Sir Tony Robinson’s ‘history with a twist podcast’ Cunningcast is releasing an episode dedicated to Dr Who ahead of the brand-new BBC series. Fresh off the back of celebrating 60 years of Dr Who last year, and looking ahead to welcoming Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor to the show, Tony is joined by Sophie Aldred, Dr Who’s first ever assistant Ace, and the journalist and Dr Who superfan, Matthew Sweet.
- 5/1/2024
- by PodcastingToday
- Podcastingtoday
Tony Robinson talks to his old friend and collaborator, screenwriter Richard Curtis in a special episode of Cunningcast dedicated to the lost Blackadder pilot. They share memories and secrets of making Blackadder from the early years to how it all ended. Along the way, Richard and Tony discuss Richard’s comedy roots and how he became a leading screenwriter: meeting Rowan Atkinson at Oxford Uni, working on Not The Nine O’Clock News, the influence of Fawlty Towers and plans for a Blackadder series set in the 1960s that never happened.
- 3/20/2024
- by PodcastingToday
- Podcastingtoday
Starting in 1994, Channel 4’s exemplary reality TV series Time Team captured the imaginations of Saturday teatime audiences, coaxing them into the rich and fascinating landscape of the UK’s distant past with the promise of treasure troves of knowledge – and sometimes just plain old treasure – lying just beneath our feet.
Esoteric archaeological terms like ‘geophysics’ and ‘dendrochronology’ quickly entered the common language, as a nation’s eyes were opened to stories that had lain buried sometimes for centuries, sometimes for millennia. Time Team’s brief was to place the viewer side-by-side with the archaeologists in the trenches as they worked, seeing what they saw, sharing in their discoveries, and feeling what they felt. There were no gimmicks save the central one – the team had only three days in which to survey and investigate a site – which was necessary to prevent episodes lasting over six weeks, and the show’s editors having a mental breakdown.
Esoteric archaeological terms like ‘geophysics’ and ‘dendrochronology’ quickly entered the common language, as a nation’s eyes were opened to stories that had lain buried sometimes for centuries, sometimes for millennia. Time Team’s brief was to place the viewer side-by-side with the archaeologists in the trenches as they worked, seeing what they saw, sharing in their discoveries, and feeling what they felt. There were no gimmicks save the central one – the team had only three days in which to survey and investigate a site – which was necessary to prevent episodes lasting over six weeks, and the show’s editors having a mental breakdown.
- 1/17/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Actor, presenter and author, Sir Tony Robinson is back with a second series of his history with a twist podcast. Tony Robinson’s Cunningcast combines his unique blend of wit, brains, and humour, with his passion for popular history to explore a new selection of his curated histories with a line-up of expert guests. Common to many of the projects throughout his career, is an unwavering passion for history...
- 1/16/2024
- by PodcastingToday
- Podcastingtoday
Tony Robinson’s much loved 1990s Cbbc sitcom Maid Marian And Her Merry Men is heading to the stage this year, here are the details.
Though Tony Robinson is best known as dim-witted servant Baldrick alongside Rowan Atkinson across several iterations of Blackadder, to a certain generation he is creator, writer as well as playing the role of the Sherrif of Nottingham in Maid Marian and Her Merry Men. A classic show, which ran for four series on the BBC from 1989 to 1994.
For kids TV trivia fans, it is thanks to Maid Marian that Russell T Davies got his start in writing television drama.
Funding and studio time was booked for Maid Marian in 1991, but it was put on hiatus. Davies submitted his script for children’s sci-fi serial Dark Season to both the Head of Cbbc and to Granada. Both were interested, but Cbbc’s offer was better, Maid...
Though Tony Robinson is best known as dim-witted servant Baldrick alongside Rowan Atkinson across several iterations of Blackadder, to a certain generation he is creator, writer as well as playing the role of the Sherrif of Nottingham in Maid Marian and Her Merry Men. A classic show, which ran for four series on the BBC from 1989 to 1994.
For kids TV trivia fans, it is thanks to Maid Marian that Russell T Davies got his start in writing television drama.
Funding and studio time was booked for Maid Marian in 1991, but it was put on hiatus. Davies submitted his script for children’s sci-fi serial Dark Season to both the Head of Cbbc and to Granada. Both were interested, but Cbbc’s offer was better, Maid...
- 1/9/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
The Madame Blanc Mysteries is returning for a third season. The Acorn TV streaming service and the UK's Channel 5 have renewed the drama created by Sally Lindsay and Sue Vincent.
In the story, antique dealer Jean White's (Lindsay) life is thrown into turmoil after the death of her husband in a car crash. She discovers that their assets have been pawned off, leaving her penniless. She travels to France to solve the mystery of her husband's death, the whereabouts of his valuable ring, and the identity of his mistress. She ends up solving other mysteries along the way with the help of various locals in the French village of Sainte Victoire. Vincent, Steve Edge, Robin Askwith, Sue Holderness, Alex Gaumond, and Tony Robinson also star
Read More…...
In the story, antique dealer Jean White's (Lindsay) life is thrown into turmoil after the death of her husband in a car crash. She discovers that their assets have been pawned off, leaving her penniless. She travels to France to solve the mystery of her husband's death, the whereabouts of his valuable ring, and the identity of his mistress. She ends up solving other mysteries along the way with the help of various locals in the French village of Sainte Victoire. Vincent, Steve Edge, Robin Askwith, Sue Holderness, Alex Gaumond, and Tony Robinson also star
Read More…...
- 5/24/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Exclusive: AMC Networks’ Acorn TV and Channel 5 are serving up a third season of The Madame Blanc Mysteries.
As with Season 2, the U.S./UK co-commissioners are preparing a Christmas special along with six episodes. Filming is currently underway, with the Christmas special set to air on Acorn TV and Channel 5 in 2023, while the rest of the season will continue in 2024.
Starring and created by Sally Lindsay, The Madame Blanc Mysteries sees renowned and respected antiques dealer Jean White (Lindsay) return with her expertise in the world of antiquities, proving to be the key to solving a series of murders and mysteries against the backdrop of the beautiful French village of Sainte Victoire.
Series creator, Lindsay, reprises her role and again joins forces with Sue Vincent (Mount Pleasant), who returns as Gloria Beaushaw and as series co-writer. Also reprising their roles are Steve Edge (Starlings), Robin Askwith (Strike), Sue Holderness...
As with Season 2, the U.S./UK co-commissioners are preparing a Christmas special along with six episodes. Filming is currently underway, with the Christmas special set to air on Acorn TV and Channel 5 in 2023, while the rest of the season will continue in 2024.
Starring and created by Sally Lindsay, The Madame Blanc Mysteries sees renowned and respected antiques dealer Jean White (Lindsay) return with her expertise in the world of antiquities, proving to be the key to solving a series of murders and mysteries against the backdrop of the beautiful French village of Sainte Victoire.
Series creator, Lindsay, reprises her role and again joins forces with Sue Vincent (Mount Pleasant), who returns as Gloria Beaushaw and as series co-writer. Also reprising their roles are Steve Edge (Starlings), Robin Askwith (Strike), Sue Holderness...
- 5/23/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Kim Kardashian has made the surprise announcement that she will appear in the next season of American Horror Story, alongside returning alum Emma Roberts.
Kardashian shared the news on Instagram on Monday (10 April), posting an official teaser video featuring the anthology series’ signature eerie music.
According to the video, the 12th season, titled “Delicate”, will premiere this summer, with Roberts rejoining the series, following her departure in 2019.
Minutes later, Roberts posted the same video on her Instagram, alongside the caption: “This summer... Kim and I are Delicate.”
No other information regarding Kardashian’s role or the season’s plot have yet been revealed.
Roberts joined the show – created by Glee’s Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk – as a series regular in 2013, before eventually exiting after its ninth season.
This forthcoming series will mark Kardashian’s most prominent on-screen acting role to date.
Amidst her time starring on the 20-season reality...
Kardashian shared the news on Instagram on Monday (10 April), posting an official teaser video featuring the anthology series’ signature eerie music.
According to the video, the 12th season, titled “Delicate”, will premiere this summer, with Roberts rejoining the series, following her departure in 2019.
Minutes later, Roberts posted the same video on her Instagram, alongside the caption: “This summer... Kim and I are Delicate.”
No other information regarding Kardashian’s role or the season’s plot have yet been revealed.
Roberts joined the show – created by Glee’s Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk – as a series regular in 2013, before eventually exiting after its ninth season.
This forthcoming series will mark Kardashian’s most prominent on-screen acting role to date.
Amidst her time starring on the 20-season reality...
- 4/10/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
Blackadder’s Tony Robinson teases reunion special: ‘Everybody likes a 40th anniversary, don’t they?’
Blackadder star Tony Robinson has teased the show’s potential return for a special episode to mark its 40th anniversary.
Robinson played Baldrick in the BBC comedy series, which aired from 1983 to 1989.
The historical comedy was written by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson and starred Atkinson and Robinson in every series, with comic actors including Tim McInnerny, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Miranda Richardson and Rik Mayall appearing intermittently in other series.
With the show marking its 40th anniversary this year, fans have questioned whether a reunion could be on the cards.
Appearing on Lorraine on Monday (10 April), Robinson was asked if the group were planning to get back together by guest host Christine Lampard.
“All I’m gonna say is, everybody likes to celebrate a 40th anniversary, don’t they?
“So there must be some fresh way we can celebrate our 40th birthday, wouldn’t you think?” he responded.
Last month,...
Robinson played Baldrick in the BBC comedy series, which aired from 1983 to 1989.
The historical comedy was written by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson and starred Atkinson and Robinson in every series, with comic actors including Tim McInnerny, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Miranda Richardson and Rik Mayall appearing intermittently in other series.
With the show marking its 40th anniversary this year, fans have questioned whether a reunion could be on the cards.
Appearing on Lorraine on Monday (10 April), Robinson was asked if the group were planning to get back together by guest host Christine Lampard.
“All I’m gonna say is, everybody likes to celebrate a 40th anniversary, don’t they?
“So there must be some fresh way we can celebrate our 40th birthday, wouldn’t you think?” he responded.
Last month,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Zinc Media, the award-winning TV and content creation company, has launched the group’s first self-financed podcast - Tony Robinson’s Cunningcast.
The much-loved actor - famous for playing the hapless Baldrick in Blackadder who always had a ‘cunning plan’ - is given free-reign to cover topics from Knighthoods to pies and cancer to the Coronation in his uniquely mischievous, indomitable and witty style.
To be published weekly from Thursday (23rd March) on all major podcast platforms, the launch of Cunningcast is part of Zinc Media’s continued expansion in the audio space, building on an investment in production facilities and creative talent and adding to its proud history of audio successes.
Tony Robinson’s Cunningcast series producer, Melissa FitzGerald was recently appointed to the role of Head of Podcast Production at the Group with Ahmad El-Darsh joining the team as Creative Head. Both report to Dominic de Terville, Director...
The much-loved actor - famous for playing the hapless Baldrick in Blackadder who always had a ‘cunning plan’ - is given free-reign to cover topics from Knighthoods to pies and cancer to the Coronation in his uniquely mischievous, indomitable and witty style.
To be published weekly from Thursday (23rd March) on all major podcast platforms, the launch of Cunningcast is part of Zinc Media’s continued expansion in the audio space, building on an investment in production facilities and creative talent and adding to its proud history of audio successes.
Tony Robinson’s Cunningcast series producer, Melissa FitzGerald was recently appointed to the role of Head of Podcast Production at the Group with Ahmad El-Darsh joining the team as Creative Head. Both report to Dominic de Terville, Director...
- 3/23/2023
- Podnews.net
Sir Tony Robinson reprised his Blackadder role of Baldrick for a Red Nose Day 2023 sketch in aid of Comic Relief on Friday (17 March).
The special appearance marked the first time Blackadder has returned to our screens in 20 years. Sadly, Rowan Atkinson – who plays the titular Edmund Blackadder – was not involved in the sketch.
During the BBC’s broadcast, Robinson told a special “Grown-up Bedtime Story”, produced by the CBeebies Bedtime Stories team.
“This is a lovely story called Balder-ella,” Robinson’s dimwitted Baldrick told viewers in the sketch written by Blackadder co-creator Richard Curtis.
“Once upon a time, there was a nice little fella and his name was Baldrick. And he lived in a house with a very nasty man called Edmund Blackadder. And often Blackadder would say ‘Baldrick, you are as stupid as Stuart McStupid who won the stupidest man in Britain award 17 years in a row, which...
The special appearance marked the first time Blackadder has returned to our screens in 20 years. Sadly, Rowan Atkinson – who plays the titular Edmund Blackadder – was not involved in the sketch.
During the BBC’s broadcast, Robinson told a special “Grown-up Bedtime Story”, produced by the CBeebies Bedtime Stories team.
“This is a lovely story called Balder-ella,” Robinson’s dimwitted Baldrick told viewers in the sketch written by Blackadder co-creator Richard Curtis.
“Once upon a time, there was a nice little fella and his name was Baldrick. And he lived in a house with a very nasty man called Edmund Blackadder. And often Blackadder would say ‘Baldrick, you are as stupid as Stuart McStupid who won the stupidest man in Britain award 17 years in a row, which...
- 3/17/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
Danny Dyer and Dame Mary Berry will appear in a parody of the BBC’s hit show The Traitors during Friday night’s (17 March) Comic Relief show.
The Traitors sketch will see Jennifer Saunders, Stephen Merchant, Rosie Jones and contestants Maddy and Wilf from series one gather for a roundtable.
In a twist, the show’s host Claudia Winkleman will be played by Dawn French before the true traitor is revealed to viewers.
Pop singers Tom Grennan and Zara Larsson will perform their new singles during the broadcast from Salford, with Aj Odudu joined by David Tennant, Joel Dommett, Paddy McGuinness and Zoe Ball serving as presenters for the BBC One broadcast.
Grennan will sing his single “You Are Not Alone”, while Swedish singer Larsson will be performing her new track “Can’t Tame Her”.
The cast of Mrs Doubtfire The Musical will also deliver their first UK performance of...
The Traitors sketch will see Jennifer Saunders, Stephen Merchant, Rosie Jones and contestants Maddy and Wilf from series one gather for a roundtable.
In a twist, the show’s host Claudia Winkleman will be played by Dawn French before the true traitor is revealed to viewers.
Pop singers Tom Grennan and Zara Larsson will perform their new singles during the broadcast from Salford, with Aj Odudu joined by David Tennant, Joel Dommett, Paddy McGuinness and Zoe Ball serving as presenters for the BBC One broadcast.
Grennan will sing his single “You Are Not Alone”, while Swedish singer Larsson will be performing her new track “Can’t Tame Her”.
The cast of Mrs Doubtfire The Musical will also deliver their first UK performance of...
- 3/17/2023
- by Roisin O'Connor
- The Independent - TV
Tony Robinson's Cunningcast explores the weird and wonderful things in the world with special guests. There's a common theme throughout everything the actor, presenter and author has done. Tony is passionate about digging deep and looking at the past to understand more about the present. Best-known for playing Baldrick in Blackadder: He's always had 'a cunning plan', He has also presented many documentaries throughout his 50-year career, including a 20-year stint on Channel 4's Time Team.
- 3/13/2023
- by PodcastingToday
- Podcastingtoday
Blackadder is returning to screens for the first time in two decades – but without the involvement of Rowan Atkinson.
The acclaimed sitcom, which saw Atkinson play various descendants of the scheming Edmund Blackadder throughout different points in history, is being revived for a Red Nose Day 2023 sketch in aid of Comic Relief.
While Atkinson will not be returning in the titular role, Tony Robinson is set to reprise the part of Baldrick, Blackadder’s slow-witted subordinate.
Richard Curtis, who created the series alongside Atkinson, confirmed the news during an interview on BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show on Tuesday (14 February).
“For the first time in 20 years, Baldrick is going to be giving some kind of performance,” he said. “We’re just conspiring about it now, so I think there’s going to be a marvellous, turnip-based thing with Tony Robinson now back in action, so I’m excited about that.
The acclaimed sitcom, which saw Atkinson play various descendants of the scheming Edmund Blackadder throughout different points in history, is being revived for a Red Nose Day 2023 sketch in aid of Comic Relief.
While Atkinson will not be returning in the titular role, Tony Robinson is set to reprise the part of Baldrick, Blackadder’s slow-witted subordinate.
Richard Curtis, who created the series alongside Atkinson, confirmed the news during an interview on BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show on Tuesday (14 February).
“For the first time in 20 years, Baldrick is going to be giving some kind of performance,” he said. “We’re just conspiring about it now, so I think there’s going to be a marvellous, turnip-based thing with Tony Robinson now back in action, so I’m excited about that.
- 2/14/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Several days ago, we were pleased to talk to Frank Grillo, star of Little Dixie. He told us about the movie, his career, his upcoming projects and… Charles Bronson!
A charming person we talked with, thank you, Mr Grillo!
My name is C. Sheriff, and you we’re going to talk about Little Dixie. And the first thing is we saw Little Dixie, and it’s a dark movie. It’s very special. And we would like to know, what do you think that Little Dixie has that makes it different from other thrillers you have participated in?
Frank Grillo: I’ve participated in a lot of thrillers. I don’t know that it’s entirely different, but we have a main character who really lacks a great deal of emotion. Not to say he’s emotionless, but he’s very pragmatic, and he’s very non-sentimental in the way...
A charming person we talked with, thank you, Mr Grillo!
My name is C. Sheriff, and you we’re going to talk about Little Dixie. And the first thing is we saw Little Dixie, and it’s a dark movie. It’s very special. And we would like to know, what do you think that Little Dixie has that makes it different from other thrillers you have participated in?
Frank Grillo: I’ve participated in a lot of thrillers. I don’t know that it’s entirely different, but we have a main character who really lacks a great deal of emotion. Not to say he’s emotionless, but he’s very pragmatic, and he’s very non-sentimental in the way...
- 2/4/2023
- by C. Sheriff
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Angus “Drummie Zeb” Gaye, who sang and played drums on “Don’t Turn Around,” “Shine” and other hits for the UK reggae band Aswad, died September 2. He was 62.
The band announced his death on its Instagram page but did not provide details. “It is with deepest regret and profound loss that we have to announce the passing of our brother Angus ‘Drummie’ Gaye,” the post reads (see it here). “Drummie was much loved and respected by both family, friends and peers alike. [He] has left us to join our ancestors and leaves a huge void both personally and professionally.”
Gaye and his bandmates Tony Robinson and Brinsley Dan Forde met at Holland Park School in London and released a number of singles that dented the UK chart before scoring big with “Don’t Turn Around” in 1988 (see the video below). The jaunty track penned by Albert Hammond and Diane Warren hit No.
The band announced his death on its Instagram page but did not provide details. “It is with deepest regret and profound loss that we have to announce the passing of our brother Angus ‘Drummie’ Gaye,” the post reads (see it here). “Drummie was much loved and respected by both family, friends and peers alike. [He] has left us to join our ancestors and leaves a huge void both personally and professionally.”
Gaye and his bandmates Tony Robinson and Brinsley Dan Forde met at Holland Park School in London and released a number of singles that dented the UK chart before scoring big with “Don’t Turn Around” in 1988 (see the video below). The jaunty track penned by Albert Hammond and Diane Warren hit No.
- 9/2/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: David Olusoga’s Uplands TV and Blackadder star Tony Robinson are combining on a history competition series for Channel 4 portfolio network More 4, in which UK people have to week to investigate and curate a museum about their road.
Museum of Us will be helmed each week by Robinson and a team made up of a historian, designer and curator. Residents are challenged to create their very own pop-up museum, uncovering piece-by-piece the story of their street. As they begin with their own personal connections, they then gather evidence that tells the story through time and learn how it fits into Britain’s national history.
Broadcaster, historian and former MacTaggart lecturer Olusoga’s indie Uplands TV, which is part of the Channel 4 Indie Accelerator program and backed by the Channel 4 Indie Growth Fund, is behind the four-part show and Olusoga is exec producing.
Olusoga has experience presenting BBC Two...
Museum of Us will be helmed each week by Robinson and a team made up of a historian, designer and curator. Residents are challenged to create their very own pop-up museum, uncovering piece-by-piece the story of their street. As they begin with their own personal connections, they then gather evidence that tells the story through time and learn how it fits into Britain’s national history.
Broadcaster, historian and former MacTaggart lecturer Olusoga’s indie Uplands TV, which is part of the Channel 4 Indie Accelerator program and backed by the Channel 4 Indie Growth Fund, is behind the four-part show and Olusoga is exec producing.
Olusoga has experience presenting BBC Two...
- 3/29/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Steve McQueen and Michaela Coel shows dominate with eight awards.
Steve McQueen’s Small Axe and Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You were the big winners at the Bafta Craft Awards, taking home eight of the 21 awards between them.
Small Axe, the BBC1 drama anthology about the lives of West Indian immigrants in 1960s, 70s and 80s London, claimed five gongs including: JoJo Williams for make-up & hair design; Jacqueline Durran for costume design; Helen Scott for production design; Shabier Kirchner for photography & lighting: fiction and Gary Davy for scripted casting.
Coel’s BBC1/HBO true-life inspired dramedy about a...
Steve McQueen’s Small Axe and Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You were the big winners at the Bafta Craft Awards, taking home eight of the 21 awards between them.
Small Axe, the BBC1 drama anthology about the lives of West Indian immigrants in 1960s, 70s and 80s London, claimed five gongs including: JoJo Williams for make-up & hair design; Jacqueline Durran for costume design; Helen Scott for production design; Shabier Kirchner for photography & lighting: fiction and Gary Davy for scripted casting.
Coel’s BBC1/HBO true-life inspired dramedy about a...
- 5/25/2021
- by John Elmes Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
UK factual specialist Zinc Media Group has completed a £4m ($5.2M) fund raise to help fuel growth. The funds were conditionally raised in a fundraising round in the City which closed on 27 October.
The new investment, raised through a new share issue and conditional on a green-light at an upcoming Agm, is aimed at driving growth in 2021 and follows a previous round which the company says attracted £3.5m of new funds in January this year.
According to the group, the January funding allowed the firm to invest in several senior creative appointments; launch a new Branded Content division, headed by Dominic de Terville, launch a new factual entertainment and formats label Red Sauce, headed by Tom Edwards; build a new post production facility; move its London operations to a new office; and strengthen its corporate infrastructure. The group announced back in September that it would also explore targeted M&a.
The new investment, raised through a new share issue and conditional on a green-light at an upcoming Agm, is aimed at driving growth in 2021 and follows a previous round which the company says attracted £3.5m of new funds in January this year.
According to the group, the January funding allowed the firm to invest in several senior creative appointments; launch a new Branded Content division, headed by Dominic de Terville, launch a new factual entertainment and formats label Red Sauce, headed by Tom Edwards; build a new post production facility; move its London operations to a new office; and strengthen its corporate infrastructure. The group announced back in September that it would also explore targeted M&a.
- 10/27/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Equity, the UK union that represents 47,000 performers and creative practitioners, has delivered a letter to Number 10 Downing Street calling for protection of the BBC, a simplified European visa for creative practitioners, and an increase of funding for the creative industries in the government’s forthcoming budget.
Equity president Maureen Beattie will deliver the letter alongside fellow performers Miriam Margolyes, Susannah Harker, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith and Tony Robinson.
The BBC is facing a tricky period after unnamed government sources threatened to “whack” the British broadcaster by scrapping the license fee and forcing it to radically scale back its services. In response, a “save our BBC” petition has attracted 250,000+ signatures to date.
The visas question arises from the UK’s exit from the European Union, which will restrict some freedom of movement for workers after the Brexit transition period ends on December 31 2020. The government is planning to introduce a points-based system for immigrants,...
Equity president Maureen Beattie will deliver the letter alongside fellow performers Miriam Margolyes, Susannah Harker, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith and Tony Robinson.
The BBC is facing a tricky period after unnamed government sources threatened to “whack” the British broadcaster by scrapping the license fee and forcing it to radically scale back its services. In response, a “save our BBC” petition has attracted 250,000+ signatures to date.
The visas question arises from the UK’s exit from the European Union, which will restrict some freedom of movement for workers after the Brexit transition period ends on December 31 2020. The government is planning to introduce a points-based system for immigrants,...
- 3/6/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Den Of Geek Jan 22, 2018
Howard Lew Lewis, best known as Elmo in Brush Strokes and Rabies in Maid Marian, has died.
Howard Lew Lewis, who gave life to Rabies in Tony Robinson’s peerless Maid Marian And Her Merry Men, has died at the age of 76.
See related 24 great comedy shows that deserve more love Amazon Prime UK: what’s new in February 2018? New on Netflix UK: what's added in February 2018?
The news was broken on Robinson’s Twitter account, where he paid tribute to the “kind, funny and gentle” Lewis.
Rip Rabies. The kind,funny and gentle Howard Lew Lewis died on Saturday. Much missed #maidmarianandhermerrymen
— Tony Robinson (@Tony_Robinson) January 22, 2018
Whilst Maid Marian gave him arguably his most loved role, he also brought to the screen the character of Elmo, the scene-grabbing barman in the long-running TV show Brush Strokes. Furthermore, who could forget when he appeared in...
Howard Lew Lewis, best known as Elmo in Brush Strokes and Rabies in Maid Marian, has died.
Howard Lew Lewis, who gave life to Rabies in Tony Robinson’s peerless Maid Marian And Her Merry Men, has died at the age of 76.
See related 24 great comedy shows that deserve more love Amazon Prime UK: what’s new in February 2018? New on Netflix UK: what's added in February 2018?
The news was broken on Robinson’s Twitter account, where he paid tribute to the “kind, funny and gentle” Lewis.
Rip Rabies. The kind,funny and gentle Howard Lew Lewis died on Saturday. Much missed #maidmarianandhermerrymen
— Tony Robinson (@Tony_Robinson) January 22, 2018
Whilst Maid Marian gave him arguably his most loved role, he also brought to the screen the character of Elmo, the scene-grabbing barman in the long-running TV show Brush Strokes. Furthermore, who could forget when he appeared in...
- 1/22/2018
- Den of Geek
Campaign is calling for Picturehouse owner Cineworld to pay its staff the London Living Wage.
Ian McKellen, Susan Sarandon and Mark Rylance are among actors to have lent their names to a campaign calling for Picturehouse and Cineworld cinemas to pay their staff the London Living Wage.
According to UK entertainment union Bectu, a host of actors and directors have signed a letter which will be delivered to Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger.
As previously reported by Screen, the letter calls for Cineworld to pay staff at its venues - which include the Picturehouse cinema chain - the London Living Wage of £9.75 per hour. The letter proposes boycotting the cinemas if staff is not paid the Wage.
Lowest paid staff at Picturehouse’s Brixton location the Ritzy currently earn £9.10 per hour, while some staff at other Picturehouse locations in London earn £9.05 per hour. Outside of London, the rate is £8.18.
Signatores are said to also include Elizabeth Berrington, [link...
Ian McKellen, Susan Sarandon and Mark Rylance are among actors to have lent their names to a campaign calling for Picturehouse and Cineworld cinemas to pay their staff the London Living Wage.
According to UK entertainment union Bectu, a host of actors and directors have signed a letter which will be delivered to Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger.
As previously reported by Screen, the letter calls for Cineworld to pay staff at its venues - which include the Picturehouse cinema chain - the London Living Wage of £9.75 per hour. The letter proposes boycotting the cinemas if staff is not paid the Wage.
Lowest paid staff at Picturehouse’s Brixton location the Ritzy currently earn £9.10 per hour, while some staff at other Picturehouse locations in London earn £9.05 per hour. Outside of London, the rate is £8.18.
Signatores are said to also include Elizabeth Berrington, [link...
- 3/22/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Campaign is calling for Picturehouse owner Cineworld to pay its staff the London living wage.
Ian McKellen, Susan Sarandon and Mark Rylance are among actors to have lent their names to a campaign calling for a boycott of Picturehouse and Cineworld cinemas over a pay dispute.
According to UK entertainment union Bectu, a host of actors and directors have signed a letter which will be delivered to Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger.
As previously reported by Screen, the letter calls for Cineworld to pay staff at its venues - which include the Picturehouse cinema chain - the London living wage of £9.75 per hour.
Lowest paid staff at Picturehouse’s Brixton location the Ritzy currently earn £9.10 per hour, while some staff at other Picturehouse locations in London earn £9.05 per hour. Outside of London, the rate is £8.18.
Signatores are said to also include Elizabeth Berrington, Jo Brand, Mark Cousins, Richard Curtis, Natalie Dormer, Lindsay Duncan, [link...
Ian McKellen, Susan Sarandon and Mark Rylance are among actors to have lent their names to a campaign calling for a boycott of Picturehouse and Cineworld cinemas over a pay dispute.
According to UK entertainment union Bectu, a host of actors and directors have signed a letter which will be delivered to Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger.
As previously reported by Screen, the letter calls for Cineworld to pay staff at its venues - which include the Picturehouse cinema chain - the London living wage of £9.75 per hour.
Lowest paid staff at Picturehouse’s Brixton location the Ritzy currently earn £9.10 per hour, while some staff at other Picturehouse locations in London earn £9.05 per hour. Outside of London, the rate is £8.18.
Signatores are said to also include Elizabeth Berrington, Jo Brand, Mark Cousins, Richard Curtis, Natalie Dormer, Lindsay Duncan, [link...
- 3/22/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Campaign is calling for Picturehouse owner Cineworld to pay its staff the London living wage.
Ian McKellen, Susan Sarandon and Mark Rylance are among actors to have lent their names to a campaign calling for a boycott of Picturehouse and Cineworld cinemas over a pay dispute.
According to UK entertainment union Bectu, a host of actors and directors have signed a letter whcih will be delivered to Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger.
As previously reported by Screen, the letter calls for Cineworld to pay staff at its venues - which include the Picturehouse cinema chain - the London living wage of £9.75 per hour.
Lowest paid staff at Picturehouse’s Brixton location the Ritzy currently earn £9.10 per hour, while some staff at other Picturehouse locations in London earn £9.05 per hour. Outside of London, the rate is £8.18.
Further signatores are said to include: Elizabeth Berrington, Jo Brand, Mark Cousins, Richard Curtis, Natalie Dormer, Lindsay Duncan, [link...
Ian McKellen, Susan Sarandon and Mark Rylance are among actors to have lent their names to a campaign calling for a boycott of Picturehouse and Cineworld cinemas over a pay dispute.
According to UK entertainment union Bectu, a host of actors and directors have signed a letter whcih will be delivered to Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger.
As previously reported by Screen, the letter calls for Cineworld to pay staff at its venues - which include the Picturehouse cinema chain - the London living wage of £9.75 per hour.
Lowest paid staff at Picturehouse’s Brixton location the Ritzy currently earn £9.10 per hour, while some staff at other Picturehouse locations in London earn £9.05 per hour. Outside of London, the rate is £8.18.
Further signatores are said to include: Elizabeth Berrington, Jo Brand, Mark Cousins, Richard Curtis, Natalie Dormer, Lindsay Duncan, [link...
- 3/22/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Alex Westthorp Jan 23, 2017
We revisit Dark Season and Century Falls, two children's dramas that established Russell T. Davies' early screenwriting career...
Russell T. Davies, a man synonymous with the successful revival of Doctor Who, was initially a graphic artist for Why Don't You? but he did several jobs on the show, eventually writing, directing and producing the programme. He showed his versatility when he presented an edition of Play School in its final year. Saturday morning summer filler On The Waterfront made its reputation in part due to Davies' own unique take on the classic serial The Flashing Blade. Next came Breakfast Serials, which Davies both wrote and produced. When Tony Robinson decided to take a break from making Maid Marian And Her Merry Men, an afternoon drama slot opened up and Rtd's first major breakthrough in Children's television drama began with the 1991 science fiction thriller Dark Season.
See...
We revisit Dark Season and Century Falls, two children's dramas that established Russell T. Davies' early screenwriting career...
Russell T. Davies, a man synonymous with the successful revival of Doctor Who, was initially a graphic artist for Why Don't You? but he did several jobs on the show, eventually writing, directing and producing the programme. He showed his versatility when he presented an edition of Play School in its final year. Saturday morning summer filler On The Waterfront made its reputation in part due to Davies' own unique take on the classic serial The Flashing Blade. Next came Breakfast Serials, which Davies both wrote and produced. When Tony Robinson decided to take a break from making Maid Marian And Her Merry Men, an afternoon drama slot opened up and Rtd's first major breakthrough in Children's television drama began with the 1991 science fiction thriller Dark Season.
See...
- 12/6/2016
- Den of Geek
Louisa Mellor Nov 22, 2016
Tony Robinson’s revisionist Robin Hood children’s comedy series, out now on limited edition DVD, was a hoot…
In the mid-eighties, my teenage sister amused herself by teaching me to say “a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle”. Not being a six-year-old well-versed in the rhetorical techniques of social emancipation, I didn’t get it. (I’d seen a flea circus; why mightn’t fish find a use for bikes?) My feminist awakening was obviously going to have to wait.
See related DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar Batman V Superman: where does it leave the Justice League? Batman V Superman: Michael Shannon fell asleep watching it Zack Snyder interview: Batman V Superman
But not long, it turned out. One copy of Babette Cole’s Princess Smartypants picked from the Year Three reading table later and I was feeling pretty woke.
Tony Robinson’s revisionist Robin Hood children’s comedy series, out now on limited edition DVD, was a hoot…
In the mid-eighties, my teenage sister amused herself by teaching me to say “a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle”. Not being a six-year-old well-versed in the rhetorical techniques of social emancipation, I didn’t get it. (I’d seen a flea circus; why mightn’t fish find a use for bikes?) My feminist awakening was obviously going to have to wait.
See related DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar Batman V Superman: where does it leave the Justice League? Batman V Superman: Michael Shannon fell asleep watching it Zack Snyder interview: Batman V Superman
But not long, it turned out. One copy of Babette Cole’s Princess Smartypants picked from the Year Three reading table later and I was feeling pretty woke.
- 11/21/2016
- Den of Geek
Angkor temples, Cambodia.
Increased interest in 4K documentaries has helped Sydney-based international distributor Flame secure more than 65 hours of sales after Miptv.
Flames 4K documentary Ancient angkor has been bought by Discovery Channel in Canada, while there was also strong interest in Jet Set and the The Luxury Travel Show, according to a company statement.
Flame has also continued its partnership with Prospero Productions, the Western Australian indie who brought the world Outback Truckers, by securing a sale to Discovery Asia of their new series, Railroad Australia..
Canadian series, Restoration Garage, from Pixcom Productions has been picked up by the Australian digital channel 7Mate, while Singapore.s public broadcaster, Mediacorp, has taken two titles hosted by successful New Zealand psychologist/scientist Nigel Latta produced by Razor Films - Nigel Latta Blows Stuff Up and Is Sugar the New Fat?
Australia.s Foxtel Lifestyle Food Channel has picked up a third...
Increased interest in 4K documentaries has helped Sydney-based international distributor Flame secure more than 65 hours of sales after Miptv.
Flames 4K documentary Ancient angkor has been bought by Discovery Channel in Canada, while there was also strong interest in Jet Set and the The Luxury Travel Show, according to a company statement.
Flame has also continued its partnership with Prospero Productions, the Western Australian indie who brought the world Outback Truckers, by securing a sale to Discovery Asia of their new series, Railroad Australia..
Canadian series, Restoration Garage, from Pixcom Productions has been picked up by the Australian digital channel 7Mate, while Singapore.s public broadcaster, Mediacorp, has taken two titles hosted by successful New Zealand psychologist/scientist Nigel Latta produced by Razor Films - Nigel Latta Blows Stuff Up and Is Sugar the New Fat?
Australia.s Foxtel Lifestyle Food Channel has picked up a third...
- 5/31/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
The Water Diviner and The Dressmaker dominated the feature categories at the 19th Australian Screen Sound Guild Awards held at The Establishment hotel ballroom in Sydney.
Russell Crowe.s drama won the prizes for feature film soundtrack of the year, best sound design and Assg members. choice for best film soundtrack.
Jocelyn Moorhouse.s dramedy was feted for best film sound recording and sound mixing .
The Syd Butterworth lifetime achievement award went to James Currie, whose career spans 38 years and includes A Month of Sundays, Charlie's Country, Red Dog, Ten Canoes, Man of Flowers, Incident at Raven.s Gate and Bad Boy Bubby.
The Principal was named best sound for a TV drama series while Deadline Gallipoli — episode 2 was best sound for a telefeature and Only the Dead best documentary sound.
The Greg Bell student encouragement award was given to Alex Gastrell, a recent North Sydney Tafe graduate. The full...
Russell Crowe.s drama won the prizes for feature film soundtrack of the year, best sound design and Assg members. choice for best film soundtrack.
Jocelyn Moorhouse.s dramedy was feted for best film sound recording and sound mixing .
The Syd Butterworth lifetime achievement award went to James Currie, whose career spans 38 years and includes A Month of Sundays, Charlie's Country, Red Dog, Ten Canoes, Man of Flowers, Incident at Raven.s Gate and Bad Boy Bubby.
The Principal was named best sound for a TV drama series while Deadline Gallipoli — episode 2 was best sound for a telefeature and Only the Dead best documentary sound.
The Greg Bell student encouragement award was given to Alex Gastrell, a recent North Sydney Tafe graduate. The full...
- 11/23/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Jamie Andrew Oct 18, 2016
Do the films that scared us in our youth, from Texas Chainsaw Massacre to The Blair Witch Project - still get under the skin?
Spoilers for each of the movies mentioned in the assorted subheads lie within
Are scary movies as scary as they used to be? Did the movies that scared you as a child still scare you when you watched them as an adult?
As a very young child, my fear-reflex was helped along by my older cousins, who used to lock me in a room with films like The Amityville Horror and Poltergeist playing through a too-high-to-reach television. It was like being trapped in a PG version of Saw: “Want to play a game? Find a way to reach the VHS player and stop the Poltergeist tape before the clown pops out from under the bed, or be left with life-long phobias and mental instability.
Do the films that scared us in our youth, from Texas Chainsaw Massacre to The Blair Witch Project - still get under the skin?
Spoilers for each of the movies mentioned in the assorted subheads lie within
Are scary movies as scary as they used to be? Did the movies that scared you as a child still scare you when you watched them as an adult?
As a very young child, my fear-reflex was helped along by my older cousins, who used to lock me in a room with films like The Amityville Horror and Poltergeist playing through a too-high-to-reach television. It was like being trapped in a PG version of Saw: “Want to play a game? Find a way to reach the VHS player and stop the Poltergeist tape before the clown pops out from under the bed, or be left with life-long phobias and mental instability.
- 11/9/2015
- Den of Geek
Happy birthday, Cbbc! 30-years-old and still going strong, judging by this nostalgia-powered clip starring the likes of Edd the Duck and Gordon the Gopher.
Confronted with three decades' worth of the finest children's entertainment, it was a hard task to corral the Digital Spy team into picking the very best - or at least their favourite - Cbbc programmes.
So here are our picks, from ChuckleVision to Byker Grove and back again, which means you'll have to let us know yours in the comment box below.
1. The Animals of Farthing Wood (1992-1995)
This animated adaptation of Colin Dann's novel was so good it could have been on at any time of day instead of part of the Cbbc lineup.
It was gripping, heartbreaking and funny, and you found yourself getting perhaps too-attached to the likes of Fox, Badger, Toad and Mole (a tear may have been shed on several occasions). Though,...
Confronted with three decades' worth of the finest children's entertainment, it was a hard task to corral the Digital Spy team into picking the very best - or at least their favourite - Cbbc programmes.
So here are our picks, from ChuckleVision to Byker Grove and back again, which means you'll have to let us know yours in the comment box below.
1. The Animals of Farthing Wood (1992-1995)
This animated adaptation of Colin Dann's novel was so good it could have been on at any time of day instead of part of the Cbbc lineup.
It was gripping, heartbreaking and funny, and you found yourself getting perhaps too-attached to the likes of Fox, Badger, Toad and Mole (a tear may have been shed on several occasions). Though,...
- 9/10/2015
- Digital Spy
Baldrick himself, Mr Tony Robinson, has suggested that a new series of Blackadder may be upcoming...
It's been some time now since rumours sprung up about a further series of Blackadder. But in a new interview with, er, The Sun, Tony Robinson has suggested it may be closing in on becoming a reality.
"I do think a new series of Blackadder is on the cards", Baldrick admitted, cunningly. "I have spoken to virtually all the cast about this now". One possible caveat? "The only problem is Hugh's fee. He's a huge star now - or so he'd like to think!"
Hugh Laurie's eight seasons leading House, after all, have made him quite a rich man.
"Expectations for a new series will be high because people not only remember the original, they remember who they were when it was on. It's a big danger", cautioned Robinson.
That said, there are...
It's been some time now since rumours sprung up about a further series of Blackadder. But in a new interview with, er, The Sun, Tony Robinson has suggested it may be closing in on becoming a reality.
"I do think a new series of Blackadder is on the cards", Baldrick admitted, cunningly. "I have spoken to virtually all the cast about this now". One possible caveat? "The only problem is Hugh's fee. He's a huge star now - or so he'd like to think!"
Hugh Laurie's eight seasons leading House, after all, have made him quite a rich man.
"Expectations for a new series will be high because people not only remember the original, they remember who they were when it was on. It's a big danger", cautioned Robinson.
That said, there are...
- 8/25/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Still one of the best comedy series ever created thanks to its strong writing and performances, it appears the BBC's dark comedy classic "Blackadder" could be making a comeback.
Series alumni Sir Tony Robinson has spoken with The Sun over the weekend about the cast's willingness to return and used the opportunity to poke fun at fellow cast member Hugh Laurie:
"I do think a new series of Blackadder is on the cards. I have spoken to virtually all the cast about this now. The only problem is Hugh's fee. He's a huge star now - or so he'd like to think."
The very anthology-esque style of "Blackadder," which followed the same actors playing characters of the same name but in very different time periods and settings each season, allows for it to return years later despite it being over 25 years since the fourth and final series.
Even so,...
Series alumni Sir Tony Robinson has spoken with The Sun over the weekend about the cast's willingness to return and used the opportunity to poke fun at fellow cast member Hugh Laurie:
"I do think a new series of Blackadder is on the cards. I have spoken to virtually all the cast about this now. The only problem is Hugh's fee. He's a huge star now - or so he'd like to think."
The very anthology-esque style of "Blackadder," which followed the same actors playing characters of the same name but in very different time periods and settings each season, allows for it to return years later despite it being over 25 years since the fourth and final series.
Even so,...
- 8/24/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Blackadder could be making a return to screens after 26 years, according to Tony Robinson.
Robinson told The Sun that he thinks a reunion for the historical comedy "is on the cards".
"I do think a new series of Blackadder is on the cards," he said. "I have spoken to virtually all the cast about this now."
The TV presenter then joked that the only thing stopping the project from going ahead is the popularity of House star Hugh Laurie.
"The only problem is Hugh's fee. He's a huge star now - or so he'd like to think."
Robinson also admitted that audience expectations would be high if the popular show was to return.
He said: "Expectations for a new series will be high because people not only remember the original, they remember who they were when it was on. It's a big danger."
Blackadder aired for four series from 1983 to...
Robinson told The Sun that he thinks a reunion for the historical comedy "is on the cards".
"I do think a new series of Blackadder is on the cards," he said. "I have spoken to virtually all the cast about this now."
The TV presenter then joked that the only thing stopping the project from going ahead is the popularity of House star Hugh Laurie.
"The only problem is Hugh's fee. He's a huge star now - or so he'd like to think."
Robinson also admitted that audience expectations would be high if the popular show was to return.
He said: "Expectations for a new series will be high because people not only remember the original, they remember who they were when it was on. It's a big danger."
Blackadder aired for four series from 1983 to...
- 8/23/2015
- Digital Spy
Doctor Who, Star Trek and more: what happened when sci-fi, horror & fantasy heroes have popped up on British daytime TV over the years…
Pre-YouTube, fandom was a hard-earned thing. It took research, dedication and enough patience to hover over the family video player’s ‘record’ button for an entire episode of TV-am in anticipation of six minutes with Sylvester McCoy. Six minutes in which the Seventh Doctor would be polled if he was a cat or dog person and then asked to taste a lemon roulade.
Scarcity bred desire in those days, so we took what we could get from our heroes of yore, even if that meant watching Hammer Horror legend Ingrid Pitt make a chocolate mousse, or the aforementioned McCoy attempt to answer fan questions above the hubbub of a Nottingham swimming pool complex. The collision of geek icons and UK daytime magazine shows was sometimes illuminating, sometimes excruciating,...
Pre-YouTube, fandom was a hard-earned thing. It took research, dedication and enough patience to hover over the family video player’s ‘record’ button for an entire episode of TV-am in anticipation of six minutes with Sylvester McCoy. Six minutes in which the Seventh Doctor would be polled if he was a cat or dog person and then asked to taste a lemon roulade.
Scarcity bred desire in those days, so we took what we could get from our heroes of yore, even if that meant watching Hammer Horror legend Ingrid Pitt make a chocolate mousse, or the aforementioned McCoy attempt to answer fan questions above the hubbub of a Nottingham swimming pool complex. The collision of geek icons and UK daytime magazine shows was sometimes illuminating, sometimes excruciating,...
- 3/10/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Danny John-Jules has voiced his approval of a potential Maid Marian and Her Merry Men reunion.
Creator Sir Tony Robinson recently said that he might return to the classic BBC children's comedy "one day".
Red Dwarf actor John-Jules - who played merry man Barrington in the show - said he would definitely like to be involved if the project came to fruition.
"Man, I'd be there like greased cheetah s**t," he told Digital Spy. "I'd be there in a minute.
"To me, it's still probably the - or at least one of the - best children's shows ever made. And the fact it won the Prix Jeunesse award? I think the BBC hadn't won that for 10 years or something.
"The first series won a Royal Television Society award, a Bafta and a Prix Jeunesse. It was like, 'My god, this is the first series and we've won all these,...
Creator Sir Tony Robinson recently said that he might return to the classic BBC children's comedy "one day".
Red Dwarf actor John-Jules - who played merry man Barrington in the show - said he would definitely like to be involved if the project came to fruition.
"Man, I'd be there like greased cheetah s**t," he told Digital Spy. "I'd be there in a minute.
"To me, it's still probably the - or at least one of the - best children's shows ever made. And the fact it won the Prix Jeunesse award? I think the BBC hadn't won that for 10 years or something.
"The first series won a Royal Television Society award, a Bafta and a Prix Jeunesse. It was like, 'My god, this is the first series and we've won all these,...
- 12/15/2014
- Digital Spy
History buffs will love catching up on Channel 4′s documentary, “Walking Through History: Nazi Occupation: Channel Islands.” The documentary gives viewers a look at how Nazi forces had taken over the Channel Islands, British Crown Dependencies. Presenter Tony Robinson takes viewers to Guernsey and Jersey to trace the footsteps of the Nazi occupation in the region. “The proudly British Channel Islands were occupied by Nazi Germany for five years between 1940 and 1945. In May 1940, the Nazi war machine swept across Western Europe, pushing the British army back to the beaches of Dunkirk. When the British troops retreated to England, the Channel Islands were left undefended. The inevitable surrender [ Read More ]
The post Watch Walking Through History: Nazi Occupation: Channel Islands on Channel 4 via FilmOn appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Watch Walking Through History: Nazi Occupation: Channel Islands on Channel 4 via FilmOn appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 12/5/2014
- by monique
- ShockYa
Sir Tony Robinson has said that he is "proud" of his classic children's TV series Maid Marian and Her Merry Men, which marks its 25th anniversary this year.
The Blackadder actor created and starred in the BBC comedy, which ran for four series from 1989 to 1994.
"That was the first series that I had artistic control over," he told Digital Spy. "It was just me and my friend David Bell, who was the director, and we made all the decisions.
"You just wouldn't be able to make a series in that way for British television now, there would be too many commissioning editors leaning over your back."
He continued: "We were given a remarkably good budget and were totally allowed to see our vision through. I'm really glad that I was able to do that, and I'm still very proud of it."
When asked if there was any chance of a reunion,...
The Blackadder actor created and starred in the BBC comedy, which ran for four series from 1989 to 1994.
"That was the first series that I had artistic control over," he told Digital Spy. "It was just me and my friend David Bell, who was the director, and we made all the decisions.
"You just wouldn't be able to make a series in that way for British television now, there would be too many commissioning editors leaning over your back."
He continued: "We were given a remarkably good budget and were totally allowed to see our vision through. I'm really glad that I was able to do that, and I'm still very proud of it."
When asked if there was any chance of a reunion,...
- 11/6/2014
- Digital Spy
Sir Tony Robinson has spoken of his "journey of discovery" while filming his latest Discovery Channel series.
Tony Robinson's World War I will see the Blackadder and Time Team star documenting the war using the recent discovery of thousands of 3D stereoscopic images taken at the time.
Action sequences and interviews with historians will tell the story of the Great War, with each episode focusing on a different year of the conflict.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Robinson said that he was amazed so many 3D photographs had been found.
"I didn't know anything about it, I don't think many people did know that all these 3D images existed," he said. "I was approached at the beginning of the year and I thought they would be talking about five photos or something.
"But there's hundreds of thousands of these bloody things out there, but no-one has ever catalogued them or...
Tony Robinson's World War I will see the Blackadder and Time Team star documenting the war using the recent discovery of thousands of 3D stereoscopic images taken at the time.
Action sequences and interviews with historians will tell the story of the Great War, with each episode focusing on a different year of the conflict.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Robinson said that he was amazed so many 3D photographs had been found.
"I didn't know anything about it, I don't think many people did know that all these 3D images existed," he said. "I was approached at the beginning of the year and I thought they would be talking about five photos or something.
"But there's hundreds of thousands of these bloody things out there, but no-one has ever catalogued them or...
- 11/5/2014
- Digital Spy
A Time Team campaign for a one-off dig in memory of Mick Aston has now attracted over 5,000 signatures.
Supporters of Lee Brady's campaign can sign a change.org petition asking Channel 4 to commission the one-off #DIG4MICK special as tribute to Aston, who died last June at the age of 66.
Tony Robinson previously said of the campaign: "I'm part of it behind the scenes. Who knows?"
He added: "I think it would be a wonderful thing to do. Mick, as most of you will know, left Time Team in a bit of a grump - he left every organisation he ever worked for in a bit of a grump - so it's quite extraordinary he spent 20 years with us before he did.
"I would love to see one final Time Team conducted in the very best way it possibly could be, and let's hope the Time Team campaign succeeds.
Supporters of Lee Brady's campaign can sign a change.org petition asking Channel 4 to commission the one-off #DIG4MICK special as tribute to Aston, who died last June at the age of 66.
Tony Robinson previously said of the campaign: "I'm part of it behind the scenes. Who knows?"
He added: "I think it would be a wonderful thing to do. Mick, as most of you will know, left Time Team in a bit of a grump - he left every organisation he ever worked for in a bit of a grump - so it's quite extraordinary he spent 20 years with us before he did.
"I would love to see one final Time Team conducted in the very best way it possibly could be, and let's hope the Time Team campaign succeeds.
- 7/17/2014
- Digital Spy
Alex's series looking back at the film careers of actors who've played the Doctor finishes with Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi...
Feature
Read the previous part in this series: the film careers of Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, here.
By 2009, the new version of Doctor Who had become not only an integral part of Saturday night television and a huge Christmas ratings winner but also an international success all over again. David Tennant, who had played the Time Lord since 2005 and was, arguably, more popular than any Doctor since the mighty Tom Baker hung up his scarf in 1981, had announced his resignation from the part he loved in October 2008. Many wondered how the incoming showrunner, Steven Moffat, would follow Tennant and what kind of show would emerge.
Tennant spent much of 2009 on stage in Hamlet and was only able to devote small amounts of time to Doctor Who. Occasional specials...
Feature
Read the previous part in this series: the film careers of Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, here.
By 2009, the new version of Doctor Who had become not only an integral part of Saturday night television and a huge Christmas ratings winner but also an international success all over again. David Tennant, who had played the Time Lord since 2005 and was, arguably, more popular than any Doctor since the mighty Tom Baker hung up his scarf in 1981, had announced his resignation from the part he loved in October 2008. Many wondered how the incoming showrunner, Steven Moffat, would follow Tennant and what kind of show would emerge.
Tennant spent much of 2009 on stage in Hamlet and was only able to devote small amounts of time to Doctor Who. Occasional specials...
- 6/4/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Feature Alex Westthorp 16 Apr 2014 - 07:00
Alex's trek through the film roles of actors who've played the Doctor reaches Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy...
Read the previous part in this series, Doctor Who: the film careers of Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker, here.
In March 1981, as he made his Doctor Who debut, Peter Davison was already one the best known faces on British television. Not only was he the star of both a BBC and an ITV sitcom - Sink Or Swim and Holding The Fort - but as the young and slightly reckless Tristan Farnon in All Creatures Great And Small, about the often humorous cases of Yorkshire vet James Herriot and his colleagues, he had cemented his stardom. The part led, indirectly, to his casting as the venerable Time Lord.
The recently installed Doctor Who producer, John Nathan-Turner, had been the Production Unit Manager on...
Alex's trek through the film roles of actors who've played the Doctor reaches Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy...
Read the previous part in this series, Doctor Who: the film careers of Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker, here.
In March 1981, as he made his Doctor Who debut, Peter Davison was already one the best known faces on British television. Not only was he the star of both a BBC and an ITV sitcom - Sink Or Swim and Holding The Fort - but as the young and slightly reckless Tristan Farnon in All Creatures Great And Small, about the often humorous cases of Yorkshire vet James Herriot and his colleagues, he had cemented his stardom. The part led, indirectly, to his casting as the venerable Time Lord.
The recently installed Doctor Who producer, John Nathan-Turner, had been the Production Unit Manager on...
- 4/15/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway returned to ITV to 6.05 million viewers last night (February 22), according to overnight data.
25.9% of the audience share tuned in to the first instalment of the entertainment show's 11th series when it aired at 7pm.
In the same timeslot on BBC One, The Voice UK continued to top Saturday night ratings, with 7.25m (31.2%) watching as Kylie Minogue, Tom Jones, will.i.am and Ricky Wilson completed their teams in the final round of blind auditions.
National Lottery: Who Dares Wins quizzed 5.37m (25.5%) at 8.30pm, while Casualty's latest episode attracted 4.83m (23.4%) at 9.20pm.
On BBC Two, 1.51m watched the highlights of Sochi 2014's penultimate day on Winter Olympics: Today at the Games at 7.10pm.
Top Gear followed at 8pm with 1.15m (5.15%), while The Culture Show pulled in 1.01m (4.85%) at 9pm.
Back on ITV, Take Me Out's current series came to an end with 3.67m (17.44%) hoping...
25.9% of the audience share tuned in to the first instalment of the entertainment show's 11th series when it aired at 7pm.
In the same timeslot on BBC One, The Voice UK continued to top Saturday night ratings, with 7.25m (31.2%) watching as Kylie Minogue, Tom Jones, will.i.am and Ricky Wilson completed their teams in the final round of blind auditions.
National Lottery: Who Dares Wins quizzed 5.37m (25.5%) at 8.30pm, while Casualty's latest episode attracted 4.83m (23.4%) at 9.20pm.
On BBC Two, 1.51m watched the highlights of Sochi 2014's penultimate day on Winter Olympics: Today at the Games at 7.10pm.
Top Gear followed at 8pm with 1.15m (5.15%), while The Culture Show pulled in 1.01m (4.85%) at 9pm.
Back on ITV, Take Me Out's current series came to an end with 3.67m (17.44%) hoping...
- 2/23/2014
- Digital Spy
Splash! pulled in 3.79 million viewers for last night's (February 15) final.
An audience share of 16.85% watched Diversity star Perri Kiely win the second series of the ITV diving show in its 7.20pm time slot. Viewing figures were down by more than 1.5m compared to the series one final - which was the most-watched show of the night when it aired last year.
Despite a dip of 780,000 from last week's show, The Voice UK continued to top Saturday night ratings with 7.66m (33.7%) at 7.10pm on BBC One.
National Lottery: Who Dares Wins followed at 8.30pm with 5.49m (25.4%), while medical drama Casualty pulled in 5.11m (24.4%) at 9.20pm.
BBC Two's Sochi 2014 coverage interested 2.12m (9.44%) when Winter Olympics: Today at the Games aired at 7pm. 1.3m (5.81%) tuned in to Top Gear at 8pm, while the Coen Brothers remake of True Grit entertained 1.76m (8.69%) at 9pm.
Back on ITV, dating show Take Me Out attracted...
An audience share of 16.85% watched Diversity star Perri Kiely win the second series of the ITV diving show in its 7.20pm time slot. Viewing figures were down by more than 1.5m compared to the series one final - which was the most-watched show of the night when it aired last year.
Despite a dip of 780,000 from last week's show, The Voice UK continued to top Saturday night ratings with 7.66m (33.7%) at 7.10pm on BBC One.
National Lottery: Who Dares Wins followed at 8.30pm with 5.49m (25.4%), while medical drama Casualty pulled in 5.11m (24.4%) at 9.20pm.
BBC Two's Sochi 2014 coverage interested 2.12m (9.44%) when Winter Olympics: Today at the Games aired at 7pm. 1.3m (5.81%) tuned in to Top Gear at 8pm, while the Coen Brothers remake of True Grit entertained 1.76m (8.69%) at 9pm.
Back on ITV, dating show Take Me Out attracted...
- 2/16/2014
- Digital Spy
The Voice UK has topped Saturday night ratings once again, pulling in 8.44 million viewers during last night's (February 8) instalment, according to overnight data.
The BBC One singing show attracted 36.5% of the audience share when its fifth episode of the series aired at 7.10pm.
In the same timeslot on ITV, Tom Daley's Splash! continued with 2.61m (11.87%), as Richard Whitehead and Towie's Dan Osborne made it through to next week's live final.
Back on BBC One, National Lottery: Who Dares Wins drew an audience of 5.38m (24.5%) at 8.35pm, while the latest episode of Casualty was watched by 5.31m (25.5%) at 9.25pm.
Over on BBC Two, 2.76m (12%) caught the channel's coverage of Sochi 2014 with Winter Olympics: Today at the Games at 7pm.
Torvill & Dean: The Perfect Day attracted 2.13m (9.38%) at 8pm, with Dad's Army pulling in 1.73m (7.91%) at 9pm.
Back on ITV, Paddy McGuinness's dating show Take Me Out entertained 3.24m (14.9%) at 8.40pm,...
The BBC One singing show attracted 36.5% of the audience share when its fifth episode of the series aired at 7.10pm.
In the same timeslot on ITV, Tom Daley's Splash! continued with 2.61m (11.87%), as Richard Whitehead and Towie's Dan Osborne made it through to next week's live final.
Back on BBC One, National Lottery: Who Dares Wins drew an audience of 5.38m (24.5%) at 8.35pm, while the latest episode of Casualty was watched by 5.31m (25.5%) at 9.25pm.
Over on BBC Two, 2.76m (12%) caught the channel's coverage of Sochi 2014 with Winter Olympics: Today at the Games at 7pm.
Torvill & Dean: The Perfect Day attracted 2.13m (9.38%) at 8pm, with Dad's Army pulling in 1.73m (7.91%) at 9pm.
Back on ITV, Paddy McGuinness's dating show Take Me Out entertained 3.24m (14.9%) at 8.40pm,...
- 2/9/2014
- Digital Spy
Sir Tony Robinson has hit out at Michael Gove MP over recent comments about Blackadder.
The actor and activist - who played Baldrick in the classic BBC comedy - responded to the education secretary's claims that the show used "left-wing academics" to "feed myths" about World War I.
Robinson stated that Gove was practically "slagging off teachers" with his remarks.
In response, the Conservative politician said that Robinson was "wrong" and that he was only attacking "myths", not teachers.
Gove told the Daily Mail that Blackadder had influenced people's understanding of the war by displaying "an unhappy compulsion on the part of some to denigrate virtues such as patriotism, honour and courage".
He wrote: "The war was, of course, an unspeakable tragedy, which robbed this nation of our bravest and best.
"But even as we recall that loss and commemorate the bravery of those who fought, it's important that we...
The actor and activist - who played Baldrick in the classic BBC comedy - responded to the education secretary's claims that the show used "left-wing academics" to "feed myths" about World War I.
Robinson stated that Gove was practically "slagging off teachers" with his remarks.
In response, the Conservative politician said that Robinson was "wrong" and that he was only attacking "myths", not teachers.
Gove told the Daily Mail that Blackadder had influenced people's understanding of the war by displaying "an unhappy compulsion on the part of some to denigrate virtues such as patriotism, honour and courage".
He wrote: "The war was, of course, an unspeakable tragedy, which robbed this nation of our bravest and best.
"But even as we recall that loss and commemorate the bravery of those who fought, it's important that we...
- 1/6/2014
- Digital Spy
The Australian Screen Sound Guild, supported by Sennheiser, yesterday announced the winners of the 2013 Assg Awards at a lunchtime ceremony held at the Establishment Ballroom in Sydney..
Hosted by the hilarious Rhys Muldoon, it is the second consecutive year the Assg have held the ceremony on a Sunday, which has proved a popular choice with attendees..
Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby was the favourite on the day, taking home four gongs in total, including the Assg Member's Choice and Best Soundtrack of the Year..
The Syd Butterworth Lifetime Achievement Award went this year to two recipients - the outstanding team of.Gary Wilkins and Mark Wasiutak.
.
A full list of winners can be found below.. Greg Bell Student Encouragement Award Sponsored by Amber Technology Jonathon Tooke (Sae) Best Sound for a Television Commercial or Promo Sponsored by Sound Devices. A Day in Creative Kathleen Burrows, Bruce Heald Best Sound...
Hosted by the hilarious Rhys Muldoon, it is the second consecutive year the Assg have held the ceremony on a Sunday, which has proved a popular choice with attendees..
Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby was the favourite on the day, taking home four gongs in total, including the Assg Member's Choice and Best Soundtrack of the Year..
The Syd Butterworth Lifetime Achievement Award went this year to two recipients - the outstanding team of.Gary Wilkins and Mark Wasiutak.
.
A full list of winners can be found below.. Greg Bell Student Encouragement Award Sponsored by Amber Technology Jonathon Tooke (Sae) Best Sound for a Television Commercial or Promo Sponsored by Sound Devices. A Day in Creative Kathleen Burrows, Bruce Heald Best Sound...
- 11/18/2013
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Hollywood isn’t known for its accuracy (Leonidas was Scottish-voiced – sure), but they really took the p**s when it comes to our old friend Indiana Jones. Pretty much everything the guy does or stands for is nothing like the soul-crushing boredom of how a real archaeologist lives and works. They swash no buckle, they save no damsels – they put their heads down and get the admin done. Does Indiana? No he does not – far from it.
Over here in the UK our equivalent of the super-action-fun-time-archaeologist is probably faithful old Tony Robinson – that realisation my make your soul die a little bit, but stay with me here. Think about it, Tony’s the bad-boy of British archaeology: he swans into research trenches and excavations with pretty much no qualifications and tells everyone what’s what, he smiles for the camera to make those archaeology groupies at home (all over...
Over here in the UK our equivalent of the super-action-fun-time-archaeologist is probably faithful old Tony Robinson – that realisation my make your soul die a little bit, but stay with me here. Think about it, Tony’s the bad-boy of British archaeology: he swans into research trenches and excavations with pretty much no qualifications and tells everyone what’s what, he smiles for the camera to make those archaeology groupies at home (all over...
- 11/2/2013
- by Henri Pearson
- Obsessed with Film
Blackadder Goes Forth, Episode 6, “Goodbyeee”
Written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton
Directed by Richard Boden
Aired November 2nd, 1989 on BBC One
Blackadder ran for four series in the ‘80s, following the exploits of various members of the Blackadder line throughout history, first a prince during the War of the Roses, then a courtier during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, then the butler for the Prince Regent during the Regency period, and finally a Captain during World War I. Each series features Rowan Atkinson as that season’s Blackadder and Tony Robinson as his servant Baldrick, surrounded by a differing guest cast each season. As the series progresses forward in time, Blackadder becomes increasingly intelligent as he loses power and agency, with an exploration of Britain’s class structure a key element to the series. Though an anniversary special and several one-off skits were produced after the final installment of the fourth series,...
Written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton
Directed by Richard Boden
Aired November 2nd, 1989 on BBC One
Blackadder ran for four series in the ‘80s, following the exploits of various members of the Blackadder line throughout history, first a prince during the War of the Roses, then a courtier during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, then the butler for the Prince Regent during the Regency period, and finally a Captain during World War I. Each series features Rowan Atkinson as that season’s Blackadder and Tony Robinson as his servant Baldrick, surrounded by a differing guest cast each season. As the series progresses forward in time, Blackadder becomes increasingly intelligent as he loses power and agency, with an exploration of Britain’s class structure a key element to the series. Though an anniversary special and several one-off skits were produced after the final installment of the fourth series,...
- 9/5/2013
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
Time Team
In Indiana Jones, archaeologists are portrayed as heavily armed treasure hunters who’ll stop at nothing to uncover a rare artifact. Channel 4′s Time Team provides us with a more realistic view of archaeology that involves less explosions but no lack of excitement. Blackadder funny man, Tony Robinson has been fronting the documentary series for the last 20 years and neither he, nor his audience are showing any signs of fatigue. Athena Learning’s new DVD release of Time Team: The Team’s Favorite Digs, features eight intriguing episodes that were handpicked by the cast and crew.
Unlike Indiana Jones, Tony Robinson’s group sometimes come home empty-handed. Once or twice, they even get led up the garden path by hoaxers who plant historic relics in their backyard’s. In this DVD set, we get to see Tony’s team cleverly expose one such scam. The items...
In Indiana Jones, archaeologists are portrayed as heavily armed treasure hunters who’ll stop at nothing to uncover a rare artifact. Channel 4′s Time Team provides us with a more realistic view of archaeology that involves less explosions but no lack of excitement. Blackadder funny man, Tony Robinson has been fronting the documentary series for the last 20 years and neither he, nor his audience are showing any signs of fatigue. Athena Learning’s new DVD release of Time Team: The Team’s Favorite Digs, features eight intriguing episodes that were handpicked by the cast and crew.
Unlike Indiana Jones, Tony Robinson’s group sometimes come home empty-handed. Once or twice, they even get led up the garden path by hoaxers who plant historic relics in their backyard’s. In this DVD set, we get to see Tony’s team cleverly expose one such scam. The items...
- 8/18/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Veteran British comedy producer John Lloyd has reportedly had discussions with Rowan Atkinson about a possible movie based on the classic 1980s sitcom "Blackadder".
Considered one of the greatest comedies ever made, each of the four seasons of "Blackadder" was set in a different historical period but utilised many of the same cast members including Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Miranda Richardson and Tim McInnerny.
The first season was in the Middle Ages, the second in Elizabethan times, the third during the Regency era, the fourth during the First World War, and specials set in both Dickensian and contemporary times.
A fifth season was proposed long ago which would've been set in the 1960s and followed a band. Lloyd tells The Sun that, with the cast now getting on in years, the setting will be quite different:
Rowan and I had this great idea, because we are all getting a bit old,...
Considered one of the greatest comedies ever made, each of the four seasons of "Blackadder" was set in a different historical period but utilised many of the same cast members including Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Miranda Richardson and Tim McInnerny.
The first season was in the Middle Ages, the second in Elizabethan times, the third during the Regency era, the fourth during the First World War, and specials set in both Dickensian and contemporary times.
A fifth season was proposed long ago which would've been set in the 1960s and followed a band. Lloyd tells The Sun that, with the cast now getting on in years, the setting will be quite different:
Rowan and I had this great idea, because we are all getting a bit old,...
- 8/2/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
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