive video on a huge retractable screen to compliment the storytelling. ‘Glinda’ cruising by on a girlie pink scooter. The melting of the ‘Wicked Witch’, disappearing as marvellously as any magician. The costumes, especially of the munchkins and the winkies- remarkable! Such a joyous day out! 😁😁

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my theatre blog, it is very much appreciated! 😀 The next blog post will be progression photos of my ‘Leonardo the Lion’ diamond art 💎 🎨

Much love, Lauren xx

Further information:

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/

Four Christmas pantomimes – theatre review

January 30, 2024January 30, 2024Leave a comment

Beauty and the beast:

On 14th December, me and my best friend Robyn went to Cast Doncaster to see ‘Beauty and the beast’ the family pantomime. The theatre script was written by Neil Hurst and Tess Seddon directed

Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve wrote the first version of the fairy tale beauty and the beast, but it was adapted and abridged by Jeanne Marie le Prince de Beaumont, a French novelist. This is the tale we are most familiar. Influenced by ‘Cupid and psyche’ Ancient Greek stories, and the second century AD ‘The golden ass’. In terms of folktales, 4000 years ago it is estimated to have originated – and to this day there are still plentiful variants all around the world

The pantomime was spectacular, the acting superb. ‘Dame Cherie Trifle’ (Ben Eagle) was hilarious, as was ‘Philippe Philoppe’ (Harry Gascoigne), with fantastic frolics and fun throughout. ‘Emile’ (Max Gallagher) was everything you want in a baddie, and more. Arrogant, narcissistic, with a wicked laugh and a pompous pose. ‘Fairy Nuff’ (Claire Storey) was an absolute delight, a breath of fresh air, with her kindness and calming presence. ‘Beauty’ (Zweyla Mitchell dos Santos) was elegant and mesmerising, the ‘Beast’ (Kofi Dennis) transformed from irritable, moody and impatient to charismatic, charming and compassionate. With a brilliant modern song playlist, to fabulous costumes and aesthetics, it certainly did not disappoint.

Me and Robyn were on aisle seats near the front so we were frightened they’d pick on us, haha! As it happens, the poor bloke in front of us was ushered up onto the stage, handed a pink apron and shower cap and encouraged to dance and make a slight fool of himself, ha!

There was great audience participation, as with all pantomimes.. He’s behind you! Oh no he isn’t! Oh yes he is! Plus, as expected, rivalry in a sing off at the end – those on the left versus those on the right of the theatre! Amazing 😁

Aladdin:

On 21st December, me, my best friend Robyn, Matty, Chris and Joanne went to see Doncaster’s Little Theatre Christmas pantomime of Aladdin. My friend matty was especially looking forward to it

The story of Aladdin originates from the Arabian Nights, One Thousand and One Nights, enchanting Middle Eastern tales. The French translation of 1704 by Antoine Galland popularised the tale. In early versions surprisingly it is set in China (not Disney’s Agrabah) and features a lazy boy residing with his mum, not the orphaned favourable ‘rags to riches’ Street urchin we know today

The cast of the Little Theatre’s amateur production include; Aladdin, Wishee Washee, Widow Twanky, Abanazar, Princess Jasmine, Sultan Pepper, Policeman Snap, Policeman Crackle, Genie of the lamp, slave of the ring, and Duck Norris.

In particular, I was impressed by Paul Stelling’s Abanazar (a banana!) – he was very convincing in his portrayal of a baddie, with deep voiced powerful projection of his words. Likewise, the pantomime dame, Widow Twanky, was highly enjoyable to watch, and the Genie of the lamp flamboyant and sassy

However, it was quite evident Aladdin was only an amateur performance and not in the same league as say Cast, but for what it was, it was really good fun 😀

The Wizard of Oz:

The Wizard of Oz 1939, an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s 1990 children’s fantasy book, is one of my favourite films of all time. Young kansas farm girl Dorothy (Judy Garland) wooshed away with her little dog Toto to the magical world of Oz. Ruby slippers, the yellow brick road, emerald city, the wicked witch of the west, munchkin land – fragments of the story embedded firmly in most of our psyches. It truly is a terrific tale

I must say ‘The wonderful wizard of oz…the panto!’ by Hatfield Woodhouse Phoenix Theatre Group, to which me, my best friend Robyn and her parents attended on 7th January, was the best amateur production I have ever seen!

The girl who played Dorothy (Faith Cousins) had a beautiful voice, I was spellbound listening to her ‘Over the rainbow’ 🌈 The props, scenery and costumes were out of this world. The producer/ director Tina Bradbury, actually noted the incredible effort of the backstage team, ahead of schedule weeks before the opening performance – cast learning their lines and songs eagerly – phoenix members sacrificing their own precious time to paint and make scenery

It was so funny and highly entertaining. Custard pies thrown out into the audience, water pistols squirted.. the cowardly lion running petrified all around the premises! There was a flying house (extremely clever effects), creativity with expressing the cyclone, ribbons gushing- flying monkeys, cool hip munchkin outfits, and blue mohawk wigs. It was incredible. The acting was top notch – the cowardly lion, scarecrow and tin man executed perfectly, and Chloe Allen as ‘Grotbag’ the wicked witch, booed and heckled. In fact, the entire cast were awesome. I was so impressed and would 100% go to another Phoenix Theatre Group production 😄

Puss in Boots:

On 26th January, me, my best friend Robyn, Chris, another Chris and John and siobhan attended the Little theatre for a ‘backyard’s production’ Puss in Boots pantomime.

Our lovely friend Jack played both the king and Scottish ogre. He was marvellous as the ogre, with such a distinctive Scottish accent, even if the scary green mask frightened some children in the audience!

I must admit, you could definitely tell it was only an amateur production, but they tried their best. The music choices were nice, as we’re the costumes, and the singing voices were mostly in tune. Also, the dame was particularly decent. The actual plot was rather inventive and impressive. Felix the cat, persuading his master (not really royalty) Harry to slay the nasty ogre to win the princess’s hand in marriage. Very fitting for a pantomime. It was quite clever however and artistic, the ogre being defeated by magically turning into a mouse in the transformation cupboard! The show concluded with a good old sing song! 😄

I am so excited because on 1st February me and Robyn are off with two more of our friends, Sheridan and Tyler, to the lyceum theatre Sheffield to see a professional performance of ‘The Wizard of Oz’.. 🥰 The ‘Vivienne’ playing the wicked witch of the west, I can’t wait!

So please, look out for another theatre review coming very soon. I am also on with a Lion diamond art, so watch this space! 🎨💎🦁

Thank you as always for reading/viewing. All the best, Lauren xx

‘Reni the robin’ amateur Christmas pub painting

December 7, 2023December 7, 2023Leave a comment

Hello everyone! My latest UnicornPostbox blog post is progression photos of a Christmas Robin pub painting…hope you like! 😀

We started off with blue and white acrylic paint, lightly brushing blue at the top and fading into the white at the bottom. We then incorporated white snowflakes onto the blue background. The brown twig was given 3D depth with white highlights. We started off with a kind of oval shape to silhouette the robin. We painted dark green ivy with scarlet berries, and of course Reni the robin had a bright red breast, textured feathers, beady eyes, three toed feet and a black beak 🐦 And here is the finished painting…

I am actually really pleased with this one, it’s really festive and Christmas-sy 🎄 (I adore Christmas) Unfortunately there will be no more pub painting until April next year 😢 My art teacher and her partner are teaching art on a world cruise ship! How amazing is that?! What an opportunity! All the best to them, and see them in the spring 💕

My next UnicornPostbox blog post will probably be of ‘Leonardo the lion’ diamond art 🎨 💎 But I am also going to a few Christmas pantomimes so expect some theatre reviews in the not so distant future 🙂

Thank you as ever for taking the time to read/view… all the best, Lauren xx

‘Oscar the black cat’ 🐈‍⬛️ amateur pub painting

November 4, 2023November 4, 2023Leave a comment

Hi everyone! My latest UnicornPostbox blog post is progression photos of an amateur Halloween black cat with a witches hat! Hope you like 🙂

We started off silhouetting the cat outline, and painting the entire rest of the canvas purple. Two piercing golden eyes, and shabby black fur. The hat then looked a bit like a traffic cone! Orange fluorescent paint really made the painting pop. Two black slits for pupils and grey detailed features..and hey we have a black cat with a witches hat 💜💜.. and here is the finished piece:

It was so much fun painting this Halloween themed painting! I won the fancy dress competition too with my ‘day of the dead’ outfit 😁 and won myself and my friend Denise a woo woo cocktail 🍸 The concept of Pub Painting is fantastic, being creative whilst unwinding with an alcoholic beverage, ha! Becca was brill as ever, guiding us through the entire process..

The next pub painting is in December, with a Christmas robin theme. So keep a look out for that 😜 Also, I’m about to start on a new lion diamond art 🎨

Thank you as always for taking the time to read/view..

Many thanks, Lauren xx

‘Tree of Life’ diamond art progression photos

October 1, 2023October 1, 2023Leave a comment

Hi everyone! My latest UnicornPostbox blog post is progression photos of a ‘Tree of Life’ diamond art.. hope you like! 😄😄

I appreciate the photos look fairly similar haha, but I can promise and assure you it took hours and hours, weeks and weeks of perseverance and dedication to complete!

I absolutely love doing my diamond arts… Sat in my little art room, music on, in my own little world 😄

This one in particular I found very enjoyable. I just love the bold colours and how thousands of beads can transform into such a beautiful piece of art 🎨

My next diamond art is a Lion 🦁 So watch this space 😛😛

Thank you as ever for reading/ viewing 😀

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