THEGAYUK

Category: Review

  • TECH REVIEW | Kobo Arc 10HD

    When offered the chance to give the Kobo Arc 10HD a trail run, I couldn’t wait to compare it and its functionality against the recent review of the Kobo Aura eReader I recently did. This unit is vastly different to the Aura, not better as it would be like comparing chalk and cheese.

    The Arc is an eReader, but goes further and is a serious iPad competitor. It allows you the usual e-reader experience, offering a vast library of books and magazines but also moves into games, movies and net access to make this a more rounded experience and a more popular option.

    The design is sleek, and doesn’t really stray from the usual black and glass. It isn’t radical, but to be honest, I think most manufacturers are leaving that end of the market to Apple and are concentrating more on price-points. This unit being no different, coming in at under £300, and offering a similar experience to the iPad.

    The operating system is smooth, with the capacitive touchscreen running as quickly as anything Apple produces. It is as intuitive as other models, with icons and buttons being simple, clean and clear. It comes with a selection of pre-loaded apps which includes Facebook, Twitter, Skype and OfficeSuite, making this one workhorse of a tablet. It supports all major file types, allowing you to work across formats – when out and about you can now access your Office files from emails, alter and share.

    My only issue with it is that it isn’t Apple – that’s how highly I rate this item. I am an Apple fan, and it would take something major to make me buy another brand, but this comes close! Similar to the fact that the Aura made me a fan of eReaders, this tablet could prise me away from Apple. It has everything you need in a tablet, it is a portable computer, offers thousands of books at your finger tips, prefect web browsing, easy set-up and access to over 1million apps from Google.

    The item has a clear 10” HD display, 16GB storage and weighs a little over 600grams. It has the usual sockets, micro USB and micro HDMI out, allowing you to link this little beauty with other pieces of kit. It also has a front facing 1.3 megapixel HD camera, allowing you to snap and share your memories.

    The Positive

    ▪ Ease of use and set-up
    ▪ HD display, clean and clear
    ▪ An office on the go

    The Negative
    ▪ The brand – needs time to establish itself more

    Price: The Kobo Arc 10HD comes in at £299.99 RRP, and is readily available from:
    http://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/kobo-arc-10hd-black-16-gb-tablet/product/36787517

    For me, this tablet is worth its cost. Some may hold out for a cheaper model, however – you do get what you pay for. This item doesn’t feel cheap, you can see where the money has been spent. It runs smoothly, its simple to use and add to, the apps that come with it are enough to get you going with plenty more available to suit your needs. If you are looking for something as a alternative to Apple, then loo no further.

    Our Rating: ★★★★

    Specifications:

    • 10” HD LCD display
    • 2560 x 1600 screen resolution
    • NVIDIA Tegra 4 T4OS, 1.8 GHz quad core processor
    • 2 GB DDR3L RAM
    • 253 x 172 x 9.9 mm dimensions
    • 627g weight
    • 16 GB storage
    • Micro USB, Micro HDMI out and 3.5 mm headphone jack ports
    • Front facing 1.3 MP (720p) HD camera
    • Dual stereo speakers, microphone for audio
    • dual band wifi and bluetooth connectivity
    • battery life of up to 9.5 hours of continuous reading
    • Andriod 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system
    • Google Play access
    • File support for ePub, JPG, PNG, GIF, mp4, flac and many more

  • REVIEW: Skinbreeze Microdermabrasion with LED Light and O2 Infusion

    I settled back into the chair of the relaxing treatment room at Hari’s in central London, ready to let world renowned Debbie Thomas do her best.

    It’s true, I’m not looking any younger and what with the winter weather, the parties and a hectic work schedule, I was ready for anything to change the aging that was creeping up on me and my face with a ferocious pace.

    I had been told about Skinbreeze’s new No Tox facial treatment and I was sceptical about how the results would turn out. The bumpf promises ‘amazing anti-ageing results without the use of neurotoxin injectables’, which sounds just about perfect.

    Skinbreeze has been launched as an organic and natural solution for those looking for some anti-ageing goodness and it does this by means of a cutting-edge new skin-resurfacing system, LED light therapy, a high pressure 02 infusion and a rejuvenating serum – containing neuropeptides.

    The treatment takes around an hour – and your face feels completely relaxed by the time you’re through, Debbie has the hands of a facial goddess. If you’ve had Dermabrasion treatments before, this procedure feels much kinder and much less harsh. The skin feels massaged and thoroughly cleansed.

    But what you want to hear about is the results – you can read about the treatment below, but what we’re after is the results – am I right?

    Well for the first day or so, I was disappointed with my reflection in the mirror, I felt I still looked tired and puffy, so slightly huffy so I chalked up the treatment as ‘feels lovely – achieves nothing’, but on the second day around about 36-48 hours after the treatment – the compliments came pouring in. I mean that honestly. Even my mother questioned what I had done – and told me to keep doing it as it, vicariously made her younger.

    I was incredibly happy with the results and even up to four weeks later, keeping in mind the change of the weather and party season, people are still asking if I’ve ‘been freshed up’. Of course Skinbreeze is our little secret, so shhhh, keep this one under wraps otherwise everyone will look years younger again.

    To book treatment with Debbie call: 020 7581 5211, or email info@debbiethomas.co.uk

    For more info about Skinbreeze call: 0845 208 0220

    Step 1 – Orbital Dermabrasion and LED Light Therapy

    First part of the treatment is a gentle orbital dermabrasion system. It uses replaceable tips coated with silicon carbide in three levels of coarseness to massage and gently exfoliate the surface of the skin. Unlike most other dermabrasion systems Skinbreeze doesn’t use harsh crystals, which can painfully “sandblast” the skin’s surface.The dermabrasion tips can be set to rotate on an elliptical axis at 20 different speeds to remove imperfections and impurities. Simultaneous mechanical vibrations massage the skin, making the procedure a more comfortable experience. In addition blue and red light therapy is used simultaneously to stimulate and plump the new tissue underneath.

     

    Step 2 – 0xygen Infusion

    A powerful high pressure O2 infusion delivers the Skinbreeze serum to the skin to visibly plump out lines and increase firmness.The 02 infusion propels the active Skinbreeze serums deep into the lower layers of the dermis substantially increasing the volume of the skin, plumping and smoothing lines and wrinkles providing a painless and needle-free alternative to dermal fillers.An air-powered spray gun is then used to deliver an even application of active serum ingredients in a fine mist across the treatment area to hydrate and gently refresh and calm sensitive and sun-damaged skin.

     

    Step 3 – Hydro Mask

    The treatment is then finished with a Skinbreeze Hydro Mask that is left on the face for 20 minutes. The orbital ebrasor then massages the face over the mask in a circular motion, moving outwards towards the lymph nodes to drain any puffiness in the face.

     

    Skinbreeze Serums

    The Skinbreeze skincare product serums boast a unique scientific formula. The key active ingredients are neuropeptides (which inhibit muscle contractions thus reducing wrinkles and lines), and hyaluronic acid, which provides amazing levels of hydration. There are two key anti-ageing serums – Rejuvenation (general anti-ageing), Wrinkle Filler (combats fine lines and wrinkles). The Skinbreeze range also includes a transparent gel Hydro Mask, Blemish Fix, and Stretch Mark Cream.

  • CAR REVIEW | Ford Fiesta 2013 Econetic

    Ford has created an amazing car in its updated 2013 Fiesta range.

    The car which was first unleashed upon the world in 1976 has gone through a number of guises from essentially a cheap run-around, to mum’s best friend, a first timer’s to boy racer – The new Fiesta gives a nod to all of its predecessor and adds something new to the list – maturity. The new Fiesta is the baby car that grew up. It’s an extraordinary car, with tonnes of hidden extras that will leave you smiling.

    Since the launch of the Fiesta, Ford has sold over 15 million of the little car, but you won’t find much to link the original to the latest mach. Gone are the cheap looking fittings, the uncomfortable seat fabrics and the vastly unpowered engines and hideous pea green or insipid browns finishes. That’s all been replaced by sleek lines, fresh modern colours and a cabin that is as exciting as it is relaxing.

     

    The Drive

    The Fiesta delivers incredible power and economy for its class, we tested a Titanium Econetic 5 door 1.6 TDCi 95 PS in Copper Pulse – and we found it surprisingly zippy and at home in London traffic or on the motorway.

    The ride was smooth, agile and solid and the car almost wants you to chuck it around corners, with it’s crisp and clean steering. The ESP systems ensure that you won’t over or under steer – and keeps all four tyres safely in contact with the road, even in slippier environments.

    Ford has hidden a few neat tricks up the Fiesta’s sleeve – like the hill start assist, which ensures that you don’t roll back while waiting at the lights.

    On the version we tested the car also has a camera at the back, which turns on automatically when you select the reverse gear. A clever guidance graphic helps you park perfectly, every time

    The built in SatNav can calculate your route’s destination in 3 different types of journey: fast, most direct and eco. And some of our favourite features include: the easy to select Cruise Control, the auto engine stop, which helps the eco credentials as it switches off the engine at traffic lights and the Active City Stop – which makes sure you won’t bump into the car in front.

    My only complaint would be that at lower speeds, in the car we tested, you require a number of gear changes and you find that you’ll have to rev quite a bit to get the power you really want when coming out of country road corners, it really doesn’t enjoy sitting in 3rd or even 2nd where other cars might be quite happy – but this is a minor quibble as you remind yourself you’re driving a diesel.

    The Fitout.

    We have to say that we wholly approve of Ford’s attention to detail – the cabin feels huge up front- complete with LED mood lighting, this car feels a million miles away from a first timer’s car. It’s seductive lines and textures actually beg for tactility. The seats feel solid and allow you to maintain a good posture, ensuring that even after a long haul in the 2013 Fiesta you step out feeling alive.

     

    We loved the in car entertainment – especially on the version we tried out – which included Ford’s revolutionary SYNC system, which can play your phone’s music list, read texts, place phone calls and in an crisis situation can even call the emergency services – all via Bluetooth connection.

     

    The Fiesta comes in a 3 door and 5 door version, with plenty of room – although the longer legged of us, might struggle in the back – and the boot space is impressive, but not quite big enough for an all out camping trip to North Wales Pride.

     

    The positive

    Looks great in its class of car

    Safety features

    In car entertainment and extras

    Great responsive steering and suspension

     

    The Negative

    Legroom for back seats

    1.0 Eco Boost Diesel needs constant gear changes at lower speeds

    Pricier than other models in its class

     

    Conclusion

    All in all Ford’s updated Fiesta is a car we’ve fallen in love with. The small car that’s grown up.

     

    Options

    Petrol engine options – 1.25-litre (59bhp, 81bhp); 1.0-litre (79bhp, 99bhp, 123bhp); 1.6-litre (104bhp, automatic gearbox only). Diesel engine options – 1.5-litre (74bhp); 1.6-litre (94bhp).

    Transmission options: five-speed manual gearbox, or six-speed automated manual (1.6-litre 104bhp petrol only). Trim levels: Studio, Style, Zetec, Zetec S, Titanium, Titanium X, plus Econetic sub-models at Style, Zetec and Titanium level.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Blink, Soho Theatre

    ★★★★ | Blink, Soho Theatre

    Blink is the tale of Jonah and Sophie. It’s a love story, a very dysfunctional love story, but a love story all the same.

    The show was a sell-out hit at Soho Theatre and in Edinburgh in 2012 and sees a welcome return to this charming theatre on Dean Street.

    Harry McEntire and Rosie Wyatt give astounding performances as the two characters, both talking in short monologues, telling the audience the story of their unconventional romance. I won’t give any of the plot away but there are moments of gentle pathos mixed with quirky humour and dark reflections of modern life. The story is propelled forward by the intriguing storyline, which whilst bordering on the absurd, is made entirely real and believable by a fast paced and beautifully written script and strong line delivery from the two actors. The set is clever too, making use of a minimum of items to portray as variety of settings.

    Writer, Phil Porter, describes the piece as “A big, silly, serious, semi-ridiculous play.” He’s definitely mixed these elements well and this is a show well worth seeing

     

    Blink runs until 11/01/14 at The Soho Theatre

     

    Book tickets here: http://www.sohotheatre.com/whats-on/blink

     

  • FILM REVIEW | House Of Boys

    ★★★★ | House Of Boys

    The blurb and the cover on this DVD doesn’t do it justice. It gives the impression of some sleazy b-movie, lots of gyrating hips, few (if any) articles of clothing and even less of a plot line. This isn’t true!

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  • THEATRE REVIEW | Ushers The Front Of House Musical, The Hope Theatre

    USHERS is a bright new musical from Kouban Productions with a book by JAMES ROTTGER. Centred around 5 ushers and their overbearing manager, there are enough in-jokes to please anyone who has ever worked front-of-house, but not so many that non-industry folk would be put off.

    It is opening night of a new jukebox musical, ‘Oops! I Did It Again’, based on the songs of Britney Spears and starring Marti Pellow as Kevin Federline and Michael Ball as Britney’s mum. Ben (LIAM ROSS –MILLS), Gary (WILL JENNINGS), Stephen (ROSS MCNEILL) and Rosie (CHLOE BROOKS), four long-standing ushers, are joined by Lucy (ABIGAIL CARTER-SIMPSON), a newcomer to their ranks and their “spend-per-head” obsessed supervisor, Robin (RALPH BOGARD).

    Two very different romantic relationships play out in front of us. Ben and Gary have been together for three years but now face a 12-month separation. By contrast, Lucy and Stephen have only just met and their encounters provide one of the several recurring jokes of the show, with dramatic lighting and intense music highlighting the instant attraction – a clever dig at the intensity and speed of on-stage relationships.

    YIANNIS KOUTSAKOS’ score is visioned and exciting, with catchy numbers and a particularly touching duet between Ben and Gary. Lively and exciting choreography from RUSSELL SMITH and GEMMA FULLER complements the score perfectly.

    The cast are energetic and engaging, and carry their roles with ease. Will Jennings is an excellent Gary, and the duet mentioned earlier shows off his voice beautifully. Chloe Brooks is a very talented comic actor with a classic musical theatre voice.

    Ross McNeill is an exceptionally strong and believable performer, as is Abigail Carter-Simpson. McNeill’s fine voice is showcased perfectly in his solo number, and Carter-Simpson’s has a beautiful quality that left me wanting more. As fairly recent graduates, they are both well worth watching out for in the future.

    Ralph Bogard plays the power-hungry supervisor, Robin, with conviction and he leaves us in no doubt that he can belt out, and hold, a tune. Unfortunately, his character has the one part of the production which really doesn’t work – his training sessions add little to the story, and the word definitions which follow are rather demeaning to an intelligent audience. Although tiresome, these interruptions are blissfully short, and we soon return to a plot which stands perfectly well without them.

    However, the stand-out performance of the night, for me, came from Liam Ross-Mills. His vocals had a slightly dodgy start on the evening I attended, but he soon found his voice and lifted it to something quite delightful. He performs with an intense vulnerability, stealing the show – difficult task amongst such a talented cast.

    Ushers is the first production in the brand-new Hope Theatre, a 50-seat performance space above the Hope and Anchor pub in Islington. Exclusively committed to showcasing new writing, the Hope Theatre opens with an Equity agreement already in place to ensure all performers and stage managers are paid an approved rate, something that disturbingly few small-scale fringe theatres have.

    Ushers is a great show performed exceptionally well with a lively and entertaining score, and should be a must-see for any musical theatre worker or fan this month.

    Ushers: the Front of House Musical plays at the Hope Theatre until 30 December. Tickets £15 from www.thehopetheatre.com

  • ALBUM REVIEW | Christmas, With Love – Leona Lewis

    ★★★★ | Christmas, With Love,
    Christmas, With Love, Album Review: The Voice Returns For Christmas.

    I’ll admit, I love a bit of Leona; I remember watching X Factor in 2006 as she took the X Factor crown and embarked on a journey to becoming the most successful artist to survive Simon Cowell’s talent competition.

    Sadly, that being said, I’ve found her albums to have gotten progressively unsuited to her vocal style and ultimately unlistenable, if truth be told I didn’t even buy Glassheart, and judging on the sales figures neither did her legions of fans. Where are the power ballads? Where are the soaring riffs and runs? Where is Britain’s Mariah – the reason why she ultimately wowed that X Factor audience.

    But Lewis, the voice, returns for the holidays and gives fans something they will truly treasure, her festive offering Christmas, With Love.

    A very traditional-sounding record, which does take a few tracks to get used to, but pays perfect homage to Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound.

    Usually the big reverbs and muddy sounding recordings are reserved for rockier vocals, but these arrangements allow Lewis’s vocal prowess to shine through with her crystal intonations; with a few tracks delivering exceptional and surprising performances – check out Ava Maria, Mr. Right and Your Hallelujah.

    The outcome is an entirely magnificent range of Christmas belters where we are reminded why Lewis became the voice of her generation.

    Bravo Leona! Britain’s Mariah might just reign supreme this Christmas.

  • TRAVEL: British Pullman Winter Day Trips

    TRAVEL: British Pullman Winter Day Trips

    If you’re looking for a special treat this Christmas then why not take a loved one or a special friend on one of the UK’s most opulent days out aboard the British Pullman, sister train to the Venice Simplon- Orient Express.

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  • TV REVIEW | Don’t Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves

    TV REVIEW | Don’t Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves

    ★★★★★  Don’t Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves | A man lies dying alone in a solitary hospital room. Two nurses, wearing protective clothing from head to foot are dressing his sores and wounds.

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  • THEATRE REVIEW | Dick Comes Again

    ★★★ Once again, Leicester Square Theatre has provided an outrageously camp panto that hovers on just the right side of obscenity.

    Dick (Dave Bibby) and his trusty but drunk sidekick, Dave the Cat (Nick Read), agree to help Alice Fitznicely (Laura Hyde) sail the Leaky Vessel up Streaky Crack to find her family jewels and the key to her chas-titty belt. They are aided and hindered along the way by Sofonda Cox (Soho legend, The Very Miss Dusty ‘O’), Queen Runt (Paula Masterton) and Fairy Bell-End (Laura Curnick).

    With a few of last year’s jokes re-used, this production could, perhaps, have benefitted from some more original material, but it’s a small complaint. The old jokes are still relevant and the new ones manage to shock and delight in equal measure – there were a few audible gasps from the middle-aged ladies sat in front of me who shrieked and squealed throughout the evening.

    The innuendos come thick and fast in almost every line of Stuart Saint’s script with moments of genuine hilarity. Plenty of twerking and some superb performances from the very colourful cast further enhance the deliciously filthy pantomime atmosphere.

    The best laughs of the night, for this critic anyway, come from Dave the Cat, a drunk sexed-up version of Puss from Shrek (complete with dodgy Spanish accent). Nick Read performs his role brilliantly and shines through an already bright cast. Laura Hyde’s Alice is another particularly splendid performance, playing the role in the time-honoured over-the-top panto manner.

    Golden showers, S&M, Asian ladyboys and even a 14” dildo complete the ingredients for this fun Soho night out with plenty of suitably cringe-worthy audience participation.

    DICK! COMES AGAIN: BIGGER, LONGER, HARDER! plays at the Leicester Square Theatre until 19 January.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Shape of Things, Arcola Theatre London

    ★★★★★ | The Shape of Things, Arcola Theatre London

    I’m sure you all know the scenario: you meet a man who you feel needs a few little tweaks just to make him perfect.

    Maybe he needs a new hairstyle or better clothes, maybe a better physique or a more sparkling repartee. Perhaps he needs to lose a few of his less desirable friends. What if this was to become the main feature of your relationship, though? What if changing him was the impetus of your bond? Where do you draw the line?

    This 2001 play from Neil LaBute (In the Company of Men, Your Friends and Neighbours, Fat Pig) is well worth this refreshing revival and is as pertinent today as it was the day it was written. The rapier sharp and pacey dialogue makes for a gripping piece that is both hilariously funny and chilling in equal measures. The cast of four are particularly strong with outstanding performances that draw you in to the narrative and the cunning use of an initially minimalist set underlines the play’s themes. The intimate space of the Arcola Theatre lends itself well to this intense and witty black comedy.

    It’s definitely well worth travelling out to the funky Arcola theatre to catch this modern classic with killer performances from a particularly strong cast.

    The play runs until the 21st of December

    Buy tickets here: http://www.arcolatheatre.com/production/arcola/the-shape-of-things