THEGAYUK

Author: Tim Baros

  • The Best of Flare 2019 – LONDON’S LGBT FILM FESTIVAL

    The Best of Flare 2019 – LONDON’S LGBT FILM FESTIVAL

    BFI Flare, London’s LGBT+ Film Festival, had a successful 33rd year with over 50 features and more than 80 shorts, with special events, guest appearances, club nights – it was a very busy 9 days!

    It is hard to compile a ‘best of’ list as myself, and everyone I know, did not actually watch ALL the films – but herewith are the best films that I saw at Flare, some of which will soon be at a theatre near you.

    ‘Mapplethorpe’ – the controversial American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe’s life is given a dramatic re-telling, and it’s just as sensational as it’s subject matter. Matt Smith gives it his all, and then some, for a movie that is just about perfect – a film that was lucky enough to get permission to use all of the sexy and dirty images that Mapplethorpe created in his lifetime. This film is already in limited release in the U.S., however, no UK release date has been announced, but this is a must see film for THE GAY UK readers.

    Also a must for GAY UK readers is ‘Jonathan Agassi Saved My Life’ – a documentary about sexy Israeli gay porn star of the same name. We are taken on a ride, and whatta a ride it is, in a documentary that’s emotional (we loved his mother), sexy (lots of gay sex is shown) and hard-hitting (drugs). Directed by Tomer Heyman, the man who brought us the excellent ‘Whose Gonna Love Me Now’ in 2016, ‘Jonathan Agassi Saved My Life’ is both erotic yet car crash cinema.

    ‘Consequences,’ starring the very sexy Matej Zemljič, who plays a teenager with behavorial problems. When his parents send him to a juvenile correctional facility, he bonds with a group of men who are violent yet fluid in their sexuality. He falls for the ring leader, who instructs Matej’ character to rob and steal, but consequences ensue until one final incident that changes everyone’s lives.

    I am really glad that I saw ‘Transmilitary,’ a documentary about the lives of four soldiers who risk dismissal or demotion to fight for Transgender rights in the U.S. Armed Forces. Very very current – this documentary takes us up to early 2018 – it’s also very timely in light of President 45’s ruling to ban certain Transgender people from the military. And I guarantee you will fall for Senior Airman Logan Ireland; he’s sexy, muscular and with the most amazing smile and eyes. And he used to be a woman.

    Another military-based documentary that also deals with discrimination – The Fruit Machine – is an historical account which exposes decades of governmental criminalisation of LGBTQ+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Yet many many years later, many of these members say that after being kicked out, disgraced, and, according to the Canadian Government at that time, criminalistic, they all agreed that they would proudly go back and serve their country.

    ‘Jose’ is a cute and light story of a young Guatemalan man who lives with his struggling mother all the while looking for love in, literally, all the wrong places. Kudos go to filmmakers Li Cheng and George F. Roberson for immersing themselves in Guatemalan culture and hiring locals for the film, which was all shot in Guatemala.

    Another great documentary was ‘Light in the Water,’ a look at the West Hollywood Swim Team. Of course we get to see many men and women in tight swimming costumes, but it’s the people in the swimming costumes that we really get to know and bond with, including a man in his late 40’s who was previously married with kids, then divorced, came out as gay, joined the swim team and met friends for life. Footage of previous Gay Games, as well as lots of shots in the California Sunshine, are an extra bonus. An overall feel good film.

    ‘Papi Chulo,’ starring Matt Bomer, is a sentimental film about a television weatherman who has a breakdown after the end of a relationship with an older Latino boyfriend. He instantly falls in love with the older migrant worker he hires to paint his deck. It’s a bit silly and sentimental, but the migrant worker, played by Alejandro Patino, is excellent.

    ‘The Heiresses’ was just delicious. An older Lesbian couple are separated due to the actions of one of them, which gives the other one time to explore new experiences and venture into new territory, and this includes meeting a younger attractive woman who lights a spark in her. Both leads Ana Brun and Margarita Irun are superb.

    This is just a small taste of what was on offer at Flare this year. And now only 6 more weeks until the Cannes Film Festival!

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | The Swan, London

    RESTAURANT REVIEW | The Swan, London

    ★★★★★ | The Swan, London

    Tucked inside the world-famous Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the South Bank right next to the Tate Modern is a restaurant where you can get perhaps one of the best Sunday roasts in London.

    The Swan, a multi-level restaurant and bar, has an excellent great-valued Sunday lunch that is very delicious. At just £26.50 for two courses, or £29.50 for three courses, not only do you get great food, you also get to sit a beautifully designed restaurant as well as savour an amazing view of the Thames (from all the tables) in surroundings that include white tablecloths, Robert Welch cutlery, all which looks very upscale and expensive but actually isn’t.

    It’s best to make reservations for Sunday lunch as the day my friend and I were there the place was 90% full mid-afternoon. We, of course, opted to have the Roasts. I preferred the pork belly while he wanted the beef, and we both were not disappointed.

    My Old Spot Roast Pork Belly, baked apple sauce with all the trimmings was delicious. A nice large slab of pork, resting in a fetal position over a mound of very soft cabbage, was very tender, moist and cooked to perfection. Served with quite a few large cooked carrots, a nice helping of browned potatoes, and a big yorkshire pudding, plus a cooked onion sitting in pork juice was an extra touch. My friend had the same exact trimmings but his Sirloin of aged Ayrshire beef was cooked exactly as per his request (medium well – though The Swan does recommend medium rare). He said his meal was very good. And luckily for me, he could not finish half of his portion, so I polished it off for him (thanks buddy)!

    The two starters we had were very good. My friend had the Ellie’s Dairy Goat’s Cheese with salt baked Heritage beetroot, and glazed hazelnuts, and it was a very colourful (because of the different varieties of beets) and different. I helped him to finish it, and even though I am not a fan of beets, I particularly liked the orange and pink flavoured ones – so different and so good which gives a great taste to an otherwise dull vegetable. I had the Bitter Leaf Salad, Kentish Blue Cheese, poached pear with walnut dressing. It was on the small side but it was perfect as a prelude to the main course. It was simple yet very tasty as I was given several leaves that were filled with the walnut dressing with blue cheese and the bits of pear sprinkled on top – I can still taste the walnut dressing, unique and delicious.

    The Puddings are a must must must! My friend had the Bitter Chocolate Marquise in salted caramel sauce with grue nib tuile (a chocolatey biscuit made with almonds). His dish was three layers of different coloured chocolate, including an inner portion that was like a chocolate mousse. It is a dish that is decadent and delightful! And he finished it all! I opted for the Almond & Apple Tart with Devon cream – and I was not disappointed. The tart was moist (and tasted almost like it was soaked in rum – but it wasn’t unfortunately), with a graham cracker crust, and almonds baked on top for a tart that is one of the best that I have ever had. Recommended!

    There are cocktails and mocktails on the Sunday menu. We had two mocktails. My Mango Fiesta was just that – a fiesta! Multi-coloured and multi-tasty – very juicy and served up lots of flavour without any alcohol. The Seedlip & Pink Grapefruit that my friend had lacked the kick of the Mango Fiesta but it was nonetheless refreshing. The Swan also has an extensive wine list and a range of draft, craft and bottled beers.

    Of course, The Swan is more than just Sunday lunch! There is an excellent regular menu with something for everyone, as well as a breakfast menu (I want to go back for pancakes), and a theatre menu (excellently priced like the Sunday menu). There is also a bar menu for the cosy bar downstairs, and just to add there is a room on the top floor for private events. But it has to be mentioned again that the views from the bar, restaurant and the private events room are spectacular, overlooking the Thames and north of it including St. Pauls and the skyscrapers of the City (and the Millennium Bridge just right outside). Just beautiful. And to also mention the service is very good. The courses were impeccably timed, and we were not rushed at all. But for an extra kick before you leave, have a cup of their strong Arabica coffee – it’s good if you like your coffee strong!

    Their Midsummer Night’s Dream afternoon tea, inspired by the journeys of the characters found in the play is also a bargain at £28.50 per person. The people sitting next to us had it and I had to refrain myself from grabbing one of their cakes!

    And let’s not forget that this Mother’s Day The Swan has a set menu (priced at £29.50 for 2 courses, and £32.50 for 3 courses) which will include starters of Cured Cornish mackerel, poached Yorkshire rhubarb, yoghurt and tarragon; Corn fed chicken, carrot and savoy cabbage terrine, celeriac puree; and Jerusalem artichoke veloute, truffled creme fraiche topped with artichoke crisps. Mains follow with Baked Stonebass fillet, charred asparagus, pea puree and morels; Roast lamb rump, leek and parmesan gratin, lamb fat potato; Roast free-range pork belly, confit shallots, roasted apple sauce; and Roast 28 day aged Sirloin, glazed bone marrow and a cauliflower cheese puree. Indulgent desserts are found in the Chocolate fondant tartlet, salted caramel ice cream; Bramley apple parfait, raisin puree and walnut crumb; Mango Bavarois, tropical fruit salad, caramelised white chocolate or a selection of British farmhouse cheeses

    The Swan has the best of contemporary British cooking, and a proportion of their revenues goes to the Shakespeare’s Globe Trust, a charitable organisation set up to further the experience and international understanding of Shakespeare in performance.

    The Swan is a fantastic restaurant in a convenient location offering great views, amazing value, delicious food in a superb and cosy environment. 

    To book, please go here: https://www.swanlondon.co.uk

    020 7928 9444

    reservations@swanlondon.co.uk

    Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe
    21 New Globe Walk
    Bankside
    London SE1 9DT

  • What to watch at the BFI Flare: London’s LGBT+ Film Festival

    What to watch at the BFI Flare: London’s LGBT+ Film Festival

    BFI Flare, London’s LGBT+ Film Festival, is back in its 33rd year and will take place from 21st – 31 March 2019.

    It will be ten days of films and events for our community, a celebration of all things LGBT that promises to offer a vibrant space for all of us who are able to attend. Flare will also be ten days of seeing people you only see during this festival – and a time to meet up and grab a drink or a cup of coffee in between screenings. It will also be a great opportunity to meet new friends and some of the filmmakers and actors.

    BFI Flare will present over 50 features, more than 80 shorts, and a wide range of special events, guest appearances, club nights and much much more. Here is a very brief summary of some of the highlights:

    Flare will open with the period drama Vita & Virginia, charting the passionate relationship between Virginia Woolf (played by Elizabeth Debicki) and aristocrat Vita Sackville-West (Gemma Arterton).

    A must-see for the gay male crowd will most definitely be Mapplethorpe, which stars sexy Matt Smith as the legendary photographer in this no-holds-barred exploration of the controversial and one of the most feted photographers. Another one for the boys is Papi Chulo which stars Matt Bomer as a heartbroken gay television weatherman who forms an unlikely friendship with an older straight migrant worker.

    Another must-see will be the closing night gala screening of JT Leroy. Starring Laura Dern and Kristen Stewart, the film tells the story of how Savannah Knoop (adapted from her memoir) became JT Leroy – a fictional character who came true to life and bedazzled New York’s downtown scene for years.

    The UK premiere of Jonathan Agassi Saved My Life takes place during the festival and paints a portrait of one of the world’s most successful gay porn stars – Agassi – in a life of highs and lows.

    Anna Paquin and Holliday Grainger portray two women who fall in love in 1950’s Scotland in the film Tell it to the Bees, while in Rafiki two young Kenyan women attempt a relationship despite it being illegal in their country.

    On the documentary front, a queer Lucha libre wrestler is profiled in Cassandro, The Exotico, while Halston is a portrait of the American Fashion legend, complete with rare archive footage. Another legend, Montgomery Clift, is profiled in the self-titled film in the search to discover who was the real Clift. Tongues Untied features the work of black gay filmmaker Marlon Riggs, while in Transmilitary, four soldiers risk dismissal to fight for transgender fights in the U.S. armed forces.

    Events/debates include: Trans Creative at the Movies: a discussion that will feature transgender moments in film; At Lethal Lesbians will be a talk about how queer females are deadlier than the male species. In Operation Spanner: Then and Now – 16 men were prosecuted in the late 1980s for their participation in consensual S&M sex sessions, will be explored in two short films and in a discussion.

    The Big Gay Film Quiz is back as well as the very popular Club Nights that take place in the BFI Southbank’s Benugo Bar & Kitchen – great weekend nights out to let your hair down and boogie the night way.

    Also, don’t miss The 25th-anniversary screening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert which will take place during the festival.

    Full details, and to buy tickets, please go to this link:

    https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/flare/Online/default.asp

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | VIVI, London

    RESTAURANT REVIEW | VIVI, London

    ★★★★★ | VIVI, London

    (C) PR SUPPLIED

    For those who remember Centrepoint 101 – the bar and restaurant on top of Centrepoint – 33 stories above ground – you’ll remember how great it was, more so the views and the cocktails and less so the food. Well, that space is now someone’s flat (boo hoo), so now we have the new Vivi.

    Vivi, located in the wing that connects the original Centre Point building to Centrepoint House – the 1970’s tenement building – is a throwback to the 1960s when the Centre Point building went up – presenting food that is both traditional, safe but not very sexy. The venue itself is sexy, one flight up, overlooking New Oxford Street and the new piazza next to the now fully residential Centre Point.

    It has a streamlined look with beautiful floor to ceiling windows that are used to great effect to maximize the space. There are gorgeous tables smack dab in the middle of the room as well as along the sides of the restaurant. It’s such a beautiful space, with an art deco chandelier that holds centre attention, it’s just absolute perfection architecturally.

    So how’s the food you might ask? As mentioned before, it’s safe and traditional but you will struggle to find anything on the menu that is different. I’ve been twice now (the first time was during its soft opening – on its first night) and I have to say the food on my second visit was much much better. On their All Day Dining menu, the starter choices are fine but nothing really sticks out. They were out of the Quiche Lorraine on that Tuesday night of my second visit, so I settled for Grilled Leeks – four leeks served with a dollop of egg mayonnaise with mimosa dressing. It was good, as was the Waldorf Salad that I had on my first visit (both priced at £8.50). My dining companion on my second visit had the Prawn Cocktail – it was a massive glass stuffed with prawns with thousand island dressing over a bed of lettuce. For £12.50 – it was more than worth the price, and he said it was ‘great!’ But you might struggle to find anything better (Steak Tartare, Coarse Farmhouse Pate, and Cornish Crab, among others, add nothing unique to the menu).

    It’s a bit of the same with the Signatures and Mains. Sure there is the standard steak dish – Rib Eye Steak (£34), but Rataouille (£14.50), Truffled Mushroom (£19.50), and Madras Monkfish (£24.50) are not dishes that particularly stand out. These are among the better choices (Beef Burger or Roasted Guinea Fowl Breast might good second choices). Chicken Kiev, one of their Signature dishes I had on my first visit, was just ok. Served with mash – it really wasn’t worth its £17.50 price tag. However, I had the Berkshire Pork Chop on my second visit – and it was superb! A large pork chop, perfectly cooked – nice and brown and meaty – served over a bed of hispi cabbage, with prunes and a prune sauce that was just superb and tasty. A surprise dollop of mash was also on the dish, though this is not mentioned on the menu – I had ordered a side of mash – which I am glad I did because both mashes were perfectly whipped – the way mash really should be!  (The pork chop was worth every cent of its £20.50 price). My dining companion ordered the Salmon Hollandaise, and he said it was moist and very good. Served with spinach, it was a nice size portion (at £22.50), and the potatoes on the dish were just about perfect, very buttery with a nice sprinkle of dill – melt in your mouth tasty!

    And the best was yet to come – the Sweets. On my first visit, I had the Apple & Rhubarb Crumble – it was a very large portion (almost like a mini pie!), but it was served cold. This time I had the Rum Baba – and it was unique and superb! Sponge cake soaked in rum with chantilly cream and caramelised orange sprinkled on top, with vanilla ice cream which was literally the icing on the cake. Absolutely delicious! And my dining companion loved his Millionaire’s Chocolate Bar – pure Cocao chocolate ice cream, chocolate bar and a chocolate crisp too boot! Just yummy!

    Vivi has a few other menus on offer. Their Breakfast menu looks very good, and reasonably priced, and includes Waffles or Pancakes (£8.50), Full English (£15.00 – very full!), and Eggs Benedict, Royale and Florentine (£10.50 – £12.50), among other excellent choices. The Brunch Menu is a mix of the Breakfast and Main menu, while the Lunch Set and Theatre (5-7pm and 10-11pm) is great value – two courses £21.50 and three courses £24.50, and includes a complimentary glass of prosecco. Traditional Afternoon Tea is proving quite popular – Classic at £29.50 and Champagne at £39.

    Of course, Vivi has a full-on bar, wine and beer menu. There are Back to Classics Cocktails – including the Pink Floyd Rhubarb, which was sweet and punchy with the rhubarb giving it a nice flavour. There are also non-alcoholic cocktails – I had the Refresh Your Berries shake that was berrylicious! Gins, rums, vodkas, tequila, cognacs and brandy are also on the list – pretty much anything you fancy Vivi has it!

    Vivi is not just a name but it’s also an identity.

    As roman numerals, Vivi gives a nod to 1966, the year Centre Point was born. And while most of us were not around at this time, we can still celebrate the old Centre Point by visiting Vivi. I just wish there were sexier choices on the menu, but everything else is flawless, from the service to the decor, to the ambience, and to the location – right next to Tottenham Court Road – you can’t get more central than that. Vivi has retro food in a very stylish setting – which alone makes it unique and stands out. Long live Vivi!

    Address
    Centre Point, 11 St. Giles Square, London, WC2H 8AP
    Tel: 0300 500 0958
    Book a table and find opening times here

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Betrayal, Harold Pinter Theatre, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | Betrayal, Harold Pinter Theatre, London

    ★★★★★| Betrayal, London

    Heartthrob Tom Hiddleston shines in Jamie Lloyd’s new production of Betrayal, now playing at the Pinter Theatre in London’s West End.
    Betrayal is one of the late Harold Pinter’s more well-known works (from 1978), and it also clocks in at a snip 90 minutes, but it’s 90 minutes that’s full of drama, tension, and in this new stage version, very well acted.
    In a play that goes backwards and forward in time but is never confusing, Hiddleston plays Robert, a successful book publisher who is married to the beautiful Emma (Zawe Ashton, from television’s Fresh Meat and who more than holds her own on stage). Emma, you see, has been having, for several years, an affair with Jerry (a very good and very good looking and sexy Charlie Cox – best known for television’s ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and ‘Daredevil’), who also happens to be Roberts’ best friend. But there is more to it than this. Jerry and Emma have had a flat for their not so secret trysts for years, and Robert has known, because Emma told him, about the affair.
    Meanwhile, Jerry also has a wife and child. But as the plot goes back three years, to a time when Emma and Robert were very happy, to the beginning of the play when Emma announces to Jerry that she and Robert are splitting up, its one betrayal after another in a show that cleverly uses a chronology to tell the story in reverse. ‘Betrayal’ is also about a clandestine love affair, and lies told, in a show portrayed on stage by actors who are at the top of their game. And the three main cast members are always on stage, with one hovering in the background creating an eavesdropping like mood. 
    Hiddleston displays a very vulnerable side of him as the spurned husband who seems to be the innocent one amongst all the betrayal. And as Robert Hiddleston, near the end of the show which is actually near the end of the middle of the show, breaks down as he learns from Emma about the affair. It’s powerful stuff by a master of the stage (Hiddleston was also very superb in 2013’s ‘Coriolanus’). Ashton is good as the woman at the centre of two men who really really want her, while Cox brings a lure of sex appeal and confidence where we can see why Robert keeps him as his best friend and why Emma is having an affair with him even though she has her own family. All in all, Betrayal, with a set that is stripped to the bone, is very dramatic, and theatre at its best.
    Betrayal must end on June 1st, 2019
    For tickets, please go to:
    https://www.pinteratthepinter.com
  • FILM REVIEW | Benjamin

    FILM REVIEW | Benjamin

    ★★★★ | Benjamin

    Comedian Simon Amstell has directed and written his first film – it’s called Benjamin.

    He actually also could’ve called it Simon. Benjamin follows the life of filmmaker Benjamin (played by the charming Colin Morgan). He is a frustrated, self-doubting filmmaker, and is not very optimistic about his latest film – ‘no self.’ He is also not very optimistic about his love life – an ex is very angry at him for writing negatively about him in a film. Benjamin’s best friend is comedian Stephen (Joel Fry), who after ten years on the stand-up scene is almost ready to throw in the towel.

    But one day Benjamin’s publicist/friend Billie (Jessica Raine) takes him to a chair opening party (yes, that is what it is called) where Benjamin meets the adorable French Noah (Phénix Brossard). Noah is younger than Benjamin but over time their relationship blossoms. But as Benjamin’s insecurities about relationships, and life, get worse, will he be able to confidently promote his new film while at the same time keep up his crumbling relationship with Noah?

    Anstell wrotes scenes for this film from almost every relationship he has ever been in. And lead actor Morgan can actually pass for his younger brother, while Stephen, a comedian, was perhaps modelled on Anstel’s early career.

    Benjamin is a great date movie – for both gay and straight couples. It’s charming and original.’ And while it won’t change your world, it’s a great first effort from Anstell – hopefully, he can continue to make more charming movies such as this.

    In Cinemas and on Digital 15th March

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Twilight Zone, Ambassadors Theatre, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Twilight Zone, Ambassadors Theatre, London

    ★★★☆☆ | The Twilight Zone, London

    You will travel through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That’s the signpost up ahead – your next stop, the Twilight Zone!

    Yes, the Twilight Zone is where you landed, also known as the Ambassadors Theatre in Central London, where you will be taken into the unknown, places and situations that could or could not be real, people who may or may not seem who they are, it’s a show with lots of questions and very little answers.

    Were there 6 passengers on the bus? Then why are there 7 stranded in the diner? Were there three astronauts in the ship, or just one? Why does the jukebox keep turning on and off? Where do those cigarettes mysteriously come from? Who is that little girl who supposedly lives in the building, and why is she so quiet? Is that actually a black hole to another dimension in the daughter’s bedroom, and is this where she has disappeared into? All these questions and more make up for a night of very little suspense, drama and not a whole lot of terror.

    The series of eight episodes, selected by the writer Anne Washburn from 156 episodes from the 1960’s television show does not transfer well to the West End stage. Turning eight 30-minute television programs into a two-hour show, all interweaved with each other, makes for a bit of confusement.

    The first half of the Twilight Zone, the television show which was created and hosted by Rod Serling, is a bit messy and lacks suspense because of the multiple storylines, but it’s the second half where the tension keeps you on the edge of your seat. Nuclear missiles are heading towards America, and neighbours are pitted against each other in order to survive, and where one already had a nuclear shelter.

    Everyone wants to survive so they try to break their way into the shelter, to no avail, but their true colours are revealed in their quest for survival. Intense Stuff! We are also treated to the ventriloquism of Adriana Bertola and her whisky drinking dummy, she is a genius as her dummy comes to life on stage. How does this all relate to the Twilight Zone? You will just have to buy a ticket and see for yourself.

    The Twilight Zones plays at the Ambassadors Theatre until June 2019. Book tickets here.

  • FILM REVIEW | Girl

    FILM REVIEW | Girl

    ★★★★ | Girl

    Girl is the story of a 15-year old trans child who feels like she was born in the wrong body.
    In an amazing turn by newcomer Victor Polster who plays the lead Lara, Girl takes us on a journey of a young child, assigned male at birth desperately wanting to rush hormone treatment to become a girl. But Lara also has a yearning to be a ballerina, and the pressures of being born in the wrong body to be able to fulfil her dream is the challenge that Lara may or not make it through.
    She lives in a apartment with her taxi-driving father and much younger brother and suffers with the usuals pressures of school, including not being able to disrobe in the locker room. But first-time director Lukas Dhont draws us into Lara’s life by focusing the entire movie on her – we see and feel her emotions, the anxiety, fear, and at times happiness about the huge change that is going to take place in her life. And Polster is just simply amazing as Lara.
    Girl has won lots of awards, including the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes last year, along with an award for Best Performance for Polster. Girl also won Best Feature Film at the London Film Festival.
    Girl is not a perfect movie. There are lots of scenes of Lara while she is in ballet practice, and we are shown Lara’s bloodied toes from the rigorous training way too many times, and the ending comes as a bit of a shock and is quite controversial. But see Girl for the story (written by Dhont and Angelo Tijssens) and the amazing performance by Polster.
    UK release date – 15th March
  • THEATRE REVIEW | Follies, National Theatre, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | Follies, National Theatre, London

    ★★★★ | Follies

    follies national theatre review

    If you are a huge theatre fan, love musicals, and worship the ground Stephen Sondheim walks on, then you’ll love Follies.

    Playing in its second run in two years at the National Theatre, Follies is true and pure Sondheim. At the ripe age of 88, Sondheim currently has another hit show in the West End – the critically acclaimed and very popular Company. But Follies is a certain kind of musical – a musical that will perhaps only appeal to the die-hard Sondheim musical theatre fan.

    Follies lusciously and lavishly tells the story of former Follies girls, in 1971, coming back to their soon to be demolished theatre for a reunion. It is a brilliant idea for a show and is executed to flawless perfection. The women range in different ages and are at various stages in their live, but they will always be Follies girl, past performers of the “Weismann’s Follies” musical revue, that played in that theatre between the World Wars. While the next day the building is going to be demolished to make way for a parking lot, the women have one last night to reminisce about their time as Follies Girls and their younger and more glamorous selves.

    The book of the musical, by James Goldman, takes a look at these women through rose-tinted glasses in a story that is all illusion, smoke and mirrors.

    And while there is no proper character development, some of the women do get to shine in a cast that appears to be dozens (40 actually). Tracie Bennett smashes the Sondheim classic ‘I’m Still Here’ while Dawn Hope passionately sings ‘Who’s That Woman.’ Janie Dee excels in ‘Could I Leave You’ and Joanna Riding drips with emotion while singing ‘Losing My Mind.’

    Yes, Follies is a show that showcases the ladies. And while some of the men (Peter Forbes and his younger self Harry Hepple), and Alexander Hanson, get their moments, Sondheim shows his enthusiasm, appreciation and love for the ladies. For it’s their show, it has and always will be.

    Winner of Best Musical Revival at last year’s Olivier Awards, Follies is playing until Saturday, May 11, 2019.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | 9 to 5 The Musical, Savoy Theatre, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | 9 to 5 The Musical, Savoy Theatre, London

    ★★★★ | 9 to 5 the Musical

    (C) Photo Pamela Raith

    Dolly, no last name needed, brings to the West End the musical of her huge song and hit film 9 to 5, and it’s a hoot!

    How could we forget the film, which starred Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda as secretaries at Consolidated Companies who turn the tables on their misogynistic boss? The song has endured more so than the 1980 film, so it’s perfect that it’s been turned into a musical.

    9 to 5 the Musical had a brief Broadway run in 2009 and finally it’s here in London at The Savoy Theatre. Natalie McQueen is just about perfect and a dead ringer for Parton in the role of Doralee Rhodes, secretary to the flirting and very handsy boss Franklin Hart Jr. (a very good and game Brian Conley). Amber Davies is in the Jane Fonda role as Violet Newstead, who is newly divorced and finds herself starting a new job at Consolidated, while Caroline Sheen is Lily Tomlin in the role of Judy Bernly, who has worked at the firm for years yet keeps on missing out on promotions that go to men. One day Judy accidentally puts rat poison in Mr Hart’s coffee (or at least she thinks she did), but when Hart finds out he threatens to call the police so the ladies kidnap him and attempt to find dirt on him, which of course they do. But from start to finish, accompanied by fun songs and a dazzling set, and great performances from the cast (which also includes Bonnie Langford as busybody Roz Keith), 9 to 5 the Musical will drive you happy if you let it!!!

    Of course, there are some cringe-worthy moments, especially when Mr Hart grabs his balls and plays with his nipples during one song (‘Here for You’), while society has moved on about this sort of treatment of women in the workplace with the #metoo movement in full force. But overlook these as we all have a good time watching the show. And it’s Dolly who is our narrator in the beginning, middle and ending (a video, not her in real life, unfortunately) who sets up the story and then winds it up. ‘9 to 5’ is no longer a rich man’s game, it’s all for us to enjoy!

    9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL plays at the Savoy Theatre, Savoy Court, until 31 August 2019, Book tickets here.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Come From Away, Phoenix Theatre, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | Come From Away, Phoenix Theatre, London

    ★★★★ | Come From Away

    come from away theatre review

    Before September 11, 2001, no one had ever heard of the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. But on that horrible, horrible day, the townspeople (no more than 10,000 people) welcomed in and took in thousands of people who were on Westbound planes that were diverted to this place in the middle of nowhere.

    This story is told in the musical Come from Away. Winning many awards in its Washington D.C. and Broadway runs, this popular show has arrived into London with much anticipation. And the show surely lives up to it.

    Gander has a small airport, where the nearest Starbucks in four hours away, and where there are a total of 550 hotel rooms. But on 9/11, 6,579 people were grounded in Gander. And it was the townspeople who opened up their homes, and hospitality, to these passengers who at the time at arrival had no idea as to what was happening (this was before everyone had mobile phones).

    The characters in this show are based on (and is most cases share names of) real Gander residents and the passengers on these planes. The actors play both the passengers and citizens, switching roles every now and then. While it does get a bit confusing in the beginning, as the show rolls on and the music starts to kick in, Come from Away gets more uplifting, until it, and the residents of Gander, have really won us over.

    Beautiful songs such as ‘I Am Here’, beautifully sung by Cat Simmons, whose son was a firefighter in NYC, ‘Stop the World,’ sung by Robert Hands and Helen Hobson who were passengers and ended up falling in love, and ’Something’s Missing,’ sung by the entire company after the 9/11 passengers all left Gander – show us how the human spirit was alive and well the week the world changed. With incredible book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and sharp direction by Christopher Ashley, Come From Away may not only bring you to tears, but it will also lift up your spirits.

    It had been announced that there will be a feature film adaptation of Come from Away, with Sankoff and Hein writing the script and Christopher Ashley as director. I’m really looking forward to seeing the movie version of this moving and cathartic musical. 

    Come From Away plays at the Phoenix Theatre until 19th September 2019. Book tickets here.