Patrick Stewart, famous for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek is on tour with Ian McKellen in Samuel Beckett’s tragicomedy Waiting for Godot.
The play is about two men, Vladimir and Estragon, who are endlessly waiting around for the mysterious Godot to arrive.
The two tramps find themselves arguing, making up, contemplating suicide, trying to sleep, eating a carrot and gnawing on a chicken bone as they sit out their vigil.
The performance dates are as follows: Theatre Royal in Bath March 30-April 4, 2009; Theatre Royal in Norwich April 6-11, 2009; King’s Theatre in Edinburgh April 13-18, 2009; and Theatre Royal in Newcastle April 20-25, 2009 before beginning a limited West End run at Theatre Royal Haymarket from April 30 to June 28 2009.
Patrick Stewart will also find himself as one of 13 honourees in a new hall of fame in the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s visitor centre at Stratford-upon-Avon this month.
Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh will stand alongside Patrick Stewart and many others in the hall of fame which embraces performers, directors and artists who have been inspired by Shakespeare.
The exhibition will open on 23 April 2009.
Friday, 17 April 2009
Spielberg is a fan of Transformers sequel
Legendary director, Steven Spielberg, is already a fan of the new Transformer’s movie after watching it with Michael Bay in a theatre at Sony this month.
Writing on his personal blog, Michael said: "The lights came up after we just watched my cut of Revenge of the Fallen. He turned to me and said "It’s awesome". He felt this movie was better than the first - and probably my best, who knows - at this point in a movie you start to lose your objectivity."
The film is gaining a lot of interest at the moment and the challenge is in full swing now for Bay to finish it in time for its June release, he said: "We have 60 days left. Let me tell you it will be a race to finish. It’s 12 at night and we are still working here in the edit room. Everyone at ILM and DD are killing themselves right now, they are doing a stellar job on the effects."
For updates on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen or for other Michael Bay projects take a look at his blog at Michaelbay.com.
Writing on his personal blog, Michael said: "The lights came up after we just watched my cut of Revenge of the Fallen. He turned to me and said "It’s awesome". He felt this movie was better than the first - and probably my best, who knows - at this point in a movie you start to lose your objectivity."
The film is gaining a lot of interest at the moment and the challenge is in full swing now for Bay to finish it in time for its June release, he said: "We have 60 days left. Let me tell you it will be a race to finish. It’s 12 at night and we are still working here in the edit room. Everyone at ILM and DD are killing themselves right now, they are doing a stellar job on the effects."
For updates on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen or for other Michael Bay projects take a look at his blog at Michaelbay.com.
Let the Right One In Cinema Review
Let the Right One In is a strange and wonderful Swedish film about a reserved and bullied 12-year-old boy who finds himself in a most unusual relationship.
Oskar doesn’t have any friends and instead spends his time dreaming of getting revenge on Conny and the other bullies who make his life a misery. Things begin to change for Oskar though as he meets his new neighbour, a 12-year-old girl called Eli, while imagining revenge on his tormentors by stabbing a tree outside his home one evening. The two children talk and Eli tells Oskar they can’t be friends but, they continue to meet in the courtyard and strike up a friendship regardless of her words.
A series of murders in the area and Eli’s unusual behaviour eventually make Oskar realise that Eli is a vampire but, this does little to change his romantic feelings for her and so he accepts her for who she is, blood-sucking tendencies and all.
Let the Right One In is a unique and arty film with a brilliant plot, some great characters and a bit of dark humour. It is a strong example of how good a foreign-language film can be and is definitely worth a watch, as long as you don’t mind the subtitles.
Oskar doesn’t have any friends and instead spends his time dreaming of getting revenge on Conny and the other bullies who make his life a misery. Things begin to change for Oskar though as he meets his new neighbour, a 12-year-old girl called Eli, while imagining revenge on his tormentors by stabbing a tree outside his home one evening. The two children talk and Eli tells Oskar they can’t be friends but, they continue to meet in the courtyard and strike up a friendship regardless of her words.
A series of murders in the area and Eli’s unusual behaviour eventually make Oskar realise that Eli is a vampire but, this does little to change his romantic feelings for her and so he accepts her for who she is, blood-sucking tendencies and all.
Let the Right One In is a unique and arty film with a brilliant plot, some great characters and a bit of dark humour. It is a strong example of how good a foreign-language film can be and is definitely worth a watch, as long as you don’t mind the subtitles.
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Maggie Gyllenhaal joins cast of Nanny McPhee sequel
Production Weekly have announced on their Twitter page that Maggie Gyllenhaal is due to join Emma Thompson in the Nanny McPhee sequel ‘Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang’.
The sequel will take place nearly one hundred years before the events in the original film as Nanny McPhee has to tend to WWII children evacuated from their homes.
Filming is due to start next month at Shepperton Studios and the film is due for release in 2010.
The sequel will take place nearly one hundred years before the events in the original film as Nanny McPhee has to tend to WWII children evacuated from their homes.
Filming is due to start next month at Shepperton Studios and the film is due for release in 2010.
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
The Haunting in Connecticut Cinema Review
The Haunting in Connecticut tells the story of a family who are forced to move to an old house in Connecticut to be closer to the hospital where their son Matt is on a special course of cancer treatment.
Money is tight for the family so they accept the house on its cheap rental price but, they soon discover why the rent is so low as they unearth the morbid history of their new home, which was once a mortuary.
Matt starts to see unnerving and unnatural things about the house but, the family blame it on his illness and his treatment. The supernatural events get progressively worse though and soon the family are unable to ignore the evil residing in their home. Matt begins to uncover the truth about the former mortuary, where the owner practised necromancy and used his son Jonah as a gateway to the other side, as the tortured souls trapped within the walls refuse to leave him alone.
The film, which is based on a true story, is gripping and a little spooky right from the start but, unlike your average horror, it is also quite emotional as we see what Matt and his family have to go through to fight his cancer.
The acting and the plot are both strong and the horror is consistent, making it a really interesting film packed with just the right amount of jumpy bits. A great watch if you like a bit of a scare.
Money is tight for the family so they accept the house on its cheap rental price but, they soon discover why the rent is so low as they unearth the morbid history of their new home, which was once a mortuary.
Matt starts to see unnerving and unnatural things about the house but, the family blame it on his illness and his treatment. The supernatural events get progressively worse though and soon the family are unable to ignore the evil residing in their home. Matt begins to uncover the truth about the former mortuary, where the owner practised necromancy and used his son Jonah as a gateway to the other side, as the tortured souls trapped within the walls refuse to leave him alone.
The film, which is based on a true story, is gripping and a little spooky right from the start but, unlike your average horror, it is also quite emotional as we see what Matt and his family have to go through to fight his cancer.
The acting and the plot are both strong and the horror is consistent, making it a really interesting film packed with just the right amount of jumpy bits. A great watch if you like a bit of a scare.
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
The Boat That Rocked Cinema Review
The Boat That Rocked is packed with the cream of the British acting crop as it stars the likes of Rhys Ifans, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh and Nick Frost.
The film takes us back to the swinging 60’s and to a time where pirate radio was unbelievably popular, with one radio station in particular, Radio Rock, broadcasting to an immense fan base live from the North Sea.
Carl (Tom Sturridge) is sent to join the DJ crew by his mum Charlotte (Emma Thompson) after being kicked out of school but, far from being straightened out by working at sea, Carl is swept along in the fun and adventure that is Radio Rock’s life of 24 hour non-stop rock and pop shenanigans.
Radio Rock doesn’t come without its problems though as Government Minister Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh) and his new recruit Twatt (Jack Davenport) make ruthless attempts to shut down the pirate station and bring an end to the joy their broadcasting brings to listeners all over the UK.
The Boat That Rocked is everything you would expect of a great British comedy with its unique humour, a superb cast and an unusual and exciting plot that keeps you entertained from start to finish.
This film will definitely float (or rock) your comedy boat and is a must see if you fancy a laugh this Spring.
The film takes us back to the swinging 60’s and to a time where pirate radio was unbelievably popular, with one radio station in particular, Radio Rock, broadcasting to an immense fan base live from the North Sea.
Carl (Tom Sturridge) is sent to join the DJ crew by his mum Charlotte (Emma Thompson) after being kicked out of school but, far from being straightened out by working at sea, Carl is swept along in the fun and adventure that is Radio Rock’s life of 24 hour non-stop rock and pop shenanigans.
Radio Rock doesn’t come without its problems though as Government Minister Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh) and his new recruit Twatt (Jack Davenport) make ruthless attempts to shut down the pirate station and bring an end to the joy their broadcasting brings to listeners all over the UK.
The Boat That Rocked is everything you would expect of a great British comedy with its unique humour, a superb cast and an unusual and exciting plot that keeps you entertained from start to finish.
This film will definitely float (or rock) your comedy boat and is a must see if you fancy a laugh this Spring.
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
New feature film funding announced by Film Agency for Wales
The Film Agency for Wales has announced production funding of £325,000 across three projects, including £150,000 for the latest movie from Rupert Friend, the star of ‘Young Victoria’ and Tom Hardy, the star of ‘Bronson’.
Produced by Margaret Matheson, Vaughan Sivell and Kelly Broad, ‘Barafundle Bay’ – a project that has been noted as one of the top as yet un-produced scripts by [Variety] -is written by Welsh born writer/producer Vaughan Sivell of Western Edge Pictures. Director Hattie Dalton, who is widely recognized as being rapidly on the rise, will work alongside Sivell. Her credits include ‘The Banker’ with Michael Sheen, ‘Heartlands’, ‘Stoned’ and ‘Layer Cake’. She has also recently been attached to direct the feature comedy ‘Little White Car’, written by the ‘Bond’ writing team Purvis and Wade.
‘Barafundle Bay’ is a touching and life affirming comedy about four friends re-forging the bond that they once enjoyed, as they take their last trip together along the coastline of West Wales. Starring alongside Friend will be Tom Hardy (‘Bronson’, ‘Rocknrolla’ and ‘Scenes of a Sexual Nature’) and Benedict Cumberbatch (‘The Other Boleyn Girl’, ‘Atonement’ and ‘Starter for Ten’).
"Having been born and raised in Pembrokeshire, I relished the opportunity to write a script that draws on the environment and values of this beautiful part of the world," explains Sivell who began his career, aged 14, as an actor before taking up writing and selling his TV series ‘Tiding’s Reach’ to BBC Wales. ‘Barafundle Bay’ will be his debut feature.
"‘Barafundle Bay’ tells the hilarious and moving story of a young man with terminal cancer who asks his three best friends to take him on one last riotous camping trip to his favorite beach. We’re delighted to have attached such a high profile cast along with Independent on board as sales agents"
An additional £150,000 has been awarded by the Film Agency for Wales to Rondo Media for the feature film ‘Driven’ by writer Catrin Clarke (‘Casualty’, ‘Mistresses’, ‘Moth’ and ‘Belonging’). Director Gareth Bryn and producer Eryl Phillips have attached Romola Garai (principal actress in Stephen Poliakoff’s forthcoming 1939, Atonement, ‘I Capture the Castle’ and ‘Inside I’m Dancing’) for the lead role of Beth.
A real life rebel without a cause, Beth is a non-conformist who relies on her sister to pick up the aftermath of her actions. But, this time she is left on her own with her 6 year-old nephew.
"‘Driven’ is a subtle, dark and ironic road movie about the wrong decisions that we can make in life," explains producer Eryl Phillips.
"With the early support of the Film Agency for Wales, we are excited about the potential of this debut feature – it is highly visual with some fast paced action. We hope that Romola’s attachment to the project will boost the profile of the film for international buyers. Berlin proved particularly productive for the project, prompting a number of conversations with high quality sales agents"
Finally, the Film Agency enhanced their previous funding offer of £75,000 for Gabriel Range’s ‘Little Matador’, granting a further £25,000. The emotionally charged feature documentary, which charts the hopes, fears and explores what drives a number of extraordinary child matadors, is due to commence principal photography in April 2009.
Directed by Sandra Jordan and Emmy Award winning, Gabriel Range of the Borough Picture Company, and produced alongside Ed Guiney’s Element Pictures from Ireland, ‘Little Matador’ will take the audience on an extraordinary journey.
BAFTA nominated Graham Smith will take the role of director of photography. His work includes Range’s award winning ‘Death of a President’. The editor is BAFTA winner Melanie Oliver whose credits include ‘Brick Lane’ and ‘Longford’.
"These awards, totaling £325,000, demonstrate our commitment to supporting Welsh talent – especially producers, writers and directors - with a real breadth of material that has a keen eye on the international market. Whilst we have relatively limited funds, these projects demonstrate that we have a lot of talent – and that, combined with a hands-on approach to facilitating projects wherever we are able, enables us to punch far above our weight" explains Pauline Burt, Chief Executive of the Film Agency for Wales.
The Film Agency for Wales is funded by the Arts Council of Wales, the UK Film Council and the Welsh Assembly Government, via Creative Business Wales, the latter of which was set up to support, encourage and increase the range and number of films being produced in Wales and to foster the abundance of creative talent in Wales.
Courtesy of Film Agency for Wales
Produced by Margaret Matheson, Vaughan Sivell and Kelly Broad, ‘Barafundle Bay’ – a project that has been noted as one of the top as yet un-produced scripts by [Variety] -is written by Welsh born writer/producer Vaughan Sivell of Western Edge Pictures. Director Hattie Dalton, who is widely recognized as being rapidly on the rise, will work alongside Sivell. Her credits include ‘The Banker’ with Michael Sheen, ‘Heartlands’, ‘Stoned’ and ‘Layer Cake’. She has also recently been attached to direct the feature comedy ‘Little White Car’, written by the ‘Bond’ writing team Purvis and Wade.
‘Barafundle Bay’ is a touching and life affirming comedy about four friends re-forging the bond that they once enjoyed, as they take their last trip together along the coastline of West Wales. Starring alongside Friend will be Tom Hardy (‘Bronson’, ‘Rocknrolla’ and ‘Scenes of a Sexual Nature’) and Benedict Cumberbatch (‘The Other Boleyn Girl’, ‘Atonement’ and ‘Starter for Ten’).
"Having been born and raised in Pembrokeshire, I relished the opportunity to write a script that draws on the environment and values of this beautiful part of the world," explains Sivell who began his career, aged 14, as an actor before taking up writing and selling his TV series ‘Tiding’s Reach’ to BBC Wales. ‘Barafundle Bay’ will be his debut feature.
"‘Barafundle Bay’ tells the hilarious and moving story of a young man with terminal cancer who asks his three best friends to take him on one last riotous camping trip to his favorite beach. We’re delighted to have attached such a high profile cast along with Independent on board as sales agents"
An additional £150,000 has been awarded by the Film Agency for Wales to Rondo Media for the feature film ‘Driven’ by writer Catrin Clarke (‘Casualty’, ‘Mistresses’, ‘Moth’ and ‘Belonging’). Director Gareth Bryn and producer Eryl Phillips have attached Romola Garai (principal actress in Stephen Poliakoff’s forthcoming 1939, Atonement, ‘I Capture the Castle’ and ‘Inside I’m Dancing’) for the lead role of Beth.
A real life rebel without a cause, Beth is a non-conformist who relies on her sister to pick up the aftermath of her actions. But, this time she is left on her own with her 6 year-old nephew.
"‘Driven’ is a subtle, dark and ironic road movie about the wrong decisions that we can make in life," explains producer Eryl Phillips.
"With the early support of the Film Agency for Wales, we are excited about the potential of this debut feature – it is highly visual with some fast paced action. We hope that Romola’s attachment to the project will boost the profile of the film for international buyers. Berlin proved particularly productive for the project, prompting a number of conversations with high quality sales agents"
Finally, the Film Agency enhanced their previous funding offer of £75,000 for Gabriel Range’s ‘Little Matador’, granting a further £25,000. The emotionally charged feature documentary, which charts the hopes, fears and explores what drives a number of extraordinary child matadors, is due to commence principal photography in April 2009.
Directed by Sandra Jordan and Emmy Award winning, Gabriel Range of the Borough Picture Company, and produced alongside Ed Guiney’s Element Pictures from Ireland, ‘Little Matador’ will take the audience on an extraordinary journey.
BAFTA nominated Graham Smith will take the role of director of photography. His work includes Range’s award winning ‘Death of a President’. The editor is BAFTA winner Melanie Oliver whose credits include ‘Brick Lane’ and ‘Longford’.
"These awards, totaling £325,000, demonstrate our commitment to supporting Welsh talent – especially producers, writers and directors - with a real breadth of material that has a keen eye on the international market. Whilst we have relatively limited funds, these projects demonstrate that we have a lot of talent – and that, combined with a hands-on approach to facilitating projects wherever we are able, enables us to punch far above our weight" explains Pauline Burt, Chief Executive of the Film Agency for Wales.
The Film Agency for Wales is funded by the Arts Council of Wales, the UK Film Council and the Welsh Assembly Government, via Creative Business Wales, the latter of which was set up to support, encourage and increase the range and number of films being produced in Wales and to foster the abundance of creative talent in Wales.
Courtesy of Film Agency for Wales
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