03/11/2014 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Adult Panto 2015: The Magical Road to Oz

Posted on 03/11/201404/11/2014 by Besi

Stars from the annual Alternative Adult Panto were at Pinocchio’s last night for the launch of the 2015 Adult Panto The Magical Road to Oz.

THEY WERE joined by The Mayor and Mayoress of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Brian Fitch and his fabulous wife Nora who worked the diners selling raffle tickets to benefit the Mayor’s chosen charities this year, The Argus Appeal, The Martlets and Brighton Housing Trust.

The evening was hosted by broadcaster Mike Mendozza and entertainment provided by singers Jason Lee and Chris Howard who will both be appearing in the Panto in 2015.

Sue Addis and Pinocchios’s Restaurant sponsored the meal and wine and diners present included policitians, business leaders local personalities and actress Carol Cleveland who starred in Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

The Adult Panto runs from January 28 to February 8 at the Brighton Dome Studio Theatre and stars, Miss Jason as Dorothy, Phil Harlequeen as the Good Fairy, Lee Tracey as the Wicked Witch of Brighton, Wezley Sebastian as The Wizard and Madame Mystic, Allan Jay as The Scarecrow, Jason Lee as the Tin Man, Marc Yarrow as Toto, Chris Howard as the Cowardly Lion and Brian Rafle as himself and the Magic Board. The show is written by Andrew Stark, directed by Lee Tracey, stage managed by Mike Medway with musical direction provided by Lawrence Knight.

Event: The Alternative Adult Pantomine, The Magical Road to Oz

Where: The Dome Studio Theatre, New Road, Brighton

When: Wednesday, January 28 to Sunday, February 8: No show Monday, February 2

Times: 5pm and 8pm daily

Tickets: £20

To book online, click here:

Special meal deal shows @ Pinocchion’s @ 5pm: January 28 & 29: February 3,4 & 5

Lewes MP call for “radical change” to UK drugs policy

Posted on 03/11/201403/11/2014 by Besi

Home Office Minister, Norman Baker MP, for Lewes calls for a radical change in the UK’s drugs law.

HIS CALL follows the Government publishing a major report on drugs policies around the world. The report finds that tough criminal sentences for drug users makes no difference to the rates of drug use.

The Home Office’s Drugs, International Comparators study looked at different approaches to drugs policy and treatment in a number of countries including some from countries that have harsh criminal sanctions for users and some that have effectively decriminalised the possession of drugs.

Commenting on the the report, Norman Baker said its findings show that the government needs to follow the evidence and be brave enough to change the drug laws in the UK.

The Lib Dems want to crack down on the criminal gangs that supply illegal drugs but advocate scrapping prison sentences for people whose only crime is possession of drugs. They advocate directing those who suffer from drug addiction towards the health treatment and education they need, moving the responsibility for the Government’s drugs policy from the Home Office to the Department of Health.

He said: “The Lib Dems believe drugs policy should be based on evidence, not dogma or the desire to sound tough. If you are anti-drugs you should be pro-reform.

“For too long successive governments have been unwilling to look at the evidence. This comprehensive report shows that other ways of tackling drug addiction and supply can save lives and cut crime.

“It’s time for a radical change in British drugs policy. The fact is we should spend more time and effort cracking down on the Mr Bigs’ and criminal gangs who traffic drugs than users and addicts who should be helped to recover, not put behind bars.”

British Muslim drag star releases debut single in fight against IS

Posted on 03/11/2014 by Besi

Song submitted for international Eurovision selection consideration in the UK and Switzerland.

Muslim drag artist Asifa Lahore has released her debut single, a self-penned anthemic power ballad about acceptance and coming out called You and I.

Asifa hosts and performs at two of London’s most successful LGBT World Music nights, Club Urban Desi and Disco Rani.

After taking part in BBC Free Speech debate on Homosexuality and Islam earlier this year, Asifa spent the summer song writing with an array of British, American and Scandinavian songwriters. Unlike her previous songs which have been either parodies or Bollywood covers, Asifa’s latest offering is a self-penned power ballad with a stirring chorus and strong vocals.

The song has been submitted as a potential Eurovision entry in the UK and Switzerland. Lahore is a huge Eurovision fan and feels the international song contest is the wonderful platform to show the diversity of the British Muslim community especially at a time when Islamic State (IS) pose such a threat to Europe.

The accompanying music video sees Asifa step out of her trademark camp cheeky persona and adopt a more glamourous and softer tone suiting the uplifting production of the song. Shot while on a song writing trip to New York, the video also depicts a loving relationship standing the test of time and echoing the thoughtful lyrics of the power ballad.

Asifa said: “Coming from the London club scene, it was expected that I would release a club anthem as my debut single. However, I purposely decided to go in the other direction, as I want to be taken seriously as a vocalist and songwriter.

“You And I is very personal to me and comes at a time of uncertainty in the world. Islamic State poses a real threat to Europe and the fact remains that the vast majority of Muslims do not support them. I want to use my debut release to spread some love, set the world alight and bring some much-needed positivity at a time when we all need it. Eurovision would be an absolute honour to do and a British Muslim drag queen flying the flag would certainly show diversity.”

You And I is out now on ITunes, Amazon Music and Google Play.

To view the video on Youtube, click here:

Biggins steals the show at Sussex Beacon ‘spooktacular’ fundraiser

Posted on 03/11/201404/11/2014 by Besi

Actor and presenter Christopher Biggins steals the show at the spooktacular fundraising ball, The Halloween Horror Show staged on behalf of The Sussex Beacon.

THE BALL, which took place on Saturday, November 1 at the Brighton Hilton Metropole, included a dinner show version of The Rocky Horror Show with Biggins, who was in the original film, playing the role of narrator.

He was supported by performers from The Brighton Academy who played the roles of Brad, Janet, Columbia, Magenta and the Transylvanians. Frank-N-Furter was played by Barry Lee, previously lead vocalist of the Glee Show, and local performer Jason Lee took the role of Riff Raff. The show opened with a show-stopping performance by girl group The Sundaes as the Usherettes.

Biggins said: “I was absolutely thrilled to host the event and for a cause so close to my heart. We had spectacular fun and it was a night to remember for a very, very long time.”

Well-known Brighton businessman and entrepreneur Robbie Raggio was the auctioneer for the Spooktacular Auction and he helped to raise over £25,000 on the night for The Sussex Beacon – a local charity offering specialist care and support to men, women and families affected by HIV. The final fundraising total is yet to be announced.

The Ball was attended by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove Councillor Brian Fitch, Mayoress Nora Fitch, as well as representatives from local businesses in the city. Many guests enter into the spirit of the evening and took the opportunity to dress up in glamorous Halloween fancy dress which added to the atmosphere on the night.

Simon Dowe, CEO at The Sussex Beacon, said: “At The Sussex Beacon, our services are designed to meet the changing needs of people affected by HIV, helping people to live independent and healthy lives. Each year we have to raise over one million pounds to keep these vital services running and this year The Halloween Horror Show will help us reach our target”.

The Sussex Beacon worked with leading entertainment design agency the E3 Group to produce the Ball. The E3 Group worked on the production of Brighton Pride in 2013.

Dates for next years ‘The Halloween Horror Show’ will be announced soon.

Photographs by Graham Franks Photography.

To register interest in attending next year’s event, email:

For more information about The Sussex Beacon, click here: