Latest news with #MatildaTheMusical
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Tim Minchin looks back: ‘Entertainers say we want to change the world, but really we just enjoy being clapped'
Born in 1975 in Northampton and raised in Perth, Australia, Tim Minchin is a musician, comedian, actor, writer and director. Starting out in musical theatre, he turned to comedy in 2003, winning the 2005 Perrier best newcomer at the fringe. In 2008, the Royal Shakespeare Company commissioned him to write music and lyrics for a stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's Matilda – it has since won seven Olivier awards and four Tonys. He is married with two children and lives in Sydney. His new album, Tim Minchin Time Machine, is out now. Matilda the Musical is playing in the UK and Ireland. As photos were so rare in the 80s, compared with now, there's a formality to my physicality here. I look proud, but as I didn't like primary school, I would have been unhappy that it was time to go to class. I found the whole school experience very scary. I was a sickly kid. Not in a Dickensian way – I didn't have consumption – but I wasn't very hardy. I had asthma and allergies and I was quite deaf for a lot of my childhood. Because of that, I'd get in trouble for not listening in lessons, when in reality I couldn't hear what the teacher had said. Physical ailments aside, I was a gentle, sensitive child. So much so that my mum was surprised about what happened to me professionally. She'd say: 'But you were my little cuddly one!' As well as having loving parents, I was lucky with my siblings. I grew up with an older brother who's also a soft guy – we wrestled and played outside, but he wasn't a big frightening presence that I had to develop armour to survive. After primary school, I went to an all-boys' school where I was a soprano, and pretty good at theatre, too, although I didn't get the lead roles. I loved sport and was really good at hockey, and always in the top teams. I wasn't a prefect, and I sometimes got in trouble for being cheeky. I had a privileged education and received the sort of confidence you get with that, but I don't think I'm a monster. It wasn't Eton. Anyway, I think how you turn out has much more to do with what's happening at home, and my family was totally plugged in: disciplined but attentive. There was a fair bit of Von Trapp stuff going on around the house, too – a piano, some intergenerational harmonising. But that drive to become an entertainer truly came from a fundamental need for affirmation. I wanted people to like me, and I wanted to show that I was clever. Maybe it's also because I am a second child with an outstanding older brother, but mostly it's in the wiring. Not many people admit it: actors, musicians, writers, they all talk about how they want to change the world, or that they are a storyteller. But, essentially, we just like being clapped. As a teenager I was compulsively meta-cognitive, which might make me appear self-important or smug, but it took me years to realise that not everyone is always thinking about their thoughts. Despite that, I wasn't very navel-gazing. I wasn't particularly cool or uncool. I didn't fit into any cultural tribe and I was definitely not a rebel. I think it's a family thing: I never felt like I was the black sheep or had the instinct to kick against or pull away from them, like: 'Fuck my middle-class parents! Fuck my really nice, kind, hard-working dad! Fuck my slightly bonkers but incredibly passionate mother!' I never really had a dream, either, but I definitely had a defiance – I was sure I was going to keep writing. I started doing musical theatre at 18, and I noticed that people cried at my songs. I realised I could do something that not everyone around me could do. Because I was in Perth, I thought: 'Well, if I'm good in Perth, when I move to Melbourne, there'll be 100 other guys like me.' Then I moved and, while there were lots of talented people, I kept waiting to find people who were much better than me at whatever the fuck it is I do – an act I've since defined as a science-obsessed rhymey pianist singer-satirist wanker – but they weren't in Melbourne, either. When I was in my 20s, I met Eddie Perfect, a rising star in Melbourne cabaret. I would play piano for him, and in between songs, my instinct would be to make people laugh, just by being self-deprecating. So then I could bill myself as the piano and comedy guy. At the end of 2004, I decided to change my appearance – I looked like a mad genius with the big hair and makeup, and everything clicked into place. It also helped that I was talking about science and we were in a post‑9/11, new atheism world. My shows were super-nerdy, data-driven, pointing out logical fallacies, while also being sentimental and loving and musical. I had a worldview and a look – and people liked it. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion I was 30 when my career properly took off. Then Sarah, my wife, got pregnant and we lost the pregnancy. This was hard, grown-up stuff, but it became the greatest gift. Being a little older, I had the tools to make smart choices. I never suddenly fucked other people or took drugs. Having a partner who's not sucked into the industry also made it easier. Sarah has an unflinching ability to not really give a fuck about the celebrity side. She looks hot in a dress, but red carpets are not her thing. Because of that, I never had a real wobble with fame. What I mainly struggled with was the concept of being perceived. Of wanting to be seen your whole life, and then being properly seen and then told what you are. My act's been called both 'genius' and 'bullshit that only dumb people find funny'. Because of this, I haven't read a single review for years, no articles, no Google. If I do, there's a psychic repositioning that takes place, and it takes years, maybe for ever, to realign. I got a phone call yesterday from an agent saying: 'You had two absolutely amazing Matilda reviews today.' I replied: 'Don't say that, because now I want to read it, and there will be one sentence that says, 'In the second act, it lags a bit', and that will ruin my day.' Tomorrow, instead of being engaged with the audience, I'll be thinking about a reviewer. The fragility is pathetic. Matilda arrived in 2008, right at the height of my comedy fame. I worked quickly, as Sarah was pregnant with Casper – six weeks to write 10 songs. The show's success gave me money to make braver creative choices, which in turn have been successful. But it all comes with constant anxiety. Four weeks ago, at the start of the latest Matilda tour, I was unrecognisable. Heavy and sick, because of the stress of selling 100,000 tickets to a show that you have to will into existence. Now the show is up and going, and I am running every day, eating properly – I feel as good as I've felt in my life. As I've gotten older, I've realised the motive is not to be revered and applauded, but to spend a life trying to put human feelings into song and poems and text, TV scripts and performances. To confront and seduce, to make an audience laugh and think and cry. That's what the art is for.
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
RTÉjr: Feel the grá for Gaeilge with Fia's Fairies
It's time to go back to Fairy Island with RTÉjr. The new series of Fia's Fairies is back to sprinkle some magic onto your screens. Fia's Fairies is streaming now on RTÉ Player - you can watch a full episode on RTÉjr YouTube up top too! The preschool show takes your small ones on a magical Irish language-learning adventure with 6-year-old Fia and her best friend Ameer. Once again our young heroes are joined by Bláithín and Cuán, two bilingual fairies who live on Fairy Island. And they have a new friend - say hello to Rua the adventurous young fox! The fairies, along with other the Gaeilgeoirí animal residents of Fairy Island, help Fia and Ameer learn new words in Irish while also teaching them about kindness, acceptance, and bravery - and they want to bring everyone along for the fun! We are back with 24 all-new episodes with new places to see, plus plenty of fun phrases as Gaeilge for everyone at home to show everyone that's great to speak Gaeilge - it's perfect for the classroom too. Ar aghaidh linn! Bígí ag caint - everyone has a favourite thing to say in Irish: FIA - Most Likely To Say: Go híontach! (Wonderful!) AMEER - Most Likely To Say: Ar fheabhas! (That's awesome!) CUÁN - Most Likely To Say: Ar aghaidh linn! (Let's go!) BLÁITHÍN - Most Likely To Say: Is féidir linn! (We can figure this out!) BANBA - Most Likely To Say: Ná bí buartha! (Don't worry!") Banba only speaks as Gaeilge. CHEEPCHEEP - Most Likely To Say: Maith sibh! (Well done!) PIP - Most Likely To Say: Cad a dhéanfaimid? (What are we going to do?) RUA - Most Likely To Say: Tar liom! (Follow me!) If you can't wait, you can look back on Series 1 and all the new words we learned here! Produced by Little Moon Animation, this brand new season sees Julia Dillon stepping in as the voice of Fia, taking over from Alisha Weir (Matilda The Musical), who first brought the character to life in Season One. Fan-favourite Elsie Akinduko returns as Ameer, and joining the cast is Cara Mannix, voicing Rua.
Reuters
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Reuters
A Minute With: Musician and writer Tim Minchin looks back
LONDON, July 28, 2025 - Tim Minchin's latest album "Time Machine" is a collection of songs that the now successful 49-year-old wrote, but never recorded, back in his twenties, when he couldn't get a record deal. After gaining critical success as a comedian in 2005, the British-Australian Minchin went on to write the music and lyrics for hit West End musical "Matilda the Musical" and signed with record label BMG in 2020. In an interview with Reuters, Minchin reflects on his new record as well as his songwriting and views on social media. Below are excerpts edited for length and brevity. Q: Your album is out, how does that make you feel? "I feel really reflective. But also I've reached a point in my career ... where I just feel like ... here's my offer ... and because I don't read social media anymore and I won't read reviews, it's just out in the world... And hopefully people listen to it." Q: How would you describe your music? "I think the way I use words is slightly different from a lot of singer/songwriters... Most pop songs, they're broad, you can hear in them what you want ... whereas mine are like - ''oh no, this is what the song's about'." Q: Is there a difference writing music for yourself or characters such as Matilda? "I always feel like in a way, I'm placing myself in someone else's shoes... some of my songs are really personal and they're really about me. But it is a craft - songwriting - and that can mean placing yourself in a particular emotional state." Q: What makes you feel inspired at the moment? "My job is to put good ideas into the world and beautiful stories and make people feel things... That job of spreading empathy and joy and laughter and emotion and if I can do that and feel optimistic ... then I'm one person not being a cynic." Q: Do you wish you had released this album in your twenties? "The greatest thing that ever happened to me is not getting success (then) ... it's terrible for people... I'm very happy that I'm just gently putting these songs out into the world (now)."
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
HBO Harry Potter reboot's first look at Dominic McLaughlin in costume as filming begins
HBO Harry Potter reboot's first look at Dominic McLaughlin in costume as filming begins HBO's highly anticipated Harry Potter series is officially getting underway this week - and now the first image from the show has been released Harry Potter TV series' Arabella Stanton in Matilda The Musical Filming for HBO's Harry Potter reboot is officially kicking off this week. Slated to debut in 2027, the eagerly-awaited fantasy series based on JK Rowling's books will feature Dominic McLaughlin as the boy wizard. The first official snapshot from the series showcases McLaughlin in-costume as Harry, donning his iconic black robes and red Gryffindor uniform. HBO has also unveiled new cast members joining the young lead, including Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom and Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley. Sherlock's Louise Brealey will appear as Quidditch coach Madam Hooch while Andor's Anton Lesser will play wandmaker Mr Ollivander, reports the Express. Dominic McLaughlin in costume as Harry Potter (Image: HBO ) Article continues below They'll be joining the previously announced Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Filming is now underway at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK. In addition to the new cast, HBO has also confirmed several new department heads for the series, including Director of Photography Adriano Goldman, Hair and Makeup Designer Cate Hall, Stunt Coordinator Paul Herbert and SFX Supervisor Mark Holt. Mara LePere-Schloop has joined as Production Designer, Naomi Moore is Set Decorator, John Nolan is handling Creature Effects, Alexis Wajsbrot is VFX Supervisor with Dom Sidoli as VFX Producer. They're joining the previously announced Holly Waddington as the series' costume designer, while the series will be penned and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner. Mark Mylod, who previously directed several episodes of HBO's hit drama Succession, will be helming the series. Rory Wilmot, Amos Kitson, Louise Brealey, and Anton Lesser join the cast (Image: HBO ) The cast list already includes Nick Frost, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse, who will be stepping into the roles of Hogwarts staff members Rubeus Hagrid, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Quirinus Quirrell and Argus Filch. American actor John Lithgow has been cast as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore, with Johnny Flynn set to play Lucius Malfoy. Article continues below Newcomer Lox Pratt will take on the role of Draco Malfoy, while Bertie Carvel will portray the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. Katherine Parkinson is set to bring to life Molly Weasley, Ron's mother. Rounding out the cast are Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby, who have been cast as Harry's aunt and uncle, Petunia and Vernon Dursley. Harry Potter is set to premiere on HBO in 2027.
BreakingNews.ie
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Hannah Waddingham and Tim Minchin make Celebrity Gogglebox debut
Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham and composer Tim Minchin will make their Celebrity Goggle box debut appearance in the series' final episode. They will commentate on a range of TV shows during Friday's episode of the Channel 4 reality spin-off series. Advertisement They join the likes of TV presenter Alison Hammond, comedian Jonathan Ross, TV personality Rylan Clark, and broadcasters Sara Cox and Fearne Cotton, who appeared in the most recent series. Minchin, who is best known for writing the music and lyrics for Matilda The Musical, based on Roald Dahl's novel, said: 'Things I love: cheese, rose, comfy couches, Hannah Waddingham. 'In combining them, I achieved a life-goal I didn't know existed. Thank you, Gogglebox.' Matilda debuted in London's West End in 2011 and later transferred to Broadway before touring globally and winning a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards and four Tony Awards. Advertisement The musical was recently adapted into a film starring Emma Thompson, Stephen Graham and Lashana Lynch. Hannah Waddingham rose to fame after starring as Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV series Ted Lasso (Ian West/PA) He will join actress and singer Waddingham, 50, who rose to fame after starring as Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV series Ted Lasso, which won her the outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series Emmy award in 2021. She has since appeared in the latest Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning film, alongside Hollywood star Tom Cruise, and voiced characters in The Garfield Movie, Lilo & Stich and Smurfs. Gogglebox has been running on Channel 4 since 2013 and spawned more than 20 series, including spin-offs. Advertisement Celebrity Gogglebox airs on Channel 4 on Friday at 9pm.
