This month’s Pick Six is chosen by Nottingham-born actor, writer and comedian Colin Hoult
Book
I’m a big fan of the John Wyndham Sci fi books, especially The Kraken Wakes and Day of the Triffids. Written in the 1950s but somehow have all the energy and intensity of modern thrillers. Like The Walking Dead but with killer plants and such. Marvellous fun.
Album
I’ve got to go for The Velvet Underground & Nico. Every song is like a dream that takes you on a strange journey into other lives and exotic worlds. When I was a teenager all the lads got into The Beatles which always seemed so tame compared to Lou Reed and John Cale knocking over chairs and creating death marches on the viola. I was happily listening to them in the corner instead with my one friend.
Hero
Comic artist and creator of most of the Marvel Universe Jack Kirby. He was a no nonsense tough but sweet Jewish American guy who drew Captain America punching Hitler before the US entered the war. He had an incredible imagination and sense of morality but was naturally screwed over by everyone he worked for.
Computer Game
I’ve been playing a lot of Lego Jurassic World with my son which is a great way for us to connect as I constantly tell him off for not getting all the coins. It’s surprisingly intense. I think he’s had enough but we’re not stopping till we’ve found every goddamn coin!
Notts Spot
I used to love the Broadway cinema. I’d hang out there with my college pals and we’d spend all day talking about poems and music and such, drinking tea. Endless wonderful days sat outside in the sun, chain smoking. Then we’d watch an incredible movie we’d never heard of. Sometimes they’d open the bar till the morning and we’d drink and dance. What joy!
Notts Food
When I visit my Mum we go and have a jacket potato up Mapperley Top. She loves it up there. It’s got a bit swanky these days but it used to have the best fish and chip shop. I’m trying to cut down on the calories but I’d love a chip cob with mushy peas again. There was also a cafe that had a parrot which felt magical when I was a kid.
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?