Octobers last day is here and as fireworks and bangers go off in the background I thought it time for a monthly round up.

Book wise, not too bad. I managed to finish seven titles, which is pretty good going for me. These can all be found in my book reviews section, so not going to go over them again. Highlights included Sally Rooney and Seamus O’Reilly. Hoping for a similar month in November and this blog is driving me on to read more.

Viewing wise, like a lot of people I’m right back into ‘Succession’ again. My favourite characters are Tom and Greg (I think they should get their own show) but it’s a superb cast and full of fantastic one liners and put downs. My only concern is that the story seems to go along the same path each series so I’m hoping it doesn’t go stale. Still, essential viewing.

I went to see ‘No time to die’ in the cinema and I did enjoy being back in front of the big screen but I found it all a bit meh. Definitely half an hour too long and there were times when it seemed to be one long shoot out. Still, Craig was one of the better bonds.

I was so looking forward to ‘The many saints of newark’ and thought it was decent, but never brilliant. A lot of it felt like a wasted opportunity - it definitely needed more Livia and although it was good to see some of the sopranos characters in their earlier incarnations, I wasn’t sure what the point of the whole thing was. A bit goodfella’s lite at times.

I enjoyed ‘Midnight Mass’ on Netflix to a point - I revelled in the meandering discussions some of the characters had - specifically Riley (Zack Gilford) and Erin (Kate Siegel). There’s one scene where Riley talks about his thoughts on what happen when we die that I thought was wonderfully written, then Erin came back with an equally powerful description of her heaven. And there are lots of these thoughtful discussions throughout, about faith and belief. Unfortunately the whole vampire/zombie angle left me thinking it ended up a bit daft.

One that I thought was absolutely brilliant was ‘Maid’, also on Netflix. The camera sure loves Margaret Qualley, who gives an outstanding performance in what at times is a difficult lead role - She can come across as vulnerable and steely, within a short space of. time, and totally believeable. And Andi McDowell steals every scene she’s in - inspired performance and casting as she is Mother to Margaret Qualley in life and here. And the little girl, not sure where they got her from but wow!! I’ll be sorry to finish this one, a moving depiction of a parent on the breadline.

Theatre wise, the standout for me was firstly - just being there, amongst people, in a theatre, watching a play. It felt like I was taking a breath of fresh air again after Eighteen months of staleness. ‘In the name of the son’ was simply outstanding. The story of Gerry Conlon, he of the Guildford four fame, it concentrates on the years following the Jim Sheridan/Daniel Day Lewis film. From Richard O’Rawe and Martin Lynch, the story is Gerry’s personal journey, from mingling with stars at the Oscars, taking Johnny Depp on the drink through Ireland, to crack addiction and blowing a million pounds and looking through bins. It’s an incredible performance from Shaun Blaney, who plays all forty characters, from Tony Blair to Jack Nicholson. It’s also incredibly moving at times, especially when it features Gerry’s Mother. The music is absolutely perfect as well and there are a lot of proper laughs. We left the theatre absolutely buzzing with the infectious vitality of this show. It’s in the Lyric Belfast from the 2nd to the 14th of November and I’d nearly go to see it again. Deserving of all the awards coming its way.

Music Wise, it was an evening with the wonderful Courtney Marie Andrews in Central Church Belfast. Such a special setting to see her in, so intimate. I managed to get a seat up front, which made it all the better for me. Just herself with guitar/piano and harmonies on a couple of songs from memorial, who were supporting. Songs of heartbreak, delivered as an act of healing. Very much in the spirit of Emmylou and Nanci. Simply beautiful.