Byw Celwydd: Spotlight on Welsh Politics

There's a new political drama in town, and it's hitting close to home. Byw Celwydd, (translated to Living a Lie) follows the trials and tribulations of a rainbow coalition government in charge of Wales.

The complex relationships and web of connections between the various politicians, make Byw Celwydd instantly addictive. This photo neatly explains who is who and how everyone is linked!

With the First Minister at odds with his journalist daughter-in-law, a husband and wife at odds over her leadership bid and a super special advisor back from America, there's no shortage of drama in the Cardiff Bay bubble.

With BBC Wales based in Cardiff Bay, I've got used to the regular presence of a film camera in and around my place of work. This time, it's particularly fun to see the Senedd on film, with scenes recorded in the public and private areas of the building.

So is Byw Celwydd art imitating life? Parts of the programme are believable, although I don't think we'd see a special advisor 'hanging out' at their employer's house quite as often, if at all, as we did in episode one! It's also been a bit confusing for us politicos to watch two brilliant actors who look like real life life politicians- hello Eiry Thomas, doppelganger for current AM Lesley Griffiths, and Mathew Gravelle, a lookalike for Stephen Kinnock MP.

With several more episodes set to air I'm looking forward to seeing how the the series develops! Plus, if you're lucky, you may even see me walking in the background...

S4C

My Top 5 Political Dramas

With a background of working in politics, I always find myself drawn to political dramas – fact and fiction! Even if I find myself needing to distress, I still reach for the nearest political DVD I can find

So which are in my top 5?

The West Wing: Forever a classic, the West Wing played an early role in my interest in politics. The issues, solutions, personalities and morals ring true for political arenas around the world, and I return to favourite episodes of the series for when I need a political pick-me-up. Season Two’s ‘Two Cathedrals’ will forever be my favourite.

Madam Secretary: Starring Tea Leoni, this drama follows Elizabeth McCord's role as Secretary of State. Dealing with a coup in Iran, crises at home and a change in family life, this is one of my absolute favourites. Plus McCord's wardrobe is proper A-game.

Commander in Chief: Cancelled after eighteen episodes, Commander in Chief starred Geena Davis as the first female American President. Fiesty and controversial, Davis played President Mackenzie Allen, and Independent who becomes Commander in Chief following the death of the former President. There was speculation that the series would be made into a movie, but unfortunately this never transpired.

Scandal: Perhaps one of the most addictive dramas on TV, Scandal follows main character Olivia Pope as she fixes Washington’s problems- oh and is in a relationship with the married President of the United States. The sizzling episodes provide an exciting and gripping distraction from everyday!

House of Cards: No list would be complete with House of Cards. House of Cards is the American remake of the classic original British drama. With the amazing Kevin Spacey playing the shady, divisive and downright scary House Majority Whip turned President, this is one gripping series. Season 4 is currently in production.

What are your favourite political dramas? Comment below!

June through Instagram

Rediscovering old favourites (like these espadrilles!) | Pretty poppies | Dior and I | Some new Decleor  goodies | Embracing 1920s chic with Phryne Fisher | Rocking my NATO hat | Perfecting my eye game thanks Eyeko | Leopard print J.Crew pumps for a black tie function | Finally watching Happy Valley

Follow me on Instagram for more snaps! 

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

I have a new obsession: a great Australian television show called Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.

Set in the 1920s, Miss Phryne Fisher (played by the amazing Essie Davis,) returns to Melbourne after spending time overseas. She's glamorous, wealthy and tonnes of fun- and she's a lady detective. After a friend's husband is found dead in the bathroom of their home, Miss Fisher gets to work trying to solve the murder, albeit it to the annoyance of the local Detective Inspector, Jack Robinson.

Apart from the great storylines, humour and backstories of each of the lovable characters, I love the show for its fashion and set design. Costume designer Marion Boyce is a marvel, and everything that Phryne wears is a picture of perfection. From cloches to tennis whites, fur stoles to beaded evening gowns, everything is spot on and super chic. And Miss Fisher's house? It's set in the historic Wardlow House in Melbourne, although scenes in the Art Deco interior are filmed on the ABC Studios set.

Very rarely do I watch a television show where I actually like all the characters, but, I love all of them! From noble companion Dorothy, to Mr Butler, drivers Cec and Bert, Aunt Prudence and adopted daughter Jane, all of the characters play central roles in Miss Fisher's daily life. A recurring theme throughout the series is the 'will they, won't they' dynamic of Miss Fisher's relationship with Inspector Jack Robinson. Fans across the globe are all hoping that they will!

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is a hit with viewers across the globe, and it has a strong following thanks to Netflix in the US. For me, it provides an hour of fun escapism, and Melbourne has now appeared on my bucket list of places to visit. Melbourne is currently playing host to the 'Festival of Phryne', a series of events dedicated to all aspects of the show. Historic Ripponlea (featured in the show,) currently has an amazing exhibit of costumes and props from the show- you even get to see Miss Fisher's pearl and gold gun! I wish I was visiting!

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So, if you're looking for a fun new show to watch in the evenings or want to be mesmerised by some amazing dresses and jewels, give Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries a try!

Claire Underwood: House of Cards S3 Style

I finally finished House of Cards Series 3 over the weekend, and oh my, it was worth the wait! Aside from the gripping storylines and the last five minutes of the final episode (what!!!) I was obsessed with the wardrobe that Robin Wright wears to play Claire Underwood.

The character of Claire is pretty amazing. She's strong and determined but displays a real fragility. Some have called her a modern day Lady MacBeth, but I think in the latest series, we really got to see behind the facade.

Claire's style in Series 3 had many similarities, but there were subtle differences in the clothes that she was wearing. Robin Wright brought her stylist, Kemal Harris to work with her, and the results see her character wearing a mix of Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen and Proenza Schouler. The color palette doesn't stray much from greys, whites and navys- apart from a burgundy dress in a scene on Air Force One and a pale lavender suit for her formal photograph with the President.

It's also notable that Claire was little to no accessories. Apart from her Cartier tank, a pair of simple earrings and a belt from time to time, her style is very minimal, and the focus is purely on the clothes.

So what were my favourite Claire looks from S3?

I love the shoulder detailing on this black dress!

This Kemal Harris off the shoulder dress was custom made for the character and is a big change from her normal palette.

A sharp white sleeved dress. 

The amazing silk Valentina gown by Ralph Lauren! Who else thought the beer pong scene was really fun?

An elegant separates look- a black pencil skirt and white silk top.

That final scene... I love her grey plaid scarf! 

Screenshots/Netflix

And for cinematography, this shot is pretty special. 

What do you love about Claire Underwood's style?

Top TV | Father Brown

My life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately that I haven't had much time to watch television. There is one television show that I am kind of hooked on, and is perfect for when I need 45 minutes of complete distraction away from the pressures of the day.

I first caught an episode of Father Brown over Christmas. It was a repeat on a Tuesday afternoon, and the funniest thing I had watched in a long while. Set in the Cotswolds, the programme is about Father Brown, (played by Mark Williams,) and his quest to get involved and solve murders that happen in and around his parish. There's lots of humor in the show, and the fellow characters Lady Felicia (played by Nancy Carroll,) Mrs McCarthy (played by Sorcha Cusack) and Sid (played by Alex Price) all help out Father Brown to varying degrees of success... and amusement!

Sometimes you need something that is light, fluffy and fun to watch- and I always love trying to solve who the 'murderer' is in shows like these! The locations are great, and I love the clothes warn by Carroll in her role as Lady Felicia. Pure 1950s chic!

The terrific trio - Lady Felicia, Father Brown and Mrs McCarthy

Series 3 has just aired in the UK, and I've had alot of fun catching up with episodes from Series 1 and 2. It's very rare for me to watch a show and love everything about it- but I feel just that for FB- it's all so great!

Lady F and Father Brown team up to solve a murder

Lady Felicia proving it is possible to play cricket wearing a hat...and heels!

Super Sid and a great vintage Rolls!

Which shows do you love to watch when you need to escape from it all? Let me know in the comments! 

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Chasing the Hill- An Exclusive Interview with Sharon Lawrence

Chasing the Hill

People both inside and outside DC are talking about Chasing the Hill, the new drama series which follows the reelection campaign of a Democratic representative from California struggling to fight off a primary challenger. Robin Weigert plays Rep. Kristina Ryan, the show's lead role.

Episode 2 goes live today, and we caught up with Sharon Lawrence to chat about her role as the Mayor of Los Angeles in the show.


"I met the creator Brent Roske (of Chasing the Hill) at a short film festival. The environment of festivals like these encourages and promotes independent projects, guerrilla style production and a quick turn around time. We were all celebrating that style of operation when he told be about this new project, and that Richard Schiff, who I know and adore and Robin Weigert whom I also admire were involved.

A few days later I received a formal offer to participate in his next episode of Chasing the Hill to play the Mayor of LA, which was syncronsicity for me as I am supporting Wendy Gruel, whom I believe is the right choice this election and if elected, would be the first female mayor of this city.

His offer included the link to the first episode. I loved what I saw, thought it was well worth $1.99 to download. The schedule of the shoot worked for me, and I was delighted with their no nonsense run and gun operation! I am looking forward to how the creators incorporate their visit to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte with several real politicos. Stay tuned to this timely stuff!"

To download Episode 2 of Chasing the Hill which features Sharon click here. 

You can also follow Sharon on Twitter: @SharonLawrence