Latest news with #Lowden
.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26auto%3Dwebp%26quality%3D75%26crop%3D3%3A2%2Csmart%26trim%3D&w=3840&q=100)
Scotsman
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Exclusive interview with Jack Lowden as the Slow Horses actor records his first audio book, Muckle Flugga
Actor Jack Lowden and author Michael Pedersen. Lowden has narrated the audiobook of Pedersen's debut novel Muckle Flugga. | Shaun Murawski The chance to narrate Michael Pedersen's debut novel Muckle Flugga was an opportunity the Scottish actor couldn't miss 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... Scottish actor Jack Lowden has voiced the Audible recording of Muckle Flugga by poet and author Michael Pedersen, Edinburgh's Makar and current Writer in Residence at The University of Edinburgh. It is Lowden's first audio book narration and Pedersen's first novel, released today following the publication of Muckle Flugga in May, the fantastical story of those living at Britain's most northerly lighthouse located off the coast of Unst in the Shetland islands. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lauded by the likes of Stephen Fry and Nicola Sturgeon, Pedersen's novel takes the reader on a wild and wonderful journey with the imaginary inhabitants of the 'cliff island', a father and son whose lives are turned upside down by the arrival of a stranger from the city. Speaking about his first foray into audio books, Lowden explains that when he was asked by Pedersen's publisher to narrate Muckle Flugga, it was an unmissable opportunity. Jack Lowden and Michael Pedersen. Lowden has narrated the audiobook of Pedersen's debut novel Muckle Flugga. | Shaun Murawski 'I felt I needed to do this,' says Lowden. 'I'd read Michael's memoir, Boy Friends and was obsessed with it. I get so excited when there's talent of that level that's homegrown, it's such a buzz, and to be asked to do this made complete sense.' Lowden was Pedersen's first choice as narrator after seeing the actor perform on screen and stage. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I'd seen him in different roles and been ensorcelled by him. I felt he wouldn't just narrate, that there was such depth and dedication to his acting he would inhabit the story. There's the location and characters, Jack delivers it all with eclat and bravura.' Author Michael Pedersen in the Shetland Islands with Muckle Flugga and its lighthouse in the distance. | Hollie McNish Lowden is currently in rehearsals for Netflix's Pride and Prejudice - the first Scot to play Mr Darcy - after the London run of National Theatre of Scotland's The Fifth Step, and the Bafta and Olivier Award winner threw himself into bringing Pedersen's unique cast of characters, including the ghost of Robert Louis Stevenson, to life. 'It was fascinating. I've never done an audio book and didn't know how to go about it. Full disclosure, I chose not to read it beforehand. Because you very rarely as an actor get to perform or read anything cold and experience it as you go along. I jumped on the fire!' 'The characters are all very different and I didn't come in with any preconceptions, my opinion of them changed as the chapters went by. I didn't know what was going to happen next.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For Pedersen, hearing Muckle Flugga read by someone else gave it a fresh perspective. 'It's the biggest opportunity I've ever had to listen to my own work as a reader or spectator. Because everything's been autobiographical and poetry, it makes no sense to have anyone else read it but because of the range of voices, we needed a professional actor. 'I was really particular about suggesting people to narrate because there were moments of darkness and despair that Jack could portray and also lilting fun, and some brilliantly Scottish profanities that I was excited to hear Jack flying out with. I spat out my soup in a cafe listening at one point.' For Lowden, the Scottish dialogue tripped off the tongue 'Maybe because I'm an actor, any kind of dialogue I would barely fluff, because they have roughly my accent or vernacular, where with the narration, it was a bit more stumbly. But the production team were brilliant and it was a fun experience.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As well as loving the book, Lowden was driven by a desire to champion Scottish artists and locations. 'It's so promising to have people like Michael. Artists that are completely singular but so embedded in where he's from, celebrating it. To find a prolific Scottish artist that isn't tartanised in that shortbread tinned Walter Scott kind of vein. He's more John Byrne, Peter Capaldi and that mad sort of outer space artistry we have in this country. We have such a rich heritage of that running alongside and sometimes pushing past it and overtaking it.' Jack Lowden and Pedersen during the recording of Muckle Flugga. Pedersen's novel set in Shetland. | Shaun Murawski A vivid rollercoaster of a book, the world of Muckle Flugga is so vividly wrought by Pedersen that a screen version would seem to be the next step. Would Lowden appear? 'If Michael wanted me in it, yeah, I would probably, but it would need to be in a couple of years. I don't get any time.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Pedersen also is in no rush, savouring the Muckle Flugga moment as he appears at book festivals, including the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and events, although he is engaged in the beginnings of a follow-up that continues the characters' stories. 'I want to give this story time to breathe. The paperback comes out next year and it's being translated. If it travels into an adaptation, I want to be there to service every element of it.' In the meantime an audio book brings a new audience. Michael Pedersen with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. | Michael Pedersen 'It's another manifestation and equally important,' says Pedersen. 'To sit down and read, when people are working long hours can be a privilege and many struggle with dyslexia, but to listen and experience that way, there's a whole new audience. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'And people love that it's Jack Lowden narrating his first ever audiobook and that it's a stridently Scottish story that he's putting his name to. 'If I read Jack Lowden was doing his first audiobook, I would listen to that regardless of what the story was because I know he would have been particular about the story he chose.' Muckle Flugga by Michael Pedersen is available to listen to now on Audible. Muckle Flugga is published by Faber, hardback, £14.99, Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Wales Online
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Ed Sheeran and Van Morrison guitars to go under hammer for sports stars
Ed Sheeran and Van Morrison guitars to go under hammer for sports stars They are among the lots to be auctioned both online and at the Mary Peters Trust's annual, Sport Inspires festive lunch this year. Ed Sheeran (Image: PA Archive/PA Images ) Guitars belonging to Ed Sheeran and Sir Van Morrison are set to go under the hammer to support the next generation of Northern Ireland's sports stars. They are among the lots to be auctioned both online and at the Mary Peters Trust's annual, Sport Inspires festive lunch this year. The trust, set up by Lady Peters after her gold medal win at the 1972 Olympics, supports young people, both disabled and able-bodied, to achieve their sporting dreams. Sir Van's guitar has been pre-signed by the music star whilst Sheeran is to autograph his Lowden guitar with a personal message to the ultimate owner post auction. Also going under the auctioneer's gavel will be artworks by Lisburn's Neil Shawcross and James Bond actress Jane Seymour, also famous for American Western series Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman. Article continues below Lady Peters thanked all for their generosity. "It's early stages and plans are still being created, so expect a sprinkling of surprises on Friday November 21," she said. "It's a fantastic lunch and afternoon out for businesses, sporting organisations and individuals alike to help get the festive season well underway and it raises much needed monies for the trust. Article continues below "I'd like to thank Ed Sheeran and Van Morrison for their huge generosity and, of course, my friend and artist, Neil Shawcross, and Jane Seymour who, in addition to her high-profile acting credits, is now an accomplished and highly respected watercolourist. "The trust also greatly appreciates the work our fellow board director, Julie Hastings, did to secure such a beautiful Jane Seymour floral composition and a coveted, signed, Van Morrison guitar." The fundraiser will look forward to next year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2028 LA Olympics as well as paying tribute to the achievements of local athletes across five decades since the trust's inception in 1975.
RTÉ News
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Ed Sheeran and Van Morrison guitars in auction for NI athletes
Guitars belonging to Ed Sheeran and Van Morrison are set to go under the hammer to support the next generation of Northern Ireland's sports stars. They are among the lots to be auctioned both online and at the Mary Peters Trust's annual Sport Inspires festive lunch this year. The trust, set up by Mary Peters after her gold medal win at the 1972 Olympics, supports young people in the pursuit of their sporting dreams. Van Morrison's guitar has been pre-signed by the music star. Ed Sheeran is to autograph his Lowden guitar - made in Co Down - with a personal message to the ultimate owner post-auction. Also going under the auctioneer's gavel will be artworks by Lisburn's Neil Shawcross and James Bond actress Jane Seymour, also famous for the American Western series Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman. Mary Peters thanked all for their generosity. "It's early stages and plans are still being created, so expect a sprinkling of surprises on Friday November 21," she said. "I'd like to thank Ed Sheeran and Van Morrison for their huge generosity and, of course, my friend and artist, Neil Shawcross, and Jane Seymour who, in addition to her high-profile acting credits, is now an accomplished and highly respected watercolourist. "The trust also greatly appreciates the work our fellow board director, Julie Hastings, did to secure such a beautiful Jane Seymour floral composition and a coveted, signed, Van Morrison guitar." The fundraiser will look forward to next year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as well as paying tribute to the achievements of local athletes across five decades since the trust's inception in 1975.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Little Women' star Saoirse Ronan and husband Jack Lowden to have their first child
Award-winning actress Saoirse Ronan and her actor husband Jack Lowden are expecting their first baby. The happy news has thrilled fans of the award-winning couple and marks a milestone in their growing love story. The pregnancy was originally confirmed by the Irish Independent, which quoted a source close to the couple revealing that Ronan and Lowden are expecting their first child. The confirmation came after recent speculation following Ronan's attendance at a fashion event, where her choice of outfit sparked rumours of a possible pregnancy. From on-screen chemistry to real-life romance Saoirse Ronan and Jack Lowden met in 2018 on the set of Mary Queen of Scots, the historical drama. Ronan starred as the eponymous queen, while Lowden played her second husband, Lord Darnley. Their on-screen chemistry quickly developed into a real-life relationship, and the pair have remained close ever since. Lowden has repeatedly praised Ronan in interviews, referring to her as a "force of nature" and a "brilliant leader." Ronan has reciprocated by describing her husband as "a lot calmer" and her "voice of reason," particularly during their work collaborations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Their respect and love for each other have been evident both on and off the professional stage. A shared life in London and Ireland The couple now share a home in Islington, north London, and also spend time at Ronan's seaside cottage in Ballydehob, West Cork. They co-wrote and co-starred in the 2024 film adaptation of The Outrun, with Ronan starring. Looking forward to parenthood Ronan has previously expressed her desire for marriage and motherhood, telling British Vogue in 2023, 'I've always wanted marriage and children,' emphasising her readiness to embrace motherhood while continuing her career. Although they have not shared a screen together since Mary Queen of Scots, Ronan has indicated there could be a forthcoming stage collaboration with Lowden, suggesting their creative bond may develop further. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Pink Villa
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Little Women Star Saoirse Ronan and Husband Jack Lowden Expecting Their First Child
Saoirse Ronan and Jack Lowden are expecting their first child together, sources close to the couple have confirmed. The Irish Independent revealed the joyful news, which comes less than a year after the couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Edinburgh. Ronan, 31, and Lowden, 34, reportedly couldn't be happier about the upcoming arrival. The couple first met in 2018 while filming Mary Queen of Scots, where Ronan played the title role and Lowden portrayed her second husband, Lord Darnley. Their on-screen chemistry quickly blossomed into a real-life relationship. Lowden has openly praised Ronan in past interviews, calling her a 'force of nature' and a 'brilliant leader.' Ronan echoed the admiration, telling Harper's Bazaar that his praise meant more than anyone else's. In a 2023 interview with British Vogue, the Little Women star said she had 'always wanted' marriage and children, and felt ready to embrace motherhood without sacrificing her career. The couple currently reside in a €2.8 million home in Islington, north London, with their terrier, Fran. Ronan also owns a coastal cottage in Ballydehob, west Cork. Together, they co-produced the 2024 film adaptation of The Outrun, in which Ronan starred. She described Lowden as 'a lot calmer' and her 'voice of reason' in creative collaborations. While they haven't appeared together on screen since Mary Queen of Scots, Ronan recently teased a possible future stage project with Lowden, saying she'd convinced him it would be 'a great idea.' From child prodigy to four-time Oscar nominee, Ronan has long been a standout talent in the film world. Now, as she prepares for motherhood with her equally accomplished husband by her side, this next chapter promises to be one of her most rewarding yet.
