Reading Room: Made in India, Cooked in Britain, Meera Sodha

meera's book

Anna and I have a very talented new sister. Meera Sodha is my brother's fiancee and a rather incredible Lady. 

Meera, Anna and me

You have probably seen her gracing the colour supplements, cooking up a storm on Women's Hour, chatting away with her mum on BBC Asian Network, to name but a few. She is an incredibly modest girl who one day asked her mum for some family recipes to cook for her friends. Nothing had been written down as the family tradition was to cook by experience rather than written instructions. Meera took that as her cue to prevent these glorious recipes from disappearing into the ether and started to make records. The book wasn't intended to be published initially, but just to be a safe record of all the family food heritage. 

Meera and family

A year later, and here we are at the book launch, published by Figtree, Penguin. 

The official tag on her site is:

MADE IN INDIA: Cooked in Britain: Recipes from an Indian Family Kitchen is the essential book for anyone who loves Indian food and wants to know how to make it easily at home

Meera and Hugh

And that is just it. Both of my parents, incredible bastions of the leftovers brigade, have taken to this book so incredibly strongly, both have been serving up Meera's dishes on a daily basis without breaking into a chilli-induced sweat.

The book is currently number 5 in the Amazon charts...and that is the chart for ALL BOOKS. not bad huh. 

The Day Job: Dot and Ethel's Little Match Girl, a look back

photo Chris Collier

For those of you who didn’t manage to catch The Little Match Girl, and for those who did, but want to relive the experience here’s a look back at the show.

Photo Chris Collier

We had some lovely reviews (see below) and even though the run is over the show hasn’t been put to bed. We are working towards an Autumn tour with the assistance of the lovely Laura Dannequin. 

But whilst we’re in a moment of New Year reflection we’d like to take a moment to thank these vibrantly creative people who helped us make the show.

Hester Bond Performer 

Jade Berks Performer

Corina Bona Puppetry Director

Anna Croxon Movement Director

Mae Voogd Projection Director

Seamas Carey Musicial Director

Charlie Smalley Stage manager and so much more!!

In addition to the team we must also mention;

Jo Richardson, Bob Blunden, Gemma Brooks, Paul Rummer & Chris Scott at BOVTS, Chris Collier and all the wonderful staff at The White Bear & Wardrobe Theatre.

Over 400 people saw this show. Quite a feat considering the space could only hold 40 people and we had 11 shows! 

So onwards we go…

Lots of exciting things in the pipe line which is going to make 2014 a very special year in the lives of Dot & Ethel!

…..

photo Chris Collier

Reviews;  

‘Simply and cleverly told, that even the youngest of the audience were left spellbound by the magic…I came away with a warm glow and slight tear in my eye.  Beautiful!!!’

Little Green Shed

http://littlegreenshed.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-little-match-girl-at-wardrobe.html

‘This was a treat for young theatre goers and an example of the power of imagination and memory.’

Bristol Culture

 http://www.bristol-culture.com/2013/12/14/review-the-little-match-girl-wardrobe-theatre/

‘The children remain completely engaged as the performers make occasional forays into the audience, proffering scrunched up paper, blowing bubbles or hanging fairy lights…it’s a magical spectacle. 

Ultimately, it’s a heart-breaking tale, as the little girl has to light matches to stay warm. But, at a time when sad endings seem to have been excised from most mainstream children’s fiction, it’s a pleasure to find a company staging a play which raises difficult issues.’

Primary Times

http://www.primarytimes.net/avon/home

‘The sweetness, the vibrancy and the adventure of Dot and Ethel’s production will sweep you away.’

WSMum

 http://wsmumstreet.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/dotandethel/

photo Chris Collier