Author: Wansteadium

There may be quizzical looks from staff at the Odeon in South Woodford on Thursday at an unusual level of interest in a showing of Macbeth.

The production, starring Ralph Fiennes, also features former Wanstead High student Lola Shalam as one of the witches. And besides the local interest, it’s a timely showing with GCSE Eng Lit exams just days away (Macbeth being one of the set texts for many…)

Lola graduated from Guildhall School of Music and Drama last year, and has featured in roles at the Almeida as well as this production of Macbeth which was highly acclaimed, earning four stars from the Financial Times.

The delayed decision on the future of the Evergreen Field has been put back again, after a series of revisions and delays to the process. It had been expected that council officers would give a verdict by the end of April.

But a spokesperson for Redbridge Council said: “The application is currently being considered by council officers and it is anticipated that the application will be referred to the Council’s Planning Committee for a decision no later than July.”

Look out for an advert featuring a Skoda apparently staring meaningfully into Heronry Pond. Filming captured by regular correspondent JW.

Wanstead characters played their part in the national discourse last week, with Victor Adebowale winning much admiration for his turn on the BBC’s Question Time.

Meanwhile Wes Streeting, who is still the MP for parts of Wanstead, although boundary changes will end that, became one of the memes of the year for his epic eye-roll at the question asked by Tory MP Chris Philp if Congo and Rwanda were different countries.

This came just hours after Eddie Nestor hosted the BBC One hustings for the London Mayoral candidates.

And all in the same week that Chizzy Akodulu was a pointless answer – kudos to her.

If only Ronnie O’Sullivan hadn’t been knocked out at the Crucible we would have been set.

The end of an era at Nightingale Green as Ash and Paula from Anne’s Newsagents end their 27-year run of 12-hour days, seven days a week. The shop was a lifeline for many, especially during lockdowns. It will now be refurbished and reopened by a new owner. But to Ash and Paula, thank you for your service.

(Google Streetview)

Blue tits are nesting in a pedestrian crossing indicator box on Hermon Hill (not the actual traffic light).

That’s it, really. This is the content you come for.