1066: Battle of Hastings

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 14 October 2016 > Celebrate

The Battle of Hastings in 1066 was a major turning point in British history. The victory of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, changed whole course of Britain’s history and culture. Not least the language, as French became the legal language of England for the next 300 years. The 950th anniversary of the battle this … Continue reading “1066: Battle of Hastings”

Harry’s Back!

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 13 October 2016 > What's On

It’s been nine years since the final book in the Harry Potter series, five since the final film. There have been the exhibitions and theme parks to keep fans busy in the meantime, but now Harry Potter is really back with a vengeance! Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is not strictly speaking an eighth … Continue reading “Harry’s Back!”

The Times They Are A-Changin’

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 13 October 2016 > In the News

For the first time ever, the Nobel Prize for Literature has been awarded not to a novelist, playwright or poet, but to a songwriter: Bob Dylan. The 2016 Nobel was awarded to the 75-year-old folk-rock legend, “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”. The singer-songwriter was born in 1941 in … Continue reading “The Times They Are A-Changin’”

International Day of the Girl

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 11 October 2016 > Celebrate

In 2011, the United Nations declared 11 October the International Day of the Girl. It’s a day to celebrate girls and raise awareness of the problems they face. Girls face challenges such as violence, child marriage, early pregnancy and its health effects, and limited access to paid work. Gender equality and education for all were … Continue reading “International Day of the Girl”

Tim Burton: Gloriously Peculiar

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 05 October 2016 > What's On

Tim Burton’s latest film is being hailed as his best in twenty years. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children could have been written for the director who has always had a fascination for misfits, from Edward Scissorhands to Ed Wood or Corpse Bride. The film is based on the best selling American novel by Ransom … Continue reading “Tim Burton: Gloriously Peculiar”

And the winner is…

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 04 October 2016 > What's On

The 27th edition of the Dinard British Film Festival marks the triumph of Sing Street. The film swept the board with wins in four categories: – The Golden Hitchcock Jury Grand Price Cine + – Hitchcock for Best screenplay, by Allianz – Hitchcock of the Audience Premiere – La règle du jeu Heartbeat Hitchcock. Sing … Continue reading “And the winner is…”

National Short Story Award to Listen to and Keep

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 23 September 2016 > What's On

Every year, the BBC National Short Story Award contains some real gems of short fiction — and you can download the audio versions to listen to at leisure. Previous awards have been given to both unknown authors and well-established ones. This year, all five authors on the shortlist are women. Their stories have protagonists ranging … Continue reading “National Short Story Award to Listen to and Keep”

Dinard British Film Festival

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 23 September 2016 > What's On

From 28 September to 2 October, Dinard will celebrate the 27th edition of its British Film Festival. This year, the jury will be headed by French director Claude Lelouch who will personally award the Golden Hitchcock. There are six films in competition and a whole host of homages and premieres, to catch the best new … Continue reading “Dinard British Film Festival”