Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. It’s that time again where I talk you through my latest shows I’ve been watching! This time these three shows are all in their second series, so I’m really excited to let you know how they’ve got to grow during the second round. And once again let me know which ones you’ve seen!
We Are Lady Parts:
The first show I’m going to talk about is series 2 of We Are Lady Parts, casted by Aisha Bywaters.
Following series 1 when Amina joined the band, the second series follow the ladies in making their debut album, but not with some trials and tribulations along the way.
Amina (played by Anjana Vasan) showed a huge growth from series 1, as she entered in her “Villain Era” after gaining more confidence since joining the band. These included her choices of boyfriend as seen in Billy (played by Jack Riddiford) and then singing for Ahsan (played by Zaqi Ismail) at the end of the series, who in turn started to realise his true feelings for her.
The other ladies in the show also found their own journeys of self discovery. These included Bisma (played by Faith Omole) who wants to stay true to her faith, but also wants to embrace her heritage (and her solo on it was off the scale), and Aeysha (played by Juliette Motamed), who was struggling as to whether she wanted to announce her sexuality to the public or not, but in the last episode, a few words of wisdom helped made her decision for her. Momtaz (played by Lucie Shorthouse) also discovered herself when a decision from Siara (played by Sarah Kameela Impey) affected the band. But sometimes it works out pretty well, as if you watch until the end, you’ll be able to see why that is. And it may have not been easy for Siara, but after something with the album they didn’t agree with, it really was the last straw for them.
I think my only downside to it was like the last series there wasn’t really any laugh out loud moments, but I did smile and shackle at a few moments. And once again the songs sung by Lady Parts are catchy, as I’ve never heard of them before but already I was singing along to them. And the heartfelt moments also made it up for it, which include Bisma trying to get her husband to understand her decision and also Aeysha trying to tell her girlfriend Laura (played by Anna Tolstoy) about her views of her sexuality.
Overall I would give the show a 4. Yes it didn’t make me laugh out loud but it definitely brought a smile to my face, some catchy songs and some issues the girls have faced which really hit the modern world we live in today.
A Kind of Spark:
The next show I’m going to talk about is A King Of Spark, starring Lola Blue, Matt Holt directing episodes 6-10, casted by Sue Needleman once again inspired by the book by Elle McNicholl.
Following the success of the witches memorial from series 1, we follow Addie on a new quest to rescue an old book shop to make it a new place for people who need the stress in their life taken away from them.
Addie (played by Lola Blue) has definitely grown since the first series, not only in making it her mission to save the book shop, but to think about herself. And what I meant by that was she got the sense of overload from everything she has taken on board, and along with the help of best friend Audrey (played by Eve Midgley who also had a big life decision to make) she knew she had to step down from some of the stuff she did. But one thing she didn’t step away from was helping old family friend Bonnie Bridges (played by Ella Maisy Purvis who also played Eleanor Smith in the first series). She was initially assumed to be a trouble maker, but then once you see behind her mask and the reason as to why she hides her autism, you can get a better understanding. And with the revelation from Bonnies mum Martha (played by Natasha Alderslade) coming to light at the end of the series, you can see why Bonnie acted in the way she did.
Other characters have also shown their growth throughout the series. These included Nina (played by Caitlin Hamilton) and her decision on University, Keedie (played by Georgia De Gidlow) keeping an eye on Addie as always, but also taking a big step in her life, and Emily (played by Grace Wood) who tries to make amends after the last series. She in particular is someone who changed my opinion on her, as I feel she genuinely was sorry, and the way she stood up to her mum Pamela (played by Julia Haworth) when Addie was chastised was beautiful to see. We also got to see Miriam Jenson's (Played by Carol Moore) backstory and the history of the book shop. I won’t say what, but let’s just say it’s exciting.
Again like the last series I don’t think I have any downsides to it (although it’s probably me being biased as an autistic individual lol). But I think the only thing that annoyed me was when Emily’s mum Pamela described Addie’s autism as an illness, and also Martha trying to make Bonnie “better”. Yes I know that there will be people like that in life, and that we may never change their minds about it, but if Addie can persuade Bonnies mum that being autistic is nothing to be ashamed of them that’s the start of something at least. As she may not be able to change the whole world, but like in the last series she can change her world around her.
Overall I would give the show a full house! It was inspiring, heartwarming moments, and as it was once again aimed at children, it’s so inspiring to see this subject to people from a young age. And after doing some research on some other novels Elle McNicholl has done, I hope they get turned into series as well!
Changing Ends:
The final show is series 2 of Changing Ends, created by Alan Carr and casted by Catherine Willis.
Following a brilliant first series, this show continues the life of a young Alan Carr whilst his dad Graham continues to build his football managing career.
Like the last series, Oliver Saville did a brilliant portrayal of a younger version of the comedian we all know and love! His mannerisms, his charisma and his uniqueness was really special to see. Episode 5 in particular really stood out for me! And once again I loved how Alan of today narrates his story and also features in some of the scenes, giving a real authentic feel that we have time travelled back into the past.
This series also got a hint of young Alan’s sexuality, as during a board game he played with himself, he was more swayed towards a male character. This was then moved to two people towards the end of the series, which were Neville (played by Billy Byers) whilst on holiday, and optician Duncan (played by Tom Dunne). So I wonder if that was the start of discovering his sexuality. And even though he was also an outsider because of this, he still had people beside him! These include the wonderful Miss Gideon (played by Cariad Lloyd), his friend Kay (played by Dotty Davies) and Dinner Lady Val (played by Victoria Alcock), I know he’ll have plenty of support for when he finally realised who he is.
I don’t really have any downsides to this show, as whilst I wasn’t belly laughing, there were moments where he did give me a little chuckle. One of which was episode 5, where I won’t say what, but let’s just say that you’ll hear a few familiar catchphrases which those growing up in the 80s will understand. I also noticed Graham's (played by Shaun Dooley) reaction when a Cobblers fan criticised Alan for his sexuality. So I wonder if that’s Graham realising that Alan is that, and that he also feels guilty for trying to get Alan into sport when really he wants to explore performing arts more. And I wonder if maybe that’s why he’s tougher on Alan? To avoid him being teased.
So overall I would give it a full house. It was funnier than the first series, lovely storytelling, and we’re slowly getting hints of Alan exploring who he is more and what he continues to explore. And I do hope that there is a series 3, so then we can see the moment Alan can truly be himself!
And those are my reviews of the second series of these incredible shows! Let me know if you’ve seen the first series of these and also if you’ve seen series 2, and be sure to let me know your thoughts on them!
See you soon for another blog. Until next time…
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
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