Growing up in Crook, Catherine went to Parkside Comprehensive School, in Willington, and returned there to become an English teacher before progressing, via different roles, into senior management, and specialising in teaching and learning and professional development.
Now, as she celebrates her 30th year in education, Catherine is in her ‘perfect job’ – heading up an innovative training hub launched by a growing North-East Education Trust.
Last September, she became director of the ALP Institute of Teaching, Leadership and Research, established by the Advance Learning Partnership. Strategic partnerships with Evidence Based Education (EBE), and Durham University have strengthened the reach and impact of the Institute.
“It’s already exceeded expectations, growing rapidly into a successful hub for learning and development in our Trust and beyond,” says Catherine. “It’s so exciting and rewarding to see the levels of engagement and the impact it’s having on our colleagues.”
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The Advance Learning Partnership’s origins go back to 2012 when Parkside converted to academy status. ALP was formally established five years later, growing into a mixed-phase Multi Academy Trust, serving nursery, primary and secondary pupils across County Durham and Darlington.
The majority of the 23 schools are in communities facing social and economic challenges, and ALP Institute’s launch is the latest phase in the Trust’s development.
“Having been a pupil at Parkside, then to go back there as a teacher, and be given so many opportunities to develop my own career, this role feels like a unique opportunity to give something back,” says Catherine, who has worked for ALP throughout the Trust’s existence.
“I have benefited greatly from professional development, so that adds to my passion and determination to help others thrive in their careers in education.”
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Since it was launched in September, the ALP Institute’s strategic partnerships have expanded. As well as Evidence Based Education, links have also been forged with Bishop Auckland College and New College Durham. More than 100 free opportunities have so far been offered for professional learning and development, with 1,254 places booked by education professionals through a central online hub.
Forty-six ALP staff have been involved in delivering training, with external education experts also being brought in to lead courses.
The fact that so many ALP staff have signed up for a course already, underlines the healthy level of engagement in an initiative underpinned by three words: ‘learning, empowering, innovating’.
Earlier this year, the training body held its first public conference, with 75 delegates from different schools and Education Trusts coming together at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, to share ideas, strategies and good practice.
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Catherine Hydon speaking at the ALP Institute conference at Hummersknott Academy (Image: Chris Barron)
Delegates at the ALP Institute conference in Darlington (Image: Chris Barron)
A second half-day conference, focused on Artificial Intelligence, will be staged at Whitworth Park Academy on July 2.
“This is only the beginning, our training programme is evolving all the time, and the aim is for our Institute to become a national resource,” says Catherine.
‘IT MADE ME BELIEVE IN MYSELF MORE’
ELLIE Butterworth, head of Year 9 at Whitworth Park Academy, in Spennymoor, embarked on the ‘Aspiring Senior Leaders’ course through the ALP Institute.
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Ellie, who has been teaching since 2009, is in her third year with the Advance Learning Partnership and is keen to take the next step in her career.
“The course was perfect for my continued professional development – a chance for me to experience what senior leadership would be like,” she says.
The course, comprising six monthly sessions, was led by Whitworth Park headteacher, Stuart Dixon, alongside other senior leaders from the Trust.
“Being able to network with other people on the course, and hearing their stories, really helped. It made me believe in myself more and gave me the confidence that I’m ready for the next stage of my career,” Ellie added.
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Ellie Butterworth, Head of Year 9 at Whitworth Park Academy; Lee Stott, Deputy Headteacher at Parkside Academy; and Karen McKeough, Assistant Headteacher at Whitworth Park Academy (Image: Chris Barron)
‘THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE’
AFTER 26 years in education and eight years at the Trust, Karen McKeough is new to senior leadership.
As well as being assistant headteacher at Whitworth Park Academy, she also leads on professional learning across her school – a position that enables her to signpost staff to the right courses.
So far, she has personally benefited from a number of courses, including the ‘Leading Teaching and Learning’ course and the ‘Training The Trainer’ course, led by Julie Hurst and Val Rayner, deputy headteachers at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington.
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“It was really helpful to get different perspectives from people with experience on strategies that are employed in schools. The course leaders were really knowledgeable about the challenges of leading change, and provided practical advice and strategies,” says Karen.
“It was also a time to be reflective and build confidence. I feel lucky to be part of a Trust that’s enlightened enough to establish its own training arm, so I can pick the courses that are right for me.”
Karen also participated in an artificial intelligence course, led by Jake Burdis, from Durham University, and was thrilled to have created a revision tool app, based on what she learned.
“Everyone has different training needs, at different stages of their careers, and the ALP Institute offers something for everyone,” she adds.
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‘IT’S ENABLED US TO BRING IN VITAL EXPERTISE’
LEE Stott has a dual role as deputy headteacher at Parkside Academy and artificial intelligence education lead for the Trust.
He, therefore, finds himself at the cutting-edge of emerging technology and having to shape how AI will benefit the Trust’s employees.
Lee started as AI Education Lead in March 2025 and put together a development team of staff members from primary and secondary schools with an interest in AI.
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“One of the things we discovered was that continuing professional development wasn’t embedded in relation to AI because it’s still new,” says Lee. “We recognised the need to enable staff to access expert guidance and support. Through the ALP Institute, the Trust has been able to use its partnerships to bring in that vital expertise.”
A major area of focus has been on how AI can ease workloads and boost wellbeing, helping staff to understand how valuable time can be saved.
“One of the training sessions was on the myths surrounding AI and that eased some of the natural anxieties people feel,” Lee adds.
“Now, two staff surveys, eight months apart, have illustrated a significant increase in the use of AI, with employees feeling more confident about building it into their roles.
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“By next year, we want to move on to a bigger focus on creativity and innovation to make lessons really engaging.”
‘IT’S MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN CLASSROOMS’
VICTORIA Summerfield started as a newly qualified teacher at Copeland Road Primary School, at West Auckland, and rose through the ranks to become Headteacher two-and-a-half years ago.
Copeland Road Primary only joined the Advance Learning Partnership last year, and Victoria says her staff have embraced the ALP Institute with a large proportion signing up for courses.
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“It’s particularly relevant in a small school like ours where teachers have to lead on a lot of subjects,” says Victoria.
“It’s been lovely to see how the training has fed into work in the classrooms, with staff feeling more confident about leading subjects and able to connect with staff from other schools.”
One example was Copeland Road maths lead, Emma Crawford, taking the ‘Aspiring Maths Leader’ course. As the only primary teacher on the course, she was able to forge useful connections with teachers from secondary schools. Victoria has also been able to get policy updates and share good practice on issues such as safeguarding and attendance.
“It’s given me more rounded knowledge of what’s happening in education, and what I also love is that staff can put forward ideas for training,” she adds.
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The range of courses is evolving all the time. For example, an ‘Aspiring Deputy Headteachers’ course will be added to the existing suite of leadership training next year, alongside a programme of training on Early Years and a joint project with colleagues at EBE which will focus on questioning.
Victoria’s deputy headteacher at Copeland Road, Joanne Murray, has taken the ‘Leading Teaching and Learning’ course, and found networking to be especially valuable.
“It was so useful for finding out about different ways of doing things,” she says.
Such positive feedback from professionals on the frontline of education is heartwarming for Catherine Hydon as she works with colleagues to plot the future of the ALP Institute.
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“It’s been a brilliant start, and we know there’s a demand, so it’s about building something special on strong foundations,” she says.
While some school reports might end with ‘Must try harder’ or ‘Must listen more carefully’, the first-year report for the ALP Institute of Teaching, Leadership and Research could be summed up with: ‘Excellent progress – keep it up!’
The 2026 World Cup begins this week across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Football returns to the global stage once more with a huge opening ceremony ahead of Mexico’s Group A clash against South Africa in Mexico City.
It will take place at the Estadio Banorte next Thursday, June 11, and be headlined by Shakira and Burna Boy, who will perform ‘Dai Dai’ the official World Cup 2026 song, for the first time live.
The ceremony will also celebrate the best of Latin American talent, with FIFA saying in a statement: “In Mexico, this concept is brought to life through the intricate and celebratory art of ‘papel picado’, a powerful symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and joy.”
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Shakira
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Mexican band Mana will perform, alongside Alejandro Fernandez and Colombian J Balvin, as well as Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and Tyla.
There will be two other ceremonies for the remaining host nations when Canada and the US play their first group matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Paraguay the following day.
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Canada’s comes next on Friday, June 12, at BMO Field in Toronto.
Jessie Reyez and Palestinian singer Elyanna will perform, and Michael Buble headlines the evening’s pre-match entertainment.
Nora Fatehi, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, William Prince, DJ Sanjoy and Vegedream complete the line-up in a show that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hailed a “powerful reflection of Canada’s identity.”
Later that day, in Los Angeles, California, the US takes centre stage as Katy Perry, Future and Tyla all perform at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
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K-pop band Blackpink, will be joined by Brazilian Anitta and Nigerian Rema.
“The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country,” Infantino said.
Here’s the latest on the opening ceremonies..
World Cup 2026 opening ceremony start time
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The first opening ceremony is set to start at 6.30pm BST, which is 1.30pm local time in Mexico City.
The next is also at 6.30pm BST the following day – 1.30pm local time in Toronto – and the LA show begins at 3.30am BST – 7.30pm local time in California.
When is the opening match?
The tournament kicks off with the opening game, which will see co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa at 8pm BST Friday, June 11 2026.
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The Estadio Baniforte in Mexico City will host the opening ceremony and the first match.
Is there a closing ceremony?
A closing ceremony is yet to be confirmed, but it can be expected.
Christian Eriksen is “in good spirits” following his collapse against Ukraine and is expected to be discharged from hospital soon, says Denmark’s national team doctor Morten Boesen.
The game in Odense was stopped on 65 minutes when he collapsed and was abandoned shortly after, with the 34-year-old able to walk from the field after regaining consciousness.
The former Manchester United and Tottenham midfielder was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – a type of pacemaker – after suffering a cardiac arrest during a Euro 2020 match against Finland in 2021.
“I spoke with Christian this morning, and he is doing well. He is with his family and in good spirits,” Boesen said.
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“The expectation is that he will be discharged soon and can return home.”
The ICD allowed Eriksen to resume his playing career with Brentford in 2022 – eight months after his collapse at the Euros – before he spent three years with Manchester United.
On Sunday, Boesen said “the pacemaker responded as it should”.
Speaking to BBC Sport before his comeback in 2022, Eriksen said he had no concerns about playing with an ICD.
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“I don’t see any risk, no. I have an ICD, if anything would happen then I am safe,” the Wolfsburg midfielder added.
Neither Denmark nor Ukraine qualified for the World Cup, which begins on Thursday.
The move comes after the Government received more than 38,000 responses to its recent call for evidence, with ministers now looking for even more feedback through a new nationwide engagement programme.
A “Workshop in a Box” toolkit has been launched to help charities, community groups and disability organisations host discussions about the benefit and gather real-life experiences from claimants.
The sessions will focus on three key areas: what PIP is for, what it is like to apply for the benefit and how decisions about claims are made.
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Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms said the Government wanted disabled people to be involved throughout the process.
He said: “Hearing from disabled people across the UK is vitally important to inform the Review.”
He added: “That is why we are co-producing this review with disabled people every step of the way — to make sure that PIP is truly fair and fit for the future.”
The minister also encouraged organisations across the country to take part in the scheme.
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“I encourage any organisation that is able to host a workshop to do so, because we need to hear the views and lived experience of as many disabled people as possible,” he said.
What is the Timms Review?
The Timms Review was launched to examine whether PIP remains suitable for modern-day claimants and whether it accurately reflects the impact that disabilities and health conditions can have on daily life.
Under the latest plans, organisations can use the ready-made materials to run their own sessions and then submit findings directly to the review team before the July 17 deadline.
Review co-chair Sharon Brennan said it was essential that people from all backgrounds had an opportunity to contribute.
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“It is vital to the success of the review that we hear from as many people as possible about their thoughts on PIP,” she said.
She highlighted the importance of reaching people whose views are often missing from official consultations.
“Especially those whose voices are less heard such as those from marginalised communities or who do not feel comfortable engaging with government-led consultations.”
Ms Brennan said the new approach would allow people to discuss the benefit system with organisations they already know and trust.
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“We hope this new engagement method allows people to have conversations that matter with the organisations that they most trust so their lived experiences can shape the outcomes of our review.”
What do unions say about the review?
The TUC said its analysis showed that the unemployment rate for disabled people is 8.8% – the highest since before the pandemic – compared with 4.3% for non-disabled people.
General secretary Paul Nowak said: “The Government has a vital opportunity to support more disabled people into work through the Timms Review.
“Right now, disabled people are bearing the brunt of unemployment, low pay and insecure work, all while navigating a social security system that is not fit for purpose.
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“Only a genuine reform of Pip will ensure that disabled people who can work receive the support they need to move into and stay in work.
“But this must come alongside wider action too, like ensuring disabled workers get the reasonable adjustments they need, stronger rights at work and reform of the access to work scheme.
“That’s how you deliver a system that works for disabled workers.”
Recommended reading:
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The workshops are open to a wide range of groups, including Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DDPOs), disability charities, health organisations, community groups and elected representatives.
The DWP says the evidence gathered will play a direct role in shaping recommendations from the review’s steering group, with an interim report expected to be published in the coming months.
The review forms part of wider Government plans for the welfare system, alongside measures aimed at helping more disabled people into work and increasing support for those with health conditions.
The tour will end with a performance at O2 City Hall Newcastle on Thursday, December 10, and will mark Cushin’s fifth headline show at the venue.
This makes him the first North East male solo artist to perform at the venue five times – a record achieved in just three years.
In a statement, the artist said: “I’m incredibly proud of ‘Goodbye.’
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“It’s one of those songs that changed a lot from the original idea through to the finished version and I think that’s what makes it exciting.
“It feels big, direct, and honest—and I can’t wait for people to hear it properly and experience it live.”
Mr Cushin, who has drawn support from Noel Gallagher, Pete Doherty, Sam Fender, and Louis Tomlinson, has quickly become one of the UK’s most talked-about young artists.
His rapid rise began with his debut album Waiting For The Rain, which spent three weeks at Number One on the Official Independent Album Breakers Chart.
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His recent album Love Is For Everyone earned him his first UK Top 40 placement.
The new single “Goodbye,” released by First Run Records, continues his evolution toward a bigger, more expansive sound—featuring sharp songwriting, driving guitars, and powerful choruses.
The track was written and recorded across sessions in Newcastle, The Bahamas, and Wigan.
Alongside his headline shows, Mr Cushin has toured globally, supporting artists such as Louis Tomlinson, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, Pete Doherty, and Starsailor.
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He has played at iconic venues including The Hollywood Bowl, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Greek Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.
Despite his growing success, Mr Cushin said Newcastle remains at the heart of his journey.
He said: “Every time I come home and play Newcastle it means something completely different.
“City Hall has become a huge part of my journey and I don’t take that for granted.
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“To be coming back for a fifth headline show after everything that’s happened over the last few years feels really special.
“Newcastle backed me early and I always feel that when I step out on stage there.”
Mr Cushin is scheduled to perform alongside OMD and The Undertones at major outdoor shows across the UK this summer.
In 2023, he became the youngest Geordie artist to sell out Newcastle City Hall and later headlined the Mouth of the Tyne Festival.
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Tickets for the O2 City Hall Newcastle show are on sale now.
BBC pundits Ashley Williams, Benni McCarthy, Scott Brown, Alex Scott, Gaël Clichy, Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, Micah Richards, Wayne Rooney, Olivier Giroud, Alan Shearer, Ellen White, Steph Houghton, Joe Hart, Steve Crossman, Rachel Corsie
BBC / Holly McCandless-Desmond, David Anderson, Sam Riley, Charlie Clift
Jose Mourinho is poised for a sensational return to Real Madrid, with his appointment expected to be confirmed following Florentino Perez’s re-election as president at the Bernabeu Stadium.
Perez, who secured an eighth term after fending off challenger Enrique Riquelme, had made no secret of his desire to name Mourinho as head coach should he win the election. Reports indicate that the current Benfica boss has agreed a three-year deal to return to the club he previously managed between 2010 and 2013, replacing Alvaro Arbeloa, who was appointed in January after Xabi Alonso’s departure.
In a statement on the club’s official website, Perez affirmed his commitment to the club’s future success.
“We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles,” he said. “I am still here and I am here to defend Real Madrid. We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup. We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the best stadium in the world.
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Jose Mourinho will be the next Real Madrid manager after Florentino Perez was re-elected as president of the club (Reuters)
“Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho. And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members.”
Perez first became Real president in 2000 and had renewed his mandate five times since 2009 by running unopposed. In the build-up to Sunday’s vote, Perez promised to appoint Mourinho and said he would spend €150m on an unnamed player, to be revealed on Tuesday, a fee that would represent a club record.
He also said defenders Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries would be his first signings if elected.
Meanwhile, 63-year-old Mourinho secured LaLiga and the Copa del Rey during his initial tenure in the Spanish capital however, he has not won a domestic league title since leading Chelsea to the Premier League in the 2014-15 season.
His Benfica side remained unbeaten in the Primeira Liga last season but ultimately finished third, eight points adrift of Porto, after drawing 11 of their 34 matches.
Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which sits on the geologically unstable “ring of fire”. While most of these quakes are minor and pass relatively peacefully, some have proven deadly: Last September, a magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck the central Visayas region, killing more than 70 people.
There will be a lot of debate in the coming days about the impact of AI rollouts on jobs.
The TUC has welcomed initiatives on early careers support, skills and worker voice – and said promises of fairness must be followed up with concrete action.
The TUC wants the government to go further to secure a digital dividend for workers, enact pro-worker rights and regulations, invest in skills to support workers through the AI transition, and enable workers to actively shape the technology’s development and application.
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TUC Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell said: “By acknowledging the importance of workers and their unions in AI adoption, the government is taking the tentative first steps towards a pro-worker AI agenda – but more concrete action is needed to make it a reality.
“Fair and effective AI adoption requires respecting the voice, rights and interests of workers. But for too many, AI has become a byword for surveillance, algorithmic pay cuts, and threats of unemployment. Most working people are not anti-AI, but they want an alternative to Big Tech extracting from us all while offering little in return. Today’s announcements on skills and early careers are a good start.
“We don’t yet know how AI and its impacts are going to play out. But the right approach today can help to shape this technology from the ground up. Give workers legal rights to decide how AI is rolled out at work, make sure they’re represented on boards, and take on vested interests to ensure working people get their fair share. That’s how the government can give workers a real stake in this technology and the wider economy.”
Sunday night at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, hundreds of nominees and famous faces assembled to celebrate the 2025-2026 Broadway season. After the first part of the ceremony, The Tony Awards: Act One, revealed a slew of winners in the technical and creative categories, the national broadcast was hosted for the first time by Grammy-winning singer Pink live on CBS with streaming on Paramount+.
Schmigadoon! scored the top prize, winning the coveted Best Musical category, along with Best Original Score, Best Orchestrations, and Best Book of a Musical.
Newly minted Pulitzer Prize winner Liberation won Best Play, while Ragtime won Best Revival of a Musical along with several acting and technical awards for a grand total of four Tonys.
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John Lithgow took home the first acting trophy of the evening for his role as Roald Dahl in Giant, setting a new record as the oldest man to win a competitive acting Tony at 80 years old.Laurie Metcalf won for her supporting turn in the Nathan Lane-led revival of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, which scored several trophies including the coveted Best Revival prize for a total of six Tonys — the most of any individual production.
First-time Tony Awards host Pink performed in several numbers throughout the evening (Reuters)
Broadway fan-favorite Shoshana Bean nabbed her first-ever trophy for her featured role in the new musical The Lost Boys, offering a heartfelt acceptance speech. Moments later, her co-star Ali Louis Bourzgui won for his supporting role as vampire leader David in the adaptation of the 1987 flick.
In addition to featuring performances from nominated musicals, the broadcast included tributes to a handful of Broadway shows celebrating milestone anniversaries, including The Book of Mormon, Chicago, A Chorus Line, and Rent.
Find the full list of 2026 Tony winners below.
‘Schmigadoon!’ producer Lorne Michaels accepted the Tony Award for Best Musical (Reuters)
Best Musical
The Lost Boys
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Schmigadoon! (WINNER)
Titaníque
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
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Nicholas Christopher — Chess
Luke Evans — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
Joshua Henry — Ragtime (WINNER)
Sam Tutty — Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
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Brandon Uranowitz — Ragtime
Joshua Henry won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical award for ‘Ragtime’ (Getty)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Sara Chase — Schmigadoon!
Stephanie Hsu — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
Caissie Levy — Ragtime (WINNER)
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Marla Mindelle — Titaníque
Christiani Pitts — Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Best Revival of a Play
Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (WINNER)
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Becky Shaw
Every Brilliant Thing
Fallen Angels
Oedipus
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Nathan Lane accepted the award for Best Revival of a Play for ‘Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman’ (Reuters)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Christopher Abbott — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Danny Burstein — Marjorie Prime
Brandon J. Dirden — Waiting for Godot
Alden Ehrenreich — Becky Shaw (WINNER)
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Ruben Santiago-Hudson —August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
Richard Thomas — The Balusters
Best Revival of a Musical
Cats: The Jellicle Ball
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Ragtime (WINNER)
Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
Lear deBessonet accepted the Best Revival of a Musical award for ‘Ragtime’ (Getty)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Rose Byrne — Fallen Angels
Kelli O’Hara — Fallen Angels
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Carrie Coon — Bug
Susannah Flood — Liberation
Lesley Manville — Oedipus (WINNER)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
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Ali Louis Bourzgui — The Lost Boys (WINNER)
André De Shields — Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Bryce Pinkham — Chess
Ben Levi Ross — Ragtime
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Layton Williams — Titaníque
Ali Louis Bourzgui took home the Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical award for ‘The Lost Boys’ (Getty)
Best Play
The Balusters
Giant
Liberation (WINNER)
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Little Bear Ridge Road
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Shoshana Bean — The Lost Boys (WINNER)
Hannah Cruz — Chess
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Rachel Dratch — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
Ana Gasteyer — Schmigadoon!
Nichelle Lewis — Ragtime
Shoshana Bean won the Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for ‘The Lost Boys’ (Getty)
Best Direction of a Play
Nicholas Hytner — Giant
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Robert Icke — Oedipus
Kenny Leon — The Balusters
Joe Mantello — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (WINNER)
Whitney White — Liberation
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Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Arden — The Lost Boys
Lear deBessonet — Ragtime
Christopher Gattelli — Schmigadoon!
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Tim Jackson — Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch — Cats: The Jellicle Ball (WINNER)
Bill Rauch and Zhailon Levingston accepted the award for Best Direction of a Musical award for ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ (Reuters)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Betsy Aidem — Liberation
Marylouise Burke — The Balusters
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Aya Cash — Giant
Laurie Metcalf — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (WINNER)
June Squibb — Marjorie Prime
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
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Will Harrison — Punch
Nathan Lane — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
John Lithgow — Giant (WINNER)
Daniel Radcliffe — Every Brilliant Thing
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Mark Strong — Oedipus
John Lithgow received the Tony Award for Lead Actor in a Play for ‘Giant’ (Reuters)
Best Choreography
Christopher Gattelli — Schmigadoon!
Ellenore Scott — Ragtime
Ani Taj — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
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Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons — Cats: The Jellicle Ball (WINNER)
Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant — The Lost Boys
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
dots — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
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Soutra Gilmour — Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Rachel Huack — Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Dane Laffrey — The Lost Boys (WINNER)
Scott Pask — Schmigadoon!
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Dane Laffrey posed after winning a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Musical for ‘The Lost Boys’ (Getty)
Best Scenic Design of a Play
Hildegard Bechtler — Oedipus
Takeshi Kata — Bug
Chloe Lamford — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (WINNER)
David Korins — Dog Day Afternoon
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David Rockwell — Fallen Angels
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams — Chess
Jane Cox — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
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Donald Holder — Schmigadoon!
Adam Honoré — Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Adam Honoré and Donald Holder — Ragtime
Jen Schriever and Michael Arden — The Lost Boys (WINNER)
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Michael Arden and Jen Schriever won for their lighting design on ‘The Lost Boys’ (Getty)
Best Lighting Design of a Play
Isabella Byrd — Dog Day Afternoon
Natasha Chivers — Oedipus
Stacey Derosier — August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
Heather Gilbert — Bug
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Heather Gilbert — The Fear of 13
Jack Knowles — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (WINNER)
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman — Music by Caroline Shaw
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August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone — Music by Steve Bargonetti
The Lost Boys — Music & Lyrics by The Rescues
Schmigadoon! — Music & Lyrics by Cinco Paul (WINNER)
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) — Music & Lyrics by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan
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Cinco Paul took home two awards for ‘Schmigadoon!’ (Reuters)
Best Sound Design of a Musical
Kai Harada — Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Kai Harada — Ragtime (WINNER)
Adam Fisher — The Lost Boys
Brian Ronan — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
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Walter Trarbach — Schmigadoon!
Best Sound Design of a Play
Justin Ellington — August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
Tom Gibbons — Oedipus
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Lee Kinney — The Fear of 13
Josh Schmidt — Bug
Mikaal Sulaiman — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (WINNER)
Mikaal Sulaiman won the Best Sound Design of a Play award for ‘Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman’ (Getty)
Best Orchestrations
Doug Besterman and Mike Morris — Schmigadoon! (WINNER)
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Ethan Popp, Kyler England, Adrianne “AG” Gonzalez and Gabriel Mann — The Lost Boys
Lux Pyramid — Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Brian Usifer — Chess
Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Wilson, Trevor Holder and Doug Schadt — Cats: The Jellicle Ball
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Best Costume Design of a Musical
Linda Cho — Ragtime
Linda Cho — Schmigadoon!
Qween Jean — Cats: The Jellicle Ball (WINNER)
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Ryan Park — The Lost Boys
David I. Reynoso — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
Qween Jean won for costume design on ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ (Getty)
Best Costume Design of a Play
Brenda Abbandandolo — Dog Day Afternoon
Qween Jean — Liberation
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Jeff Mahshie — Fallen Angels (WINNER)
Emilio Sosa — The Balusters
Paul Tazewell — August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
Best Book of a Musical
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David Hornsby and Chris Hoch — The Lost Boys
Cinco Paul — Schmigadoon! (WINNER)
Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli and Tye Blue — Titaníque
Jim Barne and Kit Buchan — Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
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Special Tony Awards:
Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre: producer André Bishop, lighting designer Jules Fisher and director James Lapine
Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award: music director Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Excellence in Theatre Education Award: Freddie Hendricks
Regional Theatre Tony Award: American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin
Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre: production manager Jake Bell, designer and creative director Kenn Lubin, theatre lawyer Loren Plotkin and the 1/52 Project
Special Tony Award: The League of Resident Theatres (LORT)
Mindanao, which is the second-largest island in the Philippines, was hit by a 7.0 magnitued earthquake this morning
08:21, 08 Jun 2026Updated 08:26, 08 Jun 2026
An earthquake in the Philippines has killed at least 12 people and injured 200. The Foreign Office has issued urgent new travel advice this morning after a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao in the Philippines.
Mindanao, which is the country’s second-largest island and the seventh-most populous island in the world, was hit by the quake on Monday, June 8. The tremors were felt in Davao City shortly before 7.40am local time.
A total of 12 people are now reported to have died, with at least 200 injured as a result of the disaster. The earthquake was initially estimated at a magnitude of 8.2, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has since downgraded it to 7.0.
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Following the tremor, possible tsunami alerts have been issued for a number of regions, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Palau, Yap, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, and the west coast of the United States, reports The Mirror.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has now warned British nationals who are scheduled to travel to the area. The official update from the FCDO states: “On 8 June 2026, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck southern Mindanao. Aftershocks are expected, and there may be damage to buildings and infrastructure in affected areas. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has issued a tsunami threat and advised residents and visitors in affected coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground.
If you are in the affected area:
Follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services
Move to higher ground if you are in coastal areas
Be aware of the risk of aftershocks
Avoid damaged buildings and infrastructure
Monitor local media and official sources for updates.
If you are planning to travel to Mindanao:
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
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President of the Republic of the Philippines Bongbong Marcos has issued a statement following the earthquake, it reads: “A strong earthquake has struck off the coast of Sarangani this morning, and a tsunami warning is now in effect across several coastal provinces in Mindanao.
“I have directed all relevant government agencies to act immediately. The Office of Civil Defense and the NDRRMC are now coordinating disaster response and monitoring across all affected areas. The DSWD has been directed to pre-position relief goods and ensure that evacuation centers are ready and operational.
“The DPWH is on standby to assess damage to roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure, and to clear routes needed for rescue and relief operations. I am also ordering the suspension of classes in all levels across affected areas in Mindanao until further notice. The safety of our children comes first. DepEd will coordinate with local government units on this.
“To our kababayans in the affected provinces, please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind. The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind. I am in constant communication with our regional offices and local chief executives on the ground. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.”
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