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REVIEW: A LADD IN – The Alternative Panto

The Alternative Panto A LADD IN, returns for a second year to the comfortable surroundings of the Sallis Benney Theatre with a production perfectly judged for an adult audience and something you can take your favourite granny to.

Current and relevant with loads of brilliant gags, Andrew Stark’s script never takes the route of being gratuitous or offensive, rather it brilliantly highlights the panto’s much-loved characters and allows them room to develop during the show.

Set in Brighton and the Isle of Wight, rather than China, the storyline of A LADD IN is well rehearsed and does not need explaining here. However, this production is first and foremost a great ensemble piece with some inspired casting.

Jason Lee as the rapping Willy Wankey is on the money all night. Jason sings and acts really well, has great comic timing and creates a really loveable character with some memorable lines.

His mother Widow Wankey played by Jason Sutton (Miss Jason) has all the qualities of a fine traditional Panto Dame. Every time Jason arrives on stage he creates a little happiness and reminds me of so many famous panto dames I saw in my youth, including the great Dockyard Doris.

The show’s romantic interest is provided by Allan Jay playing Aladdin and Dave Lynn cast as the beautiful and ‘young’ Princess Dazz Lynn. Allan looks great, sings great and cuts, with finesse a traditional romantic lead. Dave Lynn’s performance is disciplined, very funny, at times self-deprecating and despite the obvious gap in ages of the performers, the pair are able to suspend our belief and make for a really convincing pair of lovers. Their flying carpet sequence makes for pure panto magic, giving both performers the opportunity to reveal their comedy credentials.

Stephen Richards (Lola Lasagne) glorious as Ivana Tramp, struts the stage like a lioness waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting victim, barely pausing to take the next breath during his word-perfect delivery. The comic timing in his two handers with both Dave Lynn and Miss Jason highlighting just how accomplished all these performers really are.

A convincing villain is essential to all good pantos. Ava’A’Varda is played to perfection by Christopher Howard. His sweeping, Shakespearian gestures gets the audience on board from his first entrance and they continued to hiss and boo to the bitter end. An accomplished actor and singer his is the perfect foil to all the other camp performances.

Jon Hughes (Sally Vate) cuts a convincing and loveable Jean, (Genie of the Lamp) in his first appearance in the alternative panto while David Pollikett (Davina Sparkle), playing Pam (Slave of the Ring) provides some lovely Les Dawson ‘glum’ moments with his facial expressions.

No panto is complete without the boy dancers and Steven Banks, Chris Hibbert, Bradley Rose and Luke William provided lovely eye candy.

Opening nights of new shows can be fraught with technical problems. Few here to mention and once the performers are over their first night nerves, I have no doubt this show will prove to be one of the better alternative panto productions of recent years.

A LADD IN is staged and directed by Quintin Young who played Buttons in Cinderella opposite David Raven in the first alternative panto at the Pavilion Theatre in 1989. He keeps the production moving along at a breathtaking rate and coaxes some fine and surprising performances out of his artists. His staging of the finale of act one brings much higher production values to the show as does the finale, complete with glamorous costumes.

Highly recommended for a good gay night out.

All bucket collections at the end of each performance and proceeds from the sale of the programs go to the LGBT Community Safety Forum, an established independent LGBT forum of eight elected, unpaid volunteers working with the LGBT Community to address and improve safety and access issues throughout Brighton & Hove.

A LADD IN runs until February 2.

To book tickets online, click here:

BOOK REVIEW: Mentaiko Itto Poster Book:

Mentaiko Itto Poster Book 1

Mentaiko Itto

You can’t imagine Japan’s manga scene without Mentaiko Itto’s strange but funny gay mangas. Bruno Gmünder publishes his works for the first time in English, introducing him to a broader audience. With two manga volumes already released: Priapus and The Boy Who Cried Wolf.  Now this Gay Manga darling has this cool poster book in a large-scale format. The posters are an ideal gift item, ready for framing. Mentaiko fans get ready…!

Mentaiko Itto is Japan’s Gay Manga darling. His drawings are hilariously funny, sexy, and cute they also explore the weird and wonderful world of Japanese gay manga in a colorful and engaging way.

Out Now

For more info or to buy the book see the publishers website here: 

Norman Cook to start the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon 2017

International superstar DJ and Brightonian Norman Cook will start the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon 2017.

 

Norman Cook – aka Fat Boy Slim, one of the city’s most famous residents, will sound the starting claxon at 9am on February 26, 2017 to get the 13.1 mile race around the city underway.

A keen runner himself, Norman is very familiar with the 13.1 mile route, as he has run the race on numerous occasions. In 2016, Norman ran for the charity Young Epilepsy and in 2017 he will once again run the race, after his official race starter duties have ended.

2017 marks the 27th year for the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon and this year the race has the largest field in its history, with close to 13,000 runners set to take on the challenge of a half marathon.

Norman said: “As a keen runner, Brighton local and seasoned Brighton Half Marathoner, I’m hugely looking forward to starting the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon 2017. The race is renowned for its buzzing atmosphere and each and every year the crowd support throughout the route is just fantastic. The race really brings the city together. It’s great to see so many people – especially those new to running and those running for charities – taking on the challenge of 13.1 miles. Bring on February 26!”

Martin Harrigan
Martin Harrigan

Martin Harrigan, Race Director of the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon, added: “We’re thrilled that Norman Cook will sound the starting claxon this year to get runners on their way around the city. He’s been a big supporter of the race for years, so it’s brilliant to have him waving runners on for their half marathon journey. We’ll make sure he conserves his energy though as he’ll be joining the crowds to run the race himself!”

Standard entries closed over the summer, but runners keen to enter can still sign up to run for charity. Charity places close on Sunday, January 29.

For more information, click here:

Local author to give two talks on ‘The Trials of Colonel Barker’

Writer and performer Rose Collis will give two talks about her book Colonel Barker’s Monstrous Regiment and the new stage play she is writing, based on the book.

At these special events, she will be talking about the research and creative processes involved in producing both works, and shedding light on the extraordinary, complex story of someone who veered from tragedy to farce to fame to obscurity, but who always strove to remain ‘a perfect gentleman’.

Rose says: “The story of Col Victor Barker, aka Valerie Arkell-Smith, is one of identity: gender identity, hidden identities, class identities and the conflict between private and public identities”.

Colonel Barker’s Monstrous Regiment was first published to enormous critical acclaim in 2001.

Excellent… treads a careful line between sensation and sentiment……….Daily Telegraph

Collis’s unpretentious, ribald, chatty style carries this ripping yarn……….Time Out

Both events will have Q&A sessions, and copies of Colonel Barker’s Monstrous Regiment will be on sale.

The Trials of Colonel Barker will have its first rehearsed reading at the Purple Playhouse, Brighton (date tbc) during the second Hove Grown Festival of new writing taking place from March 24 to April 2.


The events are:

Where: Worthing Library, Richmond Rd, Worthing, BN11 1HD (fully accessible).

When: Tuesday, February 28

Time: 12.10pm

Cost: Free.


Where: Jubilee Library, Conference Room 3, Jubilee St, Brighton BN1 1GE (fully accessible)

When: Sunday, March 5

Time: 2pm

Cost: Tickets £5, advance booking recommended:

To book online, click here:

 

Brighton Kemptown MP signs Holocaust Educational Trust Book of Commitment

Simon Kirby MP
Simon Kirby MP

Earlier this week Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment at Westminster.

In doing so he pledged his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honoured those who were murdered during the Holocaust as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who continue to work tirelessly to educate young people.

Friday, January 27 will mark the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history.

In the lead up to and on Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The theme for this year’s commemorations is How can life go on?

After signing the Book of Commitment, Mr Kirby, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven and across the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust. As the Holocaust moves from living history, to just history, it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the victims and also pay tribute to the survivors. I would encourage my constituents to show their support for such an important day.”

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, added: “Our mission is to educate young people from every background about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance. We are very grateful to Simon for signing the Book of Commitment, signalling a continued commitment to remembering the victims of the Holocaust as well as challenging antisemitism, prejudice and bigotry in all its forms.”

Social care ‘timebomb’ facing ageing HIV positive population

The first generation of older people with HIV are facing poverty, loneliness and discrimination, according to a new report by Terrence Higgins Trust (THT).

Older people now represent 1 in 3 of all people living with HIV, but the social care, healthcare and welfare systems aren’t ready for this new and fast-growing ageing generation, according to the new report – Uncharted Territory – produced by Terrence Higgins Trust.

The groundbreaking report, released today has captured the reality of what it means to be part of the first generation of people to grow old with HIV.

The charity found that poverty, loneliness and social care are major concerns for older people living with HIV, and has warned  of a social care ‘timebomb’ ahead.

 

♦ Nearly 6 out of 10 (58%) of people 50 and over living with HIV who were surveyed are living in poverty – double that seen in the general population. Meanwhile 84% of respondents were concerned about future financial plans.

♦ The survey of over 240 older people living with HIV also showed that 82% experienced moderate to high levels of loneliness – three times more than the general population of the same age.

♦ A quarter of respondents said they would have no one to help them if they ever needed support with daily tasks.

♦ Eight out of ten (82%) of people living with HIV aged over 50 are concerned about whether they will be able to access adequate social care in the future.

CEO THT: Ian Green
CEO THT: Ian Green

Ian Green, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Advances in HIV treatment mean that people with HIV are living longer and we are now seeing the first generation of people growing old living with HIV. This is good news – but it also means we’re entering uncharted territory.

“Many of these individuals were diagnosed when HIV was considered fatal and never expected to live beyond a couple of years – as a result, they’re less likely to have savings or pensions, and many have become socially isolated. And since then thousands more have been diagnosed with the highly stigmatised condition.

“These statistics should be a wake-up call to governments. People aged 50 and over are now the fastest growing group of people living with HIV, and new diagnoses in older people continue to rise. The issues they face can no longer be ignored, as the challenges of poverty, loneliness and social care grow more acute.

“As it stands, our welfare, health and social care systems are simply not ready for this and we could see a timebomb in the years to come. We must ensure our GPs, our care homes and our communities are ready to support people with HIV to live well in later life, while facing the uncertainty of what lies ahead.”

One in three people seen for HIV care in 2015 were aged 50 and over, compared to one in five in 2011. New diagnoses among older people have nearly doubled in the last decade.

The report, co produced by people over 50 living with HIV who undertook elements of the research, highlights alarming stories of stigma and discrimination within care homes and other health and social care settings, warning that training for professionals must improve.

Ian Green continued: “We’ve heard stories of how older people with HIV searching for care homes have been turned away or treated in a way that reflects outdated awareness of HIV.

One lady living with HIV in a care home was encouraged to spend as much time as possible in her room to avoid contact with other residents. When she did leave her room she was only allowed to sit on one chair and the television remote was wiped down with antibacterial wipes after she’d used it.

This is shocking. A major shift in awareness and training for social care staff and support services on HIV and ageing is needed, to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to support the increasing numbers of people growing older with HIV.”

Kevin Burgess, living with HIV since 1991. Photo: J. McGill Winston
Kevin Burgess, living with HIV since 1991. Photo: J. McGill Winston

Kevin Burgess, 65, said: “I was diagnosed with HIV in 1991, before any treatment was available. People were told they had just a couple of years to live, so they spent their money at the time, thinking they didn’t have a future.

 “Nobody realised we would still be alive today, so there’s been no consideration for us. Here we are 20 odd years later and we’re not prepared, and the leftover attitudes from the 1980s are very much still around.

 “Going into a care home is a big fear for me. I used to live in sheltered housing and I couldn’t be open about my HIV status there, so I know what it’s like to have to lead a different life in your home. I wouldn’t want to have to do that again.”

Mark Budden. Photo: THT

Mark Budden, 56, who was diagnosed with HIV in 1997, added: “Living with HIV is like coming out of the closet again and again. Every time you disclose your HIV status to someone, you know to expect all the myths and you have to go into a long explanation about the facts.

“I’m gay, I’m a Christian, I’m getting older, and I’m living with HIV. These are integral parts of who I am, but none of these labels alone defines me.

“You just assume you’ll be looked after in old age in this country. It’s only when you have an elderly or ill relative that you realise that social care is not a given, you need to have savings as the government alone won’t look after you.  If you’re isolated or financially struggling, as many people with HIV are, that is going to be a lot harder.”

George Rodgers, living with HIV since 1994. Photo: J. McGill Winston
George Rodgers, living with HIV since 1994. Photo: J. McGill Winston

George Rodgers, 56 years old, living with HIV since 1994, said: “Growing older with HIV, you wonder what’s going to happen long term? You can feel left on your own. Those of us who are living with HIV long term are having more health problems it seems.

“No-one actually knows how HIV interacts with other things. I’ve got diabetes as well as HIV and sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between what symptoms are linked to what.”

About the report
THT launched a survey as part of the peer-led research project. A total of 246 completed surveys were analysed. The respondents lived across the UK – 10% in Scotland, 3% in Wales and the remaining 87% in England. Respondents ages ranged from 50 to 82 years old, with a median age of 55. Women made up 22% of respondents to the survey. The date of HIV diagnosis represented in the survey respondents range from 1982 – 2016 and age ranged from 18 to 74 years old at diagnosis . 32% were diagnosed with HIV before effective treatment was available in the UK in 1996.

One to one interviews and group workshops with individuals living with HIV aged 50 or over also took place and were conducted by the peer researchers.

In total, 307 people living with HIV aged 50 and over participated in this research.

To read the full findings in the Uncharted Territory report, click here: 

 

 

Gay Men’s Dance Company to hold trial dance classes in Brighton this Thursday and Saturday

Gay Men’s Dance Company (GMDC) will hold two trial dance classes in Brighton in January to give locals the opportunity to see if they like dancing.

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GMDC run dance classes in various styles (including London’s only ‘male only’ pole dancing lessons), for people of all ages and abilities, whether you want to dance for fun, fitness or just to meet new people.

The Company was founded in September 2015 by Alex Scurr a London-based dancer, dance teacher and choreographer and offers a creative outlet; a place to express yourself in a safe and supportive environment while keeping fit, socialising and learning to dance. They have been running dance classes in Brighton since July 2016.

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The point of these classes is not to become a professional dancer, it’s more about gaining confidence in moving, improving rhythm and co-ordination, increasing fitness, strength and flexibility, meeting new people and all while having fun!

Steven Brabenec who takes classes with GMDC, says: “I can honestly say that these classes are the highlight of my week. No matter what else is going on in my life I know I’m going to have an amazing time, the dancing and choreography is brilliant and every week I experience new things and push myself further than before.

Every week I finish the classes on a massive high and can’t wait for the next class. My overall flexibility has improved so much and my various bodily aches that we all have from sitting in an office all day have disappeared (usually replaced by stretched and aching muscles). Alex has created an incredibly warm and friendly environment with a great sense of camaraderie. I would encourage anyone, no matter what your dancing ability, age or shyness to give the GMDC a try.”

Brighton Class
Brighton Class

Dance classes include an aerobic dance warm-up, strengthening exercises and a strong focus on stretching and increasing flexibility.

You will learn dance technique and travelling exercises including leaps, kicks and turns and every class ends with a dance routine.

Classes will be based around modern, ‘jazz’ styles; street, commercial, hip-hop, technical, lyrical, musical theatre, disco etc., but also drawing from the strengths and relevant aspects of other dance forms including contemporary, latin and ballet technique as well as yoga, zumba and gymnastics to create a fusion of exercises and movements best suited for members needs.

GMDC is more than just dance classes, they are an active social community, with many opportunities to get involved in, including theatre trips, nights out, Sunday brunches and dance performances.

GMDC are holding two trial classes in Brighton on Thursday January 19 at New Fit 24-25 York Place, Brighton BN1 4GU and Saturday January 21 at Fitness First, 78 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE.

For more information, click here:

Or email: info@thegmdc.com

 

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BOOK REVIEW: Gay Novels of Britain, Ireland and the Commonwealth, A Reader’s Guide

Gay Novels of Britain, Ireland and the Commonwealth, A Reader’s Guide

Drewey Wayne Gunn 

A book about books, what meta fun! While American gay fiction has received considerable scholarly attention, little has been given to developments in other English-speaking countries. This survey catalogs 254 novels and novellas by some 173 British, Irish and Commonwealth authors in which gay and bisexual male characters play a major role. Arranged chronologically from the appearance of the first gay protagonist in 1881, to works from the onset of the AIDS epidemic in 1981, in-depth entries discuss each book’s publication history, plot and significance for the construct of gay identity, along with a brief biography of its author.

This volume enlarges our understanding of the development of gay fiction and provides an essential reading list. Including iconic works like Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) and E.M. Forster’s Maurice, as well as lesser known but noteworthy novels such as Rose Macaulay’s The Lee Shore (1912) and John Broderick’s The Waking of Willie Ryan (1969), this volume—the first of its kind—enlarges our understanding of the development of gay fiction and provides an essential reading list.

Out now.

For more info or to buy the book see the publishers website here: 

 

 

 

 

Chemsex study examines prevalence of drug-fueled sex

New study from the gay hookup site Squirt.org examines prevalence of drug-fueled sex, also known as chemsex.

The study, which surveyed 22,248 Squirt.org members, showed that 30% of respondents have engaged in the activity, 39% of respondents would consider it while 61% said they would not.

One survey section asked members about protection and recollection of their experience. When asked how much they remember from their chemsex encounters, 85.5% of respondents said they remembered everything to mostly everything, 10% said they recalled half of their experience and 4% said they remembered almost nothing. The remaining 0.5% recalled nothing of the experience. The survey also showed that during chemsex, 51% of men did not use protection during anal sex and 93% did not use protection during oral sex.

The drug of choice for study participants was crystal meth (36%), followed by marijuana (19%), cocaine (13%), and MDMA (11%).

Attila Szatmari, Digital Business Director for Pink Triangle Press, Squirt.org’s parent company, said: “We wanted to provide our members with very important information about chemsex within the gay and bisexual community.

“We now have statistics from real people showing infrequent participation in chemsex, not this hyper-usage that seems to be reported in mainstream media.”

To see the full results of the study, click here:

 

Does your pet dog have what it takes to be an opera star?

Mimi in 'La Boheme' at Theatre Royal Brighton: Thursday, February 23
Mimi in ‘La Boheme’ at Theatre Royal Brighton: Thursday, February 23

Has your dog got star quality?

If your pet pooch is the canine equivalent of Brad Pitt or Scarlett Johansson, then they could win a place in the spotlight in the beautiful and romantic opera LA BOHEME, coming to Theatre Royal Brighton on Thursday, February 23.

Award winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent, said: “People say never work with children or animals but I love to do both. The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit. Since then we’ve had horses, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage. Many years ago when we last did LA BOHEME and asked local people to volunteer their pets it was a huge success. We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of new owners! We’re a nation of animal lovers after all. I’m sure there is plenty of doggie talent out there”.

Your pet needs to be well-behaved and small and as his owner, you will need to be prepared to go onstage in costume to look after him or her.

To audition your dog email a photograph to Ellen Kent at: ellen@ellenkent.co.uk

Include your contact number and address as well as the breed, height, weight, age and name of your dog. If you are successful, you will be contacted several weeks before the performance.

Puccini’s masterpiece, LA BOHEME, is based on Henri Murger’s novel Scenes de la vie de boheme. Set in Paris, it focuses on the love between seamstress Mimi and poet Rodolfo.

This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Musetta’s Waltz.

To book tickets online, click here: (booking fees apply)

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