Celebcity: Les Dennis to star in Peter James play
Les Dennis to star in Peter James play; Rizzle Kicks, Sir Terry Pratchett & X Factor’s Alejandro
The death of comedy
Brighton crime writer Peter James will see TV’s much-loved (come on, he is!) Les Dennis bring life to his characters in a stage adaptation of novella The Perfect Murder.
Funny-man Les, who has sent himself up in the likes of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s Extras following a high-profile split from actress Amanda Holden and a bit of a breakdown on Celebrity Big Brother, has had a bit of a renaissance in past years; it seems the only logical next step is a starring role treading the boards. Author James is said to be particularly excited for a stage version of his works, having attended Theatre Royal Brighton ‘almost every week of [his] childhood’, calling the new production ‘a dream come true’. Let’s hope Les shines in his starring role as Victor Smiley, if not, there’s always panto… The Perfect Murder will be in Brighton between Monday27 January and Saturday 1 February 2014.
Bookworm
Sir Terry Pratchett is set to visit Brighton at the end of this month with friends from his Narrativia production company as part of the fantastic City Reads festival. The famed Discworld writer, and all round phenomenal mind, has created nothing short of an epic fantasy multiverse, and this event sees the opportunity to delve into his brilliant mind. Following the announcement of the classic Guards! Guards! as this year’s City Reads Brighton & Hove novel, Sir Terry Pratchett and friends (29 September at Brighton Dome) marks the beginning of a city-wide celebration of reading in all forms. Sarah Hutchings, Artistic Director of City Reads said: “Guards! Guards! is a wonderfully funny and inventive book – and if you’ve never read any fantasy books before – this is a perfect place to start. This is one of the few public appearances Sir Terry will be making this year – grab a ticket while you can.” With book stampings arranged on the night we’re already convinced – buy your tickets at the Dome box office now.
X Factor’s Hero
Burgess-Hill based X Factor heart-throb Alejandro Fernandez-Holt is quickly stepping into the role of local superstar, opening a charity shop in Brighton last week! The 17 year old, who made many a heart race with his rendition of Enrique Iglesias’ ‘Hero’ and has made it through to the sought-after ‘boot camp’ stages, officially opened shop Debra in York Place recently. Speaking to the local press, Alejandro admitted: “It’s crazy. I’m having to adapt to the press releasing stuff about me and the nasty comments. You have to get used to it.” Well you know what Oscar Wilde said Alejandro, there’s only one thing worse that not being talked about… Darius Danesh, anyone!?
World domination
So all it takes is 50 quid to make it from upstairs at The Albert to worldwide-superstardom, so say Rizzle Kicks anyway. The Brighton duo, speaking to The Mirror recently, said they bought the beats for hit record ‘Down With The Trumpets’ for ‘£50 from a producer in White Chapel’. Speaking at their HP’s Connected gig, Jordan explained that producers would often sell off beats to make a bit of cash – but we know it wasn’t all this low rent. The boys worked with Brighton dance supremo Fatboy Slim to produce much of their debut album, Stereo Typical, and have turned to him again on this year’s Roaring 20s for track ‘Put Your Two’s Up’. Other album collaborators include nimble-fingered Jamie Cullum and actor Dominic West – who’d have thunk it?
Jo Brooks is director of Brighton-based PR company JBPR Ltd, 01273 622555, www.jb-pr.com
Send celebrity spots, gossip and pictures to job@jb-pr.com
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