Latest news with #Scar
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The West End Hercules is full of wit and energy – but Hades stole the show
I WAS swept headfirst into Ancient Greece like a thunderbolt from Zeus himself - straight into a world of gods, grandeur and glittering choruses. Inspired by the iconic '90s cartoon, this modern revamp of Disney's Hercules was a visual feast packed with sass, sparkle and out-of-this-world vocals. 8 8 8 It's got laugh-out-loud comedy, whip-smart one-liners, and enough feel-good vibes to make even Hades crack a smile. It's a mythological mash-up bursting with energy, attitude and family-friendly fun - no matter your age, you'll leave grinning like Hercules after lifting Mount Olympus one-handed. It had all the songs you loved from the original film - plus fresh new tunes that hit harder than Hades' mood swings. While the show bursts with insane vocals and dazzling visuals - it's the villain who steals the limelight. With a devilish grin, razor-sharp one-liners and show-stopping swagger, Hades lights up the stage like the underworld on fire. Hades gave full pantomime villain - and I was living for it The sass, the sneers, the deliciously devilish energy - it all reminded me of another Disney icon: Scar from The Lion King. You know, the shady uncle with the silky voice, major superiority complex and a flair for the dramatic. So when I clocked that the actor Stephen Carile once played Scar on Broadway, it all made sense – the evil excellence was second nature. Sure, I missed the classic flaming blue hair - but the menacing energy was spot on and he owned that stage! The actor took Hades to a whole new level – becoming the ultimate scene-stealing baddie we love to hate. From the moment the Muses belted their first note - I was hooked Those talented ladies lit up the stage with god-tier vocals, sparkling stage presence and storytelling. They delivered powerhouse performances packed with soul, sass and serious talent. You felt like witnessing something truly magical. Pure vocal perfection - and easily the highlight of the whole night. Meanwhile, Hercules (Luke Brady) had the god-like charm and vocals to match - but let's just say emotional depth wasn't exactly his superpower. Meg (Mae Ann Jorolan), on the other hand, was a total scene-stealer. She brought back all the iconic sass we loved from the original - but dialled it up with killer sarcasm and added one-liners about dating that had the crowd howling. The sets were bigger and bolder than you can imagine They whisk you from the moody depths of the underworld to a rose garden so romantic it would make Cupid blush. It was a full-blown visual feast – a riot of colour, dazzling lights and eye-popping textures. The special effects were pure magic as mythical beasts were brought to life. And the character costumes? On point. Hera finally gets her moment Unlike the film - where she barely gets a word in - the stage version lets the queen of the gods strut her stuff. Dressed to slay, she delivers some brilliant banter with Zeus and even dishes out the advice that sets her son Hercules back on track. About time, eh? Meanwhile, Zeus is as helpful as a sunbed in the Sahara. Why not 5 stars? As a Disney superfan, I love it when an adaptation is faithful to the original story, but there were a couple of major moments from the animated classic that were nowhere to be seen in the stage show. Some of the magic got left behind - including the flying favourite Pegasus. The mythical winged horse is a huge part of the 1997 film, and I was hoping to see him soar above the stage. But no such luck. Sure, I get that it's tricky - but Wicked manages to levitate a broom, and Back To The Future has a flying DeLorean. They could've made it work. Also missing? The epic Titans battle, which was completely scrapped - despite being one of the film's most jaw-dropping sequences. It would've been a visual knockout - but instead, it felt like the show fizzled out just when it should've peaked. So, if you're expecting every magical moment from the film, prepare to be a little underwhelmed. The plot also felt a little rushed - sprinting through scenes faster than Hermes on a caffeine high. Although it was action-packed and bursting with brilliant one-liners, there was barely a second to breathe – or laugh – before we were hurtling into the next big moment. The pace was so full-on, I was scared to blink in case I missed something golden. The story missed those quiet, soul-searching moments where the characters could reflect and reveal more of their inner worlds. Still, if you like your theatre like a double espresso - quick, punchy and full of flavour - this one's for you. Disney might've hit pause on their live-action remakes, but thankfully, that rule doesn't apply to gods or stage shows - because Hercules was an absolute musical feast for the ears and eyes. Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London ★★★★ 8 8 8 8 8
7NEWS
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
INXS' Never Tear Us Apart wins top gong in Hottest Aussie 100
Australian power ballad Never Tear Us Apart by 1980s rock royalty INXS has taken out the title of number one song on Triple J's special edition Hottest 100 countdown dedicated to Australian artists. Audiences have been voting for months to reveal Australia's favourite song in the annual countdown that showcases some of the nation's best homegrown music talent. Celebrating on behalf of the band, founding member and drummer Jon Farriss joined the radio station on Saturday night to reflect on the win. 'We feel so blessed and we're very grateful,' Farriss said. Australian hip hop royalty The Hilltop Hoods came in at number two with their 2003 hit The Nosebleed Section. Queensland pop duo The Veronicas and their 2007 hit Untouched, Missy Higgins' breakout 2004 single Scar and Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House rounded out the top five. Reflecting on their number three spot, Jess and Lisa Origliasso said for 'just two girls from Brisbane', the countdown had brought them to tears. 'We're on top of the world right now ... this is such a huge honour for us,' Jess Origliasso said. Higgins also joined the radio station, telling presenters she couldn't believe Scar still resonated with Australian audiences more than 20 years since its debut. 'I can't quite believe it — I feel like the luckiest person ever,' she said moments after the song was played. The countdown is typically comprised of the best songs of the year from all over the world but the youth station hosted a special mid-year poll dedicated to Aussie artists and tracks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Belgian-born Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Gotye squeezed in to cinch the number 10 spot with his 2011 hit Somebody That I Used To Know. Other notable mentions included Australian music great John Farnham, voted in at number 15 with his 1986 hit You're the Voice. Daryl Braithwaite's The Horses came in at number 30, with Natalie Imbruglia's Torn voted in at 32. More than 2.65 million votes were tallied for the countdown, the station's fourth-largest poll, according to the broadcaster. Eight tracks in the countdown were separated by fewer than 10 votes, and only 30 votes separated songs 100 and 101. The countdown kicked off at 10am AEST on Saturday and wrapped at 8pm. HOTTEST 100 TOP TEN SONGS INXS - Never Tear Us Apart (1987) The Nosebleed Section - Hilltop Hoods (2003) The Veronicas - Untouched (2007) Missy Higgins - Scar (2004) Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over (1986) Powderfinger - My Happiness (2000) Cold Chisel - Flame Trees (1984) Cold Chisel - Khe Sanh (1978) Paul Kelly - How to Make Gravy (1996) Gotye (featuring Kimbra) - Somebody That I Used to Know (2011)
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
INXS win Hottest Aussie 100 with Never Tear Us Apart
Aussie power ballad Never Tear Us Apart by 1980s rock royalty INXS has taken out the title of number one song on Triple J's special edition Hottest 100 countdown dedicated to Australian artists. Audiences have been voting for months to reveal Australia's favourite song in the annual countdown that showcases some of the nation's best homegrown music talent. Celebrating on behalf of the band, founding member and drummer Jon Farriss joined the radio station on Saturday night to reflect on the win. "We feel so blessed and we're very grateful," Farriss said. Australian hip hop royalty The Hilltop Hoods came in at number two with their 2003 hit The Nosebleed Section. Queensland pop duo The Veronicas and their 2007 hit Untouched, Missy Higgins' breakout 2004 single Scar and Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House rounded out the top five. Reflecting on their number three spot, Jess and Lisa Origliasso said for "just two girls from Brisbane", the countdown had brought them to tears. "We're on top of the world right now ... this is such a huge honour for us," Jess Origliasso said. Higgins also joined the radio station, telling presenters she couldn't believe Scar still resonated with Australian audiences more than 20 years since its debut. "I can't quite believe it - I feel like the luckiest person ever," she said moments after the song was played. The countdown is typically comprised of the best songs of the year from all over the world but the youth station hosted a special mid-year poll dedicated to Aussie artists and tracks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Belgian-born Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Gotye squeezed in to cinch the number 10 spot with his 2011 hit Somebody That I Used To Know. Other notable mentions included Australian music great John Farnham, voted in at number 15 with his 1986 hit You're the Voice. Daryl Braithwaite's The Horses came in at number 30, with Natalie Imbruglia's Torn voted in at 32. More than 2.65 million votes were tallied for the countdown, the station's fourth-largest poll, according to the broadcaster. Eight tracks in the countdown were separated by fewer than 10 votes and only 30 votes separated songs 100 and 101. The countdown kicked off at 10am AEST on Saturday and wrapped at 8pm. * HOTTEST 100 TOP TEN SONGS 1. INXS - Never Tear Us Apart (1987) 2. The Nosebleed Section - Hilltop Hoods (2003) 3. The Veronicas - Untouched (2007) 4. Missy Higgins - Scar (2004) 5. Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over (1986) 6. Powderfinger - My Happiness (2000) 7. Cold Chisel - Flame Trees (1984) 8. Cold Chisel - Khe Sanh (1978) 9. Paul Kelly - How to Make Gravy (1996) 10. Gotye (featuring Kimbra) - Somebody That I Used to Know (2011) Aussie power ballad Never Tear Us Apart by 1980s rock royalty INXS has taken out the title of number one song on Triple J's special edition Hottest 100 countdown dedicated to Australian artists. Audiences have been voting for months to reveal Australia's favourite song in the annual countdown that showcases some of the nation's best homegrown music talent. Celebrating on behalf of the band, founding member and drummer Jon Farriss joined the radio station on Saturday night to reflect on the win. "We feel so blessed and we're very grateful," Farriss said. Australian hip hop royalty The Hilltop Hoods came in at number two with their 2003 hit The Nosebleed Section. Queensland pop duo The Veronicas and their 2007 hit Untouched, Missy Higgins' breakout 2004 single Scar and Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House rounded out the top five. Reflecting on their number three spot, Jess and Lisa Origliasso said for "just two girls from Brisbane", the countdown had brought them to tears. "We're on top of the world right now ... this is such a huge honour for us," Jess Origliasso said. Higgins also joined the radio station, telling presenters she couldn't believe Scar still resonated with Australian audiences more than 20 years since its debut. "I can't quite believe it - I feel like the luckiest person ever," she said moments after the song was played. The countdown is typically comprised of the best songs of the year from all over the world but the youth station hosted a special mid-year poll dedicated to Aussie artists and tracks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Belgian-born Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Gotye squeezed in to cinch the number 10 spot with his 2011 hit Somebody That I Used To Know. Other notable mentions included Australian music great John Farnham, voted in at number 15 with his 1986 hit You're the Voice. Daryl Braithwaite's The Horses came in at number 30, with Natalie Imbruglia's Torn voted in at 32. More than 2.65 million votes were tallied for the countdown, the station's fourth-largest poll, according to the broadcaster. Eight tracks in the countdown were separated by fewer than 10 votes and only 30 votes separated songs 100 and 101. The countdown kicked off at 10am AEST on Saturday and wrapped at 8pm. * HOTTEST 100 TOP TEN SONGS 1. INXS - Never Tear Us Apart (1987) 2. The Nosebleed Section - Hilltop Hoods (2003) 3. The Veronicas - Untouched (2007) 4. Missy Higgins - Scar (2004) 5. Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over (1986) 6. Powderfinger - My Happiness (2000) 7. Cold Chisel - Flame Trees (1984) 8. Cold Chisel - Khe Sanh (1978) 9. Paul Kelly - How to Make Gravy (1996) 10. Gotye (featuring Kimbra) - Somebody That I Used to Know (2011) Aussie power ballad Never Tear Us Apart by 1980s rock royalty INXS has taken out the title of number one song on Triple J's special edition Hottest 100 countdown dedicated to Australian artists. Audiences have been voting for months to reveal Australia's favourite song in the annual countdown that showcases some of the nation's best homegrown music talent. Celebrating on behalf of the band, founding member and drummer Jon Farriss joined the radio station on Saturday night to reflect on the win. "We feel so blessed and we're very grateful," Farriss said. Australian hip hop royalty The Hilltop Hoods came in at number two with their 2003 hit The Nosebleed Section. Queensland pop duo The Veronicas and their 2007 hit Untouched, Missy Higgins' breakout 2004 single Scar and Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House rounded out the top five. Reflecting on their number three spot, Jess and Lisa Origliasso said for "just two girls from Brisbane", the countdown had brought them to tears. "We're on top of the world right now ... this is such a huge honour for us," Jess Origliasso said. Higgins also joined the radio station, telling presenters she couldn't believe Scar still resonated with Australian audiences more than 20 years since its debut. "I can't quite believe it - I feel like the luckiest person ever," she said moments after the song was played. The countdown is typically comprised of the best songs of the year from all over the world but the youth station hosted a special mid-year poll dedicated to Aussie artists and tracks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Belgian-born Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Gotye squeezed in to cinch the number 10 spot with his 2011 hit Somebody That I Used To Know. Other notable mentions included Australian music great John Farnham, voted in at number 15 with his 1986 hit You're the Voice. Daryl Braithwaite's The Horses came in at number 30, with Natalie Imbruglia's Torn voted in at 32. More than 2.65 million votes were tallied for the countdown, the station's fourth-largest poll, according to the broadcaster. Eight tracks in the countdown were separated by fewer than 10 votes and only 30 votes separated songs 100 and 101. The countdown kicked off at 10am AEST on Saturday and wrapped at 8pm. * HOTTEST 100 TOP TEN SONGS 1. INXS - Never Tear Us Apart (1987) 2. The Nosebleed Section - Hilltop Hoods (2003) 3. The Veronicas - Untouched (2007) 4. Missy Higgins - Scar (2004) 5. Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over (1986) 6. Powderfinger - My Happiness (2000) 7. Cold Chisel - Flame Trees (1984) 8. Cold Chisel - Khe Sanh (1978) 9. Paul Kelly - How to Make Gravy (1996) 10. Gotye (featuring Kimbra) - Somebody That I Used to Know (2011) Aussie power ballad Never Tear Us Apart by 1980s rock royalty INXS has taken out the title of number one song on Triple J's special edition Hottest 100 countdown dedicated to Australian artists. Audiences have been voting for months to reveal Australia's favourite song in the annual countdown that showcases some of the nation's best homegrown music talent. Celebrating on behalf of the band, founding member and drummer Jon Farriss joined the radio station on Saturday night to reflect on the win. "We feel so blessed and we're very grateful," Farriss said. Australian hip hop royalty The Hilltop Hoods came in at number two with their 2003 hit The Nosebleed Section. Queensland pop duo The Veronicas and their 2007 hit Untouched, Missy Higgins' breakout 2004 single Scar and Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House rounded out the top five. Reflecting on their number three spot, Jess and Lisa Origliasso said for "just two girls from Brisbane", the countdown had brought them to tears. "We're on top of the world right now ... this is such a huge honour for us," Jess Origliasso said. Higgins also joined the radio station, telling presenters she couldn't believe Scar still resonated with Australian audiences more than 20 years since its debut. "I can't quite believe it - I feel like the luckiest person ever," she said moments after the song was played. The countdown is typically comprised of the best songs of the year from all over the world but the youth station hosted a special mid-year poll dedicated to Aussie artists and tracks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Belgian-born Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Gotye squeezed in to cinch the number 10 spot with his 2011 hit Somebody That I Used To Know. Other notable mentions included Australian music great John Farnham, voted in at number 15 with his 1986 hit You're the Voice. Daryl Braithwaite's The Horses came in at number 30, with Natalie Imbruglia's Torn voted in at 32. More than 2.65 million votes were tallied for the countdown, the station's fourth-largest poll, according to the broadcaster. Eight tracks in the countdown were separated by fewer than 10 votes and only 30 votes separated songs 100 and 101. The countdown kicked off at 10am AEST on Saturday and wrapped at 8pm. * HOTTEST 100 TOP TEN SONGS 1. INXS - Never Tear Us Apart (1987) 2. The Nosebleed Section - Hilltop Hoods (2003) 3. The Veronicas - Untouched (2007) 4. Missy Higgins - Scar (2004) 5. Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over (1986) 6. Powderfinger - My Happiness (2000) 7. Cold Chisel - Flame Trees (1984) 8. Cold Chisel - Khe Sanh (1978) 9. Paul Kelly - How to Make Gravy (1996) 10. Gotye (featuring Kimbra) - Somebody That I Used to Know (2011)
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
INXS win Hottest Aussie 100 with Never Tear Us Apart
Aussie power ballad Never Tear Us Apart by 1980s rock royalty INXS has taken out the title of number one song on Triple J's special edition Hottest 100 countdown dedicated to Australian artists. Audiences have been voting for months to reveal Australia's favourite song in the annual countdown that showcases some of the nation's best homegrown music talent. Celebrating on behalf of the band, founding member and drummer Jon Farriss joined the radio station on Saturday night to reflect on the win. "We feel so blessed and we're very grateful," Farriss said. Australian hip hop royalty The Hilltop Hoods came in at number two with their 2003 hit The Nosebleed Section. Queensland pop duo The Veronicas and their 2007 hit Untouched, Missy Higgins' breakout 2004 single Scar and Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House rounded out the top five. Reflecting on their number three spot, Jess and Lisa Origliasso said for "just two girls from Brisbane", the countdown had brought them to tears. "We're on top of the world right now ... this is such a huge honour for us," Jess Origliasso said. Higgins also joined the radio station, telling presenters she couldn't believe Scar still resonated with Australian audiences more than 20 years since its debut. "I can't quite believe it - I feel like the luckiest person ever," she said moments after the song was played. The countdown is typically comprised of the best songs of the year from all over the world but the youth station hosted a special mid-year poll dedicated to Aussie artists and tracks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Belgian-born Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Gotye squeezed in to cinch the number 10 spot with his 2011 hit Somebody That I Used To Know. Other notable mentions included Australian music great John Farnham, voted in at number 15 with his 1986 hit You're the Voice. Daryl Braithwaite's The Horses came in at number 30, with Natalie Imbruglia's Torn voted in at 32. More than 2.65 million votes were tallied for the countdown, the station's fourth-largest poll, according to the broadcaster. Eight tracks in the countdown were separated by fewer than 10 votes and only 30 votes separated songs 100 and 101. The countdown kicked off at 10am AEST on Saturday and wrapped at 8pm. * HOTTEST 100 TOP TEN SONGS 1. INXS - Never Tear Us Apart (1987) 2. The Nosebleed Section - Hilltop Hoods (2003) 3. The Veronicas - Untouched (2007) 4. Missy Higgins - Scar (2004) 5. Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over (1986) 6. Powderfinger - My Happiness (2000) 7. Cold Chisel - Flame Trees (1984) 8. Cold Chisel - Khe Sanh (1978) 9. Paul Kelly - How to Make Gravy (1996) 10. Gotye (featuring Kimbra) - Somebody That I Used to Know (2011)
Global News
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
Magic of ‘The Lion King' comes to life at the Jubilee Auditorium
Based on the 1994 Disney animated film, Broadway favourite The Lion King has taken over the stage of the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. This isn't just any musical — bringing to life the royal coming-of-age story based on Shakespeare's Hamlet, reimagined to feature a pride of lions in Africa, as a live production is no easy task. View image in full screen The character of Simba in Broadway Across Canada's 'The Lion King.' 1 Humans transform into hyenas, birds, gazelles and, of course, lions, while other cast members control larger-than-life puppets of giraffes and elephants. Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen Puppeteers performing in Broadway Across Canada's 'The Lion King.' 1 Michael Reilly has been the puppet supervisor for the touring production of The Lion King since 1999. 'I'm in charge of 230 puppets, a lot of different styles of puppets. Anything that could possibly happen to them is my job to fix,' Reilly said. 'I just love being backstage and putting all that work into something. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'You throw it out on stage, and you watch, and you hear that audience reaction, especially after Circle of Life.'' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "You throw it out on stage, and you watch, and you hear that audience reaction, especially after Circle of Life."' View image in full screen The ensemble of Broadway Across Canada's 'The Lion King.' 1 Everything in the production is made by hand. Story continues below advertisement 'That means that they can break pretty easily, because they're all very, very delicate and very, very light — so a lot of carbon fiber,' Reilly explained. View image in full screen Bringing the magic of The Lion King to life on stage. 1 The actors are the puppeteers and some of the puppets have an additional electronic element — like Scar. 'He's built around all these wires and all these mechanical boxes,' said Peter Hargrave, the actor who plays Scar. Hargrave guides Scar's movements with a finger control. 'There's a little 'go' button on the side that makes the mask go out — this is when Scar is feeling angry, more animalistic in his nature,' Hargrave explained. Hargrave has played Scar for three years. He said there's a learning curve, but everyone knows their puppets so intricately. Story continues below advertisement 'We have dancers that come into the show that learn to walk on stilts as a giraffe. Everybody's just learning a very specific thing,' he said. View image in full screen A giraffe puppeteer performing in Broadway Across Canada's 'The Lion King.' 1 When it all comes together on stage, it's a spectacle. 'It's just a celebration of language, it's a celebration of dance, it's a celebration of puppetry, and it's all based in this really nostalgic, familiar tale that means so much to us,' Hargrave said. Broadway Across Canada's The Lion King plays in Edmonton at the Jubilee Auditorium until July 27th.
