Anthony Dale followed his intended victim before putting a knife to his neck and demanding that he handed over cash, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The 44-year-old told the student that he was homeless and his intended victim offered to find him somewhere to stay.

Victoria Lamballe, prosecuting, said some of the incident was caught on CCTV as Dale followed the man through the Teesside University campus at around midnight on November 26, last year.

“The defendant approached him from behind and said ‘give me all of your money’ as he put a knife to his neck,” she said.

“Unaware of that weapon was, he instinctively grabbed hold of it and pushed the defendant away. It was at that point that he saw it was a butter knife.”

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Dale, of Borough Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery after he was arrested several hours later when he was traced through CCTV in the town centre.

Robert Mochrie, mitigating, said that his client ‘fully acknowledged he will receive an immediate custodial sentence’ for his offending.

Judge Nathan Adams locked Dale up for three years and nine months following his guilty plea to attempted robbery.

He added: “He responded with kindness after what must have been a terrifying ordeal at that time of night.”

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Alex Murdaugh has admitted he is a thief, a liar, an insurance cheat, a drug addict and a bad lawyer. But even from behind bars he continues to adamantly deny he is a killer.

Murdaugh’s lawyers argued Wednesday before the South Carolina Supreme Court, asking the justices to overturn the two murder convictions and life sentence Murdaugh is serving for the shooting deaths of his wife, Maggie, and younger son, Paul, outside their home in June 2021.

The defense argues the trial judge made rulings that prevented a fair trial, such as allowing in evidence of Murdaugh stealing from clients that had nothing to do with the killings but biased jurors against him. They detail the lack of physical evidence — no DNA or blood was found splattered on Murdaugh or any of his clothes, even though the killings were at close range with powerful weapons that were never found.

And they said the court clerk assigned to oversee the evidence and the jury during the trial influenced jurors to find Murdaugh guilty, hoping to improve sales of a book she was writing about the case. She has since pleaded guilty to lying about what she said and did to a different judge.

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Prosecutors argued that the clerk’s comments were fleeting and the evidence against Murdaugh was overwhelming. His lawyer said that didn’t matter because the comments a juror said she made — urging jurors to watch Murdaugh’s body language and listen to his testimony carefully — removed his presumption of innocence before the jury ever deliberated.

“If only the people who may be innocent get a fair trial, then our Constitution isn’t working,” Murdaugh’s lawyer Dick Harpootlian told the justices.

Murdaugh won’t leave prison

The case continues to captivate. There are streaming miniseries, best selling books and dozens of true crime podcasts about how the multimillionaire Southern lawyer whose family dominated and controlled the legal system in tiny Hampton County ended up in a maximum security South Carolina prison.

Even if Murdaugh wins this appeal, he isn’t going anywhere. Hanging over the 57-year-old’s head is a 40-year federal prison sentence for stealing more than $12 million from clients intended for their medical care and living expenses after they or their relatives suffered devastating and even deadly injuries in accidents.

Wednesday’s state Supreme Court hearing featured the same lawyers who squared off at Murdaugh’s 2023 murder trial, although Murdaugh is not there. The hearing ran well beyond the scheduled 90 minutes. Written briefs from both sides blew past the 100 pages typically allowed for appeals.

The first half of the arguments focused on former Colleton County Clerk of Court Mary Rebecca “Becky” Hill. She pleaded guilty in December to obstruction of justice and perjury for showing a reporter photographs that were sealed court exhibits in Murdaugh’s case and then lying about it

The most pointed question from justices Wednesday came for prosecutor Creighton Waters. They asked if it was OK that the judge who initially rejected the appeal for a new trial was right to ignore testimony from a few jurors while believing the 11 who did not accuse the clerk of misconduct.

Waters agreed there were problems, but said they were so isolated in the six-week trial that they had no impact. Murdaugh’s lawyers said that is impossible to figure out because jurors could be influenced subtly, without realizing it.

“It was improper. Perhaps not improper to the point of reversal, but it was improper,” Chief Justice John Kittredge observed.

There will be no immediate decision. Rulings usually take months to be handed down.

Prosecutors reiterate evidence for conviction

Prosecutors have said in court papers there is no reason to throw out the guilty verdicts for murder against Murdaugh.

They carefully recounted the case for the first 34 pages of their brief. Murdaugh’s financial situation was crumbling as he stole from clients to repay his mounting debts from his drug habit and expensive tastes. He defrauded his insurance company when a longtime family employee fell and died at their home, and was financially vulnerable when Paul Murdaugh caused a boat crash that killed a teen.

The brief recalls evidence that helped convict Alex Murdaugh, who told investigators for months he hadn’t seen his wife and son for about an hour before they were killed. That story went unchallenged until investigators cracked the passcode on Paul Murdaugh’s phone and found a video with a barking dog and Alex Murdaugh’s voice admonishing it five minutes before the young man stopped using his phone.

Defense says court allowed an unfair trial

Alex Murdaugh’s lawyers argued Wednesday that several decisions by trial judge Clifton Newman allowed evidence that led to an unfair trial. They said the chief investigator lied to the grand jury that indicted Murdaugh by telling them the ammunition used in one of the killings was found in other guns at the Murdaugh home and that blood spatter was found on Murdaugh’s clothes.

In the insular world of South Carolina, the state Supreme Court’s decision could have impacts well beyond courtrooms. Sitting at the prosecution table on Wednesday with the case’s chief litigator was Republican South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, a candidate in November’s election for the open governor’s seat.

England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), ⁠Jacob Bethell, ⁠Tom Banton, ⁠Harry Brook (captain), ⁠Sam Curran, Will Jacks, ⁠Liam Dawson, ⁠Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, ⁠Adil Rashid.

West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (captain, wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.

New signage and shopfront changes to 13a Piccadilly in York – which has stood empty for more than three years – have gone in this week, as celebration chain Cake Box looks set to open in the city.

As reported by The Press, plans for the empty unit, formerly home to Argos and a William Hill betting office, were approved by City of York Council last November.

The signage and shop front went up in Piccadilly this week (Image: Kevin Glenton)

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Trading as Eggfree Cake Box, the company says it specialises in fresh, made-to-order, 100 per cent egg-free cakes.

Its website said most of its cakes come with a beautifully hand-piped message of choice to add the personal touch.

More than 1,000 cake makers are said to work across the estate each day, producing personalised cakes for birthdays, weddings and other occasions.

Launched from a single East London store in 2008, the company has grown to more than 250 shops trading under a franchised model.

The news of preparations for the opening of York bakery follows openings this year in Sheffield and Bracknell.

The success of the business lies in founder and chief executive Sukh Chambal’s vision to restore Britain’s long-standing traditional cake bakeries, with a modern twist, the company said, adding that it is the UK’s largest retailer of fresh cream celebration cakes.

Group revenue for 2025 was £42.78 million, up just over 13 per cent on the prior year, and the company announced a pre-tax profit of £6.16 million.

The Press has contacted Cake Box for more information.

The comedian and presenter will return to host the ceremony for a record sixth time when it takes place on Saturday, February 28.

The 2026 edition of the BRITs will also mark the show’s debut in Manchester, taking place at the Co-op Live venue.

Mr Whitehall said: “I think I’ve been able to put my stamp on the BRITs as I’ve been given the space to do what I want to do, and insert my voice and attitude into the show.

“The more I’ve done that, the more freedom the producers have given me.

“Even ITV are good at giving me a long leash.

“In every other show that I’ve ever done, I’ve been much more policed or confined [by producers] when it comes to what I say.

“But with The BRITs, they’re more than happy for me to push boundaries.”

Mr Whitehall previously hosted the BRITs in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2025.

He also revealed his excitement about the show’s move to Manchester, drawing comparisons to his university days in the city.

Mr Whitehall said: “Manchester is a city famous for its nightlife which will make everything even more fun.

“I would probably take them on the tour of Fallowfield, to all the spots I used to go to.

“Last time I performed in Manchester, me and my mates from university went out after the show, and we ended up in Gaff’s, which was an infamous newsagent where you could buy all your nightclub tickets and whatnot.

“We ended up having a lock-in there. If it was still open, that’s where I’d take everyone.”

He said a ‘long friendship’ with Harry Styles would also make the night extra special.

Mr Whitehall said: “He’s great because he’s always up for chatting, playing around and doing a sketch with me; he gives you access and time, and that’s invaluable.”

He also acknowledged that the role comes with its risks.

Mr Whitehall said: “I guess I used to think more about upsetting people, or people taking issue with some of the jokes.

“Nowadays, I think I would be disappointed if they didn’t [take any offence] and if everyone went, ‘Oh yeah, your hosting was great.

“We loved all of it.’

“If that happened, I would think, ‘Oh, I failed.’”

“I like it when, every now and again, someone gets a bee in their bonnet over something that I’ve said.

“It shows that I’m still pushing all the right buttons.”

England’s struggles against spin are not unique to this latest side. They go back generations.

If fans hoped this iteration had found a successful method when in Sri Lanka before this tournament, this result – under the pressure that comes with a World Cup chase – suggests otherwise.

When the ball was hard and with pace to face, England, who were beaten by West Indies in the final of the 2016 T20 World Cup in India, had no issues.

Phil Salt took 24 from the second over, bowled by Holder, and West Indies’ total looked 15 runs below par.

However, the game changed when Buttler miscued Chase to long-on for 21.

It opened the door to Motie, who impressively mixed wrist and finger-spin to have Banton and Brook chipping catches either side of zipping one through Bethell’s defence and onto the stumps.

Curran was England’s hero with the ball in their final-over win against Nepal on Sunday but he never really looked like finding the boundaries needed when pace returned at the death.

It was a fine all-round performance from West Indies, who caught every chance in the field, and now top the group with two wins from two.

They face Nepal at this venue on Sunday, before playing Italy in Kolkata on Thursday, 19 February.

The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world

These are your evening rugby headlines on Wednesday, February 11.

Welsh side refuse to let wanted star leave

The Dragons are refusing to let fly-half Tinus de Beer leave Rodney Parade early to join his former side Bulls, according to reports.

The 30-year-old made the short move along the M4 ahead of the current season after two campaigns with Cardiff. He has made 15 appearances for the Dragons so far this season, scoring two tries and contributing a further 27 points from the tee.

While the length of his contract was not disclosed by the Dragons when he signed last year, RugbyPass reports that the Pretoria-born playmaker is wanted by fellow United Rugby Championship side Bulls, who he started his career with in his native South Africa.

According to the publication, De Beer has been earmarked as a potential replacement for former South Africa fly-half Johan Goosen, who retired at the end of last year following a series of injuries.

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It was reported earlier this month that Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann wanted to bring in the Dragons man to support first choice number 10 Handre Pollard alongside Keagan Johannes.

Having braced themselves for a raid by the South African outfit – and according to the latest reports – the Dragons have dug their heels in and are refusing to let De Beer depart Rodney Parade early.

Filo Tiatia has already lost one of his biggest stars in Aaron Wainwright ahead of next season, with the Wales international agreeing to join Leicester Tigers, and he will be keen not to lose his first choice fly-half with him.

Wales international retires

Wales Women international Kerin Lake has announced her retirement from rugby at the age of 35.

The veteran centre made 54 appearances for the national side and represented her country at two Rugby World Cups, winning her final cap against Canada at last year’s tournament.

However, following a career beset by injury problems, a shoulder injury suffered in that game proved to be the final blow and the midfield stalwart has now decided to hang up her boots.

Announcing her decision in a statement on social media, Lake – who represented Neath Athletic, Ospreys and Gwalia Lightning, and won two Premiership Women’s Rugby titles with Gloucester-Hartpury – said it was “time to step away”.

“After a lot of thought, the time has come for me to step away from the game that has given me so much,” she wrote. “Rugby has been a part of my life longer than I can count. It has shaped who I am, both on and off the field.

“I’m incredibly grateful to all the coaches I’ve had along the way. Thank you for your guidance, belief and for pushing me to be better every single day.

“To the management and medical staff, your hard work behind the scenes never goes unnoticed and I truly couldn’t have done this without you.

“To my team-mates, past and present, thank you for the memories, friendships, the battles and the laughs,” she added. “It’s been an honour to stand beside you representing something bigger than ourselves.

“To the fans, thank you for the constant support, whether in the stands, on the sidelines [or] watching from afar. Wearing the jersey and playing in front of you has been an honour.

“Most importantly, thank you to my friends and family, my mother, Steff and Jacob especially, thank you for your unconditional love and support. Thank you.”

Jones determined to get back-line going

By Anthony Brown, Press Association

Huw Jones is determined to help Scotland’s much-vaunted back-line ignite against England after being stifled by Italy in their frustrating Guinness Six Nations opener last weekend.

The Scots were unable to get their free-flowing attacking game going as torrential rainfall turned their showdown in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico into an attritional battle.

Scotland went down to a dismal 18-15 defeat, cranking up the heat on head coach Gregor Townsend and his players ahead of this weekend’s visit from in-form England.

“England are obviously a brilliant team, so it’s a tough prospect,” said British and Irish Lions centre Jones. “But I think this is probably the perfect game and opposition for us. You don’t need any more motivation, especially after a loss when everyone’s hurting.

“We didn’t really get to play on the weekend, so I think we all have that pent-up frustration and energy from a really frustrating game.

“Even if we’d won that, I think I would have come away from that being like, ‘I didn’t get to do anything’. I’m really angry about that and I think this week that adds to the fuel of just wanting to go out and show what we can do.”

Scotland have won three of the last four Calcutta Cup clashes at Murrayfield, including the last two, but Jones insists that will count for little this weekend.

“They’re a different team, we’re a different team,” said the 32-year-old. “I don’t think it’s ever that helpful to look back and be like, ‘we beat them a couple of years ago’.

“Knowing we beat England, I think that’s always a good thing, but it’s a different week, it’s a different game. It’s just about being focused on this game and what we’re doing this week.”

Saturday marked the first time Scotland had lost their opening Six Nations match since 2020 and Jones admitted it was “one of the tougher changing rooms I’ve been in”.

“It’s frustrating, obviously, because you want to start well,” he said. “The Six Nations is all about momentum and building those wins. We didn’t get the first one but you have to just let that go and forget about it.

“You don’t worry about being derailed and where you’re going to be on the table and all that stuff. It’s just game by game, so all that matters now is this game.

“We don’t worry about what’s happening after this game and what’s just happened. Our review process is done. Everything is focused on this.

“The deflation part comes straight after where you’re gutted sitting in the changing rooms. But once you’ve done that review process, that’s gone and you’re fully motivated again.”

Jones dismissed any notion that the Scotland set-up has become stale after almost nine years under Townsend.

“I think the environment’s adapted over the years,” he said. “I think it’s always growing. Right now I’d say no [it’s not stale]. I think it’s been growing and building and changing over the years.

“Obviously it’s largely the same guys, but I’ve seen growth in the team. I’ve seen players improve, I’ve seen coaches improve, and I’ve seen our game adapt and change and also improve. I believe in this group.”

It is a day Yavar Abbas never thought he’d see in his lifetime. Now he hopes to stay alive to see the King lay the first wreath at a memorial for the British Indian soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II.

A 105 year old war hero who moved the King and Queen to tears at the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, said he was “thrilled” to “still be alive” to see the launch of a memorial to the United British Indian Army.

Tearful veteran Yavar Abbas was given a hero’s welcome as he spoke at a parliamentary reception to launch the Freedom Fountain memorial in the Speaker’s House.

An “enormous” two metre banyan tree fountain is to be erected in Cambridge to honour those volunteers of the ‘forgotten’ Indian Army who served in World War I and II.

A massive 1.3 million Indian soldiers served in the First World War and more than 2 million fought in the Second World War. More than 87,000 died in the latter. In Burma they saw some of the harshest and most brutal conditions of World War II as they fought the Japanese.

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But despite their bravery they were not honoured with their own memorial in the UK until now.

It is hoped the memorial, in the shape of a Banyan Tree, India’s national symbol, will be built in time for Remembrance Day.

Announcing the Freedom Fountain memorial, Veteran Yavar Abbas said: “I could not have wished for a better thing to have happened in the closing years of my life, than to be privileged to be associated with this noble cause.”

Yavar was a combat cameraman who served in the 11th Sikh Regiment, and twice escaped death. He ended up in Hiroshima after the two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan where he encountered “utter desolation”.

The “thrilled” veteran said: “Bridging Worlds Freedom Fountain, is my humble opinion, a beautifully conceived project to memorialise a remarkable organisation – the British Indian Army 1898 – 1947. I am proud to have served…”

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Talking about why the Indian Army was so special he explained they were volunteers and four million of its troops took part in “two of the most terrible wars imaginable”.

“My wish is that I will live long enough to see the King lay the first wreath on our proposed monument,” he said.

“And it is also my wish that a replica will find a suitable place in the hallowed grounds of the National Arboretum.”

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Last year Capt Abbas stood on stage in front of King Charles III and Queen Camilla and went off script telling the nation he wished “to salute my brave King who is here with his beloved Queen in spite of the fact that he’s under treatment for cancer.”

The King and Queen became visibly emotional. Yavar went on to tell the crowd he had been free of cancer too for the past 25 years, receiving a round of applause.

Capt Abbas said he now hopes to still be alive when his beloved King lays a wreath at the memorial in Cambridge. Organisers are half way to raising the £180,000 needed to pay for the stunning memorial.

The Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, who hosted the launch, said: “The British Indian Army was one of the greatest volunteer forces in history, yet for many years insufficiently recognized in our national story.

“Events such as this help ensure that remembrance is inclusive, accurate and shared. That is why. We are so honored tonight to be joined by Captain Yavar Abbas who is an incredible 105 years old.

“Captain Abbas served during the Second World War with the 11th Sikh Regiment, and is one of a diminishing generation of veterans whose lived experience connects us directly to that period of history, and we mustn’t forget about the people that served with you and those who didn’t come back from that conflict.

“His life story reflects the wider contribution of Commonwealth soldiers who’ve shaped the service of Britain’s war time history…Thank you for your service in the Second World War. It was for our freedom and our democracy that you ensured we’re here today.

“I salute you for all you’ve done and the sterling service of your comrades.”

Colleen McLaughlin Barlow, the artist behind the design, said she had “faced a huge challenge.”

“How to create a memorial that history, politics, and circumstance have never allowed to exist.

“There hasn’t been a fully inclusive memorial to all these men from different countries, cultural and religious backgrounds, nothing to honour all of them and their huge contributions in both world wars.

“I reached back into their histories, the histories of the soldiers to imagine how they would want to be remembered.

“I’m sculpting an enormous banyan tree which will be cast into bronze using recycled metals.

“The banyans is the national tree of India and it has these astonishing aerial roots that grow down from the branches and into the ground and then new tree trunks rise up and the entire Forest spreads laterally.

“It’s this heaving interwoven mass of enduring life. The tree is a symbol of endurance, shelter, and continuity across generations, eternity.”

She explained water will “weep gently down from the branches” into a stone pond.

Abdul Kayum Arain, Chair of Trustee, Bridging Worlds (CIO) and Freedom Fountain lead told The Mirror: “Millions served, many died, and for decades their sacrifice went largely unrecognised.

“The Freedom Fountain is our way of saying: we remember, we honour you, and you belong in Britain’s story.

“The Freedom Fountain is about recognising a truth that has been overlooked for too long – that millions from the United British Indian Army helped secure the freedoms we all enjoy today. This memorial is not about the past alone; it is about dignity, belonging, and ensuring those sacrifices are finally remembered.”

Yavar told The Mirror: “I feel very excited about it. We should have had a memorial for the Indian Army a long, long time ago.

“The Indian Army was disbanded in 1947 because of Partition and has remained unhonoured up to now.

“It’s important to Britain, it’s more important to India, it is important to Pakistan, important to everybody.

Appealing for donations after organisers were granted charitable status, he added: “It’s a public monument. It’s not supported by any Government. It is supported by the British public.

“ I have approached the King for support, and the project has gone to him. It’s an open secret that I declared my love for the King loudly from the steps of the Arboretum.

“I share his values, his ideas, his love for nature, his regards for the environment, his views about integration.

“He wants to celebrate the immigrants who’ve done great service to this country.”

One of the team fighting for this memorial Adam Moghadas said of the soldiers in the Indian Army: “They served as infantry, pilots, medics, engineers and support staff. They’re all united by courage and sacrifice. Their contribution has, in my opinion, shamefully been overlooked.

“I think it’s also important to highlight that these service personnel did so while serving an empire that denied them equality, freedom and a voice. And I think that makes it all the more significant that these volunteers were fighting for ideals that they were not allowed yet to fully claim. And that contradiction, in my opinion, makes their service all the greater.”

When the film in question is filled with tension, suspense and no little creepiness, a reworking for the theatre becomes all that much harder.

Expectations were high about Single White Female making a successful transfer with a revised and updated script some 20 years on from the movie starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Kym Marsh and Lisa Faulkner in Single White Female Photo: Chris Bishop

Certainly a packed Opera House crowd was in the mood to be thrilled, especially given the fact that one of their own, Kym Marsh, was taking on the role of ‘lodger from hell’ Hedy.

But – and it’s a big but – for all the hype, for all the expectation, for me it all just fell flat. We weren’t taken to the edges of our seats and the two moments which should have been the most shocking were greeted by laughter from much of the audience.

Now you could argue that was a way of relieving the tension but it was more it reflected the slightly farcical nature of what should have been highpoints of drama.

Anyone familiar with the film will notice major differences. For a start Allie, the high-flier who is down on her luck and in need of a flatmate to help pay the rent has gained a teenage daughter, the suitably lippy Bella which is an interesting twist.

As lodger Hedy gradually eases her way into Allie’s life it’s clear that rather than be Allie, it’s Bella she covets which changes the dynamic.

Read also: ‘It’s fun going over to the dark side’ says Kym Marsh

The updated script also brings modern concerns about the power and dangers of social media to the forefront which does make the production appear more relevant.

Lisa Faulkner as Allie, returning to the stage after more than 20 years, shows no signs of rustiness. But her character, like the majority in the play, doesn’t feel sympathetic. Her waste of space ex-husband left her after getting into a relationship with a teenage girl while in rehab.

With girlfriend now pregnant he’s tightening the purse strings forcing her to live in a flat with dodgy electrics, large cracks in the walls and and front door bell which was the scariest thing in the whole play, going off at an alarmingly loud volume. It may have looked like a photo from an Ikea catalogue but it was barely credible that anyone would have been allowed to live in it.

In spite of her in-laws owning four homes, Allie is forced to send Bella to her private school on the bus – just one example of how things don’t really knit together.

Aided by her work colleague Graham, Allie advertises for a lodger and after what must be the quickest response to a house share in history Hedy gets in touch and the downward spiral begins.

Kym Marsh has a tricky role. On the surface she has to appear friendly and understanding but under the surface there’s an air of menace; she’s manipulative, wheedling her way in to another woman’s family dynamic for her own selfish ends.

There were some flashes of real creepiness but at other times as she morphed into a bit of a caricature, stretching credulity a little too far. A ‘seduction’ scene of the hapless ex-husband Sam was more farce than fierce.

Creating psychological tension from a stage is never easy. You can’t go in for dramatic close-ups and and subtlety is unlikely to survive the journey across a large audience.

Amy Snudden and Lisa Faulkner in Single White Female (Picture: Chris Bishop)

Of the remaining cast, Andro as the camp business partner Graham offered some comic relief – some of which was meant and some of which was unintended.

Jonny McGarrity’s ex-husband Sam came over as a bit of an upper class twit, albeit one with a former coke habit. Only Amy Snudden as Bella was a truly believable character, struggling with peer pressure at school and teen angst which you could see struck a chord with many of the audience.

Single White Female has some good points to make. There is no problem in updating it to take in current concerns and societal issues. But from the clunking scene changes to some of the more farcical scenes it was all lost in translation.

Perhaps expectations were too high; perhaps it was just me who couldn’t relate to it but for a psychological thriller there was no jeopardy, no real sense of menace.

Single White Female is at the Opera House, Manchester until Saturday. Details from www.atgtickets.com

Fans say that all Netflix users need to make time to watch the film

Streamer Netflix is set to quietly add a ’10/10′ Oscar nominated film that boasts a uniquely talented cast.

While no big fanfare has yet been made about the imminent addition, The Singers is set to arrive on the streaming platform at the end of this week. It will be available from February 13.

It is quite the coup from the company as the filmmakers of the title await to see if they will pick up an Academy Award at the upcoming ceremony in March. It is nominated for Best Live Action Short Film.

According to its synopsis, The Singers is inspired by the 19th-century short story of the same name, written by Russian writer Ivan Turgenev. Following the same premise as the original tale, a lowly pub full of downtrodden men connect unexpectedly through an impromptu sing-off.

While it promises to be a genre-bending experience, it should also be an easy watch. Being a short film, viewers will not need to dedicated too much of their time to watch it as it only comes in at 18 minutes total runtime.

It was directed by filmmaker Sam A Davis, who also works as a cinematographer. Interestingly, Davis had a unique way of casting his film.

Instead of usual casting calls and auditions for actors who could sing, he trawled social media for talented singers. Explaining his inspiration, he told Variety: “I opened my phone, and the first video that popped up was a viral video of a guy busking in the subway station. It was the most beautiful, soulful, raw performance I had ever heard.

“The idea for adapting it was suddenly so crystal clear: I would retell this 1850 Russian short story, but with all these really unsuspecting, viral video singing talents who we would curate from TikTok and YouTube and Instagram from all over the world. Then we can fill a bar up with this group of geniuses in the rough, hiding in plain sight in a pub.”

As a result, Netflix claims that the film is “a celebration of diamonds in the rough and a testament to the power of vulnerability through art.”

Those who have been fortunate enough to see it elsewhere seem to agree. All the user reviews for the film on IMDB give the film a ’10/10′ rating.

One said: “So amazing that I actually cried at the end. Human spirit. I just find the brotherhood so awesome. It’s silly little things like this that give me hope for world peace, love, and compassion in our ever changing world. Amazing producer work, directing, and acting.”

Another added: “Starts out dark and claustrophobic. Ends with a funny, subtle, twist. Displays humanity in all its grittiness along with all of its joy. Everything in the movie belonged. Nothing superfluous. The acting genuine and heartfelt. A seemingly simple set yet was thoroughly engrossing and completely unique.”

Someone else said: “Honestly spectacular. Not a piece of this film that didn’t hit incredibly hard. 10/10.” While one fan posted: For lack of a better word, this is a perfect film. It will bust your heart wide open.”

The Singers is streaming on Netflix from February 13. For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.