The classic Notre Dame de Paris comes to London for a limited time, and it’s well worth your effort to attend.
Based on the acclaimed 1831 novel Notre-Dame de Paris (and also known as The Hunchback of Notre Dame) by Victor Hugo, Notre Dame de Paris features an international ensemble of singers, dancers and acrobats and tells the tale of the hunchbacked cathedral bell-ringer, Quasimodo, and his desperate love for the gypsy, Esmeralda. The show, which is in London for 7 performances only, culminates with the 5,000th performance of the show. Playing at the London Coliseum in Covent Garden, this production is the original French production. Composed byRichard Cocciantewith lyrics byLuc Plamondon, directed byGilles Maheu and choreographed byMartino Müller, this production stars Angelo Del Vecchio (Quasimodo), Hiba Tawaji (Esmeralda), Daniel Lavoie (Frollo), Richard Charest (Gringoire), and Martin Giroux (Phoebus), among others, and all members of the principal cast in the current world tour. The singers are accompanied by the stunning English National Opera (ENO) Orchestra with Matthew Brind conducting.
Del Vecchio is a wonder playing Quasimodo. Italian born, he is the only singer in the world to have performed the show in three languages. When he sings he is passionate, and you can feel his love for Esmeralda through his voice. Meanwhile, Tawaji is wonderful as the beautiful and mesmerizing Esmeralda, a role she has played all over the world since 2016. Esmeralda can have any man she wants, but after being kidnapped by Quasimodo, over time she starts falling in love with him. Think Beauty and the Beast and this is what you’ve got – but operatic style. But Notre Dame de Paris is not just opera, it’s grand opera. And in the amazingly beautiful confines of the London Coliseum, it makes for a grand grand show on a grand grand stage in a grand grand auditorium.
Lavoie is also amazing in the role as Frollo – a priest who also has a dirty hand in the abduction and imprisonment of Esmeralda – only because he loves her but she won’t let him have her. Charest as Gringoire is our poet, and commentator, and guides us through this spellbinding production, while Giroux takes to heart his leading man status, and good looks as Phoebus, who woos not just Esmeralda but any pretty woman in sight. And besides the main actors and their amazing singing, acrobatics and break dancers are interspersed with the story. The cast of about a dozen or so jump, climb, twist, turn – it’s all very mesmerizing and choreographed spectacularly, especially when they climb the walls and dive underneath baricades and perform somersalts. It’s all very energetic and sexy.
And Notre Dame de Paris is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Having sold out performances across 16 countries and been translated into nine different languages, Notre Dame de Paris originallydebuted at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, 1998. Following its opening, the production was commended in the Guinness Book of World Records 2000 for its record success for a musical during its first year.
Director Maheu and choreographer Müller have created an opera that’s spell-binding in almost every way possible, while the lush music, by Plamondon and Cocciante, is perfect. Notre Dame de Paris is just like the city it’s named after. It’s romantic, beautiful, tragic, and very memorable. Notre Dame de Paris is a must see.
Notre Dame de Paris plays at the London Coliseum until 27th January 2019. Book tickets here
Police have released horrifying footage of an unprovoked acid attack on men near one of east-London’s most popular LGBT+ venues
A group of men who launched an unprovoked attack, which resulted in a number of people being sprayed with a noxious substance, on the streets of London have been sentenced. Three victims were left with acid burns to their bodies close to a popular gay venue in Hackney, in May 2018. Last week, nine men have been sentenced to lengthy spells in prison for their parts in the attack.
Watch the terrifying attack below;
Who were the men who received jail time for their part in the attack?
Huseyin Onel, 24 (30.03.94) of no fixed abode, but from the Hackney area, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for applying a noxious substance causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), plus an additional three years on extended licence. Onel was sentenced to nine years each for six counts of casting a noxious substance and three years for violent disorder to run concurrently.
Mehmet Tekagac, 30 (03.09.88) of Kenworthy Road, E9 was sentenced to 14-and-a-half years in prison for applying a noxious substance causing GBH, plus an additional three years on extended licence. To run concurrently, Tekagac was sentenced to eight years for robbery and three years for violent disorder.
Onur Ardic, 27 (02.11.91) of Frampton Park Road, E9 was sentenced to 14 years in prison for applying a noxious substance causing GBH plus three years on extended licence. He was also sentenced to three years for violent disorder to run concurrently.
Guven Ulas, 20 (21.12.98) of Pultney Street, N1, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for violent disorder.
Mustafa Kiziltan, 30 (10.09.88) of no fixed abode, but from the Hackney area, was sentenced to a total of three years months in prison – 27 months for violent disorder and nine months for dangerous driving. He was also sentenced to three months for failing to stop, this will run concurrently.
Serkan Kiziltan, 22 (03.11.96) of Well Street, E9, was sentenced to 18 months for violent disorder.
Umit Kaygisiz, 21 (26.12.97) of Orsman Road, N1, was sentenced to a total of 28 months in prison for violent disorder and attempting to convey a prohibited item into prison (namely a mobile phone).
Yasam Erdogan, 24 (24.11.94) of Nightingale Road, N1, was sentenced to 18 months for violent disorder, suspended for two years.
Turgut Adakan, 23 (20.06.95) of Roman Road, E6, was sentenced to 18 months for violent disorder, suspended for two years.
All nine were sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, 17 January.
The group launched a ferocious attack
The incident unfolded at approximately 05:15hrs on 5 May 2018, when a verbal altercation began between an unidentified male and Onur Ardic who was part a group of nine men who were sitting in cars on Alvington Crescent in Hackney.
The unidentified male went to speak to Ardic and was quickly surrounded by the group before Mustafa Kiziltan punched him. En masse, the group launched a ferocious attack, punching and kicking the male for a sustained period.
A group of people who had left a nearby club attempted to intervene to stop the attack with one of them – a man in his 20s – filming the assault.
The suspect group took exception to this and attacked the man, kicking him to the ground and attempting to steal his phone. A number of this victim’s group went to their friend’s aid and a large brawl erupted.
During this, Huseyin Onel – a member of the suspect group – entered one of the cars and was seen to exit a couple of seconds later carrying a white bottle. He used this bottle to spray a noxious substance, in the faces of a number of people.
On realising the escalation of events, a number of the victim’s group began to run from the scene but Onel calmly targeted them, spraying liquid at their faces as they attempted to flee.
Other members of the group – Mehmet Tekagac and Onur Ardic – were also involved in the corrosive substance attack on one of the group.
Meanwhile, the vicious assault continued on the victim who had filmed the initial assault and only ended when a bag containing his phone had been ripped from him.
He was left with a fractured eye socket and corrosive burns to his eye, with it initially believed his injuries would be life changing, but his recovery was described by doctors as ‘miraculous’.
“They Run Hackney”
The suspects then got into three cars and drove from the scene, shouting homophobic comments at members of the group, and that they ‘run Hackney’.
Officers from Hackney, working alongside a crime scene examiner (CSE) attended the scene and began to collate evidence and secure CCTV that captured the vast majority of the attacks.
Officers reviewed the footage and were able to identify the majority of the suspects. They were assisted by the CSE and Met’s Fingerprint Bureau, who were able to confirm which suspects had been holding the white bottle containing the noxious substance, and who had been attacking the unknown victim, which helped strengthen the case that secured these convictions.
Over a four-month period, all nine suspects were identified, arrested and charged.
“Truly shocking”
Detective Constable David Leitner, of the Central East Command Unit, led the investigation. He said: “Nine violent and dangerous men have been removed from London’s streets today and will now spend a lengthy time locked up in prison.
“The level of violence used in this attack, coupled with the speed that this incident escalated, are truly shocking.
“A group of people who were enjoying themselves at the end of a night out were subjected to a sustained and relentless wave of violence including the use of a corrosive substance – because they acted as good Samaritans to help a male being subjected to a vicious assault.
“The original victim who was attacked by the group has never been traced but I hope he, and all those who were set upon by this violent group of individuals, will take some comfort from the fact that this group has been convicted.”
At Wood Green Crown Court on 21 November 2018, three of the group were found guilty as follows:
Huseyin Onel was found guilty of eight counts of applying a corrosive fluid with intent and violent disorder.
Mehmet Tekagac was found guilty of applying a corrosive fluid with intent and robbery. He had earlier pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Onur Ardic was found guilty of applying a corrosive substance with intent. He had earlier pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
The six other men earlier pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to violent disorder.
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Huseyin Onel, 24 (30.03.94) of no fixed abode, but from the Hackney area, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for applying a noxious substance causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), plus an additional three years on extended licence. Onel was sentenced to nine years each for six counts of casting a noxious substance and three years for violent disorder to run concurrently.
Mehmet Tekagac, 30 (03.09.88) of Kenworthy Road, E9 was sentenced to 14-and-a-half years in prison for applying a noxious substance causing GBH, plus an additional three years on extended licence. To run concurrently, Tekagac was sentenced to eight years for robbery and three years for violent disorder.
Onur Ardic, 27 (02.11.91) of Frampton Park Road, E9 was sentenced to 14 years in prison for applying a noxious substance causing GBH plus three years on extended licence. He was also sentenced to three years for violent disorder to run concurrently.
Guven Ulas, 20 (21.12.98) of Pultney Street, N1, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for violent disorder.
Mustafa Kiziltan, 30 (10.09.88) of no fixed abode, but from the Hackney area, was sentenced to a total of three years months in prison – 27 months for violent disorder and nine months for dangerous driving. He was also sentenced to three months for failing to stop, this will run concurrently.
Serkan Kiziltan, 22 (03.11.96) of Well Street, E9, was sentenced to 18 months for violent disorder.
Umit Kaygisiz, 21 (26.12.97) of Orsman Road, N1, was sentenced to a total of 28 months in prison for violent disorder and attempting to convey a prohibited item into prison (namely a mobile phone).
Yasam Erdogan, 24 (24.11.94) of Nightingale Road, N1, was sentenced to 18 months for violent disorder, suspended for two years.
Turgut Adakan, 23 (20.06.95) of Roman Road, E6, was sentenced to 18 months for violent disorder, suspended for two years.
All nine were sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, 17 January.
The group launched a ferocious attack
The incident unfolded at approximately 05:15hrs on 5 May 2018, when a verbal altercation began between an unidentified male and Onur Ardic who was part a group of nine men who were sitting in cars on Alvington Crescent in Hackney.
The unidentified male went to speak to Ardic and was quickly surrounded by the group before Mustafa Kiziltan punched him. En masse, the group launched a ferocious attack, punching and kicking the male for a sustained period.
A group of people who had left a nearby club attempted to intervene to stop the attack with one of them – a man in his 20s – filming the assault.
The suspect group took exception to this and attacked the man, kicking him to the ground and attempting to steal his phone. A number of this victim’s group went to their friend’s aid and a large brawl erupted.
During this, Huseyin Onel – a member of the suspect group – entered one of the cars and was seen to exit a couple of seconds later carrying a white bottle. He used this bottle to spray a noxious substance, in the faces of a number of people.
On realising the escalation of events, a number of the victim’s group began to run from the scene but Onel calmly targeted them, spraying liquid at their faces as they attempted to flee.
Other members of the group – Mehmet Tekagac and Onur Ardic – were also involved in the corrosive substance attack on one of the group.
Meanwhile, the vicious assault continued on the victim who had filmed the initial assault and only ended when a bag containing his phone had been ripped from him.
He was left with a fractured eye socket and corrosive burns to his eye, with it initially believed his injuries would be life changing, but his recovery was described by doctors as ‘miraculous’.
“They Run Hackney”
The suspects then got into three cars and drove from the scene, shouting homophobic comments at members of the group, and that they ‘run Hackney’.
Officers from Hackney, working alongside a crime scene examiner (CSE) attended the scene and began to collate evidence and secure CCTV that captured the vast majority of the attacks.
Officers reviewed the footage and were able to identify the majority of the suspects. They were assisted by the CSE and Met’s Fingerprint Bureau, who were able to confirm which suspects had been holding the white bottle containing the noxious substance, and who had been attacking the unknown victim, which helped strengthen the case that secured these convictions.
Over a four-month period, all nine suspects were identified, arrested and charged.
“Truly shocking”
Detective Constable David Leitner, of the Central East Command Unit, led the investigation. He said: “Nine violent and dangerous men have been removed from London’s streets today and will now spend a lengthy time locked up in prison.
“The level of violence used in this attack, coupled with the speed that this incident escalated, are truly shocking.
“A group of people who were enjoying themselves at the end of a night out were subjected to a sustained and relentless wave of violence including the use of a corrosive substance – because they acted as good Samaritans to help a male being subjected to a vicious assault.
“The original victim who was attacked by the group has never been traced but I hope he, and all those who were set upon by this violent group of individuals, will take some comfort from the fact that this group has been convicted.”
At Wood Green Crown Court on 21 November 2018, three of the group were found guilty as follows:
Huseyin Onel was found guilty of eight counts of applying a corrosive fluid with intent and violent disorder.
Mehmet Tekagac was found guilty of applying a corrosive fluid with intent and robbery. He had earlier pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Onur Ardic was found guilty of applying a corrosive substance with intent. He had earlier pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
The six other men earlier pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to violent disorder.
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Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.
We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.
It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.
Before the late Kevin Elyot wrote his hit 1994 play My Night with Reg, he wrote Coming Clean (which opened in 1982). It’s now back in the West End after a recent successful run at the King’s Head Theatre.
Both shows deal with the trials and tribulations of being gay, and being in gay relationships. But where My Night with Reg had an AIDS backdrop, Coming Clean takes place during a simplier time, before the HIV crises and before gay men were dying right and left and centre.
At the heart of Coming Clean is the story of a bi-racial couple who, after five years together, obviously have issues. Tony (a natural Lee Knight) and Greg (Stanton Plummer-Cambridge) still love each other, but there is slight tension in the air.
Greg is a successful teacher and writer, while Tony is a not-so-successful writer who writes when he feels like it. And then there is their neighbour William (a fabulous Eliot Hadley), who is funny, camp and all so great to have around. But Tony needs more time to write, and says he doesn’t have time to clean the Kentish Town flat that he and Tony live in, so enter Robert (Tom Lambert), who is hired to clean for them.
It’s obvious where this biting play goes next, but it wonderfully takes us with it through sharp wit and extremely funny one-liners.
And Coming Clean successfully incorporates early 1980’s songs by, among others, Men at Work and Barbra Streisand (where her and Barry Gibbs voices on the song ‘Guilty’ are just like butter) to set the mood of the times.
The actors are all very good, with Hadley just about stealing the show (he comes back near the end of the play as a totally different character – think German Leather), and Knight looks very comfortable on stage.
It’s an intimate stage that could double as a large living room (Trafalgar Studios), and it’s even more of a treat for those audience members who sit in the first row, as they get to be very very close to Lamberts’ bits. This show is highly recommended!
Coming Clean plays at the Trafalgar Studios until February 2nd, 2019. Book Tickets Here
Songs for Nobodies is actually songs for everybody in a new one-woman show now playing in the West End.
Australian Bernadette Robinson treats the audience to her ability of being able to sing, uncanningly, like several very famous female singers. But before we get to hear her sing the five voices included in this show Robinson sets up by five fictional characters who each come in contact with each singer. Before she sings the fabulous ‘Come Rain or Come Shine’ by Judy Garland, Robinsons’ character is Bea Appleton, a bathroom attendant at the Plaza Athénée on the night of Garland’s famous Carnegie Hall appearance. Robinson as Appleton goes on to tell the story of their fictional encounter and then breaks out into song. And the same goes for when Robinson sings Patsy Cline’s beautiful ‘Crazy.’ Robinson is now an usher in Kansas City and meets Cline in her dressing Room. Similar monologues set her up singing as Billie Holiday and Maria Callas, but it’s Robinson singing Edith Piaf’s ’Non, Je ne Regrette Rien’ that brings down the house.
But for a 90-minute show with no interval, there are a mere 9 songs sung. It’s a shame that Robinson’s speaking voice and not her singing voice encompasses most of the show. It’s a very beautiful singing voice, especially in such an intimate venue as the Ambassadors Theatre.
Songs for Nobodies, written by Joanna Murray-Smith, (and named as such because of the characters Robinson plays as opposed to the characters she performs as), is a show starring a woman with a special voice that’s a gift, and is now playing only up until February 23, 2019.
Songs For Nobodies play as the Ambassadors Theatre until the 23rd Feb 2019. Book now
Detectives looking to identify two people in connection to an investigation into a sexual assault on a man in his 20s in Central London.
The Met police have released images of two men they wish to speak to and identify in connection with an investigation of a sexual assault on a man in central London.
The incident happened at around 2.45am on Wednesday, 24 October 2018 in Flitcroft Street, Camden, just a block away from G-A-Y Late and the famous gay centre of Old Compton Street.
Police say, the victim, a man in his 20s, was sexually assaulted by two men who then left the location on foot.
The victim’s friend, who did not witness the assault but who had been with him shortly before, came to his aid and police were called.
Detective Constable Robin East said, “This was a sexual assault on a man in a public street and we appeal for anyone who thinks they can help us with the investigation to come forward.
“Although this happened in the early hours, there would still have been a number of people around the area who may have seen the victim or suspects before or after the assault.
“We are interested in speaking to the two men in these images, so if you recognise them, please don’t delay in calling police.
“The victim in this case continues to receive support from specially trained officers.
“We have not had any further reports of similar assaults and this is being treated as an isolated incident.”
Both suspects were described by the victim as white, and of Eastern European origin. One man was thought to be between 35 to 40 years old, short (around 5ft5ins tall) and of stocky build. He was wearing a dark puffer jacket and had big ears.
The other man was believed to be slightly younger, between 30 and 35 years of age, of skinny build, clean shaven and had light brown hair. He was wearing a blue Superdry jacket and thought to be around 5ft8ins tall.
Anyone with information about this assault or who recognises the men in the CCTV images is asked to contact CN Safeguarding on 101 quoting 2330062/18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
TV star Rylan Clark-Neal has hit out at a homophobe who abused him on a busy London street.
Out TV presenter, Rylan has revealed that he was homophobically abused today in central London when someone shouted an anti-gay slur at him on a street, a block away from the world famous head quarters of the BBC. Rylan says he abused on Great Porland street, when an unnamed assailant shouted a homophobic slur at the star.
Taking to Twitter the former X Factor / Celebrity Big Brother star wrote that someone shouted at him to “fuck off” and called him the anti-gay slur “faggot”. However, Rylan alleges that as soon as he shouted back at his abuser, the abuser “ran away”. Rylan joked that the abuser ran like Phoebe from the hit 90’s sitcom, Friends.
To the prick on Great Portland Street that just shouted “Fuck Off You Faggot” at me. When I shouted you what at you and you run away…. you run like phoebe in friends… pic.twitter.com/kw9nJPFJNN
Hundreds of fans reached out to Rylan to wish him well after his ordeal – while the British LGBT Awards noted that “The Phoebe run is probably his only redeeming feature”.
Homophobic crime is on the rise the UK’s capital. In 2017 there were, on average around 6 anti-LGBT offences being recorded every day on London’s streets, a 9.63% increase year on year. In total, 2037 crimes were reported for the year 2016/17 compared to 1861 crimes in 2015 /16 and 1559 in 2014/15.
However, the Metropolitan Police service was keen to point out that the crime rates were lower than five years ago and these current statistics are set against the gruelling austerity measures and “significant reductions in resources” set out by this current government.
It may come as quite a surprise to learn that Nine Night is the first play from a Black, British female writer to make it to the West End. I’ll just let that sink in for a moment.
Nine Night is Natasha Gordon’s deft exploration of the traditions of a West Indian wake, referenced in the title, a time when the departed are honoured and remembered by living relatives over a celebration of nine nights, fuelled with upbeat music, home cooked food and the ever so important in most West Indians drink cabinet – rum! Against this, as the backdrop, the semi-estranged family gather to mourn and then slowly unlock a string of revelations, all in the kitchen.
It is certainly a play for everyone and anyone to enjoy but is most definitely a must-see for anyone of West Indian heritage, a rare chance to see some of the most intimate parts of their culture brought out into the wider public gaze. And while such kitchen-sink dramas have been a staple of British Theatre since the ’60s, few productions have featured so many characters drawn so exquisitely.
For me, the play came to life immediately through its authenticity particularly when the thick Jamaican accented Aunt Maggie and Trudy, cousin and daughter of Gloria respectively, began to speak. It is such a revelation to hear those gorgeous tones, sonic beacons of ethnic diversity uttered from a stage deep in the hallowed ground of the West End.
As I said, it is a play for all but as a West Indian spectator the whole resonated with my background and experiences, I bought into the scenes and scenarios displayed before me, one which tugged my heartstrings, jogged deep-rooted memories and spoke to my very being.
I felt Trudy’s emotion, angst and painful need to be wanted as soon as she appeared on stage but it was only towards the end of the play that I felt that writer’s character, Gloria’s daughter Lorraine, was given a chance to step out of an, up until then, mostly monotonous role and we began to see our writer and storyteller of Nine Night swell with emotion.
It is a testament to the writing and the characters that had been created for them that the rest of the cast each stand their ground memorably, especially in their approach to grieving their beloved matriarch. We witnessed some wilfully theatrical overacting from daughter-in-law Sophie, which wonderfully balanced her husband Robert’s convincingly ill at ease performance. Uncle Vince delivered a humble contrast to his cantankerous wife and introduced some clever and subtle sub-texts about his relationship with the late Gloria.
Even if the scenario is unfamiliar to many in the audience, Aunt Maggie acted as the perfect host, inviting us into the late Gloria’s house and breaking the inherent tensions with her hilarious one-liners; quips and asides that that could strip wallpaper without steam.
Natasha has done a masterful job with the writing and production of Nine Night. I thought it would be interesting to see her role developed more in perhaps an amended version of her character Lorraine. I would certainly watch it again and recommend it heartily to everyone, no matter what their cultural background, as what is at the heart of this smart play is something everyone can relate to.
It’s essential that both Natasha Gordon and Nine Night’s place in theatre history is appreciated: but it’s at least as necessary to remember that it’s a great play – I will certainly drink to that!
The Metropolitan Police have launched a campaign to reach out to sex workers in London who are victims of violence.
(C) BIGSTOCK / DEPOSITPHOTOS
On the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is today encouraging those who work in the industry and find themselves victims of crime to have the confidence to report to police.
“Increased risk of violence and abuse”
Commander Richard Smith, the Met’s lead on Safeguarding, said, “We are supporting this positive day of action and recognition; working to reduce the violence experienced by sex workers is something we do all year round. By the very nature of sex work, those engaged in the activity are at increased risk of violence and abuse and are often reluctant to report such matters to the police. We understand the barriers, fears and reluctance that sex workers might face when they consider reporting abuse, but we take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously and will investigate them fully. We are seeking to increase sex-workers’ confidence to report allegations to the police and seek advice from the wide range of support agencies operating across London.”
The MPS has a senior Lead Responsible Officer (LRO) at Superintendent level responsible for developing a coordinated response to reduce the risk and harm faced by sex-workers & the associated impacts on local communities.
Commander Smith, adds, “No one, regardless of their profession, should be the victim of any form of violence or abuse, and we will continue to support ending violence against those working in the sex trade. Our primary focus will always be to protect vulnerable individuals from harm, regardless of their circumstances.
“Dealing with sex work presents some considerable and complex challenges and requires police to work closely with local communities and both statutory and voluntary partners. Alongside our commitment to protect vulnerable people from harm, we recognise the adverse impact that prostitution can cause to local communities. We will take appropriate action when it is necessary and proportionate to do so to keep all members of London’s communities safe. We also actively pursue individuals who control & coerce others to enter or remain in prostitution and who profit from trafficking and exploitation. The police response to sex work in London has evolved significantly and we maintain strong working relationships with a number of support agencies including National Ugly Mugs (NUM).”
60 to 80 crimes every month
Dr Raven Bowen, CEO of National Ugly Mugs (NUM) states, “Since 2012, NUM has been a formalised mechanism for sex workers to report crimes perpetrated against them. Through our scheme, sex workers either share this information anonymously with others, or go forward to provide full reports to police and proceed through the criminal justice system in pursuit of justice.
“We receive between 60 and 80 reports of crime by sex workers every month, more than one every day; however, less than 10% access police for support due to the combined effects of continued criminalisation, stigma and harmful social policies. We aim to shape services to be more responsive to the needs of sex workers.
Dr Bowen adds: “NUM and MPS collaborate around shared goals of increasing sex workers’ access to justice and reducing the rates of victimisation. This year, NUM has launched our #IDEVASW memorial card (available on our website) that holds the names of 182 sex workers who have been murdered since 1990. Unfortunately, this week we added yet another name to this list. We urge your acknowledgement of the valuable lives of sex workers, and ask your commitment towards activities that reduce predatory violence and increase rights, entitlements and protections for these valuable members of our communities.”
The new show The Band is not, as you might think, a musical about Take That – but it damn well should’ve been.
What we get is a show about four forty-something women who reunite after not having seen other for a long time to see their favourite boy band (now of course no longer a boy band) at a reunion tour concert in Prague. Why Prague you might ask? Because one of the women won a competition to see the band perform there. Why couldn’t one of them have bought tickets to a more local show if they loved the band so much? Well, that would’ve been too easy and would’ve left out one of the major plot points of this show – a broken penis.
Yes, a broken penis. You see, while the women are in Prague, they get a bit carried away and break the penis off of a priceless statue. Now, if this would happen in real life the women would’ve gotten heavily fined, and perhaps jail time. But when said penis, which is attached to a statue that actually does come to life (before the said penis is broken off), with the penis visible for all the audience to see, it makes for one of the most unintentional laughable moments in the West End. It’s not just laughable – it’s shockable! Who signed off on this scene? And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Take That’s big hit ‘Relight My Fire’ is sung while the characters (while still schoolgirls) are on a bus heading home from a concert, with the carefully hand-picked cast of the boy singers dressed up in bondage gear (with horse helmets). And then all of a sudden out of nowhere one of the girls is killed. Hmmm?
Another head scratcher is when the song ‘Never Forget’ is sung by the fab five in an airport lounge. There is also a bit of fat shaming in the show (one of the women is obese). Did I mention that the boys can’t really hold a tune and sing in harmony? Or in tune? Not once is the band introduced as characters, meanwhile, they glossfully sing in the background to scenes that have no real connection to the songs.
This is a jukebox musical that is as empty as a machine with no quarters in it. Sure the songs are great (who doesn’t love a Take That song or two), and one of the women happens to be lesbian, and AJ Bentley has the strongest vocals of all, but what do you expect from a musical show where the singers (boyband) were chosen from a reality television show?
Whoever signed off on this mess should be really ashamed of themselves. Robbie, Howard, Gary and Mark – you listening?
The Band plays at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, London. Book tickets now
