THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • 5 gay date ideas in London this weekend 16-17 September

    Looking for something to do this weekend – check out our quick guide…

    London Queer Fashion show

    £10.50 – £26.25

    Okay, not quite the weekend, but on Wednesday 20th, in Hackney, the London Queer Fashion Show will be showcasing the most exciting designs and ideas from some of London’s brightest young stars. LQFS exhibits the greatest new talent, the people who know that gender exists beyond the binary, that clothing does not exist in male and female forms. The designers who are moving fashion forward to inspire and empower our city and society. LQFS gives visibility to the diversity within our community, helping to break down gender norms and show that the queer community follows no rules.

    From 6:00 PM at the Hackney Showroom – tickets are from £21.00 

    Drag Queen Brunch

    £££

    The Ivy Soho Brasserie will be hosting a Drag Queen Brunch on Sunday 17 September in celebration of London’s Fashion Week. Between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, guests will be greeted and hosted by two fabulous drag queens – Tiffaney Wells and Adora Dix – to ignite their brunching experience.

    The Ivy Soho Brasserie’s brunch menu will feature an array of The Ivy Collection classic dishes such as chicken Milanese, hot buttermilk pancakes and the melting chocolate bombe. Tiffaney Wells and Adora Dix will be the Maître D’ for the day and will ensure an experience with vibrant entertainment to excite and engage guests throughout their meal.

    Consumers can book The Ivy Soho Brasserie’s Drag Queen Brunch online or over the phone at 0203 301 1166.

     

    Kardashian Dash

    Free 

    London, UK – 13 September 2017 – E! Entertainment Television – NBCUniversal International Network’s (NBCUIN) channel dedicated to pop culture – is celebrating 10 years of Keeping Up With The Kardashians by giving fans an immersive experience of the show with the launch of a FREE two day event – “E! Celebrates 10 Years of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”
    Opening its doors at London’s iconic Saatchi Gallery on 22-23rd September, the event brings to life everything you know and love about television’s longest running docu-series, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, over two days of unmissable experiences including: ultimate selfie opportunities, make-up masterclasses and more, to ensure that ultimate E! fans are “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”  The event is an absolute must for all super-fans of the show.  FREE tickets for the exclusive event are limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis from www.seetickets.com/go/kuwtk

    King’s Head Theatre

    £22.50

    London is very fortunate to have a theatre like the King’s Head because of its repertoire of gay-themed shows. And now it’s in the middle of presenting its LGBT Festival with the showcase of a new play called Outlaws to In-Laws.

    Outlaws to In-Laws attempts, successfully, to depict the experiences of gay men over the last seven decades. And while it’s a subject that would be daunting for any theatre, or playwright, involved, the seven playwrights who wrote the seven shows that cover seven decades of gay life do their darnedest to both entertain and educate the audience.

    Outlaws to In-Laws is now playing at The King’s Head Theatre until September 23.

     

    Go shopping for Vintage Gear

    Free

    The famed retro market, Dusty Fingers Market is Hitting Dalston and is going canalside for one weekend. Make your way to Hertford Road, Haggerston to get your mitts on some vintage gear.

    Find out more

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Outlaws to In-Laws, King’s Head Theatre, London

    ★★★★ | Outlaws to In-Laws

    THEATRE REVIEW | Outlaws to In-Laws, King's Head Theatre, London

    London is very fortunate to have a theatre like the King’s Head because of its repertoire of gay-themed shows. And now it’s in the middle of presenting its LGBT Festival with the showcase of a new play called Outlaws to In-Laws.

    Outlaws to In-Laws attempts, successfully, to depict the experiences of gay men over the last seven decades. And while it’s a subject that would be daunting for any theatre, or playwright, involved, the seven playwrights who wrote the seven shows that cover seven decades of gay life do their darnedest to both entertain and educate the audience. Here are some of the highlights:

    Happy and Glorious – by Philip Meeks – is set in the 1950s on the day of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation where two men fall into a tryst and both their lives change forever.

    Mister Tuesday – by Jonathan Harvey (Beautiful Thing) – Peter and Jimmy have sex, on Tuesdays, but we soon realize that Jimmy is married with children while Peter threatens to blackmail him just so that he can keep the trysts, and possibly more, ongoing.

    Reward – by Jonathan Harvey – a riveting story where a rough and tough skinhead and a young black man meet at a bus stop and fall into a relationship, but it’s illicit one where both of them could be in real danger. Both actors, Jack Bence and Michael Duke, are excellent.

    1984 – by Patrick Wilde – where two men have an encounter, and one of them, a politico for Thatcher, realizes that all that he stands for is soon to change.

    Brothas – by Topher Campbell – where two black men, Dwayne and Remi, have fun cruising on a black dating site, slighting the unattractive ones while favouring the more ‘looking and acting straight’ ones. But it’s Dwayne who’s in it for more than just the sex.

    While most of the stories are very good, what is best about this production are the performances. All seven actors give it their best, but it’s a few of them who really stand out. Bence, as previously mentioned, is highly memorable as the skinhead in Reward and as Peter in Mister Tuesday – both roles require high stakes drama and passion, and Bence delivers, while both Myles Devonté and Duke look very comfortable in their roles in Brothas – they are both naturals in front of the audience.

    Outlaws to In-laws is two hours of theatre that, while a bit cobbled together, is still a very good journey that takes us from decade to decade of gay life linked together very cleverly and showcasing the talent of the playwrights and especially the actors.

    Outlaws to In-Laws is now playing at The King’s Head Theatre until September 23.

    For details of The King’s Head’s other gay production, “Gypsy Queen,” please go here:

    https://kingsheadtheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873576764

  • Two men wanted over a homophobic assault in London

    Police in London have released efits of two men they wish to speak to following a homophobic assault on two men in Lambeth.

    Two men wanted over a homophobic assault in London
    Police have released these e fits of two men they would like to question in connection to homophobic assaults on two men in Lambert, London.

    Detectives are appealing for witnesses after two men were assaulted in Lambeth in what detectives are treating as a homophobic hate crime.

    Officers have today released E-fits of two men they wish to identify and speak with.

    Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at around 00:50hrs on Sunday, 30 July to Windmill Walk, SE1 to a report of two men injured following an assault.

    The victims, aged 53 and 49, suffered facial injuries and were taken to a south London hospital for treatment. They have since been discharged.

    “Motivated by homophobia”

    The men told police that they were approached by a group of four males who launched an unprovoked attack which appeared to be motivated by homophobia. The suspects were all described as white and wearing hooded tops. One of them spoke with a strong Northern Irish accent.

    The assaults, in which one of the victims lost some teeth, are being treated as a suspected hate crime.

    An ambulance was called at 12.50 AM on Sunday, 30 July to Windmill Walk, SE1 to a report of two men injured following an assault.

    Detective Constable Matt Cockroft, from Lambeth CID, said, “This was a shocking attack on two men who were simply walking along the road.

    “I would urge anyone who recognises either of these men to contact us. I would also like to speak with anyone who witnessed the assault but has not yet to come forward.”

    No arrest made

    There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

    Any witnesses and anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or Tweet via @MetCC.

    The Met have long since recognised the impact of hate crime on communities and the hidden nature of this crime, which remains largely under-reported. The MPS stands together with policing partners, colleagues and groups to investigate all hate crime allegations, support victims and their families, and bring perpetrators to justice.

    We would appeal to anyone who witnesses or suffers hate crime of any type to immediately report it so that action can quickly be taken and catch those responsible.

    Hate crime can be reported through 999 in an emergency, by dialling 101 in a non-emergency, directly at a police station, through the MOPAC Hate Crime app or through community reporting methods such as Tell MAMA, Galop, or the Community Security Trust [CST].

  • Cornwall’s only full time gay bar is about to close unless it can be rescued

    Cornwall’s only full-time LGBT+ venue is set to close unless a new buyer can be found.

    A gay bar in Cornwall has become the latest LGBT+ venue to close. Deja Vu’s owners Steve and Chris decided to put the venue on the market. They took over the bar from Bar Qdos just two years ago. They opened the venue after a large renovation for Cornwall pride in August 2015.

    The couple vowed to keep the venue open as long as it was sustainable, which it was, but when Cornwall Pride – and its associated events moved from Truro to Newquay it was the “final nail” in the coffin for Deja Vu.

    There are no LGBT+ club is Newquay.

    It was revealed that money raised from the footfall that Cornwall Pride would create for the venue helped the owners pay for its building insurance, music license. However, because of the Pride’s move, those costs are now being met out the pockets of the owners.

    The couple has put the business on sale for just under £40,000.

    Speaking to THEGAYUK, Chris said,

    “When (we) opened the bar it was for the LGBTQ community and the bar would stay open as long as it paid for itself and with Cornwall pride and special events throughout the year this was the case.

    “The final nail in the coffin was the relocation of Cornwall pride from Truro the capital of Cornwall to the seaside resort of Newquay ensured the bar to lose a large chunk of income from this one night. The income from this one night normally pays for the insurance buildings and contents and public liability along with the PRS music licence for the year.

    “But due to the relocation of pride we are going to have to pay these out of our own pocket so the time has come to sell up”.

     

     

  • Five arrests made at “Gays Against Sharia” protest in Bristol

    Five people were arrested over the weekend at a demonstration and counter protest in Bristol.

    Five arrests made at "Gays Against Sharia" protest in Bristol

    Two groups, British and Immigrants United Against Terrorism and Gays Against Sharia demonstrated in Bristol yesterday about “issues of female genital mutilation, homophobia within Islam and Sharia Law”.

    They were met with a counter protest by members of the LGBT community and Stand Up To Racism.

    The Bristol Post reports around 65 people listened to speeches from UKIP candidate Anne-Marie Waters, former EDL member Tommy English.

    There were five arrests, four for assaulting a police officer and one for one for obstructing the police in their duties.

    Huge police presence

    Protesters and demonstrations were met with 250 officers from the Avon and Somerset police force, neighbourhood officers, specialist public order-trained officers, mounted colleagues and dog handlers.

    Chief Inspector Andy Williams said, “Overall the operation went well with the vast majority of those involved behaving and following our request for peaceful demonstrations.

    “Unfortunately there were a small number of counter protestors who deviated from their pre-agreed route and who became disruptive.

    “This led to a small amount of anti-social behaviour in the Old Market area which caused some congestion on surrounding roads while officers dealt with the situation.

    “We’d particularly like to thank those motorists who were affected by this and apologise to them for any inconvenience.

    “A total of five arrests were made during the day, four for assaulting police officers and one for obstructing them in their duties.

    “Violence and disorder will not be tolerated and we, as the public would expect, have been robust in tackling with those who have engaged in this behaviour.”

    The right to protest

    The police force took to social media to announce the number of arrests – but also to assert the rights of citizens to protest peacefully.

     

    Police stepped in after a number of protesters deviated from the route that was agreed in advance of the day. One person was arrested for obstruction.

    Amjid Ali, chair of the Bristol Independent Advisory Group, said:

    “The way in which the local neighbourhood policing team have conducted this operation has been a great example of partnership working.

    “It is much appreciated by all the diverse communities of Bristol. Well done to all those involved in keeping everyone safe.”

  • You won’t believe how much Hollywood director Roland Emmerich charges as a landlord

    Have you ever wanted to live like a Hollywood Director? Well now you can if you stump up a massive £36,000 A MONTH.

    Hollywood director Roland Emmerich has put his London house on the market...
    £8000 per week and you can rent from the famous Hollywood director.

    The out director Roland Emmerich has opened up his London home for tenants – providing they can pay the £8,000 a week price tag. The house, which is located in Knightsbridge has five sizable bedrooms and boasts a unique style throughout the house, but also an eye-watering £36,000 per calendar month price tag – or a whopping £432,000 a YEAR.

    Although it’s unlikely the director will have someone living in for a full year as Emmerich is only letting it for short-term lets.

    Roland Emmerich is looking for only short term lets for his £8000 a week home in Knightsbridge.

    The director who can count Independence Day, Godzilla and Stargate as his hit movies has clearly used his theatrical sensibilities in the styling of the house – you’ll even find a Pope in full garb under the stairs.

    Time for confession? The gay director has a wax figure of Pope Jean-Paul II under the stairs.

    Daniel Bickerdike, Lettings Manager at KFH South Kensington, said, “The opportunity to live in such a unique home doesn’t come around very often. From the murals and ornaments inspired by figures from world history to Pope Jean Paul II sitting in the under-stairs cupboard, residents will be equally challenged, fascinated and entertained by the décor throughout this property.”

    Renters will be able to take a shower with Saddam Hussein holding a child. The house is also full of artworks with communist leaders as the subject.
    Those who take up residence will a stone’s throw from some of London’s most exclusive shops and restaurants.

    Along with the opportunity to sit with the Pope, houseguests will be able to shower with Saddam Hussein and other communist dictators.

    Each room has a different feel – but does have hardwood flooring throughout.

    Each room feels like a movie set with bespoke murals, ornaments and soft furnishings sitting alongside unique artwork and furniture. 

    The property is available through KFH South Kensington who can be contacted on 020 3792 5523.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Doubt, a Parable, Southwark Playhouse, London

    ★★★★★ | Doubt, a Parable, Southwark Playhouse, London

    CREDIT: Paul Nicholas Dyke

    It’s Autumn 1964 and young priest Father Brendan Flynn doesn’t fit into the spartan and puritanical ideals of the school as run by sour faced Sister Aloysius. He’s all warmth and casual attitude, bouncing a basketball around with the boys. Her view of the school system is one where art is a frippery, the children should be contained and disciplined and pastoral care involves telling people to buck their ideas up. Her ever watchful gaze is centred on Flynn and when a young nun divulges her suspicions of inappropriate behaviour between Father Flynn and a pre-pubescent boy she appears to relish the chance to get rid of him and launches into decisive and cunning action.

    If you want big acting shoes to fill then look no further than ‘Doubt’. This 2005 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play was made into an astoundingly good film with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep as the warring priest and nun. This version has pulled together an accomplished cast with Stella Gonet as the terrifying yet eminently human Sister Aloysius. It;’s a dense, dialogue heavy play that’s an intense ninety minutes but one that passes in a flash and will set you cogitating as you consider the facets of the situation and the personalities concerned. Oh, as well as thinking about that little matter of the truth. Much like life, there aren’t any wholly good or bad or stupid or clever people only people on a spectrum constantly sliding somewhere between the two.

    The confined space of a fringe theatre like Southwark Playhouse suits this piece as you get to see every thought flit across each face and the intensity ramps up a notch or two. This is a rarity: an entertaining and rousing play that’s also intelligent and thought provoking. Go see it.

    Doubt, a Parable, plays at the Southwark Playhouse, London until 30th September 2017

  • 9 gay date ideas in London this weekend

    Looking for something to do this weekend – check out our quick guide…

    Keep it Kings Cross

    Free (before 10 PM) + drinks

    Fancy seeing some traditional drag head on over to Central Station in Kings Cross – a camp little haven awaits you as drag queen Lizzy Drip takes to the stage at 10:30 PM. There’s free entry before 10:00 PM and £5 after. The Kings Cross area once had a buzzing gay scene, with a number of nights or venues, and although the area is being redeveloped with expensive restaurants, hipster hangouts and extortionate housing costs, Central Station remains an uncomplicated, honest, fairly priced option. Hell, you can still get a glass of white for £3.70! Serves food. 37 Wharfdale Road, Kings Cross, London N1 9SD, 020 7278 3294

    Blooming great pre-drinks

    Free + drinks

    If you’re looking for something a little different to drag, then visit the underground, uber cool New Bloomsbury Set. Great prices and a 10-minute walk from Central Station – the perfect jump off before you head off clubbing…

    Go East

    Free + drinks

    For something a little edgier venture to Shoreditch – where the only label that matters is: “attitude free”. Take in the sights and sounds at Homodrop, the camp as f*ck disco at Dalston Superstore. And it’s free to get in. 117 Kingsland High St, E8 2PB. 

    Pick Up The Soap

    £££

    Of course, if you fancy something a little more sexy and soapy, try the Foam Party at Sweatbox in Soho. The party is never ending with a 24-hour pass costing £17 or a 48-hour pass costing £19. 1-2 Ramilies Street, Soho, W1F 7LN.

    Temping Tate

    Free

    Get lost in the epic Tate Modern gallery and marvel at the sheer scale of the Turbine room.

    Be a cultured gay and head off to the Tate Modern on the ever so romantic South Bank. Take the walk from Embankment Station – cross the footbridge – walk past the Royal Festival Hall and the National Theatre – and hold hands. No one will blink an eye lid. It’s all very chill.  There are plenty of exhibitions on at the Tate Modern including, Voices and Media Networks. You must, of course, whilst you’re there, go and see Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych.

    The Thames

    Free

    Whilst you’re out and about around the Thames, artist Jason Bruges has created a light installation to shine on the Sea Containers building – a little further up from the Tate Modern. The design of the lighting reflects the water quality – according to the Thames water data. The display is a permanent fixture to help spread awareness about the quality of water in the Thames.

     A bite in Soho

    £££

    Some New York cool right in the centre of London. Grab a cocktail and relax.

    The gay epicentre of London is in Soho – this is where the highest number of LGBT+ spaces exist. However, for food, you should check out Dirty Bones on Denman Street – right next to the Piccadilly Theatre. Dirty Bones the restaurant categorises itself as New York comfort food and cocktails, well it’s that and more.

    Car Boot Sale

    £

    Will you be able to pick up a bargain at the Kings Cross car boot? From 10 AM on both Saturday and Sunday.

    I mean it’s definitely an unusual idea for a date… but if you’ve got a new BF this might be the perfect place to really discover what kind of guy he really is… They say you can tell a lot about a man by what he’s got in his basket – so to speak. There’s a car boot in Kings Cross, in Granary Square, from 10 AM and on Sunday from 10 AM. Just £5 to get in.

     

    Skinny Dipping?

    £2 (day ticket)

    Located in North London is the Hampstead Heath Ponds, three large freshwater swimming ponds that are popular for same sex and mixed couples alike. For centuries people have been coming to the ponds for a relaxing dip in the waters. Catch the last of the summer heat and take your partner to the ponds and have some wet fun. Let your playful side come out while enjoying an athletic dip. You must wear trunks in the water… but you know… once you’re in… who could possibly tell if you quickly slipped them off!

     

     

     

  • Are British men’s peens just average?

    Are British men’s peens just average?

    So studies have found that British willies are average. Just average guys!

    Now according to Mandatory.com average erect penis sizes have been collected and collated from 80 countries across the world and a table of length has been drawn up. Someone clearly had a very productive day in the graphics department. So where was the UK’s placement?  Well, it’s exactly average. You see that orange column – yep we’re in there. Not even in the yellow… and you can forget the green column.

    The longest average erect penises are apparently in the African country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (7.1 inches) and the smallest are in North Korea with 3.8 inches.

    The average of the averages is 5.5 inches and that’s exactly where the UK is, beating the likes of the US (5.1 inches) and China (4.3 inches) but drawing with New Zealand, Ukraine and Canada.

    According to Mandatory.com the correct way to measure the penis is from the tip of the penis to the very bottom of the pubic bone and apparently, only 3% of the world’s men have a dick over 8 inches. You can watch David Wavey just proper instructions here.

    We can’t actually believe someone was paid to measure all those dongs…

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Dirty Dancing, New Victoria Theatre, Woking

    ★★★ | Dirty Dancing, New Victoria Theatre, Woking

    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 New Victoria Theatre, Woking until 9th July 2017

    • Review taken from the Sheffield Theatre production

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Jane Eyre, Birmingham Rep

    ★★★★ -Jane Eyre, Birmingham Rep

    A rollercoaster of emotions that kept on plunging.

    Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre is plagued by circumstances from which she has no power over; from childhood abuse, to later mistreatment in the Lowood School for orphaned girls, Jane suffered for the greatest part of her life. The National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic came together to create a haunting masterpiece that was seen last night at The Birmingham Rep. The rawness of emotion and the simplistic style of setting captured the audience’s attention and tugged on heartstrings.

    The acting and the synchronicity of movement were astonishing in Jane Eyre. The ensemble pieces were performed to such a high standard, even the breathing was in sync. Nadia Clifford, who plays Jane Eyre, was formidable in her captivating portrayal of Jane’s life. Nadia embodied Jane Eyre with so much sincerity and passion, it was as though Nadia had been through similar tribulations. Her movement and voice, as well conveyance of emotions throughout the play, were so strong and authentic. Nadia stole the show.

    Every cast member showcased uniqueness and dexterity with multipart playing, while acting, moving and singing. I particularly enjoyed Paul Mundell’s representation of Pilot, Mr Rochester dog. Paul used a device which he smacked against the side of his leg to simulate tail wagging which was a fresh take to a human portraying a dog without costumes or gimmicks. Paul’s canine mannerisms and movements really contributed to the sophisticated and brilliance of this production. Evelyn Miller was a fierce multipart player, portraying different characters so uniquely that, if it was not for the small-ish cast number, I don’t think I’d recognise her. She was soulful and powerful in delivery and the characters were really earnest. The queen of playing a plethora of characters was Hannah Bristow. Hannah played five characters and she was brilliant with everyone. Her portrayal of Helen Burns was very touching and emotional. Lynda Rooke was really great at playing the revolting Mrs Reed and then playing a sweet and homely Mrs Fairfax – great contrast of characters. The music trio were not only pleasing to the eye, but they were supremely talented both vocally and with playing different instruments – and acting too! I also really enjoyed Melanie Marshall’s angelic and demonic vocals as Bertha, creating an eerie and surreal atmosphere.

    Jane Eyre is a powerful novel, and seeing it live on stage is an experience that is unforgettable. Thank you, National Theatre!