Now that spring is in full swing, our latest issue gives you a head start on all that’s fresh this month. Inside you will find fun family days out, the best brunch spots in the city, and a spotlight on Saffron Walden. Pick up a copy around Cambridge or have a read online here.
YOUR MONTHLY FIX OF
LOCAL LIFE
APRIL 2024
Tickets to Suffolk’s Red Rooster Festival! WIN!
FROM FAMILY DAYS OUT TO FOODIE HAPPENINGS, APRIL WILL SHOWER YOU WITH THE JOYS OF SPRING blue sky thinking
SAVOUR & SIP Cambridge’s best brunch spots revealed
CO-WORKING The city’s hottest spaces for flexible working
EDUCATION How STEM is shaking up the local curriculum
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WELCOME
Waxing lyrical
April, dressed in all his trim, Hath put a spirit of youth in everything”
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. Sara Ford, Charlotte Griffiths, Charlotte Phillips, Kirstie Smith, Anna Taylor, Angelina Villa-Clarke, Abi Weeds & Elisha Young DESIGN & PRODUCTION Magazine manager Lucy Woolcomb Junior designer Hedzlynn Kamaruzzaman Ad production Holly May MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck EDITORIAL Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 | nicolafoley@bright.uk.com Editor Phoebe Harper 01223 492249 | phoebeharper@bright.uk.com Editorial director Roger Payne Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editor Minhaj Zia Junior sub editor Molly Constanti ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 01223 499457 | samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 | mariafrancis@bright.uk.com Senior sales executive Claire Cornish 01223 499453 | clairecornish@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Alex Babouris, Miriam Balanescu, Mark Box,
William Shakespeare, Sonnet 98
As a new month dawns, April will make a fool of us all with its tantalising glimpses of warmer days interspersed with bouts of rain. Nevertheless, we’re full of the joys of spring and pleased to bring you another month’s bounty of local highlights to explore and enjoy. To shake off the slumbers of winter and embrace springtime rejuvenation, start by updating your skincare routine with the hero products that deliver the hydration this new season requires on page 60. Or take a moment to connect to your body with a deep stretch – it’s an ideal time to pause this National Stress Awareness Month. Find out how on page 63. Elsewhere, we dive into the benefits of having a good old spring clean, and step into the magical garden space of local author Ova Ceren. If you’re planning a day trip, look to Saffron Walden as we foreground the delights found in this scenic town. Fuel your foodie desires with a new recipe and fill your calendars with exciting dates for the diary, including Cambridge Fringe Festival this spring bank holiday and Cambridge Literary Festival. This month’s cover foregrounds the Fitz – a local icon and regular feature in the pages of this magazine. Pass through its threshold and you enter a haven for imagination and possibility; a showcase for the creativity, community and opportunity that best defines Cambridge. We hope this issue will do the same.
EDITOR
FIND US @CAMBSEDITION | CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
Contents
92
49 CO-WORKING SPACES 55 SAFFRON WALDEN 60 BEAUTY 63 A STRETCH FOR SPRING 67 EDUCATION 82 SPRING CLEANING 85 INTERIORS 92 IN MY SPACE 95 SUPPORT THE INDIES 98 GARDENS
04 STARTERS 07 CULTURE CLUB 21 ON THE SCENE 24 BOOK CLUB 27 COMPETITION 28 HUMANS OF CAMBRIDGE 30 TRUE STORIES 36 FOOD NEWS 40 BEST OF THE BRUNCH 43 ELISHA EATS
Illustration by Holly May , inspired by a photo from @danieljtmckay on Instagram
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LOCAL LIFE
STARTERS
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04 APRIL 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
LOCAL LIFE
April
This month’s must-haves from local indies WISH LIST
1. Canvas bag, £55, Ark A day out, weekend away, trip to the beach or dash to the supermarket, this oversized bag will hold all your essentials 2. Nulima white shirt, £60, Iris & Violet With pretty puff sleeves and a delicate broderie collar, this could be the perfect blouse for spring 3. Silk & velvet eye mask with lavender, £65, Pure Source A nighttime indulgence, savour some good sleep with this luxurious eye mask filled with relaxing lavender 4. Savona lantern, £23.95, Angela Reed We might be getting ahead of ourselves, but this stunning lantern is the ideal companion for evenings spent outdoors 5. Savon bars, £3.95, Ark For soft hands with a beautiful scent, you can’t go wrong with natural French soap from Savon de Marseille 6. Morris & Co.’s seaweed tin plate, £7, Curating Cambridge Available in a range of different designs, these gorgeous plates are simply perfect for picnicking! 7. Studio Adorn loopy hoop earrings, £74, Kettle’s Yard For understated accessorising, these simple but eye-catching beauties are handmade in Norwich using eco-recycled silver
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Culture Club
SHARP WIT 80s icon Helen Lederer leads Aperitivo Hour at Cambridge Literary Festival on 21 April. Read more on page 17
SIMPLY THE ZEST
laugh a minute LEGENDS OF LITERATURE, FANTASTIC FESTIVALS AND A CELEBRATION OF THE CAMBRIDGE COMEDY SCENE
© TONY WOOLLISCROFT
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CULTURE CLUB
The must-see events around Cambridge this month Arts & Culture
16 – 21 Apr
The Junction will be introducing some extra chill to your springtime this April by presenting its new micro-season On Horror . Debunking the idea that Halloween should get all the horror fun, this three-night programme comprising five different shows will dive into the genre in its myriad forms. The series kicks off with Terrifying Women IV: At Large , a selection of short plays from women writing horror theatre which spans three tales simply brimming with chills and suspense. Next, embark on a psychological journey of choreography with Goner , as a piece of theatre that endeavours to establish a Black tradition within the genre. Continuing the dance theme, It Begins in Darkness seeks to confront the haunting emotions that still linger in the wake of slavery and colonialism, before things take a different turn with Monster Show – where the black-and-white horror classic Frankenstein is redubbed in a live performance from a lone creature who reframes the story in a new narrative. Last but not least, don’t miss John Robertson’s The Dark Room , the world’s only live-action, text-based adventure game. If you dare, head to junction.co.uk to find out more and book your tickets today. SPRINGTIME SPOOKS THEATRE
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CULTURE CLUB
COMEDY Fun on the Fringes Set to send waves of laughter across the city this May bank holiday weekend, the Cambridge Fringe Festival returns for another year of killer comedy
Since 2018, Cambridge Fringe has been a staple of the city’s cultural calendar, offering comedians from around the world an opportunity to perform their shows as a warmup to the Edinburgh Fringe. After attending this event, founder of Commoners’ Comedy Club Ali Warwood and a few fellow comedy fans felt inspired to start something similar for Cambridge. “I loved how each show was free, but you could donate at the end depending on what you thought it was worth,” she says. “In my work as a mental health nurse, I’m always dealing with people who are excluded from certain luxuries in life – like paying £40 to go and see a comedian at the Corn Exchange – so this felt like an accessible option.” As an amateur comedian herself, Ali also wanted to give a platform to other local acts. After launching the event with Dan Farmer, the festival’s ‘creative architect’, the Fringe team has expanded this year to include fellow Commoners co-promoter Harriet Wells- Martin (the logistical mind behind the operation) and marketing maestro Claire Lucas to ensure it continues to grow, drawing greater crowds and bigger names from across the comedy circuit. This year, it promises to be a showcase of comedy in myriad genres, including stand- up, sketch shows, musical comedy, improv and family shows too. A COMMUNITY BORN FROM COMEDY This year marks a first in the Fringe’s history, as Commoners is joining forces with another local club, Big Deal Comedy, to stage the event. “It’s so exciting for us both to be coming together and creating a real community out of local comedy,” comments Harriet. “By joining forces for one weekend, we’re no longer competing for acts and audiences but working together under the same umbrella. We’ll go back to being rivals afterwards,” she jokes. For Ali, Cambridge is an obvious ‘comedy city’ thanks to the appetite from its fans. “There’s a culture of comedy here. People are generally quite intelligent, they get the jokes, they’re very polite and don’t heckle maliciously. Cambridge is a dream audience to play!” For 2024, the Fringe events will be staged in more venues than ever before, including the original pubs around Mitcham’s Corner from the event’s early days. In addition to The Portland Arms, The Boathouse and Thirsty, you will also find the Fringe debuting at the Tivoli, Town and Gown, Cambridge Tap and Cambridge Brew House. “We’re slowly taking over the city!” says Harriet. As the event coincides with Cambridge Beer Festival on nearby Midsummer Common, it’s sure to be a belter of a bank holiday weekend. With a diverse line-
up that’s continually evolving (at the time of writing there are in excess of 100 shows across the two days), there’s a wealth of acts to be enjoyed. Ali points to British-Moroccan stand-up comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri as one to watch. “She did an open spot for us several years ago for hardly any money – and now she’s on the telly all the time!” For Harriet, Commoners favourite and Edinburgh Comedy award-winning act Jordan Brookes is bound to be a highlight. Meanwhile, Ali promises to be on standby with a repertoire of songs at the ready in case of any last-minute dropouts. As an event fuelled by the passion of a team of volunteers – all of whom balance it alongside full- time jobs, families and responsibilities – this year, to secure numbers and as a sign of mutual respect between audiences, performers and the organisers behind it all, most events have a £5 ticket price. This is primarily to guarantee a seat in advance, although punters will still be able to turn up to shows with free entry and pay what they feel afterwards. As a not-for- profit organisation, all proceeds then go to the acts themselves, plus the running costs of the festival. “We’re a grassroots event that wants people to get into comedy, be social and enjoy themselves,” adds Ali. “It will be a weekend of absolute joy.” To check out the line-up and book tickets, visit cambridgefringe.co.uk
10 APRIL 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
CULTURE CLUB
Dive into the flourishing folk scene with these three upcoming gigs For folk’s sake
25 – 26 May
DALLAHAN 5 APRIL, STAPLEFORD GRANARY
From music communities in Ireland and Scotland, Dallahan have been making waves on the international scene with their distinct trad sound blending various contemporary influences.
SMOKIN ROSES PRESENTS: FOLK IN THE FOOTLIGHTS 12 APRIL, THE CAMBRIDGE UNION
LAUGH IT UP Fatiha El-Ghorri (above), Travis Jay (left) and Jordan Brookes (far left) are just a few of the names on this talented roster
Combining the illustrious Footlights with the city’s folk scene, this night will showcase three acoustic acts every six weeks. April’s line-up includes Elizabeth and Jameson, Josh Robins and Sean O’Hanrahan.
JOHN SMITH 19 APRIL, STOREY’S FIELD CENTRE, EDDINGTON
Having opened for icons such as John Martyn, Davey Graham, Iron and Wine and Ben Howard, John Smith is known for a ‘transatlantic blend’ of guitar techniques and boasts over 584.9k monthly listeners on Spotify.
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CULTURE CLUB
The collection of one of the UK’s most cherished public art initiatives, Poems on the Underground, has been gifted to Cambridge University Library. In this archive lie exchanges with esteemed literary figures, including Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners like Seamus Heaney and Louise Glück. It also encompasses numerous iconic posters, along with assorted memorabilia, encapsulating the essence of a literary endeavour on the cusp of celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. One particularly moving artefact within the archive is a letter dictated by Philip Larkin in 1985, penned during the waning months of his life. In it, he lamentably expresses his unrealised desire to witness Poems on the Underground posters displayed on the Tube network. Tragically, Larkin passed away in December 1985 before the unveiling of his own poem, The Trees , on Tube carriages in 1986 – the project’s inaugural year. Ever since, the public poetry endeavour has continued to intrigue and delight millions of tourists, commuters and Londoners, inspiring similar initiatives in cities such as Shanghai and New York. “This wonderful archive highlights the whole range of activities sponsored by Poems on the Underground; not just well-known poetry posters in Tube carriages, but readings, concerts and publications,” says John Wells, senior archivist at Cambridge University Library. “Letters from poets are backed up by correspondence by prominent supporters in political and cultural life, such as Michael Foot, Glenda Jackson and Matthew Parris.” As one of the original organisers and writers that brought the project to life, the collection’s submission is a poignant moment for Judith Chernaik. “It is hugely gratifying to know our archive is now housed and catalogued at one of the greatest libraries in the world, fully available to readers and researchers, to everyone interested in public space for the arts, and in poets past and present – the most eloquent and enduring witnesses to their times.” The Poems on the Underground collection has been catalogued and is available for consultation at the Cambridge University Library by anyone interested in seeing it. TAKING POETRY ABOVE GROUND POETRY
BOOKS
A children’s book written by illustration lecturer at ARU, Allan Drummond, has been selected for a prestigious reading list, meaning it will now appear on bookshelves in schools across the US. Inspired by the small town of Kamikatsu in Japan – a location attempting to recycle all of its waste – Zero Waste offers a way for children to connect with key ideas and concepts surrounding environmental responsibility. “Children all over the world are growing up eager to know how they can do their bit to help the planet, and it is encouraging to see the passion young people have for this subject,” says Allan. The fifth book in his Green Power series, Zero Waste continues to highlight real communities around the world championing the transition to clean energy. Previous entries include Green City , which was awarded best STEM book 2017 by the National Science Teaching Association. Zero Waste follows suit, being added to the 2024 NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books list. “I hope my books inspire thousands of children by bringing positive stories from all over the world to their desks.” THE NEW CURRICULUM
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CULTURE CLUB
5 July
Whether you are looking to groove the night away or fancy a good laugh, don’t let these local events pass you by! GET SET FOR SUMMER
BEDFORD SUMMER SESSIONS 5 JULY, BEDFORD PARK
Live Nation and Cuffe & Taylor have unveiled the newest additions to the line-up for the inaugural TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions. The event will feature acts like Groove Armada, Arielle Free and Five Past 5, before headliner DJ Pete Tong – along with Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra – delivers Ibiza Classics. These inclusions complete an amazing summer, with Avril Lavigne, Tom Jones, Jess Glynne and more spanning June and July. Tickets can be found at smmrsessions.com or ticketmaster.co.uk
14 July
JUNGLE CURATES 14 JULY, TOFTE MANOR
For the first time, Brit award-winning duo Jungle will curate a one- day festival with a hand-picked line-up of their favourite artists, DJs and collaborators. Jungle Curates will transform the scenic grounds of Tofte Manor with bespoke production, decor and merchandise, for a day filled with dance music set against the stunning backdrop of the Bedfordshire countryside. The event’s line-up mirrors the duo’s own influential journey, featuring BBC Radio 1 legend Annie Mac alongside eclectic artists such as Ross From Friends, DJ Paulette, Ahadadream, Sofia Kourtesis and Mood Talk, culminating in an intimate celebration of house and electronica. Jungle will then draw Tofte Manor’s summer series to an unforgettable close with a rare DJ set. Tickets are available at labyrinthevents.com
BEST OF THE FESTS From pop sensations to a comedy cavalcade, these summer celebrations are selling out quickly – get booking now
CAMBRIDGE COMEDY GARDEN 17-21 JULY, PARKER’S PIECE
The inaugural Cambridge Comedy Garden promises top-tier stand-up in a vibrant big top, accompanied by craft beer, street food and much more. Headlining this stellar line-up are comedy icons Harry Hill, Josh Widdicombe, Sara Pascoe, Dara Ó Briain, Fern Brady and the legendary Dylan Moran. Punters can also enjoy the likes of stand-up virtuoso Simon Amstell, German comic Henning Wehn and the brilliant Sindhu Vee, alongside a host of fantastic acts from established names to rising stars. This exciting venture marks the latest creation from the sibling duo behind a series of critically acclaimed comedy festivals staged across the UK annually, ensuring Cambridge – and comedy enthusiasts everywhere – a truly unforgettable experience. With day tickets just £25 each, find out more at cambridgecomedygarden.co.uk
17 – 21 July
THE WILD MEADOWS 5-12 AUGUST, NEAR HUNTINGDON
Brought to you by The Secret Garden Party (SGP) and set within the same scenic grounds, The Wild Meadows offers the chance to escape the daily grind and connect with your wild side. Campers can stay for up to seven nights immersed in beautiful woodland – with family-friendly entertainment and music throughout. Find space- hopper racing, science workshops and late-night after-hours parties for the adults, with SGP’s token mix of electronic music and disco. During the day, chill out with yoga and wild swimming before stories round the campfire in the evening. And it all culminates in the party weekend, which promises unforgettable fun for all ages. Tickets are available for the full week or weekend. Don’t miss out on a dose of summer magic: book your spot now at secretgardenparty.com
5 – 12 Aug
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CULTURE CLUB
POET’S CHOICE LITERATURE
Mary Jean Chan, a poetry fellow at the University of Cambridge, has been shortlisted for the world’s largest and most prestigious literary award for young writers – the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize – for their poetry collection Bright Fear . Previous winners include Patricia Lockwood, Max Porter, Raven Leilani, and Kayo Chingonyi to name just a few, and Mary Jean’s entry is one of only two poetry collections in contention for this year’s award. This is not the first time they have been shortlisted for the prize, since Mary Jean’s debut Flèche was previously shortlisted in 2020. Boldly exploring themes including postcolonial legacy, identity and multilingualism, Bright Fear caught the attention of this year’s judging panel. “Written with quiet intimacy, Mary Jean Chan’s second collection hums by your ear with gentle, inviting and formally inventive poetry,” says Tice Cin, member of the judging panel and author of K eeping the House. “In a world freighted with exclusion, from the relentless snarls of colonisation to queerphobia, Bright Fear opens the door to a process of building a life for yourself. With lucid verse enhanced through their multilingual play, Chan tends to a garden of self- embrace and chosen community, lingering with the fullness of queer actualisation, the breath in a parent’s pause, and the roots of tender soothing.” Worth £20,000, this global award acknowledges extraordinary literary prowess among individuals aged 39 or younger, championing the diverse landscape of international fiction, encompassing poetry,
PRIZED ADDITION Bright Fear’s pieces have been described as tender and incisive by The Guardian
novels, short stories and drama. In honouring the legacy of Dylan Thomas, the prize aims to bolster contemporary writers, foster emerging talent and commemorate literary excellence on a global scale. The recipient of the 2024 Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize will be unveiled in Swansea on 16 May, following International Dylan Thomas Day on 14 May.
Check out our curated selection of stage highlights from around Cambridge this month Pick of the theatre
MADE IN DAGENHAM 23-27 APRIL, ADC THEATRE
TWELVE ANGRY MEN 23-27 APRIL, CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE
BENCHED 10-11 APRIL, CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION Join performance artist Tink in a ‘unique exploration of human relationships’, as they take a bench to public spaces and ask why we treat strangers better than loved ones.
Adapted from the film of the same name, Made in Dagenham is a feel-good musical comedy celebrating friendship, love and the imperative of standing up for justice.
After a record-breaking season in the West End, this celebrated adaptation of the 1957 courtroom drama is brought to life on stage.
16 APRIL 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
CULTURE CLUB
4 Aug
NOW BOOKING Set in the picturesque grounds of Audley End in Saffron Walden, the multi-platinum-selling band elbow are poised to headline an open-air concert on 4 August. Led by Guy Garvey, the celebrated act will treat the audience to a blend of their greatest hits and new tracks from upcoming album Audio Vertigo , due for release on 22 March. Undoubtedly one of Britain’s most cherished and esteemed bands, elbow garnered early support from the late John Peel with their debut EP The Noisebox , propelling them to widespread acclaim. Over the span of two decades, the Mancunians have delivered numerous chart-topping albums, notably the 2008 Mercury Prize-winning masterpiece The Seldom Seen Kid . This multi-platinum record not only gained critical acclaim, but paved the way for an array of accolades including an NME award, Mojo award, Brit award and several Ivor Novello prizes. Don’t miss your chance to see this iconic band perform live. Secure your tickets now at axs.com/heritagelive
FESTIVALS
Don’t forget to snap up your tickets for the five-day programme from the Cambridge Literary Festival. Bursting with literary highlights for audiences of all ages, choose from a range of talks by world-renowned speakers, including award-winning journalist Cathy Newman, spoken word artist George the Poet and coastal explorer Christian Lewis. Other unmissable voices include Clare Balding, Sarah Raven offering practical tips on gardening with pots (pictured) and Dame Margaret Drabble as she reflects on a life in writing. Elsewhere, you may like to join Helen Lederer for Aperitivo Hour as she discusses life on the road in the alternative 1980s comedy scene, or head over to the University Arms for Breakfast with the Editors. Learn more at cambridgeliteraryfestival.com For the love of books
17 – 21 Apr
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CULTURE CLUB
4 Apr
ALL IN THE PEN Secrets and Lies Described as a ‘deliciously unsettling read’, we delve into the latest work from renowned author Suzannah Dunn Cambridge Edition: Where did you find inspiration for the book? This was because – despite everything – so much of what ten- and 11-year-old girls think and say is funny.
Suzannah Dunn: Mainly from my own life! That’s not to say the events of the novel happened to me, nor the characters existed in my real life. But somehow, the feel of it for me is oddly truer than the reality. Perhaps as with some dreams. My focus as a writer has always been on what’s not being said or seen, but what is going on underneath. Nobody in this novel quite understands what’s going on under their noses, and the narrator – 50 years on – is only just beginning to grasp it. CE: How did you find the process of writing it? Has it been in the works for a long time? SD: It took me two years to write; I started in the week before the first Covid-19 lockdown, but realised I was re- working the territory of my first-ever book. I was physically in the same place – it’s set in the same village – but also, in many other ways, on other levels. I don’t know why, but I was compelled to go back, 35 years on, and tread the same ground but with more insight and better writerly skills! CE: Can you give us a flavour of what to expect from the book? SD: In the summer of Deborah’s 11th year, a new girl bursts onto the scene at school,
CE: Most characters in the novel are in their adolescence – is a particularly interesting or significant age range to explore in your work? SD: Definitely! For me, it’s as if adolescent girls are under a spell of enchantment: everything fervid, heightened and blazing. But at the same time, much of them still unknown to themselves and unknowable to those around them. CE: Finally, what drew you to staging the story within the 70s? SD: The 70s championed modernity. Nascent mass consumerism looked like enfranchisement – as if everyone had a stake in the bright future. But as the narrator reminds us: “Vietnam, Pinochet, Watergate, Bloody Sunday, the IRA and ETA and the Baader–Meinhof and Black September and the Red Brigade and the Angry Brigade.” On the domestic level too, this was a turbulent time – an era of radical societal change but still the old world. What went on behind closed doors stayed there. For all its blinding shininess, this was a dark and dangerous time. Levitation for Beginners will be published in hardback on 4 April. You can hear the author talk about this latest work at An Evening with Susannah Dunn at Waterstone’s Cambridge on 10 April. Book your tickets at waterstones.com
and in the same week a young man turns up on her doorstep to speak with her mum. I had intended the story to be unsettling but when reading it back, I saw I often had something quite different on my hands. WANDERING THOUGHTS Suzannah infuses a blend of reality and imagination, exploring the depths beneath the surface of her characters and events
Somehow, the feel of it is oddly truer than the reality
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ON THE SCENE
THE BEAT GOES ON
IN THE GROOVE Ahead of his gig at Mash, Miriam Balanescu sits down with artist on the rise Willie J Healey C ounting among his fans the likes of the Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner as well as Florence and the Machine – whom he has
already supported on major legs of their tours – Willie J Healey has been on the way up for a while. The Oxfordshire-born artist has three studio albums under his belt, including his latest Bunny – a breezy, funk-inflected bundle of 13 tracks, boasting the creative collaboration of Jamie T on its song Thank You . His nearly ten-year career has not been all smooth sailing so far though, with the respected label Columbia Records dropping him after just one album, People and Their Dogs (2017). Yala Records swiftly signed him, and he says working with a smaller crop of people has paid off for this music. “Many things contribute to how, when and what kind of music I make,” Willie says of the impact the switch has made on him. “Yala has been a hugely supportive label right from the beginning of us working together. I have definitely felt very free from a creative point of view.” Since then, Willie has performed on the likes of Jools Holland’s late-night show, and finally post-pandemic, able to set out on a tour of his own. “Things feel good but I’m no stats man,” Willie says. “I feel fortunate to be making music – that hasn’t changed. My shows are bigger now, and I’m lucky to support my favourite bands. Other than that, I try to focus on making things.” Bunny has a slightly unusual backstory: recorded millions of miles away, across the Atlantic Ocean and in the Big Apple. Not only that, but a free flow of musicians in and out of the studio meant on any given track, the roster of those adding backing was brand-new. “New York is great,” Willie enthuses. “The recording process was fun. I have a few good friends there now and visiting is always an enjoyable endeavour.” Added to that, Willie explains part of the inspiration behind the album name came from seeing stacks of Playboy magazines littered around the studio. Was he worried about the association? “Inspiration for me can come from anywhere,” he responds. “Bunny was also my grandmother’s nickname when she was younger. Sometimes, words or ideas appear over and over again, as if to say ‘hi, look at me’. And seeing vintage playboy magazines
3 May
Inspiration for me can come from anywhere
simple – humble I guess,” Willie notes. “I casually started teaching myself how to play guitar from watching YouTube.” And his musical philosophy? “[That’s a] tough one,” he admits. “Have fun? Make the stuff you want to hear? Don’t let other people stop you from being yourself? I don’t know.” In between his visits around the UK – including Cambridge – Willie is still plugging away at writing, flexing his muscles in other genres. He says: “I’m working on many things at once: a country album, a funk album and a metal album.”
was just one of a few things that led me to calling the album Bunny .” One of Willie’s more unlikely ongoing influences is his start in boxing, bestowing him with a fearless edge that’s come in handy when performing in front of crowds. “My dad’s cousin owned a boxing gym,” he recalls. “I was a very shy child and didn’t have much confidence. So, my parents figured it might do me some good to learn how to look after myself and to also meet new people.” Music, however, has always been his true calling. “My way into music was very
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SCREEN TIME
Miriam Balanescu previews the top flicks for April
A bracing, heartfelt feature debut from Milena Aboyan where a young German-Kurdish woman navigates the clash between evolving societal norms and her family’s traditional values. As her wedding approaches, she faces the decision of hymen reconstruction, grappling with the implications of her choice. 26 April ELAHA
CIVIL WAR
In keeping with the recent flurry of films about the clock-watching mundanity of work and the quiet beauty of daily life – most recently The Delinquents – this Daisy Ridley drama is an office romance for the ages, with a touch of oddball surrealism and just a dash of existentialism. 19 April SOMETIMES I THINK ABOUT DYING
Alex Garland’s latest release after the grisly, metamorphic horror Men sees Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny navigate the war-torn, dystopically split states of America. Dunst plays a photojournalist supposed to stay out of harm’s way, but her profession draws her ever-closer to disaster. A timely take on truth and politics. 12 April
Picturehouse Picks From reinvented cult classics to folk horror, here’s what not to miss at the Picturehouse
CHALLENGERS This steamy Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist ménage à trois from director Luca Guadagnino criss-crosses between past and present. Years after love forms a rift between two best friends, the now Grand Slam champion (O’Connor) takes on the former lover of his wife and coach. 26 April
MONKEY MAN Dev Patel shows how it’s done as lead man and director in this magnificent riff off the 1999 cult film Fight Club . Its plot sees a downtrodden employee simmering with injustice at his community’s oppression, toiling away in a violent underground network – all the while concocting revenge on the city’s elite. 5 April
MEN (2022) Before Alex Garland’s Civil War hits cinemas, revisit his eco-patriarchal horror seeing Rory Kinnear demonstrate his versatility as an actor. A woman seeks sanctuary after a terrifying tragedy ending in her husband’s death, only to be plagued by the village’s all-male inhabitants and the time-worn myth of the green man. 15 April
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CULTURE CLUB
CAMBRIDGE EDITION Book Club From gripping thrillers to fine food writing, take your pick of this month’s top reads WORDS BY CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS Piglet BY LOTTIE HAZELL
Beautiful food writing is rare in fiction, so when it’s encountered it should be celebrated: and this debut is delicious from start to finish. The novel follows the eponymous Piglet. She’s just moved into a beautiful new home and is about to marry Kit, the man of her dreams; she’s been recommended for a coveted promotion in her publishing job, regularly hosts lavish-yet-effortless meals for envious friends and family, and is on the edge of truly, honestly, living happily ever after. But two weeks shy of the big day, Kit reveals a secret which shatters the facade. Can Piglet starve herself of the future she was hoping for? Is it possible to keep eating when you’ve lost your appetite? Talking too much about the story gives away the delicious details, so you’ll just have to trust me: you won’t be able to put this down. Deliriously dark and feverish with sugar-coated, magazine-perfect imagery that’ll both kill your appetite stone dead and leave you hungry for more in the same moment. Already excited to see what this talented writer creates next. Deliriously dark and feverish with sugar-coated, magazine-perfect imagery
Another opportunity to spend time in the enjoyable company of Elly’s amateur sleuths. We first met Natalka and 80-year-old Edwin in 2021’s The Postscript Murders , and the friends now run a Shoreham- based detective agency that keeps busy with domestic cases and cheating husbands, yet they both long for something more challenging to come their way. Natalka’s frustrations extend to the home she now shares with her boyfriend, coffee-shop owner and ex-monk Benedict, as her mother has joined them from war-ravaged Ukraine and is taking up a lot of space in their lives both literally and psychologically. So, when local writer Melody Chambers dies in what appears to be unusual circumstances, followed by another author’s demise, the suspicious sleuths jump at the chance to investigate – leading Benny and Edwin undercover into a sinister writing retreat where the truth turns out to be stranger than fiction. This is a bit of a crossover novel. The brilliant Sikh DI Harbinder Kaur, introduced in the The Stranger Diaries , makes a welcome passing appearance, but The Last Word is all about the superbly written amateur detectives. A perfect cosy mystery for a long weekend; you don’t need to have read the previous books to make sense of the action, but Elly’s are always a complete delight, so why not dive in? BY ELLY GRIFFITHS THE LAST WORD
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BY MADELEINE GRAY GREEN DOT
BY SCARLETT THOMAS Another book which is difficult to talk about without revealing its secrets: this mesmerising novel joins newly married Evelyn and Richard on honeymoon in Greece, recovering from what appears to have been a total disaster of a wedding. In a power play that (it becomes clear) is far from unusual, Richard’s mother has booked them the hotel stay as a gift, but has reserved it between specific and tricky dates at the end of high season. Evelyn’s irritation at this is not responded to warmly by Richard, which gives you the first of many tiny, gut-clenching rug-pull realisations about their relationship: if you’re not in it together, perhaps you shouldn’t be in it at all. Much to Evelyn’s disbelief, hotel owner Isabella openly flirts with Richard and disregards or deliberately misinterprets Evelyn’s every request: yet Richard continues to insist that Evelyn is imagining it all, gaslighting his new wife and raising her frustration levels to breaking point. Soon it is revealed that the unsettling hotel is the scene of a recent tragedy where a couple – known as the sleepwalkers – were drowned at sea in a storm. Bad weather is on the horizon again, and Evelyn and Richard’s tempestuous relationship starts to mirror the climate. With travel options limited by lightning, they really are stuck with each other, but have also never been further apart. Can they find their way back to one another before the storm breaks? A haunting thriller in a stunning setting that sees a relationship dissected in painful detail: you’ll laugh out loud in parts, and be transfixed in others. Perfect for a beach holiday, but perhaps not a honeymoon? THE SLEEPWALKERS
After a Dance BY BRIDGET O’CONNOR This posthumous collection of short stories by the Oscar-nominated Irish writer is darkly hilarious in places, wistfully touching in others and completely unforgettable: the book’s beautiful introduction is written by the writer’s daughter, placing her mother’s work in context and providing fascinating insight into the author’s relationship with her creative process. Though short, the stories are packed with unique characters and cinematic descriptions which often tip you suddenly into magical realism: best to loosen your grip on the plot and enjoy the ride. Viewed as a whole, the stories’ loosely connected themes become clear, circling questions of reality and how each character chooses to perceive the world, as well as the fuzzy line drawn between fiction and real life. A viscerally challenging yet life-affirming read that will leave you astounded at the author’s creativity and seeking out her other works. This bleakly funny debut tells a tale as old as time in a modern way. The main action follows a workplace- kindled affair between a young woman and older married man; in this instance the setting is an international newspaper’s Sydney offices, where Hera has recently secured her first job as a content moderator working below the line on the comment section. Gripped by despair at her circumstances, she slowly befriends her enigmatic fellow moderator and the two talk online, avoiding the attention of their section’s widely ridiculed manager. Madeleine’s brilliantly drawn portraits of colleagues and workplace-based events mean that, if you’ve worked in this sort of soul-destroying setting, you might find yourself recognising the universal stereotypes or wincing at echoes of your own behaviour. Hera finds herself alone with older, married journalist Arthur and a throwaway comment ignites an unexpected storm of flirtation. Desperate for connection of any form, she responds to his messages and the online banter soon moves
to the real world with devastating consequences for all. Hera confides in friends, who support but do not approve: she’s aware of the cliché, but still certain that, this time, he’ll do what he promises and leave his wife. The green dot of the title is a reference to when Arthur is online: present, but not communicating, perpetually out of reach; and a link to Gatsby’s green light, the future that year by year recedes before us. Hera is paralysed by possibility: her futile choice of relationship is a trap that frees her from moving forward; even moving to the other side of the world can’t save her from the outcome. Brilliantly gripping and well deserving of the hype.
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COMPETITION
WIN TICKETS TO RED ROOSTER FESTIVAL! Your gateway to a good-time weekend of rhythm and blues in the Suffolk countryside R oosters rejoice, as Suffolk’s finest festival for all things blues, roots, rock ’n’ roll, cajun, soul and country SCAN HERE TO ENTER!
is back with a bang to celebrate its tenth anniversary. And now, one lucky reader has the chance to join the festivities and say cheers to ten years with two weekend tickets, entirely for free! Based at Euston Hall in Suffolk, this year’s line-up is set to the best yet. Standout highlights include an exclusive last-ever UK festival show from Asleep at the Wheel, featuring Joshua Hedley and Brennen Leigh. Elsewhere, Galen & Paul are guaranteed to get you moving, as the legendary bassist from The Clash, Paul Simonon, joins celebrated solo artist and multi-instrumentalist Galen Ayers. Enjoy Robert Finley as he shares stories from the swamps of Louisiana with his staggering combination of blues, soul and funk, while losing yourself to the authentic sounds of Memphis and New Orleans with Take Me to the River Allstars Soul Revue. Also not to be missed are the North Mississippi Allstars, Bob Log III, Muireann Bradley, Brown Horse, The Hanging Stars, Kitty Liv, Derek Paravicini with Paddy Milner, Vieira and The Silvers, McKinley James, Little George Sueref, the Dirty Strangers, Joe Harvey-Whyte and Bobby Lee, UFO Rodeo, Nick Etwell’s Nola Five, Dylan Walshe and many more! The two weekend tickets include three nights of camping on Thursday 30 May, Friday 31 May and Saturday 1 June, plus free car parking. Guests are welcome to stay until midday on Sunday 2 June. Tickets are valued at £149.50 each. Kids’ tickets (12 years and under) are free and can be added to the prize if you intend to bring the children along for an unforgettable weekend of fun! For a chance at winning this fantastic, visit cambsedition.co.uk/competition or scan the QR code for instant access.
SOULFUL SOIREE Suffolk’s celebrated festival marks a decade with a line-up boasting blues, roots and rock ’n’ roll legends
T&Cs Entries are for over 18s only, although all ages are welcome at the festival. Parking for cars is free, but parking in a campervan is not included in the prize and you will need to purchase a live-in vehicle pass. Full terms and conditions are available on the Cambridge Edition website.
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STREET STYLE
Photographer Mark Box shares some of his favourite portraits from the streets of Cambridge this month – can you spot anyone you know? HUMANS OF CAMBRIDGE
@no.grove.no.dance, member of the Homerton Vampire Society
Anthony (Jason) Kemp, actor and former designer for Elton John
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STREET STYLE
ABOUT THE PROJECT Founded by Mark Box, Humans of Cambridge came to life under
lockdown as an Instagram photoblog. It has since gathered a devoted following as a photographic celebration of the creativity, colour and community found throughout Cambridge. Mark uses the platform to document fleeting moments with eye-catching individuals, striking up conversations with strangers as they pass him on the street and capturing their portraits on his 35mm mirrorless camera. During most weekdays, you will find Mark with his camera at the ready around lunchtime in the Market Square, on King’s Parade, Burrell’s Walk and Garret Hostel Bridge. Follow him on Instagram @humanofcambridge for more.
@rubystimson, student
@ionamorph, passionate about the arts and churches
@jcaminer, loves to dance!
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TRUE STORIES HI-VIS WONDER WOMAN A change maker in a male-dominated industry, we find out what it takes to stage the feel-good festival of the summer with operations director at S&C Productions, Louise Young
F or many, festivals are the highlight of the summer – dreamy days that offer the chance to leave the real world behind and lose yourself to music, magic and a magnetic energy. Yet, in those moments, it is easy to forget the sheer amount of work that goes into staging such an event. For feel-good family festival The Cambridge Club (CC), a major local event run by S&C Productions, that weight largely falls on the shoulders of Louise Young. As operations director, Louise oversees the movements of roughly 12,000 people on any given day during the festival. Last year, the event drew crowds of more than 25,000 people over the weekend. “There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to allow every single one of those people to have an amazing time in as safe an environment as possible,” she begins. Before the festival even starts, Louise’s multifaceted role involves designing the site, overseeing the build and production, plus everything from security and crowd management down to what food and drink will be provided. It’s a huge job that has continually evolved since Louise first joined the S&C team after a suggestion from her brother (one of the company’s founders) to help look after the finances. “My background is in economics and finance, but I also knew that I didn’t want to sit in an office all day,” she comments. After immediately realising that the company could benefit from tighter organisation, Louise rose to the challenge, combining her financial know-how with the logic and organisation required for events management. Having grown up in Newmarket, Louise’s interest in large-scale events was sparked by the likes of Newmarket Nights, but it was an obvious gap in the Cambridge market that inspired the S&C team to launch the festival as a community-driven space where thousands of people could descend every summer. TIPPING THE SCALES In finding her inspiration for the event, Louise looks to the likes of Latitude as
WORDS BY PHOEBE HARPER
CLOSE TO THE ACTION Louise stageside at The Cambridge Club Festival, enjoying the music
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TRUE STORIES
There’s a massive pool of highly talented female artists out there
production and security. But things are slowly improving. “Gender disparity is a major focus in events right now.” Within CC itself, Louise and the rest of the team are dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere of mutual respect free from hierarchy, regardless of your role and gender. “We are all there with the same goal – to create a fantastic event, but also foster respect for the way we do it.” But this respect hasn’t always been reflected back to Louise herself. “Being operations director, my voice as a woman isn’t always heard in giving direction,” she shares, referencing the countless occasions when her instructions would only be acknowledged when delivered by a male colleague, or the number of times suppliers and contractors have asked her to direct them to management. “You have to become extremely resilient. But things are changing, especially since we like to surround ourselves with like-minded partners.” A SUMMER TO REMEMBER Beyond these challenges, a career in events remains full of unbeatable highlights for Louise, from singing her heart out to Diana Ross as the sun goes down to hanging out backstage with both her one-year-old son (a regular festivalgoer) and Lionel Richie. It’s precious moments like these and seeing guests create their own memories that make it all worth it.
somewhere that channels the carefree community vibe very well. However, she also acknowledges the general lack of independent festivals on the UK scene that aren’t corporately owned. Indeed, our conversation takes place amid an extremely challenging time for the event industry, as various factors such as the cost-of-living crisis combine to create unprecedented overheads for running the festival. Aside from this, Louise is also no stranger to the challenges that come with working in what is traditionally a man’s world. In this regard, CC stands out as something of a front-runner for female representation across both its events management team and its line-up. “The majority of festival headliners are male,” she tells us. “It’s extremely lazy on the part of the promoters, since there’s a massive pool of highly talented female artists out there and a huge audience who want to see them perform – they just don’t reflect the state of the music industry,” she says, referring to an ongoing false narrative that suggests it’s much easier to book male headliners. “That being said, this year it’s great to see Glastonbury announcing two female headliners after listening to negative feedback from previous years. Glastonbury leads the way in many respects – and this should definitely be one of them.” On the site management side, CC is seeing a lot more women in these roles, but a major gap still exists across technical
NEXT GENERATION Louise brings her young son onsite to see the operation come together
“It’s been pivotal bringing my son along and having him see what me and the team do,” she reflects. “I hope he will grow up in a more gender-balanced world, whatever industry he goes into.” Looking to June, Louise will have to pick her moments to get in the crowd and soak up the atmosphere. But once Sunday night comes around, you’re sure to find her grooving to Chaka Khan. As things come to a close, stages are being packed away and you’ve got round to washing the glitter out of your hair, her planning’s well underway to do it all over again.
The Cambridge Club Festival takes place from 7 to 9 June 2024 at Childerley Orchard. Find out more at thecambridgeclub.co
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FIND THE SPRING IN YOUR STEP AT WIMPOLE ESTATE From startling swathes of daffodils to the arrival of lambing season down at Home Farm, there’s no better place to escape into nature and adventure this April
© OSKAR PROCKOR
© TOM SOPER
© MIKE SELBY
S ituated amid the picturesque comprises a splendid historic mansion, rare breed farm, plus breathtaking parkland and gardens. As the estate blooms into life this spring, Wimpole invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and delight. Whether you seek a tranquil escape into nature or an exciting outing with your loved ones, here you will find an array of experiences to enchant visitors of all ages. For families in search of outdoor fun and excitement, you can’t go wrong with Home Farm and its new playground. Your little ones will be free to frolic among the wide open spaces, exploring and playing to their heart’s content. At this time of year, the farm is abuzz with activity, especially countryside just eight miles south- west of Cambridge, Wimpole Estate during Wimpole’s highly anticipated lambing event from 20 April to 6 May – where you can witness the miracle of new life firsthand. But the fun doesn’t stop there! The estate’s enchanting Easter trail offers a delightful adventure filled with joy and surprises, running until 14 April.
The destination for adventure, relaxation and rejuvenation
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Wimpole Estate is a destination that understands the importance of reconnecting with nature. With spring in full swing, immerse yourself in the vibrant colours and fragrant blooms of its gardens, well-known for the beauty of its daffodil- filled grounds. A photographer’s paradise, be sure to plan a visit for the daffodil tours on 6 and 7 April, which offer a unique insight into these stunning floral displays. For those eager to delve deeper into the secrets of Wimpole’s gardens, the garden team and volunteers lead weekly grounds tours, providing fascinating anecdotes and gardening tips along the way. It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand your botanical knowledge. MAKING MEMORIES But Wimpole Estate isn’t just about exploring the great outdoors; it’s also a place to create cherished memories with
your loved ones. Whether you’re picnicking on the lush lawns, enjoying a leisurely stroll through its historic grounds or simply basking in the serenity of nature, Wimpole Estate offers the perfect backdrop for quality family time. With its idyllic setting, diverse attractions and an array of family-friendly events, Wimpole Estate is the ultimate destination for families seeking adventure, relaxation and rejuvenation. Visit this spring and experience the magic of Wimpole Estate – where every moment is an opportunity to connect with nature and each other. Your spring adventure awaits, promising unforgettable memories!
Find out more online at nationaltrust.org. uk . Arrington, Royston, Cambridgeshire, SG8 0BW
FLORA AND FAUNA Wimpole Estate has everything you need for a fun-filled family day out in nature
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