Author: Martyn

Beyond Paradise to return for second series and Christmas Special

The hugely successful BBC drama Beyond Paradise is set to return for a second series and a Christmas special.

With an audience of 8.7 million viewers for episode one, the heart-warming relationships and puzzling criminal capers of DI Humphrey Goodman, Martha Lloyd, DS Esther Williams, PC Kelby Hartford, Margo Martins and Anne Lloyd will continue to captivate audiences.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, expressed her excitement for the return, while Executive Producer Tim Key of Red Planet Pictures thanked fans for their support. CEO of BritBox International, Reemah Sakaan, praised the series for its charm, humour and gripping mysteries, and promised more best in British programming for subscribers.

Created by Robert Thorogood and Tony Jordan, Beyond Paradise is produced by Red Planet Pictures, with Tony Jordan acting as a showrunner for the new series and Christmas special. Series one is currently airing on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, and is available on BritBox International in North America, the Nordics and South Africa.

Listen to our interview with Tahj Miles.

Trailer-Barbie

Margot Robbie brings the iconic Barbie doll to life in the official trailer for Warner Bros.’ “Barbie”. The Oscar-nominated actress leads a star-studded cast that includes Ryan Gosling as Barbie’s love interest, Ken. But they’re not the only versions of the famous toy in the film – singer Dua Lipa appears as a mermaid Barbie, alongside upcoming Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa-alongside many other actors playing different iterations of the beloved doll.

While the first trailer teased a nod to Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey”, it didn’t reveal much about the plot or characters. However, we now know that Barbie and Ken find themselves in the real world, grappling with the challenges of being more than just plastic toys. The film promises to explore the complexities of their new reality, while still delivering the fun and glamour that Barbie is known for.

“Barbie” will make open in cinemas on July 21st. Watch the full trailer below.

Trailer-Blue Beetle

Warner Bros. Pictures has released the first full trailer “Blue Beetle”. Directed by Angel Manuel Soto and starring Xolo Maridueña as both Jaime Reyes and his heroic alter ego, the film tells the story of a recent college graduate returning home to find his world turned upside down. But fate intervenes when he discovers the Scarab, an ancient alien relic, which chooses him as its symbiotic host, transforming him into the Super Hero BLUE BEETLE and granting him incredible, unpredictable powers.

Joining Maridueña are an exceptional cast including Adriana Barraza, Damían Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo, Bruna Marquezine, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, George Lopez, Belissa Escobedo, and Harvey Guillén. Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer penned the screenplay based on DC characters, while John Rickard and Zev Foreman are producing and Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman, and Garrett Grant serve as executive producers.

Behind the scenes, Angel Manuel Soto’s creative team includes director of photography Pawel Pogorzelski, production designer John Billington, editor Craig Alpert, costume designer Mayes C. Rubeo, visual effects supervisor Kelvin McIlwain, and composer Bobby Krlic.

“Blue Beetle” is a Safran Company Production, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, and will be released internationally beginning August 2023, and in North America on August 18, 2023. The film is sure to soar into cinemas and excite audiences with its thrilling story and impressive team. Don’t miss the UK release on August 18, 2023, exclusively from Warner Bros. Pictures.

Interview with Tahj Miles

In this episode of the podcast, Martyn sits down with Tahj Miles, a talented actor best known for his role as Marlon Pryce in the hit BBC series, Death in Paradise. Tahj takes us on his journey to becoming an actor, sharing his struggles and triumphs along the way.

Starting at the tender age of seven, Tahj’s grandfather suggested his mum find an outlet for his endless energy, and so began his journey to drama school in Hackney. It wasn’t long before he landed his first role in the musical Oliver, kicking off a successful career in the performing arts. Tahj went on to work on well-known musical productions, such as The Lion King, Matilda, and Bugsy Malone but ultimately found his true passion in acting.

During the podcast, Tahj also discusses his experiences filming Death in Paradise on location in the Caribbean. Despite facing challenges such as weather conditions and adapting to a different accent, Tahj finds it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. He also talks about his relationships with fellow actors on set and how they supported him in his personal and professional growth.

Finally, Tahj reflects on his work playing Simba in the stage adaptation of The Lion King and his experience working with Sir Steve McQueen on Small Axe. Through it, all, Tahj’s passion, dedication and infectious enthusiasm shine through.

Check out Tahj’s podcast here.

Follow Tahj on Twitter and Instagram.

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Ghosts to end with series 5

The fifth series of Ghosts has wrapped up filming and the show’s creators have announced that it will be the final season. In a statement on social media, the team expressed their gratitude to the cast, crew, and fans of the show, while also hinting at exciting new projects in the future. 

The BBC’s Director of Comedy, Jon Petrie, expressed his sadness at the show’s end, while Alison Carpenter, Creative Director at Monumental, praised the show’s success and impact on audiences. 

Ghosts stars Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, and Ben Willbond, with Charlotte Ritchie, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, and Lolly Adefope. The upcoming fifth series will see Alison and Mike exploring new opportunities, potentially altering the afterlives of the Ghosts. The fourth series, which premiered in Autumn 2022, was a hit with audiences, drawing in 5.7 million viewers for its first episode. It was also nominated for a BAFTA award for Best Scripted Comedy. 

The cast said in a joint statement: 

“After five incredible years haunting the halls of Button House, we have decided that the time is right to let our beloved sitcom Ghosts rest in peace. We have just wrapped filming on our fifth and final series and we can’t wait to share it with you all later this year”.

Running Down Corridors-The greatest assassin?

In this mini-episode, Martyn and Abi discuss the recent UNIT spin-off speculation. As well as the announcement of the Doctor Who trans-media event Doom’s Day.

Doom’s Day is a “trans-media” event, that will span across Big Finish Audios, Penguin Random House books, BBC audios and, Titan comics.

Check out Abi’s production company TT Productions 23.

Check out Chris’s Second Doctor audios.

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Big Finish Review-Torchwood: Thirst Trap

In the heart of Cardiff, a new dating app has taken the city by storm, offering users the chance to find their perfect match in just 20 minutes. But there’s a twist – once the time is up, they may never see their date again.

As more and more people try out the app, something strange begins to happen. Everyone seems to be going on the same dates, with the same activities, conversation topics, and even jokes. It’s almost as if the app is controlling their every move. Normally, Sgt. Andy Davidson would be the first to investigate, but he’s busy with his own date.

Torchwood has often been praised for its dark and gritty tone, exploring themes of loss, trauma, and alien invasion. However, this particular episode takes a different approach. It’s a lighthearted romp through the world of dating apps and the strange things that can happen when people put their trust in technology.

Despite the departure from the show’s usual tone, the actors still deliver standout performances. Tom Price and Kai Owen, who play Sgt. Andy Davidson and Rhys Williams respectively, are particularly impressive in their portrayal of two men caught up in a whirlwind of romantic comedy hijinks. Their chemistry is palpable, and their lightning-fast shifts from serious to lovesick are both hilarious and heartwarming.

The supporting cast also shines, with Natalia Hinds, Sunjay Midda, and Rebecca Trehearn each bringing their unique flair to their roles. Whether they’re playing matchmakers, hard-working council workers, or hapless police officers, they all add to the story’s infectious energy and sense of fun.

Tom Price, who also stars in the adventure, shows his versatility as a writer with a fluid and brilliant script that perfectly complements his acting skills. The writing captures the humorous and whimsical aspects of the story, while also exploring deeper themes of human connection and the perils of relying too heavily on technology.

David O’Mahony’s direction keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, while Blair Mowat’s music and Shane O’Byrne’s sound design help to create an engaging atmosphere.

Overall, this is a well-crafted and enjoyable story. A must-listen for any Torchwood fan looking for a fun 45-minute adventure.

Torchwood contains material, that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Torchwood: Thirst Trap is available for purchase from Big Finish.

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TV Bafta nominations announced

Ben Whishaw and Martin Freeman have received six nominations each at this year’s Bafta TV Awards, with Whishaw up for best actor for his role as a doctor in the adaptation of Adam Kay’s best-selling memoir, competing against Freeman’s portrayal of a police officer in a Liverpool-set drama.

Other notable acting nominees include Sarah Lancashire, Kate Winslet, Cillian Murphy, and Daniel Radcliffe.

The shows with the most nominations are Bad Sisters, The Crown, The English, and Slow Horses, each receiving five nods. Additionally, Daisy May Cooper’s comedy-thriller Am I Being Unreasonable? received four nominations, while three boy-based dramas – Top Boy, Somewhere Boy, and Big Boys – were each nominated four times.

BAFTA came under fire recently, after failing to mention Bernard Cribbins in the in memoriam section. This lead to actor Phil Davis withdrawing his membership. BAFTA has promised to pay tribute at the TV awards.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on May 14, with the Bafta Craft Awards handed out on April 23.

5 Reasons Why The Last of Us Series is a Must-Watch for Fans of the Game

The Last of Us is a critically acclaimed video game that was released in 2013. Developed by Naughty Dog, the game tells the story of Joel, a smuggler who is tasked with escorting a young girl named Ellie across a post-apocalyptic United States, which has been devastated by a deadly fungus that has turned most of the population into zombie-like creatures.

Since its release, The Last of Us has become one of the most beloved video games of all time, earning critical acclaim and a massive fanbase. In 2020, a sequel to the game, The Last of Us Part II, was released, which has also been widely praised. If you are a fan of The Last of Us games, here are five reasons why you should also watch the TV series:

  1. A New Medium for the Story

While the video games are beloved by fans for their immersive gameplay and stunning visuals, the TV series offers a new way to experience the story of Joel and Ellie. With high production value and the ability to explore the characters and world in even more depth, the TV series is a must-watch for anyone who wants to delve even deeper into the world of The Last of Us.

  1. Same World, New Story

The TV series is not just a retelling of the games but instead tells a new story set in the same post-apocalyptic world. This means that even if you are intimately familiar with the games, you will still be surprised and thrilled by the new story that the TV series will tell.

  1. Stellar Cast and Crew

The Last of Us TV series has a talented cast and crew, including the original game’s writer and director, Neil Druckmann, and Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin, who both serve as executive producers. The series stars Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, two actors who have proven their talent in other acclaimed series like Game of Thrones and The Mandalorian.

  1. The Chance to See the World of The Last of Us Come to Life

The Last of Us games are set in a beautifully realised post-apocalyptic world, and the TV series has the opportunity to bring that world to life in even greater detail. Fans of the games will be able to see familiar locations and landmarks, and newcomers to the world of The Last of Us will be able to experience its haunting beauty for the first time.

  1. More of the Characters We Love

For fans of the games, the chance to spend more time with characters like Joel and Ellie is reason enough to watch the TV series. The Last of Us is known for its complex and memorable characters, and the TV series offers even more depth and nuance to these already beloved characters.

In conclusion, The Last of Us TV series is a must-watch for fans of the games. With a talented cast and crew, a new story set in the same post-apocalyptic world, and the opportunity to see the world of The Last of Us come to life in even greater detail, the TV series is a thrilling and unforgettable experience for anyone who loves the games.

Read our review here.

Cillian Murphy working on Small Things Like These adaptation

Actor and producer Cillian Murphy, known for his roles in Batman Begins, Peaky Blinders, and Oppenheimer, is set to star in and produce an adaptation of Claire Keegan’s acclaimed novel Small Things Like These. The film, produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity, is already in production in Ireland.

The story follows devoted father Bill Furlong (Murphy) as he uncovers startling secrets kept by a convent in his town and discovers shocking truths about his own life during the Christmas of 1985. Ciarán Hinds and Emily Watson will also star in the film, with Tim Mielants directing. Mielants and Murphy have previously worked together on Peaky Blinders, while the script is being penned by Enda Walsh, a longtime collaborator of Murphy’s. The story has been likened to a Dickens tale.

Murphy said: : “I’m honoured and thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Claire Keegan’s magnificent novel to the screen. We have gathered together a phenomenal team of creatives to make this film, and found exceptional partners in AE, a studio led by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck — actors and filmmakers I have admired for many years.”

With his exceptional talent and impressive portfolio of characters, Murphy’s involvement in this passion project is eagerly anticipated by fans.