Latest news with #MichaelPalin
Edinburgh Reporter
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Michael Palin and Gordon Buchanan draw crowds to the Borders Book Festival
As The Borders Book Festival flings open its gates this week (Thursday 12th June) festival-goers are in exceptional company under canvas: renowned traveller, documentary maker, author and comedian Michael Palin recounts stories of adventure, family and change from his latest diaries. Also gifted natural history cameraman Gordon Buchanan shares the moving story of his life, including his troubled childhood and how nature ultimately helped him to heal. The four-day extravaganza of storytelling, supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, takes place this weekend, from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th June, in Melrose's Harmony Garden, in the Scottish Borders, and will include well-known names from the worlds of fiction, hit television shows, politics and current affairs, food and drink, plus a history programme honouring the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. The Family Festival, sponsored by Blackport Investments, also has children's favourites galore over Saturday and Sunday, with activities for the whole family to enjoy together. Amongst the packed programme, particular gems include: stars of BBC hit comedy Gavin & Stacey, Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb, both with new books; acclaimed documentary maker Stacey Dooley with her moving take on motherhood; Hairy Biker Si King, as he roars back to Melrose for another helping; queens of the BBC Kirsty Wark and Sally Magnusson in a not-to-be-missed look back over their decades at the helms of flagship news programmes Newsnight and Reporting Scotland; politicians now free of the shackles of government, Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove; Scottish First Minister John Swinney on the books that have shaped his life; World War Two historian and commentator James Holland; current affairs insiders James Naughtie, Andrew Marr and Gavin Esler looking at what might really be happening in our world in 2025; and Tanni Grey-Thompson and Sammi Kinghorn share with Louise Minchin the challenges, triumphs and determination that shaped their sporting journeys. For foodie fans there is Coinneach MacLeod – AKA The Hebridean Baker — and Channel 4's Suzanne Mulholland – AKA The Batch Lady. For fans of historical fiction, the book festival also sees the annual announcement, live on stage, of the prestigious Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, with six shortlisted literary talents in the running for the £25,000 prize. Literary sensation Andrew O'Hagan will also be at the festival this year, as will crime-writing dazzlers Ian Rankin and Ambrose Parry. In this 80th year since the end of World War Two, the book festival is delighted to present an exclusive event, The Secret Listeners, telling the amazing story of Britain's Voluntary Interceptors, a highly secret group who monitored the coded radio traffic of German intelligence and sent what they heard to Bletchley Park, enabling the vital Ultra signals intelligence. Alistair Moffat c. Ryan Rutherford Sworn to the Official Secrets Act, these silent warriors on the Home Front all over Britain were not allowed to tell their story. Until now. Alistair Moffat will talk to Bruce McCartney, who has uncovered many of these extraordinary accounts, some from right here in the Borders. Festival Director, Alistair Moffat, said: 'We are delighted to be throwing open the glorious Harmony Garden again this year, and we have packed the marquees with unmissable events that will keep audiences talking and thinking long after they head home. 'From incredible stories of personal resilience, determination and courage to tales of wartime struggle that are so poignant and which demand to be told; from political insider gossip and speculation to serious discussion over the current state of our world and what might be next; from recollections of television and radio careers past to those very much still in full flow; there is something here for everybody. 'And hey, the sun will shine brightly and constantly – but we do have our brand new transparent canopy for The Orchard – our tented food village — just in case! 'The Borders Book Festival on a long, sunny June day is just magical – our own slice of heaven for the whole family to enjoy.' The Family Festival takes place throughout the day on the Saturday and Sunday (14th & 15th June) and includes, among so many others: the inimitable Elle McNicoll; former Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho; Catherine Rayner celebrating 20 years of Augustus & His Smile; colouring fun with Eilidh Muldoon; and festival favourites Vivian French, Alan Windram and Tom Morgan-Jones. The Orchard tented food village, adjacent to Harmony Garden, hosts live music and free, fun activities for the whole family, making the Borders Book Festival a fantastic day out for the entire family The Borders Book Festival is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and environmental impact by implementing a number of net zero goals including: zero waste to landfill; e-ticketing and a donation to planting trees for every ticket purchased. Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland said; 'Borders Book Festival once again transforms Melrose into a haven for book lovers, welcoming a stellar lineup of writers to inspire, entertain, and spark imaginations. 'With a special focus on young readers, the festival champions the joy of reading through dynamic events featuring top-tier authors and illustrators like Elle McNicoll and former Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho. 'Whether you're eager to meet your literary heroes or discover fresh voices to add to your reading list, this is the perfect chance for book enthusiasts across the Scottish Borders to immerse themselves in storytelling at its finest.' Tickets available at or by calling 0131 290 2112 and from the Book Festival Box Office on the day subject to availability. Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Man, 34, dies days after street row
A man died days after being attacked in the street. On Sunday March 9, Merseyside Police received a report a man had a verbal altercation with a group who then assaulted him in the area of Brighton Street, near Egremont Promenade in New Brighton, at about 8.50pm that night. The victim, 34-year-old Michael Palin, is believed to have sustained injuries to his face and hand. He refused medical attention and returned home on a pedal bike. He was found dead at his home on Oxford Road in Liscard three days later, on March 12. Following a post mortem, the cause of his death has been withheld pending toxicology reports. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances into the death. READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold's 'generous' act as lasting gift to Liverpool confirmed READ MORE: Restaurant fined £180,000 for illegal workers A man and a woman, both aged 22 years, from Seacombe and a 26-year-old man from Poulton were arrested on suspicion of murder and later bailed with conditions. As part of police enquiries, detectives are appealing for the six people in these CCTV images to come forward. It is believed they were on or near a bus that would have passed the scene of the assault. Detective Inspector Andrew Schofield said: 'We know the six people pictured were on or near an Arriva bus that had travelled along Brighton Street at around the time of the assault, in the direction of Seacombe Ferry/Birkenhead. "As they were in the area, we believe it is possible they could have seen or heard something that could prove vital to our enquiries.'If you are one of those pictured, or think you recognise them, please contact police so we can speak to them about what they may know.' Anyone with information has been asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre'. You can also report information via its website or call contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here. In an emergency always call 999. For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter. Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here. Follow us on X @LivECHONews or on Bluesky @ - official Liverpool ECHO accounts - real news in real time. We're also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Venezuela high on travellers' wish-lists despite Foreign Office warnings of ‘armed robbery, mugging, carjacking and burglary'
Venezuela is back on the agenda for UK travellers – despite the Foreign Office warning against visiting the South American nation. In a survey of readers of Wanderlust magazine, one in 12 is ready to travel to Venezuela. The founding editor of Wanderlust, Lyn Hughes, said: 'Our readers are more adventurous than many, and are very curious about the world. I am sure there is pent-up demand to visit Venezuela and when it does open up our readers will be the first wanting to explore.' Demand is likely to increase when a new TV series on Venezuela presented by Sir Michael Palin airs on 5 later this year. On his return, the veteran traveller described the travelling as 'hard, but hugely rewarding'. He said: 'I worked with the Channel 5/ITN team with whom I'd made three series – in North Korea, Iraq and Nigeria – and for all of us this was a different challenge. 'Venezuela is spectacular. Magnificent mountains, beautiful Caribbean beaches, exotic wildlife and the longest waterfall in the world. But Western governments issue strong warnings to their citizens about the risks of travelling to a nation whose leadership is regarded by the UK as illegitimate and whose basic public services are in disarray. Nicholas Maduro has presided over economic collapse and a political crackdown. The opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, is in hiding. 'Venezuela has one of the highest murder rates in the world,' warns the Foreign Office. 'Armed robbery, mugging, carjacking and burglary are all very common and often accompanied by extreme violence.' Even on arrival at the airport serving the capital, Caracas, visitors may be targeted by armed robbers, the FCDO says. Yet this year's trips organised by one of the few tour operators to offer Venezuela have all sold out. Lupine Travel of Wigan offers 10- and 11-night tours, taking in Caracas, the Angel Falls and the Caribbean coast. The next departs on 17 June, and like the subsequent trip in October there are no places left. 'Demand has been continuing to increase for Venezuela,' said the founder of Lupine Travel, Dylan Harris. He warned, though, that 'things are getting slightly tense again over there again' as relations with Washington DC deteriorate even further. 'Risk of detention is now really high for anyone with links to the US,' he said. 'We've recently had to cancel places of those with US links from our upcoming tours. I believe this won't be a quick fix and I expect it will dampen demand over the coming months.' The US State Department warns American citizens of 'extreme danger' in Venezuela. Anyone planning to go is urged to 'prepare a will'. Yet Christine Shacklady, managing director of Travel Risk & Incident Prevention, told The Independent 's daily travel podcast that she could not wait to return – having spent much of her childhood growing up in Caracas. She said: 'The number one thing that I love about Venezuela is the culture. The people are incredible. The waterfalls, the jungle, the nature; the beaches are out of this world.' The Wanderlust survey was presented to delegates at the Latin American Travel Association Expo 2025 in Windsor. Ms Hughes said: ' Wanderlust was conceived on a Viasa flight to South America, in which we spent six months in Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia. 'Venezuela then seemed like a little-known secret that deserved many more visitors – and that applies even more so now. The magnificent table-top mountains known as tepuis; unspoiled Caribbean beaches; the Andes, the wildlife rich plains of Los Llanos. 'We were blown away by the diversity and the sheer scale of the landscapes as well as the welcome from indigenous communities.' The Venezuelan airline Viasa went bust in 1997. Since then most European airlines have axed their routes to Caracas. British Airways dropped its link from London Heathrow to the Venezuelan capital in 2005.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gavin & Stacey's Rob Brydon lands new role – with striking Uncle Bryn likeness
Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon has landed an exciting new role as he plays an oddball, while Michael Palin is back doing comedy as BBC line up host of new funny shows Gavin & Stacey star Rob Brydon has landed a new comedy series as part of a host of new BBC sitcom announcements. Rob plays middle-aged divorcee Bill Beam who staves off financial ruin by renting his spare rooms to students. The character sounds a bit like Uncle Bryn from Gavin & Stacey. Warm-hearted and eager but neurotic and slightly overbearing, Bill is thrilled by the youthful energy his lodgers bring – but baffled by their indifference to his laminated house rules and colour-coded cutlery. He's torn between wanting to be part of the gang – sharing banter, keeping up with trends – and clinging to his role as responsible adult. The show, called Bill's Included, is written by Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen. Rob Brydon says: 'I can't wait to get started with this, to speak the wonderful words written by Alex and Ben who've done such a great job on the script.' Brydon's comedy was one of a host announced by the BBC yesterday at their own comedy festival in Belfast which include new projects for Diane Morgan and Lenny Rush. The Office star Mackenzie Crook has also written a new project which will see a return to comedy for Monty Python star Michael Palin. The line up includes: Diane Morgan sitcom Ann Droid about a social humanoid robot designed to keep elderly people company, exploring the hilarious intersection of technology and human connection Supernatural family sitcom Reluctant Vampire starring BAFTA winner Lenny Rush Small Prophets , created by BAFTA winner Mackenzie Crook, starring Pearce Quigley, BAFTA winner Sir Michael Palin and BAFTA winner Sophie Willan Stuffed , starring Guz Khan as an office worker who gets an unexpected Christmas bonus and takes his family to Lapland, only to find that he has to pay the money back The return of series Only Child, Funboys, The Young Offenders and Golden Cobra BBC Director of comedy Jon Petrie said: 'The BBC continues to be the biggest single investor in original comedy content in the UK. And for the second year running eight out of the top 10 scripted comedies were on the BBC. Created, written by and starring some of the UK's most brilliant homegrown talent, I'm really proud of the shows we have announced today and can't wait for BBC viewers to see them.' He added: 'Great comedy always comes back to the fundamentals: brilliant characters, sharp jokes, a unique voice. Those are the elements that endure – not massive sets or casts of thousands. 'Our priority is to keep our shows affordable and distinctive, because comedy doesn't need explosions and continuous shots, it needs punchlines, authentic voices, and that gleeful point of view that no algorithm can touch.' Six part series Small Prophets is a comic tale of eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) who, since his darling Clea disappeared seven years ago, has lived a very ordinary life. He eats Shreddies, works in a DIY store, visits dad Brian (Sir Michael Palin) and hopes for Clea to return. Filmed and set in and around Manchester the series incorporates visually stunning animation elements throughout as we tell a story of friendships and hope, the magical and the mundane, and where secrets and lies lurk in a suburban cul-de-sac. Mackenzie Crook said: 'Like all my best ideas, this one has been percolating for nearly a decade and is finally ready to see the light of day. It's wonderful to be working again with my friends Gill Isles and Pearce Quigley and to realise a long-term ambition of collaborating with animators Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson.'
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC commissions new Mackenzie Crook comedy Small Prophets (w/t)
The BBC has commissioned Small Prophets (w/t), a new comedy created, written and directed by BAFTA-winning Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists, Worzel Gummidge) and produced by BAFTA-winning Gill Isles (Car Share, Alma's Not Normal), from Treasure Trove Productions and Blue House Productions. The six-part series is a comic tale of eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) who, since his darling Clea disappeared seven years ago, has lived a very ordinary life. He eats Shreddies, works in a DIY store, visits dad Brian (Sir Michael Palin) and hopes for Clea to return. That is just the way it is, until one day dad Brian shares an old recipe involving rainwater, horse manure and more than a little alchemy. With recipe in hand, Michael sets out (albeit with some scepticism) to create Homunculi - magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future - in the hope they have the answer to his burning question, 'will I ever see Clea again?'. Michael gets help from young work mate Kacey (Lauren Patel), an unlikely friendship that blossoms partly (but not wholly) through their mutual dislike of store manager Gordon (Mackenzie Crook). Their friendship adds to the frustration and intrigue of his nosy neighbours (Sophie Willan, Jon Pointing) who are obsessed with trying to find out what the hell is going on in the garden shed. Small Prophets (w/t) is filmed and set in and around Manchester. The series incorporates visually stunning animation elements throughout as we tell a story of friendships and hope, the magical and the mundane, and where secrets and lies lurk in a suburban cul-de-sac. Mackenzie Crook said: 'Like all my best ideas, this one has been percolating for nearly a decade and is finally ready to see the light of day. It's wonderful to be working again with my friends Gill Isles and Pearce Quigley and to realise a long-term ambition of collaborating with animators Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson.' Gill Isles says: 'I'm absolute thrilled to be working with Mackenzie again on such a funny, beautiful and unique show.' Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, adds: 'BBC viewers are in for a treat with BAFTA winner Mackenzie Crook's Small Prophets. This magical comedy series brims with wit and wonder - from Mackenzie himself and Sir Michael Palin to Sophie Willan, Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel and Jon Pointing - and is backed by a top-tier creative team and stunning animation. It's British comedy at its finest.' Small Prophets (w/t) (6x30) is a Treasure Trove and Blue House production. It has been commissioned by BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie. It is written and directed by Mackenzie Crook. The executive producers are Mackenzie Crook and Lisa Thomas for Treasure Trove Productions and Christine Gernon and Emma Strain for Blue House Productions. The commissioning editor for the BBC is Emma Lawson. Sphere Abacus is the International Distributor. Neil@
