There’s a new 007 in town and she’s exactly what the franchise needed. After decades of daring escapades, high-speed chases, action-packed blockbuster sequences, and intense showdowns reserved for the man they call Bond… James Bond, the 007 franchise finally has a female lead that is more than just the MI5 agent’s love interest. Lashana Lynch, known for her role in Captain Marvel as the fiery Mariah Rambeau, etched her name in history when she was cast to star alongside Daniel Craig in the latest film from the seemingly never-ending James Bond series, No Time to Die. Consequently, Lynch has singularly and eternally altered our perception of what it means to be a female lead in the ever-popular Bond franchise, placing its tiresomely stereotypical (and often objectionable) presentation of women firmly beneath her feet, while ushering in a long awaited and, quite frankly, much needed change for the franchise which, for so long, has relied far too heavily on its “Bond girl” dynamic for its lead female. Lynch’s turn as Nomi in No Time to Die may not be what the Bond faithful had in mind for the next 007, but it is most certainly what the franchise itself needed: diversification. And while some have criticised the decision to cast Lynch, with claims her introduction is nothing more than a box ticking exercise dressed as the pursuit of progressive representation, the truth is, Lashana Lynch’s arrival in No Time Die has injected new life into the 007 franchise, paved the way for more diverse casting in the future, and created an opening for far more culturally inclusive roles. You may or may not like Lynch’s appointment as the only other 007 in history, but there is no denying that the casting of the 33-year-old, Jamaican, from Hammersmith, London, has changed the landscape of James Bond… forever. Written by: Liam Spencer
Tag Archives: Creatives
Woodzy’s Poetic Journey From The Stage To Wembley Arena
From Sky Arts to Sky Sports, Woodzy [@WoodzyTweets] is showing how poetry and culture come together.
Word Up & The RPO Create Magic In Wembley Park At Wemba’s Dream Festival
Last week, hundreds of shoppers at the London Designer Outlet based next to Wembley Stadium enjoyed the poetry showcase developed by Word Up and local poets from Brent, alongside the magnificent Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as part of the Wemba’s Dream festival. The fifteen minute poetry performance that featured at the festival took you through a journey of surreal, nightmares, and aspiration – themes that have run through many lives since the pandemic started, and continues to impact the locals of Brent and beyond. Performers included the founders of Word Up, Charlie, Desiree, and Hannah who were supported by poets Tannika Taylor, Sharmay MItchell, and Rakaya Esime Fetuga. The spectacular display of classical sound against the powerful words spoken captivated audiences over four separate performances that were nothing short of exceptional. Other amazing acts that featured at the festival included FUBUNATION, a brent based dance company and Brent Youth Theatre who collaborated with Mahogany Carnival Arts and All Angels Steel Pan Band. Both produced stunning displays of the arts that originated in the borough of Brent alongside the spectacular musicians that make up the Royal Philarmonic Orchestra who complimented each performance with the classical sounds including the cello and flute. To catch a full recap of all performances that took place on the day visit the RPO website here. Word Up have been a Brent based poetry organisation that has provided safe spaces for poets to express both online and through live events. Their Words Down writing workshops encourage people to connect through their words which in turn can aid mental health. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has worked with over 9000 young people in Brent over the last 15 years, and will soon be making Wembley Park their new home. For all those interested in experiencing classical music in unique ways, this is the perfect organisation to get in touch with whether it is just to be entertained, or to explore your hidden talents.
How The MOBO Trust & Help Musicians Are Reviving Arts & Culture
The MOBO Trust [@moboawards] and Help Musicians [HelpMusiciansUK] collaboration that is boosting the UK music industry
Dialectic Dee Talks Debut EP Utter Confusion
We catch up with Dialectic Dee to talk about her debut EP Utter Confusion and where it all started.
Women And Words Aligned With Neelofer Nova
Neelofer Nova discusses all things sisterhood, spokenword, and what’s coming next.
How Arts And Culture Has Changed Since The Pandemic
From virtual events to live protests – we take a look at how arts and culture has changed since the pandemic.
ATLS Word On The Street’s Debut Event Success
ATL’s Word On The Street by poet @aichatherese launches with a bang!
How To Make Your Virtual Event Stand Out Beyond Covid-19
The pandemic may be coming to an end but virtual events live on. Make yours one to remember.
What You Should Know About Our Women’s Poetry Brunch
Wonderful food, drink and poetry, what more could you ask for? Our Women’s Poetry Brunch is a breath of fresh air as the weather gets warmer and the world opens up again. Perfect timing for any poetry fans that would like to forget the lockdown, and start socialising in an intimate setting. Sharing our experiences with others is a great way to bring people together. Everyone has had a different successes and struggles over the last year, and our Women’s Poetry Brunch provides a space for ladies across London to express. The event has a a full female line-up of poets that are ready to inspire and entertain you. Following the poetry performances, there will be a networking brunch to allow everyone to connect with the other women over a selection of beverages. Our performers on the day include the amazing SamiRhymes, author of the ‘Random Rambles’, and the fabulous Curly Wordy, author of ‘If Walls Could Talk’, whose warmth and emotion touches everyone that hears her perform. Hosted by Wordplay & Flow founder, Tannika Taylor, we are creating an experience filled with female empowerment to celebrate the women making their mark in the industry of the arts. The event will take place at the beautiful Serpentine Suite in Paddington on the 26th June, and will run from 12pm-3pm. Guests will be greeted with a drink upon arrival before the show begins. Tickets are limited and can be purchased via Eventbrite.