By Carina Cunningham

Little did she know, this time last year that she would be cast as the leading lady in a vampire film called “Tara Hill”. Director/Writer Bobby Cullen of Ryker Films spotted Becky and took a chance on her, even though she did not have a lot of experience in filming. Becky has been modelling a few years now and is well used to the camera. She has also walked the catwalk on many fashion shows including; Style Warriors fashion and Entertainment Show and other charity events. She has now been granted the opportunity to see herself up on the big screen in this gothic fantasy film set for “Tara Hill”, overlooking the sea at Gorey. Marc Hughes; award winning producer of film “Red Room” has merged with Bobby Cullen under the name of Ryker Films. Together, they plan to enter “Tara Hill” into the Cork Film Festival and The Richard Harris Film Festival this Autumn. Bobby is also an accomplished singer/ songwriter. His songs are featured in the upcoming film “Tara Hill”. “ My Carousel ” is Bobby Cullens’ rock song, which he sang and produced himself. Wardrobe for the entire film has been designed by Carina Cunningham. Make-up is a very important part of a vampire film and none other than the very well-known make-up artist Gillian Stapleton is on set fixing vampire fangs at her best.This will be a super film with amazing scenery; sea, forests, hills, and lakes. The next scene will be shot in Style Warriors Dreamscape room 102 Ardgillan Castle, where the room will be transformed into a smokey vampire local pub. The room, set up with candles and lady vampires will be the perfect setting. Once again costumes will need to be co-ordinated with make-up to set the scene. This fantasy world is my style and needless to say, I will be in my element helping style this. Actress Becky Archbold will look fabulous in Red, plus at least ten
other vampires dressed to taste and kill. Blood is the drug for Becky and her kin! After this film, what’s next for merging Actress Becky Archbold? When one door closes, another one opens, as she has been cast in a new programme which will be filmed in the Autumn. Watch this space as it’s under wraps right now. A perfect second role for Becky, that’s all I can say right now. So, onwards and upwards. Wishing Becky all the best in her new chapter in the film world. Watch out Hollywood, she’s on her way!

By Jack Shanley

With Baz Luhrmann’s blistering biopic of Elvis Presley, ‘The King of Rock n Roll’, hitting cinemas in late June I felt it would be only right to write a review about the much-anticipated biopic.I felt a little unsatisfied with the film overall. It felt at times to be nothing more than a carnival on screen, with it feeling like a long stream of extraordinary editing but no consideration for the story. I found the opening 40 minutes to be quite restless and boring in all honestly, with it being nothing but swirling and wavy editing and shots from scene to scene leaving me quite discombobulated. With that I did find the last hour of the film to be sorrowful but rather entertaining at last. The film is essentially about the rise and fall of Elvis, a man who changed the landscape of music, so with that the thought of a film adaptation of Elvis is rather daring. The performances were fantastic, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Austin Butler picks up an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Elvis. As the film progressed and Elvis got older, the more he looked like Elvis. By the end of the film they both looked so alike it was uncanny. Although I felt a little lacklustre after watching the film, there was a lot of detail from the spectacular cinematography and glamorous costume design to the frenetic but graceful choreography. Although I speak of this film not being as good as I had anticipated, it was still entertaining. I’d recommend everyone to go see it, as it’s still an interesting story that shines a light on the darker side of Elvis Presley, a side that has always been hidden away from the world.Synopsis: With the rise of Elvis Presley to his superstardom, the Rock ‘n’ Roll icon maintains a very complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, throughout his career as a performer. I’d give this film a score of 3½ stars. You can go see Elvis in your local cinema today. Director: Baz Luhrmann – Rating: 12A – Genre: Musical/Drama – Run Time: 2h 39m – Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

The Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society were delighted to enchant the audiences once more following a three year hiatus due to covid. It has been a long time for the drama group to showcase their performances of ‘Melody’ by Deirdre Kinahan directed by Lisa Buckley & ‘Lockdown In Little Grimley’ by David Tristram directed by Noelle Corcoran two one act plays that have been on production since August 2021 and was postponed due to the restrictions that were in effect while the plays were due to be performed.

Each night the cast and crew were rewarded with a full house in the newly refurbished Donabate parish hall and standing ovations. The group, being one of Ireland’s oldest amateur dramatic society’s founded in 1936 was delighted to welcome mayor of Fingal to close the shows on the final performance Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh who gave a heartfelt speech to the group to congratulate them on their success. Followed by a speech by honorary guests from Ukraine who thanked the society for the invitation to the performance quoting it was “The first time we’ve laughed since February 21st”. If you would like to become a member or a patron of the Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society please feel free to get in touch on donabateportrane.drama@gmail.com

Maria Butterly will launch her new song ‘HERO’ produced by Bill Shanley and recorded in the world famous Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Naul this month. This song touches on an important and hot topic hitting young teens today-bullying. There is an interesting Story behind Maria’s new single ‘HERO’.It is a story of a young teen being called names in school, who dreams up a fictional hero character that represents the inner strength within us all, which allows us to confront and overcome the challenges presented to us whether internal or external. And addresses anti-social behaviour, bullying, and the challenges young students can be faced with in their world! Music has the power to connect with people and this new single from Maria ‘HERO’ is another example of that. A lot of my songs are inspired from true stories, some my own and some of others like this one. It’s radio friendly and the story is a good talking point!…. Not so long ago, I received a handwritten letter from an LMFM listener who was on the verge of taking his own life at 1am in the morning, until he heard my song ‘ANGEL’ being played on LMFM radio, he said the words of the song lifted him and brought him comfort and most of all ‘Hope’ that night and stopped him from doing the unthinkable. He is still with us today!

LAUNCH GIG: Friday 11th February, 2022.
Venue: Seamus Ennis Arts Centre,
Naul, Co Dublin.
Tickets are limited! €16 Available from TSEAC.i or mariabutterly.com

First Time author Balbriggan Woman Linda Murray recently launched a children’s book called ‘Dragon Fire and Fairy Dust’ with all the proceeds of it going to Temple St Childrens Hospital.
Linda said, ‘I am a Balbriggan local and started writing during the first Lockdown as I was not an essential worker. I found myself very isolated, being alone all day and missing my working life and social outlet. So I started writing poems and moved onto verse stories which are great fun, because you can really let your imagination run. I post my stories on a public Facebook page- Linda Murray Poetry for Life and I got a lot of encouragement so I decided to get a children’s book together. ‘ Well done Linda !

For each of the past nineteen years the talented students of the Catherine Lawlor School of Art have been holding an Art Exhibition to raise funds to support local charities in the Dublin area, including an online exhibition, in November 2020, in the midst of the Covid Pandemic.This year, Catherine is delighted to be hosting the Catherine Lawlor School of Art – Juliette Gallery Art Exhibition. This exhibition is close to Catherine’s heart as it will be held in memory of her dear mother, Juliette. The Juliette Gallery Art Exhibition will be held on 12th – 14th November, 2021 in Malahide Tennis Club from 10am to 6.00pm. This promises to be a most exciting and entertaining event. It will include an exhibition of a wonderful selection of over 60 pieces of art work on show. It will offer a great opportunity to meet the artists, talk to them about their work and possibly commission an original piece for yourself or as a gift.All paintings on display at the event will also be available to view on Catherine’s website at dublinartclasses.com in the online Juliette Gallery.Check out the website too for the calendar of events, classes, workshops, guided gallery visits, students’ art work and details regarding trips at home and abroad. All levels are catered for in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere online on Zoom and face to face in Balgriffin Hall, Malahide Road. Catherine is an inspiring teacher who provides numerous opportunities for all students to develop. This dynamic school of art is the largest on the northside of Dublin.