Alex Ritman Getting a feature into Cannes’ official selection is among the pinnacles of filmmaking achievements for most production companies. Ireland’s Element Pictures clearly isn’t most production companies — this year, it has three.
01.05.2024 - 17:33 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
For the last two weeks, drag star The Vivienne has been donning the green make-up, styling out huge, glam gowns and perfecting her best witchy cackle in the Wizard of Oz at the Palace Theatre.
Starring as the Wicked Witch of the West alongside Jason Manford’s Cowardly Lion and Aston Merrygold’s Tin Man, the musical has received huge praise with The Vivienne’s ‘delicious vigour’ being particularly heralded.
For the star, originally from Colwyn Bay in Wales and having emerged her drag persona through the Liverpool LGBTQ+ scene, it’s a role she says she has been dreaming of performing since first watching the film on television as a child.
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“I loved The Wizard of Oz growing up,” The Vivienne tells the M.E.N “It’s one of the first things I remember ever watching - just that whole scene where it went from black-and-white into technicolour just captured my attention. It’s an amazing story of finding your tribe and growing up knowing that there’s bigger and better things out there, it’s an inspiring story.”
And whilst many actors and performers would perhaps long to be able to click the glittery red heels on stage and belt out Somewhere Over The Rainbow, The Vivienne always had her eyes on the green witch.
“She’s one of the most iconic characters ever really,” she explains. “She was my first ever introduction to evil, I suppose. I always fell in love with the villains. The heroes are good, but the villains always have the most fun, don’t they?”
In fact, The Vivienne, who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and also participated in last year's Dancing on Ice, is such a big fan of the character that she now has a tattoo of her permanently inked on her
Alex Ritman Getting a feature into Cannes’ official selection is among the pinnacles of filmmaking achievements for most production companies. Ireland’s Element Pictures clearly isn’t most production companies — this year, it has three.
Slipknot guitarist Jim Root has revealed how Eloy Casagrande came to be the band’s new drummer.In late April, Eloy Casagrande was confirmed as Slipknot’s new drummer, taking over Jay Weinberg, who was let go late last year. Since then, Casagrande has opened up about the “complicated” choice he had to make in leaving Brazilian metal legends Sepultura to join Slipknot.Now, Jim Root has revealed the band’s auditioning process with Casagrande and how he was confirmed into the band. In a new interview with Tone-Talk, Root shared how the band first connected with Casagrande, and new material with their newest member.Root started by saying that the band had recently played two shows to “introduce our new drummer to the world”, before going on to briefly mention their secret show in Pioneertown and their headlining slot at Sick New World.
Peter Kay told him in response to the Manchester Co-Op’s continued delays which pushed the latter’s opening week gigs back twice.The brand new 23,500-capacity venue – the largest in the UK once it officially opens – has infamously been plagued by teething problems that have caused multiple delays.Comedian Kay was supposed to open the venue with gigs on April 23 and 24, but following a test event featuring Rick Astley on April 22, the gigs were “regretfully” pushed back to April 29 and 30 with the venue citing technical issues.The shows were then postponed a second time, with Kay now scheduled to perform on May 23 and 24. The comedian reacted by telling fans of his disappointed, sharing: “I know I can’t believe it either.”My apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.
Coronation Street star Andy Whyment found himself addressing concerns about his welfare despite being seen living the noughties dream on a night out with his wife. The actor spent his weekend break away from the cobbles jumping on Manchester's new Bee Network and heading into town for the night.
Maya Rudolph returned to Saturday Night Live as host for the Mother’s Day show.
Peter Leven was on his mobile phone shouting and screaming instructions from his hospital bed to Jonny Hayes on the Aberdeen bench last weekend.
Coronation Street’s Andy Whyment – better known as Kirk Sutherland in the hit ITV soap – has paid tribute to his former co-star Bernard Hill, following the acclaimed actor’s death on Sunday 5 May. Andy shared a photo of the pair on Instagram and wrote: “My first major speaking part was on a show called Once Upon a Time in the North.
ITV's This Morning had a bit of a bumpy start on Wednesday when presenter Ben Shephard teased Cat Deeley live on air, accusing her of dressing like a dancer from Eurovision. Prior to the exchange, Lorraine Kelly had conducted an interview with Eurovision Song Contest UK entry Olly Alexander.
Rock legends Foo Fighters are heading to Glasgow this summer and there's just been some good news for any fans who haven't been able to grab tickets yet. The Everlong hitmakers, fronted by Dave Grohl, have released a final set of tickets for the 2024 sold out stadium tour.
Coronation Street star Andy Whyment has said he was 'sad to hear' about the death of one of his former co-stars Bernard Hill. The news of the actor's death was revealed over the weekend by his agent.
A source is revealing how Gisele Bundchen is reacting to all of the jokes made about her and her family at the roast of her ex husband, Tom Brady, over the weekend.
He may be sixth in line to the British throne, but Prince Archie's upbringing in Montecito, California is world's away from the centuries of Kings and Queens he descends from. Today, as Archie turns five, just how might the young royal be celebrating? "I wish we knew more about little Archie", former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells OK!.
Even though he was born in at the Portland Hospital in London, Prince Archie has spent very little time in the UK and is being raised in Montecito, California. Despite this, Archie remains sixth in line to the throne and is officially known as Prince Archie of Sussex. As he celebrates his fifth birthday on Monday, 6 May, just how might the young royal mark his special day? "I wish we knew more about little Archie", former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells OK!.
Chance Perdomo is not being recast.
It’s not over ’til it’s over. And Kevin Costner insists that he’s not necessarily done with creator Taylor Sheridan or Yellowstone.
Sheridan Smith has said she's 'honoured' as her next role has been revealed as she moves on from the early close of her West End play. It has been confirmed that the actress will play the leading role in a gritty new drama set to air on ITV.
Hunter Ingram SPOILER ALERT: This post contains spoilers from “Final Destination,” the Season 3 finale of Syfy/USA Network’s “Chucky,” available to stream next day on Peacock. For the first time in 20 years, Jennifer Tilly doesn’t have to refer to herself in the third person when talking about “Chucky.” Since 1998’s “Bride of Chucky,” Tilly, 65, has been fluent in the ever-more-bizarre mythology of Don Mancini’s killer doll franchise. In that film, she played Tiffany, the human, serial-killing girlfriend of Chucky, who has her soul transported into a doll bride.
Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Mötley Crüe, it’ll be tricky for 2024’s schedule to outdo its predecessor – and yet, thanks to the likes of Taylor Swift, Blink-182 and Pink, plus Coldplay, Pearl Jam and SZA, it’s poised to do just that.From debut headline shows for breakout artists to bustling festival sideshow programs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as a stellar batch of musicians make their way Down Under in 2024. Read on for NME’s roundup of all the biggest concerts and tours coming to Australia this year.James Taylor: An Evening with James Taylor & His All-Star BandWhen: April 12 – April 28Find tickets and more info hereIf there was ever a festival made for James Taylor & His All-Star Band at this juncture of his 50-year career, it’s Day on the Green.
Gemma Atkinson has taken to social media to address a 'little rumour' after she was quizzed by fans when sharing a glimpse at her latest workout. The Hits Radio host looked as strong as ever as she shared videos of herself during her morning glutes and biceps workout.
the Telegraph, admitting that the ordeal was “rough.”“This is not grandfather’s day, this is parents’ day. I say ‘I am a parent!’,” he told the outlet.