The Fast Show are reuniting for a live tour to celebrate the sketch show’s 30th anniversary.Today (January 25), it was announced that An Evening With The Fast Show will run between February and April 2024, with cast members Simon Day, Charlie Higson, John Thomson, Paul Whitehouse, Mark Williams, and Arabella Weir all featuring.In a statement, the show’s promoters said: “Fans of the iconic TV programme The Fast Show are in for a real treat as the original cast members – Simon Day, Charlie Higson, John Thomson, Paul Whitehouse, Mark Williams and Arabella Weir – bring their comedic genius to theatres across the country this spring.“This celebratory live tour will be a huge treat for fans of the multi-award winning quick-fire TV sketch show and provide a real behind-the-scenes insight into some of their favourite characters and catchphrases as they come alive on stage once again.“The cast will chat together about how it all began, how they made the TV show, and created the characters and the fun they had doing it.
‘The Sopranos’ Creator Calls 25th Anniversary a ‘Funeral’ as TV’s Golden Age Is Over; He Was Asked to ‘Dumb Down’ New Show: ‘Something Is Dying’
15.01.2024 - 22:01 / variety.com
Zack Sharf Digital News Director As “The Sopranos” turns 25 years old, its esteemed creator David Chase isn’t exactly celebrating. In a recent interview with The Times UK, Chase proclaimed television’s golden age over and lamented over the changing state of the business. He suggested that today’s TV gatekeepers are no longer interested in the serious-minded fare that Chase broke new ground with “The Sopranos” and that continued over the next 25 years with the likes of “The Wire,” “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad” and more.
Chase called this “a 25-year blip.” “Yes, this is the 25th anniversary, so of course it’s a celebration,” he said. “But perhaps we shouldn’t look at it like that. Maybe we should look at it like a funeral….We’re going back to where I was.
They’re going to have commercials.” Chase is already correct, as top streamers such as Netflix and Prime Video have introduced ad-supported plans in recent months. He also said: “And I’ve already been told to dumb it down.” As Variety reported last March, Chase has been working with “A Teacher” creator Hannah Fidell on a new show about a sex worker forced into witness protection. It was originally in development at FX, but The Times now reports the show is on its “third draft” and that after several meetings Chase was told by executives “the unfortunate truth” that it’s too complex for today’s TV viewers.
“Who is this all really for?” Chase said. “I guess the stockholders?” “As the human race goes on we are more into multitasking,” he continued. “Your phone is just one symptom, but who can really focus? Your mother could be dying and you are by her hospital bed taking calls.
New calls to extend free bus travel for older people to cover every nation across the UK
A new online petition is calling for the concessionary bus pass for people of State Pension age to be extended to cover travel across all parts of the UK. Petition creator, Charles David Smith, argues that giving older people the option to travel for free across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland would “enhance their lives”.
‘The Book Of Eli’: John Boyega Taking Over Denzel Washington Role In New Post-Apocalyptic Prequel Series
As shocking as it may seem to people who are having trouble admitting they’re old (myself included), Denzel Washington’s post-apocalyptic action film, “The Book of Eli,” is turning 14 this year. Yes, that means there are kids who will attend high school this year that were born the same year ‘Eli’ was released.
The Killers announce ‘Hot Fuss’ 20th anniversary Las Vegas residency
The Killers have announced a Las Vegas residency in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their seminal debut LP ‘Hot Fuss’.The band – comprised of frontman Brandon Flowers, guitarist Dave Keuning, bassist Mark Stoermer and drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr – are set to return to their hometown to celebrate their debut album with an eight-night residency at The Colosseum at Caesers Palace. They will be performing ‘Hot Fuss’ in its entirety for the first time ever.Shows will begin on August 14 and end on August 30.
BBC The Apprentice line-up announced in full - from rejected Dragons Den candidate to garage music star
The Apprentice will soon be back on screen with 18 new candidates hoping to impress business tycoon Lord Alan Sugar. The BBC show sees budding businessmen and businesswomen take on tasks in a bid to battle it out and land the opportunity of a lifetime - a £250,000 investment and mentorship with Lord Sugar.
Sebastian Stan Says ‘I’ve Missed’ Marvel and MCU’s ‘Batting Average Is So High’; Talks ‘A Different Man’ 22-Day Shoot and Hyperventilating in His ‘Mother!’ Audition
Zack Sharf Digital News Director Sebastian Stan is back at Sundance this year for the world premiere of A24’s “A Different Man,” co-starring Adam Pearson and Renate Reinsve. The three actors joined director Aaron Schimberg at the Variety Studio presented by Audible to discuss the film, which centers on an aspiring actor with a facial disability who undergoes a radical medical procedure to transform his appearance that proves to be his downfall.
Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, & Christopher Meloni Celebrate 'Law & Order: SVU' 25th Anniversary!
The stars are stepping out to celebrate 25 seasons of Law & Order: SVU!
Paul Mescal Will Be ‘Profoundly Depressed’ If ‘Gladiator 2’ Makes Him Wildly Famous: ‘I’ll Be in a Bad Spot’
Zack Sharf Digital News Director Paul Mescal is already an Oscar-nominated actor with a diehard fanbase thanks to his roles in “Normal People,” “Aftersun,” “All of Us Strangers” and more, but his fame is surely going to explode this fall when Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator 2” opens in theaters. Mescal is headlining the sequel opposite a heavyweight supporting cast that includes Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington. The original “Gladiator” made Russell Crowe one of the world’s most famous actors and won him the Oscar for best actor.
‘The Sopranos’ Creator Says Show’s Anniversary Is Really “A Funeral” For Prestige TV: “We’re Going Back To Where We Were”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of what many consider to be one of the greatest TV shows of all time— “The Sopranos.” However, when you hear from creator David Chase, this anniversary is less of a celebration and more of “a funeral.” But he doesn’t just mean for his TV show. He thinks we are now experiencing the end of the era of prestige TV.
New calls for weekly State Pension payments of £549 for every person aged over 60
A new online petition is calling for the UK Government to reform the State Pension system and link the payment rate to the National Living Wage. Petition creator Michael Thompson, also proposes making a ‘universal State Pension’ available to everyone over the age of 60, worth £549.12 each week - equivalent to 47 hours at the National Living Wage rate.
‘The Sopranos’ Creator David Chase Says Prestige TV Was A “25-Year Blip”
The Sopranos creator David Chase says the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking HBO mob series might be less a celebration than “a funeral,” as, he suggests, TV is dumbing down.
Stacey Solomon issues 'disclaimer' as she gets a 'real buzz' over Joe Swash move after health scare
Stacey Solomon was left issuing a 'disclaimer' to her fans and followers as she appeared to have her energy and good humour back after a recent health scare. The Loose Women star spent last week resting and recuperating after falling ill on the last day of her lavish family holiday.
The Golden Globes Recovered, and So Will Jo Koy — Despite That Open
Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large In other words, Jo Koy is OK. Still, with that kind of global platform, his misstep stung a bit. This was a milestone for the comedian, and his hiring was a proud moment for many Filipino Americans — a group often ignored by Hollywood.
Former CNN Staffer Claims Chris Cuomo Called Her ‘Tinsel Crotch’ Via Text -- And Network Fired HER Over The Alleged Incident!
A former contributor for CNN is opening up about an alleged inappropriate text exchanged between her and Chris Cuomo “that went woefully wrong” — and allegedly got her axed from the network.
‘The Brothers Sun’ Co-Creator on Subverting Asian Male Stereotypes and Why Michelle Yeoh Has Limited Fight Scenes
Michaela Zee SPOILER ALERT:This story contains mild spoilers for “The Brothers Sun,” available to watch on Netflix now. On May 22, 1992, three men brutally stabbed Japanese filmmaker Juzo Itami outside his Tokyo home, just days after the release of his satire “Minbo no Onna,” or “Mob Woman.” The director of “Tampopo” and “A Taxing Woman” suffered slash wounds across the face, neck and shoulder, but ultimately survived. Police suspected the attack may have been the yakuza’s retaliation for Itami’s “Mob Woman,” which portrays Japanese gangsters as crude bullies who are outsmarted by lawyer Mahiru Inoue (played by Itami’s wife Nobuko Miyamoto).
The Traitors' Amanda Lovett predicts huge twist as Diane faces murder and shares annoyance over Ash's exit
The Traitors returned to our screens last week for a nail-biting second series where viewers were introduced to 22 new contestants hoping to survive the ultimate game of deception and take home a cash prize of up to £120,000. To coincide with the show’s return, OK! spoke exclusively with series one sensation Amanda Lovett to get the inside scoop and expert commentary on all the drama.
James Gandolfini’s son, ‘Sopranos’ cast celebrate 25th anniversary with wild NYC bash
“The Sopranos” is hands down one of the most remarkable television series in history.Twenty-five years after the mob crime drama premiered on HBO, the cast and James Gandolfini’s son, Michael, united at an anniversary bash on Wednesday to celebrate the series’ legacy.The party, thrown by Max, was held at Da Nico Ristorante, which renowned “Sopranos” star Michael Imperioli himself has endorsed as one of his favorite Italian restaurants in New York City.A-listers in attendance included Steve Buscemi, Julianna Margulies, Robert Funaro, Al Sapienza, Vincent Pastore, Kathrine Narducci and more.Guests munched on an Italian feast and partied the evening away.Michael, 24, also an actor, stepped out at the anniversary event with his girlfriend Mia Healey. James died in 2013 at the age of 51 in Rome due to a heart attack.
How to Watch ‘The Sopranos’ Online
Anna Tingley If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. “The Sopranos” changed television forever when James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano walked into into the office of New Jersey psychotherapist Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) for the first time 25 years ago.
‘The Sopranos’ 25th anniversary: Where are they now?
one of television’s greatest shows — even before it came to an end in 2007 after six seasons.The crime drama premiered to 3.45 million viewers in 1999, impressive considering the channel was considered premium cable at the time. It won one Golden Globe and nine Emmys, not including what the actors earned for their individual portrayals.Even with the show’s somewhat limited availability, 11.9 million viewers tuned in for the series finale.
Why we still can’t ‘fuhgeddabout’ ‘The Sopranos’ 25 years later
Edie Falco: It’s like you want to be a race car driver and the first thing they hand you is a Lamborghini. That’s what [“The Sopranos”] felt like to me. It remains a very specific chapter in my life with tremendous emotional reverberations, still.My family kept trying to tell me [how good the show was] and I told them, “Stop telling me that stuff because it’s just going to mess with me — I don’t know where to put that information.” I felt maybe I really don’t know what I’m doing or maybe they’re going to find out I don’t know what I’m doing.