It’s Based on Timothy Conigrave’s bestselling memoir – a love letter to his long-time partner – Holding The Man is the heart-rending tale of Timothy and John, who fell in love at college and began a relationship that lasted nearly two decades. It’s a poignant and beautiful love story between two Australian men during the AIDS crisis.
The screening starts at 6.30pm and tickets are available here.
★★★★★ Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty | In a reworking of the classic fairy tale, Princess Aurora is cursed by the dark fairy, Carabosse, to die after pricking her finger on a rose on her 21st birthday. But after Carabosse dies in exile, her son Caradoc vows to avenge his mother and fulfil her curse. But things don’t go according to plan and instead, Aurora falls into a deep sleep for 100 years, meaning that is down to Leo, the royal groundskeeper and Aurora’s true love, and Count Lilac, King of the Fairies, to save her; in this gothic, romantic, love story that transcends the centuries.
Photo Credit: Johan PerssonBourne is known for placing a contemporary spin on a classic ballet score, having already taken on two of Tchaikovsky’s greatest, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake with great success; and he completes his trilogy with Sleeping Beauty, setting a fresh take on the story to the time honoured traditional score, with an elegant production.
Bourne delivers some intricate and masterful choreography that veers between the playful, the romantic and the dramatic; as he floods the stage with waves of movement to completely mesmerise the audience, clearly define the characters and progress the narrative. Where he really succeeds is the pacing of the piece, as it opens strongly and keeps building and building, with each set piece seemingly bettering the one before.
The cast were universally outstanding, with Ashley Shaw demonstrating a natural grace and skill with her portrayal of Princess Aurora. Chris Trenfield was delightfully charismatic and alluring as Leo and Adam Maskell revelled in his deliciously dark dual roles as both Carabosse and Caradoc, roles which he has clearly now defined. But equally, there was very little to separate out the remaining ensemble whose technical skill, timing, precision and uniformity was impeccable, from their delicate and intricate movements to their facial expressions.
From the jolting opening scene with its booming thunder to the thrilling final act (which I shall not spoil), Sleeping Beauty is a sumptuous production with an overlay of vampirism, gothic beauty and visuals which enchant and enthral. In a show which oozes quality from every aspect, in terms of set, costume, lighting, direction, performance and visuals, it amount to two hours of simply breath-taking, flawless and unforgettable theatre.
Sleeping Beauty is currently at Sheffield Theatres until 21st May 2016 (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk). Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures have recently announced Matthew Bourne’s new production, The Red Shoes, which will have its world premiere in Plymouth in November 2016 and which is to tour nationwide in 2016/17. Visit www.new-adventures.net/ for details.
Speaking at an IDAHOT reception yesterday evening Prime Minster David Cameron said that he wanted to make the UK the number 1 place for LGBTI people to live again, after the UK slipped two places behind Malta and Belgium.
Speaking to an invited audience at 10 Downing Street ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Mr Cameron said,
“Last year, I’d have been able to say how proud I was to be Prime Minister of what was officially the best country in Europe to be gay, bisexual or transgender – but that’s no longer the case.
“Malta has overtaken us! I don’t know quite what happened – I’ve got to get out to Malta and find out because I want this top spot back again.
He went on to praise LGBTI community leaders and thanked them for their continuous help and for keeping up the pressure on the Conservative government on issues that affect the community at large, saying that politicians were like computers and if you put rubbish data in you’d get rubbish results out.
The PM continued,
“I want to thank you for all the work that you do, because in many ways politicians are a bit like computers: you don’t give us the information, we can’t act. Rubbish in, rubbish out.
“We need quality information and quality facts, and I think we’ve showed in the Coalition government over the last five years and I hope in this majority government too that we take these issues seriously.
“We want to solve the problems, whether it’s legislation, whether it’s practise, whether it’s culture, or whether it’s talking around the world.”
Researchers investigating the nation’s attitude towards money matters have discovered millions of people are not getting to grips with their finances, and many have little or no detailed understanding of their own financial position.
The study of 2,000 adults shows 58 per cent aren’t sure about their hourly rate of pay, while 70 per cent can’t say exactly how much they pay in income tax.
In addition, two thirds of people can’t say accurately how much is in their bank account, while 64 per cent aren’t sure of the precise amount they owe on their credit cards.
But almost a third of adults believe life is too short to worry about money, and 62 per cent expressed no intention to try and get a better grip on their finances in the near future.
A spokeswoman for Newcastle Building Society, which commissioned the study of 2,000 adults said:
“Our researchers discovered that in the first instance, most people – eight in 10 – think they have a good understanding of their current financial position.
“But when you dig deeper and ask those same people about the detail around their financial affairs, from what they earn to what they pay on things like mortgages, rent, and other bills, they’re less certain.
“Pensions is an area that baffles many. Forty per cent of those who have a pension aren’t clear on how much they pay in, or even that there are tax benefits to doing so.”
In reality, while people can guess roughly what they earn, what they pay in bills and what they what owe on credit cards, very few can say for definite.
The study shows while four in 10 people can name every single bill they pay, only 15 per cent of them can say how much they pay on each to the last pound.
One in 20 people don’t have a clue how much they pay on bills – either because a partner does it for them or because it comes out of their account automatically.
And half of those polled only have a rough idea of how many bills are coming in and what they pay on them.
Astonishingly, only 45 per cent of people were able to say how much they spend on the mortgage or rent each month down to the last penny or pound.
When it comes to spending habits, the average adult finds it hard to track their spending day to day.
Indeed, researchers found that when conducting the weekly food shop, either online or in store, less than half keep a close eye on what they are spending.
And despite 85 per cent of people commuting to work daily, of these only 38 per cent have a firm grip on what the journey costs.
And only 23 per cent can confidently say exactly how much they spent on their last holiday.
Just 17 per cent of those with a pension are clear on exactly what they contribute on a monthly basis. A further 46 per cent of those questioned didn’t know they could get tax relief on pension contributions.
While more than a third of people say they want to get a better hold on their finances, , a similar number find talking about money is awkward, uncomfortable, or confusing.
Nineteen per cent of adults don’t talk about money with anyone. But of those who are prepared to talk to others, 59 per cent will confide in a partner and 20 per cent would rather talk to mum than anyone else.
The spokeswoman for Newcastle Building Society continues:
“For most of us, money is hard earned, so being prepared to put time into personal financial planning is a worthwhile investment.
“It’s significant that nearly half of people we surveyed (48 per cent) find that talking about money is reassuring, motivating or empowering, and those who want to fully understand their options to get a better grip on their financial future could consider seeking professional financial advice as a good start point.”
Newcastle’s largest and longest running choir, Northern Proud Voices will have its fifth birthday in May and to celebrate will host a series of fundraisers across Newcastle and the North East to raise awareness and collect donations for LGBT causes.
As part of UK-wide Pride events, the choir will perform at Pride Durham (30 May), Newcastle Pride (16 July), Cumbria Pride (17 September) and Sunderland Pride (25 September), showcasing four-part choral arrangements of artists including Radio Head, Annie Lennox, Seal and Train.
Weekly rehearsals have been taking place in Newcastle in preparation for the events, and a social media campaign has been launched to encourage others to show their support and get involved.
Kathleen McDonald, Chair of NPV, is overwhelmed with the popularity of the choir and said,
“It has been wonderful to see the choir grow over the past five years, from a handful of singers to the largest LGBT choir in the North East with almost 100 registered members.
“We are extremely proud of the community we represent and we are always keen to welcome new members. Being able to offer an inclusive and safe social space for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Newcastle is truly rewarding for myself, and very important for some of our members.”
Supporting the choir’s fundraising celebrations, Ouseburn venues The Ship Inn and The Cumberland Arms will welcome NPV supporters with a fifth birthday party and an LGBT themed Lip Sync Battle with songs from queer culture. Local improv-comedy group, Spontaneous Wrecks, will stage a 2-hour improvised show and musical to raise donations.
Choir member, Andrew Layton, said:
“Not only is the choir great fun but it helps change perceptions some people may have of the LGBT community. I’m proud to be part of such a diverse group of people brought together by music.”
Event tickets and further information are available via https://www.facebook.com/NorthernProudVoices.
Northern Proud Voices is a fully-inclusive, non-audition choir and their rehearsals take place every Thursday 7-9pm at The Mining Institute, Newcastle (excluding August).
So we’ve created the top 10 worse in terms of points and placement (no editorial comment – I mean we can’t believe Scooch is in this list!)
10) Don’t Play That Song Again Nicki French | Year: 2000 | Placed: 16/24 |
Total points: 28
9) Teenage Life Daz Samson | Year: 2006 | Placed: 19/24 | Total points: 25
8) Believe In Me Bonnie Tyler | Year: 2013 | Placed: 19/26 | Total points: 23
7) Flying The Flag Scooch | Year: 2007 | Placed: 22/24 | Total points: 19
6) Touch My Fire Javine | Year: 2005 | Placed: 22/24 | Total points: 18
ALSO READ: Will Joe and Jake have a cheeky snog at the end of their song on Eurovision?
5) Even If Andy Abraham | Year: 2008 | Placed: 23/23 | Total points: 14
4) Love Will Set You Free Engelbert Humperdinck | Year: 2012 | Placed: 25/26 | Total points: 12
3) That Sounds Good To Me Josh Dubovie | Year: 2010 | Placed: 26/26 | Total points: 10
2) Still In Love With You Electro Velvet | Year: 2015 | Placed: 24/27 | Total points: 5
1) Cry Baby Jemini | Year: 2003 | Placed: 26/26 | Total points: 0
Set primarily in a hotel room as Judy Garland embarks on a set of comeback shows in a six week residency in London, End Of The Rainbow examines the on and off stage crumbling of an iconic figure and her ongoing battles with her personal demons
Photo Credit – Pamela Raith PhotographyAs Judy succumbs to a cocktail of drink and drugs. Garland tries to hold things together as she is pushed to the brink by her fiancé, who is torn between his desire for them to share a private life and successfully reviving her career and fighting off her financial difficulties.
Starring in the role of Judy is Lisa Maxwell (Loose Women), who gives a simply superb performance, capturing not only the mannerisms and melodic intonation of Garland but effectively portraying the contrasts between her brashness and her vulnerabilities and offering genuine raw emotion in numerous scenes showing just how tragic many of the aspects of Garland’s private life was. Alongside her was Gary Wilmot, who offers a gentile and steady portrayal of Anthony Chapman, Garland’s gay pianist and confidant; and Simon Pontin as Micky Deans, her fiancé.
Peter Quilters play is lovingly written, juxtaposing the wit, bravado and sheer brashness of Garland with her heart-breaking vulnerabilities and desperation. The play shows Garland at her best and worst and provides scenes which really do gut punch you. As a drunken Judy, a quivering mess, lays on the floor begging for pills and to be loved, you can’t help but feel sorry for her. Aspects of Garland’s life are sensitively handled; yet don’t lose any of their power, in particular as she talks about being force-fed pills from a very young age by both the movie studios and her mother. But it isn’t all downbeat, as Judy’s legendary rapier sharp wit cuts through the drama and the scenes in the hotel are interspersed with a smattering of some of her classic hits, which are belted out with aplomb by a vocally impressive Maxwell, all of which is sufficient to lighten the mood.
End of the Rainbow avoids being a saccharine coated tribute by a country mile, and instead is a warts and all portrayal of Garland as she descends back into the pill taking and drinking that would soon consume her; and which examines the person she had become as a result of the years of the pressures of fame and the treatment of her by those around her. Yet despite all of that, Garland never really comes across as a victim in all of this, but instead remains an unstoppable, headstrong force of nature whose confidence and bravado no doubt masked a fragile and helpless woman.
End of the Rainbow is currently at Sheffield Theatres (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk) until Saturday 15th May 2016, before continuing on its national tour. See the show’s official website at www.endoftherainbowtour.co.uk for details.
Police in Brighton have released a “reassurance” message to the LGBTI community after two separate attacks over two consecutive weekends have left three men hospitalised.
On both occasions suspects were arrested. The first attack happened to two boyfriends, one of which is fearing for his sight and the most recent left a former model unconsious and hopsitalised for three days.
Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp released a video to thank members of the public and door staff in helping the police to apprehend the suspects quickly.
Mr Kemp was quick to remind viewers that hate crime of that nature are very rare in Brighton but two attacks over two consecutive weekends was “very concerning”, but stressed the attacks were unconnected.
He went on to say that Brighton was not a place that tolerated “homophobic attitudes or hate crimes of any description.”
A second attack against a gay man has happened in Brighton just days after another attack on two boyfriends which left one fearing for his sight.
Police in Brighton have confirmed that an arrest has been made in connection to this latest attack but have warned Brighton’s gay community to be vigilant against homophobia in the popular seaside town.
In this latest attack, former model Aaron Woods, 26, was left unconscious and with a broken jaw when he tried to defend two men who said they were being homophobically abused by a man.
When Mr Wood tried to intervene he says he was knocked to the floor – and doesn’t remember what happened next.
The alleged attack happened outside the Legends nightclub on Brighton’s seafront. Speaking to The Argus, Mr Woods said,
“My memory is pretty hazy but apparently I stepped in to help out these two young gay guys and he hit me. I went down and the next thing I knew I was in hospital covered in blood.
“It was a very heavy blow.
“I haven’t been able to sleep since the attack. I cant relax. I am absolutely terrified. I’m usually a very trusting person but this is scary.”
Mr. Woods, who is from Eastbourne, went on to say that he would never return to Brighton.
Mr Wood’s friend Katie Ripley along with a Legend’s doorman apprehended the the 21-year-old suspect from London. He has been charged with GBH with intent.
The suspect has been bailed until the 13th June.
Six days previously, Dain Louis and James Loxton were both attacked very close to this latest incident, however police are not linking the two attacks.
During his Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) today, David Cameron told the House Of Commons that he wanted a decision from NHS England this month on whether they would fund PrEP, a game changing anti-HIV drug, that has had incredible results in stopping new HIV infections.
The PM said that he recognised the growing rate of HIV in the UK and that he was pressing for a decision about the service’s ability to offer the PrEP drugs to those most at risk of contracting HIV.
During his PMQs MP Mike Freer asked,
“HIV infection rates are on the rise. NHS England has refused to fund Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs. Will he meet with me and leading charities to review?”
Responding, David Cameron said,
“NHS England is reconsidering this, I want them to make a decision this month. I recognise the growing rate of HIV in this country. I’ll make sure he gets the meetings he needs.”
NHS England said that it would continue to pay for PEP, a treatment that can prevent HIV infection after the virus has entered a person’s body, but has fallen short from offering PrEP.
Ian Green, CEO at Terrence Higgins Trust, welcomed the statement saying,
“We welcome David Cameron committing NHS England to making a long overdue decision on HIV prevention game changer, PrEP, this month. Thank you to Mike Freer for continuing to champion this life changing HIV prevention tool.
“We urgently need NHS England to make PrEP available for those most at risk. Every day this is delayed, seven men who have sex with men are infected with HIV.”
Here’s my handy guide to just some of the things to look forward to over the weekend of Pride.
Yep you read that correctly, our favourite guilty pleasure of the 90’s are appearing at Birmingham Pride on Sunday the 29th on the main stage, so you can re-live your Hooch (or Blue Nun) fueled dance routines, while wearing a mask to protect your identity and coolness obviously. One can’t actually be SEEN watching and enjoying The Vengaboys now can we…
Two of the greatest queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race have been booked for the Saturday (Willam) & Sunday (Latrice) and I for one am so excited about this. Willam will be in the Cabaret arena, and Latrice is appearing at the Village Inn. Honestly I’d just be happy to watch Latrice laughing for an hour.
Work it a little, get hot just a little and dance along to the fabulous Liberty X on the Saturday on the Main Stage. After Kevin’s success on The Voice, he’s rejoining his band mates to get our little gay asses dancing to some fabulous tunes from the early noughties. The band is also appearing later in the evening at The Nightingale Club
Luckily the singing half of Erasure, Andy Bell. We all know A Little Respect and you can dance along with him on the Sunday on the main stage. For us gays born before 1995, Erasure was the campest thing we’d seen, and it was amazing.
The brilliant and talented Vicky Jackson who sings her heart out at every performance and impersonates some of our favourite artists including Katy Perry, Pink and Amy Winehouse will be gracing the Cabaret stage on the Sunday. I’ve never been disappointed by what she does, and even had the pleasure of performing on stage with her once
Sometimes you can find a hidden gem performing in the various bars and clubs around the Gay Village that you forgot about seeing on the line-up or who was booked last minute. A couple of years ago and during a slightly (OK, very) drunken moment, I walked into one of the bars and saw this little ginger Liverpudlian singing away, and loudly announced during a quiet bit in the song “Is that f**king Sonia?” (it was) I got a smile in return.
Always a great start to the weekend, the actual march itself is something amazing to see, with so many varied people taking part and having the time of their lives. You can’t help but smile at the floats and the shockingly hot men in skimpy shorts.
ALSO READ: What to take to pride. The Pride Survival Kit
The whole weekend is a brilliant opportunity to just let loose and be yourself. There’s going to be 80,000+ people there, from bears to drag queens, you will find people you relate to and you’ll find yourself having the most random conversations with people you meet
outside the bars, clubs and arenas
The biggest gay club in the village. It never fails to deliver, and this year Alesha Dixon is appearing there to perform her own and Mis-teeq’s tracks. But if you don’t want to see her, it has multiple floors with various styles of music.
There’s so many different types of acts that you would be hard pushed to NOT find something that you can enjoy. From DJ’s to pop royalty, there is going to be something there for you, so kick back and relax with a beer in hand trawl round the various stages and clubs with your friends old and new
The full line up is available here and while tickets are limited now, there are still some available, and you can get some on the gate on the day. But be aware it’s going to be incredibly busy that weekend.
https://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/tickets/birmingham-pride-2016/10038743
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