Susan Boyle's Birthday is April 1st. Enjoy your special day!

Happy Birthday Susan!

Posted by Gayle Holmes on Facebook

YOU HAVE TO BE THERE - SUSAN BOYLE IN LOS ANGELES Oct 6, 2011 – 

The song, called "You Have To Be There," was performed during the semi-finals of NBC's "America's Got Talent," and was well recieved by the audience.   The song was written by Abba members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus.

Posted on Heart Radio 97.2 - 102.2

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http://www.heart.co.uk/wiltshire/news/local/wiltshire-village-victorian-film/

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  13th March 2013, 12:52

The Wiltshire village of Biddestone, near Corsham, has been given a Victorian facelift for a period film starring Susan Boyle.

The Britain's Got Talent runner-up stars in 'The Christmas Candle' alongside former Doctor Who actor Sylvester McCoy and Samantha Barks, who currently features as Eponine in the movie version of Les Miserables. 

Unfortunately, there was no sign of Su-Bo when Heart went to visit, as locals tell us she has not been in any of the scenes shot in the village. 

Biddestone itself has been given a completely authentic 1800s look, complete with false-fronted Victorian shops selling candles, rabbit, vegetables, pheasant, and wicker baskets. 

Landlord of the White Horse pub, Luke Beckenham, told Heart: 

"It's like going into a time machine. It's very strange. They've covered the tarmac with grit so it looks like there is no road there and covered the old concrete bins with bales of hay. It just looks so authentic, it's brilliant"

Luke, who only moved into the pub three weeks ago to start running it, said the crew had been using it as a base to stay warm in the cold weather: 

"It's been really busy. it's quite funny, actually, when you see a Victorian lady come in and then pull out her iPhone. It's very surreal''. 

People in the village are hoping that once shooting wraps, the crew will leave some props behind to help the place retain a sense of its history. 

The Christmas Candle is due to be released in time for Christmas next year. 

Thank you  -  Elaine C. Smith's blog:   http://www.elainecsmith.com/index.php/blog.html

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Blog March 2013

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Hello again everyone and thanks for coming to the website for news of what I am up to......and to be honest ...i'm not up to much at the moment...... I am more than delighted to say!!!

After 104 perfs as Susan Boyle in I Dreamed a Dream and then 62 as the Wicked Queen in Snow White at HMT in Aberdeen I think I deserve a lie down for a bit.

As many of you are aware there was a strong possibility of the show going to Australia and I was looking forward to going. I became aware of problems when we were told by the Producers there that the whole cast couldn't go and I really didn't want to do the show without them - though I understood the position of the creative trade unions about foreign shows coming in while their own members were out of work and I very much support that point of view. I also understood that the Australian producers did not want any conflict surrounding the production. So I was then persuaded by them to go out with our production team to audition and recast the whole thing for the tour there.

Until 10 days before we were due to set off I was definately going though I realised that it was a risk for all concerned and would also cause much disruption to my personal life -but felt it was worth it for the show and the producers....  I had misgivings about how long I was going to have to be there etc but I viewed it as an adventure. Sadly to my shock and surprise we were told suddenly that all the dates had been postponed. I have to say to all fans who were supporting the show and the 9000 or so folk that had already booked tickets that I am really sorry but also to inform you that the reason it isn't going on there has nothing to do with me at all.....the producers there are in charge and it was their decision.

I did have an amazing time on I Dreamed A Dream with a fantastic cast and amazing production team and crew.I don't think I will ever be able to thank the producer Michael Harrison enough for the investment, encouragement and belief he put into the show. This was two years of writing, changing and developing it and the strain on all of us to get it right was immense. ... We wanted to treat Susan's story with truth and dignity but also to give an accurate portrayal of her life as well as something that would act as a document about life in Scotland using our  common experiences that would resonate with audiences here. This was probably the hardest, most knackering, most rewarding and difficult things I have ever done...well next to giving birth to my daughters!

So, much as I personally have huge disappointment over the situation - I am also relieved that I don't have to travel across the world for almost six months. I  now have time to pause and consider whether I want to continue with the show or whether there is life still in it....I hope so...

The show won the Liverpool Post musical of the Year in December and I am heading down to Manchester for the Manchester Theatre Awards this month as I have been nominated for Best actress in a musical which is so lovely. I don't expect to win - I have never won an award for anything in my career- though I was nominated for a Bafta Scotland award this year for playing Mary Nesbitt (I declined the invite to go as it just felt like 20 years too late and I knew Gregor would win anyway as we were in the same category! Yes thats right...tells you all you need to know about film and telly in Scotland cos we make so few programmes here we don't even have Best Actress and Best Actor...we're all lumped together....bit of a joke really eh?).

Anyway, I am heading to Manchester with my sisters for a girls outing, to shop and party as well as go to the awards and have a laugh.

I am up against one of my heroines in life and a dear pal Sian Philips, who is nominated for her role in the recent production of Cabaret...so I genuinely hope she gets it...she is a true star....

I have been lucky in my career that all my rewards have come from a loyal and truly supportive audience who have stayed with me for almost 30 years and who continue to do so....so to all of you I bid a huge thank you for all the love and support that you have given me for so long. I could almost feel the audiences in Scotland during IDAD breath a sight of relief that said " See I tellt you she was good"  as if their faith in me had been rewarded...so I hope it was!

Though I am now enjoying having a break- and I confess that I am feeling quite burnt out- I am enjoying seeing my daughters,sisters,friends and being able to plan holidays with my husband for the first time in years. I have been touring almost continuously for five years or more and to have a social life again feels wonderful. 

Of course that time gets filled up with charity commitments etc., the campaign for a Yes vote in the referendum, after dinner speeches and many other things too.

I am recording a new series of Mum and Me for BBC Radio Scotland. I did the first series last year which I really enjoyed doing...met some quite amazing people with harrowing and uplifting stories and it was so well received that they have decided to do more.

I'm also doing a benefit for St Andrews Hospice in Airdrie( who took such wonderful care of my dad when he was dying) at Airdrie Town Hall on Thursday March 18th. Contact either the town hall or the events team at the Hospice for tickets. 

A few days after that on Sunday 21st of April I am hosting ( along with my wonderful pal Ruth Wishart) a lunch for a truly great friend and great woman Janette de Haan who worked tirelessly for women's rights and against domestic violence and abuse against women and children for more than 25 years. She ran the Women's Support Project in Glasgow and sadly she died from cancer last year . We were all devastated and still are so all the proceeds from Janettes lunch will go to the WSP. It is at Oran Mor and tickets are £40 or tables of ten for £400. I am sure it will be a fab event.

So thats up to date at present- so as you can see I'm not idle!!

All the best

Elaine C.

Susan Boyle's Life ~ Gangnam Style to Donny Osmond (4 Nov 2012)

Susan Boyle's Life ~ Gangnam Style to Donny Osmond (4 Nov 2012)

Beautiful Posters from Candy Melton

Susan Boyle's First Interview with Richard Mooney

Update from Richard Mooney - Where I am now.

Hello folks,

It's been nearly four years since I was last on here. I made my SuBo interview video (see below) in April 2009 and by goodness it is the biggest achievement of my career.



This video then went onto be named as one of the Most Memorable Videos of 2009 in a YouTube countdown.

It's helped to take me places I would never have been. Over the last four years I have worked in Saudi Arabia, left the UK, fell in love, got a scholarship and am now seeking new adventures in the Far East. I've travelled all over and am currently studying for a MA in International Media in Taipei, Taiwan. I love it here. I've met some of the world's foremost professionals, politicians, but none of them quite compare to Susan.

I still follow news of her. I'm glad to see this forum is still alive and well. So why am I here? Well honestly I want to tell my Susan Boyle story. I've never really shared it with the world. I was shy, told not to and that self-promotion is bad, bad, bad.

In hindsight I could have used it more to promote myself, but I am happy with how it worked out.

I'm just trying to get some ideas of where to post it and what you guys, the fans would like to know. I only was with her for one hour, but what that one hour did for me personally changed my life.

I left the my journalist role in the UK in 2010, then worked in Saudi Arabia in a place called KAUST as a journalist writing on tech and science. It's a new university aimed at providing international excellent education to Saudis and international students alike. Men and women. The campus is highly international and feels like a small village. It's cosmopolitan. There I met some of the most influential people in the world. You can read more about what happened next here:

Bellshill Student Lands Top Asian Scholarship

Meeting my girlfriend there, Erin, a Taiwanese, brought me to Taipei where I am currently studying for a MA in International Media and learning Chinese.

I hope you're all well.

Posted by Candy Melton

Posted on Facebook by Candy Melton

The Third Man Theme - Susan Boyle

Fantastic singer, Susan Boyle, can sing anything so beautifully:

While in Scotland...

I can't wait..

Susan Boyle ~ "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"...beautiful!

SUSAN BOYLE - Susan Boyle Greets Fans And Photographers On Arriving At L...

SUSAN BOYLE - Susan Boyle Greets Fans And Photographers On Arriving At LAX - VIDEO CONTACTMUSIC.COM
Los Angeles, California - 15.10.2012

Susan Boyle - Memory (Britains Got Talent - Semi-Final) [HD]

TOUCH ME..  Susan Boyle at her best!    Semi Final appearance:

Posted on SBFII by GritsT

AUDITION ANNIVERSARY CARD

The fourth anniversary of Susan's Britain's Got Talent audition is just around the corner. Send your thoughts and best wishes on this group card (cover designed by CB ... again!)

http://www.groupcard.com/c/xwjEmrXkCL7

Pictures posted on Facebook by Candy Melton

Stunning and beautiful pictures of Susan in wonderful creations by Candy Melton.

Who I was born to be - Susan Boyle

Peter Kay and Susan Boyle Comic Relief Single

Susan Boyle's first on camera interview by Richard Mooney in Scotland 2009

Susan Boyle's first on camera interview by Richard Mooney in Scotland 2009

Richard Mooney did the first interview from Susan's home in Scotland in 2009.  What a fantastic interview! Susan was a shy wee lassie at that time, and look at her now. After four years and 4 CDs, singing with Donny Osmond in Las Vegas, singing on many TV programs in America, UK. Australia, Ireland, China, Japan, Denmark, Italy, all over the world, etc..... singing for the Pope, HMQ and for many charity events throughout UK and singing in a show created for her about her life, IDAD.  Now Susan is busy becoming an actress.  She will debut in her first movie as Eleanor Hopewell in "The Christmas Candle" coming out in December 2013.   Congratulation to Susan Boyle, a worldwide super star who has inspired so many to keep going and don't give up on their dreams: a wonderful fantastic super singer.

Susan Boyle "Who I Was Born To Be"...

This is wonderful.   Great pictures of Susan.   She sings Who I Was Born To Be brilliantly!

Elaine C Smith, in I Dreamed a Dream, at the Palace

Manchester Theatre Awards 2013 - The Nominations

Kevin Bourke previews Opera House event on 23 March

Published on January 23rd.

---

THE shortlist for the Manchester Theatre Awards has been announced and the city’s big theatres vie for the coveted awards alongside some of the region’s much smaller venues as Manchester honours its own, as well as some of the top international entertainment that has graced the region over the last year. 

The largest of their kind outside London, the awards are chosen by a panel of nine independent regional theatre critics, who attend scores of productions throughout the region each year to come up with the list. 

Besides the awards for best production, actor or actress, there is recognition too for supporting stars, design and the city’s vibrant fringe theatre productions.  The winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at the city’s Opera House on Tuesday March 26. 

The largest of their kind outside London, the awards are chosen by a panel of nine independent regional theatre critics, who attend scores of productions throughout the region each year to come up with the list. The work of several leading local names as well as some of the biggest performers in British and international theatre are celebrated in this year’s 19 categories, ranging across drama, opera, musical theatre and dance.

The full nominations list:

Best Actor

Ed Gaughan (pictured above), in Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Royal Exchange

Justin Moorhouse, in Two, at the Royal Exchange

Christopher Ravenscroft, in The Winslow Boy, at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton

Clifford Samuel, in Obama the Mamba, President Of The Slums, at The Lowry

Best Actress

Lysette Anthony, in Lady Windermere’s Fan, at the Royal Exchange

Victoria Elliott, in Two, at the Royal Exchange

Lucy van Gasse, in Wonderful Town, at The Lowry

Maxine Peake, in Miss Julie, at the Royal Exchange

Imogen Stubbs, in Orpheus Descending, at the Royal Exchange

Best supporting actor

John Branwell, in Alfie, at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton

Russell Dixon, in Macbeth, at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton

Antony Eden, in Taking Steps, at Oldham Coliseum

Christopher Villiers, in The Winslow Boy at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton

Best supporting actress

Clare Galbraith, in Saturday Night And Sunday Morning, at the Royal Exchange

Natalie Grady, in The Daughter-in-Law, for the Library Theatre at the Lowry

Carla Henry, in Miss Julie, at the Royal Exchange

Maggie Service, in The Country Wife, at the Royal Exchange

Best Actor in a Visiting Production

Robert Bathurst, in Blue/Orange, at the Opera House

Ray Fearon, in Julius Caesar, at The Lowry

Karl Davies, in Henry V and The Winter’s Tale, at The Lowry

John Owen-Jones, in The Phantom of the Opera, at the Palace 

Best Actress in a Visiting Production

Josefina Gabrielle, in The King and I, at The Lowry

Sian Phillips, in Cabaret, at The Lowry

Elaine C Smith, in I Dreamed a Dream, at the Palace

For full article go to:  http://ht.ly/h3TS5

Posted on Twitter-  Susan Signs Scarf for the Peterhead Evening at Find Ben Needham Charity Event.

Help Find Ben Needham   I have to say a HUGE thank you to Susan Boyle who has just sent me a photo of her wearing a scarf that she is going to sign and donate for the auction for the Peterhead Evening for Ben Event which will take place sometime in May (full details coming soon) THANK YOU SUSAN!! Just a shame she couldn't make it on the night to sing for us due to other commitments. Amazing! (Scott)

No one sings - shame, shame,- shame,-- shame---sshammm.a ----like this marvelous singer: Ms. Susan Boyle.  Wonderful!


The Susan Boyle Stage Musical I Dreamed A Dream

Susan Boyle - Commentary by Rick Warren

The commentary by Rick Warren dates back to 2009.  It still means a lot today. The message is loud and clear.

The Christmas Candle Trailer

Susan Boyle's Debut Movie, #The Christmas Candle

Susan Boyle's first movie role as Eleanor Hopewell in #The Christmas Candle written by Max Lucado.  Movie will be out December, 2013.






The Christmas Candle

The Christmas Candle
 by Max Lucado  • March 2

December evenings in Texas resist the holiday spirit. They tend to be balmy and warm, more tropical than polar. But I remember one in 2004 that cooperated. A chill was in the air. Winter was creeping southward.  We bundled up in our winter coats and drove to the nearby high school for a Christmas banquet.  Families sat at round tables. Tables were adorned with wreaths. Each wreath centerpieced with a candle. We drank wassail, ate turkey, and–the highlight of the night–we listened to the high school choir sing a rendition of holiday songs.

It might help to know that the school is Episcopalian, with strong Anglican roots. The choir director cherished the old hymns. Less “Chestnuts” and “Rudolf” and more “Silent Night” and “Herald Angels.”
It was delightful.  As the choir sang and the families listened, I enjoyed that all too fleeting feeling, “All is right with the world.”  I stared at the candle as it flickered and I thought of candles as they have done the same at a thousand Christmases. And as I enjoyed the moment and watched the candle, a story began to take shape. A candlemaker in the English Cotswolds. A 19^th century village of simple people in need of a miracle.  By midnight, I had sketched the story on paper: “The Christmas Candle.”
The story became a book and the book has lifted spirits for seven Christmases now.
Thanks to Tom Newman and the fine folks of Impact Productions, it appears that the Candle story will touch a whole new generation. Production of the movie version is underway.  Tom has assembled some of the finest talent in the UK. Director John Stephenson (Five Children and It).  Director of photography Mike Brewster (Jack the Giant Slayer, the Harry Potter series).
The cast includes Hans Matheson (Clash of the Titans, Sherlock Holmes), Samantha Barks (Les Miserables), Lesley Manville (Another Year, Vera Drake). Also starring are Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), John Hannah (The Mummy, Four Weddings and a Funeral), Barbara Flynn (Miss Potter, The Borgias), and James Cosmo (Braveheart, Game of Thrones).  The film also marks the acting debut of Susan Boyle.
I couldn’t be more pleased. Candace Lee and Eric Newman have written a marvelous screenplay. They have added some characters and embellished others. The story is much better, thanks to their touch.
When Denalyn and I visited the set in England last month, we were treated like royalty…everyone was so kind and gracious. What an honor to be a part of capturing a slice of this golden era of British history. May the beauty of the 19^th century Cotswolds inspire every viewer. And may the ever present message of Christmas encourage every seeker.
The light of the candle still flickers.


Max and Denalyn having fun as extras on the set.

by Max Lucado • March 2

Posted in the Guardian, December 2012

Susan Boyle: this much I know

The singer on her life-changing break, Britain's unseen poverty and why she'll never leave her family home

Megan Conner

• The Observer, Saturday 8 December 2012 14.00 EST

Susan Boyle Photograph: Ross McDairmant Photography/Rex Features

There are still moments when I walk on stage and I want to turn and run in the opposite direction. When I'm singing it's like no one can touch me.

I think some people must forget that I'm a human being with real feelings. I'd be lying if I said the things I read about myself didn't hurt or sting. You say that you brush them off, but every so often you get pangs of self-doubt and you remember the words and the wounds reopen.

People talk about my life as "before" and "after", like it's some sort of Cinderella story. I don't mind. It really has been like that. BeforeBritain's Got Talent it was dark. I'd lost my mum. Now life is a lot brighter.

There is an abject poverty in this country that I feel is hidden. I don't believe people really have a sense of the underbelly of the UK and the struggles people face every day. Before Britain's Got Talent I lived off £30 a week, which would cover basic food from the reduced section. I saved for weeks to go to a charity shop or cheaper high-street store to buy shoes and essential clothing.

There is nothing worse than worrying about money. That is why I'm not a big spender. Despite the fact I have earned a decent sum, I never want to feel that gut-wrenching panic or misery again.

My mum taught me manners, morals and kindness. Every so often she would tell me to keep my mouth shut and just listen, and she was right. In my 20s I was a wild one, a cheeky wee thing. Now I know when to turn the cheek off.

The ritual of opening the gift is always better than the gift. Nothing makes me feel more special than jewellery. Simon Cowell once bought me a Cartier bracelet, but my favourite thing is the bangle my manager gave me from Tiffany's one Christmas. It was the first piece of jewellery I'd been given, and from such an iconic shop. I'll never forget untying the white ribbon and opening that blue box.

I'd like to think I have taught people something. I regret not becoming a teacher because that was the career I was interested in. But now, maybe with the position I am in, I have opened someone's eyes to something.

I wouldn't be where I am without my faith. Religion is my backbone and what gets me up in the morning.

My earliest memories are of trying to put on concerts for my teddies. I have been trying to play the piano since I can remember – and I am still learning.

It's no secret that I have two houses: the Posh House, which is the new one, and the original [where Boyle lived with her parents for 44 years]. I still live in the original because of my neighbours. They look out for me, protect me, and have known me my whole life. I wouldn't move away for anything.

I would like to go with a bang and blow the world away; leave in the same manner I entered this business.

Susan Boyle's fourth album, Standing Ovation, is out now

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/dec/08/

Susan Boyle (playlist)

Remember: Susan Boyle's 4th CD "Standing Ovation" (playlist)

Remember: Susan Boyle "Standing Ovation" (playlist)

Posted in 40 plusnfab

Women’s History Month: Celebrating Achievements of Women in Later Life

March 6, 2013 By 40plusnfab 

Completely inspired by the celebrations of individuals and organizations all over the nation, 40+ and Fabulous has chosen to focus its celebration of Women’s History Month around the ageless potential of a woman. Where women fail to fully understand their potential in later life, there is limited motivation to plan for the future. This month, we will spotlight the achievements of women in later life, and promote the message of expanded opportunities for creativity as we mature.

There’s tagline I love from a commercial that says, “This is the age of knowing how to get things done.” If you’re in your 40’s, 50’s, or 60’s and you still haven’t written that play, earned that degree, or started that non-profit – it’s not too late. We want to encourage you to keep those dreams alive. Refuse to abandon those lifelong passions. This can be easier said than done when we live in a culture that places extreme emphasis on youth, but you must realize and take ownership of the advantage that age and the accumulation of wisdom, emotion and intelligence gives you in your bringing forth something into existence that is needed and valued.

While we still have a proliferation of negative stereotypes and negative images of aging paired with creative decline, ours is also a rich legacy of some very inspiring women who have gone on before us, to show us what is possible.

Check out a few of my favorites…

Melchora Acquino – a Filipina peasant woman who, at age 84, became a well-known political activist in the Philippine Revolution. She became famous for her contributions in helping the Philippines gain independence from Spain.

Susan Boyle – the 48 year old show stopper on America’s Got Talent who wowed millions of viewers. The amateur singer stole the finale and brought us to our feet. And although it took her close to five decades to do what she was clearly born to do, Susan is proof positive that birthdays don’t matter, you can still make you mark.

Ida Keeling – in February 2011, the petite (4-foot-6, 83 lb.,) 95 year old ran a world record 60 meters in 29.86 seconds. Her daughter, a high school track coach convinced her to take up running at age 67. Since then, Keeling has been setting records and becoming one of the world’s oldest sprinting legends.

Grandma Moses – due to painful arthritis, Anna Mary Robertson Moses was forced to abandon a career in embroidery, but she didn’t let that stop her. Grandma Moses, as she is best known for, began a career as an artist at age 76. She became one of America’s best known folk-artists and continued to paint until her death at age 101.

Irene Wells Pennington – the wife of a wealthy oilman, became a 90 something year old business woman, straightening out her husband’s 600 million dollar enterprise, after his mental health began to decline.

Peg Phillips – began a professional acting career in her late 60′s, and is best known for her role as the storekeeper, Ruth-Anne Miller, on the television series Northern Exposure.

Mary Wesley – wrote her first novel at age 70, and went on to write 10 best sellers before dying at the age of 90.

Laura Ingles Wilder – became a columnist in her 40′s, but it wasn’t until she was 65 that she published her first book, Little House in the Big Woods. This would be the first of her 8-volume Little House series of children’s books.

And if you need other inspiring examples, just go to this link at the Museum of Conceptual Artwebsite. Here, you can actually enter your age to display a list of accomplishments other people have achieved at your age.

I hope by celebrating these heroines you can see that your ability to move into a new direction and change the course of your life, your family, your community, your world is independent of age. But let me ask you something… if not now, when?

http://fortyplusandfabulous.com/book/were-celebrating-women%E2%80%99s-history-month-by-spotlighting-achievements-of-women-in-later-life

Poster by Candy Melton

Ms Susan Boyle to play Eleanor Hopewell in The Christmas Candle out December 2013.

Posted on Facebook by Candy Melton

Enjoy the beautiful posters dedicated to Susan Boyle and her wonderful events.

The Christmas Candle, Susan Boyle in her beautiful role outfit.

Mrs. Eleanor Hopewell aka Lovely Susan Boyle:

Max Lucado -The Christmas Candle - Susan Boyle Debut

About Max Lucado, go to blog     http://maxlucado.com/read/blog/the-christmas-candle/

The Christmas Candle

by Max Lucado • March 2

December evenings in Texas resist the holiday spirit. They tend to be balmy and warm, more tropical than polar. But I remember one in 2004 that cooperated. A chill was in the air. Winter was creeping southward.  We bundled up in our winter coats and drove to the nearby high school for a Christmas banquet.

Families sat at round tables. Tables were adorned with wreaths. Each wreath centerpieced with a candle. We drank wassail, ate turkey, and–the highlight of the night–we listened to the high school choir sing a rendition of holiday songs.
It might help to know that the school is Episcopalian, with strong Anglican roots. The choir director cherished the old hymns. Less “Chestnuts” and “Rudolf” and more “Silent Night” and “Herald Angels.”
It was delightful.  As the choir sang and the families listened, I enjoyed that all too fleeting feeling, “All is right with the world.”  I stared at the candle as it flickered and I thought of candles as they have done the same at a thousand Christmases. And as I enjoyed the moment and watched the candle, a story began to take shape. A candlemaker in the English Cotswolds. A 19^th century village of simple people in need of a miracle.  By midnight, I had sketched the story on paper: “The Christmas Candle.”
The story became a book and the book has lifted spirits for seven Christmases now.
Thanks to Tom Newman and the fine folks of Impact Productions, it appears that the Candle story will touch a whole new generation. Production of the movie version is underway.  Tom has assembled some of the finest talent in the UK. Director John Stephenson (Five Children and It).  Director of photography Mike Brewster (Jack the Giant Slayer, the Harry Potter series).
The cast includes Hans Matheson (Clash of the Titans, Sherlock Holmes), Samantha Barks (Les Miserables), Lesley Manville (Another Year, Vera Drake). Also starring are Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), John Hannah (The Mummy, Four Weddings and a Funeral), Barbara Flynn (Miss Potter, The Borgias), and James Cosmo (Braveheart, Game of Thrones).  The film also marks the acting debut of Susan Boyle.
I couldn’t be more pleased. Candace Lee and Eric Newman have written a marvelous screenplay. They have added some characters and embellished others. The story is much better, thanks to their touch.
When Denalyn and I visited the set in England last month, we were treated like royalty…everyone was so kind and gracious. What an honor to be a part of capturing a slice of this golden era of British history. May the beauty of the 19^th century Cotswolds inspire every viewer. And may the ever present message of Christmas encourage every seeker.
The light of the candle still flickers.









Susan Boyle and the candle.









Max and Denalyn having fun as extras on the set.

Posted on Susan Boyle's Official Site

http://www.susanboylemusic.com/gb/news/item/a_message_from_susan1423/

A Message From Susan

4th March 2013

Hello,

Well I’ve had a busy week on my first movie set in the Cotswolds and I have to say I’m having the time of my life. Who’d have thought I’d be in a movie? The Christmas Candle is a period film and I am really enjoying dressing up in the Victorian outfits, I rather like having a bustle!

It’s been a real experience and I’m working with wonderful actors and actresses who are pros and I’m learning so much from them as this is all so new to me. The crew are wonderful and incredibly patient with me the novice! Filming is long but an incredibly interesting process and I can say I have been bitten by the acting bug.

There was speculation that I was making a cameo appearance but I have a proper character in the film and acting is a really great experience.
For me a hardy Scot, the cold country weather is practically balmy but even I have had days where I have feet warmers in my boots, a hot water bottle under my costume, long johns and tights in a bid to keep warm. Luckily we’ve been blessed with sun and blue sky which has helped.

I have my own winnebago with my name on the door! I feel like a proper professional actor, let me tell you. The wardrobe has various outfits for my character and I have a very necessary kettle for my cups of tea between scenes. I’m also performing a song for the movie with my on screen husband. He’s been helping me learn the ropes with acting and I’ve been helping him with the singing! It’s a good screen marriage.

On Friday we had the day off so I came down to London to visit the record label and discuss album five. Sorry folks, you’re going to have to keep guessing a wee bit longer. Surprise is good!

Then with an afternoon free I went to Harrods to have a little look around, buy some perfume and a few Easter gifts for family. It’s a wonderful experience browsing round the food halls and so vast that in the couple of hours we were there we didn’t even get off of the ground floor.

After a lovely dinner with my manager and his wife, we then drove back to the Cotswolds ready for filming over the weekend, buoyant and happy from a wonderful day off that was positive and exciting for the future of my singing career.

This will be my last full week on set and although I’m looking forward to returning home I will most definitely miss the wonderful team on The Christmas Candle. It’s been great being a part of the tight knit community, with many a giggle and story shared.

I would definitely like to continue with an acting career alongside my singing career so fingers crossed this debut goes well and who knows maybe Hollywood will come chapping on my door.

http://www.susanboylemusic.com/gb/news/item/a_message_from_susan1423/