Author Archives: Paul Ariss

THE SLOW REVEAL OF BIGOTED FRIENDS

How can you be friends with someone for years, maybe even decades, and not realise uncomfortable aspects of their personalities? Their views on the world, their take on current world events based on their prejudices? From what I’ve discovered over recent years, it’s very easy. I know a handful of people I am friends withContinue reading “THE SLOW REVEAL OF BIGOTED FRIENDS”

THE ART OF NODDING KNOWINGLY WHILST KNOWING NOTHING AT ALL

Over the years I have proudly developed the invaluable skill of nodding knowingly whilst someone explains something that I have not the faintest idea about. You must have been there yourself, the subtle social art of giving off signals that you get what it being said to you whilst hoping to gleam a little somethingContinue reading “THE ART OF NODDING KNOWINGLY WHILST KNOWING NOTHING AT ALL”

ABANDON AMBITION AND BE MORE KEVIN

What is it like not to have any ambition? How much does it matter? Is ambition overrated? Is it not easier just to have an easy life were the boat is never rocked and we just accepted our lot in life? I know someone that I see most days; let’s call him Kevin, who doesn’tContinue reading “ABANDON AMBITION AND BE MORE KEVIN”

WHEN COMMUNITY THEATRE ENTERS THE MAIN STAGE

Community Theatre is exactly what it says it is, theatre made by the community for the community. It’s not looking for the next Kenneth Branagh, nor does it aspire to appear at the Globe Theatre. It is simply local people, most of whom have little or no acting experience, with a desire to put onContinue reading “WHEN COMMUNITY THEATRE ENTERS THE MAIN STAGE”

HOW MEMORIES GAVE WAY TO THE QR CODE

Memories are made of paper. Well, at least they used to be. Those much-coveted tickets for that gig you’ve been waiting so long to see, that show you’ve heard so much about, that sporting event you so much want to be a part of. Following a two-year break due to covid restrictions, over the lastContinue reading “HOW MEMORIES GAVE WAY TO THE QR CODE”

THE HARD CHOICES WHEN OUR HEROES LET US DOWN

On Saturday 3rd September the Canadian band Arcade Fire played Manchester Go Arena as part of their world tour to support the release of their new album ‘We’. As a fan of the band for 14 years I had a ticket for the concert; having seen them previously I consider them to be one ofContinue reading “THE HARD CHOICES WHEN OUR HEROES LET US DOWN”

SATURDAY 25TH JUNE. 1988. THE DAY INVINCIBLITY FELL FROM THE SKY

Ever had one of those moments, one of those times, when you felt that anything was possible? When all your plans fell into place? Or just simply something amazing you weren’t expecting to occur, dropped from space into your life? Did you feel at that moment that you could conquer the world? That you wereContinue reading “SATURDAY 25TH JUNE. 1988. THE DAY INVINCIBLITY FELL FROM THE SKY”