ThingsThomasWrites

In this episode all the men go wild for low-voiced Rebecca who seems okay thus far. Queen Shaughna is driving herself insane, as per, and confronts Rebecca. She makes a fair point of asking Rebecca to give her a heads up and afterwards concludes her thoughts: “she took what I [Queen Shaughna] said on board but I don't think she gave one ounce of fuck”... Me neither Queen Shaughna. Meanwhile, Roch-Sophie is a COMPULSIVE LIAR and says she didn’t kiss Connor when she did and Connagh rightfully says that he thinks he has dodged a bullet.

I did write in my notes that Roch-Sophie and Connor were cute on tonight’s episode as Connor says he is committed to getting to know her and they share a kiss. However, Roch-Sophie lying about said kiss rings alarm bells and I think a certain someone might be running off with some bloke who will enter in Casa Amor.

The parts of the episode focusing on Callum nearly made me fall asleep. He is honestly the most boring person I’ve ever seen on reality television. Why Queen Shaughna is so obsessed with him is beyond me- he can barely string a sentence together! I think it says a lot that he thinks putting mushrooms on poached eggs makes him spicy...

Moving on swiftly, I really like low-voiced Rebecca so far. Perhaps, this is mainly due to her telling Connagh that Sophie kissed Connor but we all love a good stirrer! This paved the way for a very awkward conversation between Roch-Sophie and Connagh where she got caught out which made for amazing TV! How funny! Also, too many Conor’s .

I did feel sorry for Queen Shaughna this episode. She has basically lost her man and her marbles. The hysterical shots of her refusing to turn around and pretending not to care got to me. She also said “why couldn't i fancy Nas? My life would've been so much easier”. When told that she still could she replied with the chavviest response “nah it’s gone bruv” which honestly is so shady and iconic. Another golden Queen Shaughna moment this episode was her response to Rebecca saying “we have come here for something” which was “ and I’ve got it hah I’m joking well I’m not joking but” - honestly golden. This is why Queen Shaughna still reins supreme for me.

After an awkward game whereby low-voiced Rebecca kissed Callum and Nas kissed Rebecca and got put down, Shaughna’s chances with Callum look bleak. Mike also sucked Leanne from top to bottom- again?! Really ITV?! Queen Shaughna also revealed that she thinks Mike is a game-player by kissing him- OOFT! I think the previews from next episode insinuate that Mike is going to dump Leanne which would be to his detriment. I wonder what prompted that change of heart? Maybe Queen Shaughna was right after all...

Sorry for the lack of posts over the weekend- I was busy so never got round to writing content to post. I am all caught up on Love Island now and can safely say that I called it! I knew one of the twins would go home- I think everyone did! Tonight’s Love Island focused on the new couplings, with old Connor being more than delighted at Connagh’s “dead” attempt at breakfast. 

Another main event was Mike and Leanne’s DIY date. Could they not have got a masseuse in? I’m sure you’re meant to relax on a date? Anyway, the date was fine and then Leanne listed everything wrong with Mike before saying he has potential which was amazing viewing. Later on Mike made both me and my boyfriend feel physically sick when he sucked Leanne’s knee. My boyfriend compared it to the meme of the guy putting a whole whisk in his mouth on Come Dine With Me... Not attractive at all.

The challenge was okay if not a little premature in the series. Highlights included: Leanne accidentally touching Connor’s willy and proceeding to cry; Connor and Callum’s outrageous tan lines and Leanne beating up Nas with a handkerchief. Nothing else happened this episode really which is why this article is slightly meh. I can’t help but think if Maura Higgins would've entered like this it would've been hilarious whereas Rebecca sort of just entered like an awkward gust of wind. I cant wait to see psycho Shauna back next episode mind you... I’m not going to lie- I’ve missed her! 

Firstly, Shaughna, Shannise and Connor and now... Connagh? Can mother’s no longer spell? My boyfriend ‘Conor’ will be seething that they did his name dirty like that... Hi Conor by the way! Back to the episode, Sophie says Connor is acting “immature” which is true. She is winding him up but I think everyone is being a bit deep this early on. My team Roch-Sophie stance is short lived when she utters the dreaded phrase “eggs in one basket”.

The new boys seem nice! Roch-Sophie and Connagh look vaguely related mind you but I’m sure incest won’t be a Love Island twist. Also Finley is 20?! I’m 22- what was in his nesquick? Shaughna has a good date with Connagh- yay! However, he later snogs Sophie and Shannise after he is asked to kiss who he would have a threesome with- boo! Nevertheless, I NEED them to be together because of their names alone. Shaughna says, “I have a gh” and also professes that this is how she knew his name was “ conor the gh is silent”. Honestly, Shaughna is an iconic queen and has reclaimed her throne. I wonder how misspelled their kids names will be? Shivaughn? Shaughn? Shanigha? She needs to stop feeling “like a scrambled egg” and focus on Connagh!

Paige-Turley-from-Britain’s-got-talent-that-one-time has a great date with Finley -yay!   Paige’s “are you still with your ex by any chance” is another iconic line. I want Paige and Finley together! I am really warming to her! I liked him until he said he had a foot fetish and made me bork.

I don’t like Shannise and I can’t put my finger on why. Speaking of fingers- Nas decided to suck Shannise’s. Why? Why Nas? He needs to stop picking her. She really isn’t interested. However, I hope Connagh doesn’t pick her over Shaughna!

The preview shows that the power is in the boys hands! Ew. I would rather not lose any of the girls and I am extremely worried about Shaughna and Paige-Turley-from-Britain’s-got-talent-that-one-time. However, I think Shaughna is a big personality so regardless the producers would try and save her with some sort of twist if she isn’t picked! We will have to wait and see...

Some side notes for your consideration:

I think The Shining twins have lice- that can be the only explanation for them touching their hair so much.

This series would benefit from a guest appearance from Amy Hart to teach everyone how to walk up the massive stairs. 

“Eggs in one basket” is slowly becoming the new overused phrase in Love Island this year. It was funny the first time but could quickly become tired. Also, it seems to be thrown in randomly- first with Jess and then with Mike in this episode. Nas needs to stop embarrassing himself with Siannise... Speaking of which how does she expect Nas to pronounce her name correctly when it is made up?! #SOSTRESSFUL  Shaughna works on “not being too needy just the right amount of needy” this episode and it appears to pay off! Meanwhile, Callum says hes “shit with words” and I’m glad he strayed from his regular saying-like-after-every-sentence dialogue to grace us with this revelation. The Shining twin Jess feels mugged off because she didn't know Mike’s preference for Leanne before she picked him, aka shes scared of going home. Also, I’m so happy for Mike and Leanne (minus the slurping sounds) and loved when Mike said “I feel like I’ve made the best decision. I’m so happy”!  Siannise (aka made-up-name -girl) is horrible this episode to Nas and Roch-Sophie sums up made-up-name-girls’ communication skills, rightly declaring that “she’s been clear to us but I don’t think she’s been clear to him”. Roch-Sophie needs to jib Connor off ASAP- he seems weird and possessive (and has terrible teeth).

The main action of the episode centers around Max Branning who decided to “leave a luxury villa where hes waited on hand and foot to return to a luxury home where hes waited on hand and foot” as Iain Stirling so eloquently puts it. Branning approaches Paige-Turley-from-Britain’s-Got-Talent-that-one-time and says  “Yar Paige yar my last girlfriend yar I have feelings for yar my ex girlfriend yar and probably cheated on her yar aka the producers yar have blatantly told me to leave yar because of backlash yar” or something along those lines. Paige-Turley-from-Britain’s-Got-Talent-that-one-times’ responses basically translate to “I didn’t fancy you anyway”. Callum again interrupts his usual dialogue containing 10000 likes to share some wisdom: “he was so different from all of us” he professes by which he basically means “he was a tory”. Leanne also adds on Branning’s ‘courageous’ proclaimation of his depature “every girl wants someone declaring their undying love for them”... What she misses out is that every girl doesn’t want someone to cheat on them numerous times. As for Branning having “set the bar”, Paige-Turley-from-Britain’s-Got-Talent-that-one-time must have really low standards.

To conclude with this episode Max Branning has returned to Walford Square. Leanne and Mike, thus far, have smashed it! The Shining twins are getting aired this episode and one of them is likely to go home- I think The Shining twin who talked about re-coupling with Nas to save herself will end up staying personally. The other Shining twin is stressed as she got the silent treatment from Callum this episode rather than Shaughna. He must have a bloody schedule!

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The episode begins with The Shining twins’ date with Mike and Callum which is very, very boring and weird because last episode the twins expressed they both had a preference for Callum. #Awkies To quote Shaughna; “I hope it’s a quick date. I hope its not a three course meal because I’m tired”. It quickly became a game of how many times can Callum say “like”. Max Branning quickly conjures up a lie that he’s put all his eggs in Lewis Capaldi’s ex’s basket and Siannise tells her that Branning said he also fancies her. Then, both girls call him out for his lies with Capaldi’s ex professing that Branning must be “shit at shopping”. Meanwhile, it seems that Nas is tossing his eggs at Siannise and she is avoiding them like the plague. Siannise couldn’t be less interested and the preview of Nas trying yet again next episode seems super cringe. Christ, it’s only day 3!

Queen Shaughna is in the process of being dethroned by Leanne in this episode. She is absolutely insane this episode and comes across desperate and childish after Shining 1 ‘steals’ her man. Though, to be fair, Callum could have just spoken to her. I don’t blame him for being afraid to though! Nevertheless, Callum could have used his two braincells to conjure up the courage and words to confront Shaughna! Shaughna persists in being utterly ridiculous this episode and trying to create drama which The Shining twins respond to maturely. A low point is her saying “may the best woman win” to a bemused Eve who tries to clear the air. She also contradicts herself by saying “I’m not saying you need to talk to me” regarding Callum when she evidently is!

Leanne on the other hand dealt with Mike’s new coupling well. She was especially cool about Mike sleeping in a bed with Jess, though, I would’ve respected her having an issue with this. Regardless, this conversation was irrelevant as Mike rejected Jess for Leanne in this episode which left Leanne beaming and made me extremely happy! I’ve warmed slightly to The Shining twins this episode too and hope neither of them are early outs! I could still like Shaughna provided she stops being so ‘boy-crazy’!

After pleading with myself not to get sucked into Winter love island, I did. Long story short- ITV have expanded my Love Island obsession beyond the Summer Holidays and have now made it into an all year-round obsession that triggers major procrastination from uni work. I am ridiculously invested and its episode 2. Thanks a lot ITV! Also, shoutout to Laura Whitmore for being a presenter that makes me feel more at ease when surrounded by the villas lamps- you’re the best!

Aware that I’ve failed to review the first show I have decided to cram reviews of the two episodes that have aired into a long rambling article putting into words my professional Reality Tv Binger opinion so buckle up buttercup #sorrynotsorry! Nevertheless, don't worry too much as there isn’t a whole lot to say on the first show. The two contestants I initially warmed to were Nas and Shaughna due to their bubbliness! I could go on a night out with both of them without too much awkwardness- Las Iguana’s 2 for 1 cocktails ladies? Regardless, there are a lot of contestants grating on me already, including: Max Branning, Lewis Capaldi’s ex (who she NEVER mentions) and Mr Bean. I’m excited for trophy-hunter Branning to do drugs on the beach and get disqualified on the day off they have quite frankly. I’m also undecided on ‘The Shining’ twins, Siannise (who seems nice enough but fake enough) and Leanne (who I’m certain will grow on me). Roche-Sophie needs to run a mile from The Cheshire Cat...Aka Mr Bean...Aka the owner of the worst teeth in Love Island history. I sincerely hope he kept his receipt from his dodgy veneers that he got off Google. 

Day 2 is ridiculous for various reasons. WHY is Connor being so full on two days in? Shaughna is very full on also but is EXTREMELY likeable somehow- how does she manage being such an absolute queen?! Between opting to “drown” opposed to simply “drowning her sorrows” and retorting the brilliantly overdramatic line: “so basically that’s my man and you’re taking my man” she has gained a supporter in me. Go on you dozy cow! Meanwhile, Mike says that it “must be crazy for you guys [the twins] because you came in late to the party” and it shouldn’t be but it is. This is mainly because of a number of bitchy girls this series… ESPECIALLY Leanne and Paige who moan about the twins for standing upstairs to have a PRIVATE conversation with Mike who- as far as I was aware- isn’t engaged to Leanne after a day of -what I can imagine behind the scenes- consisted of Leanne shutting him down for not being a plumber and Paige shutting down Max Branning for being a class A Tory t- pardon my French. The twins- despite being initially annoying- are delivering in terms of not caring and why should they? Really? Some of these girls are acting as if they’re married!

The challenge was- in typical love island fashion- meant to be sexy but I see nothing sexy about grown adults pretending to be tea bags. Sorry. As Shaughna said “being dunked in a cup of tea…it’s not my thing”. Surprising revelations from the challenge? No. Did Paige mention Lewis Capaldi again? You betcha’. Is Max Branning even more of a c- pardon my Spanish- than previously imagined? Yes- he cheated 8 or 9 times- or so he says. I hardly expected him to be a respectful guy mind you. Is there a liar who says they’ve slept with more people than they actually have? Yes. Connor has fulfilled the role of Love Island douchebag this year very early on! Leanne warmed on me throughout the episode and it appears that she genuinely likes Mike. Shaughna is being desperate but its entertaining to watch her give a cringeworthy parting kiss to ‘mark her territory’- reminiscent of the moment Yewande sat on Danny. Iconic.

Jess and Eve have been briefed to argue. It MUST be fake. Love Island can break a twin bond that has been developed since birth? Nah- they live together for crying out loud! No way! Fake! They chose Callum and Mike, leaving the two girls with the biggest story arc this episode boy-less. “I’ve got a text… Not a man!” is another corker delivered by Shaughna tonight. She’s fantastic- I hope she stays longer! There’s no gifs as of yet so have a picture of our early queen herself! x

1) Six

I know for sure I’ve written about wanting to see six before but I can’t help it! The soundtrack is so good and now that I’m back in London I actually can go and see it! I’m mainly excited to see it because it’s such a unique show being a concert and all! Now I’ve never really been a concert goer only seeing ‘Radio City Live’ in Liverpool before but a staged concert about Henry’s ‘Six’ wives? Sign me up!

2) Waitress

Have I seen this musical before? Yes. Am I going to see it again? Of course! Will I drag my boyfriend and my as stagey as me friend along? You betcha! If you’re ever in London definitely give this show a watch! It’s phenomenal (plus the whole theatre smells of pie and cinnamon which is a huge bonus)!

3) Dear Evan Hansen

I have never seen this musical due to it not being here yet BUT I am so so so excited for when it is! Updates will come as soon as I see it! Agh! Can’t wait to hear ‘waving through a window’ and ‘does anybody have a map?’ live especially!

4) Frozen

Disney? A stage musical? Enough said.

5) Phantom of the Opera

Ashamedly, this is one musical masterpiece I’ve not seen on stage yet the simple reason being it’s so bloody expensive! I’m determined to see it this year though as I’m moving back to Liverpool next year and probably won’t have too much time to come back down with a full time job and all. I WILL see this even if it means using up a birthday present or ten! 😂

Before I start yes I am aware that many of us  young adults in the UK ,especially from Liverpool, feel like they’ve had Blood Brothers thrust upon them throughout the school curriculum more times to count and have had enough of Willy Russell’s musical to last them an eternity. I, myself, fell into the misconception of Russell’s play being nothing but depressing trope despite coming from Liverpool and ashamedly not watching the show before instinctively joining the bandwagon and snubbing it.

HOWEVER, last night I got to see the show for the first time ever and despite not thinking it would be ‘my thing’ it was phenomenal. From staging to casting everything about this show is perfect and I would one hundred percent be prepared to see it countless times. Highlights for me were definitely ‘Kids’ Game’, ‘Bright New Day’ and ‘Tell me its not True’ which is a given as Lyn Paul is a fantastic Mrs Johnstone. Robbie Scotcher (the narrator) also stands out for his vocal prowess and Danielle Corlass steals the show as Linda with her acting chops!

Maybe I am biased in loving this show as I am a self-professed scouser who LOVES scouse humour in most capacities (this being the best I’ve seen thus far)! I’m actually shocked that there isn't a film adaptation as of yet because the score alone is phenomenal! I think what makes this cast especially great is the inclusion of real scouse actors. It is a hard accent to imitate so an authentic Liverpudlian accent is best suited to this musical and why not?! There’ s plenty of great Liverpool talent as this show demonstrates!

I admit it, I wouldn't have even considered seeing the musical if I hadn’t been persuaded by my family simply because I had to read it in school and found it boring (as teenagers often do).Nevertheless, I can whole-heartedly say this musical is one of the best and a definite must see and that I have learnt that reading something and watching something gives totally different experiences of a show! Obvious I know!

If you owned ten theatres in The West End / Broadway what ten shows would you put on? 

Got this idea from quite a few Twitter posts I came across.

Here’s mine:

10) Once on this Island

This one made my list because I LOVE the soundtrack! Despite never having seen it ever I can say I’m definitely a fan considering it is my most played soundtrack when travelling between Liverpool and London!

9) Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

As the title indicates this show is beautiful! The songs are fabulous! How one woman possesses so much talent is beyond me! A must see show for sure. I’ve seen it once before and I definitely hope to see it again someday!

8) Gypsy

So there’s a definite theme emerging because I haven’t seen this show in the flesh either! Look, I love me a good soundtrack and I love me a bit of Rose! All I want is to see Imelda Staunton reprise the role in the flesh! IS THAT REALLY TOO MUCH TO ASK?!

7) Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street

... And reprise the role of Ms Lovett too! I did manage to catch a production of Sweeney Todd at The Everyman in Liverpool! It was fantastic despite having a low(ish) budget so I’m sure a West End revival would be phenomenal! Little Mo was Ms Lovett in the version I saw and was great!  

6) Spring Awakening

Who doesn't love a musical that makes you cry? I absolutely love Spring Awakening and unfortunately have only been able to see a recorded version of the show! BRING THIS BACK WEST END! I just want to see it live so badly!

5) Fame

So I couldn't find a gif that wasn't random and unrelated to the musical or Lady Gaga. This is one I’ve seen live (shocking I know)! It is fantastic and was a musical that definitely inspired me in some capacity to study drama at university though I am slightly disappointed at the lack of Yellow Taxis and unacceptability of randomly bursting into song.

4) Legally Blonde / Mean Girls

I couldn’t choose! I have seen Legally Blonde and love it immensely! I just feel like these two shows have the same energy! I would probably choose Mean Girls just because I haven't seen it but I had to give Elle Woods a gif and a shout out!

3) Six 

#SorryNotSorry for this choice. Despite not seeing this musical I could recite all the lyrics off the top of my head at any given moment its just so catchy! Also a musical about the wives of HenryVIII- the most interesting wives in history? Yes please!

2) Les Miserables

Do I even need to explain why? Amazing. Next. 

1) Little Shop Of Horrors

It has to be my all time favourite musical with my dream role Seymour Krelborn! Seymour and Audrey are two characters who I rate massively and they both have great songs! The story also relies largely on an alien plant who eats everybody- so what's not to love?!

Though a relatively new musical Jamie has achieved great success- achieving a continuing West End run, a direct to cinema streaming and now A FILM! My little gay heart is in overdrive.

With a relatable storyline (based on truth) following a typical gay millennial dealing with the turmoil's that come with being out and proud in a world that often refutes difference Jamie speaks to a wide number of youngsters, including myself. Though we don’t all wear six inch heels and rock a red gown everyone can relate to feelings of insecurity and discomfort in being wholly comfortable in your own skin which is what Jamie overcomes. The whole story champions the underdog and is unapologetic in conveying the sentiment of going against the norm and refuting labels. Jamie shows the world exactly who he is with style, grace and a little bit of platinum blonde hair dye encouraging us to do exactly the same. 

This show is a tremendous safe space for many gay adolescents to evaluate their own situations however horrendous they may be and that's what makes it so important. This shows message proves that life does get better and we must take ownership of hardships that may come our way in order to reap the rewards. It is also relevant to none gay people- particularly those uneducated about homophobia and its effects or wishing to be allies. Heterosexual characters such as Pritti Pasha and Ray provide examples of how to support those who may be facing homophobic abuse in juxtaposition to Dean, a homophobic bully. Perhaps Dean is also useful in providing a motive for deterrent as his life achievement towards the end of the show is minute after spending his academic career making others feel small. 

This is hands down one of my favourite shows I’ve seen grace any of the West End stages! Phenomenally heart-warming! Whatever cast you see try and see it! I’ve seen both John McCrea and Layton Williams in the titular roles and both were fantastic as were the rest of both casts! Also, if you don’t have the money watch the version they streamed directly to the cinemas! It’s the most relevant piece of theatre I’ve seen in a long time and I can’t wait to see the film (hopefully very soon)!