THEGAYUK

Category: Entertainment

  • GIG REVIEW | Alison Moyet – The Minutes Tour

    ★★★★★ Alison Moyet – The Minutes Tour

    From her early days as one half of Yazoo to her multi-million selling solo career, the last 30 years has seen Alison Moyet remain one of the most talented singers around. Her sultry voice has seen her take the guise of an electronica sensation, a husky jazz singer, a pop star and a huge voiced balladeer as she has ploughed her way through the years refusing to allow herself to be pigeon holed.

    Her current tour is to support the release of her latest album, The Minutes, with both the critically acclaimed album and the tour bringing Moyet back to her electronic roots. Seamlessly blending together a rich collection of songs from her current album with a range of classics from both her solo albums and her time with Yazoo, she provided a flawless set which is strangely both very retro and incredibly contemporary simultaneously.

    From the opening number, “Horizon Flame”, Moyet was in absolutely incredible voice, as she stood, flanked by two very talented musicians, in the centre of a stage awash with stars, creating an memorable opening and setting a high standard for the remainder of the concert. Her vocal performance throughout the set was simply outstanding and note perfect, never once sounding anything other than natural and unforced. She looked absolutely stunning and between songs, Moyet chatted casually with the audience coming across as warm, personable and genuine.

    The set list contained a good balance of her new material and her classic hits. A stripped back version of “Ordinary Girl” was a particular highlight, as was her haunting rendition of “This House” which made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. For long term fans, there were the inevitable (and welcome) renditions of “Love Resurrection”, “All Cried Out”, “Is this Love” and “Whispering Your Name”. Finally thrown into the mix were a number of songs from her partnership with Vince Clarke with the Yazoo classics “Nobody’s Diary”, “Don’t Go” and “Situation” amongst others. The tracks from her new album sounded incredible too, with excellent renditions of “Filigree” (which was simply beautiful), “Apple Kisses”, the dubstep infused “Changeling” and her latest single “When I Was Your Girl”. What was impressive was the reworkings of her older material which made the songs sound fresh, contemporary and up to date despite some of them being near enough 30 years old.

    This was a concert which was about quality music and vocals. But the lighting design brought the stripped back set to life in incredible ways, with some of the best, most immersive lighting I have seen at a concert for a number of years. The lighting designer and team deserve recognition and credit of their outstanding work, with the whole concert being enhanced by the brilliant designs. At time the whole stage (and audience) were awash with colour, had beams of coloured lights penetrating the smoky atmosphere and drew the audience almost onto the stage.

    Moyet’s vocals cannot be praised highly enough – she manages to sound even better live than she does on her albums, effortlessly demonstrating an incredible range and an ability to powerfully perform without the need for any infernal caterwauling and vocal gymnastics that so many of today’s singers seem to favour. Moyet could certainly teach the X-Factor generation a few things. Grab a ticket for this tour whilst you can and treat yourself to an evening of old school excellence which will blow you away.
    The Minutes Tour continues across the UK.

    Details can be found at http://alisonmoyet.com/?p=9751

  • BOOK REVIEW | Hombres by Joan Crisol

    ★★★★ Publishers of distinction – Bruno Gmünder, releases Joan Crisol’s rather wonderful Hombres.

    Described as the look book for Spanish fashion brand ES, photographer Joan Crisol has managed to capture some incredible photos. It makes for a perfect Coffee Table book or dare we say early Christmas present for the man admirer in your life – or just you!

    81 full colour pages of more muscle perfect men in various states of undress, than you could shake a stick at.

    Absolutely recommended coffee table reading.

  • 5 Reasons Why Madonna’s Justify My Love Video Is a Masterpiece

    5 Reasons Why Madonna’s Justify My Love Video Is a Masterpiece

    Madonna is often knocked these days. Whether it’s for having younger boyfriends (good for her, I say), adopting African children, or dressing ‘inappropriately’, Madonna is frequently ridiculed.

    Even when making a statement such as dressing up as a boy scout in opposition to the Scouts in America not allowing gay people to join, Madonna was slated and told to dress her age. The whole point of what she was doing was missed. It’s frustrating, but I doubt Madonna cares. I have always admired her for doing things on her own terms and having a don’t give a f**k attitude.

    Over the years I have accumulated many favourite Madonna moments. Whether it’s snogging with Britney, supporting gay people and Pussy Riot when in Russia, putting on a triumphant performance in Evita (she should have won an Oscar for that), or refusing to grow old gracefully, I adore the woman. But my absolute favourite Madonna moment is her video for “Justify My Love”. It is a masterpiece. I’ll tell you why.

    1. Sex

    Human sexuality and the act of sex fascinate me, so it’s great to see various facets of that in the video. Sex is a natural human behaviour and I enjoy seeing it portrayed in artistic glory. It’s not done in a trashy, sluttish way the likes of Rihanna would put in their music videos. It’s shot in an artistic way. It’s filmed in black and white, features the art of tease, and plays with varying genders and sexualities. It does not feature women bouncing their bottoms and boobs about like so many music videos do in these modern times. Those young girls who are in the charts today can learn a lot from Madonna and should explore her back catalogue of excellence.

    2. Gender Bending

    Men dressed as women and ladies dressed as fellas. I like it. I like it a lot. Especially as it’s not done in a way that exploits cross-dressing and makes those who partake in it look like freaks. Again it is a natural part of being a human. Self-expression should be treasured and that extends to people having the right to dress in any way they choose. It’s a positive portrayal of something that still largely remains behind closed doors.

    3. Gay and lesbian romping

    In the early 1990s. In a music video. I cannot think of another music video from a mainstream artist that features such a thing. Madonna was a trailblazer. I can only commend her for that.

    4. Poor is the man whose pleasures depend on the permission of another .

    That’s right. Unless of course, someone wants to be submissive and allow another person to dominate them. Which is ok of course. Human sexuality can be so fluid and rarely stays within the confines of what is perceived to be the norm. We all have our kinks and things that do it for us. I simply love that quote from the song and how the whole sub/dom topic is covered in the video. It’s a breath of fresh air.

    5. The dancer covered in black paint.

    He is a bizarre addition to proceedings but at the same time is utterly fabulous. He has me captivated as he winds his body into all sorts of shapes. I can only dream of moving like that.

    So there we have it; five reasons why Madonna’s Justify My Love video is a masterpiece. It’s five minutes of artistic brilliance. I cannot think of a video before or since that covers such a topic in a positive and empowering way. The act of sex in its various forms, cross-dressing and fluid sexuality tend to kept behind closed doors. I feel we are quite prudish in this country at times. Personally, I am quite open and talk about sex with great ease. There’s is nothing that fazes me. Perhaps my past working in sexual health has made me more open. Or perhaps I’m just filth. Either way, I applaud Madonna and thank her for the gift of “Justify My Love”.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Roots

    ★★★★ |Roots by Arnold Wesker, Donmar Warehouse

    It’s 1958 and Beatie Bryant has been living in London with Ronnie, a young socialist full of ideas and ideals. As she anxiously awaits his arrival to meet her family for the first time at their Norfolk farm, her head is swimming with new concepts of a bolder, freer world enhanced by politics, art and music, not caring that her views promise to clash with their traditional rural way of life.

    Roots is the centrepiece of Arnold Wesker’s classic post-war trilogy of plays and in spite of being over 50 years since its first staging, still carries a strong and pertinent message today in a world where apathy and mediocrity still abound.

    The play is naturalistic and heavy on dialogue but the inherent humour of the situation and characters lightens the tone enough to make it a thoroughly enjoyable piece to watch. The characters interact as they perform a background of daily chores such as cooking, cleaning and bathing, all punctuated by their exchanges which are spoken in broad Norfolk accents and dialect.

    Beatie is played by the beautiful and very talented Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) who manages to convey her naivety, exuberance and vulnerability along with her optimism as she hopefully anticipates a new world emerging. Raine is supported by a strong cast, particularly the magnificent Linda Bassett and Ian Gelder who play her taciturn and complacent parents with great dramatic and comic effect. The contentment of a family happy to live in their rural world, never questioning their routine and allotted roles, is subtly built up as the play slowly burns towards a dramatic finale.

    Director James Macdonald has created a flawless piece that proves that classic drama can be performed to great effect and made fresh and challenging, provided it is performed and staged well. This is an excellent production that is well worth viewing if you don’t know the play or worth revisiting if it’s a familiar piece to you.

    Roots is on until the 30th of November 2013

    Book tickets here: Roots

  • FILM REVIEW | Leave It On The Floor

    If, like me, you’re a sucker for a musical about voguing set in LA, with a mainly unknown cast and containing some catchy tunes you’ve never heard of – this is the movie for you!

    The music is original, with the tittle track being one of the strongest – but wait till you hear the ode to JT, Justin’s Gonna Call… .made me smile! This film also wins the award for most original use of a bowling alley, and a fake pregnancy…. by a man…

    It has laughs, drama, dancing, tight vests, jaunty hats and fierce Gaga-esque outfits…

    Treat yourself – I defy you to not be tapping your toes at least to one or two of these little numbers. As with most musicals, its difficult to engage with the characters, they can seem quite superficial or two-dimensional, but that doesn’t stop this being a celebratory movie about being yourself and being, for want of a better line, born this way…

    The film is written by Glenn Gaylord, who also directed the movie “I Do“, which I’ll be reviewing nearer its DVD release date later this month.

    Available to buy / view on: Amazon | Amazon Prime | iTunes

  • 5 Best Gay Scenes in Europe

    It’s totally fabulous to explore different gay scenes when travelling. You can dance the night away to some truly camp-tastic tunes, or cruise the darkrooms for Mr Right Now. Perhaps you want to enjoy feathers and frills at a drag queen cabaret show? We’ve looked at some of the best gay hotspots in Europe to suit everyone’s needs.

    Benidorm, Spain

    benidorm
    CREDIT: piquetsebtotal
    CC0 Public Domain / pixabay

    The Benidorm gay village can be found in the Old Town area of this popular Spanish holiday resort. The gay part of Benidorm’s Levante beach sits in front of the Don Cesar café, and is a great place to tan before a night out with your best pals. 7th Heaven has been a popular gay bar for years and has an excellent reputation for making tourists and locals feel welcome. This is a fab bar for an early drink, and the relaxed atmosphere is ideal for meeting new people. Cabaret lovers will enjoy a night at Mardi Gras, with top performances from Miss Stella Artois, plus an excellent Cher tribute act. Younger LGBT crowds can be found at the Mercury nightclub, which is famous for its pumping dance music and buzzing atmosphere. This club is for real party animals only, as the doors don’t even open until after midnight.

    Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria

    CREDIT: MonicaVolpin CC0 Public Domain / Pixabay
    CREDIT: MonicaVolpin
    CC0 Public Domain / Pixabay

    Make your way to the Yumbo Centre for all the gay action you’ll need; this place is like a shopping centre bursting with gay bars and nightclubs. Those of you who love drag queen acts will feel at home in Sparkles Show Bar. Enjoy hilarious cabaret shows and maybe some audience participation too if you’re lucky! Meanwhile, Coco Loco is great for the younger gays who want to dance and enjoy a cheeky flirt (in the hope of starting a holiday romance). There’s also a terrace to cool down on, if it all gets a little hot and sweaty inside. Babylon XL club is for those who really want to party ’til the sun rises. Enjoy laser shows, sexy male dancers and of course the obligatory darkrooms.

    The Algarve, Portugal

    CREDIT: Peter Etchells
    CREDIT: Peter Etchells

    LGBT-friendly bars and nightclubs are scattered everywhere in this southern region. Boémio Disco is the oldest gay club in the Algarve and can be found next to the Ponte Velha Bridge in Portimão. Boémio Disco also offers free Wi-Fi, which is ideal if you want to log into Grindr as you dance and sip a cool drink. When you’re not dancing the night away, relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Portugal, the Praua da Rocha, and check out all the guys in their tight speedos. Another club in Portimão is Loft by Pride; which is considered by many to be the best gay club in the Algarve. Then there’s Fame Bar which can be found on the busiest street in Albufeira, a popular holiday resort within the Algarve region. Finally, if you fancy one last boogie before the flight home, check out Heaven Club near Faro airport.

    Amsterdam, Holland

    The most famous gay area is Reguliersdwarsstraat Street. So how about starting your evening in style here at the Amstel Fifty Four Club, one of the oldest gay bars in Amsterdam? You can join in with raucous groups singing along to the jukebox and belt out your favourite tunes. Afterwards, move onto Club NyX, which is one of the biggest gay discos in the city and promises you a wild evening. Named after the Greek goddess of the night, the club is spread over three floors, each playing a different style of music. If you’re camper than Alan Carr and David Walliams put together then mince your way to the Exit Café next door. This small nightspot is decked out like a mountain ski bar and is full of young, cute Dutchman. So what are you waiting for? Squeeze into that tight t-shirt, spray on the glitter and say hi to the locals!

    Paris, France

    (c) TheGayUK
    (c) TheGayUK

    No list would be complete without a mention of the world’s most romantic city, Paris – a quick hop away from the UK, Paris is reachable by air, train and sea. A bustling gay scene and more romantic walks than you can shake a stick at. Plenty of gay bars await you in the Marais district in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. You’ll find lots of gay friendly bars and restaurants – and no one will bat a eye if you hold your lover’s hand in public – ah gay Paris!

    by Matthew Payne / Jake Hook

  • Gay Couple To Join Channel 4’s Sex Box

    A gay couple take part in a sex experience in front of live studio audience for a Channel 4 progamme that aims to look at the sex lives of normal Britons.

    Three couples, which includes an engaged couple who were childhood sweethearts, a gay couple who have been together for 3 years and couple in their 20s.

    A spokesperson for Channel 4 said that the gay couple had wanted to take part in the show because it was a brilliant opportunity to show how ‘normal’ gay sex could be.

    Mariella Frostrup is to host the new show for Channel 4, which aims to reclaim sex from porn by ‘exploring how the ever-increasing consumption of pornography is distorting people’s expectations of sex and ultimately damaging the sex lives of Britons.’

    The show is to be recorded in front of a live studio audience, who like TV audiences will not see any sex or nudity.

    After each couples’ time in the box, they will talk with Frostrup and a panel of sexperts, which includes psychotherapist, broadcaster and author Phillip Hodson, sex, body language and relationship expert Tracey Cox and internationally syndicated sex columnist Dan Savage

    Sex Box presenter Mariella Frostrup said: “Ten years as the Observer’s Agony Aunt has given me plenty of insight into what an important role sex plays in our lives but also how difficult we find to talk openly about it to each other. The sex we see on screen, in magazines and increasingly online bears little relation to the real experiences of real people. I’m delighted to take part in this attempt to have a frank conversation about an essential element of all our lives. ”

    The actual Sex Box is a completely sound proofed box – however the walls are opaque, so audiences or the production crew will see little.

    Dan Savage said: “Many people have an easier time speaking honestly about sex with their friends – or with anonymous strangers online – than they do with their partners. But honest, fearless communication with the person (or persons!) with whom you actually have sex is central to creating successful long-term relationships. Sex is that important.”

    The show is to be broadcast on the 7th October.

    The Campaign for Real Sex Season starts on 30 September at 10pm with Porn on the Brain.

  • MUSIC REVIEW | Work Bitch

    ★★★★ Work Bitch | Last weekend when I awoke from the coma I had slipped into due to consuming copious amounts of wine  I came across the new single of the one and only Ms Britney Spears! My Sunday had just gotten a whole lot better.

    (more…)

  • 6 stupid things straight people mistake about gay men

    6 stupid things straight people mistake about gay men

    A problem gay men face regularly is ‘coming out’. Now I’m not talking about the first time you decide to embrace your sexuality, build up the courage and let the world know you’re a Spice Girl loving, bum blasting bender.

    CREDIT ©-s_bukleyDepositphotos
    CREDIT ©-s_bukleyDepositphotos

    I’m talking when you meet a new group of people, are in a new situation or start a new job and unless you’re sporting chaps with a vest or have a sign on your forehead, people generally assume you’re straight. This was the case two weeks ago when I started my summer course in preparation for Uni. This can be slightly awkward. Believe it or not, I didn’t wear chaps on my first day and decided not to make a Jack McFarland-style entrance into the classroom.

    By lunchtime, I had made some new friends and the topic turned to why I moved back home from Sydney. I explained that my partner and I had broken up and when discussing the situation one guy insisted on using the term ‘she’.

    The older I get the less I tend to give a shit so after 3 times of him saying it I decided to correct him and tell him she, was in fact, he. After a moment’s silence, he declared “I guess you were the woman then!” Well, the last time I checked we were both men with fully functioning penises and I don’t know about him but I’m still the same however to avoid any further awkwardness I decided to reply with a smile. A lot of people have perceptions about us gays, most of them being myths which I feel is my duty clear up!

    No 1: Gay men act like girls in bed –

    It’s true that when two men have sex, sometimes one can take on a more dominant role but I have personally never known any gay man to act like a girl in the bedroom, in fact, the complete opposite. Most guys tend to let their ‘manliness’ come out when it comes to having sex. There’s nothing like getting bitch slapped between the sheets, by a guy who was wearing denim hot pants and a sequined top twenty minutes prior on the dance floor to make for a great night of passion.

    No 2: Gay men want to bed every straight man that breathes –

    Come on really? Yeah when we talk to you, we may want to undress you but more than likely it’s to re-dress you in better clothes. Ladies, if your boyfriend approaches us or talks to us, it doesn’t make him gay! It simply means he is bi-curious.

    No 3: Gay men have sex with children and dogs –

    Now I’ve had my fair share of dogs but none of them had four legs and the last time I checked, people who have sex with children are called something and it isn’t homosexual.

    No 4: You can ‘catch gay’ –

    Unfortunately not, so really no need to cross the road/run the other way when you see us coming. It’s also over the top to go and say ten Hail Mary’s before dousing yourself in holy water if we happen to shake your hand. We are born fabulous, we didn’t catch it. Some have theories as to why, personally I feel it’s because Jesus hates us. So if you were born straight, you’re stuck being hetro I’m afraid.

    No 5: All gay men have AIDS: –

    No, we don’t all have AIDS or diseases for that matter, just most of us. Come on, it’s not the friggin 80s. That is why God invented condoms!

    No 6: All gay men love Kylie/Cher/Madonna –

    Now this one is indeed true.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Picture of Dorian Gray at Dorian Gray’s Townhouse

    ★★★★ | The Picture of Dorian Gray at Dorian Gray’s Townhouse

    Staged in a Georgian townhouse in Greenwich “modernised” to suit a wealthy Victorian resident, The Alchemist Order have presented an exciting and innovative production of this classic Oscar Wilde play.

    For those that don’t know the story, The Picture of Dorian Gray is the tale of a young man who trades his soul for eternal youth and beauty. As he lives a life of hedonism and decadence, a portrait painted of him as a young man ages in his place. Often cited as one of the finest examples of Gothic literature, The Picture of Dorian Gray is exquisitely dark but peppered with Wilde’s trademark wit.

    Dorian, played by the brilliant Mia Hawk, is both innocent and debauched, and Hawk conveys both with conviction. Although momentarily distracting that he is played by a female, the combination of great acting, inventive staging and clever writing soon forgives this. Chatting to the cast after the performance, I learned that Mia had less than a week to rehearse this role following an injury to the original actor, which makes her portrayal of this complex character all the more impressive.

    Samuel Orange, Creative Director of The Alchemist Order, plays Lord Henry Wotton utterly convincingly and has a natural ability to hold a stage, in even the most intimate of spaces. The interplay between Lord Henry and Dorian strikes just the right balance of tension and allure. Similarly notable is Jonathan Redfern, playing Basil Hallward, who brings a somewhat mesmerising flair to his role and is completely believable as the tortured artist.

    An outstanding highlight for me, though, is the fantastic Louise Larchbourne, whose Mrs Leaf is thoroughly engaging, and carries just the right balance of servitude and mastery appropriate for her role. From the moment one steps through the door into Mr Gray’s salon, all through the interval and right through to the time you leave, Larchbourne remains perfectly in character, entertaining and serving guests with a respectful wit.

    This is the inaugural production of The Alchemic Order, and if it is any indication of what is to come, the future of creative and imaginative theatre is very, very secure.

    THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY plays at Dorian Gray’s Townhouse, 2 minutes’ walk from Greenwich station (exact address revealed upon booking) Tues – Sat until 28 September. Tickets are £35 (£25 on Tues) from www.thealchemicorder.com

  • THEATRE REVIEW | A Life Backwards (The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield)

    ★★★★★ | A Life Backwards (The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield)

    After meeting at a protest to support two homeless charity workers, Alexander (played by Will Adamsdale) and Stuart (played by Fraser Ayres) develop an unlikely bond. Stuart becomes intrinsic in the organisation of Alexander’s public campaign and the two men find they have much more in common than they ever thought they would. But for Stuart, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, the reality of life on the streets is never far away and his psychological problems gradually get the better of him as his physical and mental health start to deteriorate. Alexander, who had promised Stuart that he would write a biography that Stuart’s son would want to read, starts to speak to those who knew Stuart growing up. He uncovers a troubled past for Stuart, and starts to understand the impact and implications of Stuart’s family, schooling and disability.

    Based on the biography of the same name, which chronicles the true life story of Stuart Shorter, this play was an outstanding piece of theatre. The intelligent writing of the piece shone through, having the audience laughing out loud one moment and sitting with teary eyes hanging on every word uttered the next. The unravelling of Stuart’s life was beautifully written; with the latter half of the play deconstructing the complex character it had so carefully crafted in the first half. Stuart is portrayed as likeable, funny, resilient and sensitive, yet at the same time violent, volatile, unpredictable and unstable. The script itself was, in equal parts, genuinely funny, moving, warm, touching and upsetting as you learn who Stuart really is and you are left wondering whether you should or shouldn’t actually like him.

    The acting in the play was of a very high standard all round with the minimal cast drawing in the audience with their performances, meaning that you could feel definite shifts in the atmosphere of the studio theatre as everyone became absorbed in the story.

    But undoubtedly, the primary focus was on Fraser Ayres, who gave one of the best performances I have seen in the theatre for many years with his exceptional portrayal of Stuart. His convincing, sensitive and genuine performance of a man tormented by his inner demons and his failing body was quite frankly brilliant, moving, accurate and wholly believable.

    The setting of the Studio Theatre, an intimate performance space at Sheffield Theatres, only added to the total immersion in the play. The production values were basic with a very simple, but astutely utilised, scaffolding set, but the real draw here is the story, performances and emotions of the piece.

    This extraordinary play, produced by Sheffield Theatres and High Tide Festival Theatre is an outstanding piece of work. It was wholly engrossing in terms of its performance, writing and characters and left the audience feeling as though they had been through the full spectrum of emotions with the characters on stage. The thought provoking nature of the play was perfectly balanced with the soul, warmth and humour that punctuates it and provided an incredible opening to Sheffield Theatre’s autumn season. A must see.

    Stuart – A Life backwards is currently playing at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield until the 28th September 2013. Details can be found at http://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk