Stormzy launches film company #MerkyFilms with starring role
Stormzy has announced he's launching his own film production company - and will star in its first release.#Merkyfilm, like the rapper's other projects #Merkybooks and #MerkyFC, will focus on celebrating black British stories and talent, he says.Its first project is short film Big Man, directed by Oscar-winning film-maker Aneil Karia, known for projects including The Long Goodbye and Surge.It'll be released on YouTube on 18 June and stars Stormzy as a former rap star navigating an uncertain new chapter.
The film, produced with Apple, marks the first time the London rapper has acted in a lead role.On the poster for the short, he is credited as Michael "Stormzy" Omari - mixing his real name with his more famous alter-ego."It captures the joy, the spirit and the fearless energy of youth and I hope it inspires you to dream big," he said, as he announced the project.
In the film, which was shot entirely on a phone, Stormzy plays Tenzman, who rediscovers his love of music after forging a bond with two young boys, Klevis and Tyrell.It's an acting debut for 15-year-old Klevis Brahja, who plays his namesake, who bagged the role after being scouted in the street.Tyrell is played by Jaydon Eastman, 14, who's already had West End roles including Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda the Musical and Little Michael in MJ The Musical.
'Telling our stories'
Stormzy says he's been working on #Merkyfilm "for a long time" and hopes it will be "a platform for bold, authentic and powerful British storytelling". "I always say: music is my first love, but film is my second."It's a natural extension of everything we do at #Merky - telling our stories, shining a light on real voices and creating space for those who deserve to be seen and heard."Stormzy established #MerkyBooks six years ago with a prize each year aiming to increase access to the publishing industry for a wider range of voices.In 2022, he added #MerkyFC (Football Careers) to his portfolio, aiming to support people who wanted jobs in the sports industry, with a youth hub in Croydon opening last year as part of it, complete with a full-size football pitch, recording studio and gaming centre.As well as Big Man, Stormzy also announced other film projects in the pipeline.These include a drama series, animation project and a mockumentary as well as a biopic that his representatives say "promises to leave a lasting cultural mark".
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Telegraph
36 minutes ago
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Find a museum by type: Best for history National Museum of Scotland The beloved atrium fish ponds may have gone, but the 2008 reimagining of what can only be described as a cleverly organised kaleidoscope of objects representing science and nature, culture, design and technology: in short, all the wonders of the world. From Dolly the Sheep (stuffed) to the lovable Lewis Chessmen; from fashion to flight; be prepared to lose hours wallowing in wonder. Happily there are three cafés and a roof terrace with views, too. Insider tip: Don't try to see it all at the National Museum of Scotland (you couldn't) and don't plan; just go with the flow. Surgeons' Hall Museums In a city famous for Burke and Hare – the body snatching murderers who sold corpses to the university medical school – it seems somehow appropriate to have this grim yet unnervingly fascinating exhibit displayed in a beautiful William Playfair building. 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Daily Mail
37 minutes ago
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Kate and Charlotte beam as the royals arrive for Trooping the Colour in glorious sunshine with Louis and George - and a barely recognisable Prince William!
Kate and Princess Charlotte shared a sweet moment as they beamed together at today's Trooping the Colour ceremony as the royal family and fans unite to mark the King's birthday. As they arrived at Buckingham Palace, William and Kate sat in the back of a car with little Prince Louis, seven - while Princess Charlotte, 10 and Prince George, 11 sat together in front. Charlotte was seen waving at the crowds as the car passed, while Kate and William smiled fondly. They were followed by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie, who arrived together in a car, without either of their children - Lady Louise, 21 and James, 17. As the parade got underway from Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen were seen waving and smiling as they proceeded down the Mall in an open-top carriage before the national anthem was played as they made their way to the Horse Guards Palace. 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The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte are seen smiling broadly as they took part in the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday Some 53 Brits were onboard the doomed flight - all but one are believed to have been killed, along with dozens on the ground bringing the final death toll to at least 270. Black armbands were worn by the head of state and senior royals wearing military uniform riding in the ceremony to mark the King's official birthday. On horseback and wearing the armbands were the Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, the Princess Royal, Colonel Blues and Royals, and the Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel Scots Guards. King Charles, who is receiving ongoing cancer treatment, rode in a carriage as he did last year with his wife Queen Camilla. The Queen wore a white silk crepe dress with silver embroidery by Anna Valentine with a hat by Philip Treacy and a Grenadier Guards brooch. Fans gathered early on the Mall on Saturday and braved the rain while hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal family. A small group of protesters carrying placards reading 'Not my King' was also in attendance. The procession was led on Saturday by a carriage carrying the Duchess of Edinburgh and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, ahead of a second in which the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will travel. The Prince of Wales, Princess Royal and the Duke of Edinburgh followed behind on horseback. The Princess of Wales bears a radiant smile as she accompanies her children during the parade today The King waves to protesters against the monarchy who lined a section of the Mall on Saturday Members of the Household Cavalry are some of the more than 1,400 soldiers taking part today Prince George of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales travel by carriage during Trooping The Colour The Princess of Wales and her children wore coordinating outfits as they took part in the public spectacle today King Charles III salutes his soldiers at the parade ground during the Trooping the Colour Prime Minsiter Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria watch the Trooping the Colour parade The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester leave Buckingham Palace ahead of Trooping the Colour ceremony in central London Carriages leave Buckingham Palace during the Trooping of the Colour parade The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children have been spotted arriving at Buckingham Palace ahead of today's Trooping the Colour ceremony to mark the King's birthday Prince Louis didn't look thrilled to be joining today's celebrations, which take place every year to mark the monarch's birthday King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at Buckingham Palace moments before the parade began The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrive at Buckingham Palace ahead of the Trooping the Colour ceremony in central London Read More Prince Louis makes sure all eyes are on him during RAF flypast... until big brother George steps in! It is the first time Princess Anne has ridden in public since she suffered a head injury, thought to be caused by a horse, at her home last year. The Princess of Wales travelled down the Mall in an Ascot Landau seated beside her daughter Princess Charlotte, while Prince George and Prince Louis sat opposite. King Charles III and Queen Camilla passed the royal fans in their own carriage before the King inspects his troops. After arriving at the parade ground, Kate took her place next to the King and Queen on the dais, in her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards - a symbolic position and one she was unable to take up last year because she was receiving cancer treatment, and instead watched the ceremony with her children. A minute's silence was then held to remember all the victims of this week's Air India disaster. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said Charles requested amendments to the Trooping the Colour programme 'as a mark of respect for the lives lost, the families in mourning and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy'. The King issued a written message soon after the plane crash, saying he was 'desperately shocked by the terrible events' and expressed his 'deepest possible sympathy'. Posting on social media ahead of the ceremony this morning, the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'Sending my best wishes to His Majesty The King today at Trooping the Colour. God Save The King.' The occasion transforms the Mall as crowds line up the streets waving flags as 1400 soldiers parade alongside 200 horses and 400 musicians from Horse Guard's Parade to Buckingham Palace. Prince George was dressed in a navy blue suit and red tie for today's event Princess Anne salutes as she rides on horseback during the procession Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Timothy Laurence wave during Trooping The Colour 2025 The Duchess of Edinburgh is pictured during today's Trooping the Colour as she rode in an open-top carriage Princess Anne arrives at Buckingham Palace on Saturday before participating in Trooping the Colour William and Kate smile at those gathered along the Mall as they arrived at Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Colour Fans of the royal family lined the Mall from early on Saturday morning to watch the parade A group of women dressed in Union Jacks take their place on the Mall hoping to see the royals Officers of the Grenadier Guards mounted on horses ride along the Mall as they take part in the Trooping the Color in London Members of the King's Guard take part in the Trooping the Colour parade which honours Britain's King Charles on his official birthday Members of the King's guards stand to attention during the Trooping the Colour Members of the Coldstream Guards during the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, central London, on June 14 Final preparations are made for the annual ceremony, to celebrate the monarch's birthday, on Saturday Read More Charlotte bears striking resemblance to Kate as they match their Trooping the Colour ensembles After the Trooping ceremony is over, the Royal Family will make their group appearance on the Palace balcony before the day concludes with a flypast. As a former polo player and one of the Royal Family's most accomplished equestrians, King Charles rode for years in the parade - both for his mother's official birthday celebrations and then for his own. But he did not appear on horseback at the event this weekend and instead travelled in a carriage for the procession from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade and back. Trooping the Colour is a centuries-old tradition that marks the Sovereign's official birthday. It dates back to the 17th century and is rooted in battlefield custom, when regimental flags, or 'colours,' were trooped in front of soldiers to ensure they could be recognised amid the smoke of combat. Last week a full-dress rehearsal, known as The Colonel's Review, took place serving as the final run-through before the King's official celebration. This year, the honour of trooping the Colour falls to the Coldstream Guards, who will officially present their regimental flag, known as the Colour, to King Charles. Final preparations for the Trooping the Colour took place on Saturday morning, including preparing the Buckingham Palace balcony for the royals' appearance Anti-monarchy protesters stand along the route of the parade holding signs reading 'Not my King' Hundreds of people lined the streets of the Mall ahead of today's ceremony Members of the Foot Guards outside Buckingham Palace ahead of Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday Following the Trooping ceremony, all eyes will be on the royal balcony to see who King Charles invites to wave to the crowds. King Charles and Queen Camilla will be front and centre on the balcony to watch the Red Arrows flypast, but it expected a host of senior royals will be alongside them. Prince William is joined by the Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven. Princess Anne will feature with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. Prince Edward - who like Anne will be fresh from his part in the procession - is expected on the balcony with his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh. They are likely to be joined by their daughter Lady Louise, 21. Their son James, the Earl of Wessex, 17, did not make an appearance last year and may not attend the ceremony this time around either. Despite his increasing frailty, the staunchly devoted Duke of Kent, 89, will likely also be among the royals on the balcony. Also expected is the hard-working Duke of Gloucester, 80, and his 78-year-old wife Birgitte, the Duchess. A minute's silence is expected to be observed by the royals and the crowd after the deaths of 52 Brits in a plane crash in India on Thursday. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, from Leicester, managed to stagger away from the disaster that killed at least 270 people including everyone else on the doomed plane. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, sole survivor of the Air India flight 171 crash, at a hospital in Ahmedabad. He says the plane's lights flickered and it felt 'stuck' and unable to ascend Chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail were seen protruding from a demolished building The monarch has requested a minute's silence in tribute to the 241 passengers and crew killed when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for Gatwick Airport came down on Thursday in the Indian city of Ahmedabad Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside CCTV footage captured the moment the plane exploded into a fireball He is miraculously the only survivor and also lost his brother Ajay in the crash. He has been describing how it felt like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was 'stuck in the air' and 'came to a standstill' rather than climbing after take off. As expected, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are not attending this year's celebrations. Having chosen to walk away from being working royals, they have not been present at Trooping the Colour since 2019. The other notable absentee will be Prince Andrew, who remains exiled from public royal events amid the fallout from his relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and the claims made by late accuser Virginia Giuffre. Andrew's daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are not expected to be there either amid Charles' desire for a slimmed-down monarchy and to keep the focus on working royals. Members of the royal family are expected to watch the flypast - including the RAF Red Arrows and a range of planes and helicopters - from the balcony. In previous years it has been a moment where the royal children shine - with little Prince Louis delighting fans last year as pretended to fly one of the planes, appearing to screw up his face as he mimicked the engine's deafening noise. The route for the flypast has not been officially confirmed, but the Military Air Shows has revealed an air restrictions map which shows the expected official route. Proposed restrictions are in the vicinity of the North Sea, East Anglia, Essex and London. Its expected the flypast will go over Buckingham Palace at 1pm. Held traditionally on the second Saturday in June, regardless of the Sovereign's actual date of birth, the celebrations have marked the monarch's official birthday since the mid-1700s. Queen Elizabeth attended all but two of her Trooping the Colours, missing it in 1955 when a national rail strike resulted in the event being cancelled and in 2020 due to lockdown restrictions. In 2017, Trooping was held a few days days after the Grenfell Tower blaze and the loss of life was marked by a minute's silence, a decision taken by Queen Elizabeth II. The parade is open to members of the public through an online ballot with ticketing ranging from £10 to £30 and is broadcast live on the BBC. What is Trooping the Colour? The Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for more than 260 years. Over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together each June in a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare to mark the Sovereign's official birthday. The streets are lined with crowds waving flags as the parade moves from Buckingham Palace and down The Mall to Horse Guard's Parade, alongside Members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages. The display closes with an RAF fly-past, watched by Members of the Royal Family from Buckingham Palace balcony. Once the Sovereign has arrived at Horse Guard's Parade in Whitehall, they are greeted by a Royal salute and carry out an inspection of the troops, who are fully trained and operational soldiers wearing the ceremonial uniform of red tunics and bearskin hats. After the military bands have performed, the escorted Regimental Colour, or flag, is processed down the ranks of soldiers. Over one hundred words of command are used by the Officer in Command of the Parade to direct the several hundred soldiers. Once the Foot Guards have marched past the Sovereign, they ride back to Buckingham Palace at the head of the soldiers, before taking the salute again at the Palace from a dais. The Sovereign is then joined by other Members of the Royal Family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past by the Royal Air Force. A 41-gun salute is also fired in Green Park to mark the occasion. Source:
