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Tag: UK

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Holding the Man, Above the Stag Theatre London

    ★★★★★ | Holding the Man

    THEATRE REVIEW | Holding the Man, Above the Stag Theatre London

    Holding the Man is a show that will rip your heart out and reduce you to tears.

    Now playing at Above the Stag Theatre in Vauxhall, it’s true story of two Australian men, Timothy Conigrave and John Caleo, who fall in love in the late 1970’s, who have their ups and downs during the 1980’s, and who both are diagnosed with the HIV virus and must deal with not only death knocking on their door but also the shortened time they have to be together. The show is based on the 1995 book by Conigrave and was written by Tommy Murphy. Most of you might have already seen the excellent 2015 film, or previous London productions (including the 2010 production at Trafalgar Studios). The Above the Stage production is just as hard-hitting.

    It’s the storytelling and the extremely strong performances of the cast at the Above the Stag that rate this production five stars. Jamie Barnard is excellent as Conigrave while Ben Boskovic as Caleo eerily captures his quietness and reserve. Both actors bring to this production a strength and resolute to their roles that they are almost living out these characters lives right in front of us. From the beginning of the show, we can feel that these two men were meant to be together. But this being the early 80s, not much was known about HIV, so, unfortunately, and I’m not giving anything away here because it’s a well-known story, AIDS was to rear its ugly head directly at these two young, beautiful men.

    Holding the Man takes us on a heart-stopping and heartbreaking journey while we travel with them in their relationship with each other in life and in death. And it’s Barnard and Boskovic who take us on this remarkable journey. Joshua Cole as a best friend of the two men provide welcome comic relief in a show that’s very serious: he’s charming and has the best lines in the play. Faye Wilson adds some much-needed sparkle as another one of the boy’s friends, while Liam Burke, Annabel Pemberton, and Robert Thompson round out the ensemble in various roles as parents, friends and fellow students. One scene that includes the whole cast is a hilarious masturbation scene that’s cleverly done and something I’ve never seen on stage before.

    But’s is the relationship between these two men that is at the heart and soul of this show. Director Gene David Kirk keeps the drama up and running while designer David Shields provides an excellent minimalist backdrop so the audience can focus on the story, and acting unfolding right before our very eyes.

    Kudos to Above the Stag Theatre for producing a serious, dramatic and extremely well-acted show that’s a welcome relief from their previous camp and silly previous productions. Categorise Holding the Man as a must see!

    Holding The Man runs at the Above The Stag theatre until 21st October 2017

     

  • What time does Worcestershire Pride 2017 start?

    2017 marks the very first Worcestershire Pride… Here are the start times and locations of everything that’s happening over the weekend.

    What time does Worcestershire Pride 2017 start?

    On the 23rd September, Worcester will play host to Worcestershire Pride 2017 – there will also be an LGBT+ Arts Festival in the run-up to the day. The pride event itself starts at midday.

    Is there a Parade for Worcestershire Pride

    This is no parade for Worcestershire Pride – all the activities take place at The Fountains and Copenhagen Street Car Park, South Quay, Worcester until 8 PM. A statement from the organisers of the event said,

    “On September 23rd, 2017, we’ll be running the first Worcestershire Pride event down by the riverfront in Worcester. We’re also running an LGBT+ Arts Festival in the run-up to the main day event and various fundraisers to unite the community whilst raising community funds for Worcestershire Pride”.

    What’s available at Worcestershire Pride?

    On the day there will be a dance tent, a family area, market stalls and a main stage. Local bar, Browns at the Quay, are providing bar services for the day, With Worcester’s premier gay bar, The Flag, Providing a second bar and club tent.

    Fortis Living is providing a family fun area for those bringing youngsters with them. The University of Worcester has given funding so that we can also provide a “quiet” tent for those in our community who may need to to take a break from the crowds and noise due to mental health issues, being on the autistic spectrum or those with guide dogs who need to rest and have some water.

    Who’s performing at Worcestershire Pride?

    Live entertainment from our main stage on the day from 12 noon until 8 PM.

    Hosted by local legends, Their Royal Highness: Princx and Ginny “Fancy a Slice” Lemon (as seen on this year’s X Factor)

    We have live performances from Zara Sykes, Beth Prior, Nth Cave, Elea Calvet, Jenna Davinci, Wymsical Theatre, Stuart Woolfenden, Reigns, Dan Brown, George Howes, Yshee Black, Whoofy Powder, Roosa & Jared.

    With X Factor alumni, Freddy Parker headlining the day.

    Does it cost anything to go to Worcestershire Pride?

    Worchestershire Pride is completely free to attend, although if you want to donate, you are, of course, welcome to do so! You can find out more about Worcestershire Pride at their website.

  • Homophobic bullying doubles in Manchester schools in two years

    There has been a shocking surge in homophobic bullying in Manchester’s secondary schools.

    Homophobic bullying doubles in Manchester schools in two years

    A report released by Liberal Democrat, John Leech shows a shocking increase in homophobic and transphobic bullying in Manchester’s high schools. Nearly 700 incidents were recorded in the last six years. John Leech called the increase “upsetting”.

    The report also highlights that there were just 8 reports of homophobic bullying in 2010/11 to 160 in 2015/16.

    The former Manchester MP of ten years submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) enquiry to every high school in the city and has said it is “depressingly clear” that homophobic and transphobic bullying is here to stay.

    Of the 42 high schools in Manchester, 36 responded to the legal request. Mr Leech also raised concerns at the number of schools who had reported zero incidents in the last five years, saying that schools may be too worried to come forward with the real numbers.

    Of the 25 schools that did respond, a worrying trend showed incidents doubling in the last two years, from 76 in 2012-13 to a staggering 160 in 2015-16.

    Reports of bullying ranged from name-calling to physical assault.

    John Leech, who led the successful campaign to pardon war hero Alan Turing, said: “Bullying of any kind is completely unacceptable but to still have homophobia and transphobia rife in Manchester’s schools is deplorable.

    “I have fought for LGBTQ+ rights my whole life and these numbers are really, really upsetting to see.”

    Leech designed the Bill and led the campaign to pardon Alan Turing, whom he said was a “hero”, and whose conviction for homosexuality he slammed as “utterly disgusting and ultimately just embarrassing”. He went on to secure the pardon for the 50,000+ other men convicted of similar offences and led the campaign to outlaw homophobic chanting at football matches.

    Now Mr Leech has turned his attention to what appears to be a concerning spike and consistent rise in teenage bullying. In 2010-11 there were just 8 reports but continued to rise steadily to 160 in 2015-16.

    The reports highlights the staggering increase in the number of reports of homophobic and transphobic bullying in Manchester’s secondary schools.

    The information for the year 2016-17 only covers until January but there were already 134 incidents making it set to be the worst year yet. In total there were 666 reported incidents of homophobic and transphobic bullying in Manchester’s high schools from 2010-17.

    But that doesn’t cover the full story. 17 schools either refused to answer the FOI Request or reported zero incidents – something Mr Leech raises significant doubt over: “Whilst this is concerning, it is much better that schools are transparent with their reports. Schools that came back with 0 reports can only be misleading in what is clearly a worrying trend across the city. We have to be realistic about the issue here and sweeping it under the carpet helps no one.”

    In an emotional speech at the Liberal Democrats conference in Bournemouth the former MP added: “We have absolutely no right to claim we live in a decent society when this kind of behaviour is still rife in our schools.”

    Mr Leech pledged to work with schools, LGBTQ+ groups and local communities to further promote equal rights and said that he would commit himself and his party to “virtually anything” to tackle the growing problem in Manchester’s schools.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Five Guys Name Moe, Marble Arch Theatre London

    ★★★★ | Five Guys Named Moe

    THEATRE REVIEW | Five Guys Name Moe, Marble Arch Theatre London

    There’s a new theatre in town, it’s fabulous, and the show now playing at this theatre is fabulous as well.

    The Marble Arch Theatre, which is an Underbelly production (the team that brings us the excellent shows in the Southbank), is cleverly located right next to the arch in Marble Arch, is the newest theatre to pop up in London. It’s a gorgeous 650 seater wooden structure that includes a very large bar and an auditorium with a stage that is semi-circle in the round, a design that reflects the 1940’s New Orleans Jazz bars. And theatregoers will be able to take their seats at the cabaret tables in the Funky Butt Club and have drinks served directly to their tables for an up-close and personal musical experience all around them. And the show at this new theatre is Five Guys Named Moe, which is a show about Five Guys Named Moe (Big, Little, Eat, Know and Four-Eyed) who give guidance, advice and support to Nomax, who is single, broke and lamenting about a broken relationship with a woman named Lorraine.

    The Moes sing and dance their way throughout this two-hour very lively extravaganza, while Nomax (played by Edward Baruwa) takes it all in. Songs, featuring the hits of original jazz king Louis Jordan, include “Early in the Morning,” “I Like ‘em Like That,” “Safe, Sane and Single,” and “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens” are sung by the Moes in such a fun and unique style. And there is also quite a bit of audience participation. One member of the audience who was chosen to recite some sentences on the night I saw it, and it was none other than stage and movie star Freddie Fox. The audience also gets to outdo each other, with the help of the Moes, in a sing-a-long that provides raucous laughter. It’s the oldest trick in the book to include the audience in the show to make sure they are having a great time, and the Moes use it to their advantage.

    Five Guys Named Moe is based on a musical of the same name by Jordan in 1943, and has been around since it’s 1990 UK debut (and a 2010 UK revival). With a book by Clarke Peters, it feels like this show has never left London. But if you’ve already seen it, seeing it again at the new Marble Arch Theatre will be a whole new experience, and perhaps more of an enjoyable one in a setting that matches the fun and frivolity of the show. Kudos to all the Moes who make it a fun night out (Ian Carlyle, Idriss Kargbo, Dex Lee, Horace Oliver and Emile Ruddock) and to Underbelly for copying their successful formula to Marble Arch, and to the production team for pulling it off and producing one big party.

    Five Guys Named Moe plays at the Marble Arch Theatre until 17 February 2018

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Dirty Dancing, Liverpool Empire

    ★★★ | Dirty Dancing, Liverpool Empire

    Set in the 1960’s, Frances “Baby” Houseman goes to Kellerman’s holiday camp with her family. She befriends the staff of the camp and develops a crush on charismatic dance teacher, Johnny Castle. When Johnny’s dance partner cannot perform at a show at a local hotel, Baby steps in to ensure that they do not lose their jobs. But as Johnny and Baby rehearse, they fall in love and learn more from each other than just the dance moves.

    Based on the hugely popular film of the same name, Dirty Dancing hits the stage with a show which follows the story of the film very closely, with the bulk of the script being comfortingly recognisable from the film. There are some additional scenes thrown in, which mainly expand on the political changes in the 60’s and some which flesh out the relationship between Baby and Johnny; whilst the show’s music came from a combination of both live and pre-recorded tracks, including “Hungry Eyes”, “Love Man” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”

    Katie Eccles and Robert Colvin took the lead roles of Baby and Johnny, and had some chemistry between them; and they were supported by a broadly competent cast of singers, dancers and musicians. Unsurprisingly, the dancing was better than the acting, but given that the show’s main focus is the musical numbers it doesn’t cause too much of a problem.

    The show has been given a major overhaul and is all the better for it. This production has a vibrant lighting design and has ushered in a luxurious, well designed and thoroughly detailed set which transform smoothly without ever interrupting the story; whilst the show has been sexed up a little with a few more bare chests and muscular arms on display. Overall, the production values here are very high and very impressive.

    But where the show really succeeds is in its ability to bring the movie to life and recreating it on stage. All of the familiar lines, plot points, dance routines and songs are there and there is something very comforting about watching such a faithful recreation of the movie. For those who have not seen the film, the show is a good introduction to the world of Kellerman’s. For established fans of the film, the show will be hard to beat.

    Dirty Dancing is playing at the Liverpool Empire until 18th September 2017

    • Review taken from the Sheffield Theatre production

  • Everything you need to know about Worcestershire Pride 2017

    2017 marks the very first Worcestershire Pride… Here’s everything you need to know.

    Everything you need to know about Worcestershire Pride 2017

    On the 23rd September, Worcester will play host to Worcestershire Pride 2017 – there will also be an LGBT+ Arts Festival in the run up to the day.

    Is there a Parade for Worcestershire Pride

    This is no parade for Worcestershire Pride – all the activities take place at The Fountains and Copenhagen Street Car Park, South Quay, Worcester until 8PM. A statement from the organisers of the event said,

    “On September 23rd 2017, we’ll be running the first Worcestershire Pride event down by the riverfront in Worcester. We’re also running an LGBT+ Arts Festival in the run-up to the main day event and various fundraisers to unite the community whilst raising community funds for Worcestershire Pride” .

    What’s available at Worcestershire Pride?

    On the day there will be a dance tent, a family area, market stalls and a main stage. Local bar, Browns at the Quay, are providing bar services for the day, With Worcester’s premier gay bar, The Flag, Providing a second bar and club tent.

    Fortis Living are providing a family fun area for those bringing youngsters with them. The University of Worcester has given funding so that we can also provide a “quiet” tent for those in our community who may need to to take a break from the crowds and noise due to mental health issues, being on the autistic spectrum or those with guide dogs who need to rest and have some water.

    Who’s performing at Worcestershire Pride?

    Live entertainment from our main stage on the day from 12 noon until 8 PM.

    Hosted by local legends, Their Royal Highness: Princx and Ginny “Fancy a Slice” Lemon (as seen on this year’s X Factor)

    We have live performances from Zara Sykes, Beth Prior, Nth Cave, Elea Calvet, Jenna Davinci, Wymsical Theatre, Stuart Woolfenden, Reigns, Dan Brown, George Howes, Yshee Black, Whoofy Powder, Roosa & Jared.

    With X Factor alumni, Freddy Parker headlining the day.

    Does it cost anything to go to Worcestershire Pride?

    Worchestershire Pride is completely free to attend, although if you want to donate, you are, of course, welcomed to do so! You can find out more about Worcestershire Pride at their website.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Feminists and transgender activists clash at Speakers’ Corner

    Police are investigating after an altercation between feminists and transgender activists in London last week.

    One woman, 60, was injured after a confrontation between two groups, gender critical feminists and trans-rights activists. The incident happened in Hyde Park on Wednesday.

    Many gender critical feminists are opposed to rights campaigning from and for transgender women. Some believe that only women born with a vagina and XX chromosomes are “real women”.

    Attacked

    Maria MacLachlan, a ‘gender critical feminist’ suffered facial injuries at the famous Speakers’ Corner, in Hyde Park. She alleges that her camera was also smashed and the memory card was also stolen. She claims that one of the trans activists was her attacker.

    A video of the scuffle uploaded to YouTube has been viewed thousands of times.

    Speaking to the Mail On Sunday, Ms MacLachlan said,

    “These studenty-looking types were turning up and some arguments started to take place but I kept well out of it.’

    “I thought, ‘I can film this, it will be interesting.’ They were getting louder and louder. Then suddenly someone tried to grab my camera. It was scary. Someone kept trying to get my camera. I think it was a girl, but I couldn’t tell because they had a hoodie over their eyes.”

    Reaction

    Taking to Twitter the UK’s largest LGBT+ charity, Stonewall made a statement, writing, “There is no place for violence in our movement, as a form of attack or retaliation”.

    A statement from Trans Health London said,

    “We condemn violence against women in all forms. We’re proud that many self-organising activists, allies and supporters stood against hatred, misogyny and intimidation.”

    The police were called no arrests were made.

     

    * A previous version of this article used the word fight, this has now been changed to altercation, confrontation and incident.

     

  • Two Belfast men are subjected to a “homophobic attack”

    Police in Belfast are looking for information in connection with what they say was a homophobic attack in the early hours of this morning.

    Two Belfast men are subjected to a "homophobic attack"

    Police in Belfast have said that two young men were homophobically assaulted in the Beechmount area of Falls Road early Sunday morning. Detectives are appealing for information from anyone who may have been in the area or heard anything.

    The two victims were reportedly attacked near the Beechmount area of Falls Road at around 2:50 AM on Sunday morning.

    It is believed that the alleged assailants walked towards the Donegal Road/Whiterock area.

    If you have information regarding this matter please contact police on 101 quoting reference No 390 of 17/09/2017 or confidentially ring independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

  • Three teenagers convicted of violent homophobic assault on train

    Three teenagers who pleaded guilty to attacking two passengers on a train because of their sexuality have been jailed.

    Three teenagers pleaded guilty to Violent Disorder against two boyfriends

    They were sentenced to six months in Prison

    Told to pay the victims just £100 in compensation.

    The three male youths, two aged 16 and one aged 17, were each sentenced to six months in prison at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on 14 September, after admitting violent disorder and, in one case, possession of an offensive weapon.

    In the early hours of 15 February 2017 two men, who are in a relationship, boarded a train from Reading to London and fell asleep. The three defendants, who cannot be named for legal reasons, got on at Hayes and Harlington.

    One of the 16-year-old defendants walked through the carriages and spotted the victims asleep and resting on each other. He went back to inform the other two.

    The trio then returned and engaged the victims in a conversation before attacking them. They were punched and kicked several times. One was stamped on whilst the other was hit over the head with a glass bottle. The sustained attack left both victims with extensive bruising to the head and face and one lost two teeth.

    Following a British Transport Police investigation, the three defendants were charged and later pleaded guilty to violent disorder. One of them also pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon.

    Hatred motivated by homophobia

    The couple show the results of their horrific attack. The sustained attack left both victims with extensive bruising to the head and face and one lost two teeth.

    The CPS argued that the attack was motivated by hatred of the victims’ actual or perceived sexual orientation and asked the court to treat the incident as a homophobic hate crime. This was accepted and each defendant received a four-month prison sentence increased to six months because of the hate crime element. They were also each ordered to pay £100 in compensation to each of their victims.

    The prosecution also successfully applied for one of the victims and another witness to give evidence from behind a screen to allay their fears about being targeted or intimidated.

    Lauranne Middleton from the CPS said: “This was a violent assault and we successfully argued that it was fuelled by the defendants’ homophobia.

    “Where prosecutors have evidence that an attack was motivated by hostility towards someone’s sexual orientation, they will ask the court to consider this as an aggravating factor which deserves a harsher sentence.

    “This successful prosecution demonstrates how seriously the CPS treats such cases and our commitment to bringing offenders of hate crime to justice.”

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Footloose, Peacock Theatre London

    ★★★★ | Footloose

    THEATRE REVIEW | Footloose, Peacock Theatre London

    Kevin Bacon became a worldwide star in the 1984 hit film. And while there have been lots of stage versions produced after this, “Footloose,” no matter how many times you’ve seen it or have hummed the title song, will always bring a smile to your face.

    Another revival, now at the Peacock Theatre near Aldwych, and arriving into London right after a UK tour, keeps the toe-tapping alive with the show about a small town that has banned dancing, and the young out-of-towner who plans to shake things up.

    Rem McCormack (Joshua Dowen) and his mom Ethel (Lindsay Goodhand) move from their hometown of Chicago to the very small town of Bomont after Rem’s father left the family home to go ‘find himself.’ Rem integrates into his new school, filled with all sorts of people (though none of them, curiously, are black). His fellow students include Willard (Gareth Gates, who gets star billing) and the minister’s daughter Ariel (Hannah Price). It comes to light that the powerful minister, the Reverend Shaw (Reuven Gershon), has banned dancing in town because five years ago his young son and three others were killed in a car crash, no doubt, according to the minister, caused by the kid’s night out of having too much fun and possibly drinking.

    But Rem wants to have fun, but at the same time can’t seem to hold down a job due to his motto of trying to do the right thing, and he’s gotten off on the wrong foot with Ariel’s boyfriend Chuck (Connor Going – who strangely disappears during the middle of the show but returns for the finale). The other kids end up getting Rem to speak up for them at the city council meeting to denounce the dancing ban while it’s no surprise that Rem and Ariel have the hots for each other. It’s lots of loose feet, catchy tunes, a hot and sexy cast and way too many crotch jokes that make this version of Footloose a slight winner.

    Gareth Gates looking super hot in the London Production

    The music and the talented cast make the show very entertaining, but the show as a whole could be better. While all the film’s hits are included (“Footloose” of course, “Let’s Hear it for the Boy,” as well as “Holding Out for a Hero”), with some of the arrangements of these songs a bit different than what we’re used to, some of the other songs make a very big thud, including the dismal “Heaven Help Me” sung by Gershon. However, “Somebody’s Eyes” is beautifully sung by most of the cast in a very memorable scene. So while there are more ups than downs, the cast at the end of show work very very hard to get their standing ovation, practically repeating, in very shortened versions, almost every catchy and lively song from the show. And even though Gates gets top billing (and he even takes his top off to reveal an absolutely stunning body), both Dowen and Price are the true stars of the show. Their chemistry on stage is very real – both very good looking with all-American looks. Director Racky Plews and Choreographer Matthew Cole have, almost, done Kevin Bacon proud.

     

    Footloose plays at the Peacock Theatre London

  • Pride In London announces biggest organisational restructuring since 2012

    The organisers behind London’s historic Pride parade have today announced changes to their operation, as well as a new drive to bring new experience to the team. The enhanced structure places greater emphasis on community engagement across the board and will carry it forward for the next five years after it secured permission to continue running the event from the Greater London Authority.

    Pride In London announces biggest organisational restructuring since 2012

    As one of the longest running Pride events in the world, London plays host to one of the largest, most influential, most recognised and most impactful parades and events, but it can only do this thanks to the committed help of more than 100 year-round volunteers. In order to meet growing demand, and to help ensure Pride in London continues to grow and succeed for all LGBT+ people, organisers are appealing for people to apply for the many roles currently available – and to have a direct say in plans for next year.

    In 2017 the team launched a major advertising campaign to highlight hate crime, it broadcast TV adverts in an LGBT+ awareness campaign – the first to ever specifically highlight bisexual people, it launched a Facebook Live discussion programme, put on a parade with 28,000 participants and more than 1m spectators, and took its campaign internationally displaying messages of love from London in Times Square, New York and at World Pride in Madrid.

    On the back of Pride’s own surveys, consultations and feedback sessions throughout the summer, the re-structure will expand the board. Five positions on the Board of Directors are currently open. These are:

    Director of Volunteer Management
    Director of Community Engagement
    Director of Marketing
    Director of Events
    Director of Fundraising

    The recruitment process will be open, and the organisers are especially keen to hear from a diverse mix of applications.

    Applications will close on Friday, 6th October and Board members will be conducting interviews during w/c 9th and 16th October.

    Wider recruitment for core team roles will continue during October and there will be an ‘open day’ to enable those who are interested in volunteering to meet and find out more about Pride in London and the roles available.

    Recognition and thanks go to former board directors Patrick Lyster-Todd (one of the founders of Pride in London) and Mohsin Zaidi, both of whom worked tirelessly to help build the UK’s biggest and most diverse Pride Festival. Their camaraderie will be missed.

    The board restructure and recruitment drive is the first step in wider changes to Pride in London following feedback sessions and an evaluation of its mission for the coming years. Further announcements on this will be made in due course.

    Alison Camps, co-chair of Pride in London, said,

    “After five years, it has been important for us all at Pride in London to take stock and ensure we are in the best possible place to deliver the best event we can.

    “We can only do that if we adapt and grow and ensure the entire LGBTQ+ community is involved and is a part of the movement.

    “Volunteering with Pride in London has been one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had, and it is an incredible privilege to be part of it. I hope more people join us, and help create an event and movement that is as impactful and successful as ever.”

    Commenting, co-chair Michael Salter-Church, who helped set up Pride in London in 2012, said,

    “Five years ago, a small group of committed volunteers came together to rescue London’s Pride, after previous organisers fell into financial difficulty. That small team has now grown to more than 100 all-year-round volunteers.

    “2017 saw one of the largest parades the city has seen, and solidified the LGBTQ+ community at the heart of London and the UK. It also proved the strength of support towards Pride and how important the event is to LGBTQ+ people at home and abroad.

    “I am looking forward to welcoming many more people to the Pride family and gearing up to being better than ever in 2018.”

    Information about roles will be available at prideinlondon.org/volunteer