THEGAYUK

Author: Jake Hook

  • ALBUM REVIEW | Lines And Circles, O-Town

    ★★★★ | Lines And Circles, O-Town

    O-Town’s decade out of the pop limelight is a long time. In fact, some might say it’s a lifetime. Countless wannabes have flounced in and out of the charts, Mega stars have been created and wasted, sales have plummeted, and everything is starting to sound like everything else. The music industry is nothing like it was back in 2003. It was before the iPhone and iPod. People still bought CDs, and a band, arguably the last ‘out of the box’ boy-bands, O-Town went their separate ways, breaking the hearts of girls and gays worldwide.

    Well, boys and girls, they are back, with their best, most honest and commercially viable album for a world that is unrecognisable since their last output.

    What you’ll notice is that Lines and Circles is a straight-up pop record, crafted with strong melodies and a grownup sensibility in its production. No tricks needed. These guys have spent the last 10 years honing their craft and each of these tracks is a gem and deserves radio play in its own right. Their voices, with ten years of living, have become soulful, chilled; yet still retain a power and sexiness that made the lads successful in their formative years. They are back and this time it’s on their own terms.

    If you’re looking for teeny boppery hyped up crap, this album isn’t for you. If you’re looking for boy-band or rather man-band 2.0, then O-Town have excelled in bringing this to you in the shape of Lines And Circles.

    Highlights: The epic Skydive, the stripped back and unexpected Buried Alive and the anthemic Lines And Circles.

  • BNP Complains That BBC Bosses Want More Gay Drama

    A post on the British National Party’s Facebook complains that the BBC Drama Boss has promised to boost more gay characters in their output.

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  • INTERVIEW | Andrew Lancel on playing gay music manager, Epstein

    As Epstein – The Man Who Made The Beatles, opens in London’s Leicester Square Theatre, we catch up with ex-Corrie star Andrew Lancel, who plays the gay, legendary music manager to find out what made the man tick.

    Do you think that if Brian Epstein was around today that he would have been out and proud?
    I think Brian was as out as he could be then. It was a different time of course. He would never have done anything to compromise the boys (The Beatles) then or now but in short – yes I think he would be. One of the great things about this play is that Brian is very much ‘around today’ – he’s very now, his footprint is very clear in the business.

    Is it difficult playing a character like Brian Epstein who was so discreet and behind the scenes?
    He’s by far the most complex and fascinating character I’ve played. Many layered but a man full of wit and charm. He was very famous and successful so there is a lot out there to draw from. Plus speaking to people who knew him – extremely difficult but hugely rewarding. The Liverpool run went down very well and hopefully London will latch on this play too and get to know this amazing chap better. He deserves it. Everybody who knew him says the same thing. He was full of charm. He shone.

    What are your thoughts on Epstein’s untimely death? Do you think it was entirely accidental?
    Tragic. He was 32 and had a big hand in changing the world. This play is not a tribute to a tortured soul. If you look at the pictures of him most have him smiling. He had to have wit, energy and life to look after those 4! – so yes for me – entirely accidental and again watching the play people will be able to decide.

    Do you believe that Epstein struggled with his sexuality?
    Not really.

    Did he have to work harder because of it?
    He had to work harder because of many things – his sexuality, his religion, his background, his families success – but mainly because he couldn’t quite find where he should be. Until NEMS and the record store and then ultimately . The Beatles he was searching. I think he found himself in them.

    Which one of the Beatles do you think he fancied the most?
    I have theories and some inside knowledge but I’m declining my answer.. Ha ha.

    What do you think Epstein would think of X Factor and BGT if he were around today?
    Would The Beatles win X Factor? Would Cilla win Britain’s Got Talent? I think yes and anything that would boost his stable he would be behind. Brian did what he did without any of that, no text, twitter, Internet – it’s incomprehensible what The Beatles achieved in the time there were together and likewise what he did from a phone in an office.

    What’s the most interesting fact that you’ve discovered about Epstein since undertaking this role?
    Far and away that he was funny, charming and had a great sense of humour. It’s easy to assume because of what happened to him he was depressed and don’t get me wrong his life was a roller coaster and he had some dark corners (which we show). Will, Jen, Andrew and I work very hard on showing the life of this guy. It’s highs and lows.Another one would be that he held out for America until he felt it was right. That took some balls and clear genius.

    As a celebrity yourself, can you understand the pressures that Epstein has felt?
    Every job has pressure – celebrity or not. What The Beatles did was incomprehensible – their fame and their meteoric rise to it. Elvis never toured outside of the US. These guys were breaking the mould, the rules and the records daily. So I doubt anyone but Brian would really understand that kind of pressure. There’s no training for that. No guide book.

    Playing him I’ve got to understand him a fair bit – but he was under immense pressure – I think Andrew (Sherlock) has captured that brilliantly.

    Self medicating in Celeb Land seems to be such a common occurrence – and untimely deaths too, can you understand how someone can fall into the trap?
    It’s tragic. My generation seem to be saying Gone To Soon far too often. But looking back it’s always been like that hasn’t it. The highs are high… As Brian ultimately knew. He was gone at 32!

    LISTINGS INFO:
    Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles
    Leicester Square Theatre
    6 Leicester Place, London, Greater London WC2H 7BX
    30 July – 6 September 2014
    Preview Performances: 30 July – 2 August
    Mon – Sat Evenings: 7.30pm I Thurs mats 3.00pm I Sat early shows 4.00pm
    Ticket Prices: £30-£42.50

    HOW TO BOOK:
    Book online at www.leicestersquaretheatre.com |telephone 08448 733433 or in person at Leicester Square Theatre box office (Booking fees may apply)
    Writing co-commissioned by Homotopia.
    Supported by Arts Council England, Orange Amplification, Liverpool Vision and Liverpool Echo.
    Production partners: The Beatles Story (Liverpool), Hard Day’s Night Hotel (Liverpool), Hard Rock Cafe (London), The Beatles Coffee Shop/Beatles Walks (London), Gieves & Hawkes (London).
    The official hotel partner is Radisson Blu Edwardian, London.
    The official production charity partner is CALM – www.thecalmzone.net.

    Running Time 2hrs approx

    Suitable for age 14+

  • INTERVIEW | Bourgeoisie

    Missing Drag Queens Of London? Well in our second instalment of our Drag Queens Of London Interviews we snuggle up with Bourgeosie to find out how life has changed and why Mrs. Doubtfire is her inspiration!

    Since DQOL has aired, how has life changed?
    I get recognised quite a lot, which is exceptionally surreal. From a couple in the Earls Court Tesco who proudly proclaimed to me that they were #teamBOUGIE, to random guys on Grindr. I’m becoming a major SUBlebrity. I’m also happily finding niches of the scene where being arty is celebrated.

    What are your favourite highlights from the show?
    My absolute favourite moments in the show have been my ridiculous one-liners. Re-watching conversations and interviews, its been interesting to see what the producers have thought are my wittiest moments.

    Has being involved with DQOL changed you for the better for worse?
    Absolutely the better. I had a great time filming and being a part of the show. After the show aired, I’ve had support from people all over the world reaching out and to affirm that they love what I do and my particular flavour of drag.

    For the next series… What more would you, could you, bring to the show…?
    I’m not so secretly hoping for a Familyyy Fierce spin-off. If there’s this much drama with just a group of unrelated queens, just think how much more there’d be in a Familyyy of queens with egos. If that’s not an option, I can definitely see the show following me in getting into producing nights and further expanding my career.

    As the war of the words rages on with RuPaul, Logo and Glaad surrounding the word ‘tranny’ where you do you sit on the matter?
    I have so many feelings about this topic, there’s absolutely no plausible way that I can answer it here. Perhaps Meth and I will put our #FFFeels together in a piece on the issue. (HINT HINT, GAYUK!)

    Is drag getting its 2nd wind?
    With the influx of new blood and innovative performers like myself, Meth, Ruby Wednesday and the rest of the Familyyy Fierce, I think drag in the UK is on the cusp of a change. I think Drag Queens of London has helped to expose a whole array of styles of drag that perhaps weren’t as visible before the show, and the British public are hungry for something they haven’t seen umpteen times.

    Who do you consider to be your drag Idol?
    My drag idols at the moment are this amazing latex Marnie Scarlett and my dearest drag auntie Holestar. Marnie speaks in the same visual language that I do and discovering her catalog of looks and performances has been an amazing process. Holestar is like my queer fairy godmother, enough said. Both queens are such amazingly kind, open-hearted people, its always a joy to see them perform or just be around them.

    The best drag movie is….
    I’m tied between Mrs. Doubtfire and Party Monster. The former was the first experience with drag that I ever had and I used to watch the movie nonstop as a child. Before the film I thought drag meant that you had to be aiming for a purely feminine illusion, but Party Monster was the film that made me want to start doing drag though making me realise that the illusion doesn’t have to be the goal.

    What’s the most common mistake for a new drag queen?
    Not wearing enough makeup: Invest in a good Kryolan TV Paint Stick and powder EVERYTHING. I personally think that if you can take off your makeup with a single makeup wipe, then you’re not wearing enough cosmetics.

    Is it easy to get into drag as a business?
    It’s incredibly difficult. It’s expensive as f**k, and for the first few years you have to spend loads of money supporting the craft before it starts to support itself. Frocks, lashes and wigs are quite pricey, especially if you’re uncomfortable wearing high street tat.

    If you weren’t doing drag for a living what would you do?
    I’d probably be working in some other visual artistic field, perhaps fashion or fine art. My training in university was in fine art and costume design, so perhaps one of those fields? I’d still quite like to go back to school for my masters and perhaps a doctorate. Dr. Bourgeoisie does have a ring to it. ;]

  • INTERVIEW | Lady Lloyd, Life after Drag Queens Of London

    Have you been missing your weekly dose of Drag Queens Of London? Never fear we’ve got an interview with a fierce queen or two – starting of with Lady Lloyd, who isn’t afraid to say how she feels.

    Since DQOL has aired, how has life changed?
    Dramatically! I find people hiding in shop doorways to avoid me!

    What are your favourite highlights from the show?
    Pushing Vanity’s piano over has to be the one. That show is such dirge! Everyone was falling asleep – something had to be done.

    Has being involved with DQOL changed you for the better for worse?
    Hasn’t changed me at all, apart from the roses that arrive on my doorstop everyday… it’s the other ones you wanna watch!

    For the next series… What more would you, could you, bring to the show…?
    Oh c’mon, more of the same, drama is never far away from me, and theres no denying Buffalo Girls have been a force of energy on the show.

    So should the UK have a Drag Race?
    Only if RuPaul does it, and Lily is too old!

    What are your thoughts on Jonathan Ross presenting it?
    I like him as a presenter, but it has to be RuPaul. It’s Ru’s baby and she does it so well.

    As the war of the words rages on with RuPaul, Logo and Glaad surrounding the word ‘tranny’ where you do you sit on the matter?
    TRANNY TRANNY TRANNY!

    Is drag getting its 2nd wind?
    It seems to be very ‘in’ right now, like back to the 90s when Ru was ruling. People will always love drag though, it’s just the media that dictates what the masses are ‘consuming’. At the minute the media is on it.

    Who do you consider to be your Drag Idol?
    Tasty Tim and Princess Julia. They haven’t had a night in since ’79 and are consistently fashionable and fabulous. My heroes!

    The best drag movie is….
    Definitely NOT Priscilla. The original La Cage is amazing, and of course Paris is Burning is an inspiration to so many. 10s across the board.

    What’s the most common mistake for a new drag queen?
    Shaving the eyebrows! It’s ok for an extreme drag look, and looks fabulous on real character drag but when the more femme queens do it, it just looks stupid. Women have actual eyebrows you know!

    Is it easy to get into drag as a business?
    No, very hard I think. Its still a niche market – there aren’t many jobs going, and most fail after a year or so, the hot new thing comes along in a while, but you never actually see them getting many paid gigs. I’ve been lucky that I have worked as a DJ consistently for almost 10 years now.

    If you weren’t doing drag for a living what would you do?
    Something in music, I went to the BRIT school and studied music, so I’m very happy that I have been able to work with music. If I wasn’t doing drag I’d probably have studied more production side, as it’s something I would love to do but can’t find the time in between hangovers.

    What’s the worst thing a drag queen could do to another?
    Pull their wig off – but it’s also the most satisfying. Ha.

    To tuck or not to tuck? And if you do – how do you do it?
    Never, I like it all on show, let them know what’s going on – front and centre.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Daytona, Theatre Royal Haymarket

    ★★★ | Daytona, Theatre Royal Haymarket

    In a recent interview, Maureen Lipman said that this is ‘unquestionably the best role’ of her career and she’s not wrong. Lipman is jaw-droppingly stunning in the strictly limited season of Daytona at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

    Daytona is an intimate 3-hander show which tells a story of missed opportunities and what-ifs. Without sharing too much, an Elderly Jewish migrant couple Elli (Maureen Lipman) and Joe (Harry Shearer) are living out their twilight years ballroom dancing and going through the motions of a long and seemingly happy marriage. One evening, whilst Elli is getting last-minute alterations to her dancing dress, Joe’s brother, wild-haired and Hawaii shirt wearing, Billy (Oliver Cotton, who also wrote the play), knocks at the door, after a 30-year estrangement. He tells Joe that he has taken drastic action on a man from their past, he believes was a particularly violent and murderous Nazi during the war, whilst on his holiday, in Daytona.

    His regaling of the story takes up the majority of the first half and is longwinded. The true horror of the back-story fails to register fully – as Billy launches into monologues, so long that they had me looking at my watch. It’s not to say that the emotions weren’t there, but the importance and the investment in the story that an audience needs in the characters and their story are lost with the length of time it takes to get there. It felt as though the audience was lost during the swathes of dialogue.

    It’s not until the second act that the story becomes interesting and Lipman’s competence in ruling the stage is truly felt, reminding us of her abilities as a superb and subtle actor. If only it hadn’t taken so long to get there. There is a captivating monologue where Lipman opens up her character to show an emotionally bereft woman who has only just managed to cope with a life that was forced upon her. A romantic attachment, albeit brief, is quite breathtaking.

    Until 23 August. Box office: 020 7930 8800. Venue details: Theatre Royal Haymarket, London http://www.trh.co.uk

  • HOTEL REVIEW | Western Peacock Hotel, Kenilworth

    ★★★ | Western Peacock Hotel, Kenilworth

    Despite the hotel’s aging decor and desperate need of modernising, the service is second to none and the Peacock Hotel does provide good value for money.

    If you’re looking for corporate homogeneity in Kenilworth, near Leamington Spa, you won’t find it at the Best Western Peacock Hotel, but you will find a warm reception and a ‘can do’ attitude that some hotels just fail to provide.

    The room was pretty old fashioned and the shower was merely a dribble in the room we stayed, but it had everything you could need including a trouser press and it was clean. The only thing missing from the room was a hairdryer, which when asked at reception, the manageress, who was incredibly attentive and friendly said she would get her own for us – now that’s service.

    It has to be said that the bed wasn’t the most comfortable, however the pillows were supportive and electric outlets, for those of you who need to charge devices were plentiful.

    Breakfast was included and all in all the hotel was good value for money, especially if you’re just staying for the night. Parking is charged as an extra in the hotel’s carpark.

    The night we stayed the room cost around £38

  • OPINION | Meet The Next Generation Of The BNP

    It’s scary, very scary, what happens when you get a bunch of 13-18 year olds and fill their heads with British National Party rubbish.

    We want, we want, we want, never gets – didn’t your mother tell you?

    I’m sitting here, not sure whether to laugh or to shudder in fear – as the British National Party (BNP) releases a video on to its YouTube page with several young people spouting about who they feel is to blame for the downturn of the UK’s moral compass and their demands for the future of this country.

    So who is to blame? Well, us militant homosexuals are given a mention (high five), the media, bankers, businesses and I think My Little Pony had a mention somewhere.

    At the end of the ill-edited, terribly lit video, with a soundtrack that would make Han Zimmer cry into his hands, a youngster, we’ll call him Marvin, looks deadpan into camera and like a BNP Zombie says, ‘This is not a request, this is a demand… We are BNP Youth.’

    And if you’re wondering what exactly what was said about the LGBT+ community, the one in the pink says (we’ll call her Chelsea), ‘The militant homosexuals who push for gay marriage and gay adoption in order to destroy the traditional family unit.’

    Then the one in the black top and festive flower in the her hair pipes up (We’ll call her Edwina):

    ‘We want the promotion of the traditional family and our core Christian values.’

    I can’t help think that these children, yes they are children, have been done a complete disservice by their parents, their political education and the BNP. This video will forever be a monument to their beliefs – and in an ever changing and more progressive society, these kids are already looking like dinosaurs.

    In a time where nothing can be deleted from the omnipotent internet, I wonder what these children will think, when they look back on this, as they get a little more worldly wise in 5, 10, 15 years.

    This video is called, BNP Youth- Fight Back, but I’m not sure they really know who they’re fighting. It seems like everyone as far as I can tell. This is a political party, it seems, hell bent on isolating itself into the nether regions of this country, demanding not to be taken seriously – and I say, good – stay there.

    It seems the BNP have a new generation… My advice – don’t feed them after midnight and keep away from water.

    Interestingly, comments have been turned off for the video on YouTube – but you can leave your thoughts and comments below – play nicely now…

     

    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.

  • INTERVIEW | Drag Queens Of London Lady Lloyd

    Star of London Lives’ Drag Queens Of London, Lady Lloyd, opens up about being homophobically attacked and how life has changed since.

    When and where exactly did the attack happen?
    It was when I was 15, and it happened as I was catching a late night train from Stansted Station into West End to see my best friend Siobhan Donaghy perform at G-a-Y when she was in Sugababes.

    How many people attacked you?
    3

    How old were they?
    They were the same age.

    Did you know who they were?
    I knew who one of them was, but the other two I never found out. The one I know for sure was put away for other attacks, and actually got a brain tumour and died. Now I wouldn’t wish harm on anyone, but you know – Karmas a bitch!

    Could you describe your injuries for me?
    Just completely bashed up! black eyes, busted lip and had my face cut open on my cheek. It was pretty horrific, I really think if it had gone to court it would have been attempted murder, as it happened on a bridge and they were trying to shove me off it onto the train tracks.

    What age did the abuse/bullying start?
    I guess it started when I started high school, but just words and stuff which has never bothered me. I was going out nightclubbing from 13 and hanging out with people 25+…I matured really quickly , I think i’m more immature now than I was then, and so playground bullying never bothered me, I used to play up to it really…I wore a Spice Girls puff jacket for goodness sake and had my own hair salon during lunch break! I had a great time at school, I loved it.

    Have you encountered any abuse/bullying since, in recent years?
    Not really, maybe some remarks here and there but nothing that stands out, but my friend, legendary nightclub host Phillip Salon, was brutally attacked and left for dead outside the GAP in Piccadilly, and the police claim there was no CCTV. On that corner in Piccadilly, Central London? I don’t think so. My attack happened in front of CCTV cameras, and it was claimed they just weren’t switched on. Shocking.

    When did you start dressing in drag?
    Probably when I was 16. But you know, we are born naked – everything else is drag. It comes in dribs and drabs – an eyeliner here, a heel there – I don’t really think of drag as a transformation, my clothes don’t have genitals, a man in a skirt, a girl in a nice pair of trousers it’s all the same.

    Do you think the attack has left any scars? Emotional and physical?
    I have a scar on my cheek and another on my hand, so there is that which isn’t pleasant, but some people like them. Other than that emotionally not really – I certainly gained in confidence and I think I have a really strong core and belief in myself , but I don’t know if that is a result of one attack or of living my life as true to my own self as I can, which I have always done, no apologies.

    HOMOPHOBIC HATE CRIME STATS
    The problem of hate crimes and incidents
    • One in six lesbian, gay and bisexual people have experienced a homophobic hate crime or incident over the last three years.
    • In the last year alone, almost one in ten lesbian, gay and bisexual people have experienced a homophobic hate crime or incident.
    • One in sixteen regard homophobic harassment or attacks as a big problem in their area.

    Drag Queens Of London Continues Tonight on London Live

    Freeview 8, YouView 8, Sky 117 and Virgin 159

  • INTERVIEW | Molly Smitten Downes: Eurovision – I wouldn’t say I’m an avid fan

    The UK’s Eurovision entry this year is a fresh breath of air for the UK. I chat to Molly Smitten Downes before the Finals of the world’s biggest music competition to find out that she’s a big hippy at heart, why she rates Gina G and how Hugh Jackman is a big fan!

    What are you most looking forward to about Eurovision?
    Oh gosh, loads really, but the performance the most. It’s going to be the biggest show I’ve ever done, it’s going to be an incredible experience to perform in front of that many people and to have such a big stage.

    Does 120 million viewers haunt you at all?
    A little bit… A little bit! Yes, but weirdly I feel more excited than anything. I’m genuinely excited. I feel really strongly about the song, and I’m really excited about getting everyone to hear it and to judge as they will. I don’t know if they’re going to like it or not but I’m really happy with the song, if they don’t like it, then that’s absolutely fine, but hopefully some of them will…

    Well out of 120 million, we’ll think you’ll find some fans!
    Some must, at least one or two!!! (Laughs)

    Was Children of the universe a co write or self penned?
    That was self-penned, I wrote and Anders Hansson
    produced it – he’s incredible. He’s an absolute dream to work with and he really understands my writing style and it’s amazing how much he can hear when I write. My little demos of basic chords, he just hears what I can hear and he knows how to make it into what you hear.

    What are you trying to say in your song?
    The song is about knowing your worth as a human being and feeling a bit disconnected, dreaming, feeling not really sure about yourself in the world and waking up and realising ‘you know what I believe every human is important, we all have a part to play, we’re not really sure what it is – but it’s about knowing your worth as a human being’.

    I guess I’m just a bit of a hippy… some people might find it very sickly – that message, but it’s what I believe.

    So a bit of a hippy then?
    I’m a massive hippy in fact.

    Is the UK ready for a hippy monster?
    (Laughing) I don’t know. But I think the UK is more hippy than we know. We love animals; we’re quite pioneering with human rights.

    We’re a lot more hippyish than we like to admit – but we’re quite a deep nation, I think we care a lot about issues and we’re quite rebellious and we don’t like to conform too much.

    Are you going to go for the full camp costume for Eurovision?
    It’s pretty glam, but that’s all I’m going to say. It’s going to be the most glamorous thing I’ve ever worn.

    Are you an avid fan of the show?
    I wouldn’t say I’m an avid fan… No. I used to watch it when I was little, but the last few years, I’ve lost interest in it I guess. I didn’t feel that connected to it, for whatever reason. So I’ve had to sort of do my research, after agreeing to do it. Looking at those who have come high up in the scoring, I feel like in this Country, certainly we’ve got a preconceived idea about it and a lot of people think it’s a bit naff. But if you look at the winning songs coming through, they’re really good.

    I’m really proud to be representing the UK

    To date who’s your favourite entry?
    I love Loreen – ‘Euphoria’, I think her performance two years ago was world class…

    Any UK acts?
    Not really. Not in recent years. A long time ago… Gina G was great, Katrina and the Waves obviously; she wrote that song and that means something to me. But in recent years not so much. I can’t speak highly enough of people of that ilk (Bonnie Tyler and Engelbert Humperdinck) and they were great performances, but with regards to the competition and looking at other acts that have won I think the winning acts have done well and deserve to be up there.

    What’s in store for us?
    It’s not going to be an easy competition at all, they all seem really nice and Ruth Lorenzo, is an absolute babe. It’s been really nice chatting to her.

    Last year there were quite a few gay moments… Any thing gay this year?
    I don’t know if there are any… But you know what, great if there’s a bit of controversy and rebellion, I’m all for it. You’ve got to let people be.

    If you could hang out with anyone from music history, who would it be and what would you talk about?
    I would love to hang out with Debbie Harry… I feel like her coolness might rub off on me. And John Lennon, I really believe he had such good ideas about peace and the potential of human nature, I really like his ethic.

    Are you going to be keeping sober after the performance?
    Hell no. Not even a little bit.

    Have you practiced your poker face for when we’re not getting Douze point?
    I’ve got, unfortunately, one of those faces that really like says how I’m feeling, I might find it really hard… I’ll be trashing the green room.

    Is there a diva streak in you?
    Probably, when I get tired and under pressure, I do get a bit snappy, but generally no, I’m not high maintenance or anything. Just normal. I wish I was a bit more of a diva actually. It could be quite fun to make diva-ish demands and say things like… ‘Hey where’s my champagne?’

    Who was the last celebrity you spoke to and what did you talk about?
    Mark Feely from west life, he was at my gig last night, so we talked about my gig, he said, I’ve got a great voice and he really enjoyed the show.

    So he’s a bit of a fan then?
    I think so, (giggles)

    Any other VIP fans?
    Hugh Jackman after Graham Norton (show)! He was really nice, I’m not sure if I’ve got any VIP fans.

    How are you finding the newfound fame?
    It’s a whole new level! Fine… Yeah, good actually! I was a bit sort of thinking what was going to happen. I didn’t know what to expect really, but it’s been fine and fun actually. I don’t think my profile is quite getting stopped on the street or anything, although I did get spotted in Stockholm and that was really surreal. That was fun. I’ve not really had a chance to take it all in, because it’s all happened so fast at the minute.

    Is there anything so far in your career that demands that you be added to the rock and roll hall of fame?
    Hummmm, getting the goody bag after the Graham Norton show. In the dressing room there was this amazing goody bag, with all really nice products in and I was so excited is as was like ‘Ahhhhhhhhh. Free stuff!’ They were like, ‘It’s so nice that your excited about the goody bag, so many celebs don’t even take it…’ And I was like WHAT? These people are mad! It’s free, so I love a freebie.

    Do you have a favourite phrase or saying?
    Reach for the top of the trees and you won’t leave the ground. Reach for the stars and you might reach the top of the trees…

    Ooooft that’s deep, where did you get that from?
    A nun! I went to a convent school!

    Milly Smitten Downes will be performing at the Eurovision Finals Saturday 10th May

  • INTERVIEW | Tara McDonald – I’m a poundland girl!

    One of hardest working vocalists, musicians and gay icons known to man Tara McDonald is almost ready to unleash her debut album – but this won’t have been the first time you’ve heard her steel-like vocals. Remember the Armand Van Helden hit MY MY MY back in 2005 – yes that’s her, remember the Axwell stonker FEEL THE VIBE Yes that’s her, David Guetta DELIRIOUS? Yep that’s her. Gay boys I present… Tara, performing at Prides around the UK in 2014.

    Sooooooo Tara, since our last interview, what have you been up to?
    It’s been a crazy year, lots of touring, finishing my album (which will be released this year on Mercury/Universal), writing songs for other artists and continuing to work on my radio show called “I Like This Beat”. The radio show is now weekly on Gaydio radio every Sunday at 9pm in the UK and every Friday on JemmOne radio. Its also now weekly in over 50 countries and on 56 FM stations worldwide and still growing! I’m actually going to call my album “I Like This Beat” too.

    Oh and I also now have a cute little dog, she’s a miniature Schnauzer called Annie and she’s featured in my new music video.

    Tell us a little more about your single Shooting Star… Some of it’s in French…. Ooooo la la!
    That’s right I’ve made a duet with the French Canadian singer Zaho called “Shooting Star” it’s now in the top 15 on French radio and I’m here in Paris today on promotion. Zaho is really cool, she’s like the French Alicia Keys and has made 6 studio albums and sold platinum so I was very honoured that she wanted to work with me and make a record together. I co wrote and produced the song with Duvall and Maegan Cottone which are the team behind Little Mix’s hit song Move. Shooting Star is written from the heart and very personal to me as it’s all about my truth, going for the things I want in life and making them happen and to stop being afraid. It’s a really positive song and I guess I wrote it as I needed to hear this message to push myself forward. Zaho had just come out of a long relationship and her part of the song is about going through hard times and coming out the other side stronger.

    The video for Shooting Star is very true to my life, the shooting took place in East London around my neighbourhood and I wanted to highlight an issue that’s really important to me, equality (for love, for race, for gender). I really wanted to show people of all races in the clip and I also have a scene in the clip with a gay wedding and my dog got to be a princess for the day in a chauffeured car wearing a crown and a pearl necklace.

    Shooting Star – video clip youtube.com/watch?v=7eoh0iL1gPo

    You’re constantly travelling around the world – what are your essentials that you have to take – any secret tips for getting upgraded?
    I always say good manners take you places, I would like people to remember me for being kind and not for that rude bitch on the plane. Having said that if you are a push over in life, you will be pushed over. Being typically English complaining doesn’t come naturally to me and I could easily sit in silence, but luckily it does come naturally to my amazing French tour manager who can eloquently express himself and so now I’m always upgraded or given compensation for any service that’s not up to par and I still get to be the nice one. If anyone wants to borrow him for a road trip just tweet me @taramcdonaldTV.

    Essentials that I always take are sunglasses and a few pairs coz I think no matter how tired you are sunglasses are an instant glamour reviver! I’m also really into my vintage 90’s Junior Jean Paul Gaultier plaid jacket which is massive and cozy so perfect for travelling coz I always get cold on the plane. Also I have a classic Chanel handbag which is the best organiser, there’s so many dividers in the bag that I’m organised and fabulous 😉 I’m a big fan of MakeUpForever cosmetics and they have a great range of waterproof and long lasting products which stay put morning to night so perfect for me, it’s not available in shops in the UK yet, only online, but I always get mine in Paris or when I’m touring in America.

    Now, you’ve gotten yourself a bit of a gay fan base… (naturally!) Are we going to be seeing a lot more campness from the McDonald this year?
    Well, I should co co! I’ve been splashing out on lots of new costumes and have found a great designer that I collaborate with to create some incredible one off pieces for big events that I’m performing in called EABurns who also makes incredible jewellery. Some of my favourite events I’ve performed at are gay events, I really look forward to Pride and are so grateful for the gay community for opening its arms to me and I can’t wait till the next time.

    The secret to youth is?
    Botox! No not really (although that can help) I think the secret to youth is doing something that you love. I think my job keeps me young because it never feels like work and I’ll happily spend 24 hours on a plane just so I can sing to people or spend days in a basement studio with no windows (which would be hell to some people) but feels amazing to me as I’m creating new music.

    What do you think the hot trends for 2014 are going to be?
    Musically speaking I think more deep house and 90’s inspired tracks. Fashion wise I was hoping that Buffalo shoes are gonna make a big comeback as I’ve bought quite a few pairs on eBay, I think I’m having an early midlife crisis!… My other prediction is my album “I Like This Beat” being massive!

    You’ve done a few gigs in Russia, have you managed to connect with any gay fans whilst out there?
    It’s funny you should mention that as I’m going to Moscow this month and I’m very interested to perform there, my tour manager that’s coming with me on this trip is gay. I have performed in a gay club in Moscow last year but of course it wasn’t openly a gay club… It’s a real backward step that Russia has taken and has shocked the rest of the civilised world with its new policies. I started working with a gay charity last year called Warriors for Love in The Netherlands in conjunction with Amnesty International, which aims to promote equality for love no matter who you love worldwide. It’s amazing to hear about the work they are doing and it’s so easy to forget how lucky we are in Europe to the freedom we have and the equal rights we have compared to other places in the world.

    Marry Snog Avoid: Justin Bieber, Boy George, Jessie J?
    I think I’d snog Jessie J, Marry Boy George as I know he’ll keep me laughing even though I think our sex life would be non existent for obvious reasons and I would avoid Justin Beiber (not because of him as an artist, we performed together in Paris last year as we are both on the same record label and he was amazing live) I just think it’s cruel to have a monkey as a pet, so not down with that.

    The best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
    Never eat yellow snow 😉

    Complete the sentence: If all fails and you’ve only got £10 in your pocket…
    Don’t worry you can still buy 10 things in Poundland 😀