Our Writers Recommend...(19/7/21)

TV SHOW: Feel Good (Channel 4)

Pride month might be over – but LGBTQ+ rights aren’t just for the month. Channel 4’s ‘Feel Good’ is a masterclass in comedy-drama. It is the creation of Mae Martin, who plays herself. It’s semi-biographical and had me laughing, crying and gasping, all whilst covering topics as complex as gender fluidity, sexuality and addiction. Also Charlotte Ritchie can do no wrong – I’m obsessed. There are two seasons out and it’s got 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Literally, forget about Love Island, because to quote my icon Phoebe Waller Bridge: ‘THIS IS A LOVE STORY’. 

Ella Salmon

FILM: In the Heights

In The Heights is currently showing in the cinema and since cinemas are now open, it is an absolute must see! The film is based on the Broadway musical in which Usnavi, a shop owner in Washington Heights, saves up for what he believes is a better life. With music and lyrics by Lin Manuel-Miranda, it is guaranteed that you will be impressed by the musicality of the film and despite sad moments within the plot, you cannot help but want to get up and dance during the complex choreography routines. I laughed and cried and couldn’t recommend the film any more. For someone with a very short attention span, the two and a half hours felt like less than an hour. 

Amy Knowles

INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: @dralexgeorge


This isn’t just a recommendation to follow him on Instagram, it’s an SOS. We know Love Island is disastrous for the nation’s mental health and Dr Alex is potentially the only good thing to come out of it. Boys, go and look at his post of his beach trip to Cornwall - no abs in sight, but he’s healthy. It’s not normal to have the body of a full time athlete, otherwise we would all be taking part in the Olympics in 4 (4!) days time. Here’s hoping the Love Island contestants this year are also capable of coming out of Love Island and pressuring the government to make some positive changes, rather just a range for Pretty Little Thing and a night at Big Cheese. Not everyone is mentally ill but everyone has mental health. Go for a run, eat that ice cream, talk openly and follow Dr Alex on Instagram. 

Ella Salmon

TV SHOW: Clarkson's Farm

Available on Amazon Prime

I'm sorry this one’s on Amazon Prime, but trust me, it’s worth using your free trial on. The man repulses me in so many ways – thank goodness old white men being overly heterosexual is out of vogue. But, annoyingly, he is SO FUNNY. I think he could talk about paint drying and I would still watch 8 episodes in one evening. Is it bad I genuinely feel like I’ve learnt something about farming? Anyway, 8 episodes, hilarious locals and Jeremy Clarkson in various vehicles – it’s not a new formula but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. 

Ella Salmon