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Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Antony Costa calls Mama Mia! The Party 'the best job I've had outside Blue'
Antony Costa leads the cast of Mamma Mia! The Party, starring as the owner of Nikos Taverna on the Greek island of Skopelos Antony Costa has branded his starring role in Mama Mia! The Party 'the best job outside of Blue I've ever had.' The boyband star, 44, is appearing as patriarch Nikos the co-owner of Nikos Taverna on the Greek Island of Skopelos in the hit show. Since opening in August 2019, Mamma Mia! The Party London has welcomed over 600,000 guests, delivered over 1500 performances, and has been visited by guests from 110 countries for an evening of dancing, dining and singing to some of ABBA's greatest hits. As the sun sets in Skopelos, guests take their seats at Nikos' family-run taverna where they enjoy a delicious four-course Greek feast, while an action-packed love story unfolds around them. Following the performance, which is filled with timeless ABBA anthems such as Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and Waterloo, guests are encouraged to get up and sing and dance the night away as the taverna transforms into a glittering ABBA disco. "I absolutely love it because you just don't know what you are going to get from one night to the next," says Antony. Every audience is different. When you're in it, there's you can do other than just let go and enjoy yourself." Antony began entertaining crowds in the show in 2023 and said it was a no brainer to return. "When I got the call to come back I literally jumped at the chance. I was like, "Yep, I'm around Let's do it. Let's go!" The party also has the seal of approval from Abba royalty, including Björn Ulvaeus who helped mastermind the show. Antony says: "Bjorn's team had this idea of creating this immersive show because he said when you go and see Mama Mia! the West End show people are itching to get up and dance. You can't help it with Abba and that's where the idea for Mama Mia! The Party started," explains Antony. "There's something about ABBA songs that no matter how many times you've heard the songs, you still just want to get up and dance. I mean you look at the crowds we have and it's children with their parents, there's teenagers with their parents, adults with their mums and dads, older people just dancing and singing away. "It is a testament to Abba as a pop group, 50 years ago they came out with Waterloo and we're still belting it out," says the boyband star. As well as paying homage to one of the greatest pop groups of all time, Antony's role in the show also allows him to reconnect with his Greek roots. 'I based the character on my late grandfather, his mannerism and characteristics, and, yeah, it was it was a lovely part to sort of get my teeth into. I had to do my homework don't get me wrong, but it was easy preparation to do as it's not a character I didn't know," says Anthony. "It's about getting the little elements right like how he pronounced words and the broken-in English he spoke in. He came over from Cyprus as a young lad supporting his family, my dad and his and sisters." Antony gets so into character during his performance that he even refuses to acknowledge fans who mention his boyband background. "We had a guy in who had come down from up north and he was like, 'oh my God, I'm a massive Blue fan, and I'm seeing you guys in Manchester!', and I was like, 'Sorry, who are Blue? I have no idea what you're talking about.' He was very confused but while the show is on we are on the Greeks island of Skopelos where the Mamma Mia! films are filmed." The 02 venue is transformed so that as soon as audiences walk through the blue doors they immediately feel as though they've stepped foot in balmy Greece - with incredible attention to detail bringing the space alive - as well as the actors working their way through the tables. "It looks like a village I would have seen as a small boy," says Antony. "It still freaks me out to this day that I walk in every night, you know, and think this is my place of work." While Antony is having a ball every night, the immersive elements of the show have not been without their fair share of incidents. "I've tripped over, I've fallen, I've slipped - trust me I've done it all," laughs the star. "When something like that happens you've got to make it look as if it's happening here and now. Even though I've done hundreds of shows over the years, you've still got to make it as if it's that night is the only night. "If I trip over I pretend to have a go at the waiters because that's the sort of thing my character would do. If a drink spills we can make it work. It's all in jest. It's not real but it's a real for that moment. "When we hear a plate smash we all shout out 'Opa' which is you would do that in a Greek restaurant anyway. It keeps things authentic!" Antony has the seal of approval from his Greek family who have been to see the show four times. "They love it especially my dad, who came over from Cyprus in 1961. After my dad saw it he said, 'You based that on my dad didn't you?' It meant a lot that he noticed." Antony joined the boyband Blue, with members Lee Ryan, Simon Webbe and Duncan James, in 2000 and are celebrating their 25th Mia! The Party originally opened in Stockholm in January 2016. The O2 London arena tickets including admission, a four-course set meal and a welcome drink.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I went to Butlin's to see if its new £15million playground lives up to the hype'
Butlin's Bognor Regis resort has received a major upgrade with a new £15million playground that's open to the public - one writer went to see if it lived up to the hype Given the ridiculously variable nature of the British weather, it is little wonder that UK holiday resorts are investing massively in their indoor facilities. Butlin's is no exception with its Bognor Regis site welcoming a new £15million activity centre, Playxperience, which is open for the first time to holidaymakers this year. Playxperience is home to nine different activities that can be enjoyed by all the family. Whether it is trying to work your way out of one of the three escape rooms, becoming the next Luke Littler on Digi Darts, testing your reactions on the brilliant batting cage, this building boasts the very latest in interactive and immersive technology. For teenagers, it is a gamers' paradise. It can be expensive, as it is an additional cost to your holiday, but it will keep the children occupied for hours. And many memories can be made on the more family-oriented activities like Shuffleboard or TechPutt golf. If parents or guardians want to leave the kids to it, there is also a cafe on the ground floor, or for those fancying something stronger, a superb sports bar on the first floor, which is open until 11pm. As this was a family holiday, though, we were keen to book in for activities we could all enjoy – and there are so many options. The archery was great fun, with our Butlin's guide taking us through games that weren't all about hitting the bullseye and top scoring, which ensured people of differing abilities could be a winner. However, a trip to Butlin's would not feel right without watching some of the many shows they put on, which again cater for all ages. With a 13- and 11-year-old in tow, I did wonder if they would be 'too cool' for it all, but our first night proved I had nothing to worry about, kicking off watching the Cirque du Hilarious show. It was slapstick comedy at its cheesy best, and while some led to groans of 'cringe' from our boys, other aspects were 'sick' or 'bussin', which I'm assured means they were loving it. We also enjoyed SBX Presents Extreme Playgrounds, where performers showcased their football, basketball, street dancing and beat boxing skills. Other shows included the superb Animals and Mythical Beasts and Iconic, which are new for 2025. There's also a Snow White pantomime (oh yes there is) and Electric Wonderland, a dazzling dance display incorporating LED lights and costumes. The most popular was Gladiators, with stars from the show. The place was packed to the rafters and divided into two teams: Red and Blue. We were on the Blue team and having won the brilliantly interactive ball race against the Reds, where the audience must roll a giant ball above their heads from one end of the studio to the other, and back to the stage, we were let down by our Gladiator, Phantom. He lost his two battles with rival Gladiator Dynamite, leading to the Reds winning overall. It may have been 'just a game' to Phantom – but try telling that to two highly competitive boys. Of course, the Bognor resort is right on the seafront, but while we were blessed with beautiful spring sunshine, the breeze meant it was a little too chilly to get out the deckchairs. Instead, the boys tested their skills on the High Ropes before we enjoyed a few hours at the excellent Splash, which boasts a huge pool, slides and a wave pool. While Playxperience boasts the very latest in gaming technology, and Splash the ultimate wet and wild fun activity, the adage that the 'old ones are still the best' rang true for our boys. Asked what his favourite thing about Butlin's was, my son, Stanley, replied unequivocally: 'Waltzers!' As for the Butlin's downtime, we stayed at the Wave Hotel which had bunk beds for the boys and a double bed for my partner and I. Tea and coffee was included – with plenty more on request at reception – and we also had the all-inclusive drinks package allowing us to drink virtually anywhere on site. While the drinks package was confusing at the start, as you had to have a QR code emailed to you which you then had to scan when ordering drinks, it was worthwhile with a superb selection of soft and alcoholic beverages – and branded ones too. Costa hot drinks are also available for the coffee connoisseur. Our food was also in the inclusive package, but limited to the Deck offering a wide range of different hot foods and desserts at dinner time and an extensive breakfast menu. There were also themed nights, such as Italian on the Monday, Indian on Tuesday and Chinese on Wednesday, while our roast potato-loving boy Sam revelled in the different roast meat that was on offer every evening. For convenience and cost, the food and drink bundles are well worth investing in. Butlin's is not the cheap and cheesy British holiday it was once perceived to be, it's had a mighty investment in state-of-the-art facilities, making it one of the UK's leading family holiday destinations where endless memories are made. Book the holiday Butlin's offers a three-night Summer Holiday break featuring Stephen Mulhern staying in a two-bedroom Wave Hotel room in Bognor Regis from £419, for arrival on July 18. Based on a family of four sharing and includes live shows, activities, free flow access to the pool, unlimited fairground rides, playgrounds and the new Soft Play centre. Dining packages start at £24.95 per adult, per day, £14.95 per child (six-14), per day and £6.80 per child (two-five).
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Lorraine Kelly fans desperate to know where to buy her 'beautiful' summer holiday dress
Lorraine Kelly was seen wearing a stunning summer dress from Boden as she jetted off to Zimbabwe - and some fans may have recognised the piece from the presenter's ITV show All too often, TV presenters wear an item once in the studio, never to be seen again. But Lorraine Kelly was recently spotted outfit-repeating a gorgeous summer frock that eagle-eyed fans recognised from her eponymous ITV show. The 65-year-old presenter sported the Boden Chirstabel Cotton Midi Dress in a 'gallery blue and walled garden' print as she jetted off to Zimbabwe. Priced at £126, the dress has been a hit with shoppers and has even been hailed as the 'perfect summer dress'. The ITV host was first seen in her Boden dress on last Friday's episode of Lorraine, and then again over the weekend as she embarked on her African adventure. Made from airy cotton, the dress is designed in a fit and flare style to complement the figure, falling to mid-calf length. The V-neckline ensures the wearer stays cool, while the detachable self-tie fabric belt creates a slimming silhouette. The dress also features side seam pockets, reports the Express . For a limited period, customers can use the code W7CX to snag the piece for £107.10 - a tidy saving of 15%. ASOS' Hope & Ivy midi smock dress offers a similar design, but its clever panel-waist cut provides a flattering look without a belt, priced at £95. New ASOS customers can enjoy a 10% discount and free next-day delivery using the code: NEWHERE. The Blue Floral Border Print Pocket Midi Dress from Roman has received a full five-star rating from customers. Priced at £42, this 'flattering' dress is perfect for a laid-back holiday ensemble. It features a wrap V-neckline, stripe border trim and practical side pockets. The airy, short sleeves add a dash of charm to the outfit, while the stretch-shirred waist guarantees comfort throughout the day. Lorraine's Instagram followers were quick to comment on her Boden frock , with one commenting: "Safe travels. Love your dress, where is it from please?" Another echoed the sentiment, asking: "You had that dress on your show the other day. Where is it from? Love blue." The Christabel dress also comes in a slightly darker "glacier blue and ornate vine" shade or a "pink and wildflower bouquet" print - both retailing at £129. One satisfied customer left a glowing five-star review, writing: "This dress is perfect for summer. The material is lovely and soft. It isn't lined, but that makes it perfect for Mediterranean holidays." Another shopper praised: "Beautiful dress, super light and airy fabric. It fits really nicely and is just the epitome of a summer dress." However, the V-neckline could pose a problem for those with larger busts. One reviewer pointed out: "Gorgeous shape of skirt, but this dress is not for anyone with bigger busts as the waist of this dress is too high," while another added: "Beautiful print though possibly a bit much for petites. Main issue was that the waist was too high even in petite size." Another shopper garnered praise after donning the Boden dress for a 'posh lunch', sharing: "It's so comfortable to wear and did not crease." Customers can check out all available sizes of the Boden Christabel Cotton Midi Dress, here.
ABC News
7 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
AFL round 20 live updates: Hawthorn vs Carlton — blog, scores and stats from the MCG
Hawthorn face Carlton at the MCG in beloved Blue Sam Docherty's last game at AFL level. Follow the live blog below, keep up to date with all the latest stats in our ScoreCentre, and tune in to our live radio coverage.
Mint
20 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Tilaknagar Industries acquires Imperial Blue whiskey for ₹4,150 crore
New Delhi: Homegrown liquor company Tilaknagar Industries Ltd on Wednesday announced the acquisition of Imperial Blue Brands from Pernod Ricard India Pvt. Ltd for an enterprise value of ₹ 4,150 crore, marking its foray into the country's whiskey segment. With the acquisition, the company will become one of the leading players in brandy and whiskey, the two largest Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) categories. Pernod Ricard said the sale strengthens its India portfolio, enabling the business to fully tap into premiumization trends and support sustained, profitable growth. As Pernod Ricard's second-largest market, India is a strategic priority, and this realignment improves the ability to capitalize on the country's strong macroeconomic fundamentals and long-term potential. Upon closing, the transaction is expected to be immediately and meaningfully accretive to Pernod Ricard India's operating margin and net sales growth rate, the company said. Mint had reported last September that Pernod Ricard had put Imperial Blue whiskey up for sale in India. In fiscal year 2023, India surpassed China as the second-largest market by net sales for the company, after the US. Pernod Ricard India sells mass-market brands such as Royal Stag, Blenders Pride and 100 Pipers, and premium ones such as Chivas Regal, Ballantine's, Glenlivet and Jameson Irish Whiskey. India's organized liquor industry recorded revenues of ₹ 4.45 trillion in FY24, according to a report by ratings firm Crisil. Pernod Ricard India posted a consolidated revenue from operations of ₹ 25,039 crore in FY23, up from ₹ 22,741 crore in FY22. In a filing to the exchanges on Wednesday, Tilaknagar Industries said its wholly-owned subsidiary Grain & Grape Works Pvt. Ltd (GGWPL) shall acquire the business undertaking of Pernod Ricard India Pvt. Ltd, as a going concern on a slump sale basis related to the business of production, bottling, marketing and sale of alcoholic and other beverages under the Imperial Blue brands for an enterprise value of ₹ 4,150 crores, including a deferred payment of ₹ 282 crores as on date. To finance this acquisition and support its future growth plans, Tilaknagar Industries has announced its plan to raise up to ₹ 6,500 crores, comprising up to ₹ 2,500 crores in equity and equity-linked securities and up to ₹ 4,000 crores via borrowing money or in debt securities from investors. This entire fundraising process will, of course, be subject to approval from the companies' shareholders and the relevant regulatory authorities. The transaction remains subject to the approval from the Competition Commission of India, and is expected to close within the coming months. Tilaknagar Industries, founded in 1933, is a major player in the IMFL industry, with a manufacturing footprint of 21 units across 12 states. Its brand portfolio includes brandy brand Mansion House and Courrier Napoleon, along with a strong presence in whisky, rum, and gin through Mansion House Whisky, Madiraa Rum, and Blue Lagoon Gin. Imperial Blue is currently the third largest brand in IMFL segment. Imperial Blue will boost Tilaknagar Industries' premium portfolio strategy. This acquisition would also strengthen its distribution network. The turnover of the business for the period April 2024 to March 2025 was ₹ 3,067 crores.
