ENTERTAINMENT
The third film of the Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise is to hit cinemas worldwide on 8th September. The excitement surrounding the film is palpable, and fans are eagerly looking forward to its release.
The official synopsis reads: “From writer and director Nia Vardalos, the worldwide phenomenon My Big Fat Greek Wedding is coming back to cinemas with a brand-new adventure. Join the Portokalos family as they travel to a family reunion in Greece for a heartwarming and hilarious trip full of love, twists and turns. Opa!”
The official trailer released earlier in the year, teased the fun-filled family reunion.
‘A lot has happened since my big fat Greek wedding…,’ Toula says in a voiceover. ‘My father passed away and his last wish was for us to visit his childhood village and reconnect with our roots, so we’re having a reunion.
‘And by we, I mean the whole family.’
Γάμος αλά Ελληνικά 3, in Greek.
The new single “Oli Mazi” (We Are All Together)” from the film threequel is performed by Rita Wilson and Christos Mastoras (Melisses, lead-vocalist), co-written by Rita Wilson and Diane Warren.
All of the cast are reprising their roles, including Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Elena Kampouris, Lainie Kazan, Andrea Martin, Louis Mandylor, Gia Carides, Gerry Mendicino, Joey Fatone, Stavroula Logothettis, and Elias Kacavas as Aristotle.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding is one of the most successful indie films of all time and star-of-the-film Nia Vardalos is the scriptwriter and director, who will reprise her “Tula” character.
Fans of the noughties film will be delighted to learn that Nia, 60, has reunited with on-screen husband John Corbett in scenes shot in Rafina.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 has been confirmed since April 2021, although production had been slowed down due to the pandemic.
The film will be dedicated to Michael Constantine, who played Toula’s father Kostas “Gus” Portokalos and who passed away in August 2021 at age of 94.
According to a post Vardalos wrote on her Instagram, Constantine knew he wouldn’t be part of the third film. “He had told me he wouldn’t be able to join us for the third film and his wish was that we go on. I wrote the screenplay to reflect Michael’s decision and will always treasure his last messages to me, hoping we were filming soon,” she explained. “We miss you Michael, thank you for bringing my words to life with such passion and accuracy, you will always be with us.”
“He was a beloved friend and a brilliant actor/writer who taught me so much about my craft and LIFE,” Lainie Kazan, who portrayed Gus’s wife Maria Portokalos, wrote on Facebook after his death.
“We shared a make-believe marriage for over 20 years in the movies My Big Fat Greek Wedding 1 and 2 and soon-to-be 3. What a beautiful relationship. Michael you will be missed. Heaven has gained another angel.”
In addition to her social media video, Vardalos used her caption to thank production companies Playtone, Gold Circle, HBO and Focus, as well as devoted fans for “much love and gratitude” as the team waited to film in Greece.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding became one of the most successful indie films of all time after its release, raking in $368.7 million (£302.2 million) worldwide, from just a $5 million budget (£4.1 million).
Article written by London Greek Radio
The Cyprus Week free event at Theatro Technis at 26 Crowndale, starts today. The 6-day event which runs until 22nd July, celebrates the talent and creativity of Cypriot and Greek artists.
The arts venue is founded by George Eugeniou in 1957, he is the Artistic Director, with the help of Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE as its new Creative Director.
Cyprus Week has taken place at Theatro Technis for over 55 years, created originally as a cultural response by Cypriots in London to events in the 50’s, and renewed again with greater intensity after the Greek Junta Coup and Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
Monday 17th July at 7pm (Raising the flag of the Republic of Cyprus at 6pm approx.)
Cypria written by Elena Pavli and performed by Lucy Christofi Christy. A satirical play about the unrealised dreams and the historical erasure of Stasinus, known as the ‘lost poet of Cyprus’.
Cypria – [A minor retelling of the epic life of the semi-legendary Stasinus, lost poet of Cyprus], is a satirical play about the unrealised dreams and the historical erasure of Stasinus, known as the ‘lost poet of Cyprus’. Written and directed by Elena Pavli and performed by Lucy Christofi Christy, this segment is an excerpt of a longer play.
Elena Pavli is a playwright, TV writer and actor. Her nomadic childhood included moving between England, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and Australia. Her first full-length play, THE BAD, THE SAD & THE BROKEN-HEARTED, was performed at Soho Theatre and the Steve Allen Theater in Los Angeles. She has also written on several television series, including SNATCH for Sony/Crackle TV.
Elena is a graduate of The Central School Of Speech and Drama and has performed in theatres as geographically distant as The Globe and The Sydney Opera House. She is currently working as a staff writer as well as writing her own television series.
Lucy Christy is a character actress that enjoys the more challenging roles. UK born of Greek and Cypriot origin, London educated and trained in theatre and screen. She has spent my time working between the UK and Cyprus. Lucy has a long history working with Theatro Technis.
Tuesday 18th July at 7pm
OUR JOURNEY My Dog Azur. The Actors Touring Theatre presents in collaboration with EKA.
A story about a dog called Azur and the village Sichari on the Pentadactylos mountain. A one-act short play by Vasilis Panayis.
With Panos Savvides, Georgia Georgiou, Markos Xenophontos, Avgi Fasoull, Perristera Toumazi, Chriso and Peter Panayi.
Assistant Director Menios Grammenos. Directed & Produced by Vasilis Panayis. Music by Stalo Georgiou. Featuring live traditional music by Eleftheria Georgiou.
Wednesday 19th July at 7pm
A Lobby for Cyprus and Famagusta Association of Great Britain debate and seminar. Famagusta: Shattered lives seminar.
49 years since they were forcibly uprooted from their homes and other properties in the Turkish-occupied northern area of the Republic of Cyprus, lawful residents of Famagusta will share their agonising experiences, their shattered lives and their longstanding desire to return to where they belong.
Speakers and presentations by Philip Christopher, President of PSEKA (by videolink), Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Issues and Overseas Cypriots (by videolink), Andreas S Kakouris, High Commissioner of Republic of Cyprus to UK, Dr Vassilis Mavrou, President of Famagusta Association of GB, Dr Theodora Christou, Lobby for Cyprus executive, The refugee perspective, and a musical performance by Nikos Savvides.
Thursday 20th July at 7pm
The Suitcase by Lorna Eleonora Vassiliades. Directed by Pedro Perez Rothstein. What do you take with you when suddenly you have to leave your home?
On the anniversary of the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus, performance Artist Lorna Eleonora Vassiliades creates a ritual of grief and mnemonic resistance through the suitcase and items her family grabbed when they were forced to flee from their home in Famagusta.
Everyone with experience and/or a heritage of forced displacement is invited to bring an item with them.
We will end dancing a Greek circle dance together as a symbol of unity.
Estimated running time: 60 minutes.
Lorna Eleonora Vassiliades is a journalist-author turned performer and PhD researcher investigating solo performance and the heritage of displacement at Queen Mary University of London.
Friday 21st July at 7pm & Saturday 22nd July at 7pm
Pan Metron Ariston, a play reading by George Eugeniou. A Theatro Technis production.
A new political satire written by the founder of Theatro Technis, George Eugeniou.
Come and listen to this new play in development, by multi award winning published playwright and director Geroge Eugeniou.
Friday 21st July Act One & Saturday 22nd July Act Two.
Estimated running time 1 hour 20 mins.
A free event as part of Cyprus Week.
For more information visit: Theatro Technis.
Article written by London Greek Radio
The first-ever Greek Arts Festival takes place, this week at Millfield Theatre. The 3-day event, set to run from 28th to 30th June, promises to be “an amazing mini-week of Greek and Cypriot culture and entertainment!”
Talent contest, children’s play, paintings, books and other exhibitions. Also Byzantine, Greek and Cypriot traditional and folk music by professionals and participation of students from Greek Community schools.
Wednesday 28th June at 7pm
Dances from Walker Greek School. Traditional music & songs.
Byzantine Music brought to you by the School of Byzantine Music of our Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, under the direction of Father Iosif Paliouras.
A children’s play coming from Athens by Evaggelia Gkioni “Mia grammi ke mia telia” (“Μια γραμμή και μια τελεία”).
A children’s theatrical play by Omilos Eksipiretiton (The Servers’ Society), Athens, Greece. If you search the Fairytale Map, two ice creams up and one somersault to the right, somewhere near Wonderland, you will discover a Land truly worthy of wonder. It is the Great Land of WoWs! It is there that our hero, the Little Miracle, lives. One morning, the Little Miracle wakes up from a really strange dream… what dream did it have? And what has our hero been seeking to find since then? Does anyone know the answer?
The Little Miracle’s adventure will lead it to the House of the Wise Man. Will our hero go in? And anyway, what role does the Fairy Godmother play in all this, and what about that stumbling, blundering Exclamation Mark? It is all this and much more that you will discover in our play.
Thursday 29th June at 7pm
Talent Contest “Show Me Your Talent” (singing, dancing, comedy, acting, magic, or any other talent you have). We will find talent through local newspapers and social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube. The Lewis Sisters and Elizabeth Chapman have been confirmed as the judges, on the night.
PRIZES ON THE NIGHT
1ST PRIZE
1 WEEK HOLIDAY FOR 2 IN CYPRUS
FIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED
SONG PRODUCTION BY LGR TEAM
TV AND RADIO EXPOSURE
2ND PRIZE
2X FIGHTS TO CYPRUS FOR 1 WEEK
SONG PRODUCED BY CYPRUS COMPOSER – PRODUCER
TV AND RADIO EXPOSURE
3RD PRIZE
A MEAL FOR 4 AT A TOP LOCAL GREEK RESTAURANT
TV AND RADIO EXPOSURE
All Contestants will perform on the evening and judges will give professional industry feedback then it’s your chance to vote.
Winners will be selected by judges and Audience votes.
Friday 30th June at 7pm
Dinner & Dance. Live orchestra music with Mixalis Theodosiou, Giorgos Yerasimos, Sophia Pechlivani, Mihalis Minas (Bouzouki), & Spyros Paisios (keyboard).
Tickets £50 including a 4-course meal.
MENU
STARTERS:
mezze
A selection of traditional Greek dips, bread and olives.
MAIN COURSE:
Lamb kleftiko
Traditional Slow roasted lamb shank scented with cinnamon and herbs served with delicious Cyprus potatoes
Horiatiki salad
The classic Greek salad – served with feta
VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN OPTION
Moussaka
A popular Greek dish with layered roasted vegetables topped with a flavoursome sauce and oven baked for Perfection.
Horiatiki salad
The classic Greek salad
DESSERT:
Loukoumades
Freshly made crispy dough balls
Served with Tea or coffee
FRESH FRUIT PLATTER
If you are vegetarian or vegan please let us know by emailing nina@platinumperformingarts.co.uk
The producers have the right to make changes to the programme & cast if needed.
There will be paintings, books & photographic exhibitions during the festival.
Head on over to the Millfield Theatre website and secure your tickets now before they sell out! Whether you’re a die-hard Greek and Cypriot culture enthusiast or simply looking for a fun night out, the Greek Arts Festival 2023 has something for everyone. Don’t wait, book your tickets today and join us for a cultural extravaganza that you’ll never forget!
Media sponsors: LGR & Eleftheria Newspaper
Gold sponsors: Built it Builders Merchants and A&P Skips
Supporters: Autumn Gardens and Anastasia Lodge
Article written by London Greek Radio
Well done Andrew Lambrou came a highly respectable 12th out of 26 countries at the Eurovision Song Conest final at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, on Saturday night, the 13th of May 2023.
The Cypriot artist has written himself into Eurovision immortality, with one of the best Cypriot results in the event.
Cyprus broadcaster CyBC confirmed that up-and-coming Cypriot Australian star Andrew Lambrou would fly the flag at the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool last year.
After weeks of teasing the world with only the singer and a snippet, “Break a Broken Heart”, the Cyprus Eurovision entry by Mr Lambrou was finally released.
We were promised a strong mid-tempo song and Andrew has certainly lived up to that script, releasing his Eurovision music video for “Break a Broken Heart” in March.
The Cypriot song is certainly catchy and a radio friendly number, which has already entered London Greek Radio playlists.
Born in Sydney to Greek Cypriot parents, Andrew learnt piano, and at 5-years-of age he won 1st place in a school competition. He originally sung his way to relative stardom, covering the likes of Evanescence, Harry Styles, Camilla Cabello and Sam Smith.
In 2015, when Andrew was just 17 years old, he finished in the top 20 in The X Factor Australia. This included a stopover in London at the five-seat challenge with his mentor, singing legend, Chris Isaak where he performed in front of music mogul Simon Cowell and pop star Rita Ora.
That same year, he was noticed by Sony ATV and was signed by Maree Hamblion. Since then, he has released a string of singles, “Throne”, “Lemonade”, “Confidence” and “Electrify”.
Next stop, Liverpool. Tony Neophytou caught up with Andrew Lambrou while in between soundchecks and tours of the press circuit at the arena.
Q. You’ve finally made it to Liverpool, and you’ve been rehearsing on the stage, it must be a special feeling, right?
A. Yeah, it really is. It’s so special, to be finally on the stage and to see what it all looks like has been mind-blowing for me. And there is so much anticipation when it comes to Eurovision. Such a build-up and so to finally get up on stage… I could picture it; I could picture all the people in the crowd. And I could picture what I will all feel like special and mind-blowing.
Cyprus will be staged with the help of Austrian artistic director Marvin Dietmann and Ross Nicholson from London’s world-renowned directors Black Skull. The involvement of the Austrian and British creatives highlights the Cypriot ambition to impress at this competition.
A. Yeah, sure did, Marvin and Russ are absolutely amazing at what they do, and I really feel like I’m working with the best in the world and that’s something really encouraging for me for an artist to feel that support, to feel that level of expertise on the team. I can’t fault a single thing that Marvin and Russ they know what they’re doing and for me that’s extremely special because I know I am in great hands.
Q. The Cypriot entry ebbs and flows constantly with a built-up, excitement throughout the song. The visuals are matching the growth and dynamics and elevates the song’s strengths and it culminates with fire-lit stage!…
A. Yeah for sure, I really wanted to build when it comes to the song, I want the end to have built up to a point where it is just the big explosion at the end you know, and I’m really proud of the song and I’m excited to get on stage and deliver that for everybody. The most important things for me are the ability to connect to the song. I want people to feel what I am singing. I want people to feel the lyrics, the passion coming out of my body through the tv screens, to the people in the arena. And if I can execute that plan than I’m over the moon.
Q. “Break a Broken Heart”, why was this the song which spoke to you?
A. It is a big decision when it comes to a Eurovision song, I wanted it to be something authentic. I wanted it to be something I could relate to personally. Because I feel that really shines through on stage and I want people to connect to it. And the song has such a great impact for me it did anyway. When I first heard it and I heard that big Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh… note at the start, it just captivated me. And I said ok, what is this song, and then I just wanted to listen to it more and more after that. So when it comes to Eurovision there are so many fans who keep up to date with what’s happening in the Eurovision world, but there are many people who tune in and don’t actually listen to the songs beforehand. They are just ready to watch the show. So, for me I wanted it to grab you quickly and I feel that this song did that for me, so the goal was to do that for the people at home.
The song was written to suit Andrew’s vocal and is a rather vocally demanding song, requiring his full skills as a singer to be on-point.
Q. Impressive vocals Andrew, did you want a song that would actually stretch you vocally?
A. Yes, I did. I wanted a song’s that gonna be impactful and to show what I am capable of on the biggest stage on the world. Although it might be a bit daunting with such a big vocal. I have really worked as hard as I can to make this song really comfortable myself and I feel comfortable at this point, which is great.
Andrew Lambrou delivers an impassioned vocal performance that gives voice to anyone who has felt like at the lowest point. Because of a break-up and lyrics speak of perseverance and strength developed through strength.
The vocals are on-point and sung with emotional intensity and sincerity.
A. Yeah, thank you so much that’s probably one of the greatest compliments I have gotten so far, and people are really loving my vocals, and that all comes down to how hard I’ve been working and practicing this song and feeling as comfortable as I possibly can. It’s just trying to compliment the visuals with the audio.
Q. What is the ambition, Andrew? It’s your 25th birthday in May, what would be a lovely birthday gift, qualification, I am guessing reaching the final? I am sure you will do just fine; you won’t be breaking Cyprus hearts (to coin a phrase).
A. (Laughs) 100% correct that would be the ultimate birthday gifts for me, I don’t think anyone has to get me birthday gifts for the rest of my life after that (laughs).
Q. I’ve been following your Eurovision journey for quite some time, with Australia Decides 2022, looking back on it, do you think that gives you much needed Eurovision experience?
A. Yeah, I believe everything happens for a reason and to introduce me to the Eurovision world and going on to the stage it gave me some experience and it also taught me a few lessons too and now that I am fortunate enough to be in this position now, I am using all the knowledge I’ve got from the past into play now.
Q. There is a minor tradition with diaspora artists in Eurovision, such as Lisa Andreas and Andy Paul, former UK Cypriot acts of past Eurovision editions. What was the reaction from fellow Australians and Aussie Cypriot diaspora to your act?
A. It’s been fantastic, I can’t really complain at all. The love and support I’ve been getting over in Australia from the Greek Cypriot community has been something giving me so much motivation, so I am a very happy man with a big smile on my face. I can’t wait to make as many people as proud as I can.
Q. Was time taken aside for Greek Easter, amidst the rehearsals…
A. I had a typical Greek Orthodox Easter making flaounes and pafkia which is a version of flaouna with meat inside it that only comes from Paphos where my grandparents come from in Cyprus. So, we kept with the traditions, and we went and saw some family and it was really great just to unwind and to forget about things for a minute, and just to spend time with loved ones.
I can see from Instagram you were ‘baking’ flaounas, in terms of keeping up with tradition and culture I heard you love modern Greek music, Laika and zeimbekika…?
A. That’s for sure, at any event you can see me dancing the kalamatiano to all the classics and I’m not as good as my dad at doing the zeimbekiko that’s for sure. My dad is the professional but I’m trying to follow in his footsteps.
Q. What do you think about before a performance?
A. For me it’s about staying calm. To stay calm I think about what is important to me. I think about things outside the Eurovision world, I think about my family, my loved ones, my passion for music, and grateful I am to be here right now. I’d like to take a deep breath and understand I’m here to do what I like to do. So that’s my goal, my little ritual beforehand. It’s all about staying calm for me.
Q. Post-Eurovision, any thoughts…
A. I want to travel, and I want to release more music…
Thank you, Andrew Lambrou and the best of luck, to you and the Cypriot delegation.
The Cypriot star absolutely smashed that performance, absolutely fair play to him!
You can follow Andrew on Instagram @andrew_lambrou, where he already boasts almost 500k followers. Andrew was doing impressive TikTok numbers before announcing Eurovision, now at 700k followers and climbing.
May 2023
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Greece has selected Victor Vernicos Jorgensen as the act to represent the nation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at the Liverpool arena.
16-year-old singer-songwriter who is of Greek-Danish descend, born in Athens, is the youngest Greek act ever to compete.
Victor with a deep, unique vocal-timbre is performing his introspective song about stress and anxiety.
“What They Say“, a song that oozes a mid-tempo ballad flair, also delivers an optimistic message to encourage those struggling mentally to overcome stress. Victor wrote it as a 14-year-old boy.
He released a song “Hope It’s In Heaven” at the age of just 14. Victor was then signed to Royal Music and 25/7 Management. Last year, Victor released his official debut song as a professional artist “Fake Club”.
Victor was taught piano at the age of 4-years-old, with vocal and guitar lessons which followed. Victor then went into music production and has been writing his own songs since he was 11. He has been editing the production of his own music and in attendance of Music Technology classes.
With his rehearsals under way for Liverpool at the M&S Bank Arena, Tony Neophytou caught up with Victor to learn a little more…
You’ve stepped onto the Liverpool Arena. What’s it like performing on stage?
I love the Liverpool Arena. It is amazing, the M&S Bank Arena!…
You’re of mixed heritage, half-Danish, half-Greek, born and bred in Marousi, Athens and you speak quite good English, at home which language prevails?
We speak both English and Greek, not much Danish. I speak more Greek with my mum; my dad has been living in Greece for 25 years. when we’re all together we speak English. In Liverpool we speak English… (Tony: are you learning Liverpudlian?) I am trying too (laughs).
You have a unique vocal fibre and it’s a mature voice. After playing your song to fellow colleagues without revealing your age, they were completely astounded to know you are just 16…
It’s a huge compliment. I am working on the voice, I’ve always thought my strength was song-writing, and it’s come to the stage (voice) its likeable at least, and people like the fact its deep and I’m young, that’s cool.
“What They Say” is a self-penned song. You’ve stamped your personality and authenticity and honesty on the song.
I write and produce my own songs. I wrote this song when I was 14 years old. it is truly one of the most open and honest songs I have ever written. I try to write my songs with honesty and that’s the most important part for me, and that’s why I think it has a stamp on it and my personality comes because of the honesty. I mean we are all unique, and when you’re honest that uniqueness comes out because you allow it too.
(Tony) The lyrics have a great depth about anxieties, and stress you felt once. The introspective song is fusing intense feelings, melancholy, frustration, angst and finishes with optimistic undertone…
It was about my first ever experience with anxiety when I was 13 years old and that was my understanding reality. I got overwhelmed by the feeling of anxiety hit me, the fear of responsibility of fear in my heart. Because managers from the US and UK started to get involved. It was a lot of responsibility to take on at such an age, and in that moment, I picked reality, it was a defining moment where I understood it was reality, you get what you give out. In that moment, I picked is it going to be reality or stay anxious or stay at home, no it’s not going to happen, and two and years later I’m at Eurovision.
It is a liberation of the end of it. The song is a monologue, and I can feel it in the second verse. It’s like ranting to your best friend and I when I get on that stage, I’ll be ranting to let go of my fears and getting on the biggest stage in the world and actually becoming an artist. My goals are huge. It’s going to be a defining moment and with all my strength finally let go of everything, I think. I hope. Honestly, it’s going to be the best experience.
I just put it all together in my head right now, as we’re speaking. I really feel it honestly. Now you’ve really helped me to clear my head… (Tony Neo: that’s what I am good at conversation), you’re good, I am not surprised. I understood that from the first moment we spoke… you’re amazing man!
(Tony) I instantly liked it from the first verse, “Late August” it’s because 26th August, it’s my birthday. August, it’s the eight-month, too, lucky number eight.
Late August… that’s really cool I’ll send you a happy birthday on the 26th of August. Ooh that was smart… yes, we are coming up in the second semi-final, we are performing eight place and yes “late August”, so I hope we’re not going to be late. I guess that’s the lucky number…
Konstantinos Rigos is responsible for the stage concept, and it’s quite creative. There’s youthful exuberance with bits of choreo, digital selfies and Greek alphabet letters, on the graphics. Victor, you move quite a bit on stage...
The staging is to show my athleticism because I do sports (not to show I am sporty), but to express the song to bring that energy forward, because I have a lot of that energy. I mean it’s the release we talked about before when it comes to balancing the vocal and the movement. We have 100% sat that down. It is all about technique and the voice. It is counting your breath.
With Eurovision I am learning to be a better performer every day. Eurovision is honestly turning me into the best version of myself when it comes to an artist. No matter what, Eurovision is a really great experience and it’s given me a lot to think about and practice on.
You are studying online from a London school, is that right?
Minerva’s Virtual Academy I love that school it has honestly given me a lot of flexibility and freedom to do what I need to do Eurovision and music in general. I stopped going to physical school and started going to this school in September (last year). I have gained 20 to 25 hours per week on music. and I wouldn’t have made that change to (online schooling) to do Eurovision.
LGR wishes you and Greece, the best of luck, in the competition.
You can follow Victor on instagram @victorvernicos.
Greece competes in Semi-Final 2 on Thursday, May 11th. Victor is #8 in the running order of 16 countries.
May 2023
Article written by Tony Neophytou
My Name Is Eftihia, a film about the life of the greatest Greek female lyricist is released in UK cinemas.
My Name is Eftihia, the 8-time Hellenic Academy-Award winning biographical drama, including Best Film, about the life and times of the Greek lyricist and songwriter Eftihia Papagiannopoulou is coming to the big screen across the UK on Friday, March 24!
The film narrates the life story of one of the most important Greek lyricists, Eftihia Papagianopoulou, whose songs rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s and still remain popular, and who wasn’t widely known or recognised until her death in the early 1970s.
It’s a great opportunity to gather family members and friends to experience this true story and moving film on the big screen.
A young girl, recently married, is traveling from Aidini to Greece with her mother and her two daughters. On board the ship she decides not to let life pass her by, but to live her own way. And she goes ahead! She writes endlessly wherever she can, on napkins and cigarette boxes, to bills. She smokes, she passionately falls in love, casually gambles in luxurious salons, but also in illegal basements. A teacher who becomes an actress and plays in streets and in theatres, a poet who becomes the greatest Greek folk songwriter. She collaborates with all the famous music personalities of the country, from Vassilis Tsitsanis and Apostolos Kaldaras to Manolios Ηiotis, Antonis Repanis and Manos Hadjidakis, bravely asserting herself to a cruel and typically male-dominated world.
Eftihia stands as the 5th highest grossing Greek film of all-time. The film is written by Katerina Bei, directed by Angelos Frantzis and starring Kariofilia Karabeti, Katia Goulioni, Pigmalion Dadakaridis, Thanos Tokakis and Dina Michailidou. EFTIHIA is produced by Tanweer Productions with Dionyssis Samiotis serving as Producer, alongside Costas Lambropoulos, Yiorgos Kiriakis and Natali Douka serving as Executive Producers.
Eftihia is a Tanweer Production with Co-producers: COSMOTE TV, Splendidway Universe, Viewmaster Films, and Executive Producers Viewmaster Films. With the support of EKOME.
In your local Cineworld, Odeon, and Vue Cinemas from March 24th.
Art House cinema Crouch End London from 31st of March.
Cineworld: Enfield, Wood Green
Everyman Cinema: Barnet
Odeon Cinema: Holloway, Lea Valley (Edmonton)
Vue Cinema: North Finchley, Harrow
As advertised on London Greek Radio.
#mynameiseftihia
Published: 24/03/2023
London Greek Radio is available on 103.3FM in London | Digital Radio in Birmingham, London & Manchester | Mobile | Tablet | Online at www.lgr.co.uk | Alexa Enabled Devices & Smart Speakers “Play London Greek Radio”
Article written by London Greek Radio
Greece has selected Victor Vernicos Jorgensen as the act to represent the nation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at the Liverpool arena.
The talented 16-year-old singer-songwriter who is of Greek-Danish descend, born in Athens, is the youngest Greek act ever to compete.
“What They Say”, is a mid-tempo, melodic ballad. He describes it as “emotional” and heart-felt. The lyrics are about anxiety and stress.
Mr Vernicos said his song was written from his own experiences, feelings of anxiety and stress he felt once.
Victor won the coveted ticket to Eurovision through its internal selection, which announced its decision last month. He was chosen after combining votes from the ERT jury and the audience committee.
The Eurovision mix to the song is being recorded with a producer Vangelis Yalamas, at Modern Music Arts Studio, in Glyfada. The date of its release and the official video-clip is expected in March.
He is signed up to Panik Records, who will release the single soon.
“This is my favourite song”, Victor said about his entry, and we are guessing he is super-excited to have saved it as his Eurovision song.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic, Tony Neophytou said: “Victor is a singer-songwriter with a deep, unique vocal-timbre and a self-penned song which arises from innate feelings, too, with a linear of authenticity and honesty, which could be assets”.
Mr Vernicos strongly believes in the song’s merits, with optimistic remarks about its chances to win. “I think it’s admirable to have a ‘competitive spirit’,” LGR’s reviewer reckons. “The semi-finals are very competitive this year, it’s 100% televoting, a strong staging and a good song helps a lot”.
In Mr Neophytou’s view, “Victor is a likeable artist, very focused with a positive mindset, which bodes well for the song’s fate.”
He released a song “Hope It’s In Heaven” at the age of just 14. Victor was then signed to Royal Music and 25/7 Management. Last year, Victor released his official debut song as a professional artist “Fake Club”.
Victor was taught piano at the age of 4-years-old, vocal (8) and guitar lessons (10) . Victor then went into music production and has been writing his own songs since he was 11. He has been editing the production of his own music and in attendance of Music Technology classes.
You can follow his Eurovision adventure on instagram @victorvernicos.
Greece will compete in the first half of the second semi-final in Liverpool on May 11th. The Top 10 qualifiers are through to the final on May 13th at the M&S Bank Arena.
London Greek Radio wishes Victor and Greece the best of luck in the competition.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
The “voice of the Cypriot countryside”, traditional singer Kyriakou Pelagia died on Saturday at the age of 86, her relatives announced on social media.
Known as Mastorissa, as her colleagues called her for her unique interpretation of Cypriot folk songs, Pelagia had given another dimension to the genre bringing youth closer to folk music.
Government officials, political parties as well as the general public expressed their condolences to the family while praising the Cypriot singer’s voice and character.
“Kyriakou Pelagia was the voice of tradition,” the office of the president-elect Nikos Christodoulides said in a statement.
“[She] was loved by the world like few other traditional singers because of her unique voice, her special interpretation, spontaneity, simplicity and ethics, inspiring and paving the way for younger performers to become involved in traditional Cypriot singing,” the statement added.
In his own tweet, the outgoing president Nicos Anastasiades said Pelagia’s death is a “great loss for the culture of our country”.
“With her voice and the Cypriot folk song, she succeeded in teaching the Cypriot culture to our young people,” he added.
“The Cypriot tradition is poorer as of today,” the Green Party said earlier in the day.
Traditional song performer Michalis Hadjimichael also shared a small farewell poem on Facebook for his former collaborator, highlighting the great loss in the music world.
Born in Paralimni on July 8, 1936, Pelagia was the daughter of the traditional singer Damianos Kouzalis and Maria Koutsoluka who had an appreciation of traditional songs.
The singer is known for her major hits Ipa sou htenistou lion and Pertidji mou mitsostomo, the result of her collaboration with Hadjimichael in his musical group Mesogios.
Pelagia was excellent both in singing but also tsatisma and poetry. In 1987 she published the poetry collection Cypriot Verse.
Her funeral was held at the Ayios Georgios church in Paralimni, presided by Bishop Vasilios of Constantia and Famagusta after people were allowed to pay their respects earlier on Sunday afternoon.
Before the start of the funeral procession, musicians sang the traditional Cypriot song “Ta Niata”. The eulogy was delivered on behalf of the family by her granddaughter, Solia Pelagia, Deputy Minister of Culture Yiannis
Toumazis on behalf of the President of the Republic, the Mayor of Paralimni Theodoros Pyrillis and Michalis Hadjimichael on behalf of the artists’ community.
Also attending were transport minister Yiannis Karousos, Disy leader Averof Neophytou and other officials.
Referring to her grandmother, Solia Pelagia said: “You kept talking to us about your two great loves. One was the house in Varosha. You left my grandmother with the sorrow of not returning to your home. Your other great love, which you talked to us about constantly, was tradition. You loved music very much. You made us proud and with your melodious voice you left us your songs, a huge cultural heritage. You were loved by many people.”
Toumazis described the singer as “a genuine traditional performer” and “the voice of the Cypriot countryside”.
“Kyriakou Pelagia belongs to the category of people who make use of the natural gifts with which they are endowed, but also what they managed to develop during their lives for the benefit of society,” he added.
The procession from the church to the local cemetery in Paralimni was accompanied by violins and lutes. The funeral costs were borne by the municipality to honour the late singer.
She had two sons and a daughter with her husband Georgios.
LGR express their condolences to Kyriakou Pelagia’s family and friends.
Article written by Jean Christou, Gina Agapiou, Cyprus Mail, London Greek Radio
Cyprus has confirmed that Andrew Lambrou as the act to represent the nation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at Liverpool Arena.
The 24-year-old Australian-born Cypriot singer-songwriter was internally selected with the announcement made in October.
Andrew is represented by his New York based Saiko Management.
In a video published on his social media, Andrew said, “(I am) proud of (my) Cypriot heritage roots” and recently made his first-ever promo-tour to Cyprus.
Cypriot chiefs confirmed that Andrew has already recorded the song to represent Cyprus in Stockholm recently.
The Swedish songwriters are well-known in Eurovision circles, namely Thomas Stengaard, Jimmy “Joker” Thornfeldt, Jimmy Jansson and Marcus Winther-John.
It was reported that the song was written to suit Andrew’s vocal and is a rather vocally-demanding song, requiring his full skills as a singer to be on-point.
Lambrou said he is focused on working on the stage craft specifics, aiming to deliver a slick and aesthetically-pleasing act. Meanwhile, Austrian creative director Martin Dietmann, elevates the song’s chances in terms of its stage presentation.
The date for the release of the song has not been announced, leaving fans in eager anticipation.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic, Tony Neophytou said, “My first reaction is that Andrew seems like a likeable, disciplined and talented soulful-artist, with really nice vocals.”
He added, “He requires a well-made competitive tune, especially given how the stakes are even higher now with purely tele-voting semi-finals shaking things up. It’ll be exciting to follow all of the moments leading up to the contest in Liverpool.”
Born in Sydney to Greek Cypriot parents, Andrew has always been passionate about his music. He learnt piano at school, and at just 5-years-of age he won first place in a competition at his AMS Music School, singing “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music.
He originally sung his way to relative stardom, covering the likes of Evanescence, Harry Styles, Camilla Cabello and Sam Smith..
In 2015, when Andrew was just 17-years-old, he finished in the top 20 in The X Factor Australia. This included a stop-over in London at the five-seat challenge with his mentor, singing legend, Chris Isaak where he performed in front of music mogul Simon Cowell and pop star Rita Ora.
That same year, he was noticed by Sony ATV and was signed by Maree Hamblion. His debut single, “Throne”, was released in 2021, with follow-up singles “Lemonade”, “Confidence” and “Electrify”.
Lambrou was a finalist at “Eurovision: Australia Decides” last year, equipping the young man with some incredibly useful insights into this competition.
You can follow Andrew on Instagram @andrew_lambrou, where he already boasts almost 500k followers. Andrew was doing impressive TikTok numbers before announcing Eurovision, now at 700k followers and climbing.
Cypriot bosses are keen to recover from the setback of finishing 12th with Andromache last year, narrowly losing its place at the final.
The Cypriot delegation which comprises Evi Papamichail, assistant, Alexia Moutafidou, and its Head of Press Andreas Anastasiou are quietly confident of their chances at reviving Cypriot fortunes, in the competition.
Cyprus is competing in Semi-Final 2 on May 11th and aiming at progression to the final on May 13th at Liverpool Arena.
London Greek Radio wishes Andrew and the Cypriot delegation the best of luck.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
The seven acts in the running to represent Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 have been revealed.
The acts were shortlisted from 106 entries received by ERT following a request for submissions last year.
The winner will be chosen by a combination of jury panel and audience vote.
The voting is split into (i) a 7-persons jury panel, and (ii), a 70-person ‘Audience Committee’.
2,982 fanatic fans have responded to sit as “audience”, places were allocated through a random draw. The lucky 70 individuals were placed into ‘focus groups’ strictly according to age demographics. Its share of the vote is 50.6%, while jurists, other 49.4%. The “audience” have spoken and cast their verdict at a voting session held last month, in Athens.
Greek bosses are teasing fans about its Eurovision 2024 plans, meanwhile. ERT’s president Konstantinos Zoulas, speaking in December said, “we are planning something more, than a national final or ethnikos telikos, (translated)” for next year.
Take a look at the contenders below.
Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou – “Shout Out!”
Konstantina Iosifidou – “We are Young”
Klavdia – “Holy Water”
Leon of Athens – “Somewhere to Go”
Melissa Mantzoukis – “Liar”
Monika – “I’ m Proud”
Victor Vernicos – “What They Say”
Updated: 19/01/2023 (Top 3 finalists)
Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou, Melissa Mantzoukis, Victor Vernicos
Antonia Kaouri and Maria Maragkou’s entry is an English-language ‘up-tempo pop-rock’ song. Antonia is a former Voice of Greece act and Maria, a Greek actress.
Konstantina Iosifidou is a 22-year-old, former contestant on The Voice of Greece. “We Are Young” is an English-language ‘rock-pop ballad’.
Klavdia, is a newcomer artist and a former contestant, on The Voice of Greece. “Holy Water” is a ‘slow, melodic ballad’, with a social-conscience lyric. She’s working with Arcade, a team of music producers, who as co-writers of Greece’s entry in 2021, have Eurovision pedigree, too.
Leon of Athens is a recording artist and songwriter. The entry here is ‘up-tempo’ 80’s synth pop. He worked on the final version of this song, with singer and songwriter David Sneddon, who he co-wrote “Better Love” (Greece, 2019), with too. He co-writes it with Katerine Duska. Their latest single/duet “Babel” is a radio-friendly hit, on LGR.
Melissa Mantzoukis, 18-year-old German-Greek singer, she was a finalist on the “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” the German equivalent to Pop Idol. It is a mainstream song, which is ‘up-tempo pop-dance’ about female empowerment. The songwriters from Greece and the Netherlands.
Monika – real name Monica Christodoulou, is a singer-songwriter . Monika wrote the original soundtrack to “The Lost Daughter” recently, which means she is causing waves on the world-stage, too. “I’m Proud”, is ‘melodic’ and ‘mid-tempo’.
Victor Vernicos is a part-Danish/Greek singer-songwriter. The song is a ‘mid-tempo ballad’ and ’emotional’, about human stress and anxiety. Victor’s unique vocal timbre may be an asset, too. At just 16-years-old, Victor shows a lot of maturity.
Greek bosses will meet with artists and representatives from their record labels to assess their plans, before finalising their scores. As in recent years, the record label’s plans for Eurovision have been an important part of the final decision.
The Eurovision semi-finals are airing on 9th and 11th May and the grand final is on May 13th at Liverpool Arena.
Published: 22/01/2023
Article written by London Greek Radio
