Entertainment News

A film that cast unknown east London schoolgirls in most of its main roles has been honoured with five prizes at the British Independent Film Awards. Rocks won best British independent film, and one of its stars, Kosar Ali, 17, was named both best supporting actress and most promising newcomer.

The film got glowing reviews when it came out last year and is now on Netflix.

Its other winners included D'Angelou Osei Kissiedu, who was just seven when he played little brother Emmanuel. He was named best supporting actor, with a seven-decade age gap between him and the winner of the best actor award - Sir Anthony Hopkins, 83, who was recognised for playing a man struggling with dementia in The Father.

To find the young stars of Rocks, director Sarah Gavron and casting director Lucy Pardee auditioned about 1,300 students, most of whom had no acting experience. The chosen cast then improvised much of the film's dialogue. After the virtual awards ceremony, Ali, who plays Rocks' best friend Sumaya, said that the film had made her understand myself as a person as well as an actor.

She said: "Before this whole experience I never thought I would be who I am today, winning awards and even pursuing this acting career."

Producer Ameenah Ayub Allen said Rocks was a celebration of female film-making. "We were making this film that really had a truly independent spirit. She said: “It had a truly independent methodology".

"When we were filming, we always thought the film was imbued with the spirit of a teenage girl and it is just phenomenal that it has come here and that the spirit of a teenage girl has won best film, with a completely different way of film-making, with all these incredible women." Bukky Bakray, 18, who plays the title character, was nominated for best actress. That award went to Wunmi Mosaku for refugee horror His House, which had four wins in total.

The Father won three, while psychological horror Saint Maud won two. Actor Riz Ahmed claimed the award for debut screenwriter for Mogul Mowgli, which also won best music, while Ahmed's The Long Goodbye won best short film.

Six new dates have been added to Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s popular Lunchtime Music series.  The free Monday series has been proving a real hit with online audiences missing the live concert experience. 

Lasting just under an hour, the filmed concerts are the perfect lunchtime break and are performed by musicians from the Conservatoire (part of Birmingham City University) who are at the very highest level of study and already launching their professional careers. 

From the many comments from audience members, it is clear the series is filling a void in people’s lives right now. One said: “These performances are an absolute joy and help me face yet another week in lockdown”.  Another commented: “My heart goes out to all the superb talent at RBC during these times, including those behind the scenes. Thank you to everyone for finding a way to bring this wonderful concert to us!”

As well as being enjoyed by viewers, the concerts are giving students a high quality, professionally filmed performance opportunity and providing a connection with virtual audiences at a time when physical concerts are not possible.

The new dates in February and March continue the existing series and showcase a wealth of talent and variety of music with concerts featuring the harp and saxophone departments; operatic arias; mixed recitals of music for trumpet, bassoon, guitar, flute and piano; and a solo piano recital.

An award-winning Black Country business coach has written his first book to help people run their businesses more efficiently - and he’s offering free copies to businesses in the Black Country and Shropshire. Think Smarter, Do Less, Get More From Your Business and Your Life, by Andy Hemming, is a practical guide to having more success, fun and fulfilment in business and in life. 

Available on Amazon, Andy, who runs successful, multi-award-winning business coaching firm ActionCOACH Black Country, is giving away copies to Black Country and Shropshire business owners to celebrate its launch. Andy, who has been consistently placed in the top 10 Action Coaches in the world since 2014, says the book contains an overview of his business philosophy, developed from 14 years of business coaching. 

“I’ve had the idea for a book for a long time,” he said. “I’m passionate about helping managing directors and business owners to break through and get more success from their businesses. I’m also passionate about the Black Country - I come from the area, and I have first-hand experience of the drive and determination business owners in the area have. I want to help them succeed, which is why I’m prepared to give my knowledge away to them for free.” 

Andy has worked with hundreds of businesses over the years, with turnovers ranging from £50k to £50m - but says regardless of their size, they often need to adopt the same basic philosophies to grow and succeed. He is a firm believer in working smarter, rather than harder. He added: “Many people start their business with dreams of more freedom, more money or both. In reality, most just end up working harder, with their businesses running them instead of the other way round.  

“People are so busy being caught up in the ‘doing’ of their business, they don’t have time to think. I know it doesn’t have to be that way. I always ask people how many good ideas do they have when they’re busy - and the answer is none. But when you have time and you’re relaxed, you can have loads.  

“My new book gives people a blueprint to work to, explaining the changes they need to make to be able to achieve the success they desire.” ActionCOACH Black Country, which works with businesses across the Black Country and Shropshire, was recently awarded UK Firm of the Year, Best Client Results and UK Coach of the Year for its managing director Andy Hemming in the national ActionCOACH UK awards. 

With a sensational voice and scintillating performances of everything from Justin Timberlake’s ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ to Tones And I’s ‘Dance Monkey’, Aston Merrygold proved to be a highlight of the latest of ITV’s ‘The Masked Singer’. The rockin’ Robin proved to be a real fan favourite as he finished third in the competition, which achieved a massive peak audience of 10.6 million viewers during last week’s final.

Having successfully introduced himself to a new generation of fans, Aston builds on his rediscovery by sharing his brand new single ‘Share A Coke’, which was premiered on Radio 1 by Rickie, Melvin and Charlie. It’s the latest step in the resurgence of one of British pop’s most distinctive voices. Aston first came to prominence with JLS, as the four friends achieved five UK #1 smashes, a further five Top 10 singles and five hit albums.

After the R&B/pop stylings of his recent single ‘Overboard’, ‘Share A Coke’ showcases the dazzling diversity of Aston’s voice. Set to a reflective backdrop of acoustic guitar and affecting piano, the song taps in what everyone is feeling right now: yearning to once again be able to spend time with loved ones, family and friends.

Aston says, “It’s been an incredibly tough 12 months for so many people, and what’s been so clear to me is just how much we all miss being with our family, friends, relatives, colleagues on a daily basis. Human interaction is so important to us all. ’Share A Coke’ is about something that none of us will ever take for granted again, just enjoying a moment, sharing a drink, having a chat, and that longing for it to return soon.”

He wrote ‘Share A Coke’ with Kassa Alexander (WSTRN, Anne-Marie) and Victoria Akintola (Sam Smith, Michael Kiwanuka). It was produced by two Grammy nominees: Lukas Nathanson and Scott Effman, whose credits include Chris Brown and Justin Bieber.

Aston has remained in the spotlight since JLS went on hiatus, and now has a social media following of over 1.3 million people. His growing solo discography started with ‘Get Stupid’, which has amassed 15 million streams at Spotify. He has applied his multifaceted talents to high profile projects including competing on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, starring in the West End production of ‘Rip It Up’ and judging the talent show ‘Got To Dance’. He also plays the manager of a boyband in the CBBC comedy-drama ‘Almost Never’, which will return for a new series.

In addition to his solo career, Aston is scheduled to join JLS for a hugely anticipated solo tour. Their first tour since 2013 is currently scheduled to commence in June. It comprises 28 arena shows across the UK and Ireland, including three nights at London’s O2.

A “world class” entertainment venue operator is soon to be appointed for the Civic Halls, City of Wolverhampton Council has announced. The iconic venue is due to reopen in early 2022 following a major refurbishment programme. Once open, the famous venue will again host leading musical and entertainment acts, attracting visitors to the city and boosting the local economy. 

The Council’s Cabinet is set to approve a preferred operator from a shortlist of premier names at a meeting. The preferred operator, which will enter into a long-term partnership with the council, will be announced in May.

It follows a thorough selection process that saw a strong list of recognised and renowned contenders whittled down to a shortlist of three. The operator will then bring forward exciting and ambitious plans for the venue with bigger and better acts and events, supporting the city’s economy at a vital time. Plans will also benefit local businesses, see new jobs created and raise the city’s profile. 

The new operator will also work closely with development contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, on the final stages of the multi-million-pound transformation of the Grade II-listed building. The improvements, allied to the expertise of a leading operator, will ensure the Grade II-listed halls remain a prominent venue on the entertainment circuit for generations of audiences to come. 

Councillor Stephen Simkins, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “Bold and ambitious projects like the Civic Halls, the award-winning Interchange, i9, Art Gallery, Future High Streets Fund improvements and Canalside city living plans, are essential to the Wolverhampton’s regeneration strategy, wider transformation and economic well-being. They were important before Covid-19 struck - and are even more important now.  

“From a final shortlist of three world class operators, we are delighted to be in the enviable position of securing a leading name with an incredibly strong track record. Their expertise will help take the iconic venue to the next level and provide an amazing experience for anyone visiting the halls. 

“The works that are being carried out on the building will enable them to attract more popular and prestigious entertainment acts, while retaining the current characteristics of the venue that make them popular with performers, producers and audiences. The Civic is an integral part of Wolverhampton’s entertainment and music heritage and an important part of our visitor economy. 

“We believe it has the potential to become a recognised venue not just regionally and nationally, but also internationally. The re-opening and the successful operation of the halls will reap big rewards in terms of jobs and economic benefit for the city as we look to relight from the impact of the pandemic.”

Associate Director of IPW who led the competition, Maria Bertelli, added: “It has been a very competitive process, showing the strength of Wolverhampton as a market and the status of the Civic Halls in the history of entertainment venues across the UK. All parties saw the potential of the refurbishment to re-position the venue at the forefront of mid-scale venues in the UK.” 

The works being undertaken by Willmott Dixon Interiors will see the height above the stage to the rear of the Civic Hall increased to attract bigger and better shows. Overall, there will be wider and more comfortable seats, more bars and more space to socialise, expanded and revamped toilet facilities to give visitors an improved experience, lift access to new balconies, better access arrangements for disabled visitors (including enhanced wheelchair access), a greater number of accessible viewing points, and improved room temperatures through the installation of a new air conditioning system. 

As the transformation of the Wolves Civic ramps up, the council is celebrating the fascinating history and emotional power of this iconic building through their website. The website celebrates all the joy the halls have brought to Wolverhampton over the years – recognising the famous names alongside the personal memories. It also gives people the opportunity to share their stories of great nights out at the Civic via the ‘Your Stories’ section on the website. 

Members of the public are being asked to contribute to a major exhibition on the 2-Tone era of music. An event, at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry from 14 May, is the first major exhibition about the scene in the UK, say organisers.

The style started in Coventry in the 70s with the name coming from the 2-Tone record label founded by Jerry Dammers of The Specials in 1979. The exhibition will explore 2-Tone's influences and social impact.

Fans are being asked to share photos and their experiences.

Curator Martin Roberts described the style as "a great aspect of Coventry culture that has gone all over the world". Groups that were part of the label - The Specials, The Selecter and other ska-influenced bands such as Madness, The Beat and The Bodysnatchers - will be showcased at the exhibition.

Pauline Black, from The Selecter, said that said social cohesion was difficult in the 1970s and the bands were "ahead of their time" in talking about multiculturalism. She added: "There's a new generation who appreciate the music."

Cultural and creative director of the museum, Francis Ranford, added: "We are incredibly excited to celebrate the 2-Tone phenomenon through this blockbuster exhibition. The support we have received so far from band members, fans and industry experts has been incredible - however we would still like more contributions from fans."

Organisers say that the display will also look at the scene's philosophical and political impact at the time and the continuing influence it has had on music and fashion. Fashion items and memorabilia already donated include a 2-Tone suit, Roddy Radiation's pork pie hat, a Fred Perry polo shirt and a Harrington jacket.

The exhibition will run until September and culminate in an "immersive 2-Tone experience celebrating the energy and legendary sound of the bands' performances".

It has been announced that one of Jamaica’s leading pioneer reggae legends, U-Roy, has died. The star had been undergoing surgery at a hospital in the Jamaican capital, Kingston.

U-Roy, whose real name is Ewart Beckford, and who is credited with popularising the vocal style known as "toasting", died late on Wednesday, leaving a whole host of his piers to pay their tribute, including Grammy award-winning artist Shaggy and British singer-songwriter Ghostpoet.

His partner, Marcia Smikle, said that the artist was receiving treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure, and he also suffered with kidney problems. She said that he was frequently in and out of hospital and had undergone an operation to address an issue of internal bleeding.

She said: "It was successful, and the bleeding stopped." But the doctors had to take him back into the operating theatre at the University Hospital of the West Indies before he later died. Following news of U-Roy's death, tributes began to pour in, with reggae artist Shaggy describing him in an Instagram post as a "hero" and a "true legend" who was "a master at his craft". British musician Ghostpoet, who was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2011 and 2015, tweeted "RIP".

BBC Radio 1Xtra reggae music presenter David Rodigan described U-Roy as "the iconic toaster who changed the paradigm of Jamaican music".

Born in Jones Town, Kingston, in September 1942, U-Roy's professional music career began as a DJ in 1961. It was at this point that he adopted "toasting", a rhythmical vocal style performed over reggae and dance tracks that then became popular in Jamaica in the later 1960s and 70s.

U-Roy recorded a number of singles and albums, with some of his most popular being Dread in a Babylon in 1975 and Natty Rebel in 1976. Years later, in 2004, he featured on the Jamaican group Toots and the Maytals' Grammy award-winning True Love album.

In 2007, the Jamaican government awarded him the Order of Distinction for his contribution to music.

He was 78.

Icon Film Distribution is proud to announce that The Icon Film Channel will be launching as a brand-new streaming service on Amazon Prime in the UK from March 18. This fantastic new monthly subscription channel will initially showcase more than 150 of the long-standing distributor’s most exciting, unique and entertaining films all made with a fiercely independent spirit. Additional titles both catalogue and new, will then be added to the service monthly.

Every film on The Icon Film Channel is handpicked to deliver a special cinematic experience.  Often award-winning, frequently critically acclaimed, but always memorable, you will be taken on a journey of pure thrill and delight. The channel will showcase titles including Academy Award Nominated Drive and triple Academy Award nominated features Apocalypto and The Passion of the Christ. 

Critically acclaimed additions include Buried, The Butterfly Effect Trilogy, House of Sand & Fog, La Vie En Rose, Looking For Eric, The Guest, Enigma and The Mummy.  Remastered titles such Academy Award winner Gosford Park and double Academy Award nominated Malcolm X are also included, with many being only available to stream in the UK through The Icon Film Channel. From multi award-winning directors including Roman Polanski, Kenneth Branagh, Robert Altman, Spike Lee, Wolfgang Petersen, Mel Gibson, Stephen Fry, Lars Von Trier, Nicolas Winding Refn and Ken Loach, The Icon Film Channel will offer an unrivalled spectrum of visually and narratively stunning films.

Featuring multiple A-list favourites fit for any Cannes Film Festival premiere, you will have an array of on-screen legends to choose from including Dennis Hopper, Sigourney Weaver, Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Helen Mirren, Jeff Bridges, Renee Zellweger, Morgan Freeman, Paul Newman, Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, Russell Crowe, Ewan McGregor, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Jamie Bell, Nicole Kidman and many, many more. Hours of trawling through streaming services trying to find a good film to watch will be saved.

With The Icon Film Channel, you are guaranteed new and classic films that stand the test of time, and these can now be yours at a touch of a button in the comfort of your own home or on the move.

The Icon Film Channel will be available via the existing Prime Video app to watch anytime, anywhere on smart TVs, iOS and Android mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire tablets and games consoles and through the web. Prime members will be able to access this on demand content with the convenience of a single account, login and user experience through Prime Video.

This past festive season, audiences were asked to Save A Seat as part of a new fundraising campaign by Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Birmingham Royal Ballet. Today, both Birmingham cultural institutions are pleased to announce that over £15,000 in donations were raised thanks to the generosity of audiences and the incredible support of match-funders, global law firm DLA Piper in Birmingham.  

The fundraising initiative aimed to help cover the lost income from some of the seats left empty during the run of The Nutcracker at The REP after performances in front of socially-distanced live audiences were cancelled due to local tier restrictions. All proceeds will be split equally between The REP and Birmingham Royal Ballet. 

Audiences now have the opportunity to watch another extraordinary cast of Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers in The Nutcracker at The REP streaming online until 21 February. Tickets cost just £10 per household and can be purchased at brb.org.uk. 

Trevor Ivory, Birmingham Managing Partner at DLA Piper said; “Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Birmingham Royal Ballet are two of the city’s cultural crown jewels and we are extremely proud to have supported their Save A Seat campaign during a particularly difficult time for the arts. We encourage everyone to maintain their support for these ever-important institutions when possible and look forward to a time in the not-too-distant future when the curtain can rise once again.” 

Sean Foley, Artistic Director at The REP added; “2020 proved to be an unprecedented and extremely difficult year for theatres across the country, including here at The REP. However, in these challenging times, we have been overwhelmed by the incredible support of audiences and partners – including the fantastic response from supporters to our Save A Seat campaign and the generous match-funding from DLA Piper LLP. We very much look forward to a time in the not-too-distant future when we can welcome all of those who have helped us over the course of the year back to The REP.” 

Carlos Acosta, Director at Birmingham Royal Ballet added; “Birmingham Royal Ballet are so grateful for the incredible support from The Nutcracker at the REP audiences and to DLA Piper LLP for match funding the Save a Seat campaign. 2020 was a difficult year for Birmingham Royal Ballet and the arts industry, but the unwavering support from audiences has been a constant source of encouragement for the Company and we cannot wait to return to the stage as soon as we can!” 

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many arts organisations being unable to open and perform in front of audiences for over seven months. Since March, over 80% of The REP’s income has come to an abrupt and unexpected halt, however, the theatre’s talented workforce has committed to finding inventive new ways of engaging a diverse spectrum of people and communities.   

The impact of the pandemic has also had a huge impact on Birmingham Royal Ballet. With so much uncertainty, it has proven difficult for the company to confirm plans and performances or to deliver its outstanding and life changing education work to the thousands of young people across Birmingham who would ordinarily benefit from this. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to talk about their decision to step away from the monarchy in a TV interview with US chat show queen Oprah Winfrey, to air next month. Oprah With Meghan And Harry: A CBS Primetime Special has been described by the US television network as an intimate conversation. The interview will be broadcast on March 7.

The news follows the announcement that the royal couple are expecting their second child. According to CBS, Meghan will be interviewed about "stepping into life as a royal, marriage, motherhood" and "how she is handling life under intense public pressure".

She will then be joined by Prince Harry, and the couple will speak about their move to the United States last year and their future plans. The decision to speak publicly comes just over a year after the couple announced they had decided to "step back" from life as senior royals and work to become financially independent. They carried out their final formal royal duties last March.

Ms Winfrey is a personal friend of Meghan and attended the couple's wedding in 2018. It is not known whether Harry and Meghan informed the royal household about their plans to be interviewed. Buckingham Palace declined to comment. Oprah is seen as a "very close acquaintance" of the royal couple and it is said that she had apparently been angling for the interview for some time.

The Duke and Duchess have taken part in video calls from their new home in Montecito in California but they have insisted the focus of attention remained on the causes and charities they were promoting rather than their own personal situation. They have since announced deals with Netflix and Spotify, and started a podcast series, but beyond a brief introduction to their son Archie, they have not revealed any private information.

Classic British motorbike maker BSA has announced that the brand was being revitalised under its Indian billionaire owner, continuing a growing trend. Another famous British bike brand - Norton - was taken over by an Indian firm earlier this year with equally ambitious growth plans.

They follow in the footsteps of the historic Royal Enfield, which is enjoying success under new Indian ownership. Business experts are not surprised: Indian manufacturers are known for liking to buy into well-known but struggling brands in the hope of turning them around.

Anand Mahindra says he hopes to resurrect the British motorbike industry with a plan to build electric motorcycles in the UK under the BSA brand. The Mahindra group wants to start assembling motorbikes in Birmingham by the middle of 2021.

The revived BSA will begin building a research facility in Banbury, in Oxfordshire, to develop high-end electric motorbike technology, although it will still be making motorbikes with petrol engines. Mr Mahindra, who is said to be worth $1.7bn (£1.3bn), says he has chosen to invest in the UK because of its history of motorcycle production.

BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) was originally founded in 1861. By the 1950s, it was the world's largest motorcycle maker, owning the Triumph and Sunbeam brands. But it went bankrupt and ceased production in the 1970s before being bought by the Mahindra Group in 2016. It is officially owned by Classic Legends, which the Mahindra group of companies has a 60% stake in.

Mr Mahindra said: “I hope this small venture signals the renaissance of the entire UK bike-building business". The joint venture has received support from the UK government, which awarded BSA a £4.6m grant to develop electric bikes, in the hope of creating at least 255 jobs.

"The lure of a classic British machine would appeal to a young buyer as well as a returning rider that wants to relive their youth," says motor sports consultant Scott Lukaitis. "If they can find a way to capture the look and feel but offer it in a performance electric bike, they might have a winner."

British-bred Royal Enfield is expanding aggressively as it aims to tap into the world's biggest motorbike-buying market in Asia.

The first CGI image of a fantastic new family-friendly outdoor adventure experience set to open at Blists Hill Victorian Town this summer has been released today after the council gave plans the thumbs up. With children locked down for the best part of a year, bosses at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust said the unique outdoor adventure would be the only place for families to be this summer.

Exciting plans approved by Telford & Wrekin Council feature elevated walks above the woodland floor, a log-style basket swing, seesaw and lookout tower with a coal chute slide.

And visitors will be able to have unlimited access through the successful passport programme.

Built among trees and inspired by the area’s rich mining past, Shropshire’s newest attraction will also feature wheelchair-accessible multi-level themed buildings, immersive play areas and a toddler zone with a faux mine-cart track play buildings, a slide and miniature zip-line.

And when they’re done playing, families will be able to get refreshments from a food and drink kiosk with a covered seating area. The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust Chief Executive, Nick Ralls, said; “We’re so excited to be bringing this landmark project to life, it’s a huge milestone development for us,” said Mr Ralls. “We know this lockdown has been extremely difficult and that families are currently chomping at the bit to get out and about and have adventures, so now seems like the perfect time to give them a little teaser of what we’ll have waiting for them this summer.”

The Trust – a registered heritage conservation and education charity which cares for 35 listed buildings and structures in the Gorge – has called the experience the ‘Madeley Wood Company Outdoor Adventure’, after the Madeley Wood Company that historically ran mine operations on the site. “Here at the Trust, we do everything we can to bring our proud local history to life for our visitors – and the new playground is another fantastic way for us to do this,” said Mr Ralls.

“I’m delighted the scheme has now been approved by the Local Planning Authority and we can make a start on the next phase. Our museums might have been closed due to lockdown, but hopefully this project will show that we’ve been working relentlessly behind the scenes. We’ve got lots more exciting plans to put into place too, so when we’re finally able to welcome visitors back, they’ll have lots of reasons to want to return again and again.” The play area has been designed by Creating Adventurous Places (CAP.Co), who are creating a similar playground on the Queen’s Sandringham Estate and specialise in the design and build of truly immersive, imaginative, narrative led bespoke adventure play.

Mr Ralls added: “We’re thrilled to be working with such a highly-respected partner as CAP.Co on the project. They are the best in their field and thanks to their planned prestigious Sandringham adventure playground on the Queen’s estate, it seems they also have the Royal seal of approval too.”

Accessibility and access for all has been a key design principle. Visitors of all ages and abilities can play together on much of the built structure within the woodland and the Outdoor Adventure will be enclosed by a fence with a single entry and exit point. The Trust will ensure the natural environment is protected as far as possible and will be enhancing the woodland and animal habitat management in the area as part of the project, including creation of new habitat spaces and adding bat and bird boxes and hibernation points.

The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust is one of the region’s premier tourist attractions, sited at the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution with 10 museums along the Gorge. The Ironbridge Gorge was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 and to date approximately 16 million tourists have visited the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. 

The Wolverhampton Literature Festival returned for its fifth year this weekend, attracting a global online audience. More than 40 online events took place featuring a range of performers, speakers, authors and poets. It was attended by more than 1,950 people from countries across the world including Australia, America, Germany, Italy and the UK.

The festival kicked off with journalist and documentary filmmaker Jon Ronson who joined the festival from New York to recount adventures from his 30-year career. He was followed by author and star of Coronation Street and Dinnerladies Shobna Gulati who spoke with award-winning artist Dawinder Bansal to discuss her newly-released book Remember Me.

Home-grown talent included Wolverhampton’s Sathnam Sanghera who discussed his book Empireland: How Imperialism has Shaped Modern Britain. Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford returned to his Black Country roots to discuss his memoir Confess and Patrick Vernon OBE talked about celebrating Wolverhampton’s history. Audiences also saw Cannock’s Jed Mercurio, creator of Line of Duty and Bodyguard, discuss his crime writing career.

Poets, Prattlers and Pandemonialists brought their popular Fringe Room, Poetry Slam and a Valentine’s workshop. Joelle Taylor, award-winning poet, playwright, author and editor, told audiences of her travelling the world with her poetry and giving an insight into her debut book of short stories The Night Alphabet. The Children’s Festival, featuring Sohan Kailey, Ben Davis and John Kirk, took place on Saturday and a recording of the children’s events is available during half-term via the Wolverhampton Literature Festival’s Facebook page and YouTube.

Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “I am very pleased that despite the pandemic we were able to host the festival online. I’d like to thank everyone involved including the team that organised and managed the events over the weekend. I’d also like to thank the audiences who tuned in from far and wide for supporting Wolverhampton Literature Festival and making it such a success.

“By moving the festival online this year we’ve been able to showcase the brilliant talent we have in the city to a global audience who were able to watch from the comfort of their own homes.”

Arts and Libraries Audience Development Officer for the City of Wolverhampton Council, Georgina Cheung, said: “I have loved every minute of organising the festival and have had great colleagues in supporting me to ensure everything worked perfectly.

“Even though we had to move the festival online this year, it has been great to showcase the amazing talent we have in the Black Country, delivering a diverse programme that shines a light on big stars but also our local talent. We’re already looking forward to seeing how we can make the 2022 festival even bigger and better.”

There is still chance to get involved with the festival.

Even with no physical Carnivals set for 2021, Caribbean entertainer Champeon is paying tribute to the annual festival tradition of J’ouvert with his latest musical release appropriately titled “J’ouvert Powers”.

The T&T-born, South Carolina-based Champeon, real name Ronnel Ramirez, describes his new track as the musical vehicle for transporting J’ouvert lovers back to that fun, energetic state of spiritual euphoria which is usually experienced when partaking in the early morning pre-Carnival ritual.

J’ouvert Powers which features pulsating bass lines and percussions alongside eerie synthesizer melodies and electronic effects was written by Champeon and produced by Jelani Harris of Studio 23 Music Group Studio.

To deliver the J’ouvert effect Champeon channelled his Caribbean roots to deliver the song’s infectious lyrics with influence from Trinbagonian Rapso artistes and Grenadian Jab Jab performers.

He shared, “I created a song that reminds people that no matter where in the world we are, J’ouvert as well as fetes and mas help us to celebrate life. To me the history of this tradition should always be a significant part of the Carnival culture. As a Trini, the spirit of J’ouvert runs in my blood and to me it is the best part of the season. It was always a huge part of me growing up, so now as an adult and as an artiste I can express my love for it musically.”

For Champeon, the goal is to have this ‘dutty mas ditty’ in rotation for years to come for fans of the festival to enjoy whether in their homes, cars, on the radio, at virtual fetes or eventually during in-person events in the post-Covid era.

Regardless, Champeon plans to continuously release and perform various genres of music and aspires to try his hand at professional event hosting in the near future.

He remains thankful to the public for supporting him and his music and encourages music fans to check out his website and to follow him and subscribe to all his social media platforms.

Once again, Birmingham Hippodrome is proud to be collaborating with Curve to bring audiences an unmissable musical theatre event. Following the success of its recent five-star production of Sunset Boulevard – at Home, Curve will stream The Color Purple online between tomorrow (Tuesday February 16) and Sunday March 7 in association with Birmingham Hippodrome. 

Whilst a planned run of live performances at Curve in March has now sadly been cancelled due to the uncertainty around national restrictions, The Color Purple – at Home will see Curve film the production in its transformed auditorium for audiences to watch online. This reimagining will be fully costumed, filmed in HD and will feature original cast members of the 2019 production, co-produced by Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome.

The 2019 production of The Color Purple, the first-ever co-production between Birmingham Hippodrome and Curve, played to sold-out audiences in Birmingham and Leicester with standing-ovations and a wealth of critical acclaim.

The Color Purple – at Home will be led by T’Shan Williams as Celie, alongside company members KM Drew Boateng, Owen Chaponda, Perola Congo, Danielle Fiamanya, Danielle Kassarate, Anelisa Lamola, Karen Mavundukure, Ako Mitchell, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah, Landi Oshinowo, Simon Anthony Rhoden and Jo Servi. Also returning to Curve is Carly Mercedes Dyer, who played Anita in the acclaimed Made at Curve production of West Side Story. Carly will join the cast as Shug Avery.

Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the musical will once again be directed by Tinuke Craig, alongside Musical Director Alex Parker, Designer Alex Lowde, Choreographer Mark Smith, Sound Designer Tom Marshall and Casting Director Kay Magson CDG. The production will be lit by Curve Associate Ben Cracknell.

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive Fiona Allan said: “We are delighted to be able to again partner with Curve, this time to film and stream a concert version of The Color Purple.

“The award-winning company is just incredible, and our audiences loved seeing the production live back in 2019. Whilst we wait until we are able to reopen our theatres to the public, I’m thrilled we can share this new imagining of The Color Purple with you at home.”

Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said: “After the phenomenal response to Sunset Boulevard, we are thrilled to present a special streamed version of The Color Purple for audiences across the UK and Ireland to enjoy at home. Reuniting our incredible 2019 company, Tinuke Craig’s production filled with hope and resilience, is sure to lift the spirits of all of us in these challenging times.”

“Connecting with our communities has never felt more important and alongside this production, there will be a series of talks, educational events and interactive projects. We are also proud to make free tickets available to thank our astonishing NHS workers and their families.

“Theatre is all about collaboration and we have a wonderful group of partners who have made all this possible, in particular Theatrical Rights Worldwide and our associate producers Birmingham Hippodrome. The unwavering support of our sponsors PPL PRS and De Montfort University has been invaluable during this period. The combined efforts of these remarkable organisations have helped make all of this possible.

“We also extend sincere thanks to Arts Council England, Leicester City Council and the Culture Recovery Fund for continuing to support Curve during this time.”

The Color Purple – at Home is supported by Leicester-based music licensing company PPL PRS and De Montfort University whose sponsorship will enable Curve to offer free tickets to specific local community groups and young people.

As part of the run of streamed performances, Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome will offer 2,000 free tickets for NHS workers to enjoy the production at home, with tickets distributed through an NHS provider

Birmingham Hippodrome shared a series of films to welcome in Chinese New Year and celebrate The Year of The Ox. It commissioned filmmaker Craig Bush and Artist Frances Yeung to create a series of short films reflecting the cultural celebrations and traditions that take place during Chinese New Year.

Made in collaboration with the Chinese Community Centre Birmingham, the films is shared over a seven-day period and explores how the local community in Southside have adapted their celebrations in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. Chinese New Year, commonly referred to as the Spring Festival, celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar and in many Chinese communities, a full week’s holiday is taken to enjoy the festivities, visit friends and family to exchange gifts and red envelopes. 

Graham Callister, Director of Festivals at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “Ordinarily we would be preparing for our annual celebrations across the city with tens of thousands of people in attendance. We are delighted to be working with the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Chinese Community Centre Birmingham again to offer a special digital programme to celebrate Chinese New Year and share a deeper insight into the traditions behind this wonderful festival.”

He added: “We would like to thank our partners and supporters for ensuring we can still work in partnership with the groups, artists and communities who live, work and enjoy Birmingham to celebrate Chinese New Year. We hope people will enjoy finding out more about the celebrations including the much loved lion dances, tree wrapping and traditional food.” The Chinese Festival Committee also streamed an online celebration from their Facebook page, including sharing the series of specially commissioned films.

James Wong, Chair of the Chinese Festival Committee said: "Although we couldn’t bring the festival to the streets of Birmingham, we celebrated Chinese New Year in the comfort of people’s home to welcome the year of the Ox!.”

Frances Yeung, an emerging artist working with Chinese Community Centre Birmingham on the films added: “Although this year the Chinese community is not able to have any physical Chinese New Year celebrations, we used this opportunity to delve deeper by sharing the many significant aspects of the Spring Festival celebration digitally. We might be socially distancing, but we’re still very much connected at heart.”

The films - produced in partnership with Chinese Community Centre Birmingham, Chinese New Year Committee Birmingham, Southside BID, The Arcadian and funded by Arts Council England - will be shared on Birmingham Hippodrome’s social media channels and website.