iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 30/11/2025

It's been a long time since I last did a #ShakespeareSunday post, but when waking up to this view it would seem silly not to!

A view of the Swan theatre and river Avon through the window of a room at the Arden Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 22/06/2025

Went to see Jon Batiste last night as part of Meltdown Festival. Honestly one of the most impactful concerts I have ever seen. The man is phenomenal and the way he melds genres (and songs) has to be witnessed to be understood.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 07/06/2025

There are few signs that bring me as much joy as this... Away for the next week, normal business resumes on the 16th.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 21/05/2025

The full roster for @Adam27Keefe's testimonial is now in place, featuring current and former @BelfastGiants, some NHL stars and a few family members too. sitinthecheapseats.blogspot.com/2025/05/full... 📸courtesy of Press Eye

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 20/05/2025

Hockey two nights in a row... I could get used to this.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 16/05/2025

P.O. Morin departs Belfast Giants for Bordeaux Boxers. A classy operator and level head on the ice, he'll be missed in Belfast. #EIHL

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 14/05/2025

Jack Jacome returns for a second season at Guildford Flames. “He is a guy who puts every bit of energy that he has into every moment of every shift and he generates a lot of success just on sheer effort.” - head coach Paul Dixon #EIHL 📸: John Uwins

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 14/05/2025

If you see this, post a beach photo from your phone. St Ives Harbour

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 13/05/2025

I wrote a thing for RugbyPass and it's Lions related (sorry). My take on what a women's British & Irish Lions starting 15 might look like based on performances is in this year's 6 Nations. www.rugbypass.com/news/who-wou...

Zoe Harrison in a photoshopped Lions shirt

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 07/05/2025

Cheesy Marvel comics never steer me wrong...

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 03/05/2025

At the Old Vic tonight to see The Brightening Air. I love Connor McPherson's plays, his dialogue is musical. This play stars Chris O'Dowd but I'm most excited to see the brilliant Rosie Sheehy. #theatre

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 01/05/2025

it's a texture thing... Can't tolerate potato texture. Here's a haggis pie pic for your viewing pleasure.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 28/04/2025

Work day done and I'm on the sofa watching Team GB #icehockey take on Romania. Fun game so far.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 27/04/2025

Open your ears, for which of you will stop The vent of hearing when loud Rumour speaks? #HenryIV part 2, #ShakespeareSunday

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 26/04/2025

Today I've gone for one of these. Very nice!

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 16/04/2025

The evolution of Premier 15s into the PWR has brought about many good things... Incrilementally better rugby, more exciting fixtures and increased coverage. Not all change is progress though and I, for one, think the Player of The Match awards peaked way back when they gave these out!

Vicki Cornborough of Harlequins with a giant crisp packet.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 15/04/2025

Will have another Belfast Giants interview available later this week, ahead of the EIHL playoff semi finals on Saturday. This should be a fun one. 📸 William Cherry, Press Eye

David Goodwin of the Belfast Giants protects the puck from a Dundee Stars player

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 13/04/2025

Playoffs second leg and if last night is anything to go by, a fiery game ahead as Dundee Stars host Belfast Giants.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 12/04/2025

All set up in the "office" for Ireland v England in the Women's Six Nations.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 11/04/2025

Saw these guys last week, supporting Ocean Colour Scene. They put on a hell of a live show, even had a guy live mixing their visuals.

Kula Shaker performing at Portsmouth Guildhall. Their backdrop is a live visual being created by using water in a bowl that is backlit

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 10/04/2025

Delighted to have discussed all things Belfast Giants with Jeff Baum yesterday. Great to hear how the team are feeling after a gruelling season and with playoffs still to come. sitinthecheapseats.blogspot.com/2025/04/if-i... ----- #belfastgiants #eihl

Jeff Baum of the Belfast Giants collects his league winner's medal

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 26/03/2025

While the headliners were as brilliant as expected, for me there was a lot fo joy in - finally - seeing Ash live. Goldfinger, Burn Baby Burn, Lose Control, Girl From Mars... In a 40 minute set they nailed all the songs we wanted to hear and left the audience buzzing. A perfect support act!

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 26/03/2025

Had an awesome time last night seeing The Darkness, with support from Ash. A hell of a show and right in the heart of town. When my alarm went off at 4am I realised I might be too old for this behaviour though...

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 24/03/2025

Great news as the latest ticket sales figures for the Women's World Cup have dropped. Based on current figures of around 400,000 total tickets this means 68% have sold so far. If you've been on the fence about snapping some tickets up... Now is the time!

A painting showing players shirts displaying the ticket sales figure of 275,000

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 22/03/2025

Just home (was getting a tattoo) and put the Women's 6 Nations on. I think it's Ciara Griffin on co-comms but regardless, can they just commentate on my life please. What a gorgeous accent!

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 17/03/2025

Well, I think I've just about regained feeling in my hands after yesterdays PWR final at the StoneX. A cracking game with worthy winners in Gloucester-Hartpury.

Gloucester-Hartpury Women celebrate together after winning the PWR trophy

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 14/03/2025

The teams are out for @thepwr.bsky.social final on Sunday. Two strong line-ups for what should be a very physical contest. On paper the reigning champs look to have the edge but a home crowd will benefit Saracens who also thrive on being counted out.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 13/03/2025

lemon and poppy seed are the final form. Wonderful!

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 09/03/2025

From a few days in Stratford we're now in Devon, escaping for a few days. Sheep for neighbours and a lovely view down to the Tamar valley.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 09/03/2025

Pit stop at Gloucester Services en route to Devon. @bloodandmud.bsky.social / @joshgardner.bsky.social - I finally understand the hype!

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 09/03/2025

O, this is the poison of deep grief. It springs All from her father’s death, and now behold! O Gertrude, Gertrude, When sorrows come, they come not single spies, But in battalions: #Hamlet #ShakespeareSunday

Jared Harris as Claudius in the Royal Shakespeare Company 2025 production of Hamlet

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 08/03/2025

Night or day, I love Stratford-upon-Avon. A couple of days here enjoying some theatre is a lovely respite from the daily grind.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 08/03/2025

Night or day, I love Stratford-upon-Avon. A couple of days here enjoying some theatre is a lovely respite from the daily grind.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 24/02/2025

Meanwhile it's a midweek Challenge Cup semi final in the #EIHL as Belfast Giants head to Nottingham to face the Panthers in the second leg. Belfast carry a 3 goal lead and are coming off back-to-back wins against Cardiff, but Nottingham are finding their form and will be up for a fight.

The Belfast Giants line up before the game.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 24/02/2025

It's all about semi finals this week.. @thepwr.bsky.social semi finals take place this weekend. A West Country derby and a London face off that should both be fascinating viewing. I'll have a little preview piece on RugbyPass later this week.

A graphic with the details of the PWR semi finals and how to watch them.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 23/02/2025

A fantastic couple of days in Belfast, watching the #belfastgiants but now it's time to head home (weather permitting).

Adam Keefe, head coach of the Belfast Giants

The Belfast Giants team line up before the start of the game

The Belfast Giants at the end of the game

Belfast City Hall, at night and lit up brightly in different colours

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 14/02/2025

Time once again to tune in for a #belfastgiants game... But this time next week we will be in the arena.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 02/02/2025

Stream purchased, takeaway ordered and ready to watch Belfast Giants against Dundee Stars. My first time watching the Dundee stream... #EIHL

A TV showing a shot of the Dundee Ice Arena

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 01/02/2025

Choose 20 albums that have stayed with you or influenced you. One album per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Day 20: The Tragically Hip - Day For Night

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 31/01/2025

Choose 20 albums that have stayed with you or influenced you. One album per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Day 19: Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 30/01/2025

Choose 20 albums that have stayed with you or influenced you. One album per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Day 18: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats - South of Here

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats - South of Here (album cover)

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 29/01/2025

Choose 20 albums that have stayed with you or influenced you. One album per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Day 17: Nubya Garcia - Source

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 28/01/2025

Choose 20 albums that have stayed with you or influenced you. One album per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Day 16: Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 27/01/2025

Choose 20 albums that have stayed with you or influenced you. One album per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Day 15: Sheryl Crow - Tuesday Night Music Club

Sheryl Crow - Tuesday Night Music Club (album cover)

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 26/01/2025

Choose 20 albums that have stayed with you or influenced you. One album per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Day 14: Chris Stapleton - Starting Over

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 25/01/2025

Stream bought, jersey on... Time to settle in and watch Belfast Giants in #EIHL action.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 25/01/2025

Choose 20 albums that have stayed with you or influenced you. One album per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Day 13: Tom Waits - Nighthawks At The Diner

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 24/01/2025

Choose 20 albums that have stayed with you or influenced you. One album per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Day 12: Jon Batiste - We Are

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 23/01/2025

Choose 20 albums that have stayed with you or influenced you. One album per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Day 11: Arkells - Blink Once

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 22/01/2025

And we end up with a good, solid 5-2 win for the Belfast Giants.

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