14/09/2013 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Party at new park postponed

Posted on 14/09/201309/11/2013 by Besi

Council officials have been forced to postpone an event to celebrate the £2million restoration of The Level park in Brighton, due to take place on September 28. A new date will be agreed shortly with members of the Communities of The Level Forum.

All completed parts of the park remain open for use – including the new skatepark, the children’s play area, some of the lawns a few trees and other open spaces.

The event has been postponed because of the delays to building works meant the cafe, public toilets and the Rose Walk western entrance would not have been completed in time.

Among forthcoming events and key dates for The Level are:

• Launch of the ”People’s History of The Level’ exhibition in the restored pavilions – the community rooms – this autumn.

• The first ever HealthWalk from The Level on Thursday October 3. Let the council know if you would like train as a Healthwalks leader, and also if you’re interested in helping run themed walks at The Level (eg wildlife, art). www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/healthwalks

• The opening up of the all the north lawns, and the first showing of the new community artwork at its crossroads, by the start of October.

• The arrival of the three community artist-designed chessboards, being set into the picnic tables near the pétanque area.

• The opening of the new public toilets and ‘Changing Places’ facility.

• The opening of the new Level Velo café, date to be announced.

• Christmas tree lighting and carols at The Level towards the end of the year.

Coward: Marlborough Theatre: Review

Posted on 14/09/201309/11/2013 by Michael Hootman

Lovers of Noël Coward may be surprised at James Martin Charlton‘s portrayal of the Master as a man with sex foremost on his mind. Although we still get the dapper dandy possessed of an elegant wit living a glamorous life, the play also presents a man who tells no lie when he describes himself as a ‘pestering queen‘.

The object of Coward’s desire is a young, strikingly handsome actor (coincidentally played by the young, strikingly handsome Josh Taylor) who sees in Coward (Jake Urry) a way to advance his career. But his religious convictions prevent him giving what Coward wants. At least at first. Discreet witness to this this strange affair is Coward’s good and faithful servant Cole Lesley (Peter Stone) who puts aside his own desires in order to serve a man who could give Naomi Campbell a run for her money when it comes to diva-like demands.

Charlton does a great job at capturing the rhythms and lacerating wit of the Master. While the first act is extremely funny, the play pulls off the feat of also exploring the darker side of the 1930s with Britain heading towards a second world war. We find out something about Leonard’s past which gives an added resonance to the play’s title.

Coward is an impressive debut from new company Just Some Theatre. Urry gives an uncannily accurate rendition of the title character. He gives us both the familiar Noel of popular culture whilst also showing the man behind the theatrical mask. Stone is compellingly enigmatic as his employer’s confidante and future biographer. Taylor is charismatic as the angst-ridden yet sexually pliable object of desire.

The playwright obviously knows his subject inside out, and fans of Coward will have a lot of fun spotting the references. Yet far from being a hagiography, the play’s attitude to its protagonist is profoundly ambiguous. Even mulling it afterwards I’m not sure how I feel about Noel and whether his wit and charm compensate for his tendency to exploit the constant supply of eager young actors willing to do anything for a part.

Coward is funny, moving and has an authentic erotic charge. It might not be a flattering portrait of its subject, but it certainly fascinates. And who couldn’t like a play where the act one cliffhanger has Noël Coward demanding of his dashing protege ‘show me your cock‘.

Continues until Saturday 14 at the Marlborough Theatre, Brighton. It will then move to London’s White Bear Theatre for a three-week run starting October 22.

For more information and tickets click here.

Support the ‘Martlets Noon Walk’

Posted on 14/09/201309/11/2013 by Graham Robson

The Martlets Hospice are urging men across the city to sign up to their fifth Noon Walk, a 13 mile sponsored walk along the beautiful Sussex coast on Sunday, October 13.

The walk starts at the County Cricket Ground in Hove and heads along the coast to Saltdean Lido for a refreshment pit stop before heading back to the Cricket Ground for a well-earned pint. Those doing the shorter route will turn around at the Brighton Pier. Well behaved dogs are also welcome and will get their own treat at the end of the day.

Chief Inspector Simon Nelson, who completed the challenge last year, said:

“Having recovered from cancer, I am one of the lucky ones but I knew of The Martlets and the dignity and support I could have found with them if I had needed it.

“I had a great Dad’s day out with my boys during the walk, when we had time to talk about all sorts of things while raising money for such an essential service. It was a real challenge for them and they enjoyed a real sense of achievement that will always stay with all three of us.”

Earlier this year, the women of Brighton & Hove raised almost £100,000 for the Hospice at this year’s Midnight Walk.

The walk is open to men and boys aged 12 or over.

The Martlets Hospice in Hove cares for adults in and around Brighton & Hove who are affected by terminal and life-limiting illnesses.

All Martlets services are provided free of charge, however they receive less than one third of their funding from the NHS and must raise over £8,000 a day to care patients and their families.

For more information, CLICK HERE: www.themartlets.org.uk