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There are a few classic films we have come to expect to be amid the top five of many men’s favourite features, among which often sit the usual array of titles – the merits of The Godfather, Scarface, Star Wars [...]]]>

Book a Taxi Online or phone +44 (0)7779 336 612

There are a few classic films we have come to expect to be amid the top five of many men’s favourite features, among which often sit the usual array of titles – the merits of The Godfather, Scarface, Star Wars and The Matrix having often been discussed over pints and the flipping of burgers on BBQs (we don’t wish to gender-stereotype you understand!) But there is one movie, that isn’t in the vein of these ball-busting action flicks, yet still holds a special place in the hearts of fellas (and plenty of women) the world over, and that’s the weepy tale of brotherhood-bonding The Shawshank Redemption. And we here at Boxwish HQ are very excited to let you know of the stage version’s move from Dublin to our nation’s capital this month. Yes, the Wyndam Theatre in London’s West End premieres its five month run of the popular prison story beginning on September 13th, with limited previews from this Friday, September 4th.

The tale of justice and friendship was adapted from Stephen King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption for the big screen in 1994 and starred the prolific portrayer of down-trodden martyrs Tim Robbins as wrongly convicted Andy Dufrense, alongside honey-voiced veteran Morgan Freeman as fellow-lifer Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding. The movie was a flop when it hit cinemas, but by the time it had reached our video shelves was winning critical acclaim and loyal fans everywhere. So perhaps it’s no surprise that the film favourite has moved to the footlights.

Written by die-hard lovers of the film, Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns and directed by Peter Sheridan, the story is definitely adhering to the recent trend of hit films-turned-shows such as One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the promised adaptation of Sleepless in Seattle and even Shrek and Spiderman. It seems as though film-fans these days are hungry to see their beloved movie plots played out on the boards.

The stars of the play, film and stage actor Kevin Anderson in the part of Andy and The Wire actor Reg E. Cathey portraying Red, are even lookalikes of the film’s stars and it seems writer-director Sheridan was careful to keep it that way. Referring to the film’s tweeking of the book’s original white-Irish Red, he explains: “It was an inspired piece of casting to make him black in the film – so why buck with the trend?” Even Stephen King has claimed the filmic adaptation of his tale has more “heart” than the literature.

So, will you be heading over to the bright lights of London to see the upcoming play? And what other movie milestones would you like to see at the theatre? After an overwhelming response of standing ovations since it started at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre in May, we’re hoping for something pretty special.

Tel: +44 (0)7779 336 612

www.londonblacktaxis.net

www.london-taxis.net

www.london-taxi-cabs.com

Book a Taxi Online or phone +44 (0)7779 336 612

Have you heard of The Black Cab Sessions?

We have been chosen to be a Black Cab Sessions cab!

The Black Cab Sessions are a series of one-song performances by musicians and poets recorded in the back of a Black Cab and filmed [...]]]>

Book a Taxi Online or phone +44 (0)7779 336 612

Have you heard of The Black Cab Sessions?

We have been chosen to be a Black Cab Sessions cab!

The Black Cab Sessions are a series of one-song performances by musicians and poets recorded in the back of a Black Cab and filmed for an Internet audience. The sessions are recorded while the black cab that serves as the studio travels through city streets, usually in London, England but sometimes in other places such as New York City.

On their website www.blackcabsessions.com, they tell us that

The sessions are all about great music and the venue strips this to its essence. We aren’t picky about genre and will happily open the cab door to anyone who blows us away.

Their motto is

One Song. One Take. One Cab.

The Black Cab Sessions video clips begin with a screen showing the name of the artist and date that the session was recorded. Next follows a shot of the cab driver introducing the artist or band. The artists then give their performance.

Most of the performances feature rock bands, ranging from popular acts such as Death Cab for Cutie, The Kooks and My Morning Jacket to lesser known acts such as the Cave Singers. Other performances stray from the rock music scene: folk music, poetry, and even beat-boxing (a form of vocal percussion which produces drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds).

These intimate performances embody the lo-fi ethos of the indie rock scene and have have gained a cult following of viewers both on their own website and on YouTube.

During the performances, the artists can often be seen reacting to the unusual venue. For example, during the New Pornographers session, the two musicians can be seen bouncing up and down in their seats as the cab hits speed bumps. The performances are also shaped by the space afforded by the back of a London black cab.

The Black Cab Sessions were conceived by Jono Stevens and produced as a partnership between Hidden Fruit (Gen Stevens and Chris Pattinson) and Just So Films (Jonny Madderson and Will Evans). Filming of The Black Cab Sessions began in May, 2007 and is ongoing.

One of the producers reports that about 10 percent of the cab drivers approached by the producers turns them down, thinking that the idea is weird, but that those who do participate enjoy it.

One of those drivers who immensely enjoyed having his cab used as a music studio was our driver Jon. On May 14 2009, we were delighted and excited when one of our black cabs was chosen to host William Orbit: famous in his own right as a musician and composer and also producer of the likes of Madonna and Blur. Stay tuned to this blog for a story about that momentous day!

+44 (0)7779 336 612

www.londonblacktaxis.net

www.london-taxis.net

www.london-taxi-cabs.com

Most of the music I hear on the radio and TV these days leaves me cold and disinterested. To be honest it wouldn’t bother me if it all went away and was never heard of again. Having said that, the other night I caught the last half of a [...]]]>

Most of the music I hear on the radio and TV these days leaves me cold and disinterested. To be honest it wouldn’t bother me if it all went away and was never heard of again. Having said that, the other night I caught the last half of a live concert from Amy Winehouse (Channel 4) at the Shepherds Bush Empire. Although she was performing at less than a third of her capability and obviously under the influence of something other than alcohol she was magnificent. I don’t know what she’s got but boy she knows how to sing and entertain a live audience. She looked so fragile and her over thin body was covered in Tattoo’s and she seemed to be elsewhere and singing by auto pilot. But again I say she was magnificent. Her father who happens to be a licensed London taxi driver should know better and take her in hand and clean her up. He should be ashamed of himself letting his little girl destroy herself. Make no mistake that’s exactly what’s she’s doing. If nothing is done to pull her together and clean her up she won’t live much longer. And the world will lose another amazing talent that has so much to give and can really achieve great heights. Just remembered what she’s got its real raw talent!