THEGAYUK

Category: Entertainment

  • Is Star Wars about to get its first gay character?

    Something just moved in the force…

    A tweet sent by Oscar Isaac is melting twitter.

    In a tweet that loops in an old Tweet from the late Carrie Fisher, which just simply says, “gay” Oscar replied “yes” and posted a film still of him and John Boyega together.  The pair plays the characters Resistance pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and Stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega).

    https://twitter.com/realOscarIsaac/status/875323822261624832

    Earlier this year the head of LucasFilm, Kathleen Kennedy, confirmed that there had been discussions about the introduction of a same-sex couple in the Star Wars’ franchise.

    Kathleen Kennedy said in an interview with eCartelera,

    “We’ve talked about it, but I think you’re not going to see it in [upcoming film] The Last Jedi.”

    “After 40 years of adventures people have a lot of information and a lot of theories about the way these stories can take, and sometimes those theories that come up are new ideas for us to listen to, read and pay attention to.

    “[It’s] clear that the fans are as much masters of this franchise as we are.”

    So there you have it. Gays in space… Who have thunk it.

     

  • WATCH | Matt Bomer as a transgender sex worker clip released

    Yet another film of a transgender person, without its star being transgender…

    A clip of Matt Bomer’s new film, Anything has hit YouTube. The film has already received criticism, even before its release for having a cis male actor play the part of a transgender person.

    The film is about a transgender woman falling in love with a straight man. Mark Ruffalo is an executive producer on the film. Defending the decision to cast a cis-male in the role of Freda, Mark said that he had a “profound experience” working with Matt in The Normal Heart.

    Watch the clip below… add your thoughts in the comments…

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Miss Meena And The Masala Queens – West Yorkshire Playhouse

    ★★★| Miss Meena And The Masala Queens – West Yorkshire Playhouse

    Miss Meena’s drag club is on the brink of closing; and like Miss Meena herself, it is tired, run down and needing a boost. But two strangers are about to enter Miss Meena’s life, both of whom have very different consequences for her. With people that she can trust, and people she can’t, close by, Miss Meena must decide whether or not the show will go on.

    CREDIT: David Fisher

    Tackling the difficult subject of sexuality and drag in the British Asian community, Miss Meena is a socially relevant piece of theatre and one which serves both the purposes of being entertaining, but also telling the seldom heard stories of the British Asian drag community. The story is in many ways very familiar, and there are a number of elements which make the narrative and the characters feel a little like a British Asian combination of the Priscilla and Burlesque movies.

    From the small cast, Raj Ghatak stands out, with a heartfelt performance as the titular character; and there is some decent support from Jamie Zubairi as Munni; whist Nicholas Prasad fills out the sling backs nicely as Shaan.

    But it is the writing that really shines through, and whilst the story is a narrative which is familiar, it is the detail within the characters and the universal themes of conflict for the gay community which shine through. Most of the characters struggle with their sexuality or their identity in some way, and each of them tackle their internal struggle differently. There is a real theme of family running through the show, from the perspective of both family in the traditional sense, but also the family made up of those we chose to surround ourselves with. There is also a relevant and valid social comment about the LGBT community having a safe space to go to; and the purpose of that space; whether it is to express themselves, away from a repressive family environment, or whether it is somewhere to be supported by those who understand the impact of such repression.

    That said, and despite the themes, the show remains uplifting, comedic and fun, with some great Bollywood lip-synch numbers which serve the purpose of being musical interludes rather than narrative progression, some physical comedy, a few snappy one-liners and a genuine warmth that resonates from the stage. By the time the show concludes in a cascade of glam, sparkle, saris and a bhangra version of a gay anthem, the characters really do feel like old friends.

    Miss Meena and the Masala Queens is a relevant, entertaining and socially progressive piece of theatre.

    Miss Meena and the Masala Queens is currently playing at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds until Saturday 17th June 2017. Visit www.wyp.org for details. You can read our interview with Pravesh Kumar, the director, here

     

  • FILM REVIEW | Norman

    ★★★★ | Norman

    Richard Gere is excellent as always as a man who is desperate to do a deal but can’t seem to get a break in the new film Norman.

    Gere is Norman Oppenheimer, a New York hustler who appears to be living a life of lies – he doesn’t appear to have a place to live, he spends most of his time at a church that could possibly be a homeless shelter and talks about a daughter who may or may not exist. But he sees his fortunes possibly change upon a chance encounter with an up and coming politician. Then One day, after attending a conference, he sees Israeli politician Eshel (Lior Ashkenazi), Norman ingratiates himself with him by buying him an expensive pair of shoes, shoes that Norman probably can’t afford to pay for, but he does (though luckily for him Eshel refuses to get a suit as well). Three years later, as Norman still struggles to get one of his deals done, Eshel becomes the Israeli Prime Minister, so Norman realises that this could be his big chance to get into the big leagues. But what turns out to be a friendly relationship between Norman and the Prime Minister turns into nothing as Eshel sees Norman’s desperate attempts to be close to him a liability, which leaves Norman basically back to where he began – a fixer with nothing to fix.

    Gere does a nice turn as the ageing New York Norman who never quite seemed to have been much of a success in life. He plays Norman with such believability, desperateness, and a bit of wit that it’s hard not to fall for him a bit. The film’s subtitle – The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer – pretty sums up this film – but it’s Gere, who was excellent as a homeless man in 2014’s Time Out of Mind – who shines and makes this film worth a watch. And he’s as handsome as ever.

    Norman is now out in UK cinemas.

  • Hey guys… Geri H is BACK!

    Geri (formerly Halliwell, now Horner) is back with a new single, her first in 12 years.

    Geri Horner (née Halliwell) is back with a brand new single, ‘Angels in Chains’, which she wrote in loving memory of her late friend George Michael who sadly passed away in December last year.  Having signed an exclusive agreement with East West Records UK (Warner), the single will be released worldwide on Friday 23 June, two days before George’s 54th birthday. Geri is donating her profits from the sale of this single to one of George Michael’s favourite charities: Child Line.

    ‘Angels in Chains’ is produced by Chris Porter, who has worked with George Michael for over 30 years (from Wham through to ‘Jesus to a Child’), and also with Elton John and David Bowie. The single also features the wonderful contribution of George’s ‘music family’ who has performed alongside the music legend for many years: Chris Cameron (George Michael’s music director), guitarist Phil Palmer (who has played with George for 30 years), Shirley Lewis (backing singer, who has worked with George throughout his solo career), Lucy Jules and Jay Henry (who have performed with George since 25 Live).

    The heartfelt ballad, written by Geri, is coloured with lyrical references to George’s most cherished songs, which will not go unnoticed by his biggest fans. Sonically, ‘Angels in Chains’ shows a more vulnerable and soulful side to Geri’s pop songwriting repertoire, carrying a beautiful, healing message for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.

    Geri said,

    “When I first heard the sad news of his passing, I was nine-months pregnant with my son Monty and I was full of emotions. I didn’t know quite what to do with my feelings so I put it in a song, which became ‘Angels in Chains’. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work on this record with Chris Porter and the same team George had hand picked for his own projects.

    “I am first and foremost a George Michael fan, so to be in the same studio with these amazingly gifted artists who have put their stamp of so many of my favourite records was a real privilege for me.

    “In the process, I found how healing making this record had been not only for me but also for everyone involved. This is our way of saying goodbye to our friend and music idol, and I hope George’s fans enjoy this as much as we have making it.”

    Dan Chalmers, President, Rhino, East West, ADA UK said,

    “Geri has written a brilliant and poignant track in memory of her friend George. It’s great to be working with her on new music and I look forward to fans’ reaction to ‘Angels in Chains’.”

    ‘Angels in Chains’ is Geri’s first global music release in 12 years. Geri has to date sold over 85 million records worldwide with the Spice Girls and notched up 11 UK #1 hits (four of which were her own solo singles: ‘Mi Chico Latino’, ‘Lift Me Up’, ‘Bag It Up’ and ‘It’s Raining Men’). Geri has released three solo albums to date – Schizophonic (1999), Scream If You Wanna Go Faster (2001), and Passion (2005) – that have collectively sold over four million copies worldwide.

     

  • Farewell so schlong… BBUK’s Arthur leaves the Big Brother house

    There’s been a shock departure at the Big Brother house…

    Big Brother producers have revealed that Arthur has left the house and will not be returning. According to sources, he left the house after he said he felt bullied by fellow housemate Kayleigh.

    See the housemates react on Big Brother tomorrow night at 10 pm, Channel 5.

     

  • FILM REVIEW | Baywatch, The Movie

    BAYWATCH – The ultimate Millenial Movie. The early 90’s TV phenomenon & biggest show in the World gets a big screen star-studded outing in a pretty rude, very sunny action adventure, fun fest – bring your own suntan lotion.

    Nutshell – Dwayne The Rock Johnson is the superstar lifeguard who has to put up with a cocky new recruit fallen Olympic swimming medalist whilst trying to solve a drug ring threatening to take over his beach. There is lots of male and female flesh on show, plenty of action beats, adult humour and stonking music plus appearances from all the TV show stars. It’s great time wasting fun no more no less.

    Running Time – 116 minutes; Certificate – 15.

    Tagline – ‘Don’t Worry Summer Is Coming’… fans will get it.

    THEGAYUK Factor – REALLY – we mean REALLY???, two of the hottest men on planet earth topless for two hours and backed up by some of the hottest studs in minor roles. The highlight should be a very sweaty Abs and muscle packed strength competition between Dwayne and Zac but actually, we had more trouble getting by Zac’s gorgeous blue eyes – oh they are so deep and blue!

    Cast – Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Zac Efron, Bollywood megastar Priyanka Chopra with added David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson of course.

    Key Player – This is The Rocks movie and although it is only partly successful it would really flounder without him. As always he can handle the comedy, action and acting with equal ease and boy is he easy on the eye for those into muscle and wait until you see the huge bulge in his trunks here !!!!

    Budget – $69 Million. It opened disappointedly on $18m but then jumped to $43m – It will clearly make a nice profit but maybe not the cash bonanza hoped for like the similar 21 Jump Street series.

    Best Bit – 0.35 mins; After the muscle-bound face off referred to above we instantly get a quad bike beach chase which is pretty thrilling with a great 360 degree shot it makes you think this movie will be superb….it’s not.

    Worst Bit – 0.42 mins; Anytime when the baddie on screen is a low point – she is about as threatening as Jeremy Corbyn with a nuclear button – we need less of her and more of The Rock.

    Little Secret – The Rock is the tenth professional wrestler to act in Baywatch as the TV series included the likes of Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels and Randy Savage. Pamela Anderson really did not want to appear in the film and only agreed to a non-speaking part. All the abusive boy band names Johnson’s character calls Efron’s throughout were given to him by Zac himself including calling him ‘High School Musical’ the film that made Efron famous.

    Further Viewing – Baywatch TV series all 220 episodes between 1989 – 2001, 21 and 22 Jump Street, Snatched, Dragnet, Dukes Of Hazzard, Starsky & Hutch and CHIPS but the last one at your own risk.

    Any Good – The ultimate OK movie – nothing wrong with it but nothing spectacular either, one thing is for certain this should have been better. The characterisation is great and you root for the whole life-saving team so credits for the casting, but why is the baddie so camp like a Joan Collins, Dynasty pastiche. You wont want your money back but you wont be talking about it later either. Disappointing

    Rating – 46% out of 100.

  • Ryan Murphy is bringing Bette and Joan to BBC 2

    Ryan Murphy is bringing the iconic Bette Davis and Joan Crawford to the small screen.

    BBC Two has acquired Feud: Bette and Joan, Ryan Murphy’s eight-part series about the legendary rivalry between Hollywood icons Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The series was acquired from 20th Century Fox Television Distribution and will air on BBC Two later in 2017.

    Starring Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford and Susan Sarandon as Bette Davis, Feud: Bette and Joan‘s stellar cast also features Catherine Zeta-Jones as Olivia de Havilland and Kathy Bates as Joan Blondell. The four Academy Award winners are joined by Judy Davis as Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, Alfred Molina as director and producer Robert Aldrich, Stanley Tucci as Warner Bros. studio head Jack L. Warner, Jackie Hoffman as Mamacita, Crawford’s housekeeper, and Alison Wright as Pauline, Aldrich’s assistant. The series also stars Dominic Burgess as Crawford and Davis’ co-star Victor Buono, Sarah Paulson as Geraldine Page, and Kiernan Shipka as Bette Davis’ daughter, B.D.

    Beginning with Davis and Crawford’s collaboration on What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? and continuing long after the cameras stopped rolling, Feud: Bette and Joan explores with great style and wit how the two stars endured ageism, sexism and misogyny while struggling to hang on to success and fame in the twilight of their careers.

    Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, says,

    “Drama on BBC Two has to stand out for its authorship, unique vision and exceptional craft so I am delighted that Ryan Murphy’s brilliantly realised series Feud: Bette and Joan is coming to the channel. It features some wonderful performances, a flawless recreation of period and a delicious unravelling of a personal drama that had a massive impact on modern cinema. Feud is a real treat.”

    Sue Deeks, BBC Head of Programme Acquisition, says,

    “BBC Two viewers will relish this critically-acclaimed portrayal of Old Hollywood and a famously combustible yet poignant relationship – it is a zesty cocktail of glamour, wit and grit.”

    David Smyth, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution (TCFTVD) said,

    “Feud: Bette and Joan is a whip-smart series with fantastic performances by two of today’s greatest performers, which we’re sure will captivate and delight audiences. BBC Two is the perfect home for our next series from creator Ryan Murphy, whose The People vs O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, just won the BAFTA after airing last year on BBC Two.”

    Ryan Murphy serves as Executive Producer along with Executive Producers Tim Minear, Alexis Martin Woodall and Dede Gardner of Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment. The series is produced by Fox 21 Television Studios and distributed by 20th Century Fox Television Distribution.

  • THEATRE NEWS | Comedy, The Ruby Slippers, makes London debut

    The sell-out comedy The Ruby Slippers is making its London debut!

    The Ruby Slippers comes to London

    It enjoyed standing ovations and rave reviews during its sell-out premiere run in the North West last year. And now The Ruby Slippers is on its way to London for a date at the hottest new theatre in the West End.

    The comedy-drama about love, friendship and identity will get its debut at the award-winning Arts Theatre West End on Sun 2 July. Slap on some lipstick put on those high heels and get ready for a riotous rollercoaster of emotions at one of the two performances on the day, taking place at 4 pm and 7.30pm.

    Raz is on top of the world. He’s the owner of his own paradise drag club in Blackpool, The Ruby Slippers, and has met Ryan, the man of his dreams.

    However, all is not as it seems. Business is poor, while a rival club, Nine Inches, has opened which threatens to not only steal Raz’s customers but also his star acts, Drag Queens Phoenix and Destiny.

    And then there is the secret Ryan hides that will change everything.

    Are his business and relationship doomed? Or will the power of love win the day?

    The comedy drama, created by Break A Leg Productions in association with Bill Elms (Epstein – The Man Who Made The Beatles, Twopence to Cross the Mersey), comes from the pen of writers Emma Culshaw and David Paul and is directed by Craig Ryder.

    The talented cast also includes James Rogerson as Raz, Jamie Paul as Ryan, Debra Redcliffe (Helen), Emma Vaudrey (Laura), Owen Farrow (Destiny) and Jordan Simms (Phoenix).

    Writers Emma Culshaw and David Paul said,

    “The play tackles transgender issues and we hope audiences enjoy what we set out to achieve, creating a play full of compassion, humour and outrageous one-liners but with a strong underlying message.”

    Co-producer Bill Elms added,

    “The Ruby Slippers has a great script, great comedy and most of all a great storyline.”

    “I’ve been delighted to watch its growth, and now it’s getting the London debut it deserves – and in one of the most exciting new spaces in the West End too. London audiences are in for a treat.”

    You can win tickets to see the show… enter below

    Competition Terms & Conditions

    1. Prize includes: 2x Tickets for The Ruby Slippers at the Arts Theatre, London on the 2nd July. You can choose either the 4pm or 7:30pm performance.
    2. You have until the 26th June 2017 12.01PM to enter.
    3. Entries made after this time will not be counted.
    4. Offer is not-transferrable and no cash equivalent will be given.
    5. Entry is free of charge.
    6. Winner will be notified by email from TheGayUK by the 27th June 2017.
    7. Winner will have two days to claim their prize. Afterwards a new winner shall be drawn and previous claims will be forfeit.
    8. Winners must be over the age of 18 years.

  • FILM REVIEW | Berlin Syndrome

    ★★★★ | Berlin Syndrome

    A young Australian woman visiting Berlin meets who she thinks is a perfect man but then he turns out to be too good to be true.

    In the new movie Berlin Syndrome, Is it a game or is it a nightmare? When Clare (Teresa Palmer) meets Andi (Max Riernelt) by chance on a Berlin street, she can’t resist his charms and good looks. She was planning on going to Dresden the next day but instead, she changes her plans to go out on a date with him. The date turns into a one-night stand, at Andi’s flat, in an isolated building in the middle of nowhere that’s typically Berlin. The next day, as Andi goes to his teaching job, Clare wakes up and realises she can’t get out of his flat as the front door and the windows are locked. She’s not too concerned about it because she assumes that Andi just forgot to leave her the key. He comes home from work and they spend the night in Andi’s flat having a romantic dinner, and Clare can’t resist spending another night there. When Andi does leave the key for her the next morning, Clare attempts to open the front door are futile – it’s actually locked from the outside. It’s at this point that Clare starts to panic. She breaks one of the living room windows only to discover it’s double glazed and can’t break the second window. And it’s only a matter of time until Andi comes home from work that their relationship takes a turn from a romantic one to a one fraught with panic, danger and suspense for Clare as she does not know what’s going to happen next. Minutes turn into hours which turn into days and Clare is fraught with more terror as she does not know what Andi has in store for her.

    Berlin Syndrome is almost two hours long, but it’s a film that will make your heart beat a bit faster, and will keep you holding your breath – it’s that suspenseful. Director Cate Shortland has given us a woman’s survival story, that, while the finale is a bit predictable and silly, starts out pure and innocent but then turns into a nightmare. It’ll make you have second thoughts the next time a guy invites you back to his place.

    Berlin Syndrome is now playing.

  • Apparently BB’s Arthur has a huge D*CK

    It’s all the girls can talk about after Arthur took a very long shower, completely naked in front of them

    Arthur gets naked in Big Brother

    Arthur has given the girls of the Big Brother house a show after taking a very long shower in the house’s very exposed shower unit. Between them, Ellie, Rebecca and Kayleigh could help but discuss Arthur’s schlong and remarked that they wouldn’t be having a sausage sandwich after the show.

    Take a look at the picture below and the vid from the scene!

    Arthur gets naked in Big Brother