THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • Artists: Ever wanted to create and run your own LGBT+ event?

    Artists: Ever wanted to create and run your own LGBT+ event?

    After 10 successful years of annual LGBTQI+ cross art event, GFEST – Gayise FESTival is calling upon organisers to create and hold their own events.

    The theme for GFEST 2018 is ‘Socially EQUAL’, and events should run from Monday 12 November to Saturday 24 November.

    GFEST – Gaywise FESTival® (known as GFEST) is recognised as an annual LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex +) cross-art celebration. Over the last 10 years, the festival has presented LGBTQI+ films, music, performances, art exhibitions, interdisciplinary art, poetry, book reading, workshops, participatory events, debates, etc. events each November.

    GFEST producer arts charity Wise Thoughts is inviting community and arts groups, local museums, local authorities or libraries etc. to join and share awesome LGBTQI+ arts and stories from all over the world, as this year’s festival events. GFEST 2018 events, wherever they will take place, now can be added to the events list and promoted on the GFEST website.

    The festival has been endorsed by all three Mayors of London, many celebrities, ministers, and cross-party MPs.

    Niranjan Kamatkar FRSA, artistic director of GFEST said, “We want to reach out to audiences that we couldn’t in the past, and where there is a greater need to promote the LGBTQI+ cultural issues. To help ensure this we are changing the format from this year. We will include more web-based events and podcast etc. and we can also present a recommended programme, acts and films list from next year”.

    He added, “If you have got it, flaunt it! Young or old, fresh or established, show the world that real talent always shines the best! GFEST events value and promote diverse talent from diverse art forms and promote artistic excellence. Celebrating diversity continues to endorse LGBTQI+ equal rights and reduces possible discrimination. GFEST ethos is to develop cultural and social equality for and amongst diverse LGBTQI+ people from all age groups, including people from different religious or/and cultural backgrounds. The festival actively supports individual creative abilities and participation in the society.”

    If you are interested in organising your own event please visit and list the event details: https://gaywisefestival.org.uk/submissions/

  • INTERVIEW | Sassi Afrika, Leamington Spa’s most delicious Drag Queen

    INTERVIEW | Sassi Afrika, Leamington Spa’s most delicious Drag Queen

    With Warwickshire Pride’s sixth annual event just around the corner, we speak with Warwickshire’s most vibrant Drag Queen, Sassi Afrika on why pride is still important in 2018…

    (C) THEGAYUK

    …and who her favourite act on the Warwickshire Pride stage is.

    THEGAYUK: Sassi Afrika is back at Warwickshire Pride‘s main stage this year, what can we expect?
    Sassi Afrika: You’re right, Sassi is back. There’s no stopping me honey. Everyone knows that. This year I’m presenting the main stage at Warwickshire Pride again. They have agreed to let me out of the cage they impounded me in after last year’s festival. You can expect lots of fabulous talent. The talent is outstanding this year. We have a very diverse lineup, which is how it should be. There is also the Big Rainbow Bake Off. I’m judging and presenting the contest. My next 3D lipo session is booked for a few days after I’ve tasted all those cakes. We also have speeches on stage and lots of fun for all the community.

    TGUK: Why is Warwickshire Pride so important?
    SA: I believe Warwickshire Pride is very important because it is a grassroots, community movement. It’s not commercial. It’s not all about making money. It’s about putting on something great for the community. We are fully inclusive and welcoming to all people. We try to create something in the spirit of what Pride was all about, while also celebrating how far we have come. I think Warwickshire Pride pulls it off quite nicely. Y’all be blessed now.

    “Some people are quick to criticise and point out what is wrong with Pride. But none of those people ever step up and help to make things better the next time.”

    TGUK: Why is Pride important to Sassi?
    SA: Pride is very important to me honey. The LGBT+ community took me in when I landed on Earth and now I’m part of the family. But seriously, Pride is important to me because it’s nice to be part of something where I can be myself and be accepted for who I am. I have been discriminated against and assaulted for being LGBT+ and for having disabilities. Pride as a movement is still so important and I am proud to be part of it.

    TGUK: It takes a lot to put on a pride event – do you think people take pride for granted?
    SA: I don’t think many people realise how much hard work goes into putting on a Pride event. I do believe that a lot of people take it for granted, whether they realise it or not. Some people are quick to criticise and point out what is wrong with Pride. But none of those people ever step up and help to make things better the next time. On the flip side, there are people who really appreciate Pride and understand how much time, effort and money it takes to put it on. I just wish more people would understand and help. But hey, we do what we can as Pride organisers and I do it all with a dash of sass.

    “Sassi is single and ready to mingle”.

    TGUK: What’s your favourite thing about Pride?
    SA: My favourite thing about Pride is seeing so many people coming together for a celebration of diversity. That and the fit guys I can eye up from the stage. Yes, honey, Sassi is single and ready to mingle. I do like seeing everyone at Pride and being who they are. It’s important that everyone has that opportunity to be who they are, without prejudice and judgement.

    TGUK: Could RuPaul’s Drag Race Handle Sassi?
    SA: Let’s be honest, can anyone handle the sass I bring? I’d like to see Mama Ru and Drag Race try.

    “We have at least 75% local acts and 75% LGBT+ acts. That kind of representation is needed at Pride”.

    TGUK: Who’s your favourite act to have performed on the Warwickshire Pride stage?
    SA: My favourite act to have performed at Warwickshire Pride is me. What else can I say… No, I’m joking. I tell you who was really good. Angie Brown. She can sing and puts on a great show. She is also a really nice person and I adore her. I also think Jordan Gray is fantastic, and Feryl is very good too. But one thing I like about Warwickshire Pride is all the local acts we have. We have at least 75% local acts and 75% LGBT+ acts. That kind of representation is needed at Pride. We have to represent the people that the event is for. Otherwise, we are failing. And Sassi don’t fail honey.

    Warwickshire Pride takes place on the 18th of August, Pump Room Gardens – Leamington Spa from 11 AM.

  • Man’s back broken in hate crime hours after Pride In London

    Man’s back broken in hate crime hours after Pride In London

    A victim has been left with a broken back, after an attack in central London, which cops are calling a “hate crime”.

    CREDIT: ©-ronfromyork-Depositphotos

    A 49-year-old man has been left with life-changing injuries after being attacked hours after Pride in London on the 8th July He was struck in the back, the impact from which broke his spine.

    He was walking along Greek Street at around 1:30 AM on Sunday morning towards Tottenham Court Road, where he planned to catch a bus home.

    He also had his mobile phone stolen.

    The victim was able to make his way to Stratford Underground Station where he was given medical treatment by officers before being taken to the hospital. He was found to have suffered a broken back and continues to receive treatment.

    Details from the Metropolitan Police suggest that “offensive language heard by the victim shortly before the assault” so it is being treated as a hate crime.

    Detectives have carried out extensive CCTV enquiries to identify the suspect(s).

    They would like to hear anyone who witnessed the assault which happened following Pride in London. The area would have been busy at the time. Officers would also like to speak with anyone who helped him off the tube at Stratford.

    Anyone with information is asked to contact the Community Safety Unit at Westminster via 101.
    Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

    There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Flashdance The Musical, National Tour

    ★★☆☆☆ | Flashdance The Musical

    Back in the 80’s, movie musicals such as Fame and Footloose blazed a trail across cinema screens and into the hearts of foot tapping teens everywhere. But nestled between the two was Flashdance, the story of Alex – a welder by day and a club dancer at night, with a dream to make it into a prestigious to dance school. Now fully embedded in popular culture, being mimicked by Geri Halliwell and Comic Relief; and even making an appearance in The Full Monty, Flashdance now takes to the stage with Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton.

    Based incredibly loosely on the film, the stage show waters down the story of the gritty welder and her struggles to make it, and provides a fairly sanitised version of the story, with plenty of nods to the film, but placing the emphasis on different aspects of the story. The show retains a handful of songs from the film’s soundtrack, including “Maniac”, “Gloria” and “Flashdance (What a Feeling)”; but packs them in tightly with a high number of original songs which are functional, but not particularly memorable.

    Filled with an abundance of day-glow, colourful neon, the show is little more than an excuse for some vibrant dance numbers, nowhere more alive than in Demmileigh Foster’s show-stealing rendition of “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”, and in the rather upbeat closing medley. Joanne Clifton shows that she can sing as well as dance, and Colin Kiyani was perfectly affable as Nick, Alex’s boss and boyfriend.

    Those wanting a theatrical version of the film (akin to the Dirty Dancing musical) won’t get that here, given the light plot, two dimensional characters and a rather lacklustre script; but this story is really a wraparound device to tie together the musical numbers of which there are plenty; with a few good set pieces and a feel-good ending to be had.

    Flashdance the Musical is at Sheffield Theatres until Saturday 11th August 2018 before continuing on its national tour.

  • Another LGBT venue in London closes without warning

    Another LGBT venue in London closes without warning

    A North London LGBT+ venue, Her Upstairs has closed abruptly, without warning for unspecified “legal reasons”.

    North London’s gay scene has been dealt another blow after the popular LGBT and drag venue, Her Upstairs, closed with no warning. The venue’s management announced the sudden closure on its Facebook page.

    The statement reads,

    “It is with great sadness that as of today Her Upstairs is no longer open for business at 18 Kentish Town Road.
    “For legal reasons we cannot share the details of this sudden closure.
    “We regret that we have had to do this so abruptly and without giving our incredible community a chance to say goodbye to the space.
    “Our queer spaces are so vital, but it’s the people, not the bricks and mortar that make the space. We may be lacking in a physical space but we feel each and everyone of our family with us no matter where we go.
    “This is a goodbye for the present but not a farewell.
    “With love from the Her Upstairs family, stay tuned and we’ll see you very soon.”

    The closure comes just a few years after the landmark venue, The Black Cap was forced to close in Camden. The only LGBT venue that now exists in North London in permanent form is Central Station which is close to Kings Cross train station. THEGAYUK.com has been running a campaign called Lost LGBT Scene which keeps track of LGBT venues closures in London since the year 2000. The loss of Her Upstairs take the number of venues closed to around 117.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Play That Goes Wrong, Blackpool Opera House

    ★★★☆☆ | The Play That Goes Wrong

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Play That Goes Wrong, Blackpool Opera House

    There is an old saying in theatre that “the show must go on” and nowhere is that old adage put more to the test than in The Play That Goes Wrong, a comedy of errors which collates every actor’s worst nightmare and throws them at the cast who are determined to carry on regardless.

    Borrowing heavily from The Mousetrap, The Play That Goes Wrong is a scattergun comedy set around the fictitious Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who is performing The Murder at Haversham Manor, a murder mystery set in the roaring twenties. Despite the best endeavours of the cast, nothing quite goes right for them, as scenery collapses, actors are knocked unconscious, props break and unprepared understudies stand in.

    With a varied blend of visual gags, slapstick, farce, wordplay, one-liners, missed cues and a rather more animated corpse than one would expect, the gags come thick and fast; some hitting the bullseye and others missing the target; but the whole thing is so fast-paced, that there is always another gag heading your way imminently. Garnering some genuine laugh out loud moments, the show has a sensible one hour forty minute runtime meaning that even if a few of the gags begin to outstay their welcome, the show does not.

    Whilst there is plenty of fun to be found and a lot of chuckles, guffaws and belly-laughs to be had, the ending of the show descends into a rather shouty and chaotic handful of closing scenes which, unfortunately, slightly takes the edge off of what has come before. But that said, the cast is delightful, in particular, Kazeem Tosin Amore; and there is some excellent split second comedic timing and plenty of physical dexterity on offer as the fictional cast try desperately to keep their faces straight, their upper lips stiff and prevent the performance collapsing into a catastrophe.

    *This review was taken from the Sheffield production*

    Book tickets for Blackpool Opera House through our ticketing partner ATG Tickets

     

  • This straight guy is worried he’ll offend if he goes dressed as this gay icon to pride

    This straight guy is worried he’ll offend if he goes dressed as this gay icon to pride

    “I have no problem dressing up, I actually enjoy it. However, I worry that by dressing up as a huge gay icon on Pride as a straight male could be found offensive by the gay community.”

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Is it a sort of gay culture appropriation thing?

    Honestly doll, don’t fret. Pride, in our humble opinion, is a day when you can be whoever you want to be. Just as long as you’re respectful to the whole meaning and purpose of pride.

    This incredibly considerate straight-identifying man in the UK took time to write into a gay Reddit to find out whether the gay community would find it offensive if he dresses up as the late, great Freddie Mercury at Brighton pride.

    He writes,

    “To start this off, a friend of mine has been trying to convince me to go to Pride (in Brighton (UK) where I live) as Freddie Mercury for about 3/4 years now. It all started when I jokingly left my moustache when shaving and he said I was a spitting image of Mercury, minus the teeth.”

    Fair enough go already…  He continues

    “I have no problem dressing up, I actually enjoy it.

    Uh Huh… go on…

    “However, I worry that by dressing up as a huge gay icon on Pride as a straight male could be found offensive by the gay community. I would never want to offend anyone in the gay community, and I have friends that are gay and I’d especially not want to offend them given my closeness to them. Would any of you find it offensive for a straight guy to dress up as Freddie Mercury at Pride?

    “Thanks in advance”

    So polite.

    So what do you think? One responder on the forum wrote, “I don’t think it would be offensive, but I do think that Pride is a time for queer people to celebrate who they are and for allies to participate as a spectator. I would ask and have asked my allies attending to not dress up. Just my opinion, but i wouldn’t be offended if I saw you”.

    Let’s not forget Rami Malek is playing Freddie Mercury in an upcoming biopic of the band Queen.

    What do you think?  Use the comments below.

  • Barnardo’s charity throws its support behind gay marriage in Northern Ireland

    Barnardo’s charity throws its support behind gay marriage in Northern Ireland

    “Our support for same-sex couples to marry reflects Barnardo’s core belief that every person is different but equal and everyone’s unique worth should be recognised.”

    © DGLimages Depositphotos

    Barnardo’s NI is throwing its support behind the campaign for civil marriage equality in Northern Ireland. It is the first children’s charity in Northern Ireland to publicly voice its support.

    Barnardo’s is making the announcement to coincide with Belfast Pride’s Coming Out for Change Campaign.

    As a UK-wide organisation Barnardo’s has in the past supported marriage equality campaigns in other areas of the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.

    Director Barnardo’s NI Lynda Wilson said, “We work with many children, young people and families who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Many of our workforce and volunteers as a reflection of society also identify as LGBTQ and we do not discriminate.”

    “We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and believe marriage equality is an extension of that. As a children’s charity we want the children and families we support as well as our staff and volunteers to know that we will stand up for them and support them.  We believe marriage equality should be a right for all regardless of sexual orientation.”

    “Our support for same sex couples to marry reflects Barnardo’s core belief that every person is different but equal and everyone’s unique worth should be recognised. We work and live in a diverse and multi-cultural environment which Barnardo’s embraces and promotes.”

    “Marriage equality legislation has been passed in the rest of the UK, the Republic of Ireland, across western Europe, the USA and Australia and we hope that Northern Ireland will soon follow, giving same sex couples the right and freedom to marry if they so wish.”

    Marriage and Northern Ireland

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Gay marriage continues to be a contentious issue in Northern Ireland for its politicians, particularly the DUP. Despite same-sex marriage being legal in England, Wales and Scotland, Northern Ireland is the only nation within the UK that doesn’t allow its gay and lesbian couples to get married. Instead, gay couples are only permitted to have Civil Partnerships, which are legally different to marriages.

    The subject of same-sex marriage has been voted on five times by the Northern Ireland Assembly. Each time it was blocked by the DUP.

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Play That Goes Wrong

    ★★★☆☆ | The Play That Goes Wrong

    There is an old saying in theatre that “the show must go on” and nowhere is that old adage put more to the test than in The Play That Goes Wrong, a comedy of errors which collates every actor’s worst nightmare and throws them at the cast who are determined to carry on regardless.

    Borrowing heavily from The Mousetrap, The Play That Goes Wrong is a scattergun comedy set around the fictitious Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who is performing The Murder at Haversham Manor, a murder mystery set in the roaring twenties. Despite the best endeavours of the cast, nothing quite goes right for them, as scenery collapses, actors are knocked unconscious, props break and unprepared understudies stand in.

    With a varied blend of visual gags, slapstick, farce, wordplay, one-liners, missed cues and a rather more animated corpse than one would expect, the gags come thick and fast; some hitting the bullseye and others missing the target; but the whole thing is so fast-paced, that there is always another gag heading your way imminently. Garnering some genuine laugh out loud moments, the show has a sensible one hour forty minute runtime meaning that even if a few of the gags begin to outstay their welcome, the show does not.

    Whilst there is plenty of fun to be found and a lot of chuckles, guffaws and belly-laughs to be had, the ending of the show descends into a rather shouty and chaotic handful of closing scenes which, unfortunately, slightly takes the edge off of what has come before. But that said, the cast is delightful, in particular, Kazeem Tosin Amore; and there is some excellent split second comedic timing and plenty of physical dexterity on offer as the fictional cast try desperately to keep their faces straight, their upper lips stiff and prevent the performance collapsing into a catastrophe.

    The Play That Goes Wrong is currently at Sheffield Theatres until the 4th August 2018 before continuing on its national tour.

  • This ferry company is flying the Rainbow flag for Pride this week

    This ferry company is flying the Rainbow flag for Pride this week

    Ferry operator, DFDS is flying the Rainbow Flag to celebrate Pride taking place in Holland this week.

    Dated: 29/07/2018
    The Pride rainbow flag being flown on board the DFDS King Seaways in North Shields, North Tyneside

    In support of Gay Pride celebrations taking place in Holland this week, award-winning ferry operator DFDS joined in with festivities by flying the rainbow flag on its sailing from Newcastle to Amsterdam, yesterday afternoon.

    Coinciding with the first weekend of Amsterdam’s Gay Pride, the flag which is measured at 5ft by 3ft was yesterday flown on the ferry operator’s King Seaways ship as it departed Newcastle for Amsterdam.

    Princess Seaways mirrored celebrations on its sailing from Amsterdam to Newcastle and both flags will remain in place throughout the week, during which Amsterdam’s Gay Pride will continue until Sunday 5 August.

    Tuen-Wim Leene, Newcastle-Amsterdam Route Director said: “Flying the rainbow flag is our way of showing support for the LGBTQ communities both in Amsterdam and of course here in the UK.

    “With the peak summer travel season kicking off this weekend, we felt this was the perfect opportunity to encourage our passengers visiting Amsterdam, to join us in wishing those celebrating, a very happy Pride!”

    DFDS operates daily sailings between Newcastle-Amsterdam from £72 per person each way for a car and two people, including an en suite cabin.

    Dated: 29/07/2018
    The Pride rainbow flag being flown on board the DFDS King Seaways in North Shields, North Tyneside by Kim Justesen F&B BL (left) and Captain Flemmimg Langballe (right)

    During the crossing, passengers can enjoy new film screenings in one of the two on board cinemas, explore the extensive shopping facilities, relax in one of the four bars and enjoy live entertainment in the evenings. Children can enjoy the Kids Club and for older children there’s a games room.

    DFDS recently refreshed its dining options on the route, with two new restaurants to choose from, including the Explorer’s Kitchen for international cuisine and the North Sea Bistro for à-la-carte fine dining and sommelier-trained waiters to help pick the perfect wine to accompany any meal.

    For more information or to book a crossing visit: www.dfds.co.uk

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Titanic, The Musical, Liverpool Empire

    THEATRE REVIEW | Titanic, The Musical, Liverpool Empire

    ★★★☆☆ | Titanic – The Musical – Liverpool Empire

    Titanic - The Musical - National Tour review

    **This review was taken from the Sheffield production**

    Despite it being over 100 years since Titanic slipped under the waves, the fascination with the ship and those on board hasn’t faded, as evidenced by the packed house of this revival of Moury Yeston’s musical. The story of the ships maiden voyage and, ultimately, its demise is told through a wealth of characters from all classes of passengers and from the crew on board.

    The set, all sheet metal and rivets, towers above the audience instilling in them the impression of the sheer scale of the ship whilst a simple two-tier stage evoked an image of the decks and worked effectively. But from the off, the cast were on top form, as the magnificent ensemble belted out the opening numbers with such gusto that it reverberated in the chest, like the sounds of the engines of the great ship itself.

    And therein lays the strength of this production. Its cast was outstanding, and whether singing alone, in small groups or as an ensemble, the whole thing was beautifully sung and more akin to an opera than a musical. The three leads Philip Rham, Simon Green and Greg Castiglioni bounced off each other nicely as the Captain, owner and designer of the ship, and Niall Sheeny impressed as the stoker Fred Barrett. Whilst the direction was fairly minimal, the cast switched between their multiple roles seamlessly, spilling out into the aisles on occasions to engage the audience; whilst on a technical level, the lighting and sound design, the costumes and the balance between actors voices and orchestra were all absolutely spot on.

    Sadly, an overly long runtime, a handful of similar-sounding songs and a few too many story threads anchored down the first act to an extent, but the second act picked up the pace as the race to abandon ship took hold.

    What comes out of the production is an underlying theme of love between the characters, from the newlyweds to the eloping couple to the elderly husband and wife, and it is this which packs the emotional punch and brings the human cost of the tragedy sharply into focus.

    Book tickets to see Titanic, The Musical at Liverpool Empire until 4th August 2018