THEGAYUK

Tag: RIP

All the latest breaking news on people who have recently died. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on people who have recently died.

  • 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

  • NEWS: Transgender Teacher Lucy Meadows Found Dead

    A transgender teacher who started the new year as Miss Meadows at her school, St. Mary Magdalen’s C or E Primary School in Accrington, has been found dead at her home.

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  • RIP: Gore Vidal (1925 – 2012)

    Gore Vidal, the great American essayist, scriptwriter, novelist, politician and actor died on Wednesday aged 86.

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  • RIP: Donna Summer Defining Diva

    Controversy aside, Donna Summer is one of the undisputed disco divas to grace the earth.

    Donna Summer died on the 17th May 2012, Key West, Florida following a battle with cancer.

    Although seen as a gay icon, Summer’s career took a blow when in the mid 80’s reports of alleged anti-gay remarks regarding AIDS which resulted in a significantly negative effect on her career. It is alleged that she said that AIDS was a punishment from God for the immoral lifestyles of homosexuals.(1)(2) Summers denied that she ever made such a comment and in a letter to ACT UP (an AIDS campaign group) in 1989 she said that it was:

    “a terrible misunderstanding. I was unknowingly protected by those around me from the bad press and hate letters… If I have caused you pain, forgive me.”

    Also in 1989, Summer told The Advocate magazine that:

    “A couple of the people I write with are gay, and they have been ever since I met them. What people want to do with their bodies is their personal preference.” (3)

    In 1991 Summers filed a lawsuit against NEW YORK magazine when it reprinted the rumours as fact.

    However Donna’s lasting legacy is her infectious, upbeat and downright catchy tunes, which has had this writer dancing round his man-bag at many a disco.