Chris Stagg presents Words & Sound, the arts and culture podcast on Phoenix FM. On episode 7 I'm joined by horror writer Adrian Roe. Adrian and I discuss his history of horror Scream trilogy looking at horror films from the 70s, 80s and 90s and we also talk about Adrian's brand new book; Bled Dry, which examines the vampire subgenre. Adrian takes on the Words & Sound quiz with his specialist subject of 80s horror films. We also have in this episode a very special competition where you can win a copy of Bled Dry. To be in with a chance of winning, just listen to the episode then head over to my Instagram or Twitter and answer the question in the competition post. Winner announced on the 22nd May. All songs selected by Adrian. Songs played in this episode: Incubus - Pardon Me Counting Crows - Mr Jones The Kooks - Naive The Gaslight Anthem - Halloween Links from this episode: Adrian's website - <a href="https://adrianroe.com/bled-dry/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Adrian Roe</a> Adrian's Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/Firstscreamto" rel="noopener" target="_blank">@Firstscreamto</a> Adrian’s work was inspired purely from his lifelong passion (and perhaps obsession) with horror films, and those who create them. In 2012 Adrian decided to put his knowledge to good use and embarked on his first book, First Scream to the Last, which covered the horror movie scene of the ’80s. After publication in 2014 two more books have since followed, Second Scream and The Final Scream, which cover the genre throughout the ’90s and ’70s respectively. These three knowledgeable reference pieces also attracted the interest of various genre artists, who kindly contributed towards the work with insightful interviews, allowing the reader to uncover fascinating memories of those involved in the making of these movies. Additional writers include Wes Craven, Julie Carmen, Tom Savini, Reggie Bannister, Mick Garris, Tom Holland, John Carpenter, Heather Langenkamp, Katt Shea, Tom Skerritt, Victor Miller, Eileen Davidson, Dee Wallace, Adrienne Barbeau and many others. Adrian has since published his 4th book, Bled Dry, which documents the history of the vampire subgenre. Various artists are once again involved with the work that looks at the origins of the vampire lore, while also covering over 100 years of vampires in film. Adrian has also contributed to various other horror projects including the ‘80s horror documentary In Search of Darkness, articles in the Daily Telegraph and various horror sites and blogs. Chris Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com\@cw_stagg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">@cw_stagg</a> Instagram <a href="http://www.Instagram.com\cw_stagg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cw_stagg</a> Email <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener" target="_blank">[email protected]</a> Website <a href="http://www.cwstagg.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">www.cwstagg.com</a>

Chris Stagg presents Words & Sound, the arts and culture podcast on Phoenix FM. For episode 6 I'll be looking at a beautiful piece of story telling in David Bowie's Blackstar and examining the Bram Stoker short story; Dracula's Guest. I'll also be doing a reading from the short and of course i'll have some new opportunities and events for you to take part in. All music in this episode has been selected by me. Songs played in this episode: Blackstar - David Bowie Love Song For A Vampire - Annie Lennox Cirice - Ghost Opportunities from this episode: Open Culture - <a href="http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Open Culture</a> Radio Monologues - Kick It Down Productions <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener" target="_blank">[email protected]</a> A Writers Lighthouse - <a href="https://www.meetup.com/AWritersLighthouseRetreat/ " rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Writers Lighthouse</a>  Chris Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com\@cw_stagg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">@cw_stagg</a> Instagram <a href="http://www.Instagram.com\cw_stagg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cw_stagg</a> Email <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener" target="_blank">[email protected]</a> Website <a href="http://www.cwstagg.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">www.cwstagg.com</a>

Chris Stagg presents Words & Sound, the arts and culture podcast on Phoenix FM. For episode 5 I am joined by none other than Sarah Du-Feu; aka 'The Ballet Coach.' Sarah and I talk all about her approach to dancing, her amazing training and career, her own flourishing ballet school and new and extremely popular Ballet live streams for anyone to get involved with in their own home. Sarah also takes on the Words & Sound quiz, with her specialist subject; Sex & The City. As always, all music has been chosen by my guest. Links mentioned in this episode: Sarah's ballet school <a href="http://www.dufeudance.co.uk" rel="noopener" target="_blank">www.dufeudance.co.uk </a> The Ballet Coach (Under construction) <a href="http://www.theballetcoach.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">www.theballetcoach.com</a> Instagram <a href="http://www.Instagram.com\theballetcoach" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Ballet Coach</a> Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SarahDuFeuTheBalletCoach/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Ballet Coach</a> Youtube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjoXKtJLuyb6gAG3sQlyq0Q" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Ballet Coach</a> Songs played in this episode: Do You Love me - The Contours Kiss from a Rose - Seal America - West Side Story Canned Heat - Jamiroquai You Make My Dreams Come True - Hall and Oates Romeo & Juliet Op. 64 Act 1 - Balcony Scene - Prokofiev Opportunities from this episode: LockDown OpenUp - Directors Cut Theatre <a href="https://directorscuttheatre.co.uk/about/opportunities/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">LockedDown OpenUp</a> TV Showcase - The Comedy Crowd <a href="https://comedycrowdtv.com/page/screening-event" rel="noopener" target="_blank">TV Showcase</a> Chris Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com\@cw_stagg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">@cw_stagg</a> Instagram <a href="http://www.Instagram.com\cw_stagg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cw_stagg</a> Email <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener" target="_blank">[email protected]</a> Website <a href="http://www.cwstagg.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">www.cwstagg.com</a>

Chris Stagg presents Words & Sound, the arts and culture podcast on Phoenix FM. Episode 4 is the first isolation episode! While the epidemic sweeps the World, we must keep the arts going, so in this episode we take a look at a new regular feature of opportunities that you can apply for, we also look at soundscapes starting with Icelandic band Múm and finally we will be playing an amazing spoken word track from Tom Waits from his album Mule Variations. All music has been chosen by me and we finish the show with a brand new track from friend of the show Leanne Louise. Links mentioned in this episode: BBC Writers room comedy: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/script-room//" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/script-room//</a> Arts Council Financial Support: <a href="https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid-19/financial-support-artists-creative-practitioners-and-freelancers//" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid-19/financial-support-artists-creative-practitioners-and-freelancers//</a> Tom Wells Writing Exercises: <a href="https://www.middlechildtheatre.co.uk/2020/03/25/playwriting-with-tom-wells-1-voice///" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.middlechildtheatre.co.uk/2020/03/25/playwriting-with-tom-wells-1-voice///</a> Songs played in this episode: Space - Neighbourhood Múm - Will the Summer Make Good For All of Our Sins Charlie Parker - My Old Flame Ghost - Square Hammer Tom Waits - What's He Building? Leanne Louise - Judgement Day Chris <a href="http://www.twitter.com\@cw_stagg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">@cw_stagg</a>

Chris Stagg presents Words & Sound, the arts and culture podcast on Phoenix FM. In episode 3 of Words & Sound, my special guest is the Artistic Director of The Chelmsford Ballet Company; Annette Potter. Annette joins me with dancers Bella, Harriet, Alycia and Samantha and we talk all about the Ballet company, their performances and opportunities for involvement and I even get a ballet lesson from Annette herself! All music played in this episode has been specially selected by my guests Links mentioned in this episode: The Chelmsford Ballet Compnay Website: <a href="https://www.thechelmsfordballetcompany.co.uk//" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.thechelmsfordballetcompany.co.uk//</a> Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com\@ballet_CBC" rel="noopener" target="_blank">@ballet_CBC</a> Songs played in this episode: Chosen by Bella - Say Nothing - Naomi Scott Chosen by Samantha - Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield Chosen by Alycia - We Are The Champions - Queen Chosen by Annette - Let Me Entertain You - Robbie Williams Chosen by Harriet - Summer Days - Martin Garrix History of The Chelmsford Ballet Company. In 1947, Joan Weston created the Broomfield YMCA Ballet Company in order to give the more senior students at her existing dance school the opportunity to learn and perform to the public. It was after their 1949 performance of Coppélia at the Shire Hall that the then Mayor of Chelmsford suggested the name ‘The Chelmsford Ballet Company’, and with a small committee the Company was born. Since 1949, the Company has staged a full-scale production every year. Initially a part of the Arts Festival, and then the Cathedral Fringe Festival, they occur today as an annual event in their own right. Today the company is led by Artistic Director Annette Potter, a former dancing member. Annette danced many leading roles with the Company before moving on to teaching and choreography. The company’s patrons are Doreen Wells, Marchioness of Londonderry and Christopher Marney, Artistic Director of Ballet Central. The Company is a way for skilled dancers to perform together and to showcase their talents, but it is not affiliated with any one dance school. It has become a well- loved cornerstone of Chelmsford’s cultural calendar, and repertoire includes The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Napoli, Pineapple Poll, Petroushka, La Boutique Fantasque, La Fille Mal Gardée, Tales from Beatrix Potter, Les Sylphides, Coppélia and Cinderella. IMPORTANT: Covid 19 update: Please Note that with regret, following government advice, Chelmsford City Council have taken the action to close all Chelmsford City Theatres with immediate effect and so the upcoming performances of Tales of Beatrix Potter have been cancelled and postponed. The Chelmsford Ballet Company committee will meet at the next possible opportunity to discuss the way forward. For more information please visit @ballet_cbc on Twitter of www.thechelmsfordballetcompany.co.uk Chris <a href="http://www.twitter.com\@cw_stagg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">@cw_stagg</a>

Chris Stagg presents Words & Sound, the arts and culture podcast on Phoenix FM. In episode 2 of Words & Sound, my special guest is award winning best selling author Sarah Hilary. Sarah is the author of 6 DI Marnie Rome novels, including the brand new novel; Never Be Broken. We talk all about the new book, Sarah's approach to writing and advice and about the amazing mentoring and support initiative; Killer Women. All music played has been specially selected by Sarah. Links mentioned in this episode: Sarah's website: <a href="https://www.sarahhilary.com//" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.sarahhilary.com//</a> Killer Women: <a href="https://killerwomen.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://killerwomen.org/</a> Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com\@sarah_hilary" rel="noopener" target="_blank">@sarah_hilary</a> Songs played in this episode: The Style Council - A Man of Great Promise Leonard Cohen - Dance Me to the End of Love Sarah Hilary has worked as a bookseller, and with the Royal Navy. Her debut, Someone Else's Skin, won Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year and was a World Book Night selection. The Observer's Book of the Month ("superbly disturbing”) and a Richard & Judy Book Club bestseller, it was a Silver Falchion and Macavity Award finalist in the US. No Other Darkness, the second in the series was shortlisted for a Barry Award. Her latest in her DI Marnie Rome series, Never Be Broken, is out now. Sarah is one of the Killer Women, a crime writing collective supporting diversity, innovation and inclusion in their industry. Chris <a href="http://www.twitter.com\@cw_stagg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">@cw_stagg</a>

Chris Stagg presents Words & Sound, the arts and culture podcast on Phoenix FM. In episode 1 of this brand new series, my special guest is award winning best selling author Michelle Harrison. Michelle and I talk about her influences, her approaches to writing and of course her brand new book, part 2 of the Widdershins Trilogy; A Sprinkle of Sorcery. All music played has been specially selected by my guest, and tune in to find out how Michelle does on the returning Words & Sound quiz. Michelle is also a huge fan of horror, magic and folklore and 90s music, so of course is welcome on my show any time! Links mentioned in this episode: Michelle's website: <a href="https://www.michelleharrisonbooks.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.michelleharrisonbooks.com/</a> Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com\@MHarrison13" rel="noopener" target="_blank">@MHarrison13</a> Songs played in this episode: The Cranberries - Dreams Alanis Morissette - Hand in my Pocket The Prodigy - No Good (Start the Dance) Michelle Harrison is the author of eight novels for children and young adults, and her work has been translated into 18 languages. Her first book, The Thirteen Treasures, won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. The Other Alice won the Calderdale Book of the Year Award. A Sprinkle of Sorcery is her eighth novel and a sequel to the best-selling A Pinch of Magic. Prior to being a full-time writer, Michelle worked as a bookseller and then an editor at Oxford University Press. She lives in Essex and has a son, Jack, and three cats: Marmite, Sorsha and Widdershins. Chris <a href="http://www.twitter.com\@cw_stagg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">@cw_stagg</a>

Chris Stagg presents Words & Sound, the arts and culture podcast on Phoenix FM. In episode 8 of Words & Sound, my special guest is actor, writer and producer Tony Sands. Tony and I discuss his short films The Bench and Echoes of the Passed, as well as upcoming comedy horror; Eat Me Out of House And Home. Tony also tells us all about his new Directorship of the Unrestricted View Horror Film Festival starting 28th October. All music played has been specially selected by my guest, and tune in to find out how Tony does on the returning Words & Sound quiz. Links mentioned in this episode: Horror festival: <a href="https://www.unrestrictedview.co.uk/category/productions/films/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.unrestrictedview.co.uk/category/productions/films/</a> Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TonyRDB" rel="noopener" target="_blank">TonyRDB</a> Instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/tonysandsofficial" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tonysandsofficial</a> Website: <a href="http://www.tonysandsofficial.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tonysandsofficial.com</a> Charity website: <a href="http://www.stepfootball.co.uk" rel="noopener" target="_blank">stepfootball.co.uk</a> Songs played in this episode: Queen - Radio Ga-Ga David Bowie - Heroes Chris @cw_stagg

Chris Stagg presents Words & Sound, the arts and culture podcast on Phoenix FM. In episode 7 of Words & Sound, my special guests are actor, writer and gothic legend David Pinner and actor, producer Sarah Lawrie. David and Sarah tell us all about their brand new production, the World premier stage adaptation of David's novel Edred the Vampyre, which is being performed at The Old Red Lion as part of this Autumns London Horror Festival. David also tells us about his acting career and how a lunch meeting with Christopher Lee led to his novel Ritual being the basis for Folk Horror masterpiece; The Wicker Man. Sarah talks to us about her current collaboration with Rula Lenska bringing Rula's mothers fascinating life story to the stage and also Sarah tells us about her upcoming mini tour of Oranges and Ink with Claire Louise Amias. Links mentioned in this episode: Sarah on twitter: @La_Lawrie The show on twitter: @VampireEdred The crowdfund: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/edred-the-vampyre-at-the-london-horror-festival The ticket link: https://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/edred-the-vampyre.html Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/VampireEDRED/ Songs played in this episode: Stravinsky - Rite of Spring Henry Hall - Teddy Bears Picnic  Mussorgsky - Night On A Bare Mountain The Divine Comedy - Something for the Weekend

Chris Stagg presents Words & Sound, the arts and culture podcast on Phoenix FM. In episode 6 of Words & Sound, my special guest is film director, producer and screenplay writer; Scott Lyus. It's a real pleasure to speak to Scott, who is a talented filmmaker who creates films that genuinely have something to say. Scott and I discuss his short films to date, Scott's process for making a film from conception to screen, his upcoming new horror short Black Mass that deals intelligently and sympathetically with depression, and we talk about Scott's brand new and first feature film and its just launched supporting Kickstarter campaign; Walking Against the Rain. Scott also tells us all about his horror festival; The Black Sunday Film Festival. Scott Lyus is an acclaimed award winning film maker whose shorts include; Supernova, Order of the Ram, Silently Within Your Shadow, Echoes of the Passed and Black Mass. Songs played in this episode: Ghost - Dance Macabre JJ Grey & Mofro - Orange Blossoms Joe Bonamassa - Oh Beautiful! Howlin' Wolf - Smokestack Lightening