Latest news with #TheEntertainer
South Wales Argus
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Lost music score for John Osborne's The Entertainer found
More than 50 years after it was last performed with its original musical score, Off Centre Theatre in Monmouth has painstakingly revived the full orchestral score for the play, originally penned by Oscar-winning composer John Addison. Mr Osborne, a notable modern British playwright with family connections in Newport, was passionate about music halls, and this interest is reflected in the play. The original production, which hit the stage in 1957, featured Laurence Olivier and Joan Plowright. Mr Osborne crafted the songs, and Mr Addison arranged them, also creating overtures and incidental music for a band, all in the authentic music hall style. However, when Off Centre Theatre's director, Martin Newman, secured the rights to stage the play, he was surprised to receive only the piano score. The full band score had been lost and most performances since then have relied solely on the piano. After discovering that the copyright holders, Samuel French, had no record of the complete score, the diligent search for the music began. Despite thorough research in UK archives and collections yielding no results, the local production team traced part of the composer's own papers to the Brigham Young University library in Utah. Dr. David Day and his team at the university unearthed a long-unopened box labelled 'The Entertainer,' which contained 122 pages of the original manuscript music. The theatre group received the scanned manuscript, which then underwent a complex restoration process. With the expertise of the production's musical director, Ian Russell, a former principal player with the Welsh National Opera Orchestra, the faded manuscript pages have been converted into usable parts for a band. The revival of the score has been hailed as an historic achievement for the small-town theatre group. The production will feature a live band playing the authentic music, possibly for the first time in more than half a century. Off Centre Theatre's presentation of The Entertainer will be staged at the Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, for three nights on June 19, 20, and 21, all at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the theatre's website.
Leader Live
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Bank holiday plans unveiled for Broughton Shopping Centre
On bank holiday Monday, the centre will be open from 9am to 6pm. Opening hours for individual retailers and restaurants may vary, so visitors are encouraged to check with specific venues ahead of their trip. Broughton will be hosting a variety of fun activities for all ages throughout the May half term holidays. Highlights of which include: Catch the latest cinematic releases including Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning at Cineworld. This half term parents can also make the most of its 'Movies for Juniors' offer, allowing kids to watch selected films for just £3.99, with discounts on Munchboxes to complete the experience with tasty treats. Meet Paw Patrol's Marshall - Fans of Paw Patrol will be delighted to hear that the loveable dog, Marshall, will be at The Entertainer, Broughton, on Saturday, May 24, making regular appearances between 10am and 4pm and providing the perfect opportunity for a selfie. TOP STORIES TODAY Kids eat free - Refuel at one of Broughton's restaurants, with kids dining for free at both Prezzo and Pizza Express when an adult meal is purchased. Individual terms apply for each restaurant. Alan Pruden-Barker, centre manager at Broughton, said: 'We know lots of families will be looking forward to spending a day out together this half term, and it's great to be able to offer such a wide range of activities and deals for visitors to make the most of. 'From kicking back with a popcorn at the big screen to great-value meals, there's always lots to keep the whole family entertained at Broughton.'
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
High street card shop launches HUGE 50% off closing down sale ahead of bringing the shutters down
The owner revealed the one thing he will 'miss the most' OFF THE CARDS High street card shop launches HUGE 50% off closing down sale ahead of bringing the shutters down Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BELOVED card shop has launched a huge closing-down sale with prices slashed by 50 percent. Special Moments in Norfolk will be rolling down the shutters for good at the end of June. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Special moments in Fakenham, Norfolk will be closing at the end of June Credit: Facebook 3 The shop is currently flogging half-price stock Credit: Facebook Nigel Maistone, who has run the shop for 32 years, decided to retire after the lease was due for renewal. The shop in Fakenham offers personalised cards, gifts, wrapping paper, and jewellery. Speaking about his decision against signing a new lease, the 60-year-old said he wanted to spend more time with his family. He told Eastern Daily Press: "I just want more time with them. I want to travel with them and be more involved in their lives." "I'm going to miss my customers the most. They have been the best part of this job." In a bid to clear out his shop, Nigel has thrown a massive sale ahead of closing day. Customers on Facebook were sad to hear the news, with one writing: "I know you want to do other things but I am so going to miss you x" Independent shops up and down the country are struggling with rising business rates and increasing pressure on employers. According to the British Retail Consortium, a mix of higher running costs, tax changes, and increased National Insurance contributions are placing a £2.3 billion burden on the retail sector, pushing more shops off the high street. Last month's Awful April saw an increase in costs for businesses as the Government's Budget changes came into effect. They're facing a perfect storm of a rise in employer National Insurance contributions, increased energy and rent costs, and lower customer footfall. It's meant some retailers have been forced to hike prices and review their stores and expansion plans. Big-name brands like WHSmith, Sainsbury's, Iceland and The Entertainer are among those that have shuttered stores this year so far. But it's worth noting that retailers regularly open and close shops for a number of reasons, not just because they are struggling. This month WHSmith sold off almost 500 of its high street shops after being taken over by Hobbycraft owner Modella Capital. The WHSmith name is set to disappear from the high street completely, with the brand instead focusing on its shops in travel hubs. The Oldham branch in Greater Manchester was the first to go on May 3. The Entertainer might be the UK's biggest toy retailer, but it has shut a number of outlets over the past six months. Major supermarket Morrisons announced last month it would close 17 of its smaller Daily convenience stores as part of a major shake-up. RETAIL PAIN IN 2025 The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. Research by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that more than half of companies plan to raise prices by early April. A survey of more than 4,800 firms found that 55% expect prices to increase in the next three months, up from 39% in a similar poll conducted in the latter half of 2024. Three-quarters of companies cited the cost of employing people as their primary financial pressure. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year. It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year. Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: "The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025." Professor Bamfield has also warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector. "By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer's household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020."
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The Entertainer launches HUGE sale with price drops on hundreds of toys including Hot Wheels, Lego and Minecraft
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE ENTERTAINER has launched a huge sale with prices cut across hundreds of toys including favourites Hot Wheels, Lego and Minecraft. The toy shop's biggest ever price drop event has seen the cost of favourite brands and characters slashed by up to 60%. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 The Entertainer has launched a huge sale Credit: Alamy Prices have been reduced across a total of, 784 toys so you're sure to find something that will delight every youngster. The big names toys to have seen massive price cuts include Barbie, Lego, Nerf, Disney and Hot Wheels. Andrew Murphy, group chief executive officer of The Entertainer, said: 'We understand that many household budgets are still under huge pressure, and we want to help them stretch as far as possible, providing unbeatable value to our customers whether shopping in our stores or online.' Here are some of the biggest price reductions you can find online and in-store: READ MORE IN MONEY CLOSING TIME Major discount store with 178 shops confirms it will shut two more sites Furby galaxy glow in the dark electronic pet 7 Furbys have attracted another generation of fans after their rerelease Credit: The Entertainer Savings include 40% off the Furby galaxy glow in the dark electronic pet. The price of the must-have toy has been reduced from £74.99 to £44.99, a massive £30 off. The same toy is advertised for £75 at Argos and £74.99 at Hamleys. Reviews of the toy posted to The Entertainer include: "It's durable and well made. It does so many cool stuff - dances, copycat mode, light show. You can even ask it questions. Would definitely purchase as a gift." Four tricks to save cash at Home Bargains Nerf N Series infinite blaster 7 Nerf toys are long-time favourites of kids Credit: The Entertainer The Entertainer has also cut the price of a Nerf N Series infinite blaster by 50%. The discount cuts the price of the foam dart blaster from £39.99 to £19.99, a saving of £20. Argos is currently advertising the blaster for £25, while Smyths is matching The Entertainer's price of £19.99. One reviewer said: "My son loves it as it carries so many bullets without having to reload time and time again. He has been playing non stop stacking his tins high and then shooting them down one by one." Stitch 20cm soft toy 7 This Stitch toy has been reduced by a massive 60% Credit: The Entertainer With the release of the Stitch movie scheduled for later this month, movie merchandise can be expected to fly off the shelves. And, The Entertainer has cut the price of this Stitch toy by 60%. Previously priced at £14.99 you can now pick one up for £5.99, a saving of £9. The soft toy makes two different sounds when youngsters press its paw. With the release of the movie imminent there are a huge number of Stitch toys being sold right now so be sure to shop around to find the best for you. For example, right now The Works is selling a similar TY Stitch soft toy for £6. Hot Wheels city bat loop attack playset 7 Hot Wheels is just one of the big name brands included in the sale Credit: The Entertainer The Entertainer has cut the price of a number of Hot Wheels toys, including this city bat loop attack playset. The set has been reduced in price by 30% from £22.99 to £15.99, saving customers £7. The toy allows kids to launch their cars through the loop to knock off the bat and it will fit in with existing tracks. The same kit is being sold by Argos for £18 and Moonpig for £21. Barbie gymnastics playset 7 This gymnastics playset has been reduced in price as part of the sale Credit: The Entertainer A number of Barbie playsets are included in the sale, including this gymnastics one. The set includes a gymnast doll with two outfits as well as a balance beam and accessories. The price has been cut from £34.99 to £19.99, saving customers £15. John Lewis and Amazon are both selling the same playset for £19.99, but at Argos it's scanning for £34. Mega Bloks big building bag 7 Get building with this set of 60 blocks Credit: The Entertainer Kids as young as one can get building with Mega Bloks large, easy-to-use blocks. The Entertainer has cut the price of this 60-block bag by 50% from £15.99 to £7.99. The price drop could save you £8 at the till. A reviewer said: "Nicely made, lovely colours and a good choice of shaped pieces." A similar 60-block Mega Bloks set is being offered for £10 at Sainsbury's, but the brand has many different size sets so it could pay to shop around and find the best for you. Its always worth researching prices across different retailers to make sure you're getting the best value for money. Websites like PriceSpy and even a quick scroll on Google Shopping can help you make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck. And don't forgot to factor in delivery costs when considering which is the best price. The Entertainer is not the only store cutting the price of kids' toys with Lidl set to launch a middle-aisle garden toy bonanza from May 25. Parents were also delighted this week when Farm Foods slashed the price of a fun Lego set. And, Asda has slashed the price of a parenting essential that no toddler should be without. How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The Entertainer launches HUGE sale with price drops on hundreds of toys including Hot Wheels, Lego and Minecraft
THE ENTERTAINER has launched a huge sale with prices cut across hundreds of toys including favourites Hot Wheels, Lego and Minecraft. The toy shop's biggest ever price drop event has seen the cost of favourite brands and characters slashed by up to 60%. 7 Prices have been reduced across a total of, 784 toys so you're sure to find something that will delight every youngster. The big names toys to have seen massive price cuts include Barbie, Lego, Nerf, Disney and Hot Wheels. Andrew Murphy, group chief executive officer of The Entertainer, said: 'We understand that many household budgets are still under huge pressure, and we want to help them stretch as far as possible, providing unbeatable value to our customers whether shopping in our stores or online.' Here are some of the biggest price reductions you can find online and in-store: Furby galaxy glow in the dark electronic pet Savings include 40% off the Furby galaxy glow in the dark electronic pet. The price of the must-have toy has been reduced from £74.99 to £44.99, a massive £30 off. The same toy is advertised for £75 at Argos and £74.99 at Hamleys. Reviews of the toy posted to The Entertainer include: "It's durable and well made. It does so many cool stuff - dances, copycat mode, light show. You can even ask it questions. Would definitely purchase as a gift." Four tricks to save cash at Home Bargains Nerf N Series infinite blaster The Entertainer has also cut the price of a Nerf N Series infinite blaster by 50%. The discount cuts the price of the foam dart blaster from £39.99 to £19.99, a saving of £20. Argos is currently advertising the blaster for £25, while Smyths is matching The Entertainer's price of £19.99. One reviewer said: "My son loves it as it carries so many bullets without having to reload time and time again. He has been playing non stop stacking his tins high and then shooting them down one by one." Stitch 20cm soft toy 7 With the release of the Stitch movie scheduled for later this month, movie merchandise can be expected to fly off the shelves. And, The Entertainer has cut the price of this Stitch toy by 60%. Previously priced at £14.99 you can now pick one up for £5.99, a saving of £9. The soft toy makes two different sounds when youngsters press its paw. With the release of the movie imminent there are a huge number of Stitch toys being sold right now so be sure to shop around to find the best for you. For example, right now The Works is selling a similar TY Stitch soft toy for £6. Hot Wheels city bat loop attack playset The Entertainer has cut the price of a number of Hot Wheels toys, including this city bat loop attack playset. The set has been reduced in price by 30% from £22.99 to £15.99, saving customers £7. The toy allows kids to launch their cars through the loop to knock off the bat and it will fit in with existing tracks. The same kit is being sold by Argos for £18 and Moonpig for £21. Barbie gymnastics playset A number of Barbie playsets are included in the sale, including this gymnastics one. The set includes a gymnast doll with two outfits as well as a balance beam and accessories. The price has been cut from £34.99 to £19.99, saving customers £15. John Lewis and Amazon are both selling the same playset for £19.99, but at Argos it's scanning for £34. Mega Bloks big building bag Kids as young as one can get building with Mega Bloks large, easy-to-use blocks. The Entertainer has cut the price of this 60-block bag by 50% from £15.99 to £7.99. The price drop could save you £8 at the till. A reviewer said: "Nicely made, lovely colours and a good choice of shaped pieces." A similar 60-block Mega Bloks set is being offered for £10 at Sainsbury's, but the brand has many different size sets so it could pay to shop around and find the best for you. Its always worth researching prices across different retailers to make sure you're getting the best value for money. Websites like PriceSpy and even a quick scroll on Google Shopping can help you make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck. And don't forgot to factor in delivery costs when considering which is the best price. The Entertainer is not the only store cutting the price of kids' toys with Lidl set to launch a middle-aisle garden toy bonanza from May 25. Parents were also delighted this week when Farm Foods slashed the price of a fun Lego set. And, Asda has slashed the price of a parenting essential that no toddler should be without. How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item. .
