THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Drag King Richard III, Riverside Studios, London

    ★★★★ | Drag King Richard III, Riverside Studios, London

    STANCE Theatre’s highly acclaimed production drags Shakespeare’s Richard III into a black comedy exploration of transgender identity.

    For Laurie, born biologically female, the frustration of living in the wrong body presents disturbing consequences with long-term lesbian friend, La Femme. She identifies with Shakespeare’s deformed anti-hero after auditioning to play him in a school production; seeing parallels with the betrayal she feels within, her from her own body and the play is interspersed with clever interpretations of Shakespearean dialogue that fit perfectly within the context of Laurie/Laurence’s story.

    When Laurence re-enters La Femme’s life after a spell away in the army, she reveals that she’s transitioning. La Femme struggles to understand this, initially and the issue brings into perspective her own thoughts and feelings about gender identity, how others perceive and react to you and what it means to be you.

    I wasn’t sure what to expect from this performance but I definitely got more than I bargained for. Terri Power’s award winning piece is a funny, deftly written play with some genuinely moving moments. The themes of identity are universal and not just applicable to transgender people. Laurie’s story is a fascinating one and one that shouldn’t feel too difficult for anyone to grasp, thanks to Power’s concise yet powerful play. The conceit of the two handed perspective and the humorous touches worked brilliantly. This is much more than a straightforward ‘issues’ play. Well worth seeing with very strong performances from the two leads.

    I wasn’t sure what to expect from this performance but I definitely got more than I bargained for. Terri Power’s award winning piece is a funny, deftly written play with some genuinely moving moments. The themes of identity are universal and not just applicable to transgender people. Laurie’s story is a fascinating one and one that shouldn’t feel too difficult for anyone to grasp, thanks to Power’s concise yet powerful play. The conceit of the two handed perspective and the humorous touches worked brilliantly. This is much more than a straightforward ‘issues’ play. Well worth seeing with very strong performances from the two leads.

  • Chris Mears and Jack Laugher take gold

    Talented duo Chris Mears and Jack Laugher take gold at the Commonwealth Games

    Unstoppable diving duo Chris Mears and Jack Laugher are the proud owners of a gold medal which they won in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The gold medal is the second to be awarded at the games, winning the men’s synchronised 3m springboard final.

    Taking to Instagram Jack said, ‘GOLD WITH MY BEST BUD @mearschris93 😀 Couldn’t be happier!!!!’

  • Safer Sex Message Urged Ahead Of Belfast Pride

    Sexual health experts are supporting Belfast Pride, to make sure that everyone taking part in this year’s festival; ‘plays safe and stays safe’. Gay and bisexual men are at particular risk of sexually transmitted infections; latest available statistics from the department of health reveal that rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis in Northern Ireland’s MSM continue to soar.

    To tackle the problem, Belfast Pride has teamed up with Confidante, who have developed the world’s only home test, to detect 10 common STIs. Stephen Henderson, Manager at Confidante, says partnering with Belfast Pride, is about, encouraging men who have sex with men to take action:

    “One of the reasons that men who have sex with men, have such high STI transmission rates, is because they don’t get tested; perhaps they’ve had a bad experience previously; or perhaps they aren’t showing any symptoms – even though they are infected; many STIs are asymptomatic. We are encouraging MSM and everyone taking part in Belfast Pride to be proud of their sexual health, protect both their partner and themselves and to get tested.”

    Seán Ó Néill, Chair of Belfast Pride Festival, is supporting this focus on Sexual Health:

    “This year’s festival is about celebrating Diversity and calling for Equality – and this equality is needed within healthcare services for all citizens including LGBTQ people. We are pleased Confidante is coming on board as a partner of the festival and offering more choice in Sexual Health testing and we are working with them to get the message across to the MSM community in Northern Ireland, in particular, to play safe and stay safe”.

    The safe sexual health message comes ahead of today’s Belfast Pride Parade, 30 thousand people are expected into the city centre to take part in the event.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Freedom Of Freewill, Doncaster Cast Theatre

    ★★★ | The Freedom Of Freewill, Doncaster Cast Theatre

    Doncaster has a rising star. Nestled amongst the urban redevelopment of the town centre, proudly placed at the side of a large open space is the Cast Theatre. There is little doubt that this impressive little theatre is going to be the centrepiece of Doncaster’s growing cultural scene. Providing a mixed programme of everything from comedy to jazz, modern dance to international acts, Cast also has one significant thing at heart – the community.

    TGUK was kindly invited along to a performance of “The Freedom of Freewill”, am abstract piece of contemporary dance, which was thought provoking and visually interesting; exploring the best and worst of human nature. Asking the question about what is freedom, and is one person’s freedom actually another person’s oppression, the show combined music, dance and visual imagery to confront the audience with images and themes which pushed at comfort zones and garnered a genuine reaction from the audience. The six young local dancers were talented and contorted into a number of shapes using their bodies, challenging the audience and forcing different viewpoints to be considered. The show is now embarking on a European tour, but it was a credit to the young performers and the production company, Urban Conceptz Theatre, who created and produced in association with Cast Theatre.

    That is where Cast Theatre is a little different. It nurtures local talent and offers an opportunity for all to be part of it – whether that is through one of their open auditions or simply as a welcome member of the audience. The venue itself is a modern and fresh looking building, all straight lines and right angles from the exterior, but inside, giving way to curved architecture and providing a visually interesting foyer, which extends the length of the building. One of the things that was immediately noticeable was the friendliness of the staff, who were more than helpful and polite. The foyer harbours a café, which provides three menus throughout the day and a selection of drinks, which is ideal for that pre-show tipple or some tapas to share with friends.

    Inside the theatre itself, it is a small and intimate venue, with very comfy seats and, for those tall ones amongst us, a generous amount of leg room. The modern interior was striking and the large tubular chandelier with its neon pink lighting looked perfectly in place. The sound in the auditorium, for this performance, was crystal clear, loud and full of bass, which suited the show perfectly. The air conditioning kept an ambient temperature, whilst never being invasive and the closeness to the stage drew you right into the performance.

    Cast was an absolutely delightful venue and one which genuinely deserves the support of the local community and those in its proximity. It is the equivalent of those little independent niche cinemas that have been springing up all over the country and its blend of independent productions of song, dance, theatre and music provide for one unique venue.

    Cast is a theatre which is a little different. It provides a performance venue for the community and specialises in its own productions, providing an opportunity for talent, both from the local area and beyond, to perform. They are one of the sponsors of Doncaster Pride 2014 and their venue will be the backdrop to this year’s re-launched Pride event. The team from Cast will be there on the day; alongside The Gay UK who will also be there; some come and find both of us and say hello.

    You can find out more about Cast’s upcoming productions by visiting their website (http://castindoncaster.com/ ); following them on Twitter (@castindoncaster) or on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/castindoncaster)

  • REVIEW | Cirque Du Cabaret, London Wonderground

    ★★★★ | Cirque Du Cabaret, London Wonderground

    The Wonderground features a packed programme of circus, cabaret and family entertainment, all taking place in the beautiful 1920s Paradiso Spiegeltent. There’s also oddities, curiosities and eccentricities from the Sideshow Wonderland run by Guinness World Record-Holder, The Space Cowboy, and the 60-metre high Star Flyer gives you an unrivalled view over London’s rooftops (if you can bear to keep your eyes open, I couldn’t!).

    There’s a huge range of top class entertainment from the saucy Briefs Boy-lesque, the breath-taking Limbo, the hilarious Tina C plus loads more burlesque, cabaret as well as more family-themed fun. It’s definitely worth getting down there just to soak up the atmosphere on a summer’s evening and hang out in style somewhere that’s a bit more exciting than being huddled together on the pavement of a sweltering London boozer getting jostled by pedestrians.

    I was lucky enough to catch the Cirque du Cabaret, hosted by the dazzling wit that is Champagne Charlie. Set in the glorious Spiegeltent with all its glittering glamour, this was an atmospheric night that sizzled with sex appeal and risqué humour. Featuring the cream of London cabaret, comedy and burlesque in an ever-changing line-up, this has got to be one of the finest nights out in the city.

    The next Cirque du cabaret is on the 8th of August at The London Wonderground. Read more here: http://www.cirqueducabaret.com

    Read more and book shows for The Wonderground here: http://www.londonwonderground.co.uk/your-visit

  • Politician Congrats Institute Backing Anti-Gay Marriage Bakers

    Jim Wells, a Northern Irish Assembley member has congratulated the Christian Institute (CI) for backing the bakery which refused a ‘gay marriage’ cake order.

    Jim Wells, 57, has taken to Twitter to congratulate the strongly gay apposed Institute by saying,

    ‘Well done to the Christian Institute for their strong backing of the family firm who refused to make a pro gay marriage cake.’

    The Ashers Bakers Co. a Christian run bakers in Northern Ireland, refused an order to make a pro ‘gay marriage’ cake because it went against the owner’s beliefs. The bakery is now facing legal action from the Equalities Commission.

    In response to the news that the Equalities Commission were seeking to undertake legal action, the minister tweeted,

    ‘Why is the Equality Commission wasting a large amount of tax payers’ money pursuing Ashers Bakery because it stands for taditional [sic] marriage?

    On its website the Christian Institute, which is described as a British evangelical Christian pressure group, has said, ‘The Christian Institute is backing this case which proves the need for the law to reasonably accommodate family-run businesses with firmly held beliefs.’ and is asking members of the public to donate to help support the Ashers Baking Company and ‘others like them.’

    The CI is a registered charity that has sought to retain section 28, to raise the age of consent for gay people and opposed the Civil Partnership Act and same-sex marriage act.

    The CI has backed many legal actions in the past, but has been unsuccessful in many attempts, most notably the CI backed Hotel owners Mr and Mrs Ball, who infamously denied lodgings to a gay couple. Numerous attempts of appeal have all subsequently failed.

    Wells has been in office since June 1998 and also believes that abortion in Northern Ireland should remain illegal, except in medical emergencies. According to Wikipedia Wells is an environmentalist and a young earth creationist, who believes the earth to be 6,000 years old.

    He is currently the Deputy Chair of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety and a member of the Committee for Justice for the Democratic Unionist Party.

  • The Big Commonwealth Gay Kiss – Barrowman Puckers Up

    Amidst the Tartan and Scotties, Scotland had a surprise up her sleeve for the millions of viewers around the globe, who tuned in to watch the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.

    Actor and singer John Barrowman grabbed a guy and gave a full on lip smacker during his stint in the opening ceremony. It is thought the kiss was done as a political statement. 40 of the 53 countries of the Commonwealth criminalise homosexuality.

    Watch the moment John Barrowman kisses a guy in the crowd below.

    The kiss mirrors a number of other same-sex kisses that have happened during a live TV broadcast. In 2012, the Eurovision showed two same-sex kisses and during the London Olympics opening ceremony, the first lesbian kiss ever on British television was replayed.

    Barrowman met his husband Scott Gill in 1993 and entered into a civil partnership in December 2006. In 2013 the pair married in the state of California after the United States Supreme Court overturned Prop 8.

    Speaker John Bercow MP said in a statement earlier this week that the Commonwealth ‘must to do more’ for the LGBT community. He said, ‘Sadly, there might be world-class athletes who will not be able to compete in the Games, as they will have been discriminated against on the basis of their sexuality; shamefully, it is estimated that 4 out of every 5 countries in the Commonwealth criminalise homosexuality. Surely, it is time for the Commonwealth to do more to support lesbian, gay, transsexual and bisexual people, to ensure they are not discriminated against, no matter where they live?’

  • Commonwealth gay kiss: “They should be burned alive”

    In case you’ve been asleep for the last day or so, the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony took place last night. In amongst the usual song and dance of such an affair, something relatively insignificant happened: a person kissed someone.

    This would usually go without comment, except for the fact it was two men; one of them being John Barrowman. I’m no massive fan of Barrowman’s attention-seeking antics, but even he does not deserve this delightful tweet from Twitter user @Looney_Ent: “This is disgusting, they should be burned alive. Commonwealth Games ceremony gay kiss #nohomo #nohomo #nohomo”

    The Twitter community dove into action, reporting the offending tweet to Twitter and the Metropolitan Police. In the face of such backlash, and following warnings from the ever-delightful @FleetStreetFox, the homophobic tweet has been removed and replaced with a barbed apology.

    Unfortunately, I couldn’t reach John Barrowman for comment.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Anorak, The Hope Theatre, Islington

    ★★★★ | The Anorak, The Hope Theatre, Islington

    The Anorak tells the story of the École Polytechnique Massacre, when Marc Lepine shot 28 people, killing 14 at a Canadian Polytechnic college in 1989.

    Told from the point of view of the killer, the play separates its audience into two groups: men and women and much of the 70 minute play is directed solely towards the male audience members. This one man play recounts Lepines’ early life, his relationship with his mother and sister, and his justifications for the killings. In light of recent events, particularly the shooting in Santa Barbara, which similarly targeted female students by a student who was unable to get a girlfriend, this play is immediately unnerving and poignant.

    Originally written by Adam Kelly, a Canadian writer, the play has won several awards in Canada. This adaptation sees Felix Brunger take the lead role with Matthew Gould at the helm as director. Brunger is believable if not quite likeable in the lead role, the audience is left short of being on his side during the play. He recounts his version of events and his early life, and there are occasional moments of relief from the heavy subject at hand with throw-away lines such as ‘like who gets rejected from the Canadian Army?’
    Overall this adaptation is well acted and handles the heavy subject matter with care; Brunger owns the role of the social outcast completely, keeping the (male) audience on edge as he directs his attention only to them. (I can’t say what it was like as a female audience member being practically ignored for most of the performance).

    The Anorak is on for only a short time at The Hope Theatre 207 Upper Street in Islington, inside the Hope and Anchor. Tickets available online through offwestend.com

  • BNP Youth Member Threatens To Disown Dog Over Penis Licking

    A BNP Youth Organiser has seemingly threatened to disown his dog because it licks the penises of other dogs.

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  • CCTV Images Released After Homophobic Attack on Man In Leeds

    The British Transport Police are looking for people with information after a 21-year-old man was attacked outside a Leeds train station.

    Officers from the BTP releases images of two men they want to identify and speak to following the incident, which occurred at 3.10am on Saturday, 5 July.

    PC Daniel Worthington, the investigating officer, said, “The victim, a 21-year-old man from Leeds, was in McDonald’s restaurant in the station when he was approached by a group of four men.

    “After initially engaging him in conversation, the group then followed the victim to the taxi rank where they began to shout homophobic abuse at him. Two members of the group then attacked the victim, punching him in the head and face before running off.”

    The victim sustained swelling and bruising to his face and a cut lip following the attack.

    PC Worthington added: “No one should be assaulted or abused in such a way for any reason, including their sexual orientation. We take incidents of this nature very seriously and simply will not tolerate this type of deplorable behaviour on the rail network.

    “If you recognise the men pictured please come forward as we believe they may be able to assist in this investigation.”

    If you recognise the men in the CCTV images or can assist the investigation in any way please call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting log PSUB/B3 of 11/07/14 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.