Best known and loved for her role as Vera, as well as acclaimed performances in films including Secrets & Lies, Little Voice and Pride & Prejudice, Brenda will join host Dave Johns on Monday 27 July to share the films that have shaped her life and career.

The special event comes as Desert Island Flicks marks its first birthday, having welcomed more than 850 audience members across four consecutive sell-out shows featuring James Purefoy, Stewart Lee, Bill Bailey and Christopher Eccleston. Since launching in summer 2025, the unique format has rapidly become one of Tyneside Cinema’s most popular live events, blending film clips, personal stories and audience conversation in an intimate and entertaining evening.

Brenda Blethyn said: “I’ve spent much of my life in cinemas, both as an audience member and on screen, so the chance to sit down and talk about the films that have stayed with me over the years is a real treat. I’ve heard wonderful things about Desert Island Flicks and the Tyneside audience, and I’m very much looking forward to sharing some stories, memories and a few cinematic favourites.”

Hosted by actor and comedian Dave Johns, star of I, Daniel Blake, Desert Island Flicks invites guests to reveal the films they simply couldn’t live without, accompanied by clips and anecdotes that offer a fascinating glimpse into the moments that have inspired them.

Dave Johns said: “What we’ve created with Desert Island Flicks is something really special. Every guest brings a completely different perspective and Brenda is someone whose career has touched so many people over the years. She’s funny, warm, honest and a brilliant storyteller, so I know this is going to be a cracking night.”

Nic Greenan, Chief Executive of Tyneside Cinema, said: “To reach our first birthday with four sell-out events behind us is fantastic. The response from audiences has exceeded all expectations and it’s clear there’s a real appetite in the North East for these kinds of unique live experiences. We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Brenda Blethyn as our next guest and expect demand for tickets to be incredibly high.”

As well as offering audiences a unique evening with some of the UK’s most celebrated creative talents, Desert Island Flicks also raises funds for Tyneside Cinema’s Talent Unit, funded by the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, helping create opportunities for young people from working-class backgrounds seeking careers in film and television.

Desert Island Flicks with Brenda Blethyn takes place at Tyneside Cinema on Monday 27 July at 6.30pm.

Tickets are available now from:

Tyneside Cinema Ticket Booking Page

Photo c. Will Osborne

Tyneside Cinema’s Desert Island Flicks series is celebrating a sell-out first year after attracting more than 850 audience members to four consecutive events featuring some of the UK’s best-known actors, comedians and performers.

The unique live format, which invites guests to share the films that have shaped their lives and careers, has welcomed James Purefoy, Stewart Lee, Bill Bailey and, most recently, Christopher Eccleston, with every event selling out.

Launched in summer 2025, Desert Island Flicks has quickly established itself as one of Tyneside Cinema’s most successful live events, offering audiences a rare opportunity to hear directly from some of Britain’s most recognisable cultural figures as they discuss the films, moments and influences that have helped define their lives and careers.

Hosted by actor and comedian Dave Johns, star of I, Daniel Blake, the series combines film clips, personal stories and audience conversation to create an intimate and entertaining evening that goes beyond a traditional Q&A.

The success of the programme demonstrates the appetite among North East audiences for opportunities to engage directly with nationally recognised creative talent without leaving the region.

Looking ahead, Tyneside Cinema has already confirmed that acclaimed actress Brenda Blethyn will be the next guest to take part in Desert Island Flicks on 27 July, with tickets expected to be in high demand following the success of the series to date. Further guest announcements will follow, including a number of leading women from the worlds of film, television and the arts, reflecting the programme’s ambition to showcase an even broader range of creative voices.

Nic Greenan, Chief Executive of Tyneside Cinema, said:  “Four events, four sell-outs is a fantastic result and a real testament to the appetite for this kind of event in the North East. We’ve welcomed some incredible guests in our first year and it’s been wonderful to see audiences respond so enthusiastically. We’re excited to continue building the series and bringing more well-known creative voices to Newcastle in the future.”

Christopher Eccleston’s appearance marked another milestone for the programme, with demand for tickets matching that of previous sell-out events and reinforcing Desert Island Flicks’ growing reputation as one of the region’s most popular live cinema experiences.

Christopher Eccleston said:  “The great thing about cinema is that a film can stay with you for decades and still reveal something new every time you watch it. That’s what made Desert Island Flicks such a fascinating conversation. Tyneside Cinema is a special place, and the Newcastle audience brought warmth, humour and a genuine love of film to the evening.”

Funds raised through the events also support Tyneside Cinema’s ambitions to create opportunities for young working-class talent in the North East through the Tyneside Cinema Talent Unit, supported by the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, helping to nurture the next generation of creative voices.

Embracing the whole world, Mahler’s Symphony No.3 is a vast fresco in which nature, man and the spiritual interact on a cosmic scale. Directing the combined forces of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Chorus and Tiffin Boys’ Choir, and with the movingly expressive voice of Hanna Hipp, Vasily Petrenko reveals all the richness of this visionary peak of Post-Romanticism.

This new release follows the RPO’s critically acclaimed recording  of Elgar’s symphonic study ‘Falstaff’ and Rachmaninov’s choral symphony ‘The Bells’, also released on harmonia mundi. Future planned releases include the music of Strauss, Bartók and Stravinsky.

The RPO and Petrenko’s shared desire to make new recordings comes at a time when recorded music is an increasingly important aspect of people’s appetite for music discovery. RPO research has revealed that 20% of orchestral music fans want to expand  their  music collection (CD or vinyl) and that this was integral  to their  exploration and enjoyment of live music. Other positive influences include attending concerts (39%) and listening to orchestral playlists on streaming platforms (40%).

Sarah Bardwell, Managing Director at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, comments: “We are delighted to be embarking on an exciting new recording partnership with the harmonia mundi record label, which will see the Orchestra and our Music Director, Vasily Petrenko, release new recordings of great symphonic repertoire. Also, as we count down to the launch of our 80^th anniversary season this autumn, these new album releases add a new chapter to the RPO’s rich recording  legacy – which includes collaborations  with the likes of Sir Thomas Beecham, André Previn, Sir Charles Mackerras, Yehudi Menuhin, Antal Dorati, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Yuri Temirkanov and, more recently, Joe Hisaishi (RPO Composer-in-Association).”

Vasily Petrenko, Music Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, comments: “When you have the privilege to conduct a great orchestra, you get used to thinking big. Naturally, I do my best to aim high: to share with our audience the finest melodies, the strongest emotions, the most magnificent sounds. But for me, there’s another side to music-making, and that is the ability to capture moments of shared magic in recorded form, allowing them to live in people’s hearts in perpetuity. I have always enjoyed the creative process of recording music, and I’m delighted to start a new chapter with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – and for our music to have the opportunity to be heard and enjoyed far beyond the concert hall.”

To listen to or buy a copy of the new album visit https://lnk.to/PetrenkoMahler3

The RPO has announced its London season for 2026–27, celebrating 80-years of music-making in the capital. Between September 2026 and June 2027, the RPO will perform 33 London concerts across three venues, with programming designed to appeal to young audiences and the launch of a new concert format that will particularly welcome people attending an orchestral concert for the first time. To explore the 80^th anniversary London season, visit https://www.rpo.co.uk/tickets-memberships/season-26-27-tickets

Drew Povey, author and founder of the Drew Povey Consultancy, says organisations need to instead focus on embedding wellbeing into their culture, rather than relying on a programme of activities for one week of the year. 

Drew, who has worked with leading sports clubs and blue chip companies, said: “The idea of being caring and considerate in the workplace isn’t a policy, it’s the very environment you create.

“Mental Health Awareness Week will often bring good intentions. There’ll be workshops, wellbeing emails, free coffee mornings, they might even get that spa voucher. 

“But too often, businesses treat well-being like an event rather than an environment. 

“One-off things might be a nice add on to reinforce an already existing culture but it’s not more important than getting the environment right.

“Because the reality is there’s literally no wellbeing initiative in the world that will compensate for a culture that exhausts people the other 51 weeks of the year.

“So if you’re just doing a wellbeing week, you’ve got quite a big problem.

“The organisations that make the biggest difference to well-being are rarely the loudest about it. It’s not about the week, it’s not about the month, it’s about constantly doing it because they are the ones who create cultures where the people feel heard, where the individuals in the company are absolutely understood, and where support is continuous rather than occasional.

“Because at the end of the day, well-being is not about policies. It’s not about perks. It’s also not about the Awareness Week. It’s about whether people genuinely feel that somebody cares.”

Here are Drew’s four tips to making mental health awareness a year-round activity.

1. Leave spa vouchers for the raffle 

You can’t spa trip your way out of bad leadership and bad culture in the workplace. Real support is rarely found in gestures; it’s found in understanding. So if you are thinking about ticking the ‘wellbeing’ box by taking part in some activities for mental health awareness week, you’re missing the point 

Just because mental health or workplace wellness is talked about for this week doesn’t mean that your team actually feels supported.  

One of the problems I see is when organisations promote mental health externally, while internally they are creating constant pressure, uncertainty and constant emotional overload. 

People don’t just need the initiatives that they might see within a company, they need environments where they feel psychologically safe, valued and listened to. It’s not just some bolt-on with activities created by a committee, it’s the fundamental environment. 

2. One size doesn’t fit all

What helps one person might frustrate another person. A policy you might think will help could quickly become restrictive for someone else. When we adopt a ‘one size fits all’ approach we ignore how differently people live and work.

Supporting people starts with understanding your people. I found this out personally when I implemented a policy of ‘no emails between 7pm and 7am’ thinking it would give people a break from work.

I had a queue of people at the door knocking it down, saying, please don’t do it. I thought I was doing them a favour, but a lot of parents were going home at the end of the day, dealing with their kids and then they wanted to sit and work at 7 o’ clock. My attempt at wellbeing would have created a problem for some of my team by assuming that one size fits all – so I scrapped it. 

3. Empowerment matters more than protection

A great leader or a successful company doesn’t need to permanently manage wellbeing for other people just as they don’t micromanage their work. What they do is help people to understand themselves better and recognise what they need to be able to perform sustainably. 

We often talk about empowering people to make their own decisions about work but the same is true of supporting wellbeing and mental health.

Businesses have to create the environment, but people’s well-being will be down to them. They know what is going to work best for them, and if they don’t, let’s help them get there. 

The goal shouldn’t be dependency but awareness, ownership, and the creation of strategies that work for that individual. 

4. Swap the golden rule for the platinum rule

We all know the golden rule: treat other people how you would like to be treated. It’s probably something our mothers have all told us at various points during our childhood. 

But with real leadership, this goes further and becomes the platinum rule: treat other people as they would treat themselves. 

This is about listening properly and really understanding people. Because when we assume something, we can do real harm. Just as I thought that everyone would enjoy no emails after 7pm, I would have been giving some staff extra stress. The platinum rule meant that I listened to them. 

The 1992 Rover 220 Coupe Turbo, nicknamed ‘Tomcat’ after its project name, will go under the hammer at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire on Sunday 10^th May, also the first time H&H Classics has held a weekend sale at the iconic motoring venue.

A very special car, estimated at £19,000-£23,000, it was specifically modified by the Rover development team to break land speed records held by other car manufacturers to highlight the launch of the new 2-litre turbo Rover Coupe, the fastest production car the British manufacturer had built at the time

The speed and distance records it aimed to break included those for 2-litre front-wheel-drive vehicles.

It successfully achieved 37 UK land speed records, including a 24-hour world endurance land speed record of 138mph, plus a flying 5 km speed of 156 mph, and still holds 36 of these records.

To help achieve this amazing feat, it was stripped back to a bare shell, checked and rebuilt with various modifications including engine performance, fuel feed, roll cage, large capacity fuel tank, racing seat and various safety devices.

Chris Wardley, motor car specialist at H&H Classics, said: “There couldn’t be a more fitting venue than Millbrook Proving Ground for the auction of this incredible UK land speed record holding car where it made history.

“It will be a very special occasion on Sunday 10^th May, and we expect strong bidding from Rover enthusiasts and collectors, plus those wishing to acquire an important piece of automotive history.”

The car going under the hammer with H&H Classics is one of the two specially modified pre-production Coupes, and is thought to be the sole survivor of the land speed record attempt which took place in August 1992. It remains to land speed record breaking specification.

It was professionally recommissioned in 2022 for a commemorative event at Millbrook Proving Ground where it led a cavalcade of surviving Tomcats, while the original team from the Rover factory who built the car were reunited with it for the occasion.

All lots, including the 1992 Rover 220 Coupe Turbo being auctioned, will be available to view in person at the Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, from midday on Saturday 9^th May and from 9am on Sunday 10^th May, while the sale then commences at 12pm.

Anyone looking to bid on one of the lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid, while for more details about any of the cars or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.

TGJones has launched a nationwide competition for UK primary schoolchildren and primary schools, with a total prize value of over £17,000 up for grabs.

The ‘Bitesize Bookworms’ competition supports the National Year of Reading 2026, the biggest campaign in a generation designed to inspire everyone to discover a passion for reading and embed it into our everyday lives. A Department for Education initiative supported by the National Literacy Trust, the National Year of Reading is delivered with the support of major sponsors and partners, including TG Jones. Primary school children across the country will be asked to share what they love about their favourite book – in 25 words or less.

Each winner will receive a £200 TGJones Gift Card, plus £4,000 of books and stationery for their school, while runners-up will win a £50 TGJones Gift Card and £500 of equipment for their school.

All entrants will be in with a chance of winning the huge prize, with three winners and nine runners up to be selected by an expert panel of literary judges, including primary school teacher turned rapper MC Grammar, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. 

Competition entries will be split across three primary school age groups, with one winner and three runners-up from each group.

• Reception – Year Two (England & Wales) / Primary 1-3 (Scotland & Northern Ireland)
• Year Three – Year Four (England & Wales) / Primary 4-5 (Scotland & Northern Ireland)
• Year Five – Year Six (England & Wales) / Primary 6-7 (Scotland & Northern Ireland)

The competition has been launched after a poll of 1,500 schoolchildren between the ages of 5 and 12 years old found that they spend over 6.8 hours a week reading, with an average of 3.8 hours spent reading for pleasure, and 3 hours a week spent reading for homework.

This trumps time spent on other activities including gaming (5.5 hours a week), playing outside (6.2 hours) and even chatting with their friends (5.8 hours).

The National Year of Reading aims to change the perception of reading, and redefine it as a modern, relevant and social activity. The campaign encourages the nation to Go All In in 2026, reading into our passions and interests to get more out of the things we already love, whether it’s football, gaming, music, sci-fi, or baking. 

The competition adds to the momentum, providing an opportunity to encourage new readers to pick up a book, and share their recommendations with others to spark a conversation about reading. 

MC Grammar (Jacob Mitchell) commented: “I can’t wait to hear of the adventures and wonders that kids have discovered within the pages of the books they’ve loved. The knowledge they have gained will help shape their lives, and now they have the chance to share that magic with the world – inspiring more readers, everywhere, to open a book and dream.”

David Hayman, Director of the National Year of Reading 2026 said: “Reading has the power to open doors, spark imagination and build confidence in every child. Through the National Year of Reading 2026, we’re encouraging families, schools and communities to rediscover the joy of books and inspire a lifelong love of reading. We’re incredibly grateful to TG Jones and all of our partners for their support and their shared commitment to making reading a relevant and rewarding part of everyday life.”

Alex Willson, CEO of TGJones and Head Judge of Bitesize Bookworms, said: “Nothing is more creative than a child’s imagination and we want to celebrate that unfiltered, accidental comedy that comes from a child giving their honest opinion about their favourite book.

“Reading is so important for a child’s development, and as partners of the National Year of Reading 2026 we hope this campaign encourages more children to pick up their favourite book.”

When it comes to why children want to read more, polling showed that 52% are driven by the desire to learn new things, 40% said they were inspired to pick up a book based on its cover, while 33% want to keep up with what their friends are reading.

The surge in engagement is fuelled by a love of enduring characters and stories that continue to capture children’s imaginations. The research revealed that JK Rowling’s boy wizard Harry Potter (36%) was the most popular storybook character among primary school-aged children. In second place was Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo with 20%, followed by Roald Dahl’s Matilda with 18%. Marmalade loving Paddington Bear came in fourth place with 16% of the vote, with 15% voting for Peter Rabbit.

When it came to the nation’s favourite children’s authors, JK Rowling topped the charts with 28% of the vote. Roald Dahl was in second place with 23%, followed by Julia Donaldson with 18%. Jeff Kinney, best known as the author and illustrator of ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ secured 10% of the nation’s vote, and ‘The Cat In The Hat’ author Dr. Seuss came fifth with 9% of the vote.  

School children who want to share why they love their favourite books can enter via the online entry page, which remains open until 23:59 on Friday 5th June 2026.

TOP TEN CHILDREN’S FAVOURITE STORYBOOK CHARACTERS

1. Harry Potter – 36%
2. The Gruffalo – 20%
3. Matilda – 18%
4. Paddington Bear – 17%
5. Peter Rabbit – 15%
6. Peter Pan – 13%
7. Alice (Alice in Wonderland) – 13%
8. Horrid Henry – 12%
9. Willy Wonka – 12%
10. The Cat In The Hat – 12%

TOP TEN CHILDREN’S FAVOURITE AUTHORS

1. JK Rowling – 29%
2. Roald Dahl – 24%
3. Julia Donaldson (The Gruffalo) – 19%
4. Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpey Kid) -11%
5. Dr Seuss (The Cat in the Hat) – 10%
6. Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit) – 9%
7. Dav Pilkey (Dog Man) – 8%
8. Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) – 7%
9. A.A Milne (Winne the Pooh) – 7%
10. Francesca Simon (Horrid Henry) – 7%

“This Is How The World Ends” launches a physical-media rebellion in the digital age

Title: This Is How the World Ends

Writer & Director: Robert dos Santos

Producers: Byron Davis, Suraya Suliman 

Cast: Sean Cameron Michael (The Mummy, How To Catch A Killer, Invictus) Frances Shalto-Douglas (The Kissing Booth, Boy Kills World, Fatal Seduction) Josh Kempen (Winnie Mandela, Last King of The Cross)

Genre: Adventure / Sci-Fi

Runtime: 90 Minutes

Country: USA / South Africa

In an era defined by streaming algorithms, AI-generated content, and an ongoing debate about the future of theatrical cinema, one film company is taking a radically different path.

Seemingly going backwards to go forwards, And Films has announced the upcoming release of This Is How The World Ends, a feature film that will debut on VHS, marking thefirst worldwide straight-to-VHS release in 20 years and the first of its kind in the modern digital age.

Once considered a mark of failure in the 1990s, the phrase “straight-to-VHS” historically signalled that a film wasn’t good enough to make it to theatres. But with This Is How The World Ends, that label is being reclaimed, and transformed into a statement.

“‘Straight to VHS used to be a slur in the 90s.” said writer and director Robert dos Santos in a statement. “But not anymore. Today it represents that your film is crafted with intention, and made for those who truly love films.”

In a media landscape dominated by LLM’s and algorithmic recommendations, the filmmakers behind This Is How The World Ends are embracing a different philosophy: cinema as something tangible, collectible, and human.

“In the digital world of AI, streaming, and downloads, we’ve lost touch with what it means to fall in love with cinema.” the filmmakers continued. “We’ve lost the shared experience of sitting together to watch a film, the feeling of picking up a film you own, and the ability to place it on a shelf for all to see. Physical media gave us that connection, and like with vinylrecords, it’s time to bring it back.”

The decision to release the film exclusively on VHS is a deliberate rebellion against the increasingly digital nature of modern entertainment. While studios race toward streaming-first models and AI experimentation, the creators of This Is How The World Ends are turning toward an audience first model and physical media.

“This is a film that is made by humans, for humans.” dos Santos said, “This is cinema you can hold, touch, and most importantly own.”

The film’s title, This Is How The World Ends, reflects the moment the industry, and the world,finds itself in today: a period of technological upheaval, cultural uncertainty, and debate about whether cinema as we know it is disappearing.

Rather than mourn that shift, the filmmakers are using it as a starting point. By releasing the film on VHS before stepping out into streaming and other formats, looking to spark a revival of physical formats and reintroduce audiences to a form of media consumption built on intentionality rather than convenience.

The VHS release of This Is How The World Ends will mark the beginning of what the company hopes will become a broader movement within independent filmmaking: a return to physical formats as both an artistic statement and a new distribution model. Bringing awareness to the format, the release coincides with international VHS day, on 7 June 2026.

FILM SUMMARY

When the war between humans and the AI Machine States breaks out, misinformation and confusion reigns supreme. While the government pumps out reports that everything is going to be okay, the underground news reports that this might very well be the end.

In the midst of this uncertainty, something unique is happening. The party to end all parties, dubbed the last party on earth, is taking place deep in the desert. While some are living with blinkers on, Dani Freeman knows that this is the end, and she makes the choice to journey deep into the desert to experience what life has to offer for one last time.

Believing that this war will blow over, Tom Freeman is sent to track down his sister and bring her back. But with a world that is falling apart at the seams, he must overcome a dangerous journey to the end of the world, as well as his own mortality.

ABOUT THE FILMING

This Is How The World Ends was filmed during a live event in the driest part of Southern Africa. In May 2023, amongst 30 000 people, the filmmakers took to the dust and were able to capture images which cannot be found elsewhere on earth.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

With 40+ international awards and nominations to his name Robert dos Santos is without a doubt one of the visionaries changing the face of film today. 

This once upon a time lawyer has thrown his court robes aside and plunged headfirst into the world of directing with explosive results. Winning at the Los Angeles Film awards and earning an honorary mention by Hollywood New Directors he has worked with countless high profile international brands ranging from Warner Group to Canal+ to Multichoice. 

A master of storytelling with a focus on strong narratives each of his projects exude a confident and effortless cinematic touch that will take your breath away. This is without a doubt a director to keep your eyes on.

Follow This Is How The World Ends

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtheworldends_movie

Website: https://www.thisishowtheworldends.com

Tik Tok:

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What happens when a 55-year-old English IT manager with a lifelong love of Scotland decides Scotland needs a new football anthem? The answer is Saltire (Tartan Army), the latest release from Rodeo Terrorists. Packed with Celtic flair, electronic punch and terrace-ready hooks, the single is a humorous yet heartfelt Scottish football anthem celebrating the legendary Tartan Army and the passion of Scotland supporters worldwide. Out now (27th March 2026), the track is already making noise with its bold, feel-good spirit.

Richard’s story is far from ordinary. Before returning to music as a DIY creator, he worked behind the scenes building websites for global stars including Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and Steps, while also collaborating across the wider industry. Having studied in Scotland, the country has long felt like a second home — making Saltire (Tartan Army) a genuine labour of affection as much as a tongue-in-cheek outsider tribute.

Written in just 30 minutes during a break at work, Saltire (Tartan Army) blends folk-inspired melodies with electronic pop-rock energy — described as if The Waterboys collided with New Order’s World In Motion. Designed to be fun, catchy and full of banter, the track captures football rivalry, national pride and the unmistakable humour surrounding Scotland’s football culture.

Beyond the laughs, the release also carries personal meaning. Richard is keen to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease and will use the single to help raise funds for MND Scotland in memory of a close friend who passed away.

Raw, witty and impossible to ignore, Saltire (Tartan Army) is a modern Scottish football anthem proving these songs should still be fun — and that big ideas can come from the most unexpected places.

Follow Rodeo Terrorists

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwbthatisme

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RodeoIceStation/

X: https://x.com/RodeoTerrorists

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rodeoterrorists
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2HlNfoIxYsyWIhfexCF3tc

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/rodeoterrorists

Website: https://rodeoterrorists.com/

23RD JULY – 2ND AUGUST, BAMPTON, WEST OXFORDSHIRE

TICKETS ON SALE – MARCH 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, BAMPTON, WEST OXFORDSHIRE — Fools Delight, the UK’s most intimate and magical circus, is set to return to Ham Court this summer with a brand-new production: Tyger.

Running from 23rd July to 2nd August, this year’s show promises a perilous and beautiful journey through the fearful symmetry of the human experience.

Created by a team of world-class circus artists, producers and culinary creatives, including Lil Rice, Sam Goodburn and Dave Cross, Fools Delight blends the most spellbinding circus artistry with an exquisite three-course communal feast.

Inspired by William Blake’s iconic poem, Tyger is a bold exploration of the contradictions and dichotomies within us all. The production will feature a series of stunning circus duos that bring this duality to life through high-skill acrobatics and aerial dance, exploring the fearful symmetry inherent in the human spirit.

Resident clown Sam Goodburn returns to light the way through the spectacle, joined by the electrifying presence of drag queen Force Majeure, Lil Rice on vocals and the Cyr wheel, and a cast of fallen angels. The performance will be further heightened by dramatic elemental displays, featuring both fire and water acts.

“Tyger is a circus retelling of the perilous path we walk between measure & might.”

“A show of circus duos exploring the ‘fearful symmetry’ in all of us; with acrobatics, aerial dance, drag queens, fallen angels, fire & water acts and the return of our Clown Sam Goodburn, to light the way.” ~ Lil Rice, Fool’s Delight Producer 

A Feast for the Senses

True to the Fools Delight tradition, the Dinner Show remains at the heart of this year’s run of shows. Guests will enjoy a mouth-watering three-course feast created by Head Chef Dave Cross, whose culinary magic is designed to flow seamlessly with the performance. This summer features 10 exclusive dinner shows, ensuring an intimate atmosphere where the performative plating makes every guest part of the story. 

Daytime Delights and Special Guests

Fool’s Delight 2026 summer season also offers a variety of daytime programming and special cultural events. For the first time, legendary clown Tweedy will bring his high energy to Fools Delight for a series of brand new solo daytime shows, followed by family-focused Fools Day performances towards the end of the run. 

Wild Arts will also be taking over the Fools Big Top to perform two nights of Opera on Monday 21st and Tuesday 28th of July. 

The Young Fools Initiative

This year also marks the official launch of the Young Fools Initiative, a programme dedicated to supporting young professionals during the challenging transition between completing their training and securing their first professional role. 

By providing a pathway for young people in rural areas to enter the professional arts world, the initiative offers real-world mentorship in vital positions such as assistant director, company manager, costume and tent mistress roles. This provides a high-pressure, real-life scenario that allows emerging talent to put their learning into practice while supported by seasoned industry professionals.

For more information and to buy tickets to what promises to be the most beautiful dinner show this summer, visit www.foolsdelight.co.uk. 

Prices start from £60/adults and £10/children.

For tickets, visit www.bookwhen.com/foolsdelightcircus.

Listing Information

Location: Ham Court, Bampton, West Oxfordshire

Open Dress Rehearsal: 22nd July.

Main Show Dates: 23rd July – 2nd August.

Tickets: On sale from March 2026 via www.foolsdelight.co.uk or www.bookwhen.com/foolsdelightcircus. 

For most teenagers, life is a whirlwind of milestones and new beginnings. However, a cancer diagnosis shifts that focus towards hospital stays, gruelling treatments, and significant life interruptions.

“While the assistance offered by Candlelighters is accessible to families of children aged 0-18, some of our services are particularly relevant to teenagers,” says Emily Wragg, CEO of Candlelighters. “These young people are already juggling the unique challenges of growing up when they are suddenly forced to face the huge impact of cancer treatment.”

Specialised support for unique challenges.

To combat the isolation that often accompanies long-term illness, Candlelighters employs a dedicated Youth Support Worker at Leeds Children’s Hospital. This role ensures that patients aged 13–19 can participate in engaging activities that bolster their mental wellbeing and allow them to connect with peers on the same journey.

The charity also offers specialist counselling, with professional support to help teenagers process complex feelings and develop coping strategies. Their family events provide opportunities to build friendships and create positive memories outside of a clinical setting. They also help with peer connection, reducing the isolation caused by being away from school, college, or university.

Addressing the hidden toll.

The impact of cancer extends far beyond the physical symptoms. Treatment often leads to hair loss, scarring, and weight fluctuations, which can devastate the self-esteem of a young person still forming their identity. And the disruption of education and social circles often leads to increased anxiety and depression.

“Cancer treatment can affect a teenager’s mental health, body image, and their future,” Emily Wragg explains. “Candlelighters is here to help them navigate these hurdles and ensure they don’t have to face them alone.”

For more information on how to support Candlelighters or to access their services, please visit: https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/tyac-awareness-month/

Case study: Finlay’s story

In November 2024, 14-year-old Finlay visited the doctors three times about pain in his back, which eventually caused him to collapse. His mum requested a blood test and the shocking result was leukaemia.

One year on, and following several gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and pancreatitis (painful swelling of the pancreas), Finlay has moved onto maintenance treatment. 

Finlay says: “Recently, I was told that my cancer had a high chance of coming back. From this, I was offered a clinical trial. Initially, I really didn’t want to do it because it involved seven more rounds of intense chemotherapy. This was something that me, my family, and the hospital team discussed for five weeks before I decided that I wanted to give the trial a go.

“I didn’t want my cancer to come back, so it was something I was hopeful for. The trial was hard. Three rounds in, I was admitted back into hospital as my bloods weren’t right, and I was neutropenic, meaning I had a high risk of dangerous infection. I had more tests, more scans and more treatment, but I got better, and I have now completed the trial.”

“In maintenance, I have been able to return to doing things that I did before my diagnosis – riding my bike, going out with my friends, and going to a few parties. Life is not the same as it was before, but I am beginning to enjoy doing ‘normal’ things again.

“Throughout all this, Candlelighters have been there for the good days and the bad. Candlelighters help me and my family get through the days of what feels like endless hospital appointments. They are always so positive and can make the days a little bit easier.

“Chelsey is my favourite. She is the Youth Support Worker. We have been able to have a laugh and a joke when I have been on the ward, and she has been able to handle my banter when I have been the cheeky chap that I am. My family and I wanted to give back, so we formed a Candlelighters fundraising team – Team FinCush.

“If I had to give some advice to someone who has cancer, it would be: don’t take life for granted; always look at the positives, and keep smiling, keep laughing.”

It’s your donations and support that help give young people like Finlay the support they need through a cancer diagnosis. Learn more about what Candlelighters do, and how you can make a difference for children.  https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/howyoucanhelp/