Dickens' story to take stage at Shotts Community Centre
Havisham, a one-woman play written and performed by award-winning actress Heather Alexander and directed by Dominique Gerrard, reimagines the story of Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens's Great Expectations.
The show, set to take place at The Henderson Theatre, Shotts Community Centre, explores the life of Dickens' "famous female monster".
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Running on Saturday, June 14 from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, the play will explore the infamous character's fragmented life, revealing the sorrow and strength behind her iconic wedding dress.
Having previously been performed on various stages across the country, including the Brighton Fringe and the Hastings Fringe, Havisham has already received praise from various theatre critics.
With Broadway Baby calling the show "powerful, tense, heart-breaking", and WBF labelling it "a beautifully crafted piece of theatre, whether you are a fan of Dickens or not."
Havisham is recommended for audiences aged 14 and over due to its mature themes.
Tickets are priced at £12, with concessions available at £8.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Spotlight Shotts website.
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Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Hotter than ever at 70! How A-listers in their golden years are defying the laws of ageing - as an expert reveals the secrets behind their youthful glows
Getting older is one of life's inevitabilities - but for A-listers with endless resources at their disposal, it's an inevitability that can be held off for a little while. Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner, 69, has recently left fans speechless after debuting her new face and exceptionally youthful appearance - and she's not the only Hollywood star who appears to have rolled back the years. Meanwhile Oprah Winfrey, 71, Cher, 79, and Bo Derek, 68, frequently wow in red carpet appearances as they appear decades younger. Compared with stars of generations past, these A-listers appear significantly more youthful as they enter their golden years - and experts have revealed how they're looking better than ever in their seventies. Speaking to MailOnline, Dr Sabina Hanoman-Singh, a GP specialising in longevity and regenerative aesthetics, revealed how some of Hollywood's biggest names appear to defy the ageing process. 'We've all seen the photos - Kris Jenner, Cher, Bo Derek, Oprah, Goldie Hawn, and Donatella Versace looking decades younger than their birth certificates would suggest,' she said. Though fans might assume their age-defying looks are the product of fillers, Botox and other surgical enhancements, the reality isn't so straight-forward, Dr Sabina explained. Instead, she suggested it was more likely the combined effects of an entire host of techniques, such as preventative skincare regimes and biohacking. 'Is it just good genes and good lighting? Not quite. What we're seeing is a seismic shift in the way ageing is approached—especially among high-profile celebrities,' she explained. 'The biggest myth is that aesthetics is just about injectables and skincare. In reality, today's anti-ageing approach is holistic, inside-out, and science-backed. 'Celebrities are at the forefront of this shift,' she said, explaining that early access to the latest medical technology and utilising combinational therapies, were at the heart of youth enhancing methods. Celebrities aren't just working with doctors who specialise in skin and injectables—they're now tapping into expert knowledge about how 'hormones, diet, sleep, stress, and even glucose spikes influence the ageing process'. HORMONE OPTIMISATION Oprah Winfrey has famously defied the laws of ageing over the course of the last four decades since she burst onto screens when The Oprah Winfrey Show debuted in 1986. One of the reasons for her ageless face which appears unchanged by the passage of time is the use of hormone therapy, Dr Sabina suggested. 'Hormone optimisation (including HRT in menopause) isn't just about balancing mood - it can also slow ageing including collagen loss in the skin. 'Oprah Winfrey has spoken about her use of bioidentical hormone therapy and how it put a 'skip in her step'. The chat show host has previously opened up about how impacted she was by the symptoms of menopause, citing brain fog, fatigue, and mood swings. At the age of just 48, she began experiencing heart palpitations during the night, one of her first symptoms in what would become a long list of unpleasant side-effects. Desperate to improve her symptoms, Oprah started using hormone replacement therapy 'I wasn't vibrant. My whole world dulled down a couple of notches,' she said in her The Life You Want class on in 2023. 'I got my first click of estrogen, and I was like, 'The sky is bluer!' I would have been headed for depression if I had not been on estrogen,' she said. SURGICAL PROCEDURES While hormone therapies can be effective in helping to slow the ageing process, some stars have admitted to having a little nip and tuck over the years too. Kris Jenner, the world's most famous momager, previously admitted to having gone under the knife for a small handful of procedures, but sparked speculation of a fresh facelift when pictures emerged of her looking particularly youthful earlier this year. After hairstylist to the stars Chris Stapleton shared photos of Kris on his social media channels in April, fans went wild for her new look - with some even saying she looked identical to her daughter Kim, who is 25 years younger. Kris has always been open about undergoing tweakments, but has not officially confirmed the secret to her new face. Nonetheless, Kardashian fans and internet sleuths think they have cracked it - a procedure by the so-called 'facelift maestro', plastic surgeon Dr Steven M Levine. Plastic surgeons have suspected that the momager's new look was likely the result of a 'surgical facelift or mini-lift' as well as a combination of other aesthetic treatments including Botox and fillers. A doctor who specialises aesthetic procedures recently estimated Kris has already forked out upwards of $400,000 on modifying her appearance over the years. Kris underwent her first - and so far only confirmed - facelift in 2011, when she documented her experience as part of the family's long-running reality series Keeping Up With The Kardashians. She was 55 years old at the time, and going under the knife a month prior her daughter Kim's wedding to NBA star Kris Humprhies. Since then, her age-defying looks have continued to spark speculation as fans suggest she has undergone further enhancements. Plastic surgeons have proffered theories that Kris - mother and manager to daughters, Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, Kendall, and Kylie - has gone under the knife for a number of other surgeries, including cheek implants, a rhinoplasty and microblading. 'Surgical procedures have come a long way,' Dr Sabina said, explaining that this was likely the reason many have struggled to decipher exactly what Kris has had done. 'Modern facelifts are less invasive, involve smaller incisions, quicker recovery, and far more natural-looking results,' Dr Sabina said. 'The aesthetic is no longer about looking 'done'—it's about looking refreshed, radiant, and well. Kris Jenner, while she's never confirmed details, is likely to have had a lower face and neck lift, judging by her refreshed jawline.' She's not the only A-lister to have used enhancements to uphold a young face. Donatella Versace - who famously said she 'doesn't believe in a totally natural woman' - previously admitted to using Botox maintain her youthful appearance in the high-pressure role when she took over the role of Versace's Chief Creative Officer, following her brother Gianni's murder in 1997. The 70-year-old has become instantly recognisable by her gleaming forehead and plump lips, having first used fillers in her 30s. Over the years, fans have suspected a number of other treatments, including a fox eye lift, cheek implants, neck lifts and eyelid surgery. Dr Sabina suggested that Donatella's more recent looks, which are notably less over-emphasised compared to former enhancements, could be the result of 'skin tightening technologies'. She said: 'Donatella Versace, though known for dramatic changes in the past, may now be opting for skin-tightening technologies over fillers, given the recent trend against overfilled faces. 'Botox is still a staple in the celebrity toolkit, but many - particularly actors - are cautious to preserve their facial expressions. Alternatives like lasers and regenerative wrinkle treatments are increasingly being used to keep lines at bay without the 'frozen' look.' DIET AND EXERCISE A face to be reckoned with, Cher is arguably the beholder of one of the most age-defying looks of all time. The pop sensation has continued to defy the laws of ageing since she surged onto the music scene as one half of Sonny & Cher in the 60s. At 78, after six decades in the spotlight, the songstress known as the 'Goddess of Pop' has scarcely worn a wrinkle or a single grey hair. Impressively, the songstress has also maintained the svelte figure which first wowed audiences several decades ago. Cher, who was born Cheryl Sarkisian, has previously admitted to undergoing a nose job and a facelift, but several experts proffered that this is only part of the story. She has previously been open about some of the work she has had done. 'I've been upfront about saying that I had my nose done, my breasts done and had braces on my teeth. The rest is nonsense,' she said in 1988, speaking out against rumours she had undergone a rib removal surgery to slim her waist. Experts previously told MailOnline that the Believe singer may have undergone a host of other treatments including dental work, fat transfer to her face and surgery to reshape the corners of her eyes. Back in 2018, she told the Mail on Sunday: 'Yes, I've had a facelift, but who hasn't?' Beyond cosmetic procedures, her radiant appearance can also be attributed to her upkeep of healthy habits, which include abstaining from alcohol and drugs, and working out five times a week. In an interview with Today she said: 'All right. I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs – I never have. I work out. I'm pretty good with my diet, except I like chocolate.' Upholding a good diet is also essential to maintaining a youthful appearance according to Dr Sabina, with sugar cited as particularly detrimental to the break down of collagen - which helps promote elasticity and youthfulness. 'We now know that glucose spikes and high insulin levels directly contribute to collagen breakdown,' she said. 'That's why low-sugar, low-carb diets and wearable health tech - which track how your body reacts to specific foods - are growing in popularity. Some celebs are also using supplements like NAD+ boosters, known to support cellular repair again leading to healthier organs including the skin.' According to Cher herself, it's a relaxed mindset and a shift away from trying to look younger that actually helps her stay looking youthful. Speaking to Good Morning Britain, she said: 'I don't know if not feeling old makes you younger. I keep up with the trends. I have lots of young friends. 'I have old friends too. Honestly, I'm not trying to feel young. I'm not trying to be young. I am who I am. I'm just getting along.' SKINCARE Hollywood darling Goldie Hawn may be nearing her 80s, but fans could be forgiven for thinking she's much younger thanks to her youthful glow - something she puts down to a killer skincare regime. Having become a household name in the 1980s for a string of lovable roles in film and television, the American actress puts her radiant looking appearance down to a simple but effective skincare regime. 'I don't do much. I was using coconut oil on my face for a while,' Brightside reported. 'My mom used to do lemon - she'd squeeze lemon, and she'd put it on her face.' Natural is the way forward for the 79-year-old, who in addition to a chemical-free skin routine, claims to have never dyed her hair either. 'I know it sounds strange, but I've never coloured my hair. I just put a regular rinse on it because I don't have any chemicals on it,' she said. Not only that, but she attributes her youthful glow to stress control, and rigorous efforts to prevent her skin from sun damage. 'Stress relief is also a key factor in preventing ageing including the skin. Goldie Hawn has spoken about meditation and mindfulness at length and the transformative powers it has,' Dr Sabina explained. 'Sunscreen is finally getting its due,' she said. 'Nearly all celebrities use SPF religiously, alongside actives like vitamin C, retinoids, and peptides to maintain collagen and fight pigmentation. Beyond filler and Botox, many are going back to basics to make sure they have nailed down their skincare. 'Preventative skincare has become an essential part of long-term aesthetics,' the the expert observed. Goldie always makes sure to keep her skin protected from the ageing powers of the sun by applying a daily SPF. 'I put a little sun guard on in the morning when I remember, and the rest of it is just making sure that you're hydrated and that you eat a lot of oil-based foods or oils and smile a lot,' she told the publication in answer to how she maintains her youthful visage. AGEING NATURALLY Despite being 68, Bo Derek is another from a growing list of celebrities who has maintained a visage that has made her the envy of millions of women. Having cut her teeth in acting in the movie 10 opposite Dudley Moore, Bo became an instant sex symbol. Bo has long claimed that she shuns plastic surgery because she is happy to age gracefully - and instead, her age-defying figure has been credited to a healthy diet and an active life on her ranch in California. Indeed, she has previously described lines around her face - which are minimal to say the least - as symbolic of 'a lot of fun' that she has had during her years on Earth. She has previously admitted that she's considered anti-ageing procedures from time-to-time, particularly after seeing photos of herself in which she looks 'scary'. However she claims she then reminds herself of the downsides of plastic surgery - including how people's facial expressions can sometimes change for the worse. The actress said: 'When you look at women who have had plastic surgery, they have lost something - usually an expression, something unique to their faces. 'They start to look the same. I've always admired the women who didn't do it, so I have to keep reminding myself I'm one of them and not the other. 'When I look at some photographs of myself, I think, 'Oh, I look alright.' But, in others, I scare myself; I wish I had my old skin,' admitted the Golden Globe nominee in 2009. In a magazine interview in 2008, she added: 'I think we all have this image that we're going to be the hold-out and show what [someone in their 50's] really looks like, but I could wake up tomorrow and say, 'Okay, enough of this.' 'Right now, I look at my lines and I think, 'Well, shoot! They're marks of a lot of fun.' More recently, a source told Closer that 'she's still quite the beauty and dropping jaws everywhere she goes.' The insider added: 'She's among a rare breed who refuses to succumb to cosmetic nip/tucks, and she gets very prickly at even the suggestion she's had anything 'done'. 'She just takes good care of herself, eats a mostly vegetarian diet, limits carbs, and seems happy in her marriage to John [Corbett], which accounts for a lot. 'She's a homebody who takes care of her ranch and cleans the house herself, tends to her horses and pets. That's her exercise. She also stays toned by riding her horses and swimming. Bo's the envy of every actress in Hollywood.' 'Bo Derek is known for avoiding plastic surgery but it is her healthy lifestyle which maintains her youthful appearance illustrating the importance of all these factors,' Dr Sabina said, emphasising the important of health enhancing measures to maintain a youthful look. Indeed, though most people might think celebrities are blessed with miraculous genes or are ballooned with injectables, the truth lies in a far broader 'spectrum of wellness', Dr Sabina reiterated. Moving away from chemical and surgical enhancement, celebrities are now choosing to embrace more natural options. 'When it comes to in-clinic treatments, we're seeing a shift toward regenerative aesthetics,' she said. 'The truth is they're investing in full-spectrum wellness—from hormones to hydration, mindset to microbiome. That's the real secret to staying timeless. 'Treatments like polynucleotides (famously dubbed the "salmon sperm facial"), exosomes, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), and advanced lasers help stimulate the skin's natural repair processes,' are becoming more popular, the aesthetics expert stipulated. 'Bo Derek has herself endorsed a skincare serum which contains regenerative ingredients including exosomes and growth factors. These options give more natural results with long-term benefits—exactly what many celebrities are now favouring.'
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I got £4K Turkey teeth even though they won't last past my 35th birthday – trolls say I'm still ugly & to kill myself
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STARING at her newly filed down peg teeth, Lottie Carr knew there was no going back. She'd handed over £4,000 and flown 2,600 miles to achieve her dream of the perfect Turkey teeth, despite knowing they wouldn't be permanent. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Lottie Carr (pictured before surgery) travelled to Turkey to get her dream smile Credit: Jam Press/@lottie_victoria 8 She shared her transformation online and was horrified by the reaction she received Credit: Jam Press 8 After sharing the results (seen here) trolls told Lottie to 'kill herself' in vile messages Credit: Jam Press/@lottie_victoria Lottie wanted a new smile to repair her chips, cracks, staining and alignment issues. The 24-year-old from North Wales flew over 2,600 miles to realise her dream, despite being fully aware that her new tegs would only last 10 years. But while Lottie was well prepared for her short-lived smile, what she wasn't prepared for was the brutal trolling she would receive for it. Her TikTok video sharing her transformation has received over 28.9M views and 1.6M likes, but most of the attention was far-from positive. She explains: 'I knew the video of myself with shaved down teeth would likely invoke some kind of response as it was so outrageous, but I did not expect the video to have international reach and receive the amount of negativity that it did. 'I was told to kill myself, that I've ruined my life, that I am still ugly after the procedure and that I'm a bad influence to young and impressionable viewers. 'I don't think a lot of people share the 'during' phase of this procedure online so [people] don't actually see what is done to create the 'perfect Hollywood smile'. 'I didn't really have any major concerns with my teeth until very recently. 'I had chips, cracks, staining and alignment issues and just wanted the perfect smile.' Lottie was quoted £9,900 for her crown veneers in the UK and comparatively, her bill in Turkey came to around £4,000. Towie's Joe Blackman reveals new Turkey Teeth after having his own ground down to bloody stumps She says: 'I had 10 crowns on the top and 10 crowns on the bottom. 'There was also a possibility that I was going to need three root canals but they managed to avoid this on the day, luckily. 'My teeth were all shaved down and reshaped to enable the crowns to slot over the top to ensure they seal properly. 'It was uncomfortable but not painful in the slightest as I was injected with anaesthetic. 'I did not feel any sensitivity and it was virtually a pain-free process. 'I was at the dentist for four days in a row but only a few hours each day. 'I do get a lot of anxiety that I'm going to lose one, or stain one, or that I'm going to suffer with sudden pain etc – but it has only been a few weeks since the procedure so it is something I need to get used to. 'I am so happy with the results. 8 Lottie wanted a new smile to repair her chips, cracks, staining and alignment issues Credit: Jam Press/@lottie_victoria 8 Lottie says she experienced no pain during the four day procedure Credit: Jam Press 8 Lottie spent thousands on her teeth despite the fact they will only last ten years Credit: Jam Press/@lottie_victoria 'In person, I have had 100% positive reactions.' Lottie, who describes herself as a 'very spontaneous person', made the decision to have her teeth done just a few months ago. She knows she'll likely have to return in a decade to get them redone but isn't bothered about it. I live in the now and I'd rather have a big beautiful smile now Lottie Carr She adds: 'I started looking at some TikToks of the procedure before I flew out and seeing other people's teeth shaved down started to make me feel nervous, I'd not seen it before. '[But] I think life is short and we should be able to do whatever we want with our own bodies, providing it is safe. 'I made sure that the clinic I chose uses high-quality materials and that the dentist is properly trained, licensed, and experienced. Dentist-approved teeth whitening tips ERIN Fraundorf, DMD, MSD, owner of BOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio in Missouri, shared her top tips for whiter teeth. Seek whitening treatment from a professional. It's often stronger and will be the most effective so you don't waste your money on a product that doesn't work or may harm you. You also only get one set of teeth, so it's best not to experiment on them. Consider the cause of the staining. There are numerous causes for teeth to have a yellow or brown tint. Be sure to get evaluated and diagnosed by a professional to ensure you receive the best treatment for your stains. Not all stains are the same so they may require different treatments. Consider your lifestyle, smile goals, and budget. When choosing a whitening treatment that is best for you, consider multiple factors when designing a custom plan. Some people like homework to whiten at home, some prefer in-office treatments only, some need to get really bright really fast — for a wedding, for example — whereas others would like a more gentle, gradual, consistent approach to whitening. Ease into it. Start integrating teeth whitening into your routine gradually to get your teeth accustomed to it and you can closely monitor your level of sensitivity to regulate how frequently you can whiten. Try to prevent. Make tiny changes to your lifestyle in an effort to prevent staining from penetrating your teeth. For example, sip staining beverages through a straw, swish with plain water after drinking anything staining, and pick flat water over sparkling whenever possible. Water floss to help in between the teeth stains. Blast away stubborn stains in between your teeth with a water flosser, because toothbrush bristles can only reach so much of your tooth surface. 'I am aware of the longevity of porcelain crowns and am aware I will need to go back in 10 years time – but I live in the now and I'd rather have a big beautiful smile now, rather than live my whole life with my teeth in the condition they were in. 'To achieve the look I wanted, this was my option. ' Lottie feels 'overwhelmed' by the response her video has received but is choosing to focus on the positives and not let the trolls win. I have seen the results and am so happy with my teeth, I am able to brush off the comments Lottie Carr She adds: 'To have that many people see you in the most vulnerable state you've ever been in, and to have them all comment on it, it's really not for the faint-hearted. 'But now that I have seen the results and am so happy with my teeth, I am able to brush off the comments. 'It has definitely made me a lot more aware of the risks and dangers with this type of procedure abroad though.' 8 Despite the trolling, Lottie is thrilled with her new smile Credit: Jam Press/@lottie_victoria
The Courier
12 hours ago
- The Courier
T in the Park founder Geoff Ellis on his love of Dundee, missing Balado and making business fun
Scottish music legend Geoff Ellis has a strong affinity with Dundee. It was in the City of Discovery that DF Concerts first flourished, with Geoff putting on shows at Fat Sam's and Bar Chevrolet with founder Stuart Clumpas. And Courier Country is where DF's T in the Park festival would expand into the world-renowned behemoth it became on the fields of Balado in Kinross. So, it is fitting Geoff will take centre stage at this year's Courier Business Conference as keynote speaker. This month's event takes place at Chris van der Kuyl's ground-breaking The Big Real at Water's Edge — a £9 million Hollywood-standard production studio. The conference is once again held in partnership with Henderson Loggie, with the theme of powering Scotland's creative economy. Geoff's company DF put on concerts in Dundee in the 80s, and he fondly recalls those early shows at Fatties and Chevy's — a 50s-style diner complete with an American muscle car built into its walls. He said: 'I feel a connection with Dundee as well, because the company started there, up in Denhead of Gray. It's where Stuart Clumpas formed the business.' 'Somebody wiser than me once said, 'if you do something you enjoy for a living, you'll never work for a day in your life'. 'But I think the fun comes from you enjoying what you do. 'And there's aspects of what you do when you're running an entertainment business, or a creative business, that can be fun as well. 'Because you work with a team of people who, by nature, are fairly creative, fairly inspirational and then you all gel together and that helps make work — even the boring stuff — enjoyable. 'That's because you're working with a team of people who have a spark and an enthusiasm for what they're doing. 'Nobody who works in the company doesn't like live music and events — they all love it. 'So while there might be aspects of the job that are not exciting, like with any job you have to pay the bills, raise invoices, deal with admin… there's plenty of enjoyable aspects of it as well.' T in the Park enjoyed its most successful years at Balado. It moved from Glasgow to the disused Kinross airfield in 1997, where it stayed until 2014. In that time, everyone from Oasis to Beyonce came to the festival. The festival was held for two years at Strathallan, in Perthshire, in 2015 and 2016, and was 'retired' by DF Concerts to make way for TRNSMT and Summer Sessions. How people attend festivals has changed in recent years, Geoff points out, not helped by global events like the Covid-19 pandemic. A shift in what people want from their music and gig experiences has contributed towards this too, he adds, as well as having to leave their beloved Balado site. When asked if he missed putting on Scotland's largest festival, T in the Park, at Balado, Geoff said: 'Oh yes! I think we always will and we look back very fondly. 'The most successful years T in the Park had were at Balado. 'It was a great event. There's a great community in Kinross and Milnathort, who really supported the event from day one 'I mean, everything has its day and it's really regrettable we were forced to move from the site and it was never quite the same once we had moved. 'That's not to say we'd still be going had we stayed on the site, but it was a perfect festival site and we had many great years there. 'I think the days of having 10 or 12 stages is probably not what people want so much these days. 'Tastes have changed a little bit, they want to see more of their favourite artists and want longer sets. 'And people like being at an event in the city too. They like having somewhere to go afterwards now.' Geoff agreed to be involved with The Courier's Business Conference after speaking with long-time friend Chris van der Kuyl. He and Chris, one of the city's leading lights in games design through his involvement with Minecraft, had discussed working together for a while. Geoff will share unique insights gathered from 40 years 'and counting' in the creative industry. 'Dundee is a great city, a creative city, with all of its design and history,' he said. 'And more recently, its gaming achievements, which obviously Chris has been at the forefront of. 'For me, I think it's important that you put something back in as well. 'I've been fortunate enough to have a career for a few decades and I'm not giving up any time soon. 'It's a privilege to work in the creative industries and we need to sell the creative industries to younger generations and help them be regarded as serious businesses. 'I think we're quite often viewed as people just having fun. When you see people like Chris, it's hard to deny he always seems to be having fun, but there is a serious business element to what we all do in the creative industries. 'Whether that's running a venue, being an author, a designer, or whether it's putting on concerts and festivals.' Held on June 24, The Courier Business Conference 2025 brings together pioneers of gaming, music, fashion, design, media, and digital innovation to explore the future of one of Scotland's fastest-growing sectors. Dundee games entrepreneur and Water's Edge owner Chris van der Kuyl will talk about the new virtual production facility and explain why it will draw businesses to the city. As the co-owner of 4J Studios, which helped make Minecraft a global phenomenon, he will also give his views on the games and tech sector. Jade Robertson, owner of Perthshire business Little Lies, which counts Taylor Swift among its customers, and Livehouse boss Angus Robb will also present to the captive audience on their experience as business leaders in Tayside. The Courier's editor David Clegg will chair a panel discussion featuring local businesses on 'monetising creativity in Scotland'. The conference runs from 8.15am to 2pm. Tickets are still available through the conference website
