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Category: Entertainment

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Legally Blonde – Sheffield Theatres and National Tour

    ★★★ | Legally Blonde – Sheffield Theatres and National Tour

    With a penchant for pink, an encyclopaedic knowledge of fashion and an excitable outlook on life, sorority sister Elle thinks she is about to get engaged to her sweetheart and live out a life of pink, fashion-filled happiness. But instead of proposing, he dumps her for not being serious enough, and she decides that the best way to win him back is to follow him to Harvard and graduate in law. Despite not being the average Harvard student, she soon surpasses everyone’s expectations and earns a place on her law professor’s internship, where she helps to represent a famous fitness guru who is charged with murder. But can Elle prove her worth in the courtroom, or will she forever be perceived as being Legally Blonde.

    Based on the hit 2001 film, this show has all of the usual musical elements present and correct. From cheerleading sorority sisters to the sleazy law professor; this feel-good musical has a will they/won’t they love story, an underlying moral message about being true to yourself and plenty of fun to be had along the way.

    Lucie Jones (X-Factor) is surprisingly impressive as Elle Woods, performing the lead role with a fine voice and a natural and affable stage presence. Rita Simons (Eastenders) provides strong support as Pauline, Elle’s hairdressing friend, and plays the part with just enough of a tongue-in-cheek feeling to pull off the role; and the ensemble cast give it their all whilst constantly looking like they’re having fun

    Unlike many musicals, Legally Blonde has a stronger second act and doesn’t sag in the middle, meaning that whilst the show doesn’t endear itself to you from the outset, the writing, pace and momentum keep building until you do eventually fall for its charms. At times, the show is not too far away from a sing-through musical; with a barrage of songs which are catchy, if ultimately forgettable, and that progress the narrative nicely. The musical numbers are varied, fun, colourful and broadly energetic with musical highlights including a courtroom witness dilemma and trying to decide Is He Gay or European, an eighties style workout number in Whipped Into Shape and a cheerleader ensemble in What You Want.

    Legally Blonde is a fairly shallow piece of fluff, which has an abundance of bubble-gum pink and giggly sorority sisters, but also has with it an infectious feel; a vibrant energy, good-natured humour, plenty of colour and, most importantly, lots of fun. The production is bold, brash, camp and loud, and whilst this is not life changing theatre (and it never pretends to be), it serves its role as a rather enjoyable couple of hours of escapism.

    Legally Blonde is currently playing at Sheffield Theatres until the 4th November 2017 before continuing on its national tour through to June 2018.

  • House Of Cards production suspended

    Netflix has officially suspended production of the Kevin Spacey drama House Of Cards.

    Apparently, House Of Cards has been suspended “until further notice”

    In a statement, both the streaming service and production company behind the massive hit said they “decided to suspend production… to give us time to review the current situation and to address any concerns of our cast and crew.”

    Yesterday Star Trek Discovery actor, Anthony Rapp made allegations that the actor made “sexual advances” towards him when he a teenager. Reacting to the allegations, Spacey said, that he did not remember the encounter but owed Rapp a sincere apology.

    The allegation dates back to 1986 when Spacey allegedly befriended Rapp whilst the teenager was performing along with Ed Harris in the Broadway show, Precious Sons. Rapp revealed to Buzzfeed that he was 14 at the time Spacey was 26.

    Spacey responded to the allegations on Twitter, saying, “I’m beyond horrified to hear this story. I honestly do not remember the encounter, it would have been 30 years ago. But if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior and I am sorry for the feelings he describes having carried with him all these years.”

    It was also confirmed that season 6, the series that they are currently working on would be the last, but that decision had come months before the allegations levied at Spacey.

    Elsewhere, the theatre for which Spacey was the artistic director between 2004 and 2015, The Old Vic,  released their own statement saying they were “deeply dismayed” and had set up a confidential email for past employees to make reports of any “inappropriate behaviour”.

     

  • Netflix cancels House Of Cards – a decision apparently made months before

    Series 6 of House of Cards will be Netflix’s last offering of that show- but apparently, it has nothing to do with the recent allegations against its star, Kevin Spacey.

    Netflix announced yesterday that the sixth season, which is currently in production, will be it’s last, although it had apparently decided this before the “sexual advances” allegations against its star, Kevin Spacey.

    The show, which has been one of the main boosters for Netflix’s epic rise to the top of the on-demand streaming platforms, trended on Twitter with hundreds of thousands of mentions after the reports hit the headlines.

    The sixth season, which stars both Spacey and Robin Wright,  is due to air in 2018.

    A statement from the makers of House Of Cards for Netflix, Media Rights Capital,  said that the team were “deeply troubled” about the allegations made against Spacey, by Star Trek: Discovery actor, Anthony Rapp.

    The statement said,

    “In response to last night’s revelations, executives from both of our companies arrived in Baltimore this afternoon to meet with our cast and crew to ensure that they continue to feel safe and supported. As previously scheduled, Kevin Spacey is not working on set at this time”.

    The decision to end the show happened months earlier, according to the Guardian.

    Many, implored Netflix to continue making House of Cards, without Spacey,  just focusing on Robin Wright’s character, Claire Underwood, other demanded that the programme-makers immediately halt production.

  • George Michael back at number 1

    George Michael has returned to the UK charts with a number 1 record

    George Michael has outsold both P!nk and former One Directioner Niall Horan. The late singer’s release of Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 was announced as the number 1 record, shifting 56,000 copies in its first week. In contrast, when the record was first released 27 years ago, it sold nearly 450,000 copies in its first week. His record outsold P!nk’s album by 30,000 copies, according to the BBC.

    George Michael’s latest release comes 10 months after the singer’s tragic death on Christmas day in 2016.

  • 10 Halloween costumes for totally lazy gay guys

    So, you know, Halloween is coming up… Here are 10 costumes that are totally easy to pull off, with just a little gay sensibility.

    Patrick Bateman

    via GIPHY

    Remember him from American Psycho – well, the film does have a totally homoerotic subtext and a lot of talk has been utter on whether actually, Patrick is gay or bisexual.

    All you need is:

    1. A smart suit, if you have a £3000 one with power even better
    2. A power tie, which must be red and you must have matching braces
    3. An 80’s mobile phone
    4. A rain mac, which must be see through
    5. An axe – brand new, with shiny, shiny head

    James Dean

    Much was made, in the years after his death of his sexuality. His early death meant that Dean would become a legend. This is a really simple look to pull off.

    All you need is:

    1. White T-shirt
    2. Classic cut jeans
    3. Boots
    4. All-American Harrington jacket

     

    Jesse Walsh

    Nightmare On Elm Street 2 was loaded with homoerotic undertones… why not relive the early 80s with a Jessie costume. Make sure you spend most of the evening shouting something about Freddy being inside of you…

    All you need is:

    1. Yellow patterned shirt
    2. Vintage cut blue jeans
    3. Baseball cap
    4. Golden glasses
    5. A radio blasting out 80’s hits

     

    Ariana Grande

    GUYSWITHIPHONES

    Some consider her a gay icon and her recent look of bunny ears is a totally hot look for guys.

    All you need is:

    1. Bunny ears and black face mask
    2. Washboard stomach
    3. White stiletto shoes
    4. Tall stool to balance on

     

    An Instagram Shot

    Getting the perfect selfie is a nightmare…

    All you need:

    Supersize cardboard cut out of an Instagram screen – you can actually buy them on Amazon.

     

    Cornfed Cowboy

    We’re not sure this is particularly scary, but this guy is mighty hot, so we’ve included!

    A post shared by Preston Brock (@prestonbrok) on

    All you need is:

    1. Ranch hat
    2. Plaid shirt, with arms cut off
    3. Short shorts – preferably denim
    4. Biceps so big they block the sun

     

    The Bottom…

    “I’m a bottom, duh.” #top #halloweencostume #halloween #gay #gayhalloween

    A post shared by Joe (@lilwhorechata) on

    Fancy being a Halloween bottom?

    All you need is:

    1. Well, to be honest, you could wear anything, but make sure you ass looks perky… and if anyone asks always say “I’m a bottom, duh.”

     

    A Carebear

    If you’re a kid from the 80s or 90s then you’ll know there was no gayer cartoon than the Carebears. Now you can be GayBear…

    All you need is:

    1. Basically not much, just decide which kind of Carebear you wish to be and draw your logo on your belly – on top of a white background.
    2. Bear ears
    3. Bear nose
    4. Shout Carebear Stare often and in people’s faces

     

    Gay soldier

    gay soldier boy #halloween see my story for the full body outfit!

    A post shared by Doug Armstrong (@dougarmstrong) on


    This is really really simple to achieve.

    All you need is:

    1. Face paint
    2. Karki combats
    3. Rippling muscles
    4. Perfect hair

     

    Baby Jane Hudson and Blanche Hudson


    What Ever Happened To Baby Jane is probably one of the campiest movies of all time – and a sure-fire way to win any “best Halloween costume” competition.

    All you need is:

    Baby Jane

    1. Pretty white frilly dress
    2. Ribbon for the waist
    3. Blonde wig
    4. Overdone lippy
    5. Set of car keys

    Blanche

    1. Dark wig
    2. All black outfit
    3. Wheelchair
    4. Overdone lippy
    5. Tire marks from obvious car accident

     

  • The gay side of Nightmare On Elm Street explored in brand new movie

    Launching soon… Nightmare On Elm Street 2 is getting its own documentary from those who starred in it.

    We’ve already said that Nightmare On Elm Street 1 & 2 were pretty gay, but now, Scream, Queen: My Nightmare On Elm Street goes behind the scenes to explore the gay subtext of that incredibly homoerotic film. Mark Patton, who starred in the film discusses how his career following the release of the film, didn’t pan out how he had planned. Mark’s career was in the ascension, with three movies under his belt and then it was gone. In the trailer, he says he said, “‘Thank you Jesus you gave me everything I asked for’ and then the next day it all went to hell”.

    Mark, who is now openly gay, wasn’t at the time of the film. The film was the third major picture of his career and was his last until the reboot, Freddy Vs Jason, in 2003, where he was included in archive footage. Mark had smaller roles in various other projects but ultimately gave up on his acting career after being offered a role in a CBS show.

    Watch below the scene in which Jesse, played by Mark says that Freddy Kruger is “inside him”. Yep 🙂

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Witness for the Prosecution, County Hall, London

    ★★★★★ | Witness for the Prosecution, County Hall, London

    REVIEW | Witness for the Prosecution

    Depending on your age and/or love of black and white films, you may know Witness for the Prosecution from the classic 1957 film with Charles Laughton and the divine Marlene Dietrich. No? Maybe you saw the recent BBC adaptation with Kim Cattrall as the murder victim, wealthy Emily French? No? Well, either way, you’re in for a treat. Even if you already know the deliciously cunning twists in this courtroom drama, you’re going to be knocked for six by the production.

    1950’s London and personable working class chap Leonard Vole is up before the courts, accused of bludgeoning to death a lonely (and rich) older woman in her St John’s Wood home. Things aren’t looking good for Leonard, especially as she’d just changed her will in his favour, and the gallows are looming. His only alibi is from his glamorous and frosty Teutonic wife, Romaine but will she vouch for him in court and help his cause or are things about to take a more complicated turn?

    Agatha Christie’s dramas are often wrongly seen as somewhat twee and cosy; the stuff of Sunday afternoons with a nice cup of tea. Here, you get to see Christie’s dark mind in all its sinister glory in a blood-splattered tale that is horrifying at times. OK so there’s the usual parade of thinly sketched and clichéd characters but that’s part of Christie’s charm too.

    One of the big draws of this production is the staging. Set in a courtroom, here we see it staged as authentically as is possible as we’re in…yes…a courtroom. Well, almost. It’s a debating chamber inside the sumptuous, disused, Art Deco County Hall (at the back of the London Eye, behind the aquarium) and it’s convincing. You could almost be in the public gallery watching the drama unfold. It’s high drama and more than a tad camp as there’s a soundscape of echoing footsteps, clanging doors and assorted gasps. It’s a thrill ride of chilling and thrilling twisty-turning fun.

    Forget The Mousetrap, Leave that for the West End tourists and head down to Westminster for a rare treat.

    Witness for the Prosecution plays at County Hall until 11th of March 2018

  • Disney Channel to air first gay storyline

    Disney Channel to air first gay storyline

    The Disney Channel is set to introduce a gay storyline for the first time in its show “Andi Mack,” it said on Thursday. The one-hour season two premiere, which airs Friday in the US, will see best friends Andi (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) and Cyrus (Joshua Rush) admit they are attracted to the same boy. (more…)

  • TV REVIEW Red Dwarf XII, Episode 3, Timewave

    For some strange reason, this week’s episode of Red Dwarf was a divisive one for the fans when it was pre-released on UKTV Play this week. It’s not really clear to see why, as the episode is simply a lot of fun.

    TV REVIEW Red Dwarf XII, Episode 3, Timewave

    The story starts when Rimmer decides to claim undiscovered planet with valuable substance, dreaming of untold riches once they find their way back to earth. When a timewave sends a 24th-century ship on a crash course towards that very same planet the Boys from the Dwarf decide to board the ship to warn the crew. The ship, though, is rather unusual – as the people at the top decided to make criticism illegal, so no-one can voice their opinions. Naturally, the Dwarfers soon find themselves in deep trouble.

    This episode features a hilarious guest turn from Johnny Vegas as a “ crit-cop” unhappy with his lot and an interesting Eddie Murphy impression from a very fed up Cat (Danny John-Jules). Stealing the show, though, for a second week in a row is Chris Barrie as a deliciously creepy alter-ego of Rimmer.

    After the darker themes of Siliconia this is a fun high camp romp of an episode that leads to interesting questions: how does criticism affect people? Does true positive criticism exist?

    Solid effort by all.

    Red Dwarf XII is tonight (26th October) 21.00 – Dave

  • Five must see LGBT theatre you have to see this winter in London

    The nights are drawing in and the temperatures are getting cooler. That’s no excuse to stay in watching yet another reality TV show, though. 2017 has been a bumper year for theatrical smashes in the capital and it’s set to continue for the remainder of the year and into the New Year. Grab your mac, don your scarf and get yourself down there.

    Here’s the Top 5 must-see LGBT London shows for Autumn/Winter 2017/18:

    Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: The glorious posters are everywhere on the tube: Jamie’s upturned faced, painted lips and his artfully made up glittery eyes. Fresh from a highly acclaimed and multi-award-winning run in Sheffield, Jamie is about to enter the capital’s Apollo Theatre with previews from the 6th of November and booking till April 2018. This feel-good musical has a good pedigree. It’s based on a BBC documentary about the trials and tribulations of a wannabe teenage drag queen growing up on a rough estate  There’s new music by The Feeling’s Dan Gillespie-Sells and Tom McRae. We loved it so much we gave it a resounding 5-star endorsement. What more do you need to know? Book now.

    The York Realist: Turns out that Sheffield is at it again. Not only have they sent us some damn fine cutlery and The Human League but now we get another LGBT play. Set in 1960s Yorkshire, this is a touching tale of a farmhand straining against his roots. Directed by Robert Hastie (My Night with Reg), this promises to be a drama worth fighting for tickets for. This runs from February 2018 but don’t wait till the New Year to book. You need to act fast as tickets are almost sold out. 

    Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella: Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to see a Matthew Bourne ballet at Sadler’s Wells. Cinderella is one of his campest and also one of my favourites of all his ballets and it makes a welcome return to the capital. Dashing airmen, a wicked stepmother based on Joan Crawford at her meanest and some Blitz glamour in the bombed out Café de Paris? Hell, there’s even a scene with dancing hookers and rent boys. What are you waiting for? It runs from 9th of December to January 2018.

    Strangers in Between: After two runs at the ultra LGBT + friendly theatre, The King’s Head, ‘Strangers in Between’ returns to the stage and this time in the West End at Trafalgar Studios 2. Tommy Murphy’s play is about something lots of us can identify with, being a small town boy and moving to the terrifying big city. We liked this a lot when it last ran. Don’t just take our word for it. It hits the stage again from the 10th of January to the 3rd Feb 2018

    Above the Stag: You may or may not have been to this gay-themed theatre venue in Vauxhall. OK, so it’s in a railway tunnel (although they’re planning a move) and some of the shows are hit and miss but it’s worth chancing it for one of the hits. They also have a very saucy annual pantomime and you can top off the evening experiencing the joys of the area (and I don’t mean Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens). Visit them now.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Cabaret – Leeds Grand Theatre and National Tour

    ★★★★ | On New Year’s Eve in 1938, American writer Clifford Bradshaw arrives in Berlin, and finds his way to the Kit Kat Club, a burlesque club hosted by the enigmatic Emcee, where the fluidity of sexuality, gender and sexual expression flow as freely as the gin. There he meets Sally Bowles, an excitable, if naïve, English woman, who performs at the club; and the two of them embark on an affair. But as the Nazi party rises to power, their friends both at the club and within the community find that their lifestyle places them all at risk as the nation starts to divide.

    THEATRE REVIEW | Cabaret - Leeds Grand Theatre and National Tour

    Starring Will Young and Louise Redknapp, this classic musical written by Kander and Ebb, needs very little introduction. Including the songs “Money Makes The World Go Around”, “Maybe This Time”, “Tomorrow Belongs To Me” and “Cabaret”, the show contrasts the bright lights of the carefree club with a story which has a surprisingly dark streak to it.

    The first act is awash with exuberant musical numbers, performed in a classic burlesque style; with the stage glowing in gold and orange lighting, and with an abundance of scantily clad and ridiculously attractive dancers, showing off a plethora of muscular pecs, torsos and biceps. The indulgence and pleasure of the Kit Kat Club then yields in the second act to a darker and more emotional story as the rise of fascism takes hold, impacting on the free-living community of the club.

    Will Young excels in his portrayal of Emcee; making his performance seem effortless and natural and injecting the role with just the right balance of humour, ambiguity and campness to be charismatic and alluring. His performance of the shows musical numbers is excellent, especially in opening the show with “Wilkomen” and in a haunting rendition of “I Don’t Care Much”. Louise Redknapp has her moments as Sally Bowles, and to her credit can belt out the show’s tunes, but her acting ability does not shine through and any stage presence that she may have gets lost amongst the charismatic cast; whereas Charles Hagerty provides solid and tuneful support in the role of Clifford Bradshaw

    The show is well staged, with a beautiful cast, thoughtful and interesting choreography and an impressive lighting design. The set is relatively stripped back giving the whole production a feel which is not too dissimilar to Kander and Ebb’s other musical, Chicago. It is beautiful to look at and Rufus Norris’ direction keeps the show moving along nicely.

    The revival of this production is timely, to say the least. With the recent resurgence in far-right political parties, the treatment of the gay community in Chechnya and with homophobic hate crimes reported to be on the rise, the show maintains a strong message about the impact of passivity and naivety to these issues on the gay community; a message which continues to resonate with audiences many years after the show was first performed.

    Cabaret is currently playing at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday 28th October 2017, before continuing on its national tour, calling at Milton Keynes, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bromely, Dublin and Brighton. Visit the tour’s website for details and tickets.