Tag Archives: Murray Melvin

Othello, Cathedral Wars and the power of a board game

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Samira Ahmed

This column first appeared in The Big Issue Magazine: Journalism worth paying for. As autumn closes in and the clocks go back, I crave vintage board games. I have a whole cupboard, where they spill off shelves – the haul … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Games, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Smashing Time: Murray Melvin on busting taboos in the 60s

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Samira Ahmed

 This is one of the most read pieces on my website but the link had stopped working so I’ve re-posted it here. The interview is still available to listen on the iplayer One to One link just below. For the … Continue reading →

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First World War: Myth or Misbegotten Shambles?

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Samira Ahmed

“This official UK £2 coin remembers one of the most significant moments in British history with a design that recalls the spirit, and with hindsight, the poignancy, of the rush to enlist encouraged by Lord Kitchener. This £2 coin, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, History, Media, Politics, Radio, Theatre, Uncategorized, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Pink Flamingos, red poppies & the fine art of causing offence

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Samira Ahmed

I have been pre-occupied with offence these past few weeks. Preparing to interview the Pope of Trash (copyright William Burroughs) ahead of his Nov 8th appearance at Liverpool’s Homotopia festival,  I have been starting each day with a John Waters film. … Continue reading →

Posted in Comedy, Culture, Film, History, Media, Politics, Radio, Theatre, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Oh What A Lovely War Commemoration!

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Samira Ahmed

Recently the Prime Minister  spoke of his hopes that events  to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War would be a “commemoration that, like the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, says something about who we are as … Continue reading →

Posted in Comedy, History, Media, Music, Politics, Radio, Theatre, Uncategorized, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

A Smashing Time: Murray Melvin on busting taboos in the 60s

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Samira Ahmed

For the third of my One to Ones for Radio 4 I wanted a Missing Angle on the golden age of British theatre and cinema — from the late 50s to the early 70s. You can listen to it here. … Continue reading →

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A Taste Of Honey: 50 years on

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Samira Ahmed

I’m an extraordinary person! There’s only one of me, like there’s only one of you. We’re unique! Young! Unrivalled! Smashing! Bloody marvellous!” (Jo and Geoff in A Taste of Honey)  “Now? We’d probably have to make it via reality TV.” … Continue reading →

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