TV & Showbiz

Netflix confirms two more new Harlan Coben shows after success of Fool Me Once

The bestselling author's back for more.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 24th January 2024

Netflix has confirmed that two more new Harlan Coben shows are on the way after the smash-hit success of Fool Me Once.

A further two novels in the world-renowned author‘s extensive repertoire of works are to be adapted into new limited series for the popular streaming service, with Coben himself serving as executive producer of the shows and steering the ship.

The two new limited series will be titled Missing You and Run Away.

Set to be the ninth and tenth on-screen adaptations produced by the bestselling author through his ongoing creative partnership with Netflix, Missing You and Run Away will see Coben continue to work with local screenwriters from around the world to bring his novels to life on screen in over four different languages.

Missing You follows the story of Detective Kat Donovan, who’s fiancé Josh disappeared 11 years ago and has never heard from him since – but now, when swiping profiles on a dating app, she suddenly sees his face and her world explodes all over again.

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Josh’s reappearance will force her to dive back into the mystery surrounding her father’s murder, and uncover long-buried secrets from her past.

Run Away, on the other hand, follows Simon, who once had the perfect life – a loving wife and kids, a great job, and beautiful home.

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But then, his eldest daughter Paige ran away and everything fell apart, so now, when he finds her, vulnerable and strung-out on drugs in a city park, he finally has the chance to bring his little girl home – however, it turns out she’s not alone, and an argument escalates into shocking violence that will shatter his life all over again.

Simon’s search for his daughter will take him into a dangerous underworld, and reveal deep secrets that could tear his family apart forever.

Missing You and Run Away are both international best-sellers / Credit: Amazon UK

Coben will be working with critically-acclaimed Hyde-born writer Danny Brocklehurst – who is most-famous for being the creator and writer of Sky One’s Brassic – for the creation of Run Away, and it’ll be the fifth time the pair have collaborated, with their previous successful works including Safe, The Stranger, and Stay Close.

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Coben and Brocklehurst most-recently worked together to create Netflix’s newest Coben adaptation, Fool Me Once – which aired globally on the platform at the start of this year.

The news of these two new Coben limited series being commissioned also comes after the Michelle Keegan-led drama series shot to the top of Netflix’s most-streamed charts in the days after it was released on New Year’s Day (1 January).

It’s amassed 61 million views worldwide in its first two weeks, reached the top 10 in 91 countries, and has had people sharing their thoughts all over social media.

Fool Me Once stars Michelle Keegan, and is based on a novel by Harlan Coben / Credit: Netflix UK

The success of the series had the nation obsessing over Michelle Keegan’s coats, introduced the world to the UK’s North/South divide, and questioned if anyone could ever end an argument quite as abruptly as Dame Joanna Lumley.

So, is it really any wonder why Netflix is after more from Coben then? Probably not.

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It’s been confirmed that filming for Missing You will commence in the UK in spring 2024, but we’re still yet to hear when Run Away will hit our TV screens, so keep your eyes peeled.

Featured Image – Netflix

TV & Showbiz

Swordplay and rock ‘n’ roll: A Knight’s Tale comes to Manchester Opera House

Danny Jones Danny Jones A Knight's Tale Manchester musical review

From the moment the curtain rises at Manchester Opera House, A Knight’s Tale bursts into life with exhilarating energy. This stage adaptation of the beloved 2001 film expertly blends medieval spectacle with a bold, modern twist.

Full of jousting tournaments, noble quests, and underdog triumphs, the production delivers both heart and high drama – all with a heady dose of rock ‘n’ roll.

At the centre of it all is William Thatcher, a young squire who dares to defy his lowly birth and enter the world of high-born knights. Played with charm and confidence by Andrew Coshan, William’s journey from peasant to jousting champion is rousing, if occasionally veering into heroic cliché.

Still, Coshan’s likability and natural charisma keep the audience cheering for him through every lance charge and dramatic monologue. The supporting cast also shines.

A Knight’s Tale the musical at Manchester Opera House. (Credit: Press Shot)

A standout is Eva Scott, whose comic timing and delivery consistently land laughs, often stealing scenes with her sharp one-liners.

Meanwhile, Meesha Turner brings elegance and spark to the role of Princess Jocelyn. Her powerful vocals during the show’s pop-classic ballads transform the character into a fiery, modern princess you can’t help but root for.

The production’s standout sequences are undoubtedly the jousts, theatrical set pieces that are an absolute masterclass in stagecraft. Using a clever combination of rigging, physical choreography, and dynamic sound design, the creative team conjures a truly immersive atmosphere.

Dramatic lighting and resonant sound effects make you feel the thud of hooves and the crash of lances. The cleverly designed set, featuring an arena-style jousting field, draws the audience into the action in a way that feels fresh and cinematic.

However, the show stumbles slightly in its quieter, more emotional scenes. The dialogue, while laced with humour, sometimes dips into melodrama. The villain, Count Adhemar, feels a touch underwritten, with motivations that don’t quite match the emotional weight the story strives for, but is still well-acted.

Don’t just take it from us: the A Knight’s Tale reviews from Manchester crowds are already very strong.

The stakes between him and William never fully build to the payoff they could – leaving certain dramatic beats a little flat. Musically, the show makes a bold departure from traditional scores. Instead, it leans into a soundtrack of classic rock anthems; think Queen, AC/DC, The Who and more.

At first, it seems like an odd match for a medieval tale, just as it did with the movie, but it works brilliantly. The music injects the show with rebellious energy and gives it a timeless quality. It’s loud, bold, and exactly what this high-octane tale of ambition and identity calls for.

A special mention must go to the ensemble and choreography. The jousting scenes are beautifully choreographed, blending acrobatics, dance, and swordplay with seamless precision. Even in quieter moments, the movement on stage supports the storytelling with subtle grace.

But the unexpected stars of the show? The horses. Designed with clever costume and movement illusions, they create the convincing effect of riders in full gallop – and at times, they very nearly steal the spotlight altogether.

Credit: Supplied

Though clearly aimed at adult audiences, with its cheeky humour and classic rock soundtrack, the show flirts with the spirit of panto, oversized characters, regional accents, and exaggerated physical comedy. And it works.

The regional dialects add warmth and levity, grounding the fantasy in a cheeky, very British sensibility.
In the end, A Knight’s Tale is a triumphant and entertaining spectacle, an electrifying mix of medieval mythology and modern musical theatre.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film or seeing the story for the first time, this production offers a fun, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt night out. It’s not perfect, but it’s hard not to be swept up in the clashing swords, galloping hooves, and power chords.

Put simply, this is a knight to remember – with a soundtrack that slays.

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Featured Images — Press Images (supplied)

TV & Showbiz

Eurovision 2025 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Eurovision 2025 stage

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester next month.

Following the success of the previous two years, initially starting back when the internationally renowned televised event was held on British soil in Liverpool in 2023, cinemas up and down the UK are, once again, set to come together to celebrate 2025’s edition of the major night in the music calendar by hosting the ultimate viewing events.

The epic Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final on Saturday 17 May will be broadcast live on BBC One, and streamed into more than 100 cinemas nationwide – including several in Greater Manchester.

Distributed by CinemaLive, the live stream events will allow Eurovision fans to gather under one roof and share in the unbeatable experience of celebrating the brightest and boldest music party of the year on the big screen.

People in the cinema
The Eurovision 2025 final will be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester / Credit: CinemaLive | Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)

You may remember that Switzerland is hosting Eurovision this year, following the nation’s well-deserved victory at the 2024 contest with the song ‘The Code’ performed by Nemo.

But thanks to these live stream events, you won’t need to make the trip to Basel to get in on the action, as you’ll just need to nip down to your nearest participating cinema instead.

Not only will the long-awaited final of the show be streamed live onto the big screen in 5.1 surround sound, but fans are invited to bring their Eurovision parties from the front room to the cinema instead, as organisers say fancy dress is ‘heavily encouraged’, as are enthusiastic sing-alongs too.

Speaking ahead of the event next month, John Travers from distributors CinemaLive, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring Eurovision’s grand final live into cinemas across the UK for the third year in a row.

“There’s simply no better way to enjoy the biggest night in music than in a cinema.”

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Tickets are now live and available to book at your local cinema here.

Some of the participating Greater Manchester cinemas include Vue Manchester Printworks, Everymans in Manchester city centre and Altrincham, The Light in Stockport, and Cineworld in Didsbury, among others.

Featured Image – EBU

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