Entertainment News

Comedians Sunil Pal and Ehsan Qureshi appeared together a few years back in the film Bombay to Goa’ which proved to be the blockbuster film of that year. After a long hiatus, young film director Amol Bhagat has again planned a successful Hindi comedy film ‘Pune to Goa’ with the two comedians, whose shooting is going to start soon. The film will be produced by AdityaRaje Marathe Productions and Maurya Producing the same co-production Nava Nisarg is producing.

The film is produced by AdityaRaje Marathe, Prahlad Taware and co-producer Kishore Kharat. In the film, singers Javed Ali, Shahid Mallya, P Shankaram, Soumee Sailesh have lit up their voices. The screenplay and dialogues of the film have been written by well-known writer Rajan Aggarwal, who has previously won his writing in films like Welcome Back, Ready, No Entry.

At the same time, P. Shankaram ,Sanmeet Waghmare And Nikhil Bisht have taken over the responsibility of the Music Direction in this film. According to director Amol Bhagat, this film will be a complete package full of comedy, romance, suspense action, which the audience will be able to enjoy. It is being made keeping in mind the audience of OTT along with the movie theatre. The story of the film is completely different from the comedy film till date, it is a privilege for him as a director that he is getting along with the experienced actors.

If the comedian of the film, Sunil Pal, believes that this film is going to set a different criterion in the history of comedy film. The story of the film is the USP of the film, the audience will definitely be thrilled to see the film. As an actor, I am getting a chance to do something different in this film and the audience will definitely enjoy seeing this form of ours.

Ehsan Qureshi will play the role of the driver and Sunil Pal Khalasi in the film, Ehsan Qureshi told the media that the story of the film was so good that he could not speak to the director Amol Bhagat, definitely the film will prove to be a milestone And this film will set a different record. The team of the film is very obsessive and hardworking which will give the film a different height.

Director Amol Bhagat told that apart from Sunil Pal and Ehsan Qureshi, they have decorated the film with veteran actors from TV and theater. They are going to shoot for the film from next month and very soon this film will be in front of you all.

Tim Minchin, award-winning comedian, actor and composer, has confirmed new UK dates of his BACK tour opens at Birmingham Hippodrome on 23 and 24 October. BACK is billed as “Old Songs, New Songs, F*** You Songs”, with a set list of material from all corners of Minchin’s eclectic – and often iconoclastic – repertoire.

First performed in the UK in 2019, BACK was Tim’s first UK tour in 8 years and the 80,000 tickets sold out over a year in advance. The long-awaited return to the stage received rave reviews and saw Tim pick up a prestigious Helpmann Award for Best Australian Contemporary Concert.

Minchin has been celebrated globally for writing the music and lyrics for Matilda the Musical, which has gone on to become one of the most acclaimed musicals of the last 20 years, winning a record 7 Olivier Awards, 13 Helpmann Awards and 5 Tony Awards. He also wrote music and lyrics for the musical adaption of Groundhog Day, which after an acclaimed limited run at The Old Vic in London in 2016, debuted on Broadway in April 2017 and won the Olivier Award for Best Musical in 2017.

Since his return to stage Tim starred in the ABC comedy series Squinters and appeared as Friar Tuck in the Hollywood release of Robin Hood. He also starred in UPRIGHT, the award winning eight-part drama series which he co-wrote with The Chaser’s Chris Taylor, actor-writers Leon Ford and Kate Mulvaney, and co-produced with Lingo Pictures for Foxtel and Sky UK.

In November 2020, Tim released his first studio solo album Apart Together. Described as “crisply observed and tenderly considered” in The Independent, the album reached #3 in the ARIA charts. On the eve of the release Tim and his band streamed a live performance of the full album to a worldwide audience and critical acclaim.

Following the furore of him saying on national television that he didn't believe a word the Duchess of Sussex told US chat show doyen, Oprah Winfrey, British television presenter Piers Morgan left his post on ITV's Good Morning Britain following a row over the comments.

ITV announced the decision after Ofcom said it was investigating his comments after receiving 41,000 complaints. The channel confirmed his departure, which took place with   immediate effect.

An ITV spokesperson said: "Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain. ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add."

His departure followed an on-air clash with weather presenter Alex Beresford, who criticised him for continuing to trash the Duchess, which prompted the controversial presenter to walk off set - before returning shortly after.

Explaining his problem with Piers' comments about the Duchess, Alex said: "I understand that you don't like Meghan Markle.

"You've made it clear a number of times on this programme, a number of times, and I understand that you've got a personal relationship with Meghan Markle, or that you had one and she cut you off.

"She's entitled to cut you off if she wants to. Has she said anything about you since she cut you off? I don't think she has, but yet you continue to trash her." Following his exit, Alex then said: "You know what, that's pathetic. This is absolutely diabolical behaviour. I'm sorry, but Piers spouts off on a regular basis and we all have to sit there and listen.”

ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall said she completely believed what the Duchess said and added that the channel is totally committed to mental health.

Mental health charity Mind, which is a partner with ITV on its Britain Get Talking campaign, also criticised Morgan, saying that it was disappointed by the presenter's comments.

Referring to Meghan as the "Pinocchio Princess" in a tweet, he bombarded the Duchesses mental wellbeing, overwhelmingly criticising her with; "Who did you go to?" "What did they say to you? I'm sorry, I don't believe a word she said, Meghan Markle. I wouldn't believe it if she read me a weather report.

"The fact that she's fired up this onslaught against our Royal Family I think is contemptible."

He added: "My real concern was a disbelief frankly... that she went to a senior member of the Royal household and told them she was suicidal and was told she could not have any help because it would be a bad look for the family."

A total of 41,015 complaints were made to media watchdog Ofcom - the second highest number of complaints in Ofcom's 17-year history.

Following Morgan’s outburst, Mind tweeted: "We were disappointed and concerned to see Piers Morgan's comments on not believing Meghan's experiences about suicidal thoughts.

"It's vital that when people reach out for support or share their experiences of ill mental health that they are treated with dignity, respect and empathy.

“We are in conversations with ITV about this at the moment."

In their much heralded interview, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pulled no punches in their exclusive, tell-all, interview with ‘the queen of chat’ Oprah Winfrey.

As Harry and Meghan shared their heartfelt concerns over a range of deeply personal topics - from racism, to their relationships with the UK’s tabloid press – no punches were pulled as the couple shed their long-sheltered light on what they described as "bigoted and toxic environment of control and fear." He also said that his father, the Prince of Wales had to make peace with the relationship with the media.

In the two-hour interview broadcasted in the US before it was screened in the UK, the Harpo/CBS production covered their lives as progressive, all-encompassing Royals – as was – as they told their own personal story as they spoke about struggles with mental health, their relationship with the media and Royal Family dynamics.

“Social media made the relationship with the press like the Wild West,” Megan said, “and the Royal Family's press operation failed to defend Harry and I from untrue stories.” Meghan said there had been an "obsession about anything in her world, including the media offering money to track down her parents.

Megan also opened up about her suicidal thoughts during her time there and said there were concerns raised by a member of Harry's family before the birth of son. In the deeply personal and explosive interview, she said she got to the stage where she didn’t want to be alive anymore.

Asked if she was thinking of self-harm and having suicidal thoughts at some stage, Meghan replied: “Yes. This was very, very clear. “Very clear and very scary. I didn’t know who to turn to in that.” She added: "And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought.

“I remember, I remember how he just cradled me and I was… I went to the institution, and I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help. I said that I’ve never felt this way before and I need to go somewhere. And I was told that I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the institution.”

"The UK is not bigoted,” Harry said, “the UK press is bigoted, specifically the tabloids." The Duchess of Sussex said her treatment in the press had been worse than other royals. But she did drop the ‘bombshell’ when she said that her husband had been asked by an unnamed family member "how dark" their son Archie's skin might be. The Duchess described the remarks as a low point.

Oprah said: "He did not share the identity with me but he wanted to make sure I knew, and if I had an opportunity to share it, that it was not his grandmother or grandfather that were part of those conversations." She went on to say that she tried to get the answer on and off camera, but Harry did not elaborate.

“If the source of information is inherently corrupt or racist or biased then that filters out to the rest of society," Harry said. He also said racism from the tabloid press that filtered into the rest of society was a large part of why he and his wife left the UK.

Asked if any family members had apologised to him for the reasons he felt he had to leave asked Prince Harry if any family members had apologised to him for the reasons he felt he had to leave, he replied with a “sadly not.

"It was felt that if this was our decision then the consequences are on us."

Pre-empting that she always had the highest admiration for the Queen and Prince Philip, Meghan also said that she found life within the Royal Family so difficult that at times didn't want to be alive any more. Harry said his brother and father were trapped within the system of the Royal Family and that his family cut him off financially at the beginning of last year, plus his father stopped taking calls from him.

During the interview, the Duchess also recalled a speculated row between herself and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge with Meghan disputing the initial claims that it was her who had upset Kate at the wedding during the interview. She insisted it was the other way around and Kate was having a bad day and ended up upsetting her.

Asked if his brother William wanted to leave the system, he said: "I don't know, I can't speak for him. Harry went on to say he loved his brother to bits and wanted to heal his relationship with both him and his father. He then went on to say of their relationship: “I will always be there for him (William) and the rest of the family.

For her part, Meghan said that there had been an obsession about anything in her world, including the media offering money to track down her parents.

"I did everything I could to protect both of them in that media frenzy for over a year," she said.

Comfortable in their new, more relaxed surroundings in California, the Prince said: "My biggest concern was history repeating itself. For me, I'm just really relieved and happy to be sitting here, talking to you with my wife by my side."

The couple took the opportunity to announce that their second child - due in the summer - is a girl.

Some light on what was, in the main, dark…but fulfilling and open.

Following the Interview, the Palace has issued a statement:
"The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.

The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.

Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved famly members."

Disney's first South East Asian ‘sheroe’ has premiered as Raya and the Last Dragon sees Raya travel around the region to reunite its people and attempt to save the world in the process. But aside from bearing the weight of humanity on her shoulders - she's got another burden to bear.

South East Asia is a region that is home to 11 countries and 673 million people. The movie is set in Kumandra - a fantasy land that's home to five tribes - each of which has its own distinct culture, inspired by different places in South East Asia.

The film doesn't take place in today's timeline, but rather imagines what the region might have looked like thousands of years ago. It's clear that bits of South East Asia are peppered through the film.

Raya wears a hat that looks like the Salakot - a traditional headgear in the Philippines. Her loyal sidekick and also her form of transportation is named Tuk Tuk - a cheeky reference to a rickshaw that is a popular mode of transportation there. And her fighting technique is inspired by Silat - a traditional martial arts form practiced commonly in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Producer Osnat Shurer said: “We tried to look at what are the underlying ideas that are shared... the most important one for us was this sense of community and working together." Some online complain that the movie is essentially picking and choosing bits and pieces from different cultures in the region and throwing it together into one film. But Malaysian-born Adele Lim, who is the co-scriptwriter for the movie, says it goes deeper.

She said: "When you talk about cultural inspiration, it wasn't just like 'Oh, we like how this looks, so we put it in'. It was much deeper than that.

"For example the scene where Raya's father is making her soup - you know, as South East Asians, so much of our love is shown to us through food.so that was something that really touched me."

The filmmakers say the film is simply inspired by the region - and was never meant to focus in on just one culture or country.

"I equate it to how the Arthurian legends were built on dramatic European tales, the filmmaker said. “You can point to something French, something English," said Vietnamese-American co-scriptwriter Qui Nguyen. So I this is our opportunity to create a wholly original story, but have its DNA be from somewhere that's real. We don't want to tell a story where the bad guys are from Thailand and the good guys are from Malaysia. So this felt like the way to do it.

"The question of what constitutes South East Asian identity is still being deliberated by South East Asians themselves," David Lim, an associate professor at the Open University Malaysia. He pointed out that the colonisation of the region also added to the different cultural lenses each country is shaped by. Vietnam, for example, was colonised by the French, and Indonesia by the Dutch.

"I think the history of colonialism has to a certain extent shaped the way we look at ourselves and what cultures we aspire to be more like, and who we identify as," he said. "I suspect some in South East Asia will know less about their regional counterparts than their colonisers. Those in Vietnam for example, might know more about France than Thailand."

He added: “Many in South East Asia do not view themselves as being South East Asian in the same way one might view themselves as being European".

Prof Lim also points out that it is unfair to put the burden of accurately representing an entire region on one film. "Who can carry the burden of representing the whole of South East Asia? I think if you start to impregnate the film with too many ideas that you project onto it, then it's rather unfair," he said.

"Look at the film as a way in to talk about South East Asia, to trigger conversation about the region."

That is definitely the way many others are choosing to look at it - pointing out that the film, while perhaps not perfect, is a step in the right direction.

Selfridges Birmingham is hosting a range of Mother’s Day events over the next 10 days, including beauty and fragrance masterclasses. There will also be an ‘On Motherhood Talk’ with six inspiring speakers, including Candice Braithwaite. Join her for a Mother’s Day card workshop.

The Scribble & Daub founder and illustrator will introduce people to her own style of work made with a traditional dip pen and inks, while looking at some other great artists who have drawn on flowers for inspiration before being taken through a simple design you can recreate at home – and gift to Mum.

For the digital workshop make sure to bring:

-       Good quality paper or card stock and some paper to practice on

-       A pencil and a waterproof black ink pen

-       Something to add colour such as a brush and inks, watercolours, gouache, crayons, coloured pens or pencils or even a lipstick if you have nothing else at the time!

-       Optional - some flowers to draw from in a little vase, or a photo on your phone but we will also provide images on screen to work from

This is a live virtual event. Information on how to join will be emailed to you 24 hours before the event. Keep a look out.

For the fragrance fans take Mum along and join in to celebrate the latest fragrance launch: L’Artisan Parfumeur. David Napier, the brand’s Communication Manager, will be joined by i-D France magazine’s Editorial Director, Claire Thomson-Jonville, to discuss all things fragrance and introduce a live olfactive profiling to guide Mum (and you) to her perfect perfume before answering all your burning questions.

Ticket is purchased for the specified event date and is not transferable to other events.

The Antiques Roadshow team are preparing to film at Birmingham’s Aston Hall for the first time this year as part of the 44th series of the much-loved family favourite. Fiona Bruce and the Roadshow team will be appraising everything from car boot bargains to treasured family possessions at the historic property.

Aston Hall is a magnificent 400-year-old Jacobean redbrick mansion situated in a picturesque public park on the north side of Birmingham. It is one of the last great Jacobean houses to be built and is home to Britain’s finest long gallery. Built between 1618 and 1635 for Sir Thomas Holte and home to James Watt Junior from 1817-1848, Aston Hall is steeped in history. The hall received royalty and was besieged during the English Civil War.

Alex Nicholson-Evans, Commercial Director at Birmingham Museums Trust said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the BBC have chosen Aston Hall as one of their locations for Antiques Roadshow. The Grade I listed building is one of Britain’s finest treasures, steeped in history and set in a beautiful Green Flag park.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase one of Birmingham’s most important historic properties to an audience of millions and we hope that it will also uncover local people’s own art and treasures that they might have tucked away in their garages and attics. I can’t wait to see what undiscovered masterpieces Birmingham might have!”

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic the Antiques Roadshow team are once again asking members of the public who’d like to participate to share their stories online.

The series will be filmed on a closed set with an invited audience only to ensure the safety of guests, production and the wider public. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a recording session where they will share their items with a Roadshow expert who will be able to reveal more about the craftsmanship, history and provenance of each piece – as well as the all-important value.

Returning for her 14th year at the helm, Fiona Bruce acknowledges the team’s success at recording the show under challenging circumstances in 2020 and goes on to encourage people to apply to be a part of the programme in 2021: “We were thrilled that we managed to make a series of the Antiques Roadshow last summer despite all the difficulties of filming during the pandemic. Hopefully things will be easier this summer though life may not yet be back to normal by the time we start filming. So if you have an item that you’d like to bring along to the Roadshow, do please get in touch with us beforehand. Here’s hoping for a summer of great finds!”

Series Editor Robert Murphy said: “We can’t wait to see what long lost treasures and family heirlooms might be lurking in the attic or gathering dust on a shelf. Sometimes it’s the most unexpected items that catch our interest – a silk escape map that belonged to a Caribbean airman in the Second World War, a 19th century guitar, a vintage movie poster, even old Star Wars toys! What mystery objects have you found during that lockdown clear-out? Get in touch and you’ll have a chance of being invited to the Roadshow this summer to find out more without even having to queue! We look forward to hearing from you.”

Birmingham Hippodrome have partnered with dance powerhouse Company, Rambert to host the streaming of an innovative new production, Rooms.
A premiere from Norwegian choreographer and theatre and film director Jo Strømgren, the production will be created specifically for the camera and will be performed and broadcast live, with a cinematographer and camera crew relaying the productions in real-time to audiences across the world from 8-10 April 2021.
Like catching miniature scenes through a train window, or cycling through the streets and peering into apartments, we all love to glimpse into other lives and the homes they’re lived out in. Rooms will involve 17 dancers, 36 scenes and100 characters. Rambert’s brilliant dancers invite audiences into wildly different worlds and surprising set-ups. People trying to live their lives, navigate dilemmas, swerve mishaps and survive their mini-dramas. Rooms is an ambitious dance-theatre-film that is performed live.
Rooms follows on from the success of Birmingham Hippodrome’s acclaimed stream of their co-production with Curve, The Color Purple - At Home and Rambert’s inaugural livestream commission of Draw From Within (Wim Vandekeybus).
Birmingham Hippodrome’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Fiona Allan said; “It was very easy to agree to partner with the innovative team at Rambert to bring this performance into the homes of our audiences. Personally, I’ve long been a fan of both Rambert and Jo Strømgren, plus Birmingham Hippodrome has a history of supporting and presenting the very best of international contemporary dance. I am quite sure that Rooms will be quite unlike any other streaming experience audiences have had this year- in a good way!

“This new announcement continues the Hippodrome’s strand of streamed performances, which have included so far The Color Purple- At Home in partnership with Curve, and forthcoming live broadcasts of UniSlam and TEDxYouth@Brum in partnership with DRPG Studios.”
Jo Strømgren combines the skills of a choreographer with those of a cinematographer and has won prestigious awards for his work as film director. Also an established playwright, his work spans over 150 productions performed in 64 countries.
Talking about Rooms, Jo Strømgren said; “Diversity is a bouquet of different colours and I love it, but I think the discussion has been limited to certain issues whereas diversity is so vast – diversity of age, diversity of social status, diversity of ethnicity, religion, politics. Rooms offers glimpses through the windows of different people’s lives, to create a kind of mosaic of the cityscape environment. It’s like the unfinished narrative you create in your head as you pass by windows on a bike ride; you get to peek into people’s lives and you realise there is so much going on but you have no idea what is happening or why… I’d like to think that Rooms is funny as well as dark. I often set out with quite pessimistic ideas but somehow there’s always humour within the darkest of material”
Rambert have pledged its long-term commitment to the commissioning of new work for the small-screen with a series of other real-time livestream premieres planned for Spring, Summer and Autumn 2021. With its new Rambert Home Studio web platform, the Company is keen to use this moment to bring their work to a wider audience and offer a variety of ways for viewers to connect with the Company and its work.
Rooms will stream online on 8 Apr at 12pm, 9 Apr at 8pm and 10 Apr at 8pm.

Following the release of Tulliah’s single 'Just My Type (A Little Bit Lonely)', the 19 year old singer songwriter from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, recently revealed the new single ‘Distant Dreams’ alongside news her debut EP Fre$h Hugs will be out next Friday March 12 (via AWAL). Today, she shares the official video for Distant Dreams.

Filmed in Tulliah’s hometown, Mt Martha Beach, Australia and directed by Cass Wood, Tulliah explains: “30 degrees, snow gear on the beach, fish man = very weird dream! I had this idea for a while that the video clip for “Distant Dreams” would be really weird and dream like. When I was in the studio we went on a tangent about being in winter clothes while sunbathing on the beach, flying on planes to Hawaiian beaches and little fishes eating big sharks. I have no idea why haha but I knew it was weird, just like all Dreams are”.

The title origins of ‘Distant Dreams’ came from the back of a painting in her parent’s home. Tulliah describes how the captivating track came together: "We set up my new piano in the backroom of my parent’s. My mum was moving a painting that they have had for years to the top of the piano when she read the back of it - it was called Distant Dreams. This song flowed out of me. I used to never really believe that I could achieve my dreams. This song is about not wanting to break away from my visions and goals. The lyrics ‘don’t go waking me up’ is a really direct demand to myself! It’s about not wanting to go back to doubting my capabilities.”

The new EP Fre$h Hugs simultaneously captures Tulliah’s pure brilliance in pop music, alongside the heartfelt stories and emotions that give them their soothing edge; balancing both intimacy and richness through swirling and incredibly powerful pop music. Dean Tuza (Stella Donnelly, The Rubens) sat in the production hot seat across the entirety of the EP, working closely with Tulliah to finesse each track. In addition, Grammy-winning producer David Kahne (Lana Del Ray, Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks) produced string arrangements that feature on the EP.

Recorded throughout mid-2020 while her Victorian hometown came out of lockdown (and then back in again), the EP offers relatable glimpses at a teenage musician coming of age, reflecting on mental health and relationships – as well as a friend that was cheated on while they were in a coma, believe it or not – with a warmth and comfort that feels like a hug from a close friend (hence the EP title). With influences nodding towards Whitney and Aldous Harding, Fre$h Hugs is a reflection of a maturing adult and the music that’s helped soundtrack her most pivotal moments; the end result being music with that certain something special that makes you feel like it's going to be a soundtrack for other people in itself.

There’s a lot to take in on Fre$h Hugs - honest stories, vocals years in the making, fluttering samples and crashing waves - but for Tulliah, this is just the start. “I’m just really excited to meet people that love these little parts of me.”

Black Coffee is an extraordinary individual. He started DJing aged 13 – his grandmother didn’t mind too much as long so he was home to milk the cows at 0500 and 1600.

At 14 he had a terrible accident. He was celebrating the release of Nelson Mandela when a car veered into the crowd he was in. His left arm was permanently damaged and he only has the use of one hand. It didn’t stop him.

Through sheer determination he has become one of the most sought-after DJs in the world, regularly playing at iconic clubs in Berlin, Ibiza, Miami, and more. He’s also an award-winning producer of Afrohouse music and a luminary of the African music industry.

He says: "I find significance in the fact that the name of such a great man is linked to my accident. It’s a constant reminder of what I need to do as a young African guy who understands how much Africa needs guys who want to make Africa great. So every time I think of my injury, I think of this great man and I think of the responsibility that I have."

Black Coffee's latest passion is transforming the relationship between African artists and record labels: I've just bought Gallo, the biggest record company on the continent. Signing artists to labels is the worst way to help artists because the contracts are never fair. We’re starting a new way where we want every artist to have their own record label and own their music. Hopefully that’s something that can grow to the entire continent.”

He’s just dropped his much anticipated new album ‘Subconsciously’ - his first for several years. It includes collaborations with Celeste, Pharrell Williams, Usher, Diplo and many more. “I’ve never had an album this successful. We’ve hit over 100 million streams on it.”

But it hasn’t been met with universal enthusiasm. South African fans are holding back: “The locals are like: 'This album is not for us. This is not the Black Coffee we know.' But I’m like its 15 years later now. I’m definitely not going to sound the same. I need to move on, I need to grow, I need to find other people to collaborate with. I need to do a song with Coldplay now, with Adele, with Beyonce.”

McLaren Automotive scientist and engineer Ella Podmore has been crowned the Young Woman Engineer of the Year by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The prestigious IET industry award celebrates women working in modern engineering to challenge negative perceptions and encourage greater diversity in the profession.

Involved in all material investigations, from first-drawings through to the final product, Ella has worked on the McLaren 765LT, the Elva roadster and the recently revealed McLaren Artura, the first series-production, high-performance hybrid from the luxury, high-performance supercar company.

Ella joined McLaren Automotive as an intern engineer in 2016, having completed a degree in materials engineering at the University of Manchester before securing a full-time role two years later. Since then she has progressed rapidly, creating her department from the ground-up and balancing her time between experiments and leading technical meetings. As one of over 100 McLaren STEM ambassadors, Ella is passionate about encouraging more young people of all ages to take up science, technology and maths careers.

She said: “I am absolutely honoured to have been chosen by the IET and the judges to be this year’s winner. Those who know and work with me recognise how passionate I am about my science and, being able to talk about that and the amazing supercars I get to work on at McLaren, I want to encourage the next generation of engineers and scientists to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

As well as talking to young people around the world about her role, last year Ella was one of McLaren’s expert judges on the BBC Blue Peter ‘Supercar of the Future’ children’s design competition. Since then, Ella has participated in the global reveal of the Artura and featured in a film to mark the launch of the LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR model, the real version of which she worked on.

The IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year judges praised Ella for her passion and dynamism, noting that she represents the very best of the engineering profession and has the charisma and personality to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. As well as highlighting female engineering talent, the Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards identifies role models who can help address the UK science and engineering skills crisis by promoting engineering careers to more women.

Executive Director of HR at McLaren Automotive, Mandeep Dhatt, said: “Huge congratulations to Ella from myself and everyone at McLaren. Ella’s passion for her work clearly shone through to the IET and the judges and it makes her such an inspiring ambassador for others who want to follow in her footsteps.

“For a company like ours, diversity is vital to maintain and boost the innovation culture which helps us to challenge ourselves and come up with new solutions and technologies to enable and deliver the exciting products that our customers want.”

The Harry Potter franchise has been voted the best movie adaptation of a book ever, according to new research revealed to celebrate World Book Day. The study, by Showcase Cinemas, shows that a third (33%) of West Midlands film fans voted the magical movies as the greatest film adaptations of all time.

Following close behind in second place is the classic The Shawshank Redemption (26%), and Lord of the Rings (23%) in third. With its popularity as a book turned movie, it’s no surprise that Harry Potter himself topped the list (32%) when it comes to the most popular book characters in the West Mids.

Despite coming in second place in the top 10 best movie adaptations, only 6% of West Midland cinema-goers voted the leading man, Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, as the best character. And while 50 Shades of Grey was a hugely popular draw as both a book and a movie, Anastasia Steele fell short of supporters, polling just 6% of the ballot in the favourite character vote in the area.

In advance of the eagerly anticipated release of the latest Bond instalment No Time To Die later this year, participants were asked to vote on which book, written by Ian Fleming, made the best James Bond film. The blockbuster hit Casino Royale, Daniel Craig’s first instalment as the suave secret agent, was crowned the winner, with one in 10 (9%) of local film fans voting it as the most popular. The late great Sean Connery’s From Russia with Love came in second place (8%), followed by Goldfinger (5%).

Children’s literature is regularly made into film adaptations, with classics like The Chronicles of Narnia, The Wizard of Oz and Matilda hitting the big screen. Here, once again, Harry Potter reigned supreme - topping the list of the best adaptations from a children’s book (18%), with Disney hit film The Jungle Book (10%) following in second place.

For all those hopeless romantics out there, nothing beats sitting down and indulging in a book filled with love letters. Being able to watch those character’s journeys get played out in front of you on the big screen is the icing on the cake. Film fans named Bridget Jones’s Diary as the most successful romantic film adaptation (13%), followed by The Notebook (9%) which tells the story of Allie and Noah in the Nicholas Sparks love story.

However, romantic movies aren’t as popular with the male audience, with almost half of men claiming they don’t have a favourite romantic film. Nearly half of locals admit they are more likely to watch a movie (43%), than to read a book (29%) and 23% of participants claim they enjoyed the two in equal measure.

When it comes to the younger generation, a massive 63% confirmed they are more likely to watch a film than read a book (16%). Over a quarter of those aged 65 plus said they would prefer to watch the film (28%).

Mark Barlow, UK General Manager for Showcase Cinemas, said: “Books are hugely important to the movie industry; without great novels, the movies mentioned would never have been created for the world to enjoy on the big screen.  

“While a great book brings those incredible stories to life; films take those stories and turn them into a feast for the eyes and ears. The magic of books and films can make us laugh, cry, scream and fall in love. There’s no better place to watch books come to life than on the big screen, the way movies were meant to be seen.

“There were so many incredible books that could have been chosen as the best movie adaptation but it is great to see Harry Potter top that list – its evergreen popularity is testament to its enduring appeal across multiple generations as both a book and a movie. It comes as no surprise that Brits chose James Bond as their favourite character and we can’t wait to bring No Time To Die, Daniel Craig’s fifth and final instalment, to the big screen.

“We are looking forward to reopening our doors to guests as soon as the government allow us to – currently scheduled for 17 May in England and at our Coventry, Dudley and Walsall locations - with all our cinemas operating the Be Showcase Safe programme that we successfully introduced last year.”

With the schools still closed, Showcase Cinemas want to encourage families not to miss out on the magic of World Book Day and is running a competition to win one of 10 family tickets to the cinema once they reopen. Simply email a picture of your little one dressed up as their favourite book character to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be in with a chance of winning.

THE TOP 10 LIST OF BEST MOVIE ADAPTATIONS IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

1.      Harry Potter franchise

2.      The Shawshank Redemption

3.      The Lord of the Rings franchise

4.      Schindler’s List

5.      Jurassic Park

6.      Forrest Gump

7.      12 Years a Slave

8.      The Hunger Games franchise

9.      The Godfather

10.  The Wizard of Oz

Solihull Summer Fest 2021 is set to go ahead and celebrate its fifth year at Tudor Grange Park. The welcome announcement comes in the wake of the latest Government information on the roadmap out of lockdown.

Soul, R&B & Disco legends Kool & The Gang promise a soulful high-energy and funky set as they headline the main stage on the Saturday night with party hits such as Celebration, Get Down On it, Ladies’ Night, Jungle Boogie, Fresh, Let’s Go Dancin (Ooh La, La, La) and Cherish. They’ve earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten pop hits, 31 Gold and Platinum albums and sold over 70 million albums worldwide. The first day of the popular music festival will also feature Shaggy, Shalamar, The Brand New Heavies, Snap! and The Blow Monkeys on the Main Stage.

Billy Ocean, one of Britain’s biggest-ever R&B recording stars, is headlining on the Sunday night. The Trinidadian-English singer-songwriter has sold more than 30-million records worldwide, achieving number one chart spots in the UK, USA, Australia, Germany and Holland. He won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for Caribbean Queen and in 1987 was nominated for the BRIT Award for Best British Male Artist.

Other hits include When The Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going, Love Really Hurts Without You, Suddenly and Red Light Spells Danger. Sunday will also welcome 80s’ favourite Tony Hadley, Belinda Carlisle, Nik Kershaw and Bad Manners, plus supporting tribute artist Rod & The Facez featuring Garry Pease to the main stage.

Throughout the weekend, the second stage will be hosted by Heritage Presents with an historic and educational journey through the world of quality dance music from the golden US/UK era of the 1990's. This will include an amazing line up of DJ’s including Shades of Rhythm, K-Klass, Allister Whitehead, Jim Shaft Ryan, Brandon Block, Phil Gifford, Andy Sax and many more Heritage resident DJs.

Organiser, Ian Rogers, said: “After the unprecedented, challenging times we have all faced during 2020, our team are even more focused on delivering the best-ever Solihull Summer Fest. We have rescheduled and confirmed an incredible line-up and ticket sales since confirming 2021 is happening have been overwhelming and are fully on course to sell out.

“We are working closely with Public Health England and Solihull Borough Council and cannot wait to welcome everyone to a safe, fun, incredible weekend of much needed live music and entertainment.”

The Solihull Summer Fest takes place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July.

BritAsia Fund has announced today a new creative collaboration with Moving Pictures Media and Checklist Films Ltd to produce and finance a curated slate of upcoming film and TV projects.

BritAsia TV, the largest television platform for British Asians and based in the Midlands, will launch the joint venture with twelve hand-picked projects. The first two films to kick-start the collaboration will start production in Birmingham this September.

‘E-Ghost’, a high-concept action sci-fi featuring the city-scape of Birmingham and surrounding areas, will be directed by Mauro Borelli. Borelli’s previous credits include Hollywood blockbusters Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, The Hateful Eight, Captain America, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sleepy Hollow and Planet of the Apes.

‘HERITAGE: The Legacy’, a high action thriller, will be the debut feature from Checklist Films Ltd with director Daniel Alexander attached to the project. Alexander, an award-winning director, BAFTA crew member and Create Central board member, has previous projects with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Nike and Levi Roots.

The films are being produced by Isabella Marchese Ragona, CEO of Moving Pictures Media, and Hakam Poselay, CEO of Checklist Films Ltd.

Tony Shergill, CEO of BritAsia TV, said: “We’re delighted to announce this brand-new creative collaboration with Moving Pictures Media and Checklist Films Ltd. Our upcoming slate of projects will bring to screen an exciting array of films and TV shows, which will be a fantastic addition to the West Midlands’ creative industry and also a welcome boost to employment and investment opportunities in our region. 

“The film and TV industry is changing rapidly - from the way we watch our films to the type of content that we are seeking. So it’s never been more important to invest in new creative opportunities and all involved in this collaboration are passionate about giving people the best chance to get involved based on their raw talent. I’m very proud that we will be helping to create those opportunities with an alternative pathway for talented and creative individuals to enter the film and TV industry.”

The new collaboration is committed to bringing investment into the region and creating employment opportunities across the sector. ‘E-Ghost’ and ‘HERITAGE: The Legacy’, both set to film in locations across the city centre, will source all elements of the production from within the West Midlands, rather than outsourcing to London or overseas. From the cast, crew and extras to the huge range of suppliers - from catering and transportation to costume, props and equipment hire - the projects will invest in local talent and businesses across the region and play an important part in the economic recovery of the city’s creative sector. 

CEO of Moving Pictures Media, Isabella Marchese Ragona, has over 20 years’ experience in film, TV and media with previous credits including feature films McQueen, Forsaken and The Recall.

Commenting on the collaboration, she says: “We are excited to lead the way to bring our combined film slate to the market. We have a mix of films and TV projects about real issues and intriguing stories that will change perspectives and really connect with audiences, on the other side we have a selection of commercial films that will entertain, inspire and enlighten audiences.”

Hakam Poselay, award-winning producer, writer and CEO of Checklist Films Ltd, adds: “Our films are part of making Birmingham, the second city, into Britain's film city. We want to give everyone the chance to be a part of great filmmaking and are extremely passionate about leading the charge for greater diversity both on and off screen - creating opportunities for people regardless of their age, gender, race or sexuality.”

Co-founder and Managing Director of BritAsia Fund, Dr Jack Darby,  says: “What I love about working with Moving Pictures Media and Checklist Films Ltd is that they use their success to help others achieve success themselves. They are as passionate as I am about creating opportunities for others and BritAsia supports them completely in their vision to change peoples’ lives through the power of media.

“Through the leading individuals who will be directing these films, the appetite and support of our investors for projects that create impact and our international and diverse audience reach, this opportunity comes at an exciting time for our region and the film and TV industry.”

Casting on the film slate will be led by Hollywood casting directors Aleta Chappelle C.S.A and Cassandra Han C.S.A, the duo behind films including Godfather 3, Ford v Ferrari, The Basketball Diaries and The Nutty Professor.

Whether it is your mum, your grandma or ‘the mum’ of your friend group, Escape Hunt are bringing both the fun and the fizz to make her feel special this Mother’s Day.

Escape Hunt - a global provider of immersive entertainment experiences. Since opening in 2013, Escape Hunt has expanded rapidly, opening nearly 50 locations across 27 countries around the world. Escape Hunting involves teammates losing themselves in incredible new worlds, taking on pulse-racing missions and challenges created by the Escape Hunt Studios team - have partnered with British artisan food company Princess Prosecco, to create a premium Mother’s Day package containing a download of their latest print and play Alice in Wonderland themed game, A Curious Tea Party and a 750ml bottle of Princess Prosecco vegan Prosecco Rosé Doc gift-wrapped and delivered to your chosen recipient.

Things are getting curiouser and curiouser in Wonderland, by order of the Queen of Hearts, everyone is to attend a Royal Tea Party. But no one can be found! With the invitations all in a muddle, clues must be solved and steps must be followed!

Fall down the rabbit hole whilst playing A Curious Tea Party, meeting familiar characters and visiting iconic locations along the way. But be quick, you can’t ever finish if you don’t begin, and time is ticking.

Suitable for mothers and mother-figures alike, Escape Hunt’s play at home games can be played together as a household or via video chat for those virtual family moments. The premium Mother’s Day packages are suitable for aged 18+.

Groups have to work together to follow a series of fiendishly clever clues and complete their mission before their time is up. 

Caribbean-Canadian Natanyah Peterkin has released her new book ‘Night Table to the international market.

Night Table, is a collection of provocatively written poetry that is both soul-stretching and sensually awakening. This book of erotic, enticing poetry is geared towards arousing all of its readers’ senses as well as inspiring a deeper feeling of desire.

The Jamaica-born, Toronto-based Natanyah is considered by many as a true healer and has worn many hats in her life and career which include Social & Community Worker, Holistic Practitioner, Retreat Host/Producer, Entrepreneur and most importantly Mother.

She proudly wears the title of Author with this latest literary publication.

The book targets adult readers (regardless of gender and relationship status), who are open-minded to sexuality/sensuality and spiritual enlightenment.

Written with the intention to not only stimulate but to also edify and invigorate, the self-authored Night Table showcases Natanyah’s insight into sensuality, sex, and love-making.

She shared, “This poetry is better than film, better than magazines. It will have your imagination creating the love life that you never thought was possible and the sex life that you always dreamed of. This book connects you to that blissful, captivating energy through the art of love-making, expanding the sensual mind without the use of intimacy toys.”

Thus far, Night Table has received a tremendous response, with several readers sharing testimonials about the book’s positive impact on them, their life-changing experiences upon reading it and their newly-found/renewed openness to expressing their most intimate thoughts and feelings.

Natanyah hopes to get more readers’ blood pumping but most-importantly to remind them about what it is to truly desire, again. She also aspires to have copies of Night Table in households in every country around the globe and to hopefully one day have the book adapted for television by an industry visionary the likes of Tyler Perry.

She added, “This book of poetry is an amazing, divinely-inspired gift of pure authentic love that was transcribed into words. It is definitely something you’ll want to share with yourself and or your lover and keep it next to you on your night table.”