THEGAYUK

Tag: Southbank Centre

All the latest breaking news on the Southbank Centre. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Southbank Centre.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | A Simple Space, Udderbelly: London

    How long can you hold your breath for? How many back flips can you do in one go? Can you stand on your head…or even somebody else’s?

    In the London premiere of the show that has captivated sell-out festival audiences around the world, seven young acrobats compete for your laughter, gasps and applause with non-stop, mind-boggling feats of breath-taking acrobatics. Spend a riveting hour with one of Australia’s hottest young circus ensembles, Gravity & Other Myths, as they push themselves to their physical limits and beyond in a captivating show of physicality, skill and daring.

    I have to confess that I can barely stand up without falling over so these young (and rather lithe and good looking) Australian acrobats were always going to impress me. The show is a stripped back, pure acrobatics show that manages to captivate and entertain with aplomb for an exhilarating hour. The show ranges from human pyramids, death defying aerial manoeuvres and feats of strength through to tongue in cheek comedy, absurdity and joyful physicality. Part circus, part gymnastics and part contemporary dance, this show had the audience on its’ feet with a loud and boisterous standing ovation at the end of the show.

    Did I mention the men too? It’s worth the price of the ticket alone just to see them. They’re muscular lithe and not afraid to take off their tops (and at one point trousers too).

    The show runs at the Udderbelly on the South Bank until the 6th of July.

    Buy tickets here: https://www.underbelly.co.uk/node/5325256

  • Sandi and Debbie Toksvig To Re-New Vows At Southbank Centre

    Ever since the legalisation of same-sex activity 47 years ago, gay men and women across England and Wales have been waiting for this day. Now on the 29th March 2014 – a day that thousands of gay men and women across England and Wales will never forget – is the arrival of gay marriage.

    I imagine that there will be thousands of celebrations throughout England and Wales from small hamlets to major cities to celebrate such an important legal milestone. Within London there will be many special events and the LGMC (London Gay Men’s Chorus) will be part of one at the Southbank Centre where you can expect camp classics and beautiful harmonies as well as innovative choreography.

    The LGMC will be performing at the Southbank Centre to celebrate the renewing of vows by Sandi and Debbie Toksvig. Sandi Toksvig has said ‘This is a joyous occasion which Debbie and I look forward to celebrating with old and new friends. It is a public statement of pride in our love and thanks to all those who have campaigned for equality over many years’. They will also be joined by The Fourth Choir, Sharon D Clarke and keyboard virtuoso Rick Wakeman on the Royal Festival Hall Organ. According to the Guardian, the event will kick-off the Southbank Centre’s Festival of Love, which will culminate in a mass wedding at the end of August.

    The tickets are free so check out the website here: Southbank Centre

    Do also check out this link for another very exciting Channel 4 event ‘Our Gay Wedding: The Musical’ at 10pm on Monday 31st March: You Tube

  • REVIEW | Polari Literary Salon, The Southbank Centre

    ★★★★ | Polari Literary Salon, The Southbank Centre

    If you’ve not been to Paul Burston’s Polari Literary Salon, you must. I insist.

    I had my Polari Literary Salon cherry popped last night and it was stunning. An incredible, humbling and glorious array of literary talent showed their prowess on stage including: Carl Stanley, Nicolas Collins, Karen McLeod, Angela Clerkin and Maureen Duffy.

    A special mention for Karen McLeod, whose ‘humourless lesbian’ character Barbara Brownshirt had the room in tears with her odes to Judi Dench and cruelty free shoes.

    Also Angela Clerkin’s immensely enjoyable reading about her stage wetting Irish dancing nemesis provided light and shade against the often angst but thought-provoking poetic readings from Nicolas Collins, while Carl Stanley opened the evening with an intimate reading from his book about growing up gay in early 80s.

    An abundance of readings of poetry and excerpts from the author’s books, the evening provided a spotlight on some of the best queer writing, expertly hosted by the ever gorgeous and critically acclaimed Paul Burston.

    The next Polari Literary Salon evening at the Southbank Centre is on the 28th April and will star:
    Philip Hensher, Sophie Ward, Rebecca Chance, LaJohn Joseph and Kiki Archer.