Zoë opens Philip Sutton RA’s My Shakespeare exhibition, plus a round-up of other news

8 March 2019 21:43

On 1 March, Zoë opened the new exhibition, My Shakespeare, by acclaimed artist and Royal Academician Philip Sutton at Bridport Arts Centre, Dorset. You can see photos from the event in the local press.

In front of specially invited guests, she spoke about her father Sam Wanamaker’s friendship with Sutton, who designed a beautiful, characteristically colourful poster to celebrate the opening of Shakespeare’s Globe in 1997.

The poster was to be the first of many vibrant images inspired by Shakespeare and his plays. Sutton has described Shakespeare’s writings as ‘magical’, and the same could certainly be said for his own works of art.

‘Joy, energy and colour, I think that's the secret,’ Zoë remarked when discussing the power of the artist’s paintings in 1997.

If you’d like to discover Philip Sutton’s work for yourself, head to Bridport before 4 May and marvel at My Shakespeare.

In other news...

- Here’s a great photo of Zoë at Maple St. Creative, a recording studio in London, where she has recently been working.

- Zoë has shown her support for International Women’s Day, as well as disaster relief charity ShelterBox, on Twitter.

She has also recently used the platform to call for abortion law reform for women in Northern Ireland.

- If you’re researching Shakespeare, you’ll be pleased to hear that a major digital resource, the Shakespeare’s Globe Archive, has just been launched.

The archive aims to help you ‘track the journey of Sam Wanamaker’s dream to reconstruct the Globe’, as well as gain a clearer understanding of the theatre as a performance space.

Highlights include an oral history by none other than Zoë herself.

- On 9 March, Shakespeare’s Globe will host Burbage and Wanamaker: A Globe Celebration. The unique event will honour the achievements of Shakespearean actor Richard Burbage (who died 400 years ago) and Zoë’s father (who was born 100 years ago), as well as give participants the opportunity to experience preparing for a performance at the theatre.

- Britannia, in which Zoë plays the unforgettable Queen Antedia, will make its eagerly anticipated return to Sky Atlantic this autumn, according to the Radio Times. Specific broadcast dates for the ten epic new episodes have yet to be announced.

With thanks to Janet for her help.

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Zoë’s TREE AID charity appeal raises an incredible £15,000

12 February 2019 21:52

Congratulations to everyone who’s donated to the BBC Radio 4 fundraising appeal for TREE AID, which Zoë presented last month. Together you’ve raised an incredible £15,000 so far to support the charity’s work helping disadvantaged communities in Africa’s drylands.

Here’s Zoë’s personal message of thanks to you all. It’s obvious how passionate she is about being a patron of TREE AID.

Anyone who’d like to contribute to the charity and further boost the appeal’s total can donate through TREE AID’s website at any time.

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Zoë shows her support for Adfam's anti-stigma campaign

23 January 2019 11:37

Here's Zoë taking part in Adfam's #StigmaMakesMeFeel social media campaign. The charity's important initiative aims to tackle the stigmatisation of families affected by drug and alcohol addiction.

This is the second time in recent months that Zoë has shown her support for Adfam. She took part in the charity's carol concert in December.

If you'd like to follow Zoe's lead, simply print a copy of Adfam's campaign board (a PDF file), add your own message, and then tweet a photo of yourself with the board, using the hashtag #StigmaMakesMeFeel.

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Last chance to vote in the National Television Awards!

21 January 2019 07:11

I'm still thrilled about the news that Girlfriends, Kay Mellor's brilliant series starring Zoë, Miranda Richardson and Phyllis Logan, has been nominated in the New Drama category in the UK's National Television Awards.

You have until 12 noon (UK time) this Tuesday, 22 January, to cast your votes. Don't miss your chance to support your favourite shows and actors!

The winners of the NTAs will be revealed on the same day voting closes, during a star-studded live ceremony on ITV 1, from 7:30-10 pm.

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Just days left to donate to Zoë’s Radio 4 TREE AID appeal and vote in the NTAs

17 January 2019 07:33

BBC Radio 4 TREE AID appeal

If you missed Zoë’s fundraising appeal for humanitarian and environmental charity TREE AID last weekend, you’ll be pleased to hear that BBC Radio 4 is repeating it today, 17 January, at 3:27pm (UK time). In addition, it’s available on Radio 4’s website.

During the appeal, Zoë speaks movingly about the ‘enormous struggle’ communities in the African drylands face daily and how TREE AID, which she’s supported for over 20 years, is helping people in need to earn a living from looking after trees and selling their produce.

Last year, TREE AID released a video, narrated by Zoë, with more details about its work.

There are just a few days left to donate to the fundraising appeal, which ends on 17 January. Below, TREE AID has helpfully summarised the various ways you can give.

If you miss the chance to donate to the appeal but would still like to support the charity, you can do so at any time by donating via TREE AID’s website.

When Zoë takes part in TREE AID campaigns, I’m always reminded of her reporting about Comic Relief’s work in Africa in 1992, as well as Tessa’s charitable work there for SEED during the first series of the BBC’s hugely popular 90s TV drama, Love Hurts. Both projects are pictured in this extract from a magazine feature.

Girlfriends' Best New Drama nomination

Talking of hugely popular TV shows, have you cast your votes in the UK’s National Television Awards? As you may already know, ITV’s Girlfriends, starring Zoe as struggling Gail, is nominated for the New Drama award.

There’s not long left to support your favourites – voting closes on 22 January, with the NTA's winners being revealed during a spectacular ceremony on ITV later that day, from 7:30-10 pm.

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