LATE NIGHT CELEB SPOTTING
nicola_riley: At Hula in Manchester #zombies
nicola_riley: PS defs just seen Marcus from Corrie
CHARLIE CONDOU:
WHY LONDON IS STREETS AHEAD!
WHY LONDON IS STREETS AHEAD!
Mark Kebble
Charlie Condou is well versed to showing different personas on Coronation Street, but as he tells Michael Cameron, there’s nowhere quite like Barnsbury for him.
When Charlie Condou isn’t switching from gay to straight, and who knows what next, as the character Marcus Dent on Coronation Street, he is gay and lives with his partner and two young kids in the Barnsbury corner of Islington - the area has been his home for seven years. He started as a child actor at the age of 11 and has worked pretty consistently since. Over the years he has been on an episode of Gimme Gimme Gimme (Kathy Burke, another Islington local, was already a friend at that point) and a regular for a while on Armstrong & Miller. The recent jobs he’s most proud of are Nathan Barley, a cult series created by Charlie Brooker and Chris Morris, where he played the magazine editor and all-round media monster Jonatton Yeah? (sic), and, of course, Coronation Street. ‘It’s surprising how many young people stop me to talk about Nathan Barley, even though it was made nearly a decade ago,’ observes Charlie. ‘It still seems to have a huge cult following and it’s something I’m immensely proud of.’ And then there are the people who stop him to talk about Corrie. ‘When you’re in people’s homes so many nights a week you become a part of their lives,’ he smiles. ‘They want to chat to me like they’re old friends. It takes a while to get used to that.’
Charlie tells a story of being in Toronto recently, to promote Corrie - apparently the show is big in Canada. He expected a degree of anonymity on the streets of a city he’d never been to before, but instead was stopped by more friendly people wanting to chat. Likewise in Sydney when he was there recently… It’s a lucky man who has so many friends he doesn't know about. He grew up mostly in Soho, where his parents ran a series of restaurants with people like the chefs Bruno Loubet and Anthony Demetre. Loubet is Michelin starred; his most recent venture is Grain Store in the new Kings Cross development, a restaurant that probably needs no introduction because it has been so talked about in the media recently. Demetre went on to create an empire including Arbutus and Wild Honey, which again are both much-fêted. Charlie’s family currently runs Paramount, at the top of Centrepoint. Charlie is gregarious and legendarily knows everyone – and especially everyone in the acting profession in London. ‘That comes from a time when I worked in my parents’ restaurant as a waiter,’ he says. ‘I guess I’ve always found it easy to talk to people and get to know them.’ Speaking of everyone, he says he moved to Barnsbury because two friends used to live there: the actors Neve Campbell and John Light had a house on the square. He and his partner were always over there hanging out, often staying over out of sheer laziness (‘It was a 15-minute walk back to the place I used to live in Bloomsbury, and we couldn’t be bothered’). They needed a larger place and Barnsbury was already beginning to feel like home, so they bought a house near the square as well. He had two children through IVF with a straight female friend who lives nearby in Kentish Town; they co-parent and divide the week, factoring in his absences to Manchester to film Corrie (though sometimes the kids relocate up north with him, something he wrote about extensively in a weekly column in the Guardian for over year). I put it to him that this sounds like a complicated life. ‘It can be a real headache,’ he laughs, ‘but the schedule at Corrie is up in the air from week to week anyway. You get used to it. Anyway, my daughter loves being up there. She calls it “Daddy’s Manchester”.’ He talks with a lot of affection about the behind-the-scenes life at Granada studios, where Corrie is filmed. The other actors on the show sound like a down to earth, friendly bunch. The ‘green room’ at the studio, where the actors wait to go on, have a coffee or whatever, and sit and chat, seems to have the atmosphere of a student common room. ‘I have to admit I sometimes go into the green room even when I’m not working just because it’s fun to hang out,’ Charlie says. Back in Barnsbury, he’s equally at home. He relates how he and his partner didn’t really know the community until they had kids. After she started to walk his daughter became obsessed with ‘puppies’, and loved to go to the square to see them. As a consequence he got to know a wide range of neighbours through their dogs, and the friendships have continued. As he points out: ‘It’s a lovely feeling of community that I haven’t had since I lived in Soho.’
Lately Charlie has become increasingly active in charity work: he is a longtime supporter of organizations like Stonewall and the Terence Higgins Trust, but he also gives his full support to smaller groups like the Albert Kennedy Trust (which aims to get homeless gay young people off the streets) and Diversity Role Models (which combats anti-gay bullying, and bullying generally, in schools). He has a lot on his plate. When does he get time to put his feet up? ‘One thing that having kids has brought us is a lot of quiet evenings, once the kids are tucked up in bed, watching box sets.’ And he talks about how relaxed and friendly the neighbourhood is – whether they are working class or have a knighthood (as one in fact does), he says that a good many of his neighbours take the time to stop and say hi as he is herding his kids up the pavement. There can’t be many areas of London you can say that about.
Jimi Mistry reveals all about his début as fitness guru Kal in Coronation Street:
"He’s an alpha male – I think they were keen to bring in a strong male character"
East is East star Jimi Mistry is coming to Weatherfield to get the men of Coronation Street into shape. Kal, an old army buddy of Gary's, will first be putting Dev through his paces. But has Mistry himself been hitting the gym in preparation for his new role? And why is he really craving a scene with Kabin-based misery guts Norris?
So, tell us all about Kal…
He’s an ex-squaddie mate of Gary’s and he’s introduced to the Street in a storyline that sees Dev trying to get into shape. Kal’s the man to try and do it because he’s a fitness instructor. He inspires people to do better, but he’s also a funny, cheeky chappy guy.
Did anyone in particular take you under their way?
I knew a couple of the cast already. Jimmi Harkishin was in the movie East is East with me many years ago. I also know Ali King and Charlie Condou. Ben Price was one of the first to come up and ask if I needed anything.
I must admit that I was in awe of meeting the old regular characters like Barbara Knox. It was very surreal, but she was very nice. Everyone has been great. But nothing prepares you for walking into the Corrie green room and seeing all the well-loved characters drinking tea and eating biscuits.
Complete Radio Times article is HERE
CONDOU PROMISES 'EXPLOSIVE' EXIT
Coronation Street star Charlie Condou has teased his character Marcus Dent's exit will rock the cobbles. The actor revealed he will leave the ITV soap in summer 2014, after his alter-ego falls for returning Todd Grimshaw, played by Bruno Langley. "I've had a fantastic time at Corrie but feel it's time for me to move on. I was only meant to return for three months and ended up staying for three years!" he told the show's official website. The 40-year-old said that he could reprise his role as Marcus in the future, adding: " The producers have been really supportive and are leaving the door open for Marcus, which is great, and my exit will certainly be explosive." Todd's return to Weatherfield will leave gay midwife Marcus questioning his feelings for his girlfriend and single mum Maria (Samia Ghadie), who he moved in with. The show's bosses have teased that Marcus' involvement with Todd will "divide the residents of Coronation Street". Producer Stuart Blackburn said: "I will be incredibly sad to see Charlie go and wish him well for what I know will be an exciting future." Charlie, who joined Coronation Street in 2007, has said he is looking forward to exploring the ructions in Marcus and Maria's relationship. "I don't think anyone has a happy ever after in soap. Everyone wants to see a bit of drama and there's definitely going to be a lot of that. I welcome it with open arms," he told the Radio Times in October.
FROM SOMEWHERE
OVER THE RAINBOW
- WITH MR OZ -
WHITE RIBBON DAY
White Ribbon is the world's largest male-led movement to end men's violence against women. White Ribbon Australia is a non-profit organisation and Australia's only national, male-led primary prevention campaign to end men’s violence against women. Through primary prevention initiatives and an annual campaign, White Ribbon Australia seeks to change the attitudes and behaviours that lead to and perpetuate men’s violence against women, by engaging boys and men to lead social change.
In particular, Australia's unique Ambassadors' Program supports thousands of men to be the faces and leaders of the campaign, by living the White Ribbon Oath: never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. Women support White Ribbon Australia through their roles as White Ribbon Champions, encouraging the men in their lives to make a commitment to promote positive attitudes and behaviours towards women, as well as to intervene safely to prevent violence against women when needed.
White Ribbon Day celebrates the culmination of the annual campaign and global recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. As such, men and women are encouraged to wear a symbolic white ribbon which signals the start of the 16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence against Women, which ends on Human Rights Day (10 December).
LOCAL HEROES GET A MONUMENT
My first foray into writing a history text resulted in the release of the above Newcastle Lifeboats 1838-1946 book which has contributions from living descendants of the rescue crews. A short time after it was published a handful of contributors formed an association called Victoria Lifeboats Descendants and Friends. This group has worked quietly and relentlessly for nearly 7 years to get the crewmen of the Newcastle Lifeboats a lasting memorial. It's with great pleasure I announce...
THE BRAVE CREWMAN OF THE NEWCASTLE LIFEBOATS ARE TO BE RECOGNISED WITH A HARBOURSIDE MEMORIAL
Above: VLDF group
Newcastle Australia had one of the most dangerous ports in the world, there were more than 600 shipwrecks in the region, and many lost their lives. There were more marine rescues conducted in this region than anywhere else in the country, and several were considered to be the most dramatic in our maritime history where hundreds of lives were saved. The City of Newcastle in partnership with the Victoria Lifeboats Descendants and Friends (VLDF) community group and Newcastle Port Corporation has commissioned a public artwork on Nobbys Headland to remember the crew members who bravely gave their lives to rescue others and to celebrate the achievements of their many rescues. We have created a contemporary, engaging and attractive memorial in the form of a sculptured seat which immortalises and justly respects those who served in the Newcastle Lifeboats (1838-1946) and Rocket Brigades (1866-1974) and highlights their outstanding contribution to the safety of our harbour - the beginning of our maritime rescue services in Australia. Celebration of the artwork and a commemoration to the past Victoria Lifeboat crew-members will be held on site on Friday 13 December, at 11.00am. Car parking is available at Nobbys Surf Club and there will be transport provided from the carpark up to the site if required, otherwise it is approx 450m. At 2pm a prayer service will be hosted by The Dean of Newcastle at Christ Church Cathedral, to pay respect to those who lost their lives at sea.
Yes, you are all invited!
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE OZ NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK
Hi Tom,
It's been picked up by the Australian Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald, Channel 7 News and many, many other news outlets -- Tuesday's NBN national day of action has blown us away.
Hundreds of you helped to deliver the petition to 120 MPs right across the country, we put our case for fibre-to-the-home directly to NBN Co's CEO Ziggy Switkowski -- and it's forcing politicians within Tony Abbott's own government to start openly discussing the huge support for fair, affordable broadband.
We've just finished putting together this quick video about Tuesday's national day of action and our campaign so far to save the NBN. It's amazing to see what 270,000 people can achieve when we're in something together.
Click to check out the video:
As Malcolm Turnbull and NBN Co start making decisions on the future of Australia's broadband over the coming days, know that you're voice is in the mix. We're being heard.
Thanks so much for being a part of this campaign for fair, affordable access to broadband.
Let's keep it up.
Nick, Alex and Save the NBN campaign
White Ribbon is the world's largest male-led movement to end men's violence against women. White Ribbon Australia is a non-profit organisation and Australia's only national, male-led primary prevention campaign to end men’s violence against women. Through primary prevention initiatives and an annual campaign, White Ribbon Australia seeks to change the attitudes and behaviours that lead to and perpetuate men’s violence against women, by engaging boys and men to lead social change.
In particular, Australia's unique Ambassadors' Program supports thousands of men to be the faces and leaders of the campaign, by living the White Ribbon Oath: never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. Women support White Ribbon Australia through their roles as White Ribbon Champions, encouraging the men in their lives to make a commitment to promote positive attitudes and behaviours towards women, as well as to intervene safely to prevent violence against women when needed.
White Ribbon Day celebrates the culmination of the annual campaign and global recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. As such, men and women are encouraged to wear a symbolic white ribbon which signals the start of the 16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence against Women, which ends on Human Rights Day (10 December).
LOCAL HEROES GET A MONUMENT
My first foray into writing a history text resulted in the release of the above Newcastle Lifeboats 1838-1946 book which has contributions from living descendants of the rescue crews. A short time after it was published a handful of contributors formed an association called Victoria Lifeboats Descendants and Friends. This group has worked quietly and relentlessly for nearly 7 years to get the crewmen of the Newcastle Lifeboats a lasting memorial. It's with great pleasure I announce...
THE BRAVE CREWMAN OF THE NEWCASTLE LIFEBOATS ARE TO BE RECOGNISED WITH A HARBOURSIDE MEMORIAL
Above: VLDF group
Newcastle Australia had one of the most dangerous ports in the world, there were more than 600 shipwrecks in the region, and many lost their lives. There were more marine rescues conducted in this region than anywhere else in the country, and several were considered to be the most dramatic in our maritime history where hundreds of lives were saved. The City of Newcastle in partnership with the Victoria Lifeboats Descendants and Friends (VLDF) community group and Newcastle Port Corporation has commissioned a public artwork on Nobbys Headland to remember the crew members who bravely gave their lives to rescue others and to celebrate the achievements of their many rescues. We have created a contemporary, engaging and attractive memorial in the form of a sculptured seat which immortalises and justly respects those who served in the Newcastle Lifeboats (1838-1946) and Rocket Brigades (1866-1974) and highlights their outstanding contribution to the safety of our harbour - the beginning of our maritime rescue services in Australia. Celebration of the artwork and a commemoration to the past Victoria Lifeboat crew-members will be held on site on Friday 13 December, at 11.00am. Car parking is available at Nobbys Surf Club and there will be transport provided from the carpark up to the site if required, otherwise it is approx 450m. At 2pm a prayer service will be hosted by The Dean of Newcastle at Christ Church Cathedral, to pay respect to those who lost their lives at sea.
Yes, you are all invited!
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE OZ NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK
Hi Tom,
It's been picked up by the Australian Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald, Channel 7 News and many, many other news outlets -- Tuesday's NBN national day of action has blown us away.
Hundreds of you helped to deliver the petition to 120 MPs right across the country, we put our case for fibre-to-the-home directly to NBN Co's CEO Ziggy Switkowski -- and it's forcing politicians within Tony Abbott's own government to start openly discussing the huge support for fair, affordable broadband.
We've just finished putting together this quick video about Tuesday's national day of action and our campaign so far to save the NBN. It's amazing to see what 270,000 people can achieve when we're in something together.
Click to check out the video:
As Malcolm Turnbull and NBN Co start making decisions on the future of Australia's broadband over the coming days, know that you're voice is in the mix. We're being heard.
Thanks so much for being a part of this campaign for fair, affordable access to broadband.
Let's keep it up.
Nick, Alex and Save the NBN campaign
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