THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Fashion Victim, The Musical

    ★★★ | Fashion Victim, The Musical

    Fashion Victim, The Musical originally premiered in 2007 by Toby Rose and stared Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus. Now directed by Robert McWhir, setting up shop in the beautiful Cinema Museum in London and boasting a cast of performing fashionistas, the show promises to be the number one spot for all front row fashion wannabes.

    The strong cast led by the amazingly talented and side splittingly funny Carl Mullaney also consists of the leading lady Rosie Glossop, sexy James Wilkinson, beautifully articulate Aimee Barrett and fashion model Aaron Blake. Model and actress Camilla Rutherford also stared in the show as a first in a series of celebrities to make a small cameo appearance. I have to say beautiful as she is, Camilla’s performance was as awkward as she seemed standing there and I felt perhaps another great cast member would be more prudent than a lacklustre celebrity presence.

    Through a cleverly written, modern and stylish script and a set of catchy pop tunes we are told a classic story of “style-crossed” lovers. Average girl meets hunky model boy with impressively chiselled cheekbones, girl shags boy for fame, girl leaves boy for more fame, girls gets busted for being a press hungry whore, boy regains fame and somehow everyone ends up happy. Not the most original story (though perhaps not the most classic story either) but it’s fun, fashionable, bitchy and sexy. We can’t want for much more than that, can we?

    Speaking of sexy, if your anything like me you’ll enjoy seeing the scrummy male dancers wearing well, not a lot. Celebrity choreographer Ryan Jenkins knows how to get them moving I’ll tell you that!

  • House prices have risen 31 PER CENT in London

    New research from comparison site Gocompare.com has highlighted the disproportionate growth in the London housing market when compared to the rest of the UK since the last general election in May 2010.

    Under the Conservative-led coalition, average house prices in the capital have risen by a staggering £103,323, on average, from £331,711 in 2010, to £435,034 this year. This means purchasing a property in London four years ago is the equivalent of having a second income of £25,830.

    However, the figures show that the story isn’t the same across the entire country, as only five of the nine regions of England and Wales enjoyed any rise whatsoever over the four year period. The house price data also shows that the North/South divide is alive and well, as the North West, North East, Wales and Yorks & Humber regions all experienced a drop in house prices.

    Though London house prices have risen by a staggering 31.15%, excluding the capital the rest of England and Wales only saw a rise of 0.16%, or £217.38, on average. Of the other regions, the South East experienced the most growth with a 7.8% (£16,384) rise in property values, which is still nearly four times lower than the boom enjoyed in London.

    Conversely, the North East suffered the biggest drop in house prices as values fell by 8% from £107,717 in 2010 to £99,001 in 2014, an average slump of £8,716.

    Matt Sanders mortgage spokesperson at Gocompare.com commented, ‘It’s no secret that London is a particularly expensive place to live, however the difference between house price rises in the capital when compared with the rest of England and Wales really does lend weight to the phrase ‘London prices’.

    ‘These figures will do little to comfort Londoners looking to get on the property ladder. However, those in other areas of the country should be reassured that despite talk of rising house prices across the UK, outside of the capital, there hasn’t been a big change in the affordability of property. And even with the recent tightening of mortgage lending rules, with low interest rates and competitive mortgage deals available it’s still very much a buyer’s market.

    ‘With the European elections behind us and British political parties now focusing on next year’s general election, balancing the housing market and preventing a London bubble, must surely be a key issue.’

    For people overwhelmed by mortgages, Gocompare.com has a collection of mortgage guides available on their website, including guides for first time buyers and information regarding the government’s Help to Buy scheme.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Bath House, Above The Stag

    ★★★★ | Bath House, Above The Stag

    For their summer production, Above The Stag have returned to one of their successes from 2009. Bath House The Musical is a fun, frothy, irreverent romp, which is quite perfect for a summer evening. Given the fact that the cast spend most of the time wearing nothing but a towel, I imagine they’re quite relieved they are performing on warm summer evenings.

    The story, such as it is, concerns young Billy, wide-eyed and innocent, who turns up at the baths looking for love and fun. Advised on bathhouse etiquette by the disembodied voice of Giles Brandreth, he explores the steam room, the locker room, the showers and anywhere else he might find a bit of cock. Threaded through this narrative is a bit of an unlucky love story, but, don’t worry, there are no real broken hearts, and very little interrupts the generally high spirits of the show. Lyrics and script are both very funny.

    The score is a witty amalgam of musical references from Ethel Merman to jolly Christmas songs, not that you have to get the musical references in order to enjoy songs with titles like I’m a Bear Chaser, Clickin’ for dick, Bathhouse ABCs, Christmas at the Baths, and the hilariously sweet Penises are like Snowflakes. I’m still humming the tune three days after the show.

    Tim McArthur, who directed Above The Stag’s recent successful production of Orton, directs and also stars in the show, and proves to have excellent comic timing and a lovely voice. His direction and choreography is well conceived and never less than apt, but I did occasionally wonder if he might not have had a bit more cheeky fun with the towels.

    In such an ensemble piece, it would be insidious to single out any of the performers, who all get their moment to shine and who all give excellent accounts of themselves. The show being rather short, it ends with a sort of disco megamix of all the songs from the show, a la Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. It’s quite a marathon and my only criticism would be that the entire cast found it a wee bit taxing. In my experience the only way you prepare for something like that is to build the stamina by repeating the number without a break twice or three times. Maybe they didn’t have time. No worries, I’m sure they will build up the stamina by the end of the run.

    The projected run of Bath House The Musical sold out so quickly that it has been extended by three weeks and will now run until August 9th, so if you didn’t get your booking in early, there’s still time to catch it.

    Bath House the Musical is at the Above the Stag theatre in Vauxhall.

  • New gay club night to shake up Brighton’s night life

    ‘FOMO’ (Fear Of Missing Out) announced as Revenge’s new Thursday club night from July onwards.

    After leading the way for over seven years as Brighton’s Favourite Club Night (Golden Handbag Awards), Girls on Top is growing up and evolving into a weekend monthly special. In its place, Club Revenge – the South Coast’s biggest gay & lesbian club – welcome an exciting new weekly night that looks set to revolutionise clubbing on the scene; ‘FOMO’.
    FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) launches on Thursday 3rd July and aims to surpass the record-breaking success of Girls on Top with a refreshed DJ line-up, wild themed nights, new cheap drinks promos and massive giveaways.

    Steve Jones, Promoter of FOMO and Club Revenge: “We’re working really hard to create a night which consistently delivers week after week so that if people do decide to stay at home, they’re genuinely going to miss something special and suffer from FOMO! It’s all about creating that unique electric club atmosphere which you only get from the perfect combination of a great crowd and the right music, and that’s something we can guarantee at FOMO.”

    Musically, FOMO have hand-picked the UK’s finest DJs to ensure the soundtrack of the night delivers on its promise of “big beats, bad ass basslines and mashed up bangers”.

    Sam DMS is renowned across the country for his ingenious mash-ups that constantly keep people on their toes and ensure no two nights are the same. Missy B has headlined girls’ nights in every major city and continues to set dancefloors on fire with her high-energy style. Fifilicious has graced every major DJ booth in Brighton and beyond, as crowds continue to fall in love with her inventive, exciting mixes and infectious personality. And finally Trick, Revenge’s home grown talent whose cool twist on all things pop provide plenty of crowd-pleasing moments.

    Revenge are offering a range of drinks promotions, including bottles of Fosters and Tequila shots for £1.50 and a double vodka and mixer for just £3.

  • Top UK Judge Calls For Conscience Clause For Christians With Anti-Gay Beliefs

    A Judge who originally threw out the Christian B&B couples’ attempts to overturn a ruling that said they could not discriminate against gay couples has had a rethink and dropped all legal costs.

    Supreme Court deputy president Baroness Hale has ordered that all legal costs faced by Peter and Hazelmary Bull be dropped, after the couple’s final attempt at an appeal was thrown out of court, in a highly unusual move, which could save the hoteliers thousands of pounds.

    According to the Bristol Post Baroness Hale has called for ‘a re-think on gay and religious rights more than six months after she refused hoteliers Peter and Hazelmary Bull’s final appeal.’ The B&B owners had made several attempts to have the ruling overturned.

    Mr and Mrs Ball turned away gay couple Martyn Hall and Steven Preddy in 2008, citing religious beliefs for the reason why the two men couldn’t share a room. Mr Hall and Mr Preddy then took the Bulls to court in a high-profile court case, which the civilly partnered couple won. The Bulls were ordered to pay £3600 in damages to Mr Hall and Mr Preddy.

    Baroness Hale said that she may have been wrong in condemning the couple and that the law should work on a “conscience clause” for Christians in cases like the Bulls.

    In 2013, Baroness Hale was named as the fourth most powerful woman in the UK in BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour 100 Power List.

    On the Hotel’s website the Bulls state,

    ‘Here at Chymorvah we have few rules, but please note that as Christians we have a deep regard for marriage (being the union of one man to one woman for life to the exclusion of all others).

    ‘Therefore, although we extend to all a warm welcome to our home, our double bedded accommodation is not available to unmarried couples. Thank you.’

  • REVIEW | Limbo, London Wonderground

    ★★★★★ | Limbo, London Wonderground

    Witness heart-stopping illusions, mind-bending manoeuvres, breath taking dance moves and thrilling live music from a coterie of highly skilled international performers. A summer celebration of otherworldly proportions: welcome to the greatest party ever between heaven and hell.

    If you’re expecting light circus tricks with cheesy grins and fluffy plinky-plonky music then you’re going to be disappointed. Instead you get sweaty muscled bodies, sinister tunes and tongue in cheek dark high camp. Expect to be on the edge of your seat, gasping in shock and feeling slightly frisky as you witness some beautiful people doing some death defying stunts. Sword swallowing, balancing acts, contortionism and aerial displays may be old hat but not when they’re performed with such panache and verve that there’s a whole new spin on it.

    The choreography is superb, the tone hits the right pitch and the atmosphere is electric. I’m not normally a person who gets carried away with the moment (inner monologue and intrusive thoughts: think Woody Allen but more camp) but this is a spectacle that drags you along with it and you wonder how the time went so quickly. Plus, you get to sit inside the gorgeous Spiegeltent on the Southbank; once home to legends like Dietrich, Coward and Garland.

    This pumping, dirty, beast of a show is a must see. Did I mention that the boys are gorgeous?

    Limbo runs until the 17th of August

  • Show That Explores Animal Sexuality Accused Of Gay Bestiality Propaganda

    A show which compares human sexuality and that of animals has been accused of being ‘Gay Bestiality Propaganda’

    The petition, which was created by George Gilbert, has been signed by over 1000 people who are against a play that is currently showing at The Kings Head theatre in London.

    The show aims to compare human’s sexuality with that of animals.

    The opening statement of the petition reads, ‘As the name of the play ‘Sex with animals’ suggests, it is absolutely horrifying and disgusting that the play of this name has been staged in the name of exploration of animal sexuality. By signing this petition we oppose abuse and sexual exploitation of animals suggested by this play which is already implied in the name of the play. We also oppose all propaganda suggesting or encouraging abuse and sexual exploitation of animals by this play, otherwise termed as bestiality or zoophilia.’

    Gilbert is asking petitioners to agree with the following statement: ‘Therefore this group of men with homosexual and bestiality tendencies needs to be identified and along with dramaturg, producer, director, and all the creative cast should be publicly challenged and hold accountable for:

    1. Staging a play with potential for suggesting animal abuse – bestiality propaganda (Direct/indirect message is there, if some others entirely subliminal.)
    2. Thematic consequences of the play.
    3. Getting credits and blame for what the play does and does not.
    4. The name of the play which may distorts the nature of the play, if this is the case.
    5. Rationality of the play and expected implications in a viewer’s life. (Provide a scientific evidence on which the play is based).
    Further we are asking all responsible for the play to:
    6. Present shared belief on abuse and sexual exploitation of the animals – from dramaturg, producer and playwright of the play especially, to all the creative cast.
    7. Publicly clarify their own sexual preferences since they appear to advocate what seems to be ‘sex with animals’ – gay bestiality propaganda
    Lastly, we are calling on launching an investigation into whether any animals in their personal care are in danger of abuse or sexual exploitation.’

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Last Of The Duty Free

    ★★ | Last Of The Duty Free

    Following on from the popular TV series of the 1980’s, Last Of The Duty Free see’s David and Linda having both pulled the wool over their respective partners eyes and reunite at the hotel in Spain where they began their love affair all those years before. But with Robert and Amy both arriving at the resort, suspicious of their cheating spouses, an interfering newly married couple managing to get the wrong end of the stick with every situation they observe and Carlos the waiter still struggling with his sore feet, the scene is set for more romance, confusion and narrow escapes as David and Linda try to reignite their passions.

    The show reunites three of the four main actors from the original show; Keith Barron, Gwen Taylor and Neil Stacey all revive their TV roles, with Carol Royle joining them as Linda. The cast appeared to have slipped comfortably back into their old roles, with them all giving very natural performances.

    Written by Eric Chappell, who co-wrote the original series, the humour was gentle and subtle, generating chuckles, rather than belly laughs. The comedy was very non offensive, and played on comedy staples such as mistaken identity, near misses, misunderstandings over unrequited desires and battles of both wits and the sexes. In its style, the piece was very traditional and in perfect keeping with the original TV series and in a similar vein to other comedy series written by Chappell, such as Only When I Laugh and Rising Damp. The story was suitably simple and undemanding; allowing the audience to be transported back to their living rooms of the 80’s to watch the TV sitcom unfold live on stage. The play, thankfully, didn’t try to update itself and cram in numerous references to its modern day setting, remaining faithful to its roots, with only the briefest mention of mobile phones.

    The set was static and did have an essence of the purpose built hotel complexes associated with inexpensive package holidays, and the brief interludes of Spanish guitar music generated a holiday feel. Both the direction and the lighting were functional and the sound clear and audible.

    The Last of the Duty Free is curious a show. Whether you enjoy this play will depend largely on whether you enjoyed the original TV series and the classic sitcoms of the 1980’s. The play is unlikely to win over many new fans, and you do have to wonder why the show is revived 28 years after it ended its highly successful TV run. The play may be described as dated by some in terms of both its setting or writing, but equally, could be described as nostalgic by others, harking back to a style of inoffensive comedy and a more established style of conventional comedy writing.

    Last of the Duty Free is currently playing at the Sheffield Lyceum until Saturday 21st June 2014 before rounding off its national tour.

  • Gay Men At Greatest Risk Of Sexually Transmitted Infections

    A shocking new report from Public Health England (PHE) shows that gay men and young adults are most at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.

    There were 446,253 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed in England in 2013, according to new Public Health England (PHE) data out today – close to the number diagnosed in 2012 (448,775 cases).

    Chlamydia was the most common STI, making up 47% of all diagnoses (208,755), while gonorrhoea diagnoses saw a large rise, up 15% from 2012 to 2013 (29,291).

    Among heterosexuals diagnosed in genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in 2013, young people (15-24 years) experienced the highest STI rates – 63% of chlamydia cases (56,034), 54% of genital warts (36,312), 42% of genital herpes (12,450) and 56% of gonorrhoea (8,122).

    Gay men were also disproportionately affected, accounting for 81% of syphilis (2,393) and 63% of gonorrhoea (13,570) cases in male GUM clinic attendees. Gonorrhoea diagnoses rose 26% in this group, nearly double the national rate, which is of particular concern as harder to treat gonorrhoea strains emerge.

    Dr Catherine Lowndes, consultant scientist in PHE’s STI surveillance team, said: ‘Sustained efforts to encourage people to regularly get checked for STIs means we are now finding and treating more infections – which is good news. Nevertheless these data show too many people are still getting STIs each year, especially young adults and gay men.

    ‘Investment in promoting good sexual health awareness, contraception and condom use, and STI testing is vital, as is ongoing investment in easy to access sexual health services that meet the needs of local populations. Not only will this help bring down STI rates but abortion rates and under 18 conceptions as well.’

    National guidance recommends local services routinely offer chlamydia screening to young adults but only 15% of young men and 35% of young women were tested in 2013. Wide variation across the country were seen in rates of chlamydia testing and diagnoses – with only around 1/3 of local authorities reaching the recommended chlamydia screening outcome (2,300 diagnoses per 100,000 young adults per year).

    Dr Lowndes, PHE, continued: ‘Chlamydia can have serious consequences, including infertility, if it’s not treated. These data show we need to do more to encourage young adults to ask for testing every year when they attend health services.

    ‘Local areas can look at embedding screening into a variety of settings to make it as easy as possible for this group to get tested. Offering a young adult a chlamydia test opens the door to conversations about other important aspects of good sexual health, such as contraception and condom use.’

    Individuals can significantly reduce their risk of catching or passing on an STI by consistently and correctly using condoms until all partners have had a sexual health screen, by reducing the number of sexual partners, and by avoiding overlapping sexual relationships.

    If in one of the highest risk groups, getting screened regularly will lead to early identification and treatment, as these infections are frequently asymptomatic:
    · Sexually active under 25-year-olds should be screened for chlamydia every year, and on change of sexual partner
    · Gay and bisexual men should have an HIV/STI screen at least annually or every three months if having unprotected sex with new or casual partners
    · Black African men and women should also have an HIV test and a regular HIV/STI screen if having unprotected sex with new or casual partners.

    Cary James, Head of Health Improvement at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: ‘These figures show we now have more gay men testing more regularly, and that’s a good thing. However, it’s not the whole picture. Too many men are taking risks with their sexual health, more often than not because they believe they share a HIV status with their partner. Even if they’re right – which many of them aren’t – eliminating HIV risk does not make you immune to other STIs. The sharp increase in rates of both gonorrhoea and syphilis is concerning, especially in the context of emerging drug-resistant strains of gonorrhoea.

    ‘Part of the problem is that the current approach to sex education in schools is leaving gay and bisexual men out in the cold. Gay men will continue to be disproportionately affected by sexual ill health until we have a proper programme of sex and relationships education in all schools, that is fit for the 21st century and covers all types of relationship. Taught properly, sex and relationships education has been shown to delay sexual activity, reduce the number of sexual partners, and increase the use of condoms. Having that bedrock in place is a vital step to give gay and bisexual men the confidence as adults to make healthy decisions about sex.’

  • Londoners Set To Star Alongside Pride In London Celebs

    Londoners to star alongside celebrities supporting Pride in London’s #FreedomTo multi-channel ad campaign

    With just two weeks to go until the main Pride in London event celebrating the LGBT+ community, the event organisers can today unveil a celebrity-backed evolving campaign in which Londoners will be invited to become part of the marketing to promote this year’s #FreedomTo theme.

    The 2014 Pride in London Parade will take place on Saturday the 28th June. This year’s theme is #FreedomTo, which is all about celebrities and members of the public alike communicating what Pride means to them.

    In a first for Pride, members of the public could see themselves being used in the promotional activity in the run-up to the Pride in London parade. Handling the user generated content and display element of the campaign is digital out of home agency Enigma – www.enigmacode.co.uk – whose founder, Andrew Newman, helped to devise a commercial strategy for Pride in London.

    Celebrities including Sir Ian McKellan, Kylie Minogue, Graham Norton, Sir Elton John and Ben Cohen have already backed the campaign. Of the 150+ messages already submitted, examples include:
    Sir Ian McKellan: “#FreedomTo be who you are and what you would like to be”
    Graham Norton: “#FreedomTo be camp!”

    Funmi Iyanda: “#FreedomTo support equality without fear and harassment”
    To get involved, members of the public are asked to write their own personal #FreedomTo messages on a large piece of paper. By sharing this photo on Facebook or Twitter using the #FreedomTo hashtag, the Pride team will pick it up. Submissions that catch the eye of the team will be invited you to a photoshoot. More information can be found here: www.prideinlondon.org/freedomto.

    Media owner Exterion Media has become a campaign partner, contributing more than half a million pounds worth of support. This commitment means the multi-channel campaign featuring the personal #FreedomTo messages and sponsors’ logos will be prominent across London’s bus and tube network, reaching millions of Londoners in the event build-up every single day.
    This video introduces the #FreedomTo campaign: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_fiQefoSL8

    The media campaign will evolve over the course of the two weeks leading up to Pride day. The first week will include a call to action asking members of the public to submit their own personal #FreedomTo messages. The people behind the best entries will then be filmed and included in animated panel adverts alongside the supporting celebrities.
    The second week – Pride Week (Commences Monday 23rd June) – the panels will also show highlights of supportive Pride parties, galas and live events – all of which are detailed here: http://prideinlondon.org/plan/whats-on/. This content will all be filmed by attendees themselves using filmmaking app Seenit, and in a user generated content first, the footage will then be edited by Enigma to be shown on the Exterion screens.

    On Pride Day itself, the tube ads will change to say ‘Happy Pride’, including geo-specific information about how to travel to the Pride event from that station.

    A media relationship has been struck with TV channel London Live, which will see the channel take the user generated content to create community profile films to be serialised during Pride Week.

    Andrew Newman, co-founder of Enigma had the following to say, ‘We’re delighted this campaign has attracted the imagination of celebrities and members of the public alike, bringing people together for a common cause. Not only can you support Pride as before, you can now be a part of the campaign around it!

    ‘As Pride requires commercial support to be held, we needed to strike a balance to ensure that our diverse community was represented, while giving real value to sponsors and brands. We feel the #FreedomTo campaign achieves that and is something we can all be proud of.’

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Rock The Ballet, Peacock Theatre, London

    The Bad Boys of Dance’s new show “Rock the Ballet” bills itself as “a high-octane intersection of classical and contemporary set to a soundtrack of popular music”, so you wouldn’t be expecting much poetry or lyricism, and you’d be right. These dancers twist and turn and gyrate in a display of virtuososity, which is both breath-taking and exhausting to watch.

    That said, it got off to a rather slow start. The first act, labelled Beautiful Day, with the boys in casual jeans and polo shirts, tried, somewhat unsuccessfully, to meld a boy meets girl, falls in love with girl, falls out and falls back in again storyline to a pop soundtrack of U2, Coldplay and Donny Hathaway.

    Choreographed by Adrienne Cantera, who also brilliantly danced the central female role, this first act didn’t really coalesce until the final U2 “Beautiful Day”, when finally Cantera and all the boys came together in a dazzling whirl of energy. It was here too that the choreography most matched the music it was set to. Till then there had been bursts of invention, punctuated by too many moments of what I can only describe as mark till ready filling in. I also rather unkindly w ondered if we got a bit too much of Canterra, superb though she is. After all it was the guys we had come to see, and this first act harked back to old fashioned glorification of the prima ballerina. Apart from a few thrilling sequences from James Boyd, the boys took something of a back seat.

    All this was put to rights in the second act, when all the boys were at last given their chance to shine, and there was no doubting it was the boys the audience had come to see. It opened with a darkly atmospheric rendering of Brotzjor’s “Olafur Ornald”, and I had rather hoped that this more lyrical opening was an indication of how things were to go. However it wasn’t long before we were back to the energetic, pumping pop of the first act, only this time it was sexier, the boys in tight black pants and white vests. In particular, Blake Zelesnikar, who had caught my eye in the first half, was finally given his moment, first in a sexy duet with Canterra and then on his own. Judging from the audience reception, and the screams of delight from some of the girls (and no doubt some of the boys), I wasn’t the only one to notice him. This boy has sexual charisma in spades. James Boyd too got some amazing solo work in this half, and was the first one to show off his rippling torso. When all the guys finally got their shirts off and danced topless, there was no doubting that this is what the audience had come to see. It was also at this point my critical faculties deserted me. So who cares if it’s not exactly artistic? When Zelesnikar is flexing his muscular torso, nothing else seems to matter. Putting their jackets back on, they came out for an encore of (fittingly) “Sexy and I know it”, one by one stripping off their jackets again and flirting with the audience. By this time everyone was screaming for more, and I couldn’t really blame them.

    It’s not a show that’s likely to appeal to dance purists, and in all honesty it’s a bit safe, especially when you consider what Michael Clark was doing to pop music twenty odd years ago. But if you want to see some sexy boys, strutting their stuff and showing off their virtuosity (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) then this is the show for you.

    Rock the Ballet runs until June 28th at the Peacock Theatre.

    3 stars for the show (that’s the critic in me)
    5 stars for Zelesnikar (OK, so I can be shallow.)