Camilla hosts Hollywood and stage stars at National Theatre celebration
Camilla was thanked for allowing the National Theatre (NT) to 'invade' Buckingham Palace for the reception, which included singing, speeches, poetry and performances and an invitation from Lady Bracknell to borrow some jewellery from her stage costume.
NT chairman Sir Damon Buffini, who was beside Camilla as she watched a scene from The Importance of Being Earnest, said 'with confidence' that the National Theatre 'is the preeminent theatre in the English language sparking imagination, nurturing talent and inspiring the world'.
He thanked everyone, including the backstage stage talent who helped to put on Tuesday evening's special event, and Camilla for her support as the NT's patron since 2022.
To an audience, which included actors Cate Blanchett and Andrew Garfield, Sir Damon joked with Camilla: 'We would like to see you more often and you could drag your other half along if you would like to.'
Lesley Manville, James Corden, Dame Imelda Staunton and her husband Jim Carter, Sir Simon Russell Beale plus Rory Kinnear were among the other actors who have graced the stage with the NT who were part of the 50-strong guest list.
Sharon D Clarke along with Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa and Hugh Skinner reprised their roles in the NT's hit production of The Importance of Being Earnest for a performance.
Greeting Clarke after the performance, Camilla asked: 'Lady Bracknell, herself. Did you enjoy it?'
The three-time Olivier Award winner replied: 'I have loved every second of playing Lady Bracknell, it was never something I ever expected to play.'
Then putting a hand on Camilla's shoulder, Clarke asked, 'It's a play that you love?'
Camilla responded: 'It's one of my favourites. It's so funny. It really makes me laugh.
'You are brilliant at it, you got her spot on.'
And gesturing at the actress's gem-studded sash Camilla said: 'I like all your decorations.'
Clarke replied: 'You can't nick any of them – but if you want to fashion yourself like me…'
Camilla joked: 'I feel I could borrow a few, for a state dinner. I think it would be just the job – that's a very big diamond.'
Camilla also had a brief chat with Gatwa, where she recalled that the last time she saw him was when he was recording Twas The Night Before Christmas.
Both she and the King appeared in the filmed performance of the famous poem to support The Actors Benevolent Fund after the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020.
Gatwa said: 'It was so much fun. Thank you for having me back.'
Sir Simon Russell Beale interrupted a speech from departing NT director Rufus Norris to perform Speak the Speech from Shakespeare's Hamlet, a monologue offering insightful advice on the art of acting.
She also saw a musical number from London Road, performed with a piano.
The event, attended by NT staff, supporters and performers, comes as the organisation is gearing up for a change of leadership as national director Rufus Norris is due to step down next month after a decade in the role.
Indhu Rubasingham will take over and become the first woman and seventh director of the NT since 1963. She will act as joint chief executive with Kate Varah.
Mr Norris described the NT as 'an incredible organisation,' telling the guests: 'It is an incredible organisation because of all the people in this room.
'There are those of you who have the vision to create the wonderful theatre stories that we tell and those of you who bring those stories to life with superlative performances and, of course, those of you who make all of this work.'
Since becoming patron, Camilla has visited the NT to hear more about their ambitious nationwide work, involving partnerships with theatres and community organisations with a vision that theatre can be a force for change.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
175 Would You Rather Questions for Kids to Get Them Thinking
In the the Would You Rather Game, kids have to choose one option or the other. It seems easy enough, but it can bring up some pretty interesting scenarios that players have to decide between. If you're looking for Would You Rather questions for kids that you won't find everywhere else, we have you covered! Check out these seven different categories of questions and let the fun begin. While at first glance it may seem like a silly way to pass the time, these funny questions and answers are great for building your kid's critical thinking skills. The premise is simple - players are presented with two things to choose from and they have to quickly analyze the risks and rewards of each option. There's no right answer, but their decision may surprise you! This game gives you the opportunity to get to know your kids better and gain some insight into how they think. This makes it a great family game night option, a way to get everyone talking at the dinner table, or a fun road trip game. PDF_1678292493843| For those hoping to plan a fun family trip in the future, these questions can help you gauge which exciting escapade is best suited for your group! Would you rather swim in a bayou with alligators or in the ocean with sharks? Would you rather swim against the current in the ocean or walk through a muddy swamp? Would you rather fly in a helicopter or in a two person airplane? Would you rather ride in a hot-air balloon or go parasailing? Would you rather go to space or travel in a submarine to the deepest depths of the ocean? Would you rather ride an elephant or a camel? Would you rather watch the World Cup or the World Series? Would you rather sleep in a hotel made of ice or a hotel that is located in a cave? Would you rather zip line through the rainforest or hike up a volcano? Would you rather live in a treehouse at the top of a redwood tree or in an igloo in Antarctica? Would you rather go cave diving or skydiving? Would you rather have to fly with snakes on a plane or be trapped in Jurassic Park when the dinosaurs escape? Would you rather be in a jousting match with a knight or a sword fight with a pirate? Would you rather play golf with Tiger Woods or basketball with Michael Jordan? Would you rather go rock climbing without a harness or swim with sharks without a cage? Would you rather compete in the Olympics as a bobsledder or as a synchronized swimmer? Would you rather be caught in a blizzard or a dust storm? Would you rather dig for diamonds or search for ship wrecks? Would you rather see a haboob or a tornado in real life? Would you rather meet an alien or go back in time to see the dinosaurs? Would you rather kayak down the Amazon River or swim in the Devil's Pool at the top of Victoria Falls in Zambia? Would you rather go on an African safari or go scuba diving along the Great Barrier Reef? Would you rather visit the Egyptian Pyramids or the Roman Colosseum? Would you rather go deep sea fishing or running with the bulls in Spain? Would you rather drive a monster truck or a race car? Animals can be a representation of a person's personality. Learn more about your kiddos with these creature questions! Would you rather have scales like a fish or fur like a grizzly bear? Would you rather be fast like a cheetah or strong like a gorilla? Would you rather have to walk like a crab or squawk like a chicken? Would you rather be sprayed by a skunk or chased by a lion? Would you rather have a third eye like a cyclops, or webbed-feet like a frog? Would you rather be able to breathe underwater like a fish or fly in the air like a bird? Would you rather box a kangaroo or run in a race against a cheetah? Would you rather be able to talk to animals or read people's minds? Would you rather be big like a blue whale or small like an ant? Would you rather have a tail like a beaver or feet like a duck? Would you rather be woken up by a rooster crow or a husky whine every morning? Would you rather have night vision like an owl or echolocation like a bat? Would you rather have a long neck like a giraffe or a snapping turtle? Would you rather see a Tasmanian Devil or a Platypus in real life? Would you rather swim with dolphins or play with beach pigs in the Bahamas? Would you rather have buck teeth like a beaver or tusks like a warthog? Would you rather snuggle with a porcupine or a horned lizard? Would you rather be slow like a sloth or a turtle? Would you rather sing like a whale or a kookaburra? Would you rather have ears like a rabbit or a nose like a pig? Would you rather feed penguins at the aquarium or giraffes at the zoo? Would you rather swim with stingrays or sea turtles? Would you rather ride in a dog sled through the Alaskan forest or go camping with llamas? Would you rather ride a bull or go mutton busting? Would you rather live in a cave like a bat or live underground like a prairie dog? These make for some of the best Would You Rather questions for kids because you can cook up some very unique combinations. Would you rather eat one snail or a pound of brussel sprouts? Would you rather eat a pizza with pineapple or a pizza with no sauce? Would you rather eat pig or cow products for the rest of your life? Would you rather give up chocolate or chips? Would you rather eat ice cream that tastes like fish or pickles? Would you rather eat canned sardines or canned oysters? Would you rather only be able to eat over cooked meat or raw vegetables? Would you rather eat pizza or burgers for a year? Would you rather put butter in your coffee or ketchup on your eggs? Would you rather eat peanut butter without jelly or eggs without bacon? Would you rather give up salt or sugar? Would you rather eat a cup of wasabi or one bite of a Carolina Reaper pepper? Would you rather live without queso or guacamole? Would you rather drink a sip of spoiled milk or a jar of pickle juice? Would you rather eat a popsicle in the snow or soup in 100 degree heat? Would you rather eat fried snake or grilled crickets? Would you rather bite into a raw onion or a lemon? Would you rather give up barbecue or fair food? Would you rather eat without silverware or without a plate? Would you rather only eat meat or only eat vegetables? Would you rather eat boudin or chicken feet? Would you rather eat broccoli every day for a year or seaweed every day for a week? Would you rather eat pickled peppers or pickled eggs? Would you rather eat fried butter or a fried PB&J? Would you rather have a spam sandwich or tofu? It doesn't matter if your kids love Disney or Pixar, action or animation, or anything else in between. These funny Would You Rather questions for kids will have them popping with laughter! Would you rather live in Jasmine's palace or have Remy from Ratatouille as your chef? Would you rather care for 101 dalmatians or remind Dory about everything every day? Would you rather have three wishes from Genie or Rapunzel's magic hair? Would you rather have Cruella de Vil as your mom or Scar as your dad? Would you rather marry Flynn Rider or Aladdin? Would you rather have a light saber or a wand as your weapon of choice? Would you rather wander through the forest with Baloo or Timon and Pumbaa? Would you rather do Cinderella's chores or paint the walls with Rapunzel? Would you rather kiss the Beast or Tiana's frog? Would you rather watch the original or live action version of Cinderella? Would you rather have Lumiere or Mushu as your sidekick? Would you rather have Thor's hammer or Wonder Woman's whip? Would you rather have a nose that grows like Pinocchio or turn into a frog like Prince Naveen? Would you rather have to style Rapunzel's long hair or Merida's curly hair every day? Would you rather prick your finger on the spinning wheel's spindle or eat a poison apple? Would you rather have Mr. Incredible's super strength or Dash's super speed? Would you rather have Tinker Bell or a Fairy Godmother by your side? Would you rather swim with Dory or Moana? Would you rather be a vampire like Edward or a werewolf like Jacob in Twilight? Would you rather be a blue Smurf or a pink Smurf? Would you rather be Batman or Superman? Would you rather have to care for the Basilisk or Fluffy in Harry Potter? Would you rather meet Han Solo or Indiana Jones in real life? Would you rather visit Neverland or Atlantis? Would you rather be trapped in a tower like Rapunzel or in the Beast's castle like Belle? People can have very different opinions on holiday traditions, even kids. That's what makes these questions so fun and even comical! Would you rather decorate a Christmas tree or carve a pumpkin? Would you rather eat Christmas cookies or candy corn? Would you rather go to a Fourth of July parade or go on an Easter egg hunt? Would you rather go through a haunted house or a corn maze? Would you rather have turkey or ham at Thanksgiving? Would you rather visit the North Pole or Easter Island? Would you rather go trick-or-treating or play with sparklers? Would you rather live in a gingerbread house or on the Polar Express? Would you rather give up stuffing or mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving? Would you rather run a turkey trot or battle the Black Friday crowds? Would you rather walk like a turkey for a week or swim in mashed potatoes? Would you rather have Rudolph's nose or elf ears? Would you rather make toys for other kids for a year or get coal in your stocking for ten years? Would you rather hang out with the Easter Bunny or Frankenstein? Would you rather celebrate New Year's Eve in New York, New York, USA or Sydney, Australia? Would you rather always be dressed up like a mummy or have fingernails that light up like Christmas lights? Would you rather get caught under the mistletoe or be struck by Cupid's arrow? Would you rather eat fruit cake at Christmas or black-eyed peas on New Year's Eve? Would you rather live in a jack-o'-lantern or a haunted house? Would you rather eat fruit cake or Jell-O fruit salad? Would you rather be a zombie or a ghost? Would you rather build a snowman or dye Easter eggs? Would you rather be one of Santa's reindeer or the horse that the Headless Horseman rides? Would you rather listen to Christmas music once a month or the Star-Spangled Banner for an entire month? Would you rather eat candy hearts or jellybeans? These goofy inquiries will bring a laugh or at least raise an eyebrow or two. Get ready to giggle! Would you rather have to fight 100 ant-sized woodpeckers or ten woodpecker-sized ants? Would you rather have a mullet or a handlebar mustache with sideburns? Would you rather have no eyebrows or six fingers on each hand? Would you rather have short arms like a T-Rex or a big head like an elephant? Would you rather live in a house made of cheese or give up cheese forever? Would you rather search for treasure or win the lottery? Would you rather make friends like a dog or be nimble like a cat? Would you rather be under four feet tall or over seven feet tall? Would you rather dance in front of a thousand people or sing for a group of three? Would you rather have the hiccups for a day or a sneezing fit for an hour? Would you rather have to speak in rhymes or sing everything you say? Would you rather be half horse or half dolphin? Would you rather be bald or have hair down to your ankles? Would you rather it rain skittles or Hershey's kisses? Would you rather have no teeth or no toes? Would you rather ride a unicorn or a griffin? Would you rather have eyeballs the size of soccer balls or golf balls? Would you rather play bongos with monkeys or sing in a choir of songbirds? Would you rather be in a snowball fight or a water balloon fight? Would you rather do a hula dance in a traditional costume or the chicken dance in a chicken suit? Would you rather snort every time you laughed or fart every time you sat down? Would you rather ride in a flying bus or on a magic carpet? Would you rather cough out butterflies or sneeze out snails? Would you rather drive a car with stone wheels or fly a plane that had feathers on its wings? Would you rather have warts on your nose like a witch or green skin like an alien? Sometimes the easiest way to get your kids to open up is to play a silly game. Consider using these entertaining inquiries as a way to sneak in questions you wish you knew the answer to and get to know your kids a bit better along the way. Would you rather jump into freezing water or run on hot pavement? Would you rather not be able to text or not be able to post on social media? Would you rather not be able to see or not be able to talk? Would you have to wear braces or have to wear glasses forever? Would you rather drive a fire truck or a police car? Would you rather be exceptionally lucky or extremely smart? Would you rather be able to see a year into the future or change one thing in your past? Would you rather meet your great great grandparents or your great great grandchildren? Would you rather live at the beach or on a mountain? Would you rather shovel snow or mow the yard? Would you rather have a job you hate and be rich or a job you love and be poor? Would you rather sort 100 pairs of socks or clean the toilet? Would you rather pick the weeds or plant flowers? Would you rather work at a desk or work outside? Would you rather sleep without a pillow or a blanket? Would you rather give up homework or give up chores forever? Would you rather live in a black-and-white world or a world here are your actions were narrated by song? Would you rather be a professional golf ball diver or a professional dog food taster? Would you rather be able to rewind time or pause a moment? Would you rather build a sandcastle or make snow angels? Would you rather go skiing in the mountains at Christmas or go to Hawaii over spring break? Would you rather give up your sense of sight or your sense of smell? Would you rather have a limousine for a year or a private jet for a month? Would you rather go on a water slide or a roller coaster? Would you rather fall into quicksand or fall through the ice on a frozen lake? One of the best things about Would You Rather questions for kids is that you can use them anywhere and they can serve lots of purposes. Use them for passing time at the doctor's office and the airport, or even as a fantastic tool for making new friends! Whether your kids choose animal themes or funny Would You Rather questions, these can serve as interesting ice breakers that are guaranteed to bring a laugh. Take advantage of our printable Would You Rather questions for kids too, so that you're ready for any occasion. Solve the daily Crossword
Buzz Feed
5 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
13 Must-Have Bra Options From Harper Wilde
A V-neck bralette because who says comfort and support can't go hand in hand? No cups or underwire were used in the making of this undergarment, but no worries, because it manages to still give lift and structure. Promising review: "I love this bra! I have searched for a comfy bra that offers support without wires and is easy to put on and take off at the end of the day. I've already bought two and am going to order two more. They're incredible and silky, and the fit is perfection. I recommend this bra to anyone who wants comfort and support, without wires or extra padding." —Lisa LarsenPrice: $34.50+ (originally $46; available in sizes XS–4XL and in 14 colors) A triangle bralette designed with a second skin feel that's so comfortable, you won't want to fling it off the second you get home. In fact, this *will* be worn all the time. Willingly. Promising review: "This is the wireless bra that I have been searching for forever! It is so soft and comfortable, but still does its job. I sized up for lounging but will order my correct size as well for when I want more support. I am over the moon about this bralette!" —JustinePrice: $46 (available in sizes XS–4XL and in 12 colors) An underwire T-shirt bra constructed with lightly-lined underwire cups to provide structure, spacing, and subtle lift. In plain English? This is the perfect everyday undergarment. Promising review: "THIS FITS PERFECTLY!!! I am still blown away… I've never tried on Harper Wilde bras before, and after I took the bra size quiz online, comparing an older bra I had from VS, 🤫 I just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. And I got THE BEST. It's fully supportive, everything stays up and in (big bosom problems…), I'm not constantly trying to adjust anything; it's also very cute while also maintaining full coverage. The rose color is a fully saturated, pinkish-toned cream. I'll be going with a darker color next time." —ChloePrice: $48 (available in cup sizes A–DDD/F, band sizes 32–44, and in six colors) A T-shirt bra that has allllll the support of your favorite underwire without, well, any underwire. Lined cups provide both shape and coverage while an adjustable J-hook closure guarantees a perfect fit. Promising review: "This is now my all-time favorite bra! The wire-free T-shirt bra is soft, comfortable, and cute!! I love the color options and the price is on point!" —AnniePrice: $48 (available in cup sizes A–DDD/F, band sizes 32–42, and in three colors) A scoop bralette about to become the mid-rise black leggings of your intimates drawer — aka you'll be wearing it with alarming frequency (think: every single day). Promising review: "I love how this is not tight. It feels like I am wearing nothing. It doesn't reshape my body, and I love how it looks on me!" —JannahPrice: $23+ (originally $46; available in sizes XS–4XL and in seven colors) A strapless bra because life's too short to avoid wearing halter tops and strapless dresses. Hidden underwire, silicone grippers, and a hint of padding mean your bra won't have fallen to the bottom of your rib cage by the end of the night. Promising reviews: "The best strapless bra. I have a hard time finding ones that fit my large chest, and this one is great!! And comfy." —Soren"Comfortable and doesn't slip. I like the option to wear with straps." —KristenPrice: $39 (originally $52; available in cup sizes A–DDD/F, band sizes 32–42, and in three colors) A slightly compressive, conveniently convertible sports bra here to provide support. Long runs and HIIT workouts will no longer be hindered by, well, the jiggle. Promising review: "Buttery smooth and straps are actually adjustable. I have compact breasts, but I need compression for sprinting & aerials — this bra does that AND doesn't dig into my ribs! Win!" —Peyton Price: $15+ (originally $48; available in sizes XS–4XL and in five colors) An unlined bra made from a silky-smooth microfiber fabric that is essentially like your coziest pajama set... but for your ~breast~ friends. Promising reviews: "So comfortable I originally ordered two then reordered two more." —Kim"These bras are really fantastic. Great coverage, no squeeze out, and the strap adjusters in the front are so helpful" —CarolynPrice: $36+ (originally $48; available in cup sizes A–DDD/F, band sizes 32–42, and in six colors) A plunge bralette with three-hook closure and adjustable straps. Translation: You won't have to tug at your shirt every five seconds to ensure support stays in place. Promising reviews: "Actually, the most comfortable bra I've ever had. I am a B-cup that used to be a big C-cup, so I have some extra skin. Normally, with a deep cut like this, they would fall off the middle when I lean over. That does not happen with this bra for some reason. It's so soft. Straps are wide and soft. Adjustable back. Just perfect." —Olivia"Very happy. Finally, a lounge bra that's comfortable. Would definitely recommend to my friends!" —KatherinePrice: $46 (available in sizes XS–4XL and in five colors) A mesh plunge bra here to romanticize the process of getting dressed every morning, comfort not compromised. Promising reviews: "This is the most comfortable and supportive bra I've ever had on in my life. I just ordered five more of them. Absolutely worth every penny." —Regina"I have been looking for a great bra that doesn't have padding. I loved the bras in the '70s, made for women with small breasts and no padding; they were called glossies. This bra is the reinvention and re-emergence of my very favorite bra. Comfortable, supportive, and perfect for small breasts." —MichelPrice: $58 (available in cup sizes A–DDD/F, band sizes 32–42, and in three colors) A triangle bralette crafted with a ~lounge rib~ fabric that is so cozy, it calls for an all-day TV marathon: a CW show, hot tea, popcorn, and this comfy top-bra hybrid. Promising reviews: "If I could wear this bralette every day, I would. I've got HUGE boobs, and this is so comfortable. I literally own it in every color. Worth every penny!" —Makenna"This is everything I wanted for a comfy and cozy bralette to just lounge around in." —AnnaPrice: $42 (available in sizes XS–4XL and in two colors) A racerback bralette that remains invisible under any tops (including tanks — particularly racerback ones — and thin T-shirts) thanks to a buttery smooth fabric. Promising reviews: "Purchased both black and beige... comfortable and movable support." —Maureen"Worth every penny! I bought an XL in many items! EVERY single piece fit wonderfully! This material is incredible and I'm in love!" —AprilPrice: $34.50+ (originally $46; available in sizes S–4XL and in eight colors) An uber-soft nursing bralette perfect for breastfeeding and pumping, with drop-down cups for ease and a side sling for coverage and support. Promising review: "I can never find a comfortable nursing bra, and it gets worse with each pregnancy. I decided to give this one a try, and it's amazing! Super comfortable, fits perfectly, easy to clasp/unclasp, and it looks great! I'll be throwing all my other nursing bras in the trash and stockpiling these!" —Marjorie MilesPrice: $48 (available in sizes XS–4XL)
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Russell T Davies warns ‘fight is coming' with gay rights ‘rapidly getting worse'
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has warned that a 'fight is coming' because gay rights are 'rapidly and urgently getting worse'. The award-winning screenwriter, 62, best known for reviving BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who in 2005, gained prominence in 1999 for writing Queer As Folk, a programme about the lives of three men living in Manchester's gay village. Davies is urging young people to use the 'anger of the past' to protect gay rights amid growing support for Reform UK which has pledged to 'ban transgender ideology' in schools. Speaking to the Big Issue, Davies said: 'When Queer As Folk came out in 1999, if you'd said: 'What will gay rights be like in 2025?', we'd have said, 'oh, it will all be marvellous – it'll be sunshine and skipping down the street, hand in hand – gays, queers, lesbians, everyone'. 'And look at where we are. Things got better but now things are rapidly and urgently getting worse. 'What happens in America always happens here (the UK) – and as we look down the barrel of a Reform government, we, the gay community, queer community, should be revolting in terror and anger and action. 'They're out to get us. The President of America is literally out to get us, is discounting us. 'He would be happier with us invisible and gone, defunded, completely invisible if not biologically altered to become as straight as him. 'I hope they're prepared to fight, that younger generation that has no idea how they got there. And neither should they – they're busy living their lives. 'I didn't spend my youth looking back at World War Two, but I do think: 'are you prepared to fight, because a fight is coming?'' Davies' next Channel 4 series, Tip Toe, deals with the culture war that has radicalised some people into homophobia, transphobia and prejudice. Davies said: 'I'm very proud of it. 'It's radical, it's savage, and it's hilarious. 'It is the strongest thing I've written – I do believe Queer As Folk, Cucumber, It's A Sin and Tip Toe are the ones that will be on my gravestone.' Reform UK has been contacted for comment. The full interview with Davies can be read in this week's Big Issue.
