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  • STYLE | How to look great, even when its boiling up outside: Take The Heat

    STYLE | How to look great, even when its boiling up outside: Take The Heat

    It’s no secret that over the last few years London has had some pretty amazing summers.

    However, I’m also sure it hasn’t gone unnoticed, that Londoners don’t handle the heat well. Especially in the underground. The Central Line has become public enemy number one, and the once hated District Line is becoming a safe haven of air-conditioning bliss. With commuters turning into puddles on their morning commutes and meetings becoming awash with sweat-stained shirts. Our grooming expert Thomas Swallow is here to guide you on how to take the heat, keep cool on your morning commute and breeze through that client meeting. You can thank him later!

    23:00 pm

    If you want to wake up feeling fresh as a daisy and ready to take on the day. The first thing we need to do is do a little prep the night before. I promise it isn’t complicated boys, just simply apply roll-on antiperspirant before bed to your pits and lower back.

    A little known fact is that antiperspirants are intended to be used in the evening, and this is when they are most effective. It’ll stop you waking up in a puddle and ensure you have a better night’s sleep. Getting you in the right frame of mind to start the day.

    07:00 am

    So we’ve had a dry and restful night’s sleep, and now it’s time to start the day. Grab your caffeinated beverage of choice, I recommend a double shot of espresso and head to the bathroom to get this show on the road. While our coffee is cooling, it’s time to jump in the shower. Get some lukewarm water running and scrub a dub dub. In the summer, I always use an acidic shower gel such as Bulldog’s Lemon & Bergamot, that helps to unclog my pores and keep my skin clear and fresh. Essential when applying the SPF boys, we don’t want spots!

    Once my body is squeaky clean, I then turn my attention to my face. Turning down the temperature slightly, I apply my facial cleanser (currently loving the Recipe for Men Facial Cleanser) and then follow this up with my facial scrub. It’s important to note here guys that you shouldn’t over-exfoliate your skin. Keep the facial scrubbing down to twice a week and your skin will be glowing.

    07:15 am

    Now we’ve jumped out of the shower, it’s time to drink our coffee and brush our teeth. We definitely don’t want morning coffee breath! On days when I need to look my best, this is the time I’ll pop on a clay mask to smooth out my skin and soak up any excess oils, the Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask is a personal favourite. Essential if you want to remain shine-free on the tube.

    While the mask drys, pop on some body moisturiser and apply some more antiperspirant. Better to be safe than sorry after all. About 10 mins later, it’s time to wash the mask off and move on to the next step.

    07:25 am

    Yet another mask you’ll be glad to know. Know this seems a bit excessive but like Yet another mask you’ll be glad to know. Know this seems a bit excessive, but like the clay mask, this is only on days I need to look my best. Pop on an Energising Sheet Mask from Bulldog and style your hair while it does its’ magic.

    A winning hair combo at the moment for me is the Sidekick Zero Pre-styler and Night Fiber Paste by Danish brand By Vilain. One of the only combos to keep my hair in place, all day long. Definitely an investment worth making.

    07:35 am

    It’s been about 10 minutes now, and the sheet mask has done its’ work. So pop that sucker off and drop your towel. It’s time to get dressed. Even though it’s summer, it’s still important to look ‘presentable’ at work. So down a crisp white linen shirt and pair it with some well-fitted trousers and black leather shoes. You’re dressed for success.

    07:45 am

    Now we’re all suited and booted, and the excess from our face mask has soaked in. It’s time to finish prepping our face. It’s time to moisturise, and I can’t recommend one more than the Recipe for Men Anti-Shine Moisturiser. This bad boy has kept my skin matte even through the hottest of summer days and is a definite essential for any city-dweller during summer.

    Mix a bit of their bronzing cream in for a subtle sun-kissed glow and follow up with their eye gel to reduce the appearance of any dark circles.

    07:50 am

    Now we’ve waited for 5 minutes to let all that goodness to soak in. It’s time for the final two steps of our morning skincare. Firstly, slap on the SPF! Sun damage is the number one cause of ageing to our skin, and so apart from the obvious health benefits, it’ll hold off the wrinkles. I’d personally recommend an oil-free option such as Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defence. It’ll keep you protected with an SPF of 50 but also won’t undo all the hard work we’ve just done and make you a shiny mess.

    Secondly, grab a powder bronzer and lightly dust your forehead, cheekbones and jawline. Not only will this give you a subtle glow and carve out your features, but it’ll also help keep you matte throughout the day. Powder absorbs oil after all.

     

    08:00 am

    The final step before we head out the door now boys. We are dressed for success, and our skin is summer-ready and sweat-proof. It’s time to accessorise. My go-to accessories at the moment are these sunnies by Banton Frameworks and this navy briefcase from Maverick & Co.

    A good pair of sunnies is definitely worth the investment. Not only are they a quintessential summer style staple, but unlike their cheaper counterparts, they actually protect our eyes from sun damage. This pair from Banton Frameworks fits the perfectly. High-quality, stylish and unique enough to make you stand out amongst the sea of Ray-Bans.

    Similarly to the sunnies, a good quality briefcase is always worth the investment. You’re not aiming for something to use for a season here guys but something that will stand the test of time. Aim of a stylish staple and not a ‘trendy’ throwaway. Maverick & Co. fit the bill here perfectly. Creating a range of contemporary briefcases, that are high-quality and will last you well into your next promotion. I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve had on mine so far guys. They’re definitely worth checking out. See their entire range here.

    So there we have it guys, you are now ready to take on the day and beat that summer heat. Close that door behind you and show the Central Line who’s boss!

    Photo Credit: Matt Spike
    Instagram: @original_matt_spike
  • The View Upstairs Review: A show that is very uplifting and inspiring

    The View Upstairs Review: A show that is very uplifting and inspiring

    ★★★★★| The View Upstairs

    (C) Darren Bell

    If you plan to see any show this summer, make sure it is The View Upstairs.

    The View Upstairs is a musical that’s full of very talented actors and singers; it’s a show that is based on a very tragic event; and it’s a show that is very uplifting and inspiring.

    Max Vernon, who wrote the book, music and lyrics, has based this story on the Upstairs Lounge bar in New Orleans which was set fire in a catastrophic arson attack in 1973 where 32 men lost their lives in the raging inferno. It’s a true story that not many people know about, probably because at that time gays dying was just not big news. But from tragedy we get this great show – it’s a very simple story that has a big heart and an even bigger voice.

    Wes (Tyrne Huntley) wants to buy an old attic that’s a wreck, and once he signs the contract we go back in time, where he meets the people (ghosts?) there who are in the ‘Life’ (a name they call themselves). He doesn’t quite know it yet but he’s in 1973, and those people there have no idea about that device he has in his hand that he calls a cellphone. He is instantly smitten with Patrick (a very good Andy Mientus) and tells Patrick abut the most important evens over the last 45 years. The bar manager is sassy and wonderful Henri (Carly Mercedes Dyer – who has an amazing voice) while Willie (Cedric Neal) has wisdom beyond his years. Other barflies include Buddy (John Partridge – who has a wife and 2 kids), the troubled Dale (Declan Bennett), and Freddy (Garry Lee) who likes to dress up in drag, which his mom (Victoria Hamilton Barritt) is been  with.

    The View Upstairs takes us on a journey to get to knew each character (Willie was supposed to be a dancer, while Patrick and Dale are male prostitutes), through music and song. Tension builds when the local police don’t like it that Freddy is seen in the street in drag. But it’s not only in the storytelling but also the songs that make this show stand out – songs that soar like anthems that pay tribute to the men who died in the real fire. Mientus is in fine vice when he sings ‘What I did say’ while the whole cast brings down the house at the end in the theme song ‘The View Upstairs.’ And once the show is finished, you feel that you’ve just attended a gospel choir performance; you’ll feel uplifted, full of joy, a tinge of sadness, but also a feeling that you’ve experienced something very unique.

    https://sohotheatre.com/shows/the-view-upstairs/

  • FILM REVIEW | ONLY YOU

    FILM REVIEW | ONLY YOU

    ★★★★★ | ONLY YOU

    A contemporary romantic drama starring Laia Costa and Josh O’Connor, from first-time filmmaker Harry Wootliff. ‘Only You’ was shown as part of the London Film Festival’s First Feature Competition.

    Elena (Laia Costa), 35, and Jake (Josh O’Connor, from the gay-must-watch film, God’s Own Country), 26, meet by chance on New Year’s Eve, fighting for the same taxi. But, instead of going their separate ways after a shared ride, they start a passionate relationship. Within weeks they are living together, and not long after they talk about starting a family. But, as the seasons pass, reality catches up with them. Falling in love was the easy part, but can they remain in love when life doesn’t give them everything they hoped for? It’s as realistic a love story as you can get – and both Costa and O’Connor are electrifying.

    ‘ONLY YOU’ is now in Cinemas and On Demand by Curzon

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | Uli, London

    RESTAURANT REVIEW | Uli, London

    ★★★★ | Uli, London

    One of the most beautiful restaurants in Notting Hill is serving up Pan Asian food at very good prices.

    Uli, just 2 minutes walk from Notting Hill tube station, is very recognisable by its glass-enclosed front where once you walk in you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Dishes such as Triple-cooked Dover Sole with asparagus, garlic and spring onion; Crispy shredded chilli beef, Moo Shu pork, chicken or tofu, among others, give you food choices that are much better quality than what you would find in Chinatown. The night me and a friend went for dinner on a late July evening it was raining, so unfortunately the rooftop was closed – but that was fine because we felt cozy and warm and were well taken care of by the very friendly staff and manager, and treated like VIPs.

    For starters we had Peppercorn salted prawns (very good but for six a bit pricey at £12), Asparagus with black bean, chilli and ginger (fresh and wonderful – £9), and Chicken Gyoza (good – 4 for £7). The starters are a bit pricey – so choose carefully.

    The Sweet and Sour Chicken (£13) with Egg Fried Rice (£5.50) was nothing exceptional and was just as you would expect. We also had a bowl of delicious green beans (not on the menu!), crunchy, and just like the asparagus, a bit spicey, but very very good.

    The Crispy Aromatic Duck was the star dish of the evening. Nicely well-cooked, and served with pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and an amazing-tasting Housin duck sauce. The duck was well done – a bit crunchy, and tasteful, and it comes in three different price levels (£16 – 1/4; £29 – 1/2; and £48 – whole). Highly recommended.

    If you chose to have a cocktail, please go for the Lychee Martini – vodka, vermouth, lychee – and is sweet and delicious. Their Expresso Martini, however, did not have the flavour or kick that I’m accustomed to. If you are not a cocktail lover, try one of their many beers or Sakes, or wines which come from a variety of European countries.

    Desserts are in abundance but after all the food you’ve eaten you will want to something not too heavy. The Mochi Ice Cream (£3 per piece) is light, delicious, and is wrapped in a rice coating over the ice cream – just perfection.

    Uli, which is the Chinese word for tranquility, is just that. Soft music, sleek tables and warm-looking plates, great international staff, an upper middle class clientele the night we were there, all adds up to a dining experience, that while not a destination place, is a perfect place for the local area. And when you do go there, pick a seat along the windows in the atrium, so cozy and nice you’ll never want to leave. I didn’t.

    https://ulilondon.com

  • The Night of the Iguana REVIEW: What happens in the 2 hours and 35 minutes of this show? Not a whole lot!

    The Night of the Iguana REVIEW: What happens in the 2 hours and 35 minutes of this show? Not a whole lot!

    ★★★☆☆ | The Night of the Iguana

    (c) Brinkhoff.Moegenburg

    The Night of the Iguana was never really Tennessee Williams’ best work, and a new theatre production in London adds very little to it.

    Now playing at the Noel Coward Theatre, movie star Clive Owen plays defrocked priest Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon (Richard Burton in the film) who escapes to a Mexican lodge deep in the forest to while away his time. Others in the lodge include the owner Maxine (Breaking Bad’s Anna Gunn playing Ava Gardner’s role in the film), Hannah- a middle-aged single woman (Lia Williams), with her very old grandfather Nonno (Daniel Glover), and a German family who keeps on going back and forth from the lodge to the beach who in their quirky way liven up this production.

    So what happens in the 2 hours and 35 minutes of this show? Not a whole lot! The most dramatic moment comes when a thunderstorm literally starts dripping buckets of rain onto the stage, leaving the cast scrambling for cover.

    It’s a fantastic effect that you would think would set the mood for an even more exciting second half, but it’s all dialogue between Shannon and Hannah that leads to a bit of sexual tension but not enough to make this show sexy and exciting. Director James MacDonald limits the actors to a very small confined space on stage (though there is a cleverly designed staircase that goes down to an unseen beach), and while the rest of the cast are quite good, Owen is just OK, but there is really nothing spectacular about this production.

    Perhaps it’s one for hardcore Williams, Owens, or Breaking Bad fans.

    The Night of the Iguana plays at the Noel Coward Theatre until 28th September 2019, Book tickets here.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Girl On The Train – Duke of York’s Theatre, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Girl On The Train – Duke of York’s Theatre, London

    ★★★ | The Girl On The Train – Duke Of York’s Theatre

    Based on the best selling book by Paula Hawkins, The Girl On The Train stars Samantha Womack (Eastenders) as Rachel Watson, a troubled woman who romanticises about a couple she sees from her commuter train window every day, as she imagines the life she could have had. When one of the couple goes missing, she finds herself drawn into the mystery; but the gaps in her memory and her inability to separate out reality from her fantasy leads to her becoming a suspect in the woman’s disappearance.

    Samantha Womack is entertaining as Rachel and she is ably supported by a small but proficient cast. The set changes are fairly slick, the set is sufficiently detailed, and the lighting and sound design all compliment the mood of the piece.

    But for a thriller to work, it’s the story that counts, and over the course of the first act, the plot developed nicely and pulled in the audience, with a narrative which blurred fact and fiction, and imagination and reality; but as the second act unfolded the story became increasingly convoluted with a few too many red herrings and clumsy plot twists for it to maintain its momentum.

    Having not read the book or seen the film, I’m not sure whether fans of either will find enjoyment or disappointment in this play, but as a standalone piece of theatre, it is competently presented and entertaining enough, but not a show which I would imagine will go on to become a classic.

    The Girl on the Train is at Duke Of York’s Theatre until the 17th August 2019. Book tickets now

    This review was taken from a showing at Sheffield and does not account for any cast changes or changes to the direction since then.*

  • Was the “unnamed gay footballer” Twitter account a hoax?

    Was the “unnamed gay footballer” Twitter account a hoax?

    People are questioning whether the unnamed gay footballer Twitter account was all a hoax, after the account goes offline.

    pixel2013 / Pixabay

    Twitter users are now questioning whether an account which was purportedly run by a UK Championship footballer, who was primed to come out as gay, was all a hoax after the account mysteriously disappeared from Twitter.

    The account which has been followed by well over 48,000 people is no longer available to view and all the Tweets have been deleted. The account had followed over 1400 people, including all the major LGBT+ news outlets.

    For weeks the account holder had said that he would come out as gay, becoming the first footballer to come out as gay, whilst still in contract since Justin Fashanu in 1990.

    The account holder originally set the date of 24th July to reveal who he was, however the night before he was due to officially come out a message was published which said, he didn’t feel strong enough to come out.

    Disappointed Twitter users are now questioning whether the account was a hoax.

    https://twitter.com/BonymaenS/status/1153924530462691328

    https://twitter.com/carlcnash/status/1153775805211774977

    https://twitter.com/leehunt4/status/1153788055871844352

    https://twitter.com/patsyincline/status/1153901484574224386

  • ‘Homophobic machete attack’ on the streets of London

    Police have reported that they responded to a suspected homophobic attack by a knifeman brandishing a machete.

    A victim has been left with a leg wound after an alleged attack on the streets of London. Police responded to an incident in south-east London this afternoon, where it was reported that a man was attacked on Surrey Quays Road in Southwark, with a machete.

    The Metropolitan police say they believe that the attack was motivated by homophobia. The victim was transported to hospital in an ambulance and is being treated for his injuries.

    A spokeswoman for the Met added: ‘Police are dealing with a suspected homophobic attack in Southwark.

    “Officers were called at 3.12pm on Tuesday, July 23, to Surrey Quays Road.

    “It was reported a man had been attacked with a machete.

    “Officers attended and found a man with a wound to his leg.

    “He was taken by London Ambulance Service to a south London hospital.

    “The suspect is believed to have left the scene on a motorbike.

    “At this time police believe there may be a homophobic motive for the attack.”

     

     

  • The unnamed “gay footballer” says he’s not strong enough to come out

    The unnamed “gay footballer” says he’s not strong enough to come out

    An unnamed, UK championship footballer has taken to Twitter to say that he thought he was strong enough to come out, but now says he was wrong.

    The unnamed “gay footballer” has taken to Twitter to say “I thought I was stronger. I was wrong.” It comes after he announced that he planned to come out on the 24th July 2019.

    https://twitter.com/FootballerGay/status/1153719153557233665

    Since starting the account the footbaler has become a bit of Twitter sensation and would be the first out, and still contracted, UK footballer since Justin Fashanu in 1990.

    As of yet, nobody knows who the account is run by, but it is thought that the footballer is a high profile player for one of main clubs in the Championship. His account now has tens of thousands of followers.

    He went on to say, “I’m not strong enough to do this. Just remember that I’ve got feelings, without coming out I can’t convince anybody otherwise, but this isn’t a hoax. I wouldn’t do that”.

    https://twitter.com/FootballerGay/status/1153724088160006144

    On the 21st July the user simply tweeted, “24.07.19 ?️‍?” – believed to be a signal as to when the player had planned to come out officially. The account has been active for weeks, in his profile he has his description set to: “I’m a professional footballer, currently playing in The Championship. I will reveal my identity soon, but I am a PROUD gay man”.

    As of time of publish the date was still pinned to the top of his profile.

    https://twitter.com/FootballerGay/status/1152904677069066240

    Scores of people have commented on the post with a mix of people calling the account a “hoax” while others reamained encouraging, with one saying “You CAN do this, goddammit! I came out in the south in the USA in the late 90’s. Was called horrible things, list friends. Life is AMAZING today! We, as Gay men have a responsibility to young people! We MUST end the shame! You are VALID, ENOUGH, STRONG! Rooting for you!!”

     

  • Homophobes vandalise anti-stigma HIV adverts

    Homophobes vandalise anti-stigma HIV adverts

    An advert which depicts two men in a romantic embrace has been vandalised in London, the campaign aims to reduce the stigma faced by men who live with HIV.

    The HIV charity, Terrence Higgins Trust has revealed that an advert it has placed on a phone box in the nation’s capital has been targeted by vandals and defaced. The campaign is promoting the message that people living with HIV and on effective treatment can’t pass it on, if they are on medically prescribed treatment.

    The targeted phoneboxes were located in the London borough of Hackney.

    The poster campaign comes off the back of a nationwide survey commissioned by the charity which revealed that knowledge of HIV remains stuck in the 1980s. It found that just under one in five (19%) Brits are aware that people on effective HIV treatment can’t pass it on – which is the focus of the vandalised posters.

    The charity’s YouGov survey also revealed almost half (48%) of Brits would feel uncomfortable kissing someone living with HIV – even though there is zero risk of transmission through kissing or other day-to-day contact.

    For the past 20 years, evidence has been building to show that the likelihood of passing on HIV is linked to the amount of virus in the blood, also known as viral load. Treatment is deemed effective when it reduces this to undetectable levels. This can take up to six months from starting treatment.

    The landmark PARTNER and PARTNER 2 studies provide the medical evidence that people with an undetectable viral load definitively cannot pass on HIV.

    Can’t Pass It On has been the focus of Terrence Higgins Trust’s messaging during Pride season, including at Pride in London and Black Pride earlier this month.

    Ian Green, Chief Executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said, “This vandalism is so sad to see. Whether our posters have been targeted because it features two men in an affectionate embrace or because it’s about HIV, we will not be silenced. In fact, it makes us even more determined to get the message out there that people on effective HIV treatment can’t pass it on.

    “Despite this medical progress, public attitudes towards HIV are firmly stuck in the past. That’s exactly why it’s so important to remove the fear and misinformation about HIV by celebrating the fact that thanks to effective treatment people like Sadiq who is featured in our poster, are living normal and healthy lives and cannot pass the virus on.

    “We have been heartened to see supporters offsetting the damage caused to the posters by sharing information about our Can’t Pass It On campaign. If everyone knew the facts on HIV we could not only end HIV stigma, we could end new HIV transmissions.’

  • The unnamed “gay footballer” has set a date for when he’s coming out

    The unnamed “gay footballer” has set a date for when he’s coming out

    An unnamed, UK championship footballer has set a date when he plans to come out – becoming the first high profile footballer, still playing, to do so in nearly 30 years.

    He’s become a bit of Twitter sensation, but the unnamed footballer, has set a date to become the first out, and still contracted, UK footballer since Justin Fashanu in 1990.

    As of yet, nobody knows who the account is run by, but it is thought that the footballer is a high profile player for one of main clubs in the Championship. His account now has tens of thousands of followers.

    On the 21st July the user simply tweeted, “24.07.19 ?️‍?” – believed to be a signal as to when the player plans to come out officially. The account has been active for weeks, in his profile he has his description set to: “I’m a professional footballer, currently playing in The Championship. I will reveal my identity soon, but I am a PROUD gay man”.

    https://twitter.com/FootballerGay/status/1152904677069066240

    Speaking about his decision to come out, the player said that he hopes his coming out will be a “catalyst for change”  saying, ‘I am thinking of those involved in professional football who are similarly positioned. My hope is that they can take comfort and hope from such disclosure and can feel suitably empowered to, if desirable, reach the same decision.

    “I have heard from numerous people who have stated that their sexuality stopped them from being involved in football. That they didn’t believe the two could co-exist.

    “I don’t want anybody in the future to feel that way, and with the work being done throughout the sport. I hope this can be the catalyst for change.’

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