Latest news with #JamesCooper
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lovestuck, a new romcom about a disastrous first date, is in the worst possible taste. But it's also the funniest thing since Celine Dion spoof Titanique, says the Mail's theatre critic Patrick Marmion
Lovestuck (Theatre Royal, Stratford East, London) Verdict: A whiffy hit Rating: A whiffier, more toe-curling idea for a musical is hard to imagine. For, yes, gentle reader, this one is about a real-life social media sensation from 2017, in which an unfortunate young woman, on a first date from hell, found herself trapped in a stranger's bathroom window, after attempting to dispose of a poop she had been unable to flush. And yet, despite being in the very, very poorest taste, this is the maddest, funniest and best natured musicals I've seen since Titanique. It takes up the tumbleweed love life of A&E nurse Lucy, who finds herself back in the flat of graphic designer Peter, grappling with his dysfunctional lavvy and antique double glazing. And from this humiliating baseline James Cooper and Bryn Christopher have fashioned a surreal, schmaltzy, laugh out loud, disaster romcom. Stepping in for an injured Jessica Boshier on the night I went was Ambra Caserotti: a gutsy, Linda Robson-ish comic actor whose hapless Lucy is persecuted for imperfection by the merciless social media influencer inside her head ('My life is in pieces, thanks to my own faeces!'). Shane O'Riordan's Peter is a loveable Irish nerd — a graphic designer whose hobby is 'larping'. Acting out characters from fantasy fiction, in costume, in case you're wondering ('I've never shown anyone my sword on a first date before'). Bryn Christopher and Martin Batchelar's music is giddy, girl-and-boy-band, Eurovision kitsch. Chi-San Howard adds comic choreography, and the direction by Jamie Morton (creator of hit podcast My Dad Wrote A Porno) wraps it all up as a big smiley, primary coloured salute to the survivors of dating hell (basically everyone). I predict it's destined for cult status. Showmanism (Hampstead Theatre, London) Verdict: Theatre odyssey Showmanism is a play about acting. More precisely, it's performance art about the art of performance. Put together by the extraordinary, ripped, sinuous, and cerebral actor Dickie Beau, it's also a meditation on the history of theatre since ancient times, pondering how as Shakespeare once said 'all the world's a stage'. And it's presented by splicing together interviews with all manner of thesp and theatrical authorities, including reverences Ian McKellen and Fiona Shaw. But the twist is that Mr Beau then lip synchs or, as he prefers, 'body synchs' with these edited interviews so that he appears to be possessed. Every facial tic and flinch is registered, while performing mostly in his tattooed birthday suit — modesty preserved by a pair of brilliant white underpants. Perhaps it's just as well. The male appendage, McKellen warns, is the one part of a chap that can't act. Orbited by flickering tellies, with Yorick's skull to hand, alongside assorted props, lamps, and a bathtub containing an orange tree, it's a road trip not just through history, but also into the recesses of our collective unconscious. The point about the 'body synching' is to create a dissociation between mind and body, which Dickie sees as the origin of both anxiety and creativity. And while that is very thought provoking, it makes for a very shaggy dog story in danger of vanishing up its own fundament (as it does at various points), despite those pants. Besides, 90 minutes is too long for a gothically illustrated lecture, untroubled by an absorbing story. Less would have been more, here; 60 minutes ample. Having said that, I am very glad that Dickie Beau exists, and I suspect that as well as being an excellent showman, he really is a shaman.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Warning as deadly food poisoning spread by cheese hits highest levels in decade
The UK Health Security Agency warned there has been a significant rise in campylobacter and salmonella infections as millions across the country have been told to take extra precautions Two potentially deadly food poisoning bugs have reached their highest level in a decade, with millions of Brits urged to take precautions so they don't become sick. Health bosses revealed there has been a "significant rise" in campylobacter and salmonella infections, with symptoms including diarrhoea and vomiting. The infections are typically caught by eating contaminated food, including poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit and vegetables, as well as unpasteurised milk and cheese, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). "UKHSA is reminding people to take precautionary measures against catching these bacteria, which are common causes of food poisoning," the government agency said. "Young children, elderly adults and those with weakened immune systems should take extra care as they are at higher risk of developing severe illness." Data shows salmonella infections reached a decade high and increased by 17.1 per cent from 2023, from 8,872 cases in that year to 10,388 cases in 2024. Children under 10 were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5 per cent of cases. Campylobacter cases also increased by 17.1 per cent, from 60,055 in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024 - reaching nearly 121.9 reports per 100,000 people. Adults aged 50 to 79 accounted for 44 per cent of all reports, health bosses said. Brits have been urged take action against catching these bacteria, with businesses and households reminded of the importance of following food safety measures. Cross-contamination in the kitchen should be avoided, while food should be adequately chilled and then cooked to an appropriate temperature. Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the FSA, said: "Public safety is our highest priority. The FSA works closely with UKHSA and other partners to monitor and assess the latest foodborne disease data. "We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in campylobacter and salmonella cases, as well as trends in other pathogens. This analysis will help us take the necessary action to protect public health." He added: "When preparing food at home, people can reduce their risk of food poisoning by following good hygiene practices and by following advice on the 4Cs of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination." Symptoms of campylobacter and salmonella infections The UK Health Security Agency says campylobacter and salmonella infections cause similar symptoms, which include; Diarrhoea (sometimes bloody) Stomach pains and cramps Vomiting Mild fever Most people do overcome the infection within one or two weeks, although young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems face higher risks of developing serious illness or complications. How to avoid gastrointestinal infections Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, said: "These infections spread in many ways, including through contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person as well as contact with an infected animal or their environment. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet or handling raw meat, before meals and after contact with animals or farms can prevent infections. "Additionally, anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid handling or preparing food for others. Do not return to work, and children should not attend school or nursery, until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided." Should you seek treatment? According to the NHS, individuals with campylobacter and salmonella infections generally do not require treatment. In most cases it takes germs two to seven weeks to clear out of the body so care should be taken not to infect others in this period. Drinking plenty of water or other clear fluids will help, while low fat natural yoghurts and probiotic products can aid the recovery by replenishing the 'good' bacteria in the gut. The NHS says: "The GP should be contacted if symptoms become severe. Antibiotics may be prescribed in exceptional circumstances .In most cases it is generally advised to wait until 48 hours after last having diarrhoea or sickness before returning to work or school/nursery." What are the "4Cs of food hygiene"? The "4Cs" include: Cooking food correctly by following the guidance on time and temperature on product labels Chilling your food below 5C to stop or significantly slow the growth of bacteria Cleaning food equipment and surfaces thoroughly to stop harmful bacteria and viruses from spreading onto food Avoiding cross-contamination which might lead to bacteria passing from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods via things like re-usable shopping bags, knives and chopping boards, cloths and work surfaces Brits should also eat food by the 'use by' date on the label even if it looks and smells fine and wash their hands before and after preparing food.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning as cases of deadly food poisoning bugs reach highest levels in a decade – plus 6 ways to protect yourself
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CASES of deadly food poisoning bugs have reached the highest levels in a decade, health bosses have warned. There's been significant rise in Campylobacter and Salmonella infections in England compared to the previous year, the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) annual data shows. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Cases of food poisoning from Campylobacter bacteria are the highest in a decade Credit: Getty The health watchdog shared six key ways you can protect yourself from the bugs, which are common causes of food poisoning. They can bring on vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and a temperature but can be dangerous to young children, elderly and people with a weakened immune system. UKHSA said these groups should take extra care as they are at higher risk of developing severe illness. Campylobacter infections increased by 17 per cent between 2023 and 2014 - from 60,055 to 70,352. This represents the highest number of cases recorded in the past decade, according to UKHSA. Almost half of the cases - 44 per cent - were reported in adults aged 50 to 79. Salmonella infections also reached a decade high, according to data. They rose by with a 17 per cent as well, from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 cases in 2024. Children under 10 years old were particularly affected, accounting for 21 per cent of cases. UKHSA and Food Standard Agency (FSA) experts are further invetigating the infections to understand why they're increasing. Three dead and two hospitalised after food poisoning outbreak linked to desserts in NHS hospitals Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA said: "Our extensive surveillance is showing high levels of gastrointestinal infections in England. "We continue to work closely with partners to detect, investigate and halt the spread of infections." Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the FSA, said: "The FSA works closely with UKHSA and other partners to monitor and assess the latest foodborne disease data. "We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in Campylobacter and Salmonella cases, as well as trends in other pathogens. "This analysis will help us take the necessary action to protect public health." UKHSA data also showed a decrease in cases of the parasite Cryptosporidium - falling by 16 per cent between 2023 and 2024 to 5,708 cases. Do I have food poisoning? Food poisoning is rarely serious and usually gets better within a week. It's hard to miss the symptoms, which include: Feeling sick (nausea) Diarrhoea Being sick (vomiting) Stomach cramps A high temperature of 38C or above Feeling generally unwell – such as feeling tired or having aches and chills The symptoms usually start within a few days of eating the food that caused the infection. Sometimes they start after a few hours or not for a few weeks How to treat food poisoning You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The symptoms usually pass within a week. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. You should also see a doctor if along with other symptoms you have high fever, blood in your stool, or feel dehydrated or unable to keep any food or liquid down. Make sure you stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. Source: NHS But experts said this was still the second highest number of cases reported in the past decade. Cryptosporidium cases were unusually high in April 2014 due to bug outbreaks linked to petting farms and an outbreak in South Devon linked to mains water. All the above bugs can cause similar symptoms upon infection. This can include diarrhoea - which can sometimes be bloody - stomach pains and cramps, vomiting and mild fever. Whilst most people recover within one to two weeks of infection, young children, elderly people and those with weak immunity are at higher risk of developing serious illness or complications, which can be life threatening. How to protect yourself from food poisoning Campylobacter and Salmonella infections are usually caught by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. This can include poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit or vegetables, and unpasteurised milk products. However, you can also pick up food poisoning through close contact infected people – particularly if you live with them. Cross contamination in the kitchen, like using the same utensils for cooked and uncooked foods, can pass on the bacteria too. Dr Cooper said described ways you can sidestep nasty infections. He said: "When preparing food at home, people can reduce their risk of food poisoning by following good hygiene practices and by following advice on the 'four Cs' of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination.' This means: Cooking food correctly by following the guidance on time and temperature on product labels Chilling your food below 5 degrees to stop or significantly slow the growth of bacteria Cleaning food equipment and surfaces thoroughly to stop harmful bacteria and viruses from spreading onto food Avoiding cross-contamination which might lead to bacteria passing from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods via things like re-usable shopping bags, knives and chopping boards, cloths and work surfaces Using food and drink by the 'use by' date on the label, even if it looks and smells fine – eating food after this date could put your health at risk as you can't smell or taste bacteria which make you ill Having good personal hygiene when you're preparing food to help ensure that bacteria you may have come into contact with isn't passed to your friends, family and neighbours in their food Dr Godbole explained what good personal hygiene can look like. "Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet or handling raw meat, before meals and after contact with animals or farms can prevent infections. "Additionally, anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid handling or preparing food for others. "Don't return to work, and children should not attend school or nursery, until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided."
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Warning as cases of deadly food poisoning bugs reach highest levels in a decade – plus 6 ways to protect yourself
CASES of deadly food poisoning bugs have reached the highest levels in a decade, health bosses have warned. There's been significant rise in Campylobacter and Salmonella infections in England compared to the previous year, the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) annual data shows. 1 The health watchdog shared six key ways you can protect yourself from the bugs, which are common causes of food poisoning. They can bring on vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and a temperature but can be dangerous to young children, elderly and people with a weakened immune system. UKHSA said these groups should take extra care as they are at higher risk of developing severe illness. Campylobacter infections increased by 17 per cent between 2023 and 2014 - from 60,055 to 70,352. This represents the highest number of cases recorded in the past decade, according to UKHSA. Almost half of the cases - 44 per cent - were reported in adults aged 50 to 79. Salmonella infections also reached a decade high, according to data. They rose by with a 17 per cent as well, from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 cases in 2024. Children under 10 years old were particularly affected, accounting for 21 per cent of cases. UKHSA and Food Standard Agency (FSA) experts are further invetigating the infections to understand why they're increasing. Three dead and two hospitalised after food poisoning outbreak linked to desserts in NHS hospitals Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA said: "Our extensive surveillance is showing high levels of gastrointestinal infections in England. "We continue to work closely with partners to detect, investigate and halt the spread of infections." Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the FSA, said: "The FSA works closely with UKHSA and other partners to monitor and assess the latest foodborne disease data. "We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in Campylobacter and Salmonella cases, as well as trends in other pathogens. "This analysis will help us take the necessary action to protect public health." UKHSA data also showed a decrease in cases of the parasite Cryptosporidium - falling by 16 per cent between 2023 and 2024 to 5,708 cases. Do I have food poisoning? Food poisoning is rarely serious and usually gets better within a week. It's hard to miss the symptoms, which include: Feeling sick (nausea) Diarrhoea Being sick (vomiting) Stomach cramps A high temperature of 38C or above Feeling generally unwell – such as feeling tired or having aches and chills The symptoms usually start within a few days of eating the food that caused the infection. Sometimes they start after a few hours or not for a few weeks How to treat food poisoning You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The symptoms usually pass within a week. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. You should also see a doctor if along with other symptoms you have high fever, blood in your stool, or feel dehydrated or unable to keep any food or liquid down. Make sure you stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. Source: NHS But experts said this was still the second highest number of cases reported in the past decade. Cryptosporidium cases were unusually high in April 2014 due to bug outbreaks linked to petting farms and an outbreak in South Devon linked to mains water. All the above bugs can cause similar symptoms upon infection. This can include diarrhoea - which can sometimes be bloody - stomach pains and cramps, vomiting and mild fever. Whilst most people recover within one to two weeks of infection, young children, elderly people and those with weak immunity are at higher risk of developing serious illness or complications, which can be life threatening. How to protect yourself from food poisoning Campylobacter and Salmonella infections are usually caught by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. This can include poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit or vegetables, and unpasteurised milk products. However, you can also pick up food poisoning through close contact infected people – particularly if you live with them. Cross contamination in the kitchen, like using the same utensils for cooked and uncooked foods, can pass on the bacteria too. Dr Cooper said described ways you can sidestep nasty infections. He said: "When preparing food at home, people can reduce their risk of food poisoning by following good hygiene practices and by following advice on the 'four Cs' of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination.' This means: Cooking food correctly by following the guidance on time and temperature on product labels Chilling your food below 5 degrees to stop or significantly slow the growth of bacteria Cleaning food equipment and surfaces thoroughly to stop harmful bacteria and viruses from spreading onto food Avoiding cross-contamination which might lead to bacteria passing from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods via things like re-usable shopping bags, knives and chopping boards, cloths and work surfaces Using food and drink by the 'use by' date on the label, even if it looks and smells fine – eating food after this date could put your health at risk as you can't smell or taste bacteria which make you ill Having good personal hygiene when you're preparing food to help ensure that bacteria you may have come into contact with isn't passed to your friends, family and neighbours in their food Dr Godbole explained what good personal hygiene can look like. "Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet or handling raw meat, before meals and after contact with animals or farms can prevent infections. "Additionally, anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid handling or preparing food for others. "Don't return to work, and children should not attend school or nursery, until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided."
The Guardian
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Lovestuck review – superb dating disaster musical inspired by unfortunate toilet accident
As bad dating stories go, this one from 2017 is a classic. During a Tinder date, a woman found herself in a pretty awkward situation: her poo wouldn't flush, and in an attempt to discreetly dispose of it, she ended up wedged between two windows. The story was turned into a viral meme, and even made the headlines. Now, a musical by two of the creators of the hit podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno (Jamie Morton and James Cooper) has been spawned from the incident, too. The central premise remains, but with a few creative tweaks. Lucy and Peter have been raised on Disney movies but are chronically unlucky in love. Misguided help arrives in the form of Lucy's cutting anti-guardian-angel, Miseraie, and Peter's insufferable finance bro flatmate, David. After matching on a dating app, they meet at a Mexican restaurant and do their best to keep up appearances. But, would you believe it – it turns out they might just be each other's perfect match after all. With Alison Steadman's voice guiding us through the show as a romcom style narrator, everything falls, predictably, into place. But with a powerhouse score by Bryn Christopher and Martin Batchelar, the stage erupts into a celebration of modern love at its most mortifying. In Picture Perfect, Lucy sings of the flawless lives she sees online. In Shit!, her embarrassment spills out of her at a panicked rate. Every number is a hit. After the original actor playing Lucy suffered an injury in rehearsals last week, Ambra Caserotti has stepped in last minute. Though you'd never guess it: her voice melts like butter, and she brings a dry sense of humour to the role. Coupled with Shane O'Riordan as Peter, the pair make an endearing and suitable awkwardly match. By the end, it turns out it's better to be yourself, even if you happen to be the internet sensation known as 'poo girl'. It's hardly revolutionary stuff. But with stylistic traces of Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss's Why Am I So Single?, the musical glistens with wit, intelligence and a high gag rate. There's a hell of a lot of poo chat, but if you can get onboard the toilet train, you're sure to leave laughing. At Stratford East, London, until 12 July
