What This Week
Roll up, roll up, come in and marvel at this week’s cultural extravaganza!
World Book Day: Jacqueline Wilson reading to animals in the zoo
Just when you thought you couldn’t love Dame Jacqueline Wilson anymore, she was photographed reading to animals at an East Sussex zoo to mark this year’s World Book Day. The beloved childrens’ author read excerpts from her bestselling book, The Story of Tracy Beaker, to animals including meerkats, monkeys and sloths at Drusilla’s Zoo Park. Many of the zoo staff commented on how Wilson’s books shaped their love of reading from an early age and how it was a privilege to have her visit the site.
Oscars Countdown: Contents of this year’s goody bags announced
There’s almost as much hype about the contents of the Oscars goody bags as there is about the Awards themselves, and ahead of this weekend’s glittering ceremony the excitement is real as the contents of this year’s party bags are revealed. The bags- which have no official tie to the Academy Awards- are presented from PR Company Distinctive Assets to the 20 acting nominees and those shortlisted for the Best Director Award every year. This year’s items include edible treats such as gluten-free cashew cookies and sugar-free cherry sweets, a luxury brand of tequila, liver pills, portable blenders and even dehydrated cat food for your precious furry felines. Not the most traditional party bag contents but hey, this is Hollywood…
The Victorian Market set to become London’s Newest Museum
Smithfield’s General Market in London was a thriving hub of trade activity for more than 100 years, but when the market closed down in the 1990s the impressive dome building was left empty and derelict. But, a big renovation project is already underway to transform the market into a museum that will include exhibitions, a cafe and a learning centre. Although the museum is not set to fully open until 2028, those involved are incredibly excited about the discoveries being made within the building and what they teach us about Victorian life.
Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal to star in Othello on Broadway
Two of Hollywood’s most established actors are to star in a production of Othello on Broadway early next year. Directed by Kenny Leon, Washington will play the play’s leading role with Gyllenhall playing Iago in the Shakesperian drama that is set to kick off in Spring 2025. While Washington has performed in other Shakespeare adaptations like Julius Caesar and Richard III, this will be Gyllenhall’s Broadway debut. We can’t wait to see what they each bring to their respective roles!
Good news for UK Stages- Theatre Tax Relief
There was good news for theaters in the UK this week as the latest Government budget announcement confirmed that Theatre Tax Relief will remain at a permanent rate of 40% and 45% for travelling productions. The decision was met with relief from those in the arts industry, with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber commenting that it is a “once in a generation transformational change that will ensure Britain remains the global capital of creativity”. The tax relief allows theaters and production companies to claim back significant amounts of money that go into putting on shows and performances in the UK, and with the impacts of the pandemic still casting waves in the industry, we are pleased to hear that this financial benefit will remain to support our theaters and those who work in them.