“We’ve been so used to thinking about politics in terms of left and right, yet what Reform are able to do is to win in areas that have always been Conservative, but equally, we’re proving in a big way that we could win in areas that Labour has dominated since the end of World War I.”
An Amazon MGM Studios executive allegedly solicited kickbacks from an aspiring vendor in exchange for post-production contract awards on shows, according to a recently filed lawsuit.
Joe Eckardt, owner and president of Hollywood-based postproduction services firm Unbreakable Post, alleged that the studio’s head of postproduction, Frank Salinas, told him during a business lunch in 2023 that Salinas could “ensure” Unbreakable Post would be included as an approved vendor to bid on Amazon-affiliated projects.
Salinas would give Eckardt the target budget number for his company’s bid and “effectively guarantee that Unbreakable would be awarded the work,” the lawsuit states.
After the contract was awarded, Eckardt would then pay Salinas a percentage of the project value as a kickback, the lawsuit says.
After Eckardt refused, he alleges that his contract opportunities with Amazon dried up.
He states in the lawsuit that although he had done “substantial” work, served as a postproduction consultant or selected vendor on shows such as the Mexico, Brazil and Argentina productions of the reality series “Temptation Island” and the third season of documentary series “Coach Prime,” he was not selected by Amazon for a contract with those projects.
In 2025, Eckardt alleges that he reported Salinas’ conduct to Amazon and after six months of information gathering, the company told him that “its investigation had concluded and that the allegations were ‘not substantiated.’”
Amazon MGM Studios did not respond to a request for comment. Salinas declined to comment.
Eckardt’s lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. He alleges that he lost more than $1 million in contracts, income and future business opportunities. He is seeking a jury trial.
Graham Norton’s ITV series The Neighbourhood has been pulled from its primetime slot less than a fortnight since its launch and will be replaced by repeats
16:41, 06 May 2026Updated 16:41, 06 May 2026
Graham Norton’s ITV series The Neighbourhood has been pulled from its primetime slot less than a fortnight since its launch
Graham Norton’s ITV series The Neighbourhood has been pulled from its primetime slot less than a fortnight since its launch. The presenter, 63, is front and centre on the broadcaster’s new gameshow format in which real-life households have gathered in a purpose-built neighbourhood to be in with a chance of winning a £250,000 cash prize.
There were clearly high hopes for the series as it premiered in between both segments of the explosive I’m A Celebrity…South Africa final on April 24, and has been airing at 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays ever since, where it has managed to pull in just half a million viewers.
But now, new schedules have revealed that, going forward, the programme will air at 10.45pm which takes it away from the coveted slot it was initially given, implying that it has not lived up to expectations in terms of viewing figures.
This Thursday, viewers tuning in at 9pm will instead see a repeat of Davina McCall’s Long Lost Family, and an episode of Beat The Chasers: Celebrity Special, which was initially aired in 2021, will be shown instead. A spokesperson for ITV confirmed the schedule shift as they said said: “The full box set of The Neighbourhood is now available to stream on ITVX. Additionally, the show will continue to air in an evening slot on ITV.”
But sources have claimed that whilst the broadcaster pulled out all the stops to make the programme into a hit, it just hasn’t gone that way in the end. An insider told The Sun: “They threw everything at The Neighbourhood to make it a big success, but it’s ended up a bit of a damp squib.”
The six households competing are The Bradons, The Kandolas & Samra, The Lozman-Sturrocks, The Pescuds, The Scouse Haus and The Uni Boys. Challenges put every neighbour to the limit as they try and eliminate one another without becoming unpopular enough to get the axe themselves.
Opening up on his first reaction when he saw the entirety of the set, Graham said: “Arriving in Derbyshire and seeing the set, I’d seen pictures but I didn’t quite understand the scale of it. It really is like being on a movie set, except it’s 360 – everywhere you look, it’s real.
“The art department did an extraordinary job of building up that town square where we do the removals, the pub, the cafe, the interiors of the houses. It really took my breath away!
“It made it even more exciting. I thought – this is serious! We’re making a big show. Then add on top of that, what Derbyshire does when the drone goes up and we see the Neighbourhood and the nature and the rest of it, it’s so beautiful, those big driving shots. It’s just gorgeous.
BAFTA award-winning broadcaster Graham continued: “One of the loveliest things about the show is seeing households who would never meet in real life, not only meeting but forming proper bonds of friendship. There are a few moments in the show that really do bring a tear to my eye because it’s just so genuine, so lovely and properly heartwarming.
“It’s such an odd word to describe a show like this but it’s properly wholesome. There’s something about the bright colours, being out in the countryside and the genuine bonds that you see created.”
Five months ago, President Trump was stinging from one of the first political defeats of his second term as Republican state senators defied him on redistricting in Indiana. Now he has proved he can still punish wayward party members after he endorsed a slate of challengers who defeated almost every one of those lawmakers he wanted to dislodge.
The results will likely bolster Trump’s confidence heading into upcoming Republican primaries where he wants to help oust more incumbents, including U.S Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
Indiana’s primary also ratchets up the pressure on Republican lawmakers in other states to move aggressively to redraw congressional district boundaries before the November elections. Alabama and Tennessee have already begun special sessions that could limit Black voters’ strength in Democratic-leaning districts, and some of Trump’s allies in South Carolina want to follow suit.
State Sen. Linda Rogers, one of the Indiana lawmakers who voted against redistricting and lost her seat Tuesday, said the outcome “will probably discourage others in other states.”
“If someone is going to ask you to take a tough vote, you may think twice about your conscience and what’s best for your community and instead what’s best for you and your career,” she said.
Redistricting efforts began last year, when Trump saw an opportunity to give Republicans an additional edge, but they were supercharged last week when the U.S. Supreme Court gutted a provision of the Voting Rights Act that influenced how political lines are drawn.
Trump’s success in Indiana, aided by more than $8.3 million in campaign cash in races that usually see very little spending, reaffirmed the president’s continued strength within a Republican Party that he has dominated for a decade, despite his inevitable slide toward lame-duck status and his sagging poll numbers.
“Historic night for Indiana as Republicans stood with me and President Trump to nominate some great America First conservatives,” Gov. Mike Braun, R-Ind., posted on social media. “I look forward to winning big in November and serving Hoosiers with this team in the statehouse!”
Trump backed primary challenges against seven Republican state senators who rejected his redistricting plan in December. Five of the president’s candidates won, and another race remained too close to call.
Trump was relatively restrained on social media about the voting. He shared a series of photos celebrating the victories of candidates he endorsed in Indiana and Ohio, which also held primaries Tuesday. But he otherwise passed on boasting or renewing his attacks on Massie or Cassidy.
Massie has been among the members of Congress who frustrated the president by pressing for release of the Jeffrey Epstein case files. Cassidy was among the Republican senators who voted to convict Trump on 2021 impeachment charges after the Jan. 6 riot.
James Blair, one of Trump’s top political advisers, was more direct, posting an image from the movie “Gladiator” depicting Russell Crowe’s ancient Roman character Maximus exulting after a combat victory.
Rogers, the Indiana state senator, faced almost $670,000 in television advertising against her, funded by political action committees associated with Braun and U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind.
She said she did not regret her vote against redistricting.
“It would have been easy for me to hit that ‘yes’ button,” she said. “To hear the number of people who asked me not to, then the number of people who thanked me, would mean I wasn’t representing them.”
Louisiana’s primary, in which Trump has endorsed U.S. Rep. Julie Letlow over Cassidy, is set for May 16. Kentucky, where Trump has endorsed Massie’s challenger, retired Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, will hold its primary May 19.
Beaumont and Barrow write for the Associated Press.
TV star Bradley Walsh faces one of his fears in the latest episode of ITV’s Breaking Dad
Bradley Walsh tackles different challenges with son Barney in Breaking Dad(Image: ITV screengrab)
Bradley Walsh pleads “I don’t want to” as he confronts his well-known fear of heights in the latest instalment of Breaking Dad.
The ITV programme follows The Chase presenter and his son Barney as they journey to various destinations, taking on a series of daunting challenges. Now in its seventh series, the pair have ventured Down Under to discover Australia, and in the forthcoming episode Bradley tackles a zipline high above the Blue Mountains while Barney urges him on.
In a preview clip, Bradley appears visibly terrified, gripping his rope tightly and breathing heavily, reports the Express.
“I really, really tell you, guys, I really don’t want to do this,” muttered the star, who has a well documented fear of heights.
“Dad, you can do it!” exclaims Barney, but the TV star insisted: “No, I can’t. I don’t want to do it Barns. Please don’t. Please don’t do none of that for me.”
“Well, you can do it, you can,” urged Barney, who is known for hosting TV hit Gladiators alongside his famous dad.
But Bradley said: “What did I just tell him? Didn’t I just tell him?”
“I really don’t want to, though,” he went on. “I really don’t want to do it.”
Nevertheless, he pressed ahead, beginning to edge his hands along the ropes while murmuring: “Please, God.”
With Barney shouting encouragement, yelling “you got it”, Bradley gradually made his way along the rope before reaching solid ground on the opposite side.
Yet when questioned about how he felt after completing the challenge, he appeared to let slip a swear word, confessing: “Awful.”
“You smashed it, you smashed it,” Barney insisted as an exhausted-looking Bradley caught his breath.
Breaking Dad first launched in 2019 and it is now in its seventh series.
The show’s latest run kicked off earlier in May, with the opening episode following the father and son duo as they touched down in Sydney. The pair took in iconic landmarks including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, before braving a thrilling aerobatic flight and a nerve-shredding ride on an extreme, high-altitude cable car.
Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad airs on Friday May 8 at 7.30pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Simon Cowell could be bringing back The X Factor, nearly eight years after the contest was axed.Credit: Shutterstock EditorialThe X Factor discovered huge acts – including One DirectionCredit: Rex
And now the music mogul is considering a revival for the Gen Z years, following the success of his Netflix show The Next Act, which spawned rising pop stars December 10.
Simon told TV presenter Jamie East on his new podcast Tales From The Celebrity Trenches: “Do you bring it back as X Factor or do you bring it back as the Z Factor? We talk about it a lot.
“There’s still no question — the power of TV in terms of getting people to know an artist.
“It is so important if you are not writing your own material.
“You do hear about these artists who break online, but so rarely.
“We could have made [The Next Act] online.
“I just don’t think it would have had the same effect.
“The truth is, thank God, people like being on TV.”
Running such a huge talent show is not always plain sailing, but Simon had a distinctly New Age solution when the stresses got just too much while filming The Next Act.
He turned to crystals.
Simon recalled: “We were running out of money so I did have a little mini meltdown.
“And then I just sat with my crystals and they just comforted me.
“I can feel the energy.
“I thought it was kind of comforting having the crystals rather than everyone in my ear driving me crazy.”
He added: “I definitely believe in the powers of the universe.
“I feel that if you can harness the power of the universe to try and make your mind just calm down for a moment . . . ”
I don’t think I’ll be swapping a medicinal glass of rosé for rose quartz any time soon, but each to their own . . .
She confirmed yesterday that the Inxs frontman will be included.
Kylie Minogue will pay tribute to late boyfriend Michael Hutchence in her new Netflix documentaryCredit: NETFLIXKylie with MichaelCredit: NETFLIXKylie shared photographs of them together while they dated between 1989 and 1991Credit: NETFLIXKylie stayed close to Michael even after their split, until his death aged 37 in 1997Credit: NETFLIX
In a first-look trailer, Kylie shared photographs of them together while they dated between 1989 and 1991.
She said previously: “He was a dark bad boy and I was the pure good girl.
“He opened up a whole new world for me.”
The three-parter will also feature Kylie’s friends and family talking about highs and lows she has faced, including her breast cancer diagnosis in 2005.
Kylie is heard saying off camera: “I felt removed from my body.
Fans will have to wait until May 20 to watch the series in full.
Kylie seen in the iconic video for Can’t Get You Out of My HeadCredit: NETFLIXKylie with sister Danni in the documentaryCredit: NETFLIXThe three-parter will also feature Kylie’s friends and family talking about highs and lows she has faced, including her breast cancer diagnosis in 2005Credit: NETFLIXThe show will be released on Netflix on May 20Credit: NETFLIX
Hol lotta Caity
Caity Baser was hostess with the mostess as she opened a beach club in the back garden of her seaside home.
She squeezed into a tight blue dress and posed with bunting and flowers at the party to mark the release of new single Holiday Song this Friday.
Caity Baser was hostess with the mostess as she opened a beach club in the back garden of her seaside homeCredit: Handout
The singer’s pal Joel Corry was drafted in as DJ for the bash in Brighton.
She ordered a tonne of sand to turn her garden into a beach – but revealed to TikTok followers that she ordered builders’ sand by mistake.
She referred to her makeshift club as Ibiza Crops – a reference to Ibiza Rocks on the White Isle – but was dreading the prospect of clearing it all up afterwards.
If the release of the single goes as well as her party, she’ll have a very fun summer.
Jack Cullen began his first headline European solo tour in Bristol last night, and has a long slog in front of him.
The musician, who released single Face To Face on Friday, will play across the UK in the next few days then head to Brussels, Cologne, Amsterdam and Berlin.
He’ll then Run 22 marathons in 22 days – back from the German capital to London for the tour’s final night, headlining Oslo in Hackney on June 12.
Last summer was one of the best-ever for gigs, with Oasis, Dua Lipa and Coldplay selling out stadiums, while Radiohead, Lewis Capaldi and Tate McRae played to packed arenas.
The Pussycat Dolls have been forced to cancel their North American tour as ticket sales disappointCredit: GettyZayn Malik has also been forced to cancelCredit: Getty
But ticket prices have only continued to rise since live shows returned after Covid, and now it’s clear punters have had enough of greedy artists taking advantage.
Shows are already hugely expensive in the UK, but over in the US, the prices are even higher.
Suki Waterhouse, Ella Mai and Logic and G-Eazy’s tours there later this year are also struggling to shift tickets, with fears they could be axed too. It’s only a matter of time before we see a similar knock-on effect in the UK.
Even some major tours here this summer are yet to sell out, after insatiable promoters added strings of dates and pushed artists into bigger and bigger venues.
As you know from this column, I love a good concert.
But at a time when everyone is strapped for cash, paying through the nose for a couple of hours of singing is just not an option for many.
So if the music industry keeps moving like it is at the moment, it’s only going to turn people off altogether.
It’s a three-horse race to the No1 album spot this Friday, with Mel C, Michael Jackson and Kneecap all battling it out for the prime position.
Just under 3,000 chart units separate third place from the top spot, so it’s all to play for.
Kneecap are currently at No1 with Fenian, closely followed by Mel’s Sweat and MJ’s 2005 compilation album The Essential, which is back in demand after the Michael biopic.
Pete aims for Kyle collab
Pete Doherty is recruiting The View’s frontman Kyle Falconer to collaborate on songs for his next solo album.
They previously worked together on Pete’s track Midas Touch, on Kyle’s recent LP Lovely Night Of Terror.
Pete Doherty is recruiting Kyle Falconer of The View to work on songs for his next solo albumCredit: Getty
Now Kyle has revealed he visited Pete’s home in the South of France and will return soon to work with the Libertines rocker, right, again.
He said: “I was just over in France to see him, we’re talking about loads of stuff.
“It was all very arty. We were painting together, and talking about films.”
Pete’s last solo effort was 2025 album Felt Better Alive, while the last Libertines record was 2024’s All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade.
Two years ago Kyle moved to Alicante in Spain with his wife Laura and their four kids.
He now runs songwriting camps from his La Sierra Casa studio, and said: “The camp is getting bigger and better every year, and we’ve just moved to a new place.”
Celebrity treasures on sale
War Child is back with its Spring Clean auction – packed with some of the most random and brilliant celebrity treasures going.
Fans can get their hands on Alan Carr’s Isabell Kristensen blazer from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and even a signed Devil Wears Prada 2 script donated by Stanley Tucci.
There’s a Fantastic Four script signed by Vanessa Kirby, plus one of the strangest items on offer – the infamous radish prop from Netflix’s Beef, signed by the cast.
You can also win a private film screening and lunch with Simon Pegg.
Meanwhile, sci-fi lovers can snap up a personalised photo signed by X-Files co-stars Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny.
Music lovers are also in for a treat, with signed setlists and memorabilia from Robbie Williams, The 1975 and Coldplay all among items up for grabs.
It runs until May 27, and will raise money to support children in war zones. See springclean.charitystars.com to get involved. Prize draw entries start at £10.
Liz up to sun-thing
Lizzo is lapping up as much sun as she can before she kicks off the promo for her new album, Bitch.
The Truth Hurts singer shared this snap with her 11million Instagram followers with the caption: “Best Birthday Ever”.
Lizzo lapping up the sunCredit: Instagram/lizzobeeating
Lizzo turned 38 last week and used her special day to announce the record, which is the follow-up to her 2022 album, Special.
Teasing what Bitch has in store, Lizzo said: “I think it’s always going to be the Lizzo sound.
“I posted a snippet of one of my new songs that’s coming out very, very soon and somebody was like, ‘The Nineties are back’.
“I love constructing and producing and creating just well-crafted music and songs.
“I hope everyone likes it.”
As a massive Lizzo fan myself, I am sure I’m going to love it.
Gen Z heartthrobs Zendaya and Tom HollandCredit: Getty
They are one of the most in-demand couples in Hollywood, so what do Gen Z heartthrobs Zendaya and Tom Holland do in their spare time?
The British actor, above with his other half, said: “So we have been crocheting at home. I absolutely love it.”
“I just find it turns my brain off. I can’t do anything else and do it. I have to be lasered in.”
The Spice Girls are in talks over a hologram spectacularCredit: ReutersThe show would be like the very successful Abba VoyageCredit: ABBA Voyage
With a full-blown comeback looking unlikely, Posh said the girls all reckon a digital show would be “great” — and have already been chatting about it over dinner.
The concept would follow in the footsteps of ABBA Voyage, which turned the Swedish band into digital avatars and has been raking it in since launching in East London in 2022.
Victoria said on SiriusXM radio: “I think it would be a great idea.
“We were talking about it at dinner, but we’ll see.”
It comes after Melanie C poured cold water on reunion hopes, insisting a tour “is not happening”.
So fans shouldn’t hold out for the band hitting the road together anytime soon.
Still, a Spice Girls show without the stress of rehearsals, travel or arranging five schedules sounds very on- brand.
And if anyone can make Girl Power go digital, it’s music boss Simon, who first dreamed up ABBA’s avatar take
My insiders first told me of the girl-group’s plans last May, with Simon keen to celebrate their greatest hits with the show.
The Spice Girls, minus Posh, on their 2019 reunion tourCredit: Getty – ContributorThe Spice Girls perform during the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic GamesCredit: EPA
A source added: “Simon is desperate to have one last hurrah with the Spice Girls and this is his latest idea.
“He was the person who came up with the original idea for Abba and their digital show and he thinks this model could work perfectly for the group.
“Simon knows this plan would mean the band would be making money in their sleep and it would open up their music to a whole new generation.
“It’s a really exciting concept and he thinks he could make it work.”
Now he’s got Posh on board, I don’t think there is anything stopping them.
DAMON: TOO BUSY TO WIPE
SUCCESSFUL musicians can be lazy sods after years of having lackeys looking after their every whim.
And Damon Albarn has revealed he’s become so high and mighty, that he’s decided to stop doing anything not worth his time.
Damon Albarn has admitted he sometimes doesn’t wipe his bum properlyCredit: Getty
The result, my friends, is absolutely disgusting.
The Blur frontman said: “Sometimes I don’t even really wipe my bum properly.
“No, it’s not all the time, but you know what I mean. I just don’t allow many of the conventions that slow the day down to get in my way.”
Defending his toilet habit, Beatlebum singer Damon, insisted: “It’s more of the principle of the thing.
“If I’m in a hurry, I won’t waste extra time doing something that is not necessary to do at that moment.”
Remind me to never sit down wind of him at a party.
DUA TO LINE UP TOUR FILM?
HOLIDAY-loving Dua Lipa wore denim and stripes as she zipped off on another trip with her actor fiancé Callum Turner.
They have just returned from a romantic getaway to Copenhagen and she shared snaps online of them together and him tucking into a burger.
Dua Lipa on a romantic getaway to CopenhagenCredit: instagram/dualipaDua’s fiancé Callum Turner tucks into a burgerCredit: instagram/dualipa
But it sounds like she may soon have a surprise up her sleeve, after sending fans wild with a message about a potential film of her Radical Optimism tour, which kicked off in November 2024 in support of her third album.
Dua shared a video on WhatsApp of herself performing and people screaming in the crowds.
In an accompanying note to fans, she wrote: “Happy 2 years of Radical Optimism . . . how should we celebrate?”
Her song End Of An Era features in new flick The Devil Wears Prada 2 and with the singer already hard at work on her next album, now would be the perfect time to close the book on her previous one.
The couple on a night out in the cityCredit: instagram/dualipa
OLIVIA’S STRIP TEASE BEFORE BARCA GIG
THE World Cup kicks off in just over a month and Olivia Rodrigo is already proving she’s on the ball when it comes to the beautiful game.
But rather than getting behind the US team, she’s more focused on La Liga champs Barcelona, teaming up with the Spanish club and Spotify to create a limited-edition jersey.
Olivia Rodrigo modelling her limited-edition Barcelona jerseyCredit: instagram/oliviarodrigo
Perhaps we just forget about her trip to Stamford Bridge in 2023 to see Chelsea when it was proudly claimed she was a Blues fan.
The women’s team will wear the tops in their home match against Levante on Thursday. On Saturday, Olivia will play a Spotify Billions Club Live gig there.
Olivia, who follows acts such as Ed Sheeran, Drake and The Rolling Stones by featuring on the club’s kit, said: “Seeing ‘OR’ on a Barcelona jersey, I don’t even know how to process that.
“Getting to perform for the fans who’ve been listening since day one, in a city like Barcelona, is going to be special.”
EUPHORIA actor Jacob Elordi has broken his foot.
The Page Six gossip column in the US said the Aussie heartthrob’s injury means he is out of the running to be on the Cannes Film Festival jury, which he was expected to be part of.
The festival starts next Tuesday, but the injury means we are unlikely to see him striding down the red carpet.
HELL OF A START FOR DEVIL 2
THERE were plenty of doubters and mixed reviews – but The Devil Wears Prada 2 certainly hasn’t fallen out of fashion.
It has topped the box office worldwide, and over the weekend banked $233.6million, including $77million in North America.
That’s more than double the $27.5million the original 2006 flick made in its opening weekend.
It’s finally proof there is demand for female-fronted films, after male movies such as Michael and Project Hail Mary dominated in cinemas.
Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Anne Hathaway reprise their roles, with all eyes back on Runway magazine and its editor Miranda Priestly.
Unlike the fictional mag, there’s nothing to worry about with these bumper figures.
CAMERON DIAZ has become a mum for the third time, aged 53.
She and hubby Benji Madden, of rock band Good Charlotte, have welcomed a baby boy called Nautas.
The Charlie’s Angels actress, who had daughter Raddix and son Cardinal by surrogate, previously said she was conscious about being an older mum.
FUTRA LIGHT
RIHANNA gets fruity in an new shoot for her Savage X Fenty’s latest undies range.
The singer, who looked stunning in sett decorated with strawberries, wrote on X: “It’s giving everything but basic for your everyday basics.”
Rihanna models Savage X Fenty’s latest undies rangeCredit: Instagram/badgalriri/savagexfentyRihanna said ‘It’s giving everything but basic for your everyday basics’Credit: X
Rihanna has been really quiet lately, with all whispers of new music once again dying down – a decade after the release of her last album, Anti.
C’mon girl, it’s what we RiRi want.
KATY AND JUSTIN GET PICKLED
KATY PERRY and Justin Trudeau have got themselves in a right little pickle.
The singer proved her unlikely romance with the former Canadian Prime Minister had gone from strength to strength – when she shared loved-up photos on Instagram, including one of their personalised jar of pickles.
Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau got a customised pickle jarCredit: Instagram/Katy PerryThe jar reads: ‘Katy & Justin’s Pop + Policy Pickles’Credit: Instagram / Katy Perry
The label shows the couple under the name “Katy & Justin’s Pop + Policy Pickles.”
Customised jars like theirs set customers back £22, but she clearly enjoyed the savoury souvenir, given that she shared the photo with her 200million followers.
Katy, pictured with her arms wrapped around her boyfriend, will head out on a six-week tour next month with stops in Dublin, Cardiff, and Isle of MTV festival in Malta.
At least with this momento stashed in her suitcase, she will have a reminder of home.
BOBBY’S BOO TO ROCK SIRS
PRIMAL SCREAM frontman Bobby Gillespie has taken a swipe at rock royalty, accusing some of music’s biggest names of getting too cosy with the Royal Family.
The singer didn’t hold back as he blasted those who accept honours, taking aim at the likes of Sir Brian May, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Rod Stewart.
Bobby Gillespie has slammed rockstars who take honours from the Royal FamilyCredit: Getty
At the launch of the David Bowie: You’re Not Alone immersive experience in London, Bobby said: “David Bowie was one of the few admirable rock stars who never took an honour from the Royal Family, which I think is incredibly cool.
“Maybe the coolest thing he ever did.
“The rest of them grovel on their knees, Bowie was like, nah. Too cool.”
Bobby made it clear his admiration for Bowie goes far beyond just snubbing a title, though.
He added: “I was a teenager in the Seventies so I’d be going to school in the morning and my mum would have the radio on and The Jean Genie would be blasting out, or Suffragette City or Golden Years.
“So since I was a conscious kid, a teenager, a pop music fan, he’s always been there.”
Bobby also praised Bowie’s constant reinvention, which he says helped shape his own band’s sound.
He added: “The way that he changed as an artist from album to album – he did different styles, as did The Beatles – that’s been a big influence on Primal Scream.”
ROBBIE WILLIAMS had to grin and bare it after breaking off half of his front tooth.
He shared this smiley selfie with the damaged gnasher on full display, telling his Instagram followers he hadn’t noticed it was missing until getting into bed with his wife Ayda Field.
Robbie Williams reveals his chipped his front toothCredit: InstagramRobbie joked wife Ayda Field says he looks like something out of Dumb and DumberCredit: AP
Robbie revealed: “She said I look like Dumb And Dumber. Fair enough, I guess I do.”
But Rob is in Miami and his dentist is in Los Angeles, so he’s in a quandry over whether to fly five hours to get it fixed before his upcoming shows.
Whatever he does, I doubt he will be taking PALOMA FAITH’s advice.
Revealing how filming Death in Paradise inspired his new book, A Plot to Die For, Ardal said: “I did 24 episodes. It must have been at least 30 murders. I didn’t even have to read the script, I knew who did it.”
Ardal went on: “When I was there I was always trying to dream up imaginative kind of murders.” Although he then said he “loves” the show, Ardal made a savage swipe at it’s storylines.
“But you would be thinking to yourself, ‘have we not done this plot before?’ You know, someone falling off a balcony again!” as his co-stars and show hosts laughed along with him.
Ardal was previously asked whether Jack Mooney leaving the show was a mutual decision. He told the Mirror: “From day one, it was always going to be like three series.
“As it turned out, I ended up doing part of a fourth series as well, before the handover to Ralf Little’s character [Neville Parker]. So to be honest with you, like you just wouldn’t be fit to do any more than that.”
He added: “It’s very gruelling, and you’re away from home for a very long time. So, you know, that was always the plan, and there was really very little that was going to change my mind about that.”
Ardal also went on to say that he believes the reason for the show’s success is the constant rotation of detectives. He stated: “I think the secret of the show’s success is constantly changing the lead detective, you know, before people get bored with them.”
What’s more, despite enduring “very harsh” weather conditions during filming of the show, Ardal branded the experience a “lovely job to do”.
May 4 (UPI) — At least three people were killed and more than 38 others were injured during a monster truck show in the city of Popayán, southwestern Colombia, after one of the vehicles lost control and struck part of the audience, local authorities reported.
According to footage shared on social media and reports from Colombian outlets such as El Tiempo, the vehicle veered off the track following a maneuver, knocked down metal safety barriers and crashed into spectators.
#MNTV II ¡TRAGEDIA EN ESPECTÁCULO! Monster Truck deja 3 muertos y 37 heridos en Colombia
Uno de los vehículos perdió el control, salió de la pista y atravesó las barreras de seguridad, generando pánico entre los asistentes.
Popayán Mayor Juan Carlos Muñoz confirmed the preliminary toll in a message posted on X.
“We deeply regret the accident …)which has, preliminarily, left more than 38 people injured and 3 dead,” he said.
Among those killed was reportedly a minor, according to local press reports. Several of the injured were also believed to be children.
Colonel Julián Castañeda, commander of the Popayán police, told El Tiempo that the crash was likely caused by a mechanical failure.
“It was a private event. There was a mechanical failure, it left the track. The vehicle accelerated, it could not be stopped,” he said. He added that the driver of the truck was injured but is in stable condition.
Local media identified the driver as Sonia Dilma Segura, who is reportedly the only woman in Latin America authorized to operate this type of vehicle.
Cauca Gov. Octavio Guzmán expressed condolences and said the injured were taken to public hospitals in the city. “We deeply regret the accident,” he said on X.
A local official cited by Colombian media said the event had the required permits, including liability insurance, and that the organizing company had experience in this type of show.
Skip Bayless is returning to ESPN’s “First Take” — but for a very limited time only.
Bayless will join Stephen A. Smith on Friday’s episode of the popular sports debate show in what the network describes as “a one-time reunion” between the two men who haven’t hosted the program together in nearly 10 years.
Bayless appeared on “First Take” from the show’s inception in 2007 until he left ESPN in 2016. Smith has remained on “First Take,” which he currently hosts with Shae Cornette.
It was Smith’s idea to bring back Bayless as a special guest, according to a person familiar with the situation but not authorized to discuss it publicly.
After leaving ESPN, Bayless joined Fox Sports, where he co-hosted similarly formatted show “Undisputed” — for much of the time with co-host Shannon Sharpe — from 2016- to 2024. He currently hosts a podcast, “The Skip Bayless Show,” and is a regular contributor on the digital sports show “The Arena: Gridiron,” starring Gilbert Arenas.
In 2024, Smith addressed rumors of Bayless possibly re-joining “First Take.”
“Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith, together as partners, working across from each other on a debate show, is over,” Smith said on his podcast. “It’s been over. And this is not the first time I’ve said it. There’s no negativity or shade being thrown on Skip Bayless. I have moved on.”
Distraught onlookers caught the moment a monster truck lost control at a car show and plowed into spectators in Colombia, killing at least three people, including a 10-year-old girl. Around 40 people were injured.
The new ITV quiz show is fronted by Danny Dyer and Emily Atack
The new ITV quiz show is ‘full of drama and deception’(Image: ITV)
ITV has unveiled the first look at its new reality quiz show with a surprising twist.
Fronted by Danny Dyer and Emily Atack, Nobody’s Fool has been billed as a “unique reality event packed full of drama and deception.”
In this ruthless contest, participants’ survival depends not on their actual intelligence, but on how clever their rivals perceive them to be.
Throughout the series, ten competitors from across the UK will share a purpose-built “Smart House,” taking part in a game where perception, tactics and trickery matter just as much as brainpower.
With challenges completed behind closed doors, assumptions, biases and initial impressions will prove crucial, as hasty conclusions and deliberate misdirection keep both contestants and audiences second-guessing.
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The show will feature daily individual quizzes testing various forms of intelligence, with correct answers contributing to a collective prize fund.
However, in a clever twist, only the participants themselves will know their actual performance – leaving them free to share as much or as little truth as they wish with their housemates.
As the series progresses, players must identify the weakest link among them and vote them out.
Discussing the programme, Danny Dyer enthused: “this is a blinder of a game show and unlike anything I’ve seen before. Emily and I had a brilliant time making it and much like the audience at home will be, we kept guessing right until the very end.”
Emily Atack added: “It’s so exciting to be part of something this new and fresh. The chance to work with Danny again was a no brainer for me. We had such a laugh. Can’t wait for everyone to watch, it’s an absolute must see.”
Sue Murphy, Director of Factual Entertainment at ITV, and Kate Teckman, Head of Development and Commissioning Editor at ITV, said: “Nobody’s Fool is an innovative reality/quiz crossover show that puts preconceptions, stereotypes and judgements to the test.”
They continued: “Danny and Emily are the perfect pairing to host this game of surprise and prejudice, that will no doubt have audiences on the edge of their seats.”
Meanwhile, Richard Cowles, MD, and Tom Gould, Director of Entertainment and Formats at Lifted Entertainment, added: “Nobody’s Fool takes a simple premise – How do you really determine how smart someone is?
He added: “Trust your preconceptions and judgement or what they tell you? – and turns that into a high stakes reality game show with up to £100k up for grabs.
“There is drama at every turn but with Danny and Emily on hosting duties, the fun and laughter is also never far away.”
We are living in an era of dissent, but what does that mean in 2026? According to writer Gal Beckerman, to be a dissident is as much a way of being as it is an act of resistance. In his new book “How to Be a Dissident,” Beckerman, a staff writer for the Atlantic, unpacks dissent as a kind of rough art. His book is both an instruction guide and a primer.
In nine short, potent chapters, Beckerman lays out the essential traits of an effective dissident — loyalty, recklessness and watchfulness, among them — to illustrate how communities of resistance are built from the ground up. I recently chatted with Beckerman about playwright and former president of the Czech Republic Václav Havel, President Trump and AI.
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✍️ Author Chat
You have written three books that deal with dissent — political, cultural and societal. It’s clearly a big issue with you.
I don’t think of myself as an activist; I don’t approach these topics with an activist’s fervor. I’m genuinely curious about how change happens in society. All four of my grandparents survived the Holocaust, and I think the notion of a society that can change that quickly and turn on you was always very shocking and interesting to me.
In reading your book, it’s really inspiring and extraordinary to read about individuals putting their lives on the line to make change happen.
They genuinely fascinate me as these bizarre human beings who are able to act in ways that I find really mysterious. There’s a mystery as to how people’s minds actually change, and how society can change.
You write about making moral choices, and doing something bold because of some strongly held belief. This is not the same thing as joining the crowd, which can be the path of least resistance.
I had this feeling during the first few months of the current Trump term (and I share this sentiment with a lot of people) that we were just bowled over by the degree to which people in elite places were acquiescing to the exercise of executive power and being willing to bend the knee in ways that felt shocking to me. This prompted me to wonder, what would I do in that situation? Would I say “no” and not succumb to the will of executive power? Would any of us do so? It’s a question we all have to ask ourselves.
You cite Iris Murdoch’s notion of “radical humanism” as a key trait of effective dissent.
Radical humanists are attuned to the messy and wonderful ways that beings just are. They are defending those conditions for human beings to have a normal life, whether that means being able to listen to whatever music you like, or to wear your hair in a certain way, or to take care of a neighbor that is being ill-treated. Václav Havel called it the “pre-political” way of thinking and acting. And we saw this recently in Minnesota, with people standing up to ICE, regardless of what their political affiliations might be. Something pre-political was going on.
Another important factor you cite is civic mindedness, which feels like a difficult goal given how our communities have been dissolved by our screen addictions.
The communication tools that we use are dehumanizing in many ways because they don’t allow us to really see each other. Instead we preconceive each other and just scream a lot. And we know this at a gut level even as we continue to use them. That’s why I do think it takes an almost dissident sort of energy to insist on thinking in a different way and scrambling the assumptions that our modes of communication have foisted upon us.
What about AI? It feels as if there is a lot of resistance to accepting AI into our lives just because technology companies are investing billions of dollars to make it so. You are seeing communities protesting against the construction of data farms in their neighborhoods, for example.
The money behind the ideology pushing AI is about letting us feel that the only way to have an efficient life is through AI. And I feel like the 20th century taught us that there are lots of ideologies that come around to promise this sort of thing. And so we need to learn from that. I think there are a lot of overwhelming powers that try to flatten us. But we have to take that wonderful human element, that radical humanism, to say no, maybe there’s a way to do it better.
📰 The Week(s) in Books
Monica Lewinsky as a saint offering solace to the lovelorn and abandoned? Julia Langbein’s wild conceit works beautifully in her novel “Dear Monica Lewinsky,” according to Julia M. Klein, who calls the book “smart, poignant and involving.”
Among the casualties of the Vietnam War were the Appalachian communities whose male populations were decimated on the frontlines. This is the subject of Pamela Steele’s “taut, lyrical” novel “In the Fields of Fatherless Children,” a book that delves into the “poverty, racism, environmental degradation and despair suffered in the Appalachian ‘holler’ during the Vietnam era,” writes Meredith Maran.
The Times’ Deputy Entertainment and Arts Editor Nate Jackson sat down with the rapper, actor and K-Town native Jonnie Park to discuss his memoir, “Spit: A Life in Battles.”
Finally, Maddie Connors answers the question, “why are novels getting shorter?” Welcome to the age of the Adderall novel.
📖 Bookstore Faves
The inside of Mystery Pier Books
(Mystery Pier Books)
Established in 1998, Mystery Pier Books is L.A.’s prime destination for rare books and signed editions across a wide range of genres and forms, including Shakespeare folios and vintage sci-fi paperbacks. Located right alongside its Sunset Strip neighbor Book Soup, Mystery Pier was established by character actor Harvey Jason and his son Louis, who continue to run the store together. I chatted with Harvey about the treasures to be found in his store.
What is the market like for rare books right now?
Very strong, in fact. We just sold a beautiful edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy to a private collector for $55,000. And that is actually a reasonable price for those books. We have a long list of serious collectors all over the world that contact us for books, customers that have been coming to us for years. We also sold a first edition of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” for $17,500.
Why should one own a rare book?
It’s a good investment. People who collect rare books are book lovers, first and foremost. And they are smart enough to know that the books they love can increase in value year by year. First editions never depreciate. They always become more valuable over time.
I’m interested in journalism books. Do you have any Tom Wolfe or Hunter Thompson in your store?
Hunter Thompson came in here years ago and signed all of his books, so, yes, we have his books signed by him.
Do you see young people looking to get into collecting books?
Yes. A lot of recent college graduates are building collections. It’s very heartening to see that. You can come into our store and find nice editions for $100. The front room of our store contains the first editions but our other rooms will have landmark titles for far less money. This is really a pursuit for everybody, not just wealthy collectors.
KIRSTEN O’Brien hung up her headphones at BBC Berkshire after revealing a new gig.
The kids’ TV presenter will be joining the BBC Radio 2 team for a very different role.
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Kirsten O’Brien will be leaving her job at BBC BerkshireCredit: X/RealKirstOBrienShe presented the midday slot on the station, which she was at for eight yearsCredit: Getty
On her last day at the station, she was surprised by fellow 90s stars Dick and Dom.
She shared BBC Berkshire’s tweet, with a selfie of her and the boys and wrote: “Bit of news! Love that the lads surprised me today, I’m sad to be leaving BBC Berkshire as I’ve had a ball, but I can’t wait to get stuck in doing the traffic reports on BBC Radio 2 from Monday!”
Kirsten hosted the 10am-2pm slot on the Berkshire-based station and on her final show, she told listeners: “It’s eight years I’ve been here.
“I started at the old place at Caversham Park, doing a bit of covering, did the news, of course, some breakfast, and then the last two years doing brilliant things on this mid-morning show.
Many fans congratulated her move and suggested a SMart revampCredit: RexShe presented SMart alongside the late Mark SpeightCredit: BBC
“I’ve really, really enjoyed it. I’ve done all sorts while I’ve been here. I’ve visited everywhere from Reading Uni to the tip.
“I was thinking back about where I’ve been. My kids have grown up since when I first started, they weren’t sleeping.
“We were talking to sleep experts about helping me out. And now, of course, I just get them for stories.
“They provide endless content for me. Mark as well, whose life plays out on the radio, poor fella.
“So, I’ve always said I’ve come in here for a bit of a rest, a chat, to hear your stories as well and a bit of a laugh, and it’s been absolutely brilliant.”
Brigitte Tetta will be taking over Kirsten’s slot.
Kirsten was met with messages of support from listeners, with one writing: “Will be great to hear your voice on BBCRadio2. Always brings a bit of nostalgia from the CBBC and SMart days!”
A second added: “Heard you with Sara Cox a couple of weeks ago and you were great!”
“Congratulations Kirsten best wishes for the new adventures ahead,” echoed another.
“Wooooaahhhh, what?! I did not have this on my Bingo card for 2026! Fantastic, Kirst!! Huge congrats,” wrote a forth.
One said how they’d been impressed with her joining Trevor Nelson last week.
Another suggested there needed to be a SMart reboot.
Kirsten O’Brien became a familiar face of children’s television in the late 1990s and 2000s, where she started her career as a CBBC presenter.
She became known for her on-screen partnership with Otis the Aardvark.
In 1999, she landed the SMart gig, which saw her also take on SMarteenies and Smile.
Whilst she didn’t work with Dick and Dom (Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood), they were all part of the CBBC presenting gang and were close pals.
Zayn Malik, the former One Direction star turned solo artist, canceled all U.S. dates for his upcoming tour. The hitmaker was recently hospitalized for an undisclosed illness.
“To my fans: Thank you so much for all the support and love you’ve shown me on the album release and more importantly your love, prayers, and well wishes for my health,” Malik wrote Friday in an Instagram story. “I’ve felt it, and it’s meant the world. I’ve been at home recovering and I’m doing well and will be better and stronger than before.
“I’ve had to take another look at my schedule for the months ahead and have to reduce the number of shows on the KONNAKOL Tour,” he continued. “I want to make sure I still get out and see as many of you as I possibly can. I’m really looking forward to playing these shows for you, and I hope to see the rest of you around the world very soon. Big Love, Z”
While the “Side Effects” singer still has forthcoming shows in the United Kingdom and Mexico later this month, he nixed the U.S. leg of the tour, which was slated to kick off this July in Philadelphia. Other major stops included Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, San Diego, Inglewood, Anaheim, San Francisco and Seattle, with the tour concluding in Miami on Nov. 20.
The announcement comes weeks after Malik, 33, revealed he was hospitalized. The singer didn’t disclose what condition he was suffering from, but on April 17 — the day his latest album “Konnakol” dropped — he shared a since-expired Instagram story that included selfies of the singer in a hospital bed hooked up to an IV.
“To my fans – Thank you to all of you for your love & support now & always – been a long week and am still unexpectedly recovering,” he wrote alongside the photo. “Heartbroken that I can’t see you all this week, I wouldn’t be in the place I am today without you guys and am so thankful for your understanding.”
The “Prayers” singer also thanked “all the incredible hospital staff of [doctors], nurses, cardiologist, management, admin and everyone who had helped along the way and continue to”.
Earlier this year, Malik performed his first ever seven-night residency in Las Vegas at Dolby Live at Park MGM.
The 61st Venice Biennale — the world’s most celebrated international exhibition of contemporary art — made headlines Thursday when its awards jury resigned amid a growing controversy over its April 23 decision to exclude countries charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.
In the current moment, this specifically meant Israel and Russia, and an uproar ensued — particularly with regard to Israel. The Israel Foreign Ministry blasted the decision on social media, writing in an April 26 post that the boycott “is a contamination of the art world. The political jury has transformed the Biennale from an open artistic space of free, boundless ideas into a spectacle of false, anti-Israeli political indoctrination.”
The jury posted its brief statement of resignation online four days later “in acknowledgment” of its original decree, in which it wrote, “At this edition of the Biennale, we wish to set out our intention — to express our commitment to the defense of human rights,” before explaining it would not consider certain countries for awards.
The Biennale moved swiftly to reverse course after the jury’s resignation, issuing a news release that noted, “All National Participations included in the 61st Exhibition … are eligible … following the principle of inclusion and equal treatment among all participants. This is consistent with the founding spirit of La Biennale, based on openness, dialogue, and the rejection of any form of closure or censorship. La Biennale seeks to be — and must remain — a place of truce in the name of art, culture, and artistic freedom.”
To that end, the awards ceremony originally scheduled to take place on May 9 has been pushed to November 22 — the last day the exhibition is open to the public. There is precedent for “exceptional circumstances” delays, and the last one took place in 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Without precedent, however, are the newly established awards, created to replace the coveted Golden Lion awards that the jury traditionally hands out to two winners each year. This year, instead of the Golden Lion for best national participation at the Biennale; and the Golden Lion for best participant in the Biennale’s central exhibition, the Biennale has established two Visitors’ Lions to be awarded in the same categories.
Instead of a jury deciding the winners this year, the honor will be left — as the new award name specifies — to the exhibition visitors.
“Visitors eligible to vote for the Visitors’ Lions are ticket holders who have visited both Exhibition venues,” the release reads.
“Visits to both venues will be verified through the ticketing system’s tracking. Each ticket holder may cast one vote for each of the two awards, in one single session.”
Whether Visitors’ Lions will become a Biennale mainstay remains to be seen — but I can imagine the democratic idea might keep its place when the Golden Lions make their return next year.
I’m Arts editor Jessica Gelt doing my best to tread water in difficult times. This is your arts and culture news for the week.
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The week ahead: A curated calendar
FRIDAY
Quentin Lee and Justin Lin on the set of their debut feature, “Shopping for Fangs.”
(Margin Films)
Celebrating 30 Years of Margin Films Award-winning filmmaker Quentin Lee and his production company mark three decades in the business with a weeklong screening series. Lee’s breakout 1997 debut “Shopping for Fangs,” co-directed by Justin Lin, is the opening film. Also screening: “Ethan Mao,” Saturday; “The People I’ve Slept With,” Sunday; “The Unbidden,” Monday; “Rez Comedy,” Tuesday; “Last Summer of Nathan Lee,” Wednesday; and a sneak peak of three episodes of the Canadian TV series “Comedy InvAsian III,” Thursday. Selected screening includes a Q&A. Lee is also releasing a book, “Cinemasianamerica,” commemorating the occasion. Each film screens one day, 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., through Thursday. Laemmle Royal, 11523 Santa Monica Blvd., West L.A. laemmle.com
Dvořák and Korngold Conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada and the Los Angeles Philharmonic pay tribute to Michael Tilson Thomas, who died April 22, with his composition “Agnegram,” and perform Korngold’s “Concerto in D major for Violin and Orchestra” with violinist María Dueñas. The evening concludes with “Symphony No. 7 in D minor” by Dvořák. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. laphil.com
Anna Van Valin, from left, Elias Scoufaras and Bruce Nozick in “Warsaw” at International City Theatre.
(Jordan Gohara)
Warsaw The world premiere of British playwright and “Selma” screenwriter Paul Webb’s drama about the fate of a woman whose life links two monumental historic moments, World War II and Sept. 11. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, through May 17. International City Theatre, 330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach. ictlongbeach.org
SATURDAY
The Kronos Quartet, from left: Gabriela Díaz, David Harrington, Ayane Kozasa and Paul Wiancko.
(Danica Taylor)
Kronos Quartet The West Coast premiere of the group’s latest large-scale multimedia project, “Three Bones,” which combines live performance, video, visual art, recordings and environmental sound to explore the histories of Indigenous, Gullah Geechee and Chinese American communities in the United States. 6 p.m. UC Santa Barbara campus, Campbell Hall. artsandlectures.ucsb.edu
Michael Caine, from left, Scarlett Johansson and Hugh Jackman in the “The Prestige,” screening Saturday at the Aero.
(Francois Duhamel / Touchstone & Warner Bros. Pictures)
The Prestige Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale square off as rival magicians in a 20th anniversary 35mm screening of Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi thriller. 7:30 p.m. Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. americancinematheque.com
The cast of “Carlota: Alhajero de Secretos,” opening Saturday at LATC.
(Teatro Alebrijes)
Carlota: Alhajero de Secretos Writer-directors Rodrigo García and Ugho Badú reimagine Federico García Lorca’s tragedy “The House of Bernarda Alba.” The co-production between San José-based LGBTQ+ ensemble Teatro Alebrijes and L.A.’s Latino Theater Company is in Spanish with English supertitles. 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, through May 24. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring Street, downtown L.A. latinotheaterco.org
SUNDAY
Henri Lubatti in “Exit the King” at A Noise Within.
(Daniel Reichert)
Exit the King Eugène Ionesco’s classic absurdist comedy about a desperate monarch who refuses to admit his time has come, translated by Donald Watson and directed by Michael Michetti. Previews, 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and May 8; opening night, 7:30 p.m. May 9; runs through May 31. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. anoisewithin.org
Organist Anna Lapwood performs at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sunday.
(Gerald Matzka / Getty Images)
Anna Lapwood The popular organist performs work from “The Da Vinci Code,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “The Lord of the Rings,” “Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” “Flight” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” as well as Olivia Belli’s organ solo “Limina Luminis,” in this recital. 7:30 p.m. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. laphil.com
TUESDAY
Willie Birch, “Uptown Memories (A Day in the Life of the Magnolia Project),” 1995. Painted papier-mâché and mixed media, 82 × 62 × 60 in. New Orleans Museum of Art.
(Roman Alokhin)
Willie Birch: Stories to Tell This career retrospective details Birch’s exploration of the Black American experience since the 1960s, posing difficult questions along the way in his work as an artist, community organizer and “cultural provocateur.” 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 21. California African American Museum, 600 State Drive, Exposition Park. caamuseum.org
Lucía performs Tuesday at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach.
(Shervin Lainez)
Jazz in Long Beach Two jazz-influenced acts come to the Carpenter Center next week. Lucía brings her signature mix of traditional American jazz and Latin folk in a Spotlight Sessions concert on the Cabaret Stage. She’ll also be performing songs from her forthcoming album. “The Magic of Manhattan Starring Benny Benack III” is a tribute to the Big Apple and the songs and singers most associated with it, including Blossom Dearie, Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel. Lucía, 8 p.m. Tuesday; Benny Benack III, 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Carpenter Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. carpenterarts.org
Smith, Cabezas & Childs Molly Turner conducts the LA Phil New Music Group, with multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Gabriella Smith, cellist Gabriel Cabezas and jazz pianist Billy Childs in a program of eco-friendly music curated by Smith, including compositions by Smith, Childs, Michael Gordon, John Cage and Esa-Pekka Salonen. 8 p.m. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. laphil.com
WEDNESDAY Andrés Jaramillo: A Journey of Immigrants, Part II The Colombian American pianist follows up on his January 2025 program with a celebration of the global cultural exchange created by immigrants, placing Latin American composers within the Romantic tradition. Featuring works by Chopin, Calvo, Mejía, Barber, Lecuona, Friedhoff-Calvo and Pinzón-Arroyo. Presented by Piano Spheres. 8 p.m. Wednesday. Thayer Hall at Colburn School, 200 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. pianospheres.org
Morgan Freeman, left, and Brad Pitt star in David Fincher’s 1995 film “Seven.”
(Robert Isenberg / New Line Cinema)
Seven A 4k screening of David Fincher’s 1995 thriller about two cops on the trail of a serial killer. Appearances by production designer Arthur Max and set decorator Clay Griffith. 7:30 p.m. Academy Museum, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. academymuseum.org
THURSDAY
“Dancing with Bob: Rauschenberg, Brown & Cunningham Onstage” at the Wallis, May 7 to 9.
(The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts)
Dancing With Bob: Rauschenberg, Brown & Cunningham Onstage This kinetic retrospective captures the cross-disciplinary collaborations between vanguard artist Robert Rauschenberg and choreographers Trisha Brown (“Set and Reset,” with an electronic score by Laurie Anderson) and Merce Cunningham (“Travelogue,” created with John Cage). 7:30 p.m. Thursday and May 8; 2 p.m. May 9. The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
The Physicists Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton are residents of an insane asylum beset by murder, mayhem, espionage and questions about the morality and ethics of science in this 1962 German satire by Friedrich Dürrenmatt. Directed by Brent Hinkley. 8 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, through June 20. The Actors’ Gang Theater, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. theactorsgang.com
Arts anywhere
New and recent releases of arts-related media.
The Adding Machine Currently running at the Theater at St. Clement’s in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, through May 17, this New Group production with a revised script by Thomas Bradshaw receives a one-time livestream next week. “[Elmer] Rice’s expressionist drama is known for being a tale of man vs. machine in an age of merciless efficiency, but inhumanity in a broader sense is its true core subject,” wrote Laura Collins-Hughes in a recent New York Times review. “The happy news about Scott Elliott’s handsome yet under-realized revival … is what a delight Daphne Rubin-Vega is to watch as Mr. Zero.” The cast also features Sarita Choudhury, Michael Cyril Creighton and Jennifer Tilly. The League of Live Stream Theater: 4 p.m. Tuesday. $40, includes 24-hour replay.
Art Work Photographer and writer Sally Mann weighs in on the creative process with stories, advice and life lessons, all illustrated with photos, journal entries and letters, making for a compelling, often surprising journey. Abrams Books: 272 pages, $35
“Insomnia & Seven Steps to Grace” by Joy Harjo.
(Smithsonian Folkways Recordings)
Insomnia and Seven Steps to Grace The new album by Joy Harjo, the first Native American to be named United States Poet Laureate, serving from 2019 to 2022, combines jazz, funk, rock and Native music sounds with her signature “vibration of love” as she boldly confronts injustice and draws inspiration from ancestral memory and the political turmoil of the moment. The double LP’s packaging features original art by Harjo and the poet’s extensive liner notes. Five-time Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding produced as well as contributed vocals and played bass on the project. Smithsonian Folkways: Double vinyl LP ($33), CD ($17), hi-res digital download ($13), digital download ($10).
— Kevin Crust
Culture news and the SoCal scene
Michael Tilson Thomas in 2018.
(Paul Marotta/Getty Images)
Times classical music critic Mark Swed wrote a lovely appreciation of conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, who died last week at the age of 81. Tilson Thomas, Swed wrote, “made music matter by making hope matter. He was, moreover, one of us. He achieved greatness though an epic amplification of a uniquely L.A. positivity in which grumpy became wistful.”
LA Opera music director James Conlon is preparing to step down after a record 20 seasons with the company, and in a recent story, Swed cataloged his impressive numbers: “More than 500 performances of 70 different operas at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and occasional neighboring venues, such as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.” Swed attended a recent farewell gala and noted some highlights, including excerpts from “The Marriage of Figaro.”
Times theater critic Charles McNulty spent a recent trip to New York almost entirely in various Broadway theaters, catching up on what he says is a “strange season by all accounts.” McNulty notes that Broadway is still the place acting powerhouses like Adrien Brody, John Lithgow and Laurie Metcalf go in search of the kind of depthy material increasingly unavailable onscreen. He looks at four such shows — and their epic leading actors — including “Death of a Salesman,” “Giant,” “The Fear of 13” and “Dog Day Afternoon.”
David Henry Hwang (book adapter, “Flower Drum Song”) and Alexandra Silber (book adapter, “Brigadoon”) at the James Irvine Japanese Garden in Little Tokyo.
(Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
Malia Mendez wrote a great piece about a trio of classic musicals running concurrently in L.A. She takes a closer look at “Flower Drum Song,” adapted for East West Players by David Henry Hwang; “Brigadoon,” adapted for Pasadena Playhouse by Alexandra Silber; and “The Sound of Music” at the Hollywood Pantages. All three were originally written by two of the 20th century’s most dynamic and celebrated writing duos: Rodgers and Hammerstein (“Flower Drum Song” and “The Sound of Music”) and Lerner and Loewe (“Brigadoon”). And all still resonate in modern times.
Mendez also wrote about a special event taking place this weekend called Night at the Library — held as part of the downtown Central Library’s centennial celebration. “The four-hour extravaganza Saturday will feature more than 200 artists and 25 to 30 activations peppered throughout the library campus, plus DJ sets and local food truck fare. Highlighted performers include Bob Baker Marionette Theater and Los Angeles Master Chorale,” Mendez writes.
Doug Chiang, Podrace Crash, production art for “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” 1995-99.
(Lucas Museum of Narrative Art)
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art unveiled its inaugural exhibitions this week — noting that all 20 were curated by George Lucas himself. The $1-billion museum will open to the public on the first day of fall and the exhibits will be shown in more than 30 galleries spread over 100,000 square feet of exhibition space. And, yes, “Star Wars” memorabilia will be part of the “cinema” exhibit with large-scale vehicle installations, production designs, props and costumes.
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Lincoln Clauss, center, as the Emcee in Asolo Repertory Theatre’s “Cabaret,” at the Old Globe.
(Courtesy of Cliff Roles)
The board of directors of San Diego’s Old Globe named Trish Santini as the theater’s new managing director. Santini joins Artistic Director Barry Edelstein as a co-chief executive, and enters her new role on July 1. Among other arts leadership posts, Santini was the inaugural executive director of Little Island in New York City, and led the launch of the $250-million public park and performance venue.
Banksy has unveiled a new sculpture of a man stepping off a stone base with his face obscured by a flag. The overnight installation in Waterloo Place, London, was revealed in a video shared by the artist, and has drawn fans of his politically charged works.
Carol Kirkwood’s career away from the cameras took her BBC co-star by surprise, following her recent exit from the corporation after 28 years
Carol Kirkwood has expanded her talents into writing in recent years(Image: BBC)
Carol Kirkwood has left her BBC co-star stunned by her career away from television. The former BBC Breakfast weather presenter bid farewell to the programme in April after 28 years at the corporation.
In a lengthy on-air statement at the time, the 63-year-old said: “Thank you for trusting me, be it telling you about heatwaves or snow, to the everyday question of, ‘Do I need to take a brolly?’. To my colleagues past and present, both in front and behind the camera, I owe you all so much. You’ve been my team, my safety net, and, very often, my family.
“We’ve shared breaking news, long shifts, plenty of laughter, bad hair days, and the occasional moment of pure chaos. And do you know what? I wouldn’t change a second of it.”
While she is best known for presenting the weather, Carol has also turned her hand to writing in recent years – much to the surprise of Carol Klein.
The Gardeners’ World host appeared taken aback when learning about Carol’s other career during an appearance on the Pottering with Tom Allen podcast.
After discussing the changing weather during the recording, she said: “That Carol Kirkwood, she’s lovely isn’t she, she’s a keen gardener.”
“She’s a great writer as well,” Tom chimed in, to which she appeared stun and questioned: “Is she?”. Tom went on to say: “She’s got a lot of novels out.”
“I haven’t read anything, I’ll have to,” the BBC star replied. Praising the books, Tom insisted they are a good read and “always set in lovely places”.
Recently speaking about her future after leaving the show, the weather presenter said she is looking forward to more freedom with her husband Steve Randall, who she married in 2023.
“The freedom of being able to get in the car, drive and go anywhere we want for as long as we want is really appealing,” she told the BBC.
She also revealed there was a more personal reason behind her decision. “I’m not getting any younger, I’m newly married and we’ve had some losses in our lives recently,” Carol added.
She went on to say those experiences had helped her realise that she needed to “get on with my retirement and that’s what I’m going to do”.
However, retirement doesn’t mean she’s stopped working altogether. Her sixth romance novel is set to be published in October, and she has reportedly already committed to writing at least two more books afterwards.
The television star has also said she would love to learn the guitar and adopt a couple of cats.
BBC Breakfast airs daily from around 6am on BBC One and the BBC News channel.
The BBC are to air a lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show, almost six decades after the initial broadcast, to coincide with Eric Morecambe’s 100th birthday
BBC to air lost The Morecambe and Wise Show episode – almost six decades later(Image: BBC)
A long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show, first broadcast on the BBC in 1968, has been rediscovered and will be shown next month.
The episode, which first aired on September 16, 1968, will be re-shown decades later to coincide with when Eric Morecambe would have turned 100. BBC Four will also show a collection of sketches called The Perfect Morecambe and Wise to mark this moment.
The episode, which was thought to be lost forever, was discovered by Film Is Fabulous! – a charitable trust run by film collectors and television enthusiasts. It was found in the estate of a former television industry professional and has now been returned to the BBC.
This ‘lost’ programme is the third episode from Morecambe and Wise’s first series after returning to the BBC, following a period working with commercial television.
Noreen Adams, Director of BBC Archives, said: “Morecambe and Wise are one of the UK’s most loved comedy duos. Thanks to Film Is Fabulous! – We’re delighted to share this comedy gold that we thought was lost forever with viewers across the UK.”
The episode features sketches written by Sid Green and Dick Hills. Ann Hamilton appears as Pauline in a sketch set in a nudist colony, while Jenny Lee-Wright plays Eric’s niece, a balloon dancer. It also includes a musical performance from The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed hits in the 1960s.
Eric Morecambe’s daughter, Gail Morecambe, said: “What a lovely surprise this is, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it on a screen once again after so many years.
“It’s excellent to hear that skilled people are actively going through the Archives and discovering ‘lost’ programmes. Not just Morecambe and Wise, of course. I am especially thrilled that it coincides with my father’s centenary year. Really wonderful.”
Eric Morecambe’s son, Gary Morecambe added: “I’m so thrilled and surprised by the discovery of a Morecambe and Wise show that hasn’t been seen since 1968. I honestly didn’t think there was anything out there left to find, and when something like this comes out of nowhere, it’s really quite wonderful.
“Hats off to Professor Justin Smith and his team, whose dedication and hard work brought this gem back to us. I’m very excited about seeing it for the first time since I was twelve years of age.”
The Morecambe and Wise Show ran for nine series and became a regular fixture at Christmas on the BBC with a festive special, before moving to ITV for four series.
* The lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show will air on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on Thursday May 14 from 8pm.
She had been appearing in the production since MarchCredit: GettyMegan appeared to allege that Klay has been unfaithful to herCredit: Getty
“It’s been such an honor to be part of thee Moulin Rouge family and I’ve met so many amazing people in this theater!
“Y’all work so hard and I have so much respect for the dedication, the stamina, the work ethic, the time and the effort y’all put into the work!
“I’m so grateful for the cast and crew that made this experience so meaningful. And to all the Hotties that showed up or planned to attend, thank you for supporting me during this incredible journey!
Her emotional display came after Megan confirmed her split with NBA star, Klay Thompson.
In a statement, Megan confirmed the end of her romance, saying: ‘I’ve made the decision to end my relationship with Klay.
“Trust, fidelity and respect are non-negotiable for me in a relationship, and when those values are compromised, there’s no real path forward.
“I’m taking this time to prioritize myself and move ahead with peace and clarity.”
Megan has previously faced a hospital dash which had forced her to pull out of one of the performances.
The 31-year-old rap star managed to get through the opening scenes of the hit musical in New York before the show had to be halted so she could be checked over by a medic.
A representative of the Savage rapper toldTMZ: “During Tuesday night’s production, Megan started feeling very ill and was promptly transported to a local hospital, where her symptoms are currently being evaluated.”
Megan later clarified that she had pushed herself to her limits and needed to reset.
The sports-themed panel show, A League of Their Own, is set to make a new comeback just one year after it was axed from TV after 20 seasons on Sky.
A League of Their Own is back(Image: Sky UK)
A year after the show was axed, A League of Their Own has announced that it will return in the form of a live arena tour, set to take place later in 2026 in the autumn.
It was announced that many of the famous faces from the show will be making an appearance again, with Jamie Redknapp and Jill Scott returning to the show. Jill will be the team captain for the blue team, while Tony will lead the red team.
Tom Davis, Patrice Evra, and Maisie Adam will also make guest appearances, with more A-listers set to be announced. The tour is set to hit major cities including Liverpool, Manchester, London, Newcastle, Birmingham and Glasgow, giving fans the chance to experience the action up close like never before.
As in the TV show, the live tour will include challenges in the studio, but this time performed live on stage in front of audiences.
Speaking about the tour announcement, Jamie Redknapp said: ‘‘I can’t wait to take A League Of Their Own on tour to some of the biggest and best venues in the UK. We’ve put together a top team of League legends, some very special guests, and every night promises to be different.
“It’s gonna be loud it’s gonna be chaotic and it’s probably gonna be full of Leatherman jokes at my expense. Hosting A League Of Their Own Live is a dream job, so come and join in the fun. See you there!”
The announcement that the series was coming to an end came in April 2025, with Sky revealing the series would be ending after the 20th season.
Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director of Original Unscripted at Sky, said: “Series 20 is the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything A League of Their Own has achieved and to give it the send-off it truly deserves.
“We’re incredibly proud of the show — it’s been a cornerstone of Sky’s entertainment line-up for fifteen years and has delivered endless laughter, heart, and unforgettable moments. Huge thanks to the brilliant team at CPL Productions and to our fantastic on-screen line-up — Romesh, Jamie, Jill and Micah — who continue to bring such energy and chemistry to the show.”
Tickets for A League of Their Own go on sale on Friday, May 1 on Ticketmaster.
