key demand – a cut in the VAT charged on tickets.In response, several representatives from various live music organisations have responded negatively to the proposed budget.Jon Collins, the CEO of Live (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment), issued a statement expressing frustration on the lack of action in cutting VAT rates.He said: “Today’s Budget represents yet another missed opportunity to accelerate the growth of the live music sector and the wider economy while also providing urgently needed support for grassroots music through the reintroduction of a lower VAT rate. 20% VAT on tickets in the UK is vastly out of step with our competitors in Europe and North America and has become a material factor limiting the number of gigs, tours and festivals our world class industry can put on.”He continued: “Fewer shows mean reduced economic activity in towns and cities across the country – an estimated £1m is spent in local businesses for every 10,000 people who attend a gig – and heaps further pressure onto grassroots music venues that are closing down at an alarming rate.
‘Private Jones’ is a Thrilling Musical Adventure (Review)
19.02.2024 - 23:17 / metroweekly.com
Private Jones poses a thrilling musical adventure in story and in form.The company’s first world-premiere musical since the pandemic, produced in association with Goodspeed Musicals, shrewdly deploys sign language, practical sound effects, and silence, along with Pailet’s compelling score, to shape the world of Private Gomer Jones, a deaf Welsh sniper in World War I.Inspired by a real-life WWI marksman who was deaf since infancy, Private Jones comes firing to life in Johnny Link’s feisty take on the role.Gomer, who loses his hearing as a child, is gutsy enough at 16 to fake his way past British Army recruitment officers so he can join up and fight alongside his fellow Borderers from Breconshire.Backed by the production’s robust ensemble, he sings, bursting with hope, in “The South Wales Borderers” of answering the nation’s call. Moments later, innocence still guides him, as Gomer and company march through “Part of the Sound,” his vow to not simply soldier in step, but truly prove his value in combat.Link ably captures Gomer’s boyish voice and outlook, and evolves the character in his dark, humbling descent into the trenches of war, though it’s not the performer’s singing that carries the characterization.Distinctly pleasing voices do surround him — notably, David Aron Damane, lending his deep baritone to Gomer’s father and other roles, and Leanne Antonio as Army nurse Gwenolyn, leading the transporting ballad “Every Soul’s a Soul.”Later reprised as “Every Soldier,” the intoxicating melody ripples like water, floating Gwenolyn’s simple wisdom, that every soul is a soul.
Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry sells half of his music catalogue
Roxy Music‘s frontman Bryan Ferry has sold 50 per cent of his music catalogue in a deal with Iconic Artist Group.The deal includes a range of assets from Ferry’s music career including his solo work as well as the work from his time with Roxy Music. Iconic Artists Group also acquired half of the singer’s sound recording, publishing, and name, image and likeness rights.
Juggernaut Actor Vinnie Jones Explains Why He Turned Down a 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Cameo
Deadpool & Wolverine, the official title of Deadpool 3, very nearly featured one of the X-Men’s most iconic villains: The Juggernaut.
‘X-Men’ Actor Vinnie Jones Turned Down ‘Deadpool 3’ Due to ‘Mental Toll’ of Juggernaut Suit, Says Making ‘The Last Stand’ Was ‘Shambles’ and ‘I Was Very Upset’
Zack Sharf Digital News Director “Deadpool” star Karan Soni (Dopinder) told Variety this week that a ton of surprise cameos were filmed for the upcoming third installment, “Deadpool and Wolverine,” adding: “Let’s just say a lot of people traveled to London [for filming].” One actor who apparently did not make it to London was Vinnie Jones, who debuted as Juggernaut in “X-Men: The Last Stand.” Jones recently told Yahoo Movies UK that he turned down a request to reprise the character in “Deadpool and Wolverine” because getting in his Juggernaut suit isn’t the best experience. “Funnily enough I just got asked to do ‘Deadpool,’ the new one now, and I spoke to the director and I just said it’s such a drama putting that suit on mentally and physically,” Jones said. “I mean it had its mental toll as well because you’re in it and you can’t do anything all day, you can only drink through a straw.
Adventure races with trail running, mountain biking and kayaking are coming to Greater Manchester for the first time
Thrill seekers are getting the chance to trail run, kayak and mountain bike their way through spectacular landscapes in Greater Manchester this summer.
Inside Renee Zellwegger's life – from real life Bridget Jones to British TV star love
From those iconic granny pants to her bumbling attempts at finding romance, Bridget Jones is one of literature’s most popular singletons. And now, Renée Zellweger is set to step back into Bridget’s shoes for a fourth instalment of the romcom movie franchise.
This Morning's Cat Deeley 'thrilled' for Ant McPartlin – 'It's all he's ever wanted'
Cat Deeley is not only thrilled to be stepping into her new role as a full-time presenter on This Morning, she is also said to be over the moon for close friend and former co-host Anthony McPartlin. Cat has “always remained close” to Ant and Dec and is understood to be delighted at how Ant has turned his life around as he plans to take a pause from prime-time TV to focus on family.This Morning recently announced that Good Morning Britain’s Ben Shephard, 49, and Cat Deeley, 47, will become permanent hosts of the daytime show, making their debut early this month.The pair will front the Monday to Thursday shows, while Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary will continue to present the Friday edition.
Crowdfunder launched to save live music at London’s legendary Bush Hall
REM, Amy Winehouse, Florence & The Machine, Adele, The Killers and Nick Cave. It was also the venue for Kings Of Leon’s first UK show in 2006.The former Edwardian dance hall has been used as a music venue since 2001, when it was restored by its current owners, Charlie Raworth and Emma Hutchinson.Now, Bush Hall has confirmed its future as a music establishment is under threat and they are four months away from “making a hideous decision” about whether to cease hosting live music events.
Love Island's Callum Jones drops huge hint he’s already split from Jess Gale
Love Island star Callum Jones has dropped huge hints that he is no longer with fellow islander Jess Gale, after the duo reached the final together earlier this month. The couple, who initially met on the 2020 series of Love Island, hit it off during their second round in the villa and ended up placing second, despite many fans wishing Callum had rekindled his romance with ex Molly Smith. Callum and Jess ended up finishing in second place on the first All Star series, with Molly Smith and Tom Clare taking home the crown, and the 50k cash prize.
Robert Carlyle thrilled with ‘Trainspotting’ tribute on ‘The Simpsons’
Robert Carlyle has shared his delight after The Simpsons included a nod to Trainspotting.The actor famously played the role of Begbie in the 1996 Danny Boyle film, which is based on the novel by Irvine Welsh.In the recent Simpsons episode Ae Bonny Romance, which originally aired in December, the family journeys to Scotland to find Groundskeeper Willie, learning that the Scottish character is about to get married.In one scene, audiences are shown an airline called “Planespotting”, with the plane including a picture of Carlyle’s character Begbie on its tail.My life is complete.. https://t.co/SqFOWq07J2— Robert Carlyle (@robertcarlyle_) February 25, 2024Responding to a fan pointing out the reference on X (formerly Twitter), Carlyle wrote: “My life is complete..”.As well as the nod, the episode featured the voices of actors Karen Gillan, David Tennant and Paul Higgins.Meanwhile, Trainspotting star Jonny Lee Miller, who played Sick Boy, recently suggested he didn’t fully capitalise on the film’s success.“It’s not something that bothers me,” he told The Guardian.
Chetham's School of Music teachers set to strike in pensions dispute
Strike action by teachers at Manchester's Chetham's School of Music in a dispute over pensions is planned to take place on Tuesday, a union has revealed.
Mystery multi-million private jet with 'Mr Big' call-sign touches down at Dublin Airport
A private jet - with the enigmatic call-sign 'Mr Big' - touched down at Dublin Airport earlier today. The plane, a Lear Jet costing around £11.7 million, raised eyebrows when it landed in the Irish capital from Southend.
Strictly's Neil Jones and Love Island's Chyna Mills dote on baby Havana as they play on the beach
Neil Jones, 41, and his fiancée Chyna Mills have been enjoying a special day on the beach with their gorgeous baby daughter Havana. The Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer and his Love Island star belle were all smiles as they frolicked and played on the sandy shore. The couple took a trip out to sunny Dubai for their first getaway as a family of three, and the trio couldn't have looked happier as they cuddled their adorable little one.
UK Casting Awards: ‘Rye Lane,’ ‘Dreaming Whilst Black’ & ‘Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical’ Among Top Winners
Raine Allen Miller’s debut feature Rye Lane, Adjani Salmon’s Dreaming Whilst Black, and Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical were among the top winners at the sixth edition of the CDG Casting Awards. Scross down for the full list of winners.
Food and Drink Festival comes to Wythenshawe Park with live music and artisan market
A new food and drink festival is coming to Greater Manchester this May featuring a weekend of gastronomic delights, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and family fun.
Amazon Music deal offers customers three months ad-free music for just £1
Amazon is offering three months of unlimited music and podcasts for just £1 to customers who sign up to their trial.
Spotify And Big Media Vet Courtney Holt Joins Candle Media’s Moonbug Entertainment In Top Music And Audio Role
Moonbug Entertainment, the CoComelon producer owned by Candle Media, has appointed Courtney Holt as the company’s first Global Head of Music and Strategic Audio Initiatives.
Inside Joe Lycett's life off screen from private love life to stunning home
From hosting Late Night Lycett to Travel Man, comedian Joe Lycett is always popping up on our screens in one way or another. And this time, he's tackling dirty water in Joe Lycett vs Sewage. The TV presenter is investigating the state of the UK's sewage network in tonight's Channel 4 documentary.
Electronic music made £2.5billion for the UK economy last year
‘Electronic Beats, Economic Treats 2024’ music report. It took into account the economic impact of electronic music on the UK economy – looking at trends across recorded music, music publishing and the live scene.In the study, it was found that the genre added approximately £2.5billion to the country’s economy throughout 2023, despite the external threats faced by grassroots music venues.The findings showed a nine per cent decline in visitors to nightclubs over the past 12 months, and the total spend on things associated with a night out (transport, drinks etc) had dropped by 14 per cent.It comes as the Music Venue Trust (MVT) recently revealed that over 30 per cent of all nightclubs in the UK had closed their doors permanently since the start of the pandemic, and 2023 was the worst year for live music spaces, with 125 grassroots venues closed in those 12 months alone.“[This report] sheds light on the challenges faced by the industry, providing insights for future growth,” said Maria May, Head of Electronic Music at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) (via DJ Mag).
Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial musical sets US premiere — see where it’s headed
infamous 2023 ski trial is coming to America. “Gwyneth Goes Skiing” creators Linus Karp and Joseph Martin will reprise their roles as the Goop founder and retired optometrist Terry Sanderson at Utah’s Egyptian Theatre in Park City, Awkward Productions announced Monday. The company did not reveal what dates the show would start in Park City.