British theatre on “brink of total collapse” without government support

Sam Mendes has said that he feels “positive” about the prospect of a solution being found to support the UK’s ailing theatre sector through the lockdown.

Director Sam Mendes has implored British government officials to put together a “rescue package” to save the U.K. theatre industry in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.The Covid-19 outbreak has brought the live events sector to a standstill since March, and without productions to put on, many venues and companies are facing the prospect of going out of business – unless authorities step in and lend their support.

Leo Barraclough Senior International CorrespondentSam Mendes, who as well as helming movies like “1917” is also a successful theater director with shows like “The Lehman Trilogy,” has called for the U.K.

Ben Shephard teared up as Kate Garraway gave a heartbreaking interview about her husband Derek Draper's coronavirus battle.The 53 year old's husband has been in hospital fighting the bug for 10 weeks, with her now revealing he has beaten the illness — but doctors are unsure he will survive the damage caused to his body.

Can it really be 22 years since Ben Shephard first appeared on our TV screens? He started out in 1998 hosting The Bigger Breakfast with Dermot O’Leary and Melanie Sykes, and is now the chipper ying to Piers Morgan’s waspish yang on Good Morning Britain.

Colin (Michael Cashman) and Barry (Gary Hailes) — Photo: BBC

By Leo Barraclough

The National Theatre is going to continue bringing the stage to the small screen and stream big-name productions for free on YouTube over the next two weeks.

Ben Shephard emotionally shared his heartbreak over not being able to hug his mother after being reunited with her after the lockdown rules were eased.The 45 year old TV presenter said it was “awful” not being able to touch his mother as they met for a game of golf recently. Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday 27 May, Ben was tasked with asking guest Dr Mark Porter viewers' questions on the easing of the lockdown.

Ben Shephard has updated Good Morning Britain viewers on Kate Garraway’s husband Derek, who remains in intensive care battling coronavirus.The presenter spoke out after Kate took to social media on Thursday night during the weekly Clap For Carers to reveal that her husband of 15 years is still fighting for his life.

The psychological melodrama “Penance” is, by turns, creepy, silly, predictable and overwrought — and would fit snugly into Lifetime’s over-the-top “women-in-jeopardy” lineup.

The Musicians' Union are calling for urgent and meaningful support