There is an old saying in theatre that “the show must go on” and nowhere is that old adage put more to the test than in The Play That Goes Wrong, a comedy of errors which collates every actor’s worst nightmare and throws them at the cast who are determined to carry on regardless.
Borrowing heavily from The Mousetrap, The Play That Goes Wrong is a scattergun comedy set around the fictitious Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who is performing The Murder at Haversham Manor, a murder mystery set in the roaring twenties. Despite the best endeavours of the cast, nothing quite goes right for them, as scenery collapses, actors are knocked unconscious, props break and unprepared understudies stand in.
With a varied blend of visual gags, slapstick, farce, wordplay, one-liners, missed cues and a rather more animated corpse than one would expect, the gags come thick and fast; some hitting the bullseye and others missing the target; but the whole thing is so fast-paced, that there is always another gag heading your way imminently. Garnering some genuine laugh out loud moments, the show has a sensible one hour forty minute runtime meaning that even if a few of the gags begin to outstay their welcome, the show does not.
Whilst there is plenty of fun to be found and a lot of chuckles, guffaws and belly-laughs to be had, the ending of the show descends into a rather shouty and chaotic handful of closing scenes which, unfortunately, slightly takes the edge off of what has come before. But that said, the cast is delightful, in particular, Kazeem Tosin Amore; and there is some excellent split second comedic timing and plenty of physical dexterity on offer as the fictional cast try desperately to keep their faces straight, their upper lips stiff and prevent the performance collapsing into a catastrophe.
*This review was taken from the Sheffield production*
She’s been starring in Orange Is The New Black since 2013, but who is Laura Prepon and what else has she starred in?
(C) BIGSTOCK
Laura Prepon plays the lesbian character Alex Vause in Netflix’s massive hit drama/comedy Orange Is The New Black. In the show, she’s been Piper’s on/off girlfriend since the first season. She’s appeared in 56 episodes of the show and has directed at least two of the episodes, “The Reverse Midas Touch” in season five and “Well This Took A Dark Turn” in season six.
OITNB is her first major role in a TV series since October Road in 2007/8, before that she starred in 200 episodes of The ’70s Show as Donna Pinciotti.
Unlike her character in OITNB Laura doesn’t identify as gay/lesbian or bisexual. In fact, she’s now married to actor Ben Foster. They married in 2018 and had a baby girl, Ella, together in the summer of 2017.
Speaking about playing a queer character back when she first got the role she said in an Interview with Collider, “When Jenji (Kohan, the show’s writer/creator) first wanted me to play Alex, I was like, “Okay, well, there’s two things that I’ve never done before.” Well, I had done nudity in one other thing, but nudity for an actress is a very particular thing. It has to do with the material, and making sure it’s not gratuitous, that it’s done in a way that’s shot beautifully, and it’s for a reason. And I’d never played a lesbian before. Of course, we’re supportive of the gay and lesbian community. I’ve just never portrayed that on camera. Once I met Taylor I knew that it was going to be really comfortable and okay, but the nudity was a little bit of an issue for me, so Jenji and I talked about it”.
How old is Laura Prepon?
Laura was born in March 1980 which makes her 38 in 2018. She was born in Watchung in New Jersey, USA. She has four siblings and is of Russian Jewish / Irish Catholic descent.
Is Laura Prepon Married?
Prepon is married to actor Ben Foster. They married in June 2018. They have a daughter together called Ella who born in August 2017.
President Trump‘s star on the Walk Of Fame could be removed permanently after it was destroyed by recent vandalism.
Deciding on whether the star should be retained following its destruction, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously on a resolution which will urge it and the Los Angeles City Council, who decides on who makes the Walk of Fame. to remove it for good.
The vote was taken on Monday night and the agenda item read, “The City Council will consider adopting a resolution urging the Los Angeles City Council and Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to remove President Donald J. Trump’s star from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, due to his disturbing treatment of women and other actions that do not meet the shared values of the City of West Hollywood, the region, state, and country.”
The vote was unanimous.
After the meeting, a council rep emailed The Hollywood Reporter saying, “At this evening’s regular City Council meeting, the West Hollywood City Council voted unanimously to approve the Resolution.”
However, this vote doesn’t necessarily mean that the LA City Council and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will act on its vote.
The LA City Council and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce have never removed any Walk Of Fame stars for reasons of controversy or wrong-doing.
Trump’s star has been vandalised numerous times and completely destroyed twice. The first vandalism happening in 2007. The latest was in July when a 24-year-old activist allegedly took to it with a pick-axe.
Donald’s Trump’s Walk Of Fame star was awarded to him in 2007.
A reader asks advice on whether he’ll ever be able to have anal sex, especially as he finds it uncomfortable fingering himself.
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Dear TGUK
I find it quite uncomfortable when fingering myself and i get sore from it. I actually want to try being a bottom but since I can’t handle fingering I don’t think I could do it with another person, what do you think I should do?
Ty, 18
Dear Ty
Everyone’s ass is different and so is its ability to take various sized objects. Barring any medical reason, like anal fissures or piles it sounds as though you just need time and practice. As you’re quite young, the odds of you having fissures or piles is quite slim, but not impossible. If in any doubt you should definitely book to see your GP or visit to a sexual health clinic, who will be able to give you a sexual health check and you can discuss any issues you have.
In your letter, you didn’t mention whether you use lubrication when you try and finger yourself. If not, you should invest in some lube – but if you’re not in a situation where you can buy lube there are alternatives. There are, however, some liquids you shouldn’t use as a lubricant – these include body lotions and shampoo as these will irritate and potentially make your insides feel like the gates of hell.
If you can’t get hold of proper lube, it’s best to use a natural, unperfumed oily liquid. When you’re just by yourself there are a number of lube substitutes around the home that you can use, like olive oil, coconut oil, vaseline and aloe vera gel – none of these are good to use during sex with a condom. They will destroy the integrity of the condom. Always use a lube designed for condom usage.
Also, make sure you cut your nails and smooth them off. It’s important not to have jagged nails as you could catch your insides and cause a tear or rip internally.
Time is your friend
The trick with taking anything larger than a finger is time and patience and you should communicate that with anyone you have sex with. Don’t feel rushed into taking the D before you’re ready.
A word to the wise, it probably will hurt the first time you bottom for someone – and the chances are that you won’t be able to take it for very long either, but with time and practice (either by yourself or with a partner) you will be able to take it for longer and longer.
Most guys can’t bottom for that long – even though porn can make it seem that they’re taking dick for hours at a time. It’s just one of those unrealistic expectations that gay porn has given us! Most guys cum within minutes of starting penetrative sex, a study found that men can last anywhere from 1 minute to 10 minutes, so you don’t need to be an ass athlete. You can always ask your topper to stop as well. Your body your rules.
Practice Makes Perfect
By yourself, after one finger, there are two fingers. Some people may want to try experimenting with various fruits and vegs, but there are some issues with using anything that doesn’t have a flared end. Without the splayed bottom it could disappear up inside you and that’s where problems can really begin. Ideally, you should try and buy a dildo or butt plug designed for ass play.
Take your time
There’s no rush – and when it comes to the actual sex take your time. If you’ve got time to prepare, you might want to douche (where you use water to get rid of poop in your anal canal and rectum) and lots of foreplay. Yes, get your guy to rim you and play and finger your butt.
The advice listed above is not intended to replace or take the place of that of your own doctor, GP or medical professional who knows your full medical history. If in any doubt make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FALLOUT – The sixth high octane spy thriller of Impossible Missions
Nutshell – The IMF based loosely on the 60’s TV show this time have to find some missing plutonium that they let slip through their fingers in Berlin at the start of the film. An old adversary wants to blow up the world again, so Tom Cruise jumps out of planes, crashes motorbikes, falls out of helicopters and fights everyone in sight on a global action odyssey. This time he has the man mountain Henry Cavill shadowing him all the way and also has some women problems and half decent twists.
Running Time – 147 Minutes – Cert 12A. A very long movie that does fly by.
Tagline – ‘Some Missions Are Not A Choice’
THEGAYUK Factor – Tom Cruise is now 57-year-old and looks great for his age but the gay sex appeal is not what it was, but he does make great movies. Ving Rames, Simon Pegg and Alec Baldwin are never going to make it onto anyone’s wank bank list, but we do have one fantastic saving grace Mr Henry Cavill is stunningly hot, built like a brick shit house and looks like everyone’s dream fucking top.
Cast – Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Alec Baldwin, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rames, Angela Bassett, Sean Harris, a very very hot Wes Bentley and the straight face of CNN, Wolf Blitzer as opposed to the silver fox himself Anderson Cooper.
Key Player – Although this is Cruise’s show he is not really giving us anything new here. The director Christopher Mcquarrie is the first guy to be invited back for his second Mission as previously a new director was employed each time. This is not quite as good as his last film Rogue Nation and lacks that one signature stunt that we expect from this franchise but he is solid and holds it all together nicely.
Budget – $178 Million but it has the lowest opening of any Mission to date and is struggling to get the right number of bums on seats which is strange as it has good reviews and decent word of mouth perhaps its the same old same old feeling or the Worldwide heatwave.
Best Bit – 0.27 mins; A great well-filmed HALO (High Altitude Low Open) parachute jump which goes wrong is genuinely exciting but why they have to be so clandestine jumping out of a plane over Paris to avoid radar is anyone’s guess and a figment of the writer’s mind.
Worst Bit – 1.48 mins; The over contrived endless double-crosses hit full speed, and logic goes out of the window with the twists and irrational happenings that make Harry Potter or Star Wars look realistic but never mind just enjoy the action which is very good indeed.
Little Secret – These Missions are now largely all about Tom doing his own stunts, and it works because they do look real. Here he has four major ones; the HALO jump he spent a year training for, an extended helicopter action set piece where he did most of the flying, a Paris motorcycle chase without helmet including an against the traffic scene around the Arc de Triumph and that London-based foot chase where he busted his ankle and closed the movie down for months. Let the stunt guys do what they are good at fella maybe as the next Mission you will be in your sixties.
Further Viewing – Missions 1 through 5, Anything with the words Jason and Bourne in, The Man From Uncle, Spy, Kingsman, the more recent James Bonds.
Any Good – This is just a few points down on the last two Missions, and it is the longest, so there is a lot of story to wade through here. The action is as good as anything out this year and almost Fast & Furious level, and there are many positives especially the addition of Henry Cavill. You do get the feeling of deja vu though, fake interrogations again, a surprise mask wearer, The CIA infiltrated yet again, bosses being killed, and countdowns to explosions all so predictable why do bad guys have countdowns anyway they just exist so as the good guys can save the day with less than 10 seconds to spare. If you want to destroy the world why take your time?
A reader falls in love with a guy who is giving off mixed signals. We ask some of our writers to give their best advice.
(C) BIGSTOCK
Dear TGUK
“I’m so confused. I’ve met this guy online and we’ve met a couple of times. He even invited me to his place to sleep over – in his bed – but he rolled over as soon as we got in and fell fast asleep.
I’m really into him, but I’m not sure he’s into me. He pays compliments and tells me I’m hot but when it feels like something more intimate might happen, I feel like I’m getting shunned.
He’s incredible looking and funny and I’d really like a relationship with him – or at the very least have some sex – but not sure what to do next.” IDS: Male, 25, Yorkshire
Stuart Bird (Motoring Editor)
Oww sausage. I feel for you. Been there many times but I’ve also been on the other side of it too.
Attraction is a complex subject. Like the insides of a toaster. They look simple enough but there is a fine line in getting that bread not burned. That simple wiring and dial on the outside do a lot more than we give it credit for. It takes time and experimentation.
It’s not always the visual they/you see. Sometimes they just aren’t into you. There are times when a relationship is better as a plutonic relationship. Getting into the nitty gritty can sour the good fun.
Enjoy the fun and flirtations. You never know, it might happen. But if it doesn’t, never mind. You’ll have a fabulous friend for life.
Daniel Browne Columnist and Warwickshire Pride Founder
Firstly, I feel for you and can totally relate to this situation.
Being into someone who doesn’t reciprocate those feelings can be crushing. However, because things haven’t gone further with this incredible looking, funny guy it doesn’t mean that he’s not into you. Perhaps he likes to take things at a slower pace and get to know someone before he becomes intimate with them.
Maybe he’s absolutely into you but is not ready to take the next step yet. Of course, it is possible that he doesn’t have the same feelings for you that you have for him. If that’s the case, then it sounds like you’ve made a great friend and that’s something to treasure. Give this relationship time and see where it goes. If it doesn’t develop into something more than friendship then as upsetting as that may be, you do have that companionship to enjoy. If it does develop into something more intimate, that’s something you can equally enjoy and it will have been worth the wait.
What do you think? Have your say in the comments below.
Have you got a sexual health or emotional dilemma to ask us? Click here
Rick Genest, AKA Zombie Boy’s death was an accident, not a suicide – his family and management insist.
(C) BIGSTOCK
Earlier this week the model Zombie Boy, who famously appeared in Lady Gaga’s 2011 hit, ‘Born This Way’ died at the age of 32. It was first reported that his death was by suicide, but his family has said that his death was actually accidental.
He was found dead at his home in Montreal after falling from a balcony at the back of his resident.
Genest’s manager Karim Leduc told PEOPLE, “For us, the family and close entourage, we feel there’s too many inconsistencies around his death to rule it as a suicide, and for people to jump to conclusions that rapidly was disappointing,
“The balcony from which he fell on the third floor was a very dangerous balcony,” Leduc added. “Just three weeks ago, I visited that balcony with him and was on it with him smoking a cigarette, as well. It’s a balcony that has very small rails/guards — an emergency/fire escape balcony – and he was leaning his back towards it like sitting on the ledge of the rail, and he fell from his backside onto the floor.”
There has been speculation that he jumped rather than fell but Leduc said that Genest had left no note and that he “actually made plans for a couple things that week.”
After the news of his death, Lady Gaga wrote a poignant tribute to Genest on Thursday and stated that he had taken his own life, “The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating,” she tweeted. “We have to work harder to change the culture, bring Mental Health to the forefront and erase the stigma that we can’t talk about it.”
“If you’re suffering, call a friend or family today,” she added. “We must save each other.”
The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating. We have to work harder to change the culture, bring Mental Health to the forefront and erase the stigma that we can’t talk about it. If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other. pic.twitter.com/THz6x5JlpB
Well. After my speed dating success, I was floating on the clouds. I couldn’t believe it was third time lucky with my date. I’m so excited about him. Let me introduce you to him.
Meet Paul, a 32-year-old funeral director from Windsor. Such a handsome chap with bright blue eyes. Oh my days, those eyes. Excuse the cheesy analogy but I could have gone swimming in his old pork pies.
I must confess, I was a little concerned by his chosen vocation. I’ve always imagined funeral directors to be big burly blokes who look like they could be extras in the Terminator films. And I’ve always pictured them to be rather dull and a possible necrophile.
I can see me getting lynched in the street now by a mob of co-operative funeral care workers. Please excuse my judgemental attitude. I must constantly remind myself of my Christian upbringing. My Sunday school teachers clearly made an impact on me.
Now for some reason, I was feeling rather nervous of a second date with Paul. I felt a fluttering of butterflies deep in my gut. For once, I’m imagining that I might have actually met a man who may be around longer than just for a cup of coffee, the morning after. So I wanted to make a good impression.
My dear friend Natalie suggested that we make up a foursome with her then-girlfriend, Britney. No, not Britney Spears but she did have the similarity in that she was also American. But that’s where the similarities ended.
We opted for a lovely little Italian restaurant in Windsor, the name of which escapes me. My memory is not what it once was.
After all the pleasantries were out of the way, we sat down and the conversation flowed like the Thames at high tide. I could see Paul had a glisten in his eye whenever we looked at each other. Well, I hope that’s what it was and not the reflection of the candle in his pupil. The somersaults my stomach were doing would have been worthy of a gold medal in the Olympics.
As the waiter came to take our order, Paul suggested we share a garlic bread as a starter. Anyone who knows me well, will know I do NOT share food. Under any circumstance.
The mere suggestion of sharing a garlic bread made my eyebrows raise. Yes, they actually raised. I was still a week away from my botox top-up appointment at the time.
Natalie knowing my sheer greed gaged my reaction and kicked me under the table. And gave me one of her death stares. She’s a teacher so she has this look perfected. I gulped and begrudgingly agreed to share a starter. You may be sat there reading this, calling me a fat bastard. But I love my food and I want it all to myself. Maybe this is another thing I’m doing wrong that’s contributing to my undateable status.
The reveal
A few more Italian Pinots later and Natalie started interrogating my poor date.
“Would you like children one day? Because Mark would.”
I nearly dropped my glass of Pinot. Of course, being such an alcoholic, I managed to grip it tight enough to ensure this didn’t happen. Bit forward for a second date question, I thought to myself but at least it wasn’t me who posed the question.
“I already have children.” Paul immediately replied.
Just at that precise moment, I was taking a gulp of Pinot and to say I spat it out and nearly choked on it would not be a dramatization.
“You’ve got children? Plural?” I asked.
“Yes”, he seemed perfectly happy to talk about it and I did my best to pretend the subject hadn’t shocked me.
“Oh my god. Boy or girl?” I asked, genuinely intrigued. I’d never met a gay man with a child.
“I have three sons.”
Well, you could have heard a pin drop in that restaurant. No one said a word.
As my dear mum always tells her friends, I’ve never been speechless since the day she sent me to speech therapy when I was four. But I was certainly speechless now.
Whilst we’re on the subject of my mum sending me to speech therapy. Yes, I understand people may find it hard to believe but I hadn’t actually started talking and being as though I was four years old, she started to worry. Hence why she marched me to speech therapy. But ever since that day, my mum always says she regretted sending me.
But I’m digressing as usual. Back to the bombshell that had just been dropped in the Italian restaurant. As my friends will tell you, I don’t handle myself in the best manner during serious situations. I have what you might call a nervous laugh. And God strike me down, this is how I reacted to this situation.
Natalie, having a tad more decorum than me, kicked me under the table to indicate this was not an appropriate moment to activate my nervous laugh. As if I have control over it…
“Why are you kicking me?” I barked at Natalie, not immediately clocking on to why she had booted me with her size 5 Doc Martens.
Finally processing the information, I could see this was a brave bit of information to reveal so early on in our dating period. I grabbed his hand.
I could tell we both meant something to each other because he said he had never revealed this information to a potential boyfriend before. And so I leant over and kissed him on the lips. I’m not one for PDA’S but this just felt the right moment.
“I hope I get to see you again after tonight”, he said.
The model, Zombie Boy has died, from an apparent suicide at the age of 32.
(C) BIGSTOCK
Rick Genest, known professionally as Zombie Boy has died at the age of 32. He was found just days before what would have been his 33rd birthday.
Most notably he starred in Lady Gaga’s music video for the LGBT+ anthem, ‘Born This Way’ in 2011. He was found deceased at his home in Montreal, Canada.
It is believed that he committed suicide. There are no details at this time surrounding the cause of his death.
Lady Gaga was one of the first to pay tribute to the model. Taking to Twitter she wrote,
“The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating. We have to work harder to change the culture, bring Mental Health to the forefront and erase the stigma that we can’t talk about it. If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other”.
The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating. We have to work harder to change the culture, bring Mental Health to the forefront and erase the stigma that we can’t talk about it. If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other. pic.twitter.com/THz6x5JlpB
“Science tells us that it takes 21 days to form a habit, if you are suffering from Mental Health issue I beckon for today to be your first day or a continuation of the work you’ve been doing. Reach out if you’re in pain, and if you know someone who is, reach out to them too”.
Science tells us that it takes 21 days to form a habit, if you are suffering from Mental Health issue I beckon for today to be your first day or a continuation of the work you’ve been doing. Reach out if you’re in pain, and if you know someone who is, reach out to them too. pic.twitter.com/4pVR5xyoH6
Management for Rick posted a tribute on Facebook, saying they were “shocked and pained” by his death.
“Rico was loved by all those who had the chance to meet him and know him,” said the post.
“We received the unfortunate news at the beginning of the afternoon and members of the team have come to support his family and relatives in this dark and difficult moment.
“We want to present our deepest condolences… Thank you zb for these beautiful moments in your company and for your radiant smile.”
If you are in the UK, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 if you are struggling with mental health issues.
Vodafone cements its ongoing support for the LGBT+ community by updating a raft of policies to help transgender customers.
This is how you do business.
Telcoms giant, Vodafone has announced a series of trans-inclusive initiatives, as part of the company’s commitment to improving the lives of employees and customers.
The announcement comes ahead of Vodafone’s sponsorship of Brighton Pride this weekend, part of Pride events throughout the country which the company supports.
New initiatives include:
Vodafone’s ‘Name Change’ process has been simplified and there is no need for a customer to visit a store or speak to a customer agent to do this. Instead, it can be by post; it simply requires one form to be completed with proof of the name change. This is intended to remove anxiety which may arise from the need to speak to someone. Full details can be accessed here: Name Change Process
A new ‘life events’ section has been added to Vodafone’s customer website to provide easier access to information on the ‘Name Change’ process. Vodafone has also made it easier to search and find relevant information.
For Pay Monthly customers, 24 months of bills will now be accessible, which can be used to support applications for a Gender Recognition Certificate.
A specialist team has been established to respond to ‘living as me’ requests, available on livingasme@help.vodafone.co.uk
Customers can also adopt the gender-neutral Mx prefix via our live chat, voice and retail channels.
Vodafone is a proud supporter of lesbian, bi, gay and trans communities and recognises that there are key moments when colleagues and customers may need additional support.
Vodafone has also been listening to LGBT+ communities and in particular, the experience trans people have when engaging with large organisations. Independent cross-sector research in April this year indicated that:
Trans and non-binary people felt it was a battle dealing with large organisations.
They felt they needed to ‘come out’ every time they engaged a customer service team.
The name change process caused anxiety, was prone to errors and felt unfair when compared to the experience of other groups.
Contact centre agents and in-store advisors were quick to make judgements based on appearance and by sound of voice.
Gendered selections were exclusive and did not reflect all identities.
New biometric processes could be inflexible and proved a challenge for those transitioning.
In July 2018, the UK Government published results from a national LGBT+ survey which saw more than 108,000 LGBT+ people take part and provide insight into LGBT+ life across the UK. In light of the findings, Vodafone launched an LGBT+ Retail Ambassador programme to train and support in-store employees with LGBT+ topics. This has led to the rainbow symbol being incorporated into name badges and more than 100 retail stores have come out to support local pride events up and down the country. This complements existing training initiatives such as the Vodafone Way of Care that incorporates LGBT+ scenarios into our frontline training.
The company has introduced a customer reporting process that now tracks negative experiences LGBT+ customers may have experienced. This will enable Vodafone to get faster feedback from LGBT+ customers on where change is needed to improve how we support customers.
These customer initiatives build on work Vodafone is already doing to support colleagues, which this year has included launching a “Friends of LGBT” accreditation programme and a series of initiatives to support young LGBT+ people when they start their first job. This includes offering all new graduates an LGBT+ buddy and supporting 400 graduates through inclusive leadership training.
The clever bods over at CocktailsAndCocktalk.com have unearthed a treasure. A completely starkers picture of Hollywood star, Channing Tatum.
We thought we’d seen it all in Magic Mike – but there was always something missing now you can see little Tatum in all its glory.
The picture comes from a coffee table book (so the picture is v tasteful) called Sombra, by Ruven Afanador and it dates back to when Channing was a promising model. I mean he’s even wearing a trilby hat. How much more class do you want? The picture dates back to before he became a bonafide film star.
