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Moulin Rouge! celebrates its 25th anniversary, and the film’s cast and crew look back on the daring production that revived the musical genre. Behind the Red Curtain: Luhrmann’s Vision and the Film’s Production Journey Baz Luhrmann set out to create a flamboyant love‑story set in turn‑of‑the‑century Paris, blending frantic editing, over‑the‑top visuals and contemporary pop songs. Auditions were held in Sydney, with workshops that combined singing, movement and table reads. The crew rehearsed intensively at Luhrmann’s Iona building in Sydney before filming began at Fox Studios in November 1999 and wrapped in May 2000. The production featured more than 350 extras and over 1,000 costumes, reflecting the film’s extravagant scale. Box‑Office Numbers, Budget, and the Scale of the Spectacle The movie was made on a budget of US$50 m. Despite mixed reviews, it became a “huge box‑office success”, eventually earning enough to become the first musical since 1991 to receive a best picture Oscar nomination. Its financial triumph proved that big‑budget, stylised musicals could still draw audiences. How Moulin Rouge! Reshaped the Modern Musical Landscape By marrying classic cabaret aesthetics with modern pop tracks, the film sparked a revival of the musical genre in Hollywood. It demonstrated that contemporary music could coexist with period settings, influencing later projects such as La La Land and The Greatest Showman. The oral histories from cast members like Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, and Jim Broadbent highlight the collaborative spirit that set a new benchmark for musical storytelling. What the Next Quarter‑Century Might Hold for Musical Cinema As the industry embraces streaming platforms and hybrid releases, the legacy of Moulin Rouge! suggests future filmmakers will continue to experiment with genre‑blending, high‑concept visuals and diverse soundtracks. Anniversary re‑releases, stage adaptations, or even a sequel could keep the spirit alive, while emerging talent may draw inspiration from Luhrmann’s audacious approach.

The Defiant Sound of Queer ResistanceFor queer Malaysian punk band Shh … Diam!, every live gig is a small miracle. Their name translates as "Shut up!", a powerful and defiant cry in a country rife with homophobia. Favouring distorted riffs, heavy drums and swaggering lyrics, the band's powerful sound seeks to drown out the noise of prejudice and discrimination. Their courage, as well as their simple joie de vivre, thrum through Yihwen Chen's documentary portrait. Shot over six years, the film charts the monumental changes undergone by the band members and their home nation.Voices of the MarginalizedAlways ready with a joke, lead singer and guitarist Faris is a proud trans man. Rejected by his own family, the charismatic performer finds a safe haven with his bandmates Yon and Yoyo, and their audience. Their songs turn up the volume on issues faced by the queer community, and also bristle with an anarchic sense of humour. One particularly tongue-in-cheek tune is titled Lonely Lesbian; a title taken from a hostile rightwing article citing ways to spot a lesbian, its playful and defiant lyrics reconfigure homophobic ideology into satire, an act of rebellious subversion cloaked in irony.Music as ActivismThe band's activism extends from the stage on to the streets, as the members join in pro-democracy and queer rights protests. Faris is filled with optimism when, for the first time in 60 years, the conservative Barisan Nasional was defeated in 2018, but joy would later turn to anger when the party returned to power as part of a coalition in 2022. Despite the pessimism triggered by the cycles of electoral politics, Chen's film prioritises hope, foregrounding moments of personal triumph, such as Faris's top surgery and Yoyo's beautiful wedding to her girlfriend. Political parties might come and go, but people's power seems to rock on.Cultural Impact and RepresentationQueer as Punk offers a rare glimpse into the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Malaysia, a country where queer identities remain largely marginalized. The documentary not only captures the band's musical journey but also serves as a testament to resilience and community building in the face of systemic discrimination. By amplifying voices that are often silenced, the film contributes to a broader global conversation about queer rights and representation in media.The Future of Queer CinemaAs Queer as Punk makes its way to UK cinemas from May 15, it arrives at a time when queer stories are gaining more visibility in mainstream cinema. The film's focus on punk music as a vehicle for social commentary highlights the intersection of music, activism, and identity. For audiences, particularly those unfamiliar with Malaysia's cultural landscape, the documentary offers both education and entertainment, demonstrating how art can be a powerful tool for social change.

The Rise of a Provocative Comedy StarOnce in a while, you get to see a legend at the absolute top of their game," booms a voice at the beginning of Robby Hoffman's Netflix special, Wake Up, welcoming her to the stage. High praise indeed – especially since the voice is that of the leading US comedian John Mulaney, who directed the special, and who clearly thinks this 36-year-old New Yorker is one of the hottest talents around.Over the last year, Hoffman's star has risen at a stunning pace. She is currently on TV in Rooster, a college campus comedy starring Steve Carell, as well as the fifth season of the critically acclaimed sitcom Hacks. This is only her second season as talent agency assistant Randi, but last year the role earned her an Emmy nomination.From Religious Upbringing to Hollywood Success"Last week, I was a Hassidic Lubavitch Jew living in Crown Heights, New York," was Hoffman's first line as Randi. "Now I'm in LA, I'm gay and probably an atheist." Hoffman's own life has taken a similar about-turn after being thrust into the spotlight. Randi, a role that was created for her by writers Lucia Aniello, Paul W Downs and Jen Statsky and draws on Hoffman's own background, has been "a life-changing part," she says on a video call from the home in Los Angeles that she shares with her wife, the reality TV star Gabby Windey.Home life in Montreal was chaotic, living in a house that was "so packed with so many people," Hoffman says. She would frequently get into physical fights with her brothers and "cried every single day … sometimes I was kicking and screaming on the floor." She got out as soon as she could, at 17, when she began renting a place of her own, taking on a part-time job to support herself through her Cégep, a type of pre-university college unique to Quebec.Awards, Recognition, and Controversial Comedy StyleAlthough Hoffman insists she isn't trying to offend ("I do think that a lot of my jokes are misinterpreted"), she also doesn't think being offended is the worst thing: "Being poor is." She's speaking from experience: she grew up in a family that relied on welfare payments, the seventh of 10 children.Wake Up includes gags about "disgusting" women ("always the hottest ones are sickest") and abortion ("we raise the age of abortion till 10, we got a lot of well-fucking-behaved kids on our hands"). Not to mention the jokes about paedophilia. But although her punchlines make some audience members bristle, "I just don't get to choose my thoughts," the comedian says. "I'm just sharing it with you. I wish I didn't know some of these things. I truly wish paedophilia was not something that I was introduced to or heard about. I think it's more democratic that I joke about everything, you know?"The Changing Landscape of ComedyThe comedian's proclivity for referring to women, including herself and her mother, as "bitches" is an aspect of her onstage coarseness that carries over into our call, in which she is otherwise much more mellow and thoughtful. Sure, she doesn't follow the typical Hollywood script of simpering self-deprecation, instead unapologetically backing herself and frequently talking about how great it is to be rich. But you get the impression that this is self-conscious gaucheness, a send-up of convention rather than outright rudeness."I come in hot," Hoffman admits – especially on stage. But she is not pretending to be something she's not – unlike, she says, supposedly "kind and nice" figures such as Will Smith, who was banned from the Oscars after slapping the comedian Chris Rock, or Ellen DeGeneres, whose talk show was cancelled after allegations that junior staff had been bullied.Future Prospects and Industry ImpactHoffman is endearingly grateful for her success. "Am I not living one of the greatest lives you've heard about?" she said during her recent appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers. "I really do feel that," she says. When she started out in comedy, it felt like "such a risk" to pursue a career with no promise of financial stability: "It's becoming harder and harder to go from no money to money, so when we get one of our guys in, it always feels miraculous."She wishes it wasn't so miraculous – Hoffman is a Bernie Sanders supporter and believes "everybody's entitled to dignity." She resents being an example of someone who "did it" – got herself out of poverty via talent and determination. "You shouldn't have to be this special, you shouldn't have to be this talented," she says. Throughout her adolescence, she was "so sick of being poor," so focused on working hard at the Jewish private school for which her grandfather had helped her win a scholarship, then pursuing a degree in accounting.

The Lead: A Wake-Up Call for Urban Britain When record-breaking temperatures of 40C hit the UK in July 2022, few expected the catastrophic consequences that would unfold in Wennington, a village on the eastern edge of London. What began as a field fire rapidly escalated into a disaster that destroyed 18 homes and exposed the nation's unpreparedness for extreme climate events. This event marked a turning point in understanding how climate change is transforming the UK's wildfire risk profile, shifting from a problem associated with Mediterranean countries to an immediate threat to British communities. The Event Details: The Day London Almost Burned The Wennington fire unfolded with terrifying speed and intensity. Residents Lynn Sabberton and Terry were forced to flee their home with nothing but the clothes they were wearing as police officers kicked down their door to rescue them from the unprecedented heat. The fire had leapt from a nearby field into the heart of the village, catching everyone by surprise. In total, 70 houses were destroyed across the UK that day in 600 separate wildfires – the largest loss of British housing to fire in modern history. The London Fire Brigade (LFB), one of the world's largest firefighting organizations, found itself completely overwhelmed. All 142 fire engines were deployed, and incident commanders made desperate appeals for additional crews, hoses, and water that could not be met. Firefighters faced extreme conditions, with their protective suits becoming so sodden with perspiration that one officer described wearing them as being "a boil-in-the-bag meal where you're literally being cooked." The Data Analysis: Modeling a Catastrophe New research commissioned for the book "The Response" has revealed just how close the UK came to a far more devastating disaster. Dr. Tom Smith, an associate professor in environmental geography at the London School of Economics, used the Canadian wildfire model Prometheus to run simulations of the Wennington fire. His research explored how minor shifts in wind direction could have dramatically altered the outcome. In the worst-case simulation, the fire rapidly spread to destroy 120 homes – a result that made "my hair stand on end," according to Smith. This modeling demonstrates the terrifying potential of urban wildfires in densely populated areas where buildings are constructed close together with flammable materials. The research underscores how relatively small changes in weather conditions could transform a manageable incident into a catastrophe. The Impact Analysis: Changing Perceptions and Preparations The Wennington fire forced a fundamental shift in how the UK perceives and prepares for wildfire threats. Previously considered a problem more relevant to California or southern Europe, the event revealed the nation's vulnerability to extreme climate events. The London Fire Brigade, which had recognized that higher temperatures would increase wildfire risk but had limited experience with actual wildfires, was caught unprepared. In response, the brigade has implemented significant changes. All crews have undergone wildfire training, and a fleet of all-terrain vehicles and specialized equipment, including giant sprinklers, has been purchased. However, the brigade's commissioner has publicly acknowledged that further investment will be needed to meet future wildfire challenges effectively. The event also exposed systemic weaknesses in the UK's approach to climate resilience. Water supplies, including those needed for firefighting, remain in private hands, hampering emergency response. In Wennington, the first crew at the scene was hampered by weak pressure in the mains water supply, highlighting critical infrastructure vulnerabilities. The Prediction: The Future of Wildfires in Urban Britain Experts warn that the Wennington fire could be just the beginning of a new era of urban wildfires in the UK. Sami Goldbrom, a London Fire Brigade group commander who has led research into future threats, expressed concern that the destruction in July 2022 could have been far greater if winds had been stronger. "Think of all the houses so close together, we're so densely populated," he said. "There's nothing to say that the fire couldn't have spread all the way through and where would it stop? And we've got terraces, high-rise buildings, all that flammable cladding. It could so easily have been a second Great Fire of London." As climate change continues to drive higher temperatures and more extreme weather events, the UK must confront the growing threat of wildfires in urban areas. The lessons from Wennington provide a critical opportunity to develop more resilient infrastructure, improve emergency response capabilities, and implement land-use planning that accounts for changing climate risks. Without such measures, the nation risks facing increasingly frequent and destructive wildfires that could overwhelm emergency services and devastate communities.

Apple Corps has reacquired its historic 3 Savile Row building in Mayfair and announced plans to open a seven‑storey Beatles visitor attraction in 2027. The development will showcase archive items, a replica Let It Be studio, and the rooftop where the band performed their final public concert in 1969. The Return of 3 Savile Row: A Seven‑Floor Beatles Experience The former home of the Beatles’ record label will be transformed into a multi‑level cultural venue. Across seven floors, visitors will explore Apple Corps archives, temporary exhibitions, a shop, and two flagship attractions: a faithful recreation of the Let It Be studio and access to the historic rooftop. Numbers Behind the Project: Floors, Timeline, and Key Features 7 floors dedicated to exhibitions, retail and immersive experiences. Opening scheduled for 2027, with construction slated to begin later this year. Key attractions: replica Let It Be studio, rooftop concert platform, and a permanent Apple Corps archive gallery. Planned amenities include a souvenir shop, café, and spaces for rotating music‑related exhibitions. Cultural Ripple: Boost to London’s Heritage Tourism Mayor Sadiq Khan hailed the project as “hugely exciting,” expecting it to draw both local visitors and international Beatles fans. By turning a legendary music‑heritage site into a public attraction, the city strengthens its reputation as a global cultural tourism hub and adds a new revenue stream for the local economy. Looking Ahead: How the Attraction Could Shape the Beatles’ Legacy With recent Beatles releases—such as the AI‑enhanced single “Now and Then” and new documentary projects—the attraction will serve as a physical anchor for the band’s evolving legacy. Analysts predict that the venue will become a pilgrimage site, potentially inspiring further archival releases, immersive media projects, and even new film adaptations centred on the Savile Row location.

April passenger decline signals war‑induced travel slowdownHeathrow Airport reported that passenger traffic fell to 6.7 million in April, a 5 % year‑on‑year drop, as the conflict involving Iran dampened demand for international journeys.Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow’s chief executive, said travel demand “remains strong” and fuel supplies are “stable”, even as April numbers lag behind 2025.Geopolitical tension and fuel worries drive the dipThe airport attributed the fall to “short‑term adjustments to travel plans” linked to the Iran conflict and rising jet‑fuel costs after the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.Transfer passengers increased 10 % year‑on‑year, as travellers rerouted to Asia and Oceania via Heathrow instead of Gulf hubs.Jet‑fuel prices averaged $181 per barrel in the week to 1 May, roughly double last year’s average.British Airways expects to absorb a €2 billion fuel‑cost hit this year.Financial ripple effects across UK aviationHigher fuel costs and reduced demand are prompting airlines to consider fare increases and to lobby for more flexible slot‑cancellation rules.Analysis by the Financial Times shows fare drops on 27 of the top 50 European routes to the Mediterranean between 9 April and 6 May.Heathrow plans to review its 2026 passenger forecast next month.Strategic outlook for Heathrow and airlinesIndustry observers expect Heathrow to lean on its hub advantage for transfer traffic while airlines may balance price cuts to stimulate bookings against the pressure of soaring fuel bills.Potential modest fare hikes later in summer as airlines seek to recoup fuel expenses.Continued competition with Gulf hubs if geopolitical tensions ease.What’s next for passenger traffic and fuel stability?Heathrow’s upcoming forecast revision will gauge whether the current dip is a short‑term blip or the start of a longer‑term shift in travel patterns. Stabilisation of fuel supplies in the Strait of Hormuz will be a key determinant of ticket pricing and airline profitability.

The Unauthorized Image UseDua Lipa is suing Samsung for at least $15m (£11m, A$20.6m), alleging that the electronics company used a photo of her to sell its TVs without financially compensating her or seeking her permission. According to the legal complaint, filed in a US district court in California, Samsung began using an image of Lipa on an image of a TV screen printed on its cardboard packaging for "a significant portion" of its TVs sold in the US last year.Legal Claims and ResponseWhen the 30-year-old British singer became aware of the image in June 2025, she says she immediately demanded that the company stop using it but claims Samsung was "dismissive and callous" and "repeatedly refused." The lawsuit states that Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph, which was taken backstage before a performance at the Austin City Limits festival in 2024. Lipa is alleging copyright violation, a violation of the California right of publicity statute, a federal Lanham Act claim, and trademark claims.Financial Impact and DamagesThe lawsuit claims that Samsung had financially benefited from giving the appearance of her endorsement, with the lawsuit quoting alleged comments shared on social media from her fans. Lipa is seeking a permanent injunction against Samsung and "no less than $15m" in actual damages, plus punitive damages and legal costs. The suit also states that Lipa was "highly selective" in making product endorsements and had brand deals with Apple, Porsche, Versace, Bulgari and Nespresso, among others.Industry ImplicationsThis case highlights the growing importance of celebrity image rights in marketing campaigns and the potential legal consequences of unauthorized use. Samsung's conduct "makes a mockery of her hard work in establishing a successful brand and has deprived her of the ability to control and monetize her assets," the lawsuit reads. The case could set a precedent for how companies use celebrity images in product packaging and marketing materials without explicit permission.Future OutlookAs of now, Samsung has yet to respond to requests for comment. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for both the electronics industry and entertainment marketing. If Lipa prevails, it may lead to more stringent guidelines for companies using celebrity images in their marketing materials and potentially higher damages for similar violations in the future.

Lead: Weekend’s Premier League Drama in Ten PointsThe final round of fixtures delivered a mix of clutch performances, VAR controversies and early transfer signals, all of which could reshape the fight for the title, European qualification and survival.Raya’s Heroics Keep Arsenal’s Title Hopes AliveDavid Raya produced a pinpoint one‑on‑one save in the dying minutes against West Ham, preserving a 1‑0 win that keeps Arsenal within striking distance of the championship after a season‑long slump.West Ham’s Missed Opportunity and VAR ControversyWest Ham thought they had equalised when Callum Wilson struck, only for VAR to overturn the goal after a review of a potential foul on Raya. The decision left the Hammers without a point despite a resilient defensive display.City’s Continued Dominance and Doku’s Rising ProfileManchester City extended their unbeaten run with a 3‑0 victory over Brentford, while Jérémy Doku netted his third consecutive league goal, prompting manager Pep Guardiola to remind him that consistency, not flair, will secure his place.Liverpool’s Tactical Shift Under Arne SlotAfter a 1‑1 draw with Chelsea, Arne Slot acknowledged criticism of Liverpool’s “safe, passive” style and promised a more aggressive midfield approach in the second half, hinting at tactical tweaks for the remaining fixtures.Zirkzee’s Struggles Signal United’s Transfer DilemmaManchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee failed to make an impact in a goalless draw at Sunderland, underscoring doubts about his £36.5 m signing and fueling speculation of a summer exit.Howe’s Early Transfer Blueprint for NewcastleNewcastle manager Eddie Howe fielded a rotated XI against Nottingham Forest, benching top scorer Anthony Gordon and signaling that the club will be active in the upcoming transfer window.Burnley’s Goalkeeper Audition Highlights Squad OverhaulCaretaker Mike Jackson gave 21‑year‑old Max Weiss his Premier League debut, exposing the Magpies’ need for a long‑term solution between the sticks as veteran Martin Dubravka departs.Statistical Snapshot: Points, Goals and Table MovementsArsenal climb to 2nd with 78 points after the win.Manchester City sit top with 81 points, extending their lead to three.West Ham remain in the top‑four race on 68 points.Manchester United stay in the top‑six on 66 points despite the draw.Newcastle sit 12th with 55 points, eyeing a late‑season surge.Impact: How These Stories Reshape the Title Race and European RaceArsenal’s narrow victory narrows the gap to City, while West Ham’s dropped points keep the top‑four battle fluid. City’s consistency reinforces their odds of a third consecutive title, and United’s transfer uncertainty could jeopardise their Champions League aspirations.Looking Ahead: What the Next Fixtures Could Mean for the ContendersUpcoming clashes between Arsenal and Tottenham, and City versus Liverpool, will likely decide the championship winner. Meanwhile, United’s summer market activity and Newcastle’s squad refresh will be pivotal for their European ambitions, and Burnley’s goalkeeper decision could influence their relegation fight.

The Comeback StoryWhen Antonin Kinsky had his Madrid episode against Atlético in the Champions League last 16 first leg on 10 March, there was an assumption that he would not play again for Tottenham this season. The 23-year-old goalkeeper's performance was so poor that many believed he would have to rebuild himself elsewhere, probably on loan. However, Kinsky's comeback has been extraordinary; an inspiration to everybody at the club.With first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario undergoing hernia surgery towards the end of March, manager Roberto De Zerbi has counted on the Czech in each of his four matches in charge. The manager has not been let down. Kinsky's standout moment was the diving save to keep out João Gomes's stoppage-time free-kick for Wolves and preserve a 1-0 win.Tottenham's Home StruggleBefore the start of this match week, Tottenham had the joint-worst home record in the Premier League with Burnley – two wins, five draws, 10 defeats. By contrast, Spurs entered the weekend with the third-best away record. This disparity has puzzled De Zerbi, who tried to dismiss it as a coincidence, pointing to wins against Borussia Dortmund at home in the Champions League in January and Atlético there in the second leg of the knockout tie.De Zerbi's sample size at the stadium is small – two matches as the visiting Brighton manager; one since he took over at Spurs, coincidentally against Brighton. He lost both in opposition 2-1, Spurs scoring late goals each time. And he was winning by the same scoreline last month until Georginio Rutter's stoppage-time equaliser for Brighton.De Zerbi's Positive ApproachDe Zerbi's attitude is to pretend that the Rutter sucker-punch did not happen. Focus only on the positives; it has been his mantra since he came to the club and it is not going to change now. "If you ask me, against Brighton, we won," he said. "We didn't take three points, we took one point, but in my head, we won. As a performance … if we analyse the game against Brighton, it's like a win."It's not my problem now to reflect on the home form in the league. I don't want to lose energy doing that. We have to be good and smart, to keep this mentality, to keep this momentum, with the same qualities we showed in this last period." De Zerbi was asked whether the stadium was too nice, too inspiring for opposing players. "No," he replied. "Because there are a lot of big, very nice stadiums like theatres in the Premier League. Tottenham's stadium is hot [in terms of atmosphere]. When I was here with Brighton and last month against Brighton, the stadium was very, very hot. We are lucky to play in this stadium. It is a pleasure."Goalkeeping Situation and Future OutlookVicario has not returned to full training, according to De Zerbi, despite the manager suggesting on more than one occasion of late that he was poised to do so. The situation is coloured by Inter's interest, with De Zerbi unable to say whether Vicario would remain at Spurs. De Zerbi has been categoric about wanting the on-loan midfielder João Palhinha to stay. He was more vague over Vicario."I don't know," De Zerbi said. "If you ask me if I've any ideas about next season, my answer is no. For two reasons. One, I have no time to think about next season. And two, after two wins, if I lose time thinking about next season's squad I am being arrogant. You think after two wins you already consider yourself safe? No." De Zerbi also provided an update on Dejan Kulusevski, who has been out all season with a knee injury, suggesting he may be able to be around the squad for the final game against Everton to boost morale, but nothing more.