THEGAYUK

Category: Entertainment

  • TV show Neighbours to make history with first gay wedding proposal

    Can we hear wedding bells in the distance?

    Neighbours is set to make history when it returns to Channel 5 next week as David asks Aaron to marry him… But does Aaron say yes?

    Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson) looks shocked and less than impressed as David pops the question, on one knee, dressed as a cupid. (Basically, our dream come true) Will Aaron say yes? The proposal comes as Australia recently voted to legalise same-sex marriage late last year.

    Speaking to THEGAYUK.com in 2015, Neighbours‘ stalwart actor, Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy) said that she could see a same-sex marriage in the show’s future, it seems as though, maybe, 2018 could be that year.

    Neighbours continues on Channel 5 on the 9th January 2018

     

  • When does the new series of Celeb Big Brother start?

    The new series of Celebrity Big Brother is now in its 21st series… When does it start and what channel is it on?

    In January 2018, as the nation marks 100 years since women won the right to vote for the very first time, Celebrity Big Brother launches this series with an all-female cast of celebrity housemates in a salute to a centenary of women’s suffrage on Channel 5.

    What day does Celebrity Big Brother start?

    The brand new series of CBB will start on Tuesday 2nd January 2018 at 9 PM. It will, as usual, be presented by Emma Willis and this series will initially explore how the all-female housemates interact, from politicians to performing artists, as they enter the house first, ahead of the celebrity male housemates.

    All female cast?

    Over the course of the series, as the male counterparts enter the house, the housemates will take part in a series of entertaining tasks and hidden experiments which will test their – and our – assumptions, challenge gender stereotypes and reveal fascinating truths about what it is to be a woman – and man – in the 21st century. See what happens when women hold the power, as Celebrity Big Brother January 2018 is set to be celebratory, surprising and insightful.

    Who’s rumoured to be going into the house?

    CBB bosses have made their first star announcement. Boris Johnson’s sister, Rachel Johnson will be one of the first female stars to enter the BB house in Borehamwood.

    Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit On the Side will return weeknights with Rylan Clark-Neal.

  • FIRST LOOK | Will & Grace coming to the UK

    Will & Grace is returning to UK screens in January – and here’s a look at the first episode of the reunion season.

    On January 5th, Will & Grace is coming back to our screens. Channel 5 will be the broadcaster – and as part of their deal, they’ll also be showing the next season when it is released, expected to be in 2019.

    Anyway, to get you in the mood here’s some pictures from the first episode of the new season…

    When will Will And Grace be on TV in the UK

    what time is Will and Grace on TV
    Will and Grace together again, but this time in the White House

    When will Will And Grace be on TV in the UK
    Just Jack being his same old wonderful self. The new series sees all your favourite characters reunited after a decade since the last episode.

    Of course our favourite duo, Jack and Karen are back with their sassy one-liners and penchant for vodka-based drinks.

    Karen has help in the office, with a new character, Tony played by Anthony Ramos.

    The main two: back together after years off the TV.

    Will & Grace will be broadcast on Channel 5, 5th January at 10 PM

  • FILM REVIEW | Star Wars: The Last Jedi

    STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI – The eighth film from a galaxy far far away, bigger, better, longer, more convoluted and with added gay appeal as the new Darth Vader gets his kit off. These films are not just for kids anymore

    FILM REVIEW | Star Wars: The Last Jedi

    Nutshell – This film picks up from the end of the Force Awakens so there is no need for character introductions or background info so we can get straight into a very good twisty turny story with endless action and so many strands to follow in future. Han Solo is pushing up intergalactic daisies, and the rebels lead by Carrie Fisher’s Leia in her final acting role before she sadly passed have finally located Luke Skywalker, and he is not a happy bunny. The new bad guys the First Order are in control of the entire Galaxy, and the good guys are down to a few hundred, and they are hotly pursued, is this the end – strap yourself in for a great roller coaster ride through hyperspace and beyond – this will be very big indeed.

    Running Time – 150 minutes The longest Star Wars film to date by a considerable margin but there is a lot of story to get through here; Certificate – 12A.

    Tagline – Doesn’t need one if you don’t know what is going on here after 40 years then you never will.

    THEGAYUK Factor – There has been nothing gay in the Star Wars universe to date and then suddenly here the new Darth Vader Kylo Ren for no plot reason whatsoever starts walking around shirtless… it is very eyeopening and slightly jarring. He looks really good and the unnecessary scene lingers on, even one of the other characters tells him to get some clothes on and cover himself up but we were happy with it. There are no other apparent studs here like say early Harrison Ford, but we hope for more gay angles in future maybe next time Chewbacca will get a blowjob from a hot Ewok or perhaps C-3PO will get into fisting.

    Cast – From the original series you get Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher with a much more significant part than you may expect, Anthony Daniels and Frank Oz. They are joined by the new team of Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Laura Dern, Benicio Del Toro, Game Of Thrones Gwendoline Christie even Ade Edmondson turns up, and of course, Prince William and Prince Harry are there as stormtroopers.

    Key Player – George Lucas has not been involved for five years, but he got so much right with the first film(s) that this and all future SW films are slam dunks – probably impossible to screw up. You get some real crowd-pleasing new stars in the Porgs which take to nesting in the Millenium Falcon amongst other places. The fox-like Crystal Critters and BB-8, the new fan favourite droid, gets a bigger part and he steals the movie. Disney knows better than anyone what they are doing with franchises and product placement and every kid and big kid will buy anything with these characters on.

    Budget – $200 Million and already in 5 days it has made $450 Million and is heading towards the Top 20 of all time. Repeat viewings will push it to the top of that list hopefully with huge profit unless the competition steals screens from under it namely Ferdinand, Pitch Perfect 3, The Greatest Showman and Spielberg/Hanks/Streep’s The Post all within ten days of SW opening. Disney currently reportedly makes $2.5 billion every year from the brand in memorabilia, so the film is a big money-maker.

    Best Bit – 2.11 mins; The final battle is one of the best of the entire series but every appearance of BB-8 is a winner and the Porgs double act with Chewbacca throughout is priceless.

    Worst Bit – 1.02 mins; Some editing would have been nice as we could do with less Jedi training and not as much time spent on an unnecessary Casino planet. That you can live with but when Leia is blown out into space and goes all Marvel superhero – there is a serious problem – it is a rare mistake in a great addition to the saga.

    Little Secret – There is only one Star Wars film on the biggest box office chart of all time, and that is The Force Awakens in third place behind Titanic, and Avatar and they are the exclusive three members of the Two Billion Dollar club. High hopes for this one to get up there but that running time will limit the number of shows per day, and that competition is coming for its screens with gusto and no fear. The Last Jedi‘s first record target is to beat Fast and Furious 8 the biggest movie of the year to date, and it is way behind that at present. Its other big Achilles heel is that Star Wars is just not popular in Asia unlike Harry Potter, Lord Of The Rings, Pirates, Jurassic, Transformers, Avengers and Fast and Furious films and that is a bloody big market.

    Further Viewing – Star Wars 1-7, Rogue Nation, Spaceballs, Star Trek’s 1-13, Avatar, Buck Rogers, Flash Gordan and Battlestar Galactica.

    Any Good – It is wonderful and so entertaining. New fans maybe should steer clear as there is so much past knowledge needed here. Great effects, several wow moments, sad bits, laugh out loud bits and something for all ages and plenty for geeks and those that just want a great Friday popcorn night out to forget their working woes. On now to next year’s Han Solo origin story, but do not miss this one in the meantime.

    Rating – 87% out of 100.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Rent Party – Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

    THEATRE REVIEW | Rent Party – Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

    ★★★★★ |  Rent Party – Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

    You are invited by Stuart, the fiercest, pony-tail-wearing, weave flailing diva this side of the breadline, to his Rent Party, where you get to hear the stories of four young people and decide, in monetary value, what each of their stories deserve. The tales of being a single mother, a strong matriarch, a self-confessed geek and a statuesque, roller-skating voguing sensation are mixed with song, dance and vicious social commentary of what it is like to be young, gifted, black, gay and poor.

    Photo Credit – Sam Taylor

    Part party, part entertainment and part immersive theatre, this is one production which doesn’t hold back on its scathing attack on a society in times of austerity and hits home the harsh reality faced by young people in the community. Debts, social struggles and domestic abuse all feature amongst the stories, as does a host of talent from the five performers. But what makes it more poignant is the fact that these are not actors, but people each telling their own true story.

    Kamille is working in Asda, and struggles as a single mum but doesn’t let this stop her, whereas Lenai talks about her family, led by a strong and confident matriarchy, who put her through dance school; and piano playing AJ has a flair for all things science, and shares stories the love he has for his boyfriend who surprises him on a family holiday. But it is Jason sharing the tale of his escape from a controlling and abusive relationship with his boyfriend which hit the hardest and his recounting of the experience stunned the audience and garnered a genuine emotional response.

    Inspired by the rent parties of Harlem in the 1920’s, where people would host a shin dig to earn their rent money by entertaining their guests, each audience member is given some rent party money to pay the artists what they think their stories and performances are worth; and there are some party favours and a shot or two or liquor thrown in for good measure.

    But it is not all about the struggles. Kamille belts out Fabulous Baby from the Sister Act musical; Leani and AJ charleston and tap dance their way through a fun routine, Jason’s voguing would stand out in any club and Stuart’s bittersweet and enthusiastic party hosting binds the whole thing together.  Add a dance-off, a limbo competition and some party games with the audience, and you have an original and entertaining piece of theatre, with the whole thing having an overarching tinge of being in a gay club in the 80’s.

    Rent party is a fierce, unflinching and uncompromising look at life where race, poverty, sexuality, talent and ambition collide.

    Rent Party is at Sheffield Theatres until the 23rd December 2017. Visit their website for details and tickets.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | La Bohéme – Trafalgar Studios, London

    ★★★★★ | La Bohéme

    La Bohéme, an opera in four acts, had its world premiere in 1896 in Turin, Italy. Since then, it’s been copied and re-interpreted in so many different ways that each version is unique in its own way. Another reincarnation of this very famous opera has just recently opened up at Trafalgar Square Studios, and it’s definitely one Londoners can identify with.

    This version of La Bohéme, written by Adam Spreadbury-Maher and Becca Marriott, had its debut at the King’s Head Theatre last year. And luckily for us, it’s making a return in a central London venue. Set in present-day East London, the show presents to us broke and down and out young men and women who can barely scrape together money for the rent, or in one case, to buy drugs.

    Ralph and Mark (Roger Paterson and Thomas Isherwood) are roommates in a flat on Christmas Eve in Dalston, and when someone knocks on their door, they instinctively hide because they suspect it’s their landlord collecting rent – they even have a window that acts as a backdoor to escape. Then there is Mimi (Marriott), broke and very thin, and always cold, who finds her way into the boys’ flat and meets Ralph – they have an instant connection and take a liking to each other.

    Then there is Musetta (Honey Rouhani), who, with her beautiful looks and luscious lips and curves that go on for miles, is the troublemaker and ingénue who sweeps in and out and leaves her mark. If these characters sound familiar, they also make up some of the cast of the characters of Rent – that classic 1990’s musical rock opera that won a slew of awards, with very memorable songs such as “Seasons of Love” and “Take Me (For What I Am)”. Rent has withstood the test of time as one of the greatest musicals ever made.

    La Bohéme is also very good – it’s an opera for this generation, a generation that seems to live life through their mobile phones 24/7. And this La Bohéme involves a bit of audience participation – Musetta gets cosy with some uncomfortable-looking male members of the audience, while Mimi asks for spare change – it’s surreal and hard-hitting but even more so when those who get asked all shake their heads and say no, with a look of guilt on their faces. Trafalgar Studios is quite a cosy place to put on a show this big, but it works. The cast is all amazing, and by the end, I almost really believed what I saw was real. The cast (some of the actors rotate with other actors on various nights) are accompanied by the Musical Director, Panaretos Kyriatzidis, on piano and Alison Holford on cello. It’s a must see!

    La Bohéme is now playing at Trafalgar Studios until January 6, 2018

  • PROBLEM AUNTY | My bf’s dad was feeling me up last Christmas

    The B*tchiest Agony Aunt is back… and ready to help with your Christmasy issues.

    *She doesn’t really care

    Dear Aunty,

    Since writing to you last Christmas for advice, about meeting my boyfriend’s parents for the first time, I find myself in an even more desperate situation and in need of your help again.

    Last December 25th I was sat around my boyfriend’s parents’ table about to start our turkey dinner when, what I thought was my bf’s hand stroking my inner thigh, turned out to be his dad’s hand.

    Last December 25th I was sat around my boyfriend’s parents’ table about to start our turkey dinner when, what I thought was my bf’s hand stroking my inner thigh, turned out to be his dad’s hand. I was startled and didn’t know what to do, so I picked up my phone pretending I had a call and made an excuse to leave straight away. I didn’t say anything to my boyfriend as I didn’t want to upset him. This year we’ve been invited back again… Should I tell my boyfriend about what happened last year, or should I make excuses and avoid going?

    Thanks, Gary – Hull

    Dearest Gary,

    I’m sorry to hear you have a “problem”. Now, I say “problem” like this as I’m actually struggling to find what the “problem” is with having someone show you some unexpected attention. I’ve always found it a compliment. When I was a young glamorous star, at an Old Victorian Theatre, I always found XXXXXX XXXXX would often make me feel XXXXXX XXXXXX whilst sucking on a XXXX and his lemon sherbets.

    Of course, I was glad, as it was a great opportunity to meet the others who’d come over from Hollywood that night. There was  XXXXXXX, XXXX, XXXXXXX, oh and XXXXX. What a night that was. There was XXXXXX everywhere!

    So, what am I trying to say? As a young chap, you should be grabbing all experiences in life. Sit, eat be merry and let the games commence. After all, no-one plays Scrabble anymore. It’s all Happy Families and you never know, your boyfriend may well be a seasoned game player and just trying to bring you into the festivities. Cheers, you lucky thing.

    XXXX = (Edited for legal reasons)

    Aunts

    Aunty is an unlicensed, unqualified, drunken lush, who wants to hear from you, and you shouldn’t take any of her advice… Ever. 

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Wizard of Oz – Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Wizard of Oz – Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

    ★★★★| This Christmas, Sheffield Theatres whisks you off to the Land of Oz, to join Dorothy, a Kansas farm girl, who follows the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to find the great and powerful Wizard of Oz. On the way, she is joined by the scarecrow, the tin man and a cowardly lion, all of whom have something to ask the Wizard themselves. But the four of them are pursued the Wicked Witch of the West, and Dorothy soon comes to realise that there is no place like home.  

    Photo Credit: Johan Persson

    The Wizard of Oz needs very little introduction, and has been embraced by the gay community for many years – after all, with anything that is the source of the phrase “friend of Dorothy”, you can expect high camp and an iconic gay status.

    The four main leads fill their characters with charm, in particular Max Parker as the Tinman, who brings a great singing voice and some nifty robotic steps to the stage. Andrew Langtree’s scarecrow is wonderfully reminiscent of a rag doll and Jonathan Broadbent’s Lion adds much of the comedic element. Gabrielle Brooks portrays Dorothy with innocence and wide-eyed wonder, although she did sometimes get a little lost amongst her more boisterous on stage travelling companions. But the real testament to her performance was her beautifully sung version of Over the Rainbow, with Brooks nailing the iconic moment with ease. Toto was portrayed by both a scene stealing puppy in Kansas and as a brilliantly performed puppet skilfully (and convincingly) operated by Rhiannon Wallace in Oz, helping to establish that the girl in gingham certainly wasn’t in Kansas anymore.

    The production as a whole is beautifully done, in particular, Janet Bird’s set design is ingenious, and the transformation from Kansas to Oz is an unexpected delight. The stage is illuminated underfoot to form the yellow brick road, and everything from a large multi-purpose ensemble to puppetry to practical effects are used to great effect to bring the Land of Oz to life. Add to that a lighting design which is colourful, vivid and incredibly well thought out and some stunning costumes and you have a production which is a visual treat.

    The majority of issues with the Wizard of Oz are primarily down to the book, rather than this production. The show itself takes a while to hit its stride, but then, so did the film; and once Dorothy starts to meet her travelling companions, the momentum starts to build, yielding to a much better second act. There were times when the show encroached into pantomime territory on occasions and the Wicked Witch was not particularly menacing, although this was more likely due to being toned down for a family audience rather than Catrin Aaron’s performance or ability. For a musical, the show is also relatively light on musical numbers, with only a handful of songs, but director Robert Hastie makes the most of them, especially in the rather jaunty opening to the second act.

    With its high camp value and its snappy presentation, Sheffield Theatre’s production is light, airy and so colourful that rather than being taken over the rainbow, you are placed slap bang in the middle of it.

    The Wizard of Oz plays at Sheffield Theatres until 20th January 2018, alongside their pantomime, Mother Goose playing until 7th January 2018 and their interactive production Rent Party until 23rd December 2017. Visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk for details and tickets.

     

  • COMPETITION | Win Tickets To See Simon Callow In De Profundis

    COMPETITION | Win Tickets To See Simon Callow In De Profundis

    WIN tickets to see Simon Callow in De Profundis at the Vaudeville Theatre as part of The Oscar Wilde Season

    From 3 to 6 January 2018

    H.M. Prison, Reading

    Dear Bosie, After long and fruitless waiting I have determined to write to you myself, as much for your sake as for mine, as I would not like to think that I had passed through two long years of imprisonment without ever having received a single line from you, or any news or message even, except such as gave me pain.

    Wilde’s letter to Lord Alfred Douglas relates Wilde and Bosie’s relationship and extravagant lifestyle which eventually led to Wilde’s conviction and imprisonment for gross indecency, his words and wisdom sing from the page of this letter written from his prison cell.

    Performed on stage by Simon Callow, whose many one-man shows include The Mystery of Charles Dickens, Being Shakespeare and, most recently, The Man Jesus. Simon has also written many biographies, including Oscar Wilde.

    De Profundis is adapted for the stage by award-winning Frank McGuinness (The Factory Girls, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me), acclaimed Irish playwright, poet and translator and directed by Mark Rosenblatt (Bread and Butter, Henry VIII).

    De Profundis will be playing at the Vaudeville Theatre on the Strand from 3 to 6 January 2018. To book your tickets from just £10, call 0330 333 4814 or click here

    To Enter Simply Fill Out The Form Below

    Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes, with no interval.
    Terms and Conditions:
    – One winner will receive a pair of tickets. Drawn on the 31st December.
    – Valid for all performances 3-6 January 2018, subject to availability.
    – Travel and accommodation not included.
    – Prize tickets can’t be exchanged for money or other gifts.
    – Failure to collect prize by the 2nd January will result in a new winner being drawn.
    – By entering you agree to the Terms & Conditions of the competition.

  • Netflix just freaked out a lot of people

    They’re watching you…

    Always watching Netflix, is known for the way it reads and analyses the data it collects on its users – but this took a somewhat creepy turn today when Netflix US asked its 4.2 million followers who had been watching a particular show repeatedly.

    What was probably thought of as a joke, potentially shows a more sinister side of companies and their data collection. Yes, Netflix knows what its millions and millions of subscribers are watching – and when you’re watching it.

    Needless to say, some people had misgivings and questions about the Tweet.

     

     

    Honestly, we don’t mind too much as long as they don’t hold our almost religiously observed RuPaul’s Drag Race viewings against us.

    So was this creepy or funny?

  • So the Stranger Things’ cast is in the MONEY!

    Caching.

    The cast of the Netflix’s superhit, Stranger Things is being paid a lot. Especially when you’re just a teenager. and relatively unknown (well they are all under 16-years-old – give ’em a break)

    It was revealed that each of the cast, Finn Wolfhard (14), Millie Bobby Brown (13), Gaten Matarazzo (15), Noah Schnapp (13) and Caleb McLaughlin (16) are earning a whopping $30,000 per episode.  Eight episodes per season that’s a massive $240,000 PER SEASON.  Nearly a quarter of a million bucks per season – and they’re probably going to be signed up for SIX series of the show.

    That’s according to The Hollywood Reporter.

    Also, the cast was paid “a less than six-figure bonus” – (so sub $100,000 we’re taking that as) as a bonus, because the show has been so successful.

    However, that’s just a starting point – as always, as a show becomes more and more popular, agents and managers can and will start to renegotiate terms for their actors. If the show becomes an Emmy winner – then the teens can expect large windfalls!