Matthew Nichols

Jan 23, 2025 | dramaandtheatre.co.uk | Matthew Nichols

This book is a refreshing look at how to sustain mind, body and brain in a precarious industry, finds reviewer Matthew Nichols. Towards the end of the Covid pandemic, when theatres were in that frustrating stop-start phase of being ‘open for business’ and then suddenly cancelling performances, theatre-makers were going to extraordinary lengths to keep their buildings open.

Nov 30, 2024 | dramaandtheatre.co.uk | Matthew Nichols

A Song For Ella Grey, David Almond's 2014 novel for young adults, is a genuinely enchanting book. Almond had a huge impact with his previous work Skellig (1998), which was adapted into a similarly popular stage play in 2003. The similarities between Skellig and A Song For Ella Grey are striking. Almond's work is rooted in the North East and the coastal imagery is lyrical and poetic.

Aug 8, 2024 | dramaandtheatre.co.uk | Matthew Nichols

'An interesting take on Shakespeare's beloved Othello, with a shift in perspective' Here's a confession. I've never really loved Othello. Or, rather, I don't see how it earns its place alongside other genuinely Great (capital G) Shakespearean tragedies. It's packed full of folly and nonsense and so much of its plot machinations hinge on ridiculous coincidence.

Jul 2, 2024 | counselling-directory.org.uk | Matthew Nichols |BA Hons

The words that Rylan used to discuss his physical and emotional state would ring familiar to any therapist. At his lowest, Ryan could barely function, but - and this is the point that really struck a nerve with me - also started to wonder why he'd done what he had done. Why had he, he asked, "pushed the button?" The metaphorical button is effectively the ejector seat in day-to-day life. The button which lights up red, shrieks at a high pitch and suggests that some sort of help is needed.

Jun 6, 2024 | counselling-directory.org.uk | Matthew Nichols |BA Hons

A bit of probing got to the heart of the matter quite quickly. The client, in their 40s, and noticing a slow trickle of increasing little aches, pains and niggles, had become subconsciously aware of their own mortality. In that, as we age, slowly and gradually, there grows a list of things that we will one day do for the last time. The last time we jump in the air, stroke a family pet, scroll through Netflix with a glazed expression, convinced there's nothing to watch.