Scene and Heard: Beyonce may be writing for ’Shades’ soundtrack

MUSIC NEWS: Beyoncé has posted a short teaser trailer for the upcoming 50 Shades Of Grey movie on her Instagram account — although it seems fairly ironic that the singer, a key figure in the ‘Ban Bossy’ campaign for young girls, should lend her support to a film based on a book which has been criticised for its portrayal of women and overt sadomasochist themes.

Beyoncé’s post has led to speculation that she may have some involvement with the film’s soundtrack. The film is set to be released next February.

Does Damon Albarn ever sleep? The prolific Blur frontman says his next project is a musical. He wants to write a West End musical “in the spirit of [Oliver creator] Lionel Bart”.

The closure of one of Cork’s leading musical venues this week was greeted with shock and sadness. The Pavilion, known affectionately as ‘The Pav’, began life as a cinema in 1921. It played host to countless bands and performers since it reopened as a venue in 2008, including Kanye West who made a surprise appearance after his gig at The Marquee in 2009. One of those involved in the venture, DJ Stevie G, said he hoped the historic venue would not remain idle for long.

GIG NEWS: They haven’t gone away, you know ... tween idols Jedward have announced a fully seated show at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin on Friday, October 24, presumably for their ageing fans. Tickets go on sale today at 9am.

An extra 15 dates have been added for Mario Rosenstock’s Gift Grub Live 3 tour. See www.ticketmaster.ie for more.

The countdown is on for Electric Picnic and another 23 acts have been added, including Hozier, James Vincent McMorrow and Bombay Bicycle Club.

THEATRICAL TREATS: A fun night out is guaranteed at Hairspray, The Musical, which opens at Cork Opera House tomorrow and runs until August 23, with matinees.

Love, Peace & Robbery by Liam Heylin gets a return run at the Everyman Palace Theatre in Cork from next Monday to Saturday, August 2, when there will also be a free staged reading of Heylin’s latest play, Hung Juror, at the theatre at 3pm.

Hive Emerging Gallery in Waterford is hosting the first in a series of theatre performances involving local directors, writers and actors. Tangled Theatre will take place from Thursday, July 31 to Saturday, August 2.

Angela Lansbury will appear at Ballymaloe Grainstore on Sunday, August 3, for a question and answer session at a showing of Driving Miss Daisy: The Play. The screening of the play, in which Lansbury stars with James Earl Jones, begins at 8pm. Tickets online at www.ballymaloegrainstore.com.

FESTIVAL FUN: The Skibbereen Arts Festival kicks off today, with live music, drama, cinema, visual art, poetry, and children’s events, and a focus on the themes of inclusivity and positive mental health.

Legendary American musician Ricky Skaggs will lead the line-up for the 2014 Masters of Tradition Festival in Bantry, Co Cork, which takes place from August 20 to 24. He will perform with Irish trad legends Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill at the Maritime Hotel on August 20.

FILM TIPS: Hot on the heels of their recent appearance at Live at the Marquee, The National make another appearance in Cork, this time in the film Mistaken for Strangers, showing at Triskel Christchurch from Sunday to Tuesday.

GAZE Film Festival Dublin 2014 showcases the best of LGBT film at the Lighthouse Cinema from July 31 to August 4.

The Wake, a film by Oonagh Kearney, brings together accomplished dancers in an imposing country house. The work in progress is being screened in Firkin Crane theatre, Cork, tonight at 8pm, followed by a discussion with the director.