Category / Entertainment

PRINCESS Margaret was destined to live in the shadow of her older sister, the Queen, and would go on to lead a life dependent on the shackles she so deeply begrudged bound by archaic constitutional constraints.
by Crimson Tazvinzwa

Princess Diana, Princess Margaret and President Trump played in Urban Myths Season 3

Princess Margaret and Diana and Donald Trump feature in Urban Myths Season 3
Urban Myths returns to Sky Arts this April, and it’ll be shining a light on yet more unlikely and unusual tall tales from the past – including everyone from Princess Margaret and Diana to Donald Trump.

Urban Myths returns to Sky Arts this April, and it’ll be shining a light on yet more unlikely and unusual tall tales from the past – including everyone from Princess Margaret and Diana to Donald Trump – AIWA! NO!

Urban Myths returns to Sky Arts this April, and it’ll be shining a light on yet more unlikely and unusual tall tales from the past – including everyone from Princess Margaret and Diana to Donald Trump.
Image result for Princess Diana, Princess Margaret and President Trump
Digital SpyDonald Trump, Princess Diana and Freddie Mercury will all feature in series 3 of Sky’s wild Urban Myths

Season 3 of Emmy-nominated comedy was announced last year, with Stephen Mangan confirmed to star as Charles Dickens in the story of how his ‘friend’ Hans Christian Andersen came to visit for a prolonged stay. Now, Sky has unveiled the remaining stories for the upcoming season , including the unlikely decades-long friendship between Princess Margaret and Mick Jagger, the bizarre night out shared between Freddie Mercury and Princess Diana, the day a burglar stumbled upon Grace Jones and artist Jean-Paul Goude’s New York apartment, Madonna’s short but passionate and influential relationship with Jean Michel Basquiat, the infamous trial of Joan Collins vs. Random House, how Paul McCartney was inspired to write Yesterday, and how Andy Warhol came to judge a cheerleading competition for Donald Trump.

Image result for Princess Diana, Princess Margaret and President Trump
The Daily BeastPhoto Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast. Donald Trump’s ..

Each of the eight episodes puts its own spin on extraordinary events, taken with more than a pinch of salt, and are performed by a selection of great actors, including Mat Baynton, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Hugh Dennis, Kelly MacDonald, Stephen Mangan, Jack McBrayer, Gloria Onitiri and David Walliams.

Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts, says: “You might regard our Urban Myths series as a bit of ‘Fake History’ but as all history is totally made up anyway we should regard these eight perfectly formed comedies as films of historical record, sort of. This series is one of the jewels in the crown of Sky Arts and with totally true (ish) tales from everyone from McCartney and Madonna to Dickens and Trump – our loyal band of discerning viewers are in for a treat.”

The series will premiere on 10th April on Sky Arts, but will also be released as a box set to stream on-demand alongside the broadcast of its first episode. Here’s the rundown of the eight chapters:

Urban Myths: Princess Diana, Freddie Mercury and Kenny Everett

This story is a fictionalised account of an event that’s part of the folklore of the Vauxhall Tavern. It features a night that Freddie Mercury and Kenny Everett put a disguise on their good friend, Princess Diana, and took her out for a night on the town, ending up at a club which results in a fictionalised encounter with Gareth, a drag artist with a painful secret.

Starring Mathew Baynton (Kenny Everett), David Avery (Freddie Mercury), Richard Gadd (Gareth) and Sophie Rundle (Princess Diana). Written by Pete Jackson and directed by Sean Foley. Produced by Zoe Rocha at The Fyzz Facility.

Urban Myths: Donald Trump and Andy Warhol

In 1984, property magnate and entrepreneur Donald Trump bought an American footballteam. In an attempt to stir up some publicity, he held cheerleader auditions in the basement of Trump Tower with a panel of celebrity judges, including Andy Warhol. Though initially reluctant to take part, Warhol had some unfinished business with the tycoon, who had previously commissioned some artwork which he never paid for. So Warhol decided to use the opportunity to confront the future US president about the debt.

Starring Jack McBrayer (Andy Warhol), Anthony Atamanuik (Donald Trump), Natasia Demetriou (Agnieszka), Rich Hall (Jimmy Gould), Pearl Mackie (Kay), Paul Putner (Howard) and Mike Wozniak (Leroy Nieman). Written by Ben Boyer. Produced by Charlie Laurie and directed by Molly Manners. Clelia Mountford and Sharon Horgan are the Executive Producers for Merman.

Urban Myths: Charles Dickens and Hans Christian Anderson

Bleak House Guest tells the story of when Danish author and Dickens superfan Hans Christian Andersen turned up unexpectedly on Charles and Catherine Dickens’ doorstep, quickly proving himself to be the most impossible (and unshakeable) house-guest imaginable.

Starring Stephen Mangan as Charles Dickens, Ian Hart as Hans Christian Andersen and Monica Dolan as Charles Dickens’ long-suffering wife, Catherine. The episode is directed by Robert Delamere and is a collaboration between SLAM Films and the NFTS. Louise Delamere and Catherine Gosling Fuller are the Executive Producers. Bleak House Guest is written by NFTS Screenwriting MA alumna Jess Jackson and produced by Producing MA alumni Laura Jackson, Rob Darnell and James Jose Walker. The crew includes a substantial number of NFTS students and graduates in key creative roles including producer, screenwriter, cinematographer, designer, composer and sound designer.

Urban Myths: Joan Collins

This story revolves around the trial where Joan Collins went head-to-head with Random House in the mid-nineties. The author and actor was paid a large advance for her novel, which the publishers claimed was unpublishable, leading to one of the most extraordinary – and glamorous – trials of the decade.

Starring Victoria Hamilton (Joan Collins), David Walliams (Monty, Joan’s boyfriend), Mark Heap (Ken Burrows), Haydn Gwynne (Joni Evans) and Leo Wringer (judge). Written by David Walliams & Dawson Bros. Produced by King Bert Productions

Urban Myths: Grace Jones

This is the story of a burglar who stumbled into Grace Jones and artist Jean-Paul Goude’s New York apartment, armed with a very small gun. When he inadvertently chose to break into Grace and Jean-Paul’s home (with a little interruption from Debbie Harry and Andy Warhol), he ended up with more than he bargained, having to deal with these two flamboyant, volatile lovers. Veering from desperate and dangerous to awe-struck and bemused, this was an afternoon which none of the three were expecting, least of all the burglar.

Starring Gloria Onitiri (Grace Jones), Joshua McGuire (Jean Paul Goude), David Ajala (The Burglar), Emily Atack (Debbie Harry) and David Mills (Andy Warhol). Written by Grace Ofori-Attah. Produced by Tom Thostrup and Michael Livingstone at 2LE Media.

Urban Myths: Madonna and Basquait

Before she was famous, Madonna had a short but passionate and influential relationship with Jean Michel Basquiat, a pioneer and darling of the 1980s New York art scene. Basquiat was riding high while Madonna was a coat check girl, but she already had the self-belief to know she had something special. This myth takes place across one night on the New York subway, just before she infamously door-stepped music producer Seymour Stein at his hospital bedside where he signed her on the spot. This is a poignant moment, before Basquiat’s untimely death and just before Madonna broke through to “take over the motherfucking world”.

Starring Sophie Kennedy Clark (Madonna), Calvin Demba (Basquiat), Paul Kaye (Tramp) and David Bamber (Drunk). Written by Sarah Solemani. Directed by Adam Wimpenny and Sarah Solemani. Produced by Adam Morane-Griffiths & Joe Hill at Wildcard Films.

Urban Myths: Paul McCartney

Telling the incredible tale of how Paul McCartney dreamt the melody of ‘Yesterday’. With a dollop of creative licence from writer Simon Nye, this is a heartfelt comedy drama showing how one of the greatest songs of the 20th century came to be. A deeply affectionate look at one of the greatest musicians, and his partnership with John Lennon, examining the cracks that may have changed their musical partnership forever.

Starring Tom Connor (Paul McCartney), James Coward (John Lennon), Joran Scowen (Ringo Starr), Simon Goron (George Harrison), Rosie Day (Jane Asher) and Hugh Dennis (Richard Asher). Written by Simon Nye, produced by Spelthorne Community Television and directed by Simon Delaney.

Urban Myths: Mick Jagger and Princess Margaret

Examining the decades-long friendship between Mick Jagger and Princess Margaret, we find out that Tony Blair submitted Jagger’s name for the Queen’s Honours’ List annually, from 1997 to 2002. However, every year the Queen turned him down. This comic tale travels from London to the Caribbean and dives head-first into the worlds of rock and royalty to ponder exactly why that was.

Starring Jamie Campbell Bower (Mick Jagger), Kelly MacDonald (Princess Margaret). Written by Neil Forsyth. Directed by Ben Palmer. Produced by Jane Bell at Happy Tramp.

Sky teams up with NFTS for Urban Myths Season 3

31st December 2018

Sky Arts has greenlit Urban Myths for a third season.

The anthology series, which takes an offbeat look at real people through imagined scenarios, has seen such notable outings as Gemma Arterton playing Marilyn Monroe, Noel Clarke as Muhammad Ali, Anna Maxwell Martin as Agatha Christie, David Suchet as Salvador Dali and Noel Fielding as Alice Cooper.

Now, some equally creative decisions are taking place behind the camera. The next episode of the series will see students from the National Film and Television School (NFTS) take over the creative reigns. The NFTS have been commissioned to make Season 3’s opening chapter as part of the school’s Bridges to Industry scheme.

The instalment, titles Bleak House Guest, will star Stephen Mangan as Charles Dickens. It will join the already announced Mick and Margaret, which charts Princess Margaret’s 30-year friendship with Mick Jagger.

Morwenna Gordon, commissioning editor for Sky says: “We’re incredibly proud of Bleak House Guest and thoroughly enjoyed the process of working with SLAM and the NFTS on this project. With Stephen Mangan, Ian Hart and Monica Dolan in front of the camera, and a talented crew of NFTS alumni, It will make a world class addition to our next series of Urban Myths.”

Jon Wardle, NFTS director, adds: “We are extremely grateful to Sky Arts for giving our graduates and students this opportunity to create an episode for such a high-profile series. Our Bridges to Industry scheme is such an important aspect of what we do at NFTS, and we couldn’t give our students and graduates this career enhancing experience without the continued support of our industry champions like Sky.”

Bleak House Guest is written by NFTS Screenwriting MA alumna Jess Jackson and produced by Producing MA alumni Laura Jackson, Rob Darnell and James Jose Walker. The crew includes a substantial number of NFTS students and graduates in key creative roles including producer, screenwriter, cinematographer, designer, composer and sound designer. The episode is directed by Robert Delamere and made in collaboration with Slam Films. It stars Stephen Mangan as Charles Dickens, Ian Hart as Hans Christian Andersen and Monica Dolan as Charles Dickens’ long-suffering wife, Catherine. It will air in spring 2019.

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by Crimson Tazvinzwa

ZIMBABWE MUSIC LEGEND Oliver Mtukudzi laid to rest in his home village of Madziva Sunday

eNCA File: Oliver Mtukudzi during the 21st Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival at Sandton Convention

Zimbabwe granted Oliver Mtukudzi national hero status, granting him a status following his death that has been a preserve for ruling party elites and independence veterans.

SOURCE: EYEWITNESS NEWS

AIWA! NO!|The late Zimbabwean jazz legend Oliver Mtukudzi will be buried in his home village of Madziwa on Sunday.

Mtukudzi died of diabetes on Wednesday in Harare, Zimbabwe at the age of 66.

His body lay in state on Friday and early Saturday morning at the Mtukudzi homestead in Norton and was transported to the National Sports Stadium where a tribute concert is being held on Saturday afternoon.

Thereafter, the body will be transported to the One Commando barracks where army officials will transport it by air to Madziwa where it will lie in state until Sunday.

Zimbabwe granted Mtukudzi national hero status, granting him a status following his death that has been a preserve for ruling party elites and independence veterans.

National heroes are ordinarily buried at the National Heroes Acre, however, Mtukudzi’s family requested to honour his wishes of being buried at his place of birth.

The state has provided buses for members of the public from various areas across the country.

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ZimLive@zimlive

by Crimson Tazvinzwa

Golden Globes 2019: it’s Dick Cheney v Lady Gaga in a surreal title fight; Peter Bradshaw

Christian Bale as Dick Cheney, left, and Sam Rockwell as George W Bush in Vice. Photograph: Matt Kennedy/AP

Christian Bale as Dick Cheney, left, and Sam Rockwell as George W Bush in Vice. Photograph: Matt Kennedy/AP

Vice is a surprise frontrunner – perhaps due to liberal nostalgia for when Republicans were intelligible – while A Star Is Born squares up to it, a little over-solemnly, in the best drama category

|AIWA! NO!|While the critical consensus has been building around A Star Is Born, Roma and The Favourite, the Golden Globes nomination list has launched a surprise new frontrunner. Leading the field with six nods, including actor and director, is Adam McKay’s enjoyable, if flashily self-aware political comedy Vice, with its glowering portrayal of former vice-president, big oil nabob and war-on-terror enthusiast Dick Cheney, who the film shows effectively leading America throughout the presidency of George W Bush.

Christian Bale has put on considerable amounts of weight and latex for the role and the result is undoubtedly entertaining, although I wonder if the surge of enthusiasm for this movie represents a guilty rush of liberal nostalgia for the good old days when the Republican bad guys, however horrible, were smart and rational people who had the good taste to keep a relatively low profile, and you kind of knew where you stood with them. The movie actually finishes with a post-credits sting which makes the director’s attitude to the new Trumpian zeitgeist and its standard of political debate pretty clear. Amy Adams is also up for best supporting actress for her performance as Cheney’s formidable wife Lynne, and Sam Rockwell for his amiable, undemanding and more subtly latexed turn as Dubya himself.

A thing of joy … Olivia Colman as Queen Anne in The Favourite.
 A thing of joy … best actress nominee Olivia Colman as Queen Anne in The Favourite. Photograph: Allstar/FILM4

Behind the six nominations for Vice is four apiece for Yorgos Lanthimos’s exhilaratingly mad post-Restoration romp The Favourite with its outstanding performance from Olivia Colman; Peter Farrelly’s Green Book, starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen as a classical pianist and his driver; and Bradley Cooper’s brilliant and extravagant sugar-rush remake of A Star Is Born. Of these, the most prominent is obviously A Star Is Born, with its wonderful lead performance from Lady Gaga. Warner Bros has – perhaps a little over-solemnly – entered A Star Is Born in the Globes’ “drama” section rather than “musical or comedy”. Obviously, it isn’t funny and it is dramatic, but I would have liked to see this film honoured for its all-important musical content. Surely its song Shallow is going to walk off with best song, and as for the rest, who can tell? I love it, but A Star Is Born could yet find itself pipped at a number of posts, and in the best picture (drama) category, Barry Jenkins’s If Beale Street Could Talk might have the edge.

The Favourite is a jagged, sharp-clawed picture which has snagged the attention of everyone who has seen it, since it opened on the festival circuit at the end of the summer and praising it has become de rigueur among opinion-makers. It’s based on real-life figures from the English court – which could have been given a very square bonnets-and-ruffles period-drama treatment, but which Lanthimos’s unique style elevates to a quite different kind of absurdist spectacle. Olivia Colman’s Queen Anne is a thing of joy.

Green Book is based on a true story: the relationship between classical pianist Don Shirley (Ali) and his Italian-American driver and bodyguard Tony Vallelonga (Mortensen) in the 60s. It’s a heart-in-the-right-place movie which could find itself doing well, but I think it will be crowded out in the end.

Elsewhere, it is impossible not to see a couple of outrageous snubs. Ari Aster’s superlative scary movie Hereditary didn’t get into the best film (drama) category; well, all right, but surely Toni Collette deserved a shot at best actress for her superb performance? Well, at all events, it is great to see Glenn Close in that category for her subversively enigmatic literary spouse in The Wife. That surely has to be favourite. Also, it’s great that John C Reilly has been nominated for his (excellent) performance as Oliver Hardy in Jon S Baird’s Stan & Ollie – though not nominating Steve Coogan, who played Stan Laurel, is just silly.

On now to the subject of the film which most believe to be the very best of the year: Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma: this has screenplay, director and best foreign language film – although its status as a foreign-language film appears to have ruled it out of the best film categories. I think Cuarón deserves best director, although I wonder if he might get beaten out of the best foreign-language spot by the more obviously heart-tugging Capernaum, by Nadine Labaki, though I have to admit to not sharing the dewy-eyed praise for that film.

Screenplay, director and best foreign language film … Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma.
 Screenplay, director and best foreign language film … Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma. Photograph: AP

Elsewhere, Bohemian Rhapsody has done very well with a best actor (drama) nod for Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury and even a best drama nomination. Those are nominations which are interestingly in tune with a current of popular opinion which really likes this film, and which is impatient with critical voices who found it bland or straightwashed.

And ever since Ryan Coogler’s highly entertaining superhero movie Black Panther, the debate has been whether the awards establishment can find a way to honour its overwhelming success. The Globes, with their unstuffy tradition of recognising movies which are not solemn awards-bait, would be the place, but Black Panther has not in fact dominated the field.

Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman has been coolly picking up praise and enthusiasm since it emerged at Cannes back in May. Now its nominations include best director for Lee himself, best drama and best actor for John David Washington. I was agnostic about it, but this is a movie whose awards momentum could yet pick up.

For me, this years Globes “silly” vote goes to Mary Poppins Returns with a very respectable set of nods for best musical or comedy, actress (for Emily Blunt) and actor (Lin-Manuel Miranda). Hmmm. MPR isn’t bad, and it has some lovely showstoppers at the very beginning. But the confectionery really isn’t that nutritious or appetising by the end.

So a reasonable Globes list, with the surreal prospect of Dick Cheneysquaring off with Lady Gaga for the big prizes.

by Crimson Tazvinzwa

Lady Gaga – A Star Is Born

PHOTO: KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES
PHOTO: KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES

People Are Going Gaga Over Lady Gaga’s Historic Golden Globe Nominations, People Are Going Gaga Already

Photograph: Matt Sayles/AP

Photograph: Matt Sayles/AP

NATALIE MORIN , REFINERY29|AIWA! NO!|Given the frenzied excitement that erupted due to the release of A Star Is Born and the impassioned performance of its lead actress, Lady Gaga, it only makes sense that her Golden Globe nominations (Best Actress in a Film Drama and Best Original Song) caused an enormous outpour of congratulations online.

Warner Bros. Pictures; Showtime; BBC America; Fox Searchlight Pictures; Universal Pictures; Annapurna Pictures;

Warner Bros. Pictures; Showtime; BBC America; Fox Searchlight Pictures; Universal Pictures; Annapurna Pictures;

Besides the fact that Gaga is already a majorly successful and popular musician, as well outspoken defender of social justice, this award show news is significant because it’s (potentially) historic. While Gaga isn’t a first-time Golden Globe nominee, if she were to win for Best Actress, she will have been nominated in three distinct categories (movies, TV and song) and the first musician to win for acting in a dramatic film.

In 2012, the “Shallow” singer was nominated for “Hello, Hello,” a collaboration with Elton Johnmade for the film, Gnomeo and Juliet. In 2016, she snagged her first Golden Globe win in 2016 for her role in TV series American Horror Story. Several musicians have been lauded with acting nominations in the past, including Diana Ross (1972’s “Lady Sings the Blues”) and Cher (1985’s ‘Mask”) and a few have won in the Best Film Comedy/Musical Actress category, but it’s relatively harder for an artist to break out of the “musical” category and be taken “seriously” as a dramatic actor. This nomination is truly an acknowledgement of Gaga’s significant range as a performer.Many took to social media to express their support for the artist, with excitement ranging from “pretty gaga” to “full-on gaga”:

@TexasVegetarian

I don’t know if I’m just extra emotional today or what, but Lady Gaga’s Golden Globe nomination made me cry. I’m so fucking proud of her.84:56 PM – Dec 6, 2018 · Texas, USATwitter Ads info and privacySee ‘s other TweetsTwitter Ads info and privacy@TEXASVEGETARIAN

Alan Contreras @alancontreras

😘
💕

Sorry guys, I’ll try not to spam y’all with a bunch of @ladygaga + #AStarIsBorn Golden Globe nominations. But.. great talent needs to always get recognized. 103:12 PM – Dec 6, 2018Twitter Ads info and privacySee Alan Contreras ‘s other TweetsTwitter Ads info and privacy@ALANCONTRERASView image on Twitter

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@SATIRICATIVE

Lady Gaga practicing her Golden Globe speech in the mirror after she found out she’s a double nominee #GoldenGlobes1253:41 PM – Dec 6, 201834 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy@SATIRICATIVE

Hannah May@HMason9

If Lady Gaga doesn’t win the Golden Globe for Best Actress, we riot.175:39 PM – Dec 6, 2018Twitter Ads info and privacySee Hannah May’s other TweetsTwitter Ads info and privacy@HMASON9

maliakalia ♡@prancingtaco

If Bradley Cooper and @ladygaga don’t receive a golden globe for their outstanding,ground breaking performance, I will swim in a sea of sharks. #GoldenGlobes35:48 PM – Dec 6, 2018Twitter Ads info and privacySee maliakalia ♡’s other TweetsTwitter Ads info and privacy@PRANCINGTACOLady Gaga took to her Instagram stories to express her gra

by Crimson Tazvinzwa

AMERICAN GIRL’S 2019 “GIRL OF THE YEAR” HAS A SCREEN-TIME PROBLEM

American Girl Promotes Mealtime Togetherness as a Healthy Alternative to Today's Digital Distractions --

American Girl’s 2019 Girl Of The Year™ Blaire Has The Recipe For Creating Meaningful Connections

Meet Blaire Wilson, American Girl's 2019 American Girl of the Year. American Girl

Meet Blaire Wilson, American Girl’s 2019 American Girl of the Year.
American Girl

CRIMSON TAZVINZWA, AIWA! NO!|American Girl has announced its 2019 “Girl of the Year” doll, and in addition to wholesome hobbies like cooking and gardening, she has some very relatable issues, one of which is that she is obsessed with her phone.

READ RELATED: American Girl Blaire Wilson’s world inspired by Dutchess, Ulster

According to Today, Blaire Wilson is “a young aspiring chef who enjoys bringing people together at her family’s upstate New York sustainable farm and bed-and-breakfast.”

American Girl debuts its 2019 Girl of the Year, Blaire Wilson.
American Girl debuts its 2019 Girl of the Year, Blaire Wilson.

The $115 doll’s virtuous profile is reminiscent of previous American Girl figures (these include aspiring ballerinas, photographers, poets, etc.). But Today adds that Blaire’s storyline addresses her struggle “to find balance between the digital world and the real world.”

A press release from American Girl, based in a suburb of Madison, Wisconsin, reads:

“A natural people person, Blaire excels at gathering people around the dinner table but needs help finding balance between the digital world and the real world—like many people today. Through Blaire, girls will learn the importance of staying connected to the people they care about and that this means more than clicking and swiping—it means truly being there.”

The company offers accessories for the doll, including clothing, party decor, and books where young readers can learn about Blaire’s difficulties with technology.

While Blaire’s tech obsession sounds a bit Bandersnatch-y, it’s an accurate reflection on the present state of young people and tech. The general consensus is that too much screen time is bad for very young children: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for kids under two, and an hour max for those between two and five.

For teens, excessive screen time appears to have even darker consequences: In 2017, Clinical Psychological Science published a study that found a strong correlation between the increased use of smartphones and mental illness in teenagers. Meanwhile, even Silicon Valley’s iconic technologists have admitted to limiting screen use for their children: Steve Jobs famously refused to let his kids use iPads, whereas Apple’s current chief executive Tim Cook says he doesn’t want his tween nephew on social media.

In fact, adults could learn a thing or two from Blaire: According to a recent piece from the New York Times (paywall), over 253 million Americans own a smartphone and in 2018 spent an average of 1,460 hours using one.

In its press release, American Girl notes, “Blaire finds herself more engaged on her devices than at real-life gatherings with others. Ultimately, through the help of her family and friends, Blaire finds a healthy balance and learns the value of being fully present at every occasion.”

The company told USA Today it hopes that by shedding light on “Blaire’s screen-time obsession, and her efforts to resolve it through her chapter-book series, will help kids find more balance in their own family and social lives.”

Alas, maybe we should all take a few notes.