THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales, Shoreditch Town Hall

    ★★★★ | Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales, Shoreditch Town Hall

    This immersive retelling of some of Grimm’s best-loved fairy tales, alongside a couple of less well-known ones, is an extraordinary journey through a world that is both familiar and intriguing.

    The characters find themselves in the basement rooms of Shoreditch Town Hall many years after their tales took place. They have entertained themselves by retelling their stories and invite you to join them as they do so.

    We gather amongst mysterious hooded figures in the entrance hall before Red rushes through, urging the crowd to follow her as she leads us down into the bowels of East London. Each simply-decorated room has been magically transformed to evoke a sense of suspense and wonder, but the attention to detail doesn’t stop there.

    Between performance rooms, the corridors are decorated and secret doors hide uninhabited but furnished rooms, all of which lead the mind through many more of Grimm’s tales as if those characters are residents too. The stories themselves are told in a simple manner which allows the characters to live in our own imagination as brightly as those we see before us.

    The storytellers themselves are Ashley Alymann, Sabina Arthur, Rebecca Bainbridge, Annabel Betts, James Byng, Paul Clerkin, Lindsay Dukes and Simon Wegrzyn and there really isn’t a weak link amongst them. Each holds a particular charm in their storytelling manner and an incredible ability to lead you deep into your own imagination.

    However, there is one in particular who shines through as truly exceptional. Simon Wegrzyn plays a thoroughly captivating Wolf, with a look in his eyes that is altogether as dark and conniving as the character he inhabits. Later in the evening, his Hans-My-Hedgehog is a world away from the wicked Wolf, but every inch as captivating and performed with a delightfully humorous sensitivity.

    Hans My Hedgehog is a peculiar tale, and not one I had come across previously. Half-boy half-hedgehog, Hans is disowned by his father so rides his cockerel to the woods, where he lives in a tree playing bagpipes to pigs (as you do).

    Philip Wilson has adapted Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales: For Young And Old in a manner which remains true to the author’s collection whilst allowing the stories to exist in an entirely new form. Together with Tom Rogers (set and costume), Howard Hudson (lighting) and Richard Hammarton (sound), he has created a wonderful, wondrous world where fiction really does meet reality.

    To experience this magical fairytale world for yourself (and it really is worth doing so), head over to www.grimm-tales.co.uk and book yourself a trip to Shoreditch before 24 April.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Dark Vanilla Jungle, Soho Theatre

    ★★★★★ | Dark Vanilla Jungle, Soho Theatre

    Andrea keeps getting asked if she’s ashamed.
    Ashamed of what she did to the soldier.
    Of what she did to the baby.
    But Andrea’s not ashamed at all.
    And she wants to tell you why…

    Dark Vanilla Jungle is a powerhouse of a play by award-winning playwright Philip Ridley and stars the amazing Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones, One Man Two Guvnors).

    Andrea enters onto a bare stage and starts to interact with the audience telling them her story. Initially nervous and shy, she presents her tale with a naïve charm and gaucheness that is achingly funny but mildly alarming. As Andrea’s story progresses there are hints of what’s to come and her nervous shyness turns to an increasingly frenetic and angst-ridden tirade that is breath taking, heart breaking and lyrical. Ridley’s use of language and ability to tell a multi-layered story is pure genius, much like his previous works “Tender Napalm” and “The Fastest Clock in the Universe”. Ridley is a writer at his peak.

    It’s rare that theatre is this affecting and cathartic with the audience taken on a compelling roller-coaster journey that left them bemused, amused, horrified, shaken and perturbed. Viewing this play isn’t a light experience but nor is it one that feels turgid or heavy-handed, instead being fast paced and thrilling. Although dark themes lie at the heart of the play, there’s an uplifting quality to the frenetic pace too and Andrea’s horrific experiences become something that you accept and forgive, understanding just why she isn’t at all ashamed about what she did.

    A huge credit for the power of the piece lies with actress Gemma Whelan who gives a staggering performance that is a sight to behold. The audience are left wondering quite how one actress can give so much and feel exhausted for her.

    The Soho Theatre has proven once again that it is right at the heart of innovative new theatre after a string of recent hits. This is an absolutely brilliant experience not to be missed.
    Dark Vanilla Jungle is on at Soho Theatre until the 13th of April

    Book tickets here: http://www.sohotheatre.com/whats-on/dark-vanilla-jungle-2014/

  • One Man’s Gay Marriage Protest In Wakefield

    So, it seems, not everyone is happy about same-sex marriage in the UK… As one lone man shows.

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  • One Man Gay Marriage Protest In Wakefield

    So, it seems, not everyone is happy about same-sex marriage in the UK… As one lone man shows.

    A lone man demonstrated in Wakefield against the new law, which allows same-sex couples to marry.

    The @Wakefield_Yorks twitter account uploaded this picture of the white haired man, who wasn’t wearing this season’s fashion, holding a sign saying: ‘No Same-Sex Marriage’ in front of a lesbian couple who are enjoying a kiss.

    Pretty sad we think.

    Yesterday Peter Tatchell wrote about the long fight for Same-Sex marriage, which all began in 1992.

    Dozens of gay and lesbian couples wed yesterday as the new law came into power.

    The BBC reported that 1 in 5 Britons would be uncomfortable or would refuse a wedding invite to a same-sex couple marriage.

  • 1 in 5 Britons wouldn’t come to your gay wedding

    A new poll for BBC Radio 5 Live has revealed that 20% of British people are uncomfortable with same-sex marriage and would decline an invitation.

    As the clock strikes midnight tonight gay marriage will become legal in the UK, with several couples around the country getting ready to tie the knot at 12.01AM – however a new poll has shown that 20% of Britons would refuse to accept an invitation.

    The poll by ComRes for BBC Radio 5 Live found that 68% of people agreed that same-sex marriage should be permitted – with 26% opposing. 1007 people were surveyed.

    UNCOMFORTABLE FOR MEN
    It seems as though men are more uncomfortable with the idea, with 29% saying they would not attend compared to 16% of women.

    18 to 34 year-olds are the most likely to support gay marriage with 80% backing the law. Only 44% of over 65s agree with the new law.

    FLYING THE FLAG FOR YOU
    Nick Clegg announced this week that Whitehall would be flying the rainbow flag above its offices this week – from Midnight, to celebrate the enactment of the new law, which was originally voted on last year.

     

  • Sandi and Debbie Toksvig To Re-New Vows At Southbank Centre

    Ever since the legalisation of same-sex activity 47 years ago, gay men and women across England and Wales have been waiting for this day. Now on the 29th March 2014 – a day that thousands of gay men and women across England and Wales will never forget – is the arrival of gay marriage.

    I imagine that there will be thousands of celebrations throughout England and Wales from small hamlets to major cities to celebrate such an important legal milestone. Within London there will be many special events and the LGMC (London Gay Men’s Chorus) will be part of one at the Southbank Centre where you can expect camp classics and beautiful harmonies as well as innovative choreography.

    The LGMC will be performing at the Southbank Centre to celebrate the renewing of vows by Sandi and Debbie Toksvig. Sandi Toksvig has said ‘This is a joyous occasion which Debbie and I look forward to celebrating with old and new friends. It is a public statement of pride in our love and thanks to all those who have campaigned for equality over many years’. They will also be joined by The Fourth Choir, Sharon D Clarke and keyboard virtuoso Rick Wakeman on the Royal Festival Hall Organ. According to the Guardian, the event will kick-off the Southbank Centre’s Festival of Love, which will culminate in a mass wedding at the end of August.

    The tickets are free so check out the website here: Southbank Centre

    Do also check out this link for another very exciting Channel 4 event ‘Our Gay Wedding: The Musical’ at 10pm on Monday 31st March: You Tube

  • Gay Language School Hit By Anti-Gay Hate On Facebook

    The UK’s first English language school for LGBTI people is being attacked on Facebook and elsewhere by homophobes from countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Ukraine and Poland.

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  • London’s Manbar risks closure by Westminster City Council

    Manbar, the iconic independent gay bar on Charing Cross Road will be forced to close if it loses a costly legal battle with Westminster City Council early in April.

    The bar, which is on the site of 79CXR, the legendary dance bar, which ran for eighteen years before being sold to gay entrepreneur Chris Amos, opened as Manbar in 2012.

    Since opening, Manbar has surged in popularity serving over 3000 customers a week and provided a unique and truly authentic gay space in central London.

    Repeated complaints from one resident two floors above the bar led to a licensing review last summer in which Westminster Council banned regulated entertainment (the playing of music) until such time as improvements were made. Manbar has appealed and has continued to trade pending the appeal hearing which comes before Westminster Magistrates on Monday 7th April 2014.

    In the mean time, expert advice has led to extensive works being carried out to ensure that noise nuisance, however slight, does not take place. Council officials have been involved in measuring, testing and have written to Manbar stating, ‘we are satisfied with the Sound Limiter setting, the sound limiter model and the way in which the system is now set up.’ But to no avail. Senior officers at Westminster refuse to see sense and compromise, insisting on pursuing the appeal.

    So successful has Manbar been in solving the problem that council officials could not detect any noise in the complainant’s flat. They even turned off the resident’s fridge and laptop in an attempt to hear noise.

    Whilst Manbar have been advised that they should win, if they lose they face a legal bill of up to £60,000.

    Is this fair? Should one resident’s complaint – that he can hear noise if he turns his fridge off – lead Westminster, with its draconian powers and seemingly unlimited financial muscle, to pursue and persecute tiny Manbar?

    Chris Amos is seeking support both from the gay scene and the general public to help fight off Westminster City Council.

    Today the ‘SAVE MANBAR’ campaign is being launch. Full details at www.manbarsoho.com

    Members of the public can show their support on Twitter and Facebook.

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW: Northern Ballet’s Cleopatra, Sheffield Lyceum

    After murdering her brother, Cleopatra takes the throne of Egypt, causing chaos in the Country she rules. Her dominance is reinforced by the arrival of Caesar who falls for her charms. But when Caesar is murdered, she seduces second in command, Mark Anthony, to maintain her power, despite the fact that he is married. But Cleopatra falls for him and their love becomes increasingly intense, leading to tragedy.

    Cleopatra is a show which is full of contrasts and opposites. The cast were in almost perfect synchronicity as they glided across the stage in a display of effortless grace; contrasting with the violent, dramatic and sexual imagery portrayed. The violence and drama were, in turn, counterbalanced by the sensual, erotic and sexual overtones and the themes of dominance, power and betrayal were at the opposite ends of the spectrum to the themes of love and passion.

    The set was uncomplicated allowing for a practical dance space and utilised projected images on the whitewashed buildings to great effect, nowhere more evident than when the set is seen to secrete thick red blood during one particular scene. The striking use of colour provided for a visually intriguing use of contrasts between the white set and the richly coloured costumes. Using a simple colour scheme with the majority of the cast uniformly dressed during the scenes, the pillar box red uniforms of the Roman soldiers and the deep burgundy flowing gowns of the Senate looked stunning against the pale background and enhanced the dramatic impact of the piece.

    The original score was written by Claude-Michal Schónberg, who is perhaps best known as one of the composers of Les Miserables and Miss Saigon, was very much befitting the style and themes of the piece, being heavily influenced by the traditional sounds of the Middle East. The evocative music was a mixture of sensual, dramatic, regal and ceremonial and was strikingly played by the live orchestra. The score, set, imagery and lighting as a whole evoked an atmosphere of the heat, dust and humidity of the Middle East

    The cast were all faultless and performed with intensity and passion. The costumes, which proudly displayed the muscular torsos of the male cast added to the sexually charged and testosterone fuelled atmosphere of the piece which, in turn, contrasted with the femininity of the lead character and the handmaidens. Martha Leebolt excelled as Cleopatra, showing the character’s vindictiveness and vulnerabilities. Javier Torres provided a strong male lead as Mark Anthony and Kenneth Tindall displayed serpentine-like qualities as Wadjet, the God and protector of the Pharaohs.

    Overall, Cleopatra was a very enjoyable piece, allowing for an engrossing and visually stimulating exploration of violence and eroticism.

    Northern Ballet’s Cleopatra is currently playing at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 29th March 2014. For tickets and information visit http://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/event/cleopatra-14 or visit Northern Ballet’s website for details of this; and their upcoming productions at http://northernballet.com/?q=northern-ballet-home .

    Please note that the show contains some brief male nudity.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Angel and Now We Are Pope, London Theatre, New Cross

    ★★★ | Angel and Now We Are Pope, London Theatre, New Cross

    Faith and desire clash in this premiere double-bill of one-man plays.
    In ‘Angel’, a priest devotes his life to God and fights daily against the temptations of the flesh. Now he must confront the man – or angel – or demon that haunts him.

    In ‘Now We Are Pope’, eccentric writer Frederick Rolfe rejoices in exile and the companionship of the gondoliers of Venice. Alone in his room he relives his most famous novel, Hadrian VII.

    The London Theatre is an intimate fringe venue, with the actors alarmingly close to the audience, inhabiting a small sparse set. Both actors, Christopher Peacock and Christopher Annus, give strong performances. ‘Angel’ was the more powerful of the two monologues with a strong sinister theme that packed a punch. ‘Now We Are Pope’, although intriguing, was at times rambling and hard to follow. Frederick Rolfe is definitely an intriguing character with eccentricity abounding and is certainly a character that is worth reading more about.

    The London Theatre is an interesting addition to the London Fringe Theatre scene. The double bill runs until the 23rd March 2014

    http://thelondontheatre.com

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Never Try This At Home, Sheffield Crucible Studio, UK Tour

    ★★★★ | Never Try This At Home, Sheffield Crucible Studio, UK Tour

    In this “disturbing homage to Saturday Morning television”, TV reunion show, “Looking Back Together” examines what ever happened to the cast of the anarchic TV show, Shushi, which was taken off air when things get out of hand and sexy “for the dads” presenter, Petra Massey, has a breakdown live on the show. As the peek behind the scenes reveals, not everything is well behind the custard pies and the buckets of water.

    “Told by an Idiot” Theatre Company presents this very funny, dark comedy in an affectionate, tongue in cheek tribute to the time when Tiswas and Swap Shop ruled the Saturday morning airwaves. Crammed full of references and in-jokes to those halcyon days of children’s weekend entertainment, this chaotic, laugh out loud funny and refreshingly politically incorrect show was packed full of nostalgia. The references are easy enough to spot, and with everything covered from the custard pies, the ridiculous games (“kick a vicar” and “build a dog”) and a thinly disguised Noel Edmunds impersonation, very little escapes unscathed.

    The show affectionately pokes fun at the style of TV shows of the 70’s and also a sly sideways swipe at the current crop of reunion shows. The format of the show is cleverly done, transforming the audience in the theatre into the audience of a recording of fictional TV show “Looking Back Together”, where clips of Shushi are played out (live on the stage) and the presenters are brought out and interviewed by a Jeremy Kyle tinged presenter. The TV show within a TV show format was original and worked well in the performance space.

    As for the humour, the piece was dark in its comic tone, but very funny. Ranging from slapstick to silly and including a biting social commentary on the 1970’s attitudes to race, gender and sexuality. The show does have a number of jokes where you can’t help but think “did they really just say that”, but the humour stays in a similar vein, albeit at a good arm’s length away, to Sacha Baron-Cohen’s “Borat”.

    The performances from the cast were full of energy and suitably silly, nicely parodying the presenting style of the time. The flares, wigs and catsuits fitted the show perfectly and with the amount of water, custard pies and baked beans flying around, the front row remained sensibly empty. The cast fully involved the audience and it was hard to tell at times what was rehearsed and what was improvised. The enjoyment of the cast in their performances was infectious and after the show’s 90 minutes running time, the presenters of “Shushi”, felt like old friends (in the same way that Simon Groom and John Noakes were back in the day).

    The show was really good fun, especially for those who grew up in the 70’s and brought back many memories of wasted Saturday mornings. With the laughter ringing out from the audience throughout the show, it was clear to see that the satirical writing was a huge hit with them.

    Never Try This At Home is currently playing at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre. Details and tickets can be found at http://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/event/never-try-this-at-home-14/ .

    The show then moves to Edinburgh and Soho.

    Details can be found at http://www.toldbyanidiot.org/productions/never-try-home/