THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | Pennethorne’s – At Somerset House

    There is something rather enchanting about Somerset House, and what a lovely setting it makes for Pennethorne’s Café Bar. Just standing in their courtyard you feel removed from the chaos of the city. Situated in the New Wing, Pennethorne’s is adorned in dramatic décor that seems to be ever so in right now. Black walls, brassy tables and dim pendant lights lined in rows. Unsurprisingly the majority of the crowd appear a little bit swanky-socialite.

    The staff are a bubbly bunch (shout out to Phoenix & Paulo for looking after us so well). Speaking of bubbles, their champagne menu is small but comprises of three carefully selected essentials; Brut (£33), Prosecco (£27), and a Cuvee (£66) made in Sussex.

    Seven PM and we appear to be the only guests eating, our waiter confirms most dining trade is over lunch period. Good to know if you prefer a quiet eat in the evenings.

    The menu consists of breads, tinned and potted dishes, salads, meat and cheese selections and items served on toast. Probably why this attracts a lunch-time crowd- but the dishes are sophisticated enough to translate into dinner. As some of the dishes are on the small side it makes good for sharing- just be aware of what and how many of your dishes come with bread as we found ourselves looking like a bakery at full swing.

    The bread was really well made (freshly baked by their in-house baker) and the menu boasts some lovely combos such as; Fig & Apricot, Bacon Brioche, and Walnut & Raisin.

    Kale was on the menu in the form of Crispy Curly Kale & Ham Hock Salad (£6). Of course we felt the need to order the kale, as much as most restaurants feel the fear that their menu without kale on it will deem them as non-foodie-friendly. Although that looks set to change with cauliflower soon to be the new kale, as said by someone as insignificant as this very sentence. A pleasant dish of warm kale, salty ham with small jewels of onion run through it. Bringing a much welcomed lightness amongst the richness of the other dishes.

    Potted Beef (£8). The meat appearing as pulled pork would, but in a cute little pot. Like the best bit of an amazing pie, tender flesh nestled amongst it’s own garlic, black pepper and red wine gravy. Sod the pot, bring me a trough. This was gorgeous.

    Another favourite of mine was from the Mortadella as part of the Selection of Meats (£16). Rosette, Mortadello and Iberico Ham all being of fantastic quality- no yucky plastic textures that a lot of restaurants tend to fob you off with. Both Mortadella and Rosette cuts had great marbling. The Iberico was smooth and melt in the mouth, but my least favourite out of all three.

    The favourite dish of our servers, and apparently a popular choice from diners, was the wild Mushrooms (£5) atop softly toasted bread. A good handful of wild mushrooms that still retained their lovely earthiness but amongst garlic and wine, and with a hint of something almost balsamic. I can see why this is popular as it all works very well together and is served in a perfectly sized portion.

    For those unfamiliar with Nduja – traditionally, is an Italian spicy pork pate and is also set to be one of our food trends for 2015. No doubt it will be popping up on menus everywhere shortly! Pennethorne’s Nduja (£4.75) smells like it will blow your mind, and it will. Expect hot lips. If you like a chilli hit, then this is your dish. We found ourselves going back for more and more of this one- addictive.

    Pennethorne’s have some real gems on their menu, and I really love the fusion of simple British traditions “…On Toast” and the tinned/potted dishes mixed with Italian influences. A bonus for garlic lovers, as Pennethorne’s love it too. The quality of ingredients you receive is great value for money.

    Sad to see no desserts on the evening menu, their breakfast menu does list pastries/muffins/doughnuts/sticky buns/bakes etc; sounds delicious! It could be well received for them to also have these appearing on the evening menu.

    Any fashion freaks visiting Somerset House for London Fashion Week this year, be sure to say hello to Pennethorne’s and go for the Mushrooms on toast, or Potted Beef.

    REVIEWED BY: Jordan Lohan
    ADDRESS: Pennethorne Cafe, New Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
    VENUE PHONE: 020 3751 0570
    PRICE: £££ (explained)
    STAR RATING: ★★★ (explained)
    TIPPING POLICY:

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Gods and Monsters, Southwark Playhouse

    ★★★★★ | Gods and Monsters, Southwark Playhouse

    It’s the late 1950s and ageing Hollywood director, James Whale, best known for his iconic Frankenstein films, is languishing in his Los Angeles house.

    Whale is incapacitated by a series of strokes that have left him frail and prone to crippling headaches, dark moods and memory lapses. In spite of his infirmity, he hasn’t lost any of his impish ways with young men, persuading them to swim in his pool or pose naked for portraits. Old habits die hard. Unashamedly gay in an era of repression, Whale is a singular and striking personality. Enter pneumatically muscular new gardener, Clayton Boone who becomes the object of Whale’s lust and an unlikely player in the final drama of his life.

    Whale’s life is told in a series of flashbacks that happen alongside the on-going drama; portraying the story of his childhood in a working-class family in Dudley through his horrific World War One experiences to his Hollywood career.

    The play is based on the 1995 novel Father of Frankenstein written by Christopher Bram. The the same source material was used for the 1998 Oscar-winning film, “Gods And Monsters”, starring Ian McKellen, Lynn Redgrave and Brendan Fraser. The story works as well as a stage play also.

    In terms of script, performance and production values this is a triumphant piece of theatre. Seasoned actor, Ian Gelder is magnificent as Whale. His performance hits a fine balance between comedy and tragedy and is subtly nuanced. The script is tight and in spite of the intensity of the subject matter the play never drags and is filled with finely written comedic moments. Excessively muscled newcomer Will Austin takes on the role of Boone with a surprisingly fine performance. He manages to portray a man with unexpected depths with gentle empathy and sensitivity.

    The intimate space of Southwark Playhouse and the cunning lighting, sound and set design add extra dimensions to the performance also. I must also mention that the play contains male nudity (if the fine acting and script doesn’t grab your attention then three different male nudes might).

    This really is a stand out production in London theatre and a must see.

    Buy tickets here: http://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/the-large/gods-and-monsters/

  • The Queen Is Happy For Us (Queens)

    According to newly-wed STEPHEN FRY who revealed when he was a guest on THE JONATHAN ROSS SHOW, Her Majesty is delighted with the fact that we can now get married.

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  • THEATRE REVIEW | Between, Kings Head Theatre

    ★★★ | Between, Kings Head Theatre

    Like the majority of plays featuring gay men – this one too has nudity… SURPRISED?

    BETWEEN opened recently at the King Head Theatre Pub and can be seen as a 55-minute monologue adapted to fit the six characters that are played by two male actors. Loosely directed however vividly acted BETWEEN invites us to experience snippets from the portrayed lives of two childhood friends (exploring sexual activity), a couple in a relationship (suffering from sexual dysfunction) and an actor and tutor (where the actor falls for his tutor).

    The three stories are relevant to each other and it’s not that difficult to figure out the outcomes, especially when it feels as though some of the stories have not been fleshed out or evenly concentrated on.

    This short play has a few twinkling moments that these committed actors shine in nicely and I fear that these moments are not being received with the attention it deserves (as I look around the space and see the first three rows of men beaming at the boy’s semi-naked bodies).

    Constant transformations into the different characters demand the actors to change and take their shirts on and off and not tautly done this can be quite distracting; however, it has to be done as the director chose this manoeuvre. To make this play more gripping and to compliment the small performance space perhaps the capable actors should have been allowed to show an emotional change in each character rather than displayed through a physical item (t-shirt).

    May not be off the hook funny, emotional, surprising or unique but intelligence made an appearance when the impressive sonnets did – definitely a highlight and something to look out for.
    I had to go and see BETWEEN after reading the rave reviews and feel this play has so much going for it that you never stop hoping that it will get better.

    BETWEEN
    Directed by: Geoffrey Hyland
    Performed by: Nicholas Campbell and Oskar Brown
    Kings Head Theatre
    until 14th March 2015
    http://www.kingsheadtheatre.com

  • Gaydio Plans To Go National

    Gaydio, the UK’s only radio station for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people has announced that it is part of a bid to launch nationwide on DAB Digital Radio. Last week bids closed for a second UK-wide DAB multiplex, known as Digital 2, which will carry 18 new stations.

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  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Sound Of Music, National Tour 2015

    ★★★★ | The Sound Of Music

    Let’s be honest, The Sound of Music needs no introduction. The story of Maria, who is sent from the Abbey to look after the Von Trapp family, is one that is known to most. This classic musical is crammed full of songs that you cannot help but know the words to, such is their foothold in popular culture. “Climb Every Mountain”, “My Favourite Things”, “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and, of course, “The Sound of Music” are all in there, but the question is, with a show which has been performed so frequently over so many years, what can a new version bring to the stage?

    Firstly, this production brings a very good cast. Danielle Hope, who made her professional debut as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, following winning the BBC’s Over the Rainbow program, was very impressive. Her singing voice was beautiful and effortless and her stage presence could be felt. Staying on the right side of twee, she made a very good Maria and had won me over by the conclusion of her first number. Jan Hartley utterly blew the audience away with her goose pimple-inducing rendition of “Climb Every Mountain” and Grace Chapman was equally impressive and perfectly natural in her role as Liesl. Most surprisingly for me though, was the incredible talent of the youngsters playing the Von Trapp children.

    This production also brings with it a remarkable set. Appearing grand in scale (especially for a touring production), detailed and effective, it lifts the production and makes it feel fresh.The lighting and direction were of a high standard and the addition of a live orchestra only enhanced the experience. The sound in the theatre was perfect with a superb balance of music and lyrics and the performers delivered perfect diction in every line allowing the words to be heard clearly. Technically, it was a well-put together show.
    Where the production faltered slightly was in the overly camp portrayal of (Uncle) Max Detweiler and that sometimes, especially during the party scenes, the number of people in the touring cast didn’t quite fill the stage. However, I wouldn’t necessarily hold these very trivial quibbles against such a broadly enjoyable production.

    Having seen the Sound of Music undertaken by numerous professional companies over the years I have to say that this is perhaps the best version I’ve seen. Of course it’s camp, of course it’s kitsch, but therein lays the fun and the enduring appeal of this show. This touring production seems to really revitalise the show as a whole, so iron your wimple, polish your sailors whistle and catch this production on national tour.

    The Sound of Music plays at the Sheffield Lyceum until 14 February 2015 (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk) before continuing on its national tour (http://www.kenwright.com/index.php?id=1440)

    By Paul Szabo

    Also playing at:
    Kings Theatre, Glasgow
    Sands Theatre, Carlisle
    New Theatre, Cardiff
    Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon
    New Theatre, Hull
    Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes
    New Victoria Theatre, Woking
    Hippodrome Theatre, Bristol
    Congress Theatre Eastbourne
    Grand Theatre, Leeds
    Grand Opera House, Belfast
    Bord Gais Theatre, Dublin
    The Lowry, Salford

  • Queer Art From The Tate Gallery

    As part of LGBT History Month, WISE THOUGHTS @ CREATIVE CULTURE HUB (CGH) are hosting a illustrated lecture by MARCUS DICKEY HORLEY Curator of Access Projects at Tate Modern as he looks at 100 years of LGBT art from the TATE collection.

    Mr Horley’s talk will focus on how the vast Tate Collection reflects LGBT diversity and will cover work by LGBT artists, and art dealing with LGBT subjects.

    The Lecture is on Thursday 5th February 2015 from 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm

    @ Wise Thoughts, 2nd Floor, Wood Green Library, High Road, London N22 6XD. Admission is FREE.

    To reserve a seat & for further details check out :

    https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/queer-art-from-the-tate-collection-illustrated-lecture-at-wise-thoughts-cch-tickets-15272450310

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | To Kill A Mockingbird, Sheffield Lyceum & National Tour

    ★★★★ | To Kill A Mockingbird, Sheffield Lyceum & National Tour

    Harper Lee’s classic American novel, which many will remember from their schooldays, is beautifully presented in this classy and stylistic play.

    Set in the deep south of America in the 1930s, issues of racism, prejudice and optimism are explored through the eyes of the young narrator, Scout, as she learns of the flaws in those who live amongst her in her neighbourhood and counterbalances this by watching her Father, an idealistic lawyer, as he defends a black man accused of raping a white girl. As tensions build within the small community, Scout learns about the impact of both hatred and of standing up for your beliefs, regardless of external pressures.

    Despite its somewhat heavy themes and the dramatic tension displayed on stage, the play still maintains a good mixture of very gentle humour and childhood innocence which lifted it slightly, ably aided and enhanced by a strong cast who provided universally excellent performances. In particular, Zackary Momoh stood out as the accused Tom Robinson, the young leads performed well and Luke Potter provided some delightful and atmospheric musical accompaniment. The staging of the play was impressive, with scenes interspersed with the cast members reading directly from the novel, acting in the role of narrator, before seamlessly morphing into various characters in the story as another narrator took over. The actors entered and exited the stage though the audience, and placed the audience in the shoes of the Jury during the trial scenes. The set was deliberately sparse, with simple props being used to set the scene, allowing the performances and writing to be the focus and avoiding the drama being overshadowed by being style over substance. Director, Timothy Schrader cleverly utilises these techniques to provide an absorbing and engaging presentation which draws the audience in.

    To Kill A Mockingbird is a thought provoking and timely reminder of the impact of blind prejudice and despite being written around 55 years ago, it’s themes are still pertinent today, especially when considering the persecution of the gay community in various parts of the world. Overall, this is a high-quality production which is engrossing, engaging and enjoyable.

    To Kill A Mockingbird is playing at Sheffield Theatres (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk) until 31st January 2015 before continuing on its national tour (http://www.tokillamockingbirdplay.com/).

  • LGBT Victim Support Helpline Opens In UK

    Stop Hate UK are pleased to announce the launch of a helpline offering advice, support and telephone-based advocacy to victims of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Hate Crime.

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  • Man Arrested For Having Sex With Postbox In Middle Of Shopping Arcade

    A drunken man who was aroused by a Royal Mail Postbox so much so, that he approached it with his trousers down and started to rub himself against it has been found guilty of sexual offences and has been made to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.

    Paul Bennett, 45, was arrested and charged after he started to rub himself against a mailbox in front of horrified on-lookers at Scholes Precinct in Wigan, Greater Manchester. Alarmed witnesses called the police after the man exposed himself and began shouting “wow”. After finishing the act, witnesses say that he then started swinging on a lamppost.

    The court heard that the man began shouting abuse and became agitated as he was pulled away from the postbox by police officers. He pleased guilty to two counts of indecent exposure and using threatening and abusive words with abusive behaviour at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court, the Manchester Evening News reported.

    A witness who saw the scene has been said to be disgusted, Katie Beattie, prosecuting, said: “The victim was disgusted and alarmed by his behaviour. She rang the police.”

    Bennett, who was defended by Martin Jones said, “The lady watched for sometime and was ashamed, disgusted and upset and my client accepts that. Clearly there are issues that need to be addressed.”

    He was ordered to pay £50 compensation to a victim who witnessed the scene and £150 in court costs. He was also made to pay £60 in victim surcharges and had to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.

  • McDonald’s Staff Member Who Stopped Gay Kiss Will Never Work For Them Again

    A member of staff who stopped a kiss between two men has been sacked and the company say he will never work for them again.

    Speaking to the BBC’s Newsbeat, a spokesperson for the restaurant in Leicester said, “Discrimination of this nature is wholly unacceptable and not, in any way, tolerated by McDonald’s”.

    Matthew Dummigan, 23, was giving another man a “peck on the lips” when he was told to stop what he was doing by a member of staff, a bouncer employed by the chain. Dummigan asked the staff member, whether it would be okay if the kiss had been between a man and woman, “yes” was the bouncer’s reply. However Dummigan didn’t want the man to lose his job, despite the distress and upset the incident had cause, rather he go on equality and diversity training instead. He said, “The main thing I want from this is for the bouncer to be back at work after taking in some training about diversity and equality,”

    Last year a lesbian couple in London were told that they should move away from each other as to not cause offence to other diners after they shown affection towards each other.