The alert comes as Britain prepares for yet another bout of scorching weather during the fourth heatwave of the year
Fire chiefs have issued a stark warning that the threat posed by wildfires “remains elevated across the UK”, following more than 200 incidents in just the past fortnight.
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The alert comes as Britain prepares for yet another bout of scorching weather during the fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 35C across south-east England on Wednesday. A Met Office assessment has indicated that blazes could become exceptionally serious by Wednesday should they ignite across parts of London, the South East and eastern England, due to the hot, arid conditions.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert covering the East Midlands, the East, South East and London.
The alert runs from Tuesday to Thursday, with the agency warning that rising temperatures may present heightened health risks, especially for vulnerable groups.
Fire and rescue services throughout England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires so far in 2026, with 208 incidents occurring between July 16 and 28 alone, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
The NFCC added that the latest figures, which do not include wildfires elsewhere in the UK such as a major wildfire in the Cairngorms in Scotland, demonstrate “how quickly wildfire activity can increase during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather”. Fire chiefs have additionally warned that wildfire risk “remains elevated across the UK”, with the NFCC confirming there were “currently eight live wildfire incidents being monitored through national reporting systems”.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that firefighters were continuing to “make progress at the major wildfire incident at Tintwistle Moor” following the deployment of 60 personnel on Tuesday.
While wildfire numbers in England and Wales remain below the 788 recorded at the same point last year, fire chiefs have warned that “continued dry conditions, combined with warmer temperatures and harvesting activity in many rural areas”, are creating conditions in which fires can ignite and spread with alarming speed.
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Images have shown extensive brown grass across Blackheath in London, with parched, dried-out grass evident in many parks throughout the capital following the recent period of hot weather.
This development comes as Royal Parks staff have been instructed not to leave deckchairs beneath trees, due to concerns that branches could fall during the hot weather.
Large-scale wildfires sweeping across Europe, including areas of Spain, France and Greece, have prompted evacuations, caused substantial environmental damage and placed enormous strain on emergency services. The NFCC acknowledged that wildfires in the UK are generally smaller in scale and differ in character from those seen across southern Europe, but cautioned that the “long-term effects of climate change are increasing the likelihood of larger, more complex and more resource-intensive wildfire incidents occurring”.
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Phil Garrigan, chairman of the NFCC, said: “More than 200 wildfires in just 12 days shows how quickly the risk can escalate when hot, dry conditions take hold.
“The scenes we’re seeing across parts of Europe are a stark reminder of what a changing climate means for fire and rescue services. We are not seeing fires of that scale in the UK today, but the science tells us we should expect larger, more frequent and more complex wildfires in the future.
“That’s why we need continued investment in specialist wildfire capabilities, including aerial firefighting support, so we’re prepared for the risks ahead.
“But prevention remains our strongest defence. Most wildfires are avoidable, and we’re asking everyone to take extra care during the hot weather to help keep their communities safe.”
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Senior fire officers warned that a considerable proportion of wildfires are sparked by routine human activity, pointing out that “disposing of cigarettes safely, avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open spaces and taking litter home can significantly reduce the risk of fires starting”. According to provisional Met Office figures, July has been 3C warmer than average across the UK, potentially ranking it among the hottest three or four July months on record.
Fire chiefs have urged members of the public to report any signs of fire without delay by dialling 999 and requesting the fire and rescue service.
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Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The Moon in Aquarius links to Mars in Gemini, setting a practical tone for the day ahead. Productivity and rationality come easily.
Pisces, Aquarius and Capricorn, you know you can depend on yourself to get what needs to be done, done. Be your own biggest advocate.
Your sights have been set on a goal for some time now. Keep focused, and results will be shining.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Thursday July 30, 2026.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
The buzz of yesterday’s once-in-every-dozen years Jupiter/Sun Cazimi in the most self-expressive part of your chart is likely to be sustaining you today. In fact, as the Moon in fair-minded Aquarius links to your ruler Mars in Gemini, friends and colleagues can provide exactly the spark you crave. Conversations flow easily, making this an excellent day to network.
They say that home is where the heart is, and if you are wanting to make any improvements to your abode, your enthusiasm to do so can be strong. Quick decisions and practical thinking can really help. Trust your instincts where the costs are concerned and avoid overthinking what already feels right. A little investment can bring a greater sense of comfort and peace.
Your words have rarely carried greater clout, but even if you are not trying to build a profile, your ability to showcase ideas in a very positive and dynamic way is absolutely supercharged. With the Moon also giving you a nudge to enjoy speaking freely, and Mars in your sign linking to her brilliantly, don’t hold back from speaking with confidence and verve.
When it comes to managing things, you are one of the canniest members of the zodiac. Be it family resources, a business or even a corporation. Your instinctive and protective nature sniffs out value better than most. And currently, you can be feeling an extra appreciation of what you have. It may not be all you want, or need, but your sense of gratitude is heightened.
Your personal charisma is being burnished in a very special way. This can see people drawn to you and keen to follow your lead. And with the Moon and Mars collaborating to help you, whether it is friends, group involvements or colleagues, you have a chance to be right at the heart of things, perhaps in a leadership role. All sorts of new beginnings can also beckon.
Your great gift is for grappling with the details of situations but then finding ways to produce practical results. Today, someone can emerge whose ideas capture your imagination. Not only might they talk a lot of sense, but they can inspire you to see a situation from an entirely different angle. Sometimes one conversation really can change our perspective, helpfully.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Every so often the planets literally align to create a feel-good day, and this can be one. You can feel lighter and brighter, so even if you have been dealing with some of life’s grittier strands, you will feel more than equal to them. Some Scales may even opt for a midweek meet-up with friends, and it can prove to have a lively and uplifting vibe.
Admit it, the limelight is calling out to you. Even if you can be happier being a little bit off the radar, the planets are conspiring to raise your profile or connect you to influential people. Mars, your traditional ruler, is part of this, and your talent for business or shrewdly managing resources, mixed with your canny people skills, can see you make quite the impression.
You are a naturally enthusiastic person, but this can be really amplified, as several planetary placements all help you to showcase your natural passion and appreciation of life’s broad canvas. Conversations, meetings, and short or long journeys all hold promise, and an unexpected exchange or connection could point you towards an exciting opportunity, Sagittarius.
Your practical approach to finances or work can pay dividends. This can come from your natural ability to remain calm whilst thinking on your feet. Knowledge really is power today, and you can gather a lot of information quickly that gives you a deeper view of a situation that may not be obvious to others. A bold investment may come from this and excite you.
Your independent nature can make you less in need of connections with others, and that means when you do bond, they can be more meaningful and lasting. With the Moon in Aquarius arcing to bold Mars, and the Sun having powered up Jupiter, the chance to make one of your unique alliances is heightened. You can also be encouraging to others.
You’re in the mood to get things done, and even if you are laid back about domestic or work chores that run on the dull side, you can find the spark to crack on and get them done. Is there someone who is showing up just now that you feel drawn to, even if they are not your usual type? It’s possible with current planetary influences, and it may be in a very mundane setting too.
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I love potatoes as much as the next person, but for some reason, I still never manage to get through a full bag in time to keep them all at their best.
I’m all too familiar with the terrifying, tentacle-like growths a long-neglected Maris Piper can grow after a couple of weeks’ neglect.
And while they’re technically safe to eat, the taste and texture of a spud is usually compromised by their “eyes.”
So it’s a good thing Tesco have some tips on how to keep the produce fresh – including “curing” the tubers, which they say can “extend their lifespan for up to six months.”
Often, commercial growers will finish this shelf-life-extending process before sending food out to supermarkets, but Tesco write that you can do it at home too.
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Pick “bulky,” thick-skinned potatoes (like brown varieties), ensuring their surface has no “puncture marks, soft spots, mould, blemishes, or shovel damage.”
Then, brush the dirt off (you don’t want to rinse them; this adds too much moisture).
Once that’s done, place the potatoes as a single layer on a sheet of newspaper, making sure they don’t touch and that air can circulate around them.
You should put them in a dark, cool spot, like your shed or garage.
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After these have been left to toughen for two weeks, they’re “cured”; move them to a “well-ventilated, cool, dry place below 10°C.”
Donald Trump has said he warned Andy Burnham that he is ‘killing’ the UK with an influx of migrants.
Speaking from the Oval Office, the US President said he had spoken to the new Prime Minister and claimed ‘people [are] coming from all over the world and just camping out’ in Britain.
He added: ‘He’s going to have to mention it because it’s killing your country.
‘I know Starmer did very little about it, and they’re coming from all over the world.
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‘They’re coming from Africa, they’re coming from South America, they’re coming from different parts of Asia, and they’re invading Europe.’
Mr Trump indicated the UK was a ‘prime’ destination for migrants.
The President said he also spoke to Mr Burnham about energy, adding that the new leader had indicated he was keen to take oil from the North Sea.
He said if the Prime Minister followed through on his commitment the UK was ‘going to be a wealthy country’.
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Donald Trump (pictured on Wednesday) has said he warned Andy Burnham that he is ‘killing’ the UK with an influx of migrants
Trump said he had spoken to the new Prime Minister (pictured) and claimed ‘people [are] coming from all over the world and just camping out’ in the UK
The US president, a vocal supporter of fossil fuels, has long championed the move as he has railed against ‘windmills’.
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‘He’s got windmills all over the place, and any time you see windmills, you see a failing country,’ Trump said.
‘They’re made in China, not used by China, but they’re made in China.’
He went on: ‘You have one of the most valuable oil finds anywhere in the world, and if the United Kingdom would use it, they’d be a wealthy country again. And I tell you what, I could not get Starmer to use it. It was incredible.’
Mr Trump said: ‘You have your own oil and gas. If you use the North Sea, the UK will be a really rich country. I cannot get the point across.
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‘The new gentleman, when I spoke to him, he said he’s going to open up the North Sea. Let’s see if that happens.’
Following the phone call between the two leaders on Mr Burnham’s first day in office, Downing Street would not be drawn on any potential future plans for North Sea drilling after Mr Trump talked up a change in policy under Mr Burnham.
Just days after Mr Burnham took office, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the UK was a ‘poverty-stricken disaster’.
Migrants board an inflatable boat on the beach at Hardelot-Plage in an attempt to cross the English Channel in northern France on July 28, 2026
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He claimed that new drilling in the North Sea would ‘make the United Kingdom, from a Poverty Stricken Disaster, to one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World’.
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Mr Trump had lost a legal battle with the Scottish Government to stop a wind turbine development visible from his Aberdeenshire golf course.
Labour’s 2024 manifesto said the party would not issue new North Sea licences.
Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell said on Sunday Mr Burnham would stick to the party’s manifesto commitments on North Sea drilling but would ‘pursue a more pragmatic approach’.
In 2024 Labour said the party would not issue new North Sea licences, arguing to do so would ‘not take a penny off bills’ or improve energy security while accelerating climate change.
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But Mr Burnham is said to be ‘open-minded’ about the policy.
It is understood Mr Burnham believes he would not breach the manifesto by backing further drilling in the Scottish Rosebank and Jackdaw fields because licences had already been granted there.
Ms Powell did not say whether Mr Burnham would back more drilling but said she expected a ‘change of emphasis’ rather than a ‘change of policy’.
Regulators initially approved oil exploration at the two locations in 2022 and 2023 under the then-Tory government, but saw their efforts overturned last year after a legal challenge.
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Ed Miliband, who held the energy and Net Zero brief under Sir Keir Starmer and had been a strong supporter of the election pledge, has now taken up the Foreign Secretary role.
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If there’s one thing I’m qualified to speak on, it’s sofas. Mostly because that’s where I spend 95% of my time, which yes, does make me authorised to comment on this topic.
But, still, I have a confession: I only recently got a corner sofa – and it was truly life changing.
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For some reason, I have – until now – lived my life believing that sofas have to be perfectly rectangular.
But it turns out there’s a whole world out there of L and C-shaped sofas to explore, which (news to me) can even maximise your space and give you more options of where (and how) to sit. Not to mention the napping potential.
Here, I’ve tracked down the best (not to mention, most stylish) corner sofas on the market – whether you, too, are entirely new to the category, or simply want to upgrade your current corner sofa.
The best corner sofas to shop now
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Best velvet corner sofa
If there’s one sofa fit for a royal, it’s this burgundy one from Furniture 123. With smooth velvet seating, it looks practically like a throne.
But don’t worry, it’ll fit more than the queen (or king) of your home, because it comfortably seats up to four.
And, although I think we’re living through a burgundy renaissance, it also comes in green if that fits the colour scheme of your living room better.
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Dimensions: 320 x 93 x 80cm.
Best IKEA corner sofa
Ah, IKEA: the place of excellent meatballs, mini Daim bars, and the source of so many couples’ arguments.
Not with this sofa, though, because it’s supremely easy to assemble. I have a similar one and it’s the perfect balance of comfort and structure.
The seats are nice and wide, which makes it great for napping on, or simply lying back to enjoy a spot of gossip.
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If you’re scared of what could happen to a white sofa, it also comes in a range of colours including grey, yellow, blue, and beige.
Best small corner sofa with storage
When you’re tight for space, you might find yourself in the uncomfortable position of having to weigh up your need for storage with your desire for comfort.
Luckily, with this Castlery sofa, you can have both. Each part of the sofa doubles as hidden storage, so you can stash cushions, books, or bedding out of sight.
Plus, if you move to a bigger space you can add on to the sofa with a footstool or extra sofa seat.
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Dimensions: 187.5 x 165 x 81cm.
Most affordable small corner sofa
Want to make the most of your space? This sweet striped sofa comes in at just 180cm wide, so it’ll fit into small spaces, while maximising your seating (and napping) space.
You won’t have to worry about delivery, either, because it arrives in small packages so it can get through even the tiniest of doors.
Reviewers also note this is the perfect kitchen sofa, as the fabric is super durable and makes an ideal seat for middle of the day slumps.
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Dimensions: 82 x 180cm x 133cm.
Best leather corner sofa
If you’re looking for a sofa that can withstand the every day mess that comes with having pets and children, leather has got to be the way.
This one from Castlery comes highly rated thanks to the butteriness of its leather, which holds up over time along with its cushions that don’t sag or sink.
It’s also close to the floor, so it’s easy for little ones to clamber onto – not to mention it looks sleek in your space, without hogging all the attention.
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Dimensions: 302 x 239 x 70cm.
Best mid-century corner sofa
To add a touch of retro to your living space, this sofa from Orla Kiely takes inspo from the squareness of mid-century sofas.
But naturally, it comes with all the modern touches to make it a practical and comfortable addition to your space, including deep cushions coated in a durable fabric for lasting lounging.
Dimensions: 273 x 197 x 85cm
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Best cotton corner sofa
Doesn’t this just look like the most inviting seat you’ve ever seen?
Underneath your choice of cover (ours is the pink candy stripe) is a cloud of feather-coated foam filling, which we imagine is tantamount to floating on a cloud.
Not to mention the cover is 100% cotton, so it won’t get too hot in summer, unlike velvet or corduroy.
Dimensions: 224 x 80 x 93cm
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Best corner sofa bed
With 19 fabrics to choose from, this corner sofa bed from DUSK can be customised to fit any space.
To stop you losing your mind (or inadvertently ending your relationship), it offers tool-free assembly, so you’ll have extra storage and a new bed in no time.
Like the Sofa Club sofa, this version comes with hidden storage to keep all the bedding for the pull-out sofa bed in. Assembling the bed is just as easy as setting the sofa itself up: all you have to do is pull the seat portion out and it turns the sofa into a double bed.
Dimensions: 217 x 90 x 142cm.
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Best for speedy delivery
Amidst her renovation chaos, our head of content, Dayna McAlpine, did the brave and selfless task of testing this corner sofa from Sofa Club.
As she says in her review, assembling a sofa can be a total faff. But the good news is, this sofa was a dream to build.
Not only do they offer next day delivery, which is impressive when you consider that most sofa delivery services can take up to six months, but they’ll even assemble it for you.
Should you opt against that, this sofa will arrive in just two easy to assemble pieces, including the storage-filled chaise, and the sofa portion with a fold-out bed.
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You’ll also have 100 day to return it if, after a little lounging, you decide it’s not for you.
The Environment Agency was made aware of the substance and has investigated. An EA spokesperson said: “An environment officer went to the river to investigate. We also talked to Cam Conservators, which manages the river.
“As is often the case, substances on the surface go as quickly as they appear, and there was nothing for us to see.” The EA added that the hot weather can change the colour of rivers and also produce algae.
The spokesperson added: “This looked like algae, but it is normally green, blue or brown. It looks like the river is now okay.
“Anyone with new concerns about the Cam or any river is urged to call the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline: 0800 807060.”
Splatoon Raiders – do you trust its user score? (Nintendo)
The Thursday letters page is frustrated at August’s release schedule for new games, as one reader calls for Assassin’s Creed to renew its present day storytelling.
Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk
Surprise score I’m as confused as anyone about the Splatoon Raiders user reviews and becoming the seventh best game of all-time. I haven’t played it but I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s not actually better than The Last Of Us and every Zelda game ever made.
But then I’ve never put any stock in user reviews. Things like Metacritic are questionable enough given some of the no-name websites they include in the total, which seems to make everything a green score. But the user scores are all just fanboy wars, with people either marking games down for some imagined slight or boosting it just because they like the company (but not necessarily the game). Look at the scores and somehow half of them are always either 10 or zero.
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It’s like this with user scores on other sites too. Less than 4 out of 5 seems incredibly rare on the PlayStation Store and the only one that actually seems to have sensible scores, that aren’t based on review bombs or trivial complaints, is Steam. And I think that’s because it has much more people voting in it.
So on this occasion I will say that I am not convinced Splatoon Raiders is the best Nintendo game ever and I’ll stick with the regular reviews for my advice. Wotan
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Co-operative arguments Very happy to see Capcom already talking about Pragmata 2 but I am never going to get used to the time it takes to make a game now. Oh, they’re fast-tracking a sequel? Yep, so fast that it probably won’t be out until next decade and the PlayStation 6. Seems crazy that as recently as the Xbox 360 era we were getting sequels every year and waiting three years was seen as a pretty extreme gap.
I can’t really talk about what I’d like to see for the sequel without getting into spoilers, but the game did set itself up well for a follow-up, even if it’s hard to say what the specifics will be.
It’s pretty obvious that the only real problem to solve is variety, but I’m sure they’ll be on that. More enemy types, more weapons, and more complex hacking puzzles and I think you’re golden. I’d also be interesting in seeing if a co-op mode would work, although you’d probably end up getting very angry with your teammate. Korbie
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Slow month I know August is not traditionally a busy time for buying games – who wants to be playing games when you can go outside in the burning sunshine, right? – but given what’s happening with the release dates this year, did no company think that maybe they should move one of their September games to August instead?
Although there’s some that might be all right, I can’t say I’m all that excited by any of the games in your list of the best for August. It’s barely any better than July and that’s really disappointing.
There’s going to be so many flops in September and October, because they’re too grouped together, but I’m not sure how much sympathy I’m going to have considering how they’re just blindly walking into the meat grinder. Cubby
Play less Very interesting that Shigeru Miyamoto’s advice for making a game is to base it on a hobby you’re interested in. I feel that if you asked a Western developer for similar advice you’d get much more technical advice and probably a shopping list of games to use as inspiration.
I doubt Miyamoto has ever looked at any Western game for fun or work. In fact, the only one not by Nintendo I’ve ever heard him talk about positively was Pac-Man, which apparently he’s a big fan of. I’m not sure there’s any evidence he’s liked anything else since.
This to me is all a very clear explanation for the quality and imagination of his games, and Nintendo in general. He’s not chasing trend or trying to emulate something someone else has already made, he’s just coming up with ideas and making things he thinks will be cool.
I’m not saying he always gets it right – I never really liked Pikmin – but I suspect if more developers played less games they’d probably make something more interesting. Londi
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£5 off Was in town the other day and decided to take a look in CeX, because we all like a physical game, especially in the current climate/incoming situation annnnnnnd… Mario Kart World, 60 quid, used you know, second-hand, refurbished… £60.
Now a quick look on Google and I found it in Currys for £65, brand new, sealed, with that (I presume), new game smell! Is it any wonder second-hand games shops are dying out, that’s lack of competition, I guess. big boy bent
Radio silence I was wondering, what with all of this furore about Sony calling an end to disc based games, what’s your level of access to Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo? Do you put in interview requests? How often do you communicate with the high-ranking decision makers of these corporations? I found an interview that you did with Jim Ryan from 2015 and in that interview you didn’t hold back at all with regards to asking difficult questions.
Instinctively I’m guessing that any high-level employee of a company would be significantly guarded even if a journalist did succeed in cutting through layers and layers of public relations minions to talk to them. It’s all about the share price isn’t it? One wrong answer and the value of stock can plummet.
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It would be nice to read an interview with someone at Sony at this, apparently, emotionally charged time, but I suppose there’s no advantage to any representative from that company putting their head above the parapet. Michael Veal
GC: Microsoft and Sony haven’t given proper interviews to gaming press since before Covid. It’s not just us; they hardly speak to anyone anymore. Sony’s plan at the moment is clearly complete silence. But who knows, if the dissent about physical media goes on maybe they’ll be forced to make a statement.
Trucking on Will you be reviewing Truxton Extreme? I’d love to hear your opinion, I hope it’s good. I’ve been hoovering up horizontal and vertical shooters recently and such a respected game getting a new entry is exciting.
Thanks again for being the best source for reviews out there, you guys and gals are the best. Beastiebat
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GC: Thanks very much. We’ll try to, although we haven’t got a copy in yet.
Start from the beginning I’m a huge Assassin’s Creed fan and have been since the very first game. I’m also one of the few people who actually enjoyed the modern day sections.
Personally, I feel the overall story disappeared when Desmond died. The modern day storyline was what tied everything together and gave the historical stories a bigger purpose.
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What made Assassin’s Creed special was that the whole point of using the Animus was to go back through your ancestors’ memories to discover clues about Pieces of Eden and other First Civilization secrets. The modern day Assassins were reliving those memories to find where these artefacts had been hidden in the present day, before the Templars could get to them.
I’d love to see Assassin’s Creed return to its roots. Bring back the mystery surrounding the Pieces of Eden, the conflict between Assassins and Templars and a strong modern day narrative that actually matters. Most importantly, I’d like to see a young protagonist who learns the ways of the Assassins throughout the game. Watching characters grow and develop was a huge part of what made Altaïr and Ezio so memorable.
These days, many of the protagonists seem to begin their journeys already as elite warriors, master assassins or highly skilled fighters. This removes the sense of progression and discovery that made the earlier games so rewarding.
I still enjoy the games, but I miss the feeling that everything was building towards something bigger. Adam_Lion_23 (PSN ID/gamertag)
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Inbox also-rans What EA Sports FC needs is a simple yearly update rather than releasing a brand new game every year. What do you think? Henry
GC: We think EA would prefer you give them £70 every year. Or even better, £140.
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Waitress runs at the Grand Opera House in Belfast until Saturday, August 1
21:55, 29 Jul 2026Updated 22:09, 29 Jul 2026
It’s not often I’ve wanted to jump to my feet for a standing ovation before the end of a performance, but when you witness a talent like Carrie Hope Fletcher that can’t be helped.
Taking on the role of Jenna Hunterson in Waitress, she perfectly portrayed the anguish of the downtrodden wife trapped in an unhappy, loveless marriage, who just wants a little joy.
Despite the heavy themes touched upon in the production as she navigates falling pregnant by cruel husband Earl, played by the excellent Mark Willshire, Fletcher brings a lightness and great comedic timing to what is a very funny and uplifting show.
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We follow as expert pie-maker Jenna (Fletcher) finds herself falling for her affable gynaecologist Dr Pomatter, who comes to life thanks to the charming performance of Dan Partridge, and she finds a little happiness while coming to terms with having a child with a man she wants to leave.
They embark on an affair which helps Jenna find her spark again, alongside making the best pies around, that leads to a joyful ending for our leading lady.
Her performance of She Used To Be Mine was spell-bounding and received rapturous applause from the captivated audience, with many maybe feeling the urge to jump to their feet like me.
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But as impressive as Fletcher was in her role as Jenna, the whole show is an utter joy because of the rest of the cast as well and the chemistry between them all. I loved every single character and how they were portrayed. Not an over exaggeration, they really were all excellent.
The trio – Jenna, Becky (Sandra Marvin), and Dawn (Evelyn Hoskins) – bounced off each other as the waitresses in Joe’s Pie Diner, bringing plenty of laughs and their own standout performances as each character gets their chance to shine.
Sandra Marvin brought great humour to her role of Becky, perfect timing and a powerful voice who commanded attention on stage. The show would not have been the same without her.
Evelyn Hoskins’ portrayal of Dawn was again very funny and endearing and her chemistry with love interest Ogie (the hilarious Mark Anderson) brought a great lightness and quirkiness to Waitress.
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Aside from the performances, special mention must go to the impressive set that changed between a diner with booths, Jenna’s home, a doctor’s surgery and kitchen seemlessly.
I also loved that the band were on stage the whole time as well, blending well in the corner of the diner and being treated as customers at points as well.
I had no idea what to expect before seeing Waitress, I had heard of the show and its rave reviews but had never listened to the soundtrack but I just fell in love with the show.
SEATTLE (AP) — The bullets that killed two bystanders during a shootout at a crowded Seattle food festival last weekend do not appear to have come from the gun that a 15-year-old arrested at the scene was firing, police said in court documents filed Wednesday.
The King County prosecutor’s office filed charges of first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement as well as unlawful possession of a handgun by someone under 18. In a statement supporting the charges, police said the teen was seen firing an untraceable ghost gun into a crowd, but preliminary testing of bullets recovered from the two bystanders killed showed they did not match that weapon.
Shell casings found at the scene of Sunday’s shooting indicate four weapons were fired during the shootout, the document said.
Police say a 19-year-old suspect died in the gunbattle, and that as police escorted the 15-year-old past that suspect’s body, the 15-year-old said, “Love you bro.”
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Police have been trying to identify at least one other person involved in the shooting. The statement did not indicate who might have fired the bullets that killed the bystanders.
The shooting in the waning hours of the three-day Bite of Seattle festival left three people dead, including a 19-year-old gunman, and at least four people injured, including a toddler. Authorities say they believe the violence was gang-related, and they are reviewing any available surveillance video and interviewing victims and witnesses in an effort to identify others who may have been involved.
An eighth person with a possible gunshot wound checked themself into a Seattle hospital after the shooting, but checked out before investigators could conduct an interview, Police Chief Shon Barnes said Tuesday. Legal obstacles have prevented detectives from obtaining the patient’s identity, he added. It’s unclear if the injury was related to the festival shooting or whether the person might have been involved in it, but Barnes asked for the person to come forward and speak with investigators.
Prosecutors on Wednesday asked a judge to move the case to adult court, a decision that can take months after the judge considers arguments from both sides.
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If the teen is convicted as an adult, the charges would carry a sentencing range of about eight to 10 years in prison, plus possibly another five years for the firearm enhancement. However, judges in Washington may also choose to sentence juveniles as juveniles even if they are convicted in adult court.
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In juvenile court, the charges would carry a sentencing range of two to 2 1/2 years. It was not immediately clear whether the firearm enhancement might add additional time in juvenile detention.
A short time ago, Suffolk County Council released a new update on the emergency response which said preparations are being made to evacuate 200 caravans if required.
It said: “Firefighters remain at the scene, with relief crews now in attendance to maintain firefighting operations. The incident ground has been reorganised into a number of sectors to support the ongoing response.
“As a precaution, crews have been focused on protecting properties including Coastguard Cottages, Mount Pleasant Farm and Cliff House Holiday Park. Preparations were also made for the potential evacuation of around 200 caravans at the holiday park should conditions require it.
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“Specialist drone support is being used to help assess fire behaviour and support operational decision-making through the night. Members of the public are still advised to avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.”
St Mark’s in Friday Bridge has invited comparisons to the iconic Italian tower because of its lean
Permission has been granted to remove the spire of a church with a lean which has invited comparisons to the leaning tower of Pisa. The application for St Mark’s in Friday Bridge was made to Fenland District Council following fears that the spire was structurally unsound.
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The planning officer’s report said the grade II listed church is a “notable landmark” which is “distinguished by its prominent spire”. The conservation officer said they had “considerable concerns and sadness” for the loss of the spire but concluded it is “ultimately structurally unsound and the issues are live”.
They said the scale of repairs “is simply not affordable” but that “it is hoped that this removal is temporary, subject to funds becoming available”.
Historic Buildings and Places were also consulted and called the application a “very difficult case”. They said the church is among “several historic buildings in Fenland which have been or are threatened by unstable ground conditions.”
They said: “The analogy of the leaning spire with Pisa is sufficiently long-established for it to be assumed that the lean has been manifest for decades – settlement of this sort tends to take place in the first decade of a building’s existence after which it begins to stabilise.” They said they would opt to support the application if it meant repairing the rest of the church.
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The planning officer’s report said they gave “substantial weight” to evidence “that the spire is structurally unsound and presents an ongoing risk to public safety”.
They said the plans would remove “this structural liability” and “help secure the continued use, maintenance and long-term preservation of the church as an important place of worship and community facility”.
The council approved the planning application on July 16.
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