Latest news with #LyricTheatre
Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Barbara Windsor's touching advice which inspired EastEnders star's career move
Shona McGarty quit her role as Whitney Dean last April after 16 years on the soap, and is now getting ready to star in a new West End production Former EastEnders favourite Shona McGarty is stepping into a new chapter of her career, and says the late Dame Barbara Windsor would have been behind her every step of the way. During an appearance on Lorraine this morning (June 4), Shona spoke about her upcoming role in Bettie Page, Queen of Pin-Ups – The Musical. Ranvir Singh pointed out the striking similarities between Barbara's glamorous EastEnders character and Shona's new part, saying: "It's funny, of course, we think of Babs, and we think of the role you're about to play now. There are some similarities there – of being the pin-up, being brave, owning your sexuality." Shona admitted that the legendary actress had always been one of her biggest supporters, adding: "I know that Barbara Windsor would have been so proud of me taking on this role. She always said to me, because I'm short and I'm curvy, she always said I should do burlesque. So I know she'd be proud." In Shona's upcoming West End venture she will play American model Bettie Page in a new biography-musical that audiences can come see from June 9. The show will run for one night only at London's Lyric Theatre and promises to delve into the life of the 1950s icon, through the medium of original songs and hits from the 50s and 60s. It will explore Bettie's rise to fame and her impact on pop culture and feminism. Shona is best known for playing Whitney Dean in EastEnders ever since she joined the soap at the age of 16. She left the BBC series in April last year after 16 years on set. This marked the end of an era where Whitney faced many emotional storylines, tackling serious issues like grooming, domestic abuse, and pregnancy loss. Shona was praised for her sensitive portrayal of the character throughout these hard-hitting topics. Since leaving Albert Square, Shona has kept herself busy exploring other avenues of entertainment. She has spent time in the recording studio, performed live music, and even presented an award at the Beauty Awards in November. Some of the singles she has released include A Change is Gonna Come, Rock with Rudolph, and Let It Be. After her soap exit, Shona told The Sun that it was difficult to leave EastEnders, but she felt like it was the right decision. The actress shared: "It was a really difficult decision because it's all I've ever known. I pretty much grew up on the Square, so I feel like I'm leaving home. "But I had to put on my big girl pants and be quite brave, because life is so short, and you feel that more and more as you get older. There are other opportunities and areas of the industry I want to explore before I get too old! All things come to an end and this is the new chapter of my life."
RTÉ News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Behind the Music - Clare O'Malley
Irish singer-songwriter and actress Clare O'Malley has released a double A-side single, New Heights and Little Weirdo, from her upcoming debut EP. We asked her the BIG questions . . . Clare has appeared in theatrical productions in New York City and The Abbey in Dublin and starred in films such as Creed. She was also a backing vocalist for Jedward at Eurovision in Azerbaijan in 2012. Her grandmother, Mary O'Malley, founded the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, and her grandfather was renowned Irish poet Thomas Kinsella. Tell us three things about yourself . . . It was only in the pandemic I turned to writing my own music; until then I had spent my career as an actor in either New York or Dublin, telling other people's stories. The first movie I acted in was Creed. I was Jedward's backing vocalist when they went to Eurovision in Azerbaijan. How would you describe your music? Nuggets of wisdom and gold on the right ears. Who are your musical inspirations? Sinéad O'Connor, Eva Cassidy, Carole King, Kacey Musgraves. What was the first gig you ever went to? Britney Spears. I remember being deeply upset when I could see she was chewing gum and singing. What was the first record you ever bought? Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden - had it on repeat! What's your favourite song right now? I'm loving belting along to some Chappell Roan, especially Pink Pony Club. It's great for a road trip, or some Teddy Swims. Favourite lyric of all time? "I have often asked myself the reason for the sadness in a world where tears are just a lullaby." - Carole King. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be? Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Judy Garland. Where can people find your music/more information? Subscribe to YouTube @ClareOMalley. Follow on Insta @clare_o_malley and the usual -Spotify, iTunes.
Winnipeg Free Press
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Trump's anti-DEI push doesn't stop Black Kentucky grads from holding an off-campus celebration
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — President Donald Trump's push to eliminate diversity initiatives on college campuses didn't stop minority students from staging their own celebration after the University of Kentucky canceled ceremonies to honor its graduates who are Black or from other historically marginalized groups. Chalk it up as a lesson learned on how to think strategically to get a desired result. Several dozen students, adorned in graduation caps and gowns, basked in the limelight Wednesday as their families and friends cheered them at the off-campus celebration. The graduates were honored for their years of academic work, and they received specialty regalia such as stoles and cords that they can wear at the schoolwide commencement later this week. Speakers offered words of encouragement to the graduates, while steering clear of the fallout over federal and state Republican efforts to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs. 'You are charged with standing on our shoulders and doing bigger and better things,' said Christian Adair, executive director of the Lyric Theatre, the acclaimed cultural center for Lexington's Black community where the celebration was held. The 'Senior Salute' program was organized after Kentucky's flagship university recently called off celebrations for minority graduates. The school said it would no longer host 'identity-based or special-interest graduation celebrations,' citing 'federal and state policy changes and directives.' That's when members of the historically Black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha stepped up and became the driving force behind organizing the replacement celebration. 'The message that I wanted to send is that if you want something to happen, then you can just go make it happen yourself,' said fraternity member Kristopher Washington, a key organizer of the new event and who is among the graduating students. 'There's no waiting for somebody else to do it for you.' UK's actions were disappointing, but not surprising, Washington said. 'I already understood that the institution would likely look out for their own financial well-being before considering to do something … for the students,' he said. Most of the new graduates and audience members Wednesday were Black, though the event was billed as multicultural and open to an array of students — including those who are LGBTQ+ or among the first in their families to finish college. Ushers included David Wirtschafter, a Lexington rabbi who wanted to show his support for the students and who praised them for refusing to accept the loss of a cherished celebration. 'Kudos to them for taking the initiative and leadership when these unfortunate circumstances unfolded, to organize this event for themselves,' he said. Around the country, universities have come under increasing pressure to get in line with the political agenda of Trump's administration, which already has frozen billions of dollars in grants for Harvard University, Columbia University and other colleges over allegations they haven't done enough to counter what the administration feels is antisemitism. Trump's calls to eliminate any program that treats students differently because of their race have brought new scrutiny of affinity graduation ceremonies. The Education Department directed colleges to distance themselves from DEI with a letter in February. It said a 2023 Supreme Court decision outlawing the use of racial preferences in college admissions also applied to areas such as hiring, scholarships and graduation ceremonies. Kentucky's Republican-dominated Legislature passed legislation this year to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at public universities. In a recent video defending the cancellations, university President Eli Capilouto said the decision came at a time when 'every part of our university is under stress and scrutiny.' The school said in a separate statement that it will celebrate all new graduates at its official commencement ceremonies. 'We have made tough decisions — decisions that, in and of themselves, cause concern and in some cases, hurt,' Capilouto said in the video. 'Canceling celebrations for people on our campus who haven't always seen themselves reflected in our broader community is one example. 'We have taken that action because we believe that's what is required, and we believe complying with the law is the best way to protect our people and our continued capacity to support them,' he added. But its cancellation of the smaller celebrations to honor LGBTQ+, Black and first-generation graduates drew criticism from some students and relatives Wednesday. The events have long been seen as a way to build community and recognize the achievements and unique experiences of students from historically marginalized groups in society. Brandy Robinson was one of many family members who cheered on her nephew, Keiron Perez, at Wednesday's ceremony. She said it was important for relatives to share in the moment and she denounced UK's severing of ties to such events as a 'coward move.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'To take those moments away from them out of fear, it's just really disappointing,' Robinson said. Asked why the event was important to students, Alpha Phi Alpha's president, Pierre PetitFrere, said: 'It gives the students something to remember and know that, even given the circumstances of what's going on around the world, they are still being recognized for their hard work and fighting through whatever many hardships they may have faced throughout their time in college.' UK spokesman Jay Blanton said the school recognized 'how meaningful these celebrations have been to many,' and said student groups are welcome to host events. 'While the university can't continue sponsoring these events, we will continue working to ensure all students feel seen, valued and supported,' he said in a statement. But Marshae Dorsey, a graduating senior who took part in Wednesday's celebration, said UK decided to 'roll over' to the anti-DEI push, calling it 'kind of like a slap in the face because something like this is so harmless.'
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump's anti-DEI push doesn't stop Black Kentucky grads from holding an off-campus celebration
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — President Donald Trump's push to eliminate diversity initiatives on college campuses didn't stop minority students from staging their own celebration after the University of Kentucky canceled ceremonies to honor its graduates who are Black or from other historically marginalized groups. Chalk it up as a lesson learned on how to think strategically to get a desired result. Several dozen students, adorned in graduation caps and gowns, basked in the limelight Wednesday as their families and friends cheered them at the off-campus celebration. The graduates were honored for their years of academic work, and they received specialty regalia such as stoles and cords that they can wear at the schoolwide commencement later this week. Speakers offered words of encouragement to the graduates, while steering clear of the fallout over federal and state Republican efforts to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs. 'You are charged with standing on our shoulders and doing bigger and better things,' said Christian Adair, executive director of the Lyric Theatre, the acclaimed cultural center for Lexington's Black community where the celebration was held. The 'Senior Salute' program was organized after Kentucky's flagship university recently called off celebrations for minority graduates. The school said it would no longer host 'identity-based or special-interest graduation celebrations,' citing 'federal and state policy changes and directives.' That's when members of the historically Black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha stepped up and became the driving force behind organizing the replacement celebration. 'The message that I wanted to send is that if you want something to happen, then you can just go make it happen yourself,' said fraternity member Kristopher Washington, a key organizer of the new event and who is among the graduating students. "There's no waiting for somebody else to do it for you.' UK's actions were disappointing, but not surprising, Washington said. 'I already understood that the institution would likely look out for their own financial well-being before considering to do something ... for the students," he said. Most of the new graduates and audience members Wednesday were Black, though the event was billed as multicultural and open to an array of students — including those who are LGBTQ+ or among the first in their families to finish college. Ushers included David Wirtschafter, a Lexington rabbi who wanted to show his support for the students and who praised them for refusing to accept the loss of a cherished celebration. 'Kudos to them for taking the initiative and leadership when these unfortunate circumstances unfolded, to organize this event for themselves,' he said. Around the country, universities have come under increasing pressure to get in line with the political agenda of Trump's administration, which already has frozen billions of dollars in grants for Harvard University, Columbia University and other colleges over allegations they haven't done enough to counter what the administration feels is antisemitism. Trump's calls to eliminate any program that treats students differently because of their race have brought new scrutiny of affinity graduation ceremonies. The Education Department directed colleges to distance themselves from DEI with a letter in February. It said a 2023 Supreme Court decision outlawing the use of racial preferences in college admissions also applied to areas such as hiring, scholarships and graduation ceremonies. Kentucky's Republican-dominated Legislature passed legislation this year to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at public universities. In a recent video defending the cancellations, university President Eli Capilouto said the decision came at a time when "every part of our university is under stress and scrutiny.' The school said in a separate statement that it will celebrate all new graduates at its official commencement ceremonies. 'We have made tough decisions — decisions that, in and of themselves, cause concern and in some cases, hurt,' Capilouto said in the video. 'Canceling celebrations for people on our campus who haven't always seen themselves reflected in our broader community is one example. "We have taken that action because we believe that's what is required, and we believe complying with the law is the best way to protect our people and our continued capacity to support them,' he added. But its cancellation of the smaller celebrations to honor LGBTQ+, Black and first-generation graduates drew criticism from some students and relatives Wednesday. The events have long been seen as a way to build community and recognize the achievements and unique experiences of students from historically marginalized groups in society. Brandy Robinson was one of many family members who cheered on her nephew, Keiron Perez, at Wednesday's ceremony. She said it was important for relatives to share in the moment and she denounced UK's severing of ties to such events as a 'coward move.' 'To take those moments away from them out of fear, it's just really disappointing,' Robinson said. Asked why the event was important to students, Alpha Phi Alpha's president, Pierre PetitFrere, said: 'It gives the students something to remember and know that, even given the circumstances of what's going on around the world, they are still being recognized for their hard work and fighting through whatever many hardships they may have faced throughout their time in college.' UK spokesman Jay Blanton said the school recognized 'how meaningful these celebrations have been to many," and said student groups are welcome to host events. 'While the university can't continue sponsoring these events, we will continue working to ensure all students feel seen, valued and supported,' he said in a statement. But Marshae Dorsey, a graduating senior who took part in Wednesday's celebration, said UK decided to 'roll over' to the anti-DEI push, calling it "kind of like a slap in the face because something like this is so harmless.'
Daily Record
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Neil Diamond tribute show 'It's a Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens' coming to Airdrie Town Hall
There's a beautiful noise, comin' up from the streets, got a beautiful sound, it's got a beautiful beat... at Airdrie Town Hall. Paraphrasing the lyrics to Neil Diamond's million-selling 1976 single, hit stage show It's a Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens - a joyful celebration of the music and a tribute to the legendary singer will arrive in town on Friday, May 2. Starring Fisher Stevens, it is a "joyous homage to the music of, and a tribute to, Neil Diamond". 'It has been over half a century since the release of the first hit single from an artist who has sold over 130 million albums,' says Fisher. 'While Neil Diamond may have declared the end of his touring days, his star will continue to shine eternally.' It's a Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens brings to life Diamond's iconic songs, including Sweet Caroline , Song Sung Blue , Cracklin' Rosie , Forever in Blue Jeans and many more. Fisher added: "These songs have woven the soundtrack of our lives. 'It's the teenage dream, and these dreams of youth remain constant fixtures on personal and radio playlists worldwide.' Fisher promises the Airdrie audience heartfelt renditions of all the biggest hits, including those featuring appearances from Lula and Barbra Streisand. ' It's a Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens has been awesome; the reviews have been fantastic,' he said. "And performing the show at the Lyric Theatre, in London's West End was a dream come true - an amazing experience.' A lifelong lover of Diamond, Fisher has toured the world as a performer and is supported by an experienced band and backing singers who are all as passionate about the icon. Assisting the tribute show to achieve the high standards of Diamond's songbook has been the responsibility of musical director (MD) David Mackay, who has created hits for some of the biggest names in the music, including Cliff Richard, Dusty Springfield, The Bee Gees and Eric Clapton. David has been the MD for many West End successes, including 125th Street and Jailhouse Rock . Fisher added: "It is my privilege to celebrate Neil Diamond's talent and take the audience on a musical journey. " It's a Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens is packed with all the classic hits and aims to do just that, and in some style." Tickets, priced £28.50, for the Airdrie Town Hall show, which starts at 7.30pm, are available from the box office online . *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .
