THEGAYUK

Category: Entertainment

  • FILM REVIEW | The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mum

    ★★★★★ | The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mum

    I rarely gush, especially when sober, but fasten your seat belts – I’m about to.

    I’ve just been fortunate enough to spend 1 and 1/2 hours in the company of some of the most wonderful talents around, including Dolly Parton.

    The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mum is one of those rare things, a film that manages to be both funny and serious, mixing the genres of road movie and coming of age – with Dolly Parton added into the mix (did I mention that already?)

    The story is simple:

    Eleven year old Elizabeth has a solid, simple life. That is until a run-of-the-mill school assignment alters her life, and the lives of the people around her forever. She’s struggling to cope with the usual pre-teen issues – boobs and periods, mean girls and then suddenly added to this, the fact she was adopted.

    She puts 2 and 2 together to get 3, and sets off to meet what she assumes to be her real mom, Dolly Parton, at a concert over the border in the US.

    What follows is a cross country chase (although with Elizabeth on her Chopper bike, this isn’t Fast or Furious!) when her adoptive mother overcomes her issues about her perfect life to re-ignite her relationship with her daughter – genetic or not.

    The film perfectly captures the feel and colour of 1976, the music of Dolly is used throughout and although she doesn’t actually appear in this indie flick, her presence is everywhere, including new versions of old classics by the likes of Nelly Fertado and Martha Wainwright.

    I won’t spoil this any more for you, but treat yourself. Pour a Cinzano and lemonade, don your best flares and fly away collar shirt and treat yourself to some pure escapism.

    Director Tara Johns makes a brilliant first feature, having penned the film also. The film succeeds because it feels personal, it feels real, and, most of all, it engages you and makes you feel good.

    I’d give the film 6 out of 5 if it were possible.

    Buy On Amazon | Buy or Watch On iTunes

  • Running order for Eurovision 2013 revealed

    The official running order has been confirmed by the producers of Eurovision 2013.

    France will kick off the marathon music competition, hosted in Sweden, which sees 26 participant nations from across Europe competing to win Eurovision 2013.

    The United Kingdom is placed at number 15, just over halfway through the proceedings.

    Last year the UK’s entry Engelbert Humperdinck performed first – and came 25th in the competition. He sang ‘Love Will Set You Free’

    Running Order

    France

    Lithuania

    Moldova

    Finland

    Spain

    Belgium

    Estonia

    Belarus

    Malta

    Russia

    Germany

    Armenia

    The Netherlands

    Romania

    United Kingdom

    Sweden

    Hungary

    Denmark

    Iceland

    Azerbaijan

    Greece

    Ukraine

    Italy

    Norway

    Georgia

    Ireland

    Yesterday the petitioning and human rights website, AllOut.org was encouraging people to sign a petition to empower Eurovision broadcasters, European Broadcasting Union (EBU) not to censor a woman on woman kiss during Finland’s song ‘Marry Me’ after alleged fears that Turkish broadcaster TRT pulled the transmission of Eurovision because of the kiss.

  • Has Turkey cancelled Eurovision broadcast over gay kiss?

    Turkish national broadcaster TRT has cancelled transmission of Eurovision tomorrow night following reports that it cancelled the broadcast because of the gay kiss between to two women in Finland’s entry – ‘Marry Me’

    According to All Out, ‘Turkey has just banned the show from being broadcast and now the press reports that there is pressure on Eurovision to cancel the kiss before Saturday’s final. Eurovision organisers are worried other Eastern European countries might ban the contest too.’

    The Eurovision final is due to be broadcast on Saturday night (18th May 2013).

     

    The organisers face a choice: will they stand up for a Eurovision that is about unity, creativity and fun – or will they give in to pressure from countries who discriminate against gay and lesbian people?

    If tens of thousands of us sign it could be reported in newspaper articles today and tomorrow, showing Eurovision organisers that there’s a public outcry demanding they keep the kiss.

    Sign the ALLOUT petition now

    www.allout.org/eurovision

    The petition has over 13,000 signatures.

    When an interviewer asked how Finland’s Siegfrids thought viewers in countries such as Belarus and Azerbaijan might react to her performance she said: ”I think that everybody should have the right to do that. It’s no big deal, it’s not big deal to me. It’s a show, and it’s about love and love is beautiful in any form.”

    Pinknews are reporting:

    The TRT station claimed that the cancellation of the broadcast was due to low ratings, but last year a quarter of Turkish households tuned in to watch.

    Eurovision starts at 8:00PM on BBC 1

    You can follow all of TheGayUK tweets athttp://www.twitter.com/TheGayUK or using the Hastag #TGUKEurovision

  • Kris Searle Launches New Single At Viper Room

    Five times LA Music Award winner Kris Searle is gearing up for the launch of his new single Veins this weekend with its debut outing being performed live at the iconic Viper Room on Sunset Boulevard.

    Originally from Herne Bay in Kent, Kris has taken his electropop music and continued to excite both here in the UK and across the waves in the USA.

    Kris is currently featured Grammy Member of the month, who state ‘his modern synthpop sound along with a Glam rock feel combines for an alluring and electrifying sound,’ comparing him to David Grey, Jewel and Depeche Mode. You can read the full Grammy Feature here:www.grammymuseum.org

    Having twice been Grammy considered for Best Vocal Pop Collaboration and Best Short Form Video, which featured Darnell from Big Brother and that gay kiss scene from Warning Signs, Kris is hoping that Veins will be the single to scoop up this year.

    If Sunset Boulevard is a bit out of reach this weekend, then fear not for you’ll be able to get your hands on a copy of Veins here in the UK. Just visit www.krissearle.com for download details.

  • Liberace coming to a cinema near you

    Matt Damon and Michael Douglas star in a brand new film about the excessive, piano playing, Betty White dating, ‘I’m not homosexual’ Liberace.

    Before Elvis, before Elton John, Madonna and Lady Gaga, there was LIBERACE – infamous pianist, outrageous entertainer and flamboyant star of stage and television. A name synonymous with showmanship and extravagance, he lit up every stage he performed on, as bright as his candelabras and with a unique flair that gained him millions of devoted fans across the globe.

    In the summer of 1977, handsome young stranger Scott Thorson walked into Liberace’s dressing room and, despite their age difference and seemingly different worlds, the two embarked on a secretive five-year love affair. To the outside world Scott was an employee, at most a friend, but behind closed doors his life with Liberace was an intense rollercoaster of hedonistic fun, flamboyance and excess.

    Starring Michael Douglas as Liberace and Matt Damon as Scott Thorson, BEHIND THE CANDELABRA tells the fascinating true story of their glamorous life together and their tempestuous relationship — from the glitz and glamour of the early days in Las Vegas to their very bitter and public break-up.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Noises Off, National Tour

    ★★★★ | Noises Off, National Tour

    If someone had told me that I would sit through the first act of the same play three times in the same evening and actually enjoy it, I thought I would be laughing at them, not with them.

    But this cleverly written play, produced for this national tour by The Old Vic Theatre, amounted to a hilarious and thoroughly entertaining evening at the theatre.

    In Michael Frayn’s classic comedy, a group of actors initially find themselves rehearsing Act One of a play, “Nothing On” in the small frantic hours before the opening night of a regional tour. Nothing is ready, the cast don’t know their lines, there is a significant problem with the sardines and the director, Lloyd Dallas, is becoming increasingly agitated and frustrated at the lack of progress. The relationships between the actors become strained when their backstage shenanigans start to interfere with their professional integrity.

    Fast forward to the middle of the tour. Life on the road is taking its toll on the company and what we see is the view from backstage, as the cast perform Act One of “Nothing On” to an eager audience of pensioners and as jealously, rivalry and a quickly disappearing bottle of whiskey backstage all contribute to the sabotaging of each other’s performances whilst keeping the ‘noises off’ the main stage.

    The final scene is once again viewed from the auditorium, where the cast, on the last performance of the tour, perform Act One of “Nothing On” with a complete lack of enthusiasm, damaged props, an almost total disregard of the script and a ridiculous amount of improvisation as the performance spirals out of control.This incredibly cleverly written play was great fun. The first act centred on the rehearsal of a play within the play. The audience were treated to watching and engaging in the story and characters of the fictional play being rehearsed, which was actually a funny and traditional farce, with a story you could follow, plenty of well-timed entrances and exits and which was very much in keeping with the spirit of the genre. However, the parallel narrative of the lives, loves and inabilities of the cast and crew was equally engaging and sharply written. The interchange between the two stories was seamless as the audience switched between the two narratives with ease. Utilising the theatre as part of the set (by having the director try his best to control the stage from amongst the audience in the stalls) was a brilliant move, as it really drew in the audience, making them feel like part of the company.

    The backstage section was absolute comic genius and it is almost worth seeing the play for this section alone. This part of the play was virtually silent, as the now familiar story of “Nothing On” was being performed on stage whilst the company was falling apart off stage. The cast appeared and disappeared through various doors as the play continued whilst the crew physically fought, tied each other’s shoelaces together, hid items from each other and join forces to prevent one cast member from getting drunk. What followed was 30 minutes of simply brilliant, fast paced and perfectly directed and choreographed physical comedy. It was clear that the cast (and the director, Lindsay Posner) had worked very hard to achieve such impeccable comic timing and it was one of the finest pieces of stage comedy I have seen in a long time.

    The final section transported the audience back to sitting in front of the stage, where at the end of the run, the company and the play is falling apart. Wobbly scenery, failing props and stage fatigue all contribute to the increasingly crumbling performance. Whilst this section was enjoyable, it was here, where, after such an impressive second act, the final act paled slightly and the joke started to stretch a little compared to what had come before it, but to be fair, the second part was a very difficult act to follow.

    The cast were all first-rate, and as previously mentioned, had clearly worked incredibly hard to perform as they did. Neil Pearson was excellent as Lloyd Dallas, the frustrated director. You could feel his pain as he tried desperately to hold things together just before opening night. Maureen Beattie’s turn as Dotty Otley was also a particular pleasure. Her character could almost be a forerunner for Mrs Overall in Acorn Antiques or Mrs Doyle in Father Ted and not only was Beattie’s stage presence noticeable; her comic performance was on a par with Julie Walters performance as the aforementioned Mrs O. The very handsome Simon Bubb put in an incredibly good performance as the hapless and downtrodden Tim, a stagehand, understudy and general dogsbody. Bubb subtly generated a character that you couldn’t help but easily warm to and empathise with. The remaining cast were all incredibly good and there was no weak link in them, each of them, in their own way, deserving a specific mention. The relatively simple set was well utilised and the play as a whole had a good balance between sharp yet warm writing, likeable characters and hysterical physical comedy.

    The show was written in 1982 yet didn’t feel dated at all, giving off a real feel of a mixture of both the early Channel 4 (slightly anarchic) comedies such as “The Comic Strip” coupled with the charm of the 70’s sitcoms such as The Good Life, George and Mildred and Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave ‘Em. Noises Off had an infectious, almost naive allure which was positively delightful.
    Noises Off is currently playing at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre before continuing its national tour.

  • BOOK REVIEW | Handling Edna The Unauthorised Biography by Barry Humphries

    Barry Humphries has been with Edna Everage since the very beginning. In Handling Edna: The Unauthorised Biography by Barry Humphries he describes how they met, and the adventure she’s dragged him along for ever since.

    Before the book even begins there is a “Note to the Reader” alluding to the fact that some people have come to believe that Barry Humphries and Dame Edna are essentially the same person. Humphries writes that he hopes to shed some light on where this belief came from, so that the reader can make their own decision about what they believe.

    The first chapter starts in Moonee Ponds, Australia and describes how Barry and Edna met. Humphries writes in the first person, and throughout the book uses description to indicate the decade and location of events he describes.

    Each chapter gives an entertaining and fascinating insight into Barry’s life and career (or lack of), Edna and her family’s life and careers, her rise to stardom (and Barry’s lack of understanding as to why) and the problems that it brought her – all in a chronological order.

    A few highlights (in no particular order) include Barry being the warm up act for Dame Edna – for various shows; Edna’s time in Hollywood; Barry’s stint in hospital with alcoholism and Edna being his only visitor; Barry’s love life; Barry’s impersonation of Edna on two occasions – the first for his benefit and the second trying to help her; Edna’s poor mental health – in particular in relation to the death of Norm (her husband).

    Towards the end of the book you start to get a fictional feel to the book especially in the final few chapters. Early in the book Madge hands Barry a letter for Edna. Madge instructs Barry to only give the letter to Edna when she dies. In the final chapter Madge finally dies in hospital. Barry remembers the letter and it reveals that Madge took Edna’s missing daughter Lois in a moment of madness (which explains why Madge tolerated Edna over the decades). There’s a predictable twist that leaves the reader feeling oddly satisfied.

    Having read the book do I believe that Barry Humphries and Edna Everage are the same person?

    Yes, but that only makes Humphries even cleverer. The factual parts about Barry’s life are interesting to read, but the fiction about Edna is even more enjoyable. The book is a throughly entertaining read and it gives an insight into the psyche of Humphries. As you’d expect from a bibliography it has several glossy photo pages throughout the book.

     

    You can purchase this book on Amazon.com

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Bare The Rock Musical, The Union Theatre

    After seeing several of director Paul Taylor Mills’ previous productions, I thought I knew what to expect from bare: the rock musical, but I was genuinely swept away by this fresh and dynamic tale of teenage love and angst.

    An exquisitely sexy musical with an extremely talented and equally alluring cast, I laughed and cried with the characters as every emotion is played out in front of us. Heartstrings were tugged in every direction, whilst my every sense tingled with the visual and aural treats of this vibrant production.

    Written by Jon Hartmere and Damon Intrabartolo, bare tells the story of a group of teenagers at a Catholic boarding school discovering love and, by default, themselves. Told with such absolute warmth, the audience is provided an extremely intimate view into the lives of these youngsters. There are some beautifully tender moments in amongst the lively, fast-paced action and I can’t remember the last time I felt so emotionally invested in a show and its characters. Scenes of real heartbreak are gently softened with an expert use of humour, providing not just relief but also some genuine laugh-out-loud moments.

    Jason (Ross William Wild) and Peter (Michael Vinsen) are in a clandestine relationship, as rocky as it is secret. As they are pulled apart, Ivy (Lilly-Jane Young) is quick to take advantage of Jason’s newly single status which breaks Matt’s (Dale Evans) heart and angers Nadia (Melanie Greaney), all set against the backdrop of rehearsals for the school production of Romeo and Juliet. Confused? This is the tangled web that is brilliantly interplayed in this highly emotional rollercoaster as we watch relationships and, indeed, lives torn apart. Throw in a steadfastly conservative mother (Yvette Robinson) who refuses to allow her son to come out (even to her), a possibly-closeted priest (Matt Harrop) and a strict Sister with a sideline in sass (Hannah Levane), and you get the picture.

    Will Burton’s casting is beyond superb on this production. The leads are exceptional and supported by a hugely talented ensemble. I was particularly struck by the sensitivity between Wild’s Jason and Vinsen’s Peter – so touching it is very easy to see the love between the two characters.

    Ross William Wild is captivating and his brilliant eyes tell every emotion Jason feels, a detail rarely seen so honestly portrayed. Michael Vinsen is equally expressive and particularly skilful at using his voice to convey emotion.

    Other notable performances came from Lilly-Jane Young and Dale Evans. Ivy’s vulnerability and longing is visible throughout but never more so than during her solo number, All Grown Up. Her handling of some particularly tough scenes displays a sensitivity and grace far beyond her years. Her suitor is portrayed beautifully and intelligently by Evans with Matt’s desperation for Ivy’s attention clearly visible.

    Jason’s sister, the larger than life Nadia is played expertly and utterly believable by Melanie Greaney, who is an absolute pleasure to watch and listen to. It’s difficult to comprehend that this is Greaney’s professional debut with the strength and skill she so visibly exhibits here. Indeed, for many of the cast, bare marks their professional debut – and what a debut it is!

    The outstanding performance of the night though has to go to Hannah Levane’s fabulously feisty Sister Chantelle. With a strong, powerful voice that is bang on the note, it was a rare and exquisite privilege to hear her so close.

    The intensely beautiful score is complemented perfectly by Racky Plews’ tight choreography, which is perfectly executed throughout.

    Paul Taylor Mills’ vision is, as always, thoroughly engaging and enlightening. It’s rare to come out of a show feeling so wholly fulfilled. Without a doubt, bare is one of the very best things on the London stage at the moment and, if you don’t see this production, you’re missing out on something very special indeed.

    bare: the rock musical plays at the Union Theatre, Southwark until 25 May. Tickets are currently sold out, but it is very definitely worth checking the website regularly and asking the venue for returns.

     

    http://www.uniontheatre.biz/#/bare-the-rock-musical/4574150801

  • ‘Geoff And His Two Dads’ Book Aims To Help It Gets Better Project

    ‘Geoff And His Two Dads’ Book Aims To Help It Gets Better Project

    In what is believed to be the first of its kind, Wompi Studios have released their first Book App.

    (more…)

  • BOOK REVIEW | Older, Younger, By Michael John

    This book, by Michael John, aims to look at the one last taboo in gay life. We’ve had piercings, fisting, anal, bare back, you name it, its been discussed – but the one thing still guaranteed to make us stare is a young man with an older companion.

    We all think the obvious – its done for the money, he’s trade, he’s desperate, etc, etc… but what about the fact that for some, it’s a physical attraction, no different from liking ginger hair or beards.

    Although fictional, the book takes place in a real place, uses real experiences and helps you appreciate the genre more. It has a good plot line, keeps moving you through the story, gives you characters you like and laugh with, not at.

    The story follows Terry, a handsome young man from northern England who has a secret: he is sexually attracted only to much older men. Several times a year, he takes trips to Gran Canaria where he can indulge his unconventional passion. But on one of these trips he meets Alan Reid, the father of his ex-girlfriend – a man he’s always secretly desired. Alan, and his companion George are taking the chance to grow old disgracefully. Older Younger explores the nature of attraction between the generations, using the backdrop of this holiday island as a natural foil for temporary relationships and taboos.

    All in all, the book is a good read, and I for one cant wait for the follow up…

    You can buy the book from Amazon

  • Take a listen to Mariah’s new single Beautiful

    Mariah’s new single #Beautiful made its radio debut on US radio today – and is now available to download

    Mariah’s new duet with R&B star Miguel is now available to download in the UK and the US. Mariah’s last number 1 in the UK was in 2000 when she sang a duet with Westlife on ‘Against All Odds’.

    The glittered diva is reportedly working on a follow up album of her 2009 album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel.