Responding to the announcement of more money targeted towards making mainstream schools more inclusive, Matt Wrack, general secretary of the union NASUWT, said: “£1.6bn over three years may sound like a lot of money, but it equates to just a few thousand pounds per setting.”

“I love getting to see the kids develop their confidence and seeing all their friendships”

When they came up with the idea to start their own theatre company in the living room one day, Alex McKelvey and Katie-Rose Spence could never have imagined the musical magic they would create a decade on.

Both with extensive backgrounds in drama and musical theatre, the pair decided to open East Broadway Theatre Company, a dynamic performing arts organisation based in East Belfast.

Since 2016, East Broadway has been dedicated to bringing people together through creativity, confidence, and community and offering affordable tuition to young people wanting to follow their passion.

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In their 10th year, they are kicking off celebrations with a production at the Belvoir Studio Theatre of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ – and Belfast Live popped down to see rehearsals getting underway.

Creative director Kaite-Rose and Musical Director Alex met through performing with the Belvoir Players and decided to go out on a whim and stage some things themselves.

Katie-Rose said: “Alex wanted to do a concert and around the same time, we were asked to perform at Sunflowerfest and if we could do something for kids and their families.

“The two things happened around the same time and we were like ‘oh we’ve enjoyed this, should we maybe try and make something out of it’ – 10 years later we’re here with a building and like 30 people downstairs ready to rehearse and perform.”

A charitable theatre company, East Broadway creates and produces a wide range of shows, concerts, and community performances, offering opportunities for people of all ages to develop their skills in acting, singing, and dancing.

“We started very small,” Katie-Rose continued. “It was a group of like 4 or 5 of us just that were doing small performances.

“We had started doing classes and rehearsing in Downser Hall on the Cregagh Road and after doing the classes for a while, Alex had the idea of doing a show.

“Our first show was Jungle Book Kids and we had nin children in it all playing various parts and double rolling – just making it happen.”

From that initial small group, East Broadway has continued to grow year on year and in 2025, secured their own rehearsal space where they can teach, inspire, and perform a new generation of talented performers.

She continued: “It’s been absolutely amazing getting to see the kids that have been with us from they were four starting in the classes, now like 11 or 12 and still with us, still doing the shows.

“I love getting to see the kids develop their confidence and seeing all their friendships – that was such a huge thing for me whenever I was wee, I had zero confidence and really struggled to make friends.

“Now watching the kids that maybe come in for their first audition or their first night, and they’re looking around and they’re terrified, just 3 weeks later having a group of friends. It does the heart good.”

Alex is in charge of all things music at the company and he has been honoured to watch a generation of young performers build their musicality over the past ten years.

He described getting their own space last year as “phenomenal” and a “pinch me moment” for East Broadway as their work is all voluntary and couldn’t happen without the passionate team of people involved behind the scenes.

Alex said: “We have always been and always are a community theatre. We’ve got affordable drama here – when we first started, we found that things were a bit dear, especially just for the skills that we acquired when we were young people.

“We’ve seen so many people grow in confidence and become a completely different person. They’ve tried out other groups and it hasn’t worked out, but it’s just so nice that it has worked out here for them.

“When we got this space, everybody was like this is brilliant because they can call it home – we were rehearsing out of a council building for a while and then now, having our own space, it’s just brilliant.”

Looking ahead to the next 10 years, Alex laughed: “We never thought we would get to this 10 years so it’s crazy to think.

“Katie and I had a conversation not long ago about the fact that if you said to us in 2016 while we were sitting on that sofa that would we be here in 10 years, we’d think we would have laughed in each other’s faces.”

Alex, Katie-Rose and the rest of the East Broadway team and working hard to bring their colourful performance of Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat to the Belvoir Studio Theatre from 25-28th March. To buy ticket to the show, see here.

To find out more about what East Broadway does, see here

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Martin O’Neill criticised VAR intervention after Auston Trusty was sent off for violent conduct in Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Hibs, with the defender now suspended for the Rangers clash

Martin O’Neill hit out at VAR interference following Celtic’s costly loss to Hibs. The Parkhead manager voiced his frustration after two pivotal second-half decisions swung momentum against his team in the 2-1 defeat.

With the match level at 1-1 and under 20 minutes left on the clock, Auston Trusty received a straight red card following an altercation in the penalty area with Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath.

O’Neill revealed that referee Matthew MacDermid informed him post-match that he had originally planned merely to have a word with both players before VAR official Grant Irvine instructed him to check the pitchside screen.

After reviewing the replays, MacDermid determined Trusty had engaged in violent conduct, and Celtic’s frustration mounted when, moments later, Liam Scales tumbled in the penalty area during a corner following a shirt pull from Hibs defender Jack Iredale, reports the Daily Record.

Appeals from Celtic players, including the Irish defender, were dismissed by MacDermid, with Irvine opting not to intervene on this occasion.

Discussing the dismissal, O’Neill stated: “Well, I’ve just had a word with the referee. He said he was just going to have a word with the two players, first of all. Then I think VAR intervened and said it was violent conduct.”

When it was suggested to O’Neill that this amounted to re-refereeing the match, he responded: “They’ve been doing it for years, so that’s not going to change.”

O’Neill then addressed the penalty incident involving Scales, commenting: “The referee, I think his words were, he didn’t hold onto him long enough, but it seems a wee bit strange. You’re grabbing someone’s shirt as he’s making a move to get the ball and holding onto his shirt. Some years ago it was a penalty. But VAR, they’ve passed that one on, so there we go.”

Following the final whistle, O’Neill had a word with Trusty, and whilst VAR’s involvement was significant, the manager acknowledged that his centre-back’s actions were misguided given today’s standards.

He explained: “I’ve spoken to him. At the end of it all, you can’t do this. If that’s the rules now, it doesn’t matter if someone is holding onto you, in an attempt to breakaway, you can’t thrust down in the manner in which he did to get away. So I’ve been told it’s violent conduct.”

The dismissal means Trusty will miss Sunday’s Premiership fixture against Rangers at Ibrox.

Celtic previously lodged an appeal last month when the American defender received his marching orders in the 2-2 stalemate with Hearts at Tynecastle.

Nevertheless, considering the seriousness of the infringement and the rationale O’Neill received, the boss doesn’t anticipate challenging this particular decision.

He stated: “Personally I wouldn’t have thought so. The referee has explained to me that’s what VAR said. It was violent conduct, so I don’t think anyone will change their minds on that.”

The red card and penalty came at a crucial moment for Celtic, who had been building pressure and were close to scoring what could have been a decisive 2-1 goal in the latter stages of the match.

However, they ended up losing by that very scoreline, prompting O’Neill to reflect: “We played some really fantastic football. We went in 1-1 at half time and we should probably have been in front.

“The sending off has a big affect. We had the momentum at that stage. We had some chances second half and if you don’t put them away there’s a possibility at the other end.”

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Bolton Council’s local Bee Network committee met last week for the first time in nearly two years since their first and, until now, only meeting.

It was confirmed that the committee, originally established when the buses were first being franchised, would now be held quarterly.

Nick Fairclough, interim deputy director of buses at TfGM, told councillors they had inherited the bus network from the system of private operators.

Speaking at last Monday’s meeting (February 16), he said: “The way in which that network has developed over a hundred years or more is that routes haven’t been designed with an integrated network in mind.

“In many places, we still see buses competing with each other or competing with the train or Metrolink in other parts of the city region.

“They also don’t properly serve the needs of the modern economy in many places – they don’t adequately serve industrial sites or retail parks that are incredibly important for the economy as we have it today.”

Nick Fairclough speaks at the local Bee Network committee (Image: Bolton Council)

Mr Fairclough noted the success of the already implemented 24-hour bus services, including the 36 between Manchester and Bolton, and the 615 linking Middlebrook and Wigan.

He said: “I think where we are is that we’ve got a really strong in where the priorities are in Bolton, but we’re keen to build on that and keen to work with you to identify those.”

Cllr David Wilkinson said: “I’m glad to see we’re looking at retail parks and industrial areas because that, to say the least, is something that has been a bugbear for 20 odd years.

“People in Westhoughton who want to work at Logistics North have to go by private transport because there’s nothing to link us there.”

He noted several new industrial and housing developments planned near Westhoughton, such as Gibfield Park, and said they would need “really improved links”.

The committee was held in Bolton Town Hall (Image: Bolton Council)

Cllr Sean Fielding said: “To see that Wigan got a connection reinstated to Middlebrook, yet we don’t have our own, and it’s in our borough – I’m sure you can appreciate that that’s incredibly frustrating for members.

“And I support Cllr Wilkinson’s comments around ensuring that we adapt to the amount of development that is proposed to take place, particularly in the west of the borough, as it happens rather than waiting for it to happen and responding to it.”

Mr Fairclough said: “We certainly agree. I think, in terms of Middlebrook and Logistics North, we see two areas that are not currently served as well as they should be.

“Certainly our planning team is looking very closely at both of those areas now and we’re aware of the need to improve connectivity both from a jobs perspective and an access to retail perspective.”

He said that connecting new developments to the bus network early is “something we’d really like to do more of”.

He said: “One of the benefits of local control of the bus network is that we should be able to get in early and be proactive.

“Look at what’s coming down the pipeline in terms of residential, commercial, and industrial development and try to build a market for the bus network – perhaps before everyone is moved in, in a way that wasn’t really possible in the previous commercial market.”

Yep, that’s right, you’ve been advised to take a tennis ball with you.

No, not so you can serve an ace up the aisle to catch an attendant’s attention, it’s actually to avoid stiffness or aches while in the air.

It can also be used to enhance circulation, intended to be used by gently applying pressure and rolling it up and down the thighs, legs, or even shoulders, according to health experts.

Registered osteopath and qualified sleep therapist Tracy Hannigan has recommended using a tennis ball in tandem with another teeny piece of paraphernalia.

Oh poppet, it’s a military base. Why did you think you could visit? It’s not a destination for your holibobs. https://t.co/J4hvYmQiM6

— Jess Brown-Fuller MP (@JessBrownFuller) February 21, 2026

She told The Metro: “A great tip is to find a hand towel, put the ball in the middle of it and roll it like a sausage. When you then apply pressure using the ball, it’s easier to position and will prevent it from skidding out of position, which can be painful.

“A tennis ball is small and light and can help you to apply soothing pressure to points you might otherwise not be able to reach.

“You can even stretch your lower back in your plane seat, by crossing your legs and leaning forward, as if you’re trying to reach down to the crossed-over foot with your elbow,” she added.

Here are the primary NHS tips for managing stiffness:

1. Movement and Exercise (Most Important)

Keep Active: Regular movement is the most effective way to reduce stiffness.

Gentle Movement: Avoid staying in one position for too long. Move for short periods every hour, even if it is just a short walk.

Low-Impact Activity: Engage in swimming, cycling, yoga, or tai chi to improve mobility without overloading joints.

Stretching: Perform daily stretches for affected muscles, moving joints through their full, comfortable range. Hold stretches for 20 to 30 seconds, repeating 2 to 3 times a day.

“Little and Often”: It is better to move gently throughout the day rather than doing one long, intense session.

2. Heat and Cold Therapy

Heat Therapy: Use hot water bottles, heat-rub creams, or have warm baths to relax stiff muscles and joints.

Cold Therapy: Apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling, especially if the stiffness is due to a recent sprain or strain.

Temperature Control: Keep warm to prevent stiffness in cold weather.

There is no escaping the wet weather over the next few days but there is the prospect of a better outlook on the horizon

The Met Office have released their latest weather forecast for Northern Ireland over the next few days. Today was billed as having bright intervals and occasional blustery showers which would see windy conditions at times.

Some heavy rains are expected on Sunday with the chance of thunder. The maximum temperature will be 11 °C as tonight sees more showers anticipated with more frequent patches of rain due across the north and west of the region. The start of the work week will bring sunny intervals with the odd shower still expected to haunt Monday. Freshening south-westerly breezes will see a maximum temperature of 12C.

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The mid-week forecast will see a cloudy outlook for Tuesday to Thursday with outbreaks of rain which will occasionally be heavy. Still, some dry spells are expected as a mild spell of weather is due to come in, according to the forecast. As the days continue to get lighter, people will be looking forward to spring eventually appearing around the corner.

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The first opportunity to explore the gardens will be on Monday, May 25, when the gates open alongside a popular plant fair.

For many visitors, it marks the return of what has become a much-anticipated annual event in the County Durham countryside.

Thornton Hall Gardens (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Thornton Hall is not a visitor attraction in the traditional sense. It is a working farm, and the gardens are opened to the public just a handful of times each year.

In recent years, word-of-mouth praise and social media have quietly turned Thornton Hall into a ‘must-visit destination’ for garden lovers, history enthusiasts and those seeking a different kind of day out.

Visitors have described it as “unexpected”, “joyfully theatrical” and “like stepping into a secret world”, a reputation that has steadily grown.

The gardens sit beside Thornton Hall itself, a Grade I listed building constructed around 1550 by Ralph Tailbois.

Thornton Hall and Gardens, near Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

One of the oldest buildings in the Borough of Darlington, the hall is a rare architectural blend of Tudor, Elizabethan, Jacobean and Georgian styles, reflecting centuries of change.

What makes the gardens particularly remarkable is that they are a relatively recent creation.

When Michael and Sue Manners moved to Thornton Hall in 1989, the walled gardens were little more than grassy paddocks grazed by cattle.

With no formal training and no grand design, Sue began transforming the land by hand.

Thornton Hall and Gardens (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

More than 30 years later, that hands-on approach has resulted in a richly planted and characterful space.

According to its website, visitors can expect more than 100 varieties of roses, alongside collections of delphiniums, peonies and irises.

There are secret corners with quirky sculptures and tucked-away seating, as well as a meadow, wildlife ponds and a productive vegetable garden.

Despite attracting hundreds of visitors each year, the limited opening dates give Thornton Hall a fleeting quality. Miss a date, and you may have to wait another year.

After the May 25 opening, the gardens will welcome visitors on Wednesday, June 3, 10, 17 and 24, Sunday, June 28, and Wednesday, July 1, 8 and 15.

All opening days run from 10am to 4pm.

Admission is £10 per person, payable at the gate.

However, numbers are limited by the setting, and regular visitors advise arriving early, particularly for the first opening in May, which is expected to be especially popular.

Large queues formed since early morning for tickets priced at €99 including fees

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US rockers Foo Fighters have announced a surprise last-minute gig in Dublin for Monday night.

Tickets were made available at the 3Olympia Theatre Box Office on Dame Street in Dublin from Sunday afternoon. Since early morning, lengthy queues formed for the concert, with tickets costing €99, fees included.

This announcement follows online speculation that the band had been seen in Ireland over the past week, with alleged sightings of the band’s van in Dingle.

The band last took to the stage in Ireland in 2019. Established in 1994 by ex-Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters have sold in excess of 50 million albums globally.

In a post on social media, the organisers outlined several rules regarding ticket sales, reports Dublin Live.

Promoter MCD Productions stated there is a limit of two tickets per person. Only physical debit or credit cards can be used for purchase, cash and contactless cards are not accepted.

Tickets are being sold on a first come first served basis. The gig has an age restriction of 18+.

Those requiring accessible tickets are asked to inform staff at the time of purchase. Transfers are not permitted.

The band have also announced intimate gigs at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Wednesday, February 25, and at Manchester’s O2 Ritz this Friday, February 27.

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Robert Aramayo called on society to ‘have grace’ towards the ‘complex’ and ‘really misunderstood’ Tourette syndrome after scooping both the Bafta for best actor and the EE Rising Star Award.

The 33-year-old actor, who played Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson in the biographical film I Swear, made his comments after invited guest Davidson shouted the N-word at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo while they were presenting a Bafta.

As explained by the NHS, Tourette’s is a condition that causes people to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, known as tics, with Davidson’s symptoms involving outbursts including swearing.

Sinners actors Jordan and Lindo, who were presenting the award for special visual effects, paused briefly before continuing with their introduction onstage after the slur was picked up by microphones in the audience.

Host Alan Cumming then thanked the audience for their understanding and help ‘to create a respectful space for everyone’ as he reminded the audience that Davidson had ‘no control’ over them, explaining: ‘You may have noticed some strong language in the background.

‘This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people, as the film explores that experience.’

Speaking after his shock double win, Aramayo – who had become tearful on stage over winning the best actor gong, his second of the night – told Metro and other outlets in the winners’ press room: ‘I’m just really happy that I Swear has shone a spotlight on something that is really, really misunderstood. 

‘I think that there’s still a lot more education needed around Tourette’s and what it actually is and how we all, as a society, can help.’

He also said that learning more about the syndrome had been the most eye-opening part of working on I Swear, as ‘it’s complicated and complex and it requires us to have grace’. 

Aramayo added: ‘It’s far more than – there’s lots of tics that people don’t see. There’s people who live with Tourette syndrome who you don’t know that they are because you think tics are a certain thing, but they’re not always like that. 

‘I think just for me, personally, what I learned straight away was that’s true and it then made me passionate about wanting to spread that with the work.’

There has much discussion online in reaction to Davidson’s use of the slur, and the BBC’s decision to keep it in the broadcast edit, with some arguing that Tourette’s is a deeply misunderstood condition while others where much less sympathetic to the language used – especially given the grave offence it could cause.

Davidson was also heard shouting ‘shut the f**k up’ during a speech from Bafta chair Sara Putt and yelled ‘f**k you’ when Arco’s directors took to the stage, as well as ‘bulls**t’ during housekeeping instructions at the start, where attendees were asked not to swear.

Campaigner Davidson, who was diagnosed with Tourette’s aged 25 and received an MBE in 2019, reportedly left the show in the second half as no further outbursts were heard.

As per Variety, it’s said that Davidson left of his own accord as Bafta would ‘under no circumstances’ ask an ‘invited guest’ to leave the ceremony.

Cumming also made a further statement in the show, saying: ‘Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you are offended tonight.’

Meanwhile The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power star Aramayo also confirmed that he’d had the chance to speak with fellow best actor nominee Ethan Hawke (for Blue Moon), after recalling valuable advice he’d shared with Aramayo and his classmates on a visit to Julliard during his best actor acceptance speech.

‘I think he was grateful for me mentioning it but I meant it and it really did have an effect on everyone in that room in my year, when he came in. 

‘I wanted to meet him but I thought that I might not get the chance so I thought, well I’m mentioning it now then!’

He also praised the Hollywood star as ‘amazing’ and said it would be ‘great’ if he had the chance to work with him in the future.

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