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  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Wedding Singer, Sheffield Lyceum Theatre

    ★★ | The Wedding Singer, Sheffield Lyceum Theatre 

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Wedding Singer, Sheffield Lyceum Theatre

    Robbie Hart is a popular wedding singer who has his belief in love shattered when he is jilted at the alter 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 (The X-Factor) stood head and shoulders amongst the performers, with a good performance as Glenn, whilst Cassie Compton (The 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 Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 22nd July 2017

     

  • What is a glory hole?

    Have you heard the term glory hole but not sure what it is?

    A glory hole is a slang term mostly used in the gay cruising world. A glory hole, simply put, is a hole in a wall, door or partition, usually in a public toilet, where a man could put his penis through in order to be relieved by whoever was the other side. Glory holes are usually to be found in men’s public toilets and comes from the days of cottaging, which is a term coined to describe anonymous sex between men in public toilets.

    Most glory holes are rush made in the partitions between toilet stalls, most likely made with pen knives or another handy tool.

    Both men, the giver and receiver of oral sex would be hidden from view from each other which adds anonymity to both parties, especially is one or neither are out as gay or bisexual.

    A glory hole can also be used for anal penetration too.

    The anonymity of glory holes to some, adds eroticism to the situation, but it does have its drawbacks especially when it comes to sexual health and personal safety. The use of condoms is advised to stop STIs such as herpes, HIV and Gonorrhea but not always acted upon.

    The use of glory holes in not illegal in the UK, if the glory hole is in a private residence or a gay sauna/bathhouse. Sex in public toilets is illegal. You can find out more about the legal situation of cottaging in this article.

    Local councils or public toilet operators do mend found holes, usually with a sheet of metal to cover the hole from both sides.

    It is not known who created the first glory hole or in which country it first originated if you can help with this information please use the comment box below.

    Have you ever used one? Use the comment box below to add your story.

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Dirty Dancing, Palace Theatre Manchester

    ★★★ | Dirty Dancing, Palace Theatre Manchester

    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.

    THEATRE REVIEW | Dirty Dancing, Palace Theatre Manchester

    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 Palace Theatre Manchester until 22nd July 2017

    • Review taken from the Sheffield Theatre production

  • 12 Essential Points For Putting On A Pride Event

    So I thought I would write a little piece about the ups and downs and pitfalls of organising a Gay pride event.

    How to organise a successful pride

    I doubted writing this piece for a while as I know it will cause an uproar and probably outrage but I feel like I need to write something to get these feelings out.

    No one really tells you what goes into putting on an event, like a pride, what ever the scale and size of it.

    It’s our towns first event in 20yrs. I look back now over the last 7 months and reflect on all the struggles we have had within the gay community alone.

    The local community, local councils and emergency services have been very supportive of the event and want the event to take place but we have come up with more resilience from within our own community it is a very small community here in my town but it is getting bigger as the years have gone on.

    So I thought I would put together a checklist of 12 points to organising any type of event so someone in the future who thinks of putting an event on may have an idea of what to expect

    1. Build a strong team of more than 5 people to share workloads, depending on size of event and have plenty of meetings to cross reference where everyone is. Set up a WhatsApp group. Set up a Facebook Chat.

    2. Take the time and plan well in advance

    3. Seek guidance and advice from other Pride events or the UKPON

    1. Apply for all licences and permits within timeframes

    2. Include all emergency services in plans and details, get contact details for all chiefs or commanders of police, fire, ambulance

    3. Use online networks & websites to get details of local charities & organisations that might like to get involved.

    4. Get social. Set up online accounts, social medias & websites before launching advent, get dates, times and addresses confirmed before going live. Build a database of contact details for everyone.

    8. Artwork! If you have budget get artwork, logos and advertising done well in advance

    9. Infrastructure! Secure all bookings of toilet hire, stage hire, stalls, security, music acts, and any other main essentials with online form and deposits.

    10. Love the volunteer. Build a strong base of volunteers that will help on the day these are the most important people that will be helping on the day to make your event a success

    11. Contact at all times. Keep people informed and keep in contact with everyone whether it’s stall holders, security teams, volunteers, stage crew basically anyone that is going to be involved

    12. Don’t be a crazy train wreck by the end. Give your self 4 weeks before the date of event to have everything done signed and in place so the last few weeks aren’t a crazy mess

    Lastly, enjoy the event and if anything comes up, deal with it calmly and quickly.
    And remember there are plenty of people out their to ask for help and advice and guidance

    From my personal experience, I have learned that try not to let people’s opinions and comments reflect on the importance of putting on any type of event as you are going to criticism and hate and negativity especially from the gay community in small towns.

    I think in bigger towns and cities that have gay scenes and community it’s not as bad but I wish anyone the best of luck in putting on their event and remember if you need any advice or help just ask.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

     

  • BBUK’s Andrew just got a BACK SACK AND CRACK wax on TV

    So Big Brother newbie Andrew has just got a back, sack and crack wax in front of his housemates…

    If you fancy watching men in tremendous pain then tonight’s episode of Big Brother is for you. Andrew, who is a newbie housemate has had the dubious pleasure of getting his back, crack and sack waxed in front of his fellow housemates.

    We recently sent a brave writer to get his BSC done… read his experience here. 

    Want to know how to do it yourself click here.

     

    Watch the full horror in the clip below…

     

     

    Big Brother continues tonight on Channel 5

  • Announcing THEGAYUK New Year’s Recognition public nominations

    To celebrate the achievements and support that countless people contribute to the LGBT+ community THEGAYUK is opening the public nominations for the 2018 THEGAYUK New Year’s Honours List.

    In 2015 and 2016 thousands of people nominated hundreds of people and organisations whose tireless efforts help progress the equality, education and health of the LGBT+ community in the UK and beyond.

    Our honour’s list is the only publicly nominated recognitions and you won’t find a straight ally award anywhere! There are six areas of expertise to nominate in: Activism/Awareness, Politics, Health, Education, Entertainment and Sports.

    We will announce the full nominations list for voting on Friday 24th November 2017 – where the public vote will open and the winners announced in the New Year.

    Use the form below to nominate your choices for THEGAYUK honours list.

  • FORD MUSTANG | Just Call Me Mustang Sally

    Ford put on quite a show recently to a few motoring journalists for the launch of the 2017 Mustang Convertible. Not only was there a play in the new pony car but a polo match and tuition on how to play it albeit thankfully not on the horse and a day at Goodwood festival of speed.

    First up though was the excitement for the new Mustang that was then halted by the presence of a 1977 Mk2 Capri 1.6 L. Mustang does something to the inner you and l suppose if I was American it would do more but the Capri really was the car they said you’ve always promised yourself. And being British it stirred me up the wrong way. Thankfully Charlotte Ward from Ford Heritage entrusted me with the keys and I was able to satisfy those pangs with the joyous sound of a 1.6 pinto engine doing nothing but making noise when you pushed the pedal to the metal.

    Noise with motion was not a problem in the new Mustang with its V8 thundering under the bonnet. Motion was there in abundance. Sometimes too much was there. Even with all the traction control, you could still have some fun. You could also turn it off too but this is really only for legends. Come to think of it there were many different setting even down to a ‘track’ setting. I kept it as it was and cruised. The roads around Goodwood are not great for sideways action. As a thundering toy, I liked what I saw.

    The route took us to watch the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup polo courtesy of Guy and Charlotte from the Cowdray polo academy. As an animated fan, Guy was able to enthuse with abundance about polo, the skills needed, what made a good polo horse and the players. A gentle sport it is not and Charlotte showed off her skills at brownie making. Diet or not, I hit those hard.

    Dinner was interspersed with what can only be described as a perfect accompaniment to wine tasting five different wines and champagnes by Wiston with husband and wife team Richard and Kirsty Goring providing ample joviality per bottle per course. A lot of fun, even if we were lead down the wrong path by Richard who during the quiz asked questions he and Kirsty had not mentioned. An uproar ensued.

    Sunday was filled with a trip to Goodwood. Having never been before I can only express that it is far bigger than I thought it would be and quite overwhelming. There is just so much to see both on and off the track. This was after all The Festival of Speed.

    THEGAYUK hopes to get hold of a new Mustang for further examination so watch this space and a look around the heritage fleet too.

     

  • Former ANTM judge, Jay Manuel shocks with full body ink

    One of America’s favourite talent judges just unveiled a full body of tattoos.

     

    Out celebrity makeup artist, Jay Manuel has left his fans speechless after posing in the buff – showing nothing but a full body of tattoos!

    But it wasn’t so much the tats that got people talking it was the fact that he was wearing socks and sandals… in the shower that disturbed his fans the most.

    However, if you think that Jay is hiding all those tats under his usually finely tuned look, you’d be mistaken. Hours later he uploaded another full body picture, but asked his fans what his first tattoo should be!

    Jay was a key figure in America’s Next Top Model but was let go in 2012, by Tyra Banks along with Alexander and photographer Nigel Barker after the show’s ratings plummeted from a high of 5.4 million in 2006 to 2.4 million in 2011

  • FILM REVIEW | Baby Driver

    BABY DRIVER – The surprise hit of the summer, The UK’s very own Edgar Wright takes on the American car chase genre and makes an absolute film classic… all to an endless hit music soundtrack.

    FILM REVIEW | Baby Driver

    Nutshell – Baby is a 22-year-old driver for crime kingpin Doc and he does it all to pounding music to drown out his tinnitus hearing problem and he has been doing it since he learnt to wipe his own butt. He meets a love interest waitress and sees a way-out but escaping his crime world will prove a lot harder than he hopes… cue heists, exciting four-wheel action, plenty of gunplay and huge stunts and boy is it massively enjoyable.

    Running Time – 135 minutes; Certificate – 15.

    Tagline – ‘All You Need Is One Killer Track’

    THEGAYUK Factor – Jon Hamm is well known for allegedly having the biggest appendage in Hollywood and this is his best breakthrough movie. There are many scenes where you get to see this weapon of ass destruction in full view in all the action beats and boy is this one eyed trouser-snake distracting. There are some big firing weapons on show here but it’s obvious who has the biggest ‘gun’.

    Cast – Ansel Elgort stars alongside a mega supporting cast including Kevin Spacey, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, Lily James and Flea from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers & BigBoi from Outkast continuing this Summer of celeb cameos following David Beckham, Paul McCartney and Harry Styles elsewhere.

    Key Player – Edgar Wright does everything here including writing, directing, producing and choosing all the music. The Dorset born cinematic genius from his Spaced/French & Saunders beginnings through Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, TinTin, Antman & The World’s End has been leading up towards this his whole career – Simon Pegg will have to look for a new buddy now.

    Budget – $34 Million and boy it looks bigger than that on screen. So far in two weeks, it has made three times its costs with many territories still to be released in and this cult film will do mega-business on DVD, download and streaming which it is perfect for – A Hit Hit Hit!

    Best Bit – 0.05 mins; A tour de force of the most complicated very long running shot of all time as the lead walks around several blocks interacting with hundreds of extras all hitting exact beats of a Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Motown classic… very clever indeed and it sets you in the mood for a truly special experience.

    Worst Bit – 0.33 mins; The female lead, a waitress, who becomes the love interest has little presence, no back story and is the only weak link here. You don’t root for her or see what Baby sees in her… maybe a good looking lad like him should forget girls altogether and turn to the dark side… Originally this part was to be played by Emma Stone who bailed for Oscar glory in La La Land instead – good for her but shame for this film.

    Little Secret – Wright had this idea for years and first filmed it in a pop video for the band Mint Royale starring Noel Fielding. Noel appears in the clips at the start of the film and basically every clip on Baby’s TV as he flips through it actually details the final heist. There is so much like that for repeat viewing like all the vinyl records across the floor in the ransacked apartment are those on the film’s soundtrack and on and on the clever touches go here – this movie was not thrown together it was made with love.

    Further Viewing – Drive, Heat, Oceans 11, Snatch, Inside Man, Reservoir Dogs, The Italian Job, Usual Suspects and the greatest heist film of all time The Town.

    Any Good – This is simply f*cking great. Very funny, truly thrilling with more twists than a twisty turny thing and as entertaining as a pub lock-in with Graham Norton, Peter Kay and Lily Savage. In the midst of a sea of summer numbered sequels, this entertaining two hours in your local fleapit is a wholly fresh screenplay turned hip-as-hell movie.

    Rating – 91% out of 100.

     

    Order Baby Driver from Amazon | iTunes

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Play That Goes Wrong, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire

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

    Mischief Theatre, in role as The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, brought to the Malvern Theatre 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 Malvern Theatre until 22nd July 2017

     

    Originally reviewed at the Birmingham Rep

  • From April 2018 the government is going to restrict access to porn

    From April 2018 you will have to prove your age before accessing porn sites in the UK.

    From April 2018 the government is going to restrict access to porn

    The Conservative government are forging ahead with plans to require adults in the UK to prove they are over 18 before accessing porn sites. Digital minister Matt Hancock signed the commencement order today, which will enable the Digital Economy Act.

    Although no details about how the scheme could or would work, experts have suggested that proof of age could be provided by credit card details. The government could force Internet Service Providers such as BT and Virgin Media to block access to websites which do not comply with the new rules.

    The rules will apply to any website or platform which offers porn on a “commercial basis”.

    It is hoped that the measures will protect children from online porn.

    The Adam Smith Institute has reacted in dismay over the news.

    Sam Dumitriu, Research Economist at the Adam Smith Institute, said,

    “Requiring adult websites to force users to provide their credit card details poses a dangerous threat to privacy and will enable widespread credit card fraud.

    “Consenting adults shouldn’t be forced to announce that they’re looking at pornography to their credit card company.

    “There are massive fraud risks. It could mean that users are nudged into handing over data to unsafe sites – leaving them at the risk of fraud. Pornography is especially attractive to fraudsters as victims are often too embarrassed to flag up unexpected payments to adult sites to their credit card company.

    “Politicians should stop trying to regulate things they don’t understand.”

    In December 2014 pornography produced in the UK was subject to strict rules under the David Cameron’s Tory government. The types of scenes which studios could film were severely restricted with an amendment to the 2003 Communications Act.

    Some of the activities banned by the Conservative government could overtly affect the porn consumption of gay men in the UK – including those who watch BDSM, rimming (facesitting) and fisting.

     

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