Street Cred Magazine - April 2020

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Music fashion Film Gadgets holiday education health and fitness

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Hilarious And Outrageous In Equal Measure

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Bully announces Gazza to join for the Grand Theatre Italia 90 tribute

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olverhampton Grand Theatre has announced that football legend, Paul Gascoigne, has joined the line-up of ‘A Tribute To Italia 90’, an evening of stories from the players of one of England’s most dramatic World Cup tournaments.

The evening will raise

money for the Grand Theatre and The Steve Bull Foundation.

Steve ‘Bully’ Bull will appear as part of the line up alongside Peter Shilton, Paul Parker, Dave Beasant and the newly announced Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne.

The evening will be hosted

by Sky Sports’ Johnny Phillips.

Steve Bull said; “I love coming to the Grand Theatre, the shows they have on are absolutely unbelievable and I recommend anybody to come down.

“We are going to be reliving the 1990 World Cup, 30 years on! We might have a few more names to add yet, just wait and see! We’ll tell you loads of

stories, see you there!”

From David Platt’s goal against Belgium, the extra time win against Cameroon, Gazza’s tears and that dramatic semi-final penalty shootout against West Germany.

Come Monday May 18, they surely will be discussing it all.

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Before they were famous: what did celebs study before they made it big?

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ew research has revealed the secret education behind some of today’s biggest stars, showing there may be more to certain celebrities than meets the eye.

With awards over for another year adult education charity, City Lit, has researched the topics and qualifications the big winners studied before they were famous, to showcase how education can help prepare you for life on the big stage.

Lizzo

Hip hop, pop and R&B star Lizzo, who recently took home a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance, studied Classical Music at the University of Houston,

where she also developed her craft as a flute player.

Awkwafina

Similarly, Nora Lum, the actress also known as Awkwafina, who scooped a Golden Globe for Best Performance in a Motion Picture in Music and Comedy, majored in Journalism and Women’s Studies at the University of Albany in New York, before turning her attention to acting and comedy.

Roger Deakins

Experienced and acclaimed cinematographer, Roger Deakins, the winner of the Critics’ Choice Award for his work on the film 1917, was originally on a different path altogether. After studying to be a Graphic Designer at the

Bath Academy of Art, Roger’s persistence and dedication to photography on the side eventually saw him admitted to the National Film School and his career took off from there.

Boon Joon Ho

It’s a similar story when looking at the reigning Critics’ Choice Best Directors. Parasite director, Boon Joon Ho, who shared the award with 1917’s director Sam Mendes. He has a degree in Sociology from the University of Yonsei in South Korea, whilst Mendes achieved a first-class degree in English from the University of Cambridge.

Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger, who scooped the Oscar for Best Leading Actress for her starring

role in Judy, boasts an English degree from the University of Texas, again flying the flag for those in the showbiz industry who were very accomplished before becoming a global star.

While some of these international stars benefitted from seeing out their education to the end, some of this year’s big players made a huge success of themselves through more unorthodox routes.

Billie Eilish

Pop artist, Billie Eilish, is a prime example. The young American musician is currently dominating the music industry and was recently crowned Best International Female Artist at the Brits without pursuing any further education.

RSC & Marquee TV announce online 'Premiere' & Watch Along of Twelfth Night To mark last month’s World Theatre Day, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) have invited people to join a live ‘watch along’ from their living rooms on Saturday April 11 of a recording of their 2017 production of Shakespeare’s comedy ‘Twelfth Night’, featuring Adrian Edmondson as Malvolio and Kara Tointon as Olivia.

Marquee TV, the international multi-genre performing arts streaming service, working with the RSC and other arts organisations, is responding to the current closure of theatres by offering everyone a no obligation free 30 day trial to watch some of the best in theatre, dance and opera. There are already 17 RSC productions available to stream, including ‘Richard II’ and ‘King Lear’ with, respectively, David Tennant and Antony Sher in the

title roles.

Marquee TV will also be streaming ‘premieres’ of productions that are new to the platform, including ‘Twelfth Night’, each Saturday.

The RSC is inviting everyone to join the ‘watch along’ by posting their comments live on Twitter during the performance.

People can get involved by following the RSC - @theRSC - and by using the hashtag #AlmostLiveFromTheRSC. Directed by Christopher Luscombe and set in 1890s England, ‘Twelfth Night’ originally opened in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratfordupon-Avon in November 2017.

As with all of its Shakespeare productions since 2013, the RSC also broadcast Twelfth Night into cinemas across the world and into schools for free.

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0121 339 5885 (Birmingham) l The Stereophonics return to Arena Birmingham on February 29th

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There’s No Silencing Birmingham Concert Halls

F

ollowing government advice, Town Hall Symphony Hall (THSH) is closed.

But the iconic concert halls cannot be silenced and, in the coming weeks, the venues’ muchloved FREE Friday jazz gigs will be broadcast to Facebook, enabling audiences to come together in the safety of a digital space.

Watch Parties were launched by Facebook in 2018 as a new way for people to watch videos on Facebook together in real time.

Once a Watch Party is started, participants can watch videos, live or recorded, and interact with one another around them in the same moment.

Nick Reed, Chief Executive of THSH Birmingham, said: “Music has the power to bring people together. Our forthcoming Facebook Watch Parties of the

FREE Friday jazz gigs ensure that audiences can do just that.

“Self-isolation does not need to mean that people are isolated from their communities and through Town Hall Symphony Hall’s Jazzlines, we’ve built an incredible community with a shared passion for jazz music.

Town Hall Symphony Hall is committed to bringing live music to our city and these Facebook Watch Parties will provide an opportunity for our friends to continue their discovery of the best of Brum’s musicians”.

Friday 27 March, saw the Watch Party for Olivia Murphy and Olly Chalk’s duo.

Saxophonist and composer Olivia Murphy regularly plays on the Birmingham scene and is a member of Birmingham Jazz Orchestra.

Her sextet has also recently played at Birchfield Jazz Festival

and The Spotted Dog, and in November recorded new material for a 2020 release.

She played alongside jazz pianist Olly Chalk, who is currently undertaking a Master of Music (MMus) programme in jazz piano at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance.

On Friday 3 April, join the Watch Party for Joey Walter’s Me & 3.

Saxophonists Joey Walter, a graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire, and Ben Markland, a music technology tutor and workshop practitioner with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, have been playing together along with Tom Martin for eight years.

They recently welcomed Rosie O’Callahan on baritone to the quartet, Me & 3. Alongside their usual repertoire, featuring composers such as Bob Mintzer,

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Mike Mower and Jeff Driskill, they will be playing some new arrangements and original material by Joey.

On Friday 10 April, join the Watch Party for Xhosa Cole’s Quintet.

Saxophonist Xhosa Cole won BBC Young Jazz Musician 2018 for his “heartfelt” performance.

Xhosa is an embodiment of the success of numerous music outreach programs within Birmingham, including THSH's Jazzlines.

As a saxophonist, flautist, composer and producer, Xhosa has played, studied and collaborated with a wide range of world-class musicians and composers.

Mary Wakelam Sloan, Jazz Programme Manager, said:

“Jazz thrives on challenge and innovation, and I’m immeasurably proud that the Jazzlines Talent Development Programme has risen to these challenging times with this innovative response.

“We thank Arts Council England for their support, which in turn has enabled our support of Birmingham’s freelance musicians during these testing times.

“Town Hall Symphony Hall values the crucial contribution musicians make to the city’s creative life, its economy and the enjoyment of local people and visitors”.

Jazzlines is a unique programme of creative jazz music and talent development from the charity that runs THSH. It offers performance

opportunities to emerging and established contemporary jazz musicians as part of a thriving, artistically excellent programme in venues across the city and commissions cutting-edge new work, providing support to ensure future performances and a legacy for new projects.

Jazzlines’ FREE Friday jazz gigs will be performed in Symphony Hall’s brand-new performance space when it opens this autumn.

This unique space, for talented local artists to have even more opportunities to perform as part of a daily programme with free and affordable performances, is part of the £13.2 million redevelopment of the world-renowned venue’s foyer.

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Rihanna ‘hears the pitter-patter’ of tiny feet’?

International singing superstar, Rhihanna, has spoken about wanting to become a mother, saying that she will have children even if she doesn’t have a partner.

The Barbadian awardwinning chart-topper, 32, who is currently working on her much-anticipated ninth album, spoke about being a new mother in a recent interview.

She is the latest female superstar singer to speak out about pursuing possible alternative routes to motherhood.

UK-based pop star, and TV talent show judge, Cheryl, has also revealed that she is looking for a sperm donor to have more children.

The former Girls Aloud star has a son, three-year-old Bear, with ex-boyfriend, Liam Payne.

In her interview, Rhihanna, who reportedly split from her long-time partner, Saudi business mogul, Hassen Jameel, stated that the only thing needed for raising a child “is Love”.

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Once-in-a-lifetime concert for music of Fleetwood Mac A n incredible oneoff celebration of the early music of Fleetwood Mac is planned for screening in cinemas across the country on Tuesday 2nd June and Sunday 7th June, as Mick Fleetwood and a stellar cast of guest stars pay tribute to the music of founding member, Peter Green.

The once-in-a-lifetime celebration was captured at The London Palladium in February, 2020, and features a spectacular line-up of musical greats curated by Mick Fleetwood, including Neil Finn (Crowded House), Noel Gallagher (Oasis), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Jonny Lang, John Mayall, Christine McVie (Fleetwood Mac), Zak Starkey, Jeremy Spencer (Fleetwood Mac), Pete Townshend (The Who), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Rick Vito (Fleetwood Mac), and Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones).

The house band featured Mick Fleetwood himself

along with Andy Fairweather Low, Dave Bronze, and Ricky Peterson.

Tracks performed at the event include seminal Fleetwood Mac classics, such as ‘Albatross’, ‘Green Manalashi’, ‘Need Your Love’, and more.

Directed by award-winning concert director Martyn Atkins (Joni 75, Crossroads Guitar Festival, Cream at the Royal Albert Hall), the cinema event will feature an introduction by Mick Fleetwood, plus exclusive rehearsal footage, and interviews with guest artists.

Legendary sound producer Glynn Johns, who produced albums for The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles and Led Zeppelin, will take charge of the audio production.

Peter Green was a founding member of Fleetwood Mac and had a huge impact on the band, as well as being recognised as one of the greatest musicians in the world. Peter was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame together with

Fleetwood Mac in 1998.

Rolling Stone magazine rated Peter as one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of all time.

On the show coming to cinemas, Mick Fleetwood said: “This one of a kind show was no mean feat to put together and the ability to share and relive the event all over again in cinemas is incredible, for us, as artists, as well as our fans.

I’m very happy this performance can now be experienced in a big screen format by audiences far and wide all over the globe”.

‘Mick Fleetwood and Friends Celebrate The Music of Peter Green’ will also be available in a super deluxe box-set, released on 16th October 2020 and available to pre-order now. The super deluxe box-set will include a 4LP deluxe book pack with 2CDs and BluRay. Fleetwood Mac’s third studio album ‘Then Play On’ will also be released in a special Celebration Edition.

Best Hip-Hop winner, D’Frick, go to worldwide with Song of The Year

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olta Music Award winner, Tom D’Frick, is taking the international music scene by storm with his latest hit ‘OVorvorm’ – which literally means they are scared.

The Ghanaian superstar, who was voted ‘Best Hip-Hop Song of The Year’ at the event, is getting his banging hit played

around Africa, throughout Europe and beyond.

The tune is D’Frick’s first major tune this year, which is heavily demand throughout some of Europe’s major towns and cities and high on the playlist at the Sensation Club, in Dubai.

The tune is also a favourite for Ghanaians throughout the US.

With the much-loved Younggod and Kelvynbot also on-board, the song is, without doubt, an instant hit.

No.1 trending song in the Volta Region.

For some time now, standout track; ‘Ovorvorm’ has been the number one trending song in the Volta Region in Ghana.

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e r u g i F Go

E

manating from Halesowen, Daniel Williams, aka, ‘Figure.09’ is a ball of grimey/rock lightning with a sensational stage presence and visceral voice.

In his early years he grew up on rock music, but a song caught his eye from the infamous Eminem. The track, ‘sing for the moment’ grasped the young lad in such a way it peaked his interest in spitting bars, writing raps and performing.

Now having an ear for it, he naturally got enamoured on various wordsmiths, settling on groups such as wu-tang-clan and true spitters like Nas. The 1st grime artist he remembers enjoying was P Money. This ‘fanned the flame’ for the young lad to go onto picking up the microphone.

“I grew up on rock initially, a lot of my music came from ‘guitar hero’ because I was a big gamer! The earliest memory of me enjoying grime was P Money”. I’m not surprised.

Figure.09 began writing raps at 17, not really seeing it as anything other than messing, he went onto picking up a microphone at the age of 19.

Being a guitarist in a band, he recalls jamming with his drummer when he was laying a beat down in rehearsal.

Figure.09 started rapping just playing around, but actually found he enjoyed it more than anything else musically.

Being diversified in multiple

genres, Figure.09 sees this as a major strength and doesn’t see it as a curtailment for himself musically.

“I want to push myself to make as many different kinds of songs as long as they sound good, I’ve always tried to be myself, as long as you’re yourself, people will gravitate towards you”.

Honesty in music is sometimes treated with contempt, you don’t have to be a ‘badman’ to make real music.

Figure.09 mentions “a lot of what I talk about is real, it may be issues I’ve personally experienced or that people have gone through, so I’m happy I get the reception I do, in genres like rap and grime, I think it’s important that we talk about

how mentally taxing being a musician can really be”.

With a healthy work-rate, Figure.09 explains his diligence to his musical career. “If you want to make it as a musician, you have to be on job 24/7, financial stress is a prominent problem, with supporting your own brand pushing forward, other monetary things get put on the back burner”.

“Mental health in music is important, really... there is a lot of help out there, but the conversation starts with ourselves, that’s why I talk about it in my music”.

He elucidates his music as emotional, personal, defiant.

With that being said, I wanted to see it for myself. Figure.09

invited me down to a little show that was taking place a couple miles out of town.

Personally, I am always excited to see/hear local talent; I concurred and attended the show in question.

Not really knowing what to expect, me and my pal (shouts to P) walked into a small boozer (pub for anyone outside the UK).

Around the back of the bar lay a small function room with various instruments on stage accompanied by a DJ, the clock struck 9 and out came Figure.09 (no pun intended).

Out of all the things he mentioned about his music, he missed out energetic! Always unfixed, always engaging, always clear and precise.

A healthy following all nodded and danced, allowing themselves to be consumed by Figure.09’s music.

His energy was explosive on stage. It’s very transparent,

above anything, that Figure.09 really, really enjoys performing.

Every song administered a positive crown reaction, AND people knew every word, at the end of his performance, Figure.09 was cradled by praise from an abundance of audience, some friends, some strangers, but in that moment, sharing a common synergy, cherishing what Figure.09 had to say.

Personally, I think Figure.09 touches upon, what some may consider, taboo subjects.

Deep, meaningful stories, and heart-warming experiences he or others close to him have experienced over the years.

A truly unique artist, who deserves the attention of anyone that treasures good music for what is is.

His modern views on the world are engaging and interesting, with this type of quality content, Figure.09 is definitely a rising star in this corner of the UK. I had real trouble writing this

article, it was such an engaging interview. Figure.09 has such a lot to say, I’d end up writing for hours.

The best thing, in my opinion is to go check out one of his shows, a sure-fire way of encountering his vibe, but more importantly, his message, of which their are many.

Anything else you’d like to add?

“Take every opportunity, thank you for having me, Birmingham is POPPING, download my album”.

Twitter: Figure09x Instagram: figure.09x Side note: If you do find you’re struggling with life, people, your job, the weather, anything, talk to somebody, you can reach me on my twitter handle below if you need a chat, you can talk about anything if it helps, remember, you are amazing.

Twitter: @_AlienMuzik

s w e i terv

In

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LDIF20 to mark 10 Years, 10 Countries, 10 Voices

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eicester’s annual dance festival celebrates its tenth anniversary in this year with a thrilling programme of dance and performance from the UK, USA, Norway, Cuba, Martinique, Tanzania, Italy and more.

Let’s Dance International Frontiers 2020 (LDIF20) is produced by Serendipity, the diversity-led arts producing organisation based in Leicester and run by its award-winning CEO and Artistic Director Pawlet Brookes.

This year the organisation celebrates 10 years of curating and producing LDIF. Pawlet says: “The tenth anniversary of LDIF20 is going to be very special.

I’m thrilled that we’re celebrating ten years of bringing dance from around the world to audiences in the

city and beyond, and that we have, over those ten years, supported and developed work by a huge number of talented young artists.

“The legacy of the festival means we have also scored a number of firsts: ballet company PHILADANCO made their UK debut in 2017 at LDIF; the Deaf Dance pioneer Antoine Hunter made his debut at LDIF and many award-winning artists who will be with us this year including Kyle Abraham, Reggie Wilson, Alice Sheppard, Thomas Prestø, showcase world class, culturally diverse dance.

“During LDIF20, we will revisit some of the highlights from past festivals. We are delighted to be welcoming back Kyle Abraham with a new solo work Cocoon, in his only UK performance, and PHILADANCO with an exciting mixed-bill of work.

I’m particularly proud this

year of the new work we’ll be presenting in our two development programmes”.

Annabel Guérédrat and Henri Tauliaut are presenting a site specific work inspired

by Marcel Duchamp's Nude Descending the Staircase at New Walk Museum's spiral staircase. And the conference will be a vital ticket for anyone interested in how performance art is presented globally.

“At Serendipity we are enormously proud of what we’ve achieved with LDIF in bringing global dance to audiences in Leicester and showing that dance really is a universal language where everyone is welcome.”

This year’s theme is: 10 Years, 10 Countries, 10 Voices: Black Classics.

The keynote speakers at the annual conference are Eduardo Vilaro, choreographer, educator, and artistic

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director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico in New York City and the award-winning dancer/choreographer and Professor and Graduate Director Cynthia Oliver at the University of Illinois.

Featured speakers include Thomas Prestø, Artistic Director of Tabanka Dance Ensemble in Norway whose masterclass was a huge hit at last year’s LDIF, the USbased, British-born disabled dancer/choreographer Alice Sheppard and the dancer/ choreographer/writer/curator Makeda Thomas who splits her time between Trinidad and New York.

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Drake shares photos of his 'secret' son

C

anadian rapper Drake has kept matters about his son very private until about 2 years ago.

But the “God’s Plan” star later confirmed he has a son that he has kept from the media, however, until very recently nobody has seen the boy though his mum has been identified as Sophie Brussaux, a 30-year-old retired actor who is now into arts.

Out of the blue, Drake decided to show off his son, named

Adonis Graham, to the world. The rapper’s post came with a touching point about missing his family and friends as the coronavirus lockdown restrictions continue to affect millions across the globe.

‘What is most important for you right now is to connect to your own inner light," he captioned a series of pictures of his loved ones, including the curly-haired toddler, with his mum and Dad’.

He continued that ‘This will create the biggest opening of all. Trust that

you have all of the power within to make this happen, and in order to do that connect to the people and things that bring you a lot of joy.

“When the mind starts to move into overthinking or fear, shift your attention right away to something bright. It doesn’t matter what has happened in the past or what is happening around us now, you can always make the choice to break free of the wheel of suffering and panic and open up to your own light.

‘We are powerful manifestos, so once you make the choice in the moment to shift your awareness to something good; it will show you in your reality. Be conscious, especially right now of fears coming in from others, and recognize that not everything should be held by you.

‘Laughter is your best medicine, but tears can also be a powerful release. Let go of any judgment you may have around that. Remember that you are never alone, and if you need to be reminded of that ask for support and it will show up. Everything comes down to intention, and even though there are conflicting energies circling around us you must KNOW...It will rebuild.

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N

ot one for the easily offended, due to its use of strong language and relatively dark themes, not forgetting that it was written by the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, The Book of Mormon has nevertheless managed to take the world by storm.

From its first show on Broadway in 2011, the show has received nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.

Telling the story of Mormons, (Or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints as they’re also known), the show sees the two main characters, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, who couldn’t be further from each other in every way, journey to Uganda to undertake their mission.

From the opening number “Hello!” which is now a worldwide hit in its own right, it’s clear what kind of a show you’re in for, brought to life by an incredibly talented cast.

With the constant ringing bells and many plays on the words used coupled with cheesey smiles and intense stares, (“Or you will burn in Heeeeeeellllllll-oooo!” being a firm favourite) you’re catapulted into their world.

Superb choreography, imaginative names, especially when it comes to a certain General, leads to a very

entertaining show.

Robert Colvin as Elder Price, and Connor Peirson as the bumbling Elder Cunningham make the perfect duo, matching each other in their differences, and producing well rounded performances that really make you root for the duo.

‘I Believe’ and ‘You and Me (But Mostly Me)’ allow Colvin to Shine as the narcissistic, self centred Elder Price, while ‘Man Up’ and ‘Baptize Me’ were perfectly executed by Peirson.

The audience found itself laughing at topics that are taboo, and taking a look at their own beliefs and prejudices too, especially with Hasa Diga Eebowai and All American Prophet.

Taking inspiration from the Lion King, South Park (obviously) and many more, there are some references that date the production, but many that are still 100% viable today.

The Book of Mormon is hilariously inappropriate and definitely NOT Politically Correct, but is a show that you absolutely cannot miss.

The press night viewing ended in a standing ovation and rapturous applause for an amazing show.

With the current situation, the tour has been suspended for the forseeable future, but once it is back on the road it is one that if you haven’t seen it, you need to, and if you have, you’ll want to see it again!

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Box-sets a good idea to get through self-isolation

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rom drama to comedy, old favourites to upcoming shows, boxsets can be a great idea to binge on through coronavirus social distancing.

As the virus spreads, social distancing and self-isolation have left millions with more time than we might usually spend dedicating to box-sets, films and podcasts.

There's a whole load to choose from to while the weeks (and months) ahead.

For instance, you can revisit all

of Star Wars, back-to-back James Bond, or even Fast & Furious 1 to whatever.

For die-hard ‘Game of Thrones’ fan, now is the time to do it all again from the beginning. If you've never seen, you're in for a dragon and bloody battle-filled treat either that, or you're really going to wonder what the fuss was all about.

One of the biggest shows of recent years, the upcoming third season of the dark comic thriller ‘Killing Eve’ is one of the most anticipated programmes of 2020.

There are also shows like ‘Save Me Too’, ‘The Nest’, ‘Love is Blind’, ‘Better Call Saul’ (plus Breaking Bad/ El Camino), Star Wars spin-off ‘The Mandalorian’, or comedy classic ‘Alan Partridge’ and the equally-funny ‘Fleabag’ to keep you and yours occupied during these testing times.

The choice is ‘endless’ so, you can make best these testing times by ‘bingeing’non some of your alltime favourites.

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Meet Ozzy & Ola – The UK’s first and only sea otters

T

he UK’s first and only pair of Sea Otters, Ozzy and Ola, were officially introduced as new residents at the National SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham as part of a global education and conservation programme with SEA LIFE Trust.

The Sea Otters, who are a rescued male and female pairing, arrived in to the country following an incredible 5,000 mile journey from their former holding in Seward, Alaska and have been settling in to their new,

state-of-the-art and purpose built Marine Mammal Rescue Facility in Birmingham. Their residency is one of just three in the whole of Europe and of 17 collectives globally.

Ozzy – or Mr Bishop as he’s become lovingly known – was rescued when he was just two months old from Bishops Beach, Alaska.

Weighing 6.3kgs (13.9 pounds) meant he was underweight, dehydrated and suffering with coat issues, all of which were contributing factors to a later seizure.

Now at 2 years old and following his rehabilitation, his inquisitive and somewhat mischievous nature is settling well in to his forever home in Birmingham. He is laid back and loves a good nap.

Ola – also affectionately known as Ms Ranney – was less than a week old when she was rescued back in June 2018 and weighed just 1.86kgs (4 pounds).

Found by fishermen near Ranney Glacier face down in the water, she was suffering with mild dehydration and a matted fur coat upon admission to the Alaskan Rescue Center.

Ola, whilst a little smaller in size to Ozzy, is now your typical oneand-a-half year old; very active and in to everything – frisbee being her

favourite toy.

Jonny Rudd, Curator at the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham said: “Ozzy and Ola’s residency is a landmark moment for the country and gives us a sense of connection to nature and wildlife from across the globe, highlighting the unconscious impact we’re having so we can start to make small differences.”

Once on the verge of extinction after being hunted for their thick, rich pelt in the 1800s, Sea Otters remain a seriously threatened species being IUCN listed as endangered in some regions and now have a vital role to play in a ground-breaking marine education programme around the globe.

Stars reading bedtime stories to comfort children during COVID-19 epidemic

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ith schools and nurseries around the world shut down due to coronavirus, stars of stage and screen are doing their bit to help children in need.

In Hollywood Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams have created ‘Save With Stories’, a charity that not only entertains kids by reading them books, but also raises money to make sure vulnerable children are getting enough food while they're out of school due to the crises caused by coronavirus.

In partnership with No Kid Hungry, they haveve gathered together a whole host of celebrities to tell stories on Facebook and Instagram.

Lupita Nyong'o, star of Steve McQueen's historical drama ‘12 Years a Slave’, for which she received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress - the first Kenyan actress to do so, reads ‘Not Quite Narwhal’ by Jessie Sima.

Starting off by singing "Hello young world", she tells the tale of a little narwhal called Kelp who is different from all the rest.

Oscar-nominated actor, Jake Gyllenhaal, best known for his work in films like 'Donnie Darko,' 'Brokeback Mountain,' 'Prisoners' and 'Nightcrawler’, reads ‘Where Do Balloons Go?’ - an "uplifting mystery"

by Jamie Lee Curtis.

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Comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer, Ellen DeGeneres reads her own book ‘Ellen DeGeneres’ telling children: "Its never too early to learn about design".

The book tells the story of some of her homes and what she learnt from each of them.

Other stars of stage and screen telling their own bedtime stories include; Jeff Bridges, Jennifer (Garner) and Amy (Adams) themselves, Chris Evans, who give us a Marvel-worthy performance of ‘If You Give A Dog A Donut’ by Laura Numeroff – which is illustrated by Felicia Bond – and Jeff Goldblum, star of some of the highest-grossing films of his era, such as ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Independence Day’, as well as their respective sequels, ‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park’ and ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ and ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’, who takes to a tree house to "rediscover" a book his mother read to him as a kid, ‘Horton Hears A Who’

by Dr Seuss.

He finishes on a Dr Seuss-esque rhyme: "I wish you all well, and I hope that we all, "Do whatever we can, no matter how small, "Signing off, I love you all".

So, as schools and nurseries around the world shut down due to coronavirus, Hollywood is doing their bit to help children in need.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2020 - Page 27

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ENTERTAINMENT

Kumar ALDI Easter BUNNY Akshay Urges People Clean BREAD ROLLS RECIPE toandStay Stay Clear

If you’re stuck for something to do with your children this Easter, then try this wonderful recipe for Bunny Bread Rolls from Aldi!

Prep Time

20 minutes + rising time

Cook Time:

Stars Peng Xiaoran and Elvis Han Pair up for new romantic drama Star of ‘Goodbye My Princess’, Peng Xiaoran and Elvis Han are paired up for the new upcoming modern romance drama ‘My Talent Neighbour’.

The story follows headhunter Shen Nuo (Peng Xiaoran) and the talented engineer Chen Nuo (Elvis Han) who joins hands to work together to design the finest artificial intelligence technology.

A press conference was held back in December 2019 to officially introduce ‘My Talent Neighbor’ and its cast. Besides our leads Peng Xiaoran and Elvis Han, the supporting cast includes Maggie Chen, Li Na Wen Tenzin Jigme, Xie

Jun Hao, Zhang Wei Wei and Showna Xie. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, filming was temporarily halted before it resumed again recently. The drama is currently in production in Qingdao and is set to wrap up filming soon.

‘My Talent Neighbor’ also released a new teaser showcasing the sweet and romantic moments between Peng Xiaoran and Elvis Han’s characters.

The two show fantastic chemistry together, creating high anticipation and excitement for Chinese drama fans.

20 minutes Vegetarian: Yes

Ingredients (Makes 6)

120ml Double Cream 130ml Whole Milk 60g Caster Sugar 7g Yeast 320g Plain Flour ½ tsp Salt

Extras

1 x beaten egg for egg wash Extra flour for rolling 30g Dark Chocolate (melted) Piping Bag

Method

1. Add the cream, milk and sugar into a small saucepan and simmer until the sugar has melted.

2. Remove the pan from the heat and ensure that the milk is warm and not hot then add in the yeast.

3. Leave for a couple of minutes until the liquid has bubbled

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4.

5.

6.

7.

slightly (this shows the yeast is alive).

Place the flour and salt in a large bowl and then add in the milk mixture and knead for 5-10 minutes until a ball has formed.

Leave in a bowl for 1-2 hours for the dough to doubled in size.

Knock the air out of the dough and knead for a couple of minutes until the dough is smooth.

Cut into 8 pieces and roll 6 of them into balls and place on a greaseproof paper lined baking tray.

8. Cut the 2 remaining pieces into 6 (12 total) and then shape them into bunny ears and add to the dough balls.

9. Leave to rise, covered with greased cling film, for another half an hour until doubled in size.

10. Pre-heat oven to 190C/170Fan/GM 5.

11. Brush with the beaten egg and then bake for about 20 minutes until golden and hollow sounding when tapped on the base.

12. Leave to cool and then pipe eyes and whiskers with the melted dark chocolate.

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar urged people to maintain proper levels of hygiene amongst the latest coronavirus scare which has spread across the globe.

He was quoted as saying; ‘There will be some effect but how much that is difficult to say. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said people shouldn’t go to crowded places and safety measures should be taken. It all boils down to maintaining proper hygiene.

One has to be very careful. We all have come down to the basic way of greeting people, which is ‘Namaste’.’

The novel virus which originated from China in December last year has spread across the globe and claimed over 3,000 lives. Celebrities and politicians have been urging people across social media to maintain proper levels of hygiene and avoid mass gatherings.

Akshay has three exciting films lined up for 2020. The actor will be seen next in Rohit Shetty’s cop universe saga Sooryavanshi, followed by horror-comedy Laxmmi Bomb and he will be ending the year with historical drama Prithviraj based on the heroic Prithviraj Chauhan.

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Page 28 - The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2020

ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS

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V

Electric Power: The New e-BULLI

olkswagen Commercial Ve h i c l e s (VWCV) is presenting for the first time the e-BULLI, an all-electric vehicle that produces zero emissions on the road.

Equipped with the drive system components of the latest Volkswagen electric vehicles, the concept vehicle is based on a T1 Samba Bus produced in 1966 and comprehensively restored.

The stage for the world premiere was to have been Techno Classica 2020.

As it has been postponed, VWCV is now presenting it virtually.

An important message

for all fans of the Bulli and of electric mobility: the combination of highend classic and high-tech electric vehicle will be available to buy for real.

VWCV partner eClassics is planning to offer T1 conversions and T1 complete vehicles in the style of the new e-BULLI. It started with the seemingly audacious idea of switching an historic Bulli over to a drive system producing zero emissions on the road in order to bring it in line with the challenges of a new era.

To this end VWCV engineers and designers formed a team along with drive system experts

from Volkswagen Group Components and the eClassics company, which specialises in electric car conversions.

As the basis for the future e-BULLI the team chose a T1 Samba Bus produced in Hannover in 1966, which prior to its conversion spent half a century on the roads of California.

One thing was certain from the start: the e-BULLI was to be a T1 that utilises the Volkswagen Group's latest electric drive system components.

This plan has now been realised with the e-BULLI. The vehicle serves as an example of the great potential that this concept offers.

Green Light For Glyn Hopkin’s Three New Mg Sites

M

G Motor UK has cemented its relationship with highly respected dealer group, Glyn Hopkin, opening three brand-new MG sites in Cambridge, Milton Keynes and St Albans.

The trio of dealerships, which adds to the group’s existing Glyn Hopkin East London MG franchise in Ilford, reinforce the

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marque’s sustained expansion as part of its Momentum and Growth mid-term plan.

Featuring bright and spacious showrooms, each site also includes vehicle aftersales and maintenance facilities, with technicians fully trained to work on MG’s model line-up.

Shab Chowdrey, Sales Director at Glyn Hopkin, said: “MG has solidified its position as the

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fastest growing car manufacturer in the UK and has become widely admired among those in the industry.

The outstanding MG range offers value-for-money motoring without compromising on quality or equipment.

We’re delighted to be playing our part in MG’s growth, with our portfolio of four MG dealerships and we look forward to welcoming customers to discover the MG brand in Milton Keynes, Cambridge and St Albans.”

The new Glyn Hopkin sites will benefit from the group’s innovative ‘Buy Online’ service, which allows customers to browse the dealership’s full inventory at home or on the move.

Buyers can reserve their perfect MG from their phone, tablet or computer, providing greater flexibility to fit in with busy lifestyles.

David Allington, Network Development Manager at MG Motor UK, said: “The addition of these three Glyn Hopkin dealerships is a significant step forward towards our goal of reaching 120 dealerships by 2020.”

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2020 - Page 29

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Womac Donates £15,000 To Dimbleby Cancer Care W

omen on the Move Against Cancer ( W O M A C ) announced the donation of its £15,000 pledge towards this year’s chosen charity, Dimbleby Cancer Care.

This also marked over £1 million donated to more than 50 worthwhile causes since WOMAC was established in 1979.

Friends and supporters came together in February 2020 at Freemasons’ Hall, London to help raise cancer awareness at WOMAC’s annual fundraising party, where the popular raffle and tombola returned with nearly 600 prizes.

It’s thanks to the many kind and generous donations from guests and corporate sponsors, including Kia Motors (UK), SMMT, Volkswagen Group UK, Bentley Motors, BMW Group UK, Vauxhall Motors and Jaguar Land Rover, that WOMAC

has been able to donate these vital funds towards Dimbleby Cancer Care’s mission to help make life better for people facing cancer in the UK today.

WOMAC is also grateful for practical support from Imprimatur, Mark Oliver Design, Newspress, Alister Thorpe, Beyond Content and Sims Images.

Speaking at this year’s fundraising party, WOMAC Chair Georgia Fox said: “In WOMAC’s 41st anniversary, we are proud to have donated over £1 million to more than 50 cancer related projects.

“We couldn’t have achieved this without our supporters’ generosity and willingness to make a difference to people’s lives during a time when they need support the most.

“The £15,000 raised to help patients at Dimbleby Cancer Care will make a huge difference not only to cancer sufferers but to their

MOTORS

families as well.”

Dr Sue Smith and Dr Caroline Johnson from Dimbleby Cancer Care shared: “We are very grateful for the donation, which will really make a difference for patients. Thanks to WOMAC and its supporters, we will fund: • a workshop for children and parents who have cancer • a year’s supply of pillows that are given to patients in patient wards by our complimentary therapy team to help make their time in hospital a little bit more bearable • video equipment for training and clinical purposes • toys and books for parents and children • Anna Bandanna Headscarves & ‘Beautiful you’ programmes • white noise machines Sue Baker, who was affected by cancer shared: “To anyone who has cancer, and one in two people do get cancer, what you want most of all in addition to brilliant NHS medical care is some help, some support and encouragement, from people who understand what you are going through.

“At Dimbleby Cancer Care there were people who were empathetic, fully understood the physical and emotional impact, and embraced the whole family. They made a huge difference to helping my recovery.”

Gem Says ‘Thank You’ To The Emergency Services And Delivery Drivers Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is extending a massive ‘thank you’ to the emergency services, truckers, hauliers and delivery drivers who have continued to provide a fantastic service throughout the duration of the coronavirus crisis.

GEM acknowledges the tireless work done by drivers in the frontline of responding to emergencies, maintaining

food and other supplies during a period of unprecedented confusion and disruption.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said: “We encourage anyone who may be using the roads in the coming days and weeks to be as courteous and considerate as possible to these drivers, and also to make safety a number one priority.

“Most if not all will face considerable demands during their working time. We can

help with small acts of courtesy such as giving way, creating extra space, holding back and saying ‘thank you’ – all of which can reduce stress on journeys and contribute to a safer road environment.

“It’s vital that we all show tolerance and patience – particularly for those we currently rely on more than ever.”

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Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com book including mine. I felt so humbled.”

Yvonne Tells The Story Of The Sweetest Sound

F

rom the age of 3 years old, Yvonne Brissett was encourage by her father to read and write, before she even went to school, and it was that start in life that gave her the passion for stories, books and storytelling that she has had to this day.

Born and raised in Gloucester, she is the youngest of 7 children, with 3 brothers and 3 sisters, whose parents came over from Jamaica in the 60’s to make a better life for their family.

“I was always encouraged to be creative, make things or go outside and play,” reminisces Yvonne with a glint in her eye, “and by the age of about 7 or 8 I used to go to the library with my sister after school

every day, so I was reading a wide range of books from an early age.”

It was around this time that she also started to write her own stories, and by the age of 10 she turned her hand to poetry, entering and winning a competition in a magazine, which really inspired her, but story writing was always her first love.

“I’ve been inspired by a lot of children’s authors like Roald Dahl, reading James and the Giant Peach, and Charlie and Chocolate Factory. They excited me, everything was so vivid, you could almost taste the peach,” she beamed.

“As I’ve grown older I love the tales of the unexpected, twisting the story, but around 12 or 13 I was

From Page To Screen

reading Jackie Collins, another of my inspirations. I remember at the time people were like ‘Why are you reading this? It’s just sex!’ but what she did was create interesting characters and got into their lives!”

Exploration

It wasn’t until Yvonne was in her 20’s that she started to explore black literature, with the autobiography of Malcolm X, as well as the biographies of Tony Morrison and Richard Wright, who wrote Native Sun, highly acclaimed authors in their own right and one of her favourites of all time.

It was this investigative streak, coupled with her love for writing, storytelling and culture that led

her to go into Journalism.

“I left school, went through local radio station ‘Seven Sound’, which taught me my radio skills, then went onto BBC Gloucester, but I soon realised I was only going to get so far without a formal education in Journalism.

“I completed a City and Guilds in Journalism in Bristol, then got into the University of Birmingham where I did a degree in Media Culture and Society.”

After her degree she worked on a few magazines as a writer before getting onto a trainee journalism course at the BBC in Bristol, where she worked before moving to the BBC in Manchester, and then in Birmingham.

In 2001, publishing company Tindle Street Press were looking for writers for an Anthology of short stories put together from works of Black and Asian writers in Birmingham and the West Midlands, where Yvonne ended up becoming the co-editor.

‘Whispers In The Walls’ went on to win a regional Diversity Award, and included Yvonne’s story ‘The Darkest Hour’ which was about a girl who thought her boyfriend was cheating on her and what she did about it.

“Mum would always say “the hour before daybreak is the darkest hour” where people either panic and stay in the dark or see daybreak. Radio 4 heard about it, and bought 3 stories from the

“The story went out on the radio, and I had people ask if I’d thought of turning it into a film, so I entered it into a Channel 4 Ideas Factory Film competition and it was shortlisted but I didn’t win.

“I managed to get Arts Funding from Birmingham City Council, and made it into a short film with local actors around the Midlands.”

Yvonne won a Creative Ambition Award from Arts Council England, which enabled her to go to New York to the Harlem International Book Fair.

“While I was there I met loads of African American publishers and writers, no one believed I was English, they thought I was faking the accent!

“They hadn’t heard about any young black people in England, no stories or books about what we were doing.”

Her first novel, The Sweetest Sound is the product of 18 years of work, passion and love.

“I wanted to explore relationships and modern dating, as well as our value systems and how we engage with each other.

The main character is a bit of a gold digger, very much me me me, and rather scandalous.

“She works in urban struggling TV station, is passionate about music and asks the question ‘can you tell a mans preference in women by the music he listens to?’ where they are creating a reality dating gameshow, matching relationships with music. She’s looking for love in all the wrong places.”

In 2010/2011 Yvonne tried to get an agent after bringing a dated ‘The Sweetest Sound’ back to reality (think listening to music on

walkmans!) but was unsuccessful.

Finally in 2013 she found Hansib Limited Publications who specialise in multicultural writers who loved the story.

Culmination

6 years later after a number of rewrites it was finally published on September 12th 2019 with a book launch at Waterstones in

Birmingham City Centre.

“It was so exciting to pick up that first copy that was all mine and created from scratch. I was so thankful and blessed that I was able to achieve that goal. What is even more exciting is that a filmmaker in London heard about it and after I sent him a copy, wants to make it into a film!”

Yvonne is already 3 chapters deep into the sequel, and also has a couple of other books in the pipeline that she has already started. “I never start with a storyline or plot. I always start with a character and an idea, a premise. I think about the themes, topics I want to explore and then tend to make the story up as I go along.”

Appreciation

Through all of her successes, she doesn’t forget how she got to where she is. “First and foremost I give God thanks for blessing me with this beautiful achievement.

And so much love goes out to my parents. They are my main inspiration, my heroes - they are royalty.

“I have received so much support from family, friends, colleagues, readers, Arts Council England & many others. I’m so grateful for all of this and just want to say thank you to everyone.

“I really appreciate it. As the old African proverb says, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. I’m a true believer of this. We need to keep rising and uplifting each other.”

There is a rich history, culture & experience owned by second, third and fourth generation black Britons. Yvonne feels that it is so important to write these stories down.

“I feel that’s a key way this generation can preserve part of the rich culture and history of our parents and ancestors, the African-Caribbean’s who left their beautiful homelands and sacrificed a lot, in order to create better opportunities for their children “Whether it’s through autobiographies, biographies, novels, poetry, or any other format the messages are, ‘we are here.’ ‘we are contributing.’ ‘we are important.’ ‘we have a story to tell’ ‘we are blessed and powerful.’”

If, like Yvonne, you’ve got a burning desire to write, whether it’s popular fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, horror or something else entirely, Yvonne has a few words of wisdom.

“If you’re passionate about writing then go for it. I write because I love it.

One of my biggest buzzes is filling a blank page with words.

“Some of the greatest authors in history didn’t follow all these ‘rules and regulations’ they just wrote because they enjoyed it. Tell the stories that you want to tell, be honest with it and yourself.”

You can contact Yvonne through her Twitter page @yvonne_brissett.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

@PhoenixNewsUK

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2020 - Page 31

BIG DAVE’S SAFE PAGE

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Power Up Your Body Like A Rocket Ship With Rocket Fuel!

T

oday I want to tell you about my passions and what drives me forward. One of these is to deliver my early intervention and youth action plan that I have developed for children and young people.

The other passions of mine is exercise and nutrition, alongside physical training and how it can benefit your life in so many positive ways. Please see the Big Dave 20 Point Plan.

As a world strength athlete my discipline is weight training. I have been involved in many

sports over the years including football, boxing, wrestling, martial arts, but the one discipline that really drew me in was ‘Pumping Iron’, ‘Weight Training’, ‘Body Building’, ‘Power Lifting’ call it what you want, but it is all about dumbells and barbells at the end of the day.

My shop floor is also full of exercise machines that are there to do only one job and that is to shape and develop our bodies.

But it is also not just about the gym equipment, it is also about nutrition and the right mindset

working together.

When I enter the gym or as I call it the ‘Battlefield’ because when I start training I go to war with my body and on my mind.

In fact I train at such an intensity that not many people could match.

I have always said that the training is 20%, eating and good nutrition is the remaining 80% =100% of what I put into my workout each day.

The right combination of food intake and training gives you power, strength, endurance and energy. This will help you

to deliver your energy levels, vitality, fitness and strength. But also helps to boost your immune system.

All power comes from the mind and a ‘Never Say Can’t attitude ( If it is thinkable it is doable). As I have proved with gaining my 26 world strength records.

You could not put 4 star petrol in a Saturn space rocket and expect it to get to the moon, it just would not work.

Like the rocket fuel, what you put inside your body will either aid or hinder your ability to

reach your maximum potential.

My potential was achieved by intense training and Big Dave’s Elixir Power Drink.

This consists of 6 bananas, 6 raw eggs, 1 pint of raw oats, 2 big tablespoons full of cocoa powder and half a pint of milk.

All of this is blended together to

A

s we are in this coronavirus battle together my thoughts and prayers are with you all and some of you will no doubt be self isolating.

You will no doubt be finding it difficult to get to your gym and or exercise groups. So I would like to offer a few simple exercises you can do at home by yourself called Big Dave’s EX FACS (Exercise For A Confined Space).

I designed this exercise program for people who wish to exercise with no equipment in a

form Big Dave’s Elixir Power Drink. I have consumed this drink once a day, seven days a week.

Like a rocket all the components have to work together and this has been my rocket fuel ignited by the power of my mind.

confined space i.e. their bedroom, cabin, cell, caravan, cave , tent or even the small room.

These exercises are easy to follow and can be found on my website www.strengthofbirmingham. co.uk under the EX-FACS tab.

I have found that by following these exercises it has allowed me to burn off excess energy and coupled with a positive mind set it has helped me to think more clearly. This will help you if you find yourself in a difficult place and going a little stir crazy.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

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TV Costume Designers to make Scrubs for Staff Fighting Covid-19 Crisis

T Contagion stars share advice on COVID-19 The stars of the blockbusting film ‘Contagion’ have released public service announcements urging the general public to social distance and always wash their hands.

Hollywood legends, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Kate Winslet and Jennifer Ehle, filmed themselves giving their COVID-19 protection tips.

“Please wash your hands like your life depends on it”, Berkshire-born Kate said.

The videos were created in collaboration with academics at Columbia University, in New York, in the US.

he team who created the costumes or television series ‘His Dark Materials’, have switched to sewing scrubs for medical staff working in the fight against COVID-19.

The Philip Pullman adaptation’s costume crew set up ‘Helping Dress Medics’ and have now attracted help from designers to make scrubs for medics throughout the UK. The author himself said he is “delighted that it is happening”.

One Costume Designer, Caroline McCall, said support for the initiative had been extraordinary.

She said: “We were aware of the many and varied talents within the film and TV industry that would not be in use at present.

“When we realised that there was a lack of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) – specifically scrubs - ‘His Dark Materials’ Costume Supervisor, Dulcie Scott, contacted health professionals to find out if and how we can help.

“That”, she said, “was the very least we could do”.

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