The Midnight Bell at Sadler's Wells review: a splendidly seedy dance drama
First seen in 2021, the show is inspired by the anguished mid-century London novels of Patrick Hamilton: steeped in disappointment, failure and quantities of alcohol. These lonely Londoners can't bear too much reality, so they drink. A glug to get you up in the morning, a slug to aid the afternoon, a snifter to ease into the evening. Then it's down the pub and blotto all the way to bedtime. Secretaries and street walkers, gigolos and chorus boys – all knock it back until life becomes an acceptable blur.
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Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
People are only just realising why King Charles' birthday parade happens five months early
Trooping The Colour, the annual birthday parade in honour of King Charles, will take place on Saturday, June 14 - but some fans are only just learning why it's so early Royal enthusiasts are now uncovering the reason behind King Charles' birthday procession taking place a whole five months before his real birth date. Despite King Charles actually being born on November 14, the Trooping The Colour ceremony, which also doubles as his official birthday parade, is scheduled for Saturday. Londoners and visitors alike are anticipated to throng the capital's streets to witness the magnificent display that will feature over 1,400 soldiers, 400 musicians, and 200 horses marching to Horse Guards Parade by way of The Mall. Following the procession, there's an RAF flypast that attracts the gaze of senior Royals from Buckingham Palace's balcony. While the tradition of Trooping The Colour in June is well-established, it has just dawned on some fans why Charles celebrates his birthday so prematurely, reports Surrey Live. A curious Redditor, prior to the previous year's event, inquired: "Why is King Charles having birthday parades today when his birthday is on November 14th?" To which, another participant replied: "The sovereigns of [the UK] – all of them – officially have the birthday of the 2nd Saturday in June. As per the Royal Family's official website, the grand spectacle of Trooping The Colour has recognised the official birthday of Britain's monarch for over 260 years. The Household Division further explains that this celebration most likely started with King Charles II's reign, which spanned from 1660 to 1685. The British Army's historical banners, known as 'Colours', are explained on its website: "Regimental flags of the British Army were historically described as 'Colours," it states. It goes on to detail the significance of these Colours: "The principal role of a regiment's Colours was to provide a rallying point on the battlefield." The Household Division sheds light on the origins of the ceremonial parade we cherish today, noting that young officers would stride through the ranks with the Colours aloft, inspiring the tradition. The website elaborates on how this evolved into a ceremonial practice: "So, what today is a great tradition began life as a vital and practical parade designed to aid unit recognition before a battle commenced." It also marks the transition of this parade into a royal celebration: "In 1748, it was decided that this parade would be used to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign and it became an annual event after George III became King in 1760," the narrative continues. Highlighting the pageantry of the modern-day event, it adds: "Today, this colourful spectacular remains a celebration of the Sovereign's official birthday." Despite George III sharing the same November birth month as the current monarch, June was selected for the Trooping the Colour due to its typically more favourable weather conditions. Royal Museums Greenwich comments on the practicality of the date change: "With a November birthday being too cold for a celebratory parade, he tied his celebrations in with the annual Trooping the Colour military parade." The text concludes by mentioning Prince Charles's birth year and place, as well as his maternal lineage: Charles was born in 1948 at Buckingham Palace, during the reign of King George VI, his grandfather on his mother's side. He was christened Charles Philip Arthur George on December 15 of that year in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Geoffrey Fisher. The late Queen Elizabeth – who tragically passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96 – also had two birthday celebrations, marking her birthday publicly in June. However, her actual birthday was on April 21. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Evening Standard
17 hours ago
- Evening Standard
The Midnight Bell at Sadler's Wells review: a splendidly seedy dance drama
First seen in 2021, the show is inspired by the anguished mid-century London novels of Patrick Hamilton: steeped in disappointment, failure and quantities of alcohol. These lonely Londoners can't bear too much reality, so they drink. A glug to get you up in the morning, a slug to aid the afternoon, a snifter to ease into the evening. Then it's down the pub and blotto all the way to bedtime. Secretaries and street walkers, gigolos and chorus boys – all knock it back until life becomes an acceptable blur.
Time Out
2 days ago
- Time Out
Outbreak Festival 2025 in Victoria Park: set times, full lineup, tickets and everything you need to know
Last weekend (June 6-8), LIDO Festival made its debut in Victoria Park. Gig-goers enjoyed sets from Massive Attack, Jamie XX and Nia Archives as they welcomed the brand new event. This weekend (June 13-15) is set to be even bigger, as LIDO welcomes Charli XCX, London Grammar, and an entire sub-festival appropriately called 'Outbreak'. Outbreak Festival was born in Manchester in 2011, and, according to LIDO's organisers, 'has built a major platform to the UK's consistently thriving counterculture'. This year, it's making its way down to the capital and bringing with it a 'diverse and eclectic' host of underground bands and artists. This Friday, for one day only, Londoners will have the chance to experience Outbreak without getting a train up north. Here's everything you need to know about Outbreak at LIDO this weekend. When and where is Outbreak at LIDO Festival? Outbreak will be taking place in Victoria Park on Friday, June 13, ahead of the rest of LIDO's sets on Saturday and Sunday. It will take place in Victoria Park, in the same place and same stages as the wider LIDO fest. Timings Doors will open at 2.30pm, or 2pm if you have an advanced entry ticket. Headliners Alex G and Turnstile will take to the main stage at 7.35pm and 9.25 respectively. What's the full Outbreak LIDO lineup and set times? You can find the rest of the stage splits for the day below: Main Stage Mudi Sama: 2.35pm - 2.55pm Momma: 3.20pm - 3.50pm Fleshwater: 4.20pm - 4.50pm Julie: 5.20pm - 5.50pm Danny Brown: 6.20pm - 6.55pm Alex G: 7.35pm – 8.35pm Turnstile: 9.25pm – 10.55pm Stage 2 Kumo 99: 2.35pm – 3pm Drug Church: 3.30 – 4.05pm Speed: 4.35pm – 5.10pm Superheaven: 5.40pm – 6.10pm Glassjaw: 6.45pm – 7.30pm Knocked Loose: 8.15pm – 9.15pm Stage 3 They Are Gutting a Body of Water: 3.40pm – 4.10pm feeble little horse: 4.40pm – 5.10pm Jane Remover: 5.40pm – 6.10pm Model/Actriz: 6.40pm – 7.25pm Have A Nice Life: 8.15pm – 9.15pm Sunny Day Real Estate: 8.15pm – 9.15pm Festival map The festival map will be the same as the one for the rest of LIDO – you can have a look at it here. How to get to LIDO festival If you're travelling by tube, the best stations to get off at are Mile End (District, Central and Hammersmith and City lines) and Bethnal Green (Central line), both of which are within walking distance of Viccy Park. Just be aware that there are no night services on the Hammersmith and City or District lines. By bus, you can get any of the 8, 277, 309, 339, 388, D3 and D6 services, because they all have stops nearby the venue. If you are using public transportation, make sure to check before you travel, and have a look here for this weekend's disruptions. Are there any tickets left for Outbreak at LIDO Festival 2025? Yes, there are still tickets left for Outbreak, and you can buy them on the official LIDO website here. Day passes begin at £85.55. What's the weather looking like? The weather forecast is currently alright, although it could be better. There is a yellow warning for thunderstorms for Greater London starting from 3pm, but temperatures are looking like they'll be hitting mid-to-high twenties, so bring a light rain jacket to cover all bases. We also recommend you up to date with the latest weather forecasts before you leave for the event tomorrow. Afterparties If all of that somehow isn't enough, you can keep the party going at the Colour Factory, where DJs such as Kumo 99 and LustSickPuppy will be playing. You can grab your tickets for £13 here.
