Paul Mescal headlines National Theatre's bold new season as Stormzy debuts for ground-breaking collaboration

For the actor, the National Theatre season represents both a homecoming and a significant step forward in his already impressive career. Having trained at The Lir Academy in Dublin and earned early acclaim for stage work including The Plough and the Stars at the Lyric Hammersmith, the actor has long been regarded as one of Britain's most exciting theatrical talents.

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Leader Live

5 hours ago

• Leader Live

Boys from the Blackstuff to finish UK tour at Theatr Clwyd

Boys from the Blackstuff will finish its 20-venue run at Theatr Clwyd in Mold, from July 1 to 5. The play is James Graham's stage adaptation of Alan Bleasdale's classic television drama. It has already enjoyed sold-out runs at Liverpool's Royal Court, the National Theatre, and London's West End. Set in 1980s Liverpool, the story follows Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie, and Yosser—men who are out of work and desperate to provide for their families. The cast includes George Caple as Chrissie, Jurell Carter as Loggo, Jay Johnson as Yosser, Ged McKenna as George, and Mark Womack as Dixie. They are joined by Reiss Barber as Snowy, Amber Blease as Angie, and Kyle Harrison-Pope as Kevin, among others. The play has received critical acclaim since its premiere at Liverpool's Royal Court in September 2023, with the Daily Mail describing Bleasdale's writing as "packed with humour." James Graham, who adapted the original drama, said: "Alan Bleasdale's masterpiece is, a story proudly forged in the humour and voice of Liverpool, and it was a real honour and a thrill to open it to packed houses there last year, before bringing our show to London and the West End. "But Boys From the Blackstuff remains a story of national significance, with a lasting impact on British culture. "Taking it on the road, to communities around the country, feels like the most important thing we could be doing next with our story. "I'm delighted by the support and belief from Bill Kenwright Ltd, and Liverpool's Royal Court that birthed it." Alan Bleasdale, writer of the original TV drama, also expressed his surprise at the stage version's success. He said: "I never expected Boys from the Blackstuff to be quite the sell-out sensation it has become at Liverpool's Royal Court, at the National Theatre and then in London's West End. "What I always hoped was that the rest of the country might have a chance to see this magnificent adaptation by James Graham. "Now, that has been made possible by Bill Kenwright Ltd who have staged my theatre work since Are You Lonesome Tonight over forty years ago." The production is directed by Kate Wasserberg, artistic director of Theatr Clwyd. It features set and costume design by Amy Jane Cook, lighting by Ian Scott, and original music and sound design by Dyfan Jones. Movement direction is by Rachael Nanyonjo, and video design by Jamie Jenkin. Theatr Clwyd, which is currently undergoing redevelopment, will host Boys from the Blackstuff as its first touring production following the completion of building works. The tour covers venues across the UK, including Windsor, Richmond, Bromley, Bath, Blackpool, Glasgow, Birmingham, Liverpool, Cheltenham, Derby, Salford, Guildford, Leeds, Newcastle, Colchester, Doncaster, Stoke, Brighton, and Canterbury. Theatr Clwyd will host the final performances from July 1 to 5. More information and tickets for the Mold performances are available online.

The Independent

4 days ago

• The Independent

Modern Family star says he looked ‘crazy' when cut from Ab Fab cameo

Jesse Tyler Ferguson discussed being cut from an episode of Absolutely Fabulous early in his career, which made him look like a 'crazy extra'. Ferguson, known for his role as Mitchell Pritchett in Modern Family, appeared in the fourth season of Absolutely Fabulous in 2002. Originally cast as a reporter, Ferguson's scene was reduced to him frantically waving goodbye, making him feel like a 'maniac'. Ferguson recounted the experience on Mel Giedroyc 's podcast, Where There's a Will There's a Wake, explaining that his scene was cut, leaving only his out-of-context exit. Before Modern Family, Ferguson had acting debuts in the 2000 TV series Forbidden Love and the 2001 film Ordinary Sinner, and he is currently starring in Stephen Sondheim 's final musical, Here We Are, at the National Theatre in London.

Time Out

12-06-2025

• Time Out

The restaurant with the best view in London, according to Time Out

Like a view with your vichyssoise? Then you're going to eat up our recently updated ranking of the 18 London restaurants with the best views. At the hallowed number one spot is Forza Wine at the National Theatre, which is situated in a prime position on the South Bank, meaning serious views of the Thames over to Embankment, as well as a food menu so good that the restaurant has also made it onto our 2025 list of the top 50 restaurants in London. 'Forza Wine's spot at the National Theatre ticks all the boxes,' we said. 'Cocktails, natty wines and seasonal small plates from their self-proclaimed 'Italian-ish' menu. A wraparound outdoor terrace with views of the South Bank. A spot at the top of a cultural institution, in a building loved by 1960s architecture pervs across the land.' New entries into the list include Gordon Ramsay's Lucky Cat, aka the highest restaurant in Europe, which is in seventh place. Lucky Cat opened earlier this year and is on the 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate. The food? Fine. The views? Sensational. The Portrait by Richard Corrigan is at number two, which you'll find on the very top floor of the National Portrait Gallery. We said: 'Basically every London skyline landmark is visible at once from the bright, simple and airy restaurant space, and the menu is stonking, offering modern British delights with an emphasis on the light, fresh and seasonal.' Another gallery spot, the Tate Modern Restaurant, also features on the list. We also feature a couple of spots at ground level – you don't have to be in a skyscraper for a good view, you know. Pont de le Tour next to Tower Bridge is in at number 16, and Rick Stein's riverside joint in Barnes also makes the grade (number nine!)