The Week in Light & Sound

Council Strategy - Arts Council England has unveiled the strategy that will guide its work over the next decade, aiming to address what it says are “momentous” sector-wide challenges that include inequality of opportunity and a widespread lack of diversity. There is particular emphasis on communities and young people in the document, published this week, which lists the Arts Council’s priorities for its work and the organisations it will fund between now and 2030.
Entitled Let’s Create, its contents are broadly similar to the draft document published by the Arts Council last year. It is based around a vision that by 2030, England will be a country “transformed by its culture” and “in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish”.
No Show - Madonna pulled out of the first London show of her Madame X tour, sparking calls for the singer to cancel the entire run. The 61-year-old was due to perform the first of 15 shows on Monday at the London Palladium but said she "must always listen to my body and put my health first". In an Instagram post, she wrote: "I am deeply sorry that I have to cancel my concert scheduled for Monday in London. Under doctors guidance I have been told to rest for a few days.” Last week, the singer cancelled a show in Lisbon, Portugal. The next show is due to go ahead at the London Palladium on 29 January.
Kobe Tribute - The 2020 Grammys ceremony opened with a tribute to basketball player Kobe Bryant, who died on Sunday. "Tonight is for you Kobe," declared Lizzo, opening the show with her ballad Cuz I Love You. Host Alicia Keys then dedicated the show to Bryant's memory, with an a-capella version of It's So Hard To Say Goodbye, accompanied by Boyz II Men. The show took place at the Staples Centre, where Bryant spent his entire career with the LA Lakers.
Young Pretender - Billie Eilish swept the board at the Grammys, winning five awards, including best new artist and song of the year. The 18-year-old also won album of the year for her debut, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go, which was recorded in her childhood home in LA. She replaces Taylor Swift as the youngest person ever to win the award.
Big in Dundee - Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Camila Cabello, Calvin Harris, AJ Tracey and Biffy Clyro have been announced for this year's Radio 1 Big Weekend which takes place in Dundee’s Camperdown Park, 22-24 May.
Comic Turn - Comedian Paul Merton is to make his West End musical debut in the musical Hairspray. Merton, who will perform the part of Wilbur Turnblad, will star alongside the previously announced Michael Ball as Edna Turnblad. Merton will appear in the show from April 23 at the London Coliseum for an 18-week run.
(Jim Evans)
28 January 2020

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