Entertainment

Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao returns to the big screen with Hamnet, a deeply moving historical drama based on Maggie O’Farrell’s critically acclaimed 2020 novel. The film offers a poignant exploration of the family life of William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes Hathaway, and the devastating impact of loss. The story unfolds through the eyes of Agnes as she navigates love, life, and unimaginable grief following the death of her and William’s eleven-year-old son, Hamnet, from the plague.

Hamnet isn’t a traditional Shakespeare biopic; instead, it delves into the emotional core of the family, suggesting how this personal tragedy profoundly influenced Shakespeare’s creation of his masterpiece, Hamlet. The novel, which served as the film’s source material, garnered significant praise, winning both the 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction and the American National Book Critics Circle Award, demonstrating its powerful resonance with readers and critics alike.

The film boasts a stellar cast led by Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal as Agnes and William Shakespeare, respectively. Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn also feature in supporting roles, bringing depth and nuance to the historical setting. The production team includes renowned names such as Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Gonda, Sam Mendes, and Steven Spielberg, underscoring the film’s prestige and artistic ambition.

Hamnet premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and received the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025, signaling its early critical success. The film received a limited theatrical release in the United States and Canada on November 26, 2025, followed by a wider release on December 5, 2025, and opened in the United Kingdom on January 9, 2026, according to Wikipedia.

Steinhaus Bautzen Screening Details

Local cinema Steinhaus Bautzen will be screening Hamnet, offering audiences the opportunity to experience this powerful story on the big screen. The screening is scheduled for a 7:00 PM start time, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Tickets are priced at €7.00 and are only available at the box office on the night of the screening. Reservations can be made in advance by calling +49 3591 531 99 72 or emailing [email protected].

Maggie O’Farrell’s Journey to Adapting Hamnet

The story behind the film’s creation is as compelling as the narrative itself. Author Maggie O’Farrell carried an intrigue about the connection between Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, and the character of Hamlet for over three decades, as noted in a recent interview with Literary Hub. She initially resisted adapting her own novel for the screen but ultimately collaborated with director Chloé Zhao on the screenplay.

O’Farrell’s work on the adaptation followed the success of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s stage adaptation of her novel. The film’s release marks another significant milestone in the story’s journey from page to stage to screen, further cementing its place in contemporary culture.

The film’s exploration of grief and the creative process resonates deeply, offering a fresh perspective on one of history’s most celebrated playwrights and his family. As Hamnet continues its theatrical run, audiences can anticipate a moving and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

The screening at Steinhaus Bautzen provides a local opportunity to engage with this critically acclaimed film. Don’t miss the chance to witness this powerful story unfold on the big screen.

What are your thoughts on historical dramas that focus on the personal lives of famous figures? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow film enthusiasts!

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Fans of Florida Atlantic University athletics will have the opportunity to hear directly from their coaches this Thursday, February 19, as the Florida Atlantic Coaches Show, presented by Duffy’s Sports Grill, returns. The show will broadcast live from Duffy’s Sports Grill in Boca Raton, located at 21212 St. Andrews Boulevard, from 6-7 p.m. On FOX Sports 640 South Florida.

This week’s episode will feature Head Women’s Basketball Coach LeAnn Freeland and Head Cross Country &amp. Women’s Track & Field Coach Alex Smolka. Hosted and produced by Frank Forte of Inside the Owls’ Burrow TV Show, the program offers fans an inside look at the programs and the individuals leading them. The Florida Atlantic Coaches Show provides a consistent platform for engaging with the university’s athletic community.

The women’s basketball team is currently enjoying a successful stretch, having won three of their last four games, including victories against UAB, Wichita State, and Tulsa. They are preparing for a Saturday, February 21, matchup against the South Florida Bulls in Tampa, Florida, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. And broadcast on ESPN+. The team’s recent performance highlights their momentum as they head into the latter part of the season.

Coach Smolka brings a wealth of experience to the program, having been with Florida Atlantic for 34 years and leading both the cross country and track & field teams since 2002. The Owls’ 2026 indoor track and field season has already seen multiple program records and personal bests achieved. Looking ahead, FAU will compete in the 2026 American Conference Indoor Championships in Birmingham from February 27-28, followed by the start of the outdoor season on March 21 at the University of Miami in Coral Gables.

Fans are encouraged to attend the show at Duffy’s Sports Grill to listen live and grab advantage of the restaurant’s dinner and beverage specials. The show can as well be heard live on the Florida Atlantic Sports Network, FOX Sports 640 South Florida. Duffy’s Sports Grill, a regional market leader with 32 locations throughout Florida, is known for its casual dining atmosphere and emphasis on fresh, grilled ingredients. More information about Duffy’s can be found on their website: www.duffysmvp.com.

Florida Atlantic Coaches Show Schedule

• Thursday, Feb. 19 – 6-7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 25 – 6-7 p.m.
• Thursday, March 5 – 6-7 p.m.

Coach Smolka’s long tenure at Florida Atlantic demonstrates a commitment to the university and its athletic programs. His leadership has been instrumental in the development of numerous athletes over the years. The upcoming American Conference Indoor Championships represent a key opportunity for the Owls to showcase their talent and compete against top programs in the conference.

The success of the women’s basketball team, coupled with the promising start to the track and field season, underscores the growing strength of Florida Atlantic’s athletic department. The Coaches Show provides a valuable connection between the teams and their supporters, fostering a sense of community and excitement around FAU athletics.

As the Owls prepare for their upcoming competitions, fans can stay informed and engaged through the Florida Atlantic Sports Network and the Coaches Show. The continued partnership with Duffy’s Sports Grill further enhances the experience for fans and provides a welcoming environment to celebrate FAU athletics.

What’s next for FAU athletics? The focus will be on the women’s basketball team’s game against South Florida and the track and field team’s preparation for the American Conference Indoor Championships. Stay tuned to the Florida Atlantic Sports Network for updates and insights.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming season? Share your predictions and support for the Owls in the comments below!

For over three decades, Gregor Fisher has been a recognizable face in British comedy, largely thanks to his iconic portrayal of Rab C. Nesbitt. Though, the 72-year-old actor is now experiencing a surprising side effect of a recent health-focused lifestyle change: people simply aren’t recognizing him anymore. This shift in public perception comes after Fisher was diagnosed with diabetes and advised to lose weight, a journey he’s embraced with a solid-natured attitude.

Fisher recently shared his experience with BBC Scotland’s News at Seven, explaining that he’s “lost quite a lot of weight” following his diagnosis. The actor joked that these days, only the “eagle-eyed people in his local supermarket” seem to connect him with the character of Rab C. Nesbitt, the alcoholic Glaswegian street philosopher who became a cultural touchstone. Despite his long and successful career, Fisher admits he’s actually enjoying the newfound anonymity. “I quite like not being recognised by people nowadays, actually,” he confessed.

From Rab C. Nesbitt to New Roles

Gregor Fisher first rose to prominence with Rab C Nesbitt, a comedy series created by Ian Pattison that debuted in 1988 and ran for ten seasons, with a revival from 2010 to 2014. The show’s sharp and often surreal depiction of working-class life in Glasgow cemented Fisher’s place in British comedy history. Beyond this defining role, Fisher has demonstrated versatility throughout his career, appearing in films such as Love Actually, Whisky Galore!, and The Merchant of Venice.

Currently, Fisher is involved in the BBC Scotland comedy Only Child, where he stars alongside Greg McHugh, known for his role as Gary: Tank Commander. The series explores intergenerational dynamics as McHugh’s character returns home to care for his aging and “wilful” father, Ken, played by Fisher. The show is set to return for a second series, and Fisher expressed his enthusiasm for continuing to work on television projects at age 72. “It’s quite thrilling to be a 72-year-old and still be required to make television shows,” he said, adding that McHugh is “my favourite actor on the planet at the minute.”

Health and Lifestyle Changes

Fisher’s weight loss is directly linked to his recent diabetes diagnosis. He explained that he was advised by his doctor that losing weight would be beneficial for his health. The actor’s willingness to address his health concerns publicly highlights a growing awareness of diabetes and the importance of lifestyle changes. According to the Diabetes UK, approximately 5.5 million people in the UK are living with diabetes as of February 2024.

While the change in public recognition is noticeable, Fisher seems unfazed. His ability to discover humor in the situation and embrace a new chapter in his life demonstrates a positive outlook. The actor’s career has spanned decades, and he continues to take on new challenges, proving his enduring appeal and talent.

As Fisher continues his work on Only Child and explores future projects, it seems his focus remains on enjoying his craft and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The actor’s journey serves as a reminder that even those in the public eye face personal health challenges and that adapting to change can be a positive experience.

What comes next for Gregor Fisher remains to be seen, but his continued presence in the entertainment industry is a testament to his enduring talent and adaptability. Share your thoughts on Fisher’s career and his recent experiences in the comments below.