Step into the new season with a bounty of delights to discover on your doorstep. This issue, we take a trip to Mill Road to reveal its must-visit restaurants and shops, highlight some sensational staycation spots, serve up some tasty recipes and bring you all the latest from the local culture scene.
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EDITORIAL Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459
ith signs of spring all around, this issue sees us head to Cambridge’s great outdoors, discovering thriving allotments and flourishing rewilding projects throughout the county, as well as offering ideas for making over your own garden. Get your fingers a little greener from page 64. On the foodie front, there’s a chance to snap up dining deals around the city with the return of Love Cambridge Restaurant Week (page 44), while Culture Club brings comedy heavyweights, community art projects, great gigs and outstanding opera from page 7. In anticipation of next month’s event, our Cambridge Literary Festival coverage begins, with highlights from director Cathy Moore – stay tuned for next issue, when we’ll be chatting to some of the authors appearing. To whet your appetite in the meantime, head to page 32 to meet crime fiction queen and Cambridge resident, Sophie Hannah. With her latest whodunnit The Couple at the Table riding high, she shares all about crafting masterful mysteries and becoming the modern voice of Hercule Poirot. March is also the month of the Cambridge Half Marathon, which returns on the 6th. Sadly, I won’t be lacing up my trainers this time, but I joined the runners last October and have to say, it was one of the most memorable (if painful!) experiences of my life. I caught up with director Adam Moffat to find out what makes the race so special on page 61. Elsewhere in the issue, there’s a real mixed bag, as we look ahead to Easter days out with the
Cambridge Edition Magazine Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, cambsedition.co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Cambridge Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area. nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com Assistant editor Miriam Balanescu Editorial assistant Alex Fice Editorial director Roger Payne Chief sub editor Alex Bell Sub editors MatthewWinney & Harriet Williams ADVERTISING Group ad manager Sam Scott-Smith 01223 499457 samscott-smith@bright-publishing.com Sales executive Hannah Gurney 01223 499463 hannahgurney@bright-publishing.com CONTRIBUTORS Mark Box, Charlotte Griffiths, Matt Hodgson, Anna Taylor & Elisha Young DESIGN & PRODUCTION Senior designer Lucy Woolcomb lucywoolcomb@bright-publishing.com Ad production Man-Wai Wong MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden &Matt Pluck
family (page 35), meet the city’s auctioneers (page 52) and chat to Reginald D Hunter (page 18). Enjoy the issue and see you next month!
EDITOR IN CHIEF
F IND US @CAMBSEDITION | CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
Contents
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04 Starters Our favourite Instagram pics of the month, plus some brilliant buys from local indies 07 Culture Club Gigs, exhibitions, community art, theatre and lots more in store 27 Home Improvement We pick out Saffron Walden ’ s top spots for sprucing up your interiors 28 Book Club New fiction releases and highlights for the upcoming Cambridge Literary Festival 32 Life’s Great Mysteries Murder doyenne Sophie Hannah on her latest novel and burgeoning projects 35 Easter Fun Get your diary out and start planning for a fun-packed long weekend in April
37 Savour & Sip This issue’s food pages take you from Restaurant Week to top Mother’s Day tipples 52 Under the Hammer Step into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the city’s auctioneers 57 Mother’s Day Memorable trips and gorgeous gifts to show mum you care 58 Beauty &Wellness Spring’s best beauty buys, news from PAUS and a chat with Cambridge Half Marathon’s director 64 Gardens Special All the inspiration and advice you need to enjoy the open air this month 79 Property The latest from the buzzing local housing market – and what to expect in spring
Cover illustration by Emily Lancaster, midweight designer at Bright Publishing.
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1. Sugarhill Billy boilersuit, £75, Lilac Rose New at Bridge Street’s Lilac Rose, this sage green boilersuit is the perfect all-in-one outfit for spring 2. Anya vase, £15, The Flower Project A gorgeous bud vase made of recycled green glass from the popular Mill Road store 3. Green glazed pot, £18, Iris & Violet An iridescent pot to house your most prized ‘plant babies’ 4. The A5 notebook, £48, Cambridge Satchel Company Our favourite local bag maker has earned its stripes once again with this gorgeously tactile tiger print notebook 5. Velvet cushion, £31.95, Angela Reed This soft and luxurious cushion with pom-pom detailing is perfect for refreshing your interiors 6. Foldable cotton rucksack, £34.95, Ark A handy, compact and versatile tote/backpack from the city-centre shop 7. Deluxe hot chocolate hamper, £87, Chococo Show someone you care by sending this luxurious hot choc hamper from Chococo, featuring the brand’s Great Taste award-winning chocolate flakes, vegan marshmallows and a ‘hug mug’ 8. Botanic Garden ginkgo tree scarf, £65, Curating Cambridge This stunning silk mix scarf takes inspiration from Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s ginkgo biloba (or maidenhair) trees
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Culture Club NATURAL SELECTION
Work by Takahashi McGil, who exhibits alongside other artists at Cambridge Contemporary Art this March
HIGHLIGHTS breaking the mould AN INTERVIEW WITH A COMIC PROVOCATEUR, A LOOK AHEAD TO UPCOMING FESTIVALS AND MUCH MORE
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CULTURE CLUB Arts & Culture THE MUST-SEE EVENTS AROUND CAMBRIDGE THIS MONTH
LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY HIGHLIGHTS
29 Mar
This month at the Corn Exchange, don’t miss Henning Wehn’s latest show, It’ll All Come Out in the Wash , on 26 March. The self-declared “German comedy ambassador to the UK” gives us his spin on the pandemic, with tips on how to clean up the ensuing mess. On 31 March, meanwhile, Bafta-winning stand-up Dylan Moran takes the mic with We Got This , to address the everyday absurdities of modern life – from nightmare neighbours to banal breakfasts and fruit fixations. At the Junction you’re spoilt for choice, with a dazzling line-up of some of this country’s hottest talent. Catch Catherine Bohart in This Isn’t for You on 15 March, as she shares what it’s like to live through unprecedented times as a serial planner, or get tickets to see the award-winning comic Matt Richardson on 19 March for Imposter , which was highly acclaimed at the Edinburgh Fringe. For audience participation at its very best, check out Andy Zaltzman’s Satirist for Hire , on 26 March. The host of Radio 4’s The News Quiz and popular podcast The Bugle invites his audience to submit
15 Mar
There’s good news for local laughter addicts, as Custard Comedy gradually resumes a regular live schedule after months of disruption. The latest show will be held at Impington Village College on 25 March, with Rich Wilson as the headline act, followed by Eric Rushton and Pauline Eyre. Wilson has sold out shows at the Fringe, Melbourne Comedy Festival and New Zealand Comedy Festival, and written for BBC Three, Sky Arts and Channel 4. Rushton is one to watch, having won the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year award in 2020, following in the footsteps of Romesh Ranganathan, Jason Manford and Johnny Vegas. Last, but not least, Pauline Eyre offers a humorous portrayal of middle-aged life, with natural warmth that is guaranteed to please.
their whims, worries and woes before the show, to be satirised on the night. Finally, on 29 March, join Nathan Caton for Let’s Talk About Vex , where he tackles topics ranging from race and politics to scented candles and love in lockdown. The ADC’s programme for March sees budding stand-ups rubbing shoulders with seasoned pros as the Footlights Spring Revue returns from 1 to 5 March, followed by a rip- roaring performance by one of Britain’s best impressionists, Luke Kempner, in Macho Macho Man on 20 March. Luke’s videos have amassed over ten million views online and he is part of the current Spitting Image cast, providing the voices of Piers Morgan, Harry Kane, Joe Wicks and Gary Lineker.
BRACING Nathan Caton (above) takes on the zeitgeist, while Catherine Bohart (left) balances light with dark
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT March’s top theatre picks Cambridge Arts Theatre from 14 to 19 March. Adapted by Simon Reade and directed by Elle While, the production channels all the emotions of the original novel as we join Private Tommo Peaceful in the trenches of World War I. The play delves deep into cherished memories from Tommo and his brother’s past, unearthing a heartbreaking tale of love and loyalty at all costs. From 8 to 12 March, don’t miss the Marlowe Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning book Private Peaceful will be brought to life at Society’s adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing at the ADC, starring an all-BME cast. The play follows two polar-opposite couples who become entwined in a chaotic world of romance, betrayal and dishonour. Fizzing with music, dance and celebration throughout, this is early romantic comedy at its finest. Also at the ADC this month, from 16 to 26 March, musical lovers are in for a treat with Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club’s performance of Singin’ in the Rain . For the uninitiated, it’s set at the dawn of the ‘talkies’, threatening squeaky-voiced Lina Lamont’s career. The studio’s fate lies in the hands of aspiring actress Kathy Selden, but when love gets in the way, things become complicated. For a musical twist on classic Greek myth, secure your tickets to Medea the Musical at the Town and Gown from 7 to 10 March. You’ll be transported to a courtroom, where four souls face trial – and you are the jury. Hear their testimonies via rock renditions of how things went down, then decide who you believe.
DRAMA Don’t miss versions of Private Peaceful and Singin’ in the Rain this month
DIVINE INSPIRATION The fortress-like Ely Cathedral is a space that promotes enlightening encounters and opportunities for reflection and inspiration – not just of a divine nature! On 1 March, hear bestselling author and comedian Ruby Wax talk about her new book, And Now for the Good News . She shares stories of those working to eradicate loneliness, improve employee happiness and support children with learning difficulties. By compiling the insight gained from these conversations, Ruby lays out practical steps to achieving an improved sense of wellbeing. On 18 March, Aled Jones returns to his choirboy roots with the 2022 Cathedral Tour , promising a riveting repertoire of music and stories. From 9 to 28 March, the Cathedral will play host to A Special Place , an exhibition designed to evoke feelings of comfort and happiness through tactile works by the Five textile group. The collection will include pieces from handmade felt and goldwork to mixed media and quilting, that draw inspiration from local gardens and faraway places. elycathedral.org ELY CATHEDRAL 1 Mar
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Messianic
Too hot to Handel ALEX FICE TAKES A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES OF CAMBRIDGE HANDEL OPERA COMPANY’S NEXT BIG SHOW Cambridge Handel Opera Company (CHOC) has made quite a name for itself over the past few years. Rising like a phoenix from the ashes of its predecessor (Cambridge Handel Opera Group), the organisation won immediate acclaim with a production of Rodelinda , and was shortlisted for the 2021 Gramophone Award for its performance and CD of Eccles’ Semele with the Academy of Ancient Music. This year, it has been busy preparing for its next big stage production, Handel’s Tamerlano . Running from 5 to 9 April at The Leys Great Hall, opera aficionados will be eagerly awaiting this intense exploration of conflicted loyalty, status, family bonds and thwarted passion. But where do the group start when it comes to creating an operatic epic? “It’s a bit like a game of multidimensional chess, because there are so many aspects to it,” says artistic director Julian Perkins. “As well as rehearsing the music, you have to cast and book the singers ahead of time, organise the orchestra – and find a stage director with whom you share a common vision. “You then have to put together a production team, which includes a stage manager, deputy stage manager, lighting and costume designers,” he continues. “All those elements need to come together as a cohesive whole. You have to make sure everything is in place; if there’s no plan, it will fall apart like a house of cards!” It takes a highly skilled and dedicated team to make it work, and CHOC is certainly a
CHOC’s educational ethos runs deep, propagated by a rich programme of endeavours with local and global reach. As well as providing experience to students in higher education, CHOC offers workshops on baroque music with local schools. For those interested in the scholarship surrounding Handel, there is a chance to attend an in-depth discussion on the work performed, on the last Saturday of its run. Finally, a new didactic initiative started during the pandemic provides opportunities to learn more about the world of opera, accessible to a broader audience than ever before. “We call it Handel’s Green Room, which is an online series of discussions between myself and various other creatives. It’s chaired by Dr Ruth Smith, a very esteemed Handel scholar who lives in Cambridge,” explains Julian. “We had people watching from Australia, the United States and even Japan!” The success of these talks demonstrates that opera continues to engage and inspire people across the globe, despite most classic works being written centuries ago. When asked why this might be the case, Julian had a simple answer: “The emotions are as true now as they were then, and it helps us see how human beings have faced the same feelings throughout time. For me, an opera is like a roller coaster of emotions, and seeing how that comes together with the staging and music is truly empowering.” There will be a new series of Handel’s Green Room in the run up to Tamerlano ’s opening, including an interview on 2 March with famed countertenors James Laing and Lawrence Zazzo, who talk about their preparations for this outstanding piece of work. Book tickets for Tamerlano now, at cambridgelive.org.uk
hotbed of talent. This is especially true of its performers, comprised of professional singers and instrumentalists, as well as students from music colleges and the University of Cambridge. “We have experienced singers like James Laing and Christopher Turner working alongside young pros at the start of their careers,” says Julian. “This is a really powerful combination, because energy is generated between the two. Sparks fly – in a good way!” This approach is followed in the orchestra, too, where leading period instrumentalists from Julian’s group Sounds Baroque are placed strategically throughout the orchestra to support the students. “We hope it’s a useful experience for our advanced student performers to take part in a fully professional production. We try to provide insight into the music and drama, and give them an idea of how productions work in the professional world.”
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6 Mar
LIVE MUSIC
GETYOUR GIG ON CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE
KIRI PRITCHARD- MCLEAN 6 APRIL, 7.30PM, CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION, £17 Returning with brand-new tour Home Truths , Kiri talks about her lockdown struggles, wrestling with Welsh and white supremacy.
On 4 March, relive cult classics with The Best of Bowie , a show brought to you by the artist’s former producer and bassist Tony Visconti and drummer Woody Woodmansey (one of the original Spiders fromMars). Chart-topping Tom Odell returns on 6 March, ramping up excitement for upcoming album Monsters , which draws on his personal experiences with mental health issues. Expect big tunes and a preview of the album’s sound, melding profound lyrics with electronica. Tangerine Dream take to the stage on 12 March, following the release of their most recent studio album in 2021. Described by The Guardian as “pioneers of electronic music”, they have had many guises over 55 years, with more than 20 past members – yet, their dedication has remained constant. The band ends every show with a real-time composition, demonstrating the Cambridge-based singer-songwriter Yvonne Hercules brings a mix of blues, rock and soul to the Junction on 13 March. The emerging artist packs a punch with thought-provoking lyrics and mesmerising visual concepts, inspired by art and film. For fans of folk, on 16 March Scottish band Breabach will share a taste of Highland and island tradition through their music, infused with modern innovations inspired by their Glaswegian roots. New York rock band Sunflower Bean perform at the Junction on 30 March: it’s been four years since their last album Twentytwo in Blue , a period punctuated by the release of 2019’s King of the Dudes EP, which left fans wanting more. Lead singer Julia Cumming dazzles live, with soaring vocals that match nostalgia-inducing instrumentals provided by bandmates Jake Faber and Nick Kivlen. audacity of this groundbreaking group. CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION
RUSSELL KANE 4 NOVEMBER, 8PM, CAMBRIDGE CORN
EXCHANGE, £28 Don’t miss The Essex
Variant! , the latest live tour from cheeky chappie Russell Kane. Symptoms include side stitches and incurable laughter – this is one variant you won’t want to avoid.
DARA Ó BRIAIN 19-20 NOVEMBER, 8PM, CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE, £25 The comedy legend regrets wishing for a break after his last mammoth tour finished in March 2020. He’s back with So, WhereWereWe? for the encore we’ve all been anticipating.
30 Mar
SING THEIR PRAISES CHOC artistic director Julian Perkins (top and left) will bring Tamerlano to life with a huge creative team; the group won widespread acclaim for its production of Rodelinda (above)
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ART ATTACK
PAINT THE TOWN There’s an abundance of awe-inspiring works to be discovered this March. Head to Cambridge Contemporary Art (opposite Gonville & Caius College on Trinity Street), to find handmade prints by Melvyn Evans and Ray Sheldon, ceramics by Katharina Klug, wooden sculptures by Takahashi McGil and Jane Crisp, and bronze sculptures by Alice-Andrea Ewing – all on display until 19 March. Down the road on King’s Parade, pop into Byard Art for Exhibition of Prints, 2022 , which runs until 13 March. On Green
Street, Extraordinary Objects is commemorating women’s history month with the launch of Salute on 25 March – an all-female display which boasts limited edition and original works by local artists and big names like Bridget Riley, Jenny Holzer and Tracey Emin. For something different, head to All Saints’ Church on Jesus Lane between 17 and 26 March for Fabulation . It features four artists with a connection to Cambridge, who have made pieces inspired by the Victorian church’s elaborately decorated, medieval-style interiors.
OLD AND NEW (Clockwise from top) Boat Form Ochre by Melvyn Evans; Sheridan Power by Maria Rivans; painting of St Radegund
Don’t Miss! EXTRAORDINARY FEATS AND STUNNING ILLUSIONS ABOUND IN THESE SPECTACULAR SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
FIREDANCE 3 March, 7.30pm, Cambridge Corn Exchange, from £31
MAGICAL BONES: BLACK MAGIC
KATTAM KATTI 22-23 March, 7.30pm, Cambridge Junction, pay what you feel (suggested £12.50) See in the start of spring with a mesmerising performance by Pagrav Dance Company, who will transport you to Gujurat in North India – home to the world-famous kite-flying festival Uttarayan, which marks the shift in seasons.
12 March, 7.30pm, Cambridge Junction, £18 Britain’s Got Talent finalist Magical Bones (aka Richard Essien) is touted as one of the most exciting talents on the magic scene right now, with sold-out debut shows at the Southbank Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe.
Strictly stars Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez turn up the heat and set pulses racing with seductive choreography, Latin rhythms and plenty of pyrotechnics – all to a killer soundtrack of hits like Bad Romance and Sweet Dreams .
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Cambridge Artworks LOCAL TALENT MEET THE COLLECTIVE ACTING AS A CATALYST FOR CREATIVE EXCHANGE AROUND THE CITY
Nestled on a narrow street just off Victoria Road in Cambridge, sits an L-shaped building with a bright blue camper van out the front. Home to artist studios and a cheery gallery space, Cambridge Artworks is a lesser-known gem in the city’s culture scene. Blink and you could miss it, but behind the wooden-clad, brick-strewn facade there is a thriving creative community at work. Originally a builder’s yard belonging to the Kidman firm, the building was transformed in the 90s by a group of ambitious artists who received a grant to repurpose the space for mixed studio use. A total of 18 studios were built out of what were carpenters’ workshops and storage yards, and Artworks opened its doors to Cambridge makers seeking coveted studio space close to the city centre. Today, it is a living, thriving community – coincidentally all women at present – who work side by side and manage the activities of the co-operative, from running public events to caring for the building. “It’s a wonderfully diverse group, and our artists have a wide range of practices,” says Clio Lloyd-Jacob, one of the 18 residents at Cambridge Artworks. “We have ceramicists, painters, printmakers, sculptors, performance artists, filmmakers, photographers... so it’s a really varied and exciting group!” For Clio, the abundance of creative forms under one roof can promote some inspiring interactions. “It’s nice that our artists have an opportunity to participate in an
MAKING SPACE The former carpenters’ workshops are now 18 individual studios, home to as many creators
intellectual and artistic growth. Illumination , its latest programme of events, aims to share this philosophy with the neighbourhood. On the last weekend of each month, Artworks will encourage people to join them for an exchange. In January, locals were invited to create an artwork at home, to swap with someone else’s creation at the gallery. In February, members of the community will have the opportunity to make an object and then walk in silence to St Peter’s Chapel, letting go of something from the past year. This month’s activity centres on the theme of light, and will be held on Friday 25 March, from 6 to 8pm. “We hope people see it as a chance to expand their thinking,” comments Clio. “There are lots of curious people in Cambridge, with nuanced and interesting questions. Just as when Kettle’s Yard asked the question, ‘what can art do?’ when they reopened after a period of restoration, we are using this year to ask, ‘what can Cambridge Artworks do for you?’” Stay tuned for further announcements throughout the year by visiting the Cambridge Artworks website – or following them on Instagram @cambridge.artworks
exchange of ideas, and be challenged by things outside their normal ways of thinking and working.” As well as providing affordable studio space for visual artists – something under threat from the city’s fierce property market – Cambridge Artworks acts as a resource for the local community, delivering workshops such as painting, life drawing and wellbeing classes. And they offer an on-site gallery (nicknamed Artspace) to creatives seeking a venue in which to share work with the public. Each year, Artworks welcomes some of Anglia Ruskin University’s most promising students to come and use Artspace and the quaint blue caravan outside, which provides a novel environment for devising, planning and creating exhibitions. In the past, they have also lent the caravan to people from further afield in their summer residency programme. This helps shake things up at Artworks, introducing fresh perspectives that generate new ideas, techniques and processes in the main studios. All Artworks activities promote the prospect of exchange – between creatives, and around the wider area – that nurtures
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Meet the Artists
Wrapping up
FOOTLIGHTS CLASS OF 2022 The Footlights Spring Revue is a hotly anticipated annual staple on the city’s comic calendar – no surprise given that previous breakout stars from the group include the likes of Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, Rowan Atkinson and Sandi Toksvig. “The show is a celebration of Cambridge comedy,” sums up the Revue director Adam Al-janabi. “It’s filled with routines that emphasise the strength of the 12 Footlights’ comedic writing, and will consist of mostly new sketches co-written by this team of future stars – in addition to a few favourites from the group’s time at Cambridge. Highlights include anthropomorphised furniture, dangerous drivers and a full musical piece on the subject of academic rigour!” Secure tickets now to see the class of 2022 at the ADC Theatre, from 1-5 March. adctheatre.com
CLIO LLOYD-JACOB “I joined Artworks in 2020, employing drawing, painting, print, moving images and performance to uncover and share facets of communal life. I work on the Artspace team, devising ideas and supporting the use of the space.”
24 Mar
SUSAN MEALING “At the moment, I am working with the refugee and asylum-seeking community in Cambridgeshire – and my current practice reflects this work. As treasurer at Cambridge Artworks, I am also responsible for payments and receipts.”
MUSIC TO MY EARS Melodies, motets and merriment return with gusto to Kettle’s Yard this March. “We are thrilled to host concerts once more,” says Deborah Carnwath, Kettle’s Yard music associate. “Kettle’s Yard Music keeps up its reputation for intimate concerts offering sparkling musical variety – from superb chamber groups, to thrilling sopranos and piano soloists.” On 3 March, Maxwell Quartet and clarinettist Anthony Friend will perform a mixture of styles, ranging from Beethoven and Mozart to Scottish folk. On 10 March, don’t miss soprano Gweneth-Ann Rand and pianist Simon Lepper. Sacconi Quartet and pianist Daniel Tong will display a repertoire of Mendelssohn, Schumann and Brahms on 17 March. The month of music concludes on 24 March with pianist Ivana Gavrić, who will play works by Chopin, Tchaikovsky and more. Kettle’s Yard has also launched a series of free lunchtime concerts by University of Cambridge students, entitled Return to Normality , with two performances on 4 and 11 March. kettlesyard.co.uk KETTLE’S YARD
JILL OGILVY “I am a painter and printmaker working in a wide range of media, and also an art therapist. My current role is secretary, which means I advise on any constitutional elements of the organisation.”
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Bombes Away INTERVIEW THE LEGENDARY REGINALD D HUNTER IS LIGHTING UP THE STAGE WITH HIS EXPLOSIVE NEW COMEDY SHOW, BOMBE SHUFFLEUR. MIRIAM BALANESCU FINDS OUT MORE
omedy has a long history of taking on slippery subjects, with comics regularly traipsing onto the right and wrong side of
political debate. One stand-up with plenty of experience in the firing line is Reginald D Hunter – so much so, he’s decided to name his new show after his experience navigating the culture wars. “I consider myself a bomb shuffler on and offstage,” he says. “Onstage, I will be shuffling bombs with some loaded subject matter. Sometimes, I miss or drop one.” Reginald, born in Georgia, relocated to the UK hoping to become an actor, but embarked instead on his comedy career after entering a stand-up competition as a dare. The three-time Perrier Award nominee has since appeared on Live at the Apollo and Have I Got News for You . He has, however, not been immune to controversy – and is known for railing
ROCK AND ROLL TV’s Reginald D Hunter has already graced the Junction in the past month – now you can catch him at The Cresset in Peterborough on 13 April. But be warned, his ever-morphing routine might have a new edge
about cheeseburgers, I’m going to take on Palestine or ginger politics. It’s like a video game. Each level you succeed at makes you want to go to the next.” Expect Bombe Shuffleur to be markedly more dangerous than Reginald’s previous shows: the pandemic has reshaped the landscape of laughter, he asserts. “The last few years, we’ve all had to deal with the concept of invisible, growing global death going around. Since that, I don’t think there’s anything where I can say, ‘that’s too dark’ any more.” Ready to return to Cambridgeshire, Reginald has fond memories of the region. “I remember there being particularly good listeners. When the sound is great and people listen in a particular way, it raises your level of oratory and your game.” Describing the rolling laughter of his audience as “like jazz”, Reginald warns his first performance of Bombe Shuffleur may be different to his final gig. His material tends to shapeshift, depending upon experiences on the road. If you caught him at the Cambridge Junction, be prepared for a revolutionised version of the set in Peterborough, where he will be performing at The Cresset on 13 April.
I have some idea of what I think and feel about a subject,” he says of his first tour since the pandemic. “There’s such a newness to how the world is shifting politically, financially and sociopolitically, that it’s hard to know what you think and feel about something in order to write about it. You can go on stage and say: ‘Social media, I don’t know yet. LGBTQ: I
don’t know yet. I don’t know!’ But it wouldn’t be very funny. Because of this tour, I’m just now replugging into the world.” Famous for his unbridled takes on
against topics some would rather avoid. “Stand-up comedy is in a transitional period. What we’re becoming is not entirely clear yet,” Reginald suggests. “Comedians are aware more than ever that something you say or said several years ago can injure your
I’M JUST REPLUGGING INTO THE WORLD
contemporary culture, Reginald will make no exceptions with Bombe Shuffleur . The show promises laughs juiced from the spectrum of doomsday topics of today: climate change, mass unemployment, the rise of fascism and (unsurprisingly) pandemics. “I go from the things I enjoy saying, not just emotionally, but physically – what words do my lips most enjoy wrapping around? Then I get bolder and more curious. I think: I made everybody laugh
career. It’s made them a little reticent and toothless. Once the world settles and the new rules gel, comics will get our swing, our grooves and our balls back. But right now, a lot are struggling to maintain income and their balls.” Lockdown, a period of reflection for many, was a chance for Reginald to catch his breath. “I tend to write best when
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thought Food for
OFFERING TALKS, WORKSHOPS AND MORE, THE UNIVERSITY-ORGANISED CAMBRIDGE FESTIVAL IS BACK, WITH MORE THAN 350 FREE EVENTS
WORDS BY ALEX FICE
he Cambridge Festival is back for its second year, offering an enthralling programme of free and fascinating events including lectures,
workshops, installations and outdoor trails. Running between 31 March and 10 April, it replaces the hugely popular Cambridge Science Festival and Cambridge Festival of Ideas, aiming to offer an interdisciplinary extravaganza which shows off to the public the university’s pioneering research. This year sees a line-up of 350 events, covering four key strands: society, health, environment and discovery, offering insights from experts and prominent figures on some of the most pressing issues of the day. Though in its second year, the 2022 Cambridge Festival will be its first showcase of in-person events, following last year’s virtual offering, which took place amid a national lockdown. “We are absolutely delighted to be back in person this year, with a programme that covers the full spectrum of what it means to be human in the 21st century,” comments David Cain, Cambridge Festival manager. “We’re also excited to be able to present a festival that combines both our new online format, as well as the chance to meet researchers in person again.” The hybrid presentation aims to make the events accessible to a wider audience than ever before. “We’re really aware that, by being digital last year, we enabled lots of people to come to the festival who wouldn’t INSIGHTS FROM EXPERTS ON SOME OF THE MOST PRESSING ISSUES OF THE DAY
31 MAR - 10 APR
particularly excited about is a life-size installation called Deception Island Hut , which will transport visitors to the tumultuous and volcanic Antarctic Ocean, immersing them in a unique expedition guided by poetry, sound and film. The attraction aims to inspire visitors to consider Cambridge’s role as a hub for international research and discovery while establishing a link with Antarctica – the only continent the Cambridge Festival failed to reach with last year’s programme. Over the weekend of 2-3 April, families will be encouraged to take part in fun activities, from creating an ‘Imaginarium’ that inspires children to think about how they want the world to be in the future, to following an escape-room-style trail. This is created by the Gurdon Institute, where researchers stationed in key spots around the city will answer each set of clues. David’s list of not-to-miss experiences includes a discussion between author Jeanette Winterson and university librarian Jessica Gardner on 1 April. Join them to delve into Jeanette’s latest book, 12 Bytes , and look at the role of women in the development of AI. He also highly recommends the manga drawing workshops taking place at the library on 5 and 7 April, aimed at young people and families. Festival booking is now open, with the full programme and descriptions of each event available on the website. festival.cam.ac.uk
normally be able to, and we don’t want to suddenly shut the door and exclude them again,” says David. “We’re really keen that we keep including people who haven’t been able to take part before.” At the same time, David is eager to promote in-person interaction, and hopes the festival will provide plenty of opportunities for the local community to gather and partake in a collective sharing of ideas after a two-year hiatus. In order to entice people off their sofas and out of their homes, this year’s programme is packed with imaginative offerings to get locals engaging with the city once more. One concept that the Cambridge Festival organisers are STARTING EARLY Cambridge Festival has plenty on offer for younger minds, with activities ideal for getting them engaged with important topics
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STREET STYLE
Cambridge PHOTOGRAPHER MARK BOX SHARES SOME OF HIS FAVOURITE PORTRAITS FROM THE STREETS OF CAMBRIDGE THIS MONTH – CAN YOU SPOT ANYONE YOU KNOW?
Say hello to the girl with the dragon earring, also known as Natalie, also known as @play.it.loud . I was blown away by the red trousers, scarf and faux black crocodile skin jacket. What a combination to reflect this bold Human’s personality!
Humans of Cambridge is an Instagram photoblog by local photographer Mark Box. It began as a ABOUT THE PROJECT lockdown project and has turned into a sensation, featuring an ever-growing number of Cambridge’s colourful characters on the @humanofcambridge grid. Mark is out most days snapping, and can usually be found in the Market Square, on King’s Parade, Burrell’s Walk and Garret Hostel Bridge – your best bet for being papped is to head out around lunchtime wearing something suitably eye-catching!
Sink or swim? Say hello to ‘Jill from HR’ aka @alexaplaycher, aka Main Hun, a crochet addict and jewellery fanatic
22 MARCH 2022 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
STREET STYLE
I met this lovely duo when mooching around the Market Square. Lucie, a barber, and Woody, a motorcyclist, both had unique looks – from her vibrant red top and tattoos, to his awesome beard (not biased in the slightest!)
Meet Borey Tauch, aka @mr.tauch, a fashion designer from Cambridge. Borey is the other half of @alexaplaycher. Go check out their Insta accounts and see all the awesome things they make!
When you’re just going about your daily lunchtime routine, and you get stopped for looking so darn cool in your Lucy & Yaks!
I used to work with @alicetobybrant at the University Library – and she’s just as colourful a character on the street as she was in the office. She wears a ring that reads ‘Fight Dirty’ in Braille! How cool is that?
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ADVERT I SEMENT FEATURE
MYSTERY SHOPPING AWARDS 2021 Five businesses have been given full marks at the annual awards evening, in recognition of the best customer service in Cambridge
he results are in: at the end of January, Cambridge BID’s eighth annual Mystery Shopping Awards unveiled the five businesses who trumped all, winning for their unwaveringly excellent customer service. WHAT ARE THE MYSTERY SHOPPING AWARDS? Granted annually, the Mystery Shopping Awards aim to spotlight Cambridge businesses that go above and beyond for customers. This year’s competition was judged by independent market research company Storecheckers, who assessed a variety of businesses on their level of service. The criteria included selling skills, staff attitude, store standards, welcome and goodbye, local knowledge, product knowledge and appearance. With staff unaware of who the mystery shopper may be, overall friendliness and a positive attitude would skyrocket their points. The first round of the Mystery Shop programme took place in June 2021, with the second in October, meaning winning companies were consistently outstanding through the year. WINNERS REVEALED The annual awards evening was held at the Cambridge Union Society, with representatives of the businesses that participated in the 2021 Mystery Shop programme filling up the debating chamber. La Raza, Novi, Gonville and Caius Conference Office, Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery and the Cambridge BID Ambassador team were the five businesses who achieved top marks across both mystery shopper visits, praised for their exemplary start-to-finish service. THE RESULTS “I’m pleased to say Cambridge was once again among the UK’s top-performing centres for customer experience and service. Mystery shopping average scores for 2021 were at their highest level in five years,” stated Jeff Caplan, managing director of Storecheckers. “A stand-out was that average scores were higher than in 2019, even though evidence showed the same number of staff within businesses were having to serve 25% more shoppers. An average of 5.8 customers were present for visits in 2021 compared to 4.7 in 2019.”
Research conducted by Cambridge BID in 2021 found that 91% of respondents said they would return to a local business if they experienced good service. The Mystery Shop programme entails feedback sessions and training videos, motivating businesses to push standards further. More than 140 businesses took part in 2021’s programme. “Customer service plays a vital role in helping high street stores compete with online shopping,” explains Ian Sandison, CEO of Cambridge BID. “I am delighted to see that businesses here in Cambridge continue to deliver such high standards of customer service, providing a positive experience for shoppers and visitors.” SIGN UP NOW If you would like to get involved in the 2022 Mystery Shop programme, head to the website for further information: cambridgebid.co.uk FLAWLESS Representatives from Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery, La Raza, the Gonville & Caius Conference Office and the Cambridge BID Ambassador Team collect their Awards from Ian Sandison, Cambridge BID, and Mayor Cllr Russ McPherson
BEST OVERALL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE 2021 Late Night Venue: La Raza and Novi, joint winners Restaurant: La Raza Cafe: Fitzbillies (Trumpington Street) Independent Business – Fashion & Beauty: Boudoir Femme and Laird Hatters, joint winners Independent Business – Other: Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery National Business – Fashion: Gant National Business – Shoes & Accessories: Kurt Geiger National Business – Other: Molton Brown Professional Business – Open Door: Metro Bank Professional Business – Other: Gonville & Caius Conference Office Leisure / Attraction: Cambridge BID Ambassador Team Market Traders: Il Molino UK and Hallouman, joint winners Overnight Accommodation:
Regent by Citystay University B&B: Gonville & Caius College
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SAFFRON WALDEN
GLASSWELLS Head to King Street to peruse Glasswells’ fabulous selection of furniture, beds and flooring. For a sleek, coordinated look, check out the range of carefully curated bedroom collections. You’ll be sure to find something reflecting your personal style! Designer tip: This spring, Glasswells recommends replacing tired carpets with its Luxury Vinyl Tiles – offering the individuality of natural wood, marble and stone, while being easier to care for and more hard-wearing. glasswells.co.uk GODDARDS SAFFRON WALDEN From energy-efficient washing machines to state-of-the-art TVs, quality electricals can make all the difference at home. Goddards Saffron Walden offers a huge range of kitchen appliances, home laundry, cookers, fridges and home entertainment from leading brands. At the showroom on Saffron Walden’s High Street, you’ll also find log-burning, gas and electrical stoves. Designer tip: “For a quick, inexpensive kitchen refresh, colour-coordinate all your small, day-to-day home appliances,” says Bruce Goddard. “And our Everhot electric range cookers and stoves are kitchen photograph superstars! A new fireplace or surround with realistic flame electric fire will transform a room, or install one of our EcoDesign 2022 compliant wood or multi-fuel burning stoves, for the warmth and look of a real fire.” goddardselectrical.co.uk GODDARDS INTERIORS Goddards Interiors has been kitting out Saffron Walden homes with high-quality, stylish kitchens for 40 years. Recognising that each client has their own individual tastes, Goddards Interiors provides a wide range of products and accessories, working closely with customers. Head to the showroom just off Hill Street for a glimpse of how your future kitchen could look! goddardsinteriors.co.uk
Spruce-up FOR SPRING FANCY SOME RETAIL THERAPY? FROM ANGELA REED TO LOTTIE MUTTON, THERE ARE PLENTY OF HIDDEN GEMS TO BE DISCOVERED IN SAFFRON WALDEN HOME IMPROVEMENT
WORDS BY ALEX FICE
SUSIE WATSON DESIGNS Inspired by the concept of ‘art in the everyday’, Susie Watson Designs offers delightful, handmade fabrics and furnishings that bring joy and elegance to any living space. Take inspiration from the Saffron Walden showroom on Market Row, featuring stunning designs for your living room and bedroom, and have a chat with a member of the team over a coffee to plan the home interiors of your dreams! Designer tip: “The first thing to consider when decorating any room is the focal point,” says Camilla Kiddie, interior designer & showroommanager. “Sometimes it can be a window or a fireplace, but in sitting rooms it is very often the sofa. Adding the right mix of throws and cushions – layering colours, patterns and textures – can totally transform a room.” susiewatsondesigns.co.uk
SAFFRON WALDEN BLINDS AND CURTAINS Windows provide a focal feature in each room of the house – so deserve to be dressed the part! Make a maximalist statement with a bold pair of patterned curtains, or add a pop of colour and geometry with sleek blinds. Whatever you’re after, Saffron Walden Blinds and Curtains offers an extensive range of window furnishings to jazz things up a little. saffronwaldenblinds.com
EXPRESSIONS GALLERY
If you don’t fancy the hassle of redecorating, look instead to enhance your surroundings with a striking centrepiece or eye-catching artwork. Local picture framer Expressions Gallery is home to a charming collection of art, bronzes and glassware that can add a touch of personality to any space in need of a revamp. expressionsgallery.co.uk
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CULTURE CLUB
Book Club CAMBRIDGE EDITION DEEPLY PERSONAL AND BEAUTIFULLY RENDERED, THESE PAGE-TURNERS ARE SURE TO LEAVE YOU WANTING MORE
WORDS BY CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS
This exquisite debut tells the story of star chorister William Lavery as he makes his way in the world, having followed in his late father’s footsteps and joined the family business as an embalmer, graduating his course with top marks. During celebrations with his classmates, the call goes out for help: it is October 1966, and news has broken of the tragic landslide smothering the small mining village of Aberfan. An ever- mounting death toll means there is an urgent need for embalmers to help with the bodies of the young children killed. Newly graduated William immediately offers his service, and is forever altered by what he experiences in Wales – both by the scale of the loss, and the raw humanity of those left behind. The rest of the story sees William’s tale unfold further: his past as a young chorister at a Cambridge college chapel, his close relationship with his widowed mother – who is desperate for him to pursue a career in music and not join the family undertakers – and the intense friendship with fellow chorister Martin. All of these are perfectly true-to-life in complexity, but it is in the quiet moments that this book truly soars. The fine detail with which the horrors of the Aberfan tragedy are rendered, making them even more heartbreaking; the gentle, domestic scenes of William and his landlord’s daughter Gloria having cocoa together. These all reinforce the TEACHER TEACHER Jo Browning Wroe is now a creative writing supervisor at Lucy Cavendish College ATerrible Kindness BY JO BROWNING WROE
love and connections that support this man through the lifelong impact of the trauma he experiences in Wales, and the loss of his father at such a young age. Cambridge is perfectly depicted, as you would hope from an author who lives in our city. The classics are all present: The Copper Kettle hosts William and his mother’s catch-ups, and Fitzbillies buns feature throughout, as do the timeless and strangely sentient college chapels – but there are also nods for insiders. Mill Road is perfectly described as the ‘guts’ of Cambridge; the low wall outside King’s is a place to stop and rest; the ‘thwock’ of tennis balls on the courts by the river on Jesus Green a transportive sound. Even the title plainly lays out the two-sided nature of life. That it’s possible to both hate and love someone in the same moment – to never want to see them again, yet also desire to see no one else. It shows that in the midst of heart-wrenching sorrow, there can be shimmering moments of hope, and that the only way to know true love is to bravely face the terrifying prospect of losing it. We might never know the
people whose lives we affect – we can only try to do the right thing, with kindness. A heart-stopping must-read that will see you looking up times for Evensong, or at the very least, putting some choral music on your playlist.
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CULTURE CLUB
On The Bookshelf THE GIRL WITH THE LOUDING VOICE BY ABI DARÉ This word-of-mouth hit debut follows 14-year-old Adunni as she navigates life in Nigeria. Considered property and sold into a marriage to a much older man, a series of events unfold which see her fall into life as a domestic servant. Yet, she is still determined to get educated and have her own “louding” voice. The language in this book is fantastic: writer Abi Daré plays with nouns and tenses to create a totally unique voice for her protagonist, which develops as her education takes place. HANDS BY LAUREN BROWN Lauren’s life story and her struggles with dermatillomania – skin picking – are told in a free-flowing, confident voice that leads readers from subject to subject, as swiftly as thoughts can shift when wrestling with anxiety. She traces the source of her struggles and mental health challenges through her past, recounting family holidays, work situations and making numerous pop culture references that will resonate strongly with older millennials. DEATH ON THE TRANS-SIBERIAN EXPRESS BY C J FARRINGTON Railway worker Olga Pushkin dreams of studying literature and becoming a writer, yet it seems unlikely that she’ll escape the provincial town of Roslazny in deepest, coldest Russia. That is, until the body of a murdered American student is pushed off the passing Trans-Siberian Express – Olga resolves to investigate the mystery. There’s even a pet hedgehog called Dmitri.
SEA OF TRANQUILITY BY EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL
This new novel from the writer of Station Eleven and The Glass Hotel opens in 1912, with 18-year-old Edwin St. Andrew on a journey across the Atlantic. The third (and therefore surplus) son of an earl, his travels have been forced upon him after embarrassing his family. He slowly makes stumbling headway across the continent, hampered by inertia and lack of experience; falling in and out of company with similarly privileged, adrift gentlemen – and he seems destined for a life along these lines. That is until he travels to Vancouver Island, and the tiny rural town of Caiette. There, he stumbles into the forest, bumps into a curious priest, and experiences a reality-shattering moment which he can only describe as supernatural. The book jumps forward to 2020, and then quickly onwards to 2203, where an author (who lives on the Moon) is
beginning a book tour in New York for a novel about a pandemic – to say much more would give the game away! Yes, one aspect of the novel is about pandemics, but the outbreaks are reflected upon from a distance. It’s mainly a novel about love, connection and family ties – packed with glorious detail that creates believable existences hundreds of years in the future, on different planets to our own. The author’s ability to build worlds should be no surprise to anyone familiar with her previous works: her futures are perfectly imaginable, precisely because of the humanity contained within them, and the messy, meaningful relationships work in 1912 or 2203. Her masterfully plotted and interwoven stories lock into place with a thud, tying up loose ends you didn’t even realise had come undone. A superb read from one of the best writers of today.
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