Paul McCartney messed up while singing The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” as a 1960s star looked on. She enjoyed watching him make a mistake. Interestingly, Paul and John Lennon wrote some of the star’s biggest hits.
Paul McCartney forgot an entire verse of The Beatles’ ‘Penny Lane’
During a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone, Paul was asked to name the last major mistake he made during a concert. “I don’t remember the last one,” he said. “But I had a show in Paris where I started off with the second verse of ‘Penny Lane’ instead of the first. It should have been ‘a barber showing photographs.’ So I thought, ‘I’ll swap the verses — do verse two, then verse one and we’ll go into the middle bit.’ But the band correctly thought, ‘He skipped verse one — we’ll go into the middle.’
“It was a car crash in Penny Lane,...
Paul McCartney forgot an entire verse of The Beatles’ ‘Penny Lane’
During a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone, Paul was asked to name the last major mistake he made during a concert. “I don’t remember the last one,” he said. “But I had a show in Paris where I started off with the second verse of ‘Penny Lane’ instead of the first. It should have been ‘a barber showing photographs.’ So I thought, ‘I’ll swap the verses — do verse two, then verse one and we’ll go into the middle bit.’ But the band correctly thought, ‘He skipped verse one — we’ll go into the middle.’
“It was a car crash in Penny Lane,...
- 11/27/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon made his name as a musician, but a friend said that he had early aspirations of success as an actor. Lennon realized this dream to some extent; he acted in films with The Beatles and took a handful of minor roles in other films. At no point did it seem that acting was his primary interest. According to a musician friend, though, Lennon dreamed of becoming an actor.
John Lennon had dreams of becoming an actor
In the early 1960s, Lennon met Cilla Black, another musician managed by The Beatles’ Brian Epstein. According to Black, Lennon had dreams of being an actor, even as The Beatles were rising to success.
“He talked about his songs, but the memory which stands out is the way he admitted he longed to become a famous actor one day,” Black said in the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman.
This may seem surprising,...
John Lennon had dreams of becoming an actor
In the early 1960s, Lennon met Cilla Black, another musician managed by The Beatles’ Brian Epstein. According to Black, Lennon had dreams of being an actor, even as The Beatles were rising to success.
“He talked about his songs, but the memory which stands out is the way he admitted he longed to become a famous actor one day,” Black said in the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman.
This may seem surprising,...
- 9/25/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Cilla Black landed The Beatles’ Brian Epstein as her manager after urging from John Lennon. He believed she was a talented artist and championed her to Epstein. Before this, Lennon scared Black to a point where she dreaded being alone with him. She once admitted this to him. Here’s how Lennon reacted.
Cilla Black was initially scared of John Lennon
Black first encountered The Beatles at Liverpool’s Cavern Club. She was a singer, and Lennon invited her to join the band onstage.
“I played truant from Anfield Commercial College to see the Beatles at lunchtime sessions,” she said, per the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman. “At that time I was singing with some of the local bands, billed as ‘Swingin’ Cilla,’ on a semi-professional basis. But this was the first time I had my chance to sing with the Beatles.”
Pattie Boyd, George Harrison, Cilla Black,...
Cilla Black was initially scared of John Lennon
Black first encountered The Beatles at Liverpool’s Cavern Club. She was a singer, and Lennon invited her to join the band onstage.
“I played truant from Anfield Commercial College to see the Beatles at lunchtime sessions,” she said, per the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman. “At that time I was singing with some of the local bands, billed as ‘Swingin’ Cilla,’ on a semi-professional basis. But this was the first time I had my chance to sing with the Beatles.”
Pattie Boyd, George Harrison, Cilla Black,...
- 9/23/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Noel Gallagher is famously not one to mince words when it comes to expressing his contempt for various celebrities. In a recent podcast appearance, he felt the need to provide more context for previous remarks he had made about Adele, having called the singer “f***ing awful” and her songs “offensive” back in July.
In a recent appearance on the Matt Morgan podcast, Gallagher explained that his beef with Adele originated from an invitation she had sent him to meet her, and that he apparently took issue with the fact...
In a recent appearance on the Matt Morgan podcast, Gallagher explained that his beef with Adele originated from an invitation she had sent him to meet her, and that he apparently took issue with the fact...
- 9/4/2023
- by Ej Dickson
- Rollingstone.com
Tl;Dr:
George Harrison’s “Got My Mind Set on You” inspired a “Weird Al” Yankovic song about redundancy. Yankovic’s parody implies George wasn’t too creative. The original version of “Got My Mind Set on You” was in an acclaimed 2020s movie.
George Harrison‘s “Got My Mind Set on You” inspired a spoof by “Weird Al” Yankovic. Yankovic’s parody is hilarious. In addition, Yankovic pokes fun at the ways George changed the original version of “Got My Mind Set on You.”
How ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic mocked George Harrison’s ‘Got My Mind Set on You’
“Got My Mind Set on You” was originally a song by R&b singer James Ray called “I’ve Got My Mind Set on You.” It was written by Rudy Clark, who is also known for penning the standard “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss).” The first rendition...
George Harrison’s “Got My Mind Set on You” inspired a “Weird Al” Yankovic song about redundancy. Yankovic’s parody implies George wasn’t too creative. The original version of “Got My Mind Set on You” was in an acclaimed 2020s movie.
George Harrison‘s “Got My Mind Set on You” inspired a spoof by “Weird Al” Yankovic. Yankovic’s parody is hilarious. In addition, Yankovic pokes fun at the ways George changed the original version of “Got My Mind Set on You.”
How ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic mocked George Harrison’s ‘Got My Mind Set on You’
“Got My Mind Set on You” was originally a song by R&b singer James Ray called “I’ve Got My Mind Set on You.” It was written by Rudy Clark, who is also known for penning the standard “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss).” The first rendition...
- 8/6/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Martin enjoyed a front-row view of The Beatles’ success. The producer wasn’t perfect — he regretted not supporting George Harrison enough — but he wrung fantastic performances out of the Fab Four and played a crucial role in making the band successful. Except for when he didn’t. The Beatles amazed Martin with “She’s Leaving Home” even though he hardly worked on the song.
George Martin ‘was amazed’ The Beatles could make a song like ‘She’s Leaving Home’
Newspaper headlines fueled Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s lyrics for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Lennon combined stories about a car wreck and calls for public improvements on his portion of “A Day in the Life.” Paul invented a fictional meter-maid based on an article he read about that new profession and changed the English language in the process with “Lovely Rita.”
But neither of those Beatles songs amazed...
George Martin ‘was amazed’ The Beatles could make a song like ‘She’s Leaving Home’
Newspaper headlines fueled Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s lyrics for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Lennon combined stories about a car wreck and calls for public improvements on his portion of “A Day in the Life.” Paul invented a fictional meter-maid based on an article he read about that new profession and changed the English language in the process with “Lovely Rita.”
But neither of those Beatles songs amazed...
- 7/30/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Noel Gallagher Calls Adele’s Singing ‘Offensive’ & ‘Awful,’ Says Sam Smith Is ‘Biggest Idiot Around’
Former Oasis founder Noel Gallagher slammed Adele’s singing, comparing her to 60s singer Cilla Black while describing her music as “offensive” and “f—ing awful.”
Gallagher has been known to sound off on other singers, including Harry Styles, Sam Smith and Damon Albarn.
When Gallagher was asked if he was a fan of Adele and her songs, he replied, “F— off, f—ing hell. Name one? They’re f—ing s—. It’s f—ing awful. It’s f—ing Cilla Black. I find it and that whole thing offensive.”
Noel admitted that he believes the only way Adele will improve is if she performs one of the songs he’s written.
“If I fall out of love with touring, I could see myself just sitting at home writing songs and sending them to my publishers. I might in the future,” Gallagher said on the Matt Morgan podcast. “I’ll be saying,...
Gallagher has been known to sound off on other singers, including Harry Styles, Sam Smith and Damon Albarn.
When Gallagher was asked if he was a fan of Adele and her songs, he replied, “F— off, f—ing hell. Name one? They’re f—ing s—. It’s f—ing awful. It’s f—ing Cilla Black. I find it and that whole thing offensive.”
Noel admitted that he believes the only way Adele will improve is if she performs one of the songs he’s written.
“If I fall out of love with touring, I could see myself just sitting at home writing songs and sending them to my publishers. I might in the future,” Gallagher said on the Matt Morgan podcast. “I’ll be saying,...
- 7/24/2023
- by Nina Hauswirth
- Uinterview
Noel Gallagher is sounding off once again.
The former Oasis singer recently appeared on Matt Morgan’s podcast, and he didn’t hold back his feelings when talking about Adele’s songs.
Read More: Oasis’ Noel Gallagher Jokingly Says He Caused Taylor Swift’s Breakup With Matt Healy
“F**k off, f**king hell. Name one,” he said, asking the host to name any of the Grammy-winning artist’s songs.
“They’re f**king s**t. It’s f**king awful. It’s f**king Cilla Black,” Gallagher continued, comparing her to the late British pop singer best known for ’60s hits like “You’re My World”.
“I find it and that whole thing offensive,” Gallagher said of Adele’s music.
Read More: Noel Gallagher And Sara MacDonald Split After 12 Years Of Marriage
Despite his lack of tolerance for her songs, though, the musician did suggest that he should be...
The former Oasis singer recently appeared on Matt Morgan’s podcast, and he didn’t hold back his feelings when talking about Adele’s songs.
Read More: Oasis’ Noel Gallagher Jokingly Says He Caused Taylor Swift’s Breakup With Matt Healy
“F**k off, f**king hell. Name one,” he said, asking the host to name any of the Grammy-winning artist’s songs.
“They’re f**king s**t. It’s f**king awful. It’s f**king Cilla Black,” Gallagher continued, comparing her to the late British pop singer best known for ’60s hits like “You’re My World”.
“I find it and that whole thing offensive,” Gallagher said of Adele’s music.
Read More: Noel Gallagher And Sara MacDonald Split After 12 Years Of Marriage
Despite his lack of tolerance for her songs, though, the musician did suggest that he should be...
- 7/20/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
A young woman with a short crop carefully touches up her blonde dye job in the arresting opening moments of Blue Jean, painting the goop on her hair with practiced efficiency to the shimmering notes of Chris Roe’s score. Stepping from the bathroom into the living room of her drab flat, she settles on the couch to watch Blind Date, described by raucous host Cilla Black as “The show that tries to find a boy and a girl that go together like birds of a feather.” That might sound exclusionist or even like a microaggression to some more politically inclined queer viewers. To Jean, it’s just pleasurable fluff.
The scene subtly foreshadows an internal conflict played out with sensitive insightfulness and dramatic tension in writer-director Georgia Oakley’s highly assured debut feature and in a transfixing performance awash in mostly suppressed feeling from Rosy McEwen in her first leading role.
The scene subtly foreshadows an internal conflict played out with sensitive insightfulness and dramatic tension in writer-director Georgia Oakley’s highly assured debut feature and in a transfixing performance awash in mostly suppressed feeling from Rosy McEwen in her first leading role.
- 6/20/2023
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Suzy Eddie Izzard (“Stay Close”) and Ed Speelers (“Outlander”) are the new additions to the cast of “Midas Man,” the delayed film on The Beatles manager Brian Epstein that has now wrapped filming.
The film began production with Jonas Akerlund (“Lords of Chaos”) as director, who departed the project for unknown reasons. Sara Sugarman (“Vinyl”) was attached to the project for a year before Joe Stephenson (“Doctor Jekyll”) stepped in. Stephenson has just wrapped the shoot, canning what will be 95% of the completed film, Variety understands.
Written by Brigit Grant, the film follows Epstein, manager of The Beatles from 1962 until his untimely death at the age of 32 in 1967. Epstein’s impact extended beyond the Fab Four, encompassing British Invasion acts such as Gerry and the Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas.
Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (“The Queens Gambit”) plays Epstein. The ensemble cast includes Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan and Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan.
The film began production with Jonas Akerlund (“Lords of Chaos”) as director, who departed the project for unknown reasons. Sara Sugarman (“Vinyl”) was attached to the project for a year before Joe Stephenson (“Doctor Jekyll”) stepped in. Stephenson has just wrapped the shoot, canning what will be 95% of the completed film, Variety understands.
Written by Brigit Grant, the film follows Epstein, manager of The Beatles from 1962 until his untimely death at the age of 32 in 1967. Epstein’s impact extended beyond the Fab Four, encompassing British Invasion acts such as Gerry and the Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas.
Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (“The Queens Gambit”) plays Epstein. The ensemble cast includes Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan and Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan.
- 6/14/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Suzy Eddie Izzard and Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey) are among the actors who have joined the supporting cast of Midas Man, the feature biopic of Beatles Manager Brian Epstein.
In the pic, Izzard portrays British music promoter Allan Williams, famously known as “The Man Who Gave Away The Beatles,” while Ed Speleers is Tex Ellington, Epstein’s love interest. Other additions include Darci Shaw (The Colour Room), who plays singer Cilla Black, and Milo Parker (Mr. Holmes) is Epstein’s longtime assistant, Alastair Taylor.
Previous cast attached to the project included actors Lukas Gage, Bill Milner, and Rosie Day. We understand the changes were due to scheduling issues because of delays to production following multiple creative changes to the pic. Last week, we reported that UK director Joe Stephenson (Doctor Jekyll) quietly took the reins earlier this year from previous filmmaker Sara Sugarman (Vinyl), who left after what sources described...
In the pic, Izzard portrays British music promoter Allan Williams, famously known as “The Man Who Gave Away The Beatles,” while Ed Speleers is Tex Ellington, Epstein’s love interest. Other additions include Darci Shaw (The Colour Room), who plays singer Cilla Black, and Milo Parker (Mr. Holmes) is Epstein’s longtime assistant, Alastair Taylor.
Previous cast attached to the project included actors Lukas Gage, Bill Milner, and Rosie Day. We understand the changes were due to scheduling issues because of delays to production following multiple creative changes to the pic. Last week, we reported that UK director Joe Stephenson (Doctor Jekyll) quietly took the reins earlier this year from previous filmmaker Sara Sugarman (Vinyl), who left after what sources described...
- 6/14/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: It’s been a long and winding road but Beatles manager movie Midas Man has finally reached post-production having recently taken on a third director to get it over the line.
UK director Joe Stephenson (Doctor Jekyll) quietly took the reins earlier this year from previous filmmaker Sara Sugarman (Vinyl) who left after what sources described to us as creative differences and scheduling issues.
Sugarman herself took over in late 2021 from filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund (Polar) who also left during shoot after not seeing eye to eye with producers.
The Queen’s Gambit actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd stars in the biopic as The Beatles manager Brian Epstein. Also starring are Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Lukas Gage, Bill Milner, Rosie Day as Cilla Black and Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan.
Portraying the Fab Four are newcomers Jonah Lees as John Lennon, musician Blake Richardson as Paul McCartney, Leo Harvey Elledge as George Harrison,...
UK director Joe Stephenson (Doctor Jekyll) quietly took the reins earlier this year from previous filmmaker Sara Sugarman (Vinyl) who left after what sources described to us as creative differences and scheduling issues.
Sugarman herself took over in late 2021 from filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund (Polar) who also left during shoot after not seeing eye to eye with producers.
The Queen’s Gambit actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd stars in the biopic as The Beatles manager Brian Epstein. Also starring are Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Lukas Gage, Bill Milner, Rosie Day as Cilla Black and Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan.
Portraying the Fab Four are newcomers Jonah Lees as John Lennon, musician Blake Richardson as Paul McCartney, Leo Harvey Elledge as George Harrison,...
- 6/9/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
For Mary McCartney, directing the enthralling documentary If These Walls Could Sing on the history of London’s Abbey Road studio wasn’t just as a tip of the hat to her father Paul McCartney’s celebrated career, but also to her own life virturally growing up there, watching musical history being made. And although Dad participates as one of the interviewees, this is not just a story of The Beatles, but rather an eye- and ear-popping tale of a place where musical magic, on just about every level, was made, and continues to be made. The title tells it all as Mary McCartney’s splendid documentary, which premiered at Telluride last September and is now available on Disney+, covers the waterfront of Abbey Road’s 90 years.
With subjects to help tell the tale like Elton John, Jimmy Page, Fela, Cilla Black, John Williams and many others (including of course...
With subjects to help tell the tale like Elton John, Jimmy Page, Fela, Cilla Black, John Williams and many others (including of course...
- 6/5/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul McCartney has performed thousands of concerts throughout his career. Since he is still human, he is bound to make a few mistakes during these performances. With so many iconic songs from The Beatles, Wings, and his solo career, he was bound to mix up some lyrics or forget them altogether. McCartney admitted he made a mistake while performing “Penny Lane” and restarted the song.
Paul McCartney mixed up the verse order of ‘Penny Lane’ Paul McCartney | Jim Dyson/Getty Images
Paul McCartney constantly changes his setlist while on tour. He consistently plays only a few songs, like “Hey Jude” and “Live and Let Die”. When he decides to bring a song back, he has to perfect it once more, even after years of never playing it. “Penny Lane” is a Beatles classic but not one audiences clamor for.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, McCartney said he was performing...
Paul McCartney mixed up the verse order of ‘Penny Lane’ Paul McCartney | Jim Dyson/Getty Images
Paul McCartney constantly changes his setlist while on tour. He consistently plays only a few songs, like “Hey Jude” and “Live and Let Die”. When he decides to bring a song back, he has to perfect it once more, even after years of never playing it. “Penny Lane” is a Beatles classic but not one audiences clamor for.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, McCartney said he was performing...
- 5/18/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Award
British presenter, broadcaster, filmmaker, author and historian, professor David Olusoga, will be presented with a BAFTA Special Award at the upcoming BAFTA Television Awards on May 14. The award is one of BAFTA’s highest honors recognizing an outstanding contribution to film, games or television.
Olusoga’s credits include presenting history series “A House Through Time” (BBC Two), writing and presenting series “Black & British: A Forgotten History” (BBC Two) and the BAFTA-winning “Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners.” In recent years he led major interviews with the former President of the United States, Barack Obama and lectures including the Edinburgh TV Festival MacTaggart Lecture in 2020.
Olusoga said: “It is humbling to have my work in television, as both a producer and a presenter, recognized in this way.”
Jane Millichip, CEO at BAFTA added: “We are honoured to present David Olusoga the BAFTA Special Award at our forthcoming BAFTA Television Awards with P&o Cruises.
British presenter, broadcaster, filmmaker, author and historian, professor David Olusoga, will be presented with a BAFTA Special Award at the upcoming BAFTA Television Awards on May 14. The award is one of BAFTA’s highest honors recognizing an outstanding contribution to film, games or television.
Olusoga’s credits include presenting history series “A House Through Time” (BBC Two), writing and presenting series “Black & British: A Forgotten History” (BBC Two) and the BAFTA-winning “Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners.” In recent years he led major interviews with the former President of the United States, Barack Obama and lectures including the Edinburgh TV Festival MacTaggart Lecture in 2020.
Olusoga said: “It is humbling to have my work in television, as both a producer and a presenter, recognized in this way.”
Jane Millichip, CEO at BAFTA added: “We are honoured to present David Olusoga the BAFTA Special Award at our forthcoming BAFTA Television Awards with P&o Cruises.
- 5/2/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The Beatles wrote their music and won over fans with their charm, but they couldn’t have reached their level of success without the people who worked with them along the way. Producers, assistants, managers, and former bandmates all helped The Beatles become the biggest band in the world. While they didn’t receive as much recognition as the band, some people who helped lift The Beatles to success have become the subjects of both documentaries and fictional movies. Here are five to check out.
The Beatles and Brian Epstein | John Rodgers/Redferns ‘Good Ol’ Freda’ is a movie about The Beatles’ longtime secretary
At 17, Freda Kelly scored the job that thousands of people would have given anything to have. She became the secretary to The Beatles and the head of their fan club. She was also one of the few people to work with them for the entirety of...
The Beatles and Brian Epstein | John Rodgers/Redferns ‘Good Ol’ Freda’ is a movie about The Beatles’ longtime secretary
At 17, Freda Kelly scored the job that thousands of people would have given anything to have. She became the secretary to The Beatles and the head of their fan club. She was also one of the few people to work with them for the entirety of...
- 4/16/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul O’Grady has been remembered as a “force for good” by his famous friends including Carol Vorderman, Julian Clary and Michael Cashman.
Celebrities paid tribute to the drag queen turned TV and radio star during For The Love of Paul O’Grady on ITV on Sunday (9 April) evening, following his death last month at the age of 67.
O’Grady, who started out as a social worker while performing on the London nightclub circuit as the acerbic, platinum wig-wearing Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on 28 March, his partner Andre Portasio said in a statement.
Remembering O’Grady for his activism, Vorderman, 62, said: “He was not only brilliant as an entertainer, he was a force for good.”
Former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband added: “He wasn’t just a fighter for the underdog, somebody who was willing to use his platform to speak up for people who didn’t have a platform,...
Celebrities paid tribute to the drag queen turned TV and radio star during For The Love of Paul O’Grady on ITV on Sunday (9 April) evening, following his death last month at the age of 67.
O’Grady, who started out as a social worker while performing on the London nightclub circuit as the acerbic, platinum wig-wearing Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on 28 March, his partner Andre Portasio said in a statement.
Remembering O’Grady for his activism, Vorderman, 62, said: “He was not only brilliant as an entertainer, he was a force for good.”
Former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband added: “He wasn’t just a fighter for the underdog, somebody who was willing to use his platform to speak up for people who didn’t have a platform,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Connie Evans
- The Independent - TV
The Avengers star Linda Thorson has recalled her last conversation with Paul O’Grady just hours before his death.
The TV presenter and comedian died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday (28 March) night aged 67, with the news prompting an outpouring of tributes from his fans and famous friends.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Thursday (30 March), actor Thorson spoke about her friendship with O’Grady. The pair met due to the presenter’s love of the Sixties TV show The Avengers, in which Thorson starred.
“Paul rang me on Tuesday at 3 o’clock,” she told hosts Adil Ray and Susanna Reid. “We spoke for an hour – one of the best conversations I’ve ever had.”
Thorson said that O’Grady had spoken excitedly about his current performance as Miss Hannigan in the touring production of Annie the Musical.
“He was absolutely over the moon,” Thorson said. “He loved the cast… He was so upbeat,...
The TV presenter and comedian died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday (28 March) night aged 67, with the news prompting an outpouring of tributes from his fans and famous friends.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Thursday (30 March), actor Thorson spoke about her friendship with O’Grady. The pair met due to the presenter’s love of the Sixties TV show The Avengers, in which Thorson starred.
“Paul rang me on Tuesday at 3 o’clock,” she told hosts Adil Ray and Susanna Reid. “We spoke for an hour – one of the best conversations I’ve ever had.”
Thorson said that O’Grady had spoken excitedly about his current performance as Miss Hannigan in the touring production of Annie the Musical.
“He was absolutely over the moon,” Thorson said. “He loved the cast… He was so upbeat,...
- 3/30/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
U.K. broadcaster ITV has revealed the schedule changes brought about by the death of popular British presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady.
At 5pm U.K. time on March 29 “Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs: A Royal Special” will be repeated on ITV1, replacing the repeat of “The Chase.”
At 8pm U.K. time on April 9, ITV will broadcast “For the Love of Paul O’Grady” on ITV1, in tribute to the departed comedian.
At 8:30pm on April 13, the new season of “Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs” will air on ITV1, as planned.
Meanwhile, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, Kevin Lygo, said: “We are fortunate to have had a long association with Paul, at ITV. He was a huge, inimitable talent, delighting our viewers through his comedy and entertainment with a warmth, humor and joy that audiences of all generations related to and connected with.
At 5pm U.K. time on March 29 “Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs: A Royal Special” will be repeated on ITV1, replacing the repeat of “The Chase.”
At 8pm U.K. time on April 9, ITV will broadcast “For the Love of Paul O’Grady” on ITV1, in tribute to the departed comedian.
At 8:30pm on April 13, the new season of “Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs” will air on ITV1, as planned.
Meanwhile, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, Kevin Lygo, said: “We are fortunate to have had a long association with Paul, at ITV. He was a huge, inimitable talent, delighting our viewers through his comedy and entertainment with a warmth, humor and joy that audiences of all generations related to and connected with.
- 3/29/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Tl;Dr:
Little Richard saw The Beatles perform “Love Me Do” before the Fab Four became famous.He said The Beatles declined to play his songs “Lucille” and “Long Tall Sally” during the performance.Little Richard discussed why he turned down 50 ownership of the band. Little Richard and The Beatles’ George Harrison | Ron Galella / Contributor
Little Richard saw The Beatles perform at The Cavern Club before they were global superstars. Subsequently, he turned down 50 ownership of the band. He explained why he made this decision.
Little Richard was booked to play at the same club as The Beatles by their manager
In the 1984 book The Life and Times of Little Richard: The Authorised Biography, Little Richard discussed watching The Beatles play. “I remember Brian Epstein had booked me to play at The Cavern [Club] with them,” he recalled.
“A couple of weeks later he had me headlining a big concert at a theater in Liverpool,...
Little Richard saw The Beatles perform “Love Me Do” before the Fab Four became famous.He said The Beatles declined to play his songs “Lucille” and “Long Tall Sally” during the performance.Little Richard discussed why he turned down 50 ownership of the band. Little Richard and The Beatles’ George Harrison | Ron Galella / Contributor
Little Richard saw The Beatles perform at The Cavern Club before they were global superstars. Subsequently, he turned down 50 ownership of the band. He explained why he made this decision.
Little Richard was booked to play at the same club as The Beatles by their manager
In the 1984 book The Life and Times of Little Richard: The Authorised Biography, Little Richard discussed watching The Beatles play. “I remember Brian Epstein had booked me to play at The Cavern [Club] with them,” he recalled.
“A couple of weeks later he had me headlining a big concert at a theater in Liverpool,...
- 2/13/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Burt Bacharach was one of the most distinguished and successful composers of the last century.
Working most fruitfully with the lyricist Hal David, his addictively intelligent songs embodied unconventional time signatures, shifting chords and a fusion of pop and rock, jazz, and Latin elements. With Bacharach’s adventurous song structures married to David’s words, often bittersweet lyrics as though from a cinematic school of realism, the duo were like the personification of New York’s Brill Building hit factory.
Although not all these songs were with David, Bacharach, who has died aged 94, enjoyed more than 50 UK Top 40 hits, and more than 70 in his native US. A remarkable 38 of these tunes were with the classically trained former gospel singer Dionne Warwick with whom the pair began working in 1962. Several of Bacharach’s compositions were bigger hits in the UK than in America.
The pair first hit the charts in 1957 with...
Working most fruitfully with the lyricist Hal David, his addictively intelligent songs embodied unconventional time signatures, shifting chords and a fusion of pop and rock, jazz, and Latin elements. With Bacharach’s adventurous song structures married to David’s words, often bittersweet lyrics as though from a cinematic school of realism, the duo were like the personification of New York’s Brill Building hit factory.
Although not all these songs were with David, Bacharach, who has died aged 94, enjoyed more than 50 UK Top 40 hits, and more than 70 in his native US. A remarkable 38 of these tunes were with the classically trained former gospel singer Dionne Warwick with whom the pair began working in 1962. Several of Bacharach’s compositions were bigger hits in the UK than in America.
The pair first hit the charts in 1957 with...
- 2/11/2023
- by Chris Salewicz
- The Independent - Music
Composer Burt Bacharach has died, aged 94.
The legendary musician was known for his orchestral pop style featured in hits including “I Say a Little Prayer”.
His publicist said the musician died on Wednesday (8 February) at his home in Los Angeles.
Bacharach died of natural causes.
The pianist was a six-time Grammy Award winner, and won three Oscars for his music in films Arthur and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
His other famous soundtracks include Michael Caine film Alfie and What’s New Pussycat.
Bacharach was a prolific composer who, alongside lyricist Hal David, wrote music artists ranging from Dionne Warwick and Dusty Springfield to Cilla Black and Tom Jones.
Their music was also perfromed by The Beatles, Elvis Presley and The Carpenters.
Some of Bacharach’s most recognisable songs include “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head“ (1969), “(They Long to Be) Close to You” (1970) and “That’s What Friends Are For...
The legendary musician was known for his orchestral pop style featured in hits including “I Say a Little Prayer”.
His publicist said the musician died on Wednesday (8 February) at his home in Los Angeles.
Bacharach died of natural causes.
The pianist was a six-time Grammy Award winner, and won three Oscars for his music in films Arthur and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
His other famous soundtracks include Michael Caine film Alfie and What’s New Pussycat.
Bacharach was a prolific composer who, alongside lyricist Hal David, wrote music artists ranging from Dionne Warwick and Dusty Springfield to Cilla Black and Tom Jones.
Their music was also perfromed by The Beatles, Elvis Presley and The Carpenters.
Some of Bacharach’s most recognisable songs include “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head“ (1969), “(They Long to Be) Close to You” (1970) and “That’s What Friends Are For...
- 2/9/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Music
Paul McCartney always seemed to be able to create a song from thin air. Anyone who watched The Beatles: Get Back saw Macca pull the song “Get Back” out of thin air. He proved his genius as a songwriter when he wrote “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da,” based solely on a slang phrase one of his friends uttered. When inspiration struck, Paul arranged one gentle Sgt. Pepper song without producer George Martin.
George Martin (left) and Paul McCartney | Kevin Mazur/WireImage Paul McCartney could write songs quickly
Paul once said writing songs with John Lennon was easy because they had a pleasabt back and forth relationship (at least for a while). That allowed them to work quickly. Yet Paul also wrote rapidly on his own. The supposedly wistful Get Back sessions and “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” weren’t the only examples of his songwriting prowess.
Macca wrote Let It Be opener “Two of Us” while on a date with Linda.
George Martin (left) and Paul McCartney | Kevin Mazur/WireImage Paul McCartney could write songs quickly
Paul once said writing songs with John Lennon was easy because they had a pleasabt back and forth relationship (at least for a while). That allowed them to work quickly. Yet Paul also wrote rapidly on his own. The supposedly wistful Get Back sessions and “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” weren’t the only examples of his songwriting prowess.
Macca wrote Let It Be opener “Two of Us” while on a date with Linda.
- 2/5/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Have a yen for the music, style and glamour of ’60s Swinging London? Edgar Wright’s hybrid time capsule / music extravaganza / horror thriller is an audiovisual delight from one end to the other. Young women from different decades seek to conquer London by different means — they meet as soul twins in a ghost world, where bloodsoaked murders haunt their dreams. Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy are the psychic twins; stars Rita Tushingham, Terence Stamp and the late Diana Rigg bring the authenticity. Soho can boast the most creatively ‘alive’ visuals of 2021.
Last Night in Soho
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital
Universal Home Entertainment
2021 / B&w / 2:39 widescreen / 116 min. / Street Date January 18, 2022 / Available from Amazon
Starring: Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Diana Rigg, Terence Stamp, Rita Tushingham, Michael Ajao, Synnove Karlsen.
Cinematography: Chung-hoon Chung
Production Designer: Marcus Rowland
Art Directors: Tim Blake, Victoria Allwood, Katie Money, Emily Norris
Costume Design: Odile Dicks-Mireaux...
Last Night in Soho
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital
Universal Home Entertainment
2021 / B&w / 2:39 widescreen / 116 min. / Street Date January 18, 2022 / Available from Amazon
Starring: Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Diana Rigg, Terence Stamp, Rita Tushingham, Michael Ajao, Synnove Karlsen.
Cinematography: Chung-hoon Chung
Production Designer: Marcus Rowland
Art Directors: Tim Blake, Victoria Allwood, Katie Money, Emily Norris
Costume Design: Odile Dicks-Mireaux...
- 1/10/2023
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
One of the highlights of the recently released third season of “Emily in Paris” was when the titular Emily (Lily Collins) took to the stage to serenade her boyfriend Alfie (Lucien Laviscount).
In the scene, Lily sings an a cappella rendition of “Alfie,” originally recorded by Cher as the theme song for the 1966 Michael Caine movie of the same name and was also a hit for singers Cilla Black and Dionne Warwick.
Read More: Lily Collins Is Honoured By ‘Emily In Paris’ And ‘Sex And The City’ Comparisons
As Emily sings, Alfie joins her onstage while pal Mindy (Ashley Park) joins in on keyboard and backing vocals.
As Collins explained in an interview with E! News, she enlisted the help of Park — who not only plays a professional singer on the show, but has also sung on Broadway in musicals including “Mean Girls” and “The King and I” — to offer...
In the scene, Lily sings an a cappella rendition of “Alfie,” originally recorded by Cher as the theme song for the 1966 Michael Caine movie of the same name and was also a hit for singers Cilla Black and Dionne Warwick.
Read More: Lily Collins Is Honoured By ‘Emily In Paris’ And ‘Sex And The City’ Comparisons
As Emily sings, Alfie joins her onstage while pal Mindy (Ashley Park) joins in on keyboard and backing vocals.
As Collins explained in an interview with E! News, she enlisted the help of Park — who not only plays a professional singer on the show, but has also sung on Broadway in musicals including “Mean Girls” and “The King and I” — to offer...
- 1/4/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
This review originally ran September 3, 2022, in conjunction with the film’s premiere at the Telluride Film Festival.
If you’re a fan of a particular era of British rock ’n’ roll, this was the right year to be at the Telluride Film Festival. The festival’s opening day brought onetime photographer Anton Corbijn’s “Squaring the Circle,” which looked at the rock design company Hipgnosis through memories from Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Roger Waters, Noah Gallagher and many others. And it was followed the next afternoon by onetime photographer Mary McCartney’s “If These Walls Could Sing,” which looks at London’s Abbey Road recording studio through memories from, oh, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Roger Waters, Noah Gallagher and many others.
While “Squaring the Circle” comes from a photographer and video director who has made several other feature films in the past, including “Control” and “A Most Wanted Man,” “If...
If you’re a fan of a particular era of British rock ’n’ roll, this was the right year to be at the Telluride Film Festival. The festival’s opening day brought onetime photographer Anton Corbijn’s “Squaring the Circle,” which looked at the rock design company Hipgnosis through memories from Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Roger Waters, Noah Gallagher and many others. And it was followed the next afternoon by onetime photographer Mary McCartney’s “If These Walls Could Sing,” which looks at London’s Abbey Road recording studio through memories from, oh, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Roger Waters, Noah Gallagher and many others.
While “Squaring the Circle” comes from a photographer and video director who has made several other feature films in the past, including “Control” and “A Most Wanted Man,” “If...
- 12/16/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
All the way back on Drag Race US season two (which was just over twelve years ago) Ru Paul introduced the first-ever snatch game that saw the queens showcase their best celebrity impressions in a bid to make the queen supreme laugh. Since then this challenge has become a key part of any season of Drag Race and has become a decisive challenge that instantly marks the front runners of every season. It not only takes a talented queen but also a clever choice of character in order for a queen to excel in the snatch game and I for one am not sure that I would struggle under the intense stage lights in this improvised, impersonation challenge! Last week’s episode of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK saw the return of this iconic challenge with two both Cheddar and Dakota doing surprisingly well (as Queen Elizabeth 1st and...
- 11/8/2022
- by Rhys Payne
- Nerdly
As a musical theatre fan, last week’s episode of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK was a dream come true! What started with one of the most accurate yet hilarious Ru-sical performances (that had the queens all singing live) transitioned into a runway that celebrated some of the most iconic shows to ever hit the west end. The clear stand out last week was Danny Beard, who seemed incredibly natural singing live and their Audrey two-inspired, towering outfit was one of the campest and fun outfits we have seen on the runway in a very long time! This marks the second week in a row that Danny has been declared the winner of the entire episode and when it was announced that this week would be the return of the iconic snatch game we had a sneaky suspension she would yet again end up in the top as two weeks...
- 11/1/2022
- by Rhys Payne
- Nerdly
Despite recently losing its director just three weeks into shooting, “Midas Man,” the music biopic about The Beatles’ wunderkind manager Brian Epstein, has now cast its fab four.
John Lennon will be played by Jonah Lees (“The Letter for the King”), Paul McCartney by Blake Richardson (“Eleven Days”), George Harrison by Leo Harvey Elledge (“Creation Stories”) and Ringo Starr by newcomer Campbell Wallace. (See first look images above and below).
Joining them will be Adam Lawrence (“Peaky Blinders”) as Pete Best and former late night host Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan, who hosted the Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964.
Already cast is Jacob Fortune-Lloyd in the lead role as Epstein, the music mogul who was credited with turning the Beatles into superstars.
Emily Watson (“Gosford Park”) will play Epstein’s mother Malka, Eddie Marsan (“Ridley Road”) his father Harry and Omari Douglas (“It’s a Sin”) as Epstein’s friend Lonnie Trimble.
John Lennon will be played by Jonah Lees (“The Letter for the King”), Paul McCartney by Blake Richardson (“Eleven Days”), George Harrison by Leo Harvey Elledge (“Creation Stories”) and Ringo Starr by newcomer Campbell Wallace. (See first look images above and below).
Joining them will be Adam Lawrence (“Peaky Blinders”) as Pete Best and former late night host Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan, who hosted the Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964.
Already cast is Jacob Fortune-Lloyd in the lead role as Epstein, the music mogul who was credited with turning the Beatles into superstars.
Emily Watson (“Gosford Park”) will play Epstein’s mother Malka, Eddie Marsan (“Ridley Road”) his father Harry and Omari Douglas (“It’s a Sin”) as Epstein’s friend Lonnie Trimble.
- 11/25/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The actors portraying the Fab Four have been revealed for Beatles manager movie Midas Man.
Jonah Lees (The Letter For The King) will play John Lennon, musician Blake Richardson (of band New Hope Club) will be Paul McCartney, Leo Harvey Elledge (Creation Stories) is George Harrison, and Campbell Wallace will play Ringo Starr. Here are some first-look images of the newcomer actors as the iconic quartet at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.
Adam Lawrence (Peaky Blinders) has joined cast as Pete Best and, as we revealed earlier this week, Jay Leno (The Tonight Show) has joined as Ed Sullivan.
Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (The Queen’s Gambit) plays the lead role of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, Emily Watson is Epstein’s mother Malka “Queenie” Epstein, Eddie Marsan portrays Brian’s father and successful businessman Harry, Omari Douglas is Lonnie Trimble, Epstein’s ever-trusted confidant, and Rosie Day plays Merseybeat star Cilla Black.
Jonah Lees (The Letter For The King) will play John Lennon, musician Blake Richardson (of band New Hope Club) will be Paul McCartney, Leo Harvey Elledge (Creation Stories) is George Harrison, and Campbell Wallace will play Ringo Starr. Here are some first-look images of the newcomer actors as the iconic quartet at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.
Adam Lawrence (Peaky Blinders) has joined cast as Pete Best and, as we revealed earlier this week, Jay Leno (The Tonight Show) has joined as Ed Sullivan.
Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (The Queen’s Gambit) plays the lead role of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, Emily Watson is Epstein’s mother Malka “Queenie” Epstein, Eddie Marsan portrays Brian’s father and successful businessman Harry, Omari Douglas is Lonnie Trimble, Epstein’s ever-trusted confidant, and Rosie Day plays Merseybeat star Cilla Black.
- 11/25/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Director Sara Sugarman is set to replace Jonas Åkerlund on “Midas Man,” the biopic of The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein, Variety understands.
“Midas Man” tells the story of Brian Epstein, the man who is considered responsible for launching The Beatles into the stratosphere. He also managed other hit musical acts from the 1960s including Gerry and the Pacemakers and Cilla Black before tragically succumbing to an overdose at the age of 32.
During his lifetime Epstein was also forced to hide the fact that he was gay due to societal attitudes towards at the time.
“The Queen’s Gambit” star Jacob Fortune Lloyd (above right) has been cast as wunderkind Epstein in the film, with “Outlander’s” Rosie Day set to play Cilla Black.
Sugarman has previously directed “Vinyl,” “House of Versace” and “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen” with Lindsay Lohan. She recently wrapped on feature film “Save the Cinema” with...
“Midas Man” tells the story of Brian Epstein, the man who is considered responsible for launching The Beatles into the stratosphere. He also managed other hit musical acts from the 1960s including Gerry and the Pacemakers and Cilla Black before tragically succumbing to an overdose at the age of 32.
During his lifetime Epstein was also forced to hide the fact that he was gay due to societal attitudes towards at the time.
“The Queen’s Gambit” star Jacob Fortune Lloyd (above right) has been cast as wunderkind Epstein in the film, with “Outlander’s” Rosie Day set to play Cilla Black.
Sugarman has previously directed “Vinyl,” “House of Versace” and “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen” with Lindsay Lohan. She recently wrapped on feature film “Save the Cinema” with...
- 11/18/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Production for “Midas Man” is set to continue next week despite director Jonas Akerlund (pictured above left) potentially departing the film, Variety can confirm.
The film, a biopic of legendary music manager Brian Epstein, started shooting two weeks ago, with first look images revealed of Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (“The Queen’s Gambit”) and “Outlander” star Rosie Day as 1960s pop singer Cilla Black.
Akerlund, a Grammy-winning auteur, has directed numerous music videos for artists including former Beatle Paul McCartney and Madonna as well as the black metal feature “Lords of Chaos.” He is said to be “taking a break” from the film but sources indicate it is unlikely he will continue with the project.
While production in Liverpool has been shut down for this week, a source close to the production confirmed to Variety that, contrary to reports, shooting is set to re-start as soon as next week, with a new director...
The film, a biopic of legendary music manager Brian Epstein, started shooting two weeks ago, with first look images revealed of Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (“The Queen’s Gambit”) and “Outlander” star Rosie Day as 1960s pop singer Cilla Black.
Akerlund, a Grammy-winning auteur, has directed numerous music videos for artists including former Beatle Paul McCartney and Madonna as well as the black metal feature “Lords of Chaos.” He is said to be “taking a break” from the film but sources indicate it is unlikely he will continue with the project.
While production in Liverpool has been shut down for this week, a source close to the production confirmed to Variety that, contrary to reports, shooting is set to re-start as soon as next week, with a new director...
- 11/2/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Focus Features presents Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho, a twisty psycho-thriller with a great soundtrack, as Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch goes wider, testing the appeal of a director whose films have been called the arthouse equivalent of Marvel.
Last Night, a time-bending genre tale, unspools on just over 3,000 screens — not exactly specialty but it’s from a writer-director who “can dip his toe into anything, a true specialty film, a more commercial film like Baby Driver, and now a psychological thriller that harkens back to Hitchcock, Brian De Palma and David Lynch,” said Focus distribution president Lisa Bunnell. It’s “more than a typical commercial slasher movie. It takes the thriller genre to a new level.”
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and screened at TIFF, where it resonated strongly with preview and festival audiences. Deadline’s review “called it a dark and delicious trip.
Last Night, a time-bending genre tale, unspools on just over 3,000 screens — not exactly specialty but it’s from a writer-director who “can dip his toe into anything, a true specialty film, a more commercial film like Baby Driver, and now a psychological thriller that harkens back to Hitchcock, Brian De Palma and David Lynch,” said Focus distribution president Lisa Bunnell. It’s “more than a typical commercial slasher movie. It takes the thriller genre to a new level.”
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and screened at TIFF, where it resonated strongly with preview and festival audiences. Deadline’s review “called it a dark and delicious trip.
- 10/29/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
“RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” continued this week with another installment of the hit spin-off from across the pond. In last week’s fifth episode, RuPaul Charles asked the queens to name the queen that is most deserving of going home, where Scarlett Harlett learned that most of her friends think her head is no longer in the game. Minutes later, Scarlett took on Charity Kase in the lip sync for the second straight week, this time sending her home.
On Thursday’s sixth episode, we see the fallout of the singling out of Scarlett play out in two classic challenges: Reading Is Fundamental and Snatch Game. Read below for our recap of episode 6 to find out in “Snatch Game”:
Following Charity’s elimination, River Medway got right to the point as the girls sat down to decompress. River asked straight away whether or not anyone thought Charity won the lip sync.
On Thursday’s sixth episode, we see the fallout of the singling out of Scarlett play out in two classic challenges: Reading Is Fundamental and Snatch Game. Read below for our recap of episode 6 to find out in “Snatch Game”:
Following Charity’s elimination, River Medway got right to the point as the girls sat down to decompress. River asked straight away whether or not anyone thought Charity won the lip sync.
- 10/28/2021
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Son Of Rambow and X-Men: First Class actor Bill Milner has joined Brian Epstein biopic Midas Man as Brian’s brother Clive Epstein who assumed control of his brother’s music store business.
Filming is underway in Liverpool on the movie about the visionary music manager Brian Epstein, who famously discovered the Beatles.
Starring are The Queen’s Gambit actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as the movie’s titular character, Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Lukas Gage, Charley Palmer Rothwell, and Rosie Day as Cilla Black, the singer who was also managed by Epstein.
Jonas Åkerlund is directing from a screenplay based on a screen story by Brigit Grant and written by Jonathan Wakeham.
Producers are Kevin Proctor and Perry Trevers at StudioPOW, with Trevor Beattie and Jeremy Chatterton at Trevor Beattie Films. Mister Smith Entertainment is handling sales and has closed a raft of international deals.
Milner is in post-production on movie thriller Burial.
Filming is underway in Liverpool on the movie about the visionary music manager Brian Epstein, who famously discovered the Beatles.
Starring are The Queen’s Gambit actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as the movie’s titular character, Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Lukas Gage, Charley Palmer Rothwell, and Rosie Day as Cilla Black, the singer who was also managed by Epstein.
Jonas Åkerlund is directing from a screenplay based on a screen story by Brigit Grant and written by Jonathan Wakeham.
Producers are Kevin Proctor and Perry Trevers at StudioPOW, with Trevor Beattie and Jeremy Chatterton at Trevor Beattie Films. Mister Smith Entertainment is handling sales and has closed a raft of international deals.
Milner is in post-production on movie thriller Burial.
- 10/28/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
“Midas Man,” the biopic about legendary music manager Brian Epstein, has begun shooting in Liverpool, U.K., giving fans the first look at Jacob Fortune-Lloyd’s transformation into the title role (above left).
The actor, who has starred in “Medici” and “The Queen’s Gambit,” will portray the always dapper Epstein in the StudioPOW and Trevor Beattie Films production alongside Emily Watson (“Everest”) as Epstein’s mother, Eddie Marsan (“Ridley Road”) as his father Harry, Lukas Gage (“Euphoria”) as his lover Tex Ellington and Charley Palmer Rothwell (“Jack Ryan”) who will play The Beatles’ record producer George Martin
The film has also cast “Outlander” star Rosie Day as another one of Epstein’s acts, singer Cilla Black. Jonas Åkerlund (“Lords of Chaos”) directs.
The film will shoot across Liverpool, London and the U.S. this fall.
Epstein, who died of an overdose at the age of 32, was responsible for discovering and...
The actor, who has starred in “Medici” and “The Queen’s Gambit,” will portray the always dapper Epstein in the StudioPOW and Trevor Beattie Films production alongside Emily Watson (“Everest”) as Epstein’s mother, Eddie Marsan (“Ridley Road”) as his father Harry, Lukas Gage (“Euphoria”) as his lover Tex Ellington and Charley Palmer Rothwell (“Jack Ryan”) who will play The Beatles’ record producer George Martin
The film has also cast “Outlander” star Rosie Day as another one of Epstein’s acts, singer Cilla Black. Jonas Åkerlund (“Lords of Chaos”) directs.
The film will shoot across Liverpool, London and the U.S. this fall.
Epstein, who died of an overdose at the age of 32, was responsible for discovering and...
- 10/22/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Rosie Day (Outlander) has boarded the cast of Midas Man, the biopic of visionary music manager Brian Epstein, who famously discovered the Beatles. Day will play Cilla Black, the singer who was also managed by Epstein.
Producers StudioPow and Trevor Beattie Films have today unveiled a first look at The Queen’s Gambit actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as the movie’s titular character.
Also starring are Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Lukas Gage and Charley Palmer Rothwell. The project will shoot on location in Liverpool, London and the U.S. this fall for release in 2022.
Producers are Kevin Proctor and Perry Trevers at StudioPOW, with Trevor Beattie and Jeremy Chatterton at Trevor Beattie Films. Jonas Åkerlund is directing from a screenplay based on a screen story by Brigit Grant and written by Jonathan Wakeham.
As a writer, Rosie Day’s debut feature film Pixie Dust was also produced by StudioPow.
Producers StudioPow and Trevor Beattie Films have today unveiled a first look at The Queen’s Gambit actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as the movie’s titular character.
Also starring are Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Lukas Gage and Charley Palmer Rothwell. The project will shoot on location in Liverpool, London and the U.S. this fall for release in 2022.
Producers are Kevin Proctor and Perry Trevers at StudioPOW, with Trevor Beattie and Jeremy Chatterton at Trevor Beattie Films. Jonas Åkerlund is directing from a screenplay based on a screen story by Brigit Grant and written by Jonathan Wakeham.
As a writer, Rosie Day’s debut feature film Pixie Dust was also produced by StudioPow.
- 10/22/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Cast is rounding out on Midas Man, a feature film telling the story of visionary music manager Brian Epstein.
Joining the previously announced Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein are Emily Watson, who will play his mother, Eddie Marsan as his father, and It’s a Sin breakout Omari Douglas as Lonnie Trimble, Epstein’s ever-trusted confidant and friend.
Jonas Akerlund (Lords Of Chaos) is directing the pic, which comes from producers Kevin Proctor and Perry Trevers at StudioPOW and Trevor Beattie and Jeremy Chatterton at Trevor Beattie Films.
Jonathan Wakeham wrote the screenplay based on a story by Brigit Grant. The plot tracks how Epstein shot to fame at the age of 25 by discovering a series of artists including The Beatles, Cilla Black and Gerry and The Pacemakers, before his life ended tragically at just 32.
Peter Dunne, Nicola Pearcey and Mark Borkowski are executive producers. Twickenham Studios Chairman and co-owner Sunny Vohra...
Joining the previously announced Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein are Emily Watson, who will play his mother, Eddie Marsan as his father, and It’s a Sin breakout Omari Douglas as Lonnie Trimble, Epstein’s ever-trusted confidant and friend.
Jonas Akerlund (Lords Of Chaos) is directing the pic, which comes from producers Kevin Proctor and Perry Trevers at StudioPOW and Trevor Beattie and Jeremy Chatterton at Trevor Beattie Films.
Jonathan Wakeham wrote the screenplay based on a story by Brigit Grant. The plot tracks how Epstein shot to fame at the age of 25 by discovering a series of artists including The Beatles, Cilla Black and Gerry and The Pacemakers, before his life ended tragically at just 32.
Peter Dunne, Nicola Pearcey and Mark Borkowski are executive producers. Twickenham Studios Chairman and co-owner Sunny Vohra...
- 9/10/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in the ’60s, to escape from reality, as Queen might have written had they seen this film. It seems fitting to plunder a song to review Edgar Wright’s new film, Last Night in Soho, for the director drenches us with a cascade of tunes as we are plunged into London’s Soho circa 1965.
But before Wright turns back the clock, the film opens in contemporary Cornwall as Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie), all wide eyed and porcelain skinned like an adorable doll, dances around her house in a cocktail dress made of newspapers. This sweet little thing lives with her gran (Rita Tushingham), her mum having committed suicide when Eloise was a child. She’s about to head to London to study at the London College of Fashion, but gran is concerned about her mental wellbeing, what with her having visions...
But before Wright turns back the clock, the film opens in contemporary Cornwall as Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie), all wide eyed and porcelain skinned like an adorable doll, dances around her house in a cocktail dress made of newspapers. This sweet little thing lives with her gran (Rita Tushingham), her mum having committed suicide when Eloise was a child. She’s about to head to London to study at the London College of Fashion, but gran is concerned about her mental wellbeing, what with her having visions...
- 9/6/2021
- by Jo-Ann Titmarsh
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Have you ever noticed how the icily dramatic opening strings in “You’re My World,” Cilla Black’s earnest, bawling-on-the-bathroom-floor ballad from 1965, could just as easily be a shivery horror theme by Bernard Herrmann? Edgar Wright has, and uses the likeness to briefly spine-tingling effect early in “Last Night in Soho”: As ’60s-fixated Gen-z fashion student Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie) finds herself somehow transported in time to the Swinging London world of naive party girl and aspiring chanteuse Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy), those strings signal not just the dreamy collision of timelines, but a darkening of tone and genre, as Eloise’s rosy nostalgia for an era she never inhabited is soon invaded by blood-dripping violence and threat.
It’s a great needle-drop, from a filmmaker who has made them a trademark of his work, and it’s the one moment in which Wright’s murky, middling blend of horror and...
It’s a great needle-drop, from a filmmaker who has made them a trademark of his work, and it’s the one moment in which Wright’s murky, middling blend of horror and...
- 9/4/2021
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
Leave it to Edgar Wright to play with genre expectations and deliver yet another delightfully off-kilter thriller that also thrills with its undeniably trippy atmosphere and blast to the past of swinging 60’s London. The director of films like Baby Driver, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, The World’s End, and of course the cult classic Shaun Of The Dead has taken the seemingly glamorous and intriguing era of the 60s in Mod London circa ’65 and turned it into an increasingly menacing and dark period, but still fueled by a killer song selection that takes us from Cilla Black to Petula Clark. It is a mix that has you in its first half longing to go back to that period in time like protagonist Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie) , but then maybe rethink that decision. Just like many of Wright’s twisty movies he doesn’t easily let the audience off the hook.
- 9/4/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Mixing glorious pastiche and gory ghost story, director Edgar Wright’s “Last Night in Soho” will stand as one of the best London movies of the new decade.
That’s probably because, while it enjoys the present-day (or at least pre-pandemic) bustle of Soho, it positively revels in the area’s charismatically seedy past and its still-palpable legacy.
Much like his mentor, Quentin Tarantino, who gets a thanks in the closing credits but to whom the excellent soundtrack choices also owe a huge debt, Wright creates a faithful yet playful homage to a lost and legendary Swinging ’60s London that is hard to find these days but whose spirit remains vibrantly alive in movies, documentaries, photos, stories, a few buildings and, of course, hundreds of songs.
Since the current Covid-19 pandemic practically emptied Soho of its restaurants, nightlife and office workers (many British film production companies included), one might regard...
That’s probably because, while it enjoys the present-day (or at least pre-pandemic) bustle of Soho, it positively revels in the area’s charismatically seedy past and its still-palpable legacy.
Much like his mentor, Quentin Tarantino, who gets a thanks in the closing credits but to whom the excellent soundtrack choices also owe a huge debt, Wright creates a faithful yet playful homage to a lost and legendary Swinging ’60s London that is hard to find these days but whose spirit remains vibrantly alive in movies, documentaries, photos, stories, a few buildings and, of course, hundreds of songs.
Since the current Covid-19 pandemic practically emptied Soho of its restaurants, nightlife and office workers (many British film production companies included), one might regard...
- 9/4/2021
- by Jason Solomons
- The Wrap
Streaming
“Schumacher,” a documentary on champion German Formula 1 racing driver Michael Schumacher, will stream on Netflix from Sept. 15. The film follows his journey from his humble beginnings to the top of Formula 1 where he dominated with seven world championship titles and a total of 91 victories.
In addition to his father and his brother Ralf, Schumacher’s wife Corinna and his two children Gina and Mick, by now a Formula 1 driver himself, speak openly for the first time, as do his closest peers and competitors. Among them are Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, Sebastian Vettel, Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill, Flavio Briatore, David Coulthard, Willi Weber, Luca di Montezemolo, Piero Ferrari, his manager Sabine Kehm.
Benjamin Seikel and Vanessa Nöcker from B|14 Film GmbH produced “Schumacher”. Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker and Michael Wech directed the film.
London based Rocket Science is representing sales and distribution of the film worldwide and facilitated the partnership with Netflix.
“Schumacher,” a documentary on champion German Formula 1 racing driver Michael Schumacher, will stream on Netflix from Sept. 15. The film follows his journey from his humble beginnings to the top of Formula 1 where he dominated with seven world championship titles and a total of 91 victories.
In addition to his father and his brother Ralf, Schumacher’s wife Corinna and his two children Gina and Mick, by now a Formula 1 driver himself, speak openly for the first time, as do his closest peers and competitors. Among them are Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, Sebastian Vettel, Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill, Flavio Briatore, David Coulthard, Willi Weber, Luca di Montezemolo, Piero Ferrari, his manager Sabine Kehm.
Benjamin Seikel and Vanessa Nöcker from B|14 Film GmbH produced “Schumacher”. Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker and Michael Wech directed the film.
London based Rocket Science is representing sales and distribution of the film worldwide and facilitated the partnership with Netflix.
- 7/30/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
UK actor to lead a biopic of The Beatles’ late manager.
Jonas Åkerlund’s upcoming biopic of music manager Brian Epstein has cast The Queen’s Gambit breakout Jacob Fortune-Lloyd in the lead role.
Midas Man will begin shooting this autumn, Screen has confirmed. It will film in the UK at Twickenham Studios and on location in London and Liverpool as well as the US.
Nicola Pearcey, former president of Lionsgate UK and Europe, has also joined the project as executive producer through Picnik Entertainment.
Swedish director Åkerlund will also have creative input on the film’s soundtrack. His previous...
Jonas Åkerlund’s upcoming biopic of music manager Brian Epstein has cast The Queen’s Gambit breakout Jacob Fortune-Lloyd in the lead role.
Midas Man will begin shooting this autumn, Screen has confirmed. It will film in the UK at Twickenham Studios and on location in London and Liverpool as well as the US.
Nicola Pearcey, former president of Lionsgate UK and Europe, has also joined the project as executive producer through Picnik Entertainment.
Swedish director Åkerlund will also have creative input on the film’s soundtrack. His previous...
- 4/16/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
ABC is bringing back The Dating Game.
The network has partnered with Sony Pictures to bring back the classic dating format and is putting a celebrity spin on the show.
New Girl star Zooey Deschanel and musician Michael Bolton, known for soft rock hits such as “Georgia on My Mind” and “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You,” will host the eight-part series.
The Celebrity Dating Game will offer a wry wink at modern dating with a roster of celebrity singles in their pursuit to find love. Offering a spin on the classic dating show, the celebrity guests will remain a mystery as one lucky suitor is chosen from a hidden panel of three bachelors and/or bachelorettes based on their answers to the celebrity’s questions. Suitors will have the opportunity to guess the secret identity based on clues, questions and special parody performances by host Bolton, who...
The network has partnered with Sony Pictures to bring back the classic dating format and is putting a celebrity spin on the show.
New Girl star Zooey Deschanel and musician Michael Bolton, known for soft rock hits such as “Georgia on My Mind” and “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You,” will host the eight-part series.
The Celebrity Dating Game will offer a wry wink at modern dating with a roster of celebrity singles in their pursuit to find love. Offering a spin on the classic dating show, the celebrity guests will remain a mystery as one lucky suitor is chosen from a hidden panel of three bachelors and/or bachelorettes based on their answers to the celebrity’s questions. Suitors will have the opportunity to guess the secret identity based on clues, questions and special parody performances by host Bolton, who...
- 2/18/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK deserves a massive round of applause for one of the most conducive episodes I have ever seen. If we ignore the mini-challenge in this episode; the runway, main challenge and judging panned were used perfectly in tandem to give a very well structure and thematic episode. The episode revolves around the idea of musicals, with the main challenge being to perform like in ‘Rats the Rusical’ which was an obvious parody of Cats (but more on that later) and the guest judge this week was Sheridan Smith who many will know as Smithy’s sister in Gavin and Stacey but it’s also a musical theatre icon who has played iconic roles such as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, Elle in Legally Blonde or as Cilla Black in the TV musical movie Cilla. The runway was titled “Surprise, Surprise” which was also a reference...
- 1/22/2021
- by Rhys Payne
- Nerdly
Set to collect Special Award for his contribution to industry and focus on diversity.
Idris Elba has scooped this year’s Bafta Special Award for his contribution to TV, with a focus on his work in the diversity space.
The Luther star, who just signed a first-look deal with Apple and also runs his own indie, will be awarded and make a speech at next Friday’s Bafta TV Awards, which will take place remotely.
Bafta cited Elba’s starring roles in the likes of BBC1’s Luther and his breakout in The Wire but said his contribution “goes beyond...
Idris Elba has scooped this year’s Bafta Special Award for his contribution to TV, with a focus on his work in the diversity space.
The Luther star, who just signed a first-look deal with Apple and also runs his own indie, will be awarded and make a speech at next Friday’s Bafta TV Awards, which will take place remotely.
Bafta cited Elba’s starring roles in the likes of BBC1’s Luther and his breakout in The Wire but said his contribution “goes beyond...
- 7/21/2020
- by 1101315¦Max Goldbart Broadcast¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Acclaimed British actor, writer and producer Idris Elba will receive a BAFTA Special Award for his creative contribution to television and his commitment to championing diversity and new talent in the industry.
The Special Award is one of the British Academy’s highest honors, with previous recipients for television including Nicola Shindler, Clare Balding, John Motson, Henry Normal, Nick Fraser, Lenny Henry, Delia Smith and Cilla Black.
Elba’s breakout came in HBO’s “The Wire” and he shot to international fame with his starring role in hit BBC drama “Luther,” for which he won a Golden Globe and scored several Primetime Emmy and BAFTA nominations. Last year, Elba starred in and executive produced the fifth season of “Luther.” Sky’s “In The Long Run,” created by and starring Elba, inspired by his own experiences, is back soon for a third season.
He founded production company Green Door Pictures in 2013 with a focus on inclusion,...
The Special Award is one of the British Academy’s highest honors, with previous recipients for television including Nicola Shindler, Clare Balding, John Motson, Henry Normal, Nick Fraser, Lenny Henry, Delia Smith and Cilla Black.
Elba’s breakout came in HBO’s “The Wire” and he shot to international fame with his starring role in hit BBC drama “Luther,” for which he won a Golden Globe and scored several Primetime Emmy and BAFTA nominations. Last year, Elba starred in and executive produced the fifth season of “Luther.” Sky’s “In The Long Run,” created by and starring Elba, inspired by his own experiences, is back soon for a third season.
He founded production company Green Door Pictures in 2013 with a focus on inclusion,...
- 7/20/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Midas Man, a biopic of The Beatles manager Brian Epstein, will be directed by multi-Grammy winner Jonas Akerlund (Lords Of Chaos).
From producers Trevor Beattie Films and StudioPOW, the film will tell the story of the visionary music manager and impresario who was often referred to as the ‘Fifth Beatle’. He took the music industry by storm at the tender age of 25 and for seven years had a tumultuous and dazzling career. Among his other discoveries were Gerry And The Pacemakers, Cilla Black and Billy J Kramer and he opened his own theater to promote the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Cream and Pink Floyd. Epstein’s rise was tragically cut short when he died of a drug overdose aged only 32.
The original screenplay comes from Brigit Grant and Jonathan Wakeham. Mister Smith Entertainment is handling international sales. The plan is to shoot the film in London, Liverpool and...
From producers Trevor Beattie Films and StudioPOW, the film will tell the story of the visionary music manager and impresario who was often referred to as the ‘Fifth Beatle’. He took the music industry by storm at the tender age of 25 and for seven years had a tumultuous and dazzling career. Among his other discoveries were Gerry And The Pacemakers, Cilla Black and Billy J Kramer and he opened his own theater to promote the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Cream and Pink Floyd. Epstein’s rise was tragically cut short when he died of a drug overdose aged only 32.
The original screenplay comes from Brigit Grant and Jonathan Wakeham. Mister Smith Entertainment is handling international sales. The plan is to shoot the film in London, Liverpool and...
- 7/2/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Multi-Grammy winning director Jonas Akerlund is to helm “Midas Man,” a movie about The Beatles’ manager and music impresario Brian Epstein, it was confirmed Thursday.
Epstein discovered The Beatles – indeed Paul McCartney referred to him as “the fifth Beatle” – and they signed a contract with him in 1961. He also worked with music artists such as Gerry and the Pacemakers and Cilla Black, and helped promote musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Cream and Pink Floyd.
The film is described as “an emotional, witty, heartfelt story of the joy of success and the terrifying pressures of unspeakable risk and unfulfilled desire,” in a statement from the producers, Trevor Beattie and Jeremy Chatterton at Trevor Beattie Films, and Kevin Proctor and Perry Trevers at StudioPOW.
Beattie said Akerlund had a “rock and roll heart,” and “understands music and the music industry.”
Akerlund has directed several feature films, including Netflix’s graphic-novel adaptation “Polar,...
Epstein discovered The Beatles – indeed Paul McCartney referred to him as “the fifth Beatle” – and they signed a contract with him in 1961. He also worked with music artists such as Gerry and the Pacemakers and Cilla Black, and helped promote musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Cream and Pink Floyd.
The film is described as “an emotional, witty, heartfelt story of the joy of success and the terrifying pressures of unspeakable risk and unfulfilled desire,” in a statement from the producers, Trevor Beattie and Jeremy Chatterton at Trevor Beattie Films, and Kevin Proctor and Perry Trevers at StudioPOW.
Beattie said Akerlund had a “rock and roll heart,” and “understands music and the music industry.”
Akerlund has directed several feature films, including Netflix’s graphic-novel adaptation “Polar,...
- 7/2/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
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