Latest news with #GordonstounSchool
Time Out
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Brixton Calling
These days, Brixton Academy is an essential part of London's cultural landscape. But there was a time when it was just a derelict old cinema building. In Alex Urwin's play, inspired by the memoir Live at Brixton Academy by Simon Parkes, we watch as the space transforms into something sacred. This is Parkes's story: a thalidomide baby who bought the cinema for just £1 at the age of 23. It begins during his teenage years at Gordonstoun School in Scotland, where Parkes studied alongside Prince Andrew (he sweats 'like you wouldn't believe,' by the way). At first it seems like your standard coming-of-age tale. He bunks off regularly and takes the train to London, desperate to experience the grit and glamour of London's rock'n'roll underbelly. It's a world far removed from the polished corridors of his elite boarding school. But right from the start, it feels like this is where Parkes needs to be. A love of music is woven deep into his bones, and when he discovers the soon-to-be Academy, it's love at first sight. Over the next few years, Parkes and his eclectic team of locals build up the music venue from scratch. Soon, it's the go-to place to play for icons, including The Clash, Blondie, The Smiths and The Pogues. Directed by Bronagh Lagan, the experience is akin to watching a gig. With cables curling around the stage's exterior, graffiti decorating the walls, and a tapestry of old flyers lining the floor, the room buzzes with raw energy. Smoke fills the theatre, and the music, when it comes, beats through your chest just like you're standing among a crowd. Playing Parkes, Max Runham has the air of a frontman: he cheekily winks at the audience, dancing between narration and performance with effortless swagger. By his side is the brilliant Tendai Sitima, who takes on a range of supporting roles — most crucially, Parkes' trusted number two, Johnny Lawes. Together, they both show and tell us how the Academy's identity evolved over the years. Set against a backdrop of shifting politics and social change, it feels like a space born of, and for, its time. It becomes a home for progressive thinkers: anti-apartheid campaigners pass through the doors to have their say, Arthur Scargill makes speeches during the miners' strikes and drag performers dance the night away. Still, fitting years of history into 100 minutes is a tall order, and many of the major moments feel rushed. A love story with his eventual wife, Pippa, is hurried through, while Parkes himself is painted as almost saint-like: his imperfections are glossed over, and his decisions are never doubted. Exploring his flaws more would have added nuance and depth to the account. Brixton Calling is a powerful reminder of how places and people shape culture. And for many in the audience, the play is a joyful nod to years gone by: I see a group of men in band t-shirts with tears in their eyes. The venue's legacy is palpable and there's a beating heart of community that continues to echo long after the last encore.
STV News
5 days ago
- STV News
King's 1965 schoolboy Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition recreated by students
Students at the King's former school have recreated the 28-mile hike through the Cairngorms which he completed as a teenager for his silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Pupils at Gordonstoun School in Moray completed the four-day trek in June for their own Duke of Edinburgh's Awards, after discovering the log of the original 1965 expedition in the school archive. Seven students – five girls and two boys – retraced Charles's steps from Balachroich to Rothiemurchus Lodge, taking in Glenfeshie Forest and passing by Ben Macdui on the way up Glen Dee. Another team of seven completed the route in reverse. India Lewis, 16, was one of those taking part in the expedition, which saw the students spend three nights camping in the wilderness, navigating along the route and cooking their own food. 'To be, quite literally, retracing the footsteps of the King was so cool, and something we can always say we have done,' she said. 'I really enjoyed the challenge of it, especially on the second day. 'In the back of everyone's mind we remembered our motto, Plus Est En Vous, and we remembered that you have more in you. 'We do have more in us, because even at times when we thought we couldn't do it, we were still able to keep going and we all got there in the end.' Sixteen-year-old William Griffin, who also completed the route, said he had been struck by the diversity of the landscape it covered. 'We started off in dense woodland, going along the banks of a dried-up river that led out into a wide valley with thick heather,' he said. 'We then went through the mountains, into a massive open plain with the river meandering through it. It was so impressive.' Charles was 16 when he and four other pupils set out on the hike in October 1965, spending four days trekking through forests and mountains in winter weather, and ascending to heights of 850m. According to the written log, when the then-prince and his fellow students started out it was raining and there was a 'stormy wind', and the following day the weather was 'overcast' with showers and 'low mist'. Despite the conditions, Charles and the other four adventurers were said to be in 'good spirits'. Former Gordonstoun pupil Michael Fabianski, who completed the original expedition alongside Prince Charles, recalled the journey. 'My memory from the expedition was camping for the first night on the banks of the River Feshie and wading across the River Dee, whilst walking up Glen Dee to the Corrour Bothy, where we camped for the second night,' he said. 'It's very atmospheric walking up Glen Dee with Cairn Toul on one side and Ben Macdui on the other. 'I appreciated the steepness of the valley later when we scrambled up its side to Carn a' Mhaim during the Gold expedition in which I took part the following July.' Gordonstoun principal Peter Green said it was 'deeply encouraging' that the 'resilience and determination' shown by the King were continuing to inspire young people today. 'In the spirit of our founder, Kurt Hahn, I firmly believe that students must be regularly challenged to grow, both inside and outside the classroom,' he said. 'The recent expedition through the Cairngorms, retracing the footsteps of the King, was a powerful illustration of that philosophy in action. 'Spending four days camping in one of the most remote regions of the UK presented a genuine test of the students' resilience and teamwork, and they responded with remarkable perseverance and strength of character.' Gordonstoun is the birthplace of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, after Mr Hahn first set up a scheme in 1936 called the Moray Badge, which then evolved to become a national programme in 1956. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Scotsman
King's 1965 schoolboy Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition recreated by students
Gordonstoun/PA Wire Charles was 16 when he and four other pupils set out on the hike in October 1965 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Students at the King's former school have recreated the 28-mile hike through the Cairngorms which he completed as a teenager for his silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Pupils at Gordonstoun School in Moray completed the four-day trek in June for their own Duke of Edinburgh's Awards, after discovering the log of the original 1965 expedition in the school archive. Seven students – five girls and two boys – retraced Charles's steps from Balachroich to Rothiemurchus Lodge, taking in Glenfeshie Forest and passing by Ben Macdui on the way up Glen Dee. Another team of seven completed the route in reverse. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad India Lewis, 16, was one of those taking part in the expedition, which saw the students spend three nights camping in the wilderness, navigating along the route and cooking their own food. 'To be, quite literally, retracing the footsteps of the King was so cool, and something we can always say we have done,' she said. 'I really enjoyed the challenge of it, especially on the second day. Ryan Balharry/Gordonstoun/PA Wire 'In the back of everyone's mind we remembered our motto, Plus Est En Vous, and we remembered that you have more in you. 'We do have more in us, because even at times when we thought we couldn't do it, we were still able to keep going and we all got there in the end.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sixteen-year-old William Griffin, who also completed the route, said he had been struck by the diversity of the landscape it covered. 'We started off in dense woodland, going along the banks of a dried-up river that led out into a wide valley with thick heather,' he said. 'We then went through the mountains, into a massive open plain with the river meandering through it. It was so impressive.' Charles was 16 when he and four other pupils set out on the hike in October 1965, spending four days trekking through forests and mountains in winter weather, and ascending to heights of 850m. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to the written log, when the then-prince and his fellow students started out it was raining and there was a 'stormy wind', and the following day the weather was 'overcast' with showers and 'low mist'. Despite the conditions, Charles and the other four adventurers were said to be in 'good spirits'. Getty Images Former Gordonstoun pupil Michael Fabianski, who completed the original expedition alongside Prince Charles, recalled the journey. 'My memory from the expedition was camping for the first night on the banks of the River Feshie and wading across the River Dee, whilst walking up Glen Dee to the Corrour Bothy, where we camped for the second night,' he said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's very atmospheric walking up Glen Dee with Cairn Toul on one side and Ben Macdui on the other. I appreciated the steepness of the valley later when we scrambled up its side to Carn a' Mhaim during the Gold expedition in which I took part the following July.' Gordonstoun principal Peter Green said it was 'deeply encouraging' that the 'resilience and determination' shown by the King were continuing to inspire young people today. 'In the spirit of our founder, Kurt Hahn, I firmly believe that students must be regularly challenged to grow, both inside and outside the classroom,' he said. 'The recent expedition through the Cairngorms, retracing the footsteps of the King, was a powerful illustration of that philosophy in action. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Spending four days camping in one of the most remote regions of the UK presented a genuine test of the students' resilience and teamwork, and they responded with remarkable perseverance and strength of character.'
The Independent
5 days ago
- The Independent
King's 1965 schoolboy Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition recreated by students
Students at the King's former school have recreated the 28-mile hike through the Cairngorms which he completed as a teenager for his silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Pupils at Gordonstoun School in Moray completed the four-day trek in June for their own Duke of Edinburgh's Awards, after discovering the log of the original 1965 expedition in the school archive. Seven students – five girls and two boys – retraced Charles's steps from Balachroich to Rothiemurchus Lodge, taking in Glenfeshie Forest and passing by Ben Macdui on the way up Glen Dee. Another team of seven completed the route in reverse. India Lewis, 16, was one of those taking part in the expedition, which saw the students spend three nights camping in the wilderness, navigating along the route and cooking their own food. 'To be, quite literally, retracing the footsteps of the King was so cool, and something we can always say we have done,' she said. 'I really enjoyed the challenge of it, especially on the second day. 'In the back of everyone's mind we remembered our motto, Plus Est En Vous, and we remembered that you have more in you. 'We do have more in us, because even at times when we thought we couldn't do it, we were still able to keep going and we all got there in the end.' Sixteen-year-old William Griffin, who also completed the route, said he had been struck by the diversity of the landscape it covered. 'We started off in dense woodland, going along the banks of a dried-up river that led out into a wide valley with thick heather,' he said. 'We then went through the mountains, into a massive open plain with the river meandering through it. It was so impressive.' Charles was 16 when he and four other pupils set out on the hike in October 1965, spending four days trekking through forests and mountains in winter weather, and ascending to heights of 850m. According to the written log, when the then-prince and his fellow students started out it was raining and there was a 'stormy wind', and the following day the weather was 'overcast' with showers and 'low mist'. Despite the conditions, Charles and the other four adventurers were said to be in 'good spirits'. Former Gordonstoun pupil Michael Fabianski, who completed the original expedition alongside Prince Charles, recalled the journey. 'My memory from the expedition was camping for the first night on the banks of the River Feshie and wading across the River Dee, whilst walking up Glen Dee to the Corrour Bothy, where we camped for the second night,' he said. 'It's very atmospheric walking up Glen Dee with Cairn Toul on one side and Ben Macdui on the other. 'I appreciated the steepness of the valley later when we scrambled up its side to Carn a' Mhaim during the Gold expedition in which I took part the following July.' Gordonstoun principal Peter Green said it was 'deeply encouraging' that the 'resilience and determination' shown by the King were continuing to inspire young people today. 'In the spirit of our founder, Kurt Hahn, I firmly believe that students must be regularly challenged to grow, both inside and outside the classroom,' he said. 'The recent expedition through the Cairngorms, retracing the footsteps of the King, was a powerful illustration of that philosophy in action. 'Spending four days camping in one of the most remote regions of the UK presented a genuine test of the students' resilience and teamwork, and they responded with remarkable perseverance and strength of character.' Gordonstoun is the birthplace of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, after Mr Hahn first set up a scheme in 1936 called the Moray Badge, which then evolved to become a national programme in 1956.
Pink Villa
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Who is Tobias Jones? Find all about Varun Dhawan's ABCD 2 co-star Lauren Gottlieb's husband and their wedding at Tuscan hilltop
Lauren Gottlieb, known for featuring in films like Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor-led ABCD 2, John Abraham starrer Welcome Back, Diljit Dosanjh's Ambarsariya, and more, has finally tied the wedding knot with her longtime boyfriend and fiancé, Tobias Jones. The lovebirds got hitched on June 11, 2025, but made their official announcement on social media today, June 20. Now we know you can't wait to learn all about the man who stole the heart of the gorgeous actress-dancer. So here's everything about Tobias that you shouldn't miss. Who is Tobias Jones? Based in London, Tobias Jones, also known as TJ, is a director and video creator recognized for his work with several reputable brands. He is also a popular visual effects (VFX) artist with over 43,000 followers on Instagram. Tobias did his schooling at Gordonstoun School, an elite co-educational private school in the UK. After completing his education, he took the self-employment route. Tobias Jones' relationship history with Lauren Gottlieb Lauren and Tobias got engaged to each other in Aug 2023 following a dreamy proposal from the director at Aruba Ocean Villas. The actress-dancer shared gorgeous pictures from their engagement at the time and called him the man of her dreams. Talking about their bond, she recalled, "After that first phone call we had from Los Angeles to London I just knew we were supposed to be in each others lives. For that year and a half we built the best foundation of love and respect. I feel so blessed our paths finally crossed so we could fall in love! Thank you for bringing so much love, joy, and pure happiness in my entire life," Lauren went on to call her the luckiest girl in the world for being his fiancée. All about Lauren Gottlieb and Tobias Jones' wedding It was a dreamy and intimate wedding for Lauren and Tobias in Tuscany, Italy, on June 11, 2025. The landmark moment of their life was attended by only friends and close ones. The actress announced the good news to her fans on social media with a series of heart-melting and romantic pictures, accompanied by a touching note. "We've always felt this love was out there. A once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. And when we found it, and it felt like coming home," read a part of the note. Meanwhile, several Hindi film industry friends of Lauren like Ali Fazal, Shibani Akhtar, Mouni Roy and others took to the comments section of her post sending her good wishes. Pinkvilla wishes the newlyweds a magical life ahead!
