THEGAYUK

Category: Entertainment

  • THEATRE REVIEW | BU21

    THEATRE REVIEW | BU21

    ★★★★ | BU21

    We’re bombarded every year with news of atrocities. We might try to avoid looking at the scenes on the news or alternatively seek them out with a ghoulish fascination. We might worry about it happening to us or think about how we’d cope with say a gunman opening fire or a bomb blast. The certain fact is that bad things happen in the world and we can’t avoid knowing that they do.

    BU21
    CREDIT: BU21

    ‘BU21’ looks at the human aftermath of a terrorist plane attack which causes mass causalities in suburban North London. It’s a wry and witty play that’s multi-layered and never predictable. Told as a set of interconnected monologues it’s a 100-minute ride with surprising humour as well as pathos.
    Graham has been elevated from van driver to national icon, having been one of the first to be filmed at the scene on the news and now finds this gives meaning to his life. Izzy learned that her mother had been ripped apart via Twitter and is trying to use her middle-class skills set to cope with this. Waitress Ana was horribly burned and maimed whilst sunbathing before her shift and is living life in a cold vacuum. Floss is seeing a dead man everywhere she goes. The thing is she was at the kitchen window and a man fell to earth in his plane seat and died looking into her eyes. City banker Alex’s flat was hit by wreckage which led to the unfortunate discovery of his girlfriend’s body welded to Alex’s best friend mid-shag. Finally,
    Clive is a devout Muslim. Raised with no religion he’s found comfort in Islam and wants to tell us about his side of the story.

    It might all sound unbearably grim and definitely like a play to avoid watching during a grey English January but this is where author Stuart Slade surprises tricks and teases. Slade’s characters are varying in their resilience, their surprising humour and their ability to get through. The play also turns its gaze upon society. Why do we want to watch this and what does our fascination with tragedy say about us as a society or as individuals? Slade plays with our prejudices too and laughs at and forces us to laugh at ourselves too. This is an alarmingly sad, hilariously funny and utterly pertinent play and is an experience you won’t stop thinking about for quite some time.

    BU21 plays at the Trafalgar Studi0 until Feb 18th

  • Austin Armacost is evicted from the Big Brother house

    In a cruel twist CBB hunk, Austin Armacost was booted from last night eviction show, despite being saved by the public.

    Austin Armacost became the second celebrity to be evicted from the CBB house in last night’s broadcast after housemates voted him the “dullest” celebrity. Austin secured three votes from his fellow celebs, which saw him evicted in a shocking double eviction twist.

    The Housemates were told to “cull the dull” by host Emma. They selected as follows: Austin chose Stacy, Bianca chose James C, Calum chose James J, Coleen opted for Bianca, Speidi chose Austin, James C chose Jedward, James J chose Calum, Jamie chose Calum, Jasmine chose James C, Jedward chose Austin, Nicola chose Jedward and Stacy chose Austin.

    Austin looked down-hearted as he left the Big Brother house after just 11 days.

     

    Austin looked visibly shocked by the result and in a double slam, his housemates barely noticed his departure after three new housemates entered the house. He left the house to a mixture of cheers and boos from the crowd.

    Austin entered the house as an “all-star” having previously managed to place runner-up to James Hill in the 2015 series.

    On how it felt to be out Austin told Emma Willis, “Such is life, I said there would be another one (eviction), everyone knows that’s bulls**t, I’m not the dullest one in the house.”

    So swift was his exit that BB hadn’t even prepared his “best bits”.

    Austin greeted his fans on Twitter, by saying that he didn’t want to leave that way but that’s the way the CBB cookie crumbles.

    Angie Best was evicted after the public failed to vote for her, she became the first evictee from this season of CBB.

     

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Strangers in Between, Kings Head Theatre

    THEATRE REVIEW | Strangers in Between, Kings Head Theatre

    ★★★★ | Strangers in Between, Kings Head Theatre

    Strangers In between review
    CREDIT: Andreas Grieger

     

    Great performances by a cast of three is the highlight of the play ‘Strangers in Between.’

    Playing for the second year in a row at the Kings Head Theatre, ’Strangers in Between’ is a drama about a young man experiencing the big city for the first time. Shane (Roly Botha) has moved from his small hometown in Australia to the big city of Sydney. He says he’s 19, and he works in a liquor store yet doesn’t even know how to use the register. In walks a customer – gay and trendy Will (Dan Hunter). Shane at first is a bit intimidated by him, but they manage to make small talk until another customer walks in – Peter (Stephen Connery-Brown) – a middle-aged gay man looking for a simple yet inexpensive bottle of wine. Eventually, Shane gets Will’s number.

    Shane lives in the Kings Cross section of Sydney, an area teeming with prostitutes and crime. But Shane loves it there, especially as it’s far away from his family, and especially brother, he ran away from. He and Will hook up for a few trysts – it’s purely a sexual relationship – while Shane finds comfort in his friendship with Peter. But Shane has a couple secrets, one being his age, and the other involving his homophobic brother Ben (Hunter). But suddenly Ben finds Shane in Sydney after Shane’s world is falling apart after he has lost his job and contracted an STD from Will.

    The cast is very admirable but it’s Botha who shines. His Shane is young, cute, innocent and with a nervous tick – he dominates the very small stage – Botha is a wonder. Hunter ably does double duty as Will and Ben, while Connery-Brown is very good as Peter. While the ending is a bit of a letdown, the play, written by Tommy Murphy, is a show that all of us can relate to because at one time we were all young and innocent and new to the big city.

    For tickets, please visit:

    Strangers In Between plays at the Kings Head Theatre until 4th Feb 2017

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Kite Runner, Wyndham’s Theatre

    ★★★★ | The Kite Runner, Wyndham’s Theatre

    The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir, a young boy played by Ben Turner,  growing up at the beginning of the troubles, in Afghanistan. When the Russians invade he is forced to flee with his ailing father or “Baba” (Emilio Doorgasingh) and begins a new life in the US where he finds a bride in what should be a happy ever ending. Unfortunately, Amir is also accompanied by a burdening baggage of guilt as a result of a set of lies and deceit, a secret known only by his father’s dear old friend Rahim (Nicholas Khan) who remained in Kabul.

    Amir’s mother had died during Amir’s birth, so he was brought up by Baba and father and son servants, the later Hassan (Andre Costin) of whom had developed a strong and loyal bond with Amir which is pivotal to the storyline. However, Amir betrayed that loyalty after witnessing an outrageous act on Hassan by a local gang of youths, who’s ring leader Assef (Nicholas Karimi) and Amir’s nemesis, reappears in an added twist later in the story when he is compelled by Rahim to return on a dangerous mercy mission to Kabul, now inhabited by the Taliban.

    The adaptation is brave as it’s a narration by Amir of his journey from boy to man and the tragedy that unfolds. This is a common style for Asian story telling but there is a danger that narration can be plodding and almost “sermon-esque” but Mathew Spangler seems to have struck a perfect balance between the story telling, flash-backs and cleverly choreographed crowd scenes that echoed the atmosphere and rhythms of Husseini’s novel, helped by a strong performance from Ben Turner and the supporting cast. The stage set is minimal with a kind of skateboard park half pipe that cleverly allows an illusion of height and depth for the performers to work off especially during the kite flying and action scenes, the backdrop a giant movable kite that had patterns projected on to it that complimented each scene.

    Tragedy upon tragedy lent to a relatively high tear jerk rating but this was pleasantly interspersed with humour from the characters who seemed to grow in confidence as the performance progressed and they connected with the audience.

    My only minus point about this stage version is that Husseini’s novel addressed other issues head on, shaking a fist at the revolving door of invaders that ruined what was once a beautiful country and a Mecca for travellers seeking enlightenment with a steady bustling economy and the subservient divide between Sunni and Shia, issues that were incidental and merely form a backdrop in this stage version, but were what made the novel a hot potato. However, to encapsulate the novel in its entirety on stage is too big an ask!

    I cannot sum up without mentioning the wonderful and often hypnotic percussion accompaniment from Hanif Khan that gelled the performance, beautifully done.

    I recommend this play, well written, and with strong performances throughout. I have already booked my return ticket!

     

    The Kite Runner runs at the Wyndham’s Theatre until 11th March.

  • 20 things you know if you were gay boy from the 80s

    20 things you know if you were gay boy from the 80s

    Ahh, the 1980’s….

    20 things you know if you're a gay boy from the 80s

    1. When Harrison Ford appeared as Indiana Jones and elevated archaeology to the sexiest profession known to man.

    2. When the government passed Clause 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 which made it illegal for any Local Authority to “intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality” or “promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”. It was only repealed in 2003.

    3. When Madonna arrived, and although her first single, “Holiday”, was released in 1983, it wasn’t until 1984, with her second album, Like A Virgin, that she really blew the gay boy’s minds, cavorting around in Venice and having diamonds thrown at her whilst dressed up like Marylyn. She has been a gay icon ever since.

    4. When Colin and Barry had a kiss on Eastenders, making it the first UK soap opera to feature a gay kiss and sending the media into a frenzy with no more than a quick peck between the two men.

    5. When Boy George appeared on Top of the Pops, causing fathers in their living rooms to tut in disgust, and school children to debate in schoolyards up and down the country the following day as to whether the singer was a boy or a girl.

    Embed from Getty Images

    6. When the “AIDS – Don’t Die of Ignorance” campaign meant that as the reality of AIDS took hold; the Government terrified everyone with their now infamous campaign. The “gay plague”, as it was called by the media, had started to hit home.

    7. When Bronski Beat hit the charts with “Smalltown Boy”, about a young gay man running away from home to hide his sexuality, and gay musicians came onto the pop charts, including Erasure, Culture Club and Mark Almond.

    8. When the New Romantic music movement meant that it was ok for guys to wear eyeliner, pixie boots and use a can of hairspray on their hair every night.

    9. When the age of consent for the gay community was 21 years of age, whilst heterosexual couples could consent to sex at 16.

    10. When Larry Grayson was the campest thing on Saturday evening television, with his innuendo-filled humour and his famous “shut that door” catchphrase.

    11. When Princess Diana and Prince Charles got married; and there wasn’t a gay dry eye in the house. Even before she broke down prejudice by visiting HIV and AIDs patients (amongst her many other charitable causes), she was always adored by the gays.

    Embed from Getty Images

    12. When Stonewall was founded in 1989, which grew out of a small number of people, including Sir Ian McKellan, who had been campaigning against Clause 28. The green shoots of progress were starting to appear towards the end of the 1980’s and Stonewall’s arrival heralded a more public struggle.

    13. When Friday night simply wouldn’t be complete without watching The Golden Girls. “Thank You For Being A Friend”, went the theme song, and Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia were friends to us all.

    14. When Frankie Goes To Hollywood were banned from Top of the Pops and Radio One after releasing “Relax”. The band misbehaved themselves in a rather suggestive video to accompany the song, which got Radio One DJ Mike Reid all upset and Auntie Beeb’s knickers in a twist. The single shot to number one in the charts.

    15. When after-school cartoons were full of hunks, whether it was He-Man flexing his muscles, Hank the blond haired, handsome ranger from Dungeons and Dragons or Jason from Battle of the Planets, there was always someone to swoon at.

    16. When The Weather Girls gave us the ultimate weather forecast.

    17. When John Walters out-gayed himself with his movie, Hairspray; bringing together Divine, Rikki Lake and Deborah Harry into one huge ball of campness and a film about those who don’t quite fit in.

    18. When Scott and Charlene (aka Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue) got married on Neighbours, doing so not only to the dulcet tones of Angry Anderson (not the most suitable name for a ballad singer) but to the delight of gays everywhere

    19. When La Cage aux Folles opened on Broadway, and spawned the hit “I Am What I Am”, which got the gays feet moving when it became a huge disco hit (and gay anthem) after being released by Gloria Gaynor.

    20. When Care Bears made the world just that little bit gayer.

  • Austin Armacost | I have an issue with drinking

    Austin Armacost | I have an issue with drinking

    Celebrity Big Brother star Austin Armacost has spoken up about his drinking, revealing that he has an issue with it.

    Austin.

    Speaking to Coleen Nolan, US reality hunk Austin Armacost has admitted that he has an issue with drink, although he doesn’t believe he is an alcoholic. The admission comes after Austin’s fiery few days where he has been embroiled in arguments with dancer James Jordan and singer Stacy Francis.

    During an argument, James told Austin that he became a c**t when he drinks.

    Speaking directly with Coleen Austin said,

    “I can definitely say that I have an issue with drinking. I don’t think I’m an alcoholic…I hardly ever drink when I’m at home!”

    Coleen, who is famed for her sage advice on Loose Women said,

     “I think you’re using it as self-medication in here. Even when you have a drink, there’s a really fun lovely part of you! It’s just when you have one that takes you over the line…”

    Later, Austin makes amends with Stacy Francis saying,

    “Can I just say, no drama, Stacy I do not dislike you at all! I’m really liking you!”

    CBB continues tonight on Channel 5 at 9PM

  • DJ Brandon Block leaves Celebrity Big Brother

    According to a CBB spokesperson, DJ Brandon Block “wasn’t feeling himself” and has left the BB house.

    CREDIT: Channel 5

    Another one bites the dust. Just a day after Ray J left the BB house, Brandon Block has done the same.

    In a statement released by BB press the DJ said,

    “I was incredibly honoured to have the experience it was wonderful, but I wasn’t feeling myself. May the best man or woman win.”

  • Jedward thinks Austin is a nobody

    Ermm… Ouch.

    CHANNEL 5

    So Jedward thinks that both James Jordan and Austin Armacost are nobodies. During a conversation with Heidi and Spencer (Speidi), the Irish duo said that the previous night, in which Austin lashed out at both James J and Stacy, was “mental” and called the pair the “biggest attention seekers”.

    Jedward entered the house just a few days ago but were allowed to nominate. They chose Austin and Jasmine Waltz as their choice for nomination this week.

    During the argument between Austin and James J, the professional dancer called the American hunk, Austin a “c**t” after he lashed out at Stacy Francis by saying that he didn’t “particularly” like her.

    Austin.

    Speaking to Speidi, Jedward said,

    “Last night was mental…it’s like the two biggest nobodies are the biggest attention seekers.”

    Ouch boys… Ouch.

     

    ALSO READ: 7 things you probably didn’t know about Jedward

    CBB continues tonight on Channel 5 from 9 PM.

  • Who’s been nominated for eviction in Celebrity Big Brother

    Who’s been nominated for eviction in Celebrity Big Brother

    So we’re due an eviction on Celebrity Big Brother but who’s up for eviction?

    who's up for eviction on Celebrity big brother
    Celebrity Big Brother 2017 | Channel 5

    Angie

    Angie was nominated by: Coleen, Nicola

    Angie nominated Speidi and Austin

    Austin

    Austin was nominated by: Angie, James J, Jedward, Speidi

    Austin nominated Stacy and Speidi

    James C

    Was banned from nominating

    Was nominated in a task

    Ray J

    Ray J was nominated by: Coleen, Nicola

    Was banned from nominating

    Speidi

    Speidi was nominated by: Angie, Austin, Calum

    Speidi nominated:  Austin and Bianca

    Stacy

    Stacy was nominated by: Austin, Calum, James J, Jasmine

    Stacy was banned from nominating

  • THEATRE REVIEW | St Petersburg Classic Ballet’s Swan Lake – Sheffield Lyceum and National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | St Petersburg Classic Ballet’s Swan Lake – Sheffield Lyceum and National Tour

    ★★★| It is a tidal wave of tights, tutus and tiaras in this presentation of one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous ballets, performed in typical traditional style by the St Petersburg Classic Ballet. Telling the story of a Prince who finds his youth slipping away and being pressured into marriage, he meets and falls in love with Odette, Queen of the Swans, who is under a curse from which only true love can free her. But their love is thwarted by the evil Von Rothbart when he tricks the Prince into being betrothed to another. When the Prince realises he has been a victim of such cruel treachery, he battles to save Odette from her curse.

    PR Supplied

    In their second UK tour, Swan Lake proves to be a more entertaining and gentile evening than anticipated, with simple but effective sets, traditional costumes and an instantly recognisable score. The company, on the whole, performed well and the dancers individually were all very talented and quite natural in their performances. There is no denying the technical ability and suppleness of the cast, but when dancing as an ensemble, there were still some flaws in the performance including the odd stumble, the fixed smiles and, on occasions, the unison of the dancers not being as tight and synchronised as one would hope for and anticipate, especially from such a prestigious company

    That aside, the vivacious, playful and instantly recognisable score by Tchaikovsky sounded as vibrant as ever, and proved absorbing, especially during the first act. There were times when the ballet sparkled brightly, nowhere more evident than the sight of a sheer volume of swans and signets in the latter portion of the second act, which amounted to a fairly mesmerising vision. The tapestry based static set was functional and some of the costumes were beautifully put together. There was a romantic pas de deux in the latter half of the second act and the soloists portraying the potential suitors displaying their wares at the opening of Act 3 were quite captivating.

    For those seeking a traditionally presented ballet, then this version of Swan Lake is a safe bet and a pleasant evening’s entertainment, albeit one which is let down very slightly by a lack of unison within the performance on the odd occasions, which is a shame when compared to the tightly performed routines by other companies.

    However, there remain many aspects of the show to enjoy and it is an easy, accessible ballet which is more focussed on dance and performance than detailed narrative.

    The production was reviewed at Sheffield Theatres (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk) who will be premiering a new musical, Everyone’s Talking About Jamie, based on the BBC3 documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16 in February 2017

    St Petersburg Classic Ballet is touring the UK, calling at Poole Lighthouse, Truro Hall, Bath Theatre Royal and Aylesbury Waterside between now and the 4th February 2017.

     

  • Ray J is no longer in the building

    Ray J is no longer in the building

    Celebrity Big Brother contestant Ray J is no longer in the house but not all is what it seems

    why did ray j leave the big brother house
    CREDIT: Channel 5

    • The star says producers aren’t letting him back in after a visit to the hospital.

    • He apparently blacked out inside the house when wind hit his tooth.

    • He was suffering from “extreme tooth pain”.

    TMZ is reporting that US star Ray J has spoken out about how Celebrity Big Brother producers aren’t allowing him back into the Big Brother house after he left the house to receive emergency medical treatment for “extreme tooth pain” on the 10th January.

    Speaking to TMZ the singer said,

    “I have a bad tooth problem and I’ve been doing this show Big Brother for about seven and a half days. I’ve had this pain for three and a half days. It got to the point where some of the people in the house thought I was being ignored.

    “We took petitions to say, hey, we’re not doing any more tasks until Ray J’s tooth gets fixed.

    “Three and a half days in the house with all of this pain, they decide to take me out,

    “The wind hit my tooth and I blacked out. I end up in the hospital… They give some nutrition and I eat some McDonald’s and I’m cool. I’m literally fine. I’m ready to go back in the house but they won’t let me back in. I’m really hurt by it because I feel like I was doing well.”

    TMZ asked Ray J whether he’d sue for his fee, reportedly over £800,000 according to Perez Hilton, to which the US star said that he didn’t want to do that. Instead, he urged the BB execs to let back into the house to “let him work”.

    A spokesperson for the show has denied TMZ reporting.

    Many fans of the show have taken to Twitter to complain at how boring Ray J has been in the house and how all he seems to do is sleep.

     

     

    https://twitter.com/KiyahMinaj/status/819022853047779328