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The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Rianne Downey's journey from Bellshill to Glastonbury
'I want to do them justice, and be respectful of the crowd coming to watch, because these songs mean a lot to them.' They mean a lot of Rianne Downey now, too. It was a video posted to social media during the first year of the Covid lockdown which ultimately sprung the 'wee lassie from Bellshill' (words: artist's own) from her bedroom to the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury, performing to a worldwide audience of millions. Downey's is not the first story of a Bellshill girl who blew up in the music industry. Like Sheena Easton, she has also teamed up with a bona-fide pop legend. But where Easton traded girl-next-door Big Time wholesomeness to join Prince's Over 18s party, Downey has forged an alliance with a man who has written some of the biggest British hits of the last 40 years, and whose stage outfit is a cagoule. Paul Heaton has long had a female vocalist at his side as one of the most prolific and highly respected songwriters of his generation, with the likes of The Beautiful South and The Housemartins. When long term collaborator Jacquie Abbott withdrew from their future plans, opportunity knocked for a girl in Lanarkshire. 'I'd uploaded a cover of Rotterdam in October 2020 and Paul had commented on it. I remember at the time being absolutely buzzing, running downstairs to tell my mum and dad,' said Downey, of the moment that changed her life, and that of her joiner dad and cafe worker mum. 'Three years later I got a phone call when I was walking back from the pub one afternoon, asking me if I was available to come and join him.' Downey raced home to record some voice notes of the Beautiful South standards Perfect 10, Don't Marry Her and You Keep It All In. (Image: GT) 'They got back later that same day to say, 'Right let's have you on, and see how it goes from there'. But even before the first gig he asked me to stay on for the summer, then before the end of the summer he asked me to sing on his new album and whether I'd like to join him on the Pyramid Stage.' And so it was that Rianne Downey ascended the throne alongside the King of witty northern pop, following Brianna Corrigan, Alison Wheeler and Abbott, the latter having formed a chart-topping duo with her former Beautiful South bandmate until she withdrew (Heaton has since said Abbott took time out to care for her child who has autism). In a whirlwind few weeks in the summer of 2023, Downey's career experienced G-force. 'I'd been doing my solo stuff before then. I was dead chuffed with how it was going,' she said. 'I'd supported Gerry Cinnamon at the Barras, Paolo Nutini at the Cavern in Liverpool. The last gig I played before joining Paul was a solo headliner at King Tut's. It was a bit of a jump going from 300 at Tuts to 30,000 at Neighbourhood festival. 'I'll never forget the feeling before I stepped on stage at the first gig with Paul. I knew nothing was going to be the same again. My life has transformed since that gig. I'm in my happy place when I perform, and when I stepped out there with Paul it just felt like home.' How does it feel to follow in the footsteps of the other women? 'Paul's very pernickety, he liked to get things right, and does things at such a high standard that I know he wouldn't just pick anybody. So it's nice to know how much he would have believed in me to bring me on.' Downey freely admits she's had to study Heaton's back catalogue, and her co-singer's ways, which she calls 'Heatonisms - the way he pronounces things, the rhythm he sings in.' She said: 'It didn't feel like it took too much work in the rehearsal room, it all clicked. Paul was telling me to keep my eyes on him when singing, and that helps, you notice each other's mouths, each other's breathing. Each gig we have played, the chemistry has got better. You can rehearse and rehearse but the chemistry grows when you're doing gigs.' She's on tour around the UK with Heaton this summer and will headline Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival later in the summer, before launching her debut LP, The Consequence of Love, in October. The album showcases her country leanings, and a knack of getting to the heart of a song's emotional punch, much like Heaton has for 40 years. The title track is a reaction to the living grief of her grandmother's dementia. 'I went into the studio with a bottle of prosecco, a packet of fags and a fish supper,' she said. 'I don't even smoke. Then you step back and realise you've put your trauma into your guitar, onto a bit of paper and you feel better. 'I've always done my solo stuff, but my priority is Paul and that comes first.' she said. 'I'm so lucky that's what I get to call my job now. Everything else is a bonus. It's not even like I can say it's a dream come true. It's so far beyond my dreams.'
See - Sada Elbalad
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Mohamed Henedy and Mona Zaki's 'Al Gawahergy' Gets New Release Date
Yara Sameh Egyptian stars Mohamed Henedy and Mona Zaki's upcoming film 'Al Gawahergy' has been set for a theatrical release on July 30 following a series of delays. The film's journey to the big screen had been a bumpy ride that dates back to 2022. It was initially set to hit the cinemas during the Eid al-Fitr movie marathon in 2022 but got postponed indefinitely before landing an August 2024 release window, only to be delayed to the Eid al-Adha movie marathon in 2025 and then to July 30. 'Al Gawahergy' also boasts a cast that includes Lebleba, Ahmed El Saadany, Tara Emad, Bassem Samra, and more. Written by Islam Khairy and directed by Omar Taher, 'Al Gawahergy' depicts the crises of marriage in a comedic setting. The film witnesses the first collaboration between Henedy and Zaki after 23 years. They last starred together in the 1998 film 'Saidi at the American University'. Henedy and Zaki are currently busy working on their latest films, respectively. The veteran comedian is set to star in the action-comedy film "Sterlini' (The Sterling). The project reunites Henedy with "Marei El Brimo" scriptwriter Ihab Blibl. Directed by Hussein El Menbawy, the pic features Henedy presenting action to his scenes for the first time. "El Sterling', a significant portion of the film shot in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Zaki is starring in the Umm Kulthum biopic "El Set" and the comedy film "Rizk Al Hibl". Marwan Hamed is directing the biopic from a script by Ahmed Mourad. The film comes as part of the "Big Time" Investment Fund that aims to raise the quality of Arabic content and filmmaking. The fund is sponsored by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture. It invests in the most important Saudi, Gulf, and Arab films by the biggest stars of the Arab world. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Campaign ME
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
BigTime Creative Shop named Independent Entertainment Agency of the Year at Cannes
BigTime Creative Shop has made a historic mark at this year's Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, becoming the first independent agency from the region to be named Independent Entertainment Agency of the Year. The recognition cements BigTime's rising global status and highlights the growing influence of Saudi-born agencies on the international stage. BigTime Creative Shop took home a total of seven Lions — two Gold, one Silver and three Bronze — making it the most awarded independent agency in the Middle East at the 2025 Festival. The agency's standout wins include two Golds for its campaigns The 4th Judge and Obsession in the competitive Entertainment Lions for Sport category. Both campaigns were recognised for their unconventional creative approach and genre-defying humour. The showing places BigTime Creative Shop among the top-performing independent agencies globally and reflects a broader trend of emerging market players gaining traction at the world's most prestigious advertising festival. Here's a look at the campaigns that netted the agency its wins. THE 4TH JUDGE Agency: BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh Client: The Ring Lions: Gold (Entertainment for Sport); Silver (Entertainment for Sport) View this post on Instagram A post shared by TURKI ALALSHIKH تركي آل الشيخ (@turki) OBSESSION Agency: BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh Client: Riyadh Season Lions: Gold (Entertainment for Sport); Bronze x2 (Film Craft, Film) EVERYTHING OR NOTHING Agency: BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh Client: Riyadh Season Lion: Bronze (Film Craft) This Cannes recognition follows BigTime Creative Shop's recent Sports Emmy® win, further solidifying its growing reputation in the realms of sport, culture and entertainment. BigTime Creative Shop's success adds to the region's strong performance at Cannes Lions 2025, as more MENA agencies push the boundaries of storytelling, innovation and cultural resonance on an international platform.
See - Sada Elbalad
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
"The Seven Dogs" Cast Includes Monica Bellucci, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Max Huang, More
Yara Sameh Egyptian stars Karim Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Ezz's highly-anticipated film "The Seven Dogs" has unveiled a first teaser as well as more details on its high-profile international cast. Bad Boys For Life directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are helming the film from a script by Mohamed El-Dabbah. The pic is based on a story by the head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority Turki Al-Sheikh and the Big Time team. The cast also includes Menna Shalaby, Tara Emad, Hannah El Zahed, Menna Shalaby, Sayed Ragab, Hala Sedki, Sandy Bella, Saudi Arabian actor Nasser Al Qasabi, and more. The high-profile cast members includes Italian actress Monica Bellucci, Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt as well as German-Chinese martial-arts talent Max Huang. The film is sponsored by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and was shot entirely in Riyadh, the film is now in post-production for a release later this year. It will be the first film to be shot in Big Time Al-Husn Studios, one of MENA region's biggest film and television production facilities, with additional shooting at Riyadh Boulevard. Riyadh will serve as a stand-in for multiple international cities, including Mumbai and Shanghai. The film is considered to be the largest Arab film production to date with a budget exceeding $40 million. The $40M project is being hailed as a gamechanger for Saudi Arabia as it continues its drive to become the Middle East and North Africa's biggest film and TV hub. It is produced by Jeddah-based entertainment company Sela, with Ivan Atkinson lead producing. Production Services by Black Bear. Ivan Atkinson, whose credits include The Covenant and The Gentlemen, serves as the producer of the film. Cinematography is by Robrecht Heyvaert, production design by Paul Kirby, costume design by Beatrice Giannini and Mark Bouman and hair & make-up by Jacqueline Russon. Duncan Capp serves as the SFX Supervisor. The stunts are crafted by the 87Eleven team, led by the stunt coordinator Stephen Dunlevy, whose credits include Mad Max: Fury Road and John Wick. "The Seven Dogs" marks the fourth collaboration between Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Ezz after blockbuster films "Welad Rizk 3: El Qadya" and "Kira & El Gin" and season 2 of the critically acclaimed TV series 'El Ekhteyar ll'. In the film, Ezz plays Interpol officer Khalid Al-Azzazi, who apprehends Ghali Abu Dawood (Aziz), a high-ranking member of the clandestine global crime syndicate known as 7 Dogs. A year later, the organization resurfaces, trafficking a dangerous new drug—Pink Lady—across the Middle East. With time running out, Khalid reluctantly join forces with Ghali, the only person with intimate knowledge of the syndicate's operations. Their uneasy alliance propels them on a high-stakes mission across multiple global cities as they strive to dismantle the organization and prevent the drug from flooding Arab streets. Amid escalating tensions and looming. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
See - Sada Elbalad
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Here's Our First Look at "The Seven Dogs"
Yara Sameh The official teaser trailer for Karim Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Ezz's highly-anticipated film "The Seven Dogs" has been unveiled. Bad Boys For Life directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are helming the film from a script by Mohamed El-Dabbah. The pic is based on a story by the head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority Turki Al-Sheikh and the Big Time team. The cast also includes Menna Shalaby, Tara Emad, Hannah El Zahed, Menna Shalaby, Sayed Ragab, Hala Sedki, Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt, Saudi Arabian actor Nasser Al Qasabi, and more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TURKI ALALSHIKH تركي آل الشيخ (@turki) The film is sponsored by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and was shot entirely in Riyadh. It will be the first film to be shot in Big Time Al-Husn Studios, one of MENA region's biggest film and television production facilities, with additional shooting at Riyadh Boulevard. Riyadh will serve as a stand-in for multiple international cities, including Mumbai and Shanghai. The film is considered to be the largest Arab film production to date with a budget exceeding $40 million. The $40M project is being hailed as a gamechanger for Saudi Arabia as it continues its drive to become the Middle East and North Africa's biggest film and TV hub. It is produced by Jeddah-based entertainment company Sela, with Ivan Atkinson (The Gentlemen, Wrath of Man) lead producing. "The Seven Dogs" marks the fourth collaboration between Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Ezz after blockbuster films "Welad Rizk 3: El Qadya" and "Kira & El Gin" and season 2 of the critically acclaimed TV series 'El Ekhteyar ll'. In the film, Ezz plays Interpol officer Khalid Al-Azzazi, who apprehends Ghali Abu Dawood (Aziz), a high-ranking member of the clandestine global crime syndicate known as 7 Dogs. A year later, the organization resurfaces, trafficking a dangerous new drug—Pink Lady—across the Middle East. With time running out, Khalid reluctantly join forces with Ghali, the only person with intimate knowledge of the syndicate's operations. Their uneasy alliance propels them on a high-stakes mission across multiple global cities as they strive to dismantle the organization and prevent the drug from flooding Arab streets. Amid escalating tensions and looming. "The Seven Dogs" is slated for a late 2025 release. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
