THEGAYUK

Category: Entertainment

  • BOOK REVIEW | God Believes in Love – Straight Talk about Gay Marriage by Gene Robinson

    Firstly it’s presented really well – hardback with parchment-like paper and a easy to read font. On the back cover there’s a quote, which instantly sparked my interest from President Barack Obama that says:
    ‘My friend Bishop Gene Robinson has long been a voice for equality – not with anger or vitriol, but with compassion and faith. He has been guided by the simple precept that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us.’

    Gene writes in a conversational style throughout the book making it feel like you’re sat somewhere warm and cosy listening to him speak, a writing style that I found captivating. He starts with an introduction sharing his story of being in love with and marrying his best friend (a woman); having two daughters but later realising that his attraction to the same gender could not be suppressed or changed.

    Gene writes that he and his wife divorced and that he later met and fell in love with Mark his husband. In this introduction he explains what marriage means to him, that he and Mark had a ‘Civil Union,’ before getting married (after it was made legal for them to do so) and the he later became IX Bishop of New Hampshire. It is a heart warming that he chose to share his life experience and I have a huge respect for him doing this as it would make most people feel exposed & vulnerable.

    Gene answers ten questions commonly posed by Christians:

    1. Why Gay Marriage Now?

    2. Why Should You Care About Gay Marriage If You’re Straight?

    3. What’s Wrong with Civil Unions?

    4. Doesn’t the Bible Condemn Homosexuality?

    5. What Would Jesus Do?

    6. Doesn’t Gay Marriage Change the Definition of Marriage That’s Been in Place for Thousands of Years?

    7. Doesn’t Gay Marriage Undermine Marriage?

    8. What If My Religion Doesn’t Believe in Gay Marriage?

    9. Don’t Children Need a Mother and a Father?

    10. Is This About Civil Rights or Getting Approval for Questionable Behaviour?

     

    Gene’s answers are intelligent, insightful and obviously well thought out. His knowledge of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans history and civil rights activism was fascinating. I thought I was well educated on gay history, but he conveyed some history of which I was unaware.

    Gene recognises that straight people need to advocate for gay people and encourages them throughout the book to ‘get to know us,’ listen to gay people’s stories and believe them as their truth. He asks them to try and imagine walking in a gay persons shoes.

    Gene examines the meaning and context of scriptures used to condemn homosexuality which would help any gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans Christians accept their sexuality within their faith.

    Gene discusses the concept of marriage and it’s evolution over centuries; this chapter of the book was absolutely engrossing. I’ve never really looked into marriage as a concept or how it’s developed over time.

    Gene shares his vision for the future; where the State recognises marriage regardless of the sexuality of the people involved legislatively (giving them the same benefits, rights and protections) and that Church’s role (regardless of religion) is to invite God to bless and be a part of the marriages. Gene states that religious institutions need to look at their own stance on homosexuality and the issue of gay marriage.

    Gene concludes with a chapter on God Believes in Love stating that to selflessly love another is how God feels about us his children. He encourages all to love your neighbour, as you would want to be loved.

    Now you’ll notice throughout this review I’ve referred to the author by his first name, Gene. That’s because by the end of the book I feel as though I’ve made a friend; one who’s educational, non-preachy and represents the best of human spirituality.

    God Believes in Love: Straight Talk about Gay Marriage by Gene Robinson is available to buy on Amazon.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Bourgeois And Maurice At The Soho Theatre

    You know those occasions when you meet your mates in town for a drink after work. It gets to about 9 and you think it might be nice to round off the evening in some way.

    Well instead of heading to your local kebab house, why not nip down to the Soho Theatre for a bit of cabaret, where you can catch one of the final performances of Sugartits, by the award-winning duo Bourgeois and Maurice? It would be a great way to round off a convivial evening with friends.

    And convivial, for the most part, is what this cabaret is. The duo delivers a selection of self-penned songs, covering a range of contemporary topics, such as tax, internet junkies and the homogenisation of our town centres (an “improvised” song about Birmingham could be about any town in the UK, which is actually the point). However, though engaging and entertaining, it’s not quite as hard hitting as they’d like to think, pandering, as it does, to middle-class Liberal sensibilities. I felt it could have done with a set of sharper teeth.

    That said, I could hardly fault the performances of the duo, who are the perfect foil for each other. Bourgeois, looking rather like a cross between the Divine David and the MC from Cabare, (I loved the Putin decorated jumpsuit he changed into half way through) delivers his songs and linking dialogue with a sardonically laconic wit, whilst Maurice, sporting a 60’s beehive, which would be the envy of Marge Simpson, has an engaging goofiness, and a rare talent at the keyboard. I particularly enjoyed her surreal attempt to tell a joke, in the manner of Michael McIntyre.

    Certainly, worth a trip, you can catch the show at the Soho Theatre Downstairs until September 21st.

  • BOOK REVIEW | Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

    ★★★ | Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

    Tales of the supernatural and dark vampires stalking dystopian worlds seem to have abounded in recent years and are; it seems, here to stay.

    If you’re looking for an erotic vampire story with a gay twist then J.R. Ward’s ‘Black Dagger Brotherhood’ series are the ones to look out for. ‘Lover at Last’ is the 11th book in the series but works well as a standalone also.

    The story follows the stories of Qhuinn, a disavowed aristocrat who is now a brutal fighter in the darker corners of a ravaged New York and Blay, who after years of unrequited for Qhuinn has finally started to move on. What follows is a multi layered story with good dramatic tension and erotic scenes. If you like Twilight but just wish there’d been more male on male action then this series is for you

    Buy the book here

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Speed Twins, Riverside Studios

    This warm tale of love and last chances weaves together three very different characters as they are brought together in the afterlife bar, Dyke Heaven.

    Queenie, a 60-something year old ex-beauty queen, has spent her life making what she feels are the right choices by society’s norms and so is very surprised to be spending her afterlife in a lesbian bar. Polly Hemingway is wonderfully expressive and brings a warmth and softness to her character that could easily be lost beneath the difficult choices she has had to make.

    Ollie, on the other hand, is a Beryl Reid / Oliver Hardy hybrid (harking back to the days when lesbians were forced into the butch-femme role-play that is still too-often perceived as their only reality) and has lived her life true to her desires. Amanda Boxer is entirely convincing, and delivers her witty one-liners with excellent comic timing. Ollie is delighted to be in Dyke Heaven as it is so very reminiscent of the Gateways Club, a popular lesbian bar in Chelsea made famous by the 1969 film The Killing of Sister George (in which Beryl Reid dresses as Oliver Hardy). Indeed, several references to this movie are made throughout the play – both explicitly and implied.

    The arrival of Mia Mackie’s Shirley to the bar causes something of a stir. Queenie flits from rages of wild jealousy to blank-faced denial, while Ollie jumps from lustful to intrigued and back again. Mackie brings forward some very difficult emotions and handles the complicated character with skill.

    Overall, Maureen Chadwick has written a piece that is dark but tender, and infused with warmth and gentle humour throughout.

    The Speed Twins plays at the Riverside Studios, Hammersmith until 28 September. Tickets are £22.50 (£15 conc.) from http://www.riversidestudios.co.uk/cgi-bin/page.pl?l=1370426957

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Confessions Of Gordon Brown, Trafalgar Studios

    ★★★★ |The Confessions Of Gordon Brown, Trafalgar Studios

    Fresh from the Edinburgh fringe, this hit one man show has transferred to the prestigious Trafalgar Studios in London.

    This satirical look at the reign of Gordon Brown as leader of the Labour party is both laugh out loud and moving in equal parts. Written by Emmy award winning Kevin Toolis, the script swiftly moves between discussion of Brown the public figure and Brown the man.

    Ian Grieve (a remarkable likeness of the man himself) gives a strong, grounded performance, getting the audience onside and empathising with one of the most well known faces in British politics.The script reaches deep into the soul of the character, and one can only wonder what those close to Brown, and the man himself, would make of the writers interpretation of his character.

    Until 28th September,7.45pm daily

    http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-confessions-of-gordon-brown/trafalgar-studios/#overview_tab

    Twitter @GordonConfesses

  • Gay Icon Kylie To Replace Bisexual Jessie J

    She of gold hot pant wearing goodness is about to replace her of bold statement lycra leggings. Yes Jessie J is set to leave BBC’s The Voice.

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  • THEATRE REVIEW: Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance, UK TOUR

    ★★★★ So much more than the title suggests, Gotta Sing Gotta Dance is a true celebration of musical theatre at its very best.

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  • THEATRE REVIEW | Liza, Liza, Liza at The Tabard Theatre, London

    ★★★★ | Liza, Liza, Liza at The Tabard Theatre, London

    Meine Damen und Herren, Mesdames et Messieurs, Ladies and Gentleman! I bring you not one, not two but three Liza Minnellis, all on one small stage for your delight and delectation.

    Acclaimed stage and screen writer Richard Harris (Outside Edge, Stepping Out) has penned a brilliant new play which is a tribute, a raucous examination and a celebration of all things Ms Minnelli. More than that, it’s also a reflection on what it is to be human in a mad world and although we may not all be from such stellar circles as Liza, there’s much to identify with.

    The set is glitzy and bright with a giant ‘Liza!’ sprawling across it, partly obscuring the piano and dashing pianist and on limps Liza, post hip replacement with a cane. Within seconds the audience is rapt as she wisecracks her way to the chaise longue. The play cleverly combines three incarnations of Liza: Firstly, the gauche and enthusiastic teenager trying hard to make her mark on a world ready to judge her against her mother and balance a home life mad enough to drive a nun to blasphemy. Secondly: the chain smoking ‘middle’ Liza hurtling into a self destructive spiral of drink, drugs and unsuitable men as her career both soars and plummets and finally: the older wiser and more cynical Liza who’s more than able to laugh at herself and her own foibles and failings. Oh what a dirty laugh it is too. All these Lizas are of course, overshadowed by the dominating influence of Judy Garland who begins the play shouting through from a dressing table at the back of the stage.

    Multiple lovers and failed marriages, battles with weight, booze, pills and depression: it’s not hard to see what it is that gay men seem to feel such an affinity with her about. What Harris and the fantastic cast of three actresses manage to do is to present a life story that contains no self pity, plenty of humour and a hell of a lot of spirit. There are killer one liners, great vocal performances (but not too many; it’s not a musical) and some very credible acting that rises above being just cheap impersonations. The three actresses all manage to own the stage, which is a feat in itself.

    Liza, Liza Liza runs until the 29th of September

    Buy tickets here: http://www.tabardweb.co.uk/liza

  • FILM REVIEW | Bashment

    Developed from his original stage show, director Rickki Beadle-Blair explores the controversial subjects of class, racism and homophobia in dance hall music in this contemporary urban drama. (more…)

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Spring Tide at The Old Red Lion, Angel, London

    ★★★★★ | The Spring Tide at The Old Red Lion, Angel, London

    This new piece of writing by Carol Vine premieres with a stellar cast put together by Oliver Taheri Productions, and delivers a punchy and passionate play that explores coming out in middle age and the impact on a modern family.

    We see the two women as girls in the teens and throughout the years of their relationship up until present day, Suzy trapped in an unhappy middle class world with an angry teenager and a crumbling marriage, Lan still waiting on her love to return.

    There was a little too much ‘business’ on stage between scenes and that was slightly distracting however the performances of the actors bought us crashing back into the narrative with their passionate and brave performances. The characters are not stereotypical but very real and three dimensional and the story not sensationalist but entirely believable. The actors also deliver a very naturalistic performance so you truly empathise with the characters and the tragic twist of the story is all the more poignant for it.

    On until 21st September, Tuesday to Saturday 7.30pm and Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 3pm

  • New Gay Pub Opens In Ipswich, Suffolk

    Following a major external refurbishment carried out by STAR PUBS & BARS, The County of Suffolk is re-launching in Ipswich on Tuesday 30th September 2013.

    New Lessee; Mr Michael Knight, says “ I am delighted at the work that has been carried out around the building, the new fresh colour scheme, enhanced external lighting and brand new signage has really helped to restore life into this fantastic, historical building.”

    On the back of the success of a recently launched sandwich, Panini and jacket potato menu, a brand new hot food menu has also been introduced to coincide with the grand re-opening and features pub classics such as “Retro Prawn Cocktail”, “Fish & Chips”, “Scampi & Chips” together with locally sourced “Procters” sausages and regional specials. Sunday lunches to be launched soon!

    Mr Knight and his Team have high hopes for the new development, stating: “we are here for the whole of Suffolk and surrounding areas to enjoy – we intend to provide a warm welcome and a top class and affordable range of food and drinks within a safe and homely environment”. We also have 2 double guest rooms available on a room only basis at a very competitive rate of from £20.00 per night per room.

    Over the next few months Mr Knight will be developing The County of Suffolk’s offer with speciality evenings such as “sausage & cider week”, “quiz nights”, and themed evenings in the lead up to Christmas.

    The pub is open 12noon until 11pm, 7 days a week and offers a wide range of draught beers and cider with weekly specials of hand pumped real ale. A full selection of soft drinks, together with teas and coffees are available throughout the day.

    The County of Suffolk is a gay-run, gay-friendly venue welcoming the whole of the LGB&T community.