THEGAYUK

Category: Entertainment

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Power Couple

    ★★★★ | Power Couple

    Relationships are peculiar things: whether your status is single, in a relationship or ‘it’s complicated’. Power Couple is an innovative comedy show which looks at a relationship from the viewpoint of both participants proving just how funny relationships can be.

    Stephen Bailey has spent the past twenty-something years trying to find true love and romance. For years he prayed for a womb so he could trap a man but he’s done it the normal way – through a love spell (well he tried apparently). Gary John Senior is completely different; he has spent his life avoiding a relationship until almost by accident (or witchcraft) Stephen happened. As they embarked on a relationship, Gary’s brow got sweatier. Not only does he have to deal with his own neurosis, he has to deal with Stephen’s too. Gary takes us through his findings from his first year in his first relationship (ever) to explore the real fine line between love and madness.

    The show takes the form of two sets, each partner talking about the relationship. Gary mourns the loss of days watching porn and playing on his Playstation which has been replaced by inquisitions, insecurities and the minefield that is sending a text to your boyfriend and forgetting the little ‘x’ at the end. Stephen is re-appraising his ideas of romance as he gets treated to Groupon dates and unusual birthday gifts.

    The show is really amusing and anyone who has been in, observed or run a mile from a relationship can identify with the two men and their experiences. The observational comedy is warm and affectionate but no less biting in its wit for this.

    For a great comedy experience catch the boys at the Edinburgh Fringe or at the Edinburgh preview show:
    ‘PowerCouple: 1st-25th August 2013  London Previews: Monday 29th July 2013, Comedy Café Theatre, Shoreditch, London
    Follow them at: facebook.com/powercouplecomedy or on Twitter: @PowerCoupleUK, @StephenComedy, and @GaryJohnSenior

  • BOOK REVIEW | In His Secret Life, by Mel Bossa

    In His Secret Life is Mel Bossa‘s latest book. Allan has taken care of his sister Elise and her daughter Fay ever since Elise was dumped by Fay’s father. But when Elise meets Dayton, Allan knows things are going to change. It’s not long until Elise & Dayton get engaged and Allan gets to meet Dayton’s family.

    Allan meets Davinder, one of Dayton’s brothers who is married with two kids. Something about Davinder captivates Allan and he’s about to break his one and only rule: never fall for a straight guy.

    In His Secret Life is a love story about a seemingly impossible relationship, which is told over decades. It gives the reader a moral dilemma. On the one hand Davinder is a married man, but on the other it’s clear that he’s unhappily married and that he loves Allan.

    The story is written in three parts. In the first part the characters are introduced and Allan & Davinder meet. The second part is about Allan & Davinder’s affair and the duality of their double lives. The third and final part is about Allan & Davinder’s journey on separate paths back to one another.

    There’s something magical about Mel Bossa‘s writing that hypnotises the reader from the first word. All of the characters are likeable and the story is written from Allan’s perspective. The reader empathises with Allan’s loneliness, as well as the highs and lows of love – that he likens to drug addiction. The use of perspective and these emotions – that everybody has experienced at sometime in their life, creates a connection between Allan and the reader.

    Allan & Davinder’s sexual relationship develops a bit too quickly in the beginning and their was a scene that gave the impression that Allan had drunkenly drove home. But apart from these minor details the plot is perfectly paced, well thought out and exceptionally well written.

    Mel Bossa‘s use letters and emails to show other characters perspectives was a really clever idea. The description ignites the readers imagination, giving a flawless image of the characters, settings and events. The end this book made me cry (with happiness) and was heartwarming.

    In His Secret Life is Mel Bossa‘s best book to date and is one of those incredibly rare books that comes into your life and leaves you feeling changed somehow.

    If you want a book about impossible love made possible, that will make you question yourself, leave you feeling satisfied and joyous then I recommend In His Secret Life by Mel Bossa.

  • FILM REVIEW | Mixed Kebab

    Much better is Guy Lee Thys’s movie “Mixed Kebab”, which details the love affair between a closeted Turkish Muslim boy, living with his ex-pat family in Antwerp and a completely out Belgian boy. ★★★

    (more…)

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Address Unknown, Soho Theatre

    ★★★★ | Address Unknown

    Is it possible to explain the incomprehensible? How can anyone begin to understand what would make a man abandon a deep friendship in favour of joining a radical political movement? ‘Address Unknown’ is a stunning play from 1938 in which Kathrine Kressman looks at just these issues.

    Max and Martin are close friends with strong bonds but when Martin moves back to his native Germany a rift grows between them; a rift that will eventually lead to rejection, betrayal and revenge. The problem being that Max is Jewish and Martin is beguiled by the emerging National Socialist Movement and becomes an official in the Nazi party.

    Max and Martin are close friends with strong bonds but when Martin moves back to his native Germany a rift grows between them; a rift that will eventually lead to rejection, betrayal and revenge. The problem being that Max is Jewish and Martin is beguiled by the emerging National Socialist Movement and becomes an official in the Nazi party.

    It’s a powerful piece, well staged and well acted by the two men and is much more than a dry political commentary. The story is a very human one which subtly unfolds in a well paced and intriguing manner and makes the audience both squirm in horror and laugh with glee.

    It’s a powerful piece, well staged and well acted by the two men and is much more than a dry political commentary. The story is a very human one which subtly unfolds in a well paced and intriguing manner and makes the audience both squirm in horror and laugh with glee.

    He has a good point. Essential viewing for our modern times.

    ‘Address Unknown’ runs at The Soho Theatre until the 27th of July 2013

    Book tickets here: http://www.sohotheatre.com/whats-on/address-unknown

  • FILM REVIEW | Dream On

    ★ | Dream On

    Dream On has almost too much dialogue, most of it stagily delivered, and betraying its origins in a play.

    Set in the 1980s, it is a tale of two teenage boys coming to terms with their sexuality and falling in love, but has not one whiff of the charm of, say “Beautiful Thing”, also coincidentally originally a stage play.

    The main character, Paul, is initially so gormless, one wonders why the slightly more worldly-wise George even bothers with him. He remains completely without charm throughout the film, though we are expected to believe that he has achieved some sort of transfiguration in the final scenes.

    I remained unconvinced. Well-meaning but way too earnest for its own good, “Dream On” is the directorial debut of Lloyd Eyre-Morgan.

    Available to buy / view on: Amazon

  • Petition To Pedestrianise Old Compton Street Launched

    The gayest street in Soho could look very different soon if a petition to Westminster Council is successful in lobbying for pedestrianisation of the iconic Old Compton Street.

    (more…)

  • Kylie Minogue releases new song lyric video

    Pop star Kylie Minogue has released a lyric video for a new song “Skirt”, which is seen as a teaser of her long awaited new album.

    The lyric video, which shows Kylie looking stunning in a fitted dress, has been launched on her official web page. The stop motion style video is partially made up of a thousand photographs shot by fellow Australian photographer and director Will Davidson. The up-tempo dance track is somewhat edgier than the style of her last album, Aphrodite, and may be a sign of a different musical direction for her since her announcement that she had signed a management deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation earlier this year. Never one to shy away from a change of image, her official website does say that “the song which made its way from the studio straight to the DJs is just a taste of new music to come”. The album, which is a follow up to Aphrodite, will be her 12th studio album and is thought to be scheduled for release some time later this year; although no release date has been confirmed.
    Watch the video here http://www.kylie.com and let us know your thoughts on the song in our forums.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Sweet Bird Of Youth, Old Vic, London

    ★★★★★ | Sweet Bird Of Youth

    I have to confess that I attended The Old Vic with a sense of dread. As much as I love Kim Cattrall, as good a reputation as the theatre has, I couldn’t help but think that this was going to disappoint me.

    The problem is that I’m a massive fan of Tennesse Williams and love the 1962 film version of “Sweet Bird of Youth” and who could match the powerful performances of Paul Newman and Geraldine Page? I was wrong to doubt them. This was an awe inspiring piece of theatre which left me breathless and wanting more.

    The play opens with ageing actress Princess Kosmonopolis (Kim Cattrall) passed out drunk in a hotel bedroom whilst her companion, gigolo Chance Wayne (Seth Numrich) paces nervously, swigging vodka. Chance is a drifter and opportunist with a string of misdemeanours and failures and has hooked up with the Princess (a pseudonym) who is in hiding after a disastrous film premiere, to enable him to return to his hometown in search of the girl he left behind there.

    Both characters are self proclaimed monsters with insecure vanities and fears and regrets. They’re incredibly likeable and attractive monsters though and they manage to reflect the foibles we all have to greater or lesser extents. Numrich is delectable and as he swaggers and lurches about the stage he exudes a fragile masculinity, tinged with vulnerability. He’s also incredibly attractive and has a body which made me shuffle in my seat. Cattrall preens, lurches, has tantrums and breakdowns and is utterly convincing in her role as she wanders round in disarray, popping little pink pills and swigging liquor. The two leads are both exceptional and are well supported by a large cast.

    The staging is also worth commenting on with a versatile and stylish set which transforms from hotel bedroom, to bar room to Southern mansion exterior.

    I’d definitely recommend this play. It’s an absolute tour de force and a stunning take on a rarely seen classic play.

    ‘Sweet Bird of Youth’ runs at The Old Vic until: 31st of August 2013

  • THEATRE REVIEW | High Society, Sheffield Lyceum Theatre and National Tour

    ★★★★ | High Society

    High Society, the timeless musical once again graces the stage in this spirited revival of the classic play based on the MGM Musical.

    It is 1938 and in Long Island, the socialite wedding of the year is about to take place. Tracy Lord is in the midst of preparing to marry in a lavish society wedding when her ex-husband, Dexter Haven, arrives to try to rekindle their romance. Understandably, this throws the plans into chaos, which is further confused by the arrival of an undercover reporter, Mike Conner, who is there to cover the society wedding of the year. Tracy and Mike instantly fall for one another, but with everyone vying for the bride’s attention, and a bride torn between three men, who will she end up walking down the aisle with?

    This musical was a pleasure to watch, being very traditional in terms of its “will they, won’t they” storyline, its simple plot and its rapid succession of songs and the play overall provides a great piece of old fashioned, top notch entertainment.

    The catchy songs were written by Cole Porter and provide a real feeling of the Thirties without ever feeling too dated. The popular score includes “Let’s Misbehave”, “High Society”, “True Love”, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” and “Well Did You Evah!” and strikes a good balance between spectacular upbeat numbers and romantic ballads. The up-tempo songs were catchy and the cast took on the musical numbers incredibly well, especially the opening scene of each act and the thoroughly enjoyable tap dancing set piece for “Well Did You Evah!”

    Sophie Bould provided the best of the performances as Tracy Lord, with both her acting and singing being spot on. Daniel Boys did a good job as Mike Connor and displayed his incredible singing voice in spectacular fashion whereas Michael Praed proved he is more of an actor than a singer, as his performance was good, but his limited singing range was notable when surrounded by those around him who were much better vocal performers. Light comic relief was agreeably provided by Teddy Kempner as Uncle Willie and the entire ensemble were in fine voice and in perfect time.

    The set design was intelligent and well thought out, whilst not being overcomplicated. It had some nice art deco overtones and the transformation of one set to another was incredibly slick and undertaken as part of the play itself. The costumes were in keeping with the thirties style and looked lovely and the lighting design was incredibly well done.

    Having seen four different productions of this play over the years, I have to say that this was the best version I have seen. The pace was snappy and the cast were polished and professional. The natural performances never felt rushed and the cast were not shy of holding a long pause or taking their time with the slower songs.

    If you are looking for a pleasant evening of entertainment, you appreciate a traditional, old fashioned musical and if you enjoy the slightly twee nature of the MGM classic musicals, then you will enjoy this very well rounded production.

    High Society is currently playing at the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield until 15th June 2013 before continuing on its national tour.

  • Trafalgar Square and Dean Street Line Up Announced For Pride In London

    Pride in London announces the line up for two stages in the centre of London on the 29th June 2013.

    (more…)

  • Top 10 Things You Need To Survive Pride: The Pride Survival Kit

    Top 10 Things You Need To Survive Pride: The Pride Survival Kit

    Pride season is upon us once again. Here’s a list of 13 essential items to help you to have a safe and enjoyable pride.

    Pop these items in your man-bag and call it: The Pride Survival Kit.

     

    1. Pride Map / Guide –

    Most offer Pride organisers offer a Pride map and guide, whether it be printed when you buy tickets or on their website online. Pop a copy in your Survival Kit and you’ll never be lost in the world of Pride or miss any of the big events. Did you know that TheGayUK has an App that you find directions to your nearest Pride. Visit: www.app.thegayuk.com

    2. Mobile / Smart Phone –

    These are great to keep in contact with your friends, partner or significant others at Pride. But should something go horribly wrong, in an emergency you can dial 999 and ask for the Police, an Ambulance or Fire and Rescue Services to attend.

    3. Emergency Mobile / Smart Phone Charger –

    Your mobile’s no good if the battery has gone flat, so carry an Emergency Mobile Phone Charger. There are a variety of these devices on the market and they all have different features, such as: solar panel charging, disposable – one use only, super fast charging, etc.

    4. A 24-Hour Supply of Any Medication You Take–

    Your transport home might be delayed or you might not get home at all. Take a 24-hour supply of any medication you take, so that you don’t miss a dose.

    If you’re planning to have a drink of the alcoholic variety, check beforehand that it’s OK to mix your medication with alcohol. If you’re unsure speak to your GP or prescribing health care professional who will be able to tell you.

    5. Painkillers –

    There’s nothing worse than being in pain to spoil your Pride mood. Take some painkillers and avoid being the member of the group who’s not in the mood because of pain.

    6. Emergency Money –

    It’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected. Emergency money will cover costs because of an unexpected event at Pride. How much emergency money you put to one side is up to you and depends up on your circumstances.

    7. Sun Protection Lotion –

    In the UK we have ever-changing weather; it can be pouring down with rain one minute and the next the sun is cracking flags. Taking sun protection will stop you burning and protect against potential UV damage when the sun comes out at Pride.

    8. Condoms & Lube –

    At Pride you may meet someone and hook up with them. Whether or not you’re planning to hook up, take condoms and lube. Then if something happens you wont have to worry about the unprotected sex the morning after.

    Some pubs and clubs do provide safer sex packs, but don’t rely on these. The pub may have stopped providing them since the last time you were there, or there may have been a rush and are out of stock.

    Condoms & lube are provided free at your local sexual health clinic. If you are worried because you’ve had unprotected sex, the sexual health clinic can also undertake testing and offer support. For more information visit The Gay UK Sexual Health Site.

    9. Bottle of Water –

    Staying well hydrated will protect against sunstroke (along with sun protection lotion) and will also lessen or prevent alcohol-related hangovers.

    10. Safety Clips & A Spare Pair of Pants –

    If you’re in the Pride Parade safety clips are essential, as costumes don’t always stay together. Even if you’re not taking part in the Pride Parade safety clips are still useful to have.

    We’ve all had wardrobe malfunctions at the most inconvenient of times and a safety clip or a spare pair of pants can prevent that ground-open-up-and-swallow-me-now moment.

    11. Alcohol Hand Rub –

    Toilets, especially outdoor ones soon become unclean. Alcohol hand rub used after a visit to the toilet will keep your hands hygienic.

    12. Lollipops / Sweets / Other Snacks –

    Keeping your sugar-levels up with lollipops, sweets and other snacks will provide your body with plenty of energy. This will mean that you can enjoy Pride to the fullest.

    13. Ear Plugs –

    These are great if the music gets too much. They also prevent your ears from ringing or buzzing the day after Pride.

    Pride is a celebratory event where we come together to celebrate our sexuality as part of who we are. Gay people throw a great party, but there’s always a potential for things to go wrong. The Pride Survival Kit if carried in full or part is likely to reduce the risk of something going wrong for you. We hope that you have a safe and truly fantastic Pride.