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  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Wedding Singer, Bromley Churchill Theatre

    ★★ | The Wedding Singer, Bromley Churchill Theatre 

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Wedding Singer, Bromley Churchill Theatre

    Robbie Hart is a popular wedding singer who has his belief in love shattered when he is jilted at the altar by his fiancé. But as he has promised to sing at the wedding of affable waitress Julia to her sleazy, materialistic boyfriend, Glenn, he spends his time helping her prepare for her big day. But amongst the gift registry and dress shopping, the two of them slowly fall for each other, and as Julia’s big day approaches, will they both find the courage to tell each other how they feel?

    This 80’s set musical is based on the film of the same name and is packed with a full list of original songs, a smattering of ensemble pieces and a rapping granny. In terms of the cast, Ray Quinn (X-Factor) stood head and shoulders amongst the performers, with a good performance as Glenn, whilst Cassie Compton (X-Factor) and UK Eurovision singer Lucie Jones provided competent support and, to their credit, some superb singing.

    But aside from a handful of good performances, sadly, the whole thing just simply didn’t hang together. The onslaught of songs became intrusive to the progression of the narrative, the clunky and cumbersome set changes interrupted the flow and the show overall fell somewhere between lacklustre and dull. Add into that an incredibly cringe worthy seduction scene between Robbie and his ex-fiancé, a significant lack of chemistry between the two leads and some borderline offensive stereotypes of gay men which felt more like ridicule than parody and you have a rather disappointing production.

    But where the show really lets itself down is in its lack of an 80’s feel, especially given that the decade is ripe for the picking in terms of its cultural identity.  Part of the charm of the film that the show is based on is its nods to the decade, from the fashions to the music; something that is noticeably missing from this show. It takes more than a randomly placed Rubiks Cube, a Sony Walkman and a reference to the size of a mobile phone to set the 80’s scene. But the biggest omission is that the original songs didn’t have even a tinge of 80’s synth pop to them and were so generic that, on the whole, they could have come from any musical set in any decade; whilst the costumes missed the opportunity to fully exploit the decade that fashion forgot.

    The show did finally come alive during the last scene and the curtain call, but it was far too little far too late, and couldn’t avoid the show receiving a rather muted reception from the generally unimpressed audience.

    The Wedding Singer is currently playing at the Bromley Churchill Theatre until 5th August 2017

    • Review taken from the Sheffield Production.

     

  • REVIEW | Vista Bonita Gran Canaria

    If you’re looking for a gay stay in Gran Canaria then Vista Bonita should be on your priority list.

    Gay-only vacations aren’t for everyone. The thought of staying in a gay hotel or gay apartment might not be to everyone’s taste – it wasn’t mine until I stayed at Vista Bonita near Maspalomas in Gran Canaria – and then my opinion changed. We ended up visiting twice – in one year.

    Vista Bonita is a set of simple but perfectly formed one bedroom apartments set around an outdoor pool on the outskirts of Maspalomas and around a 2-mile walk or 10-minute cab ride to the gay epicentre of Yumbo.

    Gran Canaria, which is located a hundred and fifty miles off the north-west coast of Africa, has long been accepted as one of the most gay-friendly holiday spots in the world, and with all-year round good weather it’s just a four and a half hour flight from the UK, you’re pretty much-guaranteed sunshine.

    English is widely spoken and the locals are incredibly friendly and accepting.

    Vista Bonita offers two styles of apartment, although they are all essentially the same floor plan. You have a standard duplex and the deluxe. They both offer a living room and equipped kitchenette as well as a first-floor bedroom. Each apartment has two toilets – and one which comes with a bath/shower. All have terraces overlooking the swimming pool or the lush gardens towards the back of the complex.

    The deluxe duplex offers the extras including a welcome fruit selection and alcohol. There are other extras as well.

    A word to the wise and an insider tip. Although a pool view might seem nice (in fact it can be at times very interesting – because some guests take full advantage of a clothing optional acceptance) it can be very noisy – especially at night when those who have partied at Yumbo for too long come back and think it’s a great idea to start a pool party at 3 AM. Although this is not permitted by hotel management, it did happen almost every night we stayed on our second visit. So ask for a room in the garden section – which is further away and offers a little more privacy.

    Flight time from the UK around 4 and half hours- with legacy and low fare carriers all serving the Island.

  • The 15 best restaurants in London 2017

    There are thousands of restaurants in London ranging from the Michelin Starred to the greasy spoon. From Italian to Chinese from Hipster chic to LGBT enclaves. London’s cuisine scene has it all.

    The 15 best restaurants in London 2017

    Grills

    Brasserie Zedel (Piccadilly Circus) is steps away from Piccadilly Circus and is one of the most beautiful, elegant and affordable restaurants in London. The restaurant serves traditional French food at amazingly affordable prices. In what is perhaps the best dinner deal in London, they offer, for a mere £12.75, a three-course Prixe Fixe meal which includes Carottes Rapées, Steak Haché with Frites, and a Café Gourmand or a Tarte aux Fruits. It’s a very delicious and satisfying meal. (Tim Baros)

    Eccleston Square Hotel (Victoria) Just a brief walk from the chaos of Victoria Station lies the calm, stylish, uber-cool and uber-tech hotel within Eccleston Square. If you’re not a natural-born Londoner, sometimes the “buzz” is a bit overwhelming. Eccleston Square manages to create an ambience to instantly chill and transports you to a peaceful place. (Jordan Lohan)

    Bar + Block (Kings Cross) The Kings Cross area, if you haven’t recently been, is buzzing. Years ago it was a warren of prostitution and crime, now it’s gentrified with trendy and expensive apartments and a healthy choice of restaurant options. Bar + Block, in my opinion, is THE restaurant option in the area. It is, in fact, the perfect place to go for an excellent and very affordable meal. Located right next to Kings Cross Station on York Way and past McDonald’s and Nandos, Bar + Block, right underneath the Premier Inn, is an excellent find. In the space that used to be the dreary hotel bar, it has been remodelled, chomped and changed. It’s now a beautiful restaurant where the bar, dining area and kitchen are all in one superbly designed and spacious large room. But it’s not just the layout that’s fantastic, the food is also amazing. (Tim Baros)

     

    World

    Ping Pong (Soho) is a restaurant where the concept is Dim Sum – food that comes in small bite-sized portions which allow you to eat lots and lots of different types. Don’t assume the dishes will be quite small because the prices are quite low. Once the food arrives you’ll need a second table to capture the overflow! (Tim Baros)

    Thai Square is an oasis in the heart of central London. Away from the hustle and bustle and crowds and pollution, stepping into Thai Square is akin to stepping into a whole different world, a world that is calm and tranquil and where one can find excellent food. (Tim Baros)

    Zaika of Kensington (Kensington) went above and beyond the usual expectations of Indian cuisine. The pricing of the dishes are on point for the quality and execution. The whole experience felt grand and glam. If you have a team of curry fans, Zaika of Kensington is the place for you. (Jordan Lohan)

    Jamboree Foodfest & Bar (Blackfriars) Don’t be put off by the corporate exterior. The building is accessorised with a fun red neon Jamboree sign and their colourful interior can be seen from across the traffic-magnet main road. Once inside you’ll feel as though you’ve walked into a London take on a barn dance bar. High ceilings laden with multicoloured bunting and exposed vintage bulbs, bare wood beams, walls, floor and tables. A clean spit-without-the-sawdust gaff. We approve. (Thabian Sutherland)

    Gastropub

    The Narrow Is Gordon Ramsay’s gaff and it simmers with locals who’ve come straight from the office or schlepped from their Limehouse pied-à-terres. It gives the riverside eatery a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Good service in a Ramsay gaff is like buff, topless bar staff at Ku Bar – totally expected. You won’t be disappointed. No F Words and the staff are knowledgeable and will treat you as though you were regulars. (Thabian Sutherland)

    Marquis of Wellington (Bermondsey) Loud, brass and cheap as chips. The locals are lucky to have this pub on their doorstep, and visitors to the area will enjoy it as well. (Tim Baros)

     

    Italian

    Tozi (Victoria) A breeze to get to – being a five-minute walk from Victoria. The decor is spacious, cool and contemporary. You’ll love the sleek, swift (and suiting smart shirts) service. Their menu incorporates some wonderfully unique ingredients, such as their home made chestnut infused rum. And oh the men. All the Italian men. Overall, I am all over it, and it has been decided that this place is definitely Tozi ‘Mazeballs. (Jordan Lohan)

    Stuzzico (Marble Arch) is tucked away in a section of London called Connaught Village, steps away from Marble Arch and the Middle Eastern restaurants of Edgware Road, Stuzzico, as small as it is, is a standout. Luca, one of the proprietors, will greet you with a warm Italian smile and will recommend dishes and especially wine that superbly complements each other. Its smallish menu will allow you to try various specialities of the Puglia region, but it all depends on what you fancy; fish, meat and/or pasta. (Tim Baros)

     

    Hip

    Wringer & Mangle To enter W&M you walk through a terrace, and past a Moroccan-style den, where lattice fencing, riddled with ivy, sections off an outdoor seating area surrounding a fire pit. Ideal for an aperitif. Cushions, candles and outdoor heaters will keep you snug as a duvet in a tumble dryer. While schmoozing with the trendy-Wendys, happening-hacks and look-at-me-Larrys, canapés were wafted around like incense at a pilgrims’ gathering. Regular visits a must. (Thabian Sutherland)

    Tabun Kitchen It’s recommended that you sit on the lower ground floor. It’s quaint, Mediterranean-styled, and very cosy, perfect if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the food without being in the hustle and bustle and heat of the main room. Faisel, the charming manager, will take you through the menu if you have any questions. And while the pizza was not sexy and the service a bit disjointed, Tabun Kitchen will not disappoint. It’s warm food and cooking style and abundant fresh and delicious flavours will blow you away.  (Tim Baros)

    Rudie’s Jamaican (Dalston) offers what they call a ‘Boss Burger’ – a rare breed of beef chuck patty that is topped with apple wood smoked cheddar, sweet honey mustard, red onion, tomato, pickles and jalapeño chilli – and it’s huge – worth the £12 price. With Dalston becoming the hip place to live, Rudie’s will most definitely live up to a similar mantra – it will be the hip place to eat. (Tim Baros)

     

    LGBT

    Balans in Soho is an absolute must if you’re visiting London’s gay centre. Open 24 hrs you’ll find a bevvy of hot staff serving good value, hearty food with delicious drinks. (Jake Hook)

  • ADVICE | I don’t have a will, does this affect my partner should I die?

    A reader asks whether not having a will, will affect his partner of 6 years will inherit should he die unexpectedly.

    Is my partner at risk if I don't have a will?

     

    Dear Matt,

    My partner and I have been together for 6 years and although we’re not civilly married, I was wondering what our rights were in case of an accident or death. We currently rent and don’t own our house, but we do have various other assets such as stocks and savings. Neither of us have made a will. What would happen to the surviving partner if the worst was to happen? Would my assets go directly to him?

    Thank you for your time

    Steve N.

     

    Dear Steve,

    The simple answer is no. Currently, co-habiting partners have no (automatic) legal right to inherit assets from their partner’s estate unless provision is made for them in their partner’s will.

    Only assets that are held in joint names (such as joint bank accounts) will pass to the surviving partner automatically by ‘survivorship’ and simply require the removal of the deceased partner’s name from the account; such assets are not affected by the presence (nor contents) of any Will.

    In cases where the deceased partner left no will (or a defective/invalid will) all assets held in the deceased partner’s sole name will pass according to the Intestacy Rules. These rules stipulate who will inherit the estate in a strict order of priority of relatives – spouse/civil partner, children, parents, siblings and so on and so forth. Co-habiting partners do not feature in this list!

    My advice would be to always seek professional advice from a solicitor to create appropriate wills to ensure that your loved ones left behind are not unwittingly disinherited through your inaction.

    You should also be conscious of the inheritance tax implications of remaining unmarried or not in a civil partnership. The transfer of assets after death may trigger an inheritance tax liability, as executors would be unable to claim valuable exemptions, such as the spouse exemption.

    This response is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice, and should not be relied on or treated as a substitute for specific advice relevant to particular circumstances. Individuals should always seek legal advice from a professional which is specific to their unique set of circumstances.

    This article was updated on the 16th November 2018

    Have you got a legal question? Ask it here

  • What does the interior of the Celebrity Big Brother house look like?

    The pictures are here…

    See the inside of the brand new Celebrity Big Brother house.

     

  • TV REVIEW | Against The Law

    As part of their Gay Britannia season, the BBC commissioned Against The Law, a docudrama of some of the events leading up the Wolfenden report, which paved the way to the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK.

    TV REVIEW | Against The Law

    Against The Law is a docudrama by filmmaker Fergus O’Brien, based on the true story of Peter Wildeblood played by Daniel Mays, a writer and journalist for the Daily Mail, who was charged and imprisoned for homosexual acts in 1954, following an affair with a military man (Richard Gadd). At the time, gay men were being arrested in their droves, police raids were regular and the shaming of men for their lifestyle was rife.

    The punishment for those found guilty was prison time and gay cures offered, by professional medical staff, to those who wished to drive the gay out of them. The cures offered included electrical and chemical aversion therapies.

    The law made it almost impossible for gay men to lead honest, open relationships with each other as demonstrated in Wildeblood’s story. His personal love letters to his boyfriend were used against him in evidence of his so-called crimes.

    After his incarceration, he was the only openly gay man to testify in front of the Wolfenden committee, the committee that was, eventually, instrumental in the decriminalising of homosexuality in the UK.

    Interspersed with the drama were the true life stories from men caught up in the cruelty of the British legal system. They share their heartbreaking stories of fear, longing for acceptance and reclamation of their stolen lives.

    Utterly captivating and desperately sad, Against The Law, is a history lesson everybody in the LGBT+ community needs to learn.

     

  • When will the X Factor 2017 start and who is judging it this year?

    Summer 2017 sees the return of one Britain’s most popular show, the X Factor. When does it start, who is hosting it and who are the judges?

    when does the new series of X Factor start?

    Simon Cowell has already hinted that there will be many new surprises to delight and retain viewers.

    After last year’s dismal ratings, Simon Cowell has hinted that there will be many changes to the 2017 format of X Factor, including a new location for auditions, six weeks of live shows instead of 10 and no more novelty acts, like Honey G, that have blighted the show for years. For fans of the Jukebox, it will not be returning to the 2017 series after Simon ruled it out in July.

    When does X Factor 2017 start?

    Although the show’s first episode air date has not yet been announced, you can expect it to be at the end of August. This is when the show usually starts and takes viewers right up until Christmas. It has historically launched on the last weekend of August. Dermot O’Leary is returning for hosting duties.

    Who is judging the X Factor 2017?

    Don’t expect too many changes to the lineup from 2016. Simon, Nicole, Sharon and Louis Walsh will all be returning, however, there are rumours that several guest judges will be making a stop to shake things up.

    After years of fixing and rejigging the judging panel, this is the first time that the show will have exactly the same judging panel as the previous year. A source said that the “chemistry was perfect” among the judges.

    Where will the Judge’s Houses be in this year’s X Factor?

    As always, the location of the judge’s houses is a secret – you’ll have to wait until the shows to find out more.

    Who won last year’s X Factor?

    In case you’ve forgotten – so much has happened since last year’s finale, Matt Terry won out the series – followed by Saara Alto.

     

     

     

  • The show that made Jane McDonald famous is making a comeback

    A brand new series of The Cruise is set to return to our screens…

    Yes, the show that gave us Jane McDonald is coming back to ITV.

    Three new series of ITV’s hit documentary The Cruise, which will be set on board two Princess Cruises ships, are being lined up for next year.

    Wild Pictures will once again board The Cruise and reveal what life at sea is like for both crew and guests on board some of the ocean’s largest cruise liners. The new series follows the success of the previous two series, filmed respectively on Regal Princess in the Baltics and Royal Princess in the Mediterranean, which were a ratings success.

    The new series of The Cruise will include 6 x30minute episodes in the Mediterranean, returning to the 3,560-guest Royal Princess as she cruises from Greece to Spain and everywhere in between this summer. Two special 3 x 30 minute outings to Alaska and the Caribbean will take viewers further then ever before to bbreathtakingand exotic locations, which present new challenges for staff.

    The series is commissioned for ITV by Satmohan Panesar, Commissioning Editor and Sue Murphy Head of Factual Entertainment.

    Paul Hamann, executive producer at Wild Pictures, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Princess Cruises again on this successful returning series. Viewers are really fascinated by the world of cruising, the workings of such a large operation and the exciting destinations this series gives them a passport to see.”

    Viewers can join the conversation on Twitter via #TheCruise

  • Setting the pace with Jaguar

    Jaguar has been busy of late with two launches over the past month of two cars. The first was of the XF Sportbrake. An important car in the burgeoning luxury estate segment. Now hot on its heels is yet a car probably more important, the smaller SUV brother of the F Pace, the E Pace.

    The launch was a spectacle of celebrities and journalists from all walks of life. Jaguar wants everyone to know about this car. Fact that the E Pace hit the world records even before anyone got to see it, demonstrates the big push to let you know about E Pace. It did a 15.3-meter barrel roll with a 270-degree roll. A feat no other “production” car has achieved. Sadly due to health and safety, we were not able to see this being performed. Instead, we had Pete Tong. I’m not complaining.

    If this car doesn’t entice you away from the Audi Q range, BMW X range and Mercedes confusing GL range then I do not know what Jaguar have to do to do so. This is a car to make the Germans worried. This E Pace is a car that is going to cause a lot of upset in the SUV market. Read on and I’ll tell you why.

    First up it is cheap. I don’t mean that in a detrimental way to Jaguar because the car itself is anything but when you feel the quality. I got speaking to a consultant for Jaguar who told me that prices were to start from around £28,500 for the base S model to £41,450 for the HSE (all before options) while the most popular model will retail for around £33k. For a Jaguar that almost seems like chicken feed money when you look at the small SUV market. This is a more than a premium car, a Jaguar is prestige!

    It’s the enticing that it will do in the showrooms. Design chief for the E Pace, Ian Callum, and his team have done a fantastic job in making this smaller Pace look even better than the F Pace it complements in the range. In doing so they have made a car that will appeal to many markets and importantly, young professionals of every kind. If there is one thing the E pace lacks it’s going to be the smell of the boardroom and a golf club. Not that you can’t get golf clubs in the back, it’s that you can get more in there without trying. Think of a sport, any sport. Think of the gear you need and double it. It’ll fit in the E Pace.

    The kit is impressive too. It has the usual large touch screen and power ports for devices around and the ability for up to 8 devices to stream the internet via its own 4g hotspot. Air, leather etc are pretty much standard with options available for upgrades of the furnishings.

    Air, leather etc are pretty much standard with options available for upgrades of the furnishings.

    Available with 2wd or 4wd. 4wd will be the bigger seller for sure. The computer keeps track of the power to wheels every 10 milliseconds with the ability to transfer it to the wheel that needs it most thus keeping you where you should be.

    2-litre engines options in petrol and diesel range from 147 to 197bhp with 0-60 times ranging from just under 10 seconds to 6 seconds depending on engine and spec. Add to this the usual choice of a practical wheel to rubber size to thin banded rubber and blinging alloys and the options list starts getting bigger.

    This ladies and gentlemen is E for excitement at Jaguar.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Dirty Dancing, Princess Theatre Torquay

    ★★★ | Dirty Dancing, Princess Theatre Torquay

    Set in the 1960’s, Frances “Baby” Houseman goes to Kellerman’s holiday camp with her family. She befriends the staff of the camp and develops a crush on charismatic dance teacher, Johnny Castle. When Johnny’s dance partner cannot perform at a show at a local hotel, Baby steps in to ensure that they do not lose their jobs. But as Johnny and Baby rehearse, they fall in love and learn more from each other than just the dance moves.

    Based on the hugely popular film of the same name, Dirty Dancing hits the stage with a show which follows the story of the film very closely, with the bulk of the script being comfortingly recognisable from the film. There are some additional scenes thrown in, which mainly expand on the political changes in the 60’s and some which flesh out the relationship between Baby and Johnny; whilst the show’s music came from a combination of both live and pre-recorded tracks, including “Hungry Eyes”, “Love Man” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”

    Katie Eccles and Robert Colvin took the lead roles of Baby and Johnny, and had some chemistry between them; and they were supported by a broadly competent cast of singers, dancers and musicians. Unsurprisingly, the dancing was better than the acting, but given that the show’s main focus is the musical numbers it doesn’t cause too much of a problem.

    The show has been given a major overhaul and is all the better for it. This production has a vibrant lighting design and has ushered in a luxurious, well designed and thoroughly detailed set which transform smoothly without ever interrupting the story; whilst the show has been sexed up a little with a few more bare chests and muscular arms on display. Overall, the production values here are very high and very impressive.

    But where the show really succeeds is in its ability to bring the movie to life and recreating it on stage. All of the familiar lines, plot points, dance routines and songs are there and there is something very comforting about watching such a faithful recreation of the movie. For those who have not seen the film, the show is a good introduction to the world of Kellerman’s. For established fans of the film, the show will be hard to beat.

    Dirty Dancing is playing at the Princess Theatre Torquay until 5th August 2017

    • Review taken from the Sheffield Theatre production

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Play That Goes Wrong, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury

    ★★★★★ – Dangerous, jaw-dropping and comedy genius!

    Mischief Theatre, in role as The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, brought to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury stage an uproariously funny murder mystery entitled The Murder at Haversham Manor and it went south, literally.

    The Play That Goes Wrong was a comedic masterpiece, like its successor Peter Pan, Goes Wrong, with dangerous and risky tricks that left audiences clutching on to their seats as pieces of stage fell off and got thrown around, sometimes missing the actors by inches. The actors were so efficient in everything they did, from balancing three objects across two body parts, to expertly delivering their lines while dodging canvasses, candelabras and each other. What was sublime about The Play That Goes Wrong was that if ever you have seen an amateur, or a badly produced professional, play, this show embodies the different mistakes and disasters that have occurred in the former shows. There’ll be a moment where you cannot help but recall a bad production where sets had fallen down or actors had genuinely forgotten lines and asked for “line” throughout entire speeches.

    Jason Callender who plays Jonathan playing Charles Haversham was brilliant. His gag was always turning up at the wrong point in the play, revealing the ending every time. It was very comedic, too, when Jonathan was rarely allowed to play dead, for actors clumsily walked on him, sat on him, or fell on him. He made the audience laugh at his every entrance, and I chiefly loved his sneaking off stage wriggling subtly on the floor as if to kid the audience that we couldn’t see him depart. Patrick Warner who plays Chris playing Inspector Carter was a comedy genius. Every reaction was crafted to perfection, and his lines were well-timed with the action. The audience hung on to every word he said. He played the director too, so it was particularly hilarious when, under his breath, he would mutter a direction to understudies that had come on to fill in for a part. Ham acting is a feature often prominent in amateur murder mystery productions, and Alastair Kirton playing Max playing Cecil Haversham did a sterling job showcasing this. Max’s sawing the air with his hands and over dramatising his role while stopping to smile as the audience laughed during one of his lines, was incredibly entertaining. When Max changed role to be the Gardener he flashed his clothes to tell it was still him, and that he had returned, but as a different character. Absolutely hilarious. Lastly, Natasha Culley as Sandra Wilkinson enacting the role of Florence Colleymoore was a treat. Sandra was everything that had ever gone wrong with acting all sewn together in one actress. Her ticks, shallow demeanour, and not able to improvise without direction, was a great feast for the senses. Her overproduction of movement as she spoke, too, was hilarious. Overall, each cast member contributed to one of funniest nights I’ve had this year.

    The Play That Goes Wrong was especially entertaining for the set was a safety hazard, as the study, built atop of the drawing room, with no rails or support, collapsed gradually while the actors were still on there. It eventually fell down while an actor was under it, but the dexterity by which the actors moved and positioned themselves, made the accidents sort of safe, and we could exhale once again.

    Mischief Theatre is like Alton Towers, you queue to get on, you get several scares, and then you want to hop on again and again.

    The Play That Goes Wrong is playing at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury until 5th August 2017

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