Category: Entertainment
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Brilliant… Then we’re all good then… W1A makes a return
The brilliant comedy, W1A has returned for the third series – and we’re loving it.
This is the year in which the BBC’s Royal Charter is up for renewal. The charter renewal process gives the BBC an opportunity to question everything it does and ask the question whether there is any point to doing any of it anymore. At the heart of this process is the charter renewal group, chaired by Head of Values Ian Fletcher (played by Hugh Bonneville).
Working alongside Ian in order to help him reset the dial for everyone in the corporation and shine a new light on that dial, or at least shine the old light but with a new bulb so nobody can be in any doubt where the dial is or have any excuse for not being able to read what it says are Anna Rampton, Director of Better (played by Sarah Parish); Simon Harwood, Director of Strategic Governance (played by Jason Watkins); Siobhan Sharpe, Joint CEO of FUN Media (played by Jessica Hynes); David Wilkes, Commissioning Editor Primetime Factuality (played by Rufus Jones); Izzy Gould, Development Executive (played by Ophelia Lovibond); Will Humphries, Assistant to Ian Fletcher (played by Hugh Skinner); Lucy Freeman, Head of Inclusivity (played by Nina Sosanya); Neil Read, Current Head of News and Current Affairs (played by David Westhead) and Tracey Pritchard, Senior Communications Officer (played by Monica Dolan).
W1A is on Monday nights, 10 PM on BBC 2
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French and Saunders make a BBC return
French and Saunders are reuniting…
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their show, Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French are reuniting for a Christmas special. Their last series aired just over a decade ago in 2007. The first series aired in 1987.
Speaking to the Mirror, Dawn French said,
“There’s some Handmaid’s Tale in there. We had fun with some of the costumes.”
Fans can also expect to see a parody of drunken reality TV shows, with French admitting that she was quite shocked by some of the behaviours of some of the contestants and cast in those type of shows.
It is expected that the show will air on BBC 1 on Christmas Day.
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THEATRE REVIEW | Five Guys Name Moe, Marble Arch Theatre London
★★★★ | Five Guys Named Moe
There’s a new theatre in town, it’s fabulous, and the show now playing at this theatre is fabulous as well.
The Marble Arch Theatre, which is an Underbelly production (the team that brings us the excellent shows in the Southbank), is cleverly located right next to the arch in Marble Arch, is the newest theatre to pop up in London. It’s a gorgeous 650 seater wooden structure that includes a very large bar and an auditorium with a stage that is semi-circle in the round, a design that reflects the 1940’s New Orleans Jazz bars. And theatregoers will be able to take their seats at the cabaret tables in the Funky Butt Club and have drinks served directly to their tables for an up-close and personal musical experience all around them. And the show at this new theatre is Five Guys Named Moe, which is a show about Five Guys Named Moe (Big, Little, Eat, Know and Four-Eyed) who give guidance, advice and support to Nomax, who is single, broke and lamenting about a broken relationship with a woman named Lorraine.
The Moes sing and dance their way throughout this two-hour very lively extravaganza, while Nomax (played by Edward Baruwa) takes it all in. Songs, featuring the hits of original jazz king Louis Jordan, include “Early in the Morning,” “I Like ‘em Like That,” “Safe, Sane and Single,” and “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens” are sung by the Moes in such a fun and unique style. And there is also quite a bit of audience participation. One member of the audience who was chosen to recite some sentences on the night I saw it, and it was none other than stage and movie star Freddie Fox. The audience also gets to outdo each other, with the help of the Moes, in a sing-a-long that provides raucous laughter. It’s the oldest trick in the book to include the audience in the show to make sure they are having a great time, and the Moes use it to their advantage.
Five Guys Named Moe is based on a musical of the same name by Jordan in 1943, and has been around since it’s 1990 UK debut (and a 2010 UK revival). With a book by Clarke Peters, it feels like this show has never left London. But if you’ve already seen it, seeing it again at the new Marble Arch Theatre will be a whole new experience, and perhaps more of an enjoyable one in a setting that matches the fun and frivolity of the show. Kudos to all the Moes who make it a fun night out (Ian Carlyle, Idriss Kargbo, Dex Lee, Horace Oliver and Emile Ruddock) and to Underbelly for copying their successful formula to Marble Arch, and to the production team for pulling it off and producing one big party.
Five Guys Named Moe plays at the Marble Arch Theatre until 17 February 2018
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THEATRE REVIEW | Dirty Dancing, Liverpool Empire
★★★ | Dirty Dancing, Liverpool Empire
Set in the 1960’s, Frances “Baby” Houseman goes to Kellerman’s holiday camp with her family. She befriends the staff of the camp and develops a crush on charismatic dance teacher, Johnny Castle. When Johnny’s dance partner cannot perform at a show at a local hotel, Baby steps in to ensure that they do not lose their jobs. But as Johnny and Baby rehearse, they fall in love and learn more from each other than just the dance moves.
Based on the hugely popular film of the same name, Dirty Dancing hits the stage with a show which follows the story of the film very closely, with the bulk of the script being comfortingly recognisable from the film. There are some additional scenes thrown in, which mainly expand on the political changes in the 60’s and some which flesh out the relationship between Baby and Johnny; whilst the show’s music came from a combination of both live and pre-recorded tracks, including “Hungry Eyes”, “Love Man” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”
Katie Eccles and Robert Colvin took the lead roles of Baby and Johnny, and had some chemistry between them; and they were supported by a broadly competent cast of singers, dancers and musicians. Unsurprisingly, the dancing was better than the acting, but given that the show’s main focus is the musical numbers it doesn’t cause too much of a problem.
The show has been given a major overhaul and is all the better for it. This production has a vibrant lighting design and has ushered in a luxurious, well designed and thoroughly detailed set which transform smoothly without ever interrupting the story; whilst the show has been sexed up a little with a few more bare chests and muscular arms on display. Overall, the production values here are very high and very impressive.
But where the show really succeeds is in its ability to bring the movie to life and recreating it on stage. All of the familiar lines, plot points, dance routines and songs are there and there is something very comforting about watching such a faithful recreation of the movie. For those who have not seen the film, the show is a good introduction to the world of Kellerman’s. For established fans of the film, the show will be hard to beat.
Dirty Dancing is playing at the Liverpool Empire until 18th September 2017
- Review taken from the Sheffield Theatre production
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THEATRE REVIEW | Footloose, Peacock Theatre London
★★★★ | Footloose
Kevin Bacon became a worldwide star in the 1984 hit film. And while there have been lots of stage versions produced after this, “Footloose,” no matter how many times you’ve seen it or have hummed the title song, will always bring a smile to your face.
Another revival, now at the Peacock Theatre near Aldwych, and arriving into London right after a UK tour, keeps the toe-tapping alive with the show about a small town that has banned dancing, and the young out-of-towner who plans to shake things up.
Rem McCormack (Joshua Dowen) and his mom Ethel (Lindsay Goodhand) move from their hometown of Chicago to the very small town of Bomont after Rem’s father left the family home to go ‘find himself.’ Rem integrates into his new school, filled with all sorts of people (though none of them, curiously, are black). His fellow students include Willard (Gareth Gates, who gets star billing) and the minister’s daughter Ariel (Hannah Price). It comes to light that the powerful minister, the Reverend Shaw (Reuven Gershon), has banned dancing in town because five years ago his young son and three others were killed in a car crash, no doubt, according to the minister, caused by the kid’s night out of having too much fun and possibly drinking.
But Rem wants to have fun, but at the same time can’t seem to hold down a job due to his motto of trying to do the right thing, and he’s gotten off on the wrong foot with Ariel’s boyfriend Chuck (Connor Going – who strangely disappears during the middle of the show but returns for the finale). The other kids end up getting Rem to speak up for them at the city council meeting to denounce the dancing ban while it’s no surprise that Rem and Ariel have the hots for each other. It’s lots of loose feet, catchy tunes, a hot and sexy cast and way too many crotch jokes that make this version of Footloose a slight winner.
Gareth Gates looking super hot in the London Production The music and the talented cast make the show very entertaining, but the show as a whole could be better. While all the film’s hits are included (“Footloose” of course, “Let’s Hear it for the Boy,” as well as “Holding Out for a Hero”), with some of the arrangements of these songs a bit different than what we’re used to, some of the other songs make a very big thud, including the dismal “Heaven Help Me” sung by Gershon. However, “Somebody’s Eyes” is beautifully sung by most of the cast in a very memorable scene. So while there are more ups than downs, the cast at the end of show work very very hard to get their standing ovation, practically repeating, in very shortened versions, almost every catchy and lively song from the show. And even though Gates gets top billing (and he even takes his top off to reveal an absolutely stunning body), both Dowen and Price are the true stars of the show. Their chemistry on stage is very real – both very good looking with all-American looks. Director Racky Plews and Choreographer Matthew Cole have, almost, done Kevin Bacon proud.
Footloose plays at the Peacock Theatre London
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The Bromans all got bare within 5 minutes
I mean what are we watching exactly…
So ITV2’s new reality show, Bromans, you can catch up with the first episode on the ITV hub, seems to have lots of ridiculously hot straight couples, doing Roman type things and not wearing very much (which, of course, we don’t mind at all). In fact, for us, it’s the only reason to be watching.
The first episode had the boys take off all their clothes – within the first five minutes – which resulted in a lot of peen show. The girls then had to dig around in the dirt to find their respective partner’s Roman outfits – which also didn’t leave much to the imagination.
So get your peepers around these rather hot guys in their altogether!
So if you want to see men in the altogether and their girlfriends digging around in the dirt – then this is the programme for you.
To see the completely unedited versions click here.
Like what you see you can catch up on the ITV hub
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ITV2 just stripped all its male contestants of Bromans
I mean what are we watching exactly…
So ITV2’s new reality show, Bromans seems to have lots of ridiculously hot straight couples, doing Roman type things and not wearing very much (which, of course, we don’t mind at all)
So get your peepers around these rather hot guys in their altogether!
To see the completely unedited versions click here.
Like what you see you can catch up on the ITV hub
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5 gay date ideas in London this weekend 16-17 September
Looking for something to do this weekend – check out our quick guide…
London Queer Fashion show
£10.50 – £26.25
Okay, not quite the weekend, but on Wednesday 20th, in Hackney, the London Queer Fashion Show will be showcasing the most exciting designs and ideas from some of London’s brightest young stars. LQFS exhibits the greatest new talent, the people who know that gender exists beyond the binary, that clothing does not exist in male and female forms. The designers who are moving fashion forward to inspire and empower our city and society. LQFS gives visibility to the diversity within our community, helping to break down gender norms and show that the queer community follows no rules.
From 6:00 PM at the Hackney Showroom – tickets are from £21.00
Drag Queen Brunch
£££
The Ivy Soho Brasserie will be hosting a Drag Queen Brunch on Sunday 17 September in celebration of London’s Fashion Week. Between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, guests will be greeted and hosted by two fabulous drag queens – Tiffaney Wells and Adora Dix – to ignite their brunching experience.
The Ivy Soho Brasserie’s brunch menu will feature an array of The Ivy Collection classic dishes such as chicken Milanese, hot buttermilk pancakes and the melting chocolate bombe. Tiffaney Wells and Adora Dix will be the Maître D’ for the day and will ensure an experience with vibrant entertainment to excite and engage guests throughout their meal.
Consumers can book The Ivy Soho Brasserie’s Drag Queen Brunch online or over the phone at 0203 301 1166.
Kardashian Dash
Free
London, UK – 13 September 2017 – E! Entertainment Television – NBCUniversal International Network’s (NBCUIN) channel dedicated to pop culture – is celebrating 10 years of Keeping Up With The Kardashians by giving fans an immersive experience of the show with the launch of a FREE two day event – “E! Celebrates 10 Years of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”Opening its doors at London’s iconic Saatchi Gallery on 22-23rd September, the event brings to life everything you know and love about television’s longest running docu-series, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, over two days of unmissable experiences including: ultimate selfie opportunities, make-up masterclasses and more, to ensure that ultimate E! fans are “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.” The event is an absolute must for all super-fans of the show. FREE tickets for the exclusive event are limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis from www.seetickets.com/go/kuwtkKing’s Head Theatre
£22.50
London is very fortunate to have a theatre like the King’s Head because of its repertoire of gay-themed shows. And now it’s in the middle of presenting its LGBT Festival with the showcase of a new play called Outlaws to In-Laws.
Outlaws to In-Laws attempts, successfully, to depict the experiences of gay men over the last seven decades. And while it’s a subject that would be daunting for any theatre, or playwright, involved, the seven playwrights who wrote the seven shows that cover seven decades of gay life do their darnedest to both entertain and educate the audience.
Outlaws to In-Laws is now playing at The King’s Head Theatre until September 23.
Go shopping for Vintage Gear
Free
The famed retro market, Dusty Fingers Market is Hitting Dalston and is going canalside for one weekend. Make your way to Hertford Road, Haggerston to get your mitts on some vintage gear.
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THEATRE REVIEW | Outlaws to In-Laws, King’s Head Theatre, London
★★★★ | Outlaws to In-Laws
London is very fortunate to have a theatre like the King’s Head because of its repertoire of gay-themed shows. And now it’s in the middle of presenting its LGBT Festival with the showcase of a new play called Outlaws to In-Laws.
Outlaws to In-Laws attempts, successfully, to depict the experiences of gay men over the last seven decades. And while it’s a subject that would be daunting for any theatre, or playwright, involved, the seven playwrights who wrote the seven shows that cover seven decades of gay life do their darnedest to both entertain and educate the audience. Here are some of the highlights:
Happy and Glorious – by Philip Meeks – is set in the 1950s on the day of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation where two men fall into a tryst and both their lives change forever.
Mister Tuesday – by Jonathan Harvey (Beautiful Thing) – Peter and Jimmy have sex, on Tuesdays, but we soon realize that Jimmy is married with children while Peter threatens to blackmail him just so that he can keep the trysts, and possibly more, ongoing.
Reward – by Jonathan Harvey – a riveting story where a rough and tough skinhead and a young black man meet at a bus stop and fall into a relationship, but it’s illicit one where both of them could be in real danger. Both actors, Jack Bence and Michael Duke, are excellent.
1984 – by Patrick Wilde – where two men have an encounter, and one of them, a politico for Thatcher, realizes that all that he stands for is soon to change.
Brothas – by Topher Campbell – where two black men, Dwayne and Remi, have fun cruising on a black dating site, slighting the unattractive ones while favouring the more ‘looking and acting straight’ ones. But it’s Dwayne who’s in it for more than just the sex.
While most of the stories are very good, what is best about this production are the performances. All seven actors give it their best, but it’s a few of them who really stand out. Bence, as previously mentioned, is highly memorable as the skinhead in Reward and as Peter in Mister Tuesday – both roles require high stakes drama and passion, and Bence delivers, while both Myles Devonté and Duke look very comfortable in their roles in Brothas – they are both naturals in front of the audience.
Outlaws to In-laws is two hours of theatre that, while a bit cobbled together, is still a very good journey that takes us from decade to decade of gay life linked together very cleverly and showcasing the talent of the playwrights and especially the actors.
Outlaws to In-Laws is now playing at The King’s Head Theatre until September 23.
For details of The King’s Head’s other gay production, “Gypsy Queen,” please go here:
https://kingsheadtheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873576764
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When is Autopsy of Maurice Gibbs showing on Channel 5?
In the new Channel 5’s Autopsy series, the programme looks at the tragic death of the songwriting and singing legend, Maurice Gibbs.
What really happened to the Maurice Gibbs, one-third of one of the world’s most famous bands. Forensic pathologist Dr Jason Payne-James takes a look into the life and death of Maurice Gibbs to find out exactly why he died.
The star died in his Miami home in 2003.in this programme, forensic pathologist Dr Jason Payne-James examines all the available evidence medical to create a timeline of the events leading to his death.The show begins this Friday, 15th September, on Channel 5 at 10.00 PM and again on 5+1 one hour later.
