Burkitt review: Belfast filmmaker's look at legacy of NI medical pioneer is deeply personal and moving
Éanna Mac Cana's documentary on Fermanagh-born surgeon Denis Burkitt is a moving piece of film, featuring his own experience of Burkitt lymphoma
In a sense, Éanna Mac Cana's lyrical and intimately personal documentary Burkitt (TG4, Wednesday, May 21) is really two stories with an unusual connection blended artfully into one.
Mac Cana, from Belfast, was a 19-year-old student studying filmmaking in Manchester in 2017. At home for the summer, he was diagnosed with the relatively rare cancer Burkitt's lymphoma.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Hidden gem documentary that inspired 90s comedy legend free to watch on BBC iPla
BBC iPlayer is secretly home to one of the most influential documentary films of the 1990s – and barely anybody in Britain knows it's there. Three Salons At the Seaside – directed by Philippa Lowthorpe – was first aired in 1994 and, over 40 minutes, followed the story of three real hair salons in Blackpool. Focusing on the staff and customers at Vanity Box, Tricia's Hair Salon, and Mary's Way, Three Salons At the Seaside has been retrospectively celebrated as a touching time capsule of 20th century Britain. The documentary was thought to be lost to history, only surviving in bits and pieces on YouTube, but the BBC uploaded the entire thing to iPlayer in 2022. Renewed interest in the documentary film inspired a 2022 American parody called Two Hairdressers in Bagglyport, which starred none other than Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett. But most importantly, its resurrection encouraged Stockport-born comedy writer Craig Cash – of The Royle Family, Early Doors, and Gogglebox – to reveal that his writing partner Caroline Aherne had been a huge fan. Together, Craig and Aherne – who died of lung cancer in 2016 – co-wrote The Royle Family, which ran for three seasons and numerous specials between 1998 and 2012. Set in Manchester, The Royle Family was situated inside the home of the titular TV-obsessives, who were played by Ricky Tomlinson, Ralf Little, Liz Smith, and Sue Johnston, alongside on-screen couple Craig and Aherne. It won several awards during its run and is often celebrated as one of the best British sitcoms of its time – it drew in 10 million viewers at its peak in 1999. Speaking to the Radio Times in 2023, Craig said: 'We took inspiration from real life and our families. We watched the documentary about hairdressers, Three Salons at the Seaside, which we thought was hilarious. 'Sometimes people get bogged down in plot and narrative at the expense of character and dialogue. For us it was all about the pauses, how people really are.' In particular, viewers have noticed that Hilary – a hair stylist and administrator working at Vanity Box – bears a striking resemblance in appearance and personality to one of Aherne's characters, Mrs. Merton. The Mrs Merton Show ran between 1993 and 1998 on the BBC, and some estimations put the average viewing figures at somewhere between seven and eight million. On Facebook, Paul Davies thought aloud: 'I wonder if Caroline Aherne took a little bit of the spirit of these wonderful ladies for her Mrs Merton character.' Many fans of the documentary cite its peaceful atmosphere and honest portrayal of northern working class life as reasons for repeatedly watching it year after year. Others have cited that it reminds them very precisely of the world before reality TV and social media, and even in the days before widespread internet usage and Sky TV. Karen O'Mahoney said on Facebook: 'There's something so heartwarming about [Three Salons At the Seaside]. Hard to believe it's only 30 years ago, feels like another age.' A scene which has stuck with viewers focused on a 'funeral bag' that Vanity Box handed out to its customers whenever they were having their hair done in order to say goodbye to a friend or relative. The women in the salon would be given the funeral bag by Hilary upon their arrival at the salon – the clutch bag contained a small amount of money and a complementary mint. Fiona Botham commented: 'I love the kindness of the funeral bag with a bit of money and a mint. The hairdresser owner seems such a lovely woman.' In 2022, Three Salons At the Seaside was officially named by the Grierson Trust charity as one of the finest British documentaries made in the last 50 years. More Trending As for the status of each of the three salons – Mary's Way closed down some time between 2008 and 2012 according to Google Maps, while the shop unit that used to be home to Tricia's was renovated for housing in 2016. However, the Vanity Box is still going strong, with Google reviews from as recently as nine months ago still thanking the staff for their dedication and hard work at the centre of Blackpool's community. The short film's creator, Phillipa Lowthorpe, went on to direct episodes of Netflix hit series The Crown and the long-running BBC wartime drama Call the Midwife. Three Salons At the Seaside is streaming on BBC iPlayer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Wimbledon to be shown on new TV channel to end BBC's 88-year monopoly MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2025 MORE: EastEnders pulled from TV schedules as statement is issued – but there's a twist
Graziadaily
2 hours ago
- Graziadaily
Every Celeb Wears This 'Secret' High Street Brand - Now You Can Finally Shop It
If, like me, you've been (not so) patiently waiting for cult-favourite brand Dissh to finally land in the UK - you're in luck. The Australia-born label, known for its effortless silhouettes, breezy linen staples, and social media-famous dresses has officially arrived on British soil. That means no more import fees, shorter shipping times - and thanks to Selfridges - easier summer dressing for the balmy months ahead. While the brand was originally founded back in 2001, it wasn't until 2020 that Dissh truly earned its cult status - when owner Lucy Henry-Hicks took over and brought the Aussie label's laid-back, elevated vision to life. Since then, the brand has quietly made its mark, and is now worn by pretty much every cool-girl who knows a thing or two about fashion - including Kendall Jenner and Emrata, both of whom harbour a love for the low-key label. Jenner was spotted in the now sold out Nate Maxi Dress during a beachside stroll in 2024, while Ratajkowski opted for a classic (also sold out) black tank top for casual wear back in 2022. But the brand doesn't need to rely on celebrity endorsement to cement its dedicated following - its pieces more than stand on their own two feet. Take the Flynn Ruched Linen Top and Peggy Strapless Top as prime examples, along with the Sue Sleeveless Cotton-Knit Maxi Dress - all of which have gained serious traction thanks to their breathable, cotton-rich fabrics and effortless appeal. The latter, in particular, is selling at warp speed, but luckily, a few sizes are still available on the website. 1. Sue Sleeveless Knit Maxi Dress There are only a few sizes left in the Sue maxi, so if you want to snap it up, we'd suggest you act fast. Of course, that's not all. The trouser selection is equally as strong, with plenty of linen wide-leg options in soft, muted tones - perfect for sun soaked days out and inspired by the easy, loose-fitting silhouettes. And don't forget the brand's stellar range of maxi skirts - all effortlessly chic and ideal for both on and off-duty occasions, depending on what you decide to style them with. The Loula lace maxi skirt, in particular, feels like a boho dream straight from Sienna Miller's own wardrobe, and unsurprisingly, has flown off the online shelves. So, what are you waiting for? If you have a soft spot for chic staples that elevate any outfit, shop the best of Dissh from Selfridges below. Pre-warning though, a lot of these pieces are on their way out, so if you're looking for something that'll be in constant rotation once the weather remains steady, act sooner, rather than later. 2. Flynn Gathered Linen-Cotton Blend Top A Dissh best-seller which we can guarantee has been on the top of your wish list for a while now. 3. Lotus Scoop-Neck Linen Mini Dress The Lotus dress is a resort-ready linen number that'll see you through plenty holiday plans, casual or formal. 4. Gina Drawstring Linen Trousers The secret to summer dressing? A great pair of linen trousers - and the Gina Drawstring style might just be some of the best out there. 5. Longline Flared Stretch-Woven Vest A longline vest (or as we like to call it, a waist coat) will do the trick if you're looking for a great staple that you can wear year round. 6. Reagan Wide-Leg Denim Jeans A trusted pair of jeans are a must-have in any wardrobe rotation, and this Dissh pair is no exception - featuring cool-girl contrasting stitching. 7. Liza Ruffled Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress Tiered silhouettes have skyrocketed in popularity lately, and while Uniqlo's viral skirt may have played a part, we'd argue Dissh's Liza dress deserves just as much credit. 8. Carmel Halterneck Woven Top A classic halter neck top is great for the office or nights out with friends. 9. Toby Bitter Shirred Cotton-Poplin Dress We're quite simply obsessed with this shirred poplin dress, perfect for balmy summer days out and sophisticated evening plans out - just decide on your choice of footwear. 10. Peggy Strapless Cotton-Poplin Top A bandeau top is one of my all-time favourite wardrobe staples – it highlights the collarbones in the most effortless way. We've all seen the Peggy top circulating on social media, too. 11. Lune Two-Slip-Pockets Linen Shorts Linen shorts are key to a chafe-free holiday. Dissh's Lune linen shorts are a great choice and come in a rich-hued brown colourway. 12. Rick Off-Shoulder Cotton-Linen Blend Knit Top Off the shoulder tops are the ultimate cool-girl wardrobe staple that combine chic wearability with a casual twist. Image credit: @rosalieburns, @janneltherese and @missjamiefirth Emma Richardson is a fashion commerce writer for Grazia. She was previously a fashion and beauty commerce writer for Heat and Closer , and has contributed digital content for a variety of lifestyle brands. Emma finds much of her inspiration in celebrity style, with Sienna Miller often being a major influence, and loves a pair of ballet pumps and a trusted trench coat.
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Gerard Butler ‘back on with ex' as they're spotted together on red carpet
Scots-born star seems to have patched things up with his former flame GER-IFFIC Gerard Butler 'back on with ex' as they're spotted together on red carpet Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GERARD Butler has seemingly confirmed rumours he is back in the arms of his ex after she joined him on the red carpet. The Paisley-born actor, 55, and longtime flame Morgan Brown, 52, were joined at the hip at the premiere of his latest movie How To Drain Your Dragon in LA on Saturday. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 The actor, 55, and longtime flame Morgan Brown, 52, were joined at the hip at the premiere of his latest film How To Drain Your Dragon in LA on Saturday 3 Gerard Butler was joined by actor pal and fellow Scot Tony Curran and his wife Mai and their daughter at the How To Train Your Dragon premiere in LA 3 Tony Curran and Gerard Butler Gerard dressed in a smart blue suit while his girlfriend wore a figure-hugging, nude coloured dress. The Scot and the brunette real estate investor have been on and off for a few years after first being linked in 2014. However it seems that their red carpet love display is an indicator the pair are officially back on. The loved-up pair held hands and hugged while flexing their muscles for photographers in a comical nod to Butler's character in the movie, Viking leader, Stoick The Vast. After splitting with Morgan during the Covid pandemic, he said: "I went through a break-up during corona so I lost a loved one in a different way, and that's been very hard, much harder than I thought." It's the second time in recent weeks the pair have been pictured together after she was the actor's plus one at a 45th birthday bash for actor Oliver Trevena. Also on the red carpet was Gerard's actor pal and fellow Scot, Tony Curran who brought along his wife and daughter to the premiere. Tony, who has starred in Doctor Who, Thor, Underworld, amongst others, gushed about his 'brother' Gerard on his Instagram page where he shared pictures from the event, saying: " What a magical time, thank you for sharing such a special day brother!" Gerard splits his time between LA where he has a home and Scotland where he is often spotted when he is home visiting family. The One Show in last minute shake-up as Hollywood star pulls out of show due to sudden illness In February this year the superstar was seen cheering on a team of more than 300 cyclists raising funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research in memory of rugby legend Doddie Weir. The actor greeted the Doddie's Grand Tour team as they arrived at Glenalmond College in Perthshire. Butler chatted and signed autographs with tour leaders Rob Wainwright, Mark Beaumont, Gordon D'Arcy and the rest of the teams. More than 300 cyclists are journeying 800 miles across Ireland and Scotland to raise funds for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
