Latest news with #We'llMeetAgain
The Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
'Spectacular': Review: The Lion, Witch & Wardrobe @ Festival Theatre
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh Neil Cooper Five stars A World War Two soldier is playing We'll Meet Again on the piano at the start of this latest tour of C.S. Lewis' classic morality tale. The melancholy melody is about the most down to earth thing you're likely to see over the next two hours of a show that turns its dramatic world upside down in epic fashion. Scaled up by director Michael Fentiman from Sally Cookson's 2017 version at Leeds Playhouse, the result is spectacular. The opening song sets the tone for the wartime evacuation of the four Pevensie children, who are decamped to Aberdeen, where the allure for their new home's spare room proves too much for the eternally curious Lucy. Before she knows where she is she has gone beyond the flea ridden fur coats and landed in Narnia. As imagined by designer Tom Paris and original designer Rae Smith, the Narnia under the queendom of Katy Stephens' White Witch's more resembles some Fritz Lang styled dystopia driven by a constructivist chain gang who seem to have stepped out of a 1970s adult SF comic. Read more Yes, the White Witch has got the power, as she proves with her jawdropping metamorphosis at the end of the first act, but Spring is coming. This is the case even if Lucy's daft brother Edmund sells out his siblings for a bumper sized box of Turkish Delight personified by way of Toby Olié and Max Humphries' larger than life puppetry. Fentiman's slickly oiled machine is driven by Barnaby Race and Benji Bower's chamber folk score played by the cast of more than twenty throughout. Despite the show's grandiose staging, it is the humanity of the piece that gives the show its heart and soul. This is even the case with Stanton Wright's messianic looking Aslan, embodied by a life size lion puppet beside him as he spars with the White Witch and her well drilled minions. As Shanell 'Tali' Fergus' choreography navigates the cast from dark to light, it is the Pevensie clan who shine. Joanna Adaran as Susan, Jesse Dunbar as Peter, Kudzai Mangombe as Lucy and Shane Anthony Whiteley stepping up as Edmund for a Thursday matinee briefly halted by technical gods all rise to the occasion in a big show that never loses sight of the eternal story at its heart.
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
VE Day's 80th anniversary marked at South Lanarkshire Council HQ
Provost Margaret Cooper led a short event where a commemorative flag was raised. A commemorative flag was raised at South Lanarkshire Council headquarters in Hamilton yesterday (Thursday) to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Provost Margaret Cooper led a short event for invited guests, who included Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Susan Haughey, local and national politicians, members of the Royal British Legion, local clergy, emergency services personnel and senior council officers. Also invited were representatives of the Cameronians, Scotland's only rifle regiment of the British Army, disbanded in 1968, and now memorialised in a unique permanent exhibition at Hamilton's Low Parks Museum. Members of the community music group Soundsational, dressed in fashions from the war era, performed 'Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree' and 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy' and the wartime classic, 'We'll Meet Again', as the guests took their places. Rev Ross Blackman, Minister of Hamilton Old Parish Church, then led an opening prayer before Laurence Binyon's famous words, 'They Shall not Grow Old', were read. The 'Last Post' then sounded before a two-minute silence was observed and the anniversary flag raised to mark eight decades since Germany surrendered to allied forces on May 8, 1945. After a final prayer, the ceremony ended with the playing of the national anthem and final sounds from a lone piper. Provost Cooper described VE Day as 'one that must never be forgotten'. She added: 'I have no doubt that Victory in Europe Day is one that those who lived through it would remember for the rest of their lives. It must surely have been a day full of hope and joy, and genuine celebration. 'Yet, there would also have been sadness for so many as they remembered loved ones who gave their lives on a foreign battlefield to make sure that this day of victory would come. 'And that is why we are here. It is why, not just on this 80th anniversary, but every year, we honour the sacrifices they made. 'Eighty years on from the end of WW2, there are very few of our 'greatest generation' still with us, which makes it even more important we, who enjoy the freedoms they fought for, ensure that their voices will live on. 'Coming together today in remembrance, and to raise this special flag is the very least that we can give them, and we do so with pride.'
Edinburgh Live
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
VE Day concert viewers baffled as they point out one 'major issue'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Royal enthusiasts pointed out a peculiar aspect of the VE Day concert that left a number of viewers perplexed. Yesterday (Thursday, May 8), BBC showcased a special concert from Horse Guards Parade in recognition of the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Nonetheless, despite a stunning display for veterans, royalty and onlookers, there was an element that left numerous spectators scratching their heads. The line-up's eclectic mix of musicians, artists and entertainers spanning various eras seemed to confuse them. The programme aired by BBC left audiences puzzled as they tuned in to celebrate the 80-year milestone since worldwide joy erupted following the end of World War II in Europe. Throughout the past week, Britain has been paying tribute to this significant occurrence with numerous festivities nationwide. However, Thursday night's concert, presented by Zoe Ball and broadcast on both BBC One and iPlayer, featured acts like Fleur East, The Darkness, Freya Ridings and Samantha Barks. Despite attendees clearly enjoying themselves, there was a consistent theme picked up by those watching at home. A viewer commented: "Am I the only one tonight thinking that the songs and artists were irrelevant for the #VEDayConcert on @BBCOne?" Another shared: "Am I the only one that's watching the VE Day 80 celebrations on @BBCOne and "Could have, and should have, been so much more to honour a momentous occasion. Some songs and artists so irrelevant #VEDayConcert." A third expressed disappointment, saying: "Majority of the veterans must be thinking: 'What is this racket? They're not singers'. Could have had more appropriate music." Yet another chimed in with: "Totally agree with you! Modern songs, American songs and totally boring. The best song was the last one sung by Samantha. The audience became involved with We'll Meet Again!" Despite some critical voices, others found the concert "wonderful" and thoroughly enjoyed the performance, commending the execution of the event. Commenting on the sentimental value, someone penned: "I thought the VE Day concert was incredibly moving tonight and thankfully the focus was on the members of the audience who remembered what happened 80 years ago. Fantastic to see the 107-year-old gentleman sitting next to King Charles and to hear his love letters." Patriotism also featured in the positive feedback, as another added: "On evenings like tonight I love being British. Please let's not lose our patriotism." To clarify any confusion regarding the line-up for those seeking something more traditional, there were additional celebrations, hosted by Dan Walker, Myleene Klass and Katherine Jenkins - "VE Day 80: The Party" was broadcast live from the Royal Albert Hall. The concert, aired by Classic FM, showcased the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and RAF Squadronaires, delighting audiences with beloved classical anthems alongside 1940s swing hits. Before the concert took place, Classic FM shared: "The Royal Albert Hall's arena will be transformed into a dance floor where the Swing Patrol will perform Lindy Hop moves, and Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova will perform. "Katherine Jenkins and Katie Ashby, along with the the D-Day Darlings, will feature among the vocal performances, while British astronaut and Armed Forces Veteran Tim Peake will appear on stage to reflect on some of the key moments of the Second World War that led to Victory in Europe Day. "Randolph Churchill will read the words of his great-grandfather, plus stars of stage and screen will share untold personal accounts of our 'Greatest Generation'. Traitors winner and Army Veteran Harry Clark will also interview veterans and other audience members about their memories of the war and VE Day."
South Wales Argus
09-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
80 years of VE Day honoured in Newport's Edward German Crescent
80 years since Victory in Europe Day was honoured at an event put on by Newport Council and the Royal British Legion. This year's VE Day was particularly significant as it marks 80 years since Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender against allied forces in 1945. The event put on yesterday (May 8) was held at Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field in Edward German Crescent. Many members of the public and armed forces personnel showed up to pay respect and acknowledge the end of war in Europe. Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Robert Aitken 68 at the VE Day event in Edward German Crescent (Image: NQ) Speaking of the event Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Robert Aitken 68 said: "It's fabulous that Newport is doing this, it's very important for us all to remember the sacrifices that were made by people 80 plus years ago meant for us all. "It's terribly important that we remember the service that is given by our men and women that is given in the armed forces." Standard Bearers Anne-Marie Cobley 52 and Graham Smith 81 stood with Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Robert Aitken 68 (Image: NQ) 81-year-old Graham Smith Standard Bearer for The Royal Welsh Newport regiment was able to recall what post war life was like for people in Gwent. He said: "Well obviously we are very proud to be here as coming from my age as it is we remember the tail end of the war. "I remember the hard living the battle books and having to live on what we were allowed to purchase. So, we remember all that. "More so, we remember family members that went away and never came home. There were a lot of people in Newport that in my family and other people at the time that suited up and never came home. "Coming here is just our tribute to them to say thank you for putting your lives on the line and defending us and letting us have the life we've got today.' Newport Male Voice Choir at the VE Day event in Edward German Crescent (Image: NQ) A range of entertainment was provided. Wartime songs such as Vera Lyne's 'We'll Meet Again' and 'White Cliffs of Dover' were played. Newport Male Voice Choir also put on a selection of Welsh and war themed hymns. Choir Master Marc Main 61 said: 'We are very proud to support the event a lot of us are ex forces. I'm ex RAF myself." The lit beacon paying tribute to 80 years of VE Day (Image: NQ) The main event however was a national beacon lighting that took place at 9:30pm and was held at VE Day events across the country. The significant moment was followed by a moments silence to reflect then the Welsh National Anthem. Standard Bearers Anne-Marie Cobley 52 and Graham Smith 81 in front of the lit beacon (Image: NQ) John Griffths MS for Newport East Said: 'Everybody's so conscious of the need to remember the sacrifices that were made during the second world war, so we can have the way of life that we hold so precious today." "I think today the world can be such a dangerous place and there are so many wars so today that crucial message of peace is a big part of this."
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Masked Singer star pregnant with second child as she shows off bump at VE Day bash
BABY JOY Masked Singer star pregnant with second child as she shows off bump at VE Day bash THE MASKED Singer winner Samantha Barks has revealed she's pregnant with her second child with her partner Alex Michael Stoll. The West End star, 34, showed off her baby bump at last night's VE Day 80 celebrations, which was attended by King Charles and The Prince and Princess of Wales. Advertisement 4 Samantha Barks has revealed she's pregnant with her second child Credit: PA 4 Her baby bump was kept under wraps in the a ruffled off-the-shoulder gown Credit: Getty Samantha performed Vera Lynn's wartime anthem We'll Meet Again at London's Horse Guards Parade on Thursday. Her baby bump was kept under wraps in the a ruffled off-the-shoulder gown. And just before she took to the stage, Samantha revealed she was expecting. "I'm nearly nine months pregnant, it's gonna be me and baby performing for royalty tonight," she said. Advertisement "It's our first adventure!" Speaking ahead of her showstopping performance, Samantha continued: "It's my fourth time, actually. It never gets less nerve-wracking, it's always such an honour but I'm nervous! "We have a choir, we have dancers, it's gonna be a really big finish and I'm super proud of it." She added: "Music brings us all together, it still does, even tonight, it brings us back to those days - the power of music. Advertisement "A song like We'll Meet Again, it's so poignant and beautiful and I'm really looking forward to it." Earlier this year, The Masked Singer crowned its latest winner with Pufferfish being unmasked as major theatre star Samantha. She beat off competition from Dressed Crab and Wolf who were also revealed to be major stars. The show's panel - Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama and guest judge Danny Jones - were left in awe when Samantha took off her mask to finally confirm her identity. Advertisement Speaking after she was unmasked, the star said to the panel: "I've had the best time, I've had the best time. Underneath the mask I've been smiling the whole time." Samantha, 34, rose to fame in Andrew Lloyd Webber's BBC talent show I'd Do Anything. The programme searched for an actress to play Nancy in a revival of Oliver! She made her film debut in the 2012 adaptation of Les Miserables, starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway. Advertisement More recently, she has become the biggest West End star since Elaine Page and is famed for playing Elsa in the theatre production of Frozen. Finishing a close runner-up to Samantha was Dressed Crab who turned out to be soul and jazz star Gregory Porter. 4 Samantha won the latest series of The Masked Singer earlier this year Credit: ITV 4 The theater star beat off tough competition to be crowned the winner Credit: ITV
