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Brits winner Adele left speechless

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:08:56 +0000

The organisers of the Brits have apologised to Adele after she was unceremoniously forced to cut short her acceptance speech for the top gong at this year’s awards.

The record-breaking singer landed two trophies at the glitzy event when she collected the best British female award as well as the big title of the night, best album, for 21.

But a rambling acceptance speech by earlier outstanding contribution award winner Damon Albarn of Blur meant she was barely able to deliver a speech and she gestured with her middle finger in frustration on-stage. Adele, 23, said the insult was aimed at “the suits”, after show host James Corden interrupted her to wind up her words.

Following the ceremony at London’s O2 area, the show’s organisers released a statement saying: “We regret this happened and we send our deepest apologies to Adele that her big moment was cut short due to the live show over running.

“We don’t want this to undermine her incredible achievement in winning our night’s biggest award, that tops off what’s been an incredible year for her.”

Adele’s success followed a colossal win at the Grammys a little over a week ago when she was the toast of the music world with six trophies.

As she collected the best album prize for 21 - which has sold almost four million copies in the UK - the breathless star gushed: “Nothing makes me prouder, yeah, than coming home with six Grammys, then coming to the Brits and winning album of the year.

“I am so so proud to be British and to be flying the flag and to be in the same room as all of you.”

But seconds later Corden had to apologise as he forced her triumphant speech to end in a whimper. The star - who made a show-stopping comeback performance with hit Rolling In The Deep earlier in the show - then made her rude gesture.

Award winning musical

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:13 +0000

Broadway’s longest running show The Phantom of the Opera is heading to Leeds in August.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical – which has won over 60 major theatre awards including, seven Tonys on Broadway and three Olivier Awards in the West End – will hit the Leeds Grand Theatre stage from August 8 to September 15.

The lead will be performed by John Owen-Jones, who has played the role in the West End, and Christine is taken by Katie Hall who was a contestant on BBC1 talent show I’d Do Anything.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh said “I’m delighted to announce that the spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical will be in Leeds this summer. With an exciting new design and staging, retaining Maria Björnson’s amazing costumes, we expect audiences to fall in love with Phantom all over again.”

Leeds Grand Theatre’s general manager Ian Sime added: “I believe our beautiful auditorium is just perfect for this production – with that and the new staging it will be a wonderful night out for our audiences“.

For tickets, which went on sale earlier this month and are priced from £19-£55, www.leedsgrandtheatre.com or call the box office on 0844 8482705.

Shipshape in Bristol

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:00:03 +0000

l The Mercure Holland House and Spa, Redcliffe Hill, has rooms from £60 per night. Ring 01179 689900 or go to www.mercure.com for the latest deals.

l CrossCountry trains began operating in November 2007 and is the most extensive franchise in the UK. For more information on services log on to www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk, or download the free mobile app from the website.

l Family admission to the ss Great Britain (two adults plus up to three children) costs £33.50 and includes free return visits for one year.

l Entry to M Shed is free; admission to the Norman Parkinson exhibition is £5 (£4 concessions), visit www.mshed.org.

l Other attractions include Bristol Aquarium and At-Bristol, a family friendly interactive museum two minutes from the aquarium.

l For more ideas and all you need to know about the city, go to http://visitbristol.co.uk/.

Angus, Thongs and Even More Snogging

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:45:29 +0000

Ryan McBride’s production of Leeds born Louise Rennison’s witty tale of teenage dilemma makes its debut at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Angus, Thongs and even more Snogging is about typical young teenage girls who hang out with their mates, chatting about boys and trying to work out where they have got to on the snog-o-meter which ranges from holding hands to the full monty.

Admittedly, the main dilemmas facing Georgia Nicholson are her embarrassing parents, her massive nose and how to entice the sex god Robbie away from the drippy school prefect Wet Lindsay. With the help of her best friend Jas, a self-help book provided by her mother, and a free lesson from the local snogging tutor she devises a snogfastic plan.

There is never a dull moment in this lively play, musical numbers provided by the Stiff Dylans, Robbie’s band and a sub plot involving poor Angus, the crazy cat trying to avoid being hauled off to the vets for the snip. The audition for the school play is unusual and very funny. I don’t often laugh out loud.

Excellent performances from all the cast, particularly Naomi Peterson as Georgia in her first professional production and Lewis Rayner also fresh out of drama school is so sweet as Dave the Laugh, the mate who would like to be more. Even I had a few Ahhhhh moments.The play is pitched to keep both teenagers and parents entertained and judging by the reaction at the end of the play I would say it succeeded. A great night out for girls (and boys) whatever their age.