Author: Guest Poster
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INTERVIEW: Cariad Lloyd
The 2011 Edinburgh Fosters award nominated comedian Cariad Lloyd has come freewheelin’ back again this year with a brand new show.
Fresh from her successful 2012 Edinburgh show, where she performed the newest additions to her character comedy, she has now bought the show to the Leicester Square Theatre. For 6pm on a Sunday night, there is a real buzz in the room from the audience, and Cariad certainly doesn’t disappoint. From the moment she cycles onstage to the end of the show, her original and diverse character choices and perfectly structured performance keep the entire audience in the palm of her hand. Moving swiftly between Moomin Mama: Swedish Detective (featuring a grotesquely disfigured Moomin toy and some great references to the current trend in Swedish Detective dramas) to Joey Beschamel, the clever take off of Zooey Deschanels character in New Girl, showcases her superb comic timing and improvisational skills, involving the audience in a way that leaves no one on the front row feeling uncomfortable or awkward. She keeps the pace moving and the energy in the room high, so much so that I was stunned that an entire hour had passed so quickly. Its character comedy at its finest and leaves you wanting more.
TGUK: How did you start out in Comedy?
CL: I was an actor first of all doing very serious (and sometimes dreadful) theatre, but then I discovered improv, and got cast in a comedy sketch show, where I discovered this world where people made their own work and didn’t have to do two lines in a terrible play, so I started writing and performing and I created my first character Andrew, a seven year old boy in a Dr Who jumper (McCoy years) who does stand up and to my surprise other people liked it. It went from there really.
TGUK: When you begin to create a character, where do you take your inspiration from? Are they based on people you know/have met?
CL: They start from all differnet places really. Jacques Le Cock, parkour expert and rapper, was invented becasue I can pretend to rap in French really well, and I wanted to do a charcter that did that, as I realised I no one else was going to let me showcase this useless skill. Kitty Romford, the film noir femme fatale who works in Asda, started again because I love speaking as fast as possible film noir style and adding, ‘see kid?’ to the end of sentences. It’s usually things I like doing or a silly voice, Moominmamma – Scandanavian detective started with my bad Swedish accent, and just pretending to be a Moomin. It’s stuff I do round the house that is a bit odd but seems saner on stage.
TGUK: Who would be your dream comedy partner?
CL: That’s so hard! There’s so many amazing people out there. I’ve always loved Miranda Richardson, ever since Blackadder days, I just think she’s brilliant and there’s a delight to her acting. One of my heroes is Graeme Garden, he’s consistently hilarious without ever seeming like he’s trying, it’s flawless. And if Tina Fey ever wants someone to play her daughter, I will do that. Happily. I really want to play Tina Fey’s daughter. Does she read this? She should. (Hi Tina, please can I play your daughter?)
TGUK: Whats the worst gig you have ever played?
CL: I was headlining a comedy’n’curry night to 250 people on a Saturday in the suburbs, I was playing Andrew and doing 20 mins on the Russian Revolution. They were so confused it eventually became a good gig, because they had no understanding of why a 27 year old woman was dressed as a child and shouting about Lenin, somehow it went so bad, it went through bad and into brilliant. I wouldn’t want to do it again though.
TGUK: Whats been the high point of your career to date?
CL: Being nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards last year was pretty special. I’d gone up with no agent, no producer, just me and my suitcase of stupid costumes. It was such a hard and scary thing to do, that the nomination really did feel so special. (trying to sound modest and very grateful here, hope it’s working).
TGUK: Do you ever get heckled when you are doing Character comedy?
CL: Yeah, not often, I think it’s much easier for character comics than stand up, you’re in a costume and they expect a bit of a distance between you and the audience. But I’ve had a few incidents. A woman just kept drunkenly saying Dr Who at me over and over again, is not that traumatic but it is distracting. In the end I just talked to her, she wanted my jumper, but what she needed was less tequila.
TGUK: Do you think that female comedians still have a more difficult time breaking into the industry than men do?
CL: It’s hard, female comedians get asked this a lot. My position is different, I don’t do straight stand up, and I think in the history of character comedy peple accept women much more than say they do, in stand up. But I do think it’s changing. I think you just have to keep doing your job, making people laugh and not think about whether your a man or a woman, that will eventually stop being important, and quicker if we don’t make it important.
TGUK: Where do you want to see yourself in the next 5 years?
CL: Hopefully still being silly, wearing a stupid costume somewhere, and enjoying myself. And also being Tina Fey’s daughter in her hit new US sitcom. Either would make me very happy.
Cariad Lloyd returns to the Soho Theatre on the 14th,15th, and 16th Feb 2013
http://sohotheatre.com/whats-on/cariad-lloyd-2013/
visit: www.cariadlloyd.com
by Becky Harper
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OPINION: SAME SEX DANCING ON TV
Same-sex dancing on TV – Is it time for a cha-cha-change?
With Strictly Come Dancing‘s glitterball now but a distant memory, the New Year heralds the arrival of Dancing on Ice. The tantalising TV spots are out there and I’m sure you’ll all be tuning in to see those lovely buns and biceps doing some hard work! It made me think though, throughout all these types of dancing shows that grace our screens, when have we ever seen same-sex people dancing? It just doesn’t happen here in the UK.
The likes of ballroom dancing and ice skating are there for pleasure and enjoyment, an artistic expression set to bring our senses alive, yet these both exude heteronormativity with male dancers ‘taking the lead’ at all times. Men lead these women around in their sexy attire and on their teetering and painfully high heels. Men show off their patriarchal ways, they are the all encompassing dominant bull. It’s a stereotype that has always existed and remains unchanged and put this all to music and everyone absolutely loves it.
However, surely we all know that one of the purposes of art is for it to push boundaries? We’re living in a time when there is more equality in the sexes, as well as a much calmer social attitude towards gay people than ever. So why isn’t this being reflected in something artistic as dancing, which let’s be honest, gay people and women alike absolutely love?
I think we are looking at a shift though, as snails paced it may be. Let’s take a look at Strictly this year and in particular, two couples – Richard Arnold & Erin Boag and Lisa Riley & Robin Windsor.
Richard received a lot of confusing critique from the judges, he took on the lead role in his dances with Erin, but the judges would ask him to camp it up one week and then tone it down the next?! Surely this is a man that may actually prefer to be following and not leading, and what would be wrong with that? On one occasion Craig the judge exclaimed, ‘I’m not convinced you wanted to take Erin to the love shack’…this further backs up my point; it must be difficult for a gay newcomer to the world of dance, to then fully engage with a female dancer, taking the lead straight off. I would love to have seen Richard with Anton Du Beke, he may have performed a hell of a lot better, who knows, until the BBC start taking risks we shall never find out. If only Strictly was on a more liberal channel like Channel 4.
We all know that Robin had his work cut out with Lisa too, but he was pretty much thrown about that dance floor and commanded by her (which was just fabulous), and on one occasion proved to Lisa he too could dance in high heels. Robin shows adaptability when he performs, and I do take my hat off to him, he is an amazing role model for gay guys as well as a brilliant dancer.
Slowly but surely we can see that there does need to be a change here, I’m confident it will come but it’ll only happen from new thinkers instead of old traditionalists that are stuck in their ways.
It’s a joy to see that times may be in fact be changing already. Blackpool, the Mecca of ballroom dancing, last year hosted the first ever Same Sex Open Championships to great delight. Alfons Heider (who it is believed Sacha Baron Cohen based his character Brüno on) also competed on the Austrian version of Dancing with the Stars with a male dancer. Even Israel’s own version of Strictly has had same-sex dance partners. So there is hope out there for us and I believe it’s only a matter of time before we have our gay celebs dancing with male counterparts. Top of my wish list for next years celeb entries to the world of dancing are Ricky Martin or Zachary Quinto please!
by Lee
Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.
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COMMENT | You know that AIDS and HIV are two different things… right?
I’m a newly diagnosed, 27-year-old gay guy, living with HIV now, but do many of you know that HIV and AIDS actually mean two different things? I can tell you that they are not one and the same, they do however share a bond.
Up until two months ago, to me, HIV and AIDS spelt the end of life, something you really should do all you can to avoid, something deemed dirty, unworthy and shameful with awful stigma association. Hearing the words no one ever wants to hear, ‘I’m afraid you are HIV positive’ have been a big wake up call. Boy, have my opinions changed in the space of two months and it’s from something I believe current media is lacking, especially here in the UK, and that is… education on HIV, shaken up.
So, first of all, back to basics and a quick lesson, what is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
Well…HIV is a virus which attacks T-Cells in your immune system (so you’re more prone to catching infections and potentially suffering from various illnesses earlier on in life)
Whereas…AIDS is a medical condition. It is the syndrome which appears at an advanced stage of the HIV virus if the virus is left untreated.
It’s great that we have a World AIDS Day, it highlights much-needed awareness and how it’s caused from being HIV, with a strong emphasis on how to prevent yourself from getting HIV in the first place. When I used to think of AIDS pre-diagnosis, my mind would shutter-click an image of Africa in front of me. Africa has the highest death rate from AIDS in the globe, this is understandable seeing as we are talking about a third world country who lack the funds to sufficiently protect themselves, and to be able to treat the condition as well, all of this requires a great deal of money. It’s a vicious circle which AIDS charity organisations are trying their best to end.
Reading through the World AIDS Day website, it mainly tackles the issues of prevention and awareness of HIV (which as mentioned before leads onto AIDS). So why have we not called this World HIV/AIDS Day? If the focus is on prevention and awareness of HIV, then shouldn’t this be in the title somewhere, to pop out and appeal to the masses?
One of the main things that needs to be tackled here in the UK is the stigma and prejudice associated with having HIV. One thing that everyone associates with the words HIV or AIDS, is ‘death’, images of a white skull and crossbones, set against a black backdrop pop up in your mind. It’s like something out of pirate times, with those that have the dreaded and fateful ‘black spot’ on them (*he says in a deep menacing voice*). People are naturally fearful of death, and so, in turn, anything associated with it is something to avoid or to block out of their lives, turn their backs on, plead ignorance too. This is what I believe stems the prejudice to people with HIV or AIDS.
I can tell you now, from all the reading up I’ve done and speaking to people who have the virus, people that have HIV can live as long as any normal person out there. Wait, hang on, did I just say ‘normal’? What is normal? Is it someone who never gets cancer? Someone who doesn’t smoke? Someone that doesn’t drive like a maniac? There are so many variables in life that when I read stats about life expectancy with HIV, I just ignore them.
So, whilst it’s great to instil fear in those that don’t have the virus by reeling off stats of how many people have it, how many have died from it, surely it’s also important to highlight that those that do have it can be me or you, anyone. That they can still have a life and are not on some sort of death sentence providing you are on treatment or living healthy. That HIV isn’t what it was 20 years ago, that there is hope, that people are working towards better treatments, towards a vaccine, a cure. If you’re a smoker reading this, aren’t you giving yourself a death sentence out of choice? Yet you aren’t frowned upon like those with HIV who have to hide their status. It’s all just food for thought.
I’m still getting used to being HIV and despite being diagnosed two months ago and coming to terms with it, starting treatment and telling my family, life does go on, I’m here to prove that. I’m still me, and all I ask is that you still be you.
by HIVPozGuy
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INTERVIEW | Derek Bishop
We chat to the multi-talented singer-songwriter, Derek Bishop, about his love of Fleetwood Mac, his hate of friend’s boyfriends and his new album.
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Product Review: Rory Hutton Bow Ties
Having a Rory Hutton bow tie will elevate your placing in society to the likes of a well respected art critic or fashion connoisseur.
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THEATRE REVIEW | Austentatious
Following a critically acclaimed run at the Laughing Horse Free Fringe in Edinburgh this year, the verbosely talented cast of the Milk Monitors begin their residency at the Leicester Square Theatre.
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Chandler’s Tiple: Galway Hooker
Irish Pale Ale
Whilst the Campaign for Real Ale has not yet caught on here in Ireland as much as it has in Great Britain, there are still a few places you can get a good brew. Now, I am quite happy to drink Guinness on an evening out – in fact I will drink most anything, but variety is the spice of life, and small-batch beers and real ales provide a lot of variety.
Lager is a particularly prone to over simplification to meet the taste demands of the masses. Basically the big brewers stay away from any strong flavours so as not to offend people. As a result most lagers are decent enough, but subtle bordering on bland. To simply slake your thirst maybe this is not a bad thing, but to tantalise the taste buds, we must look elsewhere.
I was out with colleagues after work the other day at our usual place, Peter’s Pub in Dublin. They pour a lot of Guinness, like most pubs in Ireland. You can also get lagers like Carlsberg or Heineken there or even some flavourless American stuff. However, they have a one small-batch keg that is well worth a go – have a ride on the Galway Hooker.
It is hard to resist a beer with a good name. I like going up to the bar and ordering a “pint of Trouble” or “another Hooker, please.” Galway Hooker, a pale ale, has all the right ingredients to wake up your palate. It is light and bubbly – the sort of thing you want to drink in the summer. Compared to your usual lagers, the Hooker has distinctive bitter notes from extra hops and longer, natural fermentation. You get some citrus flavours, which are bright on the tongue, and this Pale Ale has a refreshing dry finish. It is not heavy, so you can drink it all night.
I’m afraid you might have to visit Ireland to get a taste of the Hooker. There are several pubs in Galway and Dublin and a few more dotted around the country. They have a nice little Web site that shows you exactly where:
www.galwayhooker.ie
Until next week, bottoms up!
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FILM REVIEW | Brokeback Mountain
As a poignant and touching love story, Brokeback Mountain deserves to help revive an ailing genre..
After a short stint trying to re-craft the comic book blockbuster in his own image, Ang Lee returns, gloriously, to more familiar ground. Based on Annie Proulx’s celebrated short story, Brokeback Mountain is a grand epic, a heartbreaking love story of two Wyoming ranch hands who fall for each other.
It’s remarkable to see a movie about a gay romance told in such a determinedly straight fashion. In fact where most contemporary rom-coms perform all sorts of contrived narrative somersaults to keep its lovers apart, in Brokeback Mountain, the circumstances of a hostile society that conspire to separate Jake Gyllenhaal’s Jack Twist and Heath Ledger’s Ennis Del Mar are utterly believable and genuinely painful.
But it’s not just the boys you end up rooting for. One of the reasons that Ang Lee’s film come across as so incredibly human is his reluctance to introduce a villain into the piece. The female leads could easily have been two-dimensional obstacles to true love. Instead, they’re almost as tragic as the men; it is not, after all, their fault that they unwittingly married blokes who were secretly spoken for.
It will be interesting to see how these themes will play in the queer-fear conservative heartlands of America. There’s a very real possibility that the idea of gay cowboys will threaten the middle class majority; those who are more comfortable when gay people are safely stereotyped as queeny LA fashionistas.
As a poignant and touching love story, Brokeback Mountain deserves to help revive an ailing genre: studio wisdom has it that sweeping romances spanning 20 years are a dead idea. On this evidence, they really should think about doing it more often.
Anticipation: Some kind of Priscilla, Queen of the Ranch, right?
Enjoyment: By the end you’d sell your own grandmother if it would help make things alright for them.
In Retrospect: As soon as it ends you’ll want to watch it again. Even if it meant putting yourself once more through the emotional wringer.
Available to buy / view on: Amazon
Brokeback Mountain (text) by Catherine Wray is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
