Cornwall’s only full-time LGBT+ venue is set to close unless a new buyer can be found.
A gay bar in Cornwall has become the latest LGBT+ venue to close. Deja Vu’s owners Steve and Chris decided to put the venue on the market. They took over the bar from Bar Qdos just two years ago. They opened the venue after a large renovation for Cornwall pride in August 2015.
The couple vowed to keep the venue open as long as it was sustainable, which it was, but when Cornwall Pride – and its associated events moved from Truro to Newquay it was the “final nail” in the coffin for Deja Vu.
There are no LGBT+ club is Newquay.
It was revealed that money raised from the footfall that Cornwall Pride would create for the venue helped the owners pay for its building insurance, music license. However, because of the Pride’s move, those costs are now being met out the pockets of the owners.
The couple has put the business on sale for just under £40,000.
Speaking to THEGAYUK, Chris said,
“When (we) opened the bar it was for the LGBTQ community and the bar would stay open as long as it paid for itself and with Cornwall pride and special events throughout the year this was the case.
“The final nail in the coffin was the relocation of Cornwall pride from Truro the capital of Cornwall to the seaside resort of Newquay ensured the bar to lose a large chunk of income from this one night. The income from this one night normally pays for the insurance buildings and contents and public liability along with the PRS music licence for the year.
“But due to the relocation of pride we are going to have to pay these out of our own pocket so the time has come to sell up”.
★★★★★ | Doubt, a Parable, Southwark Playhouse, London
CREDIT: Paul Nicholas Dyke
It’s Autumn 1964 and young priest Father Brendan Flynn doesn’t fit into the spartan and puritanical ideals of the school as run by sour faced Sister Aloysius. He’s all warmth and casual attitude, bouncing a basketball around with the boys. Her view of the school system is one where art is a frippery, the children should be contained and disciplined and pastoral care involves telling people to buck their ideas up. Her ever watchful gaze is centred on Flynn and when a young nun divulges her suspicions of inappropriate behaviour between Father Flynn and a pre-pubescent boy she appears to relish the chance to get rid of him and launches into decisive and cunning action.
If you want big acting shoes to fill then look no further than ‘Doubt’. This 2005 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play was made into an astoundingly good film with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep as the warring priest and nun. This version has pulled together an accomplished cast with Stella Gonet as the terrifying yet eminently human Sister Aloysius. It;’s a dense, dialogue heavy play that’s an intense ninety minutes but one that passes in a flash and will set you cogitating as you consider the facets of the situation and the personalities concerned. Oh, as well as thinking about that little matter of the truth. Much like life, there aren’t any wholly good or bad or stupid or clever people only people on a spectrum constantly sliding somewhere between the two.
The confined space of a fringe theatre like Southwark Playhouse suits this piece as you get to see every thought flit across each face and the intensity ramps up a notch or two. This is a rarity: an entertaining and rousing play that’s also intelligent and thought provoking. Go see it.
Doubt, a Parable, plays at the Southwark Playhouse, London until 30th September 2017
Meet the men starring in Strictly Come Dancing 2017 – there’s an ex boybander, a comedian actors and even a man of the cloth…
Ashton Merrygold
Ashton Merrygold rose to fame during X Factor as part of the megaband JLS, one of the most successful losing (but winning bands in the history of the show). On joining Strictly he said, “I’m so happy to be joining Strictly 2017, it is such a brilliant show and I’ve followed it for years. I’m both nervous and excited to learn from the professionals about a whole new way of dancing!”
Brian Conley
A household name in the field of industry. He is a comedian, actor and television presenter with a career spanning over 40 years. In 1992, Brian got his big break with the hugely successful The Brian Conley Show which went on to become Britain’s most-watched entertainment show at the time, coining his catchphrase: ‘It’s a puppet!’ Brian’s TV career has seen him win multiple awards including a National Television Award for Most Popular Television Performer. He has also performed/presented at the Royal Variety Performance eight times and recently hosted two series of BBC One’s The TV That Made Me. Brian has an extensive theatre career and has starred in many West End Productions; he’s recorded three albums and has acted in six films. He recently finished a sell-out tour of the UK and will star in his thirty-fifth pantomime this Christmas.
Davood Ghadami
Davood is a British actor, best known for his role as Kush Kazemi in EastEnders for which he won Best Newcomer at the TV Choice Awards. He was also nominated for Best Newcomer and Best Actor at the British Soap Awards. Davood has starred in the BBC One show since 2014 and set pulses racing when he joined as Albert Square’s latest ladies’ man. His first TV appearance was in 2005 on The Bill and his other TV work includes Doctor Who, The Omid Djalili Show, Taggart, Silent Witness, Life’s Too Short, Law & Order, Top Boy and Skins Redux. On stage, Davood has played Amir in 13 at the National Theatre, as well as working extensively for York Theatre Royal and Pilot Theatre.
Joe McFadden
Joe McFadden is a Scottish actor, born in Glasgow and best-known for playing the role of Raffaello ‘Raf’ di Lucca in BBC One’s medical drama, Holby City. He first came to national attention playing PC Joe Mason in Heartbeat and has also appeared in Take the High Road, The Crow Road and Sex, Chips & Rock ‘n’ Roll. In addition to his television roles, Joe also has a background in theatre appearing in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Rent in London’s West End.
Jonnie Peacock
Jonnie Peacock is a double Paralympic, World and European T44 100m Champion. He sensationally won his first Paralympic Gold medal in London 2012 in front of 80,000 people and has gone onto to win every major event that he’s entered, including the 2016 Paralympic Games and the 2017 World Championships in London this summer. Jonnie, a below the knee amputee, contracted meningitis at the age of five, but has bounced back to become one of Britain’s best known and most successful Para Athletes, breaking the World Record in 2012, setting a Personal Best for the 100m of 10.64 seconds this year and being awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours for services to athletics. Away from the athletics track Jonnie wants to an inspiration to young people of all abilities and is passionate about building the profile of disability sport both in Britain and around the World.
Reverend Richard Coles
Reverend Richard Coles is a writer, broadcaster and Church of England priest and co-hosts BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live. He is the only Vicar in Britain to have had a number one hit single with pop band The Communards in the 1980s, which went on to have three UK top ten hits and the biggest-selling single of 1986, Don’t Leave Me This Way. Richard recently co-hosted BBC One’s The Big Painting Challenge and is a regular contributor to ‘Pause for Thought’ on the Radio 2 Chris Evans Breakfast Show, BBC One’s Have I Got News For You and QI. Richard was an inspiration for the main character in the BBC hit comedy Rev and served as a consultant to the series. He is Vicar of St Mary’s Church in Finedon, Northamptonshire and Chancellor of the University of Northampton.
Looking for something to do this weekend – check out our quick guide…
Keep it Kings Cross
Free (before 10 PM) + drinks
Fancy seeing some traditional drag head on over to Central Station in Kings Cross – a camp little haven awaits you as drag queen Lizzy Drip takes to the stage at 10:30 PM. There’s free entry before 10:00 PM and £5 after. The Kings Cross area once had a buzzing gay scene, with a number of nights or venues, and although the area is being redeveloped with expensive restaurants, hipster hangouts and extortionate housing costs, Central Station remains an uncomplicated, honest, fairly priced option. Hell, you can still get a glass of white for £3.70! Serves food. 37 Wharfdale Road, Kings Cross, London N1 9SD, 020 7278 3294
Blooming great pre-drinks
Free + drinks
If you’re looking for something a little different to drag, then visit the underground, uber cool New Bloomsbury Set. Great prices and a 10-minute walk from Central Station – the perfect jump off before you head off clubbing…
Go East
Free + drinks
For something a little edgier venture to Shoreditch – where the only label that matters is: “attitude free”. Take in the sights and sounds at Homodrop, the camp as f*ck disco at Dalston Superstore. And it’s free to get in. 117 Kingsland High St, E8 2PB.
Pick Up The Soap
£££
Of course, if you fancy something a little more sexy and soapy, try the Foam Party at Sweatbox in Soho. The party is never ending with a 24-hour pass costing £17 or a 48-hour pass costing £19. 1-2 Ramilies Street, Soho, W1F 7LN.
Temping Tate
Free
Get lost in the epic Tate Modern gallery and marvel at the sheer scale of the Turbine room.
Be a cultured gay and head off to the Tate Modern on the ever so romantic South Bank. Take the walk from Embankment Station – cross the footbridge – walk past the Royal Festival Hall and the National Theatre – and hold hands. No one will blink an eye lid. It’s all very chill. There are plenty of exhibitions on at the Tate Modern including, Voices and Media Networks. You must, of course, whilst you’re there, go and see Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych.
The Thames
Free
Whilst you’re out and about around the Thames, artist Jason Bruges has created a light installation to shine on the Sea Containers building – a little further up from the Tate Modern. The design of the lighting reflects the water quality – according to the Thames water data. The display is a permanent fixture to help spread awareness about the quality of water in the Thames.
A bite in Soho
£££
Some New York cool right in the centre of London. Grab a cocktail and relax.
The gay epicentre of London is in Soho – this is where the highest number of LGBT+ spaces exist. However, for food, you should check out Dirty Bones on Denman Street – right next to the Piccadilly Theatre. Dirty Bones the restaurant categorises itself as New York comfort food and cocktails, well it’s that and more.
Car Boot Sale
£
Will you be able to pick up a bargain at the Kings Cross car boot? From 10 AM on both Saturday and Sunday.
I mean it’s definitely an unusual idea for a date… but if you’ve got a new BF this might be the perfect place to really discover what kind of guy he really is… They say you can tell a lot about a man by what he’s got in his basket – so to speak. There’s a car boot in Kings Cross, in Granary Square, from 10 AM and on Sunday from 10 AM. Just £5 to get in.
Skinny Dipping?
£2 (day ticket)
Located in North London is the Hampstead Heath Ponds, three large freshwater swimming ponds that are popular for same sex and mixed couples alike. For centuries people have been coming to the ponds for a relaxing dip in the waters. Catch the last of the summer heat and take your partner to the ponds and have some wet fun. Let your playful side come out while enjoying an athletic dip. You must wear trunks in the water… but you know… once you’re in… who could possibly tell if you quickly slipped them off!
Girls Aloud may be but a distant memory (weep) but Nadine Coyle has released this banger…
Go To Work is a true banger. We’re living for it!
Now Nadine returns with ‘Go To Work’, a sleek, dance-lead future classic that sounds simultaneously retro and forward-thinking. Recorded and produced by experimental pop alchemist Brian Higgins (Xenomania), the track is a high-energy, deliciously vampy ode to making your man work for your affections and features powerhouse vocals that are instantly recognisable as Nadine.
Nadine says of the track, “When you’re constantly writing you write a lot about relationships and so it was like ‘what else annoys you about being in relationships?’ and they came up with this idea of writing about them being lazy and not getting up in the mornings.”
Under the watchful eye of Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud racked up an incredible twenty-one UK Top Ten singles, twenty of those consecutively. If each member of the band – who sashayed their way through a ten-year, five album career – had a role, then Nadine’s was The Voice. Often demoing the songs with Brian ahead of the other girls during the band’s tenure, it’s always been any discerning pop fan’s dream for the pair to collaborate again on Coyle’s solo material.
After a false start with Coyle’s Xenomania-free 2010 solo debut, Insatiable, that dream is now a reality, This isn’t Girls Aloud 2.0, or even Nadine Coyle 2.0, this, finally, is Nadine Coyle: The Solo Artist. Going into the sessions with a completely open mind, Brian and Nadine slotted back into their respective comfort zones, Nadine belting out majestic pop songs while Brian and his coterie of production geeks weaved various lyrics and melodies together to make chart gold.
As Nadine says, “We weren’t trying to make it sound like Girls Aloud, we weren’t trying to make it sound the opposite, it was just a blank canvas. It’s exciting.”
‘Go To Work’ is released today, Friday 8th September on Virgin EMI.
When the announcement that there would be new George Michael music… I was terrified, disappointed, excited and desperate in equal measure.
You see, usually the release of the previously unheard of material or remixed material never does the memories of a dearly departed icon, such as George Michael, justice.
I was, I’m loathed to admit, disappointed with Michael’s latest work – 2012’s “White Light” was, to me, terrible. He launched it during the closing ceremony of the UK Olympics – and well, it didn’t quite hit the spot. Even after the massive exposure, the song limped to number 20 in the iTunes chart.
It was a far cry from his works on Older,Patience or Faith albums. And maybe that’s the problem with George Michael (or us, his fans) – he’ll always be revered for his 80s and 90s output and that’s why today’s release is genius.
The song’s choppy, edgy production sits well along with current hits – but it’s unmistakable in its George Michealness – the Faith era rips right through it, which will be sure to please hardcore GM fans whilst opening up his music to an entirely new generation of fans.
Nile Rodgers proves, once again, that he is the producer, not only of the 70s, 80s and 90s but is – without a doubt giving this generation of producers a run for their money.
The brand new recording by the late George Michael will be available to stream and download – here’s where you can buy it.
The estate of the late George Michael has released a brand new recording from the iconic singer. The track is song which has already been released but given a brand new production by Chic king, Nile Rodgers.
Listen on YouTube
The song, which is called “Fantasy” was played by the BBC on Radio 2 during the Chris Evan’s show this morning, (7th Sept). The song is a previously-released track but it has been remixed, by hit maker, Nile Rodgers. It was originally released on the 1987 album, Faith.
It was, however, originally meant to be on the Listen With Out Prejudice.
The songs will be available to download and stream from the following services
The track has been produced by Nile Rodgers, who had been working with Michael shortly before he died. He said that he hope the track would make fans proud.
The late singer’s publicist confirmed the release, saying Sony Music was “proudly” presenting the new single.
News of the single came as his sisters Melanie and Yioda posted an update on his official website, saying they will carry on his musical legacy “exactly as Yog would have wanted”.
The estate of the late George Michael has released a brand new recording from the iconic singer.
The song was played by the BBC on Radio 2 during the Chris Evan’s show this morning, (7th Sept). The song is a previously-released track but it has been remixed, by hit maker, Nile Rodgers. It was originally released on the 1987 album, Faith.
It was, however, originally meant to be on the Listen With Out Prejudice album.
The track has been produced by Nile Rodgers, who had been working with Michael shortly before he died. He said that he hope the track would make fans proud.
The late singer’s publicist confirmed the release, saying Sony Music was “proudly” presenting the new single.
News of the single came as his sisters Melanie and Yioda posted an update on his official website, saying they will carry on his musical legacy “exactly as Yog would have wanted”.
The singer who passed away on Christmas day died after suffering a dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver. His body was found by his partner, hairdresser Fadi Fawaz, at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Authorities said there would not be an inquest as the cause of death was “natural”.
Back in the mid-90ss, 1996 to be precise, three of our favourite divas (and a whole host of others) got together to create the gayest film on earth – the First Wives Club… Here are just some of the quotes that made the film epic.
Elise on Plastic Surgery
“Plastic surgery is like good grooming, it’s like brushing your teeth.”
Elise on the best decade ever…
“It’s the 90’s, for God’s sake”
Elise on ageing
Morris: You’re 45! If I give you one more facelift, you’re going to be able to blink your lips. I mean, don’t you want to be able to play a part your own age?
Elise:”My own age?” No no. You don’t understand. There are only three ages for women in Hollywood; “Babe”, “District Attorney”, and “Driving Ms. Daisy.” And right now, I want to be young. Science-fiction young.
Brenda on Elise’s Plastic Surgery
“Honey she’s quilt”
Doctor Packman on Elise’s lips
If I give you one more face lift you’re going to be able to blink your lips!
Brenda on Elise’s drinking?
Let’s examine the evidence… (empties out a huge amount of empty bottles of booze)
“I had guest”
“Who? Gun N’ Roses?”
Brenda on Elise’s drinking
Elise: I drink because I am a sensitive and highly strung person.
Brenda: No, that’s why your co-stars drink.
Elise on being an actor
You think that because I’m a movie star I don’t have feelings. Well you’re wrong. I’m an actress. I’ve got all of them!
Sometimes it wasn’t even the quotes that were iconic…
It was the looks…
There was even a Trump moment… who reminded us not to get mad…
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Rami said, “When you’re able to open your eyes and see a different person staring back at you in the mirror, it’s a very affirming moment”.
The film, directed by Bryan Singer about the life and times of Freddie Mercury and the iconic rock band Queen.
Bohemian Rhapsody will be out (out Dec. 25, 2018) and chronicles Queen from 1970, when Mercury teamed with Brian May and Roger Taylor, until the band’s performance at Live Aid in 1985. The film ends six years before the singer died of complications from AIDS.
Malek admitted that he’s currently recording, in London’s Abbey Road studios, some of Freddie’s epic songs – but the film makers are planning to use original recordings and re-recorded works.
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.
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