A selection of iconic romance films are returning to cinemas across the UK today to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
In case you missed it the other day, it was revealed that cult-classic late 90s sitcom 10 Things I Hate About You would be making a cinema comeback nationwide this week in a bid to properly – and quite rightly – celebrate 25 years since it was first released, as well as the international day of love itself, Valentine's Day.
And now, two other massively-popular films are set to join the Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Heath Ledger-led gem for one night only.
That’s right – Titanic and Notting Hill are back on the big screen tonight (14 February).
Image: Universal Pictures
To kick things off, you and your loved ones can head to your nearest Vue cinema, grab some popcorn, and sit down to watch the timeless love story of Jack and Rose is back set against the ill-fated maiden voyage of the so-called ‘unsinkable’ Titanic – which we all know, at the time, was the largest moving object ever built.
James Cameron’s multi Academy Award-winner will be on the big screen in 3D 4K HDR and at a high-frame rate, which means you can see the magic of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s performances up close like never before.
For lovers of musicals, the 2012 film adaptation of on one of the most celebrated productions of all time, Les Misérables, is also being screened today.
But, if you’re looking for something a little more uplifting to watch, and fancy seeing a film where the title doesn’t literally translate to ‘The Miserables’ with your Valentine tonight instead, then surely is doesn’t get much better than Notting Hill?
Image: Touchstone Pictures
Often dubbed ‘the ultimate romcom’ by film fans, the 1999 Richard Curtis-directed flick stars Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in two of their most famous and best-loved leading roles, and is known and loved by people the world over.
And it’s also another classic that’s turning 25 this year too, so that’s even more of a reason to celebrate.
Speaking on the films’ Valentine’s Day returns, Mike Anton, who is General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said: “We’re thrilled to be showing these classic romance films this Valentine’s Day, but no matter who you choose to spend the day with, these titles are sure to bring back fond emotions for lovers of film.
“There’s nothing quite like the magic of the big screens to celebrate Valentine’s.”
Tickets are available from as little as just £4.99 at select venues, and you can find out times at your selected cinema on the Vue website here.
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Yorkshire residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic people from Yorkshire are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at TESTBED in February from from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Clementine Hall -
14th February 2024 
