Born and raised in Ireland, Jessie Buckley has quickly made a name for herself in the world of acting and singing. Her talent and dedication have led to her recognition and success in both film and theatre, earning her nominations for prestigious awards such as the Academy Award and three BAFTA Awards.
Born on December 28, 1989, in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, Jessie was the eldest of five children. Her mother, Marina Cassidy, was a vocal coach and inspired Jessie’s early interest in music and the performing arts. Jessie attended the all-girls Ursuline Secondary School in Thurles, County Tipperary, where her mother worked. She took part in numerous school productions, often playing male lead roles, including Tony in West Side Story and Freddie Trumper in Chess1.
In addition to acting, Jessie demonstrated a deep passion for music. She achieved Grade eight in piano, clarinet, and harp at the Royal Irish Academy...
Born on December 28, 1989, in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, Jessie was the eldest of five children. Her mother, Marina Cassidy, was a vocal coach and inspired Jessie’s early interest in music and the performing arts. Jessie attended the all-girls Ursuline Secondary School in Thurles, County Tipperary, where her mother worked. She took part in numerous school productions, often playing male lead roles, including Tony in West Side Story and Freddie Trumper in Chess1.
In addition to acting, Jessie demonstrated a deep passion for music. She achieved Grade eight in piano, clarinet, and harp at the Royal Irish Academy...
- 11/4/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Ah, Ready Steady Cook – you were a product of simpler times. The BBC’s teatime TV cooking show saw two contestants bring along a bag of ingredients, team up with a celebrity chef, (becoming Team Green Pepper and Team Red Tomato) and spend 20 minutes transforming what they’d brought into a tasty dinner.
They only had a maximum budget of £5 (which these days would probably only stretch to half a cucumber and a pot noodle) so the dishes weren’t fancy – none of this nonsense about serving some daft gravy-with-notions and calling it a ‘jus’. No, the likes of Ainsley Harriott or Anthony Worrall Thompson usually just hastily assembled a lasagne, and then the audience voted for a winner – and by ‘vote’, we mean they lifted up a picture of a green pepper or a red tomato.
It was sweet, harmless daytime TV, so when they decided to introduce a celebrity version,...
They only had a maximum budget of £5 (which these days would probably only stretch to half a cucumber and a pot noodle) so the dishes weren’t fancy – none of this nonsense about serving some daft gravy-with-notions and calling it a ‘jus’. No, the likes of Ainsley Harriott or Anthony Worrall Thompson usually just hastily assembled a lasagne, and then the audience voted for a winner – and by ‘vote’, we mean they lifted up a picture of a green pepper or a red tomato.
It was sweet, harmless daytime TV, so when they decided to introduce a celebrity version,...
- 5/31/2023
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
Since she first gained national attention in the UK on the BBC talent show "I'd Do Anything," Jessie Buckley has made a memorable impression playing women who find themselves in the company of dangerous men. On the show, she competed the role of Nancy, the tragic wife of abusive Bill Sykes in a new stage version of "Oliver!" Nine years later, she made her film debut in "Beast" as Moll, a young woman who falls for a charismatic drifter who may or may not be a murderer. In the same year, she aided Tom Hardy's brutish protagonist wage his personal war against the powerful East India Company in "Taboo."
More recently, in the Oscar-nominated "Women Talking," she joined an excellent ensemble playing a group of women who are systematically drugged and sexually assaulted by the men in their community. Is it that she's drawn to roles where she can tackle toxic masculinity?...
More recently, in the Oscar-nominated "Women Talking," she joined an excellent ensemble playing a group of women who are systematically drugged and sexually assaulted by the men in their community. Is it that she's drawn to roles where she can tackle toxic masculinity?...
- 5/14/2023
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
No matter where fate propels Oliver Twist—from the workhouse to the funeral home to the hideout of a master pickpocket—the orphan maintains a fierce sense of who he is, plus a willingness to stand up for himself and, yes, even ask for more in his pursuit of a loving home. And Benjamin Pajak, the actor who plays him, is on a similarly dogged quest: a nearly one-kid glorious mission to rescue the New York City Center’s lumpy revival of Lionel Bart’s 1960 musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic novel Oliver Twist.
If it felt like hyperbole to praise the 10-year-old playing Winthrop Paroo in the revival of The Music Man as the most electrifying performer on stage, there’s no need to pull punches now that he’s taken on a title role. Indeed, Pajak, now 12 years old, is a marvel in Oliver! For one, his...
If it felt like hyperbole to praise the 10-year-old playing Winthrop Paroo in the revival of The Music Man as the most electrifying performer on stage, there’s no need to pull punches now that he’s taken on a title role. Indeed, Pajak, now 12 years old, is a marvel in Oliver! For one, his...
- 5/6/2023
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
Singer Anne-Marie has reportedly been inspired by her love of musical theatre, and specifically ‘I’d Do Anything’ from ‘Oliver!’, on her new album. The 32-year-old singer is said to have finished work on her upcoming third record – the follow-up to 2012’s ‘Therapy’ – and has seemingly channelled ‘I’d Do Anything’ from the iconic musical ‘Oliver!’ on one of the songs after appearing on the West End when she was younger, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “Anne-Marie has been working really hard on this album for the best part of two years and is super proud of the record.
“Like with ‘Therapy’, lyrically it’s been inspired by her own experiences but the sound has advanced.
“One track is a nod to her musical theatre days and inspired by ‘I’d Do Anything.'”
Anne-Marie previously admitted her experience in musical theatre meant it was...
A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “Anne-Marie has been working really hard on this album for the best part of two years and is super proud of the record.
“Like with ‘Therapy’, lyrically it’s been inspired by her own experiences but the sound has advanced.
“One track is a nod to her musical theatre days and inspired by ‘I’d Do Anything.'”
Anne-Marie previously admitted her experience in musical theatre meant it was...
- 4/29/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
The breakout star of Les Miserables and upcoming fantasy epic Dracula Untold presents her favourite Sky Movies on demand. First seen on small screens in reality TV musical contest I'd Do Anything, Samantha Barks catapulted to fame in the West End with a starring role in the West End production of Les Misérables. She went on to reprise her role as Éponine in Tom Hooper's epic 2012 film adaptation, and quickly became the breakout star.
- 9/11/2014
- Sky Movies
Californication actor takes on Glenn Close role in upcoming West End production to be directed by Trevor Nunn
Rabbits will never look at her in the same way again: Natascha McElhone is to star in the stage adaptation of Fatal Attraction, playing the role that made a star of Glenn Close.
The Californication star will play Alex Forrest, a New Yorker who turns a brief romantic fling into an unhinged affair complete with the infamous episode in which she boils a pet rabbit, when the play premieres at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in March.
James Dearden, who wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay, is behind the new stage adaptation. Trevor Nunn is set to direct, returning to the West End theatre he temporarily ran three years ago. Close, who starred in Nunn's National Theatre production of A Streetcar Named Desire in 2002, won the first of her three best actress nominations for Fatal Attraction,...
Rabbits will never look at her in the same way again: Natascha McElhone is to star in the stage adaptation of Fatal Attraction, playing the role that made a star of Glenn Close.
The Californication star will play Alex Forrest, a New Yorker who turns a brief romantic fling into an unhinged affair complete with the infamous episode in which she boils a pet rabbit, when the play premieres at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in March.
James Dearden, who wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay, is behind the new stage adaptation. Trevor Nunn is set to direct, returning to the West End theatre he temporarily ran three years ago. Close, who starred in Nunn's National Theatre production of A Streetcar Named Desire in 2002, won the first of her three best actress nominations for Fatal Attraction,...
- 1/20/2014
- by Matt Trueman
- The Guardian - Film News
Life on the road has taken its toll on Meat Loaf, who's now on his second new knee. But will this coming tour really be his last? He talks about high Cs, being signed for $6 and outwellying Wagner
A decade ago, Meat Loaf was invited on to Sky Sports' Saturday morning show Soccer Am. He didn't know anything about football, but being an actor by background, he did what actors do – he prepared. First, he knew he needed a club to support. "I thought, I don't want to go on and say I'm a Manchester United fan or a Liverpool fan – I'm gonna go down to the third level. And so I picked Hartlepool. I read about them and I found that the people of Hartlepool had hanged a monkey thinking he was a Frenchman, and I loved that story. I read everything I could about every game they played.
A decade ago, Meat Loaf was invited on to Sky Sports' Saturday morning show Soccer Am. He didn't know anything about football, but being an actor by background, he did what actors do – he prepared. First, he knew he needed a club to support. "I thought, I don't want to go on and say I'm a Manchester United fan or a Liverpool fan – I'm gonna go down to the third level. And so I picked Hartlepool. I read about them and I found that the people of Hartlepool had hanged a monkey thinking he was a Frenchman, and I loved that story. I read everything I could about every game they played.
- 4/2/2013
- by Michael Hann
- The Guardian - Film News
The production for a film starring Susan Boyle has started this week.
The Christmas Candle has begun filming on the Isle of Man, according to Screen Daily.
The film follows the legend of a village's Christmas candle and also stars Samantha Barks from Les Misérables.
Boyle said of the experience: "I can't believe I'm making a film. I'm very excited to be a part of The Christmas Candle.
"Everyone on set is a delight to work with and it's a fantastic experience to be part of the team.
"I'm really enjoying getting dressed in the period costumes and stepping back in time and although it's very cold filming on location, I'm wearing long johns under my bustle."
Barks, a runner-up on BBC show I'd Do Anything, said: "Having just landed from the Academy Awards I had an hour to unpack and repack and get to set.
"I'm very excited to...
The Christmas Candle has begun filming on the Isle of Man, according to Screen Daily.
The film follows the legend of a village's Christmas candle and also stars Samantha Barks from Les Misérables.
Boyle said of the experience: "I can't believe I'm making a film. I'm very excited to be a part of The Christmas Candle.
"Everyone on set is a delight to work with and it's a fantastic experience to be part of the team.
"I'm really enjoying getting dressed in the period costumes and stepping back in time and although it's very cold filming on location, I'm wearing long johns under my bustle."
Barks, a runner-up on BBC show I'd Do Anything, said: "Having just landed from the Academy Awards I had an hour to unpack and repack and get to set.
"I'm very excited to...
- 2/28/2013
- Digital Spy
When Seth McFarlane and Emma Stone announced the 2013 Academy Awards nominations last month, we happily found ourselves nodding in agreement with much of the list.
But, just like last year, Oscar nomination joy across Hollywood was balanced out by glum faces for others.
In some of those cases, we understood why they might have felt slighted. To give some love to those who missed out on the Academy's votes, we present Digital Spy's Alternative Oscar Awards. Read on for our nominees and winners.
Best Picture
The Master
Looper
Rust and Bone
Skyfall - Winner
Frankenweenie
Berberian Sound Studio
The Dark Knight Rises
The Hunger Games
The Avengers
And the Alternative Oscar goes to... The Academy doesn't seem too keen on superheroes, even when they're dressed in a snazzy suit. Its treatment of Skyfall suggests that 007 may have accidentally blown up a few voters' homes in his time.
After the success of the edgy Casino Royale,...
But, just like last year, Oscar nomination joy across Hollywood was balanced out by glum faces for others.
In some of those cases, we understood why they might have felt slighted. To give some love to those who missed out on the Academy's votes, we present Digital Spy's Alternative Oscar Awards. Read on for our nominees and winners.
Best Picture
The Master
Looper
Rust and Bone
Skyfall - Winner
Frankenweenie
Berberian Sound Studio
The Dark Knight Rises
The Hunger Games
The Avengers
And the Alternative Oscar goes to... The Academy doesn't seem too keen on superheroes, even when they're dressed in a snazzy suit. Its treatment of Skyfall suggests that 007 may have accidentally blown up a few voters' homes in his time.
After the success of the edgy Casino Royale,...
- 2/23/2013
- Digital Spy
With just days until the release of "Les Miserables," a new trailer has been released for the film. The latest preview highlights newcomer Samantha Barks as she sings the classic, "On My Own" -- take a look in the video above.
Prior to appearing in the upcoming "Les Miserables," Barks played Eponine in the West End production of the iconic musical, and placed third in BBC's talent competition, "I'd Do Anything" at age 17.
"I think because it is a huge big change in my lifestyle, the way I kind of get through that is by trying to not freak myself out," Barks told HuffPost Entertainment earlier this month about her newfound fame. "Trying to not over-think too far and take every day that comes with gusto. The fact that there is a buzz around the film makes me burst with pride. I am honored to be involved in a project like this.
Prior to appearing in the upcoming "Les Miserables," Barks played Eponine in the West End production of the iconic musical, and placed third in BBC's talent competition, "I'd Do Anything" at age 17.
"I think because it is a huge big change in my lifestyle, the way I kind of get through that is by trying to not freak myself out," Barks told HuffPost Entertainment earlier this month about her newfound fame. "Trying to not over-think too far and take every day that comes with gusto. The fact that there is a buzz around the film makes me burst with pride. I am honored to be involved in a project like this.
- 12/22/2012
- by Madeline Boardman
- Huffington Post
'Playing Fagin was one of the happiest times of my life. I loved the boys' mischievous minds – I wanted to make them laugh'
Mark Lester, actor (Oliver Twist)
The auditions had narrowed down to two other boys and me. We were put in a room in a London hotel and Carol Reed, the director, ordered the dismayed hotel barber to cut our hair badly to resemble a workhouse style. Then he just looked and looked at us, and we were sent home with this awful hair. When I heard I'd got the part, my reaction was that it was a chance to miss a lot of school. Actually, I spent most of the time in my dressing room reading Sherlock Holmes.
Ron Moody, who played Fagin, was very jolly and used to play cards with us boys between shoots. But we were all terrified of Oliver Reed. He was one...
Mark Lester, actor (Oliver Twist)
The auditions had narrowed down to two other boys and me. We were put in a room in a London hotel and Carol Reed, the director, ordered the dismayed hotel barber to cut our hair badly to resemble a workhouse style. Then he just looked and looked at us, and we were sent home with this awful hair. When I heard I'd got the part, my reaction was that it was a chance to miss a lot of school. Actually, I spent most of the time in my dressing room reading Sherlock Holmes.
Ron Moody, who played Fagin, was very jolly and used to play cards with us boys between shoots. But we were all terrified of Oliver Reed. He was one...
- 12/4/2012
- by Anna Tims
- The Guardian - Film News
Andrew Lloyd Webber has explained why he is making his new show Superstar with ITV rather than the BBC. The composer made previous talent hunts How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do, I'd Do Anything and Over the Rainbow with the BBC and it was initially suggested that the broadcaster had passed on the new programme. "The people at ITV now were the same ones who took a gamble on me in the first place at the BBC, so that's why I have moved over," Lloyd Webber told the Daily Mail. "ITV wanted very much to do a programme with me. They got very excited when I said, 'I don't really want to do another stage show, I'm thinking of an arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar'. They said that was something they would really like to do, too." BBC presenter Graham Norton said...
- 7/6/2012
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber is delighted his musical protegee Samantha Barks has been cast in the movie adaptation of Les Miserables, branding her the "perfect" person to play Eponine.
Barks, who competed in Lloyd Webber's 2008 U.K. TV talent show I'd Do Anything, saw off competition from Scarlett Johansson, Lea Michele and Taylor Swift to land the coveted role in director Tom Hooper's upcoming big screen adaptation.
And Lloyd Webber is overjoyed Barks, who came third in his search to find a star to play Nancy in the Oliver! musical, has snatched the part from Hollywood big hitters.
He tells Britain's Daily Express, "I'm incredibly proud that Samantha is enjoying such huge success. She will make the perfect Eponine and I wish her all the luck."...
Barks, who competed in Lloyd Webber's 2008 U.K. TV talent show I'd Do Anything, saw off competition from Scarlett Johansson, Lea Michele and Taylor Swift to land the coveted role in director Tom Hooper's upcoming big screen adaptation.
And Lloyd Webber is overjoyed Barks, who came third in his search to find a star to play Nancy in the Oliver! musical, has snatched the part from Hollywood big hitters.
He tells Britain's Daily Express, "I'm incredibly proud that Samantha is enjoying such huge success. She will make the perfect Eponine and I wish her all the luck."...
- 2/2/2012
- WENN
Samantha Barks pips Scarlett Johansson, Lea Michele and Taylor Swift to play Éponine in film version of musical
When Les Misérables hits cinemas in December, the cast list will groan with big names – with one exception. On Tuesday night, Samantha Barks was taking her curtain call after playing Nancy in Oliver! at Manchester's Palace Theatre when she was surprised onstage by Cameron Mackintosh.
To audience cheers, the producer told her she had won the role of Éponine alongside Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe in director Tom Hooper's version of the long-running musical.
"He told me that I'd got the part and my heart started pounding," said Barks on Wednesday.
Barks was previously best known for coming third in I'd Do Anything, the BBC talent show in which contestants vied for the role of Nancy in Oliver!'s West End production. The actor, who had little previous film experience,...
When Les Misérables hits cinemas in December, the cast list will groan with big names – with one exception. On Tuesday night, Samantha Barks was taking her curtain call after playing Nancy in Oliver! at Manchester's Palace Theatre when she was surprised onstage by Cameron Mackintosh.
To audience cheers, the producer told her she had won the role of Éponine alongside Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe in director Tom Hooper's version of the long-running musical.
"He told me that I'd got the part and my heart started pounding," said Barks on Wednesday.
Barks was previously best known for coming third in I'd Do Anything, the BBC talent show in which contestants vied for the role of Nancy in Oliver!'s West End production. The actor, who had little previous film experience,...
- 2/1/2012
- by Alex Needham
- The Guardian - Film News
I'd Do Anything contestant Samantha Barks has been cast in the forthcoming big-screen adaptation of Les Misérables. The actress was told by legendary theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh at the end of a performance of Oliver! in Manchester last night (January 31) that she will play Eponine in Tom Hooper's star-studded movie. The likes of Taylor Swift, Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson and Evan Rachel Wood have all previously been linked to the role. Barks wrote on Twitter that her casting represented the "most incredible moment of [her] life", adding this morning: "I have to say trying to sleep last night, I felt like a child on Christmas Eve!!!" The 21-year-old previously played Eponine in the Les Misérables 25th anniversary concert at The (more)...
- 2/1/2012
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Meet Samantha Barks, the actress who Tom Hooper chose to play Eponine in "Les Miserables" over established Hollywood starlets like Scarlett Johansson, Lea Michele and Taylor Swift.
Barks was notified of her big-screen break on Tuesday night following a performance of "Oliver!" at the Manchester Palace in England. Producer Cameron Mackintosh told Barks, who then Tweeted her excitement: "Most incredible moment of my life!!!!"
The 21-year-old rose to fame in England after finishing third on the talent show "I'd Do Anything" in 2008. In a twist that seems like anything but a coincidence, she actually played Eponine in a London production of "Les Miserables" from June of 2010 to June of 2011. She also starred as Eponine in the 25th anniversary production of "Les Mis" in October of 2010, after Mackintosh saw her perform in the role in London.
Hooper, who won an Oscar last year for directing "The King's Speech," has assembled an...
Barks was notified of her big-screen break on Tuesday night following a performance of "Oliver!" at the Manchester Palace in England. Producer Cameron Mackintosh told Barks, who then Tweeted her excitement: "Most incredible moment of my life!!!!"
The 21-year-old rose to fame in England after finishing third on the talent show "I'd Do Anything" in 2008. In a twist that seems like anything but a coincidence, she actually played Eponine in a London production of "Les Miserables" from June of 2010 to June of 2011. She also starred as Eponine in the 25th anniversary production of "Les Mis" in October of 2010, after Mackintosh saw her perform in the role in London.
Hooper, who won an Oscar last year for directing "The King's Speech," has assembled an...
- 2/1/2012
- by Christopher Rosen
- Huffington Post
Meet Samantha Barks, the actress who Tom Hooper chose to play Eponine in "Les Miserables" over established Hollywood starlets like Scarlett Johansson, Lea Michele and Taylor Swift. Barks was notified of her big-screen break on Tuesday night following a performance of "Oliver!" at the Manchester Palace in England. Producer Cameron Mackintosh told Barks, who then Tweeted her excitement: "Most incredible moment of my life!!!!" The 21-year-old rose to fame in England after finishing third on the talent show "I'd Do Anything" in 2008. In a twist that seems like anything but a coincidence, she actually played Eponine in a London production of "Les Miserables" from June of 2010 to June of 2011. She also starred as Eponine in the 25th anniversary production of "Les Mis" in October of 2010, after Mackintosh saw her perform in the role in London. Hooper, who won an Oscar last year for directing "The King's Speech," has assembled an...
- 2/1/2012
- by Christopher Rosen
- Moviefone
British talk show host Graham Norton and songwriter Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber are teaming together to find new talent for the roles in a new production of "Oliver!" The two are looking for a woman to play the role of Nancy and three youths to play Oliver in an upcoming West End production.
Norton and Webber hosted two shows last year to find lead roles for "The Sound of Music" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." This talent search will be televised on the BBC; "I'd Do Anything" premieres Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 9 pm.
Each week the wannabe Olivers will be given a musical task and also perform as a group. They will not face a vote, but must continue to impress Webber and the panel - comprised of "Torchwood" star John Barrowman, Broadway and West End leading lady Denise Van Outen, producer Cameron Mackintosh and musical theatre actor Barry Humphries,...
Norton and Webber hosted two shows last year to find lead roles for "The Sound of Music" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." This talent search will be televised on the BBC; "I'd Do Anything" premieres Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 9 pm.
Each week the wannabe Olivers will be given a musical task and also perform as a group. They will not face a vote, but must continue to impress Webber and the panel - comprised of "Torchwood" star John Barrowman, Broadway and West End leading lady Denise Van Outen, producer Cameron Mackintosh and musical theatre actor Barry Humphries,...
- 10/26/2010
- icelebz.com
Adam deserves a more throne-like chair.
Adam Lambert has sat down with E! for his own E! True Hollywood Story. Access to Adam, his brother Neil, and their mom and dad will give a no holds barred view of his journey from playing Linus in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown to his current Glamnation tour. A London school claims to have eliminated homophobia on campus by teaching gay history, which makes sense. It would never work in the United States because conservatives would claim that children were being "indoctrinated into the homosexual lifestyle" and that schools were being used as recruiting centers. Last night on The Colbert Report's "Indecision 2010: Revenge of the Fallen" Stephen talked about the gay trash talking coming from Ken Bucks and Sean Bielat. I'd explain more, but it would ruin the jokes.
David Alan Grier appears to be trading his Bones lab coat in for some dancing shoes.
Adam Lambert has sat down with E! for his own E! True Hollywood Story. Access to Adam, his brother Neil, and their mom and dad will give a no holds barred view of his journey from playing Linus in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown to his current Glamnation tour. A London school claims to have eliminated homophobia on campus by teaching gay history, which makes sense. It would never work in the United States because conservatives would claim that children were being "indoctrinated into the homosexual lifestyle" and that schools were being used as recruiting centers. Last night on The Colbert Report's "Indecision 2010: Revenge of the Fallen" Stephen talked about the gay trash talking coming from Ken Bucks and Sean Bielat. I'd explain more, but it would ruin the jokes.
David Alan Grier appears to be trading his Bones lab coat in for some dancing shoes.
- 10/26/2010
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed that he is interested in doing more musical reality shows. The West End composer, who has worked on hit BBC series Over The Rainbow, I'd Do Anything and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, said that the programmes have generated a "sea change" in people's attitudes to musical theatre. Speaking on The Michael Ball Show, Webber said: "When we looked for Dorothy, we had 10,000 girls. There was a few hundred really good ones. 18,17 and 16-year-olds doing consummate performances. "We heard a lot of Hairspray, a lot of Sweet Charity. We asked, 'Where (more)...
- 9/13/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Nick Jonas has dismissed rumours that he is dating two of his West End colleagues. Yesterday, a tabloid report suggested that the singer had been romancing former X Factor star Lucie Jones and ex-I'd Do Anything finalist Samantha Barks while working with them on a production of Les Miserables. However, writing on his Twitter page, Jonas commented: "Hey everyone! There is always rumours out there, and usually I don't respond. However, there is one that was brought (more)...
- 7/2/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Dame Edna is the least camp and silly thing in this 1994 symphonic love story, starring Gary Oldman and Isabella Rossellini
Director: Bernard Rose
Entertainment grade: C
History grade: Fail
Among Ludwig van Beethoven's papers was found a love letter to an "Immortal Beloved", who has never been conclusively identified.
Premise
What would be the most clangingly obvious way to open a Beethoven biopic? If you guessed a shot of the grumpy, aged Ludwig (Gary Oldman), illuminated by a stage lightning flash, and accompanied by the "duh-duh-duh-duuuuuh" opening notes of the Fifth Symphony, give yourself a gold star and a pat on the frightwig. He dies, and his executor, Anton Schindler (Jeroen Krabbé), finds that his will bequeaths everything to an unnamed "immortal beloved". Stop right there, movie! Beethoven's will did not mention the immortal beloved. So basically the film's entire premise – that Schindler was obliged to turn detective...
Director: Bernard Rose
Entertainment grade: C
History grade: Fail
Among Ludwig van Beethoven's papers was found a love letter to an "Immortal Beloved", who has never been conclusively identified.
Premise
What would be the most clangingly obvious way to open a Beethoven biopic? If you guessed a shot of the grumpy, aged Ludwig (Gary Oldman), illuminated by a stage lightning flash, and accompanied by the "duh-duh-duh-duuuuuh" opening notes of the Fifth Symphony, give yourself a gold star and a pat on the frightwig. He dies, and his executor, Anton Schindler (Jeroen Krabbé), finds that his will bequeaths everything to an unnamed "immortal beloved". Stop right there, movie! Beethoven's will did not mention the immortal beloved. So basically the film's entire premise – that Schindler was obliged to turn detective...
- 7/1/2010
- by Alex von Tunzelmann
- The Guardian - Film News
Nick Jonas has reportedly gone on a date with former X Factor contestant Lucie Jones. The singer-songwriter is currently playing Marius in the West End production of Les Miserables, in which Jones is starring as Cosette. According to The Sun, Jonas has also been on a date with third-placed I'd Do Anything star Samantha Barks, who is playing Eponine in the London show. A source told the newspaper: (more)...
- 7/1/2010
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Nick Jonas reportedly has wooed two girls while he is in U.K. for his West End stage play, "Les Miserables". The Sun reported that the Jonas Brothers star has dated his "Les Miserables" co-stars, Lucie Jones, the finalist of "The X Factor" contestant season 6, and Samantha Barks, who came third in talent show "I'd Do Anything" in 2008.
"Nick is getting a reputation as a heart-breaker. He's been out on dates with both Samantha and Lucie and they both seem quite smitten," a theater luvvie told the site. "Nick's just having fun - but he's causing some tension between the girls. There's been a lot of jokes backstage because art is imitating life. In the musical Eponine fancies Marius. But he ends up with Cosette."
Marius is a character Nick portrayed in "Les Miserables". Meanwhile, Cosette and Eponine are roles tackled by Lucie and Samantha respectively. Nick made his West End debut on Monday,...
"Nick is getting a reputation as a heart-breaker. He's been out on dates with both Samantha and Lucie and they both seem quite smitten," a theater luvvie told the site. "Nick's just having fun - but he's causing some tension between the girls. There's been a lot of jokes backstage because art is imitating life. In the musical Eponine fancies Marius. But he ends up with Cosette."
Marius is a character Nick portrayed in "Les Miserables". Meanwhile, Cosette and Eponine are roles tackled by Lucie and Samantha respectively. Nick made his West End debut on Monday,...
- 7/1/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Andrew Lloyd Webber will end his working relationship with the BBC after Over The Rainbow, say reports. According to The Sun, the search for Dorothy will be Webber's last talent show production with the broadcaster and he is considering signing a deal with ITV. Webber, 62, has starred in four reality TV series, including How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything, but his current contract with the BBC (more)...
- 5/21/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Jodie Prenger has claimed that critics of Andrew Lloyd Webber's talent shows make her angry. The I'd Do Anything winner, who is currently helping Webber with his search for Toto, argued that the West End composer had succeeded in his "vision of bringing live theatre" back to the mainstream. "I was so chuffed to hear that Andrew was doing another [TV talent] show. I'm a great supporter of these programmes," she told Digital Spy. "I tried for years to get to the West End. And the Nancy show finally gave me that chance. The programmes showcase so much talent, open so many doors, they fund massive singing events around the country, they fund people through college and most importantly bring a whole new audience to the West End. "There is that stigma about it being a reality TV show, but I can't tell you how many people have (more)...
- 5/20/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
I'd Do Anything runner-up Jessie Buckley has landed a role in romantic comedy Join My Band. The 20-year-old, who lost out to Jodie Prenger in the 2008 Andrew Lloyd Webber talent show finale, will play rebellious rock-chic Stella in the short film. Buckley, who starred in the West End production of A Little Night Music, will star opposite Max Fowler in the boy-meets-girl (more)...
- 5/17/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Over The Rainbow judge Sheila Hancock has admitted that she felt "really bad" when she heard about Denise Van Outen's axing. Van Outen expressed disappointment earlier this year after learning that she would not be appearing on the reality contest's panel. She had worked on two previous Andrew Lloyd Webber talent searches - Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything. Hancock was officially announced as an Over The Rainbow judge in February along with Charlotte (more)...
- 4/27/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
The final five potential Totos in Over The Rainbow have been revealed. Judges Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sarah Fisher, Gerry Cott and previous winner of I'd Do Anything Jodie Prenger will announce the canine finalists in tonight's results show. The programme, which airs on BBC One at 7.15pm, follows the ten dogs that were invited to Lord Webber's house in Sydmonton for selection tests. Staunch cat lover Lord Webber said that his Turkish swimming cats took the invasion in their stride, being "at a superior level of intelligence". The five potential Totos are Pug/Shi Tzu Eddie, 1; Mini Schnauzer Dave, 1; Beagle Spider, 6; English Pointer type/Red Setter Retriever cross breed (more)...
- 4/24/2010
- by By Sarah Rollo
- Digital Spy
Denise Van Outen has admitted that she is a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Over The Rainbow. Earlier this year, the TV presenter suggested that one of the reasons she was dropped from the judging panel of the show was that she was expecting a baby. Andrew Lloyd Webber backed up her assertion, claiming that it would have been unfair on the Dorothy contestants if Van Outen had missed episodes due to the birth of her child. The BBC has frequently denied the allegations that Van Outen was dropped from the show, pointing out that the panel was a completely different lineup from previous Webber talents hunts such as I'd Do Anything and Any Dream Will Do. Speaking about the pregnancy axe reports on GMTV today, the former Big Breakfast star said: "There is some truth in that, I was in discussions to do the show - (more)...
- 4/22/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
The final 11 dogs competing for the role of Toto on Over The Rainbow have been revealed. Judges Sarah Fisher, Gerry Cott and I'd Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger unveiled their chosen canines on last night's results show. Andrew Lloyd Webber will meet the finalists and select the final five. Viewers will then see the animals in a series of challenges each week, which Webber and the panel will use to decide who should win the prize of performing in a one-off gala performance of The Wizard Of Oz in the West End. Competing for the prize will be 1-year-old Pug/Shi tzu Eddie, 10-year-old (more)...
- 4/19/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
An owner took their dog on a 200-mile round-trip taxi journey for the Over The Rainbow Toto auditions. Canines and their owners attended trials at The Kennel Club building in Warwickshire earlier this week, where they were whittled down to a final 10 by judges Sarah Fisher, Gerry Cott and I'd Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger. Dogs came from Edinburgh, Devon and Neath in Wales to audition for the part of Toto in a one-off gala performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's new Wizard Of Oz musical. One pet was booked on a 'wait and return' taxi to the venue, despite living over 100 miles away, (more)...
- 4/9/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
The BBC has announced the details of ten Over The Rainbow free live events around the UK. Hosted by I'd Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger, the shows will allow thousands of people to take part in musical theatre masterclasses with help from BBC singers and musicians. The dates include two shows in Leeds, Glasgow and Cardiff, and four at London's Shaftesbury Theatre. Contestants who have been knocked out of the Andrew Lloyd Webber reality show, which is hunting for a Dorothy, will appear at the performances. "If you've been singing along on your sofa this is your chance (more)...
- 4/6/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Over The Rainbow has been criticised by viewers for advertising Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End musicals. Thee BBC received 17 complaints over the weekend, concerning the promotion of Oliver! and Webber's new show Love Never Dies, according to The Sun. Webber's Phantom Of The Opera sequel opened last month, which apparently led some viewers to question "the timing" of his new BBC One talent show. Other complaints allegedly concerned the appearance of I'd Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger on the show. Prenger performed the show tune 'As Long As He Needs Me' and wished her successor Kerry Ellis good luck in taking over (more)...
- 3/29/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
It's time for the Monday Monologue.
I don't think we've ever discussed Oliver! (1968) in all the years of The Film Experience. Weird. Today it's often disparaged as a typical example of the bloat of 1960s musicals. It's six Oscar haul (including Best Picture) is to blame for much of the critical animosity it engenders. Oscar enthusiasts know that winning the big prize isn't always good for your place in film history.
When I was a child I couldn't get enough of this musicalized telling of Oliver Twist. And it probably won't surprise you to hear that literally every one of my favorite scenes was focused on Nancy, the prostitute with the heart of gold (Shani Wallis). It may well have been the first movie to unlock my actressexuality. I was obsessed with Nancy's sadness, her maternal instincts, her slightly forced joy, her ginger hair, her heaving bosom. Okay, yeah, and...
I don't think we've ever discussed Oliver! (1968) in all the years of The Film Experience. Weird. Today it's often disparaged as a typical example of the bloat of 1960s musicals. It's six Oscar haul (including Best Picture) is to blame for much of the critical animosity it engenders. Oscar enthusiasts know that winning the big prize isn't always good for your place in film history.
When I was a child I couldn't get enough of this musicalized telling of Oliver Twist. And it probably won't surprise you to hear that literally every one of my favorite scenes was focused on Nancy, the prostitute with the heart of gold (Shani Wallis). It may well have been the first movie to unlock my actressexuality. I was obsessed with Nancy's sadness, her maternal instincts, her slightly forced joy, her ginger hair, her heaving bosom. Okay, yeah, and...
- 3/23/2010
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Over The Rainbow host Graham Norton has described Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber as "one of the greats". Norton, who is collaborating with Webber on their fourth BBC One talent show, admitted that he had grown to love the West End composer during previous series such as How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? and I'd Do Anything. "When we met, I was pleased we seemed to get on. But, five years on, I don't just tolerate the man - I adore him," he told the Daily Mail. "And he's wonderful TV. He's not trying to be the next Simon Cowell. He's simply his glorious (more)...
- 3/19/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Following the success of How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything, Over The Rainbow reunites host Graham Norton and Andrew Lloyd Webber, who, along with a brand new panel of experts (Sheila Hancock, Charlotte Church and John Partridge) and BBC One viewers, will choose a Dorothy to perform in the West End production of The Wizard Of Oz next year.
- 3/18/2010
- BroadwayWorld.com
I'd Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger has landed a role in comedy musical Spamalot. The West End star will play the Lady of the Lake in a touring production of the Monty Python Tony Award-winning show. "I've been very lucky to play such a fabulous part as Nancy in Oliver!, and now also to play the fabulous diva called Lady of the Lake - I'm over the Monty moon," (more)...
- 3/17/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Jodie Prenger will host the hunt for Toto on Andrew Lloyd Webber's new talent show Over The Rainbow. The I'd Do Anything winner is leading the search for the dog to play the famous role in Webber's West End adaptation of The Wizard Of Oz. Two open auditions for dogs will be held in April, where ten canines will be selected to meet with Webber. "As a cat man, it's been one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do," he joked. "All these Totos have been thrust in my direction." Graham Norton, who will host the main show's search for a Dorothy, said: "The only thing everyone wants to know (more)...
- 3/16/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
John Barrowman has backed Andrew Lloyd Webber's Over The Rainbow to be a success. The Torchwood actor appeared on the judging panel on Webber's three previous talent shows, I'd Do Anything, How You Solve A Problem Like Maria and Any Dream Will Do. Barrowman admitted that he would have liked to have been involved in the search for a new Dorothy, but claimed that he is pleased for new judge John Partridge. Speaking on Richard Bacon's BBC 5Live show, he said: "I'm a big friend of Dorothy (more)...
- 2/25/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
The BBC has denied that it axed Denise Van Outen from new reality show Over The Rainbow because she is pregnant. None of the previous judges on Andrew Lloyd Webber's talent shows such as How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do will return for the Wizard Of Oz-themed series. John Barrowman, Barry Humphries and Van Outen were on the panel for Webber's last musical-based show I'd Do Anything. Singer Charlotte Church, 23, has been tipped to appear on the new panel. However, the broadcaster has insisted that their decision to not bring back the 35-year-old has nothing to do with her pregnancy. (more)...
- 2/18/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Eamonn Holmes has signed up to present a new Friday night entertainment show for BBc One Ni, it has been announced. The project, titled The Friday Show, sees Holmes team up with I'd Do Anything finalist Rachel Tucker for a night of music performances, audience games and comedy stunts. Each week a special star guest will appear, while one audience member will be in with the chance of winning up to £5,000. "It's the end of everybody's week, including mine," said Holmes. "It's not a serious show at all. It's about having a laugh. I'm being given (more)...
- 10/19/2009
- by By Dan French
- Digital Spy
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has confirmed that he scrapped plans for a Wizard Of Oz talent show following a dispute with the BBC. Last month, it was reported that the theatre composer had cancelled the project amid fears that the corporation would be accused of promoting his new musical Love Never Dies. The search for a budding actress to play Dorothy in a stage version of L. Frank Baum's novel was the planned successor to Lloyd Webber's previous BBC shows How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything, which made stars of Connie Fisher, Lee Mead and Jodie Prenger. However, Lloyd Webber has now admitted that the show could not go ahead after he refused to agree to "nonsensical" demands from the BBC. He also hinted that he may decide to work on an ITV version of the programme in the future.
- 8/6/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Andrew Lloyd Webber has pulled plans for a Wizard Of Oz musical reality show on the BBC. The programme, which would have followed a similar format to his former series I'd Do Anything, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do, was supposed to involve nationwide auditions for someone to play Dorothy in a new West End production. However, according to The Sun, Webber was concerned that he may have been criticised for using the series as a publicity stunt for his latest musical Love Never Dies, which opens in March 2010. "We will not (more)...
- 7/20/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
I'd Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger has admitted that she was "mortified" by claims that she was "too big" for the role of Oliver!'s Nancy. The 29-year-old feared that she would lose out in the show's final after Andrew Lloyd Webber went public with fears held by the musical's producer Cameron Mackintosh. Prenger had dropped from a size 22 to a size 14 before plucking up the courage to try out for West End roles. Writing in her new book It's A Fine Life: My Story, Prenger explained: "I desperately hoped the winner would (more)...
- 2/14/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
The British revival of the West End musical revival "Oliver!" has announced that the first two previews of the show have been canceled due to logistics.
Producer Cameron Mackintosh announced that the previews would be canceled due to the logistics of trying to rehearse with 150 kids. He released a statement saying, "Due to the complexity of the production and the need to safely rehearse 150 children with the adult company of 35 actors on a moving set, we have decided that we need extra rehearsal time and therefore, with great regret, I have decided to cancel the first two previews."
"Licensing regulations require us to have three teams of 50 children, many of whom are on stage for most of the show. Each scene has to be rehearsed three times and, as the set is very large and complicated, it is imperative that they are rehearsed in complete safety."
The show stars Rowan Atkinson as Fagan,...
Producer Cameron Mackintosh announced that the previews would be canceled due to the logistics of trying to rehearse with 150 kids. He released a statement saying, "Due to the complexity of the production and the need to safely rehearse 150 children with the adult company of 35 actors on a moving set, we have decided that we need extra rehearsal time and therefore, with great regret, I have decided to cancel the first two previews."
"Licensing regulations require us to have three teams of 50 children, many of whom are on stage for most of the show. Each scene has to be rehearsed three times and, as the set is very large and complicated, it is imperative that they are rehearsed in complete safety."
The show stars Rowan Atkinson as Fagan,...
- 12/18/2008
- icelebz.com
ITV1 has commissioned Britain's Biggest Loser, a daily weight-loss show based on the original Us format. Loser follows the lives of dramatically overweight people as they undertake a strict diet and exercise regime in order to shed pounds. Participants begin in couples, but ultimately only one person can walk away with the cash prize. A UK version was previously made for Living TV in 2005 and fronted by Vicki Butler-Henderson. It was axed after two series, with eventual I'd Do Anything champ Jodie Prenger winning the second series. The Biggest Loser format has been adapted in 25 different (more)...
- 11/14/2008
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
John Barrowman has claimed that his I'd Do Anything co-stars lost touch with public opinion this year. The actor admitted that he is proud to have backed the show's winner Jodie Prenger from the start, while his fellow judges Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Macintosh wanted eventual runner-up Jessie Buckley to land the role of Nancy. "It's difficult because you are working with these great geniuses of musical theatre, and, obviously, because I'd come up through that route, there was an aura there," Barrowman told the Daily Mail. "But we clashed over the eventual winner. They thought they were (more)...
- 10/4/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
I'd Do Anything star Samantha Barks has landed the lead role in a UK touring production of Cabaret. The 17-year-old, who finished in third place on the BBC talent search earlier this year, will play cabaret performer Sally Bowles in the popular musical. Barks will appear alongside established performer Wayne Sleep, who is taking on the role of the Emcee. I'd Do Anything (more)...
- 7/26/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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