Richard Curtis

Top 5... time manipulation movies

Inspired by the trailer for About Time, we recount the 5 best chronologically-challenged movies

The trailer for writer-director Richard Curtis’ new time travel rom-com, About Time, was recently released, giving us first look at the love story between the chronologically gifted Tim (Black Mirror’s Domhnall Gleeson) and the object of his affections…

Why do we love romantic comedies?

The best of the modern rom com genre, and what makes it so irresistible, despite its flaws

Did you and your partner meet a) at a friend’s dinner party, b) smoking outside a pub or c) when the heartless multinational company they work for bulldozed your cosy little wedding dress shop to make way for a heartless multinational office block?

Jessie J is shaving head for Comic Relief

TV Gossip

Jessie J will shave her head for Comic Relief. The 'Domino' singer is going to go bald for Red Nose Day - the biennial BBC comedy telethon founded by Richard Curtis and Lenny Henry - and made the official announcement on her twitter page this…

Rowan Atkinson confirms Blackadder return

TV Gossip

'Blackadder' is returning to TV. Rowan Atkinson has revealed on twitter that he is returning for a final episode of the BBC One historical comedy alongside a number of the original cast members. He wrote: "One can share that there may be a…

Hilary Swank to star in BBC drama

TV Gossip

Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn are to star in a film for Comic Relief. The 'Million Dollar Baby' star and the veteran actress will appear in 'Mary & Martha' - which is being written by Richard Curtis and directed by 'Salt's Phillip Noyce - which…

Rolf Harris to receive BAFTA fellowship

TV Gossip

Rolf Harris is to receive a BAFTA fellowship. The 82-year-old broadcaster, musician and artist is "thrilled" to be receiving the organisation's highest award for his "outstanding and exceptional contribution to television". He said: "I'm hugely…

War Horse

Unashamedly sentimental cinema from Spielberg

(12A) 146m As War Horse begins, with soaring shots of rolling English hills and a sweeping John Williams overture, director Steven Spielberg sends a clear message: settle down for some large-canvas, unashamedly romanticised, old-fashioned big-screen…

Rowan Atkinson says Blackadder five could happen

TV Gossip

Rowan Atkinson has hinted there could be a fifth series of 'Blackadder'. The actor - who played Edmund Blackadder in different historical periods - has revealed there have been discussions about resurrecting the comedy series, which last aired in…

Richard Curtis' family Who

TV Gossip

Richard Curtis' children helped him write his forthcoming 'Doctor Who' episode. The 'Blackadder' creator revealed that plotting the storyline - which will feature the Doctor (Matt Smith) encountering the artist Vincent Van Gogh - took over his whole…

Interview - Richard Curtis

Richard Curtis’s pirate radio romp The Boat That Rocked could be seen as a step into new territory for the Love Actually director, as it is noticeably free of his two main preoccupations up to this point: romantic love and Hugh Grant. But according to…

The Boat That Rocked

COMEDY/DRAMA Richard Curtis’ return to the big screen after six years back working in television is not as rockin’ as it is rolling, loose, baggy and freewheeling. It feels like a very long musical montage with little structure or direction. Some…

The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency

If there is still such a thing as ‘appointment television’ in this multi-channel age, The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is it. The adaptation of Alexander McCall Smith’s much- loved novel arrives on the small screen this fortnight thanks to a wealth of…