Welcome to My Series. This is where we ask some of our favourite people what they’re watching, what they hate, what they love, and how badly they binge-watch.
This week we talk to Nicholas Spagnoletti, who is not only an award-winning playwright (London Road), but together with his partner Edward van Kuik he runs The Alexander Bar, Cafe and Theatre, which has to be one of the best venues for independent theatre and music in the city.
What series are you watching at the moment?
I Love Dick (pictured right).
How advanced are you into the series?
Just finished episode 8 – ‘Cowboys and Nomads’.
You like it – why?
It’s very, very funny, with characters that are not very likeable but quite loveable – and biting humour that sinks its teeth into the privileged American creative class. And the Texan landscape and oddball small-town of Marfa is so weirdly familiar. It’s like McGregor or somewhere.
Do you have any favourite characters, and if so, who are they?
Though played by the weakest actor in the cast, the trans character Devon (pictured left) is who I’m gunning for.
Are you a binge-watcher?
Completely incapable of “just one”.
Can you tell us the longest time you’ve spent watching a series without leaving the couch?
I must surely have done ten Breaking Bads (pictured below) in a row.
What are your best snacks/drinks/treats to have while watching a series?
Earl Grey tea. Aloe juice. Bowls of hummus.
How do you get your series?
Netflix. I recently suspended my principles and subscribed to Amazon Prime (hate Amazon, the bastards). I want to pay for content but I think it is our absolute duty to geo-bust because borders are silly and the incumbent rights thugs must wither.
What do you think has been the mightiest, most excellent series ever made?
Better Call Saul (pictured below). Even though so little actually happens I find it utterly gripping. It’s the rare case of the spin-off that’s better than the original. The detailed character work is so luxurious and exquisite it makes my eyes water.
Have you ever cancelled a real, live social engagement to stay at home to watch series?
No. We have an inverse week to other people; we are out five nights a week and home two nights, so all the watching is crammed into these nights and often most of Sunday.
Visit: The Alexander Bar
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