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Author: Michael Hydes

Easter Message for the LGBTQ+ community during lockdown from Rev. Michael Hydes

Posted on by Michael Hydes

Each week there is an online mid-week meeting of the Brighton and Hove Faith in Action team, along with the city council, local police, and others. Faith groups and local support networks get to check in and share their progress through this epidemic. It’s wonderful to hear about the amazing work that’s being done all over East Sussex, and how various groups are supporting the community.

Gscene asked Rev. Michael for an Easter Message for the LGBTQ+ community during lockdown, here it is: 

At The Village MCC in Kemptown we are worshipping at our regular time of 6pm each Sunday, both with church members and friends on Zoom, and live streaming on Facebook. You can find us on Facebook under thevillagemcc.

I’m very fortunate as Deacons Isla, Charlie, and Wendy are helping to keep tabs on everyone, and although one of our members has been very ill with Covid-19 they seem to have turned a corner and are slowly recovering. Members are supporting each other, and the local community, with shopping and telephone support.

It seems very apt that we have been celebrating passover this week, as never before have I felt such a close connection to those Israelites who prayed fervently that disaster would pass them by – never really knowing what the future would hold. Locked down in their homes I wonder how they managed without the internet or TV!

If you would like prayer, or support, then please do not hesitate to contact me. You can do so at pastor@thevillagemcc.org, or through our facebook, instagram, or twitter pages. I hope you have a blessed Easter, wherever you are.

Love and blessings
Rev. Michael x

‘Pull a cracker’ Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus@The Dome

Posted on by Michael Hydes

Once again the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus have led us into the Christmas spirit with their annual Christmas show.

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This year the show was called Pull a Cracker and was certainly full of the sparkle and snappy explosions you expect from a good box of Christmas Crackers.

It was great to be back at the Dome Concert Hall as it has the excellent acoustics that show off the lad’s talents to the max.

On stage there was a generously decorated 20′ Christmas tree, and the concert began with a young boy finding a book beneath its branches. As he read from its pages the story introduced a wonderfully up-tempo arrangement of Underneath The Tree that had lots of fun-filled choreography to match.

You knew right from the start that this wasn’t going to be a concert lacking in energy. It practically sparkled as they sang I am what I am, Can’t stop the feeling, Can’t get you out of my head, and a medley of seasonal songs. Their wonderfully sequin encrusted waistcoats were certainly a hit with everyone.

Not that everything had a party feel to it. You Raise me up, The Coventry Carol, and Sure on this Shining Night not only slowed the tempo to offer a gentler selection, they also showed off their talents with sweeping harmonies and perfect timing that took the breath away.

Kristian Houlston kicked off the solo’s by singing the Starting Line with wonderful depth and generous reach. Charlie Bedson sang McArthur Park deeply against the choirs support with an arrangement that was faithful to the original but also hinted at music that kept me guessing. Chris Baker and Rod Edmonds sang a heartfelt rendition of A place called home that was rapturously received and brought me to tears, (although since Chris is my husband I suppose that was to be expected).

David Stoakes sang Never fall in love with an Elf with exceptional comic relief, as Stephen Tucker did likewise with I’m knitting a stocking for Santa. Ant Pay and Nick Ford sang Almost Paradise with stunning harmonies and Graeme Clark brought us to a basement club in America’s deep south with Christmas Blues. There wasn’t a solo that I didn’t enjoy.

Of course there was the usual banter to break up the music and a couple of singalong Carols to bring everyone deep into the journey. I should think that everyone left feeling happier and a great deal more spirited than when they arrived. As I stood outside waiting for a cab one group was happily singing the encore song I wish it could be Christmas every day. Impressive since it was throwing it down with rain!

MUSIC REVIEW: Brighton and London Gay Men’s Choruses

Posted on by Michael Hydes

Is this a biased review of the London to Brighton concert that was brought to us on Friday evening by the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus and the London Gay Men’s Chorus?

 

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Yes. My husband sings in the Brighton choir, (He’s a devastatingly handsome Tenor 1), and the concert raised much-needed funds for Sleepsafe (A local charity I favour that serves the homeless in Brighton and Hove’s LGBT community) and the Rainbow Fund.

But then Friday’s concert had no need of any kind of positive bias, it was amazing. The energy level was high from the very start as BGMC sang Proud Mary and then became soulful, rich, and heart-rending with Who wants to live forever. They set the stage for the London-based boys with a rousing rendition of We built this city that had the audience cheering and whistling as the guest choir entered.

LGMC began with a rendition of One day like this that would have made Elbow proud. When they sang I sing the Body Electric I was in seventh heaven, and they closed the first half with a cheeky rendition of Diamonds are a girls best friend.

I’ve seen BGMC many times, and always enjoyed their concerts. This was the first time I’d heard LGCM sing and was wowed by their energy, and volume! Of course it’s a bigger group than BGMC but our lads responded in kind and in the second half raised their game a notch above their usual excellent to amazing.

LGMC opened the second act with Go West and a rich heartfelt Rise like a Phoenix. Then they explained that their next song was one that meant a lot to them as it was their showpiece at a concert the day of the Orlando Massacre. The song had been released and over 3,000 copies sold, raising money for the victims of the tragedy. Then they sang Bridge over troubled water, rich with an emotion that reached out to comfort and support. Beautiful. They finished off with Mr Blue Sky, leaving the stage to thunderous applause.

BGMC closed the evening with their set. I loved Anyone who had a heart, although Toxic went way over my head. I was in the minority though as the audience went absolutely wild! They closed with One moment in time, a few words of thanks and support, and then an encore where both choirs filled the stage to overflowing with It’s raining men.

Was there a little competition between the two choirs? If there was then it only helped the two groups feed off each other, bringing out the very best in their work. I’m only sorry that this was a one night only deal, because of all their concerts to date this is the one I would have liked to have gone back to the following night for a second helping.

London to Brighton with the Brighton and London Gay Men’s Choruses took place on Friday, August 5 at All Saints Church, The Drive, Hove.

REVIEW: Brighton Fringe: Am I F#*kable?

Posted on by Michael Hydes

The play begins with a montage of dating scenes spread over the generations and then plunges into some of the various dating and relationship challenges faced in today’s world.

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From the young woman who has become ill chasing an unrealistic self-image, to the loud mouthed lager lout who’s bravado and loutishness hides deep-seated insecurities.

The office romance. The abusive relationship. The dating ap. First date disasters and the pain of finding your place in a world where insecurities are often reinforced by powerful but superficial stereotypes. This Pop Heart production peeled back the veneer of protocol to glimpse what lies underneath.

From the very first scene through to the very last the energy was tremendous. Heather Rose Andrews played the girl in the mirror suffering with BDD (body dysmorphic disorder) with an intensity that made me want to reach out in some way to help. She slipped from the dark and tragic character to the light and fluffy debutante with cutting edge clarity.

Lisa Caira likewise gave life to both a self-assured womaniser, and an office romance focus, with delightful contrast. But it was James McCauley that stole the performance for me with one character that was painfully vulnerable, and another who was dangerously aggressive. The contrast was extreme and yet each character he played had subtle depth and substance. In truth all of the actors gave a great performance, using the limited space at The Globe to its best.

The Globe offers an intimate L shaped performance space. The production team utilised the space well, with the stage spread across the corner of the room at floor level keeping both sections of the audience connected.

Despite the minimalist set the lighting was well timed and subtle, defining the performance area where space was definitely at a premium. The writing was clever. poignant, dark, and often very funny. Invited to view other worlds as participant rather than voyeur I found that the perspectives that were offered engendered insight and open questions.

I was still left asking myself, am I f#*kable? But walked away understanding that in our media rich age the question is more problematic and difficult to answer than ever.

One more performance on June 4.

To book tickets online, click here:

REVIEW: Brighton Fringe: Rainbow Chorus Sing Out

Posted on by Michael Hydes

WEB.300Sing out is certainly what the Rainbow Chorus did on Monday evening.

A fringe event that was a taster of their June concert, it was also a window into the workings of The Rainbow Chorus, and a chance to feel what it’s like to sing in a choir.

What stood out the most throughout the evening was how much fun everyone was having. The chorus members sang out with gusto and with a genuine excitement that was infectious.

Aneesa Chaudhry is a dynamic and energetic director, lending confidence and enthusiasm to the choir. It’s no surprise that nearly every section is full and there is a waiting list to join. (Only a few places in the bass section are presently open).

Mojca Monte is a versatile and responsive pianist, and Marco Nardi, the BSL (British Sign Language) interpreter was wonderfully expressive and great to watch. Both of them lent an energy to the evening that never lagged for a moment.

In the first half the choir sang Somebody that I used to know, Going up the Yonder, Where are the clowns?, and Something inside so strong, finishing with an interactive piece called Jubilation. Not just a sing along, the audience were invited to choose a section and join the choir! The result was joyful; for both participants and those who chose to simply listen and observe.

After the break the choir sang The olive tree, A lovely native Mauri song I’d not heard before, a rousing version of Hava nagila (in Hebrew!), Time to say goodbye, (in Italian!), finishing with the tongue twisting Rhythm of life.

The whole evening was relaxed and informal, and without the perfection or expectation required of a formal concert they created a novel experience. Yet the songs still had a polish that hinted at the superb music planned for their summer concert Songs Without Borders, planned for June 25 at St. George’s Church. I have no doubt it will sell out quickly, so I would get your tickets early!

REVIEW: Collabro at Brighton Centre

Posted on by Michael Hydes

Collabro

It’s not even been two years since the boys of Collabro won Britain’s Got Talent, but this show was proof that they’ve come a long way. Their ‘Act Two’ tour is based on their second album of the same name. It’s an eclectic mix that includes Mumford and Sons’ I will wait, Kodaline’s All I want, Queen’s Who wants to live forever, and Music of the Night from Andrew Lloyd Webbers Phantom of the Opera. They’ve put together a great song list that skilfully spans the generations.

AJ Brown began the evening’s entertainment with a voice that reminded me of Christopher Cross and Dean Friedman, transporting me back to the 70’s. I especially enjoyed the way he used the piano as a second voice, as much of his personality seemed to be in the notes he played as the words he sang. Nice.

Of course the crowd were clamouring for the Collabro, especially for Richard as he hails from Portslade, and I’m glad to say they didn’t disappoint. Out of all the lads I have to say I favoured Richard. Deep mellow baritone voice, subtle gentle vibrato, a little beary, and a local lad! But they were all excellent. Charming, affable, mixing their music with a little friendly banter that reminded the crowd of their collective roots and their journey to date, each of the lads has a wonderfully unique voice that blends with the whole into the sublime harmonies and blended chords that they’ve become famous for.

The orchestra was excellent. Catriona Murray is a wonderful soprano. She truly lifted the show and gave the boys a wonderful Christine Daae’ to match their talents in the famous Phantom of the Opera duet. Her top notes were extraordinary.

Sadly the sound system was poorly balanced so at times it was easy to miss the subtleties of the evening’s performance, but aside from that it was a wonderfully entertaining concert and at the end everyone was on their feet. Well done lads, we look forward to hearing more from you!

REVIEW: The Women of Troy

Posted on by Michael Hydes

Ella Turk-Thompson suggests that Euripides would have been “baffled and probably horrified” by the way Women of Troy had been interpreted for a modern audience. I don’t agree. I think he’d have been proud.

Women of Troy

The characters were well defined and accessible. I understood the plot and flow of the story – something that can be very difficult to achieve with a play that is almost 2,500 years old.

Of course Women of Troy is not a fun play. At its heart is the pain and loss suffered by the most disempowered and vulnerable in society during times of war. Joseph Bentley played Talthybius in a khaki uniform, anachronistically helping to define the utter powerlessness of the women. Nikki Dunsford’s mournful singing led a chorus that fully revealed the pain of loss, and the underscore mirrored and fuelled the emotive performance. Claire Lewis truly brought Hecuba to life, and I thought that Shaila Alvarez played Helen’s desperate situation with moving depth.

Thought provoking, this performance had touches of brilliance, and overall a piece of work well done. It was my first visit to the New Venture, but it certainly won’t be my last.

For more information, click here:

To book tickets online, click here:

REVIEW: Rocky Horror Show: Theatre Royal Brighton

Posted on by Michael Hydes

For just a moment, when Frankinfurter entered stage centre through a pair of doors, I was disappointed.

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I wanted an elevator with an iron grated folding door just like you see in the movie. But then I was almost instantly captured by the fresh cheeky character that grabbed and held the audience through out the evening.

This is certainly the show for Christmas, and perfect for the seaside. When the days are short and the nights are long we need something light, fun, and energetic. At the seaside we also need something a little raunchy, and Liam Tamne was definitely that. He was the most masculine version of Frank that I’ve seen to date, but I can’t say the character suffered for it. The postcard humour was at the limit and the theatre had an air of pantomime.

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Dominic Andersen is a tall cool drink of water with lots of stamina and the animal magnetism that Rocky needs. Kristian Lavercombe and Kay Murphy, (Riff Raff and Magenta), sing with a controlled raw energy that delights and impresses in equal measure.

Steve Punt plays a great narrator. He delighted the audience with an excellent sense of comic timing that made us believe that we really were the best audience the show had ever played to.

All the cast were marvellous and the music was excellent, with Nik Carter adding an extra depth to the songs with the rich lustful tones of his saxophone. The sets were minimalist whilst still being fun and imaginative.

WEB.600.2If you want a lift, a bit of fun this Christmas, then get your stockings on and get ready for a time warp because the Rocky Horror’s back!!

For more information, click here:

 

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