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Tag: UK

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Thoroughly Modern Millie – Leeds Grand Theatre and National Tour

    ★★★ | Thoroughly Modern Millie – Leeds Grand Theatre and National Tour

    Set in the prohibition era in 1920’s New York, Millie Dillmount arrives from Kansas determined to snag herself a rich husband, but ends up broke after being robbed, and finds her way to the Hotel Priscilla, a run-down establishment owned by Mrs Meers. Millie tries desperately to seduce her rich boss, whilst all the time falling for penniless Jimmy Smith. But when it comes to it, will Millie choose wealth over love, and will she ever work out why the girls in the hotel keep mysteriously disappearing?

    Photo Credit – Darren Bell

    Thoroughly Modern Millie is a traditional, old-school musical in a similar style to those written by Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. Using catchy songs, a will they/won’t they love story and gentile comedy, the show bounces along in a rather enjoyable manner and maintains all of the elements one would expect from such a production. The rather straightforward plot is interspersed with a number of pleasing ensemble dance breaks and littered with toe-tapping songs which progress the narrative. Throw into the mix a rather silly subplot involving disappearing hotel guests and an ending that could only happen in a musical and you have a fun show overall.

    Joanne Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing) throws her all into the title role and surpasses expectations as Millie. The dancing, as you would expect, was spot on, but her voice was an unexpected treat, with only a little overacting letting her down at times. Sam Barrett proved to be quite a charming leading man as Jimmy Smith and the ensemble proved their worth in the dance routines, in particular, Damian Buhagiar who stood out from the crowd with his committed and well-performed dancing.

    Where the show faltered was with an uncomfortably out of date portrayal Mrs Meers, the white slave trader (yes, that’s right!) as a pantomime style Chinese woman, complete with chopsticks in her hair and rather poor Pidgin English which jostles harshly against such an otherwise whimsical plot. The set was slightly uninspired, despite its art deco/Chrysler building influence; and a rather long penultimate scene in which Graham MacDuff’s portrayal of a drunken Mr Graydon and some fake corpsing certainly outstayed their welcome. The show could have also done with a reprise of one of the songs performed by the full cast to round off the evening as the curtain fell.

    Overall, the show is light, bubbly, breezy and undemanding and a generally solid production of a little performed, if slightly dated, musical. Clifton shines in the singing and dancing stakes and the show is ultimately a feel-good, if rather throwaway, piece of theatre.

    Thoroughly Modern Millie is currently at Leeds Grand Theatre (www.leedsgrandtheatre.com) until 22nd April 2017, before continuing on its national tour until the 15th July 2017. Full details can be found at the show’s webpage at http://modernmillie.co.uk/

  • THEATRE | Fancy Chance is coming back to Soho Theatre

    This April, Soho Theatre audiences are set to embark on an extraordinary journey courtesy of one of London’s most celebrated and versatile cabaret performers: Fancy Chance.  Her debut autobiographical show Flights Of Fancy runs for 5 nights from April 25-29 following sell-out previews in 2016. 

    c. Bodhan Cap

    A globe-trotting, time-traveling mini-spectacle with turbulent polemics and unexpectedly poignant stop-offs, Flights Of Fancy tells the true story of the artist’s journey from Korean refugee to international cabaret performer. In-flight entertainment includes offbeat humour, songs, and scenarios, written and performed by the artist herself and developed and directed by Nathan Evans.

    Fancy Chance says,

     “For years I’ve wanted to put together something long-form that allows me to expand on themes I’ve explored in shorter work, such as feminism, racism and body politics, using my own experiences as a starting point. Which isn’t to say it’ll all be serious, but there may be tears amongst laughter”.

    Fancy’s own travels started prematurely when as an abandoned baby, her life took an unchartered turn: “To this day I know nothing of my birth parents or birth name. If I hadn’t been adopted into a white family from the USA in the 1970’s then found home in London’s cabaret scene, who might I have been?  This show is used to explore the politics of identity and migration, the ethics of interracial adoption and global gentrification and to leave the audience questioning their own privileges and perspectives”.

    Fancy Chance’s work incorporates comedy, burlesque, drag, circus, cabaret and live art. Having made London her home she is consistently working and travelling. From Las Vegas (Caesar’s Palace no less..) to Latitude, and from Gothenburg to Glastonbury, cities as far afield as New York, Helsinki and Dubai have played host to Fancy’s multiple skills and personas.  In 2009 she was crowned the Alternative Miss World by national treasure Andrew Logan after hanging by her hair from the rafters of the Roundhouse and in 2016 Fancy collaborated with Marisa Carnesky in Carnesky’s Incredible Bleeding Woman prompting positive reviews.  She regularly performs at London’s Wonderground, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Leicester Square Theatre and The Box.

    ‘Twisted. Sick, even. But that’s the point.’ The Independent

    ‘Politically charged social critique with powerful feminist undertones.’ Exeunt

    ‘Consistently hilarious.’ The Stage

    Nathan Evans is a writer, director and performer whose work in theatre and film has been funded by the Arts Council, toured by the British Council, broadcast on Channel 4, archived by the British Film Institute and awarded a few statuettes. Previous shows for Soho Theatre include 7 Deadly Sins with The Tiger Lillies, Unplugged with David Hoyle and I Love You But We Only Have Fourteen Minutes To Save The Earth with Fancy Chance. www.nathanevans.co.uk 

    Listings:

    Date: 25-29 April 2017

    Time: 7.30pm 

    Title: Flights of Fancy

    Credits: performed by Fancy Chance, directed by Nathan Evans

    Venue: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE

    Tickets: £10-15

    Booking: www.sohotheatre.com 

    URLS: facebook.com/fancychances

    TWITTER: @fancy_chance 

  • THEATRE REVIEW | How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Wilton’s Music Hall, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Wilton’s Music Hall, London

    ★★★★ | How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

    Wilton’s Music Hall in the East End has another hit on its hands.

    How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is their fun and superb new show now playing at the historic venue. And it’s got the right cast to succeed without really trying to be a hit!

    Mark Pickering plays J. Pierrepont Finch – an ex-window washer who cleverly climbs the corporate ladder by taking tips from a book called ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ (obvs). His first step is to get a job, so he starts in the mail room at World Wide Wicket Company, working with Bud Frump (a very good Daniel Graham) – the nephew of CEO JB Biggley (Andrew C. Wadsworth). Company secretary Rosemary Pilkington (Hannah Grover) takes a liking to Finch, but Finch has more climbing the ladder to do, and soon enough he’s a junior executive. In the blink of an eye, he’s promoted to run the advertising department. And eventually, Finch will be after Biggley’s job, who has employed in the company his mistress Hedy La Rue (an excellent Lizzii Hills). She’s stacked but not too bright, and unfortunately, she gets enlisted in Finch’s new advertising campaign where she gives away the clues to a company competition, which could possibly lead to hers, Finch’s, and the company’s downfall. It’s a story told in laughs and colourful songs.

    The cast is perfect and the staging particularly brilliant. Especially good are Pilkington (great voice and timing) Hills (great comedic wit), Graham (perfect for the role as the spoiled nephew who doesn’t quite get what he thinks he deserves – with great facial expressions), and Matthew Whitby as the HR Director. Excellent direction by Benji Sperring brings this production, which is based on the 1952 book and the 1961 Broadway musical (and which has not been seen in London since 1963 when it played at the Shaftsbury Theatre). It’s pretty much as relevant today as it was when it was originally produced. And the very last song – “Company Way” – where Maisey Bawden finally comes into her own and belts her heart out, leaves the audience wanting more.

    How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying plays at the Wilton’s Music Hall, London until April 22.

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Gypsy Queen – National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | Gypsy Queen – National Tour

    ★★★| Gypsy Queen – National Tour

    In a story set in the testosterone-fuelled world of boxing, “Gorgeous” George O’Connell, a street brawler from the travelling community is approached to be coached professionally for the sport by a local gym owner. But George’s deepest secret cannot be contained when openly gay boxer Dane “The Pain” Sampson makes a move on him in the changing rooms. The two men fall in love as George tries to come to terms with his sexuality, but they face their biggest fight when George’s internalised homophobia rises to the fore and his actions lead to a tragedy that neither of them could ever have envisaged.

    Photo Credit – PR Supplied

    In 2015, boxer Tyson Fury caused controversy by stating in an interview that homosexuality was one of three components that would see “the devil come home”. The comments caused a media storm, a backlash against the boxer and demands for him to be removed from the BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist. This play by award-winning playwright Rob Wright throws, and squarely lands, a counter punch at those comments by not only telling the story of gay men in the middle of the ultra-masculine environment of the sport, but by also putting forward a gay central character whose background is not that dissimilar to the background of Fury himself.

    Using two actors to portray all of the characters in the story, the play has a script with charm, warmth and some genuinely funny moments, as the pair struggle with their relationships with their parents, their fledgeling relationship with each other and the pressures and prejudices of both their professional and personal communities. The set, comprising of a changing room bench, is repositioned to transport the scenes to the various locations, and the characters demarcations come from the use of simple costume changes and some nifty versatility from the two-hander cast.

    Rob Ward centrally plays Gorgeous George with a cocksure swagger and confidence; whereas Ryan Clayton balances this out with a measured performance as Dane, played with a sensitive vulnerability. But it is Clayton’s performance of Mrs O’Connell, the foul-mouthed but well-meaning matriarch of George’s family that turned out to be a scene stealer.

    Whilst the presentation and performance of the show could do with a little polishing, there is a lot to recommend it. With its 70 minute runtime, the play is well written, well-paced and laced with humour, allowing the central message to come through without ever sounding preachy. The uncertainty portrayed by George in coming out is something that many gay men will relate to, and the exploration of the underlying homoeroticism in such a masculine sport is a welcome and timely one.

    Gypsy Queen is a funny, poignant, thought-provoking and relevant piece of theatre and one which is well worth catching.

    The show contains full frontal nudity, scenes of a sexual nature and strong language. Gypsy Queen is currently on national tour and details can be found at http://www.gypsyqueentour.com/ . The show was reviewed at Doncaster CAST Theatre, who has The Faaaabulous Ceri Dupree Show coming soon. Visit https://castindoncaster.com/ for details.

    Photo Credit – PR supplied

     

  • Teenager hospitalised after homophobic attack with a BRICK

    A teenager was left hospitalised after a horrific assault, in which he was attacked with a brick to the head.

    • The 18-year-old victim was targetted by a “group of men”.

    • Assailants allegedly hurled homophobic verbal abuse at the victim.

    • A brick struck the back of the victim’s head – and he was hospitalised.

    Police are appealing for information after a teenager was attacked with a brick in an apparent homophobic attack in the north of England. The man, who is 18, and has not been named, was hospitalised after the vicious attack by a group of men.

    Police say the victim was subjected to homophobic verbal abuse before throwing a brick at the rear of his head. The attack took place on the cycle path to the rear of Hollis Academy in Saltersgill in Middlesbrough.

    After the attack, the assailants ran off in different directions. One is described as wearing a mustard coloured ‘puffer’ style jacket.

    The incident occurred at around 8:30 PM on Monday 10th April,

    Following the attack, the victim was taken to James Cook University Hospital. He was treated for head injuries and has since been released.

    Anyone with information regarding the incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact PC Josh Parry on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

  • REVIEW: Audra McDonald at the Leicester Square Theatre

    ★★★★★ | Audra McDonald

    Megastar of Broadway, film and television Audra McDonald can barely pop out for a carton of milk in New York without winning another Tony Award. It’s not hard to see why she’s a record breaking award winner and it’s a privilege to see and hear her up close in the Leicester Square Theatre.

    Due to break her West End virginity in June with her acclaimed performance as Billie Holiday with ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’, Audra’s in town for a flying visit with her husband and kids and decided to pop into the theatre, have a chat and sing a few songs. On one level it feels like just that, a lovely friend has popped in for coffee and a gossip but on the other it’s slick and showy, crank the drama up to maximum and let the hairs on the back of the neck rise.

    Audra is interviewed and accompanied on the piano by the hilarious and camp musical theatre legend Seth Rudetsky as well as being joined by her Broadway hunk husband Will Swenson. There’s a genuine warmth between Audra and Seth as they chat on the sofa about the kind of diverse subjects we all gossip about such as childrearing, travel and working with P-Diddy.

    Oh, she’s met a few legends too and gives good Barbra and Liza anecdotes. She seems to be that rare entity: genuinely nice but interesting with it. In between chats she sings. Boy does she sing. Last night she ran through Sondheim, Lerner and Loewe and Gershwin, amongst others but who knows what you’ll get if you’re lucky enough to get a seat.

    She really does have a beautiful voice and it’s not hard to see what all the fuss is about. If you love musical theatre then this is an absolute must. Even if you don’t love musical theatre then go. If this doesn’t convert you then nothing will.

    Audra McDonald plays at The Leicester Square Theatre until 15th April 2017

  • Homophobic crime continues to rise in the UK’s capital

    The homophobic crime rate has continued to rise with nearly 6 offences per day on our capital’s streets.

    There are, on average around 6 anti-LGBT offences being recorded every day on London’s streets, a 9.63% increase year on year. In total, 2037 crimes were reported for the year 2016/17 compared to 1861 crimes in 2015 /16 and 1559 in 2014/15.

    However, the Metropolitan Police service was keen to point out that the crime rates were lower than five years ago and these current statistics are set against the gruelling austerity measures and “significant reductions in resources” set out by this current government.

    Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt, responsible for Territorial Policing, said,

    “London is one of the safest global cities in the world. There are few others with such low rates of serious crime, such as murder and gun crime. 

    “Similar to the rest of England and Wales, crime rates in London are rising, but many of these are still at a much lower level than five years ago and are against the backdrop of significant reductions in resources. 

    “The crime picture has evolved and so must we in the way we police, recruit and operate. We have an ambitious transformation programme which is already underway and will deliver a 21st century police service for London, strengthening local policing by bringing specialist officers closer to communities. 

    “We are committed to increasing the amount of neighbourhood officers dedicated to particular areas to engage with the public and work with them to keep them safe; by the end of this year there will be an extra dedicated officer on every ward. 

  • THEATRE REVIEW | 46 Beacon, Trafalgar Studios, London

    ★★★★ | 46 Beacon

    It’s 1970 and for Robert, the air is heavy with the promise of straight, gay and even group sex as the hedonistic sixties leave behind a legacy of enhanced freedom for gay men.

    A suave and handsome British actor, Robert, has invited gauche teenage virgin, Alan, to his Boston hotel room for a drink and a chat (and hopefully an easy no-strings shag without his ‘room mate’ back in London finding out). The gin flows and it’s not just flesh that’s bared as they probe each other in more ways than one. Alan is overwhelmed, unsure of himself and his sexuality. Appearances are deceptive, though and Robert isn’t quite the carefree shagger he initially appears to be.

    This is a charming play that’s both warm and witty with plenty of wry humour and a touching message. The pace flags occasionally but picks up again. Overall it’s a resonant play touching on themes of alienation and feeling lost within the life you’ve made that I’m sure will be familiar to lots of us.

    The setting might be 47 years ago but as the saying goes: the more things change the more they stay the same. This is an incisive and fascinating glimpse of gay life that whilst humorous, I’m sure will make you wince at times as you recall your own past. Well worth 83 minutes of your time.

    46 Beacon plays at Trafalgar Studios until 29th April 2017

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Miss Nightingale, The Vaults, London

    ★★★★ | Miss Nightingale, The Vaults, London

    Miss Nightingale review
    CREDIT: Robert Workman

    The story of a chanteuse called Miss Nightingale who is caught between three men in 1940’s London during WW2 is now playing at The Vaults under Waterloo Station.

    Leaving war-ravaged Berlin behind, Maggie Brown (a very talented Tamar Broadbent) and Polish George Nowodny (an excellent Conor O’Kane) arrive in The Big Smoke with Brown’s musical talent. Almost immediately, Brown is spotted by producer Sir Frank Worthington-Blythe (Nicholas Coutu-Langmead) and is urged to start singing for her supper. She’s a hit and starts dating Tom the drummer (Niall Kerrigan). But when their relationship goes down the drain (a bit unexpectedly), Brown, now known by her stage name of Miss Nightingale, falls into the arms of Frank. But Frank and the seductive George have struck up a relationship, all of this amidst the constant threat of blackouts, bombs and The Blitz – life in London during World War II was a treacherous and at times tortuous place.

    Miss Nightingale is similar to the storyline in Cabaret where the songs are catchy and campy, however, there is the fear of the unknown, and it’s set amidst the drama and terror that is happening in the outside world. Broadbent is absolutely wonderful as the star of the show, petite yet singing with a big voice and big personality – she commands the stage. Coutu-Langdmead is just as good in his meaty role as Brown’s best confidante and Frank’s lover – though he’s got lots of emotional scars from his past that he can’t soon forget. But the actors in this show not only act, they also play the instruments! O’Kane is especially adept when he’s playing several instruments during one of Broadbent’s songs – is there nothing this man can’t do? The action (and drama) takes place in the small stage space that is The Vaults, not much space to move around but the actors do it, and class it up with their excellent performances and singing.

    I can’t recommend this show enough – it’s got everything going for it – and there’s a cosy bar for those all important pre-show and interval drinks!

    Miss Nightingale is playing at The Vaults until May 20th.

     

  • Scotland becomes first country in the UK to approve PrEP on the NHS

    Scotland has become the first country in the UK to approve the use of PrEP on the NHS.

    © marcbruxel Depositphotos

    NHS Scotland will become the first health service in the UK to prescribe PrEP after the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) announced that PrEP, the HIV prevention drug, has been deemed a cost-effective treatment to prevent the transmission of HIV. This means that gay and bisexual men will be able to access the drugs, for free, on the Scottish NHS.

    Ian Howley, CEO of GMFA – the gay men’s health charity said,

    “GMFA welcomes the news that PrEP will become available to those who are most at risk on the NHS in Scotland. Over the past year we have seen statistics that proves PrEP works and is helping in the fight against HIV. In some cases, GUM clinics have seen a 40% drop in new HIV infections. PrEP is the tool that we have been waiting for and I am delighted that gay and bisexual men in Scotland can now access PrEP free on the NHS.”

    Meanwhile, NHS England has decided on running a three-year trial following legal battles in 2016. GMFA today called upon NHS England is drop its trial and follow in the footsteps of its Scottish sister service.

    Ian continues;

    “This decision now calls into question as to why NHS England can not make PrEP available to all that need it and still insist on a three-year trial. We are now calling on NHS England to follow the footsteps of Scotland and provide PrEP to those who are at a higher risk. 

    “Every gay and bisexual man living in the entire UK deserves the right to access PrEP for free on the NHS. It’s time this became a reality. Too many gay and bisexual men are becoming HIV-positive and we now have a tool that can prevent new infections.”

     “We congratulate the PrEP4Scotland Coalition, HIV Scotland, Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland, Waverley Care, and National AIDS Trust, on their hard work in getting PrEP available to all those who need it in Scotland.”

  • Manchester to become first UK city to officially record same-sex domestic abuse reports

    Greater Manchester police will be making history from today as it becomes the first city to officially record domestic abuse reports within the LGBT community.

    Following work between Greater Manchester Police, support service Independent Choices, LGBT Foundation and specialist trainers, code “D66” has been used in GMP’s City of Manchester division since June 2016 to record reports of domestic abuse in the LGBT community.

    Over 100 incidents have been logged in the pilot area since then and from today, Monday 10th April, officers in all areas of Greater Manchester will use the code.

    Since June, police and partners have had extra training to increase their understanding of the different needs of people who find themselves in domestic abuse situations. 

    No other police force in the UK has recorded this information before and it’s hoped that its introduction will add to Greater Manchester’s current work to capture trends and patterns and ultimately tackle the issue and support victims in the most effective way possible.

    Detective Chief Inspector Myra Ball from GMP said,

    “This is a huge step forward in tackling domestic abuse specifically within the LGBT community here in Greater Manchester, and shows our commitment to supporting all victims of domestic abuse in the best way possible, for them.

    “Over the six month pilot in just one area of Greater Manchester we logged over 150 incidents of LGBT domestic abuse. This code will help us to identify and monitor LGBT domestic abuse incidents, which in turn will help us shape any processes needed to tackle it.

    “Across the multiagency partnership we have identified the lack of monitoring in this respect and the partnership has funded a specialist LGBT IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Adviser) at Independent Choices. We are also continuing our work on a national level with the national LGBT domestic abuse helpline at Galop to better understand the issues surrounding domestic abuse in the LGBT community and encourage victims and friends and family of victims to report the issue and have the confidence to come forward.”

    Nik Noone, CEO of Galop said,

    “Domestic abuse does not discriminate, and neither should the reporting of domestic abuse. The GMP’s D66 code will not only help break down barriers to reporting, we hope it will encourage other police forces across the country to roll out similar initiatives. Galop will be working hard to support this key development for LGBT survivors.”

    People in Greater Manchester are encouraged to get comfortable talking about domestic abuse in all its forms – including coercion and control – thanks to the ‘Sitting Right With You’ campaign. The campaign gets people thinking differently about domestic abuse and encourages victims or concerned friends and family to take that first step towards help and support.