THEGAYUK

Tag: London News

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

  • 10 Fantastic Places for A Great Gay Date in London

    There are all the typical things to do in London; the bridge, the tower, the eye, and so on, but what if you want to network with other gays and meet people to take. Perhaps you want to take your friend to a new or different place. Here are 10 places you may not have thought of before.

     

    The Underground Club

    Located under Central Station you will find the Underground Club where the speciality of the day is the dark and mysterious. There is always a hopping party crowd and live DJ. One the weekends there is a light show to go with whatever the theme is. The Underground offers a fun place to go after you visit Central Station. So make a night out of this visit.

     

    Hampstead Heath Ponds

    Located in North London is the Hampstead Heath Ponds, three large freshwater swimming points that are popular for same sex and mixed couples alike. For centuries people have been coming to the ponds for a relaxing dip in the waters. Take your partner to the ponds and have some wet fun. Let your playful side come out while enjoying an athletic dip.

     

    Central Station, Kings Cross

    Known as one of the best pubs around, Central Station is known for Sweet Wednesday and diverse clientele that include transvestites and transsexuals. This is a wonderful place to take your partner for a little fun, exploration and ale. Events include cabaret and theme nights and can be found on Wharfdale Road in London.

     

    Gay Supper Club – The Hope, London

    At The Hope, a pop up restaurant, you and your date can attend the Gay Supper Club where you will enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by a world renowned Michelin star chef. This is an intimate setting designed for gay men to get to know each other, network, socialize and make new friends. The event is organised and supported by the Grub Club & Urban Connections group. The aim of this event which will be held on June 19th, 2013 is to bring individuals together to hopefully find their soul mate. This is not speed-dating, each course is taken at a slow comfortable pace but you will rotate thought the restaurant to meet multiple people and intermingle. There is no age limit of dress code, so put this night on your calendar and plan for an impromptu chance to meet your one.

     

    Vauxhall

    Within London is an inner city known as Vauxhall. This is where you come if you are gay and you want to party all night or through the weekend. This area is filled with bars, taverns, nightclubs, raves and parties. Get out into the night air, and dress up in your sexiest gear, you are bound to meet new likeminded friends at places like The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, The Hoist, Fire, and Barcode Vauxhall. Don’t stop there, there is so much to do in this area, you and your partner could party round the clock all weekend long.

     

    Soho London

    If you’re looking for the fun, hip, diverse center of activity and fun, look no further than Soho London for your date. The atmosphere in Soho is contagious, pleasurable, and a must-see for your date. With live entertainment, unique cuisine, a pulsing nightlife, and celebrations like Pride London, this is where you want to spend your time to meet and network with fellow gay Londoner’s and tourist

     

    London Gay Men’s Chorus

    Do you have a song in your heart? Then you should join up with the guys at the London Gay Men’s Chorus to express yourself inner Sir Elton John and meet new friends. The choir is one of the largest most active groups for gay men in Europe. The mission is to entertain, educate, and inspire others through music while challenging the preconceptions of homosexuality. If you cannot sing, then sign up for their newsletter and attend their events, you might meet your next date who has the voice of an angel.

     

    Hackney City Farm

    Not every date is required to take place at a club or bar. For a bit of variety during the sunlight hours stop by the Hackney City Farm with your special one. Take a minute to feed the goats and donkeys and watch your partner melt as he cuddles a little bunny in his strong arms. There are weekend courses, classes in pottery and mosaics, or you could become volunteers. This is a great place to honor your need for animals and outdoors and show your variety to your partner.

     

    Broadway Market

    Get out and go to the market. In almost every city around the world, there is an outdoor fresh market. In the London, this is the Broadway Market. Start your Saturday with a date at the market with all tastes and cultures that will satisfy any palate or shopping need. You will find the Market between Regent’s Canal and London Fields. There is everything from food, handcrafted items, and clothing. Bring your partner, take in the fresh air, and pick up fresh ingredients for a late picnic at London Fields and a candlelight dinner at home.

     

    A London Fields Picnic

    In East London, you will find the idyllic London Fields Park situated at the end of the Broadway Market. Historically a pasture, the park is not the hub of activity in East London. You will find a cricket pitch, BMX track, swimming pool, tennis courts, and more. Bring your date here, pack a picnic and plan an activity that you will both enjoy. You are bound to be able to plan a fun, relaxing day with your love interest.

     

    There you have it a fine selection of civil and naughty places to take your hot date in the capital city perhaps you seduced your partner on the web or indulging in gay chat with hot men by phone on a line heaven forbid just in the real world in the local bar. Well after your great effort on securing your sexy dates time make sure it goes with a real bang and hit up London.

  • Polari Magazine editor in savage homophobic beating

    Damon Truluck and Christopher Bryant from gay and lesbian online publication Polari magazine, attacked and mugged last night in London.

    Writing on Facebook Bryant from PolariMagazine.com said,

    “This is how my birthday ended. Pushed to the floor, kicked in the face by two guys as the other four went for Damon. “Stay down, f**king faggot”, one of them shouted….We spent 6 hours in hospital. Nothing broken, which is incredible as they kicked me in the face about 5 times. The police have been brilliant”.

    The picture was uploaded to Polari Magazine’s facebook page and has already been shared 70 times, with over 98 comments made.

    GayStarNews reports that the incident took place in South London’s Betts Park.

    The attack happened around 12:30AM.

    The homophobic beating happened just under a month after the Metropolitan Police released figures which revealed that reportings of anti-gay attacks had dropped significantly in the UK’s capital.

    Police are still investigating the attack and are looking for suspects, however Bryant told TheGayUK that,

    ‘They avoided all CCTV and were hard to see under the hoodies’.

  • IDAHO in London

    Join in with Pride and IDAHO London on May 17th, 5pm in Trafalgar Square.

    From 17:00PM – to 20:00 there will be an outdoor event in Trafalgar Square, London to mark IDAHO, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2013.

    Wendyl Harris from Pride in London said,

    “We are honoured to join the global community marking this important international event. Homosexuality remains a criminal offence in 76 countries around the world, and punishable by death in a further 8 countries, yet many of our LGBTQI friends oversees will be celebrating IDAHO and looking to London for inspiration. IDAHO’s theme this year is marriage equality which compliments this year’s Pride Parade on June 29th: Love (& Marriage)

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Bare The Rock Musical, The Union Theatre

    After seeing several of director Paul Taylor Mills’ previous productions, I thought I knew what to expect from bare: the rock musical, but I was genuinely swept away by this fresh and dynamic tale of teenage love and angst.

    An exquisitely sexy musical with an extremely talented and equally alluring cast, I laughed and cried with the characters as every emotion is played out in front of us. Heartstrings were tugged in every direction, whilst my every sense tingled with the visual and aural treats of this vibrant production.

    Written by Jon Hartmere and Damon Intrabartolo, bare tells the story of a group of teenagers at a Catholic boarding school discovering love and, by default, themselves. Told with such absolute warmth, the audience is provided an extremely intimate view into the lives of these youngsters. There are some beautifully tender moments in amongst the lively, fast-paced action and I can’t remember the last time I felt so emotionally invested in a show and its characters. Scenes of real heartbreak are gently softened with an expert use of humour, providing not just relief but also some genuine laugh-out-loud moments.

    Jason (Ross William Wild) and Peter (Michael Vinsen) are in a clandestine relationship, as rocky as it is secret. As they are pulled apart, Ivy (Lilly-Jane Young) is quick to take advantage of Jason’s newly single status which breaks Matt’s (Dale Evans) heart and angers Nadia (Melanie Greaney), all set against the backdrop of rehearsals for the school production of Romeo and Juliet. Confused? This is the tangled web that is brilliantly interplayed in this highly emotional rollercoaster as we watch relationships and, indeed, lives torn apart. Throw in a steadfastly conservative mother (Yvette Robinson) who refuses to allow her son to come out (even to her), a possibly-closeted priest (Matt Harrop) and a strict Sister with a sideline in sass (Hannah Levane), and you get the picture.

    Will Burton’s casting is beyond superb on this production. The leads are exceptional and supported by a hugely talented ensemble. I was particularly struck by the sensitivity between Wild’s Jason and Vinsen’s Peter – so touching it is very easy to see the love between the two characters.

    Ross William Wild is captivating and his brilliant eyes tell every emotion Jason feels, a detail rarely seen so honestly portrayed. Michael Vinsen is equally expressive and particularly skilful at using his voice to convey emotion.

    Other notable performances came from Lilly-Jane Young and Dale Evans. Ivy’s vulnerability and longing is visible throughout but never more so than during her solo number, All Grown Up. Her handling of some particularly tough scenes displays a sensitivity and grace far beyond her years. Her suitor is portrayed beautifully and intelligently by Evans with Matt’s desperation for Ivy’s attention clearly visible.

    Jason’s sister, the larger than life Nadia is played expertly and utterly believable by Melanie Greaney, who is an absolute pleasure to watch and listen to. It’s difficult to comprehend that this is Greaney’s professional debut with the strength and skill she so visibly exhibits here. Indeed, for many of the cast, bare marks their professional debut – and what a debut it is!

    The outstanding performance of the night though has to go to Hannah Levane’s fabulously feisty Sister Chantelle. With a strong, powerful voice that is bang on the note, it was a rare and exquisite privilege to hear her so close.

    The intensely beautiful score is complemented perfectly by Racky Plews’ tight choreography, which is perfectly executed throughout.

    Paul Taylor Mills’ vision is, as always, thoroughly engaging and enlightening. It’s rare to come out of a show feeling so wholly fulfilled. Without a doubt, bare is one of the very best things on the London stage at the moment and, if you don’t see this production, you’re missing out on something very special indeed.

    bare: the rock musical plays at the Union Theatre, Southwark until 25 May. Tickets are currently sold out, but it is very definitely worth checking the website regularly and asking the venue for returns.

     

    http://www.uniontheatre.biz/#/bare-the-rock-musical/4574150801

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Desperately Seeking The Exit, Leicester Square Theatre

    How do you turn one of the West End’s biggest flops into a success? Turn its story into a 70 minute hilarious monologue, of course! And that is exactly what writer Peter Michael Marino has bravely done here.

    (more…)

  • RIP | Viva Forever to close in June

    West End Musical Viva Forever is set to close at the end of June

    In a statement from the producers of Viva Forever:

    Producer Judy Craymer announced that VIVA FOREVER! the new musical, inspired by the songs of the Spice Girls, has posted closing notice at the Piccadilly Theatre for 29 June, 2013. Anyone wanting to join in the fun is urged to book tickets now and get down to the Piccadilly Theatre in the next eight weeks for a fabulous, feel-good night out.

    In a press statement issued this morning, Ms CRAYMER, said

    “It is with a heavy heart that we’ve had to make this very difficult decision to post closing notices for this original show which is blessed with one of the most brilliant casts currently on the West End stage. We set out to create a contemporary story that truly reflects our time; to take a satirical look at the underbelly of a TV Talent show and the chaos that ensues for a mother, her daughter and their friends, a theatrical event to embrace all generations both on and off the stage. Testament to that achievement is the standing ovation at every performance from an audience of families and friends all enjoying a great night out. The show has evolved since we first opened and is now brighter, lighter and funnier, but despite the wonderful audiences and extremely positive feedback we just can’t make it work. I’m so proud of everyone involved in this production. VIVA FOREVER! may be taking it’s leave for now in the West End but the legacy of Spice Girls will never fade.”

    Writer Jennifer Saunders added:

    “It is disappointing the show is to close. I am particularly sad for the cast and crew that have worked so hard to produce a wonderful show.”

    The Spice Girls said

    “We want to thank the cast and all the fans for their support, and although Viva Forever won’t continue in the West End we are thrilled that the thousands of people who came to the show had as much fun as we did.”

    VIVA FOREVER! is a feel-good musical comedy with a book by Jennifer Saunders inspired by the music of the SPICE GIRLS. Charting the trials and tribulations of wannabe girlband Eternity, the musical tells an original story as it hurls the audience headfirst into the final rounds of TV talent show Starmaker, where a panel of fame vultures passes judgment on our wannabe heroines while desperately clinging to the limelight themselves.

    VIVA FOREVER! is directed by Paul Garrington and choreographed by Lynne Page. The production is designed by Peter McKintosh, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Bobby Aitken and musical orchestration by Martin Koch.

    VIVA FOREVER! is produced by Judy Craymer in association with the Spice Girls, Simon Fuller and Universal Music.

    Tickets for VIVA FOREVER! are available until 29 June 2013

  • Stolen Soho Bombing Victims’ Plaque Replaced

    Stolen Soho Bombing Victims’ Plaque Replaced

    The missing original plaque dedicated to the three victims of the Soho nail bomb attack in April 1999 has been replaced ahead of memorial event tomorrow evening.

     

    We reported yesterday that the plaque dedicated to the memory of Andrea Dykes, John Little and Nick Moore had gone missing from St. Anne’s Gardens in Soho, London ahead of the memorial event planned for the 30th April – which will be the 14th anniversary of the attack.

    The nail bomb, which went off on the 30th April 1999 in the Admiral Duncan was aimed at the gay community in Soho. It was the 3rd of three attacks planned and orchestrated by David Copeland who is currently serving six concurrent life sentences and in 2007 the High Court ruled that he must serve 50 years.

    A replacement plaque has been ordered and will be on display at tomorrow’s memorial event held in Soho.

    Cllr Ed Argar, Westminster City Council cabinet member for city management, said:

    “I find it appalling that anyone would steal the memorial plaque remembering those who died and were injured in the horrific Soho bombing of 1999.

    “We have moved swiftly to get a replacement memorial delivered and installed ahead of the 14th anniversary of the Soho bombings tomorrow (Tuesday 30th April), having been alerted to its removal, and we hope it will be in place later today.”

    The new plaque has cost £260, with half being paid by Westminster City Council and 17-24-30.org paying the other.

    The replacement plaque will be installed this afternoon and reads:

    Andrea Dykes D.O.B 30-11-1971

    John Light D.O.B 27-04-1967

    Nick Moore D.O.B 24-05-1967

    Deceased 30-04-1999 in the Admiral Duncan Bombing

    Goodness Is Stronger Than Evil

  • Soho Bombing Victims’ Plaque Missing

    The original Soho Bomb memorial plaque has gone missing according to Mark Healey, the founder of the anti-hate campaign 17-24-30.org, from its position in St. Anne’s Gardens in Soho, London.

    Soho Nail Bombing Victim Plague

    The memorial remembers the three victims who lost their lives in the blast which ripped through the popular Soho pub, the Admiral Duncan in April 1999, killing Andrea Dykes, John Light and Nick Moore.

    The Soho nail bomb was the 3rd of three attacks planned and orchestrated by David Copeland. He planted the other two bombs in Brixton (17th April 1999) and Brick Lane (24th April 1999).

    He is currently serving six concurrent life sentences and in 2007 the High Court ruled that he must serve 50 years.

    In a statement from 17-24-30 the organisers of the Act Of Remembrance which is to take place on the 30th April have said that, ’17-24-30 have agreed to help cover the costs so that it can be ordered straight away and hopefully in place ready for the service on Tuesday 30th April – marking the 14th anniversary of the attacks.’

    The new plaque will cost £260 and it is hoped that it will be delivered and installed before Tuesday’s service.

  • Reports Of Homophobic Crime Drop In London from 2012 to 2013

    Figures released by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), the UK’s biggest police force, show that reports of crimes that are perceived as homophobic, either ‘by the victim or any other person’ are down 12.7% in the last 12 months.

    In total 1,103 homophobic crimes were reported to the MPS in the 12 months up to March 2013, whilst the year before 1,264 crimes were reported.

    Of the 32 boroughs policed by the MPS, 12 reported an increase in reported homophobic crimes, with Enfield observing the biggest increase in reports. Nineteen boroughs had lower reportages and Ealing had exactly the same number of reports as the previous year.

    An Enfield Council Spokesperson said:

    “Enfield Council works closely with the police and the local community to deal with hate crime against the LGBT community and works tirelessly to create an environment where people affected by homophobic hate crime feel confident enough to report what has happened to them in a supportive environment.

    “While the number of homophobic crimes reported in Enfield this year remains extremely low, thanks to our extensive work with the police in this area, we have seen a significant increase in confidence amongst the LGBT community and consequently the number of reports of homophobic hate crime have increased.

    “Enfield Safer and Stronger Communities Board have a number of initiatives in place to engage with and support the LGBT community including our hate crime strategy, Enfield Council also funds the LGBT Network to help provide support for the community work it does and we have run a number of successful initiatives to improve tolerance and community cohesion amongst all our communities.”

    Overall crime is down in London by 6% and the MPS Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said: “Crime is down by 6%. This includes some excellent performance across London, with serious youth violence down by 28%, gun crime down 20%. Robberies are down by over 10% and 1000 gang members are in prison or under judicial restriction.

    “These are very significant numbers that have been achieved against a backdrop of substantial operational challenges to the Metropolitan Police such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the London Olympics and Paralympic Games. All of this has been done whilst also saving money.

    “I hope the people of London will be proud of the Met’s achievements.”

    You can take a look at your borough’s crime rates at:http://www.met.police.uk/crimefigures

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Californian Lives

    Issues surrounding love and trust are often explored in a variety of ways, but this powerful and original production written by Martin Foreman and directed by Emma King-Farlow has brought something entirely new to the table. A series of three monologues, Californian Liveslooks at what it really means to three very different characters living three very different lives.

    In the first piece, Los Feliz, performed intensely but very well by Robin Holden, a young man falls in love with a beautiful woman and concocts an entirely fictional life in order to get close to her. As he weaves his tale, the initially unlikeable character reveals his insecurities and gradually draws the audience closer to him. Holden commands the stage extremely well and holds the audience’s attention throughout; something that is inherently difficult in a monologue.

    Ben and Joe’s is a look into the lives of a group of mostly middle-aged men who while away their afternoons in a San Fernando Valley bar, united in their lust for the young barman who flirts expertly with each of them. A new arrival, Christopher, shakes their easy existence and causes a rift between the men as each of them is forced to confront their own prejudices. This difficult subject is delivered expertly by John Vernon who held the audience captivated throughout his performance.

    Finally, the evergreen treat that is Carolyn Listerbrought an instant warmth and dose of humour to Sunset with her portrayal of a grandmother reminiscing to her husband on the long life they have shared together, with its succession of highs and lows. On the surface, her story is one of a very traditional marriage, but this is soon revealed to be a somewhat thin veneer as this apparently timid character reveals a strength and resilience initially unseen.

    Californian Lives is no light-hearted feel-good piece, and not one for the faint-hearted. It is, however, exactly the kind of emotionally-charged and thought-provoking theatre that we need to see more of in this age of Disney-esque expectations.

    Californian Lives plays at the King’s Head Theatre, Islington on Sundays and Mondays until 26 May. Tickets £11.50 – £20 from the King’s Head website.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Children Of The Sun

    ★★★ | Children Of The Sun

    A Maxim Gorky classic play, adapted by Andrew Upton, is a deep and philosophically driven piece set during a cholera epidemic, which works on many significant levels.

    On the surface its comedic approach could be mistaken as a light hearted play, but below the surface lies a distinct feeling of danger – a narrative of fear which is explored through many conversations.

    Protasov is longing to find the answer to all of life’s mysteries through scientific experimentation and research. He believes that the quest of life will be answered through science so he becomes immersed in his own ignorance; failing to acknowledge the significance of what is happening around him.

    There is a superb collective of talent in this adaptation, with strong gestural performances and moments of intensity which breaks up the performance, constantly focussing it back to the deeper questions.

    The stage set is the perfect backbone to the story, with a commendable attention to detail and realistic nature which helps one to engage on an additional level. Indeed the National Theatre is one of my all time favourite destinations, with its strong Brutalist architecture just asking for performance and drama. This is exactly what is delivered with ‘Children of the Sun’. A though-provoking and engaging play, highly recommended.

    Treat yourself to some theatre this month at the National Theatre. Tickets range from £12-34 and Children of the Sun is on until Sunday 14th July 2013.

    www.nationaltheatre.org.uk