Latest news with #TheCroft
Scotsman
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Liza Goddard: Renowned English actress 'a bit frightened' about debuting Scottish accent in Edinburgh play
Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Actress Liza Goddard has said she is "a bit frightened" to debut her Scottish accent when she performs on stage in Edinburgh next month. The 75-year-old star, who has appeared in TV shows including Doctor Who and Bergerac, as well as 1969 series Take Three Girls, said she had been "trying out" her accent in shops in preparation for playing 19th-century crofter Enid McRae in a production of play The Croft, at the Festival Theatre. The play has already been performed in theatres across England. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms Goddard also revealed she had enlisted the help of Lewis folk singer Dolina Maclennan to help her pronounce some Gaelic phrases required for the part. Based on a true story, The Croft, which also stars Coronation Street and Casualty star Gray O'Brien, charts the life of the last woman to live on a remote croft on the Applecross peninsula. 'I'm a bit frightened about performing in Edinburgh,' Ms Goddard said. 'I've had lots of practice and a very good voice teacher. Sometimes, apparently, I go to Morningside, but mostly I stay in the Highlands. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I quite like accents. I do practice all the time in shops. I don't know why I feel that people in shops are going to say 'oh, you're not Scottish'. But of course, they don't. They're probably accepting of however you talk. Liza Goddard stars as Enid. | The Croft 'So, I don't know if that's a good thing, but I have a happy time being Scottish most of the time.' Ms Goddard added: 'Gray [O'Brien] is very useful because he'll tell me if my vowels are going a bit south.' Mr O'Brien said the pair have a ritual to get Ms Goddard into her Scottish accent before going on stage. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I say 'guid' and she says 'guid' and then I say 'aye' and she says 'aye',' he said. 'Her accent is pretty good. She's so jolly hockey sticks normally that it is funny to see her playing this dour, crofter woman.' He added: 'It's been a really difficult play. It makes you feel guilty that people are turning these old crofts into holiday homes, after all that happened in the Clearances. I know the audience in Edinburgh will have a good awareness of that. I'm not sure how much our audiences in England knew before.' The Croft writer Ali Milles was inspired by stories of local women told at the Applecross visitor centre. The play moves between the life of Ms McRae, in the 1870s, to modern times, when other characters stay at a holiday home next door to Ms McRae's remote croft. Ms Goddard said she had called on Ms Maclennan, a friend of Scottish actor John Bett, to help her with the Gaelic lines. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Liza Goddard, while appearing in Bergerac in 1997 | PA She said: 'She very kindly recorded it for me so I could then practice. I feel confident doing it all because of her. It'll be a great treat to meet her when she comes to Edinburgh to see the play.' Director Alastair Whatley said he found the location a "really spooky place" when he visited out of season to get a feel for the area before starting work on the play. He recounted finding himself in the Applecross Inn with just one other guest. 'I went up and I visited it a few times, and it's an amazing, beautiful place,' he said. 'But when it's raining and it's dark and you're on your own, it's a really spooky place.' Mr Whatley said of staying at the award-winning Applecross Inn: 'It was just me and one other guest, who I never met, and the owners. It was the off season and nothing was open out there, and it was pouring with rain. It was really kind of bleak, but also magical, it was quite easy to get into the play.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He added: 'There's something about it, particularly when you learn the history and the tragedy that's come its way, which is quite powerful.'
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Exploring Tamil Nadu's deep South: A three-day road trip through Valparai, Thoothukudi, and Nagercoil
There are road trips you take to escape, and then there are road trips that remind you why the journey matters. Our three-day drive through the deep South of Tamil Nadu — covering Valparai, Thoothukudi, and Nagercoil — was one such experience. An exploration of lesser-known destinations, framed by winding mountain roads, coastal serenity, and jungle escapes. Choosing the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 for this drive was not just about comfort or luxury — it was about enabling a journey that spanned terrain as varied as tea country, sun-scorched coastlines, and dense tropical jungles. With its blend of power, elegance, and intelligent technology, the GLC became more than our mode of transport — it became a trusted companion. It absorbed the miles with grace, offered a commanding view of the road ahead, and effortlessly transitioned from smooth highways to broken trails. Tamil Nadu is a driver's dream. With wide, well-paved highways and scenic backroads that snake through some of the most underrated terrains in the country, it is a state that rewards those who love the road as much as the destination. Day 1: The Road to Valparai — Into the hills We began our journey in Coimbatore, heading toward the mist-draped haven of Valparai, nestled high in the Anamalai Hills. The climb to Valparai is the stuff of road trip legends — 40 hairpin bends twisting through forests and tea plantations, flanked by towering trees and deep valleys. The drive was engaging yet smooth, with the GLC's poised handling and plush cabin making it even more enjoyable. Things to Do in Valparai Aliyar dam and viewpoint – The ideal stop to take in the view before the ascent. Loam's view point – Breath-taking panoramic vistas over the plains below. Nirar dam and Sholayar forest reserve – Ideal for quiet walks and spontaneous wildlife sightings. Tea garden trails – Drive or walk through the misty plantations. Day 2: Valparai to Thoothukudi – Salt flats, seafood and boutique luxury Leaving the hills behind, we made our way toward Thoothukudi. The landscape shifted dramatically — tea estates gave way to palm-fringed fields, open plains, and eventually salt pans shimmering in the sun. The drive was long, but the GLC's adaptive cruise control and refined ride kept fatigue at bay. Thoothukudi is a city of contrasts: a working port with raw energy, set against the calm rhythm of the coast. We chose to stay at The Croft, a boutique property tucked a little outside town. Built with refined simplicity and an eye for design, it served as the perfect base to unwind. And then there was the food. Fresh seafood dominates menus here — think grilled prawns, fiery crab masala, and delicately cooked seer fish with southern spices. It is not fine dining, but it is fresh, authentic, and memorable. Things to Do in Thoothukudi Manapad coastline – A dramatic, less-visited coastal stretch with cliffside views. Salt pan drives – Especially striking at sunrise or dusk, these make for surreal photo ops. Harbour walk – Soak in the local flavour and the hum of maritime life. Day 3: Thoothukudi to Nagercoil – Jungle trails and land's end The final leg of the journey took us South-West to Nagercoil, a town tucked between the Western Ghats and the coastline, just shy of the tip of the Indian subcontinent. The terrain became greener, denser. We detoured into jungle paths near Keeriparai, a forested region that offered us our most off-road-heavy drive of the trip. Here, the GLC's off-road tech came into its own. With the transparent bonnet view showing us hidden rocks and dips, we navigated narrow forest tracks with surprising ease. It is rare to combine luxury with confidence in such terrain, but the GLC managed to deliver both. Driving out to Land's End felt symbolic. The road narrows as it hugs the coastline, revealing views of the sea that seem endless. It was the perfect place to bring the journey to a close — peaceful, expansive, and humbling. Things to Do in Nagercoil: Land's End drive (Kanyakumari) – A scenic drive down to the southernmost point of India. Chothavilai beach – A serene, crowd-free spot with clean sands and gentle waves. Vattakottai fort – An old coastal fort with commanding views of the sea and countryside. Keeriparai jungle trails – Ideal for those who love a bit of adventure. Falling in love with the road This was more than a scenic drive. It was a deep dive into the varied landscapes and textures of Tamil Nadu's South — a land of misty hills, salt-swept plains, and verdant forests. Each place offered a different rhythm, and each road told a different story. While the destinations were the heroes of this journey, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 enabled it with quiet competence and consistent comfort. It allowed us to soak in the experience without ever worrying about what lay ahead — be it a winding hill road or a jungle trail. For those who love driving, Tamil Nadu offers a treasure trove of routes and getaways. And with the right vehicle, the journey itself becomes a destination.
Web Release
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at The Croft from 14th to 17th of March
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at The Croft from 14th to 17th of March This St. Patrick's Day, The Croft, located inside Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, is bringing a lively dose of Irish cheer to Dubai! From 14th to 17th March, the city's popular British eatery invites guests to enjoy a festive celebration filled with delicious Irish-inspired bites, refreshing brews, and vibrant green cocktails, all served in a warm, laid-back yet lively atmosphere. The highlight of the celebration is the special St. Paddy Slider & Irish Brew combo, available for only AED 99. Guests can choose from three slider options of Vegetarian, Beef or Chicken, each perfectly paired with a chilled brew. Available from 4pm to 11pm, this offering is the perfect way to kick off your St. Patrick's Day festivities. To keep the Irish spirit flowing, The Croft will also be serving exclusive St. Patrick's inspired green cocktails at just AED 49 each. Sip on limited-edition creations like the Celtic Kiss, The Green Fairy, Guinness Flip, and Shamrock Sour, each as festive as it is flavourful, adding a fun and vibrant touch to the celebrations. Set against the stunning backdrop of Dubai Marina, The Croft's inviting ambience and friendly vibe make it the ideal spot to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. With great food, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, The Croft promises a memorable experience for all. St. Patrick's Day at The Croft Overview Date: 14th – 17th of March Time: 4pm – 11pm Offer: AED 99 – St. Paddy's Sliders with Irish Brew AED 49 – Exclusive Green Cocktails For restaurant bookings, please contact the team on +971 4 319 4000 or email [email protected]. For more information, please visit
What's On
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Here's how Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotels & Suites is celebrating February
Sponsored: Valentine's Day, ladies' night, a beef and bourbon night, and more… Want to celebrate February? There are several ways to do it at Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites. From a newly refined beef and bourbon night to celebrating Valentine's Day, a bingo night, and more… Here's how Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotels & Suites is celebrating this month The Croft On Valentine's Day, you can enjoy an evening brunch with live entertainment with a delightful British feast for Dhs333 per person (with food only). Brunch runs from 7pm to 10pm. And who doesn't love a game of bingo? At The Croft, keep up as you tick away at numbers while indulging in award-winning British fare. The competitive fun takes place every Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm out on the terrace, backed by breathtaking marina views. Observatory Lounge For the single folk in the city, book a spot at Single Soiree – a brunch for individuals seeking a vibrant and engaging social experience. On February 14, from 8pm to 12am you can enjoy a fusion of Asian and Latin American cuisines, live entertainment, and cool vibes and views of Palm Jumeirah. There's seasame tuna, miso-glazed salmon and more on the menu. Prices start from Dhs350 with soft drinks. On Wednesday, bring the ladies together for Femme Fusion and enjoy unlimited sips, bites, and live entertainment for two hours for Dhs195. Gents, for you, it's Dhs295. Prime52 Prime52, an upscale steak house is offering a bespoke seven-course Valentine's Day dinner for Dhs795 per couple. In the offer, you will get to enjoy a glass of bubbly each while tucking into avocado king crab roll, wagyu steak tartare with caviar, surf and turf, and the finest turbo fillet and westholme wagyu with sides. Dinner begins at 6pm. Be quick to book, as the first 20 couples will receive an exclusive gift box filled with delightful surprises. Prime52 has also unveiled a refined beef and bourbon night – the ultimate gentleman's night. On the night, gents can enjoy a selection of striploin, tenderloin, and ribeye steaks with sides and sauces for just Dhs842 for two. Pair it with a flight of bourbon or a bottle of house red grape. The deal takes place every Wednesday from 6pm to 11pm. To book or to find out more, contact at 04 319 4000 or email eatatharbour@
