Latest news with #SamuelWest
The Guardian
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Brighton Rock by Graham Greene audiobook review – Sam West captures the menace of this modern classic
We are not short of audio versions of Brighton Rock, Graham Greene's classic thriller from 1938 set in the eponymous seaside town. Past narrators have included Jacob Fortune‑Lloyd, Richard Brown and Tom O'Bedlam, and that's before you get to the various radio dramatisations. But few can match this narration from the Howards End actor Samuel West, first recorded in 2011, which captures the menace and seediness that runs through Greene's novel. It tells of 17-year-old Pinkie Brown, a razor-wielding hoodlum who is trying to cover up the murder of a journalist, Charles 'Fred' Hale, killed by his gang in revenge for a story he wrote on Pinkie's now deceased boss, Kite. Pinkie sets about wooing Rose, a naive young waitress who unwittingly saw something that could implicate him in the murder. His plan is to marry her to prevent her testifying against him. But he doesn't bargain for the doggedness of Ida Arnold, a middle-aged lounge singer who smells of 'soap and wine' and who happened to meet Hale on the day he was killed. On learning of his death, Ida refuses to believe the reports that he died of natural causes. She resolves not only to bring his killer to justice but to protect Rose from a terrible fate. Brighton Rock is one of several Greene audiobooks being rereleased this year by Penguin; others include The Quiet American (narrated by Simon Cadell), Travels With My Aunt (Tim Pigott-Smith), The Power and the Glory (Andrew Sachs) and The Heart of the Matter (Michael Kitchen). Available via Penguin Audio, 9hr 10min Normally Weird and Weirdly NormalRobin Ince, Macmillan, 9hr 7minInspired by his ADHD diagnosis, the co-presenter of Radio 4's science comedy The Infinite Monkey Cage investigates neurodiversity and asks: what does it mean to be normal? Read by the author. It's Probably NothingNaga Munchetty, HarperCollins, 11hr 33minMunchetty narrates her memoir-cum-polemic about her struggles with adenomyosis and the enduring problem of medical misogyny.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Actor Timothy West 'died peacefully' after hospital stay
Actor Timothy West died "peacefully with his family around him" at a care home where he was being looked after following a fall, an inquest has who was married to actress Prunella Scales for more than 60 years, appeared in TV sitcoms Not Going Out, dramas such as Bleak House and Gentleman Jack, and soaps Coronation Street and Coroner's Court heard the Bradford-born actor had had a fall on 11 August last year, which resulted in a "significant traumatic brain injury".Assistant coroner Ellie Oakley said he had been treated in hospital for about three months before being moved to Wandsworth Common Care Home where he was receiving palliative care before his death on 12 November. She said: "It is not possible to determine how the fall happened and there is no evidence of others being involved."Unfortunately he was not well enough to be discharged to his home despite receiving appropriate care in the care home."The care home's general manager, Thomas Holden, said in a statement read out at the inquest: "On 12 November his family were with him all day."They continued to stay with him in his room during the evening and he passed away peacefully with his family around him at 19:20."In a statement announcing his death last year, West's children Juliet, Samuel and Joseph said: "After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old."He leaves his wife, Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly." West and Scales, 92, who played Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, appeared in the documentary series Great Canal Journeys between 2014 and 2021, which saw them travelling on couple married in 1963 and had two sons, Samuel and was also married to actor Jacqueline Boyer from 1956 to 1961, and they had a daughter, Juliet. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legal battle brews over San Francisco's ‘Museum of Failure'
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - A legal dispute is unfolding over the newly opened Museum of Failure, a pop-up exhibit at Fisherman's Wharf showcasing infamous product flops such as Crystal Pepsi and fish-flavored cat water. What we know The museum, owned by See Global, is facing accusations from Samuel West, a Sweden-based psychologist who originally came up with the concept and operates a website under the same name. West has reportedly called the San Francisco location a fraud, while See Global maintains that it holds the trademark rights to the name. "We are the only true Museum of Failure," said museum spokesperson David Perry. "We have the legal papers to prove it. We have sued Dr. West, and he has since disappeared. We can't find him to serve him papers." Despite the controversy, the museum launched with a soft opening on Thursday, drawing in curious visitors. On display, everything from Colgate's ill-fated frozen lasagna to a hula chair marketed as an effortless way to work out while sitting. "There are so many different things, and it's fascinating," said visitor Laurie Gossy. "It's like something I never knew existed." The museum's owner says failure should be embraced, not avoided. "The message of this museum is that it's okay to fail," said Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE Global. What's next The Museum of Failure remains set for its grand opening on April 11th at Fisherman's Wharf.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Excitement for fans as filming for series six of popular TV show begins
Fans of All Creatures Great and Small have reason to celebrate as filming for the highly anticipated sixth season has officially begun. The beloved drama, which brings to life James Herriot's timeless veterinary stories, has returned to the breathtaking landscapes of Yorkshire for another instalment. I'm posting this again for clicks Because we've started Series Six. Although my tweets are rarer now Concerning horse and sheep and cow, I'll do my best and try to post Some stuff to keep you all engrossed. — Samuel West 💙💛 (@exitthelemming) February 24, 2025 Samuel West, who portrays Siegfried Farnon, confirmed the news in a lighthearted post on Twitter, sharing a poetic update: "I'm posting this again for clicks Because we've started Series Six. Although my tweets are rarer now Concerning horse and sheep and cow, I'll do my best and try to post Some stuff to keep you all engrossed." The show's official Instagram page also made the announcement, posting a photo of a clapperboard with the caption: 'Attention #ACGAS fans. Exciting news – the cast and crew have officially kicked off filming for Season 6 in beautiful Yorkshire today! We can't wait to return to Darrowby with all of you soon.' The news has been met with enthusiasm from fans, many of whom took to social media to share their excitement. Comments flooded in with messages like, 'Brilliant news!' and 'Can't wait for the new season!' #ACGAS Series 6 🎥✅ — All Creatures Great and Small (@AllCreaturesTV) February 24, 2025 Although an official release date has yet to be announced, if the past seasons are any indication, the new episodes are expected to air in the autumn. Returning cast members include Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot, Rachel Shenton as Helen Alderson, Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon, Anna Madeley as Mrs. Hall, and Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon. James Anthony-Rose will reprise his role as Richard Carmody, while Patricia Hodge returns as the lovable Mrs. Pumphrey. The previous season concluded with significant developments: James Herriot reunited with Helen and their baby after being deemed unfit for RAF service due to brucellosis. Recommended reading: Tears for a clown – farewell to Malcolm Singleton, alias Darlington's 'Tommy Bungle' Sadness as popular County Durham bar announces immediate closure of venue Mother tried to smuggle drugs into North East prison when visiting her son Meanwhile, Mrs. Hall contributed to the war effort as a blackout warden, Richard Carmody was offered a place in a research program at Imperial College London, and Siegfried welcomed Tristan back to Darrowby. While Channel 5 has yet to reveal any plot details for season six, fans can expect more heartfelt moments, touching animal stories, and the continued camaraderie of the Skeldale House residents. With the cast expressing their joy at returning to work together, anticipation for the new season continues to build. All Creatures Great and Small remains a treasured series, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and the charm of the Yorkshire Dales to audiences worldwide.
