Jenny-Anne Dexter takes us on a tour of her favourite virtual haunts.
1. http://www.swindonweb.com
Swindon Web claims to be “everything Swindon”. The team not only keeps up to date with news and events, but their eager reporters are always on the move, making videos and photo galleries of all the latest events in the town. They illustrate very well the huge cultural changes taking place in Swindon. The town has become immensely rich in arts and culture in recent years but this reputation is really only acknowledged locally at present. It’s time those who have made such amazing changes in this area were rewarded with the recognition they deserve.
2. http://www.chortle.co.uk/
Chortle is the comedy website. Others have come and gone over the years, but every morning I log in to see what is happening on the circuit. The Wyvern Theatre has recently announced Swindon’s first comedy festival, so I’m busy compiling information to promote our line-up, and Chortle has some great features, including blogs, reader reviews and tour dates. Many an exclusive has appeared on its pages and its weekly round-up is always full of naughty tit-bits!
3. http://www.its-behind-you.com/
This is a charmingly written site by Nigel Ellacott and Peter Robbins, which aims to keep alive the magic of pantomime. For those in commercial venues, pantomime is always foremost in our minds, and this site inspires me to stay positive about what represents my biggest target (and, therefore, biggest headache) of the year.
4. http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/charlie_brooker/
I’m a very cynical person, and I try to live according to the wisdom of Charlie Brooker’s blog. I’m convinced he should rule the country if not the world. With topics including “I don’t get people either”, “Is there no end to my ignorance?” and “OJ didn’t do it – but what if it was Norman Wisdom?”, there’s something for every miserable last one of us. The man is a genius.
5. http://www.itv-f1.com/home.aspx
I am one of just two people at The Wyvern who has a passion for motor racing (and we’re both female!). I write this just four days before the beginning of the 2008 season, and ITV has just redesigned its F1 website. It’s now even easier to navigate and very dark and striking. I would recommend keeping an eye on The Gravel Trap for all the gossip, and this year is very much about Nico Rosberg and Team Williams.
Jenny-Anne Dexter is the Marketing Manager at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
e: jennyanne@wyverntheatre.org.uk