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29 OCT - 4 NOV 2010
Did probing Piers go too far? The TV Round Up by
Alex Trelinski
Broadcaster and freelance journalist
THE UK paper hankie manufacturers should decide to sponsor ‘Piers Morgan’s Life Stories’ on ITV1, rather than the spirits producer that has its name wrapped round it. After Russell Watson’s recent emotional interview, last Saturday trumped it with profit, as Cheryl Cole bared all. It was riveting television and who doesn’t like Cheryl, despite her poor X-Factor decision over Gamu? Morgan spoke for all of us as he called Cheryl’s ex, Ashley, an idiot, but at times the interview wobbled dangerously over the line as to how far you should push and probe into a person’s life on what is essentially an entertainment show. That didn’t stop it from being a great watch, but I felt that Cheryl didn’t really expect the intensity of questioning that she got, as the tears flowed freely like the water crashing over Niagara Falls. What a pity though that Piers didn’t get so probing with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in a nauseating piece of pre-election bottom licking earlier in the year! There was an altogether different mood with the return of ‘The Graham Norton Show’ in a new Friday night slot on BBC1, filling the gap for the departed Jonathan Ross. Though Ross can be an excellent interviewer when he puts his mind to it, the overall feeling of fun and banter that Norton exudes with his guests and the audience is vastly more entertaining and puts you just in the right mood for the weekend. Television history is littered with many wannabes who thought doing such a show is easy, and have failed miserably, often with career-damaging results. The genial Irishman gets it just right, and recordings should be shown to Alan
The successful Downton Abbey
Carr, who for my money does not cut it in his Channel 4 shows, despite his bosses thinking he does. Talking of not cutting it, Claudia Winkleman has taken over from Jonathan Ross in presenting ‘Film 2010’ on BBC 2, and frankly the programme has a ‘dumbed-down’ look about it, as she trades opinions with film critic Danny Leigh on a sofa. What I liked about Ross, and his predecessor Barry Norman, was that you got a direct review of a movie, along with some decent interviews, with both men being passionate about films. The new format just has no gravitas about it, and I’m afraid it is down to the people doing it. Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode who do a great job on BBC Radio discussing movies would have been just the ticket. Channel 4 has premiered its big new
American import of the autumn, ‘The Event’, and after the first two episodes I’m not quite sure what to make of it. Featuring a government conspiracy and some aliens and a man on the run, this has all the feeling of being a hybrid of shows like ‘24’, ’The X Files’, and ‘Flash Forward’. It is slickly made, but I need to be convinced that something truly original is going to pop up, to stick with it for the full run. American viewers have already started to switch-off, so even at this stage, don’t expect the series to return next year! No such problems for ITV 1‘s ‘Downton Abbey’ which I continue to love. With a second run announced for 2011, news has come out that the creator and writer, Julian Fellowes is already working on a third series. Great news indeed!
Raquel Peña triumphant return
THE CELEBRATED Raquel Peña Flamenco Dance Company is set to return to the Capital Theatre, Rojales, by popular demand. It has been described as one of the most spectacular Andalucian shows to be seen in this area and we are very fortunate to have this group in our midst. There will be many new dances, new costumes and a guitarist/singer as guest artiste. Dance diva Raquel Peña, who is set to make a personal appearance, says she is always saddened when theatre goers are turned away disappointed. As always her regular outstanding soloists and dancers will guarantee a first rate Flamenco Show. The legendary dancer, who recently packed them in at the Orihuela Costa Resort, has entertained U.S. Presidents and British royalty during worldwide performances. Tickets are priced at €10; sponsorship is welcomed and generous donation will be made in favour of Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur. Enthusiasts are urged to reserve tickets by calling 630 689 431 to ensure their seats at the 17:30 start of the show at the town’s 700 seat Capital Theatre. This show is made possible with the much appreciated collaboration of the Cultural Department of Rojales Town Hall.
The Bushwacka fancy dress halloween party THIS SUNDAY, 31st October, is the Bushwacka Fancy Dress Halloween Party with the No.1 DJ on the Costa... DJ JAMES! There will be cash prizes for the best fancy dress and special bar prices. As always there is only one place to party on Halloween. And don’t forget Monday is a Red Day, so you can have a lie in with your Halloween hangover!
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