Author: Paul Szabo
-
THEATRE REVIEW | A Raisin in the Sun, Sheffield Theatres
- With the current controversy around the lack of diversity this year’s Academy Award nominees, it seems somewhat timely for Sheffield Theatres, Eclipse Theatre Company and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry to present “A Raisin In the Sun”, a landmark play in Black theatre and one which explores issues of racial politics and social attitudes through the eyes of the Young Family. ★★★
Set in 1950’s Chicago, the family await the receipt of a cheque for $10,000, a life insurance payment from the patriarch’s recent death. Each of them harbours their own ideas about how the money can be used to transform the lives of all of them and release them from the crammed apartment they all share. The tensions in the family are exacerbated by Walter’s propensity to drink, Benetha’s desires to go into medicine (despite the duel disadvantage of her sex and skin colour) and the challenges of a family all trying to do right by each other.
Ashley Zhangazha gives a very strong performance as Walter, bringing across the characters mixture of frustration, enthusiasm, desperation and ultimately his misguided attempts to better himself for his family’s benefit. There is a certain vulnerability within the character which draws the audiences sympathy and whilst his actions are questionable, his motives aren’t. Equally, Angela Wynter’s portrayal of Mama is just as accomplished; with her melodic intonation becoming somewhat mesmerising and softening the matriarchal figure.
The director, Dawn Walton, steers the production with solid confidence and garners performances from her small cast which allow you to instantly warm to the family, despite their individual flaws, fantasies and motivations.
The play looks at the issues of change on both a personal level and of the community at large. Written in 1959, Lorraine Hansberry’s script certainly reflects the mood of the time, leading to it being the first play written by a black woman to be produced on Broadway. The family comes across as a metaphor for the civil rights movement and social consciousness of a society on the cusp of change, with a mixture of methods and reasons for wanting to improve their situation for the better in the face of blatant challenge and prejudice.
The theme of the play remains relevant – motivation, money and moving forward – and steadily builds towards an emotional denouement, despite a handful of somewhat intrusive scene changes and a slightly overlong scene between Beneatha and Joseph Asagai towards the end. The play is a straightforwardly presented production which allows the script and performances to speak for themselves.
A Raisin In the Sun is currently at Sheffield Theatresuntil 13th February 2016. 0114 249 6000.
by Paul Szabo | @IAmScubamonkey
-
THEATRE REVIEW | An Inspector Calls – Sheffield Theatres & National Tour
As the wealthy Birling family celebrate their daughters engagement, their evening is interrupted by Inspector Goole who arrives unannounced to investigate the events which lead to the suicide of a young working class girl. ★★★ (more…)
-
THEATRE REVIEW: St Petersberg Classic Ballet – Sheffield Theatres & National Tour
Formed in 1996, the St Petersberg Classic Ballet is currently in the midst of their first ever UK tour, bringing an abundance of classically presented ballet and a trio of traditional tales; The Nutcracker, Giselle and Swan Lake. ★★★
-
2015 In Review: Best Of Gay Cinema From The Iris Film Festival
Looking back over 2015, it has been a great year for gay cinema, and nowhere more evident than at this year’s Iris Film Festival, which was held in Cardiff.
With over 50 films, live entertainment, a bar, workshops, a youth conference, and an awards ceremony. It’s no surprise the slogan for the Iris Prize Film Festival this year was “Watch films, party nightly, repeat”. And there was certainly a lot of that going on. The festival is a showcase of fresh new LGBT cinema. 30 short films were competing for the Iris Prize of £30,000, allowing the winner to make a new short film in the UK. And there was certainly an impressive mix of work shown. Filmmakers used humour, drama, factual reporting, interviews, satire, animation, and even contemporary dance. There were also 10 films competing for Best of British Short, and several feature films.
The climax of the event was the Awards ceremony, hosted by Amy Lamé. This opened with a live performance by Lily Beau, singing the beautifully haunting song which had been used in the festival’s video montage.
This year, the Iris Prize was awarded to Arkasha Stevenson from the USA for ‘Vessels’ – about a transgender woman who gets silicone breast injections. Best of British Short was won by Lloyd Eyre-Morgan for ‘Closets’, which brings a young gay man from the 1980s together with another from contemporary times. It also won the Youth Jury Award for Best Short. Best Feature went to Andrew Nackman for the coming-out comedy ‘Fourth Man Out’; And performance awards went to Sigrid ten Napel for ‘Summer’, and Davide Capone for ‘Darker Than Midnight’.
The annual event has just celebrated its ninth year in Cardiff, and took place over five days. It’s a busy event, with two screens operating and very few empty seats. Yet despite that, there was a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere throughout. Many of the directors were there to introduce their film or take part in Q&A sessions, and chat afterwards.
The festival is highly recommended and details can be found at the official website at http://www.irisprize.org/ . The dates for 2016 have been confirmed as 12 – 16th October, so book your tickets and see the best cinema that new, gay talent has to offer. Highlights of the film festival this year included:
VESSELS
USA/Arkasha Stevenson/15m
The story of a transgender woman called Diamond who has little money, and goes to get illegal silicone breast injections. But in this case low-cost beauty comes at a cost. This film is both gorgeous to look at, and hard to watch. The person who takes the money and administers the injections emerges from a cloud of cigarette smoke with talon-like green fingernails, like an exotic dragon or witch. The pain of the procedure was uncomfortably convincing, and I admit I watched this scene with my arms folded over my chest. The film is visually stunning, with a rich blue and blood-red colour palette, unsettling use of camera angles and lighting. And all the while, the imagery of the night-time traffic travelling through the busy roads like corpuscles in blood vessels. In short, this film is stunning.
IN THE HOLLOW
USA/Austin Bunn/15mThe true story of two young women who went hiking in the woods, and were shot by a homophobic man. The film has all the more impact because it is told by the surviving woman recounting the story in the present day, as she re-visits the actual site of the attack. This is intercut with scenes of a re-enactment. The end result is a powerful and moving piece of filmmaking.
THE LITTLE DEPUTY
Canada/Trevor Anderson/9m
A short but totally charming film about a young boy who goes to one of those Wild West themed photo studios with his father. When the photographer mistakenly offers him a red dress to wear, he corrects him and puts on a little deputy sheriff uniform and poses next to his Dad. As an adult, he decides to go back and re-create the portrait in a way that seems far more comfortable. The filming style is clever and witty, starting off like a home movie and ending up as a Wild West fantasy. This is both funny and hugely likeable, with a terrific punchline.
CLOSETS
UK/Lloyd Eyre-Morgan/18m
Winner of both Best of British Short and the Youth Prize. In 1986, a teenage boy likes to wear dresses and mime to Bette Midler and Cher. Humiliated by his mother and told, “You’re not right!” he seeks refuge in his wardrobe and considers ending it all. A flash of light transports him to 2016 where he meets a gay teenager living in the same room. Closets is an intelligently written and produced film that compares what it’s like being gay 30 years ago and today. Things may have moved on, but is everything rosey now? This is a thought-provoking film that puts serious points across with humour and just a little bit of sci-fi whimsy.
CHANCE
UK/Jake Graf/16m
Trevor is suffering loneliness and depression after losing Doris, his wife and long-time companion. He regularly takes flowers to the park bench which bears a plaque in her memory. There he meets another man who is also troubled and lonely, a friendship starts to develop. Over time, mutual support and fondness blossom into something deeper, but will that be enough to overcome the barriers and allow both men to find happiness again? It’s a simple plot, but a wonderfully warm-hearted film. And it’s refreshing to see a love story where the characters are older men. You really do feel the characters’ pain, their love, and their happiness. It’s a very sweet little film that will bring a lump to your throat and a smile to your face.
PAPER THIN
UK/Nataly Lebouleux/20m
Here we have something totally different. A dark and sinister animation, about a young lesbian being forced to go through conversion therapy. The film takes a swipe at the religious justification behind this type of “purification”, and the ‘loving’ parents who think they know best. The unsettling nightmare-like style falls somewhere between Jan Svankmejer and David Lynch. It also brings in elements of 1950s sci-fi b-movies and horror, and the work as a whole is very disturbing to watch.
FOURTH MAN OUT
USA/Andrew Nackman/86m
Adam lives in small-town USA. He’s a car mechanic by day, and hangs out with his three best friends by night, having poker nights, watching the game together, and going to strip clubs. But for the last few years Adam has been keeping a secret, and he’s finally decided it’s time to open his closet and reveal the truth.Fourth Man Out tells the story from two different perspectives. The gay man coming out to his family and friends. And the straight buddies who have to try and accept this surprising new information. The script is warm and funny, with some brilliantly comic set pieces and an assortment of wonderfully weird characters. The ensemble cast does a great job making the characters believable, funny and immensely likeable. By the time the closing credits rolled, I wanted them all to be my friends too, even the ones I didn’t like at first. And I really didn’t want the film to end.
SCRUM
Australia/Poppy Stockell/54mI have a confession to make. As a person who groans at the mere mention of sport, I was not expecting to be very taken by a sports-related documentary film. But despite my reservations, I have to say it completely won me over. Amazing photography, GoPro camera sequences, high definition slow motion shots, and fascinating behind the scenes footage. All of this combined makes you feel you are actually there. Plus it challenges stereotype views of gay men. Poppy Stockell shows us an Australian gay rugby team preparing for the Bingham Cup. But rather than dwelling on the sport itself, she tells the story through the players. We learn about their backgrounds, their challenges, and their passion for the game. We feel their emotion, their pride and their humour. And above all, we see the importance of belonging and being accepted. Something you don’t need to be a sports person to understand. It’s an unexpected way to produce a sports documentary film, but I loved it. I found it touching, funny and inspiring. Ok, I might not be any the wiser on the rules of rugby, or feel any more tempted to get my shorts on and join in. But I have a heck of a lot more respect for those guys who do.
HOW TO WIN AT CHECKERS (EVERY TIME)
Thailand/USA/Indonesia/Josh Kim/80mWhen they turn 21, young men in Thailand are put forward for a lottery which decides which are drafted into military service. The draw is a major event with friends and family present, and the men have to pull a ticket from a pot which decides the next two years for them. On the day Oat has to go through this process, he recalls the story of when he was 11 years old and his brother Ek was in the same position. Ek’s boyfriend, Jai, came from a wealthy family who could afford to bribe the officials and keep him at home. But with both parents dead, Oat and Ek have to live with their aunt and rely on Ek as the main breadwinner. As we watch the day of the lottery approach for Ek, will he be selected? And if so, what will happen to Oat? Despite two of the main characters being in a same-sex relationship, the story is not specifically about homosexuality. It is only significant because it means both men will be up for the draft at the same time. In fact, people in the film are generally accepting of the gay and transgender characters. The story is more about relationships, and how they can be affected by issues like class and power. It’s about how people “do what they have to do” to survive. I’ll admit, The Hunger Games did go through my mind with the lottery scene, but that is the only similarity. This is a skillfully written and directed film, and the cinematography is gorgeous to look at. Oat is bright, resourceful and resilient, and the actor gives an impressive performance. In fact, the acting overall is superb in this. If you’re looking for a film that gives your emotions a workout, and sticks in your mind for days afterwards, this is well worth seeing.
SUMMER (ZOMER)
Netherlands/Colette Bothof/85mAnne is a 16 year old who lives in a village where nothing changes. Everyone knows everyone else, and outsiders are not welcomed. Old fashioned chauvinism, racism and homophobia are the norm. Anne has never felt she belonged until Lena arrives. Lena is different to everyone else there. She is confident, rides a motorbike, wears leather, and seems to know what she wants. Anne is immediately fascinated by her, and a passionate romance soon develops between them. Summer/Zomer is a beautifully shot coming-of-age film with a surprising soundtrack of upbeat songs. It represents that moment in someone’s life when they see things clearly for the first time, and everything changes forever, which will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt different or an outsider. It reassures you that things can change, and there is hope. Despite some incredibly dark parts to the story, this is overall an uplifting film that’s hard not to like.
by Martin David | @doubleagent73
-
THEATRE REVIEW: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang West Yorkshire Playhouse & National Tour
Ian Flemming’s fantasmagorical story of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang comes to life on stage this year at West Yorkshire Playhouse, bringing with it everyone’s favourite “Toot Sweets”, banging about with “Me Ol’ Bamboo” and, of course, taking off with the fantastic flying car. ★★★
-
RECIPE | Christmas Chutney
Prep 30 mins | Cooking time approx. 1 hour 45 mins.
Whether you are looking to liven up that after dinner cheeseboard, wishing to impress at a Boxing Day buffet or wanting to give a unique, homemade gift, then a sharp, tangy chutney won’t go amiss. It may take a little time to prepare, but the results are well worth it. Store in spring clip jars and whether you enjoy it by heaping it on cheese and biscuits, serving as a fruity dip or using it to liven up that leftover turkey sandwich, home-made chutney is delicious
Ingredients.
250g apples
400g pears
2cm piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and very finely chopped
50g dried apricots, quartered
75g sultanas
200g Demerara sugar
250ml cider vinegar
½ tbsp wholegrain mustard
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Method.
- Peel the apples and pears with a vegetable peeler and use a sharp knife to core and cut the fruit into small bite size chunks. Don’t cut them too small, or they will turn into mush during the cooking. Store the chopped fruit in a large bowl of cold water whilst preparing them to avoid them going brown.
- Place all of the chopped fruit into a large pan along with the ginger, apricots, sultanas, sugar, vinegar and cinnamon
- Add the mustard and heat the mixture gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Continue cooking for around 90 minutes, until you have a thick, syrupy texture.
- Spoon the chutney into sterilised, warmed jars, taking care not to trap any air in the chutney as you put it in the jars. There are a number of options to sterilize your jars. Use a baby bottle sterilizer (such as Milton fluid / tablets); place the jars in a steamer or (after removing any rubber seals on the jars) place in a low oven (140c/275F/Gas Mark 1) for about half an hour
- Cover the top of the chutney using cling film and leave to cool. Once sealed in your jar, store your chutney in a cool dark place.
- Your chutney will taste best if you leave it to mature for a month and will keep for up to six months in the fridge.
-
THEATRE REVIEW: The Nutcracker, Leeds Grand Theatre
Everyone has their own event which confirms to them that the festive season has arrived, and for some, Christmas isn’t Christmas until they have had their traditional trip to see Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. ★★★★
-
THEATRE REVIEW: The Bodyguard UK TOUR
Based on the 1992 film of the same name and starring Alexandra Burke and Stuart Reid, The Bodyguard is the story of a pop diva, Rachel Marron, who receives threats from a stalker, leading her managers to employ Frank Farmer, former Secret Service agent and the best bodyguard in the business.
-
THEATRE REVIEW: Northern Ballet: 1984
Whilst it is perhaps not the most obvious choice for a new ballet, George Orwell’s nightmare vision of a dystopian future, 1984, is brought to life by Northern Ballet.
-
Four Essential LGBT Plays… That Happen To Be Touring The UK
As the nights start to draw in, what could be better than heading to your local theatre and seeing a show which will entertain, make you laugh, stir your emotions and make you think?
There are plenty of blockbuster gay themed plays out there which are currently touring the UK (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is still on tour, and Tipping The Velvet is soon to be heading from the West End to Edinburgh), but there are some excellent plays out there that are written, performed and produced by people with a real passion for their story, or a personal tale to tell.
Wherever you are in the Country, one of these plays should be near you soon and are well worth a look.
Miss Nightingale – The Burlesque Musical
In the midst of the Second World War, Maggie is a cheeky Northerner who heads to London with her Jewish friend and songwriter, George, seeking out the bright lights and success of the big city. Her burlesque act is picked up by Sir Frank Worthington-Blythe who turns Maggie into the toast of London. But behind the scenes, there is something far more explosive than the blitz which is about to start. Frank and George fall in love and conduct a secret (and illegal) affair, which strains the relationship between the three of them.
Miss Nightingale is currently embarking on its fifth and final tour of the UK, having been a huge success with critics and audiences alike. The love story between the two men is touching, sad, poignant and moving, and the pathos is balanced with some hilarious, cheeky and saucy songs as Miss Nightingale takes to the stage with her unique brand of entertainment. But despite the historical setting, the play still remains relevant today, where there is so much persecution of the LGBT community in various countries. However, alongside its genuinely important message, the show is a superb evening at the theatre, which will entertain, make you laugh, make you cry and make you leave the theatre on a high. Don’t miss your last chance to see this wonderful production.
Miss Nightingale is currently on tour, visiting numerous locations until the 20th February 2016 , including Cast Theatre in Doncaster; Sheffield Theatres; Norwich; Hull and Blackpool. Visit www.missnightingale.co.uk for full details. You can also read our interview with Matthew Bugg, the writer and composer of the show
DV8 – West Yorkshire PlayhouseDV8 are one of the most cutting edge dance companies out there and thoroughly impressed The Gay UK last year with their piece, John. In this stunning piece of dance, DV8 not only focus on the central character, John, and his reasons for having sex with men, but also unflinchingly examines why men may or may not take risks with their sexual health, telling their stories without judgement or prejudice. The piece is based on interviews conducted with men at a gay sauna, and as the creators of the show undertook their research, one particular story emerged to the forefront. TGUK writer Greg Mitchell was impressed by the choreography, saying that “one of the joys of this production is seeing the way bodies fuse together, meld into one and then just as easily drift apart” and that the piece as a whole was “endlessly fascinating, but ultimately incredibly moving”. But this piece delves much deeper into John’s past and unravels his turbulent and difficult history and the show promises to be a visual treat.
DV8 are performing this piece at West Yorkshire Playhouse, their only tour date, on the 22nd to the 24th October 2015. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a stunning piece of theatre. Tickets and details can be found at www.wyp.org.uk/events/john/Big Girls Blouse – Cast Theatre, Doncaster and National TourPart cabaret, part biography and part political statement, Big Girls Blouse is performed by Kate, a transgender woman who delights in her gentle and subtle political performances, telling her story of growing up and becoming a woman. Quite literally making a song and dance about her life, Big Girls Blouse is an award winning show which pushes boundaries, educates, encourages solidarity for the transgender community and manages to do it all with a good dose of the celebration of diversity to break down both barriers and stereotypes.
This is a show which deserves a wide audience and is a perfect example of how theatre can be used to entertain whilst getting across a powerful message.Big Girls Blouse is currently touring calling in at various venues around the country until 14th May 2016. For further details and to book tickets, visit www.kateodonnellpresents.com
Nine Lives – Doncaster Cast and National TourIshmael is a young man who is seeking asylum in the UK following a surge in homophobia in his home in Zimbabwe threatens his life. As he arrives in Leeds, he is forced to re-start his life. Knowing no-one and being an a totally alien environment, he waits in desperation to find out whether the first steps he has taken to rebuilding his life will have been all for nothing if he is to be returned to Zimbabwe or whether he is able to find peace and love in a place which protects him as a gay man.
The topic of people seeking safety through asylum has been at the forefront of the news in the last few weeks and with homophobic attacks and the repression of the LGBT community in various countries around the world, this play hits home with the relevance of its political message. Written by Zodwa Nyoni, Channel 4’s writer in residence in 2014, this play injects wit and lightness into a difficult and challenging subject and following critical acclaim following its premiere at West Yorkshire Playhouse earlier this year, the show is now on national tour.
You can see Nine Lives at the following venues. Contact your local theatre for details and tickets12 October 2015 – The Bikeshed Exeter, Exeter17 October 2015 – Trinity Bristol, Bristol
23 October 2015 – The Cube, Malvern
06 November 2015 – Upstairs at Western, Leicester
12 November 2015 -Cast, Doncaster
16 November 2015 – Waterside Arts Centre, Trafford
19 November 2015 – Arc Stockton, Stockton on Tees
10 December 2015 – Brighton, Brighton
January 2016 – Arcola, London
