Archive for the ‘General news’ Category

Journalist Piers Morgan has published in the Daily Mail a list of what he considers the top 100 British Celebrities Who Really Matter.

Michael Sheen appears at #79, and even Morgan admits that this should be higher.

He should be a lot higher on this list, frankly, because Sheen is probably our most successfully versatile thespian at the moment. But he’s not that ’sexy’, so he doesn’t command the kind of tabloid attention that propels actors from stars to superstars – something that I suspect he’s quite happy about. He’s got one of those Rory Bremner-like faces that can adapt to almost any character, from Tony Blair to David Frost. And he’s a fine, fine actor. So he matters, but not nearly as much as he would if he got caught on a sex tape with Paris Hilton. A tragic, but accurate, state of affairs.

I am afraid Piers Morgan, that you are quite, quite, wrong when you say that Michael is not sexy – myself and the many people reading this post now, would strongly disagree.

You can read the full list HERE.

Michael Sheen talks to Film Club students via video link (read more)

“Films have educated me as much as school has and I wish I’d had something like this when I was at school.”

Michael Sheen has made an all too brief, but very much appreciated, small return to Twitter. Mostly to thank all his generous fans for sending cards and gifts over the holiday season. How lovely of him!

One fan asked about the play ‘Inadmissable Evidence’, and his response was

Not doing play now. May do something soon though.

The play was initially scheduled to begin rehearsals in January with a debut in February.  The reasons for Michael no longer doing the play are unknown at this time.

I hope that another theatre opportunity arises soon as I for one, would certainly love an opportunity to go.

Michael Sheen is throwing his weight behind Swansea Bay’s bid to become UK City of Culture in 2013.

Michael, who said he was a firm supporter of Swansea’s cultural life, is one of a number of high profile industry names supporting the title bid, which could help attract world-wide interest and millions of pounds in economic benefits to the region.

“I’m very excited to be supporting this bid,” he said. “We have such a wealth of cultural activity in Swansea Bay and I’m proud to support it in any way I can. “It would be a real recognition of that if Swansea Bay were to be named UK City of Culture.”

Swansea Bay Futures, which is leading the region’s approach, has already put in an initial bid to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in London and will find out how it has got on early next month.

Swansea Bay Futures executive director Fiona Rees said: “The fantastic events we have hosted before prove Swansea Bay has the ambition and the ability to deliver even more in the future.

“It’s the centenary of the birth of Dylan Thomas in 2014, so the designation as UK City of Culture in 2013 couldn’t come at a better time.”

Source: ThisIsSouthWales

A funny little story on Celebrity News Now.

“At a certain point in the Welsh national anthem Tom Jones clearly did not know the words. He turned to me, gave me a wink and then carried on singing. I thought, ‘That’s Tom Jones. That’s how he gets by in the world.”

WalesOnline are reporting that amongst a series of productions by the National Theatre Wales, one of which will feature Michael Sheen as Creative Director.

Frost/Nixon star Sheen, who found fame as Tony Blair in The Deal and The Queen, will step out of the spotlight for the final play in the 13-month run.

He will take on the role of creative director of Passion, staged in his home town of Port Talbot over Easter weekend in April 2011.

If you would like to read the full article, then please click here.

From March 2010 to April 2011, one new show will be presented each month in a different part of Wales.  Michael Sheen returns to his home town to lead a revival of the town’s community Passion Play. Inspired by a year of story-gathering, poet Owen Sheers will give voice to the town’s tales of redemption, return, and faith in a three-day Easter event with the whole of Port Talbot as cast, crew and set.

• NTW’s Production information – Tickets go on sale 6th December 2010

Source: WalesOnline

The highlights of the remainder of today’s press.

• 411Mania – ‘The Damned United’ Review (Read more)
• Toledo Blade – ‘Sheen puts Tony Blair roles on the sidelines’ (Read more)
• STV – ‘Michael Sheen’s Alice Dream’ (Read more)
• Examiner.com – ‘Michael Sheen talks about playing the White Rabbit in Alice In Wonderland’ (Read more)

In an effort to raise the profile of the Dylan Thomas Prize, they have recruited two new patrons.  One is Michael Sheen and the other is Kate Burton, daughter of actor Richard Burton. They will join Lord Griffiths of Fforestfach in promoting this prize at high profile events.

This prize is awarded to writers under the age of 30 and is to be handed out annually.

The University of Wales – the official sponsor – has pledged its continued support until 2012.

For the full story – see link below.

Source: BBC News Wales