THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • Four Essential LGBT Plays… That Happen To Be Touring The UK

    As the nights start to draw in, what could be better than heading to your local theatre and seeing a show which will entertain, make you laugh, stir your emotions and make you think?

    There are plenty of blockbuster gay themed plays out there which are currently touring the UK (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is still on tour, and Tipping The Velvet is soon to be heading from the West End to Edinburgh), but there are some excellent plays out there that are written, performed and produced by people with a real passion for their story, or a personal tale to tell.

    Wherever you are in the Country, one of these plays should be near you soon and are well worth a look.

    Miss Nightingale – The Burlesque Musical

    In the midst of the Second World War, Maggie is a cheeky Northerner who heads to London with her Jewish friend and songwriter, George, seeking out the bright lights and success of the big city. Her burlesque act is picked up by Sir Frank Worthington-Blythe who turns Maggie into the toast of London. But behind the scenes, there is something far more explosive than the blitz which is about to start. Frank and George fall in love and conduct a secret (and illegal) affair, which strains the relationship between the three of them.
    Miss Nightingale is currently embarking on its fifth and final tour of the UK, having been a huge success with critics and audiences alike. The love story between the two men is touching, sad, poignant and moving, and the pathos is balanced with some hilarious, cheeky and saucy songs as Miss Nightingale takes to the stage with her unique brand of entertainment. But despite the historical setting, the play still remains relevant today, where there is so much persecution of the LGBT community in various countries. However, alongside its genuinely important message, the show is a superb evening at the theatre, which will entertain, make you laugh, make you cry and make you leave the theatre on a high. Don’t miss your last chance to see this wonderful production.
    Miss Nightingale is currently on tour, visiting numerous locations until the 20th February 2016 , including Cast Theatre in Doncaster; Sheffield Theatres; Norwich; Hull and Blackpool. Visit www.missnightingale.co.uk for full details. You can also read our interview with Matthew Bugg, the writer and composer of the show
    DV8 – West Yorkshire Playhouse

    DV8 are one of the most cutting edge dance companies out there and thoroughly impressed The Gay UK last year with their piece, John. In this stunning piece of dance, DV8 not only focus on the central character, John, and his reasons for having sex with men, but also unflinchingly examines why men may or may not take risks with their sexual health, telling their stories without judgement or prejudice. The piece is based on interviews conducted with men at a gay sauna, and as the creators of the show undertook their research, one particular story emerged to the forefront. TGUK writer Greg Mitchell was impressed by the choreography, saying that “one of the joys of this production is seeing the way bodies fuse together, meld into one and then just as easily drift apart” and that the piece as a whole was “endlessly fascinating, but ultimately incredibly moving”. But this piece delves much deeper into John’s past and unravels his turbulent and difficult history and the show promises to be a visual treat.
    DV8 are performing this piece at West Yorkshire Playhouse, their only tour date, on the 22nd to the 24th October 2015. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a stunning piece of theatre. Tickets and details can be found at www.wyp.org.uk/events/john/Big Girls Blouse – Cast Theatre, Doncaster and National Tour

    Part cabaret, part biography and part political statement, Big Girls Blouse is performed by Kate, a transgender woman who delights in her gentle and subtle political performances, telling her story of growing up and becoming a woman. Quite literally making a song and dance about her life, Big Girls Blouse is an award winning show which pushes boundaries, educates, encourages solidarity for the transgender community and manages to do it all with a good dose of the celebration of diversity to break down both barriers and stereotypes.
    This is a show which deserves a wide audience and is a perfect example of how theatre can be used to entertain whilst getting across a powerful message.Big Girls Blouse is currently touring calling in at various venues around the country until 14th May 2016. For further details and to book tickets, visit www.kateodonnellpresents.com
    Nine Lives – Doncaster Cast and National Tour

    Ishmael is a young man who is seeking asylum in the UK following a surge in homophobia in his home in Zimbabwe threatens his life. As he arrives in Leeds, he is forced to re-start his life. Knowing no-one and being an a totally alien environment, he waits in desperation to find out whether the first steps he has taken to rebuilding his life will have been all for nothing if he is to be returned to Zimbabwe or whether he is able to find peace and love in a place which protects him as a gay man.
    The topic of people seeking safety through asylum has been at the forefront of the news in the last few weeks and with homophobic attacks and the repression of the LGBT community in various countries around the world, this play hits home with the relevance of its political message. Written by Zodwa Nyoni, Channel 4’s writer in residence in 2014, this play injects wit and lightness into a difficult and challenging subject and following critical acclaim following its premiere at West Yorkshire Playhouse earlier this year, the show is now on national tour.
    You can see Nine Lives at the following venues. Contact your local theatre for details and tickets12 October 2015 – The Bikeshed Exeter, Exeter

    17 October 2015 – Trinity Bristol, Bristol

    23 October 2015 – The Cube, Malvern

    06 November 2015 – Upstairs at Western, Leicester

    12 November 2015 -Cast, Doncaster

    16 November 2015 – Waterside Arts Centre, Trafford

    19 November 2015 – Arc Stockton, Stockton on Tees

    10 December 2015 – Brighton, Brighton

    January 2016 – Arcola, London

     

  • WELSH LIB DEMS: Protect Vital Funding For LGBT Community

    WELSH LIB DEMS: Protect Vital Funding For LGBT Community

    Vital help for vulnerable LGBT+ people in Wales is at risk of being slashed and must be protected, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have said.

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  • ICON AWARDS: Winners

    Following a glittering finale in Glasgow, the Icon Awards 2015 were handed out to a number of well deservings individuals and companies who have supported and been a strong member of the Scottish LGBTI community.

    Over 30,000 people cast their votes this summer and finally their Scottish icons were recognised in the company of Michelle Visage and Conchita Wurst.

    The winners were announced as follows:ICON AWARD

    Jennie Robertson
    STRAIGHT ALLY AWARD

    Michelle Visage
    RISING STAR

    Conchita Wurst
    WAVERLEY CARE SPECIAL RECOGNITION

    James Quinn
    VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

    Tommy Clarke, Red Ribbon Bear
    COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD

    Gay Police Association Scotland
    UNIFORMED ICON OF THE YEAR

    W02 Douggie Graham, British Army
    SPORTING ICON

    Graeme O’bree
    ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR

    Karen Dunbar
    BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR

    Steven Mcleod, Aurora Hotel collection
    WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR

    The Parsonage at Dunmore Park
    VENUE OF THE YEAR

    The Waterloo Bar, Glasgow
    BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

    Abandon Ship Apparel
    MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR

    Lush, Gay is ok
    JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

    Vicky Allan, Herald & Times
    POLITICIAN OF THE YEAR

    Angela Crawley, SNP
    EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

    Tesco
    MEDIA PORTRAYAL AWARD

    Transsexual Stories, BBC, Peachtree Films
    BEAUTY INDUSTRY AWARD

    Craig Andrew Hairdressing

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW: Zaika of Kensington Restaurant Review

    Who loves a good ruby? Indian cuisine isn’t something i have regularly, and perhaps it’s my childhood memories of my Granny’s (who grew up in Vizag, India) infamous egg curry. Apparently it was delicious but not to the palette of a 7 year old. ★★★★

    Dining with me at Zaika of Kensington, my best friend, who grew up in Nepal and we immediately connect and get chatting to our waiter, Mustaq. Throughout, his service was perfection and in response to our enquiry on his favourites the restaurant had to offer, he demonstrated great knowledge of the menu and even some of the dishes backgrounds, and i love hearing interesting legacies of food and its history.
    It’s history that you’re immediately hit with as soon you enter Zaika, in terms of the building’s architectural aspect. Grand high ceiling with dramatic mouldings, austere window frames, a perfect marriage of classical and contemporary. It is clear they want to give you the impression that this is not your usual curry house, and that continues into the food served too.
    We dined at an odd eating time, so the restaurant seemed grandly desolate. We were happy with the echoes of our cackles for company but both agreed that Zaika would have a great vibe during a busy evening.
    To start, Aloo Palak Tikki (£8.50), essentially little potato and spinach cakes that were cooked handsomely, crispy exterior and fluffy on the inside- plain in flavour but intentional as they come served on a bed of cold and creamy, spicy chickpeas. The whole dish was drizzled in a sweet yoghurt and adorned in pomegranate jewels. So very pretty and a clever configuration of flavours and textures.
    Jhinga Dakshini (£9.50) – nugget-like and light gram flour battered tiger prawns, not the most impressive sized prawns which was a little disappointing, as like my men, i enjoy them a bit beefier. Again this appetiser’s flavour was on point, the paprika-y prawns served with a sweet, turmeric, pale yoghurt. The flavours in both appetisers were really well balanced and full of flavour without being overly seasoned or spiced as to dominate the palette before the main courses.

    Nihari Gosht (£23), lamb that is slow cooked over night, and upon offer was then deboned at our table and served to us. Lightly aromatic, lovely and creamy; the lamb was silky soft, and still retained all its wonderful natural flavours. Lamb is the meat of choice in Northern India’s Awadhi cuisine, which Zaika’s menu focuses on. Although there is plenty of choice in terms of meat, poultry and vegetarian.
    I couldn’t not order a tikka masala for a main, it being one of Britain’s favourite dishes, so we tried the Paneer version (£14.50). Constantly impressed by Zaika’s flavour balance, this was more spicy for a tikka masala but a scattering of desiccated coconut subtly slurs underneath all that spice and cools the palette. The paneer was firm and almost sweet which worked really well.
    No matter how well you feel you cook your rice at home, it always surprises me when you have rice from an Authentic Indian restaurant, and it’s always ridiculously superior, and Zaika’s Zaffrani Pulao (£3.75) was no exception.
    A treat via Truffle Naan (£3.75) which was everything a naan should be; crispy and chewy. Delicate truffle notes and light. A winner for sponging up remaining sauce on your plate to the point my plate looked untouched.This was plenty of food for us both, but still wanting to explore their dessert menu and akin to the magnetism of a tikka masala, a good traditional Indian kulfi is always welcomed at the end of a big meal. Zaika’s Classic Kulfi; Mango & Pistachios (£6) is one not to be missed. Beautifully crafted and presented a top a strip of khaki coloured pistachio nut smudge, which I really wanted to just lick off the plate, it was so divine. The kulfi themselves were surprising in as much as they were not overly cold and even those with the most sensitive of teeth could even bite straight into. Wonderfully rich and creamy, a light mango morsel paired with a deep almost marzipan flavour in the pistachio pebble of kulfi. We asked for a small version of the dish and upon touchdown on the tastebuds, that decision was immediately regretted.
    Suitably stuffed and smiles on our faces we waddled back to the tube (5 minute walk from the restaurant) and agreed that Zaika of Kensington went above and beyond the usual expectations of Indian cuisine and we would both happily come back. I feel the pricing of the dishes are on point for the quality and execution. The whole experience felt grand and glam, with office Christmas party season approaching, if you have a team of curry fans, Zaika of Kensington is the place for you.

    Make a booking here

  • BAR REVIEW | Storeys, West London Rooftop Pop-up

    This weekend’s weather is looking a smidge Indian-summeresque.

    What better way to appreciate the year’s last warm rays than to hang out on top of an old BBC carpark’s roof, consuming coconut mojitos, devouring beautifully tender and crisp calamari while taking in West London’s fabulous high-rise and urban views, all to Louis Vuitton man-bag swinging funky beats? ★★★★★

    STOREYS White City London is a innovative pivot created out of old packing crates, recycled wooden planks, discarded beer barrels with art installations made from abandoned TVs and dated speakers. Splendidly alluring – it needs to be seen. Street art you’ll drop your work worries for cakes the walls, amalgamated with the street food and a clientele from an assortment of the Old Smoke’s streets, giving the rooftop experience a Peckham/Hackney undertone but with West-End implications.
    The eco lavs won’t be to everyone’s taste, but what they don’t have in plumbing they make up for with a bewitching reclaimed-material chemistry.
    The pop-up’s season is coming to an end this weekend – the menu for Thursday 8th October can expect an evening of dance performances and music as new app Happy Track celebrates their launch party. Storeys’ upcoming event programme will also feature rooftop yoga sessions with Serene Social every Saturday from 9am-10am for a fresh and healthy start to the weekend.
    STOREYS closes its doors for the summer on Sunday 11th October with a spectacular closing weekend party, featuring a line-up of Storeys’ favourite DJs, games and drink specials.
    You can now purchase advance Q jump tickets online -http://www.storeys.london – which include an arrival cocktail.
    STOREYS is located on top of the old BBC building’s carpark in White City. Doors open 5pm Friday, and 11am at the weekend, with daytime game areas and DJs playing into the evening.

  • UK Topped By Malta As The Best Place For LGBTIs In Europe

    The UK has lost its place as the number one place for LGBTI rights in Europe after Malta introduced a raft of new legislation.

    New rules surrounding outlawing surgery on intersex children, education and civil partnerships have all added to Malta’s new position at number one on the ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Europe
    Malta is now ranks at #1 on LGBTI rights, scoring 89% across forty sets of criteria; the UK falls behind in second place on 86%.
    Malta’s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat took to Twitter to welcome the news.
    The UK still lags in a number of places mainly in not granting asylum on gender identity grounds, a legal requirement for trans people to get medical investigation before being allowed to change their gender and surgery to “correct” an intersex child’s gender.Down at the bottom of the list Russia and Azerbaijan score 8.35% and 5% respectively.

  • Benedict Cumberbatch Celebrates Diversity In The UK

    Benedict is joined by other national treasures including The Beatles, William Shakespeare, Arctic Monkeys and Banksy.

    CREDIT: S. Buckley
    CREDIT: S. Buckley

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  • BAR REVIEW: The Icebar London, Rocks

    There’s only one drinking hole in the Old Smoke where your extremities will last 40mins, you have to dress like a Snow Queen, and you imbibe out of crystal-clear glasses made from Northern Sweden’s Torne River water. ★★★★

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  • The 59th BFI London Film Festival begins on Wednesday

    The program for the 59th BFI London Film Festival is another stellar lineup of must-see movies starring the world’s hottest stars, and includes several films with Gay & Lesbian content:

    It’s a rich and diverse lineup that includes a total of 238 fiction and documentary features, including 16 World Premieres, 8 International Premieres, 40 European Premieres and 11 Archive films. Taking place from Wednesday 7 October 2015 to Sunday 18 October 2015 at various venues across London, also included are talks and seminars and special presentations.
    The festival opens with the premiere of the eagerly anticipated Suffragette. An all-star cast brings to life the early UK feminist movement as they fought for their right to vote. Carey Mulligan (who is a shoo-in for an Oscar nomination for this role) stars alongside Helen Bonham Carter, Anne-Marie Duff, with a cameo by Meryl Streep. Screenplay by Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady, Shame).

    Gay & Lesbian themed films to be shown at the festival that might be of interest to you include:

    Tangerine

    A tale of two transsexual sex workers on Santa Monica Boulevard and the friendship they have amidst their dangerous profession.

    Carol

    Carol tells the simple story of a 1950’s department store clerk who falls for another woman. This one stars the can’t miss Cate Blanchett, and is directed by Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven). With Rooney Mara.

    Chemsex

    A documentary that takes a look at London’s gay sex and drugs scene. It will do doubt cause lots of conversation and controversy.

    Grandma

    Lily Tomlin is back on the big screen playing a sharp-tongued, foul-mouthed Lesbian poet in her 70’s, who also happens to be grieving over the death of her long-term partner, and is interrupted by a visit from her granddaughter.

    Gayby Baby

    A documentary that follows the lives of four Australian children whose parents all happen to be gay.

    Aligarh

    This film follows the downfall of a male college professor after he was found in bed with his male-rickshaw driver lover. It’s one of the few films ever that has dealt with the Indian gay male experience.

    Closet Monster

    A troubled teenager falls for a new boy at his work which makes his life even more confusing. He has conversations with his pet hamster, voiced by Isabella Rossellini.

    Other movies being shown at the festival include:

    Trumbo

    Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston stars as Dalton Trumbo, a screenwriter in 1940’s Hollywood who gets blacklisted after he is confirmed to be a Communist. Diane Lane plays his wife while Helen Mirren plays gossip columnist Hedda Hopper.

    Bang Gang

    One of the most controversial films of the festival about a group of French high school students who start a private orgy society.

    High Rise

    Adapted from J.G. Ballard’s novel of the same name, High Rise stars Tom Hiddleston in a film set in a luxurious high rise tower block that begins to decay almost as soon as it is built.

    He Named Me Malala

    A documentary about the 18-year old Malala Yousafzai who was shot in the head by the Taliban for championing girls’ education in Pakistan.

    The Program

    Director Stephen Frears brings us the story of disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong (played by Ben Foster) in a documentary-style telling of Armstrong’s triumphant Tour de France years to his mighty downfall after his confession of taking drugs to enhance his performance.

    Live from New York

    A funny documentary about the long-running American television institution Saturday Night Live, from its beginnings in 1975 through its many cast members (some of whom went on to have highly successful movie and television careers).

    Black Mass

    An unrecognizable Johnny Depp stars in this true story about one of the Boston’s most violent criminals (Jimmy Bulger) who became an FBI informant. Also starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Bulger’s brother Billy and Joel Edgerton as the FBI agent who persuades Jimmy to turn against the mafia.

    The Lobster

    This film could win the award for the most far-fetched plot: In the future, single people have to find a partner within 45 days or are then transformed into animals and released into the woods. This one stars Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz. With their very good lucks there is no doubt they will find a match, within one day no doubt.

    The Lady in a Van

    Dame Maggie Smith stars as a homeless woman who lives in a van parked outside playwright Alan’s Bennett’s home in the 1960s. Believe it or not it’s based on a true story that actually took place in the 1960s, where she ended up staying for 12 years.

    Truth

    Cate Blanchett (again) stars at CBS news producer Mary Mapes, with Robert Redford as anchorman Dan Rather, and their involvement in a story that questioned then-President George W. Bush’s receiving preferential treatment to help avoid the Vietnam draft.

    Sherpa

    Documentary about the deteriorating relationship between Sherpas (local people who help expeditions guide their clients up Mt. Everest) and western tourists, arriving just a few days before last year’s deadly avalanche that killed 16 sherpa. Timely as well in that sherpas were all but ignored in the recent film ‘Everest.’
    Room

    Brie Larson stars as a woman who has been trapped in a garden shed for seven years after being kidnapped and raped. She then attempts to escape with her five-year-old son.
    The film festival closes on one of the most eagerly-awaited films of the year – a film called Steve Jobs

    Michael Fassbender plays the late Steve Jobs, the man who made Apple a household name. Kate Winslet co-stars as his assistant Joanna Hoffman and Seth Rogen plays Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
    There are nine program strands each headlined with a gala, they are: the Love Gala, the Debate Gala, the Dare Gala, the Laugh Gala, the Thrill Gala, the Cult Gala, the Journey Gala, the Sonic Gala, and the Family Gala.
    There will also be talks with filmmaker Todd Haynes (Carol), casting director Laura Rosenthal, actress Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn), and filmmakers Jia Zhangke and Walter Salles (A Guy from Fenyang).
    There will also be prizes handed out in the following categories:

    -The Official Competition: recognizing inspiring, inventive and distinctive filmmaking.

    -First Feature Competition: recognizing an original and imaginative directorial debut

    -Documentary Competition

    -Short Film Award
    Tickets have already gone on sale, so if you want to see any of the above-mentioned films or to peruse the other events taking place at the festival, please go here:
    http://www.bfi.org.uk/lff

  • TOP LIST: Ten of The Top Cross-Gender Performances in Theatre

    During the earliest conception of theatre in English history, there were specific laws that restricted women from having any involvement within performances and acting onstage in any way.

    Englishmen found it amusing that in other countries, such as continental Europe, women were allowed on stage. As the centuries have rolled out and Shakespearean traditions continue to reign stage direction, the 21st century has seen gender role switching become something of a trend within theatre across the world. Some of the most iconic roles in history, such as Hamlet, being played by the opposite gender has a become popular and modern tendency used by directors to creatively adapt the story in a way that is unconventional and engaging. We look at the 10 top plays where switching gender roles have played a role in the success of a play:

    1. The Importance of Being Earnest (2015)

    David Suchet plays the role of the formidable Lady Bracknell in the 2015 version of Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ at the London Vaudeville Theatre.2. The Merchant of Venice (2015)

    Rachel Pickup played Portia, who dresses up as a boy to enjoy the freedom that comes without having to be a woman, in ‘The Merchant of Venice’ earlier this year at The Globe, London.

    3. Hamlet (2014)

    Maxine Peake played the Danish Prince in ‘Hamlet’ at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre in 2014, although the leading roles of Prospero and Macbeth each went to males.
    4. Henry IV (2014)

    Harriet Walter plays the lead role of ‘Henry IV’ in Phyllida Lloyds recreation at the Donmar Warehouse, London, in 2014.

    5. Twelfth Night (2012)

    Mark Rylance’s performance as a ‘stylised’ Olivia in Tim Carroll’s Shakespeare Globe adaptation of ‘Twelfth Night’ was critically acclaimed back in 2012 at London’s Apollo.

    6. The War of The Roses (2009)

    Cate Blanchett played Richard II in Benedict Andrews production of ‘The War Of Roses’ in Sydney, 2009.7. Taming Of The Shrew (2003)

    Janet McTeer played the macho Pertruchio in the all-female casting of ‘Taming Of The Shrew’ back in 2003.
    8. The Tempest (2000)

    Vanessa Redgrave gave a memorable performance as Prospero in ‘The Tempest’ back in 2000 at the Globe, London.
    9. Richard II (1995)

    Irish actress Fiona Shaw played Richard II in Deborah Warner’s production at the National Theatre, London, in 1995.
    10. Peter Pan (1954)

    Mary Martin played Peter in the original theatrical production of ‘Peter Pan’ in 1954. Which later saw Cathy Rigby and Sandy Duncan amongst others take the role.

    THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST starring David Suchet will be screened live by satellite from London’s Vaudeville Theatre to 400 cinemas across the UK & Ireland on Thursday 8th October at 7.15pmhttp://importanceofearnest.com/cinema

  • All Set For The Inaugural Icon Awards In Scotland As Conchita Flies In

    The Scottish LGBTI community is set for the inaugural Icon Awards, set to hit Glasgow this October 9th. The awards aim to reward and celebrate the LGBTI community of Scotland with what’s being penned as the night of the year in the Scottish LGBTI calendar.

    Scotland is leading the way in the race for equality and inclusion, with the passing of the gay marriage bill, and the recent accolade of being the most progressive country in Europe, but there is still a “long way to go” says event manager and organiser Michael Macfarlane.
    He added,

    “The Icon Awards will be an inclusive event, inviting people from all over Scotland to come together and celebrate diversity. The awards will go to individuals, businesses and organisations that are going the extra mile, and are working towards equality for all.”

    Eighteen categories span the full spectrum of the LGBTI community and their achievements.

    Music legend Horse MacDonald also commented saying; “It is so important for the LGBTI community to identify with and have role models, when I was growing up there were so few people to look up to and aspire to. It’s the role models of today’s society who are challenged with helping people accept who they are, and in turn help the endless battle towards full equality for the LGBTI community across Scotland and the world” Horse added,

    “A ceremony like this is long overdue in Scotland, and will help create new role models, and highlight areas that still have a long way to go like sport, as well as creating an inclusive event for all to come and enjoy”.

    One Scottish sporting star who believes in the cause is former Glasgow 2014 team Scotland swimmer, and British LGBT sporting personality of the year finalist Martin Cremin.

    Born in Dunblane, Martin was at the forefront of Scottish sport, now living in London he is still a firm supporter of the LGBTI sporting scene.

    Conchita Wurst and Michelle Visage will be in attendance for the very first awards.