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Glasgow Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Hit Scottish TV comedy returns as musical 30 years on
A MUCH-LOVED 90s TV comedy which made stars of its original cast is back - and this time, it is a musical. The High Life, by The Crown and EastEnders star Forbes Masson and Traitors US host Alan Cumming follows the most useless cabin crew ever to have graced the skies. First commissioned and broadcast by the BBC, it attracted cult status for its sharp wit, farcical storytelling and joyous buffoonery. This revival, a co-production between the National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep, follows the Air Scotia crew as they find themselves growing older in an ever-changing world. The cast in rehearsal (Image: NTS) It will feature new and original music, and according to Forbes and Alan 'is stuffed full of camp silliness." They added: 'Never say never. We are both beyond excited to be donning those nylon slacks and crimplene blazers and connecting with our inner trolly dollies after all these years. 'Returning to these characters alongside the genius that is Johnny McKnight has been a joyful experience and we can't wait to share what madness we've come up with around Scotland.' Johnny McKnight (Image: NTS) Celebrated panto writer and actor Johnny McKnight is joining the creative team. He said: 'I am absolutely thrilled to join the Air Scotia cabin crew. I grew up watching The High Life, wishing that one day I could get to fly thirty thousand feet with Alan, Forbes, Siobhan and Patrick. 'I never believed that a reunion show would happen, let alone that I would get to be part of the team working on it. 'The bags are packed, the tena-man pants on, and I am ready for check in … ' Joining Forbes and Alan, who play inept trolly dollies Steve McCracken and Sebastian Flight, are the sitcom's other original cast members, Siobhan Redmond as Shona Spurtle and Patrick Ryecart as Captain Hilary Duff. Alan and Forbes first worked together as 'Kelvinside men' Victor and Barry (Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan) Forbes and Alan met at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 1982 where they formed the original 'Kelvinside men' comedy double act Victor and Barry. READ NEXT: 'Townhead was obliterated': Billy Elliot star on his Glasgow roots 'We're so lucky to have the Citz': Free drama lessons as Glasgow theatre re-opens Famous Glasgow musicians give young choir a boost with special song They recently chronicled the early days of their careers in the book Victor and Barry's Kelvinside Compendium – A Meander Down Memory Close, a 40th anniversary celebration of their birth. The High Life was first introduced to TV audiences in a pilot in 1994 and then in a series of six episodes which were broadcast in early 1995. The series is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The High Life will tour to Dundee Rep Theatre, His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh and King's Theatre, Glasgow between March 28 and May 16.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hit Scottish TV comedy returns as musical 30 years on
A MUCH-LOVED 90s TV comedy which made stars of its original cast is back - and this time, it is a musical. The High Life, by The Crown and EastEnders star Forbes Masson and Traitors US host Alan Cumming follows the most useless cabin crew ever to have graced the skies. First commissioned and broadcast by the BBC, it attracted cult status for its sharp wit, farcical storytelling and joyous buffoonery. This revival, a co-production between the National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep, follows the Air Scotia crew as they find themselves growing older in an ever-changing world. The cast in rehearsal (Image: NTS) It will feature new and original music, and according to Forbes and Alan 'is stuffed full of camp silliness." They added: 'Never say never. We are both beyond excited to be donning those nylon slacks and crimplene blazers and connecting with our inner trolly dollies after all these years. 'Returning to these characters alongside the genius that is Johnny McKnight has been a joyful experience and we can't wait to share what madness we've come up with around Scotland.' Johnny McKnight (Image: NTS) Celebrated panto writer and actor Johnny McKnight is joining the creative team. He said: 'I am absolutely thrilled to join the Air Scotia cabin crew. I grew up watching The High Life, wishing that one day I could get to fly thirty thousand feet with Alan, Forbes, Siobhan and Patrick. 'I never believed that a reunion show would happen, let alone that I would get to be part of the team working on it. 'The bags are packed, the tena-man pants on, and I am ready for check in … ' Joining Forbes and Alan, who play inept trolly dollies Steve McCracken and Sebastian Flight, are the sitcom's other original cast members, Siobhan Redmond as Shona Spurtle and Patrick Ryecart as Captain Hilary Duff. Alan and Forbes first worked together as 'Kelvinside men' Victor and Barry (Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan) Forbes and Alan met at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 1982 where they formed the original 'Kelvinside men' comedy double act Victor and Barry. READ NEXT: 'Townhead was obliterated': Billy Elliot star on his Glasgow roots 'We're so lucky to have the Citz': Free drama lessons as Glasgow theatre re-opens Famous Glasgow musicians give young choir a boost with special song They recently chronicled the early days of their careers in the book Victor and Barry's Kelvinside Compendium – A Meander Down Memory Close, a 40th anniversary celebration of their birth. The High Life was first introduced to TV audiences in a pilot in 1994 and then in a series of six episodes which were broadcast in early 1995. The series is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The High Life will tour to Dundee Rep Theatre, His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh and King's Theatre, Glasgow between March 28 and May 16.
Perth Now
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Alan Cumming confirms he's back for Romy and Michele's High School Reunion sequel
Alan Cumming has signed up for the 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion' sequel. The 60-year-old actor is excited to be reprising his role as Sandy Frink in the follow up to the 1997 comedy, in which Lisa Judrow and Mira Sorvino played 28-year-old friends, Michele Weinberger and Romy White, who invented fake careers to impress their former classmates at a 10-year high school reunion. Asked about the sequel, Alan told People magazine: 'It's very exciting. It's been really fun actually talking to Robin [Schiff], the writer and Lisa [Kudrow] as well about it.' The 'Traitors US' star confirmed the movie will be released in 2027 but didn't share any plot details. He insisted: "I can't really say much without giving too much away. 'Obviously everyone's still in each other's lives. But it may be in a different way... It's nice to think of those characters still being old friends.' Alan thinks it is "kind of appropriate" for the film to come out in 2027 as it coincides with the original's 30th anniversary, though he noted that was "hilarious and also terrifying". He added: 'Next year we'd shoot it and it would come out the following year, which would be 30 years since the [first] movie came out.' Alan is in occasional contact with his former 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion' castmates. He said: "I see Lisa. We keep in touch and talk, sporadically. 'Once in a while I run into Justin Theroux. Or, you know, Camryn Manheim I see a little bit.' Tim Federle will direct the sequel, which is due to begin filming in Los Angeles in June. 'Emily in Paris' showrunner Robin Schiff, who penned the original 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion' movie, is returning to write the sequel. Laurence Mark will also be back to produce the follow-up movie, alongside Barry Kemp, while Lisa and Mira will also serve as executive producers. While the motion picture was a moderate box office hit, it has since become a cult classic. Last year, Oscar winner Mira admitted it was "full force ahead" regarding a sequel. She told Us Weekly magazine: "Robin Schiff, the writer, is working on it. She's currently working on 'Emily in Paris', so she's finishing up her draft to present to the studio." Asked what she wants from the sequel, she said: "I just still want [Romy and Michele] to be as relatable, but also as dumb and lovable as they ever were. Like, I don't think they've learned that much in the time in between, but they still have that unstoppable spirit and that friendship and that idiocy that makes everybody kind of love them. "And so, that essential nature of them and the heart that's at the centre of that, that heart has to stay there." Plans for the sequel were first discussed after Kudrow and Sorvino returned to their characters in 2022 to present the Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series prize at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards.
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BAFTA TV Awards viewers ‘disgusted' as beloved star is snubbed from In Memoriam segment – but there's a good reason
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BAFTA TV Awards viewers have been left feeling 'disgusted' as a beloved star is snubbed from the In Memoriam segment - but there's a good reason. The star-studded ceremony was held at the Royal Festival Hall and hosted by Traitors US presenter Alan Cumming. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 BAFTA TV Awards viewers have been left feeling 'disgusted' as a beloved star is snubbed from the In Memoriam segment - but there's a good reason Credit: Getty 5 Dame Maggie Smith played the formidable Violet Crawley in the ITV drama Downton Abbey Credit: Alamy 5 Dame Maggie Smith playing one of her most famous roles of teacher Miss Jean Brodie Credit: Alamy During the ceremony, French violinist Esther Abrami performed the song 'Apple Tree', as a tribute was paid to the TV careers of several actors, presenters and other notable figures. Among them were TV doctor Michael Moseley, EastEnders and The Bill star Roberta Taylor, Going for Gold host Henry Kelly, Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne, and Dr Kildare and Shogun actor Richard Chamberlain. Coronation Street actor Timothy West and Man About the House star Brian Murphy were also included - after their omission from the Bafta's earlier this year sparked criticism reported The Independent. But fans were left unimpressed as they noticed that Downton Abbey and Harry Potter star Dame Maggie Smith, and star of stage and screen Dame Joan Plowright had been missed from the list. 'No Maggie Smith?? Feels like quite an oversight,' said one person on social media. Another added: 'They left out Dame Maggie Smith from the list of those who died during the last year. DISGUSTING. SHAME on you." "No mention of Dame Maggie Smith when remembering those who died in the last year. Shame on BAFTA," stated another. A furious viewer wrote: 'Bafta TV Awards snubbed Maggie Smith and Joan Plowright, even if they are know mostly for film/theatre. 'They did a lot of TV, especially in the early days when they did plays on TV and period dramas especially Shakespeare. "Maggie Smith was in iconic Downton Abbey. Plowright has a Golden Globe and Emmy for TV!' Celebrating Dame Maggie Smith: A Life on Stage and Screen Another angry fan said: "No Maggie Smith tribute!! That's outrageous!" However, there was apparently good reason for them not to appear in the segment, as they had both received special tributes at the Bafta Film Awards In Memoriam segment earlier this year. Actors who are more closely associated with television and known for their TV achievements are usually honoured at the TV event, while those whose roles are more aligned with movies are honoured at the Film Awards. Dame Maggie Smith died in September 2024, aged 89 after an incredible sixty year career. She won two Oscars: for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1979. She also played many brilliant characters from the formidable school teacher Jean Brodie, to Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series to Violet Crawley in the ITV drama Downton Abbey. Dame Joan Plowright, who retired in 2014 after becoming legally blind, died in January this year. She was best known for her roles in Dennis the Menace, 101 Dalmatians and The Entertainer, as well as Enchanted April, which earned her an Oscar nomination in 1993. She was also married to industry veteran Lord Laurence Olivier. 5 Dame Joan Plowright, who retired in 2014 after becoming legally blind, died in January this year Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
BAFTA TV Awards viewers ‘disgusted' as beloved star is snubbed from In Memoriam segment – but there's a good reason
BAFTA TV Awards viewers have been left feeling 'disgusted' as a beloved star is snubbed from the In Memoriam segment - but there's a good reason. The star-studded ceremony was held at the Royal Festival Hall and hosted by Traitors US presenter 5 BAFTA TV Awards viewers have been left feeling 'disgusted' as a beloved star is snubbed from the In Memoriam segment - but there's a good reason Credit: Getty 5 Dame Maggie Smith played the formidable Violet Crawley in the ITV drama Downton Abbey Credit: Alamy 5 Dame Maggie Smith playing one of her most famous roles of teacher Miss Jean Brodie Credit: Alamy During the ceremony, French violinist Esther Abrami performed the song 'Apple Tree', as a tribute was paid to the TV careers of several actors, presenters and other notable figures. Among them were TV doctor Michael Moseley, EastEnders and The Bill star Roberta Taylor, Going for Gold host Henry Kelly, Drag Race UK winner Coronation Street actor Timothy West and Man About the House star Brian Murphy were also included - after their omission from the Bafta's earlier this year sparked criticism reported But fans were left unimpressed as they noticed that Downton Abbey and BAFTAS 'No Maggie Smith ?? Feels like quite an oversight,' said one person on social media. Another added: 'They left out ." "No mention of Dame Maggie Smith when remembering those who died in the last year. Shame on BAFTA," stated another. A furious viewer wrote: 'Bafta TV Awards snubbed Maggie Smith and Joan Plowright, even if they are know mostly for film/theatre. Most read in TV 'They did a lot of TV, especially in the early days when they did plays on TV and period dramas especially Shakespeare. " Maggie Smith was in iconic Downton Abbey . Plowright has a Golden Globe and Emmy for TV!' Celebrating Dame Maggie Smith: A Life on Stage and Screen Another angry fan said: "No Maggie Smith tribute!! That's outrageous!" However, there was apparently good reason for them not to appear in the segment, as they had both received special tributes at the Actors who are more closely associated with television and known for their TV achievements are usually honoured at the TV event, while those whose roles are more aligned with movies are honoured at the Film Awards. Dame Maggie Smith died in September 2024, aged 89 after an incredible sixty year career. She won two Oscars: for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1979. She also played many brilliant characters from the formidable school teacher Jean Brodie, to Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series to Violet Crawley in the ITV drama Downton Abbey . She was best known for her roles in Dennis the Menace, 101 Dalmatians and The Entertainer, as well as Enchanted April, which earned her an Oscar nomination in 1993. She was also married to industry veteran 5 Dame Joan Plowright, who retired in 2014 after becoming legally blind, died in January this year Credit: Alamy 5 Dame Joan Plowright posed for photographs after being made a Dame by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace in London in 2004 Credit: Reuters
