Planet Earth II was first released in 2016, but it's remained a firm favourite of any Attenborough fan (so, most of the UK) for the last five years. Now the hit TV show is going to be shown live to an audience to the sound of some of the UK's best musicians.
Planet Earth II Live was due to tour across the UK and Ireland back in 2020, but pandemic-related restrictions have put off the performance until March 2022, when the show is finally scheduled to go ahead.
Luckily, all the seats carried over from previous cancellations haven't completely sold out, so there's still ample room for anyone to join the audience in their experience as they're brought closer to the planet’s spellbinding animals, landscapes and wildlife dramas than ever before.
Live concerts will feature breathtaking, specially-selected footage shown in 4K ultra high-definition on a gigantic LED screen, as the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Matthew Freeman, play the remarkable music by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea & Jasha Klebe for Bleeding Fingers Music- if you know your musicians, you'll know this is a big deal.
So what can the audience expect to see on the big screen? Rubbing shoulders with acrobatic primate cousins in the steaming jungles of Madagascar is hinted to be a part of the experience, as well as racing alongside fearsome hunting lions in the remote sandy deserts of Namibia, facing stormy Antarctic seas with a family of penguins and feeling the raw tension as a baby iguana tries to escape the clutches of deadly racer snakes.
Following in Attenborough's footsteps and setting a positive environmental example, every venue that we work with has an individual sustainability programme in place. Some examples of their outstanding pledges include: free water refill stations at all UK tour venues, choosing not to sell a concert programme to reduce wastage, the host will wear fully sustainable clothing, the crew will avoid air travel where possible and catering suppliers are not providing any red meat dishes, and only offer reusable cutlery and crockery.
The show will be hosted by hosted science and natural history TV presenter Liz Bonnin, rather than David Attenborough, but Liz hopes to bring the same character as the national legend to the screen.
When first cast the role of presenter, Liz said, “I am so honoured to have the role of host on the Planet Earth II Live in Concert arena tour. The TV series included some absolutely breathtaking sequences - who can ever forget the marine iguana fighting for its life as it escaped those racer snakes? I will be just as thrilled as the audience to relive such magnificent scenes on the giant screen, accompanied by a spectacular 80-piece orchestra - it will certainly be an experience to remember!”
The executive producer of the BBC's Planet Earth II television series will be joining Liz Bonnin on stage as our very special guest for all dates on the UK and Ireland Arena tour too.
Planet Earth II will be in Leeds at the First Direct Arena on Thursday 24 March. For more information, including how to book a ticket for the one-night-only event, visit the Ticketmaster website.
Feature Image- Chuff Media
Leeds
Heartbreak as beloved Huddersfield railway station cat dies in tragic road accident
A much-loved black cat at Huddersfield Railway Station has died in a tragic road accident.
You may remember back in 2018 when a couple of adorable kittens went viral on the internet for being exceptional members of the Transpennine Express crew at Huddersfield Railway Station.
Bolt first joined as an apprentice to Felix, the station’s famous Senior Pest Controller, and quickly became a firm favourite of the team and of people at home.
So much so, that a Facebook page set up for Bolt and Felix gained more than 167,000 followers.
Sadly, Transpennine Express released the news yesterday that Bolt had sadly passed away in a road traffic accident.
Transpennine Express Press Office (Supplied)
Announcing the news, they said: "It is with heavy hearts that TransPennine Express (TPE) announces the passing of Bolt, Huddersfield’s much-loved former station cat, following a road traffic accident.
"Bolt joined the team at Huddersfield station in 2018 as an apprentice to Felix, the station’s famous Senior Pest Controller, and quickly became a firm favourite with colleagues, customers and visitors from around the world."
Of course, tributes have been pouring in with fans expressing their sadness.
One person said: "Oh no! I remember when Bolt first arrived. R.I.P. Sweet Bolt, may Felix be waiting to show you around just as when you first arrived at Huddersfield."
Whilst another said: "This is such very sad news. When all the work is completed at Huddersfield Station, might it be possible to give another deserving cat or kitten, a home there? There are so many cats and kittens in sanctuaries all over, who need a safe and loving home."
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director for TPE said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bolt. He was a much-loved member of the Huddersfield station family and brought joy and comfort to so many people over the years.
“From his early days learning from Felix to becoming a star in his own right, Bolt left his paw prints on the hearts of colleagues, customers and fans across the world. He will be very sadly missed.”
Bolt’s former companion Felix, another much-loved member of the Huddersfield station team, sadly passed away in 2023.
Featured image - Transpennine Express Press Office (Supplied)
Leeds
National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Clementine Hall
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Sophie Smith -
18th January 2022 
