I've spent much of my time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, scrolling through Twitter, double checking sources for their reputability, and filtering out Jeff5838254 who's convinced he knows what Putin's thinking. I'm now following a variety of Ukrainian journalists, news outlets, and of course, @ZelenskyyUa, whose regular Tweets are giving his country, and the world, continued hope.
But enough's enough. It's too much. At least, it's too much without a break. Keeping informed is important but so is keeping sane. So in the interests of helping us do just that, here's something to help. Quick distractions or mental breaks when you need to step away and avoid news saturation. To be taken as often as required.
Let's start with something pure. John and Johannes' Strictly final show dance. As the first male pairing (and gay men to boot) this would always be emotional. So with the ghosts of past generations on their shoulders, they start. Slowly and respectfully, mindful of where they've come from and who went before. Then, as the tempo changes, so does the vibe. Unleashed joy fills the stage. Like a triumphant pride parade in the face of the homphobia of the past. When the beat finally calms, what's left are two people - two dancers sharing a floor, portraying two people quietly in love. The dance reflects an entire relationship; from formal dating, to living life to the full, through to old age love. It also makes a statement about the history of gay rights - from initially conforming to traditional roles, to the out and proud years of fighting for acceptance, to the recognition that love is love with equal rights enshrined in law. Maybe I've over thought it. It might just be a cool dance with great choreography. Either way, it's paid off its mortgage and will reside forever in my head.
Taskmaster is the perfect mood lifter. Funny, irreverent, and the main binge that got me through lockdown. In this team task, Liza Tarbuck is paired with Tim Vine and Asim Chaudhry, who are so caught up in getting confused and ignoring her, they don't realise she's found the link and solved the task on her own. As Greg Davies says, 'Have we ever had a clearer metaphor for the plight of women through the ages?'
Now this one's personal. The Flying Doctors has the greatest theme tune of all time. You might not agree. That's fine. But if you want a mental break and your spirits lifted, go to YouTube and type in your own fave. It's better if it's from your youth. For a few seconds of typing, you'll receive a couple of minutes of nostalgia and butterflies, as your heart and gut respond to the music. Along with The Flying Doctors, I'd also include LA Law, Cagney and Lacey, The Young Doctors, Sons and Daughters, The Sullivans, The Henderson Kids, A Country Practice, Eldorado, and Howards' Way. And with that info, you can literally carbon date me.
Let's take it down a notch. Or maybe I mean up? You want to know what scene's turned me on the most in the theatre? You're only human, it's a valid query. Well wonder no longer because it's this one. James McAvoy in Martin Crimp's adaptation of Cyrano De Bergerac. I saw it in London just before COVID (it's currently having another run) and I think I held my breath for the entire speech. In a sold out theatre, you could hear a pin drop. When I want to forget every thought I've ever had in my life, this'll do it.
Phew, back to comedy. Catherine O'Hara's character in Schitt's Creek is Moira Rose - an ex-daytime soap actress, now bankrupt and living in a motel. This scene is where she's hired to promote Herb Ertlinger wines but gets both stage fright and tipsy during the shoot. If you only know her as the mum from Home Alone, buckle up. She's a legend.
More Taskmaster content. If you've ever watched Only Connect, you'll know Victoria Coren Mitchell is both funny and intelligent. She gives off a calm, capable vibe, of being unflappable in a crisis and in control of her life. It's quite the mental leap to watch her in this.
Now then. If you're looking for a longer type of distraction, or something that takes you narratively deeper than short clips, this one's for you. A stand alone, half-hour play by Victoria Wood, set in a health farm. (With added Liza Tarbuck content!) I searched for it recently after a family chat about body-part terminology for my youngest niece, because this show contains my all time favourite vulva joke. Scroll to 13.17 if you want to catch that. Or, alternatively, make a cup of tea, start from the beginning, and revel in Victoria Wood's brilliance.
If these specific examples aren't your thing, that's no bother. But they might nudge you towards finding your own distractions and remind you to give your head some space - something that feels particularly important right now. Keep abreast of the news. Send solidarity or money or heartfelt wishes to the people of Ukraine, of course. But have a break from the rolling news. Every now and then.
Have a lovely week, folks.
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