Review: ‘The Intrusion’

Our writers Eve Leach and Felicity Haslin attended the press night of The Intrusion, Bric à Brac Theatre’s latest stage production inciting new conversations about climate change and our role as humans in the environmental crisis.

The Leeds Tealights Record an Album : LIVE! : A Review

I have always been curious about The Tealights, Leeds’ own sketch comedy student group. I have never had the chance to see them whilst always aware of their chaos. So, of course, when I was invited to see their recent sketch comedy show “The Leeds Tealights Record An Album Live” at the Lending Room I jumped at the opportunity to see this enigmatic ensemble be silly. 

The show’s first opener, Queenie Cowen, was brilliant. Handling the stage with confidence yet relatability, it was clear she had done this before. She already had me in stitches.  I noticed she was also involved in the production of the Tealight’s later performance, which makes sense as her clear, conceptual and relatable comedic beats established the tone seen in the show throughout. The next opener, Harry Ozin, was seemingly less experienced but his at times awkward and deadpan delivery made for a brilliant payoff. His humour leaned into self-deprecation and subtle absurdity, catching the audience off guard and questioning what he was going to say next. Who doesn’t love two funny people being funny before more funny people come and be funny?

The Tealights show was one that made me feel about 50 pints down whilst I was sober. The sketches are clean, conceptual, stupid whilst simultaneously relatable and pop culture savvy. It’s a rare mix that I feel is unique to student comedy and the space we were in. A room full of supportive friends and family and comedy lovers like myself made for an excellent springboard for the group to play off. I particularly enjoyed one sketch where a member accidentally calls the teacher ‘mum’ and falls to the floor in a desperate cry for help. So relatable and something everyone can laugh at.

Image Credits: The Leeds Tealights

Also, of course, the sketch where The Gryphon was front and centre—being read on the toilet, naturally. There are clear acting skills from the Tealights too, strengthening their comedy through serious commitment to the bit. I won’t spoil too much, as I’m sure they will be back with a new show very soon. Just know you’ll leave equally enthused and confused. I can assure you that these guys will go on to do huge things with the clear talent from all involved, and I would jump to see them again. And no, that’s not a reference to the Gary Barlow song.

Thank you to The Tealights for a fantastic evening! Follow them on Instagram @leedstealights to see what they are up to!

Words by Henry Clarke

Marks & Spencer Closes Wellington Street Centre Square Store in Leeds

Marks & Spencer has closed its Wellington Street store in Leeds city centre.

The store shut its doors on Saturday, March 22, as confirmed by in-store signage.

The closure is part of a broader trend of store shutdowns and food hall closures across the country.

These changes are largely due to high street stores receiving less funding than before, following changes in the October 30 budget. As a result, many businesses are unable to afford sufficient staff for each location.

Another major factor contributing to the closures is the growing shift to online shopping. Retail models that rely heavily on physical food halls, such as Marks & Spencer’s, have struggled to adapt to this digital shopping trend.

The decision to close the Wellington Street location may also be a strategic move to fund expansion in other areas. Marks & Spencer plans to open up to 100 new stores by 2028, in addition to the 22 stores it has already opened over the past two years.

Mark & Spencer is not the only retailer resorting to closures and mass layoffs. Boots, the Co-op, and WHSmith have also been forced to reassess their operations, closing stores and restructuring in response to changing market conditions.

Further store closures are expected as retailers continue to adapt to changing consumer habits and financial pressures.

Words by Aliza-Kayan Ahmed