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THEATRE REVIEW | Treasure Island, the Curse of the Pearl Necklace, Above The Stag
Well it’s almost Christmas and the silly season has started, and what better way to spend a couple of silly hours than at the Above the Stag theatre in Vauxhall at their yearly pantomime Treasure Island and the Curse of the Pearl Necklace?
Though this is the first of their pantos I have seen, over the six years since their first one in their old home in Victoria, they have played to sell-out audiences each year and it’s easy to see why. Definitely not the show for the family outing with mum, dad, grandma and the little ones, this is the show you creep out to enjoy with your mates.
I’ll have to confess pantomime is not really my thing. I usually go out of my way to avoid it, but maybe if they were more like this one I’d go more often. The script by Jon Bradfield and Martin Hopper abounds in witty one-liners that come so fast and furious it’s almost impossible to keep up. They have retained most of the pantomime traditions that we have grown up with, and the audience catches on quickly, shouting out “behind you”, “oh yes you are” and joining in the community singing with gusto.
Another of the panto traditions they have retained is the character of the dame, here in the guise of Jim Hawkins’s mother, Sally and Philip Lawrence gives quite the stand-out performance of the night. Whether it be delivering the naughty dialogue, joking with the audience or delivering the odd ad lib, he is the master (mistress?) of every situation, and frequently had us all in fits of laughter. Hugh O’Donnel as Ethel, the Merman (get it?), who acted as our narrator and guide, was equally hilarious, delivering all his lines with his tongue firmly lodged in one cheek. In a fairly large cast, though, absolutely no one let the side down.
In the past I have been known to criticise Andrew Beckett’s direction (in The Gay Naked Play and You Should Be So Lucky) but here he is obviously in his element. My problem in the other plays was that too much of the action was played out front, encouraging the cast to mug too much to the audience, but that is exactly what is required of pantomime, and here it works splendidly. Aside from a section at the beginning of the second act, which flags slightly, the swift-moving action holds one’s attention throughout and moves seamlessly from one scene to another.
One should also mention the superb set by David Shields and Daniel Johnson’s excellent musical direction.
If, like me, you can be a bit allergic to the usual Christmas fare, then this irreverent, naughty, adult orientated gay romp is definitely for you.
Treasure Island and the Curse of the Pearl Necklace plays until January 10 at Above the Stag and I’d advise you to book early, as it will no doubt sell out completely.
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Azealia Banks Feels Discriminated Against After Calling Gay Men F*ggots
Failed pop singer Azealia Banks has gone a Twitter rampage after criticising the way gay men react to the word F*ggot.
The volley of offensive tweets started yesterday (4th December), when Azealia Banks, 23, criticised gay men for the way they reacted to slang and offensive words. She stated, ‘Gay men be saying the most misogynist sh*t, but as soon as you call them a f*ggot they wanna get upset.
‘Somebody gotta check these f*ggots man. I don’t give a f*ck!! NO MAN Is going challenge my femininity. It’s not happening.
‘Gay men can call you a bitch, and talk about YA hair and YA nails, but as soon as you call them a f*ggot, all sh*t breaks loose’
The singer, who describes herself as bisexual, then seemed to goad the gay community by tweeting a further rant, ‘U can’t call me a flop and call A b*tch and use any insult you want against me n then call amnesty international Wen I bring the F Bomb out
‘This is a spar!!! You gotta war!! Don’t clutch YA pearls when I bring out the F BOMB….!!!!!!’
She then went on to complain that she felt victimised, saying, that she felt ‘discriminated against’.
The 212 singer, first used the offensive word against Perez Hilton in January 2013, when he dared criticise her. He also suggested that he kill himself, as he was a ‘messy faggot.’
Banks’s comment was criticised by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), stating, ‘Regardless of her intent or her personal definition, what matters is the meaning given to that word by those who hear it, and the damage it causes when they do.’
A number of fans also took to criticise her use of the word, saying, ‘please take that slur out mom’ and ‘u have gay fans wtf is wrong w you’
Banks’s debut album Broke with Expensive Taste debuted at number 62 on the UK charts and sold just 1751 copies. Total album sales in the US have been reported at just over 15,000 copies. Making her one of the worst charting major signed artists of all time, despite her strong presence on social media.
Banks’s last 5 singles have failed to chart in any territory in the top 100.
Her second album, Business and Pleasure is expected to be released in 2016.
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THEATRE REVIEW | White Christmas, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds
★★★★★ | White Christmas, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds
Army pals turned song and dance men, Phil Davies and Bob Wallace, are on their way to Florida for Christmas, when they stop by at Jimmy’s Nightclub to audition Betty and Judy Haynes, a sister act, for their new show. For Phil and Judy, it is love at first sight, but for Bob and Betty, it is a frosty start. Phil secretly swaps their train tickets and the pair follow the sisters to Vermont, where they are booked to play at the hotel which is owned by Phil and Bob’s former Army General, and, which is on the brink of closing. Calling in favours from their showbiz contacts and their old army pals, Phil and Bob try to put on a show to save the hotel and make it a Christmas to remember, but, as Bob Wallace discovers, falling in love can be very distracting.
Written by Irving Berlin, and containing a number of classic songs, including Love And The Weather, Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me, Sisters, You’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm and, of course, White Christmas, this feel-good Christmas story is welcomed back to the stage in a simply brilliant production by West Yorkshire Playhouse.
The production contained a well-rounded and consistently solid cast throughout, with the vocal performances across the board being of a very high quality. Melanie La Barrie belted out Let me Sing and I’m Happy, somehow seeming to channel the spirit of Ethel Merman into her performance. Darren Day was much better vocally than expected in his understated performance, but the standout cast member was Oliver Tompsett, whose charisma filled turn as Phil Davies showcased his ability to sing, dance, act and take on the comedy aspect of his role superbly.
The set allowed the stage to open up into an abundance of space to undertake the well-choreographed and enthusiastically performed set pieces. There was a real tinge of 1950’s Americana in the costumes, certain aspects of the set, and the large set pieces; which were reminiscent of the old MGM Musicals. The on stage orchestra were spot on and the sound in the theatre was crisp, clear and well balanced between vocals and orchestra.
If pushed to find fault with the production, the dancing in the set pieces could have been slightly tighter and the set did seem a touch sparse at times, but with a production that was so enjoyable, such quibbles seem slightly unfair.
This is certainly one of the theatrical highlights of the year for me, and notwithstanding the twee nature of the show itself, you can’t beat a bit of good, old fashioned, family friendly and feel good entertainment at this time of the year.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is currently playing at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds until the 17th January 2015. For information, to book tickets or for details of their new season, visit their website at http://www.wyp.org.uk
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Ho Ho Ho Mo A New Andrew Christian Video
Underwear kings Andrew Christian, are apparently in a very giving mood – as they’ve released a new video with a very festive theme.
Starring the designer himself, Andrew Christian, the one minute and a half video also features, Topher DiMaggio, Rocky Santos, Steven Andrade, Murray Swanby, Cheddy Oakafor, Jonny Manzanares, Pablo Hernandez.
The bevvy of beauts are seen twerking and wearing a variety of the designer’s undies. AC makes an appearance at the end as a strapping Santa Claus.
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Anti-Gay Pastor Jokes About AIDS Video Asking It To Go Viral
An anti-gay pastor, Steven L Anderson asked his followers to make a video about AIDS go ‘viral’ on the 1st December.
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Blind Ambition: Interview with Belo Cipriani
In the spring of 2007, a young gay man living in San Francisco, was beaten and robbed of his sight at the hands of his gay friends. At the age of twenty-six, Belo Cipriani, was forced to relearn how to walk, cook, and date – in the dark.
In his first book, Blind: A Memoir, he chronicles the two years immediately following his assault. He narrates the recondite world of the blind, where microwaves, watches, and computers talk, and guide dogs guard as well as lead.
Why was it important for you to tell your story?
When I became blind, I realised that everything I knew about blindness was inaccurate. Many of my erroneous assumptions about blindness had been created by Hollywood and novels and I wanted to put something out that properly portrayed what it’s like to lose your sight in the twenty-first century.What do you hope people will learn from reading the book?
I hope people learn that disability doesn’t mean the end of someone’s life. Most importantly, I hope readers become more open to befriending a person with a disability.How do your disabilities impact your life as a gay man?
Blindness makes it tough to flirt with guys in public. It also takes me a bit longer to warm up to a crowd of guys in a bar.And there’s no app for that?
Although there are apps that can describe colours, decode money, and allow me to text a message, there are no apps that make dating easier.Does Oslo (Belo’s service dog) ever guide you to Mr. Right?
Absolutely, Oslo has brought some great guys into my life! Whether he sat me next to them on the bus or in a bar, he seems to know my type. Oslo is very important to me and I only date guys who like dogs.Can you go anywhere with Oslo?
International travel is very challenging as some countries still do not permit me to enter with Oslo. Once, in New York City, I had a cab driver refuse to allow me in the car with him. I have also been denied service at restaurants and coffee shops.Is that your biggest pet peeve?
It’s one of them. Another one is I think people with disabilities are often de-eroticised and romanticised. We are often seen as saints, inspirational figures, and not as regular people. We are never portrayed as beautiful, sexy, or funny. Disabled people, first and foremost, are people. We crave the same things everyone else does no matter how we get around.Being gay and disabled, do you find yourself fighting two fronts – the gay agenda and the disabilities agenda?
As a Hispanic, I actually find myself fighting three fronts! I was the keynote speaker at University of San Francisco for National Disability Awareness Month. I spoke to students about the dos and don’ts of speaking to a person with a disability. At Yale, I was the keynote speaker for Hispanic Heritage Month. I talked to students about my journey of becoming a writer and how my Latino culture helped that happen.How did you become a spokesperson for Guide Dogs For the Blind?
Oslo has brought some great guys into my life! Whether he sat me next to them on the bus or in a bar, he
seems to know my type. Oslo is very important to me and I only date guys who like dogs. The organisation asked me if they could feature my story in their documentary. I have since spoken at many of their fundraising events and represented the organisation on TV, radio, and print media in both English and Spanish.You’re also featured on the cover of their 2015 calendar!
(Laughing) Isn’t that remarkable? It’s also proof there is a silver lining to everything! I would never have been the cover of a calendar had I not lost my sight!Hilarious! But in all seriousness, if you could regain your sight, would you?
I meet a lot of people, at signings and on the street, who tell me that they are praying I get my vision back. I always tell them to pray for my health instead. Sometimes people wish or pray that the disabled would become able-bodied again. Yet, this is often not possible. Currently, there are no medical procedures that would help me regain my sight and that’s ok. I am happy with who I am.Interview by Shane Gallagher
This interview first appeared in issue 6 of TheGayUK.
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Same-Sex Couple Told To Stop Showing Affection In London Restaurant
A woman and her partner were told to stop showing affection in a London restaurant, after being told ‘This is a family restaurant’.
Lydia Cawson, said that she was told by a staff member at the Canteen eatery at the Southbank’s Royal Festival Hall, to move away from her partner whom she was consoling at the time.
The couple had met at the restaurant during a break and Ms. Cawson was consoling her partner after a stressful week at work – with an arm around her shoulder and a ‘peck on the cheek’.
Allegedly the couple were approached by a member of staff and asked to move away from each other.
She told London Live ‘I didn’t notice any adverse reaction in the restaurant, myself. Then the lady came over to us and said “can you stop what you’re doing please, this is a family restaurant”.’
Her partner then asked the member of staff, ‘Is it a family restaurant or is it a homophobic restaurant?’
Ms. Cawson also added, The first thing is that we were really shocked by this challenge.
We didn’t feel like we were overly affectionate. Yes, it was an intimate moment, but consoling her and just a simple loving reaction.
The second comment was that it was a family restaurant and it made me feel; ‘why does that matter? Is it because children are present – not that there were any children present at that time – anyway, why should it matter if it is a family restaurant?’
Taking to Twitter, Canteen owners tweeted, ‘Everyone is welcome at Canteen, gay / straight/old/ young regardless of sexuality. We are horrified at the thought of being labelled anti gay – half of our team are gay. At Canteen, we pride ourselves on being a modern, equal opportunities, open and accessible business. We want everyone to feel welcome in our restaurants.’
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FILM REVIEW | Eastern Boys
★★★★★ | Eastern Boys
Filmmaker Robin Campilio’s disturbing new thriller sharply contrasts two different sides of society in contemporary France with a very chilling effect.
The first chapter of his four-part story is a near cinéma vérité scene of the Gard de Nord where a gang of Eastern European youths is trailing the platforms and aimlessly but obviously set on something illegal. One of them is a skinny baby-faced hustler who catches the attention of a 50 year-old businessman with whom he plays cat and mouse game throughout the station environs. When the youth allows himself to be cornered, they strike up an arrangement to meet at the man’s apartment the next day.
What wealthy Daniel thought would be a hot date with this young Ukrainian turns out to be a frightening home invasion when the entire gang arrive and strip his luxury apartment completely bare. Taunted by the cocky Russian ringleader Boss with some overtly sexual advances, Daniel seems both terrorized and aroused at the same time.
The third chapter opens with the surprising return of Marek the hustler … the time on his own … who offers to have sex as they originally had arranged. Despite the boy’s total indifference as he lays naked and motionless on bed Daniel still penetrates him, but the moment that it is over Marek quickly dresses and leaves without uttering a word. What is assumed would just be a one-off visit, is in fact repeated. At first its infrequently and then quite regularly but just as the youth starts to experience real feelings for Daniel, the older man decides that he wants to develop what they have into a non-sexual friendship.
It is obvious that both of them are still threatened by the hold that ‘Boss’ and the gang have over Marek, who still lives with them in a hotel full of other illegal immigrants in the suburbs. The only way for them to ever be free of the menace is to move away, but Boss has Marek’s only papers … his passport …. stored away in his safe. Their concern that trying to retrieve this will be nigh on impossible and extremely dangerous proves to be well-founded.
The relationship between Daniel and Marek is powerfully erotic especially as this sharp-suited savvy business man who has been viciously robbed by the boy and his thuggish pals, is yet somehow still attracted and is prepared to expose himself to potential danger again. And the different relationships that both of these men have with the charismatic but completely scary and unhinged Boss is both mesmerizing and unnerving.
The movie, which picked up the prestigious Horizons Award at the Venice Film Festival, was beautifully filmed, and had stunningly convincing performances from all three protagonists. (Olivier Rabourdin who looks like he could be Kevin Spacey’s twin played Daniel).
The morality of portraying all the immigrant boys in such a stereotypical manner is questionable, but that aside, this excellent drama will definitely rank as one of the best gay themed movies of this year.
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Dustin Lance Black Congratulates Tom Daley On One Year Of Being Out
Dustin Lance Black and Tom Daley have been together for over a year, and to celebrate DLB posted a picture of the two of them, together before Tom bravely came out via YouTube a year ago.
It was the viral video that gay men everywhere collectively had been waiting for, the one where Tom Daley, champion Olympian would come out to the world.
At the time he mentioned that he had met someone who he was really happy with, and the media (not us, we might add), went into speculation about who it might be.
It wasn’t long however, until award winning Dustin Lance Black, who wrote the screen play for MILK, was named as the man who had stolen Tom’s heart.
In this endearing picture, Dustin and Tom are seen sitting together at a family bar-b-que, looking relaxed and happy.
Dustin wrote, ‘Happy 1 year @tomdaley1994! Here’s a family BBQ throw back to the good times before we could share! #bangs’
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FILM REVIEW | My Old Lady
★★★★ | My Old Lady
Mathias Gold thinks his luck has finally changed when he inherits an imposing apartment in the centre of Paris from his late father who he was estranged from for decades. Approaching his 60’s, Mathias is a recovering alcoholic and after three failed marriages and three unpublished novels, he hasn’t a cent in the bank, and had to scrape around to find the airfare to fly in from New York to claim his property. What he finds in the Marais is a large two-floor apartment with a private garden that is worth several million euros, but it comes with an unexpected catch.
There amongst the once grand salons is a 92 year old Englishwoman Madame Girard who had sold the apartment to his father 40 years prior but under an archaic French property law as he paid less than the going rate, she not only gets to live there for the rest of her life, but also gets a monthly stipend too. Horrified and pleading poverty Mathias persuades Mde Girard agrees to let him stay in exchange for paying rent whilst he tries to think what to do next. A plan that doesn’t meet with the approval of Chloe her daughter who also lives in this rambling dilapidated house.
As the story unfolds we learn that Mde Girard’s relationship with Mr Gold Snr was not confined to the property transaction as they were lovers too for some decades. As the plot thickens we get to appreciate that this frail looking ancient widow is a wily old bird who has a very full and happy past, something which seems to have completely eluded the icy unmarried Chloe or the bitter and self-loathing Mathias.
As Mathias tries against the odds to scheme to take control of the apartment he falls off the waggon and starts rapidly working his way through Mde Girad’s impressive wine cellar, and at the same time Chloe is plotting to try and keep the status quo. They are both such unlikable characters that it’s impossible to have empathy for either of them even when they clumsily fall into a too convenient happy ending.
The playwright Israel Horovitz adapted his own play for this his movie directing debut and has left some of the very speechy monologues in which actors so love. Kevin Kline giving a beautiful performance playing the unhappy Maurice makes the most of the rants he gets to give, whilst the sublime Kristin Scott Thomas as Chloe does well with the little that she is given to work with. The movie, of course, belongs to the old lady, as it should, as played so beautifully by Maggie Smith, the grand dame herself a mere 80 years in real life. It is one of her quietest and most understated performances for years but it is still so powerful and compelling. Her character is the only one who enjoys life and Dame Maggie subtlety ensures that we definitely know this.
It’s this ‘A’ list acting and the location of Paris exquisitely shot in a dim dusky light that makes this otherwise ‘thin’ story jump on to a ‘must see’ list. Dame Maggie alone is worth the price of the movie ticket.