Latest news with #RuthAlexander
Edmonton Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Fringe Review: Sing a song and share a laugh with Dead in the Water
Article content Stage 8, Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, 8426 Gateway Blvd. Article content A Tierce de Picardie is a major chord at the end of a musical piece written in a minor key. It's an uplifting end to generally sombre music. Article content Ruth Alexander tells her life's story through music in Dead in the Water, a darkly comedic piece about life, love and making a living through music. Article content Article content Alexander is British, which it's important to note because her show has a very British outlook on life, very British references and a very British sense of humour and language. There are a few well-placed curse words — used sparingly and to make a point — but be aware for those with sensitive ears. Article content For everyone else, it's an absolutely uproarious romp through the life of a middle-aged British woman, telling some of the funniest stories through the medium of song. She launches into a brilliant rendition of 'How many frogs must I (fornicate with)' to lament the state of her love life, and nothing makes a tale about a bag of poop funnier than setting it to a brilliant, uptempo tune. Article content It is a dark comedy, and things don't always turn out brilliantly for Alexander, but you would do well to remember what we mentioned off the top. Sometimes it's darkest before the dawn, made easier to take with a great song. Article content
Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Fringe Review: Sing a song and share a laugh with Dead in the Water
Dead in the Water 5 Stars out of 5 Stage 8, Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, 8426 Gateway Blvd. A Tierce de Picardie is a major chord at the end of a musical piece written in a minor key. It's an uplifting end to generally sombre music. Ruth Alexander tells her life's story through music in Dead in the Water, a darkly comedic piece about life, love and making a living through music. Alexander is British, which it's important to note because her show has a very British outlook on life, very British references and a very British sense of humour and language. There are a few well-placed curse words — used sparingly and to make a point — but be aware for those with sensitive ears. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. For everyone else, it's an absolutely uproarious romp through the life of a middle-aged British woman, telling some of the funniest stories through the medium of song. She launches into a brilliant rendition of 'How many frogs must I (fornicate with)' to lament the state of her love life, and nothing makes a tale about a bag of poop funnier than setting it to a brilliant, uptempo tune. It is a dark comedy, and things don't always turn out brilliantly for Alexander, but you would do well to remember what we mentioned off the top. Sometimes it's darkest before the dawn, made easier to take with a great song. Check out all of our reviews from the 2025 Edmotnon International Fringe Theatre Festival here .
Calgary Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Fringe Review: Sing a song and share a laugh with Dead in the Water
Article content Stage 8, Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, 8426 Gateway Blvd. Article content A Tierce de Picardie is a major chord at the end of a musical piece written in a minor key. It's an uplifting end to generally sombre music. Article content Ruth Alexander tells her life's story through music in Dead in the Water, a darkly comedic piece about life, love and making a living through music. Article content Article content Alexander is British, which it's important to note because her show has a very British outlook on life, very British references and a very British sense of humour and language. There are a few well-placed curse words — used sparingly and to make a point — but be aware for those with sensitive ears. Article content Article content For everyone else, it's an absolutely uproarious romp through the life of a middle-aged British woman, telling some of the funniest stories through the medium of song. She launches into a brilliant rendition of 'How many frogs must I (fornicate with)' to lament the state of her love life, and nothing makes a tale about a bag of poop funnier than setting it to a brilliant, uptempo tune. Article content It is a dark comedy, and things don't always turn out brilliantly for Alexander, but you would do well to remember what we mentioned off the top. Sometimes it's darkest before the dawn, made easier to take with a great song. Article content
STV News
26-04-2025
- Health
- STV News
Families brand decision to stop autism and ADHD diagnoses as 'dangerous'
The decision by NHS Tayside to stop assessments and diagnoses for autism and ADHD has been branded as 'dangerous' by parents. Last month, the health board announced that it would no longer accept referrals through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services due to long waiting lists. Young people with a pre-existing mental health condition would still be able to access assessments for autism and ADHD through the health board. Families looking for support would be directed to online groups and other services. Donna Ploatner's youngest son was diagnosed with autism when he was five years old – he was on the waiting list for an ADHD assessment. While he's supported for his autism, she's worried he might not be able to get the support he needs for his ADHD. STV News Donna Ploatner and Ruth Alexander She added: 'I think it's more probably going to be around supports for medication that he will really struggle to access without us going down the private route. 'I know many parents who are down that private route and have got shared care with medication, but many don't, and that again is an individual thing down to surgeries or GPs, even. 'So even having a private diagnosis doesn't guarantee the NHS will pay for your medication.' Ruth Alexander spent more than £4,000 on a private diagnosis for her daughter – an expense she knows not all families can afford. She's concerned by NHS Tayside only taking referrals for children who have a pre-existing mental health condition. She told STV News: 'The general feeling is it's just a short-sighted move, and it's storing up problems for the future, and it's not going to help anything in the long run because young people who did not have pre-existing mental health conditions will develop them as a direct result of this, and that feels really foolish. It's dangerous.' STV News Angie Ferguson, Perth Autism Support Since referrals were closed, charities have been busier than ever with parents seeking help. Angie Ferguson, of Perth Autism Support, said: 'None of us are disputing the fact the neurodevelopmental pathway is not mental health and doesn't necessarily sit very neatly within a CAHMS service, but the feeling has definitely been there could have been an alternative or plans for how that's going to be offered in a different way before the announcement was made, before parents recieved letters through the post advising them their referals wouldn't be accepted.' NHS Tayside previously told STV News that they are still accepting referrals but have 'refined' the criteria for the neurodevelopmental pathway. Adding that their teams have spent the last 12 months changing the focus from diagnosis to needs-based support. But for many families across Tayside, they're concerned about getting the right support without a diagnosis. NHS Tayside has said the changes will mean that the highest risk children and young people with mental health conditions will be seen in a 'responsive, effective service in a timely way'. Meanwhile, children and young people who do not have a mental health condition will be able to access other forms of support and intervention. A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said: 'It is accepted that this change may cause distress and concern for some families. 'We are very keen that all our partners and families of children and young people are involved in taking forward care models which offer the best options and outcomes for everyone. 'We accept that not all our partners were fully engaged in our change plans before a communication was sent out and we apologise for that. 'We are fully committed to working more closely with our partners, children and young people and their families, as well as Scottish Government, in the future as we look at further pathways of care for neurodevelopmental needs. 'A short life working group has been established to take this forward and a meeting has been arranged in early May with colleagues in local authorities, education services and children's services. Scottish Government colleagues will also be attending.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
