menu

REVIEW: Thief

ZZ6BC0F82A

As opening scenes go, this one’s quite arresting: a naked man runs through the theatre onto the stage and masturbates to the point of orgasm – those of a nervous disposition will be heartened to learn that this is done with the actor’s back to the audience. It’s an almost comically attention-grabbing start for what turns out to be a well-written piece with a powerful central performance.

Based loosely on the life and work of Jean Genet, Thief gives a potted biography of the highs and lows – though mostly the lows – of its protagonist’s life. The nameless character who simply calls himself Sailor is a prostitute whose only virtues are ‘rent, theft and betrayal‘. The mother of a prostitute, he commits his first murder at the age of 13, is sent to prison at 15 where he is raped, and soon finds himself forced into a male brothel owned by a sadistic, murderous pimp.

Liam Rudden‘s play is true to Genet in finding beauty in depravity and uncovering the poetry found in ‘the sharp stench of the latrines’. Sailor is presented as neither likeable or unlikeable, simply a terrible force of nature. He’s a dangerous psychopath, a man who enjoys violence and pain – his own as much as others’ – yet he’s also aware of the forces which moulded him. Although he refuses the status of victim, he recognises the harm inflicted upon him at the hands of people even more damaged than himself.

As in any one-man play the evening depends on the performance. Matt Robertson is absolutely commanding as Sailor; at some points he seems to project a manic energy merely through a dangerous glint in his eye. When he throws out questions to members of the audience, it’s almost unsettling. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a play in which no one watching coughed; at times I’m not sure people even dared to breathe.

Coming in at just under an hour, Thief is a short, sharp shock and a vivid portrait of a life lived without compromise.

Continues at the Marlborough, Princes Street, until Sunday 18.

For more info and tickets click here.

 

Letter to editor: Vote in the EU elections!

The European Elections are taking place on Thursday, May 22.

Keith Taylor, MEP

Please vote. These elections, which happen every five years, give every European citizen a chance to have a say on how the European Union is run. In the next five years your MEPs will be debating and voting on laws which will have a serious impact on our lives.

Though, of course, I want you to vote Green on May 22, that’s not the purpose of this letter. Instead I’m appealing to everyone living in South East England to just make sure you get to the ballot box and make your voice heard.

At the last European Election only one in three people voted. This time round it’s crucial that you cast a vote, no matter which party it is for, to ensure that you have a say on the kind of Europe that you want.

The EU can be better, and more accountable to you, but only if you cast a vote for someone who represents your views.

So, whoever you support, and whatever your views on Britain’s place in the EU, make sure you cast a vote on Thursday May 22.

Keith Taylor MEP

Green Party MEP for South East England and candidate for the European Elections.

 

Police issue efit of man connected to Hove rape

Sussex Police efitThis is the Efit of a man police want to speak to about a rape in Hove.

On Tuesday, April 29 at around 10.30pm the victim, a 51-year-old man, was walking home from a pub on Brunswick Street West when he met a man at the junction with Western Road and Lansdowne Street. They got chatting and they went back to the victim’s nearby flat where he was raped.

Detective Sergeant Alex Evans said: “The victim was subject to an extrememly nasty attack where a weapon was used.  He is  extremely distressed by what happened and he is being supported by specially trained officers. The suspect is described as white, about 50-years-old with dark hair. We are appealing to anyone who might recognise this man and have any details about what happened before they met. Did you see this man on Western Road or in the area?

“Anyone with information is asked is contact police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1417 of 30/4.”

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Manchester Pride feels the love

Parade applications are now open for Manchester Pride Parade.

Manchester Pride

Applications are now open for the Manchester Pride Parade, which will take place at 1pm on Saturday August 23, 2014.

The theme for 2014 is LOVE and will be rolled out across the festival, whether it be to honour the same sex marriage act, or challenge the final pieces of the legislation. The charity is calling for participants to celebrate and embrace their love with the city.

The August Bank Holiday sees the return of the Manchester Pride Parade, an integral part of the four-day celebration that is The Big Weekend, with a new loved-up twist.

The Parade will weave its way through the city centre, following a 1.3mile route, as thousands of visitors are expected to line the streets of Manchester. Past themes have included Heroes, Through the Decades and last year’s Acceptable in the 80’s.

Chief Executive of Manchester Pride, Mark Fletcher said: “2014 is the year where the LGBT community showed the world that love has no boundaries – we really are the ‘Love’ generation – and Manchester Pride will be celebrating this with the Manchester Pride Parade and our after party at the Big Weekend in our World Famous Gay Village.

“Applications are now open to take part in the parade, so those who want to help us turn the streets of Manchester into a kaleidoscope of colour and jump aboard the ‘Love Train’ for an amazing experience they’ll never forget should apply now as spaces are limited.”

Online applications are open to everyone who would like to take part as both walking and vehicle entries in the Parade, from small community groups, to large commercial organisations.

Early submission is essential to avoid disappointment.

To register, CLICK HERE:

 

Gay choir supports local charities

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus have raised nearly £550 for two local charities at their annual Festival Fringe shows

Brighton Gay Men's Chorus

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus’ two extremely well-received Fringe Festival performances of Nautical but nice at St George’s Church, Kemptown at the start of May helped to boost the coffers of two local charities to the tune of £547.34.

Friday’s performance raised £185.77 for the Brighton branch of the Royal National Life Boat (RNLI) – “the charity that saves lives at sea”.

On Saturday, BGMC’s show enabled a small Worthing medical research and support group, Wolfram Syndrome UK, to raise £361.57 and promote greater awareness of the importance of its work.

Paul Charlton
Paul Charlton

Paul Charlton, Chairman of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus’ management trustees, said: It is absolutely brilliant when shows such as Nautical but nice prove to be a box office sell-out, when they glean positive reviews, and, of course, when they leave our fans, old and new, uplifted and entertained. But, what matters just as much to all of us in the Chorus is the knowledge that our performances can, and do, assist other worthwhile charitable causes with their vital work. It is fitting that our Fringe show, Nautical but nice could lend support to the life-saving work of the local branch of the RNLI; and it is an enormous privilege to have helped raise the profile of the pioneering work carried out by a less well-known Worthing based charity dealing with wolfram syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.”

Tracey Lynch, Chief Executive of Wolfram Syndrome UK, said:Thanks to the support of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus we collected £361.57 at last night’s Nautical But Nice concert for Wolfram Syndrome UK (DIDMOAD). It was a fabulous show to be involved with.”

If you are considering joining Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, they are always interested in hearing from prospective new members.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

UK tops LGBTI human rights report

The 2014 ‘Rainbow Europe’ human rights survey has been released by ILGA-Europe, the Europe-wide network of LGBTI organisations.

Rainbow MapThe UK has once again been ranked number one in Europe for LGBT rights.

ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Europe Map reviews the standing of European countries against essential legal benchmarks for LGBTI equality, while the Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of LGBTI People in Europe 2014 provides an analysis of trends and an overview of key political and social developments country-by-country.

ILGA tracks the status and promotes the rights of LGBT people, and publishes a new rights map each year.

Britain has taken top spot for the last three years scoring 82% this year, an increase of 5 percent over 2013.

Simon Kirby, MPSimon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven, said: “This ranking is excellent news and I congratulate all concerned on this achievement, which builds on being top in other years. The Government’s approach to ensure equalities is a key part of its work is clearly paying dividends. I am proud to represent an area with a large LGBT population and I am very proud that the UK is number one.”

WEB.200.2
Giles Goodall

Lib Dem MEP candidate for South East England and spokesperson for Liberals 4 Equality Giles Goodall, added: “I’m delighted that the UK has again come top of this ranking, thanks in part to equal marriage entering into law this year.

“It is also great news that the situation for LGBTI people has improved in the majority of the EU’s member states (18 out of 28) and in countries hoping to join the EU, such as Serbia and Montenegro.

“The EU is a huge force for progress but we must not be complacent. Homophobia and transphobia continue to blight thousands of lives around Europe and populist parties are threatening to roll back protection for LGBTI communities.”

“I hope that people will use their votes at the European elections on May 22 to make sure that we continue Sajid Javidmoving forward on LGBTI rights in Europe, and not backwards.”

Minister for Equalities Sajid Javid, concluded: “The UK has a strong record of protecting and promoting equality. I am pleased that our work to protect people from discrimination because of their sexuality has been recognized as some of the best in the world.”

 

Rainbow Map

Legends cabaret tent returns

She’s back and she’s more fabulous that ever!

Legends Cabaret tent

Legends Cabaret Tent is back on Preston Park this August, hosted by the evergreen Lola Lasagne with a star studded line-up that will guarantee Pride 2014 sees only the top cabaret acts working on the scene, appear in Preston Park.

Sponsored by Tony Chapman the owner of Legends, who over the years has been one of the most generous contributors to the LGBT community, The Legends Cabaret Tent is the biggest at any UK Pride and delivers a day of thrilling entertainment in an unforgettable electric atmosphere.

Organised and hosted by Stephen Richards a.k.a. Lola Lasagne, Legends Cabaret Tent is at the very centre of Brighton Pride’s celebrations where every year the top cabaret stars perform to a capacity crowd.

Pride director, Dulcie Weaver, said: “Every joke, every song, every “fabulous darling!” entrance ensures that Brighton Pride simply wouldn’t be the event it is without the Legends Cabaret Tent and we are thrilled that 2014 will see the legend continue.”

“Let the countdown to a day of the biggest and best in Pride cabaret begin!”

What: Pride Brighton & Hove 2014: Freedom To Live

Where: Pride Festival Preston Park, Brighton

When: 12noon – 10pm.

Cost: £9 /£12.50 Early Bird tickets Sold out: Discounted £15 advance (first release) until end of May. Then £17.50 in June /£20 in July and more on the day.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

“There’s a real community buzz” as Zoe Lyons launches Rainbow Fund grants programme

Over 70 representatives from a range of local LGBT voluntary sector community groups gathered last night to hear Rainbow Fund Patron Zoe Lyons launch this year’s main Grants Programme at the Emporium venue on London Road.

From left to right: Daniel Brookbank, Paul Kemp, Dulcie Weaver, Zoe Lyons and Paul Elgood
From left to right: Daniel Brookbank, Paul Kemp, Dulcie Weaver, Zoe Lyons and Paul Elgood

Speaking at the event, Zoe wished the groups luck in their funding applications, and said: “I joined the Rainbow Fund because they are committed to an open, transparent and fair way to distribute grant funding to the community groups who need it most. I am delighted to support them in any way I can.”

Brighton Bear Weekender present cheque to Rainbow Fund chair Paul Elgood
Brighton Bear Weekender present cheque to Rainbow Fund chair Paul Elgood

Paul Kemp and Dulce Weaver from Pride updated those present on plans for this year’s festival, just 80 days away now, the Brighton Bears Weekender organisers presented a cheque for £184 from their recent Saints & Sinners night at Subline Bar and Daniel Brookbank was introduced as the new Independent Treasurer for the Rainbow Fund, to provide additional transparency for the fund in its financial processes.

Speaking at the launch, Paul Elgood, Chairman of the Rainbow Fund said: “Thanks to our supporters, such as Brighton Pride, the Bear Weekender and many venues we are able to launch our grants programme to tie-in with Pride this year – clearly demonstrating the community benefits of the event. There was a real community buzz last night, thanks to all those who attended.”

To find out how to apply for a grant, CLICK HERE:

Grant applications must be received by 5pm on Friday, August, 8 2014.

Rainbow FundRainbow Fund GEMSRainbow Fund Grants Launch

X