The musical will include a reimagining of the former-HRH’s bombshell interview with Emily Maitlis.
We may not have asked for it, and we definitely didn't see it coming, but as part of what is being called "an impressive roster" of shows commissioned to celebrate 40 years of Channel 4 - which has prided itself on "diverse, experimental, and challenging programming" since 1982 - a musical comedy about Prince Andrew has actually become a reality.
As bizarre as it sounds, a "satirical" musical about the life and times of Prince Andrew is set to air our on TV screens later this year, reports The Manc.
The simply-named, Prince Andrew: The Musical, is written by and starring Kieran Hodgson as Prince Andrew himself, with original music co-written by Freddie Tapner.
According to an overview of the one-hour comedy special, a cast of upcoming comics will perform a "satirical send-up of the life and times of Prince Andrew" set to a musical score - with a story centring on the key events, relationships, and controversies of his life.
Crucially, as many will be expecting, the musical is to include a reimagining of the former-HRH’s bombshell interview with Emily Maitlis.
The comedy special is promising to make "the man behind the headlines face the music".
The musical will include a reimagining of the former-HRH’s bombshell interview with Emily Maitlis / Credit: BBC
Announcing its 40th anniversary lineup of programming, Channel 4 said: "It has forever been our a mission to make mischief and noise that dares to tell the truth about modern Britain and how we live [so] to mark this important milestone, an impressive roster of programming has been commissioned that speaks to our radical, irreverent, and iconoclastic roots.
A provocative exploration of cancel culture in art, a revival of Friday Night Live, a revealing documentary on the role of Britain in shaping much about our modern world during the 80s, and a documentary following the experiences of the hidden minority of men who have extra-large penises, are also to air on Channel 4 to mark its 40 years on air.
Channel 4’s programme boss, Ian Katz, said the new commissions were "a collection of irreverent, thought-provoking and hugely entertaining shows that no other broadcaster would air".
"If we must age, we plan to do it disgracefully," he concluded.
Featured Image - BBC
Art & Culture
Inside the historic Leeds mill transformed into a thriving hub for creatives
Nestled in Armley, Assembly House is an independent creative hub bringing artists together.
Assembly House, based on Canal Road in Armley inside a historic Victorian mill, has become a home for creatives across Leeds since launching in 2013.
The artist-led organisation combines working studios with an independent gallery and project space, hosting everything from exhibitions and workshops to community events and live music.
The space is currently home to 80 creatives who make up their community, comprising of professional practitioners including educators, performers, painters, sculptors, illustrators, video artists and designers.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their aim is simple - to offer affordable studios to emerging artists alongside technical support, producing support along with access to workshops, internal film screenings and events.
Assembly House offer a yearly program of exhibitions designed to showcase the studio holders and get their work out there. It's all aimed at helping the artists, whether it's their first show or tenth.
It has also helped bring art into the wider neighbourhood through community murals, public sculptures and activities for local people.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They believe art has the power to bring people together and to evoke emotion and thought, and we've got to say that we absolutely agree.
The space can also be hired by students and independent creatives looking to put on their own exhibitions or bring a project to life.
The fabulous venue is generally open to visitors during exhibitions, workshops and events, with visits by appointment at other times, so it's worth checking its website before heading over.
To have a look at their current programme and to find out more about what Assembly House are doing for Leeds and the community, you can take a look at their website here.
Leeds Palestinian Film Festival announces dates for 12th annual edition
Clementine Hall
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has announced the dates for this year's festival.
This year's festival will explore the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour: "To make art is to say we are here."
These words will reflect the content of this year's festival, which aim to keep Palestinian stories alive; defy the erasure of history; and bring voices from the depths of destruction.
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival will open Friday 13 November at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House with Life Support, a documentary about doctors in Gaza directed by Daniele Rugo.
Image: Supplied
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the director and doctors from the film, chaired by Healthworkers4Palestine.
Early programme highlights include the UK premiere of Conversation with the Sea, Muayad Alayan's family drama in which a 60-year-old Palestinian man in Jerusalem, ordered by an Israeli court to pay a debt allegedly owed by his son who drowned decades ago, sets out to discover what happened.
Also showing will be Maggie Lemere's documentary, Land of Canaan, follows Palestinian farmers and their olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, and the fair-trade movement led by Dr Nasser Abufarha to protect them.
Image: Supplied
Frances Bernstein, Festival Director, said: “To make art is to say we are here. We chose the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour as this year's theme because they reflect what the programme is for: keeping Palestinian stories alive, defying the erasure of Palestinian history, culture and identity, and bringing voices from the depth of destruction to audiences in Leeds."
The full programme, guests and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. You can find out more here.
The Hoot -
23rd August 2022 
