On Sunday, 3 March just after 6:00 AM police were called to Romily Street, in W1.
Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and found the 37-year-old man suffering stab injuries. He was taken to hospital with critical injuries and he was pronounced dead at 19:42 hours on Wednesday, 6 March.
His family are aware of the victim’s death. Formal identification awaits.
A post mortem examination is due to be held in due course.
A murder investigation has now commenced which is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin.
A 34-year-old man was charged on Monday, 4 March with two counts of attempted murder, in relation to this incident along with another stabbing on the same day, of a teenager which occurred in University Street, WC1.
The charge for attempted murder will be subject to a review by the CPS.
A 41-year-old woman who was arrested remains released under investigation.
Police in London are looking to speak with victims of a suspected homophobic assault where a corrosive substance was thrown in the faces of the victims.
Police were called to McDonald’s on Brixton Road, SW9 at 04:00hrs on Saturday, 19 January following reports of an unknown substance being sprayed in the face of two men.
Officers attended and found two 22-year-old men who said they had been attacked at a bus stop.
Police report that the men advised they had been sprayed in the face with a noxious substance, believed to be pepper spray, by a man in a hate crime attack.
The men were treated at the scene by paramedics and did not require hospital treatment.
Two other men were allegedly attacked in a similar assault 20 minutes earlier.
Detectives investigating the assault have identified that two other men may have been the victims of a similar assault in a nearby KFC 20 minutes earlier on the same night.
Detective Constable Amy Cross, of Lambeth CID, said, “This was a completely unprovoked and targeted assault on at least two members of the public, with a possible further two victims not yet in contact with police.
“Both the attack and the homophobic motivation of this assault are abhorrent and I appeal to anyone with any information that could assist the investigation to come forward.’
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lambeth CID by dialling 101 and quoting reference CAD 1206/19JAN19, Tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If you are a huge theatre fan, love musicals, and worship the ground Stephen Sondheim walks on, then you’ll love Follies.
Playing in its second run in two years at the National Theatre, Follies is true and pure Sondheim. At the ripe age of 88, Sondheim currently has another hit show in the West End – the critically acclaimed and very popular Company. But Follies is a certain kind of musical – a musical that will perhaps only appeal to the die-hard Sondheim musical theatre fan.
Follies lusciously and lavishly tells the story of former Follies girls, in 1971, coming back to their soon to be demolished theatre for a reunion. It is a brilliant idea for a show and is executed to flawless perfection. The women range in different ages and are at various stages in their live, but they will always be Follies girl, past performers of the “Weismann’s Follies” musical revue, that played in that theatre between the World Wars. While the next day the building is going to be demolished to make way for a parking lot, the women have one last night to reminisce about their time as Follies Girls and their younger and more glamorous selves.
The book of the musical, by James Goldman, takes a look at these women through rose-tinted glasses in a story that is all illusion, smoke and mirrors.
And while there is no proper character development, some of the women do get to shine in a cast that appears to be dozens (40 actually). Tracie Bennett smashes the Sondheim classic ‘I’m Still Here’ while Dawn Hope passionately sings ‘Who’s That Woman.’ Janie Dee excels in ‘Could I Leave You’ and Joanna Riding drips with emotion while singing ‘Losing My Mind.’
Yes, Follies is a show that showcases the ladies. And while some of the men (Peter Forbes and his younger self Harry Hepple), and Alexander Hanson, get their moments, Sondheim shows his enthusiasm, appreciation and love for the ladies. For it’s their show, it has and always will be.
Winner of Best Musical Revival at last year’s Olivier Awards, Follies is playing until Saturday, May 11, 2019.
Police are linking two stabbings in the nation’s capital today after one man was left with “life threatening” injuries” in Soho and a boy, 16, was stabbed in Camden, just hours apart.
Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service and found the 37-year-old man suffering stab injuries. He was taken to hospital where his condition is being treated as life-threatening.
An immediate investigation was launched by detectives from Central West CID.
A woman, aged in her 40s was arrested near to the scene. She has been taken to a central London police station where she remains in custody.
A crime scene was put in place, forensic work commenced and enquiries undertaken to identify any relevant witnesses or CCTV.
Another male stabbed, Camden
Later that morning, at 11:36hrs, police in Camden were called to a teenager stabbed in University Street, WC1.
Emergency services attended the scene where the 16-year-old victim was taken to hospital. His wounds have also been assessed as life-threatening.
A man, aged in his 30s was arrested near to the scene in connection with the Camden stabbing. He was further arrested a short time later on suspicion of attempted murder in Romilly Street, which is the heart of London’s LGBT Scene.
The arrested man has been taken to hospital having told officers that he had swallowed a quantity of drugs. Police are awaiting an assessment of his condition.
Enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of both incidents.
Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police should call detectives via 101 quoting reference 1783/mar03. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
At this stage, nobody else is sought in connection with either of these incidents.
There is nothing to suggest that these crimes are related to homophobia at this time.
A man has been hospitalised after a stabbing in London’s Soho.
(C) GOOGLE MAPS
A man in his 30s has been attacked and stabbed in the centre of London‘s gay scene on Romilly Street, early Sunday morning.
The status of the man has not been made public, although the police have revealed that he sustained “serious injuries”.
Earlier this morning, police and paramedics were called to reports of a stabbing in Romilly Street in Soho at about 6 AM.
A crime scene has been established as detectives begin their investigations.
The motive of the attack has not been made known and details about the victim remain private at this time.
A crime scene is in place in Romilly St, Soho whilst we investigate a stabbing at 6:00am. A quick police response resulted in an arrest. Anyone with info please contact Central West CID via 101. Quoting ref 1783/03Mar19
— Westminster Police | Central West BCU (@MPSWestminster) March 3, 2019
One person, a woman in her 40s has been arrested.
This is a developing story.
Anyone with information is urged to call Central West CID on 101 and to provide the reference 1783/03Mar19
Evelina London Children’s Hospital and community services have introduced NHS rainbow badges for its staff to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) patients.
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The scheme at Evelina London, which is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’, is now being rolled out across the Trust, following a successful pilot at the children’s hospital, launched last October.
The move follows a recent Stonewall survey that found that one in seven (14%) of LGBT people have avoided medical treatment for fear of discrimination and almost one in four (23%) have witnessed discriminatory or negative remarks against LGBT people by healthcare staff. It also coincides with LGBT history month this February.
The badge is an NHS logo superimposed on the rainbow pride flag and can be worn on lanyards or uniforms. They promote a message of inclusion and are a sign that the wearer is someone you can talk to about issues of sexuality and gender identity.
When staff sign up to wear the badge they are provided with information about the challenges people who identify as LGBT+ can face accessing healthcare and what they can do to support them.
The hospital has also created a toolkit to support and encourage other NHS organisations to implement the scheme. More than 100 clinical commissioning groups, GP surgeries and hospitals from across the country have already expressed an interest in rolling it out.
The project has been backed by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who regularly wears the badge, and Strictly Come Dancing star, and former Evelina London paediatrician, Dr Ranj.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said, “Every patient and everyone who works in the NHS should feel welcomed by the NHS, regardless of their gender identity, race or sexual orientation.
“I love wearing my rainbow badge and I wear it with pride. I’m delighted to see Evelina London rolling out this fantastic initiative, to ensure no one feels alone or faces prejudice.”
Dr Ranj said, “Young LGBT+ people face greater and more complex challenges than their peers, including in healthcare. As health professionals we have a duty to ensure their wellbeing is paramount in all areas of their lives, so we need to create an environment where they can feel comfortable, valued and secure, especially when they need help.
“Small gestures like this mean so much to those that really need it the most, and I am beyond proud to be part of something that progresses the culture and values of the Trust. Now let’s do it across the whole NHS!”
The NHS rainbow badge initiative is supported by the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, which provides funding for projects across Guy’s and St Thomas’.
Dr Michael Farquhar, NHS rainbow badge initiative lead and sleep consultant at Evelina London, said, “Despite improving social attitudes in the UK, LGBT+ people can still face significant barriers to accessing healthcare and this can have a detrimental impact on physical and mental health
“Wearing a NHS rainbow badge is a way for our staff to show that Evelina London is an open, non-judgemental and inclusive place for children, young people and their families who identify as LGBT+ and that we are here for them in every way.
“It was really important to us that the badge is meaningful, which is why when staff sign up to wear one they are provided with information about LGBT+ health inequalities and ways that they can help to tackle them.
“The initiative has already led to many extremely positive conversations between our staff and patients. We really hope that our toolkit will encourage other NHS organisations to introduce rainbow badges as they can play a valuable part in reducing stigma and inequality.”
Since the scheme launched almost a third (32%) of Evelina London staff have signed up to wear the badge. A target of 25% was set to combat the Stonewall statistic that almost a quarter of NHS staff have heard their colleagues make a negative remark about LGBT+ people.
Jayne King, head of security and co-chair of the LGBT+ forum at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said, “Equality for both our staff and patients is extremely important to us and the NHS rainbow badge initiative demonstrates our support for the LGBT+ community and our ongoing commitment to promoting inclusion and celebrating diversity.
“NHS staff are in the perfect position to be advocates and supporters for LGBT+ people. Increased awareness of the issues LGBT+ people face when accessing healthcare can make a significant difference to their experiences, and, in turn their physical and mental health.”
Dolly, no last name needed, brings to the West End the musical of her huge song and hit film 9 to 5, and it’s a hoot!
How could we forget the film, which starred Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda as secretaries at Consolidated Companies who turn the tables on their misogynistic boss? The song has endured more so than the 1980 film, so it’s perfect that it’s been turned into a musical.
9 to 5 the Musical had a brief Broadway run in 2009 and finally it’s here in London at The Savoy Theatre. Natalie McQueen is just about perfect and a dead ringer for Parton in the role of Doralee Rhodes, secretary to the flirting and very handsy boss Franklin Hart Jr. (a very good and game Brian Conley). Amber Davies is in the Jane Fonda role as Violet Newstead, who is newly divorced and finds herself starting a new job at Consolidated, while Caroline Sheen is Lily Tomlin in the role of Judy Bernly, who has worked at the firm for years yet keeps on missing out on promotions that go to men. One day Judy accidentally puts rat poison in Mr Hart’s coffee (or at least she thinks she did), but when Hart finds out he threatens to call the police so the ladies kidnap him and attempt to find dirt on him, which of course they do. But from start to finish, accompanied by fun songs and a dazzling set, and great performances from the cast (which also includes Bonnie Langford as busybody Roz Keith), 9 to 5 the Musical will drive you happy if you let it!!!
Of course, there are some cringe-worthy moments, especially when Mr Hart grabs his balls and plays with his nipples during one song (‘Here for You’), while society has moved on about this sort of treatment of women in the workplace with the #metoo movement in full force. But overlook these as we all have a good time watching the show. And it’s Dolly who is our narrator in the beginning, middle and ending (a video, not her in real life, unfortunately) who sets up the story and then winds it up. ‘9 to 5’ is no longer a rich man’s game, it’s all for us to enjoy!
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL plays at the Savoy Theatre, Savoy Court, until 31 August 2019, Book tickets here.
London has a rich history of drag from the Royal Vauxhall Tavern to the now-shuttered Black Cap, here’s the best place to go to catch some drag in the UK’s capital.
Central London
Admiral Duncan
If you’re in central London, i.e. Soho, there’s really only one place to find drag every night and that’s at the Admiral Duncan. It’s a friendly traditional pub in the heart of Soho (Old Compton Street). It has regular drag from the likes of Mary Mac, Sandra, Baga Chipz and Cookie Monstar. See what’s going on at their website.
Halfway II Heaven
Is another great haunt to see some traditional drag queen shenanigans with queens appearing almost every day of the week, right on the doorstep of Trafalgar Square (where Pride In London is hosted). Whether you’re into karaoke, lip syncing or good old fashion cabaret this venue is a must watch. See what’s going on at their website.
East London
The Glory
The home of East London Drag, the Glory is a highly rated queer space in the heart of East London with events almost every night of the week. See what’s going on at their website.
South London
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
One of the oldest, if not the oldest venue in London just south of the river in Vaxuhall. With shows from Duckie to David Hoyle the Royal Vauxhall Tavern offers a cool, queer as f**k experience that mustn’t miss if you’re in London town. See what’s going on at their website.
Two Brewers
This is a MUST go venue if you’re in south London (Clapham). It’s legendary and it’s drag from wall to wall. It’s also got a great value for money bar and friendly bar staff. See what’s going on at their website.
The Mayor of Brent showcases a brand new seven stripe rainbow flag – which features a single black stripe.
There’s been much said on the design of the rainbow flag, originally designed by Gilbert Baker with the flag being redesigned by various third parties to reflect different issues facing various intersections of the LGBT+ community.
However, a new seven stripe flag has been adopted by Brent council in London and it’s a brand new, never seen before design, which features a single black stripe between the blue and purple stripe.
The Mayor of Brent, Cllr Arshad Mahmood, raised the rainbow flag outside the Brent Civic Centre in honour of LGBT+ History Month, which takes places in the UK in the month of February. He was joined by Councillors and members of the local community.
The London Borough of Brent is home to a large BAME community, with around 63 percent of residents identifying as non-white. Although it’s not clear if the inclusion of the black stripe is to represent race within the LGBT+ community.
A spokesperson for the council told THEGAYUK, “This particular rainbow flag has been a part of our celebration of the LGBT community in Brent for over 10 years. It is the spectrum which gives the flag its special symbolism, rather than the individual colours, but we’re pleased that it has opened up new conversations about the intersections between the LGBT community and BAME groups.”
Before September 11, 2001, no one had ever heard of the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. But on that horrible, horrible day, the townspeople (no more than 10,000 people) welcomed in and took in thousands of people who were on Westbound planes that were diverted to this place in the middle of nowhere.
This story is told in the musical Come from Away. Winning many awards in its Washington D.C. and Broadway runs, this popular show has arrived into London with much anticipation. And the show surely lives up to it.
Gander has a small airport, where the nearest Starbucks in four hours away, and where there are a total of 550 hotel rooms. But on 9/11, 6,579 people were grounded in Gander. And it was the townspeople who opened up their homes, and hospitality, to these passengers who at the time at arrival had no idea as to what was happening (this was before everyone had mobile phones).
The characters in this show are based on (and is most cases share names of) real Gander residents and the passengers on these planes. The actors play both the passengers and citizens, switching roles every now and then. While it does get a bit confusing in the beginning, as the show rolls on and the music starts to kick in, Come from Away gets more uplifting, until it, and the residents of Gander, have really won us over.
Beautiful songs such as ‘I Am Here’, beautifully sung by Cat Simmons, whose son was a firefighter in NYC, ‘Stop the World,’ sung by Robert Hands and Helen Hobson who were passengers and ended up falling in love, and ’Something’s Missing,’ sung by the entire company after the 9/11 passengers all left Gander – show us how the human spirit was alive and well the week the world changed. With incredible book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and sharp direction by Christopher Ashley, Come From Away may not only bring you to tears, but it will also lift up your spirits.
It had been announced that there will be a feature film adaptation of Come from Away, with Sankoff and Hein writing the script and Christopher Ashley as director. I’m really looking forward to seeing the movie version of this moving and cathartic musical.
Come From Away plays at the Phoenix Theatre until 19th September 2019. Book tickets here.
There is a price to pay for everything in life, and in the new play The Price, this is true.
Now playing at Wyndham’s Theatre in the West End, one of Arthur Miller’s least known plays is a study of two brothers who have not spoken to each other in 16 years yet each has their demons, each have paid a price for decisions they had made in life. Brothers Victor (Brendan Coyle) and Walter Franz (Andrian Lukis) have not seen each other for 16 years since their father passed away. During this time, Victor has kept dozens of his parents pieces of furniture in his attic, and he’s decided to get rid of them. So he asks 89-year old appraiser Gregory Solomon (a wonderful and definite Olivier Award in this role for David Suchet) into the home he shares with his wife Ester (Sara Stewart). Solomon is a Miller character, and Suchet injects his character with such panache, humour and vulnerability that it’s a master class of acting.
Meanwhile, Walter suddenly shows up, having not returned any, any of Victors’ phone calls over the years. And, yes, there has been a price in not returning those phone calls, and we learn that Victor paid an even bigger price by remaining at home to care for his father when he was getting sicker and sicker. And all Ester wants is to have enough money to be comfortable, and as the going gets rough between the two brothers, Solomon offers a price for the furniture. Is the price a good one? Is there a price for being a responsible son, versus one who flies the coop and becomes successful? All of this drama takes place with the backdrop of the great depression in their past.
The Price, which was written in 1968, is about estranged brothers facing up to the lasting effect of the Depression on their family three decades on. It’s also about not reaching your dreams, and family conflict. The set, where dozens of pieces of furniture are literally hanging on the side of a wall (by Simon Higlett), is genius. Also genius is the acting. Suchet is superb, and Coyle is at ease as the brother who may or may not have been manipulated by his sick father. Under the direction of Jonathan Church, The Price is worth the price of a ticket.
The Price is playing at the Wyndham Theatre until Saturday, April 27th. Book tickets here
