Tag Archives: entertainment

News

£2m restoration works completed at Manchester Opera House theatre

A £2m facelift for the façade of Manchester’s historic Opera House theatre has been completed.

Salford-based MC Construction was the principal contractor for the scheme.

The restoration project included extensive repairs to the render, brickwork, windows and ironmongery fixings, weatherproofing works, the replacement of rainwater goods and a full decoration of the main façade to ensure a more historically authentic exterior and to help safeguard the venue for future generations to enjoy.

Careful analysis of the existing paint layers stretching back over a century was undertaken, so that the colour scheme of the 15-bay façade and windows now better reflects how the venue would have looked when it opened in 1912.

The theatre remained open throughout the restoration project.

The scheme forms a significant part of a £4.5m capital investment this financial year across the Opera House and its sister venue in Manchester city centre, the Palace Theatre, which are both owned by ATG Entertainment.

The Opera House is a grade II listed building which was originally called The New Theatre. It has been through several iterations and was renamed the Opera House in 1920.

It is one of the largest theatres in England, with a seating capacity of 1,920. The venue plays host to high-profile concerts, plays, musicals, ballets and a Christmas pantomime.

Famous shows performed there over the years include Phantom of the Opera, Barnum and Oliver! plus a host of world premieres, such as Bat Out of Hell: The Musical and Take That‘s musical The Band. During its long history, it has also served as a bingo hall and a cinema.

Russ Forshaw, managing director of MC Construction, said: “Drawing on our extensive experience of successfully delivering projects at numerous listed buildings and other landmarks across the city, such as The Whitworth art gallery, Manchester Museum and the Imperial Chinese Arch in Chinatown, we are delighted to have undertaken this restoration scheme at the Opera House, which is less than a mile from our company headquarters.

“Once again, our team have produced the goods and left their mark on a cherished Manchester building. It was great to work with the ATG Entertainment, whose ongoing investment in its buildings ensures they can continue to delight audiences across the north west and beyond.”

Robin Hawkes, theatre director at the Opera House and Palace Theatre, said: “In tandem with the Palace, the Opera House has been a jewel in the heart of Manchester’s cultural fabric for many generations.

“I am delighted we’ve been able to restore and refresh the theatre’s beautiful Edwardian exterior, as part of a wider suite of works which will improve the experience of everybody visiting and using the two venues for years to come.”

Stefan Ziemelis, senior project manager at ATG Entertainment, added: “In addition to delivering essential repair works, this project has also been driven by the celebration of the intrinsic character and uniqueness that is woven into this heritage building.

“Working with our partners to breathe new life into the Opera House has been a rewarding experience, and it’s good to know that the work we have completed here will preserve and protect the theatre for future generations of theatre lovers.

“The façade restoration project has been carried out by MC Construction and its partners in a thoroughly professional manner with minimal disruption to our patrons, and we are delighted with the outcome.”

Other professionals involved in the Opera House restoration project included Motion Project Management, Osbornes Chartered Architects, quantity surveyors Marshall Kenny and design consultancy ORSA.

MC Construction is a family-owned business which employs more than 60 staff.

Founded in 1971, the company delivers complex construction projects throughout north west England with a focus on the commercial, education, heritage, hospitality, industrial, local authority, social housing and healthcare sectors.

News, Technology

Jabra makes a sound choice as it extends relationship with PTC

One of the world’s leading brands in professional headsets has turned to the power of Creo to push the boundaries of audio excellence.

Jabra, which is part of the global GN Group, has extended its long-term relationship with Reading-based PTC to ensure that its engineering team can continue to turn designers’ sketches into finished products that are used by hundreds of thousands of consumers in the office, home, and music studio every year.

The digital transformation’s specialist software has been the preferred CAD tool for more than five years and this is being driven by industry-leading surface modelling features.

“Once upon a time, a headset was a relatively simple design that was straightforward for both designer and engineer,” said Claus Ellegaard Madsen, Senior Mechanical Engineer at GN, the company behind the Jabra brand.

“Today, the story is different, with modern headsets being based on highly complex, organic designs to ensure the best possible user experience.”

He continued: “As you would expect, our design requirements are increasing all the time, and we wouldn’t be able to do these extremely complex organic designs without the help of Creo and the possibilities it offers in terms of, for example, very complex surface modelling.”

One of Jabra’s overall design philosophies is to have a master model that contains almost all the components in the Jabra universe. This makes it easier for the company to collaborate across the organisation, as all departments refer to the same master and the same data.

“It helps us in the sense that we can further develop on the foundation we already have and reuse the design elements that work well for us – both in terms of optimising the individual designs and minimising the risk of errors,” said Claus.

PTC’s Elliot Clarke added his support: “With ever-increasing customer demands and, therefore an increased focus on design, Creo plays an important role in Jabra’s design phase. The ISDX module in Creo allows design engineers to control everything about surfaces.

“They start with curves, they build surfaces on those curves, and they can really control the flow and curvature of the surfaces as they connect. It’s great to see Jabra utilising these technologies to deliver a best-in-class audio experience to their customers and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

Just a few months ago, Jabra launched its new generation of Elite series of wireless earphones called Jabra Elite 8 Active and Jabra Elite 10.

About PTC

PTC drives industry innovation with proven, award-winning solutions that enable companies to differentiate their products and services, achieve operational excellence and improve employee productivity.

With PTC and its ecosystem of partners, manufacturers can leverage the promise of new technologies to drive their digital transformation – on-premises, in the cloud or via a pure SaaS approach.

For further information, please visit www.PTC.com or www.jabra.co.uk

Entertainment, News

UK Cinema Association partners with digital identity provider Yoti to ease ‘proof of age’ challenges at cinemas

…Young people can now prove their age using the Yoti and Post Office EasyID apps, instead of taking documents such as a passport out with them…

…Move is set to reduce pressure and confrontation for staff when checking age…

 

The UK Cinema Association, representing the interests of the vast majority of UK cinema operators, has today announced a partnership with digital identity provider Yoti so participating sites will accept Yoti and their partner’s Post Office EasyID apps as proof of age.

From today, participating cinemas will accept the digital ID apps, giving young people aged from 13 upwards a safer, more convenient way to prove their age using their smartphone – meaning that important ID documents such as passports can now be left at home. The modern solution will also reduce the challenges many cinemas face in checking ages as required by the current film classification system.

 

Phil Clapp, CEO at the UK Cinema Association said: “Of the 165 million to 170 million admissions per year UK cinemas were seeing pre-pandemic, around 30 per cent fall within the 15-24 year old bracket (and around 20 per cent within the 9-14 year old age group). Since cinemas re-opened last May those proportions are likely to be even higher.

For many wanting to get into a ‘15’ or even ‘18’ certificate film proving their age – without a passport or driving licence to hand – can be incredibly difficult and an understandable source of frustration when they are turned away from the cinema. This new partnership offers a straightforward and modern way to alleviate many of those issues.”

 

Kelly Drew, Operations Director at Cineworld said: “With an increase in recent years in the number of films classified at ‘15’ but with a broader youth appeal, the issue of proving age is getting increasingly challenging. The introduction of digital ID is a trusted and robust way of checking ID and will support our staff, who are often on the frontline of any resulting customer frustration.”

 

Robin Tombs, CEO and Co-founder at Yoti added: “We’re thrilled to have many UK Cinema Association members join the 30,000 locations on the UK high street accepting our reusable digital ID apps. Young people expect to be able to do everything with their phone and using it to prove their age will come naturally to them. It’s a win-win for both cinemas and young cinema-goers.”

 

How it works

The process to obtain and use the accepted digital ID  apps is simple, with the individual applicant being required to:

 

  • Download the free Yoti (or partner’s Post Office EasyID app) app from Android Play or the Apple App Store
  • Add a photo ID and a current photo to verify their identity.
  • Open the ID app – tap to show the ID card and select age (no other personal details are shared)
  • Present the ID card to cinema staff:

 

  • The Digital ID card will show the verified photo of the individual and their verified ‘Age Over…’
  • There is a hologram on the Digital ID card that moves when the phone is tilted – for anti-spoofing purposes
  • For further confidence, the cinema staff can scan the QR code on the card with a freely available web app scan.yoti.com

 

Yoti’s apps (including Post Office EasyID) have been downloaded over 11 million times globally and are already accepted by a wide range of organisations including the Jersey Government, Scottish Improvement Service, The NHS, Virgin Atlantic, NSPCC, convenience stores and many more.

News

Taste of luxury on offer for festivalgoers

Hot showers and comfy beds are on offer to revellers at Shropshire’s newest festival.

Camp Bestival Shropshire, a new sister event to the UK’s favourite family festival, comes to Weston Park from Thursday August 18 to Sunday August 21. Tickets are on sale now.

Ticketholders can now ditch the tents and upgrade to a luxury bed and breakfast package in the stately home itself, just a stone’s throw from all the festival action.

The house has 27 luxurious bedrooms offering comfy beds, crisp linen, hot rainforest showers and a delicious full English breakfast served every morning. The cellar bar will also be open each evening for a quiet drink before bed to round off the day’s fun.

Andrea Webster, Weston Park’s marketing manager, said: “Whilst Camp Bestival is firmly a family festival, we are sure that there are some big kids out there who love the line-up and want to seek out new fun experiences – all from the comfort of the stately home.

“If you’re looking for a festival experience but with a hot shower and comfortable bed to return to each night, our luxury B&B package is perfect and a great addition to the eclectic accommodation options available at the festival.

“The house is close enough to the festival site that you won’t miss any of the action, while giving you the chance to sleep like an aristocrat at the end of each fun-packed day.”

The luxury bed and breakfast package costs £550 per double room for a two-night stay (Friday and Saturday) and £750 for three nights (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Each room sleeps two people and Camp Bestival tickets are not included in the price.

Fatboy Slim, Rag’n’Bone Man and Becky Hill head the line-up of musical acts confirmed for the festival, with numerous other big names including Shed Seven, Scouting for Girls, Heather Small, Example and the Proclaimers.

Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox will spearhead a no-holds-barred fancy dress free-for-all on Fancy Dress Saturday, while Dom Joly will head the comedy line-up.

Camp Bestival is known for its child-friendly focus and the Shropshire event has plenty to keep the whole family entertained, including Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, Brainiac Live: Remixed!, amazing tricksters Extreme Bike Battle and CBeebies favourite Mr Tumble, as well as family silent discos, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, a dazzling fireworks finale and much more.

To book your stay please contact Kelly Cambidge on 01952 852110 or visit weston-park.com for more details. Tickets for Camp Bestival can be bought at shropshire.campbestival.net

For more information about Weston Park visit https://www.weston-park.com/

News

UK creative agency OC acquires global agency Zero Degrees West

Fast-growing UK creative agency OC has acquired the respected global digital creative company Zero Degrees West (‘ZDW’), one of the leading agencies in the film and entertainment sector. The deal increases OC’s global footprint to include Los Angeles, a key growth driver for the entertainment-focused agency.

The acquisition forms part of a wider restructure for OC, which has created a new parent company, OC Group, with both brands operating independently yet collaboratively. OC was previously known as ‘Obviously Creative’ but rebranded earlier this year.

ZDW, whose recent clients include Netflix, Warner Media, Amazon Studios, Sony Music and NBCUniversal, will retain all full-time staff as part of the deal, including Global Creative Director Ipar L’Aimable, and all existing clients and projects will continue unaffected in both London and L.A.

Following an initial consulting period, ZDW founder and current CEO, Jodie Waterhouse, will depart the new enterprise after ensuring a smooth transition for ZDW’s current clients and staff. Alex Carter, founder of OC, will serve as CEO across both agencies and will be supported by his senior management team which includes Client Services Director Emma Ackerley (a previous senior figure at ZDW), Alison Deboo who joined OC in 2015 and is now Operations & Finance Director, and Commercial Director Richard Benjamin, former MD of the respected Über Agency.

Established in both London and LA, ZDW was founded in 2005 by Waterhouse, specialising in digital, design and AV, bringing insight, data and strategic solutions to top entertainment and brand clients throughout the world. Its strategy expertise and innovative thinking has led to numerous industry awards (including two prestigious Clios) and a strong reputation within the film industry.

Founded in 2006 by Alex and Loraine Carter, OC continues to show significant growth, expanding to a team of 35 with global clients including Sony Pictures, BBC, Britbox, YouTube and Lionsgate. It was recently awarded Creative Agency of the Year by the esteemed industry body BASE, voted for by leaders across the film and entertainment industry.

Alex Carter commented: “We are proud to announce our first acquisition. ZDW is one of the most respected names in the film sector and Jodie has built a genuinely incredible business – I am truly honoured to take the agency to the next stage of its evolution. Importantly, it will allow the OC Group to collectively push forward while expanding our digital and strategic solutions, bolstering the wider OC offering including key art, packaging, campaigns and OOH; as well as taking the group into the all-important LA entertainment market”

Jodie Waterhouse added: “ZDW couldn’t be in safer hands than with Alex and the OC Group team. They are highly creative, forward-thinking and have an unrivalled passion for the entertainment industry. It is this common ground between our agencies and teams which gave me the confidence in joining forces. The potential success, combined talent and drive for both agencies, and importantly our clients, in the coming months and years is brilliant news for everyone.”

The deal was brokered by management and growth consultancy ‘the arc’.

Adam Rubins, founder of the arc, commented: “We are living in unprecedented times and the market is opening up on both the buy and sell side. OC and ZDW are a great match and aligned with the arc’s approach of working with clients to drive scale & growth, increase value and never lose sight of the people behind these deals. It has been a pleasure working with both Alex and Jodie and I believe this union will deliver a first-class product within the entertainment industry.”

News

Research highlights risk averse attitudes as sport and leisure activities return

4C Associates’ research highlights risk averse consumer attitudes towards leisure, sport and entertainment activities as the UK public postpones bookings due to concerns over cancelled events.

A multigenerational survey of over 200 UK respondents has shown that whilst they enjoyed leisure and live sport and entertainment pre-lockdown, they are hesitating to return to entertainment and sport venues as they reopen post-lockdown. Crowd management is a key concern for over 57 percent of consumers, followed by 52 percent who are uncertain about health and safety and transmission risks and 46 percent who fear long waiting times.

Booking of live events is negatively impacted by the fear of last-minute cancellations and potential money disputes, as many have seen booked event dates moving further and further away as a result of social distancing measures. Whist for some events, health-conscious consumers are prepared to wait, many of those events rescheduled to a later date might lose relevance over time.

The shift to more virtual experiences has been welcomed during Covid restrictions, however it doesn’t beat the in-person experience. According to the research, 57 percent of respondents do plan to return to their usual sport and entertainment activities as soon as possible, and they also plan to participate in more leisure and entertainment activities outdoors to reduce transmission risks. For many, the closures of gyms means that they adapted their sport routines to a more home-based set up, or by taking to outdoor exercise and this trend is likely to remain, with over half of sport enthusiasts replacing their gym workouts with home and outdoor exercise.

Unsurprisingly, over 60 percent told 4C Associates that they plan to attend more social gatherings to reunite with friends and family this summer. However, the conscious easing into post-lockdown means that the majority are planning to socialise at home, instead of going to pubs and restaurants and host more gatherings at home to mitigate health risks. Outdoor living spend in the UK is predicted to be the highest this summer, with consumers planning to invest more in their external surroundings and home entertainment, reflecting the overall attitude with focus on spending more time at home to reduce health risks even after the lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Attending in-person business events, conferences and exhibitions remains at risk as only 40 percent of respondents plan to return to their pre-pandemic levels of attendance. This in one hand will negatively impact the ability of venues to be used to their maximum capacity, as the event sector hopes for a much needed boost, however it will support the easier implementation of social distancing measures and reduce crowd management challenges.

The prolonged periods of social distancing and economic uncertainty have impacted the way consumers behave and how they approach entertainment, and whilst the successful vaccine rollout indicates a positive outlook on restoring consumer demand, these behavioural patterns and attitudes are not linear and will be impacted by the delayed last phase of Covid restrictions, and beyond.

News, North of England

Award-winning Producer Ted Hope to Co-lead New Entertainment and Creative Industries Program at ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management

Innovative LA-based Master’s Program in Leadership, Management, and Creative Processes featured at ASU’s Sidney Poitier New American Film School

PHOENIX, March 23, 2021 —Ted Hope, the former Co-Head at Amazon Movies, will join Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management as the marquee professor of practice in the new Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management in the Creative Industries (MGCI). Powered by Thunderbird, the MGCI is a collaborative effort between two ASU colleges, linked together through The Sidney Poitier New American Film School.

The unique graduate degree program will begin in the 2021 fall semester in downtown Los Angeles at the ASU California Center in the historic Herald Examiner building. The MGCI is designed for learners interested in pursuing global leadership and management careers in entertainment, film/television/new media, music, VR/XR/MR, gaming, design, dance, fashion, theatre, sports, themed entertainment and the arts. The program is both for managers who want to learn creative competencies and for creatives seeking management expertise.

As a professor of practice, Hope will share his 30-plus years of experience directly with students, tapping his expertise in development, production, and executive stewardship along with a distinct inner-working knowledge of streaming services and the entertainment industry as a whole.

Starting with the 2021 fall semester, Hope will co-teach the lead-off class of the MGCI, and will teach experienced professionals in Thunderbird Executive Education courses and in select undergraduate courses in The Sidney Poitier New American Film School, which is a part of a separate ASU college, The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Additionally, Hope will spearhead a burgeoning ASU Film Spark Global Vision Lab, which is being designed to spur tomorrow’s business and content innovations while fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive industry workforce.

Hope, whose initial engagement with the university was through ASU Film Spark, was inspired by ASU’s commitment to access and inclusion, reflected in the ASU Charter, and the university’s #1 ranking as the most innovative in the nation.

“The evolution of the creative industries continues to move on a seismic scale, requiring new outlooks, practices and processes, and on an increasingly more urgent basis,” said Hope. “The various creative communities I have been fortunate to be part of over these three decades in the film business have guided and mentored me in profound ways, inspiring me to do the same for others. Thunderbird, Herberger Institute, ASU and I share the same mission to not just always be learning and innovating but to make sure we measure ourselves on how inclusive we can be. Big change is coming and we are all going to be better prepared for it. I thought I had big ideas, but Thunderbird’s dwarf mine, yet together I think we will spark a bonfire of opportunity. Watch this space!”

Hope led Amazon’s entry into feature-film production and acquisitions, overseeing Oscar® winning films “Manchester by the Sea”, “The Salesman”, as well as this year’s Academy Award-nominated, “Sound of Metal” and the documentary, “Time”. He is recognized for producing over 70 independent films over the last few decades, and currently has multiple new film releases in production, including “Tender Bar” starring Ben Affleck, Tye Sheridan and Lily Rabe and directed by George Clooney, the documentary “Invisible Nation” directed by Vanessa Hope, and “Cassandro” starring Gael García Bernal and directed by Oscar® winning director Roger Ross Williams.

Hope has long had an interest in education and thought leadership, having served as executive director of the San Francisco Film Society, where he created the Artist to Entrepreneur program, and as a founder of NYU’s Cinema Research Institute. His book, “Hope for Film: A Producer’s Journey Across the Revolutions of Indie Film and Global Streaming,” is a best seller on college campuses and is in its second edition.

“Ted Hope is a unicorn—a vanguard global entertainment executive, a legend of independent film, and so much more,” said Thunderbird director general and dean, Dr. Sanjeev Khagram. “He’ll use his visionary storytelling talents and deep practical and entrepreneurial experience to help us produce a graduate degree like no other in the world while giving our students invaluable insights into 21st-century creative processes and enterprises,” said Khagram.

“The MGCI program is based in the global creative capital of the world, Los Angeles, as ASU opens the revitalized Herald Examiner building and a key pillar of Thunderbird’s LA Regional Center of Excellence. Our students will have access to cutting-edge learning and networking opportunities with thriving enterprises across the multimedia landscape along with expert faculty like Ted Hope to guide them into a future of their imagining,” Khagram said.

The collaboration of ASU’s Thunderbird School and the Herberger Institute is designed to provide new, affordable, local options and innovative programs like the MGCI and related Film Spark events, intended to serve global learners and provide greater access to opportunity.

“We are combining the global leadership of Thunderbird with the largest comprehensive design and arts college in America to offer a first-of-its-kind degree—preparing graduates to lead and manage creative teams in one of the fastest-growing, most dynamic global sectors of our economy,” said Steven J. Tepper, dean and director of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. “Ted Hope is an innovator and a perfect fit to help launch this exciting collaboration.”

To apply or get more information on Thunderbird’s MGCI visit https://thunderbird.asu.edu/mgci/degree.

About ASU
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence, and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.

About Thunderbird School of Global Management
Thunderbird School of Global Management is a unit of the Arizona State University Enterprise. For 75 years, Thunderbird has been the vanguard of global management and leadership education, creating inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide by educating future-ready global leaders capable of tackling the world’s greatest challenges. Thunderbird’s Master of Global Management was ranked #1 in the world for 2019 by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. ASU is ranked No. 1 “Most Innovative School” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for six years in succession. Thunderbird Executive Education has been ranked in the top 10 internationally for decades. Learn more: https://thunderbird.asu.edu

About the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is the largest comprehensive design and arts school in the country, built on a combination of disciplines unlike any other program nationally and located within a dynamic research university focused on transformative change. The Herberger Institute comprises the Schools of Art; Arts, Media and Engineering; Music, Dance and Theatre; The Design School; The Sidney Poitier New American Film School, and the ASU Art Museum. Film Spark, which operates out of Los Angeles and Tempe, is the industry relations program of The Sidney Poitier New American Film School. The Herberger Institute is committed to redefining the 21st-century design and arts school through developing and scaling ideas to strengthen the role of designers and artists across all areas of society and culture and to increase the capacity of artists to make a difference in their communities. Learn more: herbergerinstitute.asu.edu.

 

Marketing, PR and SEO, News

Waste appoints We Are Social’s Brett Phipps to build newsroom function

Independent creative agency Waste has announced the appointment of Brett Phipps to the newly created role of Senior Editor, as it seeks to build a newsroom function for entertainment clients as part of its fan-first offering.

Phipps joins from We Are Social, where he spent nearly three years as Senior Editor, leading the social media editorial vision for two of Activision’s biggest gaming franchises, Call of Duty and Destiny, across 12 international markets.

In his new role at Waste, Phipps will build a newsroom function in order to help clients better understand and react to conversations about their brands online, with an initial focus on the Supercell account. The new function will enable brands to spot and act on real-time opportunities to join the conversations that matter to their target audiences.

Phipps will report to Alistair Campbell, who joined Waste as Executive Creative Director in May 2020.

With in-depth expertise of the gaming sector and experience across content and community management, social media and SEO, Phipps was previously the Games and SEO Editor at the Time Inc-owned Trusted Reviews. He has also held positions at The Independent and Pro-G Media.

Brett Phipps, new Senior Editor, Waste, said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Waste, a company with a fantastic client list with a huge passion for gaming. The work the team has delivered over the past year has been nothing short of inspiring, and something I knew I had to be involved with.
“I hope that my experience within the games industry, coupled with my passion for community building and social listening, will be an asset to the team. I cannot wait to get started!”

Alistair Campbell, Executive Creative Director, Waste, added: “We’re always looking to introduce new skillsets in order to expand and supercharge our offering for clients. Our newsroom function will enable us to help brands tap into relevant conversations online, creating high quality content at breakneck speed.

“Brett not only brings incredible knowledge of gaming, but also invaluable experience and a proven track record in leading social media and community management for major brands. We’re really excited to see the results he can drive for our clients.”

Appointments, Creative News, News

Waste boosts entertainment marketing credentials with appointment of Michael Rekab as Lead Strategist

Independent digital creative agency Waste has announced the appointment of Michael Rekab as Lead Strategist, as it seeks to bolster its fan-first offering for entertainment brands.

Rekab joins from Irish strategy agency MCCP, where he was Senior Strategist specialising in brand and communications strategy and innovation, for brands including National Lottery, Jameson and Heineken. He also brings extensive experience in entertainment marketing to Waste, having helped to develop through-the-line campaigns for brands such as Virgin TV, Entertainment One and the Irish language TV station TG4 since starting his career in 2013.

In his new role at Waste, Rekab will focus on the agency’s gaming and entertainment clients including Nintendo, SEGA and Supercell, helping gain a better understanding of brands’ fan communities and sub-tribes, and delivering compelling content and campaigns across the entire fan ecosystem.

He will report to Christian Perrins, Head of Strategy, with joint oversight of a team of seven data, creative, and SEO strategists.

Rekab has previously held positions at Publicis Dublin and Zenith Ireland.

Michael Rekab, new Lead Strategist, Waste, said: “Digital has given us new and exciting ways to reach our audiences, but I believe it’s essential for brands to create work that connects with people on a human level, too. I can see that Christian and the team at Waste share this belief, which is why this is such a fantastic move for me. I’m excited to be joining at a time of real growth and innovation for the agency.”

Christian Perrins, Head of Strategy, Waste, added: “Michael’s a ‘human’ strategist who’s as big-empathy as he is big-data. Our work is increasingly powered by nuanced understanding of fan-tribes, their distinct emotional and rational needs and channel behaviours. Michael will help us deliver that blend of deep personal insight and big-picture ecosystem thinking. We’re delighted to see him become part of the Waste family.”

Entertainment, News

Pantomonium! to grace Blackpool Grand Theatre in time for Christmas

Blackpool Grand Theatre has announced that with the generous support of producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions, panto legend, BBC Radio Lancashire presenter, and Britain’s Got Talent ‘finalist’ Steve Royle, and special guest West End and TV’s Tom Lister a condensed and COVID-safe pantomime fundraiser will ensure Christmas isn’t cancelled this year at Blackpool’s Grand!

The Christmas production Pantomonium! will run with strict COVID safeguards for a limited time and for a limited period – a sell-out is guaranteed!
Created by Jon Monie (winner of Best Script at The Great British Pantomime Awards 2019 for ‘Beauty & the Beast’), Pantomonium! is a specially written, one-act pantomime about pantomime.

When the beloved panto character, Fairy Tales, is kidnapped by the villainous Killjoy, an extraordinary adventure unfolds as the hunt for the all-powerful magic book begins.
Stepping out of the chorus-line, a young unnamed girl from the village of Ensemble joins the adventure to help find the missing manuscript. Along for the ride are the handsome Prince Charmless, and the hapless Tilly and Billy Topps from the local Panto Emporium.

With laughter and mayhem at every turn, the forces of good and evil fight to the final page over the future of pantomime itself.

A concentrated pantomime……just add laughter!

Matin Dodd, Producer UK Productions said ‘Blackpool Grand is very close to my heart, and this year would have been our 25th pantomime in this beautiful theatre. Our Wardrobe Department and costumes for all our productions are still housed in Blackpool.

‘Unfortunately, we had to postpone our usual major production as the costs and limitations just wouldn’t work based on COVID safe admission numbers.
‘However, after long discussions and the generous support of Steve Royle, Tom Lister and many of our regular suppliers we’ve created a show, a fantastic show, that’s all about Panto!

‘Full of all the great panto elements Comic, Dame, Prince and Princess (a girl from the village in this case!), and the usual mayhem Steve creates (safely distanced, of course!), we just can’t wait to get started. I am thrilled that we can bring Steve and Tom back together following their hilarious antics in last year’s hit Peter Pan.
‘All profits will go to Blackpool Grand, and we hope with the support of our great audience we create a total sell-out.”

Actor, Comic, and Presenter Steve Royle added ‘It was understandable but heart-breaking getting the call saying Pantomime was postponed. I just simply couldn’t let it go, I’d promised Martin and Ruth I’d do anything to make it work.

‘We kept talking and we all agreed our love for Blackpool’s Grand just made us want to find a way to help secure the theatre’s future and save panto and Christmas at the same time, so a fundraiser of a shorter, more COVID-safe version was considered and we are all working hard to make it work along with the kindness and support of others.

‘I cannot wait to be back on that stage, every performance is going to be so special…oh and very, very, funny!’

Ruth Eastwood, Chief Executive Blackpool Grand Theatre added ‘I’ll tell you, there’s been many sleepless nights! First having to close and then to cancel pantomime – the one show that we know means so much to local families – it’s been devastating. But the wonderful support we have received has been really heart-warming and spurred us on to try and salvage Christmas.

‘After days and nights of conversations about how we could make a production work, I am delighted to say with the support of Martin at UK Productions, Steve Royle and Tom Lister we are able to offer this unique Seasonal experience and help raise funds the theatre desperately needs. I guarantee this production will be from the heart, every single person involved just wants to get back on our beautiful stage and entertain. It has been an incredibly emotional time.

‘This will be a unique production, the only show of 2020 following our closure in March. All socially distanced seats will be the same price and, limited numbers available for each performance, you’ll need to book yours fast!’

Tom Lister joined adding ‘Having performed at Blackpool Grand many times it’s a favourite of mine. I was keen to help them last year with their 125th Anniversary and it’s hard to believe only months later the building was forced to close its doors. Martin contacted me and I agreed we had to do something.

It’s going to be a fantastic production and we all know the quality UK Productions are known for at Blackpool Grand. There is going to be a few less people on stage and a few less of you, so bring your enthusiasm in spades, you’re in for a great time! We can’t wait to see you all.’

Pantomonium! will run at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Friday 18 December 2020 to Sunday 3 January 2021. There will be three performances a day (11am, 3pm, and 7pm, running for approx. 1hr.15mins with no interval). All seats will be £25.50 per person and only available in set bubbles of 2, 3, 4 or six.

For your safety: Strict COVID-safeguards will be in place including track-and-trace, specialist cleaning, temperature checks, facemasks must be worn, and sanitiser will be provided. Tickets will only be available in advance and full customer details will need to be provided for UK Government Track and Trace. If a performance is cancelled full refunds will be given. Tickets will only be available in bubbles of 2, 3, 4, 5 and six. Set timed arrivals will be in place, and late arrivals will not be accepted.