Nicole Scherzinger, Succession star Sarah Snook, Game of Thrones and Sherlock actor Mark Gatiss, a revival of the musical Sunset Boulevard and the play Stranger Things: The First Shadow were among the winners at the 2024 Olivier Awards, which celebrate achievements in London theater. The ceremony at Royal Albert Hall in the British capital was hosted by Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham.
The revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Sunset Boulevard, which has starred Scherzinger as Norma Desmond and is set to come to Broadway this year, won the best musical revival award, the best actress honor for the former Pussycat Dolls singer and five other honors after also leading the nominations with 11.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel to the Netflix hit series, which has hinted at its Broadway ambitions, won the best new entertainment or comedy play award, as well as the Olivier for best set design.
Dear England,...
The revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Sunset Boulevard, which has starred Scherzinger as Norma Desmond and is set to come to Broadway this year, won the best musical revival award, the best actress honor for the former Pussycat Dolls singer and five other honors after also leading the nominations with 11.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel to the Netflix hit series, which has hinted at its Broadway ambitions, won the best new entertainment or comedy play award, as well as the Olivier for best set design.
Dear England,...
- 4/14/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Daniel Mays remembers Michael Douglas and Timothy Van Patten, the respectively star and director of new Apple TV drama Franklin, bursting into song whenever he appeared on set.
It came about because during the Franklin shoot in Paris, director Nicholas Hytner asked Mays to star at London’s Bridge Theatre as good old reliable Nathan Detroit in an immersive production of the classic Broadway fable Guys & Dolls by Frank Loesser, Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling.
Upon hearing this news, Douglas insisted, ”You’re doing it, Danny — no question about it.”
The adaption of Damon Runyon’s tales was Van Patten’s father’s favorite musical, “so then within the hour, more like a whole bloody second, every time I came on set, they kept playing ‘The Oldest Established [Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York], and Michael and Noah Jupe would join in.”
Even the French crew got in the swing of it.
In French or English?...
It came about because during the Franklin shoot in Paris, director Nicholas Hytner asked Mays to star at London’s Bridge Theatre as good old reliable Nathan Detroit in an immersive production of the classic Broadway fable Guys & Dolls by Frank Loesser, Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling.
Upon hearing this news, Douglas insisted, ”You’re doing it, Danny — no question about it.”
The adaption of Damon Runyon’s tales was Van Patten’s father’s favorite musical, “so then within the hour, more like a whole bloody second, every time I came on set, they kept playing ‘The Oldest Established [Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York], and Michael and Noah Jupe would join in.”
Even the French crew got in the swing of it.
In French or English?...
- 4/12/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Sarah Snook, Sarah Jessica Parker, Andrew Scott and David Tennant were among the nominees for the 2024 Olivier Awards, which celebrate achievements in London theater.
Parker was nominated for best actress for her role in Plaza Suite, opposite her husband, Matthew Broderick, while Snook was nominated in the same category for her one-woman take on The Picture of Dorian Gray. Tennant was nominated for best actor for his role in Macbeth, in the same category as Andrew Scott, in a one-man version of Vanya.
Sunset Boulevard, which starred Nicole Scherzinger, who is also nominated, and is set to come to Broadway next year, received 11 nominations, while Dear England, a play by James Graham about an English football manager, received nine nominations. Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel to the television series, which has also hinted at its Broadway ambitions, is up for best new entertainment or comedy play.
The Olivier...
Parker was nominated for best actress for her role in Plaza Suite, opposite her husband, Matthew Broderick, while Snook was nominated in the same category for her one-woman take on The Picture of Dorian Gray. Tennant was nominated for best actor for his role in Macbeth, in the same category as Andrew Scott, in a one-man version of Vanya.
Sunset Boulevard, which starred Nicole Scherzinger, who is also nominated, and is set to come to Broadway next year, received 11 nominations, while Dear England, a play by James Graham about an English football manager, received nine nominations. Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel to the television series, which has also hinted at its Broadway ambitions, is up for best new entertainment or comedy play.
The Olivier...
- 3/12/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stars including Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarah Snook, Andrew Scott and David Tennant will compete for Olivier Awards at the UK’s most prestigious theater ceremony next month.
The Sex and the City stars is up for Best Actress for her performance in Plaza Suite – her first Olivier – while Succession’s Snook has picked up a nod for her critically-acclaimed performance as 26 characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
In the Best Actor category, Scott’s performance in Vanya will come up against Tennant’s role in Macbeth, while the starry nominee list also includes Joseph Fiennes for Dear England, which is being made into a BBC series, Mark Gatiss for The Motive And The Cue and James Norton in A Little Life.
Other notable nominations include for singer Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard, where she has picked up a nod for Best Actress in a Musical. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s...
The Sex and the City stars is up for Best Actress for her performance in Plaza Suite – her first Olivier – while Succession’s Snook has picked up a nod for her critically-acclaimed performance as 26 characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
In the Best Actor category, Scott’s performance in Vanya will come up against Tennant’s role in Macbeth, while the starry nominee list also includes Joseph Fiennes for Dear England, which is being made into a BBC series, Mark Gatiss for The Motive And The Cue and James Norton in A Little Life.
Other notable nominations include for singer Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard, where she has picked up a nod for Best Actress in a Musical. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s...
- 3/12/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Dancing with the Stars‘ former head judge, Len Goodman has died at age 78. His manager confirmed the news to the BBC on Monday, Apr. 24, 2023. The former professional ballroom dancer was beloved by fans of the dancing competition series, presiding over the series’ 367 competing celebrities from 2005 through 2022. Goodman announced his retirement at the end of season 31 to spend more time with his family in the U.K.
Len Goodman starred on ‘DWTS’ for the majority of the series’ 31 seasons | Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images Len Goodman was a fixture on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for 31 seasons
Throughout Dancing with the Stars‘ history, celebrities and their pro partners worked diligently to earn high scores from the series’ judges. These included Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba. In 2020, six-time mirrorball-winning champ Derek Hough joined the panel.
However, the competitors always strived to earn Goodman’s highest praise and scores. His...
Len Goodman starred on ‘DWTS’ for the majority of the series’ 31 seasons | Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images Len Goodman was a fixture on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for 31 seasons
Throughout Dancing with the Stars‘ history, celebrities and their pro partners worked diligently to earn high scores from the series’ judges. These included Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba. In 2020, six-time mirrorball-winning champ Derek Hough joined the panel.
However, the competitors always strived to earn Goodman’s highest praise and scores. His...
- 4/24/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Long-time “Dancing With the Stars” and “Strictly Come Dancing” judge Len Goodman has died. He was 78.
Goodman’s manager confirmed his death to the BBC on Monday. The British ballroom dancer and judge, who had been diagnosed with bone cancer, died on April 22 at a hospice in Kent, surrounded by his family.
“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” said Goodman’s agent Jackie Gill in a statement. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”
Goodman was a mainstay as head judge on the popular BBC dance competition “Strictly Come Dancing” from its 2004 launch right up until 2016. He also served as a judge on the U.S. adaptation, “Dancing With the Stars” on ABC, from its launch in 2005 through to 2022.
Last year, Goodman revealed that Season 31 of “Dancing With the Stars,...
Goodman’s manager confirmed his death to the BBC on Monday. The British ballroom dancer and judge, who had been diagnosed with bone cancer, died on April 22 at a hospice in Kent, surrounded by his family.
“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” said Goodman’s agent Jackie Gill in a statement. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”
Goodman was a mainstay as head judge on the popular BBC dance competition “Strictly Come Dancing” from its 2004 launch right up until 2016. He also served as a judge on the U.S. adaptation, “Dancing With the Stars” on ABC, from its launch in 2005 through to 2022.
Last year, Goodman revealed that Season 31 of “Dancing With the Stars,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
With a still relatively fresh Oscar nomination, Paul Mescal has added to his fast-growing haul of accolades by winning his first Olivier Award.
On the biggest night for the British stage, the Aftersun star won the best actor honor for his portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in Rebecca Frecknall’s adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, his West End debut. The production also won best actress in a supporting role for Anjana Vasan, and best revival. Killing Eve star Jodie Comer, meanwhile, won best actress for her West End debut, the solo drama Prima Facie, which was named best new play.
Elsewhere, Will Keen won the best supporting actor award for his performance in Patriots, and Tammy Faye garnered two acting awards: Katie Brayben for best actress in a musical and Zubin Varla for best actor in a supporting role in a musical.
But it was the Royal Shakespeare Company...
On the biggest night for the British stage, the Aftersun star won the best actor honor for his portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in Rebecca Frecknall’s adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, his West End debut. The production also won best actress in a supporting role for Anjana Vasan, and best revival. Killing Eve star Jodie Comer, meanwhile, won best actress for her West End debut, the solo drama Prima Facie, which was named best new play.
Elsewhere, Will Keen won the best supporting actor award for his performance in Patriots, and Tammy Faye garnered two acting awards: Katie Brayben for best actress in a musical and Zubin Varla for best actor in a supporting role in a musical.
But it was the Royal Shakespeare Company...
- 4/3/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Comedy is what we need right now, says Nicholas Hytner, who ran London’s National Theatre for a decade.
It’s fine to have heavy-lifting dramas by Ibsen or Schiller, but boy-oh-boy laughter is an increasingly uplifting necessity.
Which is where Guys & Dolls and James Corden, post his life on The Late Late Show, come in.
Hytner, partnered with longtime executive Nick Starr, now own and control London’s Bridge Theatre and is overseeing a fully immersive revival of the classic Broadway musical Guys & Dolls, choreographed by Dame Arlene Phillips (Strictly Come Dancing) and now in early previews.
It stars Daniel Mays as Nathan Detroit, Andrew Richardson (A Call to Spy) as Sky Masterson, Celinde Schoenmaker (Rocketman) as Sarah Brown and Marisha Wallace (Aladdin) as long-suffering Miss Adelaide. Cedric Neal plays Nicely-Nicely Johnson. Also in the cast are Jordan Castle,...
It’s fine to have heavy-lifting dramas by Ibsen or Schiller, but boy-oh-boy laughter is an increasingly uplifting necessity.
Which is where Guys & Dolls and James Corden, post his life on The Late Late Show, come in.
Hytner, partnered with longtime executive Nick Starr, now own and control London’s Bridge Theatre and is overseeing a fully immersive revival of the classic Broadway musical Guys & Dolls, choreographed by Dame Arlene Phillips (Strictly Come Dancing) and now in early previews.
It stars Daniel Mays as Nathan Detroit, Andrew Richardson (A Call to Spy) as Sky Masterson, Celinde Schoenmaker (Rocketman) as Sarah Brown and Marisha Wallace (Aladdin) as long-suffering Miss Adelaide. Cedric Neal plays Nicely-Nicely Johnson. Also in the cast are Jordan Castle,...
- 3/4/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Two new works based on existing material dominated the nominations for the 2023 Olivier Awards, the top theatre honor in Britain. “My Neighbour Totoro” and “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” lead the play and musical fields with nine and eight bids apiece. The former is a stage adaptation of the Studio Ghibli film of the same name, brought to life in a visually stunning production featuring impressive puppetry by Basil Twist. “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” uses songs from the Richard Hawley album and new material to tell the story of three families in a Sheffield housing complex.
Revivals had strong showings, too. Director Daniel Fish’s remounting of “Rodger & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!” and the Paul Mescal-led “A Streetcar Named Desire” netted seven and six nominations, respectively. This production of “Oklahoma!” previously played Broadway and received eight Tony Award nominations, including wins for Best Revival and Featured Actress...
Revivals had strong showings, too. Director Daniel Fish’s remounting of “Rodger & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!” and the Paul Mescal-led “A Streetcar Named Desire” netted seven and six nominations, respectively. This production of “Oklahoma!” previously played Broadway and received eight Tony Award nominations, including wins for Best Revival and Featured Actress...
- 3/1/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Christmas Day traditionally brings some of the biggest TV audiences of the year in the U.K. But this year, instead of the Queen’s speech, the queen of rock ‘n’ roll will be holding down a key spot in the schedules.
On Christmas night, BBC Two will air “When Tina Turner Came to Britain,” a documentary that looks at the rise, fall and rise again of Turner’s career, and the key role Great Britain played in her story.
It will broadcast opposite such ratings heavyweights as “EastEnders” (BBC One) and “Doc Martin” (ITV1), but director and producer Dhivya Kate Chetty hopes the Wise Owl Films production will still win an audience.
“I can’t quite believe we’re on on Christmas Day,” Chetty tells Variety. “I’m still pinching myself; it’s great news. We’re up against something big, so we’re hoping for the diehard Tina...
On Christmas night, BBC Two will air “When Tina Turner Came to Britain,” a documentary that looks at the rise, fall and rise again of Turner’s career, and the key role Great Britain played in her story.
It will broadcast opposite such ratings heavyweights as “EastEnders” (BBC One) and “Doc Martin” (ITV1), but director and producer Dhivya Kate Chetty hopes the Wise Owl Films production will still win an audience.
“I can’t quite believe we’re on on Christmas Day,” Chetty tells Variety. “I’m still pinching myself; it’s great news. We’re up against something big, so we’re hoping for the diehard Tina...
- 12/25/2022
- by Mark Sutherland
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Sony’s Whitney Houston biopic starring English actress Naomi Ackie that comes out Dec. 23, takes its title from “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” the lead single off Houston’s second album, 1987’s Whitney.
The track was written by then-married songwriting duo George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, aka Boy Meets Girl, who’d penned Houston’s first hit single, 1985’s “How Will I Know.” Some critics dismissed “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” as too similar in sound to “How Will I Know” — but fans knew an earworm when they heard one. The song took six weeks to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, stayed there two weeks, and remained in the top 10 for nine weeks — more than any other song that year.
The video for “Somebody” reunited Houston with director Brian Grant and choreographer Arlene Phillips,...
I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Sony’s Whitney Houston biopic starring English actress Naomi Ackie that comes out Dec. 23, takes its title from “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” the lead single off Houston’s second album, 1987’s Whitney.
The track was written by then-married songwriting duo George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, aka Boy Meets Girl, who’d penned Houston’s first hit single, 1985’s “How Will I Know.” Some critics dismissed “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” as too similar in sound to “How Will I Know” — but fans knew an earworm when they heard one. The song took six weeks to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, stayed there two weeks, and remained in the top 10 for nine weeks — more than any other song that year.
The video for “Somebody” reunited Houston with director Brian Grant and choreographer Arlene Phillips,...
- 12/13/2022
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Strictly Come Dancing star Arlene Phillips has said her “world was turned upside down” after her granddaughter was rushed into the hospital.
The former BBC judge said that her “beautiful” granddaughter Emme Bow was rushed to hospital after becoming sick with a virus. Bow is now back home and “on the mend”.
Phillips, 79, posted a photo of Bow on social media, accompanied by the caption: “My world was turned upside down this week when my beautiful granddaughter #emmebow was rushed into hospital and my daughter @alanastewartmama had no idea why she was rapidly loosing [sic] weight and like a little rag doll.”
The choreographer said the hospital “identified what was wrong”, explaining that her granddaughter’s illness “was the result of a virus”.
“Now she’s home and really on the mend, which has lifted my spirits enormously and I’m totally ready to get into my rehearsals on @houseofflamenka full of smiles,...
The former BBC judge said that her “beautiful” granddaughter Emme Bow was rushed to hospital after becoming sick with a virus. Bow is now back home and “on the mend”.
Phillips, 79, posted a photo of Bow on social media, accompanied by the caption: “My world was turned upside down this week when my beautiful granddaughter #emmebow was rushed into hospital and my daughter @alanastewartmama had no idea why she was rapidly loosing [sic] weight and like a little rag doll.”
The choreographer said the hospital “identified what was wrong”, explaining that her granddaughter’s illness “was the result of a virus”.
“Now she’s home and really on the mend, which has lifted my spirits enormously and I’m totally ready to get into my rehearsals on @houseofflamenka full of smiles,...
- 9/6/2022
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - TV
Exclusive: The rollicking Broadway musical Guys & Dolls is to be revived at London’s The Bridge Theatre next year with 420 members of the audience able to “party” with the cast, as the show’s director Nicholas Hytner (The History Boys) told Deadline.
The immersive production is set to begin preview performances from February 27. Official opening night is March 9.
Hytner, a former artistic director of Britain’s National Theatre, said that he and his associates chose Guys & Dolls “because a hell of a lot of it happens in public space like Times Square, Broadway and Havana.”
Guys & Dolls, described as a Broadway fable, is based on tales penned by Damon Runyon, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows.
‘The Lehman Trilogy’ From Ideas To Sketches To Stage – A Photo Tour With Designer Es Devlin: Deadline Tony Watch Exclusive
“The audience will arrive...
The immersive production is set to begin preview performances from February 27. Official opening night is March 9.
Hytner, a former artistic director of Britain’s National Theatre, said that he and his associates chose Guys & Dolls “because a hell of a lot of it happens in public space like Times Square, Broadway and Havana.”
Guys & Dolls, described as a Broadway fable, is based on tales penned by Damon Runyon, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows.
‘The Lehman Trilogy’ From Ideas To Sketches To Stage – A Photo Tour With Designer Es Devlin: Deadline Tony Watch Exclusive
“The audience will arrive...
- 6/9/2022
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Theater
British Singer and TV personality Peter Andre (“I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” “Strictly Come Dancing”) will make his West End debut as Vince Fontaine in an upcoming production of Jim Jacobs and Waren Casey’s stage musical “Grease,” playing at the Dominion Theatre starting May 17, with previews from May 3.
Directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, the show returns to the West End for the first time since playing at the Piccadilly Theater in 2007. Key casting includes Dan Partridge (“Hairspray”) and OIivia Moore (“Waitress”) as Danny and Sandy, with Jocasta Almgill (“Romeo & Juliet”) as Rizzo and Paul French (“Greese” U.K. Tour) as Kenickie.
“I’m beyond excited to be making my West End debut playing Vince Fontaine in ‘Grease’ at the beautiful Dominion Theatre,” said Andre. “’Grease’ is such an iconic musical and we can guarantee audiences will have the most...
British Singer and TV personality Peter Andre (“I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” “Strictly Come Dancing”) will make his West End debut as Vince Fontaine in an upcoming production of Jim Jacobs and Waren Casey’s stage musical “Grease,” playing at the Dominion Theatre starting May 17, with previews from May 3.
Directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, the show returns to the West End for the first time since playing at the Piccadilly Theater in 2007. Key casting includes Dan Partridge (“Hairspray”) and OIivia Moore (“Waitress”) as Danny and Sandy, with Jocasta Almgill (“Romeo & Juliet”) as Rizzo and Paul French (“Greese” U.K. Tour) as Kenickie.
“I’m beyond excited to be making my West End debut playing Vince Fontaine in ‘Grease’ at the beautiful Dominion Theatre,” said Andre. “’Grease’ is such an iconic musical and we can guarantee audiences will have the most...
- 2/3/2022
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The opener of ITV’s Winter entertainment smash I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! lost almost 3M viewers from the previous year when it kicked off last night, matching Strictly Come Dancing’s results show on BBC1.
Last year’s I’m a Celebrity opened in the midst of the second UK lockdown to a mammoth 10.9M viewers, which at that time was the most-watched show of the year and was 600,000 ahead of the 2019 edition.
Last night’s show, which aired from 9pm-10.40pm, was well down in comparison, peaking with 9M and level with the Strictly results on BBC1, according to Barb data supplied by overnights.tv
It was, however, comfortably the most-watched ITV show of the weekend.
The Ant and Dec-hosted ITV Studios format, which is being filmed in a castle in Wales again this year due to the pandemic, features breakfast TV host Richard Maddeley,...
Last year’s I’m a Celebrity opened in the midst of the second UK lockdown to a mammoth 10.9M viewers, which at that time was the most-watched show of the year and was 600,000 ahead of the 2019 edition.
Last night’s show, which aired from 9pm-10.40pm, was well down in comparison, peaking with 9M and level with the Strictly results on BBC1, according to Barb data supplied by overnights.tv
It was, however, comfortably the most-watched ITV show of the weekend.
The Ant and Dec-hosted ITV Studios format, which is being filmed in a castle in Wales again this year due to the pandemic, features breakfast TV host Richard Maddeley,...
- 11/22/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Two Popes” actor Jonathan Pryce, “The Great British Bake Off” judge Prue Leith and “Strictly Come Dancing” judge Arlene Phillips are among those in the arts named to Britain’s Queen’s Birthday honors list.
Pryce, an Oscar and BAFTA nominee for “The Two Popes” (2019) and Cannes best actor winner for “Carrington” (1995), has been knighted for services to drama and charity. He was previously a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Cbe). Pryce played the “High Sparrow” in HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and will next portray Prince Philip in the upcoming two seasons of Netflix’s “The Crown.”
Leith, who is also a restaurateur, was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to food, broadcasting and charity.
Phillips has choreographed West End and Broadway productions including “Flashdance,” “Grease” and “We Will Rock You,” and was also a judge...
Pryce, an Oscar and BAFTA nominee for “The Two Popes” (2019) and Cannes best actor winner for “Carrington” (1995), has been knighted for services to drama and charity. He was previously a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Cbe). Pryce played the “High Sparrow” in HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and will next portray Prince Philip in the upcoming two seasons of Netflix’s “The Crown.”
Leith, who is also a restaurateur, was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to food, broadcasting and charity.
Phillips has choreographed West End and Broadway productions including “Flashdance,” “Grease” and “We Will Rock You,” and was also a judge...
- 6/14/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Fifty years after his play “Forty Years On,” Alan Bennett is still pining for the England of old. Just as his first play lamented the slipping standards of an old public school and, by extension, the nation at large, so “Allelujah!” sees an ailing National Health Service hospital as symptomatic of a wider national malaise. The show, now playing at Nicholas Hytner’s Bridge Theatre, is full of all the playwright’s signature elements — warmth, wry humor, faith in humankind — but at some point, you have to ask whether his idyllic, old England ever really existed. His nostalgia’s seductive, but mighty sentimental — and maybe, in this misty-eyed political climate, dangerous too.
Set in the geriatric wing of a Yorkshire hospital at full stretch, its future hanging in the balance, “Allelujah!” throws up a collage of characters and a criss-cross of subplots. Among the patients, singing in the hospital’s in-house Oap choir,...
Set in the geriatric wing of a Yorkshire hospital at full stretch, its future hanging in the balance, “Allelujah!” throws up a collage of characters and a criss-cross of subplots. Among the patients, singing in the hospital’s in-house Oap choir,...
- 7/19/2018
- by Matt Trueman
- Variety Film + TV
This week La La Land, whose stars sing and dance, got 14 Oscar nominations. What did former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips think?
I had read all the reviews before going to see La La Land and I just couldn’t wait. I think it was the afternoon after the opening night, I was in a pantomime in Wimbledon and a big group of the performers all raced down to see it. We were buzzing. The opening number came and we were on our feet cheering, but as the film went along, well, I think I had expected a cross between Singin’ in the Rain, West Side Story and Top Hat. I thought that the story would be told through dance, and it wasn’t. It is a film with music and dance, not a dance film. So I had to adjust my thinking, judge it on its own level, its own merits.
I had read all the reviews before going to see La La Land and I just couldn’t wait. I think it was the afternoon after the opening night, I was in a pantomime in Wimbledon and a big group of the performers all raced down to see it. We were buzzing. The opening number came and we were on our feet cheering, but as the film went along, well, I think I had expected a cross between Singin’ in the Rain, West Side Story and Top Hat. I thought that the story would be told through dance, and it wasn’t. It is a film with music and dance, not a dance film. So I had to adjust my thinking, judge it on its own level, its own merits.
- 1/27/2017
- by Lyndsey Winship
- The Guardian - Film News
Pete Dillon-Trenchard Dec 26, 2016
With Eric Idle, Prof. Brian Cox and guests, The Entire Universe is a rare programme that manages to inform, educate and entertain...
The Royal Institution Lectures are a grand Christmas tradition, having been on our screens for the last eight decades of their nearly two hundred-year history (The first of this year’s lectures, about Michael Faraday, will already be available on iPlayer by the time you read this). Designed to bring science to a general audience, the lectures feature scientific concepts delivered in an entertaining fashion.
See related Amazon Prime UK: what’s new in January 2017?
However, for all of their fun tricks and experiments, the Ri lectures are ostensibly still that - lectures - and as such they are often lacking in such key areas as comedy sketches, full-blown musical numbers and Warwick Davis. Step forward Eric Idle and Brian Cox, then, and The Entire Universe...
With Eric Idle, Prof. Brian Cox and guests, The Entire Universe is a rare programme that manages to inform, educate and entertain...
The Royal Institution Lectures are a grand Christmas tradition, having been on our screens for the last eight decades of their nearly two hundred-year history (The first of this year’s lectures, about Michael Faraday, will already be available on iPlayer by the time you read this). Designed to bring science to a general audience, the lectures feature scientific concepts delivered in an entertaining fashion.
See related Amazon Prime UK: what’s new in January 2017?
However, for all of their fun tricks and experiments, the Ri lectures are ostensibly still that - lectures - and as such they are often lacking in such key areas as comedy sketches, full-blown musical numbers and Warwick Davis. Step forward Eric Idle and Brian Cox, then, and The Entire Universe...
- 12/21/2016
- Den of Geek
Today in 1987, Starlight Express opened at the Gershwin Theatre, where it ran for 761 performances. Starlight Express is a rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber music, Richard Stilgoe lyrics and Arlene Phillips choreography, with later revisions by Don Black lyrics and David Yazbek music and lyrics for the 2nd Us tour. The story follows a child's dream in which his toy train set comes to life famously the actors perform wearing roller skates.
- 3/15/2016
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
James Corden made the most of his post-Super Bowl timeslot by rolling out another Carpool Karaoke segment, this one with Elton John, who was game for just about everything. There were costumes and greatest hits galore, including a truly impressive duet on "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" (and while Corden's vocals were welcome here, it would've been nice if he dialed it back a bit on the other songs and given Elton John a chance to go solo). We also learned that Sir Elton doesn't own a phone and that Arlene Phillips, who choreographed the video for "I'm Still Standing" said he was "the worst dancer she's ever worked with." "Bitch," Sir Elton added.
- 2/8/2016
- by Sara Morrison
- Hitfix
Barbara Windsor has joined forces with a number of stars to support the Stay Well This Winter campaign. The 'EastEnders' actress and famous faces including Joey Essex, Arlene Phillips, Alan Davies, Ainsley Harriott, Sunetra Sarker and Tina Hobley have pledged their support to the joint initiative from Public Health England and NHS England to keep the nation well over the winter months. Explaining why she got involved, Barbara, 78, said: ''It's the simplest things that we sometimes forget, and when remembered, they can make all the difference! The Stay Well This Winter campaign is a great way of reminding people...
- 11/16/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Guru of Dance, Shiamak Davar has been spreading the joy of dance and quality dance education the world over. Continuing his effort to provide avenues for dance enthusiasts to learn from the best and develop their talent, he introduces a week long Summer Intensive in Midlands. This program will introduce the participants to multiple dance styles with an opportunity to dance and learn with the best dance faculty.
The Shiamak Summer Intensive Dance Program is designed to give students the opportunity to train and study dance and performing arts in a professional environment. The program is structured to enhance the technical skills of dancers in a wide variety of techniques and improve their dance vocabulary. Students will learn dance styles including Contemporary, Ballet, Hip – Hop, Commercial, Indian Classical, Bollywood Jazz and Dandiya Jazz.
The faculty teaching the program includes the Award Winning British contemporary dancer, Aakash Odedra who will be teaching Indian Classical.
The Shiamak Summer Intensive Dance Program is designed to give students the opportunity to train and study dance and performing arts in a professional environment. The program is structured to enhance the technical skills of dancers in a wide variety of techniques and improve their dance vocabulary. Students will learn dance styles including Contemporary, Ballet, Hip – Hop, Commercial, Indian Classical, Bollywood Jazz and Dandiya Jazz.
The faculty teaching the program includes the Award Winning British contemporary dancer, Aakash Odedra who will be teaching Indian Classical.
- 8/10/2015
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
Celebrity MasterChef : BBC One, 9pm
Even more celebrities step into the kitchen tonight as they try to impress the judges with their cooking.
This week's contestants are singer Kimberly Wyatt, TV presenters Andy Akinwolere and Rylan Clark, choreographer Arlene Phillips and actor Craig Gazey.
The Tribe: Channel 4, 9pm
Final episode of the documentary which follows the life of a tribe in Ethiopia.
This episode focuses on toddler Bodo, who has fallen ill and his parents have to chose between treating him with modern or traditional medicine.
Hoff the Record : Dave, 9pm
Episode 3 of the mockumentary about and starring David Hasselhoff.
Tonight, Hoff decides to give up his career in acting and opts to become an ambassador for the Un instead.
Love Island: Live : ITV2, 10pm
Caroline Flack hosts this live instalment of the reality show.
New twists in the competition are revealed, secrets could be exposed...
Even more celebrities step into the kitchen tonight as they try to impress the judges with their cooking.
This week's contestants are singer Kimberly Wyatt, TV presenters Andy Akinwolere and Rylan Clark, choreographer Arlene Phillips and actor Craig Gazey.
The Tribe: Channel 4, 9pm
Final episode of the documentary which follows the life of a tribe in Ethiopia.
This episode focuses on toddler Bodo, who has fallen ill and his parents have to chose between treating him with modern or traditional medicine.
Hoff the Record : Dave, 9pm
Episode 3 of the mockumentary about and starring David Hasselhoff.
Tonight, Hoff decides to give up his career in acting and opts to become an ambassador for the Un instead.
Love Island: Live : ITV2, 10pm
Caroline Flack hosts this live instalment of the reality show.
New twists in the competition are revealed, secrets could be exposed...
- 7/2/2015
- Digital Spy
Rylan Clark, Sarah Harding and Chesney Hawkes have been announced for Celebrity MasterChef 2015.
They are joined by Keith Chegwin, Yvette Fielding, Arlene Phillips and others for the tenth anniversary edition of the cookery contest.
12 episodes will air over six weeks this summer. The first four heat weeks will see judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace whittle down the 20 celebrity entrants to eight semi-finalists.
Finals week ends in a 90-minute contest between the three remaining cooks, feeding an all-female Chef's Table hosted by Michelin starred Angela Hartnett.
The full list of 2015 contestants is as follows:
Scott MaslenTish (Patricia) PotterCraig GazeyAmanda DonohueSheree MurphyMica ParisSarah HardingKimberly WyattTom ParkerChesney HawkesSam NixonKeith ChegwinAndy AkinwolereYvette FieldingRylan ClarkSyd LittleArlene PhillipsSamira AhmedNatalie LoweDanny Crates
Past Celebrity MasterChef champions and finalists who will appear through the run include 2013 winner Ade Edmondson, 2014 finalist Wayne Sleep, semi-finalist Christopher Biggins and 2014 reigning champion Sophie Thompson.
Executive producer for the BBC Carla-Maria Lawson...
They are joined by Keith Chegwin, Yvette Fielding, Arlene Phillips and others for the tenth anniversary edition of the cookery contest.
12 episodes will air over six weeks this summer. The first four heat weeks will see judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace whittle down the 20 celebrity entrants to eight semi-finalists.
Finals week ends in a 90-minute contest between the three remaining cooks, feeding an all-female Chef's Table hosted by Michelin starred Angela Hartnett.
The full list of 2015 contestants is as follows:
Scott MaslenTish (Patricia) PotterCraig GazeyAmanda DonohueSheree MurphyMica ParisSarah HardingKimberly WyattTom ParkerChesney HawkesSam NixonKeith ChegwinAndy AkinwolereYvette FieldingRylan ClarkSyd LittleArlene PhillipsSamira AhmedNatalie LoweDanny Crates
Past Celebrity MasterChef champions and finalists who will appear through the run include 2013 winner Ade Edmondson, 2014 finalist Wayne Sleep, semi-finalist Christopher Biggins and 2014 reigning champion Sophie Thompson.
Executive producer for the BBC Carla-Maria Lawson...
- 5/13/2015
- Digital Spy
Today in 1987, Starlight Express opened at the Gershwin Theatre, where it ran for 761 performances. Starlight Express is a rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber music, Richard Stilgoe lyrics and Arlene Phillips choreography, with later revisions by Don Black lyrics and David Yazbek music and lyrics for the 2nd Us tour. The story follows a child's dream in which his toy train set comes to life famously the actors perform wearing roller skates.
- 3/15/2015
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
Ola Jordan has spoken about her plans to return to Strictly Come Dancing.
The dancer injured her right knee while training for Channel 4's The Jump last year, and feared that she might never dance again.
Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, Ola said that her physiotherapist and doctor have assured her she will be fit enough for the new series of Strictly if she continues to make progress.
"I would love to go back to Strictly but obviously as dancers we don't find out until later in the year," she said.
"I would love to be ready and I would love to be able to do the show again. My physio, my doctors said I would be 100% ready for that.
On her injury, Ola said: "I was devastated. Obviously first thing in my head was, 'Am I going to dance again?', and yes I will. It's just going to take time unfortunately.
The dancer injured her right knee while training for Channel 4's The Jump last year, and feared that she might never dance again.
Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, Ola said that her physiotherapist and doctor have assured her she will be fit enough for the new series of Strictly if she continues to make progress.
"I would love to go back to Strictly but obviously as dancers we don't find out until later in the year," she said.
"I would love to be ready and I would love to be able to do the show again. My physio, my doctors said I would be 100% ready for that.
On her injury, Ola said: "I was devastated. Obviously first thing in my head was, 'Am I going to dance again?', and yes I will. It's just going to take time unfortunately.
- 2/5/2015
- Digital Spy
Davina McCall is one of the latest celebrities to sign up for Comic Relief's Danceathon.
The six-hour "dance frenzy" will be held on March 8 at Wembley Arena to raise money for Red Nose Day and McCall - a frequent Comic Relief collaborator - has now signed up to hit the floor.
She has been joined by Strictly Come Dancing stars Caroline Flack and Steve Backshall along with the show's professional dancers Aljaz Skorjanec, Ian Waite, Janette Manrara, Natalie Lowe and Robin Windsor.
DJs Gemma Cairney, Edith Bowman and Sara Cox are also among the cast along with Kirstie Allsopp and Paralympian and presenter Ade Adepitan.
The danceathon is expected to be hosted by Claudia Winkleman and celebrities who have already signed up include Arlene Phillips, Chelsee Healey, Rachel Riley, Rufus Hound, Zoe Ball, Jo Whiley and Got to Dance's Adam Garcia and Kimberly Wyatt.
Over 2000 fundraisers will take part at...
The six-hour "dance frenzy" will be held on March 8 at Wembley Arena to raise money for Red Nose Day and McCall - a frequent Comic Relief collaborator - has now signed up to hit the floor.
She has been joined by Strictly Come Dancing stars Caroline Flack and Steve Backshall along with the show's professional dancers Aljaz Skorjanec, Ian Waite, Janette Manrara, Natalie Lowe and Robin Windsor.
DJs Gemma Cairney, Edith Bowman and Sara Cox are also among the cast along with Kirstie Allsopp and Paralympian and presenter Ade Adepitan.
The danceathon is expected to be hosted by Claudia Winkleman and celebrities who have already signed up include Arlene Phillips, Chelsee Healey, Rachel Riley, Rufus Hound, Zoe Ball, Jo Whiley and Got to Dance's Adam Garcia and Kimberly Wyatt.
Over 2000 fundraisers will take part at...
- 2/5/2015
- Digital Spy
Claudia Winkleman is to host the first ever Comic Relief Danceathon. The 'Strictly Come Dancing' co-host is calling on Britain to take part in the six hour non-stop dance extravaganza to raise money for Red Nose Day 2015. She said: ''This just might be the greatest day of our lives. Wherever you live in the UK, if you like dancing, we'd love you to take part in the Comic Relief Danceathon. I am ridiculously excited.'' The brunette beauty will be joined by stars including former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips, actress Chelsee Healey, 'Countdown' beauty Rachel Riley, Rufus Hound, Strictly spin-off show 'It Takes...
- 12/19/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Claudia Winkleman will lead a danceathon in aid of Comic Relief.
The Strictly Come Dancing presenter will be joined by a variety of famous faces at the event at London's Sse Arena Wembley on Sunday, March 8.
Former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips, Chelsee Healey, Rachel Riley, Rufus Hound and Zoe Ball will take part in the six-hour danceathon, which will also be hosted at other locations across the country.
Got to Dance pair Adam Garcia and Kimberly Wyatt and BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley will also take part for charity. More names will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Winkleman said: "This just might be the greatest day of our lives. Wherever you live in the UK, if you like dancing, we'd love you to take part in the Comic Relief Danceathon. I am ridiculously excited."
Over 2,000 fundraisers will be able to dance at the Sse Arena Wembley, which will see...
The Strictly Come Dancing presenter will be joined by a variety of famous faces at the event at London's Sse Arena Wembley on Sunday, March 8.
Former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips, Chelsee Healey, Rachel Riley, Rufus Hound and Zoe Ball will take part in the six-hour danceathon, which will also be hosted at other locations across the country.
Got to Dance pair Adam Garcia and Kimberly Wyatt and BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley will also take part for charity. More names will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Winkleman said: "This just might be the greatest day of our lives. Wherever you live in the UK, if you like dancing, we'd love you to take part in the Comic Relief Danceathon. I am ridiculously excited."
Over 2,000 fundraisers will be able to dance at the Sse Arena Wembley, which will see...
- 12/18/2014
- Digital Spy
Claudia Winkleman is to host the first ever Comic Relief Danceathon. The 'Strictly Come Dancing' co-host is calling on Britain to take part in the six hour non-stop dance extravaganza to raise money for Red Nose Day 2015. She said: ''This just might be the greatest day of our lives. Wherever you live in the UK, if you like dancing, we'd love you to take part in the Comic Relief Danceathon. I am ridiculously excited.'' The brunette beauty will be joined by stars including former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips, actress Chelsee Healey, 'Countdown' beauty Rachel Riley, Rufus Hound, Strictly spin-off show 'It Takes...
- 12/17/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Arlene Phillips has said that she does sometimes miss working on Strictly Come Dancing.
The choreographer was a judge on the panel of the show from 2004 to 2008 and admitted that she has to stop herself commenting on the show when she tunes in.
Asked if she missed being on the show, Phillips told Digital Spy and others at The Sun Military Awards: "I guess sometimes, yeah. There are moments.
"If I watch something - I don't watch it all the time. I watch little snatches. I'll put it on, but sometimes I'll see something and the words of what I thought burst out of my mouth.
"And I look and think, 'Where did I come from? No! Stop! It's nothing to do with you anymore'."
Earlier this year, Phillips said that there should be an all-female judging panel on Strictly Come Dancing.
"There should be more women everywhere in my opinion,...
The choreographer was a judge on the panel of the show from 2004 to 2008 and admitted that she has to stop herself commenting on the show when she tunes in.
Asked if she missed being on the show, Phillips told Digital Spy and others at The Sun Military Awards: "I guess sometimes, yeah. There are moments.
"If I watch something - I don't watch it all the time. I watch little snatches. I'll put it on, but sometimes I'll see something and the words of what I thought burst out of my mouth.
"And I look and think, 'Where did I come from? No! Stop! It's nothing to do with you anymore'."
Earlier this year, Phillips said that there should be an all-female judging panel on Strictly Come Dancing.
"There should be more women everywhere in my opinion,...
- 12/11/2014
- Digital Spy
James Jordan has returned to Twitter following his stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house.
The former Strictly Come Dancing professional finished third in the Channel 5 series, exiting ahead of Audley Harrison and eventual winner Gary Busey.
"I'm out!!!!! What great fun that was.... Thanks for all the support and votes, I truly had a blast (sic)," Jordan wrote as he regained control of his account. "Have some amazing new friends too I'm glad to see so many of you got my humour.....I'm a wind up, a s**t stirrer but always remained true to myself."
The dancer, who both won praise and criticism for his blunt approach with fellow housemates, added: "And,,,,, to all the haters! I thank you all for helping me get to 3rd place in the Final xxx".
Retweeting numerous messages of support, he also took the opportunity to make a further dig at Harrison,...
The former Strictly Come Dancing professional finished third in the Channel 5 series, exiting ahead of Audley Harrison and eventual winner Gary Busey.
"I'm out!!!!! What great fun that was.... Thanks for all the support and votes, I truly had a blast (sic)," Jordan wrote as he regained control of his account. "Have some amazing new friends too I'm glad to see so many of you got my humour.....I'm a wind up, a s**t stirrer but always remained true to myself."
The dancer, who both won praise and criticism for his blunt approach with fellow housemates, added: "And,,,,, to all the haters! I thank you all for helping me get to 3rd place in the Final xxx".
Retweeting numerous messages of support, he also took the opportunity to make a further dig at Harrison,...
- 9/13/2014
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing professional Ola Jordan has hit out at the BBC series.
The dancer discussed the sacking of Arlene Phillips, the departure of her husband James Jordan, and the upcoming ratings war with The X Factor.
Saying that producers were "wrong" to get rid of Phillips after the 2008 series, she added: "Alesha only did four months and suddenly she became a judge, a bit unfair. I mean, what does she know about dancing?"
Jordan also questioned why the judging line-up isn't changed more often, when the professional dancers are swapped every year.
"The professional dancers are being swapped every year, we have new presenters, so why not swap judges? I would like to see more ballroom teachers on the panel and people who know about Latin dancing. Len is the only one who knows about ballroom," she told The Mirror.
"They all make a fortune. We get Ok money.
The dancer discussed the sacking of Arlene Phillips, the departure of her husband James Jordan, and the upcoming ratings war with The X Factor.
Saying that producers were "wrong" to get rid of Phillips after the 2008 series, she added: "Alesha only did four months and suddenly she became a judge, a bit unfair. I mean, what does she know about dancing?"
Jordan also questioned why the judging line-up isn't changed more often, when the professional dancers are swapped every year.
"The professional dancers are being swapped every year, we have new presenters, so why not swap judges? I would like to see more ballroom teachers on the panel and people who know about Latin dancing. Len is the only one who knows about ballroom," she told The Mirror.
"They all make a fortune. We get Ok money.
- 8/28/2014
- Digital Spy
Arlene Phillips has claimed that there should be an all-female judging panel on Strictly Come Dancing.
The former judge - who was replaced by Alesha Dixon on the panel in 2009 - said that there "should be more women everywhere".
She told Pa: "There should be more women everywhere in my opinion. There should be four women on the panel. Let's start with that one."
Meanwhile, she also discussed the departure of Sir Bruce Forsyth, who will no longer present the regular series, featuring only on Christmas and Children in Need specials.
Phillips said that there is no reason that two women couldn't host the show, following rumours that Claudia Winkleman will step up as full-time host.
"It depends on who the two women are, and will it work? But why not women?" she said.
Phillips added that Forsyth will be "missed", adding that his replacement has "big dancing shoes" to fill.
The former judge - who was replaced by Alesha Dixon on the panel in 2009 - said that there "should be more women everywhere".
She told Pa: "There should be more women everywhere in my opinion. There should be four women on the panel. Let's start with that one."
Meanwhile, she also discussed the departure of Sir Bruce Forsyth, who will no longer present the regular series, featuring only on Christmas and Children in Need specials.
Phillips said that there is no reason that two women couldn't host the show, following rumours that Claudia Winkleman will step up as full-time host.
"It depends on who the two women are, and will it work? But why not women?" she said.
Phillips added that Forsyth will be "missed", adding that his replacement has "big dancing shoes" to fill.
- 4/20/2014
- Digital Spy
The Voice wrapped up its third series in grand fashion tonight (April 5).
Jermain Jackman made his coach will.i.am proud by being crowned the champion, ahead of Christina Marie and Sally Barker.
All four coaches and special musical guests Aloe Blacc and Paloma Faith were on hand with hosts Emma Willis and Marvin Humes to send the series out in style.
Digital Spy presents a collection of social media reaction to The Voice's finale below:
Work hard for your dream & you can achieve it. So humbled & blessed to of shared stage with all the artists this year. Thank you all
— Jermain Jackman (@JermainJackman) April 5, 2014
The winner @JermainJackman pic.twitter.com/B1JlEqOito
— will.i.am (@iamwill) April 5, 2014
Huge congratulations to @JermainJackman. Knew you were an incredibly special singer from the first time I heard you. #TheVoiceUK
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) April 5, 2014
Sneaky willy for the win , congrats brother...
Jermain Jackman made his coach will.i.am proud by being crowned the champion, ahead of Christina Marie and Sally Barker.
All four coaches and special musical guests Aloe Blacc and Paloma Faith were on hand with hosts Emma Willis and Marvin Humes to send the series out in style.
Digital Spy presents a collection of social media reaction to The Voice's finale below:
Work hard for your dream & you can achieve it. So humbled & blessed to of shared stage with all the artists this year. Thank you all
— Jermain Jackman (@JermainJackman) April 5, 2014
The winner @JermainJackman pic.twitter.com/B1JlEqOito
— will.i.am (@iamwill) April 5, 2014
Huge congratulations to @JermainJackman. Knew you were an incredibly special singer from the first time I heard you. #TheVoiceUK
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) April 5, 2014
Sneaky willy for the win , congrats brother...
- 4/5/2014
- Digital Spy
Today in 1987, Starlight Express opened at the Gershwin Theatre, where it ran for 761 performances. Starlight Express is a rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber music, Richard Stilgoe lyrics and Arlene Phillips choreography, with later revisions by Don Black lyrics and David Yazbek music and lyrics for the 2nd Us tour. The story follows a child's dream in which his toy train set comes to life famously the actors perform wearing roller skates.
- 3/15/2014
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
If we do not protect our creative industry from theft, the films and music that give us pleasure may soon belong to Christmases past
It's a scene we're all familiar with: the family gathered for Christmas, eating a delicious meal, swapping jokes pulled from crackers, children enthusiastically unwrapping presents, singing carols or listening to the Queen's speech. And perhaps later, relaxing on the sofa as James Stewart discovers the true meaning of family in It's a Wonderful Life.
Maybe your loved ones prefer The Wizard of Oz, Home Alone or another festive favourite. But whatever your choice, there's no denying that entertainment – the films we can quote the lines from, the Christmas specials we cringe at and the seasonal CDs we have on in the background – has been a part of many Christmases past.
Nowadays, families may be laughing at Christmas videos on YouTube, tweeting, watching specials on a tablet...
It's a scene we're all familiar with: the family gathered for Christmas, eating a delicious meal, swapping jokes pulled from crackers, children enthusiastically unwrapping presents, singing carols or listening to the Queen's speech. And perhaps later, relaxing on the sofa as James Stewart discovers the true meaning of family in It's a Wonderful Life.
Maybe your loved ones prefer The Wizard of Oz, Home Alone or another festive favourite. But whatever your choice, there's no denying that entertainment – the films we can quote the lines from, the Christmas specials we cringe at and the seasonal CDs we have on in the background – has been a part of many Christmases past.
Nowadays, families may be laughing at Christmas videos on YouTube, tweeting, watching specials on a tablet...
- 12/26/2013
- by Miriam Margolyes
- The Guardian - Film News
What can be said about Michael Palin that hasn’t been said already? Perhaps calling him a Renaissance man, or comparing him to a shark that never stops swimming. He’s something different to each generation, be it as a member of Monty Python; a unique explorer and travel presenter neither in the vein of Alan Whicker or Karl Pilkington; a filmmaker; a geographer and railway enthusiast; or as a man of letters both fictional and non-fictional. His works spans every cultural medium imaginable short of painting and sculpture, though chances are he indulges those in his spare time as well.
Palin and Python are back in the news not just for court cases, but for the shock announcement they’re reuniting for a limited amount of shows at the O2 arena next summer. It will be the first time since 1988 they’ve performed together, albeit without the late Graham Chapman.
Palin and Python are back in the news not just for court cases, but for the shock announcement they’re reuniting for a limited amount of shows at the O2 arena next summer. It will be the first time since 1988 they’ve performed together, albeit without the late Graham Chapman.
- 12/10/2013
- by Oscar Harding
- Obsessed with Film
Arlene Phillips is inspired by Oprah Winfrey. The former 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge thinks the Us talk show host is a woman of ''many, many talents'' and she can't wait to check out her acting skills in new movie 'The Butler'. She said: ''I'm a big fan, a huge, huge fan. I think she's wonderful. I think she's a woman of many, many, many talents as well as being a real thinker, because she is. ''She is a wonderful actress. She's really quite special. I will definitely be watching 'The Butler'. ''There are lots of movies I've got lined up to see...
- 11/26/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
News broke earlier this week that a Monty Python reunion was nigh, but now there are specifics: The five surviving members will perform a live, one-time stage show in London on July 1, they announced at a press conference. The show will include both old and new material — "comedy, pathos, music, and a tiny piece of ancient sex," according to Eric Idle — including new animations from Terry Gilliam and choreography by Arlene Phillips (who choreographed The Meaning of Life). John Cleese says silly walks are out of the question on account of his artificial hip and knee, but other classic sketches are on the table. Ironically, this now means some people are expecting the Spanish Inquisition.
- 11/21/2013
- by Margaret Lyons
- Vulture
This afternoon at London's Playhouse Theatre, the Monty Python team announced the worst-kept-secret of the week - a one-off live reunion show.
Digital Spy was in attendance at the press conference and between all the gags and guffaws, we've rounded up all you need to know about the comeback.
> Monty Python: 30 years of near reunions from the comedy troupe
What? When? Where? Who?!?!?!
Monty Python Live (mostly): one down, five to go at The O2, London on July 1, 2014 featuring John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.
Anyone else?
Graham Chapman will be represented ("he will be there on film... he won't be absent from the evening"). Carol Cleveland will be making an appearance ("At 72 they want me to go on stage - bring the showgirl costume! No-one else would give me that job, so I said yes") and there'll be choreography from Arlene Phillips.
When do tickets go on sale?...
Digital Spy was in attendance at the press conference and between all the gags and guffaws, we've rounded up all you need to know about the comeback.
> Monty Python: 30 years of near reunions from the comedy troupe
What? When? Where? Who?!?!?!
Monty Python Live (mostly): one down, five to go at The O2, London on July 1, 2014 featuring John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.
Anyone else?
Graham Chapman will be represented ("he will be there on film... he won't be absent from the evening"). Carol Cleveland will be making an appearance ("At 72 they want me to go on stage - bring the showgirl costume! No-one else would give me that job, so I said yes") and there'll be choreography from Arlene Phillips.
When do tickets go on sale?...
- 11/21/2013
- Digital Spy
Monty Python have announced a one-off live show in London next year.
John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam reunited for a special press conference today (November 21) at the Playhouse Theatre in the capital.
> Monty Python: 30 years of near-reunions from the comedy troupe
The iconic comedy group will perform live at London's O2 Arena on July 1, 2014.
Dubbed 'One Down, Five To Go' - in tribute to late member Graham Chapman - the show will include a mixture of classic sketches and new material.
Tickets will go on sale on Monday, November 25 at 10am.
Carol Cleveland will also make an appearance in the show, while former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips will work with the team to help choreograph the live show.
When asked why the group have finally got back together, Eric Idle said: "We're trying to pay for Terry Jones's mortgage. If we left it too long,...
John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam reunited for a special press conference today (November 21) at the Playhouse Theatre in the capital.
> Monty Python: 30 years of near-reunions from the comedy troupe
The iconic comedy group will perform live at London's O2 Arena on July 1, 2014.
Dubbed 'One Down, Five To Go' - in tribute to late member Graham Chapman - the show will include a mixture of classic sketches and new material.
Tickets will go on sale on Monday, November 25 at 10am.
Carol Cleveland will also make an appearance in the show, while former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips will work with the team to help choreograph the live show.
When asked why the group have finally got back together, Eric Idle said: "We're trying to pay for Terry Jones's mortgage. If we left it too long,...
- 11/21/2013
- Digital Spy
Jodie Marsh has conquered modelling, bodybuilding and now she's taking on the world of documentaries - and her latest projects see her dig deep into the subjects of steroid abuse and prostitution.
Digital Spy caught up with Jodie as she gives us the lowdown on her shows, explains why she wants to be the world's oldest glamour model and reveals her biggest regret...
What made you choose the subjects of steroid abuse and prostitution for your new documentaries?
"After I started doing bodybuilding I got accused of being on steroids. Anybody who knows anything about the human body or nutrition or fitness or diet would know instantly I'm not on steroids, but there's quite a lot of uneducated, ignorant people.
"Including that woman, Arlene Phillips. On live TV she accused me of being on steroids. I was just so outraged by it all... and I thought people need to see what steroids really are,...
Digital Spy caught up with Jodie as she gives us the lowdown on her shows, explains why she wants to be the world's oldest glamour model and reveals her biggest regret...
What made you choose the subjects of steroid abuse and prostitution for your new documentaries?
"After I started doing bodybuilding I got accused of being on steroids. Anybody who knows anything about the human body or nutrition or fitness or diet would know instantly I'm not on steroids, but there's quite a lot of uneducated, ignorant people.
"Including that woman, Arlene Phillips. On live TV she accused me of being on steroids. I was just so outraged by it all... and I thought people need to see what steroids really are,...
- 10/14/2013
- Digital Spy
Super Furry Animals keyboardist Cian Ciarán made a surprise appearance on Channel 5 magazine show The Wright Stuff this morning (September 26).
The '90s indie music star, whose band had hits with tracks such as 'The Man Don't Give A F**k', 'God Show Me Magic' and 'Northern Lites', took part in discussions on subjects such as mental health checks and climate change.
Ciaran was joined on the panel by former Strictly star Arlene Phillips and TV presenter Olly Smith.
@cianciaran @arlenephillips @northernrob @5WrightStuff Fierce in the green room. Arlene is teaching us the splits.
— Olly Smith (@jollyolly) September 26, 2013
The Welsh musician's appearance didn't appear to go down well with viewers on Twitter, who described his appearance as "painful".
"Never heard of Cian Ciaran until today. Who on earth thought he'd be a good guest on the Wright Stuff? Terrible!" said Fiona South.
Twitter user Brutus Maximus commented: "Cian Ciaran manages...
The '90s indie music star, whose band had hits with tracks such as 'The Man Don't Give A F**k', 'God Show Me Magic' and 'Northern Lites', took part in discussions on subjects such as mental health checks and climate change.
Ciaran was joined on the panel by former Strictly star Arlene Phillips and TV presenter Olly Smith.
@cianciaran @arlenephillips @northernrob @5WrightStuff Fierce in the green room. Arlene is teaching us the splits.
— Olly Smith (@jollyolly) September 26, 2013
The Welsh musician's appearance didn't appear to go down well with viewers on Twitter, who described his appearance as "painful".
"Never heard of Cian Ciaran until today. Who on earth thought he'd be a good guest on the Wright Stuff? Terrible!" said Fiona South.
Twitter user Brutus Maximus commented: "Cian Ciaran manages...
- 9/26/2013
- Digital Spy
Children in Need has launched a 'Bearfaced' campaign as part of this year's appeal.
A host of female celebrities - including Alex Jones, Sheridan Smith and Jo Wood - will spend a day without their makeup to help raise money for the BBC fundraiser on November 8.
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips will also take part in the campaign, which asks women to go makeup-free for the day and pop on a Post Office Pawprint instead.
"Pop a Pudsey Pawprint on instead of your makeup on Friday, November 8 to help make a difference to young lives across the UK; every penny raised really will help!" Sheridan Smith said.
The One Show's Jones added: "There are so many children and young people across the UK who need our help, so how could I say no to the BBC Children in Need Bearfaced campaign? Join me and hundreds of other women going Bearfaced November 8th.
A host of female celebrities - including Alex Jones, Sheridan Smith and Jo Wood - will spend a day without their makeup to help raise money for the BBC fundraiser on November 8.
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips will also take part in the campaign, which asks women to go makeup-free for the day and pop on a Post Office Pawprint instead.
"Pop a Pudsey Pawprint on instead of your makeup on Friday, November 8 to help make a difference to young lives across the UK; every penny raised really will help!" Sheridan Smith said.
The One Show's Jones added: "There are so many children and young people across the UK who need our help, so how could I say no to the BBC Children in Need Bearfaced campaign? Join me and hundreds of other women going Bearfaced November 8th.
- 9/16/2013
- Digital Spy
If you watch "Glee," you'll probably remember the "amazing chemistry" between Matthew Morrison and Gwyneth Paltrow, but what you might not know is that while Matthew thinks Gwyneth is just "hot," he's positively over the moon for the lovely, ageless Helen Mirren, and how much that must smite Gwynnie, the world will never know (at least not in a direct way -- not from the queen of passive-aggressive, anyway). In a recent interview, Matthew talked about his attractions, and those on the list were Helen Mirren, Arlene Phillips, and UK's "The Sun" columnist, Lorraine Kelly. In the talk, Gwyneth actually seemed to come as an afterthought, and only when asked directly if Matthew thought Gwyneth was hot. His response to what it was like to work with his "friend" Gwyneth on "Glee": "I do think Gwyneth is hot." So, there's that. He had so many other flowery, eloquent words...
- 5/15/2013
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
ITV bosses are reportedly planning to launch a dance show to directly compete with Strictly Come Dancing.
Shall We Dance?, which sees six celebrities performing with their other halves, is being lined up to air in the same slot as its BBC rival later this year.
The series will be broadcast at 7pm each Saturday from the end of August, meaning it will go head-to-head with Strictly's launch show in September.
A source told the Daily Star Sunday: "ITV has seen Strictly pull in massive ratings for ten years and they want to get in on the action.
"It's a pretty ruthless move to launch a dance show at the same time of year. The BBC won't like this at all - it could spell the end for their flagship show."
The big-budget series was apparently commissioned on Thursday (April 11) and will run for six weeks. It will likely...
Shall We Dance?, which sees six celebrities performing with their other halves, is being lined up to air in the same slot as its BBC rival later this year.
The series will be broadcast at 7pm each Saturday from the end of August, meaning it will go head-to-head with Strictly's launch show in September.
A source told the Daily Star Sunday: "ITV has seen Strictly pull in massive ratings for ten years and they want to get in on the action.
"It's a pretty ruthless move to launch a dance show at the same time of year. The BBC won't like this at all - it could spell the end for their flagship show."
The big-budget series was apparently commissioned on Thursday (April 11) and will run for six weeks. It will likely...
- 4/14/2013
- Digital Spy
Today in 1987, Starlight Express opened at the Gershwin Theatre, where it ran for 761 performances. Starlight Express is a rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber music, Richard Stilgoe lyrics and Arlene Phillips choreography, with later revisions by Don Black lyrics and David Yazbek music and lyrics for the 2nd Us tour. The story follows a child's dream in which his toy train set comes to life famously the actors perform wearing roller skates.
- 3/15/2013
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
Jodie Prenger and Lee Nelson have made it to the final of Let's Dance for Comic Relief.
Prenger was the first to make it through, having topped the public vote with a routine to the 1986 Cameo hit 'Word Up', in which the actress dressed as the funk group's frontman Larry Blackmon.
Judges Arlene Phillips, Greg James and Lee Mack then had to choose between Vanessa Feltz, who danced to Cher's 'If I Could Turn Back Time' in leotard and fishnet tights, and Nelson, who was joined by Britain's Got Talent stars Twist & Pulse for a hip-hop spin on Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake'. The trio eventually decided to save Nelson.
Newsreaders Ore Oduba and Sonali Shah and ventriloquist Nina Conti received the fewest public votes and were automatically eliminated.
Oduba and Shah performed to the Outkast track 'Hey Ya', while Conti teamed up with her puppet Monk for a gorilla-themed routine...
Prenger was the first to make it through, having topped the public vote with a routine to the 1986 Cameo hit 'Word Up', in which the actress dressed as the funk group's frontman Larry Blackmon.
Judges Arlene Phillips, Greg James and Lee Mack then had to choose between Vanessa Feltz, who danced to Cher's 'If I Could Turn Back Time' in leotard and fishnet tights, and Nelson, who was joined by Britain's Got Talent stars Twist & Pulse for a hip-hop spin on Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake'. The trio eventually decided to save Nelson.
Newsreaders Ore Oduba and Sonali Shah and ventriloquist Nina Conti received the fewest public votes and were automatically eliminated.
Oduba and Shah performed to the Outkast track 'Hey Ya', while Conti teamed up with her puppet Monk for a gorilla-themed routine...
- 3/2/2013
- Digital Spy
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