ISSUE 16: And we're back...
A 3 minute read that might just inspire you to stop doomscrolling.
Hi,
Right then, your ‘Midlifer’ is back.
Thanks very much to the many readers who replied to our questionnaire about what you want to see here – turns out you want many different things! But the common thread amongst everyone – and the subject you’ve clicked on the most in past issues – is information and links about the very best new content and culture that Midlifers might enjoy.
So, that is what we are going to provide you!
Many readers admit they are wasting too much time scrolling. But you don’t need to, there is so much great content and culture to consume instead - educational, entertaining, informative, inspiring, relevant, cool and loud - it’s just that there’s a lack of places where you can find recommendations that you can trust.
We aim to be your trusted 21st-century magazine for everyone who read and loved the magazines of our youth – FHM, Red, Loaded, Sky Magazine, Time Out, J17, Smash Hits, even :)
Most things I listened to, watched, attended, read and ‘got into’ I first heard about in these magazines – I loved them – but there is nothing like them out there anymore – until now!
Our readers were the first youth generation - now we all live different lives, but it seems we all still love good content and culture - be it books, music, theatre, movies, TV, online, festivals or the arts.
Midlifer will appear as this weekly round-up email newsletter of 7 great things every Thursday - or as one WhatsApp message a day – something cool for you to check out when you’re tempted to doomscroll. Just fill in your mobile number and reply below if you want to receive our once daily WhatsApp.
Right, let’s go…what might go in your diary this week…?
1 ‘Giant’ at the Harold Pinter theatre in London.
Following a sold-out run at the Royal Court, Mark Rosenblatt’s acclaimed Giant is now playing at the Harold Pinter in London’s West End, for a limited run until 2 August. Tony and Golden Globe-winner John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Crown) reprises his extraordinary performance as Roald Dahl. And it’s received the very highest accolades.
2 The best Listening Bars in London
Cool listening bars have been around for years, originating in post-war Tokyo, where small bars and record shops offered space for listening to music on high-fidelity sound systems in a relaxed, living room-like atmosphere. The concept naturally expanded beyond Japan’s borders, and listening bars have evolved to offer curated small plates, cocktails and wines alongside a curated selection of (mostly) analogue music. If you haven’t been to one yet, now’s the time!
3 ‘In pursuit of repetitive beats’ at the Barbican in London
Remember 1989 and finding the party was the only thing that mattered? Rewind to this cultural revolution and travel back in time to the heart of the Acid House scene with the UK's biggest VR experience at the Barbican.
4 ‘Homework: A Memoir’ by Geoff Dyer
Toy soldiers, conker fights, fizzy drinks, Wall’s ice-creams, chicken-in-a-basket pub lunches, swimming lessons (plus verrucas), trips in the family car to see relations and programmes on the black-and-white telly: Dyer recalls all our midlifer childhoods, via his brilliant description of his own in Cheltenham.
5 There are two hiking movies out this week.
‘Salt Path’ is the much anticipated one, based on the memoir by Raynor Winn and starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs about Wynn and her husband’s 600-mile walk along the South-West coastal path.
…but the one receiving the better reviews is ‘North’ - a fictional hiking film following two old friends, Lluis and Chris, as they walk the 600km from Glasgow to Cape Wrath via the West Highland Way and Cape Wrath Trail.
6 ‘Bono – stories of surrender’.
For U2 fans, there is a new documentary on Apple TV – from tomorrow (30th). A vivid reimagining of Bono's critically acclaimed one-man stage show, “Stories of Surrender: An Evening of Words, Music and Some Mischief.”
Fifty-four years ago (1971!), Nationwide’s Bob Wellings was up at the crack of dawn to join Ernest Marples MP in Hyde Park for a spot of jogging. What is this mysterious "jogging"? How do you do it? And why do you do it?
If you would prefer to consume Midlifer via just a daily tip and link, on one WhatsApp message, please message me with your mobile number. We promise no spam - only a daily slice of real inspiration.
See you next week.
Chris
Have a great week!
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