Latest news with #StevenKnight
ABC News
a day ago
- ABC News
Old Parramatta Gaol could be major tourist spot if development concerns addressed, advocates say
Steven Knight remembers his tiny cell, the "yuck" food, and a NAIDOC Week painting he worked on at Old Parramatta Gaol. He was 25 when he served time and said there were a "lot of good people" but "a lot of bad people" inside too. "A lot of people trying to do bad things to themselves. That's no good. Lot of fights," Mr Knight said. A quarter of a century after his release, he still visits the jail in North Parramatta — not just as an ex-inmate but also as one of its owners as a member of the Deerrubbin Land Council. Old Parramatta Gaol opened in 1842 as a final bid to build a jail in Sydney's west, after previous attempts were either burnt down or poorly constructed. It would eventually become the state's principal manufacturing jail, with prisoners making and supplying clothing, boots, food, and other products across New South Wales. The medium-security facility housed thousands of prisoners over its operation, incarcerating infamous criminals such as prison escapee Darcy Dugan and underworld figure Neddy Smith. In 2011, the state government decommissioned the jail after changes to bail laws lowered prison population demands. Five years later, Deerrubbin Land Council won it back in a successful land claim and has owned the jail ever since. Yet, as nearly a decade has passed by, the land council has been put into administration. Heritage advocates have raised questions on how the jail can be used in the future, as the area around it continues to grow. Currently, if a land council wins a claim, they may be eligible for transitional funding under the state's Environment Protection Authority, which can ease the immediate costs. However, in 2015, transitional funding was not an option, with the Deerrubbin Land Council having to fund any fixes to Old Parramatta Gaol itself. "The significant pieces of land are returned to us with a range of refurbishment needs … the dollars needed to remedy lots of that are enormous," co-chair of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWLAC) Ray Kelly said. Maintenance costs take a financial toll on local land councils, with sites often being handed back in disrepair. Mr Kelly said historical sites were often given back with contamination problems like asbestos or hazardous waste, as well as annual upkeep payments. In 2021, the land council lodged a development application to Parramatta City Council to host music festivals, markets, educational seminars and weddings. However, the application was rejected due to planning policy noncompliance and concerns surrounding heritage impacts and transport accessibility. "There are challenges such as the legacy issues pertaining to a correctional centre with a very specific use and the size and composition of the site that requires extensive remediation, planning and also funding to optimise and activate," Tim Gumbleton, administrator of Deerubbin Land Council said. The land council's administration status presents another barrier to development; however, Mr Gumbleton said it would not impede the vision for the jail's future. "Across NSW, local Aboriginal land councils continue to be major landholders, developers, employers, and economic contributors," he said. "That includes this site, which remains of significant cultural, commercial and economic importance to both the Aboriginal community and the broader public." An option to help with hefty costs could be turning the jail into a tourist attraction. Cheryl Bates, spokesperson for the Parramatta region at National Trust Australia, said it would be "foolish" not to utilise its tourism potential. "We can't just have buildings sitting idle without any purpose … I think we've got a really good opportunity to do something with the jail," Ms Bates said. "The state government has put in a light rail, which is only a block from [the jail], so would be accessible by public transport." She also pointed out its proximity to other heritage sites like Old Government House and the Parramatta Female Factory. While a NSW planning department spokesperson said the jail was excluded in the government's rezoning plans, they said the development would benefit the jail in the future. "By activating underutilised land surrounding the gaol, the NSW government believes this will support opportunities to integrate the Old Parramatta Gaol within the broader Parramatta North precinct while protecting its heritage status," the spokesperson said. The future of Old Parramatta Gaol remains unclear for now, but the land council has said it was open to working with stakeholders to identify its best use. "I'd like to clean this place up and then put it back the way it was."
Business Upturn
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Taboo Season 2: Release date speculation, cast and plot details – Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on June 15, 2025, 17:30 IST Last updated June 15, 2025, 12:58 IST Fans of the gritty BBC period drama Taboo have been eagerly awaiting news of Season 2 since the show's explosive first season aired in 2017. Starring Tom Hardy as the enigmatic James Keziah Delaney, Taboo captivated audiences with its dark storytelling, complex characters, and 19th-century London backdrop. With Season 2 officially confirmed, here's everything we know so far about the release date, cast, plot, and more. Taboo Season 2 Release Date Speculation As of June 2025, no official release date for Taboo Season 2 has been announced. However, recent updates provide some clues. Tom Hardy confirmed in March 2025 that the scripts are actively being written, stating, 'We're writing that at the moment' in an interview with LADBible. Producer Steven Knight previously told Collider in 2021 that six of the eight planned episodes were written, with production delays largely due to Hardy's busy schedule and the COVID-19 pandemic. Filming has not yet started, but if production begins in late 2025 or early 2026, a release could be expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Taboo Season 2 Expected Cast The only confirmed cast member for Taboo Season 2 is Tom Hardy, reprising his role as James Keziah Delaney. Hardy, who co-created the series with his father, Chips Hardy, and Steven Knight, remains deeply invested in the project. While no other actors have been officially confirmed, several key characters from Season 1 are expected to return based on the story's conclusion: Jessie Buckley as Lorna Bow, Delaney's stepmother. Tom Hollander as George Cholmondeley, the chemist and ally. Stephen Graham as Atticus, the loyal underworld figure. Edward Hogg as Michael Godfrey, the East India Company clerk. Taboo Season 2 Potential Plot Taboo Season 1 ended with James Delaney and his crew sailing toward America after a bloody confrontation with the East India Company. Season 2 is expected to follow their journey westward, exploring new themes and settings. Steven Knight has teased that the show will become 'more narcotic, more opium-affected' as it heads west, with a focus on the mysterious American spy network 'Colonnade.' This suggests a deeper dive into espionage and political intrigue. Where to Watch Taboo Season 2 When released, Taboo Season 2 will air on BBC One in the UK and FX in the US, following the first season's distribution. Season 1 is currently available on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and for purchase on DVD/Blu-ray, suggesting Season 2 may eventually stream on these platforms. Check official BBC and FX websites for updates on streaming availability. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
BBC News
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Peaky Blinders stage show was quite a mad idea'
A theatre show based on the tv series Peaky Blinders is returning to Birmingham for its final run of Blinders The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, a dance/theatre event with a live band, has been seen by more than 200,000 people across Europe over the past three years, bosses tv series' creator Steven Knight was in Birmingham on Tuesday to mark the show's final run which ends at the city's Hippodrome on Saturday."It's only now looking back that I realise it was quite a mad idea," he said. "At the time I didn't think of it like that. I thought it was quite natural, that this would be the natural progression.""I'm not a dance person, I never have been, but when I watched this and I watched what those people are able to do themselves personally, physically, I find it quite remarkable."It's just like instead of words you've got that amazing ability and movement, and the music." Peaky Blinders follows the fortunes of the Shelby family who live in Birmingham in the years following World War I. Peaky Blinders was the name given to a street gang operating at the man who helped take Peaky Blinders from the small screen to the stage is artistic director Benoit Swan Pouffer."I was a fan already, before I created the show," he said. "It gives me a chance to be part of the legacy." Among the performers is Mitchel Emms from near Lichfield, said the show was a one-of-a-kind."On paper – having a dance show that tells the story of Peaky Blinders with a live rock band on stage – it sounds very strange, but when we perform it every night it just feels right," he the curtain will soon be drawing on the stage show, fans still have a movie to look forward to, which is due for release later this said the response to those in the studio who had seen it had been "phenomenal"."We think we've got something very special on our hands," he said. "I can't wait for it to be out there."Earlier this year he also teased another Peaky Blinders project, without revealing further details. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Wales Online
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Oasis fans handed special request by the creator of Peaky Blinders
Oasis fans handed special request by the creator of Peaky Blinders Oasis fans are being asked to share personal stories about a song that holds 'deep meaning' to them Oasis fans are being invited to share their personal tales linked to "a particular song" that resonates with them deeply for the upcoming Oasis Live '25 Tour film. The Oasis reunion tour is due to kick off in Cardiff on Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5. It marks Oasis' return after 16 years away. The documentary about the reuniting Britpop icons is being produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight with acclaimed directors Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace, known for LCD Soundsystem's concert movie Shut Up And Play The Hits, at the helm. Magna Studios, with a portfolio featuring Beastie Boys Story, Gangs Of London, 20000 Days On Earth, and Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now, is leading the production. They're calling on fans to submit their poignant memories connected to the Live Forever hitmakers' tracks for a chance to be featured in the documentary. An announcement on the website stated: "Now, in the year of Oasis' sellout reunion tour, Magna Studios and Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, A Thousand Blows) – in association with Oasis – are making a film exploring how this band's music has become so important to so many. We are asking people all over the world if there is a particular Oasis song that has deep meaning for you. A song that tells the story of a life-changing moment, a love, a loss, a heartbreak, or a break for freedom. Whatever the Oasis song, whatever the story – tell us..." Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here. Richard Ashcroft and Cast will join Oasis as special guests on the tour. The Supersonic stars are set to rock stages across the globe after opening in Wales with dates in the USA, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. Article continues below In the meantime frontman Liam Gallagher has brushed aside worries expressed by fans concerning his vocal fitness prior to their much-awaited comeback 52 year-old lead singer, coping with Hashimoto's disease which affects the voice, caused a stir on social media after sharing his use of throat lozenges, sour sweets, and cough syrup, causing fans to fear that his voice may not endure through the approaching summer stadium shows with his elder brother Noel. After discussing his throat care regimen online, a concerned fan reached out on social media: "@liamgallagher If you need that many throat stuff does that mean anytime your voice can still go?We don't want cancellations." To this, Liam snapped back: "Shut up you melt". Fans are eagerly awaiting the Oasis return since it marks the first time the group will play together following their split in 2009, spurred by a backstage row between the Gallagher brothers at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.
Irish Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Oasis calling on fans to share 'deep meaning' stories for tour film
Oasis fans are being invited to share their stories about "a particular song" that holds "deep meaning" to them for the Oasis Live '25 Tour film. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is producing the reuniting Britpop legends' documentary, with renowned filmmakers Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace on board to direct - the duo behind LCD Soundsystem's concert film Shut Up And Play The Hits. Magna Studios - whose credits include Beastie Boys Story, Gangs Of London, 20000 Days On Earth, and Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now - are heading up the production and are asking fans to send in their special memories associated with the Live Forever hitmakers' songs for potential inclusion in the film. A post on the website read: "Now, in the year of Oasis' sell out reunion tour, Magna Studios and Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, A Thousand Blows) - in association with Oasis - are making a film exploring how this band's music has become so important to so many. "We are asking people all over the world if there is a particular Oasis song that has deep meaning for you. A song that tells the story of a life changing moment, a love, a loss, a heartbreak, or a break for freedom. "Whatever the Oasis song, whatever the story – tell us…" Oasis' UK and Ireland shows - their first in 16 years - will kick off in Cardiff on July 4 and see them joined by special guests Richard Ashcroft and Cast. The Supersonic band will also play USA, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. Meanwhile, frontman Liam Gallagher recently dismissed fan concerns over his vocal health ahead of the long-awaited reunion tour. The 52-year-old frontman - who has Hashimoto's disease, which can cause a hoarse voice - sparked a frenzy online after posting about taking throat lozenges, sour candies and cough syrup, prompting speculation from fans that his voice might not hold up during his and older brother Noel's upcoming stadium comeback shows this summer. One fan messaged him on X after his admission: "@liamgallagher If you need that many throat stuff does that mean anytime your voice can still go? We don't want cancellations." Liam replied: "Shut up you melt." Another user asked the singer: "@liamgallagher Did you eat all your sour throat candies yesterday?" – to which Liam responded: "@adele_liam I did 2 pacs." The Oasis reunion marks the first time the band have performed together since 2009, when they split after a backstage altercation between the siblings at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris. Their return to the stage has been one of the most anticipated music events of the decade. Rehearsals kicked off in London, with Liam joining his bandmates — including his brother Noel, 58 — for rehearsals this week.
