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Articles by Zoe Lett
Building the house you can’t afford: the appeal of cosy games for students amid the housing crisis
For young people today, home ownership post-university functions as an aspirational lifestyle rather than a realistic one. According to the Nationwide House Price Index, the average UK house price has risen from £1884 in 1953 to £274,930 in 2026, perhaps reflecting a combination of factors including interest rates and housing supply.
The art of the Metro
Image source: markusspiske, Pixabay Nexus has built up more than thirty pieces of permanent artwork stretching across stations, concourses and inside the trains themselves. The vast collection ranges from pieces shaped by local communities to work created by internationally recognised artists. I decided to go on a little side quest to visit some of the artworks displayed on Nexus' website. Image credit: Zoe Lett | ‘Famous Faces’ by Bob Olley Monument station is perhaps the most layered example.
Status and food: does political identity affect the food we eat?
It doesn’t feel long ago that having a plant-based diet was seen as the height of wellness and wealth. Veganism was repeatedly represented online as clean and cool; social media was saturated with videos of colourful and organic produce, presenting plant-based eating as not just nutritionally superior but also visually desirable. Supermarkets and restaurants quickly responded to this shift, expanding vegan product ranges and promoting meat alternatives as innovative.
The death of cinema etiquette
That sense of escape is part of what makes the decline in cinema etiquette feel so noticeable. From attention spans to influencer culture to main character syndrome, a huge problem has arisen. Although the Covid pandemic didn’t start this issue, it definitely accelerated it. Of course, during the months of lockdown we all casually consumed films, pausing, scrolling and talking. But when cinemas re-opened, many have brought these living room habits with them, creating a huge disconnect.
How A24's marketing strategies made 'Marty Supreme' hard to ignore
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Image source: Raph_PH, Wikimedia Commons, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ The film studio reportedly spent around $70 million on the marketing for Marty Supreme, which successfully dominated the internet, public spaces and pop culture.
The Celebrity Traitors so far: fame, bias and 'good TV'
The regular version of The Traitors (2022) is so gripping because it’s full of ordinary people. People who don’t have media training, PR experience, or a safety net. They’re emotional, awkward, and messy, which is what makes it brilliant. The celebrity version doesn’t have that same edge. No one’s trying to launch a social media career or pay off a debt. They already have jobs, money, and reputations. And because they’re used to cameras, they know exactly what makes 'good TV'.
Film Reviews - The Courier Online
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates 23rd September 2025 22nd September 2025 3rd June 2025 29th May 2025 19th May 2025
Is the death of ‘tween’ shows damaging for pre-teens?
Over the 90s and 2000s, society acknowledged this ‘in-between’ with TV specifically tailored to pre-teens. But does ‘tween’ media even exist anymore? In recent years, this genre has completely disappeared, with children skipping straight to media intended for adults. The danger lies in exposing developing minds to themes and expectations that they are not yet ready to process, leaving them vulnerable to distorted ideas.
Tyne and Wear Metro couture on the RuPaul’s Drag Race main stage
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Image credit: TJmov Born and raised in South Shields, Sally has been doing drag for 10 years, and says she is taking part in the show to "represent all of those Geordie queens who are ingenuities, creative, a bit clowny, and a bit kooky." Sally’s 'queen of your hometown' look was camp, clever, and unapologetically regional. Designed by Misty Couture, the dress transformed the new fleet Metro’s recognisable yellow into high fashion.
Drag race - The Courier Online
Get off the metro NOW! South Shields has given us chippies, sand, and now, a metro-inspired look on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK…...
Fierce, eclectic and a little bit radge: An interview with RuPaul’s Drag Race star Sally TM
RuPaul’s Drag Race has a special place in many of our hearts, and I’m no exception. I grew upwatching it with my twin brother, who is also my best friend, and together we never missed an episode. I’ve always been protective over him, and it’s been a joy seeing him bloom into such a confident, amazing person thanks to the influence of this show.
Scapegoats and systematic failure: unpacking 'Weapons'
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Zoe Lett 23rd September 2025 Image source: Harald Krichel | Wikimedia Commons | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Children in horror can often feel overused, but the way this film uses the trope is both innovative and unsettling, with many moments of uncanniness that were very effective in creating a sense of dread. One of Weapons’ standout elements is its nonlinear, multi-perspective storytelling.
Newly Long Distance: how to sustain your relationship now you’re apart
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Zoe Lett 20th September 2025 Source: Surface, Unsplash My boyfriend studies in Manchester while I study in Newcastle, and after a year of living apart, I’ve found that the experience has strengthened our relationship rather than weakened it.
28 Years Later Puts the North East on the Film Map
Image source: Montclair Film | Wikimedia Commons | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ Over 80% of 28 Years Later was filmed across Northumberland, including locations like Holy Island, Hexham, Rothbury, and Newcastle. Boyle’s connection to the North East is not new, having previously filmed Millions (2004) in Newcastle.
The Evolution and Cultural Importance of Kitchen Sink Dramas
The kitchen sink drama is a style of British film, TV and theatre characterised by its realistic portrayal of working-class life and domestic struggles. The genre emerged in the 1950s as a voice for the working-class experience in Britain, reflecting the frustrations of everyday men in the rigid social structure of the time. These plays and novels first emerged from a collection of left-wing writers known as the ‘angry young men’.
From Art to Analytics: The Rise of Data-Driven Filmmaking
This shift toward “algorithm movies” is rooted in the industry’s growing obsession with minimising financial risk, therefore transforming the types of stories that we see on screen through favouring tested and predictable formulas. AI powered tools and predictive analytics promise a scientific approach to forecasting audience preferences and financial performance, replacing much of the creative gamble that once defined the greenlighting process.
The Penguin Lessons Review: Are its political views too black and white?
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Image source: IMDb Based on Tom Michell’s memoir, the story has a heartwarming premise of a British teacher in 1970s Argentina, who rescues a penguin (Juan Salvador, icon) and smuggles him into his school, changing the lives of students along the way. Think Dead Poet’s Society meets Mr Popper’s Penguins.
Zoe Lett - The Courier Online
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates 7th January 2025
Prog on the Tyne at the Cluny review: part festival, part cosmic trip
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Image credit: Marc Auger I didn’t know quite what to expect as I had never really listened to the genre before, but I was very intrigued. Prog rock is a genre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, primarily in the UK, known for being ambitious, experimental, and a bit theatrical.
Are we Getting A24’d Out?
Image source: IMDb Films such as Pearl, The Lighthouse, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer display A24's distinct style through creating unsettling atmospheres with ambiguous endings and strange imagery, while also exploring themes of grief, trauma, and isolation. As more films follow this mould, some would argue that A24's style, visuals and narratives are becoming overexposed, feeling repetitive.
Ways to style a maxi skirt
Maxi skirts are perfect for creating a boho-inspired look. By choosing a tiered or pleated style, there is an element of texture and flow that complements the movement of the fabric. The tiered style, in particular, incorporates the illusion of layers of fabric, creating a sculpted, whimsical silhouette that seems to float as you walk, creating an ethereal quality. It is important that when styling this shape of maxi skirt the proportions are balanced.
The races: a fun social occassion or a classist student event?
Horse racing has traditionally been linked to the British aristocracy, with early racing events only attracting elite and wealthy figures. Over the years, the sport has opened up to a wider audience, but it is clear that certain barriers remain. From the expensive entry costs to elaborate dress codes, it is easy to notice that horse racing can feel exclusive by deterring those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, making it more of a privileged event.
The Student “Sweet Treat” epidemic
When you eat sugary foods, your body quickly absorbs the glucose and releases insulin in response. This rapid increase in glucose can lead to a temporary boost in energy and performance, often called a "sugar rush." Some studies suggest that this intake of sugar can improve mood, partly due to the release of chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. However, these sugar rushes can be harmful because they cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels.
Pamela Anderson and Demi Moore back on our screens: Other actors who have had much needed comebacks
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Image source: IMDb Pamela Anderson made a comeback in her role in The Last Showgirl, a film that allowed her to showcase her versatility and depth while redefining her career. Despite facing challenges such as overcoming her public image, her comeback marked a new chapter in her career. Demi Moore made a similar comeback with her role in The Substance, a film that allowed her to portray a complex and layered character.
A Tribute to Gene Hackman
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Image source: IMDb His career started during the “New Hollywood” era, where he delivered standout performances in films such as Bonnie & Clyde (1967), The French Connection (1971), and Unforgiven (1992), before retiring from acting in 2004. Among his many standout performances, his role in The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) remains my absolute favourite.
A Love Letter to Boom Leeds: The End of an Era for Metal Gigs
Leeds is arguably the beating heart of the UK’s music scene and is about to say goodbye to one of their most iconic (and my favourite) venues - Boom Leeds. For locals like me, it is more than just another venue, it is a home for people who live and breathe metal, hardcore and punk to come together and surround themselves in an electric atmosphere.
Product Placement on TV: Can it be tastefully done?
“I Love Lucy” (1951-1957), is an early example, where the show’s characters would casually reference or use real-life products, such as Coca-Cola, in their everyday lives. In the digital modern age, brands are increasingly relying on product placement in TV and films to reach a more engaged audience. Product placement when done well feels organic, even adding to the realism and relatability of the show.
Is it okay to change your partner's style?
This is a complex issue that intersects themes of individuality and autonomy. On one hand, couples may feel a desire to influence each other's style, stemming from a place of love and the wish for mutual growth. On the other hand, attempting to change someone’s style can lead to feelings of resentment and a loss of identity. How you present yourself is like dressing your soul, it is about who you are as an individual.
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