'Wicked' star defies gravity on Broadway
Jenna Bainbridge is making history as the first wheelchair-user to play Nessarose in 'Wicked' on Broadway. Bainbridge says she hopes people feel represented on stage. NBC News' Joe Fryer reports on her mission and work that's changing the industry.
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Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Sophie Evans asks fans about Welsh language schools and overwhelmingly told one thing
Sophie Evans asks fans about Welsh language schools and overwhelmingly told one thing Best known for her roles in Wicked and the Wizard of Oz, Sophie Evans has been asking for advice about her children's future education Sophie Evans and Ellis Jenkins pictured with their first son Jack, in 2023 (Image: Sophie Evans/Instagram ) West End star Sophie Evans has opened up about a decision many Welsh parents have to think about - whether to send your children to a Welsh or English-speaking school. Just two months after welcoming her second child with husband Ellis Jenkins, Sophie took to TikTok to ask followers for advice. With their first son Jack now nearing school age, the couple must make a decision. "I can't believe the time has come to start thinking about schools for Jack," Sophie said. "But I am at a crossroads as to whether to send Jack to a Welsh language school or an English language school." The Tonypandy singer said she doesn't speak Welsh fluently, but has some familiarity with the language. She said: "I just think it's something that I really think would've helped with my career, if I could speak Welsh." Sophie went on to explain her husband's thoughts: "Ellis also doesn't speak Welsh and he is a very academically driven man, he did amazing in school and you know, he says 'I always remember my dad helping me with my homework, maths especially, so he's worried that if we send them to a Welsh school that he wouldn't be able to help them." The couple married in 2022 and have since welcomed two sons, Jack and Louie (Image: Instagram/Jonathan Davies ) She asked followers: "If you send your child to Welsh school, what are the negatives, in your opinion? If you send your child to Welsh school and have loads of positives let me know what they are as well, and vice versa with the English language school. Article continues below "I just don't know what to do. I'm like 75% Welsh and 25% English... but any ideas on what to do?" The comments section flooded with opinions, with the vast majority encouraging Sophie to send her children to a Welsh language school. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter One follower wrote: "Welsh medium education all the way. Better standard of education and the boys will leave being fully bilingual with better job prospect if they stay in Wales. Plenty of help on offer to parents who don't speak the language from schools/teachers." This was echoed by another comment: "Welsh, being bilingual in any language improves job prospects as an adult, it provides them with all the same GCSEs as standard and speaking multiple languages from a young child has proven to improve cognitive ability such as improved memory and slower cognitive decline, and it makes it easier to learn more languages as an adult. "Not to mention the fact that it's a beautiful langue and everyone in Wales should have the pleasure of speaking it." One commenter who was in the same position said: "Product of a Welsh language school with non Welsh speaking parents, I'm fine! Great job, learnt three other languages and my English is great (freelance writer and journalism grad). "Homework they learn to explain to you, and you can request English versions of things. In a class of say 50 in my school, only five would have a Welsh speaking parent - it was completely the norm. It's never held me back!" Another added: "The benefits of being bilingual are incredible! I am first language Welsh and my parents didn't speak Welsh, I'm so thankful they gave me the opportunity. It's so important for our culture. Absolutely no negatives. Welsh better funding. English schools will be phased out across Wales in coming years." A minority shared concerns based on their experiences: "I know so many people who struggled with English when attending a Welsh school. They needed an English tutor to help them with basics like spelling/reading etc. Those I know who attended a Welsh school don't use it in their jobs (obvs different for everyone with different jobs) but also jobs like Welsh speaking applicants too." Another said: "I went to Welsh school, parents struggled to help with homework but I liked my time at school. I didn't keep up my Welsh though and now not that confident to speak it. So if they do go encourage them to keep it up as there are lots of jobs that want specific Welsh speaking, especially in civil service. I can't do maths terminology in English and also only know the lord's prayer in Welsh." Sophie, who rose to fame on BBC talent show, Over the Rainbow, married Welsh rugby International Ellis Jenkins back in 2022. The couple first met when they were both just 18 years old. Speaking to WalesOnline previously, Sophie shared that despite their deep connection, they've faced their fair share of challenges. "When we were about 23 or 24, we went separate ways for just over a year and then realised, 'You are the love of my life' and we are meant to be together. The rest is history," she recalled. Article continues below
BreakingNews.ie
2 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Jonathan Bailey says Wicked sequel is ‘darker' and will ‘go there politically'
Actor Jonathan Bailey has said the Wicked sequel is 'darker' and is 'going to go there politically as well'. The Bridgerton star, 37, plays Prince Fiyero in the films, also starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, which are adapted from the musical of the same name. Advertisement 'Being slightly off the M1 in Munchkinland, with Ari singing a beautiful mezzo soprano, and then seeing cars pulling up on the hard shoulder trying to record it, and then seeing men in the sky, (which) turned out to be microlights and drones, it was like Independence Day,' he told British GQ. View this post on Instagram A post shared by British GQ (@britishgq) He added: 'I remember having four hours to learn how to do a dance move. I did it with Ari, headbutted her, and was like, 'Gotta go!'. 'I think she might have even headbutted me, but it was a meeting of minds, literally.' Wicked's next instalment will arrive in cinemas in Ireland and the UK from November 21st and will cover the years after Elphaba, played by Erivo, parted ways with her friend Glinda (Grande). Advertisement Wicked: For Good will also show Elphaba being demonised by those in Oz, and transformed into The Wicked Witch Of The West. The films have been adapted from the musical, which was based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel – which was in turn inspired by the story first told in L Frank Baum's 1900 children's novel, later adapted into the 1939 film starring Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale. Bailey said: 'It's darker, and I've got a sense it's going to go there politically as well. 'Fiyero's arc really kicks off and he literally is transformed by the end.' Advertisement Other stars of Wicked include Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and US actor Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. View this post on Instagram A post shared by British GQ (@britishgq) Both Bailey and Goldblum are part of the Jurassic Park franchise. Goldblum played Dr Ian Malcolm in the original 1993 adventure/sci-fi while Bailey stars as Dr Henry Loomis in Jurassic World: Rebirth, which is yet to be released. 'We'll see how it goes, but there might be a few films down the line where me and him can appear in Jurassic together,' Bailey said. Advertisement He added: 'Dr Ian Malcolm and Dr Henry Loomis on a night out.' Bailey stars on the cover of the summer Heroes issue of British GQ and will be speaking at the GQ Heroes conference, taking place at Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire from July 2nd to 4th. The Heroes Issue of British GQ is available via digital download and on newsstands on June 10th.
NBC News
18 hours ago
- NBC News
'Jane' gives tearful testimony about 'hotel nights' at Diddy's direction
A former girlfriend of Diddy's going by the pseudonym 'Jane' wept on the witness stand today as she described drug-induced sexual encounters with male escorts while she traveled the world with the music mogul. The marathon sex sessions, described by her as 'hotel nights' and similar to 'freak offs,' were organized at Diddy's direction, could last multiple days, and involved drugs and baby oil, she said. Through tears, she testified that she didn't know why she couldn't outright tell Diddy to stop and that he would give her 'multiple doses' of ecstasy per night to keep her awake. On her birthday in Miami in 2023, she testified, she had sex with multiple men as Diddy watched. Jane previously testified that Diddy was paying her rent and reiterated today that he continues to. She is one of four accusers referred to in the government's indictment that alleges Diddy ran his business empire as a criminal enterprise and exploited the women through his financial support. 'It's true that at any moment he could just do that if he wanted to,' Jane testified, 'cut me off.' 🔎 The view from inside By Adam Reiss and Jing Feng Diddy sat with his hands clasped in front of him as Jane testified, while attorneys for both the prosecution and defense appeared riveted by her on the stand. Diddy's demeanor is in the spotlight after Judge Arun Subramanian yesterday scolded his defense team for allowing him to make facial expressions toward the jury. Subramanian said it was 'absolutely unacceptable' and warned that if it happens again, he may remove Diddy from the courtroom. In other news: An attorney for Jane complained to Subramanian that media outlets are trying to expose her identity. The attorney accused the outlets of livestreaming and posting related articles, and asked the court to 'stop these attempts to violate the court's order' not to name her. The judge said he would consider issuing a media gag order if someone is found to have violated the rules. Next week: Jane is expected to return for more questioning by the prosecution before the defense begins its cross-examination. PSA: Every night during Diddy's trial, NBC's 'Dateline' will drop special episodes of the 'True Crime Weekly' podcast to get you up to speed. 'Dateline' correspondent Andrea Canning chats with NBC News' Chloe Melas and special guests — right in front of the courthouse. Listen here. 🎧
