The second episode of Red Dwarf XI (Tonight on Dave at 9PM) is quite different from last weeks fast paced affair.
Red Dwarf XI / DAVE TV
After a brief domestic spat between space couple Rimmer (Chris Barrie) and Lister (Craig Charles) the gang are called together when Kryten (Robert Llewellyn) and Cat (Danny John-Jules) discover a mysterious escape pod.
Soon the foursome find themselves on board of a derelict space ship to investigate a mystery.
Slower and with and with an interesting flashback counterpoint this is another great episode. It is interesting how writer and director Doug Naylor manages to make the series look both familiar and modern at the same time.
What also helps this series is that there are still so many aspects of the relationships between the characters that can be explored.
Drama based on the rise and fall of Thatcher has been in production ever since the year she lost power. By the very nature, ‘Thatch- iopic,’ as coined by my theatre colleague, can be bitty and could potentially reduce long-standing working relationships and battles to single scenes or moments.
Dead Sheep is a focused theatre piece in which the relationship between Margaret Thatcher (Steve Nallon), Geoffrey Howe (Paul Bradley, best known for playing Elliot Hope in Casualty), and his wife, Elspeth Howe (Carol Royle) take centre-stage. The triangle, where Howe finds himself in the middle of, is a tug-o-war that eviscerates Howe and forces him to choose one side. Torn between political loyalty and spouse angst, Bradley delivers a formidable and emotionally dynamic performance that was purposely understated to enhance the subtlety of the personality.
The highlight and perhaps selling point was casting Margaret Thatcher as a man.
Steven Nallon did an astounding job playing her, it was as if the Iron Lady herself was present before us with the line delivery as well as the movement, stunned and entertained the audience throughout. A couple of belly laughs were had.
Three actors played narrators (Graham Seed, Christopher Villiers and John Wark) as well as politicians/minister in her cabinet. This entertained the spectators, but at times detracted from the action. Sometimes we just wanted to be shown the story as opposed to being told beforehand. It ruined the drama for us, in part.
Overall, a successful and refreshing take on the ‘iron’ age of British politics, and as Jonathan Maitland (Writer) said: “But there is one corner the tractors seem to have missed.” What it was like for Geoffrey Howe at the right side of the force not to be reckoned with.
★★★ | No Man’s Land takes place over an evening of drunkenness and a morning of sobriety, as Hirst, an upper class writer, and Spooner, a down on his luck poet, exchange stories, anecdotes and reminiscences over copious amounts of scotch; and subsequently, the following morning’s breakfast. Their stories of mutual experiences, acquaintances and relationships are tainted with the distinct flavour of one-upmanship as the pair debate what may or may not be a shared history in Harold Pinter’s absurdist play.
Picture Credit Luke Fontana (PR Supplied)
No Man’s Land reunites Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart on the London Stage and it is not difficult to see why Pinter’s play resonates with the two lead actors, containing its long passages of complex prose to articulate their way through; and a pair of strong lead characters truly dominating the stage throughout the duration.
With an abundance of strangely compelling verbal sparring between the two, McKellen’s magnetism and stage presence remains completely undeniable with a seemingly effortless performance which demonstrates why he is such an esteemed theatrical figure; whilst Stewart’s (appropriately) muted performance during the first act flowed into a more confident and surefooted second act, with the opportunity for him to revel in the demonstration of his craft. In the two supporting roles, Damien Molony and Owen Teal held their own as Foster and Briggs (a pair with a somewhat homoerotic undertone to their characters), stepping up to the challenge of sharing the stage with the two heavyweights. Sean Mathias’ direction gave a steady steer around Stephen Brimson Lewis’ quasi-symmetrical and somewhat charming set.
The difficulty with the play is that the narrative is inaccessible to the Pinter novice. Pinter’s absurdist play is just that, never really explaining the set-up, the characters, their identities, or their motivations. Their role in each other’s lives remains unclear and the play leaves the audience to draw their own conclusions and reach their own interpretations. Discussions with others have produced a number of differing explanations and theories, with the post show chatter as varied as the scripted anecdotes portrayed on stage. On a personal level, a play with a straighter narrative and less deliberate obscurity would have been far more preferable. I couldn’t honestly say that I enjoyed the actual play itself; but that did not detract from the sheer joy and superb opportunity of seeing two of this country’s finest actors doing what they do best.
No Man’s Land is more of an experience rather than a gentile evening in the West End. An intensively poetic and wordy script provides for a sometimes difficult and challenging watch for those not familiar with Pinter’s work, but whilst the play is not for everyone, the opportunity to see two titans of British theatre is well worth it, and not one to be passed by lightly.
Ofcom is to launch an investigation into the broadcasting of comments made by Christopher Biggins during the last series of Celebrity Big Brother.
Celebrity Big Brother 2016
The communications regulator Ofcom is to launch an investigation into comments made by Christopher Biggins during the summer 2016 series of Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother. Channel 5 bosses decided to boot him from the house after several warnings about his comments.
The 67-year-old star caused outrage online after he made a series of comments about bisexuals, including his belief that they were the “worst type” and that bisexuals were people who were those not “wanting to admit they’re gay”.
He also claimed that HIV was “spread by bisexuals” and they brought it over to America.
A number of complaints were made to Ofcom when the programme aired in August. A spokesperson for Ofcom confirmed that they were investigating the comments and whether the comments were offensive.
“We’re investigating whether a contestant’s comments about bisexual people were offensive and breached generally accepted standards”.
If you missed “Kenny Morgan” this summer then you have a second chance. The play is back for four weeks at The Arcola Theatre in Dalston and remains an evocative and beautiful treat of a play with a host of polished performances.
CREDIT: Idil Sukan
Kenny Morgan was a young actor who had had a promising career in 1940’s British films. He had also had an on/off relationship for ten years with Terrence Rattigan, a high profile British playwright. In 1949 Kenny gassed himself to death in a down at heel Camden Town flat that he was sharing with a young actor who he’d left Rattigan for. Terrence Rattigan’s play “The Deep Blue Sea” echoes Kenny’s story to a degree but with gender switching to suit the times (and the Lord Chamberlain’s office).
Set in a mould encrusted flat with gas pipes defining the space, this play depicts Kenny’s despair. Sounds grim but it’s not. It’s witty and warm as well as devastating. Paul Keating is superb as Morgan, delicately easing us into his despair and leaving the audience frustrated and helpless but never less than sympathetic. Mike Poulton’s script is tight and detailed and achieves a difficult task: retaining dramatic tension even when we know the inevitable ending. The dialogue and set feel wholly authentic, transporting the viewer to 1940s London along with its restrictions. There’s something claustrophobic and terrifying about Kenny’s world where being gay is illegal and can land you in prison, as can attempting suicide.
Although Kenny is a different beast from most of us in contemporary Britain, there are plenty of parallels and as well as the beauty of the piece; this makes it well worth a visit. Who hasn’t felt heartbroken and despairing and been laid low by loving the wrong man? Kenny has fallen for a man who doesn’t even claim to love him, has stopped sleeping with him and is still sleeping with women and men behind his back. Not an unusual story. Neither is the story of his relationship with Rattigan. Unable to be out in public Rattigan maintained elaborate ruses to keep his homosexuality both from the public and from his family. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s met men like that? Who hasn’t struggled to understand someone else’s depression or even their own? Although his misery is tangible, it’s difficult not to want to try to solve Kenny’s issues.
The play isn’t as bleak as it sounds on paper. There are fine comedic moments and the pace is brisk. There are also touching moments of human kindness as the people around Kenny try their best to help. My recommendation is to just see this. You’re unlikely to see a finer play with a gay theme any time soon.
Kenny Morgan plays at the Arcola Theatre until 15th October
TV Judge, Robert Rinder surprised fans in last night’s episode of Strictly Come Dancing when he revealed his stunningly hot chest.
Judge Rinder who is currently starring on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing whipped up audience excitement when his costume allowed viewers to get a view of what’s usually beneath his judging robes.
The openly gay star of ITV’s Judge Rinder showed off his hot body as he danced showing off his rather impressive moves. The judge who is usually covered from head to toe certainly seemed to enjoy the chance to show off his abs.
The 39-year-old TV star impressed so much that he and his dance partner received a standing ovation.
“I’m a private secret dancer and I love to dance. The main reason is as my grandparents get older it’s a show they absolutely love. Although they’ve always been unconditionally proud of me I think there is something magical about being able to take part in something which gives them such joy and escapism especially as they suffer from all sorts of illnesses.”
Film director Ira Sachs has told THEGAYUK that homophobia is alive and kicking in Hollywood.
CREDIT: Jeong Park
Speaking before the general release of his new film Little Men (out today) award winning director and writer Ira Sachs told THEGAYUK.com that homophobia, and perhaps more worryingly internalised homophobia is alive and well in the film industry and that gay men were “the worst in Hollywood”.
When asked about the film industry’s record on diversity and whether the industry suffered from internalised homophobia, he answered,
“It certainly is”.
He continued,
“Gay men are some of the worst in Hollywood.
“Well, for understandable reasons, people live by fear and they make choices based on fear.
Ira Sach’s latest film, Little Men is a coming-of-age film following the story of two teenage boys whose relationship is put under pressure after their parents fall out over business terms.
He went on to explain why he thought that internalised homophobia existed in the film industry, suggesting that economic fears and job stability could be to be blame.
When the choice is about your job and your fear of what happens if you don’t succeed, if you take a risk that’s actually personal, so there’s a lot of reasons people choose to be safe.
An 18-year-old woman was held down and raped by a man and two men in Manchester’s gay village on Wednesday (21st September) morning. The attack happened at 2:50AM in Major Street.
The victim was thrown to the ground and held down as one of the women robbed her – the victim was then raped by the man before the three assailants fled the scene.
CREDIT: Google Maps 2016Manche
Detective Inspector Dave Moores said,
“This was a horrendous attack on a young woman which has, understandably, left her extremely distressed.
“I would urge anybody who recognises the description of these three and thinks they may have seen them in the city centre area between 2am and 3am to please contact police immediately.”
The first woman, who helped held the victim down, is described as:
Approximately 18 years old
mixed race
scrawny build
had her hair tied in a ponytail
spoke with a local scent The second woman, who committed the robbery, is described as:
In her early 20’s
mixed race
had her hair in a messy ponytail
spoke with a local accent The man is described as:
In his early 20s
white
slim build
clean shaven face
wearing sports clothing
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 1911 Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
SAUSAGE PARTY – Very adult full length animation movie about life inside a supermarket for the foodstuffs; Think South Park with a lot more sex jokes and liberal use of the c word… and it is making a fortune.
Nutshell – A sausage and his mates start to question that there future may not be all there beliefs and food gods tell them when they are eventually purchased and taken out of the supermarket. On top the desire of the lead character sausage to get inside a female soft bun is all encompassing. Think an 18 cert version of Family Guy or The Simpsons and it is one of the funniest films you will ever see.
Running Time – 89 minutes; Certificate – 15.
Tagline – ‘She’s Got Buns, Son” and “Check Out His Package”.
The Gay UK Factor – Loads of dick jokes, f***ing jokes, used condoms and a load of swearing – you get a f*ck, motherf*cker and a ‘see you next Tuesday’ in the opening minute and it doesn’t let up. There is a Jewish guy and a Muslim guy who obviously hate each other until they start gay ass banging using hummus for lube that would be heard from both sides of the Israeli West Bank. This is 100% boys only humour and the last 10 minutes is a scream with the biggest sex orgy ever put on screen.
Cast – (Voices) Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, James Franco, Salma Heyek, Paul Rudd, Michael Cera, Bill Hader, Edward Norton – now that is an awful lot of funny folk.
Key Player – This is Seth Rogen’s baby and he is involved in all parts of it. If you like his type of humour or indeed any of the adult animated TV shows currently filling the airwaves then this treatise on atheism, religion and unbridled lust is for you.
Budget – $19 Million, Already made 5 times its budget back and only released in one territory – a bona fide blockbusting hit. Hot Dog this is starting to look like the most profitable movie of the Year – who knew adults would flock to such a gross out cartoon.
Best Bit – 0.75 mins; You will cheer when the foodstuffs finally turn on the shoppers, which leads to the bad guy’s ass being seriously douched on the way to that massive ginormous orgy.
Worst Bit – 0.04 mins; There is an opening big number which is trying to be South Park and is not catchy or funny and with no other songs in the movie just seems out of place.
Little Secret – This is the first CGI film in history to get an R Rating (The next rating is X which excludes it from many cinema chains)….Guess what, it has become the highest grossing R Rated animation in history beating the South Park Movie and it cost absolute peanuts. An average Pixar film like say Finding Nemo or Toy Story costs 100 million to make this came in at less than one fifth and is really busting blocks worldwide.
Movie Mistake – All the characters are apparently aware of the concept of humans eating, and that they are foodstuffs themselves, yet act horrified when they discover that they are to be eaten later on… big plot hole.
Further Viewing – Cross them off, Family Guy, American Dad, The Simpsons Movie, South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut, Meet The Feebles (Except the AIDS stuff), Team America: World Police, Watership Down and even Beavis & Butthead if you must.
Any Good – Humour is the ultimate marmite. This really has split the reviewers and fans right down the middle. Hopefully, you like us will laugh until your sides hurt or will be wandering what all the fuss is about. Time to suck the sausage, test your gay reflex and see.
A mega fan has floated the idea of having a Lego version of Red Dwarf
With the rather spine tingling news that Red Dwarf is returning to our screens tonight a fan has revealed his plan to get Lego to sell an official Red Dwarf ship – complete with the ship’s famous characters Dave Lister, Arnold J Rimme, The Cat, Kryten and Holly – the ship’s computer.
The design which was created by user Bob Turner features Lister and Rimmer’s iconic bunk beds (includes the posters inside), a sliding airlock door and not forgetting one of the ship’s mischievous Skutters. The design has already recieved the support of 865 people as well as re-tweets from most of show’s cast – Craig Charles (Lister), Danny John-Jules (CAT), Doug Naylor (creator), Norman Lovett (Holly) and Clare Grogan (Kochanski).
Check out the design here and lend your support to get Red Dwarf in Lego form! Talk about Red Dwarf on our forum
