Book of the day: Children of Radium: A Buried Inheritance by Joe Dunthorne
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Otago Daily Times
28-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Prats aplenty in chaotic, witty whodunit
The Fire Station Theatre in Mosgiel. PHOTO: ODT FILES I admit to being a regular fan of TV "whodunits", so was very happy when invited to review the Sunday matinee of Death by Fatal Murder, a Taieri Dramatic Society production currently mid-season at Fire Station Theatre, Mosgiel. The play is loosely based on an Agatha Christie novel and is considered a spoof, one of a trilogy written by Peter Gordon. The entire action takes place in a very authentic 1940s drawing-room set (which reminded me of my grandmother's sitting-room) designed by production and stage manager Christine Wilson. Directed by Alison Ayers, the incompetent, bumbling Defective Inspector Pratt (Matt Brennan) is called to Bagshot House where he leads a murder investigation aided by Constable Thomkins (Tabitha Littlejohn) and local amateur sleuth Miss Joan Maple, a dear little old lady excellently played by Gloria Harris. The first act is an hour long and rather chaotic and convoluted but all the "red herrings" are dismissed in the second act and the storyline is brought to a climax. The cast of eight all have prominence, and their roles are appropriately portrayed throughout. Other characters are the owner of the house Nancy Allwright (Maxine Sannum), her husband Squadron Leader Roger Allwright (John Rowe), Ginny Farquhar (Hannah Schoullar), Enzo Garibaldi an Italian gigolo (Kaiser Coles) and Welsh clairvoyant Blodwyn Morgan (Lorraine Johnston). The inspector is indeed an incompetent blundering prat and Brennan's lines, heavily overlaid with malapropisms and puns were delivered with clarity and precision throughout, causing the attentive audience to groan or chuckle as appropriate. Blodwyn suggests conducting a seance and makes contact with a Scottish poltergeist called Dougal McDougal. This calls for her strong Welsh accent to alternate with that of the voice of an elderly Scotsman, creating more humour and chaos but giving clues to the eventual outcome of whodunit. Amateur theatrics are indeed alive and thriving in Mosgiel and this was an enjoyable presentation from a very dedicated cast and production team. The season continues later this week from Friday to Sunday.
1News
19-07-2025
- 1News
What you need to know ahead of Wrexham's clash against the Phoenix
The fanfare greeting Wrexham AFC's arrival in Wellington for a pre-season friendly tells you everything you need to know about the current global wave of popularity the Welsh side is riding. Back-to-back-to-back promotions under the ownership of Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have transformed the club from no-hopers to a pop culture phenomenon. Or perhaps, more specifically, it's the hit documentary series Welcome to Wrexham that has made stars out of non-Premier League players and die-hard supporters. How else would you be expected to know who Ollie Palmer is? Or find yourself gutted that Paul Mullin's been squeezed out to Wigan? ADVERTISEMENT This afternoon the Wellington Phoenix will be hoping some of Wrexham's gold dust rubs off them. Liberato Cacace. (Source: Wrexham AFC) The Big News Wrexham may have a few extra supporters in the cake tin today after announcing the signing of former Phoenix fan-favourite Liberato Cacace. The All Whites star has made a record-breaking move to Wales from Empoli, with the announcement splashed across the club's website this morning. It's a massive challenge for the left back. The Championship is notorious for being ferociously competitive, with teams desperate to reach the promised land of Premier League football. ADVERTISEMENT But he's thrived at every new level he's reached and will be battle-hardened even further in a World Cup year. Phoenix form The Phoenix endured a torrid time last season, and it would be a surprise to see them recreate the scenes of famous pre-season friendly victories from the past (Andrew Durante's winner against West Ham in 2014, anyone?). You can't blame them for being undercooked – they've only just returned to pre-season and have lost key players – but they'll be desperate to see some green shoots of hope, most likely in the shape of youngsters-to-watch. Wrexham AFC poses for a photo prior to the match between Sydney FC and Wrexham AFC at Allianz Stadium. (Source: Getty) Wrexham favourites missing Star man Ollie Rathbone picked up a nasty-looking ankle injury in Wrexham's 2-1 loss to Sydney FC this week. Jay Rodriguez – former teammate of Chris Wood at Burnley – also picked up a knock, and Sam Smith is yet to feature. ADVERTISEMENT Travelling fans of the Red Dragons will be eager to watch some of the more high-profile heroes get a run-out in their final Down Under hit-out. Fairy tales can come true Ok, Wrexham have had the benefit of heavy investment from multimillionaire owners. But don't forget where they've come from and how difficult the path to the top has been. If the Phoenix can take anything from the Wrexham narrative, it's that it absolutely is possible to rise from the ashes and write your own success story. Watch the Phoenix take on Wrexham live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ2 from 4.30pm.
NZ Herald
19-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Wellington Phoenix vs Wrexham live updates
Live updates of the football friendly between the Wellington Phoenix and Championship side Wrexham AFC. The Welsh side, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, finish their Wrexham Down Under tour following matches against Sydney FC (lost 2-1) and Melbourne Utd (won 3-0). Wellington Phoenix: 1. Josh Oluwayemi, 5. Fin Roa Conchie, 9. Hideki Ishige, 15. Isaac Hughes, 17. Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues, 18. Lukas Kelly-Heald, 24. Xuan Loke, 25. Kazuki Nagasawa (c), 27. Matthew Sheridan, 29. Luke Brooke-Smith, 39. Jayden Smith Subs: 35. Matt Foorde, 40. Eamonn McCarron, 31. Ryan Lee, 32. Ryan Watson, 33. Dylan Gardiner, 34. Nick Murphy, 36. Luke Mitchell, 37. Anaru Cassidy, 42. Fergus Gillion, 44. Dan Makowem, 45. Lewis Partridge, 46. Lachlan Candy, 47. Luke Flowerdew, 48. Mac Munro Wrexham AFC: 1. Arthur Okonkwo, 24. Dan Scarr, 4. Max Cleworth, 3. Lewis Brunt, 47. Ryan Longman, 37. Matty James, 6. Tom O'Connor, 38. Elliot Lee, 7. James McClean (c), 45. Harry Ashfield, 18. Ryan Hardie Subs: 21. Danny Ward, 13. Callum Burton, 34. Aaron James, 19. Jacob Mendy, 5. Eoghan O'Connell, 44. MaxPurvis, 23. Sebastian Revan, 29. Ryan Barnett, 15. George Dobson, 12. George Evans, 40. Alex Moore, 22. Modou Faal, 9. Ollie Palmer, 42. Callum Edwards
