No-one is recognised as knowing more about Hollywood and celebrities than David Hartnell MNZM. He’s not only spent a lifetime reporting on Hollywood’s trivia, gossip and scandals, but he counts many celebrities among his personal friends. Every Monday morning David will give you an exclusive weekly update on the gossip, scandals and trivia of Hollywood’s elite.
David is an award winning broadcaster and columnist he’s also the patron of The Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc. Her Majesty The Queen, awarded David the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (formerly an MBE) in the Queen’s birthday Honours list 2011. In 2012 he was made an Ambassador St James Saviours, the trust formed to save the iconic Auckland theatre. In 2014 he was made an Ambassador to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.
Visit David’s Website
Known by some as the ‘Godfather of gossip’, David Hartnell MNZM has amassed a fabulous resource of detail about Hollywood and television movies and stars throughout his long career interviewing celebrities and reporting on trivia, gossip and scandals. His knowledge ranges easily from the 1950s to the present day.
Now David has written this quiz book as a celebration of the rich variety that the movies and television have brought us over many decades, and the personalities who’ve been working in both industries. Presented in an entertaining but informative fashion, the more than 1,700 questions and answers are arranged in rounds of three, with answers close by. There are also specialty feature quizzes with questions related to a single subject, such as Oscar-winning films, Lord of the Rings, Sequels and Remakes, even TV pets. Collected trivia about celebrities and stars also feature as interesting snippets through the book. People love to be an authority on celebrities – the celebrity pages are the most popular pages of any magazine.
Whether it is used for pub quiz nights, parties or even long car trips, David Hartnell’s Celebrity Quiz Book will highlight to a wide audience the important milestones in the development of this most popular of cultures, and test how well you really know the world of entertainment.
This book will appeal to everyone who watches television or film.This is his ninth book.
Available in all good books store’s and on line, published by New Holland $19.99.;
View David Hartnell
‘Written in the stars – David’s triple celebrations‘ in the NZ Woman’s Weekly. View the article here on David’s website.
Be in to win monthly DVDs
…simply answer a question correctly, from this week’s column and you will be entered into the draw.
This week’s DVD is a copy of Kingsman – The Secret Service.
Question: Name two celebrities from this week’s column. Answer by clicking here.
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Monday 13th July
I’m not one to gossip but………………. Drew Barrymore graces the cover of Hampton’s magazine!
Here’s what the 40-year-old actress had to share with the mag:
On why her film Miss You Already was one of the few acting projects she has taken part in lately: “I don’t work in films and movies so much anymore. I can’t. It would take me away from my kids too much, and I’m not willing to do that…[Acting will be] every few years at best, and then I’ll just see how that goes. I’ve done two films in five years. And even those, I was like, ‘Wow, I just don’t know how to do this right now with kids.’ Right now the companies that I’m doing bring me a tremendous amount of happiness. They challenge the things that are important for me to be challenged with, like art and business, and creativity and functionality, and yet I’m being the mom that I want to be. So that for me is everything.”
On her enthusiasm for her cruelty-free beauty, accessories and eyewear brand, Flower: “It was a connective, slow, and steady evolution. I was acting, and then I wanted to make movies, so I produced. Then CoverGirl wanted me to be a spokesmodel, and I thought, I am just not a spokesmodel; nothing about me says spokesmodel. So they said, ‘Well, would you like to be co-creative director and really do the campaigns with us?’ And I said, ‘Yes! That sounds fun.’ [Starting Flower was] just a no-brainer for me. [Testing on animals is] just not something I would do or be a part of. We also are proudly made in the USA, through Walmart, and with the labs we’re able to work with, we’re able to keep it domestic and help support jobs.”
On how she balances her busy work life with family time: “It’s definitely challenging, but I really compartmentalise my time. Number one, it’s my kids. For me, waking up with them every day, having free days with them, working from home a lot, getting to do dinner, bath, and bed, is everything. My weekends are with them. I spend so much time with them that I’m actually excited when I get to step out of the house and go to a meeting. And then, things have to fall off the table. Sometimes it does seem overwhelming, but you just prioritize. You know you can’t do everything. You choose your battles. If you’re being the kind of person you want to be— which for me is a parent first—then you get excited about stepping away here and there and focusing on some other things. All of these businesses, as time consuming as they are, they let me be the kind of parent I want to be.”
For more on Drew, visit Hamptons-magazine.com!
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SOPHIA RAGAVELAS
TO STAR IN THE NEW PRODUCTION OF
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S CATS
Today the Producers of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS announced that SOPHIA RAGAVELAS will star in the acclaimed West End revival production of CATS when it plays in New Zealand for a strictly limited season from Friday 11 September. Sophia will play the coveted role of Grizabella and sing Memory, one of the most well-known songs of all time.
UK born Sophia Ragavelas has recently played Grizabella on an extensive UK tour. Prior to that, her highly applauded theatre credits include major roles in Calamity Jane, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Witches of Eastwick, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
CATS, one of the longest running shows in the West End and on Broadway, received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981 where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances. The production was the winner of the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. In 1983 the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical and ran for 18 years. Since its world premiere, CATS has been presented in over 30 countries, has been translated into 15 languages and has been seen by over 73 million people worldwide. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album. The classic Lloyd Webber score includes Memory, which has been recorded by over 150 artists, from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace and Barry Manilow.
The 2015 Olivier Award-nominated show, which was reworked by the original creative team – director Trevor Nunn, associate director and choreographer Gillian Lynne, designer John Napier and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber – was a smash hit throughout its run at the London Palladium in 2014/15. Nicole Scherzinger and then Kerry Ellis played the role of Grizabella during its sell-out West End season.
Joining Sophia on stage as feline favourites from T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats will be international touring cast Amy Berrisford (Demeter), Madeline Cain (swing), Emma Delmenico (Resident Choreographer/swing), Dominique Hamilton (Rumpleteazer), Ashleigh Hauschild (Tantomile), Jade Hui-Wen Coutts (Victoria/The White Cat), Erin James (swing), Emily Keane (Cassandra), Sarah Landy (Bombalurina), Bree Langridge (swing), Holly Meegan (Jennyanydots), Samantha Morley (Jellylorum/Griddlebone), and Stephanie Silcock (Jemima).
The male cats will be played by Daniel Assetta (Rum Tum Tugger), James Cooper (Admetus/Macavity/Dance Captain), Andrew Dunne (swing), Matt Edwards (swing), Christopher Favaloro (Mr Mistoffelees), Keanu Gonzalez (Alonzo/Rumpus Cat), Ross Hannaford (Skimbleshanks), Sam Hooper (swing), Thomas Johansson (Pouncival), Tobias Madden (Carbucketty), Matt McFarlane (Munkustrap), Stephen Morgante (Resident Director/swing), Brent Osborne (Mungojerrie), Josh Piterman (Bustopher Jones/Gus/Growltiger), Taylor Scanlan (Bill Bailey), Jason Wasley (Old Deuteronomy), and Patrick Whitbread (Coricopat).
This hit revival introduces a rapping ‘street cat’ in the famous Rum Tum Tugger role, who will perform some serious breakdancing moves.
www.catsthemusical.com/nz
Facebook.com/CatstheMusical
Twitter.com/CatsMusical @CatsMusical
YouTube.com/CatsMusical
#CatsNZ
CATS was originally produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group Limited. CATS is presented by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises and BASE Entertainment Asia in association with The Really Useful Group.
Venue: The Civic, Auckland
Dates: From Friday 11 September 2015
Times: Tuesday 6.30pm; Wednesday 7.30pm; Thursday 7.30pm Friday 7.30pm
Saturday 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Sunday 1pm & 6pm
Prices: from $69.90 (transaction fees may apply)
Bookings: Ticketmaster 09 970 9700 or ticketmaster.co.nz
Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 09 970 9745
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Hugh Jackman’s wife Deborra-Lee Furness has one big rule that makes their relationship work!
“I’ve told his agent he’s not allowed to work with Angelina Jolie,” the 59-year-old actress shared to Australia’s Today Show. “I’m sure she’s very nice and I love what she’s doing — shining a light on awareness for adoption…”
She added about their relationship, “That’s the deal with this business. If you get it right, if you pick the right partner, then, you traverse all those travails and challenges.”
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Ever since Rumer Willis, 26, won the first place trophy on the American version of Dancing with the Stars, her younger sisters Scout, 23, and Tallulah, 21, have been after her to do a reality show with them. According to Star magazine, the sisters feel they could be a threat to the Kardashian sisters. And their mother Demi Moore is not against the idea of making occasional appearances herself. Rumer and Tallulah are especially eager to find their own success in Hollywood and not have to live off their famous parents. One sister has been to rehab and the other partakes in topless demonstrations so they just might be interesting. OMG that’s all we need another American reality TV show…I can’t wait to miss it!
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Superstar Johnny Depp has left a fan amazed by his kindness after generously offering to pay for her electricity bill, after she produced it for him to autograph.
Vicky, met the Pirates of the Caribbean star in Hatings Point, south of the NSW-Queensland border, and handed Mr Depp the only thing she could find in her purse for him to sign – an electricity bill.
Vicky was left stunned after the superstar offered to pay for her bill, even offering to call the power company for her to sort it out.
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It has been announced that Disney is making a live-adaptation of a movie, which will center on Prince Charming!
The film, which will be produced by David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman, and Tripp Vinson, will focus on the male lead, who captures the heart of the princesses.
The script, which was written by Matt Fogel, is a “revisionist take on the fairy tales.”
The Prince Charming project is just one of many films, that will be given a live adaptation by Disney, such as The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, and Mulan.
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American singer Adam Lambert, 33, recently chatted with Radio.com of if he would ever do a Broadway musical.
“If I were going to do a musical, I would want it to be something new. I’d want to originate something. I wouldn’t want to step into something that the last guy did. I was getting frustrated with that with theater to begin with: when you get into these shows that have become ‘brands’ — and I have a lot of respect for those shows — but it sort of gets so ‘locked in’ to how it was originally staged, and that didn’t feel like the most creative opportunity,” Adam said. “I want to have some input into how my character moves and dresses and sounds. And with these shows that have been running for a long time, it becomes like a theme park. ‘This is where you stand, this is how you say the line, this is how you sing the note, and you can’t do it any other way.’ I hate being told what to do. So it needs to be like a collaboration.”
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Taylor Swift has donated a whopping $50,000 (US) to a young fan battling leukemia.
The 25-year-old “Bad Blood” singer did so after hearing about a young “Swiftie” named Naomi Oakes, who was sadly diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in late June.
Doctors told her treatment would keep her bed-ridden for up to nine months – meaning she would miss Taylor‘s concert.
Her uncle created a GoFundMe page to help raise money for her medical expenses. The family also posted a video to help nab Taylor‘s attention in hopes she may post an Instagram using the #TeamNaomi hashtag.
Taylor went one step further and donated $50,000 (US) through the page, writing, “To the beautiful and brave Naomi, I’m sorry you have to miss it, but there will always be more concerts. Let’s focus on getting you feeling better. I’m sending the biggest hugs to you and your family.”
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Here’s what Chris Pratt, 36, the star of Jurassic World had to share with the magazine Women’s Health:
On whether he thinks opposites attract: “Well, scientifically it’s a fact, because you can look at the polarity of the water molecule and the capillary action of ice and water. [Laughs] It can be true in real life, too, but I don’t think it’s a rule. If you’re like (Anna Faris, his wife] and myself, we’re very similar. We married ourselves because we have comparable egos and abnormally high self-esteem.”
On lying to your partner: “Honesty is the best policy, but being mindful of someone’s feelings is also very important. It’s not okay to lie, but it is okay to protect your partner. And understanding the difference requires wisdom.”
On PDA: “Yes. But it’s a fine line. Keep it classy. Don’t be gross. I don’t mind PDA; I do mind GPDA, which is Gross Public Displays of Affection.”
For more on Chris, visit WomensHealthMag.com.
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Old Jokes’ Home:
My son wanted to know what it
was like to live in Greece.
So I stopped his pocket money!
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SOME DVDs TO LOOK OUT FOR.
OUR GIRL
Molly Dawes (Lacey Turner – Call the Midwife, EastEnders) is a typical East London teenager living with her dysfunctional family. Whilst out celebrating her 18th birthday she discovers her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend and the following day she finds herself in an Army recruitment office making a life changing decision to become a soldier in the Royal Army Medical Corps.
Six months later, Molly is deployed to Afghanistan as a serving medic. As one of the last missions before the British Army withdraws from the country, Molly is thrilled to be joining the platoon but makes a bad first impression on their leader, Captain James (Ben Aldridge – Reign, Lark Rise to Candleford). Things only get worse when Molly discovers Smurf (Iwan Rheon – Game of Thrones, Misfits), a face from the past she’d rather forget, is a member of the platoon. As Molly feels the pressure to prove herself, a growing friendship with a local Afghan girl puts Molly in a precarious position with more than her reputation in jeopardy.
Molly is forced to grow up quickly by the unforgettable experiences she faces, and the extraordinary challenges she’ll share with the platoon will give them almost as much importance in her life as her family. Afghanistan will change Molly’s view of life in ways she could never have foreseen – and shape the character of our girl forever.
Special Features: Behind the Scenes
* As Seen on TVONE *
THE LIBRARIANS SEASON 1
Inspired by the successful film trilogy, Foxtel’s action packed drama The Librarians, features well known TV stars including Noah Wyle (Falling Skies & ER), Rebecca Romijn (Ugly Betty), Christian Kane (Angel), John Kim (Neighbours) and even Jane Curtis (3rd Rock From the Sun).
From the creators of Independence Day and Stargate, Behold: The Librarians a new television series with guest directors including Star Trek’s very own Jonathan Frakes.
Rated 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, the adventure series takes you on a wildly entertaining quest investigating cheese filled narratives, complete with campy villains and deliberately over exaggerated characterisations.
On their mission, the newly formed group face the dangerous and the bizarre – Santa Clause – as they fight to save humanity and simultaneously attempt to get along with each other.
ORPHAN BLACK: SERIES 3
The multi-award-winning hit show returns for an electrifying third series that introduces a dangerous new threat to the ‘clone club’ sisterhood. Just as Sarah and her clone sisters were beginning to piece together the complex conspiracy behind the shadowy Dyad Institute, the discovery of Project Castor – a top-secret military project producing highly trained male clones – throws their lives back into turmoil. Watched over by the ruthless matriarch Dr Coady, the Castor clones are focused, lethal soldiers. But who created them? And, more importantly, why? Sarah’s Ukrainian twin Helena is languishing in a Castor cell, feeling abandoned by the family she only recently reconciled with. So when Sarah decides to track her down, the Castor clones must brace themselves for a fierce battle. Meanwhile, Alison has begun a lucrative but shady new line of business, and Cosima has discovered the key to the synthetic sequences that could keep all of them alive…
Stars: Tatiana Maslany (Woman in Gold, Parks and Recreation), Jordan Gavaris (Unnatural History, Cracked), Maria Doyle Kennedy (The Tudors, Downton Abbey), Ari Millen (Rookie Blue, Nikita), Dylan Bruce (Arrow, The Bay), Kyra Harper (Warehouse 13, Hard Rock Medical), Kristian Bruun (Dirty Singles, Murdoch Mysteries),
* As Seen on SOHO
THE MUSKETEETS: SERIES 2
A dark new chapter unfolds in this stunning second series that explodes from the screen with more thrills, action and awe-inspiring adventure than ever before.
As France teeters on the brink of war with Spain, the death of Cardinal Richelieu has left a void that could yet be filled by an even more dangerous threat. Meanwhile, one of Richelieu’s most loyal lieutenants, the Comte de Rochefort (Marc Warren – Hustle, Mad Dogs), has escaped from a Spanish prison and aims to establish himself at court.. An old friend of the Queen, Rochefort is a strong-willed soldier who has suffered a terrible ordeal at the hands of his captors. But the Musketeers soon discover that this supposed ally is not all that he appears. More mercurial and combustible than the Cardinal, Rochefort has a concealed agenda that could bring the whole realm to ruin. Vividly evoking the grit and grime of 17th century Paris’s mean streets, this gripping take on the iconic classic is visually spectacular and bursting with invention.
STARRING: Luke Pasqualino (Skins, The Borgias), Tom Burke (The Hour, Only God Forgives), Santiago Cabrera (Merlin, Heroes), Howard Charles (Switch), Marc Warren (Mad Dogs, Hustle), Hugo Speer (Father Brown, The Full Monty), Tamla Kari (Cuckoo, The Inbetweeners Movie), Alexandra Dowling (Game Of Thrones, Merlin), Ryan Gage (The Hobbit) and Maimie McCoy (Loving Miss Hatto, The Last Witch).
This new series release also includes 6 Behind-The-Scenes Featurettes
BLU-RAY & DVD FROM 1 JULY
From the whimsical mind of director Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland), Big Eyes tells the outrageous true story of one of the most epic art frauds in history. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, painter Walter Keane had reached success beyond belief, revolutionizing the commercialization of popular art with his enigmatic paintings of waifs with big eyes. The bizarre and shocking truth would eventually be discovered though: Walter’s works were actually not created by him at all, but by his wife Margaret. The Keanes, it seemed, had been living a colossal lie that had fooled the entire world. A tale too incredible to be fiction, Big Eyes centres on Margaret’s awakening as an artist, the phenomenal success of her paintings, and her tumultuous relationship with her husband, who was catapulted to international fame while taking credit for her work.
Starring Amy Adams (American Hustle) in her Golden Globe winning role as Margaret Keane and Christopher Waltz (Django Unchained) as Walter Keane, alongside Danny Huston (Magic City), Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad), Jason Schwartzman (Saving Mr. Banks) and Terence Stamp (The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert).
Focus
Will Smith (The Pursuit of Happyness) stars as Nicky, a seasoned master of misdirection who becomes romantically involved with novice con artist Jess (Margot Robbie – The Wolf of Wall Street). As he’s teaching her the tricks of the trade, she gets too close for comfort and he abruptly breaks it off. Three years later, the former flame—now an accomplished femme fatale—shows up in Buenos Aires in the middle of the high stakes race car circuit. In the midst of Nicky’s latest, very dangerous scheme, she throws his plans for a loop…and the consummate con man off his game.
Focus is written and directed by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa (Crazy, Stupid, Love) and produced by Denise Di Novi (Crazy, Stupid, Love), alongside executive producers Charlie Gogolak and Stan Wlodkowski. Headed by Oscar nominee Will Smith and Margot Robbie, the cast also stars Rodrigo Santoro (the 300 films) and Gerald McRaney (House of Cards).
Special Features include:
* Masters of Misdirection: The Players In A Con (BD only) * Will Smith: Gentleman Thief (BD only)
* Margot Robbie: Stealing Hearts (BD only) * Alternate Opening (BD only)
* Deleted Scenes
Until next week…………………. my lips are sealed!
Copyright David H. W. Hartnell MNZM 2015
Monday 6th July
I’m not one to gossip but………………. The late Joan Rivers’ lavish Manhattan penthouse has sold for an astounding $US28 million.
According to CNBC, the ritzy triplex located in the heart of New York was snagged by ‘Middle East royalty’.
Sources for the American business news channel revealed that there were multiple offers from several parties but the home was eventually purchased at it’s original asking price.
The home was being marketed by real estate broker Leighton Candler of the Corcoran Group on behalf of daughter Melissa Rivers, following the comedienne’s untimely death in September.
Insiders for CNBC declined to reveal the identity of the buyers but did disclose that they had closed on the deal unusually quickly, likely paying cash.
The expansive property, which was listed in February, occupies the entire top three floors of a seven-story, turn of the century Gilded Age mansion.
Joan once described the Upper East Side condo as ‘where Marie Antoinette would have lived if she had the money.’
It was built in 1903 by millionaire John Drexel, with the building – located just off Fifth Avenue at 1 E. 62nd Street – being converted into condos in the 1930s.
According to Daily News, she bought the apartment in 1988, ordering a painstaking renovation, though holding onto some of the apartment’s original period details. The 5,100-square-foot, four-bedroom penthouse boasts two large entertainment spaces, which can accommodate 125 people.
The Louis XIV-inspired rooms – which include both a former ballroom and music room – have 23-foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and antique columns.
The apartment also comes equipped with a wood-panelled library, two outdoor terraces, a spacious master suite, a dining room, and a separate two-bedroom, two-bath guest apartment with its own living room, fireplace, and kitchen.
Joan gushed about her bedroom to NBC’s Today in 2011, saying: ‘Everybody says a woman’s bedroom should look like a bordello. ‘It’s such a comfort, my bedroom. It is my main closet which, again, for a New Yorker, this is huge. For anybody else in America, it’s like who cares?’
The comedienne lived there until her death in September, and seemed happy in the grand apartment. Joan passed away unexpectedly while undergoing a routine endoscopy in September, and her daughter filed suit last month against the clinic where it was performed, claiming the clinic’s doctors were so busy taking cell phone pictures of their famous patient that they missed the moment her vital signs plummeted.
Since her untimely death there have been several shake-ups on her signature E! show Fashion Police and it finally all seems to be coming together again as her 47-year-old daughter agreed to replace Joan as a panel moderator on the show. Melissa will assume the role when taping resumes on August 31, according to Variety.
Daily Mail UK.
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Emma Watson has just landed a huge new movie role! The 25-year-old actress has joined the upcoming film adaptation of Dave Eggers‘ novel The Circle alongside Tom Hanks.
Emma will play “an employee hired for a big job in an Internet monopoly called The Circle, which links users’ personal emails, social media, banking and purchasing with their universal operating system, resulting in one online identity and a new age of civility and transparency.”
The script is being written by James Ponsoldt, who penned The Spectacular Now, while Tom will be producing.
“Emma Watson is one of my favourite actors, and her incredible talent, sensitivity and deep intelligence will bring an electric energy to The Circle,” James said.
Production is set to begin in September in California.
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We knew that Johnny Depp had quite a nice estate in the South of France, but we didn’t realize he owned a whole VILLAGE until he put it up for sale! Price tag: 26 million (US). According to the LA Times, the 200 year old property is about 17 miles from Saint Tropez and consists of 37 acres, including over a dozen structures. The main house is 10,760 sq ft (12 bedrooms) surrounded by vineyards and several guest cottages, a chapel, a bar and restaurant and a workshop/garage. There is a painter’s studio, a children’s playroom, a gym, 2 pools, and a skateboard area. Furniture and personal belongings left behind are included in the sale.
Photo: Sotheby’s International Realty
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J.K. Rowling has officially announced that a brand new Harry Potter stage play will be opening in London’s West End next year!
“Today is a very special day for two reasons. Firstly, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published in the UK 18 years ago,” the 49-year-old author wrote on her Twitter account. “I’m also very excited to confirm today that a new play called Harry Potter and the #CursedChild will be opening in London next year.”
“It will tell a new story, which is the result of a collaboration between writer Jack Thorne, director John Tiffany and myself. I don’t want to say too much more, because I don’t want to spoil what I know will be a real treat for fans,” J.K. continued. “However, I can say that it is not a prequel! To answer one inevitable (and reasonable!) question – why isn’t #CursedChild a new novel? – I am confident that when audiences see the play. They will agree that it was the only proper medium for the story. I’ve had countless offers to extend Harry’s story over the years, but Jack, John and Sonia Friedman are a dream team! It has been a huge pleasure to share with them (and soon, with you!) this untold part of Harry’s story.”
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Publicity mad Kim Kardashian bares a ton of cleavage on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine’s latest issue.
Here’s what the 34-year-old reality star had to share with the mag:
On her portrayal in the media: “I believe that I am so much smarter than I’m portrayed.”
On Caitlyn Jenner: “I was shaking [when I walked in on Bruce wearing women’s clothes for the first time.] I didn’t know if I’d just found out his deepest, darkest secret, and he was going to come after me. I wasn’t sure if Bruce was going to be comfortable walking me down the aisle. He had just had his trachea shaved, so I knew something was going on. [Kanye] obviously moves to his own drum. He lives his life the way he wants, a really authentic life, and he was like, ‘If you can’t be authentic and you can’t live your life, what do you have?’”
On her brother Rob: “It’s not that mysterious, what’s happening with Rob. He has gained weight. He feels uncomfortable being on the show, and that’s OK. Do I think he smokes weed, drinks beer, hangs out and plays video games with his friends all day long? Yes.”
On who leaked her sex tape: “We’re in major confidentiality, so I can’t talk about it. I don’t really think about it. I thought about it for a long time. But when I get over something, I get over it.”
For more from Kim, visit RollingStone.com.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger had a short but sweet response to one of his 3.38 million Twitter followers who took issue with The Terminator star altering his profile pic to reflect LGBTI pride.
‘What’s wrong with you Arnie?’ the follower asked. ‘I have to unlike.’
Schwarzenegger replied with one of his signature movie lines: ‘Hasta la vista.’
The actor and former California governor was one of 26 million people who used a rainbow filter to his profile image after the US Supreme Court voted 5-4 to make same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states.
But Schwarzenegger was not always so supportive of marriage equality.
During his terms as governor of California from 2003-11, Schwarzenegger twice vetoed bills that had passed both houses of the state legislature and would have made same-sex marriage legal.
Instead, the battle was fought in the courts with marriages becoming legal for a brief legal window until voters passed the Proposition 8 ban. In 2013, the US Supreme Court upheld the overturning of the ban and same-sex marriages resumed.
Schwarzenegger is now acting again full-time with his latest film, Terminator Genisys, out, guess he figures changing his mind about gay marriage and being so publics about to will put bums on seats for his movie!.
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Talk is that Tom Cruise might be reprising his role in the upcoming Top Gun sequel!
Skydance CEO David Ellison revealed the news when opening up about the development of the film.
“Justin Marks is writing the screenplay right now. He has a phenomenal take to really update that world for what fighter pilots in the Navy has turned into today,” David said. “There is an amazing role for Maverick in the movie and there is no Top Gun without Maverick, and it is going to be Maverick playing Maverick. It is I don’t think what people are going to expect, and we are very, very hopeful that we get to make the movie very soon. But like all things, it all comes down to the script, and Justin is writing as we speak.”
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Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny rock suits on the latest issue of American Entertainment Weekly.
In the issue, the 46-year-old actress opened up on why she was wearing a wig while shooting the X Files reboot.
“My hair started falling out last year,” Gillian shared about her locks, which went through tons of colours and styles for her other show The Fall. “We were in the middle of doing The Fall and they actually had to stop using tongs and hot rollers because it was literally coming out in the hair dresser’s hand.”
Gillian added, “So yeah, unfortunately, it is a wig. Oh my God, it’s like wearing a vice on your head.
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Katy Perry takes the cover of Forbes magazine’s latest issue – she just landed number three on the World’s Highest-Paid Celebrities list!
The 30-year-old entertainer talked about her empire with the mag. Here’s what she said:
On her position as the boss: “I am proud of my position as a boss, as a person that runs my own company. I’m an entrepreneur… I don’t want to shy away from it. I actually want to kind of grab it by its balls.”
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CONTROVERSIAL NEW PLAY ON CLIMATE CHANGE MAKES NZ DEBUT
Auckland Live and Passion Productions presents
BETWEEN TWO WAVES
Following its critical success in Sydney and Adelaide Between Two Waves will debut in New Zealand at Auckland’s Herald Theatre from 4 to 15 August. This romantic comedy about juggling love during an impending climate change disaster is certain to spark debate on the ride home after the show.
“…a gently unsettling portrait of the times we live in.” – Sydney Morning Herald
Between Two Waves is an urgent and searching new play about arguably the most pressing issue of our time. Penned by Australian playwright and actor Ian Meadows, the play debuted in 2012 at Sydney’s Griffin Theatre to rave reviews and captivated audiences.
Daniel – a climatologist and advisor to the government – who having lost a lifetime of research in the worst floods New Zealand has witnessed, isn’t in the mood for appreciating the irony of what he should have predicted. When his partner Fiona tells him they’re about to start a family, Daniel must choose between what he knows and what he loves. Between Two Waves asks an anxious, warming world: how do we find happiness in the face of an uncertain future?
Almighty Johnsons actor Emmett Skilton returns from Los Angeles to star in the play, alongside Go Girls actress Shara Connolly. Acclaimed actor and director Peter Feeney returns to the theatre to direct this production after a ten year hiatus. Feeney was compelled to take the directors seat after reading the script “It’s rare outside of Shakespeare to find the personal and the political so adroitly combined. It’s a project I had to be part of from the moment I first read the play.” Feeney also plays the role of Daniel’s boss.
Produced by Leanne Frisbie, the director of ethical Auckland PR agency Passion PR, the New Zealand production will be set here thanks to re-writes by the playwright. Frisbie, who plays the role of a stressed out insurance adjustor in the play, saw Between Two Waves at its premiere in Sydney and was so moved by it she immediately approached Meadows to get the rights for New Zealand. “It was one of those life-defining moments when I saw this play. I just knew it had to come to NZ – it carries such a powerful message about climate change and yet it’s not preachy,” Frisbie says.
“…Between Two Waves boldly takes on some incredibly profound questions. The result is a work of immense and lasting impact.” – Time Out, Sydney
Between Two Waves is sponsored by fitness experts Les Mills, a brand that is passionate about reducing environmental impacts. A highly-experienced crew including set designer Jessika Verryt and lighting designer and production manager Nik Januerik will bring their expertise to the Herald Theatre production of Between Two Waves, which will use special effects with water to create the climate change disaster back drop.
Between Two Waves plays Auckland:
Tuesday 4 to Saturday 15 August, (Tues – Thurs 7.30pm, Fri & Sat 8pm, and matinee performance Saturday 8 August, 2pm) at Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre.
Tickets*: Adult $35.00 Concession $30.00 Groups 4+ $30.00 Preview or matinee performances $25.00
*Service fees apply
Bookings www.ticketmaster.co.nz or 09 970 9700 Tickets on sale June 10th
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Actress America Ferrera has become the latest celeb to blast Donald Trump for his recent comments on Latinos!
“I heard what you said about the kind of people you think Latino immigrants are — people with problems, who bring drugs, crime and rape to America. While your comments are incredibly ignorant and racist, I don’t want to spend my time chastising you,” the 31-year-old actress wrote in a Huffington Post article. “Instead, I’m writing to say thank you!”
She added, “You see, what you just did with your straight talk was send more Latino voters to the polls than several registration rallies combined! Thank you for that. Here we are pounding the pavement to get American Latinos to the polls, while your tactic proves most effective. Remarks like yours will serve brilliantly to energize Latino voters and increase turnout on election day against you and any other candidate who runs on a platform of hateful rhetoric.”
For the rest of America‘s piece, visit HuffingtonPost.com!
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SOME DVDs TO LOOK OUT FOR.
Win a copy of – Kingsman: The Secret Service
Kingsman: The Secret Service tells the story of a super-secret spy organisation that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency’s ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.
I really enjoyed this as they say on the back of the DVD “More BAD ASS than Bond”
Sir Michael Caine, Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson are all fantastic in their character roles.
If you’d like to win a copy just email me and tell me what year Sir Michael Caine was knighted?
WESTSIDE SEASON 1
Westside is a sweeping historical tale of crime and passion set in 1970s New Zealand.
Rachel Lang and James Griffin, the award-winning creators of Outrageous Fortune, Westside take the West family’s large and loyal fan-base on a journey back to where it all began.
This six-part series tells the story of legendary safe cracker and career criminal, Ted West and his fire cracker of a wife, Rita. Combining real events and the rich folklore of the West family and associates, this is rollicking history, and a tempestuous romance, set at a time of great social upheaval.
Westside is a prequel to Outrageous Fortune. Over six seasons between 2005 and 2010, Outrageous Fortune established itself as New Zealand’s most successful television drama series. A consistent ratings winner, the show achieved cult status and critical acclaim at home and abroad and to date has won more than 50 awards.
Westside stars Antonia Prebble as the scheming Rita West, David de Lautour as Ted West, Reon Bell & Liam Ferguson as Wolfgang West, Dan Musgrove as Lefty Munroe, Todd Emerson as Bilkey, Pana Hema-Taylor as Bert Thompson, Xavier Horan as Phineas O’Driscoll, Esther Stephens as Ngaire Munroe, Sophie Hambleton as Carol O’Driscoll and Will Hall as copper Mike McCarthy.
* As Seen on TV3
KEEPING UP WITH THE KAIMANAWAS
Meet Northland’s Wilson sisters – Amanda, Kelly and Vicki – who live and breathe horses. They ride them, train them and show them, whether they are domesticated or wild.
In this new local reality series Keeping up with the Kaimanawas, we follow these fearless and inspiring women, who have been invited as three of only fifteen trainers to compete at the first ever national Wild Stallion Challenges.
Saving these wild horses from slaughter was just the first step. Now the sisters have just 150 days to tame and train their charges for the inaugural event.
There will be casualties on both sides – savage bites, aggressive charging, dramatic falls and life and death decisions with no guarantee of success. But the name of the game is to have their horses ready in time for the challenge and to prove to everyone that these horses are worth saving.
Join Amanda, Kelly and Vicki as they go on their wildest ride yet, saving New Zealand’s Kaimanawa horses.
* As Seen on TVOne *
FALLING SKIES SEASON 4
Noah Wyle stars as Tom Mason, a college professor who became an unlikely resistance leader following a massive invasion by an alien race known as the Espheni. Moon Bloodgood is Dr. Ann Glass, a paediatrician who became the survivors’ primary physician and recently gave birth to a daughter who, it turns out, is not entirely human. Will Patton is Colonel Dan Weaver, the gruff and emotionally scarred commander of the 2nd Mass who has been leading the battle against the invaders.
Special Features include: Featurette – Tom Mason: A Man of Tomorrow, Episodic Prequels, Inside The Episode, Character Interviews, 2014 San Diego Comic-Con Panel with Cast
* As Seen on The Zone * DVD RRP $39.99 – 3 DISCS * BLU-RAY $49.99 – 2 DISC *
SERIES 1-4 BOX SET ALSO RELEASING 29 JULY * DVD RRP $119.99 – 12 DISCS *
THE CASUAL VACANCY
AVAILABLE ON DVD FROM 8 JULY
J.K. Rowling, HBO and the BBC combine to produce The Casual Vacancy, a dark and dramatic three-part mini-series starring Sir Michael Gambon, Julia McKenzie, Keeley Hawes and Rory Kinnear and based on the novel by J.K. Rowling.
Pagford is a quaint, picturesque town in the Cotswolds, a seemingly idyllic English village with a cobbled market square and ancient abbey. Behind the pretty façade, however, is a town at war: rich vs. poor; parents vs. children; wives vs. husbands; and teachers vs. pupils.
As Pagford Parish Council prepares for a vote on what will become of Sweetlove House – a town institution and community centre serving poorer residents – chairman Howard Mollison (Michael Gambon) and his wife, Shirley (Julie McKenzie), who want to turn it into a tourist-destination spa, look to neutralize the threat of everyman council member Barry (Rory Kinnear), a solicitor and defender of the current Sweetlove House mission. When Barry’s sudden death leaves a “casual vacancy” on the council, the race to fill his seat, and determine the fate of Sweetlove, stirs up drama among residents.
* As Seen on SOHO
THE FOLLOWING SEASON 2
Golden Globe winner and Emmy® nominee Kevin Bacon stars in the second season of the terrifying and thrilling series: The Following.
In the first season, notorious serial killer Joe Carroll escaped from death row, embarking on a rampage at the head of a cult of serial killers. In response, the FBI turned to former agent Ryan Hardy (Bacon), who was responsible for bringing in Carroll the first time around, and whose relationship with Carroll’s ex-wife gives him a unique insight into the fugitive.
In season two, Ryan Hardy is living in New York, apparently healed after his dramatic showdown left Carroll dead and his cult dismantled. But on the eve of the anniversary of Carroll’s passing, a mysterious group launches a horrific new murder spree that leaves a city rocking and Ryan with a message: Carroll is alive and his reign of terror is far from over.
The Following: The Complete Second Season stars Kevin Bacon (X-Men First Class), Shawn Ashmore(X-Men: Days of Future Past), Valorie Curry (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2), Sam Underwood (Dexter), Jessica Stroup (Ted), Tiffany Boone (Beautiful Creatures) , Connie Nielsen (One Hour Photo) and James Purefoy (Rome).
* As Seen on TVOne
TWO AND A HALF MEN: SEASON 12 – THE FINAL SEASON
When Walden Schmidt (Ashton Kutcher) nearly kicks the bucket, he decides it’s high time he stops waiting for the right woman in order to live a meaningful life. Unable to adopt a kid as a single dad, he pops the question to his long-time roommate and best friend, Alan Harper (Jon Cryer), and the result is a match made in Malibu! But will a friends-without-benefits marriage put a damper on their freewheeling lifestyles? As Alan and Walden struggle to become mature role models for their adorable foster child, Louis (Edan Alexander), there’s no stopping the happy couple from doing the manly things they love most!
The final season of Two and a Half Men includes 16 heart-warming, hilarious and hell-raising episodes filled with shocks, aws and jaw dropping surprises.
* As Seen on TV2
Until next week…………………. my lips are sealed!
Copyright David H. W. Hartnell MNZM 2015
Monday 29th June
I’m not one to gossip but……………….
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My friend Gary Daverne ONZM has self published a book about events in his life as one of this countries leading conductors, or what he prefers to call ‘happenings’ while on the podium.
Gary has been conducting for some 40 years, orchestras and choirs all around the world including 35 of those years as Music Director/Conductor with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra.
Gary tells me that some ‘happenings’ are serious; some are downright hilarious, things that the audiences are generally unaware of.
The book also comes with a complimentary CD included, containing some of his recorded original orchestral music.
Gary is not only a master of the conductor’s baton; he also orchestrates some great stories through the books 300 pages. The book is well produced with lot’s of coloured pictures through out and is a very easy read. My only disappointment with the book was that Gary didn’t name names; he only alluded to people being Prima Donnas and pranksters. By not naming names in shows and productions he was writing about, puts everyone under suspicion.
Books cost $30 (GST incl.) plus $5 for postal orders. RRP is $42.
You are warmly invited to purchase copies by email, mail or fax.
Direct orders to: daverne@ihug.co.nz
See more here
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The story of Captain Sullenberger – the nonchalant pilot who miraculously and safely landed a disabled jet on the Hudson River in New York back in 2009 and saved all the passengers – is being filmed by Clint Eastwood. And who better to play the modest hero than Tom Hanks! Tom is currently negotiating for the role.
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In an interview with the UK daily Star Irish funny man Graham Norton admitted he wants to quit presenting before he gets too old.
Asked if he will retire soon, Graham, 52, said: “Yes, yes, of course. You want to get out when people are still watching your show.
“Neighbours of mine worked and worked and they went on this trip of a lifetime around the world and they had to be airlifted three times because they were too old to do it.
“They got stuck on every hike they did.
“So I don’t want to be them. You want to get out of work when you have still got time to enjoy your life. You don’t want to think: ‘Oh I wish I had stopped sooner’.”
Personally I think Graham’s got a very good point. He has presented a chat show on UK television for 18 years.
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The Hollywood Walk of Fame comprises more than 2,500 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood,
The Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2016 are:
In the category of MOTION PICTURES:
Steve Carell, Bradley Cooper, Ashley Judd, Michael Keaton, Kurt Russell, Quentin Tarantino, and Toshiro Mifune (posthumous)
In the category of TELEVISION:
Barbara Bain, Kathy Bates, Roma Downey, David Duchovny, Allison Janney, Rob Lowe, Debra Messing, Tracy Morgan, Gary Sinise, and William S. Paley (posthumous)
In the category of RECORDING:
Shirley Caesar, LL Cool J, Cyndi Lauper, Adam Levine, Bruno Mars, Joseph B. ‘Joe’ Smith, Itzhak Perlman, ‘Mama’ Cass Elliot (posthumous)
In the category of RADIO: Ralph Lawler
In the category of LIVE THEATRE/LIVE PERFORMANCE:
Angélica María, Harvey Fierstein, and Kevin Hart
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Leonardo DiCaprio has just become an investor in sleep start up Casper!
The 40-year-old actor joined other celebrities, who have invested in the start-up, such as Toby Maguire, Adam Levine and Scooter Braun.
Casper, which was launched last year, has raised $55 million (US) so far.
“Since our launch just 14 months ago, Casper has been inundated with requests for more sleep products,” Casper CEO Philip Krim shared in a statement. “We’re excited to launch new products with the same dedication to design and engineering that allowed us to develop our universally comfortable mattress. And we’re equally thrilled to bring these products to a larger audience.”
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The swashbuckling archaeologist was chosen by over 10,000 movie enthusiasts who cast their votes via empireonline.com.
Harrison Ford, 72, also took third place for his role as Han Solo in the Star Wars films.
The actor played Indiana Jones in four films, starting with Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981 and most recently in 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Director George Lucas created both action hero archaeologist Indy and intergalactic rebel Han Solo, whom Ford will reprise in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, due for release later this year.
British super spy James Bond placed second in the poll, narrowly missing out on the top spot.
The secret agent, known as 007 and created by author Ian Fleming, has been played on the big screen by Sean Connery, Roger Moore, David Niven, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
The only female character to make the list was Ellen Ripley, Sigourney Weaver’s character in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic Alien. She took fifth place, just behind Batman, and boy does she deserve it after that scene – you know the one.
Top Ten Greatest Movie Characters:
1. Indiana Jones
2. James Bond
3. Star Wars’ Han Solo
4. Batman
5. Alien’s Ellen Ripley
6. The Joker
7. Die Hard’s John McClane
8. Fight Club’s Tyler Durden
9. Star Wars’ Darth Vader
10. The Big Lebowski’s The Dude
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Here’s what the 44-year-old Empire star Taraji Henson had to share with Allure magazine.
On co-star Terrence Howard’s legal issues: “Let’s pop the trunk to your life and see what’s dysfunctional and what’s bad…. At the end of the day, we’re all human and we got flaws and we got shit.”
On working her way into the industry by doing friends’ hair and nails: “I come from a family of hard workers….Oh, yeah, I knew how to hustle and make money. We used to do wet sets…I bought a hooded dryer, and I had my box of rollers…I could have gone to jail; I had no license whatsoever. But it was just my friends. They were like, ‘Girl, hook me up.’”
On not sleeping with co-stars: “I always wanted to be known for my work. Not who I dated. Not who I slept with…I have a gift, and my gift is acting. I started in the business at 26 with a kid, so I was smart enough to know reality from fantasy. I didn’t want to blur the lines. This is a job t