Dame Maureen Lipman, star of films including The Pianist and Educating Rita, has hit out at BAFTA over its decision to offer award-winners gender-neutral prizes.
Writing in The Spectator magazine, Lipman branded BAFTA “Dafta” after winners were given the option to have “performer” engraved on their mask plaque as opposed to actor or actress.
BAFTA has had the policy in place for a number of years, but it was spotlighted last week in The Times after longlists were published for the film awards.
BAFTA continues to have best actor and actress categories, meaning there is no change in how its awards are presented to winners.
Lipman wrote a diary piece in The Spectator about watching The Graduate. “Was there ever a better directed movie or, in Anne Bancroft, a sexier, darker, more restrained actress?” she asked.
Lipman added: “Yes, you heard me: actress, you numbskulls at Bafta. Not a ‘performer’, as you now label us.
Writing in The Spectator magazine, Lipman branded BAFTA “Dafta” after winners were given the option to have “performer” engraved on their mask plaque as opposed to actor or actress.
BAFTA has had the policy in place for a number of years, but it was spotlighted last week in The Times after longlists were published for the film awards.
BAFTA continues to have best actor and actress categories, meaning there is no change in how its awards are presented to winners.
Lipman wrote a diary piece in The Spectator about watching The Graduate. “Was there ever a better directed movie or, in Anne Bancroft, a sexier, darker, more restrained actress?” she asked.
Lipman added: “Yes, you heard me: actress, you numbskulls at Bafta. Not a ‘performer’, as you now label us.
- 1/12/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Stephen Fry will use next week’s Channel 4 Alternative Christmas Message to call for British Jews to “stand upright and proud in who they are” in the face of “the greatest rise in anti-Jewish racism since records began.”
Fry, who will say he “never thought for a single second” he would have to worry about being Jewish in the UK, will deliver an intensely personal speech in the wake of the huge rise in antisemitism following Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack on Israel.
He will point to the 1350% rise in antisemitic attacks in Britain over the past two-and-a-half months – working out at roughly 50 per day – citing “shop windows smashed, Stars of David and swastikas daubed on walls of Jewish properties, synagogues, and cemeteries, and Jewish schools being forced to close.”
“My Jewish grandparents loved Britain, believing that Jews were more welcome here than in most countries,” Fry will say, in...
Fry, who will say he “never thought for a single second” he would have to worry about being Jewish in the UK, will deliver an intensely personal speech in the wake of the huge rise in antisemitism following Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack on Israel.
He will point to the 1350% rise in antisemitic attacks in Britain over the past two-and-a-half months – working out at roughly 50 per day – citing “shop windows smashed, Stars of David and swastikas daubed on walls of Jewish properties, synagogues, and cemeteries, and Jewish schools being forced to close.”
“My Jewish grandparents loved Britain, believing that Jews were more welcome here than in most countries,” Fry will say, in...
- 12/18/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Delving into the Heart of Coronation Street’s Endearing Duo Welcome to a cozy corner of Weatherfield where we unravel the fabric of two beloved characters from Coronation Street. Evelyn Plummer, portrayed by the talented Maureen Lipman, and Roy Cropper, brought to life by David Neilson, have become staples in our evening viewing. Today, I invite you to join me as we explore some trivia about these characters that might just surprise even the most ardent fans. Evelyn Plummers Unexpected Layers When Evelyn Plummer first graced our screens, her sharp tongue was the talk of the cobbles. But as time passed,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
A string of high-profile figures from the entertainment world attended a march against antisemitism on the streets of London yesterday, in what is thought to be the biggest rally of its kind for nearly 90 years.
The likes of Maureen Lipman, Eddie Marsan and It’s a Sin star Tracy Ann-Oberman were at the march, which is reported to have attracted more than 100,000 people. Others who attended included former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Johnson, Countdown host Rachel Riley and comedian David Baddiel. Marsan, Baddiel and Riley were amongst those who addressed the crowds.
Organized by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), the rally took place to counter heightened concerns over antisemitism among Jewish communities in multiple European countries since the attack on October 7 by Hamas on Israel – which saw the kidnap of 200 civilians and killing of around 1,400 – and the war that has followed.
There was a 1,300% increase in antisemitic...
The likes of Maureen Lipman, Eddie Marsan and It’s a Sin star Tracy Ann-Oberman were at the march, which is reported to have attracted more than 100,000 people. Others who attended included former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Johnson, Countdown host Rachel Riley and comedian David Baddiel. Marsan, Baddiel and Riley were amongst those who addressed the crowds.
Organized by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), the rally took place to counter heightened concerns over antisemitism among Jewish communities in multiple European countries since the attack on October 7 by Hamas on Israel – which saw the kidnap of 200 civilians and killing of around 1,400 – and the war that has followed.
There was a 1,300% increase in antisemitic...
- 11/27/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
A British soap star has been given a security guard during filming, following a rise in anti-Semitic attacks across the UK.
Veteran actress Dame Maureen Lipman was seen filming scenes for long-running soap Coronation Street this week in Manchester, accompanied by a security guard provided by her employer ITV.
The Sun reports that the decision to assign security to the actress follows her comments criticising other celebrities who had signed a petition by Artists for Palestine UK condemning Israel’s attacks on Gaza, in response to the invasion by Hamas on October 7.
Lipman, who is Jewish, called these signatories “bleeding heartless liberals” and said publicly at an event:
“When babies were garrotted, women dragged by their hair and a family had eyeballs gouged out and fingers chopped off in front of their children — do they really think that Israeli blockades on the border with Gaza justification for such acts of violence?...
Veteran actress Dame Maureen Lipman was seen filming scenes for long-running soap Coronation Street this week in Manchester, accompanied by a security guard provided by her employer ITV.
The Sun reports that the decision to assign security to the actress follows her comments criticising other celebrities who had signed a petition by Artists for Palestine UK condemning Israel’s attacks on Gaza, in response to the invasion by Hamas on October 7.
Lipman, who is Jewish, called these signatories “bleeding heartless liberals” and said publicly at an event:
“When babies were garrotted, women dragged by their hair and a family had eyeballs gouged out and fingers chopped off in front of their children — do they really think that Israeli blockades on the border with Gaza justification for such acts of violence?...
- 11/4/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
No hostage left behind.
So many of your favorite stars have come together to thank President Biden for his efforts in working to peace amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Amid the news that two American hostages and two Israeli hostages have been released from captivity, Hollywood heavyweights are hoping for the safe return of the 220 innocent people who are still being held hostage by Hamas.
“We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the letter read.
The letter continued, “But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered – women raped, families burned alive,...
So many of your favorite stars have come together to thank President Biden for his efforts in working to peace amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Amid the news that two American hostages and two Israeli hostages have been released from captivity, Hollywood heavyweights are hoping for the safe return of the 220 innocent people who are still being held hostage by Hamas.
“We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the letter read.
The letter continued, “But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered – women raped, families burned alive,...
- 10/24/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Helen Mirren thinks it is “ridiculous” that writers are being told to stay in their lanes.
The Oscar-winning actress has railed against the idea that writers can only tell stories about their own race or religion after the so-called “Jewface” row over her new movie Golda.
“It’s more frightening for a writer to be told they are not allowed to write about subjects with which they don’t have an immediate DNA connection,” Mirren told the Radio Times. “I imagine it must be very alarming. And ridiculous.”
Mirren was responding to a statement from Golda writer Nicholas Martin, who said there is a “creeping authoritarianism” in the entertainment industry, leading to writers being told they “cannot do this or that.” He told the Radio Times: “Am I just supposed to write about middle-aged men living in south London?”
Neither Mirren nor Martin are Jewish, meaning they have been criticized for their involvement in Golda,...
The Oscar-winning actress has railed against the idea that writers can only tell stories about their own race or religion after the so-called “Jewface” row over her new movie Golda.
“It’s more frightening for a writer to be told they are not allowed to write about subjects with which they don’t have an immediate DNA connection,” Mirren told the Radio Times. “I imagine it must be very alarming. And ridiculous.”
Mirren was responding to a statement from Golda writer Nicholas Martin, who said there is a “creeping authoritarianism” in the entertainment industry, leading to writers being told they “cannot do this or that.” He told the Radio Times: “Am I just supposed to write about middle-aged men living in south London?”
Neither Mirren nor Martin are Jewish, meaning they have been criticized for their involvement in Golda,...
- 10/2/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
After Netflix released the first trailer for Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” a biographical romance about Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre, many viewers took issue with Cooper’s large prosthetic nose, deeming it the latest example of Hollywood’s stereotypical or inauthentic portrayal of Jewish people, known as “Jewface.”
But in a statement posted to Bernstein’s Twitter account, the late conductor’s children defended Cooper’s decision to “use makeup to amplify his resemblance” to their father. Cooper directed “Maestro” and stars as Bernstein opposite Carey Mulligan as Montealegre.
“Bradley Cooper included the three of us along every step of his amazing journey as he made his film about our father,” wrote Jamie, Alexander and Nina Bernstein. “We were touched to the core to witness the depth of his commitment, his loving embrace of our father’s music, and the sheer open-hearted joy he brought to his exploration.
But in a statement posted to Bernstein’s Twitter account, the late conductor’s children defended Cooper’s decision to “use makeup to amplify his resemblance” to their father. Cooper directed “Maestro” and stars as Bernstein opposite Carey Mulligan as Montealegre.
“Bradley Cooper included the three of us along every step of his amazing journey as he made his film about our father,” wrote Jamie, Alexander and Nina Bernstein. “We were touched to the core to witness the depth of his commitment, his loving embrace of our father’s music, and the sheer open-hearted joy he brought to his exploration.
- 8/16/2023
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Helen Mirren’s controversial turn as former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir in the indie feature biopic “Golda” begins playing in U.S. theaters on August 24. In advance of the international co-production’s release, Bleecker Street and ShivHans Pictures dropped the official trailer on Tuesday for a thriller set during the tense 19 days of the Yom Kippur War in Israel in 1973. It co-stars Camille Cottin and Liev Schreiber as Henry Kissinger. See the trailer above.
SEEHelen Mirren movies: 12 greatest films ranked from worst to best
The casting of Oscar winner and four-time Emmy victor Mirren as Meir last year was steeped in debate. The real-life Meir was a Jew who was born in Kyiv and grew up in Milwaukee before emigrating to Israel. Mirren is neither Jewish nor Israeli, and her being hired for the role spurred questions over whether non-Jews should play Jews on stage and screen (the so-called...
SEEHelen Mirren movies: 12 greatest films ranked from worst to best
The casting of Oscar winner and four-time Emmy victor Mirren as Meir last year was steeped in debate. The real-life Meir was a Jew who was born in Kyiv and grew up in Milwaukee before emigrating to Israel. Mirren is neither Jewish nor Israeli, and her being hired for the role spurred questions over whether non-Jews should play Jews on stage and screen (the so-called...
- 7/25/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
You won’t want to miss Helen Mirren’s transformation into Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in the new trailer for “Golda.”
Directed by Guy Nattiv and written by Nicholas Martin, “Golda” concerns the 19-day Yom Kippur War waged over territory that Israel had previously annexed and how the conflict became a proxy war between the United States and the Soviet Union.
The Yom Kippur War saw Israelis recognizing that there was little guarantee that they could dominate the Arab states militarily, as they had done in previous Arab–Israeli Wars. The conflict slowly paved the way for the Israeli–Palestinian peace process. The 1978 Camp David Accords saw Israel return the entire Sinai Peninsula to Egypt. The subsequent 1979 Egyptian–Israeli peace treaty marked the first instance of an Arab country recognizing Israel as a legitimate state.
The trailer presents a historical docudrama in the vein of “The Darkest Hour,” during...
Directed by Guy Nattiv and written by Nicholas Martin, “Golda” concerns the 19-day Yom Kippur War waged over territory that Israel had previously annexed and how the conflict became a proxy war between the United States and the Soviet Union.
The Yom Kippur War saw Israelis recognizing that there was little guarantee that they could dominate the Arab states militarily, as they had done in previous Arab–Israeli Wars. The conflict slowly paved the way for the Israeli–Palestinian peace process. The 1978 Camp David Accords saw Israel return the entire Sinai Peninsula to Egypt. The subsequent 1979 Egyptian–Israeli peace treaty marked the first instance of an Arab country recognizing Israel as a legitimate state.
The trailer presents a historical docudrama in the vein of “The Darkest Hour,” during...
- 7/25/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Helen Mirren dedicated a Jerusalem Film Festival life-time achievement award to actors around the world on Thursday, just an hour before a looming SAG-AFTRA strike was made official.
The actress received the honorary prize ahead of the Israeli premiere of Guy Nattiv’s Golda as the festival’s opening film, in which she stars as iconic late stateswoman Golda Meir.
“I would just like to say, I am a member of a tribe and members of my tribe can be found in Germany, in Belgium, America… they are Palestinians, they are Israelis, they are Africans,” she told the 6,000-strong crowd at the outdoor opening ceremony in the shadow of Jerusalem’s Old City walls.
“They are the tribe to whom I really want to dedicate this award and that is the tribe of actors. Actors are wonderful people.”
Mirren gave a special mention to the Israeli cast members on...
The actress received the honorary prize ahead of the Israeli premiere of Guy Nattiv’s Golda as the festival’s opening film, in which she stars as iconic late stateswoman Golda Meir.
“I would just like to say, I am a member of a tribe and members of my tribe can be found in Germany, in Belgium, America… they are Palestinians, they are Israelis, they are Africans,” she told the 6,000-strong crowd at the outdoor opening ceremony in the shadow of Jerusalem’s Old City walls.
“They are the tribe to whom I really want to dedicate this award and that is the tribe of actors. Actors are wonderful people.”
Mirren gave a special mention to the Israeli cast members on...
- 7/13/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Guy Nattiv’s ‘Golda’, about the former Israeli prime minister’, opens the festival this evening.
A Barbie figure of former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir would be a good idea, according to Helen Mirren, who stars in both Jerusalem Film Festival (Jff) opening title Golda and narrates Warner Bros’ upcoming blockbuster Barbie.
Speaking at a press conference for Golda ahead of the Jff opening ceremony this evening, Mirren addressed the contemporary relevance of Meir, who died in 1978.
“If you’re talking about the history of feminism and women in power, Golda is an interesting example in that she had immense...
A Barbie figure of former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir would be a good idea, according to Helen Mirren, who stars in both Jerusalem Film Festival (Jff) opening title Golda and narrates Warner Bros’ upcoming blockbuster Barbie.
Speaking at a press conference for Golda ahead of the Jff opening ceremony this evening, Mirren addressed the contemporary relevance of Meir, who died in 1978.
“If you’re talking about the history of feminism and women in power, Golda is an interesting example in that she had immense...
- 7/13/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Guy Nattiv defends choosing actor to play the former Israeli prime minister in a new biopic, amid debate about 'authentic casting’
Helen Mirren ducked a question at the Berlin film festival as to whether it had been appropriate to cast her as former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir in a feature drama during a promotion event ahead of the film’s world premiere.
Having faced criticism for taking on the role amid a debate about authentic casting, with leading British Jews such as Maureen Lipman and David Baddiel suggesting Jewish roles should be reserved for Jewish actors, Mirren turned to her director, Guy Nattiv, to respond to the question from The Guardian.
Helen Mirren ducked a question at the Berlin film festival as to whether it had been appropriate to cast her as former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir in a feature drama during a promotion event ahead of the film’s world premiere.
Having faced criticism for taking on the role amid a debate about authentic casting, with leading British Jews such as Maureen Lipman and David Baddiel suggesting Jewish roles should be reserved for Jewish actors, Mirren turned to her director, Guy Nattiv, to respond to the question from The Guardian.
- 2/20/2023
- by Kate Connolly in Berlin
- The Guardian - Film News
Mirren’s casting as Israeli prime minister Golda Meir ignited debate over non-Jewish people playing Jewish roles.
Golda director Guy Nattiv has addressed the debate around the casting of non-Jews in Jewish roles, saying ahead of the film’s Berlinale world premiere that UK actor Mirren has “got the Jewish chops to portray Golda”.
Mirren, who is not Jewish, plays Israel’s only female prime minister, Golda Meir, as she leads her country through the Yom Kippur War of 1973, a conflict between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria.
In the UK, the likes of...
Golda director Guy Nattiv has addressed the debate around the casting of non-Jews in Jewish roles, saying ahead of the film’s Berlinale world premiere that UK actor Mirren has “got the Jewish chops to portray Golda”.
Mirren, who is not Jewish, plays Israel’s only female prime minister, Golda Meir, as she leads her country through the Yom Kippur War of 1973, a conflict between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria.
In the UK, the likes of...
- 2/20/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Israeli director Guy Nattiv has defended his casting of non-Jewish actress Helen Mirren as iconic Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in his biopic Golda, which world premieres at the Berlin Film Festival on Monday.
UK actress Maureen Lipman kicked off a debate around the issue in early 2022 when she publicly criticized the casting of Mirren in the role of Meir.
She said the stateswoman’s Jewishness was “integral” to her character and commented that Ben Kingsley would never have been cast to play Nelson Mandela. Mirren later said that Lipman had a point.
Talking at the film’s Berlin press conference, Nattiv said he had instinctively felt Mirren was right for the role from their very first meeting.
“I can tell it from my point of view as a director. When I met Helen in my house, I felt like I was meeting a family member, like an aunt. I...
UK actress Maureen Lipman kicked off a debate around the issue in early 2022 when she publicly criticized the casting of Mirren in the role of Meir.
She said the stateswoman’s Jewishness was “integral” to her character and commented that Ben Kingsley would never have been cast to play Nelson Mandela. Mirren later said that Lipman had a point.
Talking at the film’s Berlin press conference, Nattiv said he had instinctively felt Mirren was right for the role from their very first meeting.
“I can tell it from my point of view as a director. When I met Helen in my house, I felt like I was meeting a family member, like an aunt. I...
- 2/20/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
British director Piers Haggard OBE has died aged 83.
The film, TV and theatre director is perhaps best known for his 1978 BBC drama series Pennies From Heaven, for which he received a Bafta, and for establishing the directors guild Directors UK.
Haggard’s agents Casarotto Ramsay & Associates announced the news on Twitter, writing: “Our beloved client, Piers Haggard was a truly remarkable filmmaker, campaigner for directors’ rights, and wonderful human being. He will be deeply missed by us and all who knew him.”
“He is deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the industry at large,” the agents added in a further statement to Variety.
“[He was] a warm-hearted and generous man, full of energy, whose family was a large part of his life as both a husband, father and grandfather.
“Piers’ other great passion was as a campaigner of the rights of his fellow directors. He was instrumental in helping...
The film, TV and theatre director is perhaps best known for his 1978 BBC drama series Pennies From Heaven, for which he received a Bafta, and for establishing the directors guild Directors UK.
Haggard’s agents Casarotto Ramsay & Associates announced the news on Twitter, writing: “Our beloved client, Piers Haggard was a truly remarkable filmmaker, campaigner for directors’ rights, and wonderful human being. He will be deeply missed by us and all who knew him.”
“He is deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the industry at large,” the agents added in a further statement to Variety.
“[He was] a warm-hearted and generous man, full of energy, whose family was a large part of his life as both a husband, father and grandfather.
“Piers’ other great passion was as a campaigner of the rights of his fellow directors. He was instrumental in helping...
- 1/17/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - Film
Director Piers Haggard, best known for his film “Pennies From Heaven” and for establishing directing guild Directors U.K., has died. He was 83.
No cause of death was given but in a statement his agents at Casarotto said he “died peacefully” on Jan. 11. “He is deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the industry at large,” the statement said.
“[He was] a warm-hearted and generous man, full of energy, whose family was a large part of his life as both a husband, father and grandfather,” the statement continued. “Piers’ other great passion was as a campaigner of the rights of his fellow directors. He was instrumental in helping to create the Directors Guild of Great Britain and Directors and Producers Rights Society, which today form Directors U.K., an organisation Piers remained deeply involved with up until his passing.”
Haggard’s career spanned over five decades and a variety of industries,...
No cause of death was given but in a statement his agents at Casarotto said he “died peacefully” on Jan. 11. “He is deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the industry at large,” the statement said.
“[He was] a warm-hearted and generous man, full of energy, whose family was a large part of his life as both a husband, father and grandfather,” the statement continued. “Piers’ other great passion was as a campaigner of the rights of his fellow directors. He was instrumental in helping to create the Directors Guild of Great Britain and Directors and Producers Rights Society, which today form Directors U.K., an organisation Piers remained deeply involved with up until his passing.”
Haggard’s career spanned over five decades and a variety of industries,...
- 1/17/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Anne Hathaway has discussed her casting as a Jewish mother in the new film Armageddon Time.
The coming-of-age drama, from writer-director James Gray, follows two boys growing up in the Reagan era who are gradually waking up to the complex adult world around them.
Armageddon Time is semi-autobiographical, and Hathaway plays a version of Gray’s own mother in the movie.
In a new interview, the actor said: “It was not lost on me that I had a lot of responsibility playing a Jewish woman, and that I’m not a Jewish woman. I did what I think we all do, [which was to research]... I learned everything I could about Jewish women, like historical Jewish women.”
Asked whether she felt “trepidation” taking on the role, she said: “Yeah, I was nervous about how it would be received. I took it very seriously. And I hoped I would be graced from an audience the...
The coming-of-age drama, from writer-director James Gray, follows two boys growing up in the Reagan era who are gradually waking up to the complex adult world around them.
Armageddon Time is semi-autobiographical, and Hathaway plays a version of Gray’s own mother in the movie.
In a new interview, the actor said: “It was not lost on me that I had a lot of responsibility playing a Jewish woman, and that I’m not a Jewish woman. I did what I think we all do, [which was to research]... I learned everything I could about Jewish women, like historical Jewish women.”
Asked whether she felt “trepidation” taking on the role, she said: “Yeah, I was nervous about how it would be received. I took it very seriously. And I hoped I would be graced from an audience the...
- 12/22/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - Film
To mark the release of Plebs: Soldiers of Rome on 12th December, we’ve been given a copy to give away on DVD.
Plebs follows the lives of three hapless young men from the suburbs as they try to get laid, hold down jobs and climb the social ladder in the big city… of Rome in 23Bc. Penned by Sam Leifer (How Not to Live Your Life) and Tom Basden (After Life) and starring Tom Rosenthal (Friday Night Dinner), Ryan Sampson (Brassic) and Jonathan Pointing (London Kills) alongside a stellar cast and inspired guest stars Including a host of TV favourites: Amanda Holden, Danny Dyer, Maureen Lipman, Simon Callow, Shaun Williamson, Lauren Socha, Tim Key, James Fleet, Michelle Keegan, Miriam Margolyes, Ellie Taylor and David Bamber.
In Plebs: Soldiers Of Rome Marcus, Grumio, Jason and Aurelius join the army in peacetime in the hope of gaining respect, to succeed in their ongoing search for romance,...
Plebs follows the lives of three hapless young men from the suburbs as they try to get laid, hold down jobs and climb the social ladder in the big city… of Rome in 23Bc. Penned by Sam Leifer (How Not to Live Your Life) and Tom Basden (After Life) and starring Tom Rosenthal (Friday Night Dinner), Ryan Sampson (Brassic) and Jonathan Pointing (London Kills) alongside a stellar cast and inspired guest stars Including a host of TV favourites: Amanda Holden, Danny Dyer, Maureen Lipman, Simon Callow, Shaun Williamson, Lauren Socha, Tim Key, James Fleet, Michelle Keegan, Miriam Margolyes, Ellie Taylor and David Bamber.
In Plebs: Soldiers Of Rome Marcus, Grumio, Jason and Aurelius join the army in peacetime in the hope of gaining respect, to succeed in their ongoing search for romance,...
- 12/5/2022
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Tom Cruise, Helen Mirren, Damian Lewis and Omid Djalili will lead an A-list cast of talent celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee on U.K. broadcaster ITV.
The event will be broadcast live on ITV from the private grounds of Windsor Castle on May 15 and will be the first televised event to mark the occasion.
Phillip Schofield and Julie Etchingham will host the live ITV broadcast “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration,” which will feature guests including Adjoa Andoh, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ant & Dec, Joan Collins, Mo Farah, Maureen Lipman, David Jason, Alan Titchmarsh, Kelly Holmes, Moira Stuart and Trevor McDonald, with special performances from Keala Settle, Gregory Porter, Katherine Jenkins as they pay tribute to the Queen’s 70 years of service.
A theatrical arena event will include 1300 performers and 500 horses and is made up of four acts, each overseen by a different event host – confirmed to be Tom Cruise,...
The event will be broadcast live on ITV from the private grounds of Windsor Castle on May 15 and will be the first televised event to mark the occasion.
Phillip Schofield and Julie Etchingham will host the live ITV broadcast “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration,” which will feature guests including Adjoa Andoh, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ant & Dec, Joan Collins, Mo Farah, Maureen Lipman, David Jason, Alan Titchmarsh, Kelly Holmes, Moira Stuart and Trevor McDonald, with special performances from Keala Settle, Gregory Porter, Katherine Jenkins as they pay tribute to the Queen’s 70 years of service.
A theatrical arena event will include 1300 performers and 500 horses and is made up of four acts, each overseen by a different event host – confirmed to be Tom Cruise,...
- 4/21/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Helen Mirren, who plays Israeli prime minister Golda Meir in an upcoming biopic, has broken her silence on the debate around her casting.
“Golda,” which wrapped in December and also stars “Call My Agent’s” Camille Cottin, is directed by Israeli filmmaker Guy Nattiv (“Skin”).
However, there was disquiet over the casting around the time the film was shooting in London, last winter, after photographs emerged of Mirren looking drastically different for the role.
Actor Maureen Lipman (“The Pianist”) told Variety in Jan.: “Helen will be great. Good actress, sexy and intelligent. Looks the part. [But] my opinion, and that’s what it is, a mere opinion, is that if the character’s race, creed or gender drives or defines the portrayal then the correct — for want of an umbrella [term] — ethnicity should be a priority.”
At the time, Mirren declined to comment but in an interview with the Daily Mail...
“Golda,” which wrapped in December and also stars “Call My Agent’s” Camille Cottin, is directed by Israeli filmmaker Guy Nattiv (“Skin”).
However, there was disquiet over the casting around the time the film was shooting in London, last winter, after photographs emerged of Mirren looking drastically different for the role.
Actor Maureen Lipman (“The Pianist”) told Variety in Jan.: “Helen will be great. Good actress, sexy and intelligent. Looks the part. [But] my opinion, and that’s what it is, a mere opinion, is that if the character’s race, creed or gender drives or defines the portrayal then the correct — for want of an umbrella [term] — ethnicity should be a priority.”
At the time, Mirren declined to comment but in an interview with the Daily Mail...
- 2/7/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
In upcoming biopic “Golda,” Helen Mirren plays former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir during the 1973 Yom Kippur war, when Israel was invaded by a coalition of Arab states on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
While Mirren is not Jewish, “Golda” is directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Guy Nattiv (“Skin”), who is both Jewish and Israeli, and written by British screenwriter Nicholas Martin (“Florence Foster Jenkins”), who has previously worked with the organization U.K. Jewish Film.
But in the U.K., where production wrapped last month, Mirren’s casting as one of history’s most heroic Jewish women has caused some disquiet. Actor Maureen Lipman (“The Pianist”) highlighted the discussion about what has been termed “Jewface” when she told a newspaper she “disagreed” with Mirren’s casting “because the Jewishness of the character is so integral. I’m sure she will be marvellous, but it would never be...
While Mirren is not Jewish, “Golda” is directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Guy Nattiv (“Skin”), who is both Jewish and Israeli, and written by British screenwriter Nicholas Martin (“Florence Foster Jenkins”), who has previously worked with the organization U.K. Jewish Film.
But in the U.K., where production wrapped last month, Mirren’s casting as one of history’s most heroic Jewish women has caused some disquiet. Actor Maureen Lipman (“The Pianist”) highlighted the discussion about what has been termed “Jewface” when she told a newspaper she “disagreed” with Mirren’s casting “because the Jewishness of the character is so integral. I’m sure she will be marvellous, but it would never be...
- 1/14/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Maureen Lipman sparked fury by suggesting the ex Israeli Pm should not be played by Mirren. But, says David Baddiel, why shouldn’t ‘authentic casting’ apply to all minorities? And where is the outcry over Bojack Horseman?
Soon after the brilliant It’s A Sin came out, Russell T Davies justified his decision to cast only gay actors in gay parts by saying: “They are not there to ‘act gay’ because ‘acting gay’ is a bunch of codes for a performance. You wouldn’t cast someone able-bodied and put them in a wheelchair … authenticity is leading us to joyous places.”
It would be wrong to suggest that no one questioned this statement, but it became part of an ongoing conversation about casting and minorities. Davies was not, thankfully, mightily abused on social media for saying it – which is what happened last week to Maureen Lipman, after she suggested, on being asked...
Soon after the brilliant It’s A Sin came out, Russell T Davies justified his decision to cast only gay actors in gay parts by saying: “They are not there to ‘act gay’ because ‘acting gay’ is a bunch of codes for a performance. You wouldn’t cast someone able-bodied and put them in a wheelchair … authenticity is leading us to joyous places.”
It would be wrong to suggest that no one questioned this statement, but it became part of an ongoing conversation about casting and minorities. Davies was not, thankfully, mightily abused on social media for saying it – which is what happened last week to Maureen Lipman, after she suggested, on being asked...
- 1/12/2022
- by David Baddiel
- The Guardian - Film News
Actor says Meir’s Jewishness is ‘integral’ to role and that Ben Kingsley would ‘never be allowed’ to play Nelson Mandela
Maureen Lipman has criticised the casting of Helen Mirren as Golda Meir in a forthcoming film about the former Israeli prime minister, saying that the character’s Jewishness is “integral”.
In comments reported by the Jewish Chronicle, Lipman said she “disagreed” with Mirren’s casting. She added: “I’m sure [Mirren] will be marvellous, but it would never be allowed for Ben Kingsley to play Nelson Mandela. You just couldn’t even go there.”...
Maureen Lipman has criticised the casting of Helen Mirren as Golda Meir in a forthcoming film about the former Israeli prime minister, saying that the character’s Jewishness is “integral”.
In comments reported by the Jewish Chronicle, Lipman said she “disagreed” with Mirren’s casting. She added: “I’m sure [Mirren] will be marvellous, but it would never be allowed for Ben Kingsley to play Nelson Mandela. You just couldn’t even go there.”...
- 1/5/2022
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Trans actors, Palestine, Tony Blair, typecasting, socialists with multiple houses … as she stars in Rose, a play that covers everything from the Holocaust to the six-day war, the actor lets rip
I met Maureen Lipman in the most old-fashioned way, over the telephone, to talk about her new role. She’s starring in Martin Sherman’s Rose, which will be available for three nights only – to replicate the sense of theatrical occasion – but online, rather than live. “It’s a story of one woman’s recollection, from the Holocaust to the six-day war, and slightly beyond, and how she comes to make a stand herself, rather than just survive. The play begins and ends with her making a statement about humanity, rather than just on being Jewish or a gentile.”
She’s thrilled about the role – originally made famous by Olympia Dukakis – and makes the point that, by the time...
I met Maureen Lipman in the most old-fashioned way, over the telephone, to talk about her new role. She’s starring in Martin Sherman’s Rose, which will be available for three nights only – to replicate the sense of theatrical occasion – but online, rather than live. “It’s a story of one woman’s recollection, from the Holocaust to the six-day war, and slightly beyond, and how she comes to make a stand herself, rather than just survive. The play begins and ends with her making a statement about humanity, rather than just on being Jewish or a gentile.”
She’s thrilled about the role – originally made famous by Olympia Dukakis – and makes the point that, by the time...
- 8/18/2020
- by Zoe Williams
- The Guardian - Film News
The state of being Jewish is not a straightforward thing to define. It’s a religion, sure. But it’s also a culture, a shared history. It is food and festivals and traditions. Within that one word there are orthodox, reform, Chasidic … and those who’d call themselves Jew-ish. Some people would call themselves Jewish, even though they would also consider themselves atheist.
It was fascinating, then, to see that this new short film, 100 Faces (which premieres at the UK Jewish Film Festival) asked what it means to them to be Jewish to Jewish people of all ages, going up in age year by year, from ages 1 to 100.
Some of the faces are well-known, including the likes of Maureen Lipman, Dame Esther Rantzen and Stephen Berkoff. Some answers are spoken, some are sung. Some responses are cheeky and funny. Some are sad and sombre. Some talk about hope and being...
It was fascinating, then, to see that this new short film, 100 Faces (which premieres at the UK Jewish Film Festival) asked what it means to them to be Jewish to Jewish people of all ages, going up in age year by year, from ages 1 to 100.
Some of the faces are well-known, including the likes of Maureen Lipman, Dame Esther Rantzen and Stephen Berkoff. Some answers are spoken, some are sung. Some responses are cheeky and funny. Some are sad and sombre. Some talk about hope and being...
- 11/12/2018
- by Amanda Keats
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
When is a private eye parody not a parody? Stephen Frears’ first feature strikes a delicate balance — its nearly absurd hardboiled lingo outdoes the spoofs, but the story and characters are pitched 100% straight. Albert Finney Is Eddie Ginley, surrounded by a pack of exciting, imaginatively cast actors.
Gumshoe
Blu-ray
Powerhouse Indicator
1971 / Color / 1:66 widescreen / 88 min. / / Street Date March 19, 2018 / available from Powerhouse Films UK / £15.99
Starring: Albert Finney, Billie Whitelaw, Frank Finlay, Janice Rule, Carolyn Seymour, Fulton Mackay, George Innes, George Silver, Bill Dean, Wendy Richard, Maureen Lipman, Neville Smith, Oscar James.
Cinematography: Chris Menges
Film Editor: Charles Rees
Original Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Written by Neville Smith
Produced by Michael Medwin, Albert Finney
Directed by Stephen Frears
At first one thinks it’s a parody, and not a very good one. Then we wonder if Albert Finney is simply taking his Humphrey Bogart imitation out for a walk, as when he...
Gumshoe
Blu-ray
Powerhouse Indicator
1971 / Color / 1:66 widescreen / 88 min. / / Street Date March 19, 2018 / available from Powerhouse Films UK / £15.99
Starring: Albert Finney, Billie Whitelaw, Frank Finlay, Janice Rule, Carolyn Seymour, Fulton Mackay, George Innes, George Silver, Bill Dean, Wendy Richard, Maureen Lipman, Neville Smith, Oscar James.
Cinematography: Chris Menges
Film Editor: Charles Rees
Original Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Written by Neville Smith
Produced by Michael Medwin, Albert Finney
Directed by Stephen Frears
At first one thinks it’s a parody, and not a very good one. Then we wonder if Albert Finney is simply taking his Humphrey Bogart imitation out for a walk, as when he...
- 4/10/2018
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant are on top form as the ‘diva of din’ and her dutiful manager in an enjoyable biopic from Stephen Frears
As Les Dawson proved with such precision, any fool can play the piano badly, but it takes real skill to play it brilliantly badly. Similarly, Morecambe and Wise knew that the perfect way to mangle “Grieg’s piano concerto by Grieg” was to play “all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order”. Now, to the august list of superbly maladroit comedic musicians we may add Meryl Streep, who takes centre stage in this very likable, frequently hilarious, yet still poignant tragi-comedy from director Stephen Frears. Streep plays the titular songbird, a New York socialite and eager patron of the arts whose enthusiasm for a good tune is matched only by her inability to sing one. Not that it stops her from trying.
As Les Dawson proved with such precision, any fool can play the piano badly, but it takes real skill to play it brilliantly badly. Similarly, Morecambe and Wise knew that the perfect way to mangle “Grieg’s piano concerto by Grieg” was to play “all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order”. Now, to the august list of superbly maladroit comedic musicians we may add Meryl Streep, who takes centre stage in this very likable, frequently hilarious, yet still poignant tragi-comedy from director Stephen Frears. Streep plays the titular songbird, a New York socialite and eager patron of the arts whose enthusiasm for a good tune is matched only by her inability to sing one. Not that it stops her from trying.
- 5/8/2016
- by Mark Kermode, Observer film critic
- The Guardian - Film News
Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant are on top form as the ‘diva of din’ and her dutiful manager in an enjoyable biopic from Stephen Frears
As Les Dawson proved with such precision, any fool can play the piano badly, but it takes real skill to play it brilliantly badly. Similarly, Morecambe and Wise knew that the perfect way to mangle “Grieg’s piano concerto by Grieg” was to play “all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order”. Now, to the august list of superbly maladroit comedic musicians we may add Meryl Streep, who takes centre stage in this very likable, frequently hilarious, yet still poignant tragi-comedy from director Stephen Frears. Streep plays the titular songbird, a New York socialite and eager patron of the arts whose enthusiasm for a good tune is matched only by her inability to sing one. Not that it stops her from trying.
As Les Dawson proved with such precision, any fool can play the piano badly, but it takes real skill to play it brilliantly badly. Similarly, Morecambe and Wise knew that the perfect way to mangle “Grieg’s piano concerto by Grieg” was to play “all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order”. Now, to the august list of superbly maladroit comedic musicians we may add Meryl Streep, who takes centre stage in this very likable, frequently hilarious, yet still poignant tragi-comedy from director Stephen Frears. Streep plays the titular songbird, a New York socialite and eager patron of the arts whose enthusiasm for a good tune is matched only by her inability to sing one. Not that it stops her from trying.
- 5/8/2016
- by Mark Kermode, Observer film critic
- The Guardian - Film News
The story of terrible opera singer Florence Foster Jenkins is such a good one, you wonder why it has never been told on screen before. I recall a 2005, Olivier-nominated West End stage adaptation called “Glorious,” starring Maureen Lipman, but now, with that strange synchronicity peculiar only to cinema and London buses, two movie versions about the wealthy Manhattan prima donna come along at once. Xavier Giannoli’s fictionalised and stylized account, “Marguerite,” has been charming French audiences for a while now, earning its actress Catherine Frot a deserved Cesar in the process. Now comes Stephen Frears‘ more historically faithful “Florence.
- 4/13/2016
- by Jason Solomons
- The Wrap
In G2 Arts (13 October), you quote Alan Parker as saying he wrote The Evacuees. Alan Parker would never claim such a thing, so it has to be a mistake. The Emmy-award-winning play was written by the late, great playwright, Jack Rosenthal, at the behest of the late, great head of Granada TV’s drama department, Peter Eckersley, in the days when ideas were suggested, assessed and commissioned. It was Alan’s first TV play as a director and my first TV play as an actress playing her own mother-in-law.
Maureen Lipman
London
Continue reading...
Maureen Lipman
London
Continue reading...
- 10/14/2015
- by Letters
- The Guardian - Film News
Robert Lindsay is making a comedy comeback in a new show on Gold later this year.
The My Family actor will be joined by Maureen Lipman in Bull, a new three-part sitcom from writers Gareth Gwynn and John-Luke Roberts.
The studio comedy is centred around Rupert Bull (Lindsay), a man who runs a struggling antiques shop alongside his inept staff.
Lipman will play his employee Beverley, while there will also be appearances from Matt Lucas, Kevin Eldon, Toby Williams, Claudia Jessie and Naz Osmanoglu.
UKTV's Simon Lupton said of the show: "What could possibly go wrong in a quintessentially English antiques shop managed by an energetic eccentric and staffed by a bizarre bunch of characters?
The answer is quite a lot – and that is the premise for this fast-paced, contemporary sitcom, written with verve by a new writing partnership. Robert Lindsay is one of our most versatile and funny actors,...
The My Family actor will be joined by Maureen Lipman in Bull, a new three-part sitcom from writers Gareth Gwynn and John-Luke Roberts.
The studio comedy is centred around Rupert Bull (Lindsay), a man who runs a struggling antiques shop alongside his inept staff.
Lipman will play his employee Beverley, while there will also be appearances from Matt Lucas, Kevin Eldon, Toby Williams, Claudia Jessie and Naz Osmanoglu.
UKTV's Simon Lupton said of the show: "What could possibly go wrong in a quintessentially English antiques shop managed by an energetic eccentric and staffed by a bizarre bunch of characters?
The answer is quite a lot – and that is the premise for this fast-paced, contemporary sitcom, written with verve by a new writing partnership. Robert Lindsay is one of our most versatile and funny actors,...
- 7/23/2015
- Digital Spy
Lynda Bellingham's funeral will be a Royal Variety-style celebration of her life. The beloved actress and television presenter passed away earlier this week after losing her battle with cancer and her husband Michael Pattemore is honouring her dying wish by inviting her close pals to give her ''one last show''. Christopher Biggins, Maureen Lipman, Jane McDonald, Denise Welch and Nickolas Grace will all perform at the celebration in Somerset next Monday (03.11.14) before a memorial service is held in London at a later date. Christopher, Lynda's best friend of 40-years, explained: ''It's going to be the longest funeral ever! Michael has asked Maureen,...
- 10/26/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Lynda Bellingham's funeral will be a Royal Variety-style celebration of her life. The beloved actress and television presenter passed away earlier this week after losing her battle with cancer and her husband Michael Pattemore is honouring her dying wish by inviting her close pals to give her ''one last show''. Christopher Biggins, Maureen Lipman, Jane McDonald, Denise Welch and Nickolas Grace will all perform at the celebration in Somerset next Monday (03.11.14) before a memorial service is held in London at a later date. Christopher, Lynda's best friend of 40-years, explained: ''It's going to be the longest funeral ever! Michael has asked Maureen,...
- 10/23/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Hugh Grant to join Streep as the manager of the tone-deaf heiress, who was ridiculed by audiences throughout the early 20th century
Maureen Lipman on playing Florence Foster Jenkins on stage
Meryl Streep is to star in a biopic of the famously awful opera singer Florence Foster Jenkins for director Stephen Frears, reports Variety.
The three-time Oscar-winning actor will take the role of Jenkins, an heiress who used her wealth to embark on a singing career that took her to concert halls across the Us in the 1920s, 30s and 40s despite her complete inability to hold a note or stay in time. Hugh Grant is in line to play the soprano’s partner and manager, St Clair Bayfield, with the film titled simply Florence.
Continue reading...
Maureen Lipman on playing Florence Foster Jenkins on stage
Meryl Streep is to star in a biopic of the famously awful opera singer Florence Foster Jenkins for director Stephen Frears, reports Variety.
The three-time Oscar-winning actor will take the role of Jenkins, an heiress who used her wealth to embark on a singing career that took her to concert halls across the Us in the 1920s, 30s and 40s despite her complete inability to hold a note or stay in time. Hugh Grant is in line to play the soprano’s partner and manager, St Clair Bayfield, with the film titled simply Florence.
Continue reading...
- 10/22/2014
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Philomena director Stephen Frears is reteaming with Pathé for another project about an eponymous real-life female protagonist. Currently in pre-production, Florence is the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress and socialite who coveted a career as a great opera singer, but who lacked any real ability. Meryl Streep is attached to play the title role with Hugh Grant also attached for the role of her partner and manager St Clair Bayfield. Bayfield was an aristocratic English actor who was determined to protect Florence from the truth that while the voice she heard in her head was beautiful, to everyone else it was hilariously awful.
Baz Bamigboye at the Daily Mail first tipped the news and Pathé International, which will begin sales at the AFM next month, has now confirmed details. The film has a script by Nicholas Martin which will tell Foster Jenkins’ story through to...
Baz Bamigboye at the Daily Mail first tipped the news and Pathé International, which will begin sales at the AFM next month, has now confirmed details. The film has a script by Nicholas Martin which will tell Foster Jenkins’ story through to...
- 10/21/2014
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline
Update, Monday 3:50 Am Pt: A few weeks ago, a row erupted in London when prestigious indie venue the Tricycle Theatre said it would not host the UK Jewish Film Festival in November because the event is “supported by the cultural department of the Israeli Embassy in London.” The festival is still scheduled to be held elsewhere in 2014, but the parties have now reached an entente over the situation. Both posted a joint statement to their websites saying, “Following lengthy discussions between The Tricycle and Ukjff, the Tricycle has now withdrawn its objection and invited back the UK Jewish Film Festival on the same terms as in previous years with no restrictions on funding from the Embassy of Israel in London.” The parties have agreed “to begin the process of rebuilding trust and confidence with a view to holding events in the future.”
Lines were divided in the British artistic...
Lines were divided in the British artistic...
- 8/18/2014
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline
Theatre and cinema refuses festival while it is backed by Israeli Embassy amid Gaza crisis; industry reacts via social media.
The Tricycle Theatre has refused to host the UK Jewish Film Festival (Ukjff) as long as it is backed by the Israeli Embassy in London amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The festival was due to host at least 26 films at The Tricycle in north London, but organizers are now searching for another venue for the November event and have criticized the move as “unacceptable”.
In a written explanation Jonathan Levy, chairman of The Tricycle, said: “Given the present situation in Israel/Palestine, and the unforeseen and unhappy escalation that has occurred over the past three weeks, including a terrible loss of life, The Tricycle cannot be associated with any activity directly funded or supported by any party to the conflict.
“The Tricycle will be pleased to host the Ukjff provided that it occurs without the support...
The Tricycle Theatre has refused to host the UK Jewish Film Festival (Ukjff) as long as it is backed by the Israeli Embassy in London amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The festival was due to host at least 26 films at The Tricycle in north London, but organizers are now searching for another venue for the November event and have criticized the move as “unacceptable”.
In a written explanation Jonathan Levy, chairman of The Tricycle, said: “Given the present situation in Israel/Palestine, and the unforeseen and unhappy escalation that has occurred over the past three weeks, including a terrible loss of life, The Tricycle cannot be associated with any activity directly funded or supported by any party to the conflict.
“The Tricycle will be pleased to host the Ukjff provided that it occurs without the support...
- 8/6/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
An ecstatic Hugh Jackman enjoyed a long overdue reunion with Maureen Lipman in London last night (July 7), 15 years after the pair originally shared the stage in the capital.
Jackman, currently sporting a shaved head, a black beard and moustache for his upcoming role of Blackbeard in Pan, was supporting former co-star Lipman at the press night for her new play Daytona at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
The play is set in New York in 1986, and follows bickering, ballroom-dancing couple Elli (Lipman) and Joe (played by Harry Shearer - arguably best known for providing the voice for the many different characters in The Simpsons) whose lives change upon the re-emergence of long-lost brother Billy.
The pair looked thrilled to see each other again and hugged and laughed together as they posed backstage. Jackman later took to Twitter and enthused: "Just saw my great friend, the brilliant actor, Maureen Lipman in Daytona.
Jackman, currently sporting a shaved head, a black beard and moustache for his upcoming role of Blackbeard in Pan, was supporting former co-star Lipman at the press night for her new play Daytona at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
The play is set in New York in 1986, and follows bickering, ballroom-dancing couple Elli (Lipman) and Joe (played by Harry Shearer - arguably best known for providing the voice for the many different characters in The Simpsons) whose lives change upon the re-emergence of long-lost brother Billy.
The pair looked thrilled to see each other again and hugged and laughed together as they posed backstage. Jackman later took to Twitter and enthused: "Just saw my great friend, the brilliant actor, Maureen Lipman in Daytona.
- 7/8/2014
- Digital Spy
Veteran actress and writer Maureen Lipman has revealed that she turned down Strictly Come Dancing.
The 67-year-old told the panel of Loose Women that she had declined an offer to appear on the show.
Presenter Janet Street-Porter asked Lipman if she ever had any ambition to appear on Strictly.
She replied: "I turned it down, if anyone talked to me like that panel talk to those people, I'd bop them.
"No. I've worked hard all week to be this good, how dare you tell me my bum's fat? How dare you? I'd bop them."
Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan recently admitted that she had to turn down the show twice due to her contract with ITV.
However, she added: "When I've been asked to take part I've been under contract. But I'd never say never or rule anything out.
"It's open doors for a blank canvas, and I'm more than ready for any challenge.
The 67-year-old told the panel of Loose Women that she had declined an offer to appear on the show.
Presenter Janet Street-Porter asked Lipman if she ever had any ambition to appear on Strictly.
She replied: "I turned it down, if anyone talked to me like that panel talk to those people, I'd bop them.
"No. I've worked hard all week to be this good, how dare you tell me my bum's fat? How dare you? I'd bop them."
Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan recently admitted that she had to turn down the show twice due to her contract with ITV.
However, she added: "When I've been asked to take part I've been under contract. But I'd never say never or rule anything out.
"It's open doors for a blank canvas, and I'm more than ready for any challenge.
- 9/25/2013
- Digital Spy
MasterChef continued its Thursday dominance by topping the ratings for BBC One last night (April 18), overnight data reveals.
The latest heat of the cooking competition attracted 4.69 million viewers (21.7%) at 8pm, only slightly lower than last week's equivalent episode.
Maureen Lipman's journey documentary If Memory Serves Me Right won 2.56m (11.8%) at 9pm. Question Time brought in 2.72m (22.8%) at 10.45pm.
On BBC Two, Hairy Bikers' Best of British attracted 1.57m (7.7%) at 7pm, followed by James May's Man Lab with 1.69m (7.8%) at 8pm. Documentary Could We Survive a Mega-Tsunami? was seen by 2.24m (10.3%) at 9pm.
ITV's two-hour coverage of the 2013 British Animal Honours secured 3.20m (14.8%) from 8pm.
On Channel 4, Secret Eaters grabbed 1.18m (5.4%) at 8pm. The Intern continued to drop, falling to 593,000 viewers (2.7%) at 9pm, while Sex Clinic fell to 705k (4.2%) at 10pm.
Channel 5's Cowboy Builders won 826k (3.8%) at 8pm, followed by Trauma Doctors with 1.29m (6.0%) at 9pm.
BBC...
The latest heat of the cooking competition attracted 4.69 million viewers (21.7%) at 8pm, only slightly lower than last week's equivalent episode.
Maureen Lipman's journey documentary If Memory Serves Me Right won 2.56m (11.8%) at 9pm. Question Time brought in 2.72m (22.8%) at 10.45pm.
On BBC Two, Hairy Bikers' Best of British attracted 1.57m (7.7%) at 7pm, followed by James May's Man Lab with 1.69m (7.8%) at 8pm. Documentary Could We Survive a Mega-Tsunami? was seen by 2.24m (10.3%) at 9pm.
ITV's two-hour coverage of the 2013 British Animal Honours secured 3.20m (14.8%) from 8pm.
On Channel 4, Secret Eaters grabbed 1.18m (5.4%) at 8pm. The Intern continued to drop, falling to 593,000 viewers (2.7%) at 9pm, while Sex Clinic fell to 705k (4.2%) at 10pm.
Channel 5's Cowboy Builders won 826k (3.8%) at 8pm, followed by Trauma Doctors with 1.29m (6.0%) at 9pm.
BBC...
- 4/19/2013
- Digital Spy
An art deco north-London cinema full of history and heart, which is run as charitable trust
This week's Cine-files is by Kev Kelly – follow him on Twitter at @manontelly.
Is there a cinema you'd like to tell us about for a future Cine-files? Drop an email in the first instance to adam.boult@guardian.co.uk
Building
Originally built in 1910, the Phoenix opened its doors to the public in 1912 as the East Finchley Picturedrome during the age of silent film, which was then accompanied by live music. The Phoenix is now one of the oldest continuously operated cinemas in the UK; it has survived two world wars and has recently undergone a full restoration project to return it back to its former art deco glory.
Clientele
The Phoenix has a varied audience, ranging from the very young who are just starting their journey into the world of big screen storytelling,...
This week's Cine-files is by Kev Kelly – follow him on Twitter at @manontelly.
Is there a cinema you'd like to tell us about for a future Cine-files? Drop an email in the first instance to adam.boult@guardian.co.uk
Building
Originally built in 1910, the Phoenix opened its doors to the public in 1912 as the East Finchley Picturedrome during the age of silent film, which was then accompanied by live music. The Phoenix is now one of the oldest continuously operated cinemas in the UK; it has survived two world wars and has recently undergone a full restoration project to return it back to its former art deco glory.
Clientele
The Phoenix has a varied audience, ranging from the very young who are just starting their journey into the world of big screen storytelling,...
- 2/20/2013
- by Guardian readers
- The Guardian - Film News
No one, not even Maureen Lipman, can have my seat
We film-reviewers generally see our movies in a handful of private screening theatres dotted around Soho in London. Over the years, I've become as familiar with the layout of each as I am with the sofa and telly in my own front room. So I was, in my nerdy-tragic way, very excited this month when a brand new screening theatre was opened, in the NBC Universal building near Bloomsbury. Oooh! All of us rushed in expectantly, sniffing the delicious "new car" smell from the pristine leather seats, fussing around and acclimatising ourselves, like baby robins turning round and round in the nest. My first thought was: which of these is going to be my favourite seat?
All of us develop our favourite seats. In the 20th Century Fox theatre, the Sunday Times's Cosmo Landesman likes the end seat, second row,...
We film-reviewers generally see our movies in a handful of private screening theatres dotted around Soho in London. Over the years, I've become as familiar with the layout of each as I am with the sofa and telly in my own front room. So I was, in my nerdy-tragic way, very excited this month when a brand new screening theatre was opened, in the NBC Universal building near Bloomsbury. Oooh! All of us rushed in expectantly, sniffing the delicious "new car" smell from the pristine leather seats, fussing around and acclimatising ourselves, like baby robins turning round and round in the nest. My first thought was: which of these is going to be my favourite seat?
All of us develop our favourite seats. In the 20th Century Fox theatre, the Sunday Times's Cosmo Landesman likes the end seat, second row,...
- 1/14/2013
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
The classic (and first) Rodgers & Hammerstein musical Oklahoma! gets a Blu-ray release. This Royal National Theatre production features Hugh Jackman in the lead and director Trevor Nunn at the helm. After finishing their run on the London stage, the cast filmed the musical in a large soundstage made to resemble their staging.
Jackman plays the cowboy Curly who is in love with farm girl Laurey (Josefina Gabrielle), but their immature flirtation leads her to accept an invitation to the big social dance by creepy Jud (Shuler Hensley—who won an Olivier Award for this role). While Laurey's romantic drama plays out, Ado Annie (Vicki Simon) has her own relationship dilemma. She's torn between Persian peddler Ali Hakim (Peter Polycarpou) and her original sweetheart Will (Jimmy Johnston). With the help of Laurey's Aunt Eller (Maureen Lipman), the girls navigate the courtship rituals of frontier life.
Read more...
Jackman plays the cowboy Curly who is in love with farm girl Laurey (Josefina Gabrielle), but their immature flirtation leads her to accept an invitation to the big social dance by creepy Jud (Shuler Hensley—who won an Olivier Award for this role). While Laurey's romantic drama plays out, Ado Annie (Vicki Simon) has her own relationship dilemma. She's torn between Persian peddler Ali Hakim (Peter Polycarpou) and her original sweetheart Will (Jimmy Johnston). With the help of Laurey's Aunt Eller (Maureen Lipman), the girls navigate the courtship rituals of frontier life.
Read more...
- 12/5/2012
- by John Keith
- JustPressPlay.net
Maureen Lipman as Lord Leveson. Hugh Grant as himself. For Rebekah Brooks, who else but Mark Gatiss as Charles I? Help us regulate the cast of the Leveson inquiry
Whatever else the Leveson inquiry turns out to have been – we're doing a lot of speed reading as I type – it was fine theatre. A Hogarthian cast of characters, from Britain's lordliest media barons to subalterns on the yellowest of yellow rags. A decent smattering of celebs. The odd outburst of tears. A superlative solo performance from the capricious Robert Jay, who managed to make witness-questioning look (to twist a phrase) like reading the thesaurus by flashes of lightning.
Which only leaves one question: who's going to option the script? The Tricycle theatre in London made drama out of the Bloody Sunday and Stephen Lawrence inquiries, after all; Spielberg's studio has optioned the Wikileaks saga. Surely it's only a matter of time.
Whatever else the Leveson inquiry turns out to have been – we're doing a lot of speed reading as I type – it was fine theatre. A Hogarthian cast of characters, from Britain's lordliest media barons to subalterns on the yellowest of yellow rags. A decent smattering of celebs. The odd outburst of tears. A superlative solo performance from the capricious Robert Jay, who managed to make witness-questioning look (to twist a phrase) like reading the thesaurus by flashes of lightning.
Which only leaves one question: who's going to option the script? The Tricycle theatre in London made drama out of the Bloody Sunday and Stephen Lawrence inquiries, after all; Spielberg's studio has optioned the Wikileaks saga. Surely it's only a matter of time.
- 11/29/2012
- by Andrew Dickson
- The Guardian - Film News
Blu-ray Release Date: Dec. 4, 2012
Price: Blu-ray $29.98
Studio: Image
The 1999 West End revival of the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma! took London by storm…and catapulted the young Australian actor Hugh Jackman (Real Steel) to international stardom.
Oklahoma! forever changed the the concept of the stage musical, a particularly American art form. Not only did it provide some of the greatest show tunes ever written, including “Oklahoma!,” “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” and “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” but the musical numbers were written to move the story’s narrative forward as well. And Agnes de Mille’s breathtaking original choreography was something Broadway theatregoers had never seen before.
Directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Susan Strohman, the 1999 film of the West End production of Oklahoma! Also stars Josefina Gabrielle, Maureen Lipman, Jimmy Johnson and Vicki Simon.
Image previously released a DVD edition of Oklahoma!
Price: Blu-ray $29.98
Studio: Image
The 1999 West End revival of the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma! took London by storm…and catapulted the young Australian actor Hugh Jackman (Real Steel) to international stardom.
Oklahoma! forever changed the the concept of the stage musical, a particularly American art form. Not only did it provide some of the greatest show tunes ever written, including “Oklahoma!,” “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” and “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” but the musical numbers were written to move the story’s narrative forward as well. And Agnes de Mille’s breathtaking original choreography was something Broadway theatregoers had never seen before.
Directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Susan Strohman, the 1999 film of the West End production of Oklahoma! Also stars Josefina Gabrielle, Maureen Lipman, Jimmy Johnson and Vicki Simon.
Image previously released a DVD edition of Oklahoma!
- 10/24/2012
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Tracy-Ann Oberman has said that there has been a discovery of a British Jewish comedy voice in TV and movies in recent years. The Monroe actress returns to Friday Night Dinner to reprise the role of Val, the best friend of mum Jackie (Tamsin Greig). "All the references, especially in comedy, had come from America," Oberman told Digital Spy about openly Jewish characters in British culture. "From the old-style comics - you think of Lenny Bruce, Woody Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, all of that. "The only characters in this country who were Jewish were Fagin, Shylock, Dr Legg in EastEnders and Maureen Lipman's BT character." Oberman continued: "There's suddenly been a change, with David Baddiel's film The Infidel, then you had Grandma's House and Friday Night Dinner. "Then (more)...
- 10/5/2012
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Bob Brooks, who died last week, was behind some of our most iconic ads. Sam Delaney salutes a testy genius
In February this year, I met Bob Brooks for dinner near his home in Monaco and he was, as ever, charming, funny, thoughtful and softly spoken. I found myself wondering what had happened to the brash, fearsome American exile I had heard about, who terrorised London film sets in the 1970s and 80s. For decades, Brooks possessed the most fiery reputation in advertising. "Yes, I had a reputation when I came over from New York in the 60s," he admitted. "I was angry and would shout and scream. But that's because I took the work so seriously."
It was this intense seriousness that made Brooks the most prolific and influential director of his generation. From the Smash Martians (voted the best ad of all time by Campaign magazine) to the...
In February this year, I met Bob Brooks for dinner near his home in Monaco and he was, as ever, charming, funny, thoughtful and softly spoken. I found myself wondering what had happened to the brash, fearsome American exile I had heard about, who terrorised London film sets in the 1970s and 80s. For decades, Brooks possessed the most fiery reputation in advertising. "Yes, I had a reputation when I came over from New York in the 60s," he admitted. "I was angry and would shout and scream. But that's because I took the work so seriously."
It was this intense seriousness that made Brooks the most prolific and influential director of his generation. From the Smash Martians (voted the best ad of all time by Campaign magazine) to the...
- 10/4/2012
- by Sam Delaney
- The Guardian - Film News
The first-ever feature-length film bringing to life Franz Kafka's 1915 tale Metamorphosis is complete, and we have a trailer for you that gives a few sneak peeks at the giant bug around which the story revolves as well as news of where the film will officially premiere.
Metamorphosis is directed by Chris Swanton and stars Chris New, Robert Pugh, Maureen Lipman, Laura Reese and Chloe Howman. The film is scheduled to premiere at the 6th Annual B-Movie Celebration held in Franklin, Indiana, on September 14 and 15.
Fans of Kafka's story will be thrilled to know that director Swanton tried to stay as close to original tale as possible. Dig on the trailer below to get an idea of how Metamorphosis will look on the big screen. Thanks to Avery G. for the tip on this one!
Synopsis
Metamorphosis is the story of a traveling salesman who wakes up one morning after...
Metamorphosis is directed by Chris Swanton and stars Chris New, Robert Pugh, Maureen Lipman, Laura Reese and Chloe Howman. The film is scheduled to premiere at the 6th Annual B-Movie Celebration held in Franklin, Indiana, on September 14 and 15.
Fans of Kafka's story will be thrilled to know that director Swanton tried to stay as close to original tale as possible. Dig on the trailer below to get an idea of how Metamorphosis will look on the big screen. Thanks to Avery G. for the tip on this one!
Synopsis
Metamorphosis is the story of a traveling salesman who wakes up one morning after...
- 6/27/2012
- by Doctor Gash
- DreadCentral.com
After jubilee fatigue set in, I had hoped the Martin Scorsese-produced documentary Surviving Progress would deliver
There are days when I can only conclude that the popular TV channels have decided to throw in the towel. With BBC1 clearing its evening schedules for the Diamond Jubilee Concert from Buckingham Palace, the other channels all but gave up the ghost. ITV1 chucked in half an hour of Rita's wedding in Coronation Street but then settled for a James Bond film everyone has seen at least twice before; Channel 4 repeated a Come Dine With Me Jubilee Special barely a week after its first transmission, before serving up a tired helping of Gok Cooks Chinese and the Secret Millionaire; BBC2 gave us UK wildlife's tribute to the Queen in a Springwatch retrospective, a Ewan McGregor repeat of The Battle of Britain and yet another showing of The Terminator, which everyone must...
There are days when I can only conclude that the popular TV channels have decided to throw in the towel. With BBC1 clearing its evening schedules for the Diamond Jubilee Concert from Buckingham Palace, the other channels all but gave up the ghost. ITV1 chucked in half an hour of Rita's wedding in Coronation Street but then settled for a James Bond film everyone has seen at least twice before; Channel 4 repeated a Come Dine With Me Jubilee Special barely a week after its first transmission, before serving up a tired helping of Gok Cooks Chinese and the Secret Millionaire; BBC2 gave us UK wildlife's tribute to the Queen in a Springwatch retrospective, a Ewan McGregor repeat of The Battle of Britain and yet another showing of The Terminator, which everyone must...
- 6/4/2012
- by John Crace
- The Guardian - Film News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.