Private London Concert In Memory Of Stephen Gately
November 30, 2009
A host of celebrities and fans have paid tribute to Stephen Gately, the Boyzone star who died unexpectedly at the age of 33.
Swathes of fans gathered in the rain outside a theatre in London’s West End, while musicians, actors and other celebrities congregated inside for a private intimate gig in Gately’s honour.
Organised by his partner Andrew Cowles, the gig included a performance by the remaining members of Boyzone and a poetry reading by actor Sir Ian McKellen.
Gately died of natural causes while on holiday in Majorca on October 10.
Boyzone had built up a horde of fans with chart successes through the 1990s before splitting in 2000.
Lenny Henry Wins Award At London Evening Standard Theatre Awards
November 29, 2009
Comedian Lenny Henry was at the London Evening Standard Theatre Awards last week to pick up a ‘best newcomer’ gong for his lead performance in Shakespeare’s Othello at Trafalgar Studios in London.
In what may be a surprise to many, Lenny Henry has temporarily hung up his comedy boots in favour of pursuing a career in theatre, so far making a particularly good fist of it. However he assures fans he will be making a return to the comedy circuit.
Other winners on the night included Rachel Weisz and Sir Ian McKellen, the latter being awarded with a Lifetime Achievement award.
Sir Paul McCartney Launches New Live CD And DVD
November 29, 2009
Legendary Beatle Sir Paul McCartney was in London this week for the launch of his new live performance CD and DVD, and answered some candid questions about his time since the end of the iconic Beatles era.
At an intimate press conference, Sir Paul described how performing many of their old songs brings back specific memories and can make him quite emotional. “If I’m doing songs by The Beatles, I obviously remember the sessions when we recorded,” Sir Paul said.
“There’s a song I do called Here Today which is specifically written for John, and that sometimes catches me out.”
“If I’m doing something like Something - the song - obviously I’m thinking of George and I’m thinking of him playing the ukulele…
“It’s great actually. I really like it. In a way you’re revisiting them.”
He went on to add: “Similarly with John and Linda - in a way you’re kind of in contact them again and it’s sad, it’s emotional.”
Still No Venue Decided For 2012 Olympic Badminton And Gymnastics
November 28, 2009
Organisers for the London 2012 Olympics are struggling to come to an agreement with heads of both badminton and rhythmic gymnastic associations about where events will be held, with both associations reluctant to agree a move to the Wembley arena.
Central to the ongoing debate is the promise of improved access from the Olympic village to the centrepiece stadium, which many athletes don’t believe is being met. Organisers are keen to push thorugh the move in order to save on the cost of having to build and maintain a temporary venue at a projected cost of £42 million. The move would apparently save as much as £20 million.
Julie Andrews Set To Make Return At O2 Arena
November 28, 2009
Julie Andrews, the star of classics such as ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Sound Of Music’, is set to make a return to the London stage for the first time in 30 years in May, event organisers say.
The 74-year old Oscar winner will join 5 other performers on stage to work through some of the most popular theatrical songs of the last 50 years, a set to include many songs made famous by Julie Walters herself. She will also narrate her bestselling children’s book “Simeon’s Gift”, co-written with her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton.
Walter’s has built up a huge fanbase over the years, with iconic film and stage roles including My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins, for which she won an Oscar in 1965.
