Marianka Swain

London

Editor-in-Chief, UK at BroadwayWorld

Journalist at Freelance

All my world's a stage

Articles

Eurovision, first semi-final review: Brilliant and bonkers - contest returns with classic madness

1 day ago | yahoo.com | Marianka Swain

Last year, fraught political protests overshadowed Eurovision’s usual serving of spandex, sequins, screeching and sky-high camp. It remains to be seen whether the 2025 edition can swerve more controversy, but it made a determinedly upbeat, if bloated, start with the Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final 1 (BBC One). The bigger test will come on Thursday when Israel’s entrant takes to the stage. That’s also when we’ll see the UK’s latest lamb to the slaughter, girl group Remember Monday.
Eurovision Song Contest 2025, first semi-final review: Brilliant and bonkers

1 day ago | telegraph.co.uk | Marianka Swain

Last year, fraught political protests overshadowed Eurovision's usual serving of spandex, sequins, screeching and sky-high camp. It remains to be seen whether the 2025 edition can swerve more controversy, but it made a determinedly upbeat, if bloated, start with the Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final 1 (BBC One). The bigger test will come on Thursday when Israel's entrant takes to the stage. That's also when we'll see the UK's latest lamb to the slaughter, girl group Remember Monday.
How the founder of an 'Orgasmic Meditation' startup ended up on trial

2 days ago | telegraph.co.uk | Marianka Swain

Sexual wellness guru Nicole Daedone - once described by Gwyneth Paltrow as 'magnetic' - is facing forced labour and conspiracy chargesShe was once hailed by Gwyneth Paltrow as a "magnetic" sex guru who held the key to female pleasure.
Bafta TV awards 2025 highlights as Mr Bates, Lennie James and Marisa Abela scoop awards

3 days ago | yahoo.com | Marianka Swain

Baby Reindeer and Mr Bates vs the Post Office were the hot favourites coming into the 71st annual British Academy Television Awards, but in the event the former only managed one award, for supporting actress Jessica Gunning, and the latter one competitive award, beating Baby Reindeer in limited drama, plus a special award for commissioner ITV.
Bafta TV awards 2025 highlights as Mr Bates, Lennie James and Marisa Abela win

4 days ago | ca.news.yahoo.com | Marianka Swain

• None Alan Cumming: ‘Trump is trying to erase all the things that Americans love’• None It’s a Mr Bates vs Baby Reindeer showdown at this year’s TV Baftas• None Don’t care about the Baftas?
'Here We Are' review — Stephen Sondheim's final musical is a witty, audacious, dreamlike and ultimately poignant tribute | London Theatre

6 days ago | londontheatre.co.uk | Marianka Swain

The late Stephen Sondheim left us with one final work to savour, asking a question, appropriately enough, no less profound than “What is the meaning of life?”. Here We Are opened Off Broadway in 2023 and now makes its UK debut at the National, a witty, dreamlike, insightful, sometimes maddening, ultimately moving tribute to the man who left an indelible mark on musical theatre.
The ‘extreme’ mould threatening to destroy our heritage

1 week ago | aol.co.uk | Marianka Swain

As if it weren’t enough of a challenge to conserve priceless paintings and historical artefacts from environmental damage, there is a sinister new threat to contend with: a strain of mega-mould that has wreaked havoc in Denmark’s museums could already have made its way to the UK. While we usually associate mould with damp, this variety actually thrives in dry conditions, creating a fresh headache for art owners and gallery directors.
The 'extreme' mould threatening to destroy our heritage

1 week ago | telegraph.co.uk | Marianka Swain

The fungi is sweeping through Denmark's museums and galleries, putting priceless collections at risk. Here's what it could mean for the UKAs if it weren't enough of a challenge to conserve priceless paintings and historical artefacts from environmental damage, there is a sinister new threat to contend with: a strain of mega-mould that has wreaked havoc in Denmark's museums could already have made its way to the UK.
Discover the highlights of Indhu Rubasingham's first National Theatre season

1 week ago | londontheatre.co.uk | Marianka Swain

It’s a brave new world at the National Theatre. The venue’s incoming artistic director Indhu Rubasingham has revealed her keenly anticipated debut season, and it’s a corker of an opening statement, from a host of fascinating names (including Paul Mescal and Stormzy!) to numerous world premieres and the popular return of rep.
The ‘toxic feud’ at the heart of the Beckham family

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Marianka Swain

Victoria Beckham posted images on Instagram, showing her husband with sons Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20, and daughter Harper, 13. Eldest son Brooklyn, 26, was notably absent. Photo / victoriabeckhamDavid Beckham celebrated his 50th birthday with celebrities, but son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola were absent. Their absence fuels speculation of a rift stemming from Brooklyn and Nicola’s 2022 wedding. Reports suggest ongoing tensions, with Brooklyn reportedly not speaking to his parents.