THEGAYUK

Category: Entertainment

  • Theatre Review | Kiss Me, Kate – Crucible Theatre

    ★★★★☆ | Kiss Me, Kate – Crucible Theatre

    Written by Cole Porter in the 1940’s, Kiss Me, Kate is a delightful, old-fashioned musical, combining the classic elements of mistaken identity, a will they/won’t they love story, a bit of swindling and a bunch of likeable characters all interwoven with an appealing collection of songs by one of the best composers of the era.

    Porter’s tale stages a play within a play, telling the story of Fred Graham, an actor and director who casts his ex-wife as his co-star; and finds himself in hot water when one of his other leading men signs off a gambling debt in his name. He tries desperately to keep his musical production of The Taming Of The Shrew on track, as a couple of inept gangsters show up to collect the debt and Grahams relationship with his ex-wife sways between love and hate. But as everything falls apart and the backstage bickering starts to mirror the story on stage, Graham does everything he can in ensuring that the show must go on.

    The songs from Kiss Me, Kate are some of Porter’s most sterling work, with an overarching jazzy vibe which made the musical numbers delightfully catchy. The songs still sparkle and fizz with wit and humour, and there is a show-stopping number at the opening of each act. “Another Openin’, Another Show”, “Tom, Dick or Harry” and “Too Darn Hot” were all proper toe-tappers, and the multiple reprises of “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” were delightfully laughter inducing.

    Edward Baker Duly and Rebecca Lock were superb as the quibbling couple, whilst Dex Lee was criminally underused as Bill and his triple threat status certainly makes him one to watch; but stealing most of their scenes were Delroy Atkinson and Joel Montague as the ham-fisted mobsters. Paul Foster directs with a steady hand, whilst Strictly choreographer Matt Flint keeps the musical numbers light and fun. Only the costume and set design let the show down slightly, with too much of a cartoonish feel to both to really work.

    Kiss Me, Kate is firmly established as a classic, traditional musical and this is a fun, frenetic and frivolous production which, as a sucker for an old-fashioned musical, I found very hard to resist.

    Kiss Me, Kate is at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield until 12th January 2018. Visit their website at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk for details and tickets.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Band

    ★☆☆☆☆ | The Band


    The new show The Band is not, as you might think, a musical about Take That – but it damn well should’ve been.

    What we get is a show about four forty-something women who reunite after not having seen other for a long time to see their favourite boy band (now of course no longer a boy band) at a reunion tour concert in Prague. Why Prague you might ask? Because one of the women won a competition to see the band perform there. Why couldn’t one of them have bought tickets to a more local show if they loved the band so much? Well, that would’ve been too easy and would’ve left out one of the major plot points of this show – a broken penis.

    Yes, a broken penis. You see, while the women are in Prague, they get a bit carried away and break the penis off of a priceless statue. Now, if this would happen in real life the women would’ve gotten heavily fined, and perhaps jail time. But when said penis, which is attached to a statue that actually does come to life (before the said penis is broken off), with the penis visible for all the audience to see, it makes for one of the most unintentional laughable moments in the West End. It’s not just laughable – it’s shockable! Who signed off on this scene? And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Take That’s big hit ‘Relight My Fire’ is sung while the characters (while still schoolgirls) are on a bus heading home from a concert, with the carefully hand-picked cast of the boy singers dressed up in bondage gear (with horse helmets). And then all of a sudden out of nowhere one of the girls is killed. Hmmm?

    Another head scratcher is when the song ‘Never Forget’ is sung by the fab five in an airport lounge. There is also a bit of fat shaming in the show (one of the women is obese). Did I mention that the boys can’t really hold a tune and sing in harmony? Or in tune? Not once is the band introduced as characters, meanwhile, they glossfully sing in the background to scenes that have no real connection to the songs.

    This is a jukebox musical that is as empty as a machine with no quarters in it. Sure the songs are great (who doesn’t love a Take That song or two), and one of the women happens to be lesbian, and AJ Bentley has the strongest vocals of all, but what do you expect from a musical show where the singers (boyband) were chosen from a reality television show?

    Whoever signed off on this mess should be really ashamed of themselves. Robbie, Howard, Gary and Mark – you listening?

    The Band plays at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, London. Book tickets now

  • FILM REVIEW | 1985

    FILM REVIEW | 1985

    ★★★★★ | 1985

    The year is 1985. AIDS had already started to rear its ugly head. It’s also the year that Adrian comes home for perhaps the last time.

    1985 is a tear-your-heart-out film about one New Yorker’s journey back home to see his family at Christmas. Cory Michael Smith is just incredible as Adrian, a young man going back home to Texas after a three-year absence to see his father, mother and little brother. But it’s really not a festive time for him – for all the lies and deceits that Adrian tells his family – that his life in New York is just amazing, with a good job and great friends, all this couldn’t be further from the truth. Adrian’s friends back in NYC are all dying or dead – including his partner. Adrian has been to six funerals in that year alone, and he faces the grim fact that he is not immune to the disease that has slowly crept up on gay men like himself. With a doting mother who takes care of all his needs while he is at home (a graceful and saintly Virginia Madsen), a tough religious father who lives his life by the Bible (Michael Chiklis), and a soft younger brother who is into theatre (Aidan Langford), it’s up to Adrian to secretly say goodbye to everyone (including his best friend Carly, played by the wonderful Jamie Chung).

    Directed and co-written by Yen Tan, 1985 is a small film that packs quite a punch. It’s one hour and 25 minutes that will hold your attention throughout, with gripping performances, and an equally stunning soundtrack, and will have you reaching for the tissue box many times. Reminiscent of Xavier Dolan’s It’s Only the End of the World (where a terminally ill writer (assumed sick with AIDS) returns home to tell his family he is dying), 1985 is a much much better film.

    With a perfect cast, including Madsen who is just simply amazing, as well as Chung, 1985 is a great film in every sense of the word, and excellently captures that time in 1985 when President Ronald Regan had yet to utter the word ‘AIDS’ and when hundreds of young men were dying and there was no treatment available, nothing could be done for them. Tan, along with the cast and crew, in a film beautifully shot in black and white (by Hutch, who also co-wrote the film), has pulled off quite an achievement with this film. Every gay man under 50 really needs to watch this film to understand what gay men over 50 were dealing with in the 1980s and early 1990s.

    Order this film now from our online shop and support THEGAYUK

  • James Bond fans don’t want him to be gay

    A poll of Bond fans has revealed that they really don’t want him to gay, but might be okay with him being a woman, non-British or BAME.

    Fans want James Bond to remain British, male, straight and white according to a recent poll. The poll conducted by The Hollywood Reporter asked a series of questions about the world-famous spy’s sexuality, colour and gender, to find out how much change, if any, moviegoers could handle over casting a new Bond.

    Over half of those asked (52%) said that they were opposed to Bond being gay. Only 15% strongly supported the idea of Bond being gay.

    In fact more people were down with the idea of him being American (26 per cent) than gay.

    Nearly half (48%) opposed the notion of Bond being female, while 29 per cent were opposed to him being black or mixed raced.

    Up until this point all Bonds have been played by a white male, with most coming from England, Wales or Scotland. Only Pierce Brosnan (Irish) and George Lazenby (Austrailian) were born outside the UK.

     

     

  • Concert Review: Ms Lauryn Hill: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour

    Concert Review: Ms Lauryn Hill: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour

    Lauryn Hill may have a reputation for being a difficult, and sometimes wayward artist but seeing her perform, even if it meant travelling to another country to do so, could not have been more comfortable or more enjoyable.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Eurostar recently launched it’s direct service from London to Amsterdam.

    Their services has become one of the most convenient and pleasant ways to travel for a lot of my European jaunts, and the process of checking in, clearing security, scanning tickets, and all the other rigmarole associated with travelling abroad seems much smoother than most airports I have experienced.

    This journey was more than just a live gig, it was the 20th anniversary of Ms Lauryn Hill’s iconic album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The album was written in exasperation and hope after the dissolution of the Fugees and documents the relationship between Ms Hill and her bandmate Wyclef Jean. Soon after making this defining album she left the music industry to raise her children.

    Her returns to the live arena have often been marred by stories of a difficult personality and a reputation for lateness, but tonight nothing seems to be further from the truth. Many fans have commented on such tardiness as being disrespectful to those who buy tickets to watch her shows, but I would say that it is more disrespectful to loyal supporters if they turn up to find their favourite artist lip-synching through the performance. Not that Ms Hill would ever need to resort to such cheap tricks and by contrast, her vocal delivery is both impressive and sublime.

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    The arena was full with a crowd made up of all ages, parents and children, family and friends, fans from back in the day, and those who have come to the artist more recently. They were all united by one common cause. As Ms Lauryn Hill reminded us just why this album and her performances had become the stuff of legend, the audience had only two real choices; To stand and stare at this iconic artist; To dance along, and stare at this iconic artist. She is known for freestyling through her set, often meaning that singing together is not the easiest thing to do, as she delivers unique takes on her music and wanders from the lyrical script. But as the better-known numbers occurred towards the end of the set, the whole arena could be heard singing the words to `”Killing Me Softly” and “Ready or Not”.

    Ms Lauryn Hill proved that all she needs is a stage, a collection of sublime songs, and her awesome vocals. The Dutch crowd lapped up every moment. Ms Hill carried the audience through memories and nostalgia, a tribute to 20 years of this fantastic album, and the equally amazing women who made it and proving that music, like fine wine, can also age gracefully.

    After such an inspiring musical experience, the last thing I wanted to do was jump on a train and rush home again, so I stayed at The Toren Hotel.

    The hotel seems to be stuck in another world, a mixture of the elegance and opulence of the past, a blend of original features and modern convenience. A few humorous touches to keep things exciting and offbeat, it works! A perfect place to compliment Eurostar and my comfort needs.

    Livenation lists a string of dates for Ms Lauryn Hill: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour, including Wembley SSE Arena on 17th December 2018.

    Written by: Ray Si – member of IGLTA

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker – Leeds Grand Theatre

    ★★★★☆ | Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker – Leeds Grand Theatre

    Everyone has their own event which confirms to them that the festive season has arrived, and for some, Christmas isn’t Christmas until they have had their traditional trip to see Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. The ballet tells the story of Clara, a young girl who is given a gift of a nutcracker which comes to life, and the handsome Nutcracker Prince transports her on a magical journey to battle The Mouse King, to sweep through a snow-filled forest and on to a celebration in an enchanted garden.

    There are a number of things to recommend this production, there is humour in its presentation, with some well-timed moments of comedy, whilst the scene in the snow-filled wood was enchanting. David Nixon has choreographed a thoroughly enjoyable ballet which simultaneously feels both traditional and fresh, and which has benefitted enormously from its new look and costumes.

    Northern Ballet is well known for their theatrical presentation and their storytelling; both of which combine to make this revamped production ideal for all. Young families will be charmed by the magic and spectacle; ballet novices will find the story accessible and enjoy the well-paced number of short set pieces which provides plenty of variation; and for those with a love for ballet, there are the technically impressive performances. Throw into the mix a live orchestra performing a score which you will instantly recognise and you have all the elements of a beautifully presented ballet.

    The Nutcracker is an utterly charming, enchanting and high-class production which is full of sparkle; and if the end of the first act doesn’t leave you feeling festive, then very little will.

    Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker is at Leeds Grand Theatre until the 16th December 2018. Visit www.northernballet.com for more details

  • Bianca Del Rio took over Good Morning Britain and it was EPIC

    Bianca Del Rio took over Good Morning Britain and it was EPIC

    Bianca Del Rio is in the country.

    Winner of 2014’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, Bianca Del Rio, was in the Good Morning Britain studios this morning and it was epic. She is, of course, in the UK to promote and perform in her new stand up show, It’s Jester Joke. In fact, she’s making drag history to be the first drag queen to perform at Wembley Arena.

    Appearing on GMB, viewers couldn’t help but notice that usual presenter, Piers Morgan, did not conduct the interview and replaced by Ben Shepard. It left people speculating on why Piers had missed out on the interview with Bianca.

    One social media user said, “I just find it amusing Piers Morgan wasn’t there. Either he or the producers knew damn well Bianca would tear him a new one”

    While another added, “We need @TheBiancaDelRio on GMB every morning! She would SHRED Piers Morgan to pieces!!”

    On the show, she also presented the weather with brilliant results! The next Laura Tobin?

    Watch Bianca talking about getting away with murder when she’s dressed in drag!

  • Here are 10 Drag queens who would absolutely SLAY in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK

    Now that Drag Race UK has been announced we can start imagining who would be sensational! Well, there’s such a wealth of drag talent in the UK we’d be spoilt for choice, well here’s our top 10…

    10) Lady Lloyd

    She’s loud, proud, brash and powerful it’s earned her a status as a loveable loose cannon within the drag world.

    9) La Voix

    La Voix already wowed audiences on BGT and she’s a regular around the UK… so could she be a contender?

    8) Mary Mac

    A powerhouse Scottish queen, whose vocals are second to none. Was a part of the Supreme Fabulettes before going on to front her own show at The Admiral Duncan.

    7) Yshee Black

    Pronounced Why Is She Black this Birmingham-based drag queen is insanely talented and very very funny – get yourself to Church honey…

    6) Crystal D’Cantor

    This fabulous queen is what British Drag is all about, getting down with the crowd, wearing the biggest wig you can find/afford and animal print. Always animal print. You could write what this queen doesn’t know about backcombing on the back leg of a My Little Pony.

     

    5) Sandra

    There probably isn’t a club, bar, backroom or toilet that Sandra hasn’t performed in. Having been on the scene for over 15 years – Sandra has sworn, blown and bitch slapped her way to our top 10 ten. All hail the Whore Of Hampsted.

     

    4) Dave Lynn

    Ah Dave Lynn… In a career that’s spanned nearly 40 years Dave Lynn knows how to control an audience like a wireless vibrator. She rose to fame after entering a competition at the now defunct Black Cap and the only queen to have appeared on The Weakest Link with Anne Robinson (praise be) 4 times.

    3) Dusty O

    Described as queen bee of Soho, you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of Dusty O once she’s up on stage, with mic in hand.

     

    2) Titti La Camp

    Basically RuPaul would have no idea what hit her if Titti was in the house – it’d most likely be a chicken leg. Titti La Camp’s routine, is, well the stuff of legend. The audience knows what’s coming up and loves every moment of it. From Michelle McManus to Karen Carpenter.

    1) Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage

    Possibly the most famous drag queen the UK has ever enjoyed. Although Paul O’Grady is unlikely to don another pair of heels, we think Paul O’Grady could teach even Ru a thing or two about Drag.

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Rock of Ages – National Tour

    ★★★☆☆ | Rock of Ages – National Tour

    (C) JEREMY DANIEL

    A number of years before TV series Glee rekindled people’s love of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”, Rock of Ages had been using the song as its centrepiece for some time; as the show tells the story of a bunch of misfit characters who battle to save their favourite bar, fall in love and work their way through a catalogue of eighties soft rock classics.

    Beautifully held together by narrator, Lonny (a deliciously camp performance from Lucas Rush), and with a strong ensemble cast, the show’s humour is a little close to the bone on occasions but proves to be immense fun, with plenty of laugh out loud moments, some great ensemble set pieces and some excellent vocal performances. Luke Walsh stands head and shoulders above the crowd as Drew, belting out the musical numbers with, seemingly, no effort whatsoever and never once having to strain or force a note.

    The production has certainly benefitted from a makeover, especially in the excellent lighting design; the musical numbers come at you thick and fast and the cast gets the audience involved from the outset. Whilst underneath it all, the show has a message about following your dreams, it’s the party atmosphere, energy and enthusiasm of the cast that sweep you along as the show heads towards its rousing finale and brings the crowd to their feet.

    Rock of Ages cranks up the comedy, camp and chaos to eleven, and proves that “sex, drums and rock ‘n’ roll” are still very much alive.

    Rock of Ages is on National Tour. For details visit the show’s website at http://www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk/ 

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Magic Mike Live, Hippodrome Casino, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | Magic Mike Live, Hippodrome Casino, London

    ★★★★| Magic Mike Live, London

    Expect to be titillated, turned on, terrified (a bit) and perhaps tortured when you go see the newest, and hottest, strip show in town.

    Channing Tatum presents Magic Mike Live, on stage in London at The Hippodrome Casino. And while Channing Tatum won’t be on stage taking his clothes off for the audience’s pleasure (though he did attend last week’s opening night), you can guarantee that what you’ll get is exactly what you saw in Tatum’s Magic Mike films where Tatum, and several other hot actors, played male strippers (Magic Mike (2012) and Magic Mike XXL (2015)). Both films made lots of money – and so will this show (tickets range from £29 to £95).

    Magic Mike Live is 90 minutes of pure adult entertainment (for the ladies) where more than a dozen good-looking, sexy, hot, and did I mention sexy? men perform for the screaming crowd in a dance and acrobatic spectacular in front of, behind, and literally above their audience. But things get better when the men strip off (to their black undies) and give lap dances to the lucky audience members for performances that are unforgettable and breathtaking.

    What is forgettable is the emcee for the evening – Sophie Linder-Lee. Her task is to talk the audience through the action – but it is really necessary? The action, and the male flesh, speaks for themselves!

    The theatre at the Hippodrome Casino has been transformed into an intimate, state of the art, magical new home just for Magic Mike Live. And the show is booking all the way to October 2019 – this is how popular the show is!

    Just remember, it is strictly an over 18 only event, and sure the audience members are allowed to touch the men, but just be careful that your hands don’t wander to parts unknown!

    And after 90 minutes, your heart and blood, will be racing for what is being billed as ‘the sexiest, steamiest show in town.” And while it’s mostly for the ladies, on the night I saw it there were about 6 guys in the audience – a couple were accompanying their missus but the others were gay. So don’t be intimidated – go see the show. And hopefully one of the boys will give you a lap dance!

    Magic Mike Live plays at the Hippodrome Casino, London until Sunday 27 October 2019. Book now

     

     

     

  • RuPaul’s Drag Race is coming to UK

    RuPaul’s Drag Race is coming to UK

    Queens… get ready, RuPaul’s Drag Race is coming to the UK…

    This is the news that we’ve all been waiting for. No more rumours. It has been confirmed.

    BBC 3 is set to be the broadcaster for a UK version of the epic drag queen reality TV show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. BBC three tweeted and confirmed the news this morning (5th December).

    RuPaul told The Sun: “I am beyond excited to celebrate the massive charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of the Queen’s queens. And before anyone asks, yes, we would be thrilled to have Meghan Markle join us, as we are already preparing a ‘Royal-Mother-To-Be’ runway challenge.”

    Michelle Visage took to Twitter to say, “HERE WE GO! SEE YOU ON THE MAIN STAGE, UK QUEENS…. Audition deets coming soon! Hey super queens, who’s got what it takes to be part of our royal family?”