Branded - Russell Brand Article

This is an article I wrote for my English Language A-Level Coursework. The aim was to reverse the usual stereotype given to Russell Brand, so I focused on his achievements rather than what he's actually known for [drinking, drugs..that kinda thing]. Obviously this is not in the layout I put it in for the article, but all the writing is there. This was another great chance to practise my writing skills for the future.
4 Comedy Awards. 1 Biography of the Year. 4 Bestselling films- so far at least. Winner of the Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2006. So why has he been branded?
When the words “Russell Brand” are spoken, what image comes into your head? A drug addict? A drunk? That crazy-haired-wild-man-comedian? I see you’ve read the papers then.
Born an only child in Essex, Brand had a somewhat troubled childhood- one that the media seem to have ignored. Brought up by his mother alone, Brand suffered from bulimia and self-harm. He was also terribly molested by his neighbour, an event which would mentally scar anyone. All this has been bravely revealed in his bestselling autobiography “My Booky Wook.”
‘ Brand proved critics wrong, handling “everything sublimely” and being “funny to boot” ‘Despite all of this, Brand’s confidence has failed to be shattered. His career started in theatre, landing a role as “Fat Sam” in his school’s production of “Bugsy Malone.” After being expelled from the Drama Centre London, having stabbed himself in the chest and arms after a bad reaction to his performance, he turned his hand to comedy. Now aged 33, this career change has proved to be his best move, having won numerous comedy awards. These include “Best Newcomer” at the 2006 British Comedy Awards, and “Best Live Stand-Up” at the 2008 British Comedy Awards.
This could be due to Brand’s ability to mock himself for the purpose of comedy. As an example, his first tour ‘Shame,’ used embarrassing incidents in his life as his main material. The Daily Mail may label him “tacky,” “sleazy, sad and self-obsessed,” but his sold-out 2009 tour seems to suggest otherwise. It seems punters enjoy Brand’s unique use of self-confidence and wit in his work. Both his 2006 and 2007 tours have since been released on DVD, indicating that his newest tour will follow suit.
Meeting fans at the ‘Bedtime Stories’ premiereHowever, this is not where Brand’s talents end. He has presented countless TV shows, including his own show “Russell Brand’s Ponderland,” and the hugely popular “Big Brother’s Big Mouth.” He’s also presented a number of award ceremonies and live events, such as the 2006 NME Awards, and the Brits live in 2007. This was especially exciting, since it was the first time the Brits were broadcast live since 1989. Many critics doubted Brand’s ability to self-censor himself during the ceremony, but he proved them wrong, handling “everything sublimely,” and being “funny to boot,” according to Pop Buzz UK. Leading on from this, he has landed roles in many widely successful films, such as “St. Trinians,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and the new film “Bedtime Stories.” All these roles have shown his adaptability to characters, and have given him a chance to show-off his range of talents. “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” even gave Brand the opportunity to showcase his singing talents. He received impressive reviews, having radiated “star quality and ace comic timing,” according to Rolling Stone.
Aside from this, he’s also filled our screens with humour during the festive season, winning the Big Fat Quiz of the Year in 2006 with a little help from fellow comedian Noel Fielding. He may have failed to maintain the victory the following year, but the most important thing is the entertainment he provided to keep audience spirits, and the show’s ratings, high.
With roles already set-up for the near future, Brand looks set to stay around for a long time. With huge success already surrounding ‘My Booky Wook,’ there could perhaps be a new book brewing, an idea which may even impress the Daily Mail for once.
Given the amount of triumphs in Brand’s life, isn’t it about time we cut him some slack? Sure, he’s had his fill of drugs, and is partial to a bit of drink, but he has produced some of the best comedy of the past few years. I for one support Brand’s talents and it’s about time the media joined in.
Rachel Pilcher
Russell Brand is touring the UK from 30th January- 14th February. Most dates are sold out; check ticket websites for details

Coldplay, Jay-Z, Girls Aloud and White Lies. Wembley Stadium, September 2009

This is a review for Coldplay which I wrote my school's magazine. It was a page long, although it looks longer in this format. It was tricky fitting all the good bits in but making it concise, but it was fun to write. 
The rain is pouring, the beer is flowing and the songs are loud, just the way they should be.
Rewind four hours, and you find yourself at the forefront of one of the most assorted line-ups to have graced Wembley Stadium. We’re kicking off with White Lies, a three-piece from West London. Having only released their debut album in January of this year- already a huge achievement as the first British act in 2009 to get a number one album- they’re already playing with the big guns. Yes, the stadium is half full, but that’s no disadvantage to them. Kicking off with ‘Fairwell to the Fairground,’ a well-known hit with the audience, new fans are gained in minutes. Their set is tight, running through the hits along with the lesser known album tracks, adding in some playful banter for good luck. They end with ‘Death,’ the hit that never was, and the track which confirms why they’re ready to be here.
Next up, Girls Aloud. It’s fair to say that this reviewer is not the biggest fan of their work, but it was also clear that they were not ready for this. The vocals were lost, the dancers were in…interesting clothing and Sarah Harding was ridiculous. The in-between song banter? Hardly worth bothering. In all fairness, people were dancing and having a good time, some of the dancing more entertaining to watch than the band itself. In any case, the sooner they were over, the better.
The real surprise came in the form of Jay-Z. Born in New York, he has released 11 studio albums since 1996, all reaching number one in the US R&B chart. It’s not hard to see he is completely capable of playing venues of this size and caliber. The energy he created was electric- unexpected for many spectators. The crowd was bouncing and, *ahem*, attempting to rap along, although it’s quite a feat if you can manage it word-for-word. Everyone was happy to join in with “Jigga what, Jigga who,” along with throwing their ‘Diamonds in the air’ and making rather unusual symbols at various intervals. No-one could fault his ability to connect with the crowd, pointing out those people he was particularly interested in- namely one spectator he named “MC Hammer” after spotting their inflatable hammer. You can see why the Americans love him, and soon the English will too.
Then the rain came, turning up just as Coldplay entered the stage. Rain is fun to dance to for a while, but as it gets heavier, the novelty dies. Beginning with a hit off thenew album- ‘Life in Technicolor-.’ the crowd predictably went wild, staying this way for the full two hours. They ran through the crowd pleasers, evoking mass singalongs during favourites ‘In My Place’ and ‘Clocks.’ Perhaps the most entertaining song to watch was ‘Yellow,’ as giant yellow balls bounced around the stadium, full of confetti. Some spectators tried to ruin the aesthetics by bursting these, but fortunately the rest of us were too busy enjoying the music to care. Extra entertainment was added as the end of the song was turned into a fake X-Factor audition. Simon Cowell’s face being projected on a screen was not the most enjoyable sight, but it was great to see Coldplay having some fun with the crowd.
Aesthetics were also provided with the introduction of two other stages. The “B” stage, a walkway from the main stage, played host to more crowd favourites, ‘God Put a Smile On Your Face’ being the best responded to. By this time, you’d be a fool to still be contemplating how they sold out this stadium. After being joined by Jay-Z on the main stage for a special rendition of ‘Lost,’ they proceeded to move onto the “C” stage near the back of the stadium. More unusual songs- ‘The Rhyming Song’ and a special cover version of ‘Billie Jean,’ played whilst the spectators took part in the ‘mobile Mexican wave’ [I’ll let you guess what that involves.] Back to the main stage for the encore, involving an especially tugging-on-the-heart-strings version of ‘Lovers in Japan,’ complete with multi-coloured confetti butterflies. Another aesthetic spectacular, proving they are here for the fans as much as we are here for them. One final bow and a final encore that sees ‘The Scientist’ make an appearance, and the show is over.


This was the day that rock, pop and rap joined forces to make the most colourful show Wembley has even seen. Let’s hope this is the start of how we mean to go on. RP