I consider myself a romantic. As a long-term SF addict, my sense of wonder is sharply honed, and I love my wife with a passion that can reshape continents. But the notion of Valentine's Day, and the industry it supports, has largely passed me by. Continue reading The Machinery Of Romance
Author: Rob
Writer. Film-maker. Cartoonist. Cook. Lover.
The Last Ever Speakeasy: Singles Going Steady
All good things must come to an end. After 18 months and a ton of fun, Rob and Clive have decided to shutter the Speakeasy. And what better way to finish than in the same way that we started: two blokes in a room, talking about music?
We’re talking about the art and joy of the single, using the examples that mean an awful lot to us. Expect revelations of a personal nature, and insights into who we are and how we got to be that way.
Settle in. This one’s gonna be emotional.
Jupiter Ascending: In Defence Of Space Opera.
I feel like I’m in a very lonely place at the moment.
Continue reading Jupiter Ascending: In Defence Of Space Opera.
Considerations On The World, Mission And Methods Of The Kingsmen
(with, obviously, spoilers emplaced for those of you unlucky enough not to yet have seen the marvellous Kingsman: The Secret Service).
Continue reading Considerations On The World, Mission And Methods Of The Kingsmen
Into The Woods And Over The Hills And Far Away
Disney's vision of the classic Sondhiem musical adds a hint of Hollywood but not much else. Continue reading Into The Woods And Over The Hills And Far Away
Oscar Drops The Ball… again.
As usual, the announcements of the nominations for the 2015 Oscars have been met with howls of outrage and despair. There’s no pleasing everyone, of course, but this year Oscar’s choices seem particularly wrong-headed and blinkered. Continue reading Oscar Drops The Ball… again.
The Best Of 2014
Who does a best of the year show before the year’s up? Not us, hombre! We’ve made sure 2014 is good and dead before we drop our verdict.
Join Rob and Clive. with Speakeasy playmates Graham Williams, Keith Eyles, Chris Rogers, Simon Aitken, Neil Myers, Dominic Wade and Stuart Wright in our epic exploration of the art and events that made 2014 the fourteenth year of the 21st century.
Settle in. This is gonna be a long trip.
The Pencil Is Mightier Than The Sword
If you ever wondered about the value and power of political cartooning, wonder no more.
Wet, Dark And Wild No More
I come to celebrate, not to mourn. But that doesn’t mean I can’t be sad.
Continue reading Wet, Dark And Wild No More
The Adventures Of Whip Crackaway And Honcho The Indian Boy
Yes, it’s been a while since we’ve posted. The reason? Clive and I have been working hard on the Speakeasy. Here’s the first fruit of our labours.
As a bit of a departure from our usual fare, The Speakeasy is proud to present its first foray into radio drama. With help from friends and contributors, Rob and Clive have put together a tribute and/or parody to classic 1930s horse operas. Please to enjoy the pantomimic stylings of the Speakeasy Players in…
THE ADVENTURES OF WHIP CRACKAWAY AND HONCHO THE INDIAN BOY.
Ask nicely, and we’ll never do it again.
The Speakeasy Players:
Clive Ashenden As Whip Crackaway
Rob Wickings as Honcho The Indian Boy
Simon Aitken as Hector Villianous
Alice H. DeVenns as Kitty Carmichael
Rick Bowsing as Pa
with special appearances from Graham Williams as Timmy
and Chris Rogers as The Voice Of Caversham Cigarettes.
The narrator is Kyle Eddley, who appears with the kind permission of Keith Eyles.
The show was written and directed by Rob Wickings, with production and sound design from our friends at All Hallows Post in Reading–‘the finest sound available anywhere’.
Poster design by courtesy of Ashenden Arts.
EXCUSES AND HALF TRUTHS 