THEGAYUK

Tag: London News

All the latest from London, the capital of the UK, home to the UK’s largest gay community.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Haram Iran

    THEATRE REVIEW | Haram Iran

    ★★★★★ | Haram Iran

    CREDIT: Above The Stag
    CREDIT: Above The Stag

    Two young men were publicly hanged in a square in Mashhad, Iran on 19th July 2005. The new play Haram Iran tells this horrific story.

    Ayaz Marhoni and Mahmoud Asgari were both teenage boys who liked to hang out together. But it was suspected that these two young men had a homosexual affair, though the true nature of their crime had never actually been confirmed. But they were publicly executed after being convicted on the trumped up charges of raping a 13-year old boy.

    The Above the Stag theatre in Vauxhall has produced a play that re-enacts and tries to give credence and understanding to the story of these two young men, and their lives, and their execution. It’s an amazing and relevant play.

    Ayaz (Viraj Juneja) and Mahmoud (Andrei Costin) play ball, study together and hang out at Ayaz’s house. They’re fast becoming good friends, enough so that it makes Fareed (Merch Husey) jealous. Mahmoud spends a lot of time at Ayaz’s house, in his bedroom, just hanging out. Ayaz is obsessed with books, books that his mother (Silvana Malmone) has illegally kept as she’s not allowed to have them because of Sharia law.

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    Ayaz is most enraptured by The Catcher in the Rye, and he reads passages of the book to Mahmoud. Some of the passages are sexual, making the young men a bit turned on. One day Ayaz notices huge marks on Mahmoud’s back, caused by whippings inflicted on him by his father. Ayaz rubs oil on Mahmoud’s back, but it’s this act, witnessed by Fareed, which causes their downfall. Ayaz is initially charged with corrupting, and penetrating Mahmoud, is thrown in jail, and repeatedly raped by the prison guard (Fanos Xenofos). Eventually they are both charged with consensual homosexual acts and the judge (George Savvides) punishes them to death.

    ALSO READ: Gay Air France flight attendants fear for their lives if forced to travel to newly opened route to Iran

    Haram Iran is a hugely important play that highlights the brutality and injustice that these two young innocent men endured in Iran. While not every scene in Haram Iran might not have actually taken place, what is fact is the murder at the hands of the Iranian government of these two young men.

    Directed by Gene David Kirk with brutal and emotional intensity, Haram Iran was written by Lawyer Jay Paul Deratany, who happened to find the story online. And each member of the cast are excellent. Juneja and Costin are both very believable as Ayez and Mahmoud, young and innocent but punished nonetheless. Maimone as Ayaz’s mother is superb in her role. Xenofos is very scary (and a bit too believable) as the prison guard who shows no mercy, while and Savvides is downright cold, mean and heartless as the judge.

    Haram Iran is a brutal yet delicate story of two young men who didn’t deserve to die because of who they were.

    Haram Iran plays at Above The Stag until the 1st May 2016

  • THEATRE REVIEW | In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel

    ★★★ | In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel

    CREDIT: Scott Rylander

    A middle-aged woman sits in a bar in a Tokyo hotel waiting for her husband; knocking back cocktails, sexually harassing the waiter and throwing out barbed comments. Her speech is unfiltered and whilst lyrical at times is also staccato and brutal at others. She sits well within the ranks of Tennessee Williams’ characters: a brittle yet beautiful monster who is bemoaning the onset of old age and so tightly coiled that an unravelling of some sort is inevitable. In short, she’s simultaneously a joy and a horror to watch.

    Tennessee Williams’ late play “In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel” was met with a hostile critical reaction when it was first staged in 1969 and has rarely been produced since. It’s a shame that this work has floundered out of sight, as there’s much merit to it, despite its flaws. Written at the start of his final descent into addiction and depression’ it’s an unusual play with absurd elements and strange patterns of speech. The characters are unsympathetic at times, the dialogue isn’t easy to follow and the interactions are surreal. Yet, it’s also a very funny play in parts and there are moving aspects to the scenario. As the play progresses it becomes easier to fall into the patterns of the dialogue.

    Director Robert Chevara has bravely mounted this version and done so with aplomb. The movement and rhythm is perfectly captured in his use of a well-chosen cast and a stylish set. The great Linda Marlowe plays Miriam with spiky coolness and is pitch perfect. She careers round the vertiginously steep stage on heels like a terrifying Gorgon crushing everyone in her path yet flashing hints of her underlying vulnerability. Andrew Koji is desperately handsome as the deadpan barman, gritting his teeth as Miriam shamelessly fondles him. Alan Turkington puts over the waspish campness of Leonard with style. Yet beneath all this lies an imperfect play that just doesn’t quite rise to the occasion.

    If you’re a fan of Williams’ work then this play is an interesting addition to the body of his work. Within the period piece hallucinatory style there are echoes of characters, themes and styles that will be familiar. If you’re a newcomer to his work then it’s still worth a try.

    Even at his less than best Williams is a monumental writer and always worth revisiting.

    In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel plays at Charing Cross Theatre until the 14th May 2016

    @chrisb715

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  • Murder Suspect Of Gay Cop Has Virtual Court Appearance

    Murder Suspect Of Gay Cop Has Virtual Court Appearance

    A man has appeared in custody via virtual court at Bromley Magistrates’ Court in connection to the murder of Gordon Semple.

    CREDIT: Facebook
    CREDIT: Facebook

    A 49-year-old charged with the murder of an openly gay police officer in London has appeared in custody via virtual court at Bromley Magistrates’ Court. 

    No indication of plea was given.

    Stefano Brizzi was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on the 13th April. Mr. Brizzi was wearing a grey prison issue tracksuit, as he confirmed his name, age and address via video link from Lewisham Police Station.

    Detectives working on the case are now satisfied that the remains found at an address in London are those of Gordon Semple, 59, who went missing on the 1st April.

    Earlier today Mr. Semple’s brother paid a painful tribute to Mr. Semple and spoke about their heartbreaking loss.

    He said,

    On behalf of Gordon’s partner Gary, my wife Maureen, Gordon’s nephew Paul, niece Kerry and I, I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts during the past dreadful week. It has been a terrible time for us all, especially Gary.

    I would also like to thank Oliver Westbury for setting up “Gordon Semple, 59 missing” Facebook appeal page and also other cousins and nephews who tried to find Gordon.

    Gordon will be sadly missed by all of his immediate family, his colleagues in the Met Police, former Bank of Scotland colleagues in Inverness & London, Friends from his Tartan Army Days, but most of all the hardest loss is for Gary at this time.

    Gordon was a much loved Partner, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle & Cousin and our world will be a worse place without him.

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    A post-mortem exam was carried out on the 8th April but the cause of death has yet to be established. A further post-mortem is to be carried out on the 13th April.

    Detectives are treating his death as a murder.

    Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation into Gordon’s murder, said:

    “I am keen to trace a man who went to Brizzi’s flat in Southwark Street on Friday, 1 April at about 15:00. He was there for only one minute, and did not go inside, but it is incredibly important that we speak to him.

    “If you are that man please come forward and call us on 020 8721 4961. I will treat what you tell me with sensitivity and confidentiality – please get in touch with us I need to talk to you.”

  • Family and Partner Of Slain Gay Cop Mourn His Death

    Family and Partner Of Slain Gay Cop Mourn His Death

    The family and partner of Gordon Semple have released a heartbreaking message on Facebook mourning the tragic loss.

    Gordon Semple
    CREDIT: Metropolitan Police

    The family and partner of Gordon Semple whose body was discovered in London after an extensive public appeal by the Metropolitan Police have released a heartbreaking message paying tribute to the openly gay PC saying that he would be sadly missed by his family, partner and co-workers in the Met.

    Police were called to an address in Greenwich after a concern member of the public reported a foul odour emanating from the scene.

    A man has been charged with Mr. Semple’s murder.

     

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    Mr Semple’s brother wrote,

    On behalf of Gordon’s partner Gary, my wife Maureen, Gordon’s nephew Paul, niece Kerry and I, I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts during the past dreadful week. It has been a terrible time for us all, especially Gary.

    I would also like to thank Oliver Westbury for setting up “Gordon Semple, 59 missing” Facebook appeal page and also other cousins and nephews who tried to find Gordon.

    Gordon will be sadly missed by all of his immediate family, his colleagues in the Met Police, former Bank of Scotland colleagues in Inverness & London, Friends from his Tartan Army Days, but most of all the hardest loss is for Gary at this time.

    Gordon was a much loved Partner, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle & Cousin and our world will be a worse place without him.

    It would be appreciated if the family is given time to grieve privately.

     

    Police are not speculating on the cause of death and added,

    A post-mortem will be held in due course, and until that has taken place we will not speculate on the cause of death.

  • Police Confirmed The Death Of Gay London Police Officer

    Police Confirmed The Death Of Gay London Police Officer

    Police have confirmed that human remains found in London are that of  officer Gordon Semple, who was openly gay.

    Gordon Semple
    CREDIT: Metropolitan Police

    Police in London have issued a statement that human remains found are those of an openly gay PC, Gordon Semple, 59. who was reported missing on the 1st April 2016.

    Commander Alison Newcomb released a statement saying that the Metropolitan police were not able to speculate on the cause of Mr. Semple’s death, but a man has been arrested after human remains were found at Peabody Estate in Southwark Street, SE1.

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    Police were called the scene when a member of the public got in contact with the police after confirms of a foul odour coming from the scene.

    “At this point I do not wish to speculate on what has happened.

    “… a forensic search started at the address and is ongoing. It will take some time for us to complete that work. It is a vital search for evidence. I would like to thank the local residents for their patience and support.

    “My thoughts are with Gordon’s family and friends at this time of personal tragedy. I would ask that they are given the space and privacy they need to come to terms with this development.

    “This is a very sad day for Gordon’s colleagues. There are many officers who have served London alongside Gordon during his 30 year career who will acutely feel his loss.”

    Police are not speculating on the cause of death and added,

    A post-mortem will be held in due course, and until that has taken place we will not speculate on the cause of death.

  • Russell Tovey To Join Cast Of Heartbreaking Play Angels In America

    Russell Tovey To Join Cast Of Heartbreaking Play Angels In America

    Russell Tovey is apparently joining the cast of a National Theatre production of Angels In America.

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  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

    ★★★★ |  Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. It’s not your usual type of play.

    CREDIT: Supplied

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  • London Pub Richmond Arms To Close

    After serving the LGBT community for 30 years, staff at The Richmond Arms will pull the last pint at the end of April.

     

    Posted by Richmond Arms on Monday, 2 February 2015
      The Richmond Arms in London will join the ever growing list of over 100 gay pubs that have closed in London since the turn of the century.  Taking to the Pub’s facebook page, managers wrote that they had made the decision to close for good with a ‘heavy heart.’
    “To all our dearest customers, it is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that we will be closing our doors for good on Saturday 23rd of April 2016.”
    The pub’s management said the closure was happening because the landlord has chosen not to renew the lease.
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    “Unfortunately this has not happened due to the landlord not willing to extent the lease, so the Richmond Arms will close and not re-open in any form.” “This place is so close to many of us, we have laughed and cried here together for over 30 years. We will all miss this wonderful place in a different way.”
    The Richmond Arms is just another casualty of London’s gay scene, which has lost a number of high profile venues in the last couple of years, including The Black Cap, The Joiner’s Arms and at least one of the Chariots’ saunas. The Black Cap is due to reopen in the near future, under a different name and new management. Campaigners are hoping the new owners will listen to community calls to keep the venue an LGBT space and keep the old name.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Bug

    ★★★★★ | Bug

    In a run down motel room in Oklahoma City, cocktail waitress Agnes is killing time, hitting the bottle and smoking a little crack with her lesbian friend R.C. Hiding from her violent ex and trying to numb the pain of her past; the evening takes a sudden unexpected turn when a stranger arrives.

    CREDIT: Simon Annand

    Found 111 is an intimate new theatre space on Charing Cross Road that perfectly suits Tracy Letts’ gripping and claustrophobic 1996 play. The audience are all around the four sides of the tiny motel room and the actors are within touching distance. The airless heat of the room built up as the tension ramped higher and it becomes appropriately oppressive. By Act Two the audience itches and scratches and bristles with tension as the characters descend into a deranged scenario. Theatre doesn’t often feel as real as this. The play is gruesome, disturbing but darkly comical which is what you’d expect from Letts; the author of hit films Killer Joe and August: Osage County.

    There was a major distraction for me in Bug in the form of the handsome James Norton (Happy Valley, War and Peace, Grantchester) who was playing the stranger. He was so close to me at points, stripped down to a pair of baggy boxer shorts and displaying an admirable torso, that I almost had to sit on my hands before a restraining order was issued. My lustiness aside: Norton is a very fine actor. It’s a testament to his skills that in spite of his ubiquitous presence on our televisions, he subsumes the character with ease and his familiar face doesn’t make the viewer think of his other roles. He portrays a brooding ex-soldier with a polite gentlemanly manner and a burgeoning psychosis. He doesn’t miss a beat and unfailingly does justice to this tightly scripted piece.

     

    CREDIT: Simon Annand

    Equally superb is his co-star Kate Fleetwood (Medea, High Society, London Road). She’s all spiky edges and nervous tics as she prowls the room in hot pants and heels, toking on cigarettes and swigging wine. Any actor or actress who can draw my attention to their face whilst James Norton is on stage wearing very little, has to be a skilled practitioner indeed. Fleetwood is hypnotic and the interplay between the two characters is a master class in top quality acting.

    This is definitely a 5 star show. Credit has to go to director Simon Evans for bringing this twenty-year-old piece to life and making it feel so fresh, vibrant and relevant. This isn’t an evening’s light entertainment but nor is it doomy and grim. There’s plenty of humour too. Just expect to leave the theatre feeling a little itchier and a little sweatier than when you first arrived.

    Bug is playing at Found 111, London, until 7th May.

     

    @chrisb715

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Beacons

    ★★★★ | Beacons

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  • THEATRE REVIEW | Miss Atomic Bomb

    ★★ | Miss Atomic Bomb

    It’s a bomb that goes off during the production of ‘Miss Atomic Bomb.’ It’s not an actual bomb but a stink and sink bomb.

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