Category Archives: THE ARTS

Was it one series too many for After Life? A review

Posted on July 16, 2025 by SCARFMAN

A blog that argues that the black comedy After Life, should have ended in its prime after series 2. Disappointing third series Having just finished watching the third series of After Life by Ricky Gervais, I am left feeling somewhat … Continue reading →

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BBC One gives event TV a new lifeline on Christmas Day 2024

Posted on January 16, 2025 by SCARFMAN

We need to celebrate the resuscitation of event TV because it unites us as a nation. Event TV is where you watch a much publicised TV show on the date it is broadcast, so you are then part of the … Continue reading →

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INTERMEZZO by Sally Rooney – A review – 4/5

Posted on December 31, 2024 by SCARFMAN

Intense grief, brotherhood, and sex Intermezzo, the fourth novel by critically acclaimed Irish author Sally Rooney, is an absolute triumph that explores the impact of grief, family conflict, and unconventional relationships. Having never read a novel by Sally Rooney before, … Continue reading →

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The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt – A review – 4/5.

Posted on August 17, 2024 by SCARFMAN

DeWitt, at his most poignant, brilliant best! If you want a novel full of murders, laughter, or sex, then take a look elsewhere. However, if you want a read that is full of poignancy and gripping emotion, then The Librarianist … Continue reading →

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Peaky Blinders Series 6 finale review: the perfect ending

Posted on April 6, 2022 by SCARFMAN

One of the greatest things to have EVER appeared on our television screens. This is not hyperbole regarding the final episode of Peaky Blinders.  You see, I am simply recounting here my first tweet, indeed my first expressed mesmerized emotion, … Continue reading →

Posted in BBC, BBC DRAMA, BBC ORIGINAL DRAMA, ENTERTAINMENT, POPULAR CULTURE, TELEVISION, THE ARTS, TV, TV REVIEW, UK TV, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Robbo: The Bryan Robson Story {2021} – A review

Posted on December 1, 2021 by SCARFMAN

‘Captain Marvel’ supreme, this is a must watch for all sports fans. Bryan Robson, arguably the greatest ever captain of Manchester United Football Club. A hero with no ego, this documentary about his life is both a joyous and emotive … Continue reading →

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those people by Louise Candlish – a review. Neighbours from hell!

Posted on March 8, 2021 by SCARFMAN

New neighbours from hell might not be the most original of ideas for a whodunit, but in those people, author Louise Candlish has skilfully produced a right page turner that will leave you fully satisfied. The premise might not be … Continue reading →

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Mayflies – Andrew O’Hagan. Manchester, music, and male friendship that lasts forever! A book review

Posted on December 21, 2020 by SCARFMAN

Mayflies is a rather touching tale about the wonder of male friendship.  Not perfect, but not rubbish by any means.  If you are after a bit of 1980s Manchester and indie music nostalgia, then the first part of this book … Continue reading →

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Murder and laughter! The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. A review

Posted on November 9, 2020 by SCARFMAN

A humorous whodunit that keeps you guessing right until the end.  This is the verdict of Richard Osman’s, The Thursday Murder Club.  As the novel states at the back this therefore is, ‘his first and, so far, best novel.’ How … Continue reading →

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Friends Reunited! Christmas at The Vintage Bookshop of Memories by Elizabeth Holland. A Review.

Posted on November 3, 2020 by SCARFMAN

We are once again invited into the magical world of the inhabitants of Ivy Hatch, in Elizabeth Holland’s brand-new offering, Christmas at The Vintage Bookshop of Memories.  Readable as a standalone book or as a follow-up to the excellent The … Continue reading →

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