Category: Entertainment

Newcastle’s LGBT Choir Northern Proud Voice Celebrates 5th Birthday

The LGBT choir Northern Proud Voices celebrates its 5th birthday.

CREDIT: Northern Proud Voices

Newcastle’s largest and longest running choir, Northern Proud Voices will have its fifth birthday in May and to celebrate will host a series of fundraisers across Newcastle and the North East to raise awareness and collect donations for LGBT causes.

As part of UK-wide Pride events, the choir will perform at Pride Durham (30 May), Newcastle Pride (16 July), Cumbria Pride (17 September) and Sunderland Pride (25 September), showcasing four-part choral arrangements of artists including Radio Head, Annie Lennox, Seal and Train.

Weekly rehearsals have been taking place in Newcastle in preparation for the events, and a social media campaign has been launched to encourage others to show their support and get involved.

Kathleen McDonald, Chair of NPV, is overwhelmed with the popularity of the choir and said,

“It has been wonderful to see the choir grow over the past five years, from a handful of singers to the largest LGBT choir in the North East with almost 100 registered members.

“We are extremely proud of the community we represent and we are always keen to welcome new members. Being able to offer an inclusive and safe social space for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Newcastle is truly rewarding for myself, and very important for some of our members.”

Supporting the choir’s fundraising celebrations, Ouseburn venues The Ship Inn and The Cumberland Arms will welcome NPV supporters with a fifth birthday party and an LGBT themed Lip Sync Battle with songs from queer culture. Local improv-comedy group, Spontaneous Wrecks, will stage a 2-hour improvised show and musical to raise donations.

Choir member, Andrew Layton, said:

“Not only is the choir great fun but it helps change perceptions some people may have of the LGBT community. I’m proud to be part of such a diverse group of people brought together by music.”

Event tickets and further information are available via https://www.facebook.com/NorthernProudVoices.

Northern Proud Voices is a fully-inclusive, non-audition choir and their rehearsals take place every Thursday 7-9pm at The Mining Institute, Newcastle (excluding August).

15th May 2016
Eurovision Drinking Game

TheGayUK Drinking Game

This is a very easy game all you need is booze.

Take a large swig if:

* Graham Norton makes fun of another country’s ID (the vignettes before they start)

* Graham Norton mentions political voting or anything to do with strategic voting.

* Graham Norton says ‘Fabulous’

* There is a key-change in the song

* If the song is not sung in English

* If the hosts of the show speak in rhyme, sing or gaze into each other’s eyes * Any costume change

* UK gets No Points

* If someone in the room mentions Terry Wogan

Drain your glass if:

* The hosts kiss

* If anyone is the colour of orange

* An act drops to their knees mid song

* If the winner cries

* If France gives UK more than 4 points

Drain A Bottle

* UK wins

TheGayUK will be live blogging and Tweeting throughout the contest. We’ll be using the Hashtag #GayUKEurovision

**Disclaimer: Please drink responsibly. You play this game at your own risk.

14th May 2016
Eurovision Live Blog 2016

Welcome to the Eurovision Live Blog from TheGayUK.

14th May 2016
The 10 Worst Eurovision Entries From The UK

We’ve had some clangers enter the Eurovision on behalf of the UK.
CREDIT: YouTube

So we’ve created the top 10 worse in terms of points and placement (no editorial comment – I mean we can’t believe Scooch is in this list!)

10) Don’t Play That Song Again Nicki French | Year: 2000 | Placed: 16/24 |

Total points: 28

9) Teenage Life Daz Samson | Year: 2006 | Placed: 19/24 | Total points: 25

8) Believe In Me Bonnie Tyler | Year: 2013 | Placed: 19/26 | Total points: 23

7) Flying The Flag Scooch | Year: 2007 | Placed: 22/24 | Total points: 19

6) Touch My Fire Javine | Year: 2005 | Placed: 22/24 | Total points: 18

ALSO READ: Will Joe and Jake have a cheeky snog at the end of their song on Eurovision?

5) Even If Andy Abraham | Year: 2008 | Placed: 23/23 | Total points: 14

4) Love Will Set You Free Engelbert Humperdinck | Year: 2012 | Placed: 25/26 | Total points: 12

3) That Sounds Good To Me Josh Dubovie | Year: 2010 | Placed: 26/26 | Total points: 10

2) Still In Love With You Electro Velvet | Year: 2015 | Placed: 24/27 | Total points: 5

1) Cry Baby Jemini | Year: 2003 | Placed: 26/26 | Total points: 0

13th May 2016
Theatre Review | End Of The Rainbow – Sheffield Theatres and National Tour

★★★★ | End Of The Rainbow

Set primarily in a hotel room as Judy Garland embarks on a set of comeback shows in a six week residency in London, End Of The Rainbow examines the on and off stage crumbling of an iconic figure and her ongoing battles with her personal demons
Photo Credit – Pamela Raith Photography
As Judy succumbs to a cocktail of drink and drugs. Garland tries to hold things together as she is pushed to the brink by her fiancé, who is torn between his desire for them to share a private life and successfully reviving her career and fighting off her financial difficulties.

Starring in the role of Judy is Lisa Maxwell (Loose Women), who gives a simply superb performance, capturing not only the mannerisms and melodic intonation of Garland but effectively portraying the contrasts between her brashness and her vulnerabilities and offering genuine raw emotion in numerous scenes showing just how tragic many of the aspects of Garland’s private life was. Alongside her was Gary Wilmot, who offers a gentile and steady portrayal of Anthony Chapman, Garland’s gay pianist and confidant; and Simon Pontin as Micky Deans, her fiancé.

Peter Quilters play is lovingly written, juxtaposing the wit, bravado and sheer brashness of Garland with her heart-breaking vulnerabilities and desperation. The play shows Garland at her best and worst and provides scenes which really do gut punch you. As a drunken Judy, a quivering mess, lays on the floor begging for pills and to be loved, you can’t help but feel sorry for her. Aspects of Garland’s life are sensitively handled; yet don’t lose any of their power, in particular as she talks about being force-fed pills from a very young age by both the movie studios and her mother. But it isn’t all downbeat, as Judy’s legendary rapier sharp wit cuts through the drama and the scenes in the hotel are interspersed with a smattering of some of her classic hits, which are belted out with aplomb by a vocally impressive Maxwell, all of which is sufficient to lighten the mood.

End of the Rainbow avoids being a saccharine coated tribute by a country mile, and instead is a warts and all portrayal of Garland as she descends back into the pill taking and drinking that would soon consume her; and which examines the person she had become as a result of the years of the pressures of fame and the treatment of her by those around her. Yet despite all of that, Garland never really comes across as a victim in all of this, but instead remains an unstoppable, headstrong force of nature whose confidence and bravado no doubt masked a fragile and helpless woman.

End of the Rainbow is currently at Sheffield Theatres (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk) until Saturday 15^th May 2016, before continuing on its national tour. See the show’s official website at www.endoftherainbowtour.co.uk for details.

13th May 2016
Second Homophobic Attack In Brighton

A second homophobic attack has happened in Brighton days after a first assault leaves man fearing for his sight.

CREDIT: ©-Chalabala-Depositphotos

A second attack against a gay man has happened in Brighton just days after another attack on two boyfriends which left one fearing for his sight.

Police in Brighton have confirmed that an arrest has been made in connection to this latest attack but have warned Brighton’s gay community to be vigilant against homophobia in the popular seaside town.

In this latest attack, former model Aaron Woods, 26, was left unconscious and with a broken jaw when he tried to defend two men who said they were being homophobically abused by a man.

When Mr Wood tried to intervene he says he was knocked to the floor – and doesn’t remember what happened next.

The alleged attack happened outside the Legends nightclub on Brighton’s seafront. Speaking to The Argus, Mr Woods said,

“My memory is pretty hazy but apparently I stepped in to help out these two young gay guys and he hit me. I went down and the next thing I knew I was in hospital covered in blood.

“It was a very heavy blow.

“I haven’t been able to sleep since the attack. I cant relax. I am absolutely terrified. I’m usually a very trusting person but this is scary.”

Mr. Woods, who is from Eastbourne, went on to say that he would never return to Brighton.

Mr Wood’s friend Katie Ripley along with a Legend’s doorman apprehended the the 21-year-old suspect from London. He has been charged with GBH with intent.

The suspect has been bailed until the 13th June.

Six days previously, Dain Louis and James Loxton were both attacked very close to this latest incident, however police are not linking the two attacks.

12th May 2016
What To Take To A Gay Pride – The Gay Pride Survival Kit

Pride season is upon us. Hundreds of thousands LGBTI folk up and down the nation will be visiting Pride festivals all over the UK… Here’s what you should take with you.

With Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people visiting one of over 60 prides across the UK, it’s a good idea to go prepared. They are often crowded and expensive and outdoors so here’s our top 10 tips on how to survive pride.

1) Raincoat

CREDIT: chalabala / bigstock

Pack a raincoat. I know it’s not sexy – make it a Vivienne Westwood if you have to, but the British weather can not be relied upon to be good. Make sure it has a hood – hair straighteners won’t work in the middle of a field in a portaloo.

2) Battery Powerpack
CREDIT: TheGayShop
Smartphones are amazing at capturing the moment whether it’s through pictures, face time or you being able to update your social about who’s doing who. The only problem is the battery never lasts long enough. So grab a power source. Pride in London have released their very own this year – well worth the £12.00 – plus they come already charged.

3) Medication
(C) Garyphoto:Depositphotos.com
Only the legal sort. Take painkillers. Nothing kills the moment than a stinking hideous headache caused by whatever this year’s headliner is supposed to be. Also take any meds you take on a daily basis. Take a 24 hour supply – just in case you don’t go back to yours.

4) Secret Tenner

Stuff it in your pants, your socks or secret it away somewhere else. You’ll never know when it might come in handy.

5) Uber

If you find yourself in a place you don’t know summon an Uber cab. If your area doesn’t yet have Uber then make sure you know the local cab firm’s telephone number or download their app. Make sure you have enough battery on your phone to make that call.

6) Sun protection

Silhouette of muscle boy on beautiful hot background

Despite the fact that it’s overcast you can still get burnt to buggery so make sure you wear sunblock. If you’re looking for a sunblock that doesn’t go all white and sticky so you look like a sweaty pig – we suggest Image Skincare prevention + daily matt moisturiser – expensive but well worth the extra.

7) Condoms and lube

You might get lucky so bring some protection and you might even get lucky with more than one person so bring lots. If you don’t use them – share them with your mates – make sure they’re protected too!

8) Spare undies

CREDIT ©-Artmim Depositphotos

If you end up at someone else’s place you might want to bring a spare pair of undies – you know so the walk of shame isn’t so Ewwww.

9) Antibacterial lotion

The last thing you want to do is pick up a bug from one of the many thousands of people who will attend pride, so pick up some anti-bacterial lotion. Many of the portaloos provided at pride will also have anti-bacterial handwash for free.

10) Ear plugs

©-Den.Barbulat-Depositphotos

Protect your eardrums. Sounds from the stage could well permanently damage your hearing – with noises louder than a Jumbo Jet taking off.

For further reading take a look at Antony Simpson’s Pride Survival article.

11th May 2016
New X Factor Judge Announced

Guess who the new X Factor Judge is rumoured to be?

CREDIT: cvanwagoner-bigstock

It’s Nicole Scherzinger. The singer is apparently due to make a return to judging the ITV talent show. She was last seen in 2013, when she helped Sam Bailey win the competition. She also championed with James Arthur and was responsible for allowing Rylan Clark through the judges houses.

The Sun is reporting that the former Pussy Cat Doll front woman is due to step in after Rita Ora suddenly quit the judging panel after just one year in the seat.

It is thought that she’ll join Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell for what could be the last season of the talent show.

ALSO READ: Sharon Osbourne admits she could be bisexual

ALSO READ: Louis Walsh reveals his most embarrassing career move

The announcement that Rita Ora has departed came after a slew of departures for the show, after last year’s cast shake up.

Nick Grimshaw, Rita Ora and Cheryl have all left the show.

Dermot O’Leary is expected to resume his presenting duties – replacing Olly and Caroline.

11th May 2016
What Underwear Man Are You?

Take our personality test to find out what underwear suits your personality…

[os-widget path=”/thegayuk/are-you-a-boxer-brief-or-jock-man” of=”thegayuk”]

10th May 2016
FILM REVIEW | Florence Foster Jenkins – Some Of The Right Notes In All The Wrong Places

★★★★★ | Florence Foster Jenkins
CREDIT: Pathe
Meryl Streep shines in this touching tribute to the eccentricities of an ageing heiress.

Meryl Streep once again proves that she is one of the world’s greatest actors. This time Streep takes on the role of Florence Foster Jenkins, the ‘world’s worst opera singer’, who was a rich New York heiress who lived from 1868 to 1944.

Florence Foster Jenkins was an incredibly successful performer within her own Vaudeville circuit, owning the audience with her incredible tableaux’s. However she feels that her musicality (she was a child prodigy piano player, until illness robbed her of her ability to use her left hand) is being stymied. The larger than life character of Foster Jenkins decides that she wants to take up opera again, the problem is that she can’t sing, well at least to the ears that are around her. Whether she didn’t know this or refused to accept it is lost in the annals of history, but Foster-Jenkins was a force to be reckoned with, who once made a decision stuck to it doggedly, right to its conclusion.

After hearing a young Soprano, she sets about making her life-long dream to play at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, a reality. She hires a pianist, expertly portrayed by Simon Helberg (The Big Band Theory) and one of the world’s greatest vocal coaches (David Haig) and along with her Yes Man husband/manager played by a doting Hugh Grant, who pays off critics and audience members to enjoy Foster-Jenkins’ performances, Foster-Jenkins sets herself up for a mighty fall.

Once again Meryl Streep proves that her acting is all in the eyes. She plays the ageing Foster-Jenkins with a delicacy that is truly touching and shows how poignant an actor she is. Streep manages to bring hilarity and tragedy into one role. As she flings herself into one of opera’s most demanding arias, the Queen Of The Night, she takes on a Patricia Routledge (Keeping Up Appearances) form, yet is able to truly showcase the depth of Foster Jenkins musings and sheer love of life and ‘anything is possible’ attitude. We could all learn a thing or two from Foster-Jenkins. Hugh Grant perfectly plays his usual suave, English highly impotent secondary character allowing Streep’s magnificent talent to shine through.

Directed by Stephen Frears and written by Nicholas Martin, this faithful retelling of the famous opera singer that never was, is a laugh out loud, poignant look back at a forgotten era.

10th May 2016
THEATRE REVIEW | Showboat

★★★★ | Showboat

It’s a show that’s older than you and me. It’s a show that has stood the test of time. It’s ‘Showboat‘ and its back in London.
Credit – Johan Persson
Now playing at London’s New London Theatre on Drury Lane, it’s a spectacular recreation of the show that had its first performance in 1927 in New York, staged by Oscar Hammerstein II. Yes, that’s how old this show is, almost a century, and it’s new production shows that ‘Showboat’ has got sea legs.

If you don’t know the story, ‘Showboat’ is a show that is made of two parts. The first part is where we get introduced to the boat (called ‘Cotton Blossom’ which is spectacularly recreated on stage), it’s a boat that’s used to put on shows. It’s captained by Andy Hawks (Malcolm Sinclair) with a cast of whites and a crew of blacks. Captain Hawks’ single and carefree daughter Magnolia (Gina Beck) works on the boat, and it’s there where she meets and falls for the handsome yet mysterious Gaylord Ravenal (Chris Peluso). They get married and eventually have a daughter, but it’s the second act that gets dark. You see, Gaylord’s a gambling addict, can’t control his addiction, and can’t support his family, especially after they move to Chicago and have a baby girl. The lifestyle they knew and loved on the boat becomes a distant memory. As the years roll on, she and Gaylord split, and he disappears. But eventually her family and friends rally around her. It’s all told in great musical style with a cast that has loads of talent.

The original London production opened in May, 1928 at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane. It came back in 1971, and then again in 1998 at the Prince Edward Theatre. There was a short-lived production in 2006 at the Royal Albert Hall, and now it’s back for a new generation to see and it has not lost its life.

Classic songs such as ‘Ol’ Man River’ (sung by Emmanuel Kojo) to ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man’ (sung by an ensemble of the woman) are given new life by the singers. It’s the very talented cast, chief among them Beck, Peluso, and Danny Collins as a fellow performer, and Sinclair, who stand out.

Masterfully directed by Daniel Evens, with lots of great musical numbers including entire ensemble dance routines, this ‘Showboat’ is a must see, especially in the New London Theatre where every seat in the house is a good seat.

Showboat plays at the New London Theatre

9th May 2016