THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker – Leeds Grand Theatre

    ★★★★☆ | Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker – Leeds Grand Theatre

    Everyone has their own event which confirms to them that the festive season has arrived, and for some, Christmas isn’t Christmas until they have had their traditional trip to see Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. The ballet tells the story of Clara, a young girl who is given a gift of a nutcracker which comes to life, and the handsome Nutcracker Prince transports her on a magical journey to battle The Mouse King, to sweep through a snow-filled forest and on to a celebration in an enchanted garden.

    There are a number of things to recommend this production, there is humour in its presentation, with some well-timed moments of comedy, whilst the scene in the snow-filled wood was enchanting. David Nixon has choreographed a thoroughly enjoyable ballet which simultaneously feels both traditional and fresh, and which has benefitted enormously from its new look and costumes.

    Northern Ballet is well known for their theatrical presentation and their storytelling; both of which combine to make this revamped production ideal for all. Young families will be charmed by the magic and spectacle; ballet novices will find the story accessible and enjoy the well-paced number of short set pieces which provides plenty of variation; and for those with a love for ballet, there are the technically impressive performances. Throw into the mix a live orchestra performing a score which you will instantly recognise and you have all the elements of a beautifully presented ballet.

    The Nutcracker is an utterly charming, enchanting and high-class production which is full of sparkle; and if the end of the first act doesn’t leave you feeling festive, then very little will.

    Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker is at Leeds Grand Theatre until the 16th December 2018. Visit www.northernballet.com for more details

  • Bianca Del Rio took over Good Morning Britain and it was EPIC

    Bianca Del Rio took over Good Morning Britain and it was EPIC

    Bianca Del Rio is in the country.

    Winner of 2014’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, Bianca Del Rio, was in the Good Morning Britain studios this morning and it was epic. She is, of course, in the UK to promote and perform in her new stand up show, It’s Jester Joke. In fact, she’s making drag history to be the first drag queen to perform at Wembley Arena.

    Appearing on GMB, viewers couldn’t help but notice that usual presenter, Piers Morgan, did not conduct the interview and replaced by Ben Shepard. It left people speculating on why Piers had missed out on the interview with Bianca.

    One social media user said, “I just find it amusing Piers Morgan wasn’t there. Either he or the producers knew damn well Bianca would tear him a new one”

    While another added, “We need @TheBiancaDelRio on GMB every morning! She would SHRED Piers Morgan to pieces!!”

    On the show, she also presented the weather with brilliant results! The next Laura Tobin?

    Watch Bianca talking about getting away with murder when she’s dressed in drag!

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Rock of Ages – National Tour

    ★★★☆☆ | Rock of Ages – National Tour

    (C) JEREMY DANIEL

    A number of years before TV series Glee rekindled people’s love of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”, Rock of Ages had been using the song as its centrepiece for some time; as the show tells the story of a bunch of misfit characters who battle to save their favourite bar, fall in love and work their way through a catalogue of eighties soft rock classics.

    Beautifully held together by narrator, Lonny (a deliciously camp performance from Lucas Rush), and with a strong ensemble cast, the show’s humour is a little close to the bone on occasions but proves to be immense fun, with plenty of laugh out loud moments, some great ensemble set pieces and some excellent vocal performances. Luke Walsh stands head and shoulders above the crowd as Drew, belting out the musical numbers with, seemingly, no effort whatsoever and never once having to strain or force a note.

    The production has certainly benefitted from a makeover, especially in the excellent lighting design; the musical numbers come at you thick and fast and the cast gets the audience involved from the outset. Whilst underneath it all, the show has a message about following your dreams, it’s the party atmosphere, energy and enthusiasm of the cast that sweep you along as the show heads towards its rousing finale and brings the crowd to their feet.

    Rock of Ages cranks up the comedy, camp and chaos to eleven, and proves that “sex, drums and rock ‘n’ roll” are still very much alive.

    Rock of Ages is on National Tour. For details visit the show’s website at http://www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk/ 

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Magic Mike Live, Hippodrome Casino, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | Magic Mike Live, Hippodrome Casino, London

    ★★★★| Magic Mike Live, London

    Expect to be titillated, turned on, terrified (a bit) and perhaps tortured when you go see the newest, and hottest, strip show in town.

    Channing Tatum presents Magic Mike Live, on stage in London at The Hippodrome Casino. And while Channing Tatum won’t be on stage taking his clothes off for the audience’s pleasure (though he did attend last week’s opening night), you can guarantee that what you’ll get is exactly what you saw in Tatum’s Magic Mike films where Tatum, and several other hot actors, played male strippers (Magic Mike (2012) and Magic Mike XXL (2015)). Both films made lots of money – and so will this show (tickets range from £29 to £95).

    Magic Mike Live is 90 minutes of pure adult entertainment (for the ladies) where more than a dozen good-looking, sexy, hot, and did I mention sexy? men perform for the screaming crowd in a dance and acrobatic spectacular in front of, behind, and literally above their audience. But things get better when the men strip off (to their black undies) and give lap dances to the lucky audience members for performances that are unforgettable and breathtaking.

    What is forgettable is the emcee for the evening – Sophie Linder-Lee. Her task is to talk the audience through the action – but it is really necessary? The action, and the male flesh, speaks for themselves!

    The theatre at the Hippodrome Casino has been transformed into an intimate, state of the art, magical new home just for Magic Mike Live. And the show is booking all the way to October 2019 – this is how popular the show is!

    Just remember, it is strictly an over 18 only event, and sure the audience members are allowed to touch the men, but just be careful that your hands don’t wander to parts unknown!

    And after 90 minutes, your heart and blood, will be racing for what is being billed as ‘the sexiest, steamiest show in town.” And while it’s mostly for the ladies, on the night I saw it there were about 6 guys in the audience – a couple were accompanying their missus but the others were gay. So don’t be intimidated – go see the show. And hopefully one of the boys will give you a lap dance!

    Magic Mike Live plays at the Hippodrome Casino, London until Sunday 27 October 2019. Book now

     

     

     

  • Theresa May remembers those who have died from AIDS

    Theresa May remembers those who have died from AIDS

    The British Prime Minister, Theresa May has paid tribute to those lost to AIDS-related illnesses.

    PM Theresa May has taken to Twitter to paid tribute to those who have lost their lives due to AIDS-related illnesses.

    Speaking from the G20 summit in Argentina, the PM said, that it was also important to remember the support needed by those living with HIV today.

    Ms May went on to say that she was “proud” that the UK was one of the first countries in the world to honour the UN’s 90/90/90 target which is related to HIV diagnoses, treatment and viral suppression.

    Ms May also went on to say that globally the UK is helping “millions of people” access much-need antiretroviral therapy and supporting HIV prevention in some of the world’s poorest nations.

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Wizard Of Oz, Birmingham Rep

    ★★★★★ |The Wizard Of Oz, Birmingham Rep

    • a marvel spectacle matching the West End

    This seriously was the most fun I’ve had at a theatre for a long time. My jaw dropped countless times at the set, costumes, effects and the talent of the ensemble. The Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E Y Harburg, is a story that has been part of every generation, and The Rep pulled out all the stops with this gem.

    From the start, you were gripped by Dorothy’s plight, and we highly sympathised with her not wanting to give such a cute dog away. The first scenes, our hearts melted with the use of a real dog who just looked adorable as the scenes moved and swished around him. Chisara Agor played Dorothy with much sweetness and love, making for a very heart-wrenching story live on stage. Chisara was very dexterous with her singing and movement abilities; it made for an unstoppable watch.

    The three main characters, Scarecrow (Ed Wade), Tin Man (Dillon Scott-Lewis) and Lion (Kelly Agbowu) were surreally brilliant; sublime in their characterisation. Other than the original film, their portrayal was my favourite, and I felt like a kid again. I was a little nervous that the show may have been more for children, but every generation was in awe and drawn in with the magic and illusion. Ed was superb as the scarecrow with mannerisms being truly identical to the film, but with his own twist, rolling around and walking differently. Dillon was a movement mastermind. His dance ability resulted in a masterpiece performance of Tin Man – the way he walked and moved was an eye-popping effect on its own. I would watch it again purely to watch Dillon as Tin Man. Lion, played by Kelly, though lacking in courage, had vocal chords of an Angel, seriously what a voice! I can see why Lion had many songs as Kelly‘s voice was heavenly.

    The set, designed by Angela Davies, was honestly spectacular. I have seen many shows now, but this show really made me feel like it was my first time experiencing new wonders. I can’t imagine how excited the children must have been in the audience.

    The character of Oz was incredible – a massive head with eyes and mouth that moved as Oz spoke, and it made to appear like it was a real giant’s head. This was worth the wait.

    The highlight of the show for me was the Munchkin dance when Dorothy arrives into the land of Oz and crushes the Wicked Witch of the East. The puppets, designed by Samuel Wyer, together with performers puppeteering them, dazzled the audience, and I just kept hearing ‘wow’ and ‘oh my god’ from all around me. The detail of the characters and the versatile movement of each character was a stroke of genius. I could watch that routine over and over again.

    Never have I wanted to recommend a show as much as The Birmingham Rep’s The Wizard of Oz.

    Running: 24 November – 13 January

  • This school in Brighton has over 70 trans and genderfluid kids

    There is a school in the south-east of England, where over 70 children aged between 11 and 16 feel comfortable enough to question their gender identity and identify more closely to how they feel.

    According to The Sunday Times, the Dorothy Stringer secondary school in Brighton has at least 40 transgender children who don’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth and a further 36 students who say that they are genderfluid – people who define their gender as fluid, flexible or changeable.

    The number of transgender students who were open to their families was much lower, however. Students were much more comfortable to share their gender expression with their classmates and faculty.

    The headteacher, Richard Bradford told the newspaper, “The number of ”openly trans children” who had approached us with their families to say that they are transgender [was] much lower”.

    Transgender Flag

    The now iconic blue, pink and white flag that the transgender community uses for identity. 

    The disclosure from the Dorothy Stringer school came through the school’s  “equality information report”. It is believed that the school has the highest number of trans identifying children in the country.

    What does genderfluid mean?

    Genderfluid is an identity which describes someone who doesn’t have a fixed gender expression, like “man” or “woman”. They are likely to feel that their gender expression is flexible and changeable from day to day, or even several times a day, due to its fluidity. Genderfluidity has close links to the non-binary identity where a person doesn’t see their gender as either masculine or feminine.

    Why is Brighton so LGBT+ friendly?

    Brighton has long been the home of a large LGBT+ community outside of London and is often referred to as the ‘gay capital of the UK’.  The city holds the UK’s biggest pride event and has a large number of LGBT+ venues.

  • How many gay people are there in the United Kingdom?

    How many gay people are there in the United Kingdom?

    The number of people who identify as lesbian, gay and bisexual is a hotly debated subject, with no clear answer, but here will look at all the available stats.

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    There has long been a widely-held belief that around 10 per cent of the population is gay, lesbian or bisexual or who identify as non-heterosexual. This is probably the most accurate of all the figures – as more and more people feel comfortable to come out about their sexuality.

    The most up-to-date statistics from healthcare company Euroclinix show that six per cent of people identify as homosexual while seven per cent of people identify as bisexual. This equates to 13 per cent of the population identifying as either gay, lesbian or bisexual. EuroClinix surveyed 2,000 people around the UK to find out more about the sex lives of Brits.

    The current population in the UK is estimated to be 66.02 million people, which means that there are over 8.58 million gay, lesbian or bisexual people in the UK if you take that 13 per cent statistic.

    Other sources:

    The ONS (Office of National Statistics) says that in a survey of people in the United Kingdom it found that 1.5 per cent of people identified as LGB. This result was arrived at by extrapolation of data collected. However, these statistics were disputed for not being accurate or showing the full picture. By their estimations, this would mean that there are only 990,300 LGB people in the UK.

    However, in 2005 the HM Treasury and the Department of Trade and Industry of the UK estimated that nearly 6 per cent of people were LGB after studying the economic impact of civil partnerships and same-sex marriages. By their estimations, this would mean that there are 3.96 million LGB people in the UK.

    In 2008 the Guardian newspaper reported that 8 per cent of the population were LGB in 2014 the same newspaper group conducted another survey and found that the figures were still consistent. By their estimations, this would mean that there are 5.28 million LGB people in the UK.

     

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Dietrich Natural Duty, Wilton’s Music Hall, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | Dietrich Natural Duty, Wilton’s Music Hall, London

    ★★★★★ | Dietrich Natural Duty

    Marlene Dietrich has been called to duty – and lucky for us it’s in London.
    Dietrich, star of many a stage and film, as well as many a front line during WWII, was a legend, was a humanitarian, and was perhaps one of the most famous women of the 20th Century. Now, for a second time this year, we can bathe in her presence, and voice, in a show called Dietrich Natural Duty: A One (Wo)man Show now playing at the almost gorgeous as Dietrich venue Wilton’s Music Hall.
    In a stunning, shimmering, glittery beaded golden sequin dress, Dietrich (played to perfection by Peter Groom), takes us back to the time when she, in 1942, amidst the battlefields, turns her back at the country of her birth, Germany, and helps to rally, and excite, the troops. Through a mix of song, wit, curves, and a voice to die for, Dietrich Natural Duty is an irresistible and breathtaking show where Groom just about channels his inner and outer Dietrich to shear perfection. This show, and Groom, is mesmerising and will take your breathe away.
    Duetrich Natural Duty: A One (Wo)man Show ends its run on Saturday November 24th. To buy tickets, please click here:

  • Southampton student union president resigns after 21,000 people sign petition for her to go

    A student union president who threatened to remove or destroy a world war one memorial which depicts only white men has resigned from her position.

    Over 21,000 people signed a petition calling for the resignation of Emily Dawes, after she wrote a Tweet in which she said she would remove a memorial mural painted by Sir William Rothenstein in 1916 to remember students who served in the war. It was presented to Southampton in 1959 by the artist’s son. The picture depicts a young soldier receiving his degree.

    On Twitter Ms Dawes, who uses the pronouns, she and her, wrote, “Mark my words – we’re taking down the mural of white men in the uni Senate room, even if I have to paint over it myself.”

    The student president had previously apologised for the remarks.

    The petition, which was launched by Daniel Lake explains, “Emily Dawes, the University of Southampton University Student Union president is expected to make comments and suggestions on the subject.

    “Dawes vowed to remove the wall in the university Senate room, threatening to vandalize it to the depicting ‘white men’.

    The mural in fact of the young men who left Southampton University to fight during the First World War.

    “Not only that, but it is a memorial to all those who died during the conflict. Dawes’ comments, fuelled by the simple fact that the men in the wall are white, are unacceptable and offensive to the vast majority of students who choose to support remembrance. Therefore, this is an unacceptable abuse of an elected position”

    “Best if I step down”

    Writing about her decision to step down, Ms Dawes said, “After careful consideration I’ve decided that it’s best if I step down from my role. I sincerely apologise for the offence and disrespect caused by my earlier comments, which were misinformed. I acted impulsively and as such fully accept how careless and hurtful my words were.

    “I’ve had a wonderful time as President and am sad to be leaving.  All my thanks go to everyone who has supported me throughout my Presidency, and I wish the team and the Union all the best.”

    The university Tweeted,  that it respected “Emily’s decision and will continue to provide her with support.”

    Adding, “The University will continue to work closely with the Students’ Union, the elected team and staff.”

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Briefs, Leicester Square Spiegeltent, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | Briefs, Leicester Square Spiegeltent, London

    ★★★★★ | Briefs

    The Briefs boys are back and they’re being extra naughty!

    You know the boys – they are the burlesque troupe from Australia who, annually, bring us fun, frolics, and huge loads – of sexiness – to the Underbelly tent in the Southbank every summer season. Well this year they’re giving us a extra dose of themselves – they are putting on their act in Leicester Square!

    Headlining two shows in the Leicester Square Spiegeltent (the first show at 7:30 and a second at 10:15), Briefs: Close Encounters take us into outer space with the sexy guys who wear all sorts of space attire (and luckily for the audience the attire comes off!) in a show that can be described as too sexy for space!

    The cast, and pretty much the show, is very similar to their show at Underbelly – but the space theme is a twist in the right direction! The Briefs boys, led by fabulous emcee Fez Fa’anana, includes one of Australia’s leading circus showmen Captain Kidd; acrobat and clownish time-hopping rabbit Dale Woodbridge-Brown; superstar aerialist Thomas Worrell, defying gravity and tying himself in knots above the crowd; and the youngest member of Briefs, the loveable rogue and boy wonder Louis Biggs, as well as performance artist Harry Clayton-Wright.

    They perform their circus skills, raucous comedy, and display their unique disrobing skills for the audience to enjoy. But stop press – the 10:15 p.m. show is even more racier, more raucous, with more genitalia on display, and isn’t that what the world needs now?

    And after the 10:15 p.m. show the tent becomes a disco where you can dance and boogie with the stars of the show! Having attended both shows last week, and then stayed on for the disco, we had an excellent time. With this, we are definitely buying tickets for their New Years Eve Extravaganza, which will be the place to be in London. It will be guaranteed trash, disco, glamour and nudity!

    Briefs: Close Encounters is an encounter I want to experience again and again!
    Book tickets for Briefs: Close Encounters click here