Lady Cassandra returns in Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder

19 May 2022 16:06

There's just days to go before a brand new, blockbuster exhibition, Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction, opens at World Museum, Liverpool. Visitors 'exploring the world of science within the universe of Doctor Who' will be treated to Zoe's considerable vocal talents. Yes, you've guessed it - she's reprising her role as Lady Cassandra, the last human (and 'bitchy trampoline'!), in an area of the exhibition dedicated to the iconic baddie from 'The End of the World' and 'New Earth'!

Precise details about this and the rest of the interactive exhibition, which will feature sets, props, costumes and more, are under wraps. But if you'd like to learn all about the 'timey wimey' science behind the classic BBC series, not to mention come face-to-face with Cassandra (the computer-generated picture on CultBox gives you an idea of what this encounter might be like), you can book tickets now.

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder runs from 27 May to 30 October and looks set to be absolutely fascinating.

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Bid for Zoë's All My Sons poster in Mousetrap charity auction

19 May 2022 14:55

Zoë has donated a fantastic signed piece of memorabilia to Mousetrap Theatre Projects, of which she's long been a patron, to help the charity raise vital funds to continue making theatre more accessible to young people. (She described Mousetrap as 'the most wonderful charity' during a Q&A session at a fundraising event several years ago.) The item, a poster given to Zoe when she starred in the 2010 West End revival of Arthur Miller's All My Sons - lauded by the Telegraph as 'a stunning production of a modern classic' - is among the amazing lots you can bid for in Mousetrap's 25th Anniversary Gala Auction.

The beautiful framed poster features Zoë and her All My Sons co-star David Suchet, best known as TV's Hercule Poirot. Suchet has signed it and dedicated a heartfelt message to Zoe, as have the rest of the cast. Zoe has autographed the back of the frame to make the item even more special.

If you'd like to be in with the chance of owning this incredible piece of theatre history, you can bid online until 25 May, knowing that you're helping one of Zoë's favourite charities.

And if you missed All My Sons at the theatre or want to refresh your memory of this multi-layered, compelling play about grief and secrets, head over to Digital Theatre, where you can watch it online.

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Remembering Kay Mellor and rediscovering Girlfriends

18 May 2022 17:50

You may have heard that Kay Mellor, the trailblazing British scriptwriter, sadly passed away on 15 May. The team at her production company, Rollem Productions, calls her 'a phenomenal talent and a true luminary'.

Mellor created and scripted Girlfriends, the 2018 ITV drama starring Zoë, Miranda Richardson and Phyllis Logan - and it was undoubtedly a trailblazer too. As BBC News pointed out at the time, Girlfriends stands out because it 'focuses on an under-represented group on British TV - older women'. It even featured on ITV News at Ten for this reason.

Girlfriends showcases the talents of its writer and stars

Girlfriends, which was a hit with audiences in both the UK and US, exemplifies what made Kay Mellor a superb writer: rollicking good storylines and strong female characters. Plus it reaffirms the importance of friendship and sticking together - another hallmark of her work.

Zoe's character, Gail, is caring for her grandson and elderly mother, forever putting everyone else's needs above her own. Magazine features editor Sue (Miranda Richardson) has a glamorous, affluent lifestyle - but she still faces major challenges. They both rally round long-standing friend Linda (Phyllis Logan), a housewife who's in need of their support after the loss of her husband.

Zoë found the drama compelling

Interviewed about Girlfriends when it was first shown, Zoë emphasised that she loved the concept of the series from the outset. 'I read three episodes and thought they were really good [...] It was something different for me as [put-upon Gail is] not the kind of part I'd normally do and I have been a big fan of Kay's work for many years'.

Rediscover Girlfriends on the ITV Hub

Now feels like an appropriate time to rediscover Girlfriends (or watch it for the first time) and marvel at Kay Mellor's writing and the quality of the acting. The full series is available free to UK viewers on the ITV Hub. In fact, Girlfriends is currently featured on the ITV Hub homepage, which invites viewers to 'commemorate [Mellor's] life with her drama series'.

If you'd like to add Girlfriends to your DVD collection, you'll be pleased to hear there are Region 1 and Region 2 versions. Another option is to stream it on Acorn TV on Amazon US or Amazon UK.

However you choose to watch Girlfriends, I'm certain you'll come away with renewed appreciation of the power of friendship - and British drama.

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Happy birthday, Zoë!

13 May 2022 04:20

Wishing wonderful Zoë an equally wonderful birthday <3

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Constellations re-released to celebrate Oliviers success

3 May 2022 19:08

The Donmar Warehouse has re-released its fabulous filmed version of Constellations, which was originally available last year, to celebrate the West End show’s recent Olivier Awards success. Nick Payne’s acclaimed multiverse play, starring Zoë and Peter Capaldi alongside three other casts, won the Best Revival Olivier at the prestigious ceremony in April.

Here's how the Donmar announced the re-release on Instagram.

Constellations was staged at the Vaudeville Theatre in summer 2021. Now, wherever you are in the world, you have the opportunity to stream digital versions of this bold yet intimate production on the Donmar On Demand website. You could watch Zoë and Peter Capaldi bring multiple versions of their characters’ relationship to life (which adds a whole new dimension to will-they-won’t-they storylines!) for £7.50 for 24 hours’ access. Alternatively, watch all four casts for £20 and receive 14 days’ access.

Captioned and audio-described versions are available, and you can check out the Constellations trailer below.

You have until 25 May to catch this ‘stellar revival’ (in the Guardian’s words) of Constellations. Enjoy!

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