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Samantha Morton, an actor born in Nottingham in 1977, had a challenging childhood and spent nine years in foster care. At the age of 13, she became a part of the Central Junior Television Workshop and rose to fame in the late 90s with her roles in the TV series Band of Gold and her powerful performance in Under the Skin. She has been nominated for an Oscar twice for her work in Sweet and Lowdown and In America and won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Myra Hindley in Longford. In 2009, she made her directorial debut with The Unloved, earning a Bafta award. Earlier this year, she released her first music under XL Recordings. Morton currently resides in East Sussex with her partner, filmmaker Harry Holm, and has three children. Her BBC Radio 6 Music holiday special will air on 6 Music and BBC Sounds on December 27th.
1. Photobook
Nick Waplington’s comprehensive collection
I was deeply disturbed when I first saw a photograph by Nick Waplington, a British artist, years ago. It was part of his Living Room series, captured in the Broxtowe estate in Nottingham in the late 1980s. It felt like he had delved into my childhood memories and was capturing my home, my family, and my neighborhood through his lens. Therefore, I have a personal attachment to his work. This book by Phaidon covers his entire career starting from Living Room. It may be a costly investment, but it is an incredible book.
2. Gallery
Nottingham Contemporary
This is one of the top art venues in the nation. I attend all of their events because they have excellent taste and the building is breathtaking. I have experienced numerous exhibitions there, but one that stands out is a show from a few years ago showcasing the Black Panther movement through photographs, books, and films. It was a powerful and enlightening experience for me. It’s a fantastic place to visit, especially since it’s currently free, which is crucial with the high cost of everything.
3. Novel
How to Make a Bomb/Dartmouth Park by Rupert Thomson
One of my preferred writers is Rupert Thomson. His latest novel will not be available in the UK until April, but it has already been published in the US with the title Dartmouth Park. It is a captivating and tumultuous story, as per his usual style, but also has moments of humor. The main character, a historian, goes through a sudden and unexpected transformation that leaves readers questioning why. Has he suffered a mental breakdown? Is it a midlife crisis? The plot is full of surprises and Thomson’s writing is exceptional.
4. Theatre
Little Angel Theatre in London is currently featuring Charlie Cook’s Favorite Book.
As a mother of three children, my top priority during this season is to visit the Little Angel theatre in Islington. This theatre was founded by the parents of film director Joe Wright and I have been attending their shows for over 20 years. I have never been let down by their handmade puppets, incredible performances, and beautiful venue. This Christmas, we will be watching Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, a production based on Julia Donaldson’s tale about a boy who adores pirate stories. I sincerely hope that Little Angel remains unchanged.
5. Film
The movie showing at Broadway Cinema in Nottingham is called “Queendom”.
I have a great passion for watching movies at the theater, particularly at Broadway, which is my preferred theater. During my childhood in Nottingham, I had the opportunity to see Reservoir Dogs and many other independent films there. These films challenge your perspective on cinema due to the unique choices they make. Currently, they are screening Napoleon, Fallen Leaves, and Queendom, all of which I am eagerly anticipating to see. One of them is a documentary about a Russian drag artist that not only makes a political statement about the war in Ukraine but also tells the story of her personal journey. I am extremely eager to watch it.
6. Place
The Catholic church of St. Anthony of Padua in Rye.
This is one of my preferred churches. I enjoy attending church. While I may not always agree with the beliefs and actions associated with churches, I find a sense of tranquility and serenity in quietly contemplating inside these structures. The church in Rye is especially charming to me, as it resembles the one I grew up attending in Nottingham with its simplicity. It was constructed by the Franciscan order, resulting in a minimal and unadorned design. In today’s society that glorifies extreme wealth and ignores extreme poverty, I find this quite disheartening. Therefore, it is comforting to have places where one can find solace and peace.
7. Music
Kirsty MacColl: See That Girl box set/Isaiah Collier: Parallel Universe
Recently, I have been occupied, but music is always a priority for me. A compilation of Kirsty MacColl’s work from 1979 to 2000 has been released, containing 161 songs. It is a remarkable listen and includes 47 new tracks, as well as all the popular hits. Additionally, I have been enjoying Isaiah Collier’s new album, Parallel Universe. Collier is a jazz composer, activist, and educator based in Brooklyn. The album is fantastic.
Source: theguardian.com
