What: An exhilarating evening of vibrant Indian classical and contemporary dance featuring several emerging and established artists, performing Odissi, Kathak, Bharatanatyam and contemporary dance styles.
www.curveonline.co.uk
VIJAY IYER, LINDA MAY HAN OH, TYSHAWN SOREY
When: Sunday, November 14
Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
What: The jazz trio made up of pianist Vijay Iyer, bassist Linda May Han Oh
and drummer Tyshawn Sorey showcase their innovative and dynamic new album UnEasy.
What: The Pagrav Dance Company presents a contemporary Kathak production that taps into the competitive chaos, creativity, and colour of Uttarayan, the world-famous international kite festival of Gujarat.
www.sadlerswells.com
EVENTS
BADNAAM
When: Saturday, November 6
Where: Sway Bar 61-65 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5BZ
What: First Saturday of the month residency with DJ Shai Guy playing
Bollywood and urban desi, alongside rotating special guests DJs.
www.eventbrite.com
SUNDAY SHOWDOWN
When: Sunday, November 14
Where: Floripa, 91-92 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3HZ
What: Enjoy a full day of live Bollywood music, spicy comedy, and south
Asian dance with Bombay Funkadelic. Food menu for the famished, drinks for the thirsty, DJs and dance floor for the energetic.
www.eventbrite.com
DESI VIBEZ
When: Saturday, November 20
Where: The Vault, East Wing, 300 Strand, Bush House, KCLSU South, London WC2R 1AE
What: Student party at The Vault Bar within the Kings College London campus. DJ Enay, DJ Nish and other top DJ/producers playing the best in old and new school Bollywood, bhangra and urban desi beats.
www.eventbrite.com
THEATRE
EAST IS EAST
When: Until November 6
Where: Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Way, Chichester PO19 6AP
What: The 25th-anniversary production of Ayub Khan Din’s widely acclaimed 1970’s set comedy about children brought up by their strict Pakistani father and white English mother.
www.cft.org.uk
10 NIGHTS
When: Until November 6
Where: Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 8LJ
What: Theatre play about one man’s journey of self-discovery as he decides
to take part in itikaf, sleeping and fasting in the mosque for the last 10 nights of Ramadan, as he navigates smug worshippers, shared bathrooms, and recurring thoughts of chunky chips.
www.bushtheatre.co.uk
THE WASTE LAND & BIDROHI
When: Sunday, November 14
Where: Rich Mix Arts Centre 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA
What: A haunting theatrical performance of the two epitomic masterpieces of the 20th century, The Waste Land by T S Elliot, and Bidrohi by Kazi Nazrul Islam. This live music, spoken word and theatrical performance is directed by poet T M Ahmed Kaysher.
www.richmix.org.uk
COMEDY
AHIR SHAH
When: Until Saturday, November 13
Where: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE
What: The double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee returns with a new stand-up show about significance, insignificance, and scurvy.
www.sohotheatre.com
PAUL CHOWDHRY: FAMILYFRIENDLY COMEDIAN
When: Sunday, November 7; Friday, November 12; Saturday, November 13
Where: Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AB; Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD; Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
What: The popular comedian returns with a brand-new stand-up show about UK’s handling of the pandemic, why the rules of six only worked for white people, fame, England football fans and Tom Cruise landing his helicopter in someone’s garden.
www.paulchowdhry.com
SINDHU VEE: ALPHABET
When: Monday, November 8; Tuesday, November 9; Thursday, November 11
Where: The Pillar Room, Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA; Komedia, 44-47 Gardner St, Brighton BN1 1UN; Connaught Theatre, Union Pl, Worthing BN11 1LG
What: A brand-new stand-up show with the popular comedian about the hair we want, the friends we have, and living the vast difference between virus
and viral.
www.sindhuvee.com
DESI CENTRAL COMEDY SHOW
When: Saturday, November 13; Sunday, November 14
Where: The Core Theatre, Homer Road, Touchwood, Solihull B91 3RG;
What: The stand-up tour continues with two events featuring four comedy
talents at each venue delivering plenty of laughs. Full line-ups available on the official site.
www.luventertainment.co.uk
TEZ ILYAS: THE VICKED TOUR
When: Thursday, November 11; Saturday, November 12; Sunday, November 13
Where: Rondo Theatre, St Saviours Road, Bath BA1 6RT; The Old Market,
11A Upper Market Street, Brighton, Hove BN3 1AS; Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QB
What: A brand-new stand-up show with the comedian, TV personality and
author as he uses his trademark silly, smart, and subversive humour to celebrate all that we still have.
www.tezilyas.com
CLASSES
SHAKTI DIVAS BHANGRA FUSION 2021
When: Until Tuesday, December 14
Where: Heston Community School, Heston Road, Heston, Hounslow TW5 0QR
What: A weekly bhangra-Bollywood dance class led by renowned choreographer Rakhi Sood, which is designed to keep you fit in a fun and friendly environment.
What: Three-session course, every Friday, that teaches you how to confidently create prints with traditional carved blocks from India. It also looks at the history of Indian print blocking and how it is done today.
www.eventbrite.com
FULL DAY SIMPLE INDIAN COOKERY COURSE
When: Saturday, November 13
Where: Hounslow, London
What: A trip to the local Indian shop to learn about ingredients will be followed by a practical hands-on cooking course learning how to make a variety of delicious dishes.
Speculation is growing that Irish actor Patrick Gibson may be involved in the next phase of the James Bond franchise, following the release of the trailer for IO Interactive’s upcoming video game, 007 First Light. The cinematic trailer, which debuted on Wednesday during Sony’s State of Play presentation, showcased a younger version of the iconic British spy, and fans were quick to point out the character’s resemblance to Gibson.
The game introduces a 26-year-old Bond in a third-person action-adventure format, set to release in 2026 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Within hours of the trailer’s release, social media was abuzz with fans speculating that Gibson is either portraying or voicing the new digital version of Bond.
Despite his growing profile, he has not previously worked on video game voice acting projectsYouTube/ IO Interactive
One user on Reddit wrote, “I clocked it THE SECOND I saw the dirty smirk of his,” while another commented: “Watching the trailer and knew the face looked familiar. After about a minute or so I screamed ‘DEXTER.’” The 30-year-old actor is currently best known for his portrayal of a young Dexter Morgan in the prequel series Dexter: Original Sin.
Although IO Interactive has yet to officially confirm the identity of the voice or performance actor behind the digital Bond, the character’s facial features and expressions have drawn comparisons to Gibson. According to PC Gamer, the game’s version of Bond features a “smirky” demeanour, similar to Gibson’s previous roles.
Gibson’s filmography includes appearances in Shadow and Bone, The OA, and The Tudors. Despite his growing profile, he has not previously worked on video game voice acting projects. Notably, his Wikipedia page was reportedly edited shortly after the trailer’s release to claim he had been cast in the game, further fuelling the speculation.
007 First Light: A new take on Bond
IO Interactive’s upcoming game represents a departure from previous depictions of James Bond. In 007 First Light, players will take control of a Bond who is not yet the polished secret agent with a licence to kill. Instead, he is described as “a young, resourceful, and sometimes reckless new recruit” who has just joined MI6 after a privileged but aimless upbringing.
The game begins with Bond as an air crewman in the Royal Navy, prior to earning his 00 status. IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak said the aim was to show Bond “before the tuxedos and the martinis,” as he steps into the dangerous world of espionage.
In the trailer, the character M describes Bond as “a bullet without a target,” hinting at a raw, unshaped version of the spy who will evolve into the 007 known to audiences. The game will reportedly combine narrative-driven cutscenes with third-person gameplay, including shooting and melee combat.
Debate over modern Bond and visual choices
Some fans and commentators have questioned the modern direction of the game. PC Gamer remarked that the new Bond, presumably born around the year 2000, has a distinctly contemporary appearance, joking that he looks like someone who “vapes or has opinions about Ethereum”.
— (@)
Nonetheless, the studio is expected to share more details at the IOI Showcase on Friday, 7 June at 2 am BST. This presentation is set to feature gameplay footage and may confirm the cast involved in the project.
Bond casting speculation continues
The speculation around Patrick Gibson’s involvement in 007 First Light comes amid ongoing rumours regarding the next actor to play James Bond in the film franchise. Theo James has recently emerged as the frontrunner, with bookmakers BetMGM listing the 40-year-old White Lotus star as the 6/4 favourite to succeed Daniel Craig, whose final appearance as Bond was in 2021’s No Time to Die.
- YouTubeYouTube/ IO Interactive
James, who also appeared in The Gentlemen, is now considered a leading contender among fans and industry insiders for the iconic role.
Meanwhile, 007 First Light marks IO Interactive’s first Bond game since acquiring the licence, and it is expected to be the first in a trilogy developed in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios.
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A post-screening Q&A that revealed how their off-screen camaraderie and improvisational skills helped
The world premiere of Deep Cover lit up the inaugural SXSW London Screen Festival on Wednesday night, with stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed attending a post-screening Q&A that revealed how their off-screen camaraderie and improvisational skills helped shape the film’s comic energy.
The crime caper, directed by Stath Lets Flats creator Tom Kingsley, was screened as the festival’s Centrepiece Headliner and will be available to stream on Prime Video from 12 June.
A story years in the making
The project began over a decade ago, when producers Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly came across a real-life story involving New York police using actors as decoys in criminal investigations. The idea evolved into a feature film script written by the British duo Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen, adapting Trevorrow and Connolly’s original concept and relocating the story to London.
Deep Cover follows three improv performers who are enlisted by an undercover police officer to pose as hardened criminals and infiltrate London’s underworld. With comedy and action colliding in unexpected ways, the film balances high stakes with humour.
Action-comedy with an indie heart
Director Kingsley explained that while the film began as a straightforward comedy, the involvement of bigger stars gave the team the resources to explore more ambitious action sequences.
“I think maybe it started more as a comedy. Straight up,” Kingsley said. “As we went on, bigger and bigger stars joined us, and that meant we could aim higher.”
- YouTubeYouTube/ Primevideo
The film was produced independently in London under Trevorrow’s Metronome Film Co. banner. The producers emphasised that creating a film like Deep Cover without major studio backing was a challenge, particularly in today’s economic climate.
“It’s not easy. We’re at a time when getting films financed is harder and harder,” Trevorrow noted. He credited Amazon’s partnership and the dedication of the British crew with bringing the production to life on a competitive budget.
Real locations, real stakes
One of the defining aspects of Deep Cover is its use of real London locations. From Shoreditch to Barking, the film avoids glossy studio sets in favour of gritty, authentic settings.
“We wanted the movie to feel real. I think the comedy is funnier when you really believe in the stakes,” said Kingsley. “We needed London to look a little dangerous, not too picture postcard.”
He revealed that some night shoots required extra security, especially in industrial zones. “We shot in areas that needed some caution – but that’s what gave it a grounded feel.”
Strong chemistry on and off screen
The cast’s chemistry was clear both on screen and during the Q&A. Howard, Bloom and Mohammed all spoke about how much they enjoyed working together and how much that dynamic influenced the film’s tone.
“We all just genuinely get along,” said Howard. “We’re all at similar stages in life. We’ve got kids, so we connect over that.”
Bloom, better known for dramatic and action roles, said the project allowed him to explore a new side of acting. “I’m not known for comedy,” he admitted. “But the writing and direction really supported me in finding the humour through the character’s seriousness.”
For Mohammed, the shift was in the other direction. Best known for his work in Ted Lasso, he found the action element to be a new experience. “Overwhelming,” he said. “I’m a huge fan of action films and blockbuster hits. So working with Hollywood-level stars on this was surreal.”
Improv rooted in structure
Although Deep Cover is about improvisers, the film itself relied heavily on a carefully structured script. Kingsley noted that while improvisation did happen during filming, most of it was trimmed for pacing.
“It’s a really tightly worked out script,” he said. “It goes a mile a minute, and we had to stick to the rhythm.”
Howard praised the collaborative process, saying, “We were never treated like puppets. It was very organic. The improv was more about getting into the scene rather than driving it.”
Bringing comedy back to the big screen
Producer Colin Trevorrow reflected on the rarity of seeing comedy in cinemas, especially as more films are made for streaming platforms.
“We live in a day and age where we rarely get to see comedy in a packed theatre full of people laughing – something I loved as a kid,” he said. “This film is going to be on Amazon, and we’re grateful for that, but tonight was something special.”
Deep Cover also features British acting veterans Paddy Considine, Ian McShane and Sean Bean in supporting roles.
As it heads to its Prime Video release, Deep Cover offers audiences a blend of improvisational comedy, undercover drama and London grit, all anchored by a cast with genuine chemistry and comedic timing.
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The jacket tribute, blending personal sentiment with fashion
Actor Janhvi Kapoor recently paid tribute to her late mother, the legendary Sridevi, by wearing a custom denim jacket inspired by the 1990 Telugu cult classic Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari. Janhvi took to Instagram to share the look and express her admiration for the film and her mother’s performance, calling the experience deeply emotional and nostalgic.
In her post, Janhvi described the jacket and film as something she is “obsessed” with. She revealed she had watched the re-released version of the film a few days prior and was reminded of the cinematic magic that brought it to life. “Mumma is like an angel fairy princess and so funny and so cute,” Janhvi wrote, remembering Sridevi’s ethereal screen presence.
She also praised co-star Chiranjeevi Konidela, director K. Raghavendra Rao, and the late Amrish Puri, among others, highlighting the film’s humour, visuals, and overall impact. “The revival of this new print couldn’t have been executed by more able hands and is a gift to cinema lovers today,” she added, noting that it “felt like a visual spectacle that would give our contemporary films a run for their money.”
Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari was recently re-released in cinemas, giving fans and the next generation of film lovers an opportunity to experience the classic once again on the big screen. The film, known for its fantastical elements and musical score, holds a special place in Indian cinema history and in Janhvi’s personal memories.
Sridevi, who passed away in 2018, was regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actresses. The film remains one of her most iconic roles, and Janhvi’s tribute reflects the emotional bond the actor continues to share with her mother’s legacy.
On the professional front, Janhvi Kapoor is currently enjoying a successful run. She was recently seen in Devara: Part 1 alongside Jr NTR. Her upcoming projects include Param Sundari with Sidharth Malhotra, Homebound featuring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari opposite Varun Dhawan, and Peddi alongside Ram Charan.
The jacket tribute, blending personal sentiment with fashion, has resonated with fans online, reinforcing Janhvi’s connection to her roots and her mother’s iconic cinematic journey.
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Beyoncé rose to fame in the 1990s with Destiny’s Child
Beyoncé is set to return to London as part of her Cowboy Carter tour, performing six dates at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 43-year-old superstar will kick off her London shows on Thursday, with further performances scheduled for 7, 10, 12, 14, and 16 June.
The tour, supporting her eighth studio album Cowboy Carter, began in April in Inglewood, California, and follows her 2023 Renaissance World Tour, which also included five nights at the same London venue. Most recently, she performed five shows in East Rutherford, New Jersey, before heading to the UK.
Beyoncé’s current tour setlist features a mix of her classic hits such as Love On Top, If I Were A Boy, and Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), alongside new tracks from Cowboy Carter. These include Texas Hold ’Em, 16 Carriages, and II Most Wanted, marking a move into country music. She has also included covers of Blackbird by The Beatles and Dolly Parton’s Jolene.
There has been no support act on the tour so far, and doors for the London shows are expected to open at 5pm.
Following her UK performances, Beyoncé will continue the European leg of her tour with three shows in Paris at the Stade De France, before returning to the US for the final dates.
The Cowboy Carter tour follows a significant Grammy win for the artist earlier this year. At the 67th Grammy Awards in February, Beyoncé secured her first Album of the Year award for Cowboy Carter. She also took home Best Country Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for II Most Wanted, a collaboration with Miley Cyrus.
Her win marked a breakthrough, having previously missed out on the top album honour with I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008), Beyoncé (2013), Lemonade (2016), and Renaissance (2022). During her acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to Linda Martell, the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, who features on the album.
With a total of 35 Grammy Awards, Beyoncé remains the most decorated artist in the history of the ceremony. In March, King Charles III described her as “exceptional” during an episode of his radio programme The King’s Music Room.
Beyoncé rose to fame in the 1990s with Destiny’s Child and has since achieved six UK number one singles and five UK number one albums. She married rapper Jay-Z in 2008, and the couple have three children: Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir.
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The couple were last photographed together on 16 May in Malibu
Actor Dakota Johnson and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin have reportedly ended their on-and-off relationship, which began in 2017. According to multiple sources quoted by People, the split "feels final this time", although representatives for both Johnson and Martin have not commented publicly.
The couple were last photographed together on 16 May in Malibu, just two weeks before reports of the breakup emerged. Earlier in the year, they were seen holding hands in India, where Martin was on tour with his band.
Their relationship, while largely private, had seen periods of speculation and reconciliation over the years. Engagement rumours first surfaced in 2020, and in March 2024, a source claimed the couple had actually been engaged for “years” but were “in no rush to get married”.
In August 2024, when rumours of a breakup circulated, a representative for Johnson denied the claims, stating they were “happily together”. At the time, another source said, “Sure, they’ve had issues and taken breaks in the past, but things are great now. They both love their careers and are balancing things the best they can.”
In June 2024, another insider noted that while their relationship had its “ups and downs”, they were “definitely back on” at the time. Johnson, 35, had also previously spoken about her close bond with Martin’s children from his marriage to Gwyneth Paltrow, daughter Apple, now 21, and son Moses, 19, saying she loved them “like my life depends on it”.
The Fifty Shades of Grey star also expressed admiration for Martin’s performances, telling Bustle, “I love watching him. I could watch him every day. I feel like I’m watching my most favourite being do his most favourite thing.”
Johnson is currently promoting her upcoming romantic comedy Materialists, in which she stars alongside Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. The film is set to release in cinemas on 13 June.
In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, published on 4 June, she reflected on societal views around relationships, questioning traditional ideas about marriage and divorce. “Why do people have to get married at a certain age or only once? Why? It doesn’t matter,” she said.
Neither Johnson nor Martin has publicly confirmed the breakup.