THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • Popular gay bar closes in Soho

    Another popular gay bar has closed in Soho, without warning.

    Molly Moggs has become the latest LGBT venue to close its doors. It’s not known why the bar has closed, according to sources even staff members are shocked at the sudden closure of the ever popular bar.

    A note on its Facebook page told fans,

    “Unfortunately today we say goodbye to the Molly Moggs that we’ve all loved for many years.

    “We can’t thank our loyal customers and our new customers enough for sticking with us through the thick and thin and making it such a valuable part of Soho.

    “Who knows what the future holds for good old Molly’s but for now ‘there will be no singing drag queens at Molly Moggs.

    “Once again, thank you from all of us. The queens, the management, the staff and the owners.”

    In 2015 the pub’s lease went up for sale for £275,000, with only 20 years left on its lease. Molly Moggs is set in a listed building so only the leasehold is available to purchase and it is likely to remain a pub because of the licensing conditions, this is not a guarantee that it will remain a gay venue once new owners are found.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Northern Ballet’s Casanova – National Tour

    ★★★★ | Despite his reputation for romance and his wild sexual liaisons, Casanova remains a historical figure with much more to offer than just a debauched lifestyle; and it is those lesser known aspects of his life which are subject to a brand new feature length ballet. Casanova was a trainee priest, musician, writer, social climber, mathematician, prisoner, gambler, food lover and fluent in seven languages. There is much more to Casanova than there first appears and this ballet explores his life and reputation in a way which debunks the perception that he was little more than a philandering Lothario.

    Photo Credit – Justin Slee

     

    With striking visuals, choreographer Kenneth Tindall tells the detailed and intricate story of Casanova’s extraordinary life and manages to pack in many aspects of his life in a way which never feels rushed or forced. Using a range of techniques, Tindall brings out the best in the company with routines that range from grand, sweeping set pieces to intimate movements; all of which combine to convey the story not only efficiently, but also in an absorbing and intriguing way. On a stage flooded with golds, oranges and purples, the first act is faced paced and dramatic; which subsequently yields to a more intimate second act filled with gentile and tender routines; leading to a finale which beautifully rounds off the show.

    There is an abundance of flesh on display, and the ballet does not shy away from Casanova’s sexual appetite, finding himself in the company of both men and women. In a refreshingly open way, there are scenes of sensuality between Casanova and a number of men; and the number of muscular arms, tight pecs and washboard abs on display gently, but tastefully ,nudge the production towards an edge of homoeroticism at times.

    Photo Credit – Caroline Holden

    Giuliano Contadini makes the most of his characters many layers and provides what is perhaps is most rounded performance to date as the titular character and the remainder of the cast are all proficient in their multiple roles.

    The production values are high, with lavish costumes and gilt edged props which reflect the sumptuousness and extravagance of the period setting. Add into that a set which creates a versatile dance space and multiple locations by the use of three pillars and a variety of forced perspectives; a stunning lighting design and an original score which is cinematic, sweeping and stirring and you have all of the elements of a very fine production.

    Casanova is currently playing at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until the 1st April 2017 before visiting Norwich Theatre Royal, Milton Keynes Theatre, Cardiff New Theatre, Salford The Lowry and Sadlers Wells. Visit www.northernballet.com for full details.

     

     

  • Brighton Homophobic attackers’ sentence increased

    Brighton Homophobic attackers’ sentence increased

    Two thugs who attacked and hospitalised two men in Brighton last year have had their prison sentences increased.

    CREDIT: Brighton Police

    Gage Vye-Parminter, 18, of Breydon Walk, and Matthew Howes, 19, of Weald Drive, were both originally jailed for five years in a young offender institution for the homophobic attack on two men in Brighton last year. They admitted GHB and assault on two men in the city’s centre. They were ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.

    The youngest of the two victims suffered fractured eye sockets, nose and cheekbones. Pictures of the victims shocked the community last year after news of the attack made its way onto social media.

    However, their sentences have been increased to seven years after the Government’s Solicitor General Robert Buckland challenged the “unduly lenient” sentence. The court agreed to extend the time to reflect that it was a hate crime.

    Speaking after the hearing, Mr Buckland QC said,

    “This vicious attack was totally unprovoked and has left the victims with long-term emotional and physical scars. It will take the victims a considerable amount of time to recover from this.

    “I thought the sentence was unduly lenient as it failed to adequately take into account that this attack was motivated by hate.

    “I hope the court’s decision to impose a longer prison sentence, to include the sentence uplift, sends a clear message to society that such offences will not be tolerated.”

  • Man pleads guilty to supplying drugs to the Grindr killer Stephen Port

    Man pleads guilty to supplying drugs to the Grindr killer Stephen Port

    A man has admitted in court that he supplied drugs to convicted killer, Stephen Port who murdered four young men in London between 2015 and 2016.

    Gerald Matovu
    CREDIT: Met Police

    Gerald Matovu, 23, of Great Guildford Street, Southwark SE1 pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 28 March to supplying class B drug mephedrone (commonly known as Meow Meow), and class C drug GHB to Port between 1 July and 31 August 2015.

    He also admitted offering to supply GHB to Port between the same dates. He will be sentenced on Wednesday, 26 April. 

    The offences came to light during the investigation into Port’s extensive crimes. 

    Stephen Port, 42, a chef, of Cooke Street, Barking, was sentenced to a whole life term in November 2016 for the murder of four young gay men and drugging and sexually assaulting another seven victims.

    Port bought the drugs from Matovu for use during consensual sex with his partner. Phone records and downloads from electronic devices belonging to Port clearly showed contact with Matovu and Port had described Matovu as his drug dealer to his partner.

    In messages, Matovu told Port he had “loads of G” and asked how much he wanted.

    Matovu was arrested on 15 June 2016 and charged on 27 October 2016.

    The IPCC is to undertake interviews with 17 Met Police officers as part of their investigation into the service’s response to the deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth, and Jack Taylor – the victims of Stephen Port’s serial killings.

     

  • Police officer dies from injuries during Westminster Terror attack

    Police officer dies from injuries during Westminster Terror attack

    It has been confirmed that a police officer and a woman have died following a “terror incident” in central London.

    The woman, who has not yet been named died after being hit by a car on Westminster bridge. The car then crashed into railings. The car struck a number of people on the bridge leaving many with horrific injuries.

    After the car hit the railings at least one man escaped and headed towards the Palace of Westminster. Police are cautious to confirm whether there was just one attacker. An investigation is under way.

    The officer was stabbed by the attacker and died from the injuries despite first responder’s best efforts.

    Westminster has become the latest European city to become the victim of a terrorist incident. Police in London confirmed that a “terror incident” in the area surrounding parliament has left at least three people dead and several people with “catastrophic injuries”.

    A car was driven at people on Westminster bridge, echoing an attack in Nice, France in July 2016.

  • Westminster suffers “terror incident” leaving at least one person dead

    Westminster suffers “terror incident” leaving at least one person dead

    BREAKING

    Westminster has become the latest European city to become the victim of a terrorist incident. Police in London have confirmed that a “terror incident” in the area surrounding parliament has left at least four people dead and several people with “catastrophic injuries”. A car was driven at people on Westminster bridge, echoing an attack in Nice, France in July 2016.

    After the car hit the railings at least one man escaped and headed towards the Palace of Westminster. Police are cautious to confirm whether there was just one attacker. An investigation is underway.

    The officer was stabbed by the alleged attacker and died from the injuries despite first responder’s best efforts. The assailant also died from his injuries.

    According to sources, after the officer was stabbed in the Houses of Parliament, the assailant ran into the Palace of Westminister before being shot by armed police. It is not known whether the assailant is alive or dead.

    Police are unable to confirm the exact numbers of deaths or injuries.

    Footage emerging on social media show a number of people lying in the road on Westminister Bridge.

    This is the first major terrorist incident in London since July 7th 2005, which left 52 victims dead.

    A number of MPs have paid their respects to the police service, MP Chris Bryant tweeted his gratitude, saying,

    “Lots of people have sent kind messages. My staff and I are fine but under lock-down. My respect to the police and security services.”

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | Tang, London

    ★★★★ | Tang, London

    Chicken-TANG

    There’s a hidden gem of a restaurant right next to the Central YMCA near Tottenham Court Road – it’s called Tang.

    And hidden is the key word. You could walk right passed it if you weren’t looking for it. Nestled right between the YMCA and VQ Diner, Tang is identified by its name on the wooden door and its menu to the left, and it’s named on the overhang. And do me a favour, and don’t walk by, go into this tiny venue (maximum capacity is 38) and you will step into a place that does not feel like you’re in London. Welcomed by the friendly staff, the restaurant contains Chinese-style newspaper wallpaper, a cosy space, an open kitchen, and tiny photos that line one of the walls. Its unique feel is akin to being in a restaurant anywhere in Asia, yet it’s the food that make’s it worth walking in.

    Southern Asian specialities (Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore) are included in the menu that’s very small yet bursting with lots of appealing courses. We had two starters – the Fried Chicken (£5) and the Black and White – tofu (£4.50). The Fried Chicken (marinated in black bean soy milk and coated in batter) was nine generous-sized pieces which came with a three chilli hot sauce. While we almost all but ignored the hot sauce, the chicken was scrumptious and moist. The ten pieces of tofu were light and soft, and an unusual dish you can’t quite find anywhere else. It was served with white miso sauce that was perfect for dipping both the chicken and the tofu, and both very good value.

    We were both pleasantly surprised at our dinner choices. My dining companion had the massive Chicken Tang (a soup in a roast chicken broth with bean sprouts, egg, bok choi, spring onion, and garlic chips) and it was absolutely superb! Flavours that went very well together and was a beautiful-looking dish. She was in heaven with its rich substance – and it’s healthy food as well! (A veggie option of crispy tofu is on offer as well) I wanted something with meat and was glad I ordered the Beef and Rice. Braised beef and tendons served with coriander and jasmine rice was gorgeous, with its bok choi and crispy noodles included. It’s packed with flavour and highly recommended, though it didn’t quite fill me up so I would suggest a wallop more of rice be added to the dish. Both dishes cost £9 each – a great deal.

    There was one choice for dessert and it was the only choice you’d ever want. The Sugarcane Shiso Sorbet was out of this world! It was sugarcane (purchased in Brixton) with shiso leaves (tasting like mint) to give an absolutely refreshing ending to your meal – it was perhaps the best sorbet I’ve ever had.

    Tang also has a wide selection of perfect drinks to go with your meal, from local beer (London Beer Factory) to soft drinks (from the Karma Cola Company) to the very good juices (Owlet Fruit Juice). I had the delicious pear and ginger fruit juice – apple and elderflower was another option. The drinks on their menu you will more than likely not find anywhere else – they’re that unique!

    As I live close to the restaurant, I plan to return and try some of their buns (fried chicken, braised beef or crispy tofu), all at the ideal price of £4.50 or less. And the broccoli salad (£4.50) looks like an ideal small dish to look forward to.

    Tang is an absolutely affordable restaurant where two can easily dine for as little as £32. The staff are warm and friendly, and Canadian Jamie will answer any questions you will have about the menu. As it’s an open kitchen any questions you might have the cooks are right in front of you! It’s an intimate noodle bar that’s warm and welcoming – I can’t wait to go back!

    Tel: +44 (0) 207 300 3324

    https://www.tanglondon.co.uk

    Email: hello@tanglondon.co.uk
    Twitter: @TangLondon
    Address: 111 Great Russell Street
    London, WC1B 3NQ

    Opening hours:

    Monday: Closed
    Tues – Fri: Midday -3pm & 5pm – 10pm
    Saturday: Midday – 3pm & 5pm – 10pm
    Sunday: Closed

  • Pride In London “concerned” over YouTube LGBT video restrictions

    YouTube has been blasted by Pride In London as “concerning” over the restriction of its videos, including a speech given by Prime Minister David Cameron.

    CREDIT: (C) Joffe Walters

    Videos including a speech by then Prime Minister David Cameron to the LGBT+ community have been restricted by the Google-owned video platform, YouTube.

    The video service has been criticised after it was revealed that it had restricted 1000s of LGBT+ content creators’ videos, meaning that only people who had opted into unrestricted viewing would be able to see content.

    Videos which have been restricted on the Pride In London YouTube channel include performances from X Factor‘s Seann Miley Moore and that of the Pride In London talent winner 2016, Jack Feureisen.

    Commenting on YouTube’s ‘Restricted Mode’ filtering out some LGBTQ+ video content, Matthew Hemes, Senior Social Media Manager for Pride in London said,

    “YouTube is an incredible space giving LGBTQ+ contributors around the world a platform to be heard. We are concerned that around 25 per cent of Pride in London’s video content is hidden when using YouTube’s ‘Restricted Mode’. Videos not shown include Prime Minister David Cameron’s message to those taking part in 2014, various videos from recent #NoFilter and #FreedomTo campaigns plus many performances on stage in Trafalgar Square. YouTube has been a fantastic supporter of Pride in London and we hope this is rectified soon.”

    Last night the Hashtag #YouTubeIsOverParty trended worldwide as users and audiences blasted the move by the world’s biggest video platform.

    In a full explanation of the YouTube explained that they were looking into the concerns of its users and reiterated that it had a “passion” for making its platform inclusive, diverse and vibrant.

  • 55 of Pride In London’s YouTube videos have been restricted

    55 of Pride In London’s YouTube videos have been restricted

    Fifty-five of Pride In London’s videos on the Google-owned platform, YouTube have been restricted.

    London Pride and YouTube ban
    CREDIT: Pride In London/Twitter

    YouTube has been under fire since it came to light that it had restricted many viewers from watching content from LGBT+ content creators on its platform.

    Pride In London, the UK’s biggest pride festival, has had 55 of its 225 videos restricted.

    https://twitter.com/MattHemes/status/843809384102842368

    Last night the Hashtag #YouTubeIsOverParty trended worldwide as users and audiences blasted the move by the world’s biggest video platform.

    Taking to their official Twitter account, Pride In London displayed how their playlist had been affected by turning on and off a restricted and non-restricted view of their account. Fifty-five of their videos from their public playlist were restricted.

    Pride In London’s video content has no adult content on its channel.

    Restricted mode is turned off by default, but some users have found restriction has been automatically turned on, effectively making the video impossible to watch unless the viewer is logged on if the content is deemed “potentially inappropriate”.

    YouTube apologised for the action saying, but only hours after the hashtag had started trending,

    “LGBTQ+ voices … [were] a key part of what YouTube is all about”, it said that only “mature content” was supposed to be restricted.

    “The intention of Restricted Mode is to filter out mature content for the tiny subset of users who want a more limited experience. LGBTQ+ videos are available in Restricted Mode, but videos that discuss more sensitive issues may not be.”

    In a full explanation of the YouTube explained that they were looking into the concerns of its users and reiterated that it had a “passion” for making its platform inclusive, diverse and vibrant.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Frogs, Jermyn Street Theatre

    ★★★ | The Frogs, Jermyn Street Theatre

    The-Friogs-2-THE-FROGS-1-George-Rae-Zanthia-and-Michael-Matus-Dionysos-and-cast-Photo-David-Ovenden1

    Stephen Sondheim is the grand master of some of the wittiest, campest and catchiest musical theatre numbers of all time. He’s also still going strong and still writing at 86. His back catalogue is staggering with Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods and Company to name a few, so it’s exciting to see a rarely revived 1974 musical re-surface.

    There’s always a worry that there’s a reason a musical stayed under the water (be warned, the ‘frog’ puns are just too easy to resist) and in this case, it’s easy to see why this one floundered and never quite hit the shoreline.

    The story is based on an ancient Greek comedy and concerns a demi-god and his slave who decide to travel to the underworld to bring back a great writer. It’s as silly a story as it sounds and a mad musical but one with a timely political undertone about the role of the arts in society. The chorus sidle on and off the stage playing a variety of parts, jazz-handed and legs crossing and high-kicking in the tiny space of The Jermyn Street Theatre. Dionysos and his slave have some great interactions but the songs are sparse with long discourses in between about theatre and the arts. It sounds dull but isn’t at all, apart from a peculiar piece in the second act that slackens the pace. This being Sondheim, the lyrics are densely packed and razor sharp. It can feel like a list of ‘in’ jokes at times with riffs on theatre etiquette and the behaviour of actors but they’re funny ‘in’ jokes nonetheless. Michael Matus as Dionysos is a musical theatre stalwart/legend and it’s a privilege to see him perform in such an intimate venue.

    The Frogs was originally performed in a swimming pool with Sigourney Weaver and Meryl Streep splashing around amongst the cast. According to Sondheim, the acoustics made it sound like it was being sung in a urinal and it bombed. Nathan Lane (The Birdcage, The Producers and The Good Wife) re-invigorated the play in 2004 but still; it’s a difficult beast.

    If like me you’re a Sondheim fanatic then you’ll love this. If you’re not initiated then it might feel like a drag.

     

    The Frogs plays at the Jermyn Street Theatre until 8th April 2017

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Stepping Out

    THEATRE REVIEW | Stepping Out

    ★★ | Stepping Out, Vaudeville Theatre, London

     

    Stepping Out steps into the West End again but it’s on the wrong foot and it’s not a very exciting show.

    First staged in the West End in 1984 and running for three years and winning an Evening Standard Comedy Award, Stepping Out was then made into a 1991 movie starring Liza Minnelli. It now returns to the West End in a new production starring Amanda Holden and Tracey-Ann Oberman among others playing characters from various backgrounds who attend a weekly dance and tap class. They also meddle – no surprise – into each others personal lives. Holden is Vera, a wealthy woman who seems to have nothing better to do because her whole life revolves around her husband who apparently spends lots and lots of time with their teenage daughter. Then there is Oberman who plays the brash Maxine, and who gets all the best lines in the show. Anna-Jane Casey is Mavis, the dance teacher who is a bit frustrated, not only because her students can’t dance but also because she’s got issues in her personal life (Tamzin Outhwaite had to pull out of this role temporarily because of a broken foot). So Stepping Out centres around the seven women (and one man – Dominic Rowan as Geoffrey) plus the piano player (a wonderful Judith Barker) as they dance and talk but then get the opportunity (of a lifetime!!!) to perform at a charity show. Wow, how exciting! Will they be ready for the show in time? Will one of the students not drop her hat like she’s done many times in rehearsals? Will more dark secrets come out and, god forbid, will one of the woman pull down the towel where Geoffrey is changing behind to add a bit of excitement to this show because this show has no excitement at all?

    It’s The Full Monty without the Monty! Sure, the women do their best to get ready for the big charity show, but it’s hardly worth our time. We really don’t get to completely know, or sympathize, with the characters, and only a couple are likeable (Sandra Marvin brings a bit of sass to her role as the token black woman – Rose), and Oberman is wonderful, but there’s not really a whole lot to love in this production. Rowan is one note – not at all attractive or likeable as the lone man – he’s a widow but it would’ve been nice to put him in some sort of romance with one of the ladies. Written by Richard Harris in 1984, with this version directed by West End producer wonderwoman Maria Friedman, Stepping Out, which will be playing at the Vaudeville Theatre until June 17, 2017, probably won’t last that long. Do yourself a favour and just step right past the theatre.

    Book tickets now