Song of the Day 1: Atari Pilot

Irregularly I share a music video to our Facebook page with the status “song of the day,” or week, or whenever, as if it’s a daily occurrence. When the reality is it’s a big, fat fib on my part, it’s only when I happen to find such a video and can be arsed to share it. What-cha gonna do, sue me?

So, just in case your lawyer says you have a case, I thought I’d streamline this sporadic idea for 2021, make it an actual feature on the site rather than a Facebook post, and show off that I know what long words like “sporadic” mean.

Little more gone into it than this, you should be used to it by now. I’m not going to review them, just embed them here for your own appraisal and entertainment purposes. Potentially, it’ll be a groundbreakingily breif post, a simple but effective phenomenon, and something I can do without missing the Simpsons.

The challenge is consistency; whether I actually stick to the idea or, like others, it’ll be a flash in the pan. Who knows, this could be the start of something beautiful, this could be the thing they’re talking about in decades to come. A holographic Ken Bruce could be asking “what was the very first Devizine Song of the Day” in a Pop Master 200 years from now.

And you can answer it with who I bestow this honour, Atari Pilot. They’ll be revelling in the triumph of the hour if it wasn’t lockdown, I bet.

History in the making then, the only issue I foresee is I over-waffle any old crap, which is, incidentally, not what’s happening now and rarely does here; I had to explain myself, didn’t I?

Okay, I get message; here it is then, enjoy the tune, enjoy the rest of your evening. Good job, carry on.

  • “ART” at The Rondo Theatre, Larkhall, Bath, October 7th-10th 2026

    by Ian Diddams
    images by Jim McCauley


    The power of three. Three men. Three apartments. Three items of furniture. Three snacks bowls. Three types of drink on a drinks trolley. Three revolving periaktoi (triangular columns) for set backdrops. Three paintings. And three mothers for Yvan’s nuptials.

    Its all about the threes.

    Beginning with the three friends; Serge, Mark and Yvan, long standing best buddies. They are all three, different in temperaments and styles, but they have been the closest of chums for a decade and a half. Serge is the intellectual of the trio, an air of sophistication (trying a tad too hard) – bohemian in appearance, an open necked shirt with red cravat, dark slacks with tan shoes, worn sockless.

    Mark is the group’s cynical pragmatist; sensible, standard clothes with a muffler; it reflects his – if not austere – plain, unfussed approach to life, viewed almost as binary perspectives… right/wrong, black/white, good/bad, brilliant/ rubbish.

    Yvan completes the set as an overly contrite peacemaker and doormat, rather messily attired … he is not a man bothered with outward appearances; creased, rumpled trousers, dark brown shoes and a loose fitting white shirt topped off with a nondescript, baggy cardigan buttoned up incorrectly.. The three together present an asexual ménage à trois, each interwoven into each others lives inseparably … yet the threads of that grouping are unravelling. Slowly at first, but gathering pace throughout until towards the very end it is all but destroyed.

    We learn that whilst Yvan is unbothered with external appearance he does bother with personal relationships and cerebral challenges created by the clashes within such relationships. He is distraught that the bond between the three of them is breaking, appalled that his best friends in turn deride him, laugh at him, and even despise him – and his fiancée. His mental turmoil over his upcoming wedding is more grist to his mill of anguish, as three mothers – his fiancée’s, his birth mother and his step-mother (who he detests) – insist on being listed in invitations but not with others in that triumvirate.

    Serge has bought a work of art. Worthy of the appellation … ART. It cost a six figure sum. He is haughtily both delighted and pretentious about it. Mark has no time for it whatsoever – he certainly views the painting as irrelevant pretension, and a thorough waste of money. He resents that in fact the ART has supplanted him in Serge’s affections, it is now more important than he is. Yvan as befits his non confrontational nature agrees with Mark but cannot bring himself to say so to Serge, and so ends up in twisted discussions with the two others around his alleged appreciation to one and his utmost horror with the other.

    This in a nutshell is the crux of the play … growing mutual dislikes whilst seeking the vestiges of a long held connection, sheering into temporary alliances of two versus one, that interchange as the rambling discussion verging on full-on battle moves around various aspects of their shared past.
    The above suggests the story is a tragic, hard one… but it is full of laugh out loud moments, especially with Serge’s passive-aggressive responses, Mark’s aloof insouciance and Yvan’s bumbling attempts to reconcile everything and equally bumbling almost uncontrollably through the tiniest of life’s challenges … what DOES one do with a grape seed?

    The three actors are nothing short of perfect in their roles. Sam Fynn once more shows his talent with a polished performance of Serge, full of pretentiousness (Serge, not Sam!). Ben Dalton is just exquisitely annoying as the no nonsense, brook no shit, call a spade a fucking shovel Mark. And Andrew Chapman delightfully reprises a little of his Henry Carr (Travesties, Bath Drama, October 2025) to present the troubled-waters smoothing Yvan, desperate to retain the friends’ group as it drifts apart before his eyes.

    Lauren Arena-McCann wanted to direct this show, written by Yasmina Reza since she saw it on Broadway some years ago, as its story shows how changes over time present different versions of ourselves; her touches throughout the show are clear from the clever use of threes, to building tension as the play races to its conclusion. Lauren though is not alone in bringing wonderful touches to the Rondo this week though – set designer extraordinaire, Rich Canning has built a tour de force with those three periaktoi forming each apartment’s rear wall. Chapeau!

    It would also be remiss not to acknowledge the eponymous props that are quite literally centre stage throughout. Each apartment has a different painting on that rear wall. And each of those three paintings is a real life work of art by David Wood, at least two of which are globally unique … including the very piece of ART that the play centres on. Tech as ever delivered by the faithful Alex Latham and back stage management by Connor Palmer (doubling up as assistant director) and James Dennis, costumes so subtly precise for each character by Chloe Harris.

    So all that remains is report on the ending … is the threesome’s split irreconcilable? Is there a last minute reprieve for them all? Which of Yvan’s mother and step-mother will appear on the wedding invitations? Will that bottle of brandy ever run out? What has skiing got to do with paintings?

    And what DO you do with a grape seed?

    Ah, well… if you’ve read this far and want to find out, there’s just one way to do so… Get along to the Rondo this week and see it. You wont be disappointed, as at just a hundred minutes long as a single act the pubs will still be open when you leave.

    Tickets are available here https://www.ticketsource.com/rondotheatre/art/e-qrxgaa and “Art” is performed October 7th to 10th 2026, at 7.30pm.

    And go and enjoy some genuine

  • Firewalks, Carols, and Nights With Pilots; Forthcoming Events For Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance

    There’s a number of ways you can support Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance and raise funds for this vital charity, with many entertaining upcoming events; and here they are….

    Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity is on call every day for up to 19 hours, responding to an average of three incidents daily by helicopter or critical care cars. Speed is their superpower, with the helicopter able to reach anywhere in Wiltshire and Bath within 11 minutes. Your attendance and support helps make that possible.

    Basset Down’s Anniversary Cup. Friday 9th October.

    Get ready to cheer on your chosen steeds in exciting pre-recorded races! Enjoy a social evening with friendly competition and support lifesaving work.

    Join Basset Down for a night at the races! Their upcoming Race Night, The Anniversary Cup, on Friday 9th October will be a social evening packed with fun, friendly competition and the chance to win big, all in support of Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity.

    Cheer on your chosen steed in exciting pre-recorded races. Place your bets and test your racing instincts. Enjoy the atmosphere with tables of up to 10 guests. Entry just £5.00 per head with a fully licensed bar and fantastic company!

    More Information HERE

    Firewalk! Friday 30th of October at Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance Airbase, Semington

    Would you dare to join Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance at their airbase in Semington on Friday 30th of October 2026, for an unforgettable Firewalk Challenge?!

    Feel the buzz, face your fears, and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as you walk barefoot across hot embers beneath the autumn night sky, all while supporting Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance’s lifesaving work. There is no training required, just a sign up fee, and they ask every participant to pledge to raise a minimum of £100.

    As a charity, Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance receive no government funding and rely heavily on the generosity of community and events like this to continue delivering their vital services across Wiltshire, Bath and beyond. They will provide fundraising tips, ideas and support to help you smash your target!

    Be Brave! Sign up HERE

    A Night With a Pilot. Friday 13th November at The Ridgeway Barns Farm, Swindon, SN4 0EB

    Supporters are invited to an exclusive dinner event with chief pilot, Matt Wilcock. A memorable evening hosted by Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity in partnership with Ridgeway Barns and Wild Fork West Catering.

    This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes of our lifesaving service, while enjoying exceptional hospitality in a beautiful setting. Drinks reception and canapes, followed by a two-course dinner and Q&A with chief pilot, Matt Wilcock. 

    Meet the people behind the missions. The highlight of the evening will be a live interview with chief pilot, Matt Wilcock, who will share first-hand insight into his role at Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity. From flying lifesaving missions to working alongside their critical care crew, Matt will give guests a rare perspective on what it takes to deliver advanced medical care when every second counts.

    Enjoy a relaxed drinks reception and canapes carefully prepared by Wild Fork West Catering, all set within the stunning surroundings of Ridgeway Barns. 

    Guests will also have the chance to take part in a charity auction, helping to raise vital funds that keep our helicopter and critical care cars ready to respond across Wiltshire and Bath. 

    Ticket price: £50 per person or £270 for a group of six. Book HERE. Places are limited and demand is expected to be high.

    Christmas Market. Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November. Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance Airbase, Semington.

    The Christmas Market is returning in 2026, this time spreading the festive cheer over two whole days, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November!

    Join them at the airbase for a magical weekend filled with local traders offering a fantastic selection of gifts, treats, and festive goodies; perfect for finding something special for family, friends, or even just a little treat for yourself!

    The market runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm on both days, with plenty of seasonal delights to keep you warm, including hot drinks and mulled wine. And don’t miss our ever-popular tombola, raising funds for our charity. 

    All performances will take place outdoors and are subject to weather conditions. The orchestra will be unable to perform in wet weather. Saturday at 2pm – BathTub Orchestra. Sunday at 12noon – Macapello Community Choir.

    Tickets are just £2, and children under 14 go free!

    AVR Half Marathon. Sunday 29th November. Edington.

    The AVR Wiltshire Half Marathon returns for 2026! This event is a chip timed Road Race over a certified course, starting in Edington and taking in the beautiful villages of Steeple Ashton and Great Hinton.

    The next event will take place on Sunday 29th November 2026 at 11am, the race HQ is Station Yard, Edington, Wiltshire, BA13 4NT and you can enter HERE.

    Carols at Bath Abbey. Monday 7th December at Bath Abbey, Bath, BA1 1LT.

    Following the success of last year’s sell-out event, Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance is delighted to bring back their ever-popular Carols in the Abbey for another unforgettable evening of festive music and celebration.

    Set in the beautiful surroundings of Bath Abbey, the evening will feature traditional carols, festive music and seasonal readings.They are delighted to welcome performances from the City of Bath Male Choir and the brilliant Chloe Jordan.

    There will also be festive readings from critical care crew and ambassadors, making this a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the festive season while supporting your local air ambulance charity.

    The event takes place on Monday 7 December, with doors opening at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start.

    Ticket price incl. booking fee: £15.72 – £36.68. From HERE.

    Carols at Marlborough Chapel. Friday 18th December. Marlborough College, Bath Road, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1PA

    Set in the beautiful surroundings of Marlborough College Chapel, the evening will feature traditional carols, festive music and seasonal readings. They are delighted to welcome a special performance from the brilliant Chloe Jordan, and the Swindon Choral Society.

    There will also be festive readings from critical care crew and ambassadors, making this a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the festive season while supporting your local air ambulance charity.

    The event takes place on Friday 18 December, with doors opening at 6.15pm for a 7pm start. Tickets £20.96 HERE.

    There are also regular Business Club Networking events at the airbase, for more info click HERE.

    Trending….

    Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres

    Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and it’s about…

    Keep reading
  • Devizes’ Town Crier wins National Championship in Rye

    I arrived in Rye as a town crier with two months in the job. I left as the winner of the 73rd National Town Criers’ Championship, still slightly stunned and with a new title to consider: Disney Dowager.

    My footwear may have added to the title. I had chosen high-heeled, green, glittery boots. The cobbles soon made me question that decision, but the compliments from women around my age made the wobbling worthwhile. One woman told me I was like a Disney princess for older women. “Disney Dowager?” I suggested, she laughed and said “Disney Queen!”… I’ll take either.

    My Glittery Green Boots

    I’ve been thinking a lot about my role and what it means to both me and the community, I want to respect the past but also with an eye to the future I don’t wish to just be a tourist attraction I want to effect change and inspire both young girls and older women like me. I want older women to know they can still take up space, make themselves heard and refuse to become invisible. Being Devizes’ first female Town Crier is one way I can do that, preferably in glittery boots no matter how much they hurt!

    As well as my flashy footwear my beautiful bespoke nature inspired tricorn By Nellie Pitts of The Hatstand Millinery also made it’s first appearance.

    My Bespoke Tricorn (Photo (C) Tony Ham 2026)

    My handsome consort and husband, Moray Macdonald, deserves special mention. He held my hand as I negotiated the cobbles, while also braving the peal of hand bells and the drums despite the risk of aggravating his tinnitus. He is always a brilliant support to me and I’m so grateful for that.

    My Consort Moray Macdonald Watches me Cry (Photo (C) KT Bruce)

    The competition took place in the Gun Gardens beneath Rye’s ancient Ypres Tower. I was one of only three women among the 15 criers. Our task was to give two cries, a home cry and a themed cry. The three “OYEZ! ” and “GOD SAVE THE KING!” are an obligatory part of the 120-word limit.

    My Home Cry

    For the Home Cry, I had the easy task of celebrating Devizes. Rye and Devizes turned out to have some things in common: both are hilltop towns with a history of smugglers. Rye had its smugglers; Devizes has the Moonrakers, who, as we know, were caught raking out contraband booze by the excisemen so pretended to be stupid yokels who had mistaken the moon’s reflection for a giant cheese which they were trying to retrieve!

    The judging considered volume, clarity, diction, content and inflection: not simply how loudly you can call, but how clearly and expressively you can make a cry land. After lunch at the famous Mermaid Inn, we processed back to the gardens for a fun “Have a Go” section, where kids and members of the public were allowed to try and ring a bell and shout OYEZ!

    Then came the final themed cry, “Service”. I was glad to include a thank you to the RNLI. With Rye so close to the sea, it felt an especially fitting place to recognise those who risk their lives to help others.

    As the result were read out, I had convinced myself I wasn’t going to win, I was up against some very experienced and talented criers many of whom had won a few times including Calne’s Town Crier Mark Wylie . So, you can imagine my ‘flab’ was very much ‘ghasted’ when my name was called out, ( I may have issued an expletive!). To win against such strong competition, particularly after such a short time in the job, felt like a huge achievement. The other criers could have made a newcomer feel out of her depth; instead, they were warm, kind and encouraging throughout. I felt welcomed by them from the start.

    Previous Winner Town Crier of Calne, Mark Wylie

    My thanks go to Paul Edward Goring and his deputy Town Crier, Annabelle Ansell, who also did a brilliant job as MCs throughout the day, their throats must have been shredded! Thanks also to Rye Town Council; and to photographers KT and Martin Bruce and Tony Ham for capturing the weekend.

    Town Crier Of Rye Paul Edward Goring Giving us a Ghost Tour

    Devizes has a special place in the story of the national championship. On 23 February 1912, the town’s Market Place hosted the first Town Criers’ Championship of Great Britain. It was known as the “Battle of the Bellmen”, after Billy Law, Horsham’s town crier, challenged criers from across the country to test their voices. Thousands turned out to watch, and Law won the title, along with a championship bell and a £5 prize.

    Billy Law Winner of the First Town Crier Competition Held in Devizes in 1912

    More than a century later, I am proud to add my voice to that history and represent Devizes. I hope the championship returns one day, with the Market Place filled again with criers, bells and crowds celebrating the character and history of our varied towns. The “Battle of the Bellmen” would sound rather different now: nearly a third of the around 250 UK town criers are women, including Marlborough Town crier Emma Kimber, so there would be plenty of bell women among the voices ringing out across Devizes.

    All The Town Criers and Consorts (Photo (c) Tony Ham 2026)

    Oh and before you ask yes of course, I took my trophy to bed!

    Loser to Loser; George Wilding’s New Single

    Second single of 2026 from local legend George Wilding, Loser to Loser is a grower which carries a delightful punch…if any type of punch could be deemed delightful, this is probably it! There’s something breezily contented indie-pop about George’s recent releases with more commercial viability, rather than the often whimsically lost or dejected characters of…

    Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow
  • “Playhouse Creatures” at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, October 8th-10th 2026

    by Ian Diddams
    images by Simon Hoy

    Cast your minds back around about a month and you may recall a Devizine preview of “Playhouse Creatures”, performed by “3rd Third Theatre” at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes.

    Here is it to refresh your memories 🙂

    https://devizine.com/2026/09/10/playhouse-creatures-at-the-wharf-theatre-devizes-october-8th-10th-a-preview/

    That preview covers the basic premise and storyline of the play, and its societal equivalences to modern society. Its a rags-to-riches, riches-to-rags, rags-to-rags and riches-to-nothing story of five women who in their pursuits of idolatry, social climbing and wealth, and escaping the oppression of men, all in their own way achieve their aims – mainly – but are still left oppressed by the patriarchy.

    Doll Common retains a semblance of normality but as a drudge to everybody – including other women – she neither improves nor worsens her lot. Rebecca Marshall full of confidence and panache during the story finally sees herself ruined by slander at the hands of the nobility – who also do the dirty on Elizabeth Farleigh who from lofty pretensions , airs and graces, descends to the gutter, abandoned. Nell Gwynn (yes – THAT Nell Gwynn) in many ways truly “makes it” – but at the cost of abandoning any independence and thoughts of fulfilling her dreams. And finally there is the matriarch of the group, Mary Betterton, who crashes from doyen of the theatre to a housewife, rejected in her middle age by her most dearest.

    Director Debby Wilkinson in this debut performance for her new theatre company “3rd Third Theatre” has created a black box presentation focussing all attention on the actors, the characters and the story. It’s stunningly effective – less is more as they say – as with subtle lighting, and sound alone the action is embellished in this captivating and intimate portrayal of women’s experiences across all time.

    Her cast is simply sublime; every member plays their role to the utmost excellence. In no particular order as they are all equally wonderful, Louise Peak drudges through Doll’s interactions with not a little humour subtly delivered as she plays her cynical underdog role. Sophie Kerr as Elizabeth Farleigh is cool and classy and haughty until undone and her transformation to a guttersnipe is seamless.

    Wendy Dophiede as Mary Betterton portrays Mary’s self assured, slightly unworldly, diva drifting into obscurity, disbelief and self doubt smoothly, from self assurance to horror at her demise. Grace Sheridan captures the cheeky London orange seller, Nell Gwynn, whose social climbing reached the highest ranks of the land whilst retaining her charm and fun, and that twinkle in her eye, later resigned to her fate as a kept women to the King. Freddie Underwood completes the cast with her stunning portrayal of Rebecca Marshall, sassy, fun loving but ultimately ruined. A true cast of cohesiveness, bringing April de Angelis’ play to life.

    Tickets for “Playhouse Creatures”, October 8th – 10th at the Wharf Theatre are available at

     https://www.ticketsource.com/the-wharf-theatre/playhouse-creatures/e-jpykpl


  • Discovering the Devizes Festival of Discovery!

    Yeah I know, right, it’s come up on us rather unexpectedly, this Festival of Discovery thing, hasn’t it?! What’s it’s all about then, I hear you ask. With DOCA busy with the hugely successful Confetti Battle and Colour Rush, they’ve not had time to update their website yet, so here’s what we know so far, and how Devizine got involved; let’s discover what we can and The Festival of Discovery!

    The Festival of Discovery is a new free weekend festival for Devizes, organised by DOCA. It is happening across the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October. The festival will consist of three zones. Each zone is closed to traffic and is curated with wonderful happenings for you to explore, all connecting with their theme. Some performers will be travelling between zones. “Make sure you explore all of them,” DOCA says, “there is something for everyone in each zone!”

    One zone then, is at The Market Place and is labelled “Discover Community.” This is the place to sit, eat, listen to music, watch shows, make something in a workshop and make new friends.

    The second zone will be at The Brittox, “Discover Nature.” Swap, learn, repair, watch nature-inspired shows, check out our willow installations, make a dandelion flower and ride on the Bewonderment Machine. Think about how we can help and appreciate the nature that is all around us. In this nature zone, a huge willow structure will weave its way through the Brittox, transforming the town’s main shopping street into a unique woodland-inspired walk.

    The third zone is in Sidmouth Street, the Youth and Community Zones; discover young perspectives. “If you are or have ever been young,” DOCA says, “you’ll enjoy this zone!” There are games, inflatables, and a mini-stage for talented young musicians; the latter is where Devizine comes in, and the bit I want to tell you most about, despite the fact that I’m neither young nor talented!

    I’m delighted DOCA has asked me to host this stage, and with it I’m bringing some friends along; only the finest lineup of youthful talent in Wiltshire! The focus is on acoustic and singer-songwriters aged from 13 to 23, but there will be cover artists too, a couple of duos, and we will give them the freedom to perform what they wish.

    So, we will be in Albion Place at Sidmouth Street from 11:30am to 5:30pm both days, please, join us, and support these incredible young artists. Do not assume Sunday is going to be the lesser day, it seriously is not. I’ve had such a huge response to this, I’ve been crazy busy trying to organise it, and squeeze everyone in. Our grand finales on both Saturday and Sunday will blow your mind! And, if you’re thinking, ‘it’s just a bunch of kids’ you are still welcome, because you will be the most surprised!

    So, in order of appearance from 11:30 till 5:30, we present, on the Devizine Launchpad! 

    Saturday: Stan Jenkins, Sienna Wileman, Braydon-Lee Jones, Jodie Lauren, Ed Dowdeswell, Rosie Jay, Emelia Houchin, Meg Hoy.

    On Sunday we have Tamzin Antignani, Lois Millington, Indigo Avenue, Alfie Crinion, Orla and Jack, Seren Alyssa, Poppy Rose and Ruby Darbyshire.

    It’s going to be amazing, I’m more excited than they are! And I look forward to seeing you all there! Here’s some teasers…..

  • Lady Nade’s New Album, Identity

    There’s musical acts which play united on equal pegging, and then there’s those which follow the lead of a virtuoso. Be it guitar, like Hendrix, the poetry of Dylan, or trumpet like Miles Davis, any specific field of expertise, but none are so emotively poignant as the human voice….

    It would be unfair on anyone to compare their vocals with Bristol-based singer-songwriter, Lady Nade; I have to save this for the likes of Anita Baker’s rich phrasing and control, the gospel roots of Aretha Franklin’s, and, particularly, the smoky contralto of Nina Simone. Lady Nade has a new album, Indentity, out tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, a deeply personal album of self-discovery, self-acceptance and the courage to show the world who you truly are; it does, sublimely.

    The more I immerse myself into this album, the more intricate details I discover. Lucky I don’t give star ratings out of ten because there aren’t enough in the galaxy to award this treasure trove with what it deserves!

    We first reviewed a Lady Nade album back in 2021, Willing, where it was heavy with nods towards country influences, and I waffled about Ray Charles’ affection for the genre. This time, with only subtle sprinkles of roots, more of jazz and blues, the concentration though is soul. This lady takes on every subgenre of soul, track by track, and even with the blending of other styles, by the meaning of these ingeniously penned songs and Lady’s extensive vocal range giving them emotive deliveries, they win every time.

    Other than the general theme of courage and self-acceptance, there’s no precise running concept through the album; it is a collection of independent songs, where each holds its own narrative and prose; often of transformation, hope or resilience, but each one amazing within its own category.

    “Identity exists because of the love that surrounds me,” Lady Nade says of the album. “I hope these songs offer a safe space for anyone who has ever felt they had to hide parts of themselves to belong. We all deserve to be seen, heard and celebrated for who we are. This album is a reflection of what it means to be human, and to stand in our own truth.”

    Image: Arthur René Walwin

    If there’s an objective embedded into the album, it’s most prominent with the metaphoric penultimate song, Masks, a lounge jazz earworm which really brings the essence of Lady Nade’s homage to Nina Simone. Where it is that the album is honest reflection, and effectively “unmasks” the Lady behind, the summary is in the conclusion and the last single to be released from the album, Bloom; the empowering cure, an uplifting motive, akin to Heather Small’s Proud, but so much more delicate and subtle, it’s awe-inspiring.

    The theme of strength above the odds kicks in with the title track at the opening, and it’s a funky introduction. Funk makes a huge return halfway through with the righteous Stand, to make Marva Whitney blush. But the prospective love single One of Us comes second, with these subtle roots elements, and an irresistible singalong chorus rich with upbeat pop commercial viability; whoa, there’s a lot going on with this Identity, but as with any, they’re multi-layered.

    With a beautiful acoustic guitar riff, Rainbow, brings the uplifting sentiment into play with the most prominent nod to folk roots. And while there’s delightful ballads like Powerless, there’s Sober, the doo-wop inspired catchy little handclapping beauty that it is.

    The most vivid in subject is Smoke & Mirrors, and undoubtedly of the least abstract or of personal poignancy. It’s a jazzy homage to Hattie McDaniel, telling the story of Georgia’s racial segregation causing her to be banned from 1939’s Gone with the Wind premiere, and even at the Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles, where she was required to sit at a segregated table away from the rest of the film’s white cast and crew.

    The remaining songs, though, are more personal, and open to the listener’s reflections and interpretations, and with a voice like Lady Nade’s, one which Cerys Matthews of BBC Radio 6 Music describes as “a pure voice that gets stuck in your mind,” it is impossible not be immersed in this wonderful album.

    Identity is out on the 2nd October 2026. Lady Nade will celebrate the release of Identity with a UK headline tour running from Friday 6th to Saturday 21st November 2026. If you recall, you lovely local people, Lady Nade did bless Devizes Arts Festival, it was one my all time favourite gigs in Devizes.

  • My River, New Single from M3G

    Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My River…..

    If you deem songwriters using rivers as metaphors as a bit cliché these days, from Springsteen’s safety net for the burdens of youthful relationships, or Joni Mitchell’s desperate escapism, to Billy Joel’s spiritual quest, or Neil Young’s haunting impulsive act, I’d nod, and tend to agree…but…

    Rivers often, and arguably more simply, represent the relentless passage of time, a comforting escape from relationship issues, or bold life or spiritual journeys. I’ve expressed the originality  in past reviews of Meg’s songs, and how she angles subjects with breathtaking honesty, and completely unique prose. My River is the perfect example, for here’s a commonly used subject, but Meg uses the river more as emotional balance; a kind of psychological therapeutic acupuncture.

    “The timeless presence of my river helps me find perspective through my pain,” she said, explaining “I grew up on and around the River Avon, it has been a constant in my life, something I can always rely on to be there.”

    “Another constant over the past seven years has been my pains and aches throughout my body. I wrote this song as I was being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Coming to terms with the fact that there is nothing physically causing all of my pain and that it would be around for the rest of my life was something I did not want to do. But as my pain will continue, so will the river that I love.”

    Perhaps the most appropriate song about rivers to compare this by composition to, is The Byrds, Ballad of Easy Rider, which Dylan famously scribbled the chorus to on a napkin for the director, Peter Fonda, because both flow like rivers.

    Acoustic for a minute, until subtle layers of chanting develop, and the whole composition of Meg’s river themed song builds in intensity to a climax of ultimate expression, just how a river builds its flow to an estuary. My River presents Meg vocally more mature than anything past. The effect is spellbinding.

    “The name ‘Avon’ comes a Celtic word used thousands of years ago to mean river,” Meg said, “so the River Avon literally means the River River!”

    Equally this song is so intensely beautiful, it should be named twice!

  • Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres

    Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and it’s about as explosive as female rage sounds…..

    With Olivia Rodrigo fashioned dynamic and unfiltered sound of Gen Z vulnerability, hints of Florence & The Machine’s baroque indie-pop, and the radical emotional honesty in the songwriting of Lizzy McAlpine, Kick the Tyres is a new new wave, and shows Flora Fiora at her most fiery. If this is airing frustrations, just roll with it, because Flora Fiora makes it sound sublimely perfected. 

    Her third single of the year, the others all worthy of checking out; but this one, this one totally smashes it. It’s an instant like from me!

    I met Flora supporting Talk in Code at their single launch at The Vic in Swindon last year. There she was in acoustic splendour, but wielding an electric guitar; I knew this was going to go off. Outside I congratulated her, she took control of my phone from my intoxicated sausage fingers, too wonky to press the right buttons, to ensure I followed her Insta, and besides the perfection of her rocking performance there, coupled with the notion I wouldn’t advise rashly lending your phone out to any rock chick on those mean streets of Swindon, Kick the Tyres confirms I did the right thing!

    Linktree

  • The Wharf Theatre Becomes New National Theatre Live Screening Centre; Launching with The Misanthrope starring Sandra Oh

    The Wharf Theatre in Devizes is thrilled to announce a major new chapter in its artistic programme: the theatre has officially become a registered screening centre for National Theatre Live, bringing world‑class theatre from the West End directly to Wiltshire…..

    From November 2026, audiences will be able to enjoy up to 12 NT Live productions every year, screened in stunning high‑definition and presented with the same care, atmosphere, and community spirit that defines the Wharf Theatre’s live performance season.

    The programme launches with an exceptional first screening:

    The Misanthrope – starring Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh

    Tuesday 3rd November 2026 at 7.30pm Tickets: £18 + booking fee Discounts available for Wharf Theatre members.

    Artistic Director of the Wharf Theatre, Alison Warren said, “becoming an NT Live venue is a huge step forward for us. It means our community can experience the very best of British theatre without travelling to London. We’re proud to offer a programme that is both accessible and artistically ambitious.”

    Audiences can expect a diverse year-round slate of productions—from gripping dramas and reimagined classics to bold new writing—each captured live from the West End and delivered straight to Devizes.

    Tickets for The Misanthrope and the upcoming NT Live season are available now via the Wharf Theatre website and Box Office.

    National Theatre Live | The Misanthrope
  • Devizine Launchpad! Hosting Emerging Talent Area at DOCA Festival of Discovery

    Young, talented, I tick neither box, but I am delighted to tell you Devizine has assembled the very best of emerging musical talent from across Wiltshire, and we’re showcasing them at Albion Place on Sidmouth Street, Devizes, for DOCA’s Festival of Discovery on the 17th&18th of October. From 11:30am until 5:30pm we will squeeze in 16 young upcoming and professional acts; you will be amazed!

    For many years now Devizine has been promoting local music, and over those years we’ve seen young talent rise to professional capacity and become renowned nationwide names. There’s an uprising, the next generation are here! I could fondly waffle on about them and have faith you’ll take heed, but proof is the bottom line! I’m delighted to be able to host this amazing opportunity, presenting proof to you!

    Subject to change, our line-up includes:

    Saturday 17th October:

    11:30: Stan Jenkins

    12:00: Sienna Wileman

    12:40: Braydon-Lee Jones

    13:30: Jodie Lauren

    14:20: Ed Dowdeswell

    15:10: Rosie Jay

    16:00: Emelia Houchin

    16:45: Meg Hoy

    Sunday 18th October:

    11:30: Tamzin Antignani

    12:00: Lois Millington

    12:30: Indigo Avenue

    13:20: Alfie Crinion

    14:10: Jack Ralph

    15:00: Seren Alyssa

    15:50: Poppy Rose

    16:40: Ruby Darbyshire

    I hope to see as many of you as possible, supporting live local music, and the youngest of our most talented performers. More information to come, and we will include bios and info on all our artists. For now, just had to get the message out there; I think I’m more excited about this than they are!!

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