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Metro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Why Evita fans think Rachel Zegler's balcony performance is actually great for t
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Rachel Zegler's West End debut in Evita has been a controversial one as theatre-goers realised they won't see the biggest song of the show live. Instead, the Snow White actress, 24, sings Don't Cry For Me Argentina on the balcony of the London Palladium to an audience that hasn't paid. Yes, the climactic song is performed outside of the theatre with a live stream projected to those inside, waiting for Rachel's return. A bold move from director Jamie Lloyd — famed for controversial choices — that appears to have won over the masses. Metro headed to watch Rachel's seven-minute rendition of the song on Monday night, gathering on Argyll Street with plenty of her fans. While inside might grumble, crowd members called it 'incredible' and an 'immersive experience', totally unique to this production. Evita, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is based on the real life of the Argentine political leader Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. Edie, 20, counted Rachel — who plays Eva — as one of 'theatre's current greatest voices' and said she felt 'so lucky' to have seen the song, even if she didn't see the whole show. 'I've been an open critic of Jamie Lloyd's direction before,' she added. 'But I think that this was such a smart idea.' In this iconic moment, which kicks off Act II, Eva addresses the crowds from the balcony of the Casa Rosada and expresses her love for her country. 'She sounded beautiful,' Edie continued. 'I love the immersiveness of the cast coming down here, and the security guards being the people who patrolled down here as well. It was just an incredible time.' However, she wasn't sure, had she been a paying audience member, she would have felt the same, even if the number is broadcast inside. The Birmingham-based theatre fan shared: 'It's supposed to be a commentary on how theatre is really expensive nowadays so I think if I was a theatre-goer now I'd just be like 'eh, figures'. 'I'd have paid £400 and can see the rest of the hour and 45 minutes, so five minutes shouldn't be a problem.' Her opinions mirrored that of Abi, a London local who had already been to see this production of Evita and thought the outside concept was 'incredible'. 'I think it's making theatre more accessible,' the 21-year-old student shared. 'It's actually adding to the ambience of the show. 'The speech she does at the end of the song does hit completely different seeing it outside. It adds so much more to her performance to see her do it to the people.' Metro's music expert, Danni Scott, shares her thoughts on seeing Rachel Zegler live from the Palladium balcony. While I had not purchased a ticket, I initially found myself siding with the disgruntled Evita audience members. If I had paid hard-earned cash to see a show, I'd be disappointed (at best) if the biggest song was performed off-stage. Jamie Lloyd's production works on the symbolism that those in the theatre are the 'rich' bourgeoisie, while those on the street are the 'poor' Argentines, to whom Evita is singing. His positioning alienates those — like my family — who see a West End show as a one-off or special occasion-only event. As a child, I only saw one West End show; had that been this production of Evita, I'd have been devastated to miss out on the big number. However, having seen Rachel perform Don't Cry For Me Argentina on the balcony of the London Palladium, my feelings have changed. I realised it was exactly people in my position growing up that she was singing for. The crowd was heavily made up of young fans in their late teens to mid-20s, who possibly couldn't afford to see the show. This might have been their only chance to witness such a sensational performer in real life – and money shouldn't stop them. Jamie Lloyd's vision has won me over, but I think I'll only be a true convert if Rachel joins the touring company and performs on the balcony over the Wolverhampton Grand. Abi points out that it is crucial for the moment that people actually turned up to watch it, especially fans of Rachel mimicking those of Eva Perón. For her and her friends, this adds 'a lot of character to the show in general' and acts as a giant advert for people to get tickets if they liked the performance. The more cynical might be viewing this as a giant PR stunt — which it also functions as — but if it works within the show itself, then why not add some free promotion? By 8.30pm, the street was largely blocked off (although pedestrians could still walk beneath the balcony) and at least a hundred fans had gathered around to watch. While of those hundred, not all will buy tickets, the majority will post the clips on TikTok. A viral trend is the best marketing campaign you can get. Even those who weren't fans had turned up, with Edie's boyfriend Charlie sharing his 'non theatre-goer' perspective. 'It was amazing to be in this experience and watch it,' he said, adding that he'd never actually watched any of Rachel's films prior to this — but he's now desperate to watch the Hunger Games prequel. More Trending Charlie shared: 'I think you might potentially be a bit gutted [if you were inside the theatre]. I know they had it on the projectors, but you might be a bit gutted to have missed the most important song. 'But you've still got the rest of it to go and it's given a good night to a lot of people who wouldn't normally be able to get that experience.' Evita is running at the London Palladium until September 6, with nightly performances starting at 7.30pm. The balcony scene begins around 9pm, although we'd advise to get there earlier if you want a good spot. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: London-bound Air India flight 'cancelled last minute over technical issues' MORE: Man arrested after woman in her 30s sexually assaulted in London cinema MORE: First picture of woman killed before house was blown up in 'gas explosion'
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New test could transform diagnosis and treatment of STIs
A new rapid test for sexually transmitted infections could soon transform on-the-spot diagnosis and treatment. Birmingham-based Linear Diagnostics has secured £1 million in funding to develop the technology, which could deliver results in less than 20 minutes. The funding comes from the NIHR Invention for Innovation programme and will support a three-year project to finalise the test and prepare it for clinical trials. Dr Jean-Louis Duprey, head of research and development at Linear Diagnostics, said: "We are developing a near patient device that will overcome this conundrum." The company is working with the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre and the North East Innovation Lab to deliver the project. Dr Jana Suklan, senior methodologist at the HRC, said: "The NIHR HRC in Diagnostic and Technology Evaluation is delighted to be collaborating with the North East Innovation Lab to support Linear Diagnostics with their exciting technology. "Our research involves analysing unmet needs, examining current practice and identifying the most promising point in the patient pathway for implementing the technology." The test uses Linear's Exponential Amplification (EXPAR) technology, which detects bacterial DNA within minutes. The company has focused on STIs such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, where rapid diagnosis is essential to prevent further transmission and begin treatment immediately.
South Wales Argus
05-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Birmingham firm secures £1 million to develop STI rapid test
Birmingham-based Linear Diagnostics has secured £1 million in funding to develop the technology, which could deliver results in less than 20 minutes. The funding comes from the NIHR Invention for Innovation programme and will support a three-year project to finalise the test and prepare it for clinical trials. Dr Jean-Louis Duprey, head of research and development at Linear Diagnostics, said: "We are developing a near patient device that will overcome this conundrum." The company is working with the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre and the North East Innovation Lab to deliver the project. Dr Jana Suklan, senior methodologist at the HRC, said: "The NIHR HRC in Diagnostic and Technology Evaluation is delighted to be collaborating with the North East Innovation Lab to support Linear Diagnostics with their exciting technology. "Our research involves analysing unmet needs, examining current practice and identifying the most promising point in the patient pathway for implementing the technology." The test uses Linear's Exponential Amplification (EXPAR) technology, which detects bacterial DNA within minutes. The company has focused on STIs such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, where rapid diagnosis is essential to prevent further transmission and begin treatment immediately.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Finalists selected for top post at Alabama State Employees' Insurance Board
SEIB CEO William Ashmore and Chair Faye Nelson discuss health insurance changes for state employees on Aug. 22, 2023 at the SEIB executive meeting in Montgomery. The Alabama State Employees' Insurance Board plans to make a final selection by June 18 after narrowing its CEO search to three finalists. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama State Employees' Insurance Board (SEIB) has narrowed its search for a CEO to three finalists from an initial pool of 49 individuals. Members of the SEIB executive committee on Wednesday laid out a timeline for the final selection process, which started after William Ashmore, the board's outgoing CEO of SEIB, which oversees health insurance for state employees, announced his retirement in March. The three remaining candidates were selected after initial screenings and interviews conducted by ITAC Solutions, a Birmingham-based recruiting firm, based on criteria established by the board, including leadership and industry experience. 'I believe that the list does reflect a strong group of individuals who will align competencies,' said Charles Baughman, a consultant with ITAC Solutions, which conducted the candidate search for the board. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX After the meeting, Ashmore said that 'as far as (he knows),' Sally Corley, chief operating officer of the board, was one of the three candidates selected to interview for the position. Corley has worked for the board since 2013 and was the board director of government affairs before becoming COO. 'With her 12 years of experience (with SEIB), she was one of the most qualified internal candidates we had,' Ashmore said after the meeting, adding that she expressed interest in the position. Corley would be the first woman to lead the board. Prior to Ashmore's tenure as CEO, which started in 1988, the board was under the Retirement Systems of Alabama and led by CEO David Bronner. Corley said in a text message that she applied for the position but still did not know if she was a finalist. The selection process will proceed as follows: Finalist information will be presented to the board chair for distribution to the full board, allowing members to review the materials and prepare questions. The executive committee will interview the candidates in an open meeting on June 16, using questions submitted in advance by the full board. At the end of the June 16 meeting, the executive committee will vote to select their preferred candidate and present that recommendation to the full board. The full board will convene on June 18 to hold a final vote on whether to accept or reject the executive committee's recommendation. Ashmore said during the meeting that his timeline for retirement is flexible to allow a smooth transition. A new hire could potentially start as soon as July 1, but the board agreed that an external candidate, especially one from out of state, may need at least a month after being hired. 'If the need is not there, then I'll go ahead and retire on July 1,' Ashmore said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK-US trade deal could come into effect in ‘a couple of weeks', Starmer says
Keir Starmer has said he hopes a trade deal struck last month with the US could come into effect 'in just a couple of weeks', as the White House has signalled that the UK will be spared the 50% steel and aluminium tariffs that came into force on Wednesday. Donald Trump said he had decided to 'provide different treatment' to the UK, after the deal was agreed between Washington and London – though it is yet to be signed. Starmer said in the House of Commons on Wednesday that the deal would be implemented 'within a very short time'. The executive order signed by the US president on Tuesday evening will raise import taxes for US companies buying from other countries. Levies will remain at 25% for imports from Britain, although the higher 50% could come in 'on or after 9 July' if the US administration 'determines that the UK has not complied with relevant aspects' of the deal. Challenged over the uncertainty during prime minister's questions by the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, Starmer said: 'We are the only country in the world that isn't paying the 50% tax on steel and that will be coming down. We are working on it, to bring it down to zero; that is going to happen.' The business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said on Wednesday that 'essential steps' were taking place 'at pace' to turn Starmer's agreement with Trump into an implementable deal that would eliminate tariffs on steel and cars. Reynolds was speaking at a brief press conference in Brussels, announcing 13 partnerships with third countries to develop critical minerals supplies, including one pact to financially support Tungsten West, which hopes to reopen a closed mine in Devon. His visit to Brussels came a day after a meeting with the White House trade representative, Jamieson Greer, on the sidelines of an OECD summit in Paris. 'The two essential steps we are continuing to progress at pace is, first of all, the implementation of the agreement we have on sectoral tariffs. Steel and aluminium is part of that, alongside automotive, aerospace and the other critical sectors,' Reynolds said. 'We've had the decision not to extend 50% but we need to bring that 25% down to effectively zero … that is one piece of work which we continue to progress at pace.' Reynolds added that 'deeper negotiation about reciprocal tariffs' between the UK and the US was 'ongoing'. 'We don't want to see additional barriers to trade being put in place, and we continue to work constructively with all partners to secure that,' he said. The reduction in tariff rates for UK steelmakers was 'in the short-term … good news' said Rowan Crozier, the chief executive of Brandauer, a metal-stamping specialist. However, the boss of the Birmingham-based company told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that continual changes to tariff policy were damaging and creating uncertainty for business. 'It is quite far-reaching because essentially our customers are less confident in forward planning or ordering what they need,' Crozier said. He added that the company was having to contact its US customers directly, and called on the UK government to finalise the trade deal with the US in the coming weeks. 'I think the government have done well to keep us out of it for now but there is a definite deadline they have got to work to now to take away this uncertainty and get those tariffs to zero,' Crozier said. The industry body UK Steel welcomed Trump's decision to keep tariffs at 25% but said uncertainty remained over the final rate. Its director general, Gareth Stace, said: 'Continued 25% tariffs will benefit shipments already on the water that we were concerned would fall under a tax hike.' However, he added: 'We need the UK government to apply rocket boosters to those negotiations with the US administration to get that deal over the line and remove tariffs altogether on our imports and exports to the US market, which is our second-biggest export market.' Steel companies had been considering whether to turn shipments around in the mid-Atlantic to try to sell products in Europe rather than pay 50% tariffs. There were also questions over whether products immediately shipped back from the US would be liable to the levies. Liam Bates, the president for long products at Marcegaglia Stainless Sheffield, told the Guardian that the UK industry was relieved. He said: 'Storm in a teacup springs to mind.' However, he added that 'this is still a wider issue as anything not exclusively UK is attracting 50%' tariffs. It also does require this 0% deal is now done.' Paul Nowak, the general secretary of the TUC, said the exemption 'takes us back from the brink and many workers will breathe easier as a result' amid fears that thousands of British jobs could be lost if the steel and aluminium tariffs came into full force.
