Words by Daisy Game, image credit: Tristram Kenton

Bristol Old Vic presents Metamorphosis

Based on Franz Kafka’s novel of the same name and adapted for the stage by Lemn Sissay OBE, Frantic Assembly’s Metamorphosis is a timely production examining the effects of burnout and familial expectation.

Spending all the hours God sends in pursuit of the cold, hard cash his mother, father and sister depend on, Gregor Samsa’s sense of self takes a hit, and the young Mr Samsa is horrified to find himself morphing into an insect-like creature despised by the very family for whom he worked so tirelessly.

As with anything from Frantic, movement is top of the agenda. The cast is predictably adept at lifting and spinning, dodging and dashing; Gregor himself (Felipe Pacheco) can often be found scuttling across his bedroom ceiling or swinging upside down from its crusty light fixture. This show’s uber-physicality finds a perfect partner in Sissay’s poetic script. Verse-like dialogue bleeds into movement and movement into dialogue, neatly mirroring the boundless mania that Gregor, in his new cockroach form, must endure 24/7.

Despite some confident acting (not to mention the highly accomplished ceiling-scuttling), perhaps the most attention-grabbing part of this production is its use of set. Gregor’s dismal bedroom is strikingly askew from the off: its ceiling runs at a slant, one corner hunched higher than the other, while the floorboards seem to slope up, up and away from the audience. And as Gregor’s internal compass loses its bearings, so too does the architecture surrounding him lose its foundations. Lighting Designer Simisola Majekodunm’s clever use of projection deserves a nod too, as it allows Metamorphosis to nimbly sidestep the issue of whether to physically transform Gregor into an insect. Instead, his shadow is given a twitchy, antennae-d outline, the suggestive quality of which proves rather impactful. As Gregor himself wisely bemoans, “everything sounds louder in the head”; and so too is the idea of a man turned into a giant cockroach more unsettling than its costumed reality might well be. 

Showing at the Bristol Old Vic until 20 January
Read the full review online here.

OUR JANUARY ISSUE IS OUT!

You'll love our fabulous January magazine which features a collection of great reading by our team of wonderful writers as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bristol's best businesses. 

In the January issue, we give you our pick of the best low- and no-alcohol drinks for anyone staying dry this month; we chat with TV presenter and author Simon Reeve about his latest BBC series Wilderness with Simon Reeve; and find joy in the old ways of welcoming in good spirits to guide us through the year ahead with Thatchers. We really hope you’ll enjoy the read!

15,000 copies are delivered door to door, and you can pick up a copy at many places around town – including our stands at Waitrose, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols.

Read the digital version of our current issue here!

And if you would like to have a copy sent in the post every month, then we offer a postal subscription for just £33 for 12 issues, £18 for six issues or buy a copy for just £4.25. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – click here to subscribe on our website. 

Words by Melissa Blease

Winter Vegetable Toad in the Hole

Toad in the Hole is a British comfort food classic... and substituting the traditional sausages in the dish with hearty, personality-laden winter vegetables doesn't detract from its treatsome, batter-wrapped charms one iota.

If you'd prefer not to follow the spice route in this dish, substitute the paprika (or sumac) and chilli flakes with 2 tbsp wholegrain or Dijon mustard. Got a butternut squash lying around? Go forth and use it up, either as a stand-alone superstar or with the other vegetables – you'll need around 400g-500g prepared vegetables in total.

Ingredients (serves 4)

For the batter:
180g plain flour
3 large eggs
280ml whole milk (or plant-based alternative)
2 tbsp wholegrain or Dijon mustard
For the filling:
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized chunks
2 large parsnips, peeled and chopped into bite-sized chunks
1 bulb of celeriac, peeled and quartered
2 medium-sized onions (red, brown or both), peeled and chopped into chunks
1 tsp smoked paprika or sumac, or 1-2 tbsp smoky chipotle paste
½ tsp red chilli flakes (or to taste)
4 tbsp olive oil
To serve: steamed green vegetables; onion gravy

Method

1. Sift the flour into a large bowl with a generous pinch of salt. Make a well in the centre, crack the eggs in and whisk to combine. Add the milk and mix well to create a smooth batter. Add the mustard, stir again and set to one side for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 3 hours (stored in the fridge).

2. When you're ready to cook, preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 5. Tumble the the prepared vegetables into a deep 30cm/20cm roasting tin. Add the paprika or sumac, chilli flakes and oil and toss thoroughly to coat. Roast the vegetables for 15 minutes, then increase the heat to 200°C/gas mark 7 and carefully pour the batter across the vegetables in the hot tin.

3. Bake for a further 20 minutes until the batter around the vegetables is golden-brown in colour and well risen. Serve immediately with buttered steamed green vegetables and plenty of onion gravy.

Age like a fine wine

Organic farming and winemaking is increasingly popular across the wine-producing world. These selected wines from The Great Wine Company have been certified as being organic to standards defined by law; covering everything from pesticide use to preservation and storage.

Alastro Bianco - Planeta
The wine is made principally from the Grecanico grape, blended with two notably aromatic varieties, Grillo and Sauvignon Blanc. It is splendidly fragrant and delicately structured, with aromas of tropical fruit, fresh citrus and white flowers. | £13.30

Sun and Moon Pinot Noir - Seresin Estate
Made only in exceptional vintages, this is superb Pinot Noir, savoury and complex, lightly fragrant with flowers and mouthwateringly loaded with flavours of raspberry and redcurrant. | £45

Moscato d'Asti Bricco Quaglia - La Spinetta
The nose displays penetrating fruity and floral notes which continue to develop on the palate, it is rich and full flavoured with a slightly bitter finish. | £11

Kate Sauvignon Blanc, IGP Oc - Aubert & Mathieu
Organic Certified, Kate is surprising, fresh and elegant. It develops notes of exotic fruits and a good length. With its fun and flity side, it will charm your taste buds. | £13.95

Los Yesares Monastrell - Bodega Cerron
This has a complex aroma that blends fruity, leafy, spicy and savoury nuances. In the mouth it's very pure and very fresh, with satisfying weight and breadth of texture. It finishes with complex hints of gaminess, liquorice and dill seed. | £28

To explore more, visit greatwine.co.uk

Glow From Within at Harvey Nichols Bristol

Feel glowing from the inside out with an exclusive wellness event at The Second Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols Bristol.

Enjoy a hearty wellness brunch, complemented with a juice curated by nutritionist Emily English, alongside an expert skincare masterclass from Caudalie.

Tickets are £25 per person. The event Includes a two-course brunch, juice and masterclass. REWARDS members will receive an exclusive gift bag.

28 January | 10am–12pm
Click here for more information
Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant, Quakers Friars, Bristol BS1 3BZ

Chance Perfumed Hand Creams by Chanel - £65

This limited-edition set contains three hand creams that are delicately infused with the floral notes of three fragrances: CHANCE, CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE, and CHANCE EAU TENDRE.

Cheerful and sparkling CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE features amplified zesty citron accents. The jasmine note in CHANCE EAU TENDRE nestles gently into a cloud of smooth musk, with hints of fruity grapefruit-quince. CHANCE gives the skin a floral-spicy scent in which notes of pink peppercorn, jasmine, and amber patchouli are intertwined.

The travel-friendly tubes fit easily into any bag, for a new way to wear fragrance.

Click here to purchase.

Romancing the Stone

The diamond takes its name from the Greek word ‘adamas’ which means ‘invincible’.

Here’s the Science: Every carbon atom contains four electrons in its outer shell. In diamonds, these electrons are shared with four other carbon atoms to form a rigid chemical bond that results in an extremely strong tetrahedral crystal. This simple, tightly bonded arrangement that makes diamond one of the hardest substances on Earth and sits at number 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is this durability is one of the many things that makes a diamond so coveted and enduring. End of lesson.

That aside, diamonds are simply enchanting; light is refracted beautifully as it passes through the facets and it is the jewellers' artistic craft to show just how perfect and brilliant a diamond can be.

White diamonds are most common and are usually considered best for their purity and clarity, but other diamonds can be found in shades such as yellow, blue and pink and can be very evocative. The perfect gift for a loved one.

From the Mallory bespoke collection

Above (left to right) Platinum four claw set oval cut diamond half eternity ring. Total diamond weight: 1.76ct. £10,950. 18ct white gold four claw set round brilliant cut diamond stud earrings. Total diamond weight: 3.02ct. £49,750. 18ct white gold rub set round brilliant cut diamond circular pendant and chain. Total diamond weight: 1.51ct. £5,850.

And below something very special. Platinum milgrain edge rub set cushion cut diamond halo cluster ring with diamond set shoulders. Total diamond weight: 1.29ct. £16,250.

Explore the full range of bespoke diamond jewellery at Mallory.

Men's Channel Wool Blend Coat by Sea Salt Cornwall | £185

A classic double-breasted winter coat, made from a warm wool blend.

The deep notched collar, mock-horn buttons and jet pockets are a nod to traditional mariner's coats, while a deep split at the back and smooth lining make for easy movement.

Click here to purchase.

Mulberry marks the Year of the Dragon

Mulberry unveils a joyful collection for the Year of the Dragon in collaboration with designer Mira Mikati. The colourful capsule is characterised by Mikati's eternally optimistic lens.

A vivid palette of Azure, Candy Pink, Acid Yellow, and touches of bright green, is applied to the collection, spanning Mulberry bags, keyrings, water bottles, small leather goods, and ready-to-wear ranges, in a showcase of both Mulberry and Mikati’s love for vibrant colour.

The collaboration is now available in stores and online.

Shop the collection at mulberry.com

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Released to coincide with our longest nights and shortest days, the publishers of the phenomenally popular Weird Walk series offer up their latest issue as ‘a symbol of the continuing cycle of rot and renewal, death and new life.’ Weird Walk #7 explores the folklore surrounding some of Britain’s iconic tree species, phenomenological approaches to ancient sites, investigates the Hastings Jack in the Green festival, and provides a rural take on dungeon synth music. Elsewhere, expert weird walkers Alice Lowe and Benjamin Myers provide separate introductions to magic and memory in the nearby Stroud Valley and far away Lindisfarne. | £6.50

magalleria.co.uk

Update on building repair programme and reopening timetable

Since the closure of the beloved education and science centre in Millennium Square as a result of the fire in 2022, the whole We The Curious team has worked tirelessly on the repair programme...

Its building reinstatement works are continuing at pace but, unfortunately, as a result of construction and supply chain delays, the team had to shift their initial reopening target of early 2024 back a little. This means that they are now planning for a reopening of early summer 2024.

The team at We The Curious are currently looking at whether they will be able to deliver some of their free school Takeover Days in February and March for schools with bookings that they've had to move and that meet their priority criteria, as well as other Out and About activities. After the Easter holidays, the teams will be pivoting to focus on reopening. 

For more information visit wethecurious.org

BANK Bristol announces Sabrina Ghayour Supperclub

BANK has revealed that British-Iranian chef and best-selling author, Sabrina Ghayour, will be hosting her acclaimed Sabrina’s Kitchen Supperclub at the Totterdown-based neighbourhood restaurant on Monday 5 February.

The Middle Eastern wood fired feast will begin with five smaller sharing plates, including spiced lamb koftas with yoghurt, burnt orange and sweet harissa sauce, and so much more.

The main course will feature four larger sharing plates, with dishes like chicken kebabs with saffron, pul biber, and garlic served with mini wraps and a slow cooked spiced lamb shoulder, topped with dukkah. The evening will end with a spiced pear, almond and ginger frangipane tart with cinnamon cream.

Tickets for the BANK x Sabrina’s Kitchen Supperclub cost £85 and will be available to purchase on Monday 15 January at 10am. 

Visit bankbristol.com to purchase your tickets. 

Bristol City vs West Ham

Bristol City’s Emirates FA Cup Third Round replay against West Ham United will be played at Ashton Gate Stadium Tuesday 16.

The game will start at 7.45pm and will be shown live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and on the BBC Sport website and app - so you can watch the game as if you're there at the stadium!

Cheer on the Robins!

New Northern Soul Album Launch Party

Top Bristol female DJs and promoters, Northern Soul Girl Levanna and Streets of Soul, have announced WONDERFUL NIGHT – an explosive 16-track Northern Soul compilation album on 12-inch vinyl, which will hit the shops on 12 January.

Each track on the album blends together all the different tempos and sub-genres of Northern Soul, combining everything that makes a truly ‘Wonderful Night’ for the scene.

To celebrate its launch, Levanna will be hosting a meet and greet album signing and Northern Soul event in Bristol on 13 January at Wiper & True.

Click here to read our article about Bristol's Northern Soul scene. 
Wiper & True, Unit 11, City Business Park, St Jude's, Bristol BS5 0SP

Bears vs Vodacom Bulls

After securing an impressive victory on the road, the Bears are riding a wave of confidence as they shift their focus to the upcoming Champions Cup showdown against the Bulls tomorrow.

With a lineup loaded with Springbok power, the Bulls make a formidable challenge for the Bears. Don't miss out and secure your seat today!

Ashton Gate Stadium | 13 January
Click here to buy your tickets. 

Start your transformative journey with Habits That Heal Studio in 2024

Embrace the transformative power of movement with Habits That Heal Studio's holistic African dance, also AfroFit with MAKOSSA Music courses. 

Enrol on a 5-week journey of self-discovery, unleashing your inner rhythm and unlocking a world of physical and mental well-being at the Bristol Folk House.

This is a series of exhilarating sessions designed to rejuvenate your body and soul. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, the welcoming and supportive environment will guide you to dance your emotions. 

For more information email Grace: ekallgrace@gmail.com or visit bristolfolkhouse.co.uk

The Promenade, Clifton, Bristol, BS8

Offered for sale by Rupert Oliver estate agents in Bristol.

No.2 is accessed via a stylish communal entrance, with a curved balustrade staircase leading up to the first floor entrance. From the moment you walk into the apartment, the style and quality are immediately obvious; with a smoked mirrored entrance hall, and French oak stripped wooden floor seamlessly flowing out from the hall into the kitchen and sitting room, complete with state of the art soundproofing across the entire apartment's flooring.

The kitchen has a unique bespoke build combining book-matched oak veneer cabinetry and Dekton worktops, a central island (with five seat breakfast bar) and splash backs and a whole host of integrated appliances including a full height MIELE fridge, dishwasher and four ring NEFF gas hob. The kitchen has been designed to completely 'disappear'; with bi-folding doors made to conceal themselves when in use. The floor and wall mounted storage also discreetly hides a fitted “breakfast cupboard” as well as twin pull-out larder cupboards.

From the kitchen, the stunning sitting room is flooded with natural light from twin oversize shuttered sash windows each opening out onto a full-width balustraded balcony comfortably seating two café style tables and four chairs. There is plenty of space for a generous dining table and chairs inside whilst a recessed bookcase 'hides' a fitted bar area beyond. Perfect for post-dinner entertaining. The period details are exquisite, complemented by the marble fire-surround and recessed gas-fired 'wood-burning' stove below.

The well fitted kitchen/breakfast room with Aga gives access to the garden as does the drawing room. The lower ground floor has a cinema room which is open plan with the sitting room/bar area which in turn gives access to the garden.

The first floor has three bedrooms that run across the rear of the house. The principal bedroom has a balcony, and bedroom 5 has been converted into a dressing room. There is also a bath/shower room and separate w.c on this floor. The second floor has a further bedroom with en suite bath/shower room. 

To the rear of the property is a master bedroom, with a sash window overlooking the communal gardens beyond. Again, beautifully finished with a smoked mirror feature wall, along with an expanse of built-in wardrobes. The master bedroom has access to a fully-fitted en-suite shower room, with a walk-in shower and electric underfloor heating, along with loft storage above. Bedroom two is currently dressed as a gym, but can of course easily pivot back to a bedroom suite, complemented as it is by its own en-suite bathroom, complete with underfloor heating and a large twin ended panelled bath.

Off the second bedroom is a separate dressing room with space for multiple wardrobes; along with mezzanine access to useful bed-deck and further loft storage beyond. There is also space and plumbing for a washing machine creating a useful utility space. The third bedroom is currently dressed as a study and enjoys a fabulous view across to the ionic columns of the Georgian villa opposite and The Promenade beyond. | Guide price £1,350,000

For more images and details click here to view this property on the Rupert Oliver website.