The world according to Kirkey
In the not too distant past, inside the quintessentially boutique Parisian bars, people enjoyed conviviality, camaraderie, and congenial conversation. Relationships flourished, romance was alive, deals were done and the world’s woes were put to right. Solitude and reflection were equally effortlessly executed if sought ─ whilst reading a paper, or simply people watching. Those halcyon … Read more
The Book of Mormon engages with the terrains of disinformation, religious ideology, and hope; influences that affect everyone, but most just doff their hats in the general direction and conveniently shuffle away. Intertwined with female genital mutilation, dysentery and fucking frogs, the show manages to be both hilarious and powerfully thought-provoking. Sticking a finger up … Read more
Allegedly, when asked “How do you become a millionaire?” Sir John Madejski – the former chair of Reading Football club – replied, “Start off with five million and buy a football club.” Speedway may be in a different financial league to most upper tier football clubs, but nonetheless certain parallels can be drawn in terms … Read more
Standing solemnly on a cold, dark evening I heard the words of the politicians, and maybe if I’d been asked to make a formal speech I too would have reiterated the importance of reflection, reconciliation and reverence. But I had a nagging and growing doubt about the sincerity of the pledges. Attended by a handful … Read more
Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn’t seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps, “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator says, “Calm down. I can help. First, let’s … Read more
We Brits are renowned for our sense of humour; undisputed world champions in the disciplines of sarcasm, satire, and innuendo. We can dish it out with craft and conviction. Taking the piss out of others is second nature to the British ─ so good are we that we just as elegantly turn this superpower inwards … Read more
Sitting minding my own business, drinking a cuppa, the general hubbub of Starbucks was occasionally perforated by the shrill call of a name: “Oscar!” then another, “Sherlock!” and finally, “Hugo!” I was, on one hand, glad that my own kids have grown up and left home, but on the other, I was perplexed. This group … Read more
The main character in this catastrophe is the United Kingdom, and the chief protagonists in its demise into a pariah state at breath-taking velocity are a precocious liar and a man who is absolutely unrivalled in reaping division – with a surname similar to the small structure you park your car in. On reflection, what … Read more
The Imperial War Museum stands proudly in the leafy suburb of Lambeth, South-East London, protected by two magnificent naval guns pointed upward and poised to thwart an imaginary foe. My previous visits to this iconic structure have always left me feeling incredibly proud of our armed services, and in particular how we stood resolute against … Read more
The late, great, footballer, Jimmy Greaves, is credited with coining the phrase – “It’s a funny old game!” The same can be said about speedway as club fortunes can often experience glory one season, then gloom the next. Peterborough fans will testify to that in recent years. With the often unpredictable nature of rider averages, … Read more