Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill has seemingly put paid to any ongoing speculation that he won't survive Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens by wandering into a pub close to the County Kerry set where Episode VIII is shooting. Steve Lynott, the owner of the Bridge Bar, told the Irish Examiner: "There was a great atmosphere in the bar last night as Luke Skywalker got behind the bar to give the lads a hand." Hamill was filmed working the taps for the customers, showing Jedi-like pouring skills and winning a round of applause from delighted customers. – The National staff
The Wailers to headline Taste of Abu Dhabi
Legendary reggae act The Wailers will perform on the opening night of Taste of Abu Dhabi. The three-day event takes place from November 5 to 7 at du Arena, Yas Island. The band, formerly led by Bob Marley, will perform all the hits from their classic Legend album, including One Love, Buffalo Soldier and No Woman No Cry. Doors open on the opening evening of Taste of Abu Dhabi at 4.30pm and visitors can enjoy a host of culinary treats to keep the occupied until The Wailers take to the stage at 9.30pm. –The National staff
Who Wants to be a Millionaire arrives in Dubai
The Arabic version of the hit gameshow Who Wants to be a Millionaire held auditions for contestants in Dubai at the weekend. Host George Kurdahi and OSN vice president Khulud Abu Homos, took the opportunity to publicise OSN’s new literacy campaign, which is tied to the show. Abu Homos said: “There’s a campaign starting on air about now which is associating the show with calling for reading. We have the lowest level of reading here in the Middle East, so we’re campaigning to say that culture is not academic certificates, but reading. We’re also going to be opening digital libraries in schools in the countries we’re auditioning in [Jordan, Egypt, the UAE] to emphasise the importance of reading.” – The National staff
Hindi TV channel launches across region
Rishtey Asia, a new Hindi TV channel broadcasting across the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region, was launched at a glitzy event at London's Mint Leaf. The channel will showcase entertainment content from India, Pakistani and Turkey, along with blockbuster Bollywood films including Raanjhanaa, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya, Gabbar is Back and many more. Other highlights will include the award-winning Turkish drama PabbandIshq and Dariba Diaries, a crime series based in 19th-century India. Sachin Gokhale, the channel's head of regional business says: "We have created a unique channel with carefully handpicked content that will deliver never-before seen entertainment to our viewers." Rishtey Asia is available on E-vision channel 642 and du channels 288 or 1532. – The National staffThe Who cancels American tour
Last year’s Abu Dhabi F1 headliners, The Who, have been forced to cancel the North American leg of their 50th anniversary tour after lead singer Roger Daltrey was diagnosed with viral meningitis. The 71-year-old assured fans that doctors say he will make a complete recovery, but it will take time. Guitarist Pete Townshend said that the dates will be rescheduled for next year. Daltrey and Townshend are the only surviving original members of the Brit rockers, following the deaths of drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwhistle. – The National staff, Reuters
Opera Pop makes a comeback
The Dubai-based Opera Pop group is returning to Emirates Golf Club’s Royal Majlis on October 10 for a show featuring baroque opera music, with a special focus on Verdi’s 202nd birthday celebrations. There will also be a host musical favourites, crossover tunes and a few crooners. The group, which includes singers and musicians from Russia, South Korea and Belgium performs regularly at Ductac, Jazz @ Pizza Express and Al Quoz, among others. Doors open at 7.30pm. For ticket details, call 04/417 99 99 or E-mail emiratesdining@dubaigolf.com. – The National staff
Middle East action sports get more airtime
International action sports channel Fuel TV, which focuses on the extreme end of the sporting spectrum with shows featuring sports such as BMX, skating and snowboarding, has announced it is to give more coverage to events in the Middle East, starting with its role as media partner in the upcoming Wake Park World Championships in Abu Dhabi in November. Co-chief executive Fernando Figuerido says: “We want to connect deeper with the Middle Eastern population that enjoys sports such as Skateboarding, BMX, Motocross, Wakeboard, Kitesurfing, Surf and Snowboard. We want to showcase athletes that are both familiar and iconic to our viewers and, simultaneously, show the world what’s going on in the Middle Eastern action sports scene.”Fuel TV is on OSN, channel 610. The National staff
360-degree cinema opens in Dubai
New 360-degree cinema The Dome Box has opened its doors in Dubai’s Box Park. The cinema screens four family-friendly animated movies that focus on nature, science and the environment on a state-of-the-art, immersive 360-degree screen that also uses the latest audio-visual technology. The Dome Box is open from 12 noon until 10pm, Sunday to Thursday, and from 12 noon until midnight on Friday, Saturday and public holidays. Visitors can choose from a two-movie package for Dh45 and a four-movie package for Dh75. Tickets are available at www.thedomeboxdubai.ae, or the box office at the venue. – The National staff