THEGAYUK

Author: Jake Hook

  • FILM REVIEW | The Wolf Of Wall Street

    ★★★★ | The Wolf Of Wall Street

    Leonardo DiCapro Shines in his latest offering The Wolf Of Wall Street.

    Despite its 3 hour run time, The Wolf Of Wall Street managed to entertain – with only one glance to the watch to check on the time.

    Following the true story of Jordan Belfort, the film documents the rise and the rise and the eventual fall (but not so hard) of a man who sells penny stocks for over inflated prices – and getting rich, very rich in the process.

    Drug fuelled, sex driven and money mad Belfort – slams from Pillar to Post, whipping up a moneyed frenzy in his wake. If you ever want to hear on how to sell anything to anyone, The Wolf Of Wall Street offers an insight into the inner machinations of Wall Street and Stock markets.

    Some are saying that the film is glorifying Wall Street and some of its seedier tradings – and I would have to agree, but ultimately, as Belfort says ‘Everyone wants to get rich…’

    There are some real comic genius moments – if you’re a fan of Absolutely Fabulous – DiCaprio pulls off a comedy fall from a helicopter into bushes and then into a pool, that Joanna Lumley’s (who also stars) and Jennifer Saunders’ Eddy and Pats would be proud of.

    Ultimately a great performance from DiCaprio, who takes on the role with an unshakable prowess.

    Available to buy / view on: Amazon | Amazon Prime | iTunes

  • JAMES ARTHUR: ‘I’m Not A Homophobe Anymore’ – Forgive and Forget?

    I think we’ll be the judge of that James Arthur… Are we ready to forgive and forget?

    Disgraced former X Factor Winner James Arthur speaking at a gig, hopes his new single will be picked up by radio after the last single performed terribly, reaching number 19.
    Arthur hit the headlines last year after releasing a ‘diss’ rap containing anti-gay lyrics.
    During an Edinburgh gig, in which he introduced his new single Get Down, it is reported that he said:
    ‘This one will hopefully get played on the radio, cause I’m not a homophobe any more.’
    I mean it must be true, even Rylan Clark has defended the Impossible singer.
    What do you think? Forgive And Forget, or hold a grudge like a dog with a bone?

    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.

  • REVIEW: Skinbreeze Microdermabrasion with LED Light and O2 Infusion

    I settled back into the chair of the relaxing treatment room at Hari’s in central London, ready to let world renowned Debbie Thomas do her best.

    It’s true, I’m not looking any younger and what with the winter weather, the parties and a hectic work schedule, I was ready for anything to change the aging that was creeping up on me and my face with a ferocious pace.

    I had been told about Skinbreeze’s new No Tox facial treatment and I was sceptical about how the results would turn out. The bumpf promises ‘amazing anti-ageing results without the use of neurotoxin injectables’, which sounds just about perfect.

    Skinbreeze has been launched as an organic and natural solution for those looking for some anti-ageing goodness and it does this by means of a cutting-edge new skin-resurfacing system, LED light therapy, a high pressure 02 infusion and a rejuvenating serum – containing neuropeptides.

    The treatment takes around an hour – and your face feels completely relaxed by the time you’re through, Debbie has the hands of a facial goddess. If you’ve had Dermabrasion treatments before, this procedure feels much kinder and much less harsh. The skin feels massaged and thoroughly cleansed.

    But what you want to hear about is the results – you can read about the treatment below, but what we’re after is the results – am I right?

    Well for the first day or so, I was disappointed with my reflection in the mirror, I felt I still looked tired and puffy, so slightly huffy so I chalked up the treatment as ‘feels lovely – achieves nothing’, but on the second day around about 36-48 hours after the treatment – the compliments came pouring in. I mean that honestly. Even my mother questioned what I had done – and told me to keep doing it as it, vicariously made her younger.

    I was incredibly happy with the results and even up to four weeks later, keeping in mind the change of the weather and party season, people are still asking if I’ve ‘been freshed up’. Of course Skinbreeze is our little secret, so shhhh, keep this one under wraps otherwise everyone will look years younger again.

    To book treatment with Debbie call: 020 7581 5211, or email info@debbiethomas.co.uk

    For more info about Skinbreeze call: 0845 208 0220

    Step 1 – Orbital Dermabrasion and LED Light Therapy

    First part of the treatment is a gentle orbital dermabrasion system. It uses replaceable tips coated with silicon carbide in three levels of coarseness to massage and gently exfoliate the surface of the skin. Unlike most other dermabrasion systems Skinbreeze doesn’t use harsh crystals, which can painfully “sandblast” the skin’s surface.The dermabrasion tips can be set to rotate on an elliptical axis at 20 different speeds to remove imperfections and impurities. Simultaneous mechanical vibrations massage the skin, making the procedure a more comfortable experience. In addition blue and red light therapy is used simultaneously to stimulate and plump the new tissue underneath.

     

    Step 2 – 0xygen Infusion

    A powerful high pressure O2 infusion delivers the Skinbreeze serum to the skin to visibly plump out lines and increase firmness.The 02 infusion propels the active Skinbreeze serums deep into the lower layers of the dermis substantially increasing the volume of the skin, plumping and smoothing lines and wrinkles providing a painless and needle-free alternative to dermal fillers.An air-powered spray gun is then used to deliver an even application of active serum ingredients in a fine mist across the treatment area to hydrate and gently refresh and calm sensitive and sun-damaged skin.

     

    Step 3 – Hydro Mask

    The treatment is then finished with a Skinbreeze Hydro Mask that is left on the face for 20 minutes. The orbital ebrasor then massages the face over the mask in a circular motion, moving outwards towards the lymph nodes to drain any puffiness in the face.

     

    Skinbreeze Serums

    The Skinbreeze skincare product serums boast a unique scientific formula. The key active ingredients are neuropeptides (which inhibit muscle contractions thus reducing wrinkles and lines), and hyaluronic acid, which provides amazing levels of hydration. There are two key anti-ageing serums – Rejuvenation (general anti-ageing), Wrinkle Filler (combats fine lines and wrinkles). The Skinbreeze range also includes a transparent gel Hydro Mask, Blemish Fix, and Stretch Mark Cream.

  • CAR REVIEW | Ford Fiesta 2013 Econetic

    Ford has created an amazing car in its updated 2013 Fiesta range.

    The car which was first unleashed upon the world in 1976 has gone through a number of guises from essentially a cheap run-around, to mum’s best friend, a first timer’s to boy racer – The new Fiesta gives a nod to all of its predecessor and adds something new to the list – maturity. The new Fiesta is the baby car that grew up. It’s an extraordinary car, with tonnes of hidden extras that will leave you smiling.

    Since the launch of the Fiesta, Ford has sold over 15 million of the little car, but you won’t find much to link the original to the latest mach. Gone are the cheap looking fittings, the uncomfortable seat fabrics and the vastly unpowered engines and hideous pea green or insipid browns finishes. That’s all been replaced by sleek lines, fresh modern colours and a cabin that is as exciting as it is relaxing.

     

    The Drive

    The Fiesta delivers incredible power and economy for its class, we tested a Titanium Econetic 5 door 1.6 TDCi 95 PS in Copper Pulse – and we found it surprisingly zippy and at home in London traffic or on the motorway.

    The ride was smooth, agile and solid and the car almost wants you to chuck it around corners, with it’s crisp and clean steering. The ESP systems ensure that you won’t over or under steer – and keeps all four tyres safely in contact with the road, even in slippier environments.

    Ford has hidden a few neat tricks up the Fiesta’s sleeve – like the hill start assist, which ensures that you don’t roll back while waiting at the lights.

    On the version we tested the car also has a camera at the back, which turns on automatically when you select the reverse gear. A clever guidance graphic helps you park perfectly, every time

    The built in SatNav can calculate your route’s destination in 3 different types of journey: fast, most direct and eco. And some of our favourite features include: the easy to select Cruise Control, the auto engine stop, which helps the eco credentials as it switches off the engine at traffic lights and the Active City Stop – which makes sure you won’t bump into the car in front.

    My only complaint would be that at lower speeds, in the car we tested, you require a number of gear changes and you find that you’ll have to rev quite a bit to get the power you really want when coming out of country road corners, it really doesn’t enjoy sitting in 3rd or even 2nd where other cars might be quite happy – but this is a minor quibble as you remind yourself you’re driving a diesel.

    The Fitout.

    We have to say that we wholly approve of Ford’s attention to detail – the cabin feels huge up front- complete with LED mood lighting, this car feels a million miles away from a first timer’s car. It’s seductive lines and textures actually beg for tactility. The seats feel solid and allow you to maintain a good posture, ensuring that even after a long haul in the 2013 Fiesta you step out feeling alive.

     

    We loved the in car entertainment – especially on the version we tried out – which included Ford’s revolutionary SYNC system, which can play your phone’s music list, read texts, place phone calls and in an crisis situation can even call the emergency services – all via Bluetooth connection.

     

    The Fiesta comes in a 3 door and 5 door version, with plenty of room – although the longer legged of us, might struggle in the back – and the boot space is impressive, but not quite big enough for an all out camping trip to North Wales Pride.

     

    The positive

    Looks great in its class of car

    Safety features

    In car entertainment and extras

    Great responsive steering and suspension

     

    The Negative

    Legroom for back seats

    1.0 Eco Boost Diesel needs constant gear changes at lower speeds

    Pricier than other models in its class

     

    Conclusion

    All in all Ford’s updated Fiesta is a car we’ve fallen in love with. The small car that’s grown up.

     

    Options

    Petrol engine options – 1.25-litre (59bhp, 81bhp); 1.0-litre (79bhp, 99bhp, 123bhp); 1.6-litre (104bhp, automatic gearbox only). Diesel engine options – 1.5-litre (74bhp); 1.6-litre (94bhp).

    Transmission options: five-speed manual gearbox, or six-speed automated manual (1.6-litre 104bhp petrol only). Trim levels: Studio, Style, Zetec, Zetec S, Titanium, Titanium X, plus Econetic sub-models at Style, Zetec and Titanium level.

  • ALBUM REVIEW | Christmas, With Love – Leona Lewis

    ★★★★ | Christmas, With Love,
    Christmas, With Love, Album Review: The Voice Returns For Christmas.

    I’ll admit, I love a bit of Leona; I remember watching X Factor in 2006 as she took the X Factor crown and embarked on a journey to becoming the most successful artist to survive Simon Cowell’s talent competition.

    Sadly, that being said, I’ve found her albums to have gotten progressively unsuited to her vocal style and ultimately unlistenable, if truth be told I didn’t even buy Glassheart, and judging on the sales figures neither did her legions of fans. Where are the power ballads? Where are the soaring riffs and runs? Where is Britain’s Mariah – the reason why she ultimately wowed that X Factor audience.

    But Lewis, the voice, returns for the holidays and gives fans something they will truly treasure, her festive offering Christmas, With Love.

    A very traditional-sounding record, which does take a few tracks to get used to, but pays perfect homage to Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound.

    Usually the big reverbs and muddy sounding recordings are reserved for rockier vocals, but these arrangements allow Lewis’s vocal prowess to shine through with her crystal intonations; with a few tracks delivering exceptional and surprising performances – check out Ava Maria, Mr. Right and Your Hallelujah.

    The outcome is an entirely magnificent range of Christmas belters where we are reminded why Lewis became the voice of her generation.

    Bravo Leona! Britain’s Mariah might just reign supreme this Christmas.

  • EDITOR’S LETTER | December 2013

    This month tis all about the sticky situation of homosexuality and religion and where we as homos, bi’s, trans and everything in between fit into gods’ plans – or don’t – as is often highlighted.

    Nothing gets the knickers twisted quicker than a mention of bum sex when it comes to religious men of the cloth– as Stephen Fry found out during his documentary Out There, when talk of anal completely engrossed Pastor Solomon Male in Uganda.

    Having been raised a Roman Catholic (and no I wasn’t abused sexually) and my formative years spent being educated in a RC Primary, I quickly came to realise that I, my actual person, was thoroughly frowned upon. Bible passages quickly assured me that I was to end up in hell, burning with the likes of unrepentant mass murderers and rapists, because of my love of Neighbours’ star Toby Schmitz.

    How was my 7-year-old self to know that those things are completely comparable in the eyes of God?

    Are they? If God does exist, why would s/he care who I love? I mean seriously, there’s so much more to be interested in…

    It strikes me as a bit strange at how what we get up to in bed, or don’t, as is most often the case, totally consumes the minds of those who use the ‘good’ book to justify their hate for homosexuals. I’m looking at you Pat Robertson et al. And I’m not buying that BS ‘Love the Sinner, Hate The Sin’ crap. Either love me and everything I do / or don’t and nob off.

    At the age of 14, I made the conscious decision, not to be Confirmed by a church that puts my life state lower that those who wish to procreate and live in perpetual sin and if that’s your bag, I’m happy for you, even if you can’t be!

    So this month, as it’s Christmas coming up and all, we thought we’d be a bit controversial and take a look at Religion Vs. Sexuality and ask the questions that matter to the gay community like: Does someone’s belief take priority over someone’s inherent being?

    If you’ve got something to say on the matter, why not write us an article or get involved with the comments section.

     

    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.

  • ALBUM REVIEW | The X Factor Album

    ★★★★ | The X Factor Album

    Did you know X Factor is ten years old and that the programme, whether you’re a fan or a hater has generated millions of sales and brought about a new era in music.

    If you think that every X Factor winner or entrant sounds the same, then all you have to do is pop this 34 track album on to hear the full breadth of talent the juggernaut reality talent show has delivered to the UK music scene.

    The album has it all, from the omnipresent One Direction to the seraphic tones of Diana Vickers, the power belt of Leona to the genuine intonations of Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson. This album delivers 18 Number Ones and the veritable soundtrack to Christmases since 2004.

    Despite the controversies that often surrounds X Factor contestants and winners, this album brings together the good and the better.

    An interesting and potentially political mix of tracks and some very obvious omissions including Steve Brookstein and Leon Jackson, but tracks from artists that didn’t do well or even complete the series such as Lucy Spraggan and Aiden Grimshaw also feature.

    The album is out on the 25th November and is bound to notch another Number 1 for the team at Syco.

     

     

  • INTERVIEW | The creatives behind the Laramie Project in Brigton

    Next month, the Academy of Creative Training brings The Laramie Project to Brighton, 15 years after the murder of Matthew Shepard. We speak to Kordian, Paolo and Sarah about the groundbreaking show and why it’s still so important so many years on.

    What is The Laramie Project about
    Kordian: The Laramie project is about the killing of a young boy in a rural town called Laramie. The boy’s name was Matthew Shepard and it is believed that he was killed because of his sexuality. The Laramie Project is an interview- style play where a theatre company called ‘The Tectonic Theatre Company’ run by Moises Kaufman travels to Laramie over the course of two years to talk to Matthew’s close friends, family and the residents of Laramie, Wyoming. The play is a collection of interviews that have been put together in such a way that it gives the audience a chronological image and structure of the run up to the killing, the brutal murder itself and the aftermath.
    Sarah: The Laramie Project is a true story about the aftermath of a hate crime. An unprovoked gay beating.
    The events in the play are real versions of events. When you watch the play you are listening to what are the real words of the townsfolk.
    The style and form of the play is ‘epic theatre.’ which means everything is kept as real as it was as much as possible, even the words. It is like being a ‘fly on the wall’ or watching a documentary

    Paolo: The Laramie Project is about people, is about us. Is about your home town and its people, from the neighbour who asks you for glass of milk to the police officer who gave you a ticket for having parked your car on double yellow line.

    Do you think that the Laramie Project will resonate with the UK public?
    K: I hope that this play will stay with the people who come to see it and I hope that they will pass on their thoughts and feelings about the play and about the major issues that are still prominent within our society.
    S: Absolutely. The play is about hate crimes and there are many worldwide motivated by sexuality, beliefs, what people look like. The list goes on !
    I think the play will resonate with any parent as well. I am a mother of a five year old boy. I cannot imagine what the parents of Matthew went through. In fact you hear his Father’s actual words at the end of the play when he is in court making a statement. I will be very surprised if there are dry eyes at the end of show !

    P: I believe it will, it’s a play for everybody and so whether you agree with the general moral of the play or not it is a great piece of entertainment worth watching, it will make you think and feel. Brits love that 😉

    Why is it such a powerful story?
    K: A young man was killed by two other boys who were the same age as him and knew him. There are murders every day of this kind and worse. The ‘story’ is not important, the act itself is the most important thing, we are doing terrible things on a day to day basis and the killing of Matthew Shepard was one of many.
    P: Because you are taken on a journey with the people of this small Wyoming town, Laramie, feel love with them, feel anger, sadness and joy with them; you will laugh and cry and that’s why the Laramie project is such a powerful story.
    Why is it important to do a play like the Laramie Project?
    P: Like Moises Kaufman once said, this wasn’t the only hate crime ever committed in America, or in the entire world, but the Tectonic Theatre Project chose this particular tragic event. It got involved in so many different aspects and changed so many lives, starting from the people who were involved, the people of Laramie, and consequently the whole nation because of Fred Phelps and the media etcetera … that it had to be told. People had to know. Not only because hate crime is wrong, but people had to understand and still have to understand how the death of one person can affect other’s lives, minds and beliefs.

    What’s the most touching thing about the film and play?
    K: The fact that what’s written in the play is the complete truth. People aren’t going to be sitting in the theatre thinking ‘ blah, blah, blah, lines, lines, lines’, they will be (hopefully) listening closely to what’s being said because what’s being said is what real people have said after a horrific event that shook their town. That is the most touching and important aspect of the play I believe.

    S: The play : Dennis Shepard’s (Matthew’s father) court room speech. He advocates life to the people that have murdered his son, against his gut feeling.

    What is touching about both Matthew Shepherd’s parents is that they have fought endlessly since Matthew’s death to stop hate crimes and to stop prejudices about gay people, with people like Ellen de Generes and Elton John. And in April 2013, Barack Obama passed a hate crime bill with Judy Shepherd (Matthew’s Mother.)

    P: You’ll have to come and see it so YOU can tell us what that is!

    Does the film and play differ?
    S: We make sure, as actors we don’t watch the films associated with any of our productions as we don’t want to copy or emulate any parts. We gather the source material ourselves and make our own versions of the characters.

    Do you think the minds of people like the Westboro Baptist Church will ever be changed?
    K: No. They will only ever struggle with their own beliefs and the conflicts created by them and those who oppose them will push them further into believing whatever it is they believe.

    S: Some people when they have their minds made up, there is nothing you can do to change it. It is just very sad to see that there are people in this world that are so full of hate.
    Fred Phelps hates Jews, Catholics, he hates Barack Obama.
    But underneath it all, he hates himself the most.

    P: I don’t think it will. I don’t expect them to change their beliefs anyway. It’s their religion and they are free to believe in what they want. What I hope is that they understand we have our beliefs too and there are no reasons why they should hate us because of that. That is unnecessary.

    The Laramie Project is in Brighton at the Nightingale Theatre Brighton

    Dates: 14th- 18th December 2013, nightly at 8pm
    Where: Nightingale Theatre Brighton BN1 3PA
    Tickets: £10.50/8.50
    Buy online: www.actbrighton/whatson.php
    Phone: 01273 818266

  • THEATRE REVIEW | WTF! With Helen Lederer

    THEATRE REVIEW | WTF! With Helen Lederer

    We must point out that Helen Lederer is amazing. There you go. End of review.

    We’re sitting in the packed out studio theatre in Victoria, London, when the, zesty, energetic, self-effacing Lederer walks out to rapturous applause, looking amazing we must add.

    Her new show WTF! is a hilarious – part stand-up part chat show, where she delves into the nooks and crannies of celebrity’s lives.

    Sitting with Lederer this evening in the first half is the gorgeous Kimberley Walsh, 1/5 of the super girl group Girls Aloud, who is probed and prodded, by a genuinely interested Lederer, who has clearly done her research. Walsh quips, ‘Gosh you’ve really read the book, I’ve never had an interview this good…’

    In the second half she is joined by columnist heavyweights Yasmin Alibhai Brown and Suzanne Moore. Who equally shine in their roles as interviewees, particularly Alibhai-Brown who throws herself into Lederer’s wonderful format.

    If you’re looking for a Paxman or Frost type interrogation, you’re probably in the wrong theatre, but if you’re looking for a relaxed, irreverent, very Channel 4 and slightly odd cross examination and dissemination of a celeb then WTF! Is the show for you.

    Helen Lederer returns to the studio theatre at St. James’s Theatre in Victoria on the 28th November.

  • FILM REVIEW | Bridegroom

    FILM REVIEW | Bridegroom

    Inspired by Shane Bitney Crone’s viral YouTube video, It Could Happen To You; a young and in love gay couple’s story has been turned into a full-length documentary film, written and directed by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason.

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  • TV REVIEW | Stephen Fry’s Out There

    TV REVIEW | Stephen Fry’s Out There

    ★★★★ You know when the intelligent heavyweight that is Stephen Fry puts his name to any programme that people will listen.

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