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  • THEATRE REVIEW | Lady Rizo, At Soho Theatre, London

    ★★★★ | Lady Rizo, At Soho Theatre, London

    We are so lucky to live in London. The sheer range of entertainment this city offers is absolutely astonishing. On any given night, we are offered a bewildering array of choices, opera, ballet, theatre, whether it be mainstream or fringe.

    There really is something for everyone. It is surely the sheer richness of London’s cultural life that attracts artists from all over the world here. So it is that self-styled New York entertainer, dream maker, chanteuse and superstar Lady Rizo is visiting London to take up residency in the Soho Theatre’s intimate downstairs cabaret space until January 4th.

    Taking in a wide range of material, Lady Rizo lends her powerhouse vocals to such classics as Cole Porter’s “Love For Sale” and the seasonal “The Christmas Song”, as well as contributing some of her own songs from her own album “Violet”. With a nod to the festive season, she even puts her inimitable stamp on a bluesy rendition of Adolphe Adam’s “O Holy Night.”

    Elegant, but engagingly wacky, she jokes with the audience between songs, at one point stuffing most of her fist into her mouth as she peels off her gloves in a comedy strip routine, though, like Rita Hayworth’s Gilda, the gloves are all that come off. Mid-way through the show, she entices an audience member on stage and gets him to help her change her dress behind a back lit screen, whilst he tells her the story of how he lost his virginity. It’s that kind of show. We soon feel like old friends. By the end of it, she has the audience eating out of her hand, and singing along with The Bee Gees’ “To Love Somebody”.

    Big on personality, big on voice, this is one lady you shouldn’t miss, but get there early, or, even better, book, Tuesday’s performance was completely sold out.

    Lady Rizo is at the Soho Theatre Downstairs until January 4th 2014

  • Steps star Ian “H” Watkins gets public apology from E!

    Steps’ Star Ian ‘H’ Watkins has received an apology from E! Entertainment after it mistakenly used his picture instead of Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins.

    Steps’ lead man Ian ‘H’ Watkins received a barrage of abuse after his photo was posted by Entertainment website E! Online, to illustrate a story about disgraced Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins.

    Ian H Watkins had been receiving abuse from online trolls, who had mistaken the Steps’ singer for the Lostprophets’. The singer quit Twitter a number of weeks ago.

    The entertainment company’s solicitor acknowledged the ‘distress and damage’ that the use of H’s photo had caused the star.

    Ian H Watkins released a statement today saying:

    ‘In Court this morning E! have publically apologised to me and a statement has been read in court to make the position clear.

    ‘This was not something that I did lightly but it was important to me that a public statement was made so that there is no confusion going forward.

    ‘I am really pleased that it has been resolved so quickly so that me and my family can try and move on from what has been an extremely distressing time.’

    Ian Watkins was sentenced to 35 years for 13 child sex offences.

  • 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

  • Petition Goes Live Calling For The Sacking Of Ivan Okhlobystin After Homophobic Rant

    A Russian actor who stars in the Russian version of Scrubs and The Snow Queen called for “faggots” to be stripped of their human rights and burnt alive.

    A Petition has gone live calling for the sacking of Russian actor Ivan Okhlobysti after he said that he would strip all LGBT people of their human rights and burn them in an oven.

    ‘I’d put them all alive in the oven…it’s a living danger to my children,’ Okhlobystin said, according to RIA Novosti.

    Okhlobystin voices the main character in the movie The Snow Queen, due for a US DVD release on January 28, 2014. Vertical Entertainment is the US DVD distributor of the film.

    In an open letter to Wizart Animation, the makers of The Snow Queen, Derek William creator of the petition said:
    ‘Such inflammatory rhetoric should alarm anyone with a conscience and awareness of recent history, because it is redolent of the rise of the Far Right in Nazi Germany that led to the Holocaust, in which 6 million Jews perished, alongside another 6 million of other minorities, including homosexuals.

    ‘Okhlobystin’s call to massacre homosexuals by a genocide of immolation has absolutely no place in the free world, and he is not a fit and proper person to be involved with the public face of children’s entertainment.

    ‘I call upon you to dissociate yourselves and your company publicly and in no uncertain terms from this outrageous rhetoric, and to end your dealings with Mr Okhlobystin forthwith, stating this as the reason.’

     

  • Russian Embassy turns down gay gift in London

    It’s probably not the most surprising thing to learn, but the Russian Embassy in London turned down these fabulous dolls.

    The dolls which have been signed by Stephen Fry, Graham Norton and Sir Elton John were offered to the Russian Embassy by Alistair Stewart and Chris Price of the Kaleidoscope Trust.

    Alistair remarked: ‘The British coppers were very friendly and helped us find our way to the second gate. Sadly the Russian official at the gate refused to accept the gift, or let us take it inside. We showed him the dolls but he wasn’t keen. The gay community in Russia is currently facing the most punitive treatment at the hands of the authorities. This was our way to show our pride and stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBT community in Russia.’

    Undeterred, Stewart and Price have decided to deliver the dolls via recorded delivery for Mr Putin’s express attention.

    Bravo!

    One of the sets has already gone on eBay, the remaining dolls are being auctioned online at www.torussiawithlove.co.uk between until 22nd of December to raise money for The Kaleidoscope Trust and their work with the Russian gay community.

  • Boy George clashes with One Direction’s Liam Payne

    Ah celebrity feuds – usually they’re dull, but when Boy George chooses his victim – he doesn’t do it by halves.

    Boy George, who is currently pushing his new album This Is What I Do and tour, has rebooted a Twitter feud between himself and the One Direction camp.

    He made the comments during One Direction’s appearance on X Factor over the weekend (15th December 2013)

    “Liam looked quite….messy!!” the 52-year-old tweeted, then added: ‘Harry looked like a young Keith Richards!’

    Later Liam Payne responded by asking ‘Who Is boy George?’

    Boy George couldn’t leave it there, by taking a swipe at Directioners (which is never a good idea) by adding:
    ‘Directioner’s are mostly the dullest creatures on earth! Add salt!’

    To which about a billion Directioners began a Twitter assault on the Culture Club singer. (that’s a lie, there aren’t a billion Directioners… only 999,999,999 of them.)

    Earlier in the year Boy George had suggested that at the odds were at least one of One Direction had to be gay.

  • 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.

  • Sam Bailey wins X Factor 2013

    With Millions of Votes cast, Sam Bailey, has been crowned the Winner of XFactor 2013.

    Her debut single Skyscapers is now available to buy on iTunes and Amazon.

    Skycrapers was originally released by Demi Lovato.

  • 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

     

  • COLUMN | A Message From The Bunker

    As an atheist, vegetarian, teetotal, chocolate hating, childless man with very little family and a job which requires me to work over Christmas often, I don’t really see a lot in it for me to enjoy. I ‘came out’ as a festive hater a few years back and have suffered all the usual labels of Grinch and Scrooge and the tedious Bah Humbug comments.

    Over the course of several years, I gradually sloughed off the habits expected of me. I just didn’t enjoy them and despite what everyone seems to say, none of it is compulsory. Stopping sending cards celebrating something I don’t celebrate, not attending the tense family meal, avoiding the dreary works’ do: all of these actions felt increasingly liberating. I also discovered that amongst my friends there were a huge number of secret Christmas haters.

    Maybe you love it (and good luck to you if you do) but for those who feel like I do, here are my top five tips for avoiding the Yuletide hassle.

    1) Avoid Social Media: Unless you want to see endless ‘selfies’ of sweaty people in too much make-up at works’ parties, photos of uncomfortable looking people at dinner tables, over-dressed trees and endless Instagrammed food pictures, then stay clear. You’ll also avoid the smug updates and the plethora of posts where people complain about how much they have to do.

    2) Avoid the shops: They’ll be packed with amateurs. People who don’t enter a shop from one month to the next descend on the high streets in December and they just don’t understand the etiquette and tend to get underfoot. Shop rage can soon ensue. Plus: all those delightful little things you want to buy are all wedged in a back stockroom to make way for nasty little novelty gifts.

    3) Invest in good headphones: You’ll need these if you have to make a foray into a shop to buy food or more importantly some kind of substance such as nicotine or alcohol to get you through. Unless you really do love Aled Jones and Shakin’ Stevens then your own music is essential to keep you sane whilst you stagger round the booze aisle.

    4) Utilise technology: Unless you want bombarding with tacky perfume ads, images of plastic families eating mountains of food and various mythical weird Utopian delights dreamt up by advertisers then you need to avoid live television. Skipping adverts is what the DVD recorder/box type thing and internet were made for

    5) If it gets too much hide: There’s still a few bunkers left from the last war. Maybe hiding in one of these might help you avoid the yuletide horrors. I have a perfectly lovely one where I’ve draped a few Liberty fabrics and have a delightful Chaise Longue. If you fancy joining me: I have enough dried food to get me through till January. I also have a collection of music that doesn’t include anything by Slade and a pile of books. Just don’t mention the C word to me.

    If you are religious and Christmas is your festival then I really hope you enjoy it. As for the rest of you: whatever it is you think you might be celebrating, I hope you enjoy it too.

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