THEGAYUK

Tag: Leeds News

Get the latest LGBT+ Leeds news from THEGAYUK. Breaking news, features and interviews from the gay community in Leeds in England, UK.

  • Theatre Review | Into The Woods – West Yorkshire Playhouse

    ★★★★ | Into The Woods (National Tour)

    A baker and his wife long for a child, but a curse placed on their family many years ago prevent them from having their hearts desire.  But when the Witch who cursed them offers to lift her spell over the family in exchange for them bringing her four specific items; the two of them set out into the woods on a quest which interweaves four very familiar stories.

    Photo Credit : Manuel Harlan

     

     

     

     

     

    Stephen Sondheim’s darkly comic fairy tale mash up is a curious beast. The first act is a charming, comical and whimsical look at the intertwining tales of four familiar stories, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood. The familiarity of the stories and the light comic moments wash over you with a feeling of warm nostalgia, bringing the first act to a close with a happy ending, as all good musicals (and indeed, as all good fairy tales) should. The second act, however, takes a much darker tone, reflected in the subject matter, the musical numbers and the presentation, as Sondheim bleakly examines the impact adults have on their children and how death affects us all. Jack is raised by a single mother, Rapunzel and the witch have a dysfunctional mother / daughter relationship, Cinderella pines for her dead mother and the Baker has his own issues with his absent father. Sondheim certainly pulls no punches as to how parents influence their offspring.

    Performance wise, the co-production between West Yorkshire Playhouse and Opera North is a visual and aural treat. Colin Richmond’s set design starts as a faithful recreation of a primary school classroom, which transforms with remarkable versatility as the tale unfolds, and the staging of the play within a school setting reinforces the themes of parental influence in the second act. The forest of playground swings added eerie gravitas to the set which was enhanced by the digital projections at the rear of the stage. Puppetry further laid on the childhood charm and there is a ‘giant’ character as the second act opens which is enough to induce both laughter and reawaken childhood fears simultaneously.

    The cast sang remarkably, as one would expect, and it was a genuine pleasure to see a musical where absolutely every cast member could sing beautifully; providing expression, emotion and perfect diction in every line.  Claire Pascoe excelled as The Witch both in acting and singing, whilst Ross McInroy had velvet voice which I could have happily listened to all evening.

    Sondheim can often be quite heavy going, and the second act certainly felt very dark (and perhaps just a tad long), as it became increasingly bleak in its portrayal of what happens “after happily ever after”. But despite this, you can’t help but leave the theatre feeling that you have been on a journey, as the show itself presents as somewhat of a metaphor for the woods themselves – the more you journey into it, the darker it becomes.

    Into The Woods is a co-production between Opera North (www.operanorth.co.uk) and West Yorkshire Playhouse (www.wyp.org.uk) and is playing until 25th June 2016. For details or to book tickets visit their websites or call the theatre on 0113 213 7700

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Northern Ballet’s Swan Lake

    ★★★★ | Northern Ballet’s Swan Lake

     Following the accidental drowning of his brother whilst they were out playing, Anthony’s obsession with the lake grows increasingly, as does his guilt; with his turbulent inner emotions being further compounded by his confusion around his attraction to his best friend, Simon.

    Simon is in love with Anthony and their relationship teeters on the cusp of developing into something more, until Anthony’s parents press him towards marriage to Odilia. Torn between his best friend and his parent’s wishes, Anthony’s guilt grows increasingly and he finds comfort and solace in the waters of the lake and in the arms of the mystical creature, Odette.

    David Nixon’s choreography brims with an abundance of metaphor within this reworking of a classic. The light, delicate movement of the swans sit opposite the dark, emotional turmoil of the central character; just as swans glide so gracefully on the surface whilst paddling so frantically under the water. Equally, the influence of Anthony’s inner struggle and guilt over his brother and his repressed sexuality ripples out to impact on the other characters, akin to the waves caused by a disturbance on a lake’s surface. The lines of symmetry drawn in the movement across the stage prove mesmerising at times and these gentile moments compliment the dark undertone of the story and the emotional confusion of the central characters – almost a metaphorical white swan and black swan. Elements of the traditional ballet, including the score, remain intact, but the story gives the opportunity for multiple interpretations and parallels to be drawn between the original and reimagined characters. The familiar music took on new meaning with the revised story and the production as a whole packed an emotional punch.

    Toby Batley’s portrayal of the tortured Anthony impressed, but it was Nicola Gervasi who stood out as the handsome and fresh-faced Simon, progressing his character with an increasingly self-assured acceptance of his sexuality and a confidence in his feelings towards Anthony. Gervasi is nicely developing as an artist and it was a pleasure to watch his performance. Martha Leebolt and Ayami Miyata were stunning as Odette and Odilia respectively, but the quality of the performance of the company as a whole was incredibly high and the grace displayed, particularly by the female ensemble was beautiful.

    Swan Lake is one of the more visually impressive productions that Northern Ballet has recently performed and is a good balance of old and new, although it can be slightly heavy going at times given the darker aspects of the narrative. With the characters reluctance to accept the changes in their relationships, it did put this writer in mind of Brokeback Mountain a little, with reference to the conflict between true feelings and social expectations.

    Swan Lake is playing at Leeds Grand Theatre until 12th March 2016, and then touring to Sheffield Lyceum Theatre, Norwich Theatre Royal and Milton Keynes Theatre between now and the 30th April 2016. Tickets and other details can be found at www.northernballet.com.

    Northern Ballet’s 1984 is currently available on BBC iPlayer and they will be touring 1984, Jayne Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Romeo & Juliet and Beauty and the Beast during 2016.

  • THEATRE REVIEW: The Nutcracker, Leeds Grand Theatre

    Everyone has their own event which confirms to them that the festive season has arrived, and for some, Christmas isn’t Christmas until they have had their traditional trip to see Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. ★★★★

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  • THEATRE REVIEW | Kiss Me, Kate – Leeds Grand Theatre and National Tour

    As a sucker for a classic musical, I was very curious to see what Opera North would make of the Cole Porter classic. ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ is a typical tale of mistaken identity, a will they/wont they love story, a bit of swindling and a bunch of likeable characters all interwoven with an appealing collection of songs. ★★★★★

    Porter’s tale stages a play within a play, telling the story of Fred Graham, an actor and director who casts his ex-wife as his co-star; and finds himself in hot water when one of his other leading men signs off a gambling debt in his name. He tries desperately to keep his musical production of The Taming Of The Shrew on track, as a couple of inept gangsters show up to collect the debt and Grahams relationship with his ex-wife sways between love and hate. But as everything falls apart and the backstage bickering starts to mirror the story on stage, Graham does everything he can in ensuring that the show must go on.
    The songs from Kiss Me, Kate are some of Porter’s most sterling work, with an overarching jazzy vibe which made the musical numbers delightfully catchy. “Why Can’t You Behave”; “Tom, Dick or Harry” and “Too Darn Hot” were all proper toe tappers, and Tiffany Graves multiple reprises of “Always True To You In My Fashion” were simply glorious.
    Opera North have gathered a great company for this show, which draws from a variety of disciplines to produce a collective cast of people who not only specialise, but excel in their field. The classically trained opera singers blended absolutely seamlessly with the musical theatre actors and the dancers. The collective sound and sheer power of the ensemble was stunning. The cast combined to make the production one where each individual element was performed by those with pure strength in their performances and was all the better for it. Quirijn De Lang is vocally strong and charismatic as Graham, whilst Jeni Bern proves an equally impressive sparring partner, and Tiffany Graves and Ashley Day both playfully bounce off each other quite happily.
    But on top of that, the production was top notch, with a beautifully designed set, which was detailed and ingeniously versatile; showing what was happening on stage, in the wings and backstage on the twirl of a backdrop. The costumes were sumptuous, being full of sharp suits and flapper dresses behind the scenes; and lavish, detailed period costumes on stage. Jo Davis directs the show with a flair which mirrors the quality of the presentation and the whole thing oozes class. Add into that a cracking, brass filled performance from the orchestra, conducted by David Charles Abell, and you have an outstanding production which wouldn’t be out of place on any West End stage.

    The show looks and sounds superb and there are not many productions that have such a great show stopping numbers at the start of each act. The script glistens with wit and charm which is reflected in the performances and the whole thing is professionally polished to within an inch of its life. Don’t be put off by thinking this is traditional opera. It’s not. ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ is musical theatre as it should be performed.

    Kiss Me, Kate is part of Opera North’s Autumn programme, which also includes The Barber Of Sevilleand Jenufa. These shows can be seen on various dates at Leeds Grand Theatre until 31st October 2015, before visiting The Theatre Royal in Newcastle (3 – 7 November 2015), The Lowry, Salford Keys, Manchester (10th – 14th November 2015) and Nottingham Theatre Royal (17th – 21st November 2015). For tickets and further details, visit www.operanorth.co.uk

    by Paul Szabo | @IAmScubamonkey

  • Man Jailed For Life After Brutal Attack On Young Gay Man

    A Leeds man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of a young gay student who was dumped under railway arches.

    Richard Dennis Langdon Danter, a 31-year-old Leeds man, savagely beat and stamped on the former student, Billy Makelow, 20, until he was unconscious, before dumping his half naked body on the 25th April (2015).

    The pair had met in the gay bar Viaduct Show Bar near Leeds train station and were seen leaving the venue together at 2.44am.

    The student, who had been studying social sciences, was then subjected to an attack which the surgeons who worked to save the young man, said they never seen so much trauma, which was completely focused on the head and facial area.

    The Recorder of Leeds Peter Collier QC said,

    “Such was the savageness and brutality of your focused attack on his head, I am driven to conclude that at that moment your intention was to kill him.”

     

    After the first attack Danter, who described himself in court as bisexual, returned to the nightclub for another drink, where he told people he had just killed someone. Later he returned to the scene and moved a brutalised Mr. Mankelow to a more secluded area.

     

    Mr Collier continued,

    “You left him where you had assaulted him, helpless and dying, and went back to the nightclub. Later you went back and moved his body further into the arches, no doubt intending to make it more unlikely that he would be discovered.

    “You also removed and disposed of his mobile phone, whether or not he would have been capable of calling for help himself I can never know.”

    Two men who had taken a wrong turning found Mr. Mankelow. They saw a man dragging what they suspected was a body into one of the arches. They discovered Mr. Mankelow, who was unconscious and notified the emergency services and taken to Leeds General Infirmary where he was placed on life support in intensive care.

    Mr. Mankelow’s life support was turned off on the 26th April, with his family present.

    According to an official statement by the British Transport Police,

    “Officers attended the Viaduct bar and spoke to staff and viewed CCTV which led them to Danter. He was arrested at 1pm on Sunday, 26 April close to his home address in Queens Road, Leeds.

    “Follow up enquiries also revealed that directly after the incident, Danter returned to the Viaduct bar and spoke to a number of members of staff stating he had just killed someone, a confession he also relayed to a friend a short while later.”

     

    TRAGIC WASTE OF YOUNG LIFE

    Detective Chief Inspector David Shipperlee of British Transport Police’s major investigation team said:

    “Billy, an innocent, caring and popular young man, died as a result of serious head injuries received during a sustained and what we believe to be, totally unprovoked attack. He received more than 20 blows to his head, the majority of which were as a result of being kicked and stamped on.

    “After he assaulted him, Danter dragged Billy into an alcove in the railway arch, presumably to conceal his body, and left him for dead.

    “His death is such a tragic waste of a young life, a life taken by a violent, evil and dangerous man, who has a history of previous convictions for violence and sexual offences, who is now where he belongs, behind bars.”

    SENSELESS AND UNNECESSARY

    A statement from Billy’s family read,

    “Billy loved life and had lots of friends. He was independent and motivated and went to study at Leeds University in 2013. Billy loved Leeds, a place where he made a life for himself and had lots of friends.

    “Billy would always make time to come back to Kent in the holidays to spend time with his family.

    “At the time of his death Billy had been working for Capita and had passed his training course and was due to start his new role only two days after his death.

    “Billy’s family and friends are all distraught at the way Billy died; which was so senseless and unnecessary. Billy was simply out with friends having a good time with his life ahead of him.

    “We as a family will never get over the way he died, we have lost a person of exceptional kindness and good nature.

    “Billy’s tragic loss will be felt by everyone who knew him for a long time.”

     

  • INTERVIEW: Chris Urch on The Rolling Stone: Homophobia In Uganda

    Theatre can evoke many emotions – happiness, sadness, optimism, fear, anger and laughter…. but to be able to combine all of those emotions into one production shows just how powerful theatre can be.

    So when playwright, Chris Urch, decided to write a play about love and homophobia in Uganda, he was determined to ensure that the audience were taken on a journey which drew on a range of emotions and the result is a play which tackles the subjects with compassion, realism and in a way which allows the audience to connect with the characters and events portrayed, despite the disparity of the play’s setting and where it is being performed.

    The play is about Dembe and Sam, who have been seeing each other for a while. They should be wondering where this is going and when to introduce each other to their families. But they’re gay and this is Uganda. The consequences of their relationship being discovered will be violent and explosive. Especially for Dembe, whose brother goes into the pulpit each week to denounce the evils of one man loving another. The Rolling Stone tells the story of two lovers at odds with their society.

    The write of the play, Chris Urch, a Bruntwood Playwriting prize winner caught up with TheGayUK as the play opened its run at West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds.

    TGUK – Your new play, The Rolling Stone is a story about love, prejudice and homophobia in Uganda. How does the subject matter of the play resonate with the UK audience?

    CU – I’m not going to lie, my play The Rolling Stone is a hard sell. There’s no famous people in it. This is only my second play so my name isn’t of any help. And then there is the subject matter…. The play focuses on a Ugandan family who’s local paper is outing gay men and the repercussions of this are mighty and heartbreaking. The story is fictional but is based on truth. In Uganda it’s still illegal to be gay and this paper did ‘out’ men, some gay, some not. These men’s lives were utterly destroyed. Some went to jail, some had to leave town, some were killed….Yes, the play is about an important subject, prejudice. A subject most of you readers have probably experienced in one form or another. And yes, throughout the play there is the story of two men in love who have been represented as people not lazy stereotypes. But at the plays heart is the subject of family, something a huge amount of us can relate to. How far will we go for the people we love? Can we support those closest to us when who they are goes against our own beliefs and morals? Why should we love our families when they can’t seem to love us?

    TGUK – And the play has been critically well received to date….

    CU – In late 2013, the play won the Bruntwood award which is the biggest playwriting competition in the country and I’m mighty proud of the production which has transferred from the Manchester Exchange to the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

    TGUK – Does your playwriting come from a love of theatre from a very young age?

    CU – I write plays for people who don’t go to the theatre. People who don’t think the theatre is for them. I was raised on a diet of television and VHS movies but no theatre other than the local pantomime. Come to think of it, I don’t think I saw a play until I was eighteen.

    TGUK – So what does theatre give us that film and TV doesn’t?

    CU – Well, it gives us the live experience. Where else do you sit in a room made up of people you mostly don’t know, turn off your phone, turn of your email, your Facebook and Twitter and all watch people pretending to be other people. Sounds bonkers and maybe it is. But some of the best nights of my life have been sat watching someone say or go through something that I’ve felt, experienced or know. That feeling of being less alone. I believe great theatre should make you laugh, cry and gasp but most importantly when I sit down to write a play my mantra is I WILL TRY NOT BORE MY AUDIENCE. So when writing this play I thought about you the audience. That’s why there’s lots of laughter, a few tears and always an audible gasp.

    TGUK – So a completely different experience in your view?

    CU – Absolutely, I say “put down the Netflix for a night and come and let me and six incredible actors tell you a new story”.

     

    The Rolling Stone is currently playing at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds until 23rd May 2015. For full details, tickets and information, visit www.wyp.org.uk or call the box office on 0113 213 7700.

     

     

  • INTERVIEW: From Kentucky With Love: Photgrapher Jon Eland

    Jon Eland is a Leeds based photographer who has steadily built a strong reputation for intelligent, inventive male portraiture.

    2014 was his most prolific year to date and seen his work receive wider recognition, including a solo exhibition in his home city this summer which won much attention as well as some excellent reviews.

    For his latest project, KY Guys, Jon has turned his sights across the Atlantic bringing a British sensibility to a series of portraits of men all hailing from the US State of Kentucky, the result of a recent trip to the city of Louisville.

    RG: How does a Yorkshireman wind up taking photographs in Kentucky?

    JE: Back in 2010 I was running a Leeds-based photography group and we held an exhibition. At that exhibition a representative of the local council asked if we’d consider hosting a photographer from Louisville, Kentucky. After we clarified the reason why, that Leeds is partnered with the city and he was looking to capture some of Leeds to share with the good folk of his own city – I said ‘sure… and how about one of us makes the return trip?’

    After the council agreed to the idea, discussions were had and I was nominated to make the trip. I visited twice representing the city and my group – in 2011 and 2012 and then took a break.

    2014 saw me return entirely under my own steam – essentially as a vacation and to see some of the many friends I’d made in Kentucky.

     

    RG: It’s clearly a place you have great affection for. What is it that draws you back? The people clearly but it also sounds like it’s fast become a second home.

    Absolutely! It’s one of those places that, on the surface, looks like a normal American city – and at the ‘big’ level a bit like my own. But once you peel away the top layer you get to an interesting liberal city with a strong blend of cultures and a great attitude to the arts.

     

    RG: One of the things I love about KY Guys is it does feel very natural and unaffected. And the location is great. Where was it shot?

    JE: The location is a unit situated close to the city centre that my friend, Michael, has owned for a number of years. It’s been offices for most of its life – initially for the tobacco industry. But he’s currently renovating it to be an AirBNB location.

    I loved it cos of the great natural light. It’s got 3 tall windows either side – both north and south facing.

     

    RG: It looks a great space. Did it influence the style of the series? You mentioned the natural light and there is something very relaxed and at ease about the photographs that makes it feel different to the usual set of male nudes?

    JE: That was intentional. In my previous visit I shot Alex (who also appears in KY Guys) in an alley and the light there was great. I’d seen some of Michael’s shots in the space and wanted to give it a go; having had limited experience with natural light nudes – especially inside.

    I intentionally stayed away from more traditional erotically charged imagery – I wanted the guys to be themselves, relaxed with (hopefully) a hint of seduction. I also chose the non-commercial route of a mixture of guys. I’m not someone who believes in adhering to types or tribe-chasing – so it was great to get a mix – I just wish I had been there longer and got an even greater diversity.

     

    RG: Yes, it is a pretty diverse series of guys that you’ve featured. How did you find them? I assume they’re all locals.

    Yeah – they’re all living within a 20 mile radius of the studio space. In preparation I contacted some through modelling sites, but the majority were guys I found through the mobile apps – so I guess I should thank Growlr and Scruff for the intros!

     

    RG: Hahaha… Those apps have so many uses!! But I guess that also means there are quite a few who had never modeled before?

    JE: Yes – the majority in fact. And, while there were some nerves, all the guys were fairly up for it. I ensured they all knew they had as a minimum to get their shirts off, but many were quite happy to be completely naked. I’m guessing the unseasonably warm weather at the time helped (it was 30°+ in early Oct – and I needed a/c to keep the place cool enough to work in!)

    But feedback has been great – all of them are still in touch with me – many added to my extensive Louisville Facebook family.

    I do wonder if some were taken in by the English charm and Yorkshire brogue though.

     

    RG: You should ask them…! As someone who has also photographed many British chaps, and I know that this is a terribly general question, but did you find any difference between working with US and UK guys?

    JE: I think Americans in general are brought up to put themselves ‘out there’ a bit more than we are, and I think this helped with the attitude, along with the concept of being offered free photos a bit more unusual in that city. I found it easier to convince them – however I suspect my being from elsewhere made it easier for them too.

    But once in front of the camera there was little difference in terms of response, attitude and personality.

     

    RG: So a happy experience then?

    I think it was a great collaboration – I learnt loads and the experience of working (and getting people to buy into your activities) in a city far from home is always scary – but generally less of a challenge than you think. Of course the language barrier was a problem – but these things you can get over.

    Once someone’s naked it’s all about treating them with respect and keeping up the banter so you get the right expressions, poses and personality from them.

     

    RG: And it’s great that the feedback from the guys themselves has been so positive. Are there plans to exhibit it in Louisville? Or indeed elsewhere?

    JE: I’m still in the process of editing the photos, shooting 20 guys in a number of poses generates a lot of images – which take some time and, as with all the best creatives, I excel at being distracted by other things! But, I’m looking forward to getting a full set and seeing what I can achieve – at very least there will be a couple of publications made available in the future. I’d love to exhibit the images – and would love to hear from anyone interested in this.

    For now, I’m simply providing a teaser in the way of the 13 guys in the 2015 calendar.

    RG: And a fine teaser it is too! You mentioned working in a city far from home. Does this mean it’s something you want to repeat elsewhere?

    JE: I’m always open to ideas and opportunities. However I’ve also worked in both Sitges and a fishing village in East Lothian and consider all interesting opportunities as they make themselves known. A great example of this is that this time last year I had no interest in Latex and by March I was photo documenting the Manchester Rubberman weekend – in a rubber kilt!

     

    RG: Wow! That is quite a turnaround!! And totally different from KY Guys. Clearly you have quite a few diverse projects on the go. It seems to go without saying then that variety and new challenges are something you welcome as an artist.

    JE: I think it’s important as a photographer to try new things – whether it’s learning empathy with your models by sitting for other photographers yourself or by throwing yourself into strange environments – a week following the drag queen, Lady Diamond in Sitges is another thing I never imagined myself doing before I arrived on location!

     

    RG: What do you think you learnt from the Kentucky project and how might it shape your work in future?

    JE: I learned I love the city even more and would love to work there in the longer term, that naked men in great light take any of the chore from photography and that trying to source and shoot 20 guys in 10 days is a little tiring. But mostly that Kentucky men are soooooo hot!

     

    RG: I think we can all agree about Kentucky Men! I understand that KY Guys is only one of the projects that’s made 2014 a big year for you?

    JE: Yeah – 2014 has been phenomenal At the end of 2013 I did a review gallery of all the guys I shot and thought I’d never surpass that but this year has included (in no special order) the Rubberman weekend, photographing Stuart Hatton – Mr Gay UK (and now World) as a honey bee, documenting Carnaval for Gay Guide Sitges – as well as exhibiting for Brighton, Manchester and Leeds Prides – which included a solo exhibition in Leeds of work in progress for my long running ‘Veiled ‘ project.

    I’m ending the year, equally weirdly, making portraits of models from the northern English porn industry – never a dull day in my lens!

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | White Christmas, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

    ★★★★★ | White Christmas, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

    Army pals turned song and dance men, Phil Davies and Bob Wallace, are on their way to Florida for Christmas, when they stop by at Jimmy’s Nightclub to audition Betty and Judy Haynes, a sister act, for their new show. For Phil and Judy, it is love at first sight, but for Bob and Betty, it is a frosty start. Phil secretly swaps their train tickets and the pair follow the sisters to Vermont, where they are booked to play at the hotel which is owned by Phil and Bob’s former Army General, and, which is on the brink of closing. Calling in favours from their showbiz contacts and their old army pals, Phil and Bob try to put on a show to save the hotel and make it a Christmas to remember, but, as Bob Wallace discovers, falling in love can be very distracting.

    Written by Irving Berlin, and containing a number of classic songs, including Love And The Weather, Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me, Sisters, You’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm and, of course, White Christmas, this feel-good Christmas story is welcomed back to the stage in a simply brilliant production by West Yorkshire Playhouse.

    The production contained a well-rounded and consistently solid cast throughout, with the vocal performances across the board being of a very high quality. Melanie La Barrie belted out Let me Sing and I’m Happy, somehow seeming to channel the spirit of Ethel Merman into her performance. Darren Day was much better vocally than expected in his understated performance, but the standout cast member was Oliver Tompsett, whose charisma filled turn as Phil Davies showcased his ability to sing, dance, act and take on the comedy aspect of his role superbly.

    The set allowed the stage to open up into an abundance of space to undertake the well-choreographed and enthusiastically performed set pieces. There was a real tinge of 1950’s Americana in the costumes, certain aspects of the set, and the large set pieces; which were reminiscent of the old MGM Musicals. The on stage orchestra were spot on and the sound in the theatre was crisp, clear and well balanced between vocals and orchestra.

    If pushed to find fault with the production, the dancing in the set pieces could have been slightly tighter and the set did seem a touch sparse at times, but with a production that was so enjoyable, such quibbles seem slightly unfair.

    This is certainly one of the theatrical highlights of the year for me, and notwithstanding the twee nature of the show itself, you can’t beat a bit of good, old fashioned, family friendly and feel good entertainment at this time of the year.

    Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is currently playing at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds until the 17th January 2015. For information, to book tickets or for details of their new season, visit their website at http://www.wyp.org.uk

  • CCTV Images Released After Homophobic Attack on Man In Leeds

    The British Transport Police are looking for people with information after a 21-year-old man was attacked outside a Leeds train station.

    Officers from the BTP releases images of two men they want to identify and speak to following the incident, which occurred at 3.10am on Saturday, 5 July.

    PC Daniel Worthington, the investigating officer, said, “The victim, a 21-year-old man from Leeds, was in McDonald’s restaurant in the station when he was approached by a group of four men.

    “After initially engaging him in conversation, the group then followed the victim to the taxi rank where they began to shout homophobic abuse at him. Two members of the group then attacked the victim, punching him in the head and face before running off.”

    The victim sustained swelling and bruising to his face and a cut lip following the attack.

    PC Worthington added: “No one should be assaulted or abused in such a way for any reason, including their sexual orientation. We take incidents of this nature very seriously and simply will not tolerate this type of deplorable behaviour on the rail network.

    “If you recognise the men pictured please come forward as we believe they may be able to assist in this investigation.”

    If you recognise the men in the CCTV images or can assist the investigation in any way please call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting log PSUB/B3 of 11/07/14 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

  • Gay bars in Leeds dump Russian vodka in time for Leeds pride

    Gay bars in Leeds have boycotted Russian produced Vodka in the build up to Leeds Pride.

    Gay bars across Leeds have joined together in solidarity with the Russian LGBT community by boycotting Russian produced vodkas, a week before Leeds Pride, a statement from gayleeds.com has announced.

    “Although removing the lines of Russian vodka from the gayleeds scene won’t make a massive dint in the Russian economy it will however prove that the LGB&T bars in our city care about the persecution that is going on against the gay community in Russia.” the press release read

    “Knowing which Vodka is produced in Russia is a tricky one as many that originated from Russia no longer have a connection with Russia at all.

    “This is why the bars, clubs and other venues in gayleeds have gone to extraordinary lengths to make sure that only non Russian lines are available in time for pride and beyond”.

    The news comes days after American and London’s Soho Bars started to announce their boycott of Russian vodkas.

    The Leeds bar which have banded together are: Queens Court, Fibre, The Bridge, The New Penny, Blayds and The Viaduct Showbar.

  • Fever FM Loses Future Funding After It’s Fined For Homophobia

    Speaking to The Tudor Trust, The Gay UK has learnt that funding for troubled community radio station Fever 107.3 FM has ended.

    Speaking to the Head of Fund management Laura Bowman said:

    ‘We are aware (of the OfCom upheld complaint) and our funding has actually ended. I am waiting for a response from them (Fever FM) about the situation and what they’re doing to ensure that something like this never happens again.’

     

    The Leeds based radio station was reported to Ofcom the UK’s communications industry regulator after one of its presenters Sister Ruby, real name Rubina Nasir, made calls for gay people to be beaten, humiliated, tortured and punished.

     

    Ofcom declared the comments were “likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime”.

    The Tudor Trust had given Fever 107.3 FM a three year grant. The incident happened in the last year of funding.

    ‘We’d want to see them make proactive steps to ensure that their broadcasts are fair and in line with community radio guidelines.’ Ms. Bowman said from The Tudor Trust