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  • Journalist who broke Chechen gay torture news is in hiding after ‘jihad’ death threats

    The journalist who broke the news about Chechyna’s purge on gay men is in hiding after the news reverberates across the globe.

    The Russian journalist who is responsible for breaking the news that Chechen officials had rounded up, tortured and detained men suspected of being gay, has said that she is in hiding and fearing for her life after a “jihad was declared against her”.

    Speaking on the Victoria Derbyshire show, Novaya Gazeta journalist Elena Milashina said that a jihad had been declared on her and the staff at her outlet after 15,000 people met in the biggest mosque in Chechnya and denounced the paper and journalists who published the original story.

    She said,

    “They reacted [to the story] in a terrifying manner… on April 3, in the biggest mosque in Grozny, 15,000 religious and various types of people came together and announced a Jihad on us… not just me personally, but all journalists at Novaya Gazeta.

    “They said the people at the newspaper who raised this question have damaged the honour of Chechen nation and should be prosecuted.”

    A spokesperson for Chechnya’s leader Ramzan Kadyrov, said, that the report was “lies and disinformation” and claimed that gay people did not “exist in the republic”. The report was even dismissed as a sick April Fool’s joke, by the region’s interior ministry.

    As information continued to circulate about the mass rounding up and detaining of gay men in Chechnya, being referred to as a “gay purge” Baroness Anelay released a statement calling on Russia to investigate the claims.

    The UK’s Prime Minister, Theresa May has yet to speak out against the action.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Gypsy Queen – National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | Gypsy Queen – National Tour

    ★★★| Gypsy Queen – National Tour

    In a story set in the testosterone-fuelled world of boxing, “Gorgeous” George O’Connell, a street brawler from the travelling community is approached to be coached professionally for the sport by a local gym owner. But George’s deepest secret cannot be contained when openly gay boxer Dane “The Pain” Sampson makes a move on him in the changing rooms. The two men fall in love as George tries to come to terms with his sexuality, but they face their biggest fight when George’s internalised homophobia rises to the fore and his actions lead to a tragedy that neither of them could ever have envisaged.

    Photo Credit – PR Supplied

    In 2015, boxer Tyson Fury caused controversy by stating in an interview that homosexuality was one of three components that would see “the devil come home”. The comments caused a media storm, a backlash against the boxer and demands for him to be removed from the BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist. This play by award-winning playwright Rob Wright throws, and squarely lands, a counter punch at those comments by not only telling the story of gay men in the middle of the ultra-masculine environment of the sport, but by also putting forward a gay central character whose background is not that dissimilar to the background of Fury himself.

    Using two actors to portray all of the characters in the story, the play has a script with charm, warmth and some genuinely funny moments, as the pair struggle with their relationships with their parents, their fledgeling relationship with each other and the pressures and prejudices of both their professional and personal communities. The set, comprising of a changing room bench, is repositioned to transport the scenes to the various locations, and the characters demarcations come from the use of simple costume changes and some nifty versatility from the two-hander cast.

    Rob Ward centrally plays Gorgeous George with a cocksure swagger and confidence; whereas Ryan Clayton balances this out with a measured performance as Dane, played with a sensitive vulnerability. But it is Clayton’s performance of Mrs O’Connell, the foul-mouthed but well-meaning matriarch of George’s family that turned out to be a scene stealer.

    Whilst the presentation and performance of the show could do with a little polishing, there is a lot to recommend it. With its 70 minute runtime, the play is well written, well-paced and laced with humour, allowing the central message to come through without ever sounding preachy. The uncertainty portrayed by George in coming out is something that many gay men will relate to, and the exploration of the underlying homoeroticism in such a masculine sport is a welcome and timely one.

    Gypsy Queen is a funny, poignant, thought-provoking and relevant piece of theatre and one which is well worth catching.

    The show contains full frontal nudity, scenes of a sexual nature and strong language. Gypsy Queen is currently on national tour and details can be found at http://www.gypsyqueentour.com/ . The show was reviewed at Doncaster CAST Theatre, who has The Faaaabulous Ceri Dupree Show coming soon. Visit https://castindoncaster.com/ for details.

    Photo Credit – PR supplied

     

  • RECIPE | Coffee Jelly with Cream

    RECIPE | Coffee Jelly with Cream

    CREDIT: Pixabay

    Serves 8
    Prep 5 mins (3 hours minimum chilling)
    No Cook

    Coffee lovers and addicts will adore this meeting of dessert and post-dinner coffee. In an unusual twist on a kids party pudding normally served with ice cream comes a surprisingly good and sophisticated version that is perfectly paired with cream. This dessert is not overly sweet and has a distinctively clear taste of coffee. The recipe is easily halved if you would like to make less. Serve in tumblers for pretty presentation.

    COFFEE – 1 cup of coffee provides the following of your daily recommended intake; 11% B2, 6% B5, 3% of manganese and potassium, 2% of magnesium & B3. Although these are small amounts, most coffee drinkers are likely to have more than 1 cup a day.

    Coffee is also a great source of anti-oxidants. Other health concerns coffee is believed to help with are; protection from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, lowering risk of Parkinson’s, protecting the liver, reduce the risk of depression, lowering risk of stroke, and certain cancers.
    SOURCE: ( http://authoritynutrition.com/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee/ )

    Ingredients.

    8 tsp high-quality instant coffee
    2 sachets gelatine (12g each) – or use 8 gelatine leaves
    30g caster sugar
    1000ml cold water
    230ml hot water

    Double cream, to serve.

    Method.

    1. Pour the 230ml hot water into a bowl and sprinkle the gelatine onto the hot water. (it is important that gelatine is added to the water and not the other way around).

    2. Stir quickly until mixed thoroughly.

    3. In a large bowl combine the instant coffee with some of the cold water from the 1000ml you have measured out. Whisk until the coffee has dissolved entirely.

    4. Pour in the remaining cold water whilst stirring.

    5. Add the water with the gelatine mix in it to the coffee and stir thoroughly.

    *You could at this point add a shot of whisky for another flavour, if you like.

    6. Pour into a mould, casserole dish or whatever will accommodate the jelly mix in your fridge. You want to be able to transfer the jelly once set into tumblers so when you pour cream over the top there are various nooks and crannies for the cream to flow down and look pretty on.

    7. Chill for at least 3 hours in the fridge.

    8. Serve in tumblers with cream poured over the top.

  • You won’t guess how much these gay icons cost to hire for your party

    It’s the usual end of the day question in the office… ‘How much would it cost to hire Elton John to come and sing for us to pass the time’ – yes we have that much money we don’t know what to do with it! Well with a little research I bring you our Top 10 gay icons for hire… You’ll be surprised at who’s the cheapest!

    No.1) Madonna – $N/A

    CREDIT: Denis Makarenko / Bigstock

    Just like any good antique if there’s no price on it, you can’t afford it!

    No.2) Cher – $1,000,000+

    CREDIT: © s_bukley | Depositphotos
    You’ll be singing ‘If I Could Turn Back time’ when this cheque clears!

    No.3) Barbra Streisand – $1,000,000 +

    CREDIT: ©-s_bukley-Depositphotos

    Looks like the price of ‘Gay Gold’ has gone up a little.

    No.4) Tina Turner – $1,000,000 +

    s_bukley-Depositphotos

    If we did win the Euromillions then my money would certainly go here… sorry Elton.

    No.5) Elton John – $1,000,000 +

    © anyamuse Depositphotos

    Well one requires a high price tag to cover the cost of all those flowers… I wonder if he’d do it for free if we sent David a bunch of Daffs instead?

    No.6) Celine Dion – $750,000 – $1,000,000

    This is where the price tags start to sink… no? sink… Titanic… Nothing?

    No.7) Gloria Estefan – Under $400,000

    Here’s a real bargain. The word under suggests there’s room to haggle. £50?

    Sorry  the rhythm is getting me here…

    No.8) Shirley Bassey – Under $200,000

    Call me what you will but here was a real shock. We do love a bit of Bassey on a Monday. Having a whip round as we speak.

    No.9) Boy George – Under $150,000

    © Jean_Nelson Depositphotos

    Think they must really want to hurt him with this price tag! Seems a very low price for our favourite boy.

    No.10) Liza Minnelli – Under $100,000

    © s_bukley Depositphotos

    Biggest shock of them all. It’s Liza with a Z-list price tag. I’d heard she’d attend the opening of a fridge which is kinda handy as I could do with another cuppa.

    So how much would you pay for your favourite stars?

    Information from: www.bookingentertainment.com

  • Top 10 Favourite Meryl Streep Movies

    OUR TOP TEN FAVOURITE MERYL STREEP MOVIES.

    (C) Depositiphotos

    (In alphabetical order)

    ANGELS IN AMERICA (2003):

    Technically this film of Tony Kushner’s stunning political epic about the AIDS crisis during the mid-eighties is a TV mini-series BUT it would remiss not to include this as Ms Streep gave unforgettable performances as three different characters (including a male Rabbi) in a piece that is the defining play of that tragic moment in our history.

    DANCING AT LUGHNASA (1998):

    In this adaption of Brian Friel’s play, set in rural Ireland in 1936 when times were very tough, Ms Streep plays Kate a schoolteacher and the oldest of 5 unmarried sisters and the one in charge of all their lives. She’s as strict with her siblings as she is with her pupils but always puts their happiness before her own.

    DOUBT (2008):

    As Sister Aloysius Beauvier a Catholic school principal who questions a priest’s ambiguous relationship with a troubled young student, Ms Streep is all fire and brimstone with her unshakeable faith in a performance that netted her, and all three other actors in the film, Oscar Nominations.

    KRAMER VS. KRAMER: (1979)

    As the wife and mother who walked out on both her husband and child, Ms Streep is off the screen for a great deal of the movies, yet in this her breakthrough performance she wowed us all and won her very first Oscar.

    POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE (1990):

    in this movie based on Carrie Fisher’s life, a young Ms Streep brilliantly plays a substance addicted Hollywood actress who can only get a job if she agrees to live with her mother. Naturally, the mother is worse than any recreational drug and the two have a tempestuous relationship that reflects the real drama queens that they are. Hard to believe now, but Shirley MacLaine played the mother.

    SOPHIE’S CHOICE (1982):

    It’s hard to forget Ms Streep’s compelling performance as the Polish Holocaust survivor who had lost both her children and is now residing in Brooklyn and trying to find a reason to want to live. It rightfully gained her a second Oscar.

    THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY (1995):

    Ms Streep plays an Italian War Bride who in the 1960’s finds herself supplanted in an isolated farm house in Iowa and who, totally put of character, has a 4-day affair with a photographer just passing through. She gives a tender and passionate performance in this very touching romantic story.

    THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (2006):

    As the monstrous fashion supremo a la Anna Wintour, Ms Streep shines as the acerbic bitter genius who will stop at nothing to get things done her way. It is one of her most joyous performances ever.

    THE HOURS (2002):

    In Stephen Daldry’s deeply moving film of Michael Cunningham’s book, Ms Streep plays Clarissa a partnered lesbian who is caring for Richard, her best friend and ex-lover, who is dying from the ravages of AIDS. After watching her performance in this great ensemble movie, there is not a single dry eye in the house.

    THE IRON LADY (2011):

    Even though the critics were split over this controversial biopic, they did all at least agree that in portraying Margaret Thatcher. Ms Streep had nailed the character of the late British PM so spot on. It was a riveting performance that snared her yet another Oscar.

  • How To Make The Perfect Proposal To Your Boyfriend

    How To Make The Perfect Proposal To Your Boyfriend

    Proposing to a loved one is possibly the single most nerve-wracking aspect of a person’s life. Whether or not you’ve discussed marriage, the pressure to get that special moment just right is enormous. With that in mind, celebrity jeweller and founder of Vashi.com, Vashi Dominguez has provided his most valuable tips for planning the perfect marriage proposal.

    gay men getting married
    CREDIT: dolgachov bigstock

    In public (a grand gesture)

    Proposing in public echoes great romantic comedies and if done right could be the most passionate moment of a couple’s relationship. Whether it’s a family occasion or using flash mobs, skywriting, theatrics, a homemade movie screened whilst at the cinema or a treasure hunt – these are just a few showstopping ways to show your spouse-to-be just how special they are in front of many and/or just in the presence of the two of you.

    Don’t: The key thing to remember is to match your moment with your loved one’s personality. There is nothing worse than surprising your partner with a grand public proposal if they’re naturally shy and/or a private person. Not only will it be an overwhelming experience for them but it also highlights that you haven’t understood their likes and dislikes.

    At Home

    Proposing in the comfort of your own home can be a wonderfully understated and intimate way to ask your partner to spend the rest of your life with you. It will take a lot of the pressure off the situation, and can be very touching especially if it’s a home you share together. If your partner is particularly shy, a proposal in a comfortable and familiar environment will have far better results than a very public display. A heartfelt speech and a home cooked meal prepared by yourself or perhaps a meal organised by a private catering and dining company for two are just a few great ideas to personalise your proposal.

    Don’t: Turn a cherished moment sour by just handing over the ring without a meaningful or romantic gesture behind it. A significant moment deserves some fanfare.

    At a special occasion

    Make a special occasion even more special by popping the question during a memorable time. Popular times to propose are birthdays, holidays, Christmases, Valentine’s Day and so on, however, nothing beats a more thoughtful and unique day experienced exclusively by the two of you. Think of unique and treasurable moments such as the day you shared your first kiss or the exact day when you realised you’d fallen in love as a perfect setting to mark such a special occasion. The more creative and sentimental – the better.

    Don’t: Never hijack somebody else’s big day like a wedding or another family event with your own proposal. You could be accused of stealing someone else’s thunder|

  • This theatre has the best all-gender toilet sign

    Sometimes you just gotta love a company’s sensibility.

    The management at this theatre in New Zealand doesn’t care what gender you identify as, or it seems, even if you identify as human – just as long as you wash your hands.

    The sign was the idea of the theatre director Sarah Anderson. Speaking to the Otago Daily Times the theatre manager said,

    “We like people to be relaxed and that’s the point of having the sign,

    “It takes any anxiety away for people who might feel pressured into going into toilets specified for one gender, or another, when they don’t necessarily relate to that gender.

    “The sign was installed to help people ‘to feel more comfortable and safe”.

    Quite right.

  • Teenager hospitalised after homophobic attack with a BRICK

    A teenager was left hospitalised after a horrific assault, in which he was attacked with a brick to the head.

    • The 18-year-old victim was targetted by a “group of men”.

    • Assailants allegedly hurled homophobic verbal abuse at the victim.

    • A brick struck the back of the victim’s head – and he was hospitalised.

    Police are appealing for information after a teenager was attacked with a brick in an apparent homophobic attack in the north of England. The man, who is 18, and has not been named, was hospitalised after the vicious attack by a group of men.

    Police say the victim was subjected to homophobic verbal abuse before throwing a brick at the rear of his head. The attack took place on the cycle path to the rear of Hollis Academy in Saltersgill in Middlesbrough.

    After the attack, the assailants ran off in different directions. One is described as wearing a mustard coloured ‘puffer’ style jacket.

    The incident occurred at around 8:30 PM on Monday 10th April,

    Following the attack, the victim was taken to James Cook University Hospital. He was treated for head injuries and has since been released.

    Anyone with information regarding the incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact PC Josh Parry on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

  • UKIP leader Paul Nuttall condemns the Chechen treatment of gay men

    UKIP’s leader Paul Nuttall has strongly condemned the persecution of gay men in Chechnya.

    Paul Nuttall, the UKIP leader has today strongly condemned the actions of Chechen authorities and the Chechen leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, after over a hundred gay men were round up, detained and tortured in what some media outlets termed, “concentration camps”.

    Paul Nuttall said,

    “If these reports are true, and it looks like they are, then the Government must protest in the strongest manner.

    “Just because the warlord of this Islamic fiefdom is an ally of Putin should not blind us to the horrific abuse of human rights being perpetrated.

    “Putin claims to oppose Isis and its blend of fundamentalism in Syria but seems to be impervious to decency. He has the power to stop this inhumanity. The Government should demand that he does.”

  • CAR REVIEW | Vauxhall Cascada

    Vauxhall Cascada… Tonight we can be Glorious

    It’s been a long time coming. Not since the Mk2 Astra GTE of 1986 have I really paid any attention to Vauxhall. I liked the Astra GTE so much that I even drew a picture of one, sent it to Scalextrix and asked them if they would consider putting it in their next lineup. I got a letter and special badge for my efforts.

    Since then, many Vauxhalls have come and gone so it was about time I reacquainted myself with the Griffin and what better than to try the Cascada. You may be wondering what the hell this is? If truth be told so was I when l saw it in the catalogue. It’s a convertible Astra J series. What that means is underneath it is the last generation of Astra but seriously don’t let that put you off. It’s actually quite good and I’ll tell you why.

    I was given the 2 litre 170ps diesel Elite model. For a diesel, it is remarkable for being rattle free. In fact, it made no noise at all which might account for me stalling it on too many occasions to count. Hood up or down, I would say it was as quiet as a Mercedes. I can’t. I tested a Mercedes GLE recently and the Cascada is quieter. Vauxhall has thrown everything they can making the Cascada feel better than it actually is in refinement. Even riding on massive 20-inch rims has done nothing to harm the refinement of the car. It’s quite remarkable.

    Going back to the engine, it is a pleasurable unit to pilot around. According to the spec sheet, it really is the only engine option to go for. The 1.6-litre petrol engines will only better it in top speed and 0-60. That said a 0-60 time of 9.6 seconds isn’t exactly bad. It’s no sports car so these figures are quite on par with the sector.

    It is only when you realise that behind all the glitz, shine, open air motoring and 20-inch rims that this isn’t a sports car you appreciate it even more. It’s a serious cruiser. I only had it for a weekend so on a calm night in March I tootled along some nice roads near me and headed to the coast.

    Through the countryside with the roof down, Sara Cox on the radio, I noticed that the long legs of the gearbox and the reliable torque of the engine made it either essential to change gears or leave it in 4th and enjoy the power surges when needed. Refinement again was very evident here.

    The handling of the Cascada was also better than I thought it would be. Roof down it showed no body flex in fast cornering as is quite acceptable in a car with no roof. Strangely on first acquaintance, it felt like there was more flex with the roof up than down. It covered ground quicker than you’d think.

    I can’t say there were no problems. There were, but these were more annoyances to me. First up was the parking sensors. I’ve never come across a car so paranoid about parking. I was all of 70 cm away from the car in front that the siren alarmed. And it kept alarming. Even when stopped and the handbrake on it still alarmed. Get out, come back and no sooner was the ignition switched on that the alarm about the car in front was screaming. It is utter nonsense for a system to be this hyperactive. Thankfully there is a switch to shut the thing up. Alas, EVERY TIME you step back into the car, the system becomes operable again.

    It’s these private settings as I call them, that annoy me. If I set a system to not alarm I expect it to not alarm until I order it too. This was also evident for the auto lights that tended to be on all the time and the Eco stop-start system.

    What I did like was the roof’s operation. Let’s face it, you buy a soft-top for the open air experience. It was amazingly quick to erect, and could be done so at up to 30mph. You can also do it from the key remote. Step out of the house, lock the door and all while you activate the hoods disappearance. It was cool. In fact, the Cascada got the thumbs up from the yoof of the street. I was even complimented by a teenager and it does attract a lot of attention.

    I don’t mean this in a detrimental way but what makes the Cascada acceptable is that despite its million dollar looks, it’s a Vauxhall. It’s cheap enough not to attract the wrong attention so you can park it up with the roof down. It’s an affordable luxury.

    Roof down and even without the wind deflector it is quite draft free and this remains so up to high speeds. It is strangely a little too noisy for my liking with the roof up.

    The Cascada did have a magic trick up its sleeve. Roofs take up a lot of room. The boots are often useless or no more than a letter box. Push up the box in the boot and it reveals a big boot that also stretches into the cabin with the folding rear seat. It makes it quite a useable car.

    Now here is my real problem with the car. It’s the name. It might mean waterfall in Spanish but it is also the name of the 2013 Eurovision German entrant. Nothing wrong with that. Her song was “Glorious” however, the name of the car isn’t. If I had one, I and I have to say l would, I’d just have to remove the badge from the rear and replace it with Astra.

    Love

    Refined

    Design

    Price

    Loathe

    Paranoid parking sensors

    The name

    Noise with roof up

    The Lowdown

    Car – Vauxhall Cascada Elite 2.0 170ps Blueinjection

    Price – £32,810 (as tested)

    MPG – 57.6mpg (combined)

    Power – 0-62mph – 9.6 seconds

    Top Speed – 135 mph

    Co2 – 129 (g/km)

  • REVIEW: Audra McDonald at the Leicester Square Theatre

    ★★★★★ | Audra McDonald

    Megastar of Broadway, film and television Audra McDonald can barely pop out for a carton of milk in New York without winning another Tony Award. It’s not hard to see why she’s a record breaking award winner and it’s a privilege to see and hear her up close in the Leicester Square Theatre.

    Due to break her West End virginity in June with her acclaimed performance as Billie Holiday with ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’, Audra’s in town for a flying visit with her husband and kids and decided to pop into the theatre, have a chat and sing a few songs. On one level it feels like just that, a lovely friend has popped in for coffee and a gossip but on the other it’s slick and showy, crank the drama up to maximum and let the hairs on the back of the neck rise.

    Audra is interviewed and accompanied on the piano by the hilarious and camp musical theatre legend Seth Rudetsky as well as being joined by her Broadway hunk husband Will Swenson. There’s a genuine warmth between Audra and Seth as they chat on the sofa about the kind of diverse subjects we all gossip about such as childrearing, travel and working with P-Diddy.

    Oh, she’s met a few legends too and gives good Barbra and Liza anecdotes. She seems to be that rare entity: genuinely nice but interesting with it. In between chats she sings. Boy does she sing. Last night she ran through Sondheim, Lerner and Loewe and Gershwin, amongst others but who knows what you’ll get if you’re lucky enough to get a seat.

    She really does have a beautiful voice and it’s not hard to see what all the fuss is about. If you love musical theatre then this is an absolute must. Even if you don’t love musical theatre then go. If this doesn’t convert you then nothing will.

    Audra McDonald plays at The Leicester Square Theatre until 15th April 2017

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