Tag: London News

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

THEATRE REVIEW | The Frogs, Jermyn Street Theatre

★★★ | The Frogs, Jermyn Street Theatre

Stephen Sondheim is the grand master of some of the wittiest, campest and catchiest musical theatre numbers of all time. He’s also still going strong and still writing at 86. His back catalogue is staggering with Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods and Company to name a few, so it’s exciting to see a rarely revived 1974 musical re-surface.

There’s always a worry that there’s a reason a musical stayed under the water (be warned, the ‘frog’ puns are just too easy to resist) and in this case, it’s easy to see why this one floundered and never quite hit the shoreline.

The story is based on an ancient Greek comedy and concerns a demi-god and his slave who decide to travel to the underworld to bring back a great writer. It’s as silly a story as it sounds and a mad musical but one with a timely political undertone about the role of the arts in society. The chorus sidle on and off the stage playing a variety of parts, jazz-handed and legs crossing and high-kicking in the tiny space of The Jermyn Street Theatre. Dionysos and his slave have some great interactions but the songs are sparse with long discourses in between about theatre and the arts. It sounds dull but isn’t at all, apart from a peculiar piece in the second act that slackens the pace. This being Sondheim, the lyrics are densely packed and razor sharp. It can feel like a list of ‘in’ jokes at times with riffs on theatre etiquette and the behaviour of actors but they’re funny ‘in’ jokes nonetheless. Michael Matus as Dionysos is a musical theatre stalwart/legend and it’s a privilege to see him perform in such an intimate venue.

The Frogs was originally performed in a swimming pool with Sigourney Weaver and Meryl Streep splashing around amongst the cast. According to Sondheim, the acoustics made it sound like it was being sung in a urinal and it bombed. Nathan Lane (The Birdcage, The Producers and The Good Wife) re-invigorated the play in 2004 but still; it’s a difficult beast.

If like me you’re a Sondheim fanatic then you’ll love this. If you’re not initiated then it might feel like a drag.

The Frogs plays at the Jermyn Street Theatre until 8th April 2017

20th March 2017
THEATRE REVIEW | Stepping Out

★★ | Stepping Out, Vaudeville Theatre, London

Stepping Out steps into the West End again but it’s on the wrong foot and it’s not a very exciting show.

First staged in the West End in 1984 and running for three years and winning an Evening Standard Comedy Award, Stepping Out was then made into a 1991 movie starring Liza Minnelli. It now returns to the West End in a new production starring Amanda Holden and Tracey-Ann Oberman among others playing characters from various backgrounds who attend a weekly dance and tap class. They also meddle – no surprise – into each others personal lives. Holden is Vera, a wealthy woman who seems to have nothing better to do because her whole life revolves around her husband who apparently spends lots and lots of time with their teenage daughter. Then there is Oberman who plays the brash Maxine, and who gets all the best lines in the show. Anna-Jane Casey is Mavis, the dance teacher who is a bit frustrated, not only because her students can’t dance but also because she’s got issues in her personal life (Tamzin Outhwaite had to pull out of this role temporarily because of a broken foot). So Stepping Out centres around the seven women (and one man – Dominic Rowan as Geoffrey) plus the piano player (a wonderful Judith Barker) as they dance and talk but then get the opportunity (of a lifetime!!!) to perform at a charity show. Wow, how exciting! Will they be ready for the show in time? Will one of the students not drop her hat like she’s done many times in rehearsals? Will more dark secrets come out and, god forbid, will one of the woman pull down the towel where Geoffrey is changing behind to add a bit of excitement to this show because this show has no excitement at all?

It’s The Full Monty without the Monty! Sure, the women do their best to get ready for the big charity show, but it’s hardly worth our time. We really don’t get to completely know, or sympathize, with the characters, and only a couple are likeable (Sandra Marvin brings a bit of sass to her role as the token black woman – Rose), and Oberman is wonderful, but there’s not really a whole lot to love in this production. Rowan is one note – not at all attractive or likeable as the lone man – he’s a widow but it would’ve been nice to put him in some sort of romance with one of the ladies. Written by Richard Harris in 1984, with this version directed by West End producer wonderwoman Maria Friedman, Stepping Out, which will be playing at the Vaudeville Theatre until June 17, 2017, probably won’t last that long. Do yourself a favour and just step right past the theatre.

Book tickets now

19th March 2017
Man fighting for his life after being punched outside gay bar in London
A man is fighting for his life after an alleged “one punch” attack outside a gay bar in central London.

CREDIT: TheGayUK

A man has been hospitalised and reportedly fighting for his life after been knocked unconscious outside the Admiral Duncan gay pub in Soho, London. According to witnesses, a fight broke out before the 39-year-old man was allegedly punched, just once, before falling to the ground where he lay unconscious.

The victim was drinking with friends inside the pub before the alleged attack. An ambulance was called and the victim was taken to a nearby hospital.

His condition has been reported as critical but stable.

ALSO READ:
- A gay couple were beaten at a London pub
- Police are looking for these men after boyfriends attacked on London-bound train
The Metropolitan Police are not treating this attack as a homophobic crime and arrested a 23-year-old in the early hours of this morning (16th March) on suspicion of GBH. They said, “He remains in custody at an east London police station”.
16th March 2017
Another “homophobic” assault on London’s transport system
Police are looking to speak to a man in connection with a “homophobic” and “racist” incident in London.

British Transport Police are looking to speaking to a man in connection to an incident in London, which they are calling a ” homophobic and racist incident”.

Two members of the public were allegedly subjected to homophobic and racist language during the incident which took place on Friday 10th March.

The police report that an elderly man was pushed off a train, and members of the public who tried to intervene were abused with homophobic and racist language. A man travelling on the service apparently became loud and abusive and pushed an elderly man from the train at Victoria.

ALSO READ:
- Police release pictures of men they’d like to speak to in connection with alleged attack on two boyfriends
- Boyfriends assaulted in vicious glass attack in London club
The report states that members of the public, a 33-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, challenged the offender’s behaviour and the man verbally used them with racist and homophobic language.

The incident happened on Friday 10 March at around 1.30pm, on the Victoria line southbound between Green Park and Pimlico.

Officers would like to speak to the man shown in the CCTV image as he may have information which could help with the investigation.

If you recognise him, please contact British Transport Police by calling 0800 40 50 40 or text information to 61016, quoting reference number 194 11/03/17.
14th March 2017
THEATRE REVIEW | Southern Baptist Sissies, Above the Stag Theatre, London

★★★★★ | Southern Baptist Sissies, Above the Stag Theatre, London

There’s something in the holy water at a Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas because all of the boys there are gay. And they’re not the only ones who have a story to tell. It all unravels in Southern Baptist Sissies, the new show at Above the Stage Theatre.

Southern Baptist Sissies is actually two shows in one. Four boys live in a religious community where they spend their days praying and the rest of the time all they can think about are other boys! Then in a very hilarious, emotional and witty way, we see these boys grow up to become young men, full of passion, love and in one case, regret. Separately there are scenes set in a gay drag bar where two barflies have a conversation about their lives, their adventures and their regrets while the young men from the church segments portray other characters in the bar. It’s genius!!!

Southern Baptist Sissies cleverly intertwines both stories while we get to know a bit about each character. Mark (Jason Kirk) does an outstanding job as the narrator who is also in love with the very sexy and muscular TJ (Daniel Klemens), whose other character is a sexy go go boy in the gay drag bar. James Phoon is a revelation as Benny, the most feminine of the boys, yet as alter ego Miss Iona Taylor, he’s the star of the show at the drag bar. The scene where’s he’s disrobing while pouring his heart out is absolutely stunning. And last but not least there is Andrew (Hugh O’Donnell), a sensitive young man who unfortunately has a very disapproving mother (Janet Prince). Don Cotter (as Preston) and Julie Ross (as Odette) are brilliant as the couple who exchange stories at the bar; two older people looking back at the past while contemplating what’s left of their future, with Preston always ogling the young men in the bar. It’s all fantastically put together in a fab script by Del Shores and superb direction by Gene David Kirk.

After a few mediocre shows, Above the Stag has really upped their game with this show. It’s funny, relevant, emotional and at the end literally had the audience in tears. There are still tickets left for a few performances – BOOK THEM NOW – it’s a show you definitely don’t want to miss! If, and when, this show sells out, hopefully Above the Stag will be able to re-stage it when they move to a larger venue just down the road. More people really need to see this show.

For tickets, please go to:

http://www.abovethestag.com/shows/

13th March 2017
THEATRE REVIEW | Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf

Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf

Credit : Johan Persson

There are plays that are legendary and roles that have become iconic, making them feel impossible to reinterpret.

The lacerating portrayal of George and his brash alcoholic wife Martha in Mike Nichols’ 1966 film by real life hard drinking, on/off couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton was a work of perfect genius.

Surely this is impossible to equal? Watch and learn though. James Macdonald’s version is as close to perfection as can be and the assembly of a sublime script, a clutch of multi-award actors and a notable director have created something breath taking and rare.

Have you ever had one of those nights where you’ve had too much to drink and end up holed up with one of those bickering couples who are determined to emotionally swipe at each other? Meet George and Martha: a middle-aged failed author, college lecturer and his drunken wife, daughter of the head of the college. New to the campus are Nick and Honey. He’s a prime piece of beef, a precocious high achiever in his late twenties with a mousy wife who can’t handle her drink. It’s way after midnight and the drinks are flowing. Let the games commence.

Openly gay playwright Edward Albee was often asked about theories that the two couples in the play are based on gay men. He rubbished these claims and stated that had he wished to write about gay men then he would have done so. Whatever his intention this is a funny, painful play. Whether taken at face value as a play about relationships or as something deeper about the state of America or humanity, it’s a marathon at three hours long, but that’s worth taking part in in one and is as joyful as it is visceral. As the couples take bites out of each other the one-liners flow and the comedy morphs into something more painful and ultimately illustrates something touching and tender.

Macdonald has captured more of the comedy in the piece than in some versions and Imelda Staunton and Conleth Hill are pitch perfect actors. Luke Treadway manages a fine depiction of cocky male confidence and it would be remiss of me not to mention his equally fine buttocks that he moves to strong effect. Imogen Poots is endearing as Honey. Their iconic roles and hard for an actor to make his or her own but the team manage this with aplomb.

This is theatre at its finest. Go and see it now. It’s not often something this hot comes to town.

Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf plays at the Harold Pinter Theatre until 27th May 2017

12th March 2017
THEATRE REVIEW | Frankenstein, Wilton’s Music Hall, London

★★★★★ | Frankenstein, Wilton’s Music Hall, London

A re-imagining of the classic story Frankenstein is told to amazing effect in the new show simply titled ‘Frankenstein.’

In the perfect venue that is Wilton’s Music Hall, George Fletcher is a wonder as he portrays both Frankenstein and The Creature. Fletcher lives and breathes his performance for every one of the seventy minutes he is on stage. Assisted by Rowena Lennon as the chorus and as his wife Elizabeth, Fletcher gives a very physical performance where he morphs from man to grotesque monster, right before our very eyes.

Working with a bare minimum on stage, which includes two bright lamps, a chest, and a full length mirror, Fletcher as the creature learns to talk, say his name, while an audience member engages him to repeat his name, then her name. We are witness to this, Fletcher being both man and monster, and it’s a show and performance that is riveting, raw and amazing.

Wilton’s Music Hall has just undergone a £3 million programme of restoration work to ensure the infrastructure of the building is sound, but it still might look like it did when John Wilton combined the existing properties in the 1860’s to turn it into what it is today. it looks, and feels, when you walk in, liked you’ve stepped back in time. Separate drinking areas encompass the two story venue, with two bars and a kitchen that serves a small a variety of food, including pizza. But it’s the actual Music Hall where the magic happens. And Tristan Bernays adaptation of the story of Frankenstein, with direction by Eleanor Rhode, is the perfect show for this venue. Shadows, high ceilings, and elevated sound all contribute to the eerieness of the performances and subject matter. Go see it now because Fletcher, fresh from graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, is one to watch!

Frankenstein continues it’s run until March 18, 2017. To buy tickets, go to:

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11th March 2017
Horrific glass attack on two boyfriends in London
Two boyfriends, who were holding hands in a pub in Peckham, London were subjected to a horrific glass attack. Leaving one of them needing hospital treatment.

ALSO READ:
10th March 2017
RESTAURANT REVIEW | BabaBoom

★★★★ | BabaBoom

BabaBoom is the perfect restaurant in an area of London that shall, and will, embrace it.

It’s a cozy, warm and petite place which serves food a bit different from the nearby Brewdog, Coté Brasserie, and The Breakfast Club restaurants. And the food at BabaBoom is really really good.

Two can dine here easily for less than £50. And while the menu is quite small, the food on offer is varied, large, and delicious!

On a cold and wet Sunday night me and my dining companion found BabaBoom very buzzing. Most of the 44 seats in this small restaurant were full – everyone from the staff to the customers to the cooks looked very very happy – which we noticed while we were led to the quieter back section where we enjoyed a new gastronomical experience.

The Sweet Potato Tahini starter was superb! Served with a nicely charcoaled pita bread, along with beetroot, celery and fennel, it was a perfect dipping meal. The sweet potato gave this hummus-like dish new life – I can’t recommend it more. My dining companion had the Rose Harissa Labneh starter, which also came with the same vegetables and pita bread, yet the labneh was topped with chilli, unusual but it worked! But the best was yet to come.

I had the Rotisserie Lamb Shoulder as my main course. And at £11.75 it was to die for! Served over a charcoaled pita, there was lots of succulent and tender lamb, along with a large helping of cole slaw, and a huge tasty cooked onion. I enjoyed every bite, though it was almost too big to eat as a sandwich. My dining companion had the Saffron & Orange Chicken Shish, as a salad, very colorful and served on a large plate. It came with the aforementioned coleslaw along with red peppers, and extremely tasty crispy flatbread. Though he felt the chicken tasted a bit plain, sauces were served with it to add to the flavor. Still a great deal at £9.25. Other kebabs on the menu include goat, short rib and falafel – something for everyone!

Just so that we can taste more of the menu we ordered a few sides. I can’t explain how delicious the Dukkah Fries were! Small and crispy, and cooked with 25 spices (!!!!) which gave the fries a fabulous kick – different, again, but worked so well! Also recommended is the Harissa Roasted Squash Tabbouleh and the Smashed Aubergine with Pomegranate and Tahini. And to top it off, each side is only £3.50 or 2 for £6.00. An excellent bargain.

BabaBoom calls itself a charcoal kebab kitchen, and that’s exactly what it is, and more. And more is what you get. They also serve brunch! Chose from teas to unlimited coffee and juices, to a boozy brunch with bloody mary’s and mimosas and margaritas (I had one with dinner and it was slush good fun!). For brunch you can choose from a Meat Kebab (sausage, date glazed bacon, tomato, 2 friend eggs & labneh) to a Veggie Kebab to a dish called the Ultrarunner (2 soft poached eggs, labneh, tabbouleh, fattoush salad & flatbread), to and including Eggy Bread (basically french toast)! Yum Yum!

BabaBoom combines middle eastern flavours with quality British produce to deliver outstanding meals at very affordable prices. And well worth a trip to Battersea.

Telephone: 07809903181

http://www.bababoom.london

Email: Hello@bababoom.london
Twitter: @BababoomLondon
Address: 30 Battersea Rise SW11 1EE

Opening hours:

MON 06:00PM – 10:00PM
TUE 11:45AM – 10:00PM
WED 11:45AM – 10:30PM
THU 11:45AM – 10:30PM
FRI 11:45AM – 11:30PM
SAT 10:30AM – 11:30PM
SUN 10:30AM – 10:00PM

BRUNCH: Saturday & Sunday 10:30AM-3:00PM

9th March 2017
World War 2 gay love story YANK! to set hearts racing

When you think of the Wartime romances, the stories of gay veterans is often overlooked. The musical Yank! is about to set that right.

CREDIT: Yank!

YANK! is a moving gay love story set in World War Two, is told through a MGM-style musical. The focus is Stu, a scared Mid-Western young soldier in the US Army in 1943. He becomes a photographer for Yank Magazine, the journal ‘for and by the servicemen’. He finds himself in a world at war asking himself what it means to be a man. He also happens to fall in love, with Mitch, a fellow soldier.

During a time of extreme prejudice, you only have to look at how the Government of the day treated code-breaker Alan Turing for evidence of that, the two men must fight against the odds to stay alive and stay in love.

The musical opens at the Hope Mill Theatre in London from 9th March until the 8th April, tickets are on sale now.

Yank! will be directed by James Baker, and co-produced with Ben Millerman from Mr Millerman Presents. Completing the creative team for YANK! are James Cleeve as musical director; choreographer Chris Cuming; designer Victoria Hinton; lighting designer Aaron J. Dootson; sound designer Chris Bogg; and casting director Ben Newsome.

YANK! is the first in a hat-trick of productions for 2017 through a proven partnership between Aria Entertainment and the award-winning Hope Mill Theatre. They first joined forces in January 2016 to spearhead the arts venue as a platform to showcase, revive and bring new musical theatre to the North.

Aria Entertainment’s Producer and Company Director Katy Lipson commented,

“We are delighted to be opening our 2017 season with the European Premiere of the beautiful new musical YANK! I discovered YANK! almost three years ago and, after starting to collaborate with Hope Mill Theatre in 2016, I knew it was the perfect venue for its premiere – and that James Baker who directed Parade last year would also be the right director for production. We are extremely excited with all we have planned for 2017 and beyond.”

Find out more from the show by checking out their Twitter

6th March 2017
Police are looking for four men in connection to assault on two boyfriends

British Transport Police is searching for four men in connection with an assault in which two boyfriends were attacked.

British Transport Police would like to make a connection with four men after two boyfriends reported that they were attacked on a train in London. The incident happened at around 1.05am on 15 February on the Reading to London Paddington service, just before the train stopped at Ealing Broadway.

The victims, a 35-year-old man and a 26-year-old man were travelling home following a night out for Valentine’s Day. They both fell asleep and missed their stop. When they woke up, as the train was approaching Ealing Broadway, they found they were being attacked.

Police say a group of men were punching and kicking them repeatedly.

The victims attempted to get away but the offenders followed and continued to attack them during a prolonged assault.

Investigating officer, PC Peter Taylor, said,

“This was a very nasty assault committed by a group of men who attacked two other men while they were sleeping on the train. The victims believe the motivation for the attack was that the offenders thought they were gay.

“Hate crime such as this will absolutely not be tolerated by British Transport Police. I would like to speak to anyone who recognises the men shown in the CCTV images as they may have information which could help with the investigation.

“If you recognise them or have any other information about the incident, please contact me by calling 0800 40 50 40 or text information to 61016 quoting reference number 30 15/2/17.”

3rd March 2017