THEGAYUK

Category: Review

  • FILM REVIEW | Their Finest

    FILM REVIEW | Their Finest

    ★★★ | Their Finest


    A film about London in 1940 during The Blitz is finally being released in theatres – Their Finest – a year and a half after principal photography began and 6 months after it had its European premiere at the London Film Festival in October 2016.

    I’m not entirely sure why it has taken this long for the film to finally make it into the cinemas – it’s not a bad movie, but it’s also not a great movie.

    Their Finest details a motley crew of screenwriters tasked with writing a script for a film that would hopefully lift up Britain’s flagging spirits during WWII as well as inspire America to enter the war. That’s a lot of responsibility for three people to take on, in a film based on the 2009 novel by Lissa Evans. Gemma Arterton’s character Catrin Cole (based on a real woman, Diana Morgan, who wrote for Ealing Studios) actually has no screenwriting experience, but she’s basically just looking for a paycheck to help her artist husband Ellis (Jack Huston) pay the bills. But she gets more than what she bargained for when she’s hired by the British Ministry of Information to assist Tom Buckley (a very good Sam Claflin) on a film script. Winston Churchill tells them that they need to write a story that will inspire the nation, and so they write a propaganda film amidst all that is happening in Europe. But it’s Bill Nighy as the leading man of their film (playing Ambrose Hillard) who steals the movie. He’s wonderful and witty and oh so debonair when he’s on set in the making of the movie within the movie, and he’s wonderful off the set when he’s telling jokes to the rest of the cast and crew, and tender and fatherly when he is giving advice to Catrin. But all is not ok in her life, she catches her husband cheating on her on one of her few visits she makes to their home, and her and Buckley realize they have more in common with each other than just putting words to paper. Set this all against the backdrop of WWII and what you’ve got is a classic in the making.

    But Their Finest is not quite a classic. Some of the scenes look a bit staged, not very realistic for a film that relies on the portrayal of London during the Bliz. Arterton is fine and lights up the screen with her beautiful face, and Claflin is very handsome as her mentor, but director Lone Scherfing (who directed the wonderful An Education with Carey Mulligan) along with a script by Gaby Chiappe, don’t quite make it 100% believable. Production values are fine, costumes wonderful and the score very dramatic when it needs to be, but it’s Nighy that you will remember – he’s deserving of nominations for this film – but the film itself not so much.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Whisper House, The Other Palace, London

    ★★ | Whisper House
    whisper-house review

    The Whisper House is a 2009 musical with music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik, writer of the multi-award winning rock musical Spring Awakening. Never performed before in the UK, this felt like it could be an exciting possibility for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new venue. The bar has been set high with recent jazz musical The Wild Party and the raucous studio hit This Joint is Jumpin’. Sadly, this ghost story felt more soulless than spooky. It was more of a stifled yawn than a sneaky whisper. In spite of a great cast, clever use of lighting and an evocative set, it’s a musical with a dreary book and songs that seem to merge into one anther.

    In wartime America, pre-pubescent Christopher is sent to his aunt’s eerie old lighthouse following the death of his father and his mother’s subsequent admission to a psychiatric hospital. Aunt Lily is a mournful woman, encumbered by a club foot and haunted by a past event. Oh, there’s also two convenient singing ghosts who waft about the stage making dramatic hand movements around people’s faces and pulling quaint horror film faces. Yes, it’s as bad as it sounds. There’s also a flimsy plot involving a Japanese man who works for her and the xenophobia of the times. There are storms, of course, and water swishing about. It’s a weak storyline and an inadequate framework for the equally dull songs. There’s something strangely hypnotic about the whole thing and not in a good way. I came away unsure how long I’d been in the theatre, whether there was a storyline and without any ability to recall the songs.

    If you’re a die-hard musical theatre fan and love Spring Awakening then you might enjoy this as a rare chance to see a musical that unsurprisingly failed to hit London before. You’ll definitely enjoy the cast and their fine voices. My general advice, though, would be hollered loudly rather than whispered: stay away.

     

    Whisper House plays at The Other Palace until 27th May 2017

  • TV REVIEW | Looking, Season 1

    The search for happiness starts with LOOKING

    (C) HBO

    Rumoured as the gay version of Sex and the City, Looking is not your typical gay drama.

    Usually, gay dramas tend to include either drug-fuelled sex orgies with someone eventually dying of AIDS or ridiculously good looking men just sleeping with each other in unbelievable circumstances and situations.

    However, Looking is none of this; it is refreshingly unique in its portrayal of modern gay culture. Yes, there are good looking men but they are not ridiculously hot. They are typical gay men who live in San Francisco and are trying to figure out what it is to be gay in the 21st century; including the blurring of relationships, ageing in the gay world and the question of monogamy versus polyamory.

    Looking offers an unfiltered look at three friendships in one of America’s most iconic cities. Looking: Season One introduces us to Patrick (Jonathan Groff best known for The Normal Heart and Glee), who is a 29-year old video game designer getting back into the dating world after learning about his ex’s engagement as well as aspiring artist Agustín (Frankie J Alvarez best known for Smash), who questions the idea of monogamy as he transitions into domesticity with his boyfriend and career waiter Dom (Murray Bartlett best known for White Collar), who is the oldest member of the group who, at 39, is soon to be facing middle age with his romantic and professional dreams still unfulfilled. The trio’s stories intertwine and unspool dramatically as they search for happiness and intimacy in an age of unparalleled choices, and rights, for gay men.

    Rounding out the world of Looking: Season One are the UK’s own Russell Tovey (Being Human, The History Boys), starring as Kevin, Patrick’s boss and love interest; Dom’s roommate Doris (Lauren Weedman); Agustín’s boyfriend Frank (O.T. Fagbenle); and Patrick’s co-worker Owen (Andrew Law), as well as the legendary Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap, Star Trek: Enterprise) who stars as Lynn.

    The complicated, funny and romantically charged lives of three friends living in San Francisco takes centre stage in the sexy and lyrical Looking: Season One which comes to Blu-ray and DVD on 12th January 2015 courtesy of HBO Home Entertainment. The whole season and individual episodes are also available to own and watch instantly on Amazon Instant Video, blinkbox, Google Play and iTunes.

    Looking: Season One, created by Michael Lannan (Nurse Jackie, Remember Me) and executive produced by Sarah Condon (Bored to Death) and Andrew Haigh, who wrote and directed the critically-lauded Weekend, is a ground-breaking comedic drama that focuses on the universal themes of falling in love and ultimately finding fulfilment.

    DVD & Blu-ray special features include audio commentary episodes 1 – 8 with Jonathan Groff, Frankie Alvarez, Murray Bartlett, Andrew Haigh, Michael Lannan, Raul Castillo, Ryan Fleck, Russell Tovey, Reed Morano, Jamie Babbit, John Hoffman, Lauren Weedman, Tanya Saracho

    Overall opinion:
    A must see. Regardless of age, this gay drama tells the true story of what it is to be gay in our modern world. Featuring much-loved stars such as Jonathan Groff and Russell Tovey, we promise you that you’ll watch for the eye candy but stay for the story.

    First published Dec 2014

  • FILM REVIEW | 71

    ★★★★★ | 71

    Getting left behind by your Army platoon when you go on a dangerous military mission is not exactly a novel idea in the movies, but this new version with rising star Jack O’Connell, this feature debut from TV director Yann Demange is certainly one of the best.

    Set in Belfast, Northern Ireland at the height of ‘the Troubles’ and just one year before the infamous ‘Bloody Sunday’ massacre in 1972, O’Connell plays orphan Gary Hook who had joined the Army as a route to being independent and self-sufficient. He had expected a cushy first assignment and so like the rest of his platoon is shocked to be suddenly deployed instead to be part of the peacekeeping forces in Ulster.

    The first house raid backing up the police in a hostile Catholic area of Belfast that Hook’s unit takes part in, goes dreadfully wrong and the lieutenant in charge orders a hasty retreat when the large crowd of onlookers start getting very violent. In the mayhem to hot-foot it out of there in one piece, Hook and fellow soldier Thommo are left behind. When the two men are cornered by members of the IRA, Thommo is shot dead at point blank but Hook manages to escape into the darkness.

    Totally lost in the warren of backstreets of a hostile alien city the young soldier tries to find a way back to the barracks but meanwhile he is being hunted not just by his Commanding Officer, but also by a covert British Intelligence Unit who are anxious that he doesn’t stumble into any of their operations, and also by two fractions of the IRA who are fighting amongst themselves in how to resolve the situation once they capture him.

    As Hook makes his way around avoiding flying Molotov cocktails seemingly hurled everywhere in the scary streets full of upturned vehicles set on fire, he is aware of being very much alone. He falls into the hands of a young kid who takes him to the HQ of the UDF the Protestant paramilitaries.

    It’s obvious that come to the final showdown when Hook is finally reached by one or all of the parties out to locate him that there will be more mayhem and shootings in this conflict that never shows the slightest indication that it would ever cease.

    Full marks to cinematographer Tat Redcliffe and production designer Chris Oddy for making the streets of Blackburn (in the North of the UK) standing in for Belfast, look so utterly menacing and full of fear. It’s a very impressive story and is directed with such remarkable style that it earned Demarge a British Independent Film Award for his work.

    It is, however, young Jack O’Connell’s dynamic performance as the scared young soldier immersed in a bloody struggle that he neither understood or could even relate to, that makes this movie so very compelling. His fight was for his own life and to simply ensure that he would survive and be there to support his kid brother still trapped in the Orphanage back home. O’Connell’s talents lie in convincing us with his steadfast bravado and his powerful physical presence, yet somehow at the same time never letting us forget he’s still a big kid at heart. This role follows his outstanding performance in the prison drama ‘Starred Up’ and with his starring role in Angelina Jolie’s ‘Unbroken’ about to be released, this young British actor is clearly destined to be one of THE next batch of Hollywood’s leading men.

    This review was first published in Dec 2014

  • FILM REVIEW | The Theory Of Everything

    ★★★★★ | The Theory Of Everything

    The remarkable life story of the world-renowned physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking who was diagnosed with motor-neurone disease at the age of 21 years and defying medical prognosis of an imminent death went on to publish world-changing theories of relativity and quantum mechanics turns out to be one of the most tender and romantic movies of the year.

    This new biopic from James Marsh (Oscar Winning Director of the documentary Man On The Wire) is based on the second biography written by Stephen Hawkins ex-wife Jane and focuses very much on how she enabled him to lead a full and rich life in spite of his crippling illness. Their story really starts when Hawkins, having won a First Honors Degree at Oxford University, chooses to transfer to Cambridge to do his post-graduate doctorate. Here he meets and immediately falls in love with Jane despite the fact that they seem like total opposites: she is studying poetry and is a devout churchgoer. When Hawkins discovers this last point he dryly remarks that he has a problem ‘with the whole celestial-dictator premise’. Somehow their marked differences seem to actually unify them, partly because one of the Hawkins’s strongest traits is his ability to be open to changing his opinions. None so more apparent when later on in life when he contradicted one of his most important theories and did a complete U-turn and actually proved that he got it wrong the first time around.

    When Hawkins is forced to realise that all his clumsy physical missteps that culminate with him hitting his head during a sidewalk fall are because of the fact that he has this debilitating illness, it’s Jane who has the inner strength to push Hawkins into both marriages and also into not giving up. Despite the fact the Doctors have declared that he will be dead in two years, the couple starts a family whilst Hawkins finally starts his Dissertation.

    Hawkins rapid physical deterioration makes him completely dependent on Jane for even the most basic daily bodily functions. The only parts that seem untouched by this particularly pernicious illness are his brain and his wit, both of which sustain and enable him to be the brilliant and very funny quick-witted man that he is. However, with both her husband needing 24/7 help and two children to bring up too, Jane needs some support and relief. She finds this in her local Church after joining the choir led by a handsome newly widowed man. Jonathan, still bereft after his recent loss, is at a loose end so is happy to help Jane out with some of the tougher tasks keeping her family functioning which inevitably draws the two of them closer. So much so that when she later gives birth to another son, there is talk about who the real father is.

    By the time that Jane hires a nurse to help Stephen after he can no longer speak, their marriage which had finally been strained to near breaking point, now slowly moves to a separation and eventually divorce just as the movie reaches its end. There is one final scene of a graceful reconciliation when Hawkins is invited to Buckingham Palace to receive his Order of Merit from the Queen, which seems a fitting finish.

    Marsh doesn’t discount the vast body of Hawkins’s work in the story but he places it a context that makes it easier to understand for those of us that cannot comprehend the many complexities of ‘A Brief History of Time’ and all his subsequent intellectual theories. He clearly shows the vast importance of Hawkins findings on black holes and the boundaries of the universe with the reactions of the academic world and the acclaim and fame that accompanies all of this.

    By focusing on the highly personal story of this remarkable man who could never have any of his achievements without the unselfish love and devotion of the exceptional woman, he gives us one of the most unique and compelling behind-the-scenes biopics ever. What raises it to be such an awe-inspiring movie, however, is the electrifying impassioned performance of young Eddie Redmayne as Hawkins.The defining trait of how brilliant he is in this role is that he has captured the very essence and soul of this great man as his body stops functioning. Without even realising it, you quickly appreciate that he has gone way beyond just capturing Hawkins’s physical decline in this deeply thoughtful career-defining performance that is nothing short of breath-taking. He is so wonderfully brilliant that the images of him lighting up the screen remain with you for days after. He should start practising his acceptance speech for the many Awards that he will now be showered with.

    Felicity Jones gives a quiet and powerful performance as Jane Hawkins, and there is an impressive list of talented supporting actors like Charlie Cox, David Thewlis, Emily Watson and Simon McBurney.

    The script by writer (and novelist) Antony McCarten is peppered with some perfect moments of real humour and wit and it makes this such an uplifting tale even in the darker moments of the story. Evidently, Jane Hawkin’s first biography was written immediately after the divorce was not quite so full of sweetness and light, so it’s probably a good thing they passed on to the happier, and presumably the truer, version of this story.

    First published in Dec, 2014

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | Riverfront Bar & Kitchen, London

    ★★★★ | Riverfront Bar & Kitchen, London

    Where’s the perfect place to eat breakfast and watch London wake up? It’s the Riverfront Bar and Kitchen tucked away under Waterloo Bridge at the National Film Theatre on the Southbank.

    Whether all you want is a freshly-brewed cup of coffee or a full on breakfast bachannalia, the Riverfront Bar and Kitchen is the place to go. With floor to ceiling windows that face the booksellers under Waterloo Bridge, and with gorgeous views facing north to Covent Garden and the City, you can enjoy hours of people watching while at the same time soaking up the very trendy and casual atmosphere.

    Opening up at the early hour of 9:00 a.m. every day, and 10:00 a.m. on bank holidays, The Riverfront Bar and Kitchen is the perfect place to start your day. I’ve been there for breakfast a couple times – the first time was a bit of a fiasco as everything that could go wrong did – so me and a friend decided to give it another try, and we were very glad we did.

    Greeted by the lovely Jackie – we didn’t waste any time ordering as we knew exactly what we wanted. My breakfast companion ordered a breakfast cocktail – the English Breakfast Martini – tea infused with Sipsmith Gin, Cointreau, lemon juice and tangy orange marmalade – and he really enjoyed it. And at £8.00 he said it was worth the money! As I do not tipple before 5pm, I had a glass of the refreshing tomato juice. But it was actually the food that counted the most.

    I ordered the American (and not because I am American but because it had exactly everything I wanted in a breakfast – pancakes, eggs, bacon, potatoes, sausage and the all important syrup) – and it was enormous! It was, as expected, delicious, but a bit uneven. All the slabs of bacon, but one, were cooked well done as I had requested, and the pancakes were different colors (one was a perfect brown while the other was on the light side – huh? exactly!) Sure I know these are minor quibbles but I like it when my pancakes are cooked evenly. A bargain at only £9.50 considering how much food was on the plate! My friend had Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes – a steal at £6.50 – and they were also enormous. Three very large, all the same color, with grilled banana on top, mixed berries and cream along the edges – and lots of maple syrup. He wasted no time in downing it – I really don’t think he chewed – he said it was that good! I am defninetly getting this next time. They were true American style pancakes – soft and brown and absolutely yummy. We also ordered – to share – the Chorizo Mash (£7.50). Smashed & fried potatoes, eggs, spinach & parmesan cheese, with of course chorizo, it arrived in a grill, very hot, and my friend ate most of it! I did enjoy the small portion I had – the chorizo was perfect and it’s just something different to eat then your everyday breakfast. But there’s more the Riverfront’s breakfast brunch menu, they also offer the Full English (£9.50), Vegetarian (£8.50), Eggs Benedict (£7.50), Scrambled Eggs and toast (£7.50) and Smashed Avocado with egg and tomato on toast (£6.50) are some of the other options which is a very good selection. They will also serve the typical Bloody Mary and Bucks Fizz drinks (£7.50 each) and even offer a kids breakfast (at a bargain £4.00).

    If you can’t make it for breakfast/brunch, the lunch and dinner menu is full on whatever you want you’ll get. There are also daily specials which the friendly staff will tell you about. And in warmer weather, the restaurant has loads of outside tables for you to dine (or drink) the day (and night) away people watching (as well as barge and boat watching). The venue can’t be better situated – it’s just minutes away from Waterloo, and a nice stroll over the Thames on both the Waterloo and Charing Cross Bridges. And of course the restaurant is in the National Film Theatre – and there’s always something going on – either a film festival, older films or new releases, you can combine a meal with a movie along with a stroll on the South Bank to make a day of it. It’s, for me, the best place to be in London, and once you visit – you’ll feel the same way too.

    Tel: 020 7928 0808

    www.benugo.com/restaurants/riverfront-bar-kitchen

    Email: riverfront@benugo.com
    Address: BFI Southbank,
    London, SE18XT

    OPENING HOURS
    Mon-Wed: 9am–11pm
    Thur-Sat: 9am-1am Sun: 9am–10:30pm
    Bank Holidays: 10am–10:30pm

  • DVD Review | Theo & Hugo (Paris 05:59) – sexually charged and romantic

    ★★★★ | Theo & Hugo

    Two men meet at one of Paris’ most popular, and notorious, gay sex clubs, and then embark on an evening with lots of twist and turns, in the new film Theo & Hugo.

    You might think you’re watching a gay porn film as the first 20 minutes of Theo & Hugo is full on man-to-man action – erections and anal sex are all on full display, filmed at L’Impact – a naked gay sex club in the Marais district in Paris. Theo and Hugo, In French, with English subtitles, is shot in real time, and it’s in that club where Theo and Hugo meet, at exactly 4:27 am, amongst the writhing and moaning group of men who are all enjoying each others’ company.

    While there, Theo & Hugo connect sexually, intimately, and emotionally. They then decide to leave the club together to carry on their night with each other. But what wasn’t discussed while they were having unsafe sex at the club was the use of a condom to prevent HIV transmission, as Hugo (Francois Nambot) tells Theo (Geoffrey Couët) that he is HIV+.

    What transpires after is a rollercoaster of a night for both of them, when Theo goes to the hospital to get PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis), medication that should kill any traces of the virus that might be in his system.

    Romantically, and responsibly, Hugo joins him there. They then wander the streets of Paris, on a night that could turn out to be either very romantic or very tragic, with the ramifications of HIV staring them right in the face, and the possibility that their encounter could be more than just an encounter.

    Is Theo & Hugo a porn film or is it a film with an important message? This is something that you will have to decide, but nonetheless, it’s guerrilla and gay filmmaking at its finest. And Kudos go to the actors for ‘baring it all’ in scenes that are relevant to the message of the film, and to writers and directors Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau for bravely, and successfully, having the balls to make this controversial, yet romantic and engaging film. It’s sexually charged and romantic.

    Theo & Hugo (Paris 05:59) is available on iTunes and Amazon and is also available at WolfeVideo.com and Digital and Vimeo

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Thoroughly Modern Millie – Leeds Grand Theatre and National Tour

    ★★★ | Thoroughly Modern Millie – Leeds Grand Theatre and National Tour

    Set in the prohibition era in 1920’s New York, Millie Dillmount arrives from Kansas determined to snag herself a rich husband, but ends up broke after being robbed, and finds her way to the Hotel Priscilla, a run-down establishment owned by Mrs Meers. Millie tries desperately to seduce her rich boss, whilst all the time falling for penniless Jimmy Smith. But when it comes to it, will Millie choose wealth over love, and will she ever work out why the girls in the hotel keep mysteriously disappearing?

    Photo Credit – Darren Bell

    Thoroughly Modern Millie is a traditional, old-school musical in a similar style to those written by Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. Using catchy songs, a will they/won’t they love story and gentile comedy, the show bounces along in a rather enjoyable manner and maintains all of the elements one would expect from such a production. The rather straightforward plot is interspersed with a number of pleasing ensemble dance breaks and littered with toe-tapping songs which progress the narrative. Throw into the mix a rather silly subplot involving disappearing hotel guests and an ending that could only happen in a musical and you have a fun show overall.

    Joanne Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing) throws her all into the title role and surpasses expectations as Millie. The dancing, as you would expect, was spot on, but her voice was an unexpected treat, with only a little overacting letting her down at times. Sam Barrett proved to be quite a charming leading man as Jimmy Smith and the ensemble proved their worth in the dance routines, in particular, Damian Buhagiar who stood out from the crowd with his committed and well-performed dancing.

    Where the show faltered was with an uncomfortably out of date portrayal Mrs Meers, the white slave trader (yes, that’s right!) as a pantomime style Chinese woman, complete with chopsticks in her hair and rather poor Pidgin English which jostles harshly against such an otherwise whimsical plot. The set was slightly uninspired, despite its art deco/Chrysler building influence; and a rather long penultimate scene in which Graham MacDuff’s portrayal of a drunken Mr Graydon and some fake corpsing certainly outstayed their welcome. The show could have also done with a reprise of one of the songs performed by the full cast to round off the evening as the curtain fell.

    Overall, the show is light, bubbly, breezy and undemanding and a generally solid production of a little performed, if slightly dated, musical. Clifton shines in the singing and dancing stakes and the show is ultimately a feel-good, if rather throwaway, piece of theatre.

    Thoroughly Modern Millie is currently at Leeds Grand Theatre (www.leedsgrandtheatre.com) until 22nd April 2017, before continuing on its national tour until the 15th July 2017. Full details can be found at the show’s webpage at http://modernmillie.co.uk/

  • Want To Stop Drinking? This Book Might Help You

    Want To Stop Drinking? This Book Might Help You

    The Book That Changed My Life

    No More Hangovers review
    CREDIT: Allen Carr

    There aren’t many books that lay claim to changing a life, but Allen Carr’s No More Hangovers is one that can claim first prize.

    Now, I’m not an alcoholic, but I did like a drink at wine time, usually at around 6:00 pm, if not GMT then it was always six somewhere in the world – and in amongst the press conferences, the champagne receptions, the tastings and press trips I had been taking in 2014, it occurred to me that I was perhaps drinking just a little too much.

    I knew that I should cut down, my once trim 30-inch waistline was telling me that. But I just didn’t think that I could. It felt as though I lived for the Champs and nibbles at the various dos I’d attend… and also wouldn’t people think me odd, not drinking, especially when the wine and gins would flow so freely?

    I’ve never been a ‘just have one’ type of guy, it’s all or nothing with me – and while that in itself can create crazy stories, which my friends are always happy to remind me of ‘what went down’. It’s not classy, to say the least.

    However, one night, when I was alone and I started to drink by myself and after the first half a bottle of Malibu, or whatever it was I was drinking, a thought popped into my head. What am I doing and why am I doing this? I wasn’t happy and jolly, I wasn’t being the life and soul of any parties and I certainly wasn’t looking, feeling or acting the sexy beast that I know myself to be. Looking into the mirror, I saw how miserable I had actually become.

    It occurred to me, in my slightly tipsy stupor that I wasn’t drinking socially, to be funny, or to fit in. I was drinking as a crutch. A coping mechanism perhaps. I’m not sure, but I definitely wasn’t happy – and I definitely wasn’t enjoying the drinking that I was doing.

    That was nearly three years ago. And not a drop of the poison has touched my lips since reading the book, and I’m not sure it ever will again. Ask any of my friends and they are quite amazed. I’ve had fully inclusive holidays, years of of press events and family functions, where drinking used to be an absolute, and I can, hand on heart say, I’ve not missed the wine, not once.

    I don’t know what the book does, but it changed me and if you’re looking to make a positive change in your life with regards to drinking, No More Hangovers, for me, has achieved full marks.

     

    Buy Allen Carr’s No More Hangovers at Amazon

  • CAR REVIEW | Golf GTE

    ★★★★★ | VW Golf GTE Advance 1.4 TSI 150 PS 6 speed DSG 5 door

    There’s A Kind Of Hush All Over Wolfsberg Tonight…

    Volkswagen has teased us with alternative fuelling since the 70s. Back them they fitted 860kg of batteries to a VW T2 panel van. They also played with a hybrid system consisting of 11 batteries in and around the cabin in a T2 taxi. Thankfully battery technology has evolved and we can now get far more from so little.

    In the early 90s alternative fuel and efficiency became less of the buzz work since the fuel crisis of the 70s and more emphasis was placed on environmental issues. Reluctant as we were to give up our four wheels, people wanted greener cars. The diesel car was sold as the greener alternative to petrol, this was when petrol engines were equipped catalytic converters and diesels still filled the air with heavy clouds of sotted pollutant.

    The Golf went through a phase of being battery powered. There was the CityStromer. It gave about 30 miles to a charge making it as good as a milk float. Remember the 30 miles though. It’s a magic number. However, in 1990 there was work on a diesel hybrid Mk2 Golf. VW was on to something. I remember it well. A white Mk2 with big bumpers and garish yellow, orange and red stripes. And then it all went quiet.

    Fast forward 27 years and the electric buzz is back at Volkswagen. There is a new hybrid Golf and the technology isn’t just staying on the Golf. We’ll have it on a lot of other VW’s.


    THEGAYUK was invited to attend the launch of the updated Golf Mk7 and it was the GTE I was most interested in trying. Having recently become a convert of the hybrid, l wanted to see how Volkswagen had executed the package. More importantly, I wanted to know how they transferred the power to the wheels.

    I am glad to say it is impressive. They use their DSG gearbox. This is an electronically controlled dual-clutch multiple-shaft manual gearbox that either changes like a conventional automatic or you can use manual inputs should you wish. Having tried this gearbox on many VW’s over the years I can say it works well unless the car has been modified. Then it becomes quite snatchy.

    There were no such issues. This thing was magic. What it does do is overshadow Toyota’s efforts and puts them in the dark ages where hybrid technology has evolved to. The main reason is the choice of drivetrain. In other words, this isn’t a CVT gearbox.

    I don’t know if it was the engineers having a laugh or not but the sound button on the centre console did make me chuckle. Press the sound button and it would emit an audible noise. Apparently, pedestrians are being hit or surprised by hybrid cars. I think having the choice of sound would be quite fun. I’d like a low flying aircraft.

    Enough of my rambling thoughts and back to the GTE. Unlike “conventional” hybrids, the Golf can be selected to drive in any of its three drive modes. Full electric, hybrid or full petrol. The electric is a plug-in type that can be around 80% charged in about 30 minutes. The engine used is the 1395cc petrol unit making 150ps at 5000-6000rpm. The electric motor makes 102ps at 2500rpm.

     

    In full battery mode, you’ll get that magic 30 miles on a charge. Fear not of running out of power because the petrol engine will jump in and help regenerate power. Likewise, should you floor it and need acceleration, again the petrol engine will jump into life. Unlike a CVT gearbox, the DSG will surge away in utter refinement. All this dashing around can achieve a 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds. Put into perspective, the 2 litre 310ps Golf R will do the same in 5.1 seconds. This is no hybrid to sniff at. As a matter of fact when all systems are powered up it is pushing out 258Ibs ft of torque. That’s 22 less than the Golf R.

    On the move it was phenomenal. It was quiet. Admittedly the gravel tracks around the Woburn estate could be clearly heard. Once on the main road, it was amazzzzzing. I used some of the test in full battery mode to see what it would do. It behaved like a petrol car except there was a silent surge forward from the instant power the electronic motor gave out. I couldn’t stop smiling.

    In engine and battery power kicked in silently and effortlessly in hybrid mode. It was totally fuss-free. Competent, powerful, had the ability to assist in power delivery for overtaking and all safe in the knowledge that both power systems worked together for maximum efficiency,

    In petrol only mode you were given a Golf that would do what Golfs have done for the past 43 years and that is carry you in a well-made car. Longevity was a key feature mentioned at the launch. A 12 year body protection warranty is proof alone that the Golf will be sticking around.

    Warranty is however always a worry for batteries. VW offer an 8 year/99,360 mile one on them. Why it is 640 mile short of 100,000 miles I do not know.

    There is a down side. It’s the price. Basic price is £31,480. That Golf R and all its crazy power has a starting price of £31,510. Despite the GTE being quick and able to achieve amazing things, it doesn’t do it in the way of the almost same priced R. That said it also doesn’t give you the same head rush as the R and maybe now and again I prefer my car a little less hooligan.

    That in mind a quick look at the recently tested Toyota C-HR was £28,000. In my mind it seems to now be making the Golf R seem like the bargain buy that it shouldn’t be. It’s a quandary that I am in. I liked both Golfs. One that I can justify is the 1 litre TSi. Perhaps l should just have that and add a few stickers to the outside.

    Likes

    Choose the power supply manually
    Transmission of power to the wheels via the DSG gearbox
    Ride quality

    Dislikes

    The price
    Only available in a GT sporty package (at present)
    Questionable combined fuel figures

    The Lowdown
    Car – VW Golf GTE Advance 1.4 TSI 150 PS 6 speed DSG 5 door
    Price – £32,135 (as tested)
    MPG – 156.9 mpg (combined)
    Power – 258bhp
    0-62mph – 7.6 seconds
    Top Speed – 138 mph
    Co2 – 38 (g/km)

  • THEATRE REVIEW | How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Wilton’s Music Hall, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Wilton’s Music Hall, London

    ★★★★ | How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

    Wilton’s Music Hall in the East End has another hit on its hands.

    How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is their fun and superb new show now playing at the historic venue. And it’s got the right cast to succeed without really trying to be a hit!

    Mark Pickering plays J. Pierrepont Finch – an ex-window washer who cleverly climbs the corporate ladder by taking tips from a book called ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ (obvs). His first step is to get a job, so he starts in the mail room at World Wide Wicket Company, working with Bud Frump (a very good Daniel Graham) – the nephew of CEO JB Biggley (Andrew C. Wadsworth). Company secretary Rosemary Pilkington (Hannah Grover) takes a liking to Finch, but Finch has more climbing the ladder to do, and soon enough he’s a junior executive. In the blink of an eye, he’s promoted to run the advertising department. And eventually, Finch will be after Biggley’s job, who has employed in the company his mistress Hedy La Rue (an excellent Lizzii Hills). She’s stacked but not too bright, and unfortunately, she gets enlisted in Finch’s new advertising campaign where she gives away the clues to a company competition, which could possibly lead to hers, Finch’s, and the company’s downfall. It’s a story told in laughs and colourful songs.

    The cast is perfect and the staging particularly brilliant. Especially good are Pilkington (great voice and timing) Hills (great comedic wit), Graham (perfect for the role as the spoiled nephew who doesn’t quite get what he thinks he deserves – with great facial expressions), and Matthew Whitby as the HR Director. Excellent direction by Benji Sperring brings this production, which is based on the 1952 book and the 1961 Broadway musical (and which has not been seen in London since 1963 when it played at the Shaftsbury Theatre). It’s pretty much as relevant today as it was when it was originally produced. And the very last song – “Company Way” – where Maisey Bawden finally comes into her own and belts her heart out, leaves the audience wanting more.

    How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying plays at the Wilton’s Music Hall, London until April 22.