May 2015 – Page 3 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

REVIEW: Fringe: Elixir

Posted on 26/05/201526/05/2015 by Eric Page

REVIEW

Elixir

Head First

Boscow Tent

Old Steine

This new show from Head First Acrobats where three acrobatic and enthusiastic scientists attempt to create the elixir of life is a unique mix of mayhem where lithe handsome boys and incredible circus tricks meet with impeccable comic timing to make you laugh and smile, what’s not to like about that?

These boys are great fun, seriously fit and talented young men with their tongues wedged into their cheeks while they effortlessly pull off some jaw dropping acrobatic skills with the nonchalance of lads who know, secretly, quite how bloody talented they really are.

Their skill at acrobatics and balance with each other is excellent and they all have their own show piece acts, all with an original twist and wrapped neatly into the show while fitting into the over-reaching premise of concocting a cure for a Zombie apocalypse, which is a rather neat way of being able to work as many drug references into a show without mentioned them once, pretty cool for the spliffter generation.

This is silly skilled nonsense, with a contemporary vibe, a bit street, a bit meta, endless clever references ( from Thriller to Rockey Horror) and with an apparently rough edge that gives the impression that these young men are just hanging out and mucking around like over zealous monkeys when in fact their elegant and well choreographed routines betray the fact that there’s a lot of thought, energy and drilling gone into this show to ensure it’s as engaging, entertaining and astounding as possible

See more on these lads and this new show here

This is their first time in Brighton, and they played to the ladies in the audience a lot but with enough knowing winks to the large gay contingent in the audience, some of their knockabout stuff is very funny, veering from real old-fashioned slapstick to some deconstructive commentary on gender performance and masculine construction, or perhaps that just me and my over thinking, either way it works. Cute, uber-fit and bright, that’s a killer combination.

Check them out yourself

Whichever way you look at them, they shine. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a physical theater/ circus show have such fresh un-cynical enthusiasm to it, there’s been a lot of knowing sophisticated and very talented shows doing the rounds recently, Le Clique have a lot to answer for, these boys blow that stuff out the water and nod to it, it’s where they are from, but not where they are going.

I would recommend you get along and see these trio of well matched young Australian gents performing this entirely engaging and exciting show before they get shunted up into bigger venues where you can’t smell them, gasp at them, and see them up this close. There were moments where we could have licked them and there’s a special thrill in being so close to such energetic and strong performers pulling off some seriously impressive feats of strength, dexterity and precision.

Recommend!

Until May 31

Old Steine

To book tickets or for more info see the fringe website here

More info, photo’s and up to date stuff on their facebook

First Ambassador for Pride 2015 revealed

Posted on 26/05/201527/05/2015 by Besi

David Raven aka Maisie Trollette has been named as Brighton Pride’s first Ambassador for 2015 and will lead the Pride LGBT+ Community Parade in August.

DAVID received 420 nominations, 80% of the total nominations cast in the first round of voting.

All unsuccessful May nominees will be rolled over to June vote so there is plenty of time to get a campaign going for anyone you think should be at the front of the parade representing everything that is fabulous about LGBT Brighton.

David Raven, one of “Brighton’s Stately Listed Buildings” celebrated his 80th Birthday in 2013 with a star-studded tribute show at the Theatre Royal. Since moving to Brighton he has been a passionate supporter of the Sussex Beacon, raising many, many thousands of pounds for them over the years.

Over the next few months a further three Ambassadors will be named to join David at the front of the Parade.

David said: “What a wonderful honour to be chosen at my age as the first Pride Ambassador in 2015. I will be proud to represent all the more mature people in the community as well as all our fabulous entertainers and of course the Sussex Beacon and all the wonderful work they do to help people with HIV. Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to nominate me you have made an old lady very happy!”

If you want to nominate someone who you think goes the extra mile to help LGBT people and see them represent the LGBT community at the front of the Pride Parade, send an email to info@gscene.com give the name of the person you want to nominate and say why you have nominated them.

Chamonix Aspen, wins Brighton Drag Idol heat

Posted on 26/05/201526/05/2015 by Graham Robson

Chamonix Aspen, a name to remember, was the unanimous choice of the judges tonight to go forward and represent Charles Street in the national final of Drag Idol.

La Voix and Sally Vate hosted this evenings Brighton Heat of Drag Idol at Charles Street Bar, the best Drag Idol heat staged in Brighton for some time.

Singer J.P. Christian came second, karaoke hostess Trifari was third and Eve Angelical despite experiencing technical problems with her backing track came a creditable fourth.

La Voix a former winner of Drag Idol hosted the show with style and gave the contestants the support and respect they deserved for putting themselves out there, in front of a tanked up Brighton Bank Holiday audience.

Trifari, J.P. Christian, Sally Vate, La Voix, Chamonix Aspen, Eve Angelical

Judges for the evening were Stephen Richards aka Lola Lasagne, Chris Marshall manager of Charles Street, chef extraordinaire James Brooks and James Ledward, editor of Gscene.

Production was organised by Rupert Ellick and Lola Holloran.

James Ledward editor of Gscene said: “These competitions often fall flat on their face through the poor quality of the contestants. Not tonight and in Chamonix Aspen, Charles Street have found a unique contestant who ticks all the boxes. She is different, with unique material she writes herself. She struts the stage like a constipated panther and her comic timing is spot on. Imagine a vulnerable Mrs Sufflewick with a topping of Myra Dubois and you will get taste what Chamonix brings to the table. She is very, very funny!

“It was like the good old days this evening in Charles Street. There was a great atmosphere, the crowd was up for a party and La Voix handled the contestants brilliantly. More nights like this will get the locals out and keep the visitors coming back for more. Well done to everyone involved.”

For more details of Drag Idol heats, click here:

REVIEW: Basement: 4 Guys Chillin’

Posted on 25/05/201501/06/2016 by Michael Hootman

This is a verbatim drama based on interviews with a number of men who go to ‘chill out’ parties or, to be perhaps slightly more accurate, ‘drug-fuelled orgies’. As it starts off it seems as if it’s going to be a basically sensational tale of hedonistic gay men and the hijinks they get up to. There’s a comic discussion of the North/South divide (Northern orgies are friendlier than the ones in London), stories of days lost to ‘partying’ and the character who, getting a measly three condoms from his local GUM clinic, tells the nurse ‘that’s not going to last me the tube ride home, love’.

But as the evening progresses darker, more interesting themes emerge. The whole racism on grindr topic (‘No Asians – no offence, just not what I’m into’) is covered, as is the choices men make about putting themselves and others at risk of various STIs. But more than the damage these men can possibly do their bodies, the play is not afraid to ask about the psychological damage a seemingly continual round of sex and drugs can do.

Some of it is, to be frank, pretty disgusting. And at times I wondered if maybe the interviewees had perhaps exaggerated their stories. One character talks about the excitement he felt walking home from a chill out with – and look away now if you’re squeamish – come oozing out of his arse. But his confession about then eating the ooze on the way home feels like a piece of grand guignol. And another man confesses he likes going with guys who have gonorrhoea as it improves the ‘gloopiness’ of their ejaculate. (After one particularly horrific revelation a member of the audience practically shouted ‘Oh my God’ with the outraged horror of a Lady Bracknell.) Of course it’s also possible that the director lucked out and just happened to get hold of the country’s most depraved gays. This naturally leads to questions about just how representative these stories are. You wouldn’t look at the effects of alcohol consumption by focussing solely on those drinking a litre of vodka a day. Surely there exists men who go to these chill outs maybe once a month or a couple of times a year. I’m sure they’d tell a completely different story.

The most interesting character is that of a Pakistani man who feels duty bound to marry a woman and produce kids. It seems that despite having sex with men the marriage sort of works. Of the performances Elliot Hadley stands out being utterly convincing as a man who can’t resist the lure of sex and drugs whilst having no illusions to the potential problems of this lifestyle.

4 Guys Chillin’ is interesting and complex; it’s certainly not preachy and shows the thrills and the rush of modern sex parties without being an advert for them.

Continues until May 25 at the Basement, Kensington Street.

For more information and tickets click here.

THT to improve Sexual Health in Brighton and Hove

Posted on 25/05/2015 by Besi

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) launches Brighton STI Testing Week in bid to improve city’s sexual health.

RESIDENTS in Brighton and Hove will be encouraged to take free STI tests from sexual health and HIV charity THT as part of the city’s STI Testing Week at the end of June.

Following the success of National HIV Testing Week, THT will be running pop-up STI screening clinics offering chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests at a variety of community settings and venues across the city from 29 June until 5th July.

Ben Tooke, Senior Engagement Officer at Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton, said: “STI screening methods are quick and easy and simply require a swab and urine sample. We hope Brighton STI Testing Week will encourage STI testing, promote awareness of the services that are currently available throughout the year, and increase public knowledge on how to prevent onward transmission of STIs. Many people are still unaware that STIs do not always display symptoms and that infection can occur through the mouth. Whatever the result we are here to provide advice and support.”

The majority of STI testing will take place at Terrence Higgins Trust’s centre on Ship Street and the Claude Nicol Clinic, although other venues including the Brighton Sauna on Marine Parade will also provide STI testing.

Brighton and Hove has a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections with certain groups particularly affected including men who have sex with men (MSM), Black Minority Ethnic communities and young people.

Latest figures show 1,747 people in Brighton and Hove were diagnosed with STIs per 100,000 of the population, higher than the national average of 832, however this could be attributed to increased STI testing in Brighton and Hove.

Diagnosis rate for young people with chlamydia is also higher in the city compared to the national average, with 3,133 per 100,000 of the population diagnosed with chlamydia compared to a national average of 2,016.

However, rates of chlamydia screening are again higher in Brighton and Hove, which may explain why the diagnosis rate for the city is higher than the national average.

Help take the Brighton Pride Parade to the next level!

Posted on 25/05/201525/05/2015 by Besi

Do you want to be an exotic participant in the Brighton Pride Parade?

Now is your chance to find your inner ANIMAL and get involved, courtesy of a new project by andwhatarts and costumier extraordinaire Mandinga Arts.

Proud Interventions funded by Arts Council England is a stylised costume based processional work that will be brought to life by YOU, – gay, straight, lesbian, trans, or bi, because this is a work about community.

As a volunteer you will receive 1.5 days (of FUN) training with andwhatarts, Mandinga Arts and a professional choreographer, to perform in one of Europe’s best Pride Parades. You will get free entrance to the party in the park.

Above all you will be part of something really special, get to wear amazing, bespoke and cheeky costumes designed by Mandinga and contribute to a project that injects high quality art and political motifs into the Brighton Pride parade.

Overall it will be an AMAZING (and FREE) experience!

Pride need around 40 committed volunteers. Come in groups or on your own.

For more details email Andrew at: andwhatarts@gmail.com

No experience is necessary just a willingness to get involved, dress up and have great fun.

PREVIEW: Jungle Book comes to Emporium, Brighton

Posted on 25/05/2015 by Besi

Emporium will be staging its own tribute to Rudyard Kipling, the Rottingdean based writer born 150 years ago, with a musical version of his most famous work, The Jungle Book.

THIS classic tale of Mowgli the man cub raised by wolves, taught by a bear but hunted by a tiger, will transport its audiences from seagull-squawking Brighton to monkey-chattering India between July 7 and 31 with a script that was one of The Guardian’s ‘Top Five – not to be missed‘ shows when it toured in 2002/2003.

Playwright Mike Carter knows that the shadow of the Disney adaptation is a long one but feels the story is strong enough to bear more than one telling, with its power to both entertain and enthrall:

Mike said: “The element of danger is never far away.

“Shere Khan has made a vow that he will kill the man-cub before he grows up and the Chief Monkey threatens to eat Mowgli for breakfast for refusing to explain the mystery of fire to him!”

But it is the fire of friendship that fuels this particular story, as Mowgli’s love of his adoptive wolf mother, as well as of his mentor and protector Baloo the Bear, helps the man cub overcome the challenges he faces.

Along with Carter’s Earwig Productions, Emporium kicks off the summer with an epic adventure offering puppets, a live band and magical special effects suitable for children (and grown-up children) aged three years and older.

In keeping with the family feel, The Jungle Book reunites director James Weisz and choreographer Nathan Potter from last year’s hit pantomime Sleeping Beauty, working with a multi-ethnic cast and chorus drawn from across the region: a truly Sussex production befitting its original author.

The show marks the passing of a century and a half since Kipling’s birth and the author has since been adopted by the Brighton area, given his time spent living at The Elms in Rottingdean, where he wrote a number of his best-loved works, including the Just So Stories.

This adaptation was originally performed at The Gardner Arts Centre at the University of Sussex in 1995, making this production not just a double anniversary, but also a homecoming: the jungle returns to the city.

The cast includes: Gordon Winter (Brothers of War / Mike Leigh’s Secrets & Lies) as Chief Monkey. Suzanne Proctor (Fran in Coronation Street, Isobel in C4’s Cucumber) as Bagheera and Kamari Romeo as Mowgli.

Event: The Jungle Book

Where: Emporium, 88 London Road, Brighton

When: July 7 to 31

Time: 7:30pm and 2pm (July 18/19/25/26)

Tickets: £12 (cubs), £15 (big cats), £50 (wolf packs of four).

This production will be raising money for the UNICEF Nepal Earthquake Appeal.

Labour deliver on pre-election commitment to engage with communities

Posted on 24/05/201524/05/2015 by Besi

New council committees reflect the need for homes, jobs and community engagement.

Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, Cllr Warren Morgan

A new council committee has been created, as promised by Labour and Co-operative prior to the local elections, bringing together community safety with neighbourhood initiatives and equalities as part of a new structure of decision-making for Brighton & Hove City Council.

The 10-member Neighbourhoods, Communities and Equalities Committee will champion the role of communities and make it easier for local people to get involved, including the possibility of devolving power and services to neighbourhoods.

The committee will focus on increasing equality – two of its central remits are to tackle street homelessness and to introduce a Fairness Commission looking at improving equality for everyone in the city.

The Committee, to be chaired by Emma Daniel, councillor for Hanover and Elm Grove, will take on the work of the former Community Safety Forum and make decisions about investment and support to community and voluntary sector groups.

Two other committees have been renamed to indicate a greater emphasis on employment skills and the urgent need for new affordable homes.

Tom Bewick, councillor for Westbourne, will chair the Children, Young People and Skills Committee, while Anne Meadows, councillor for Moulsecoomb & Bevendean will chair the Housing and New Homes Committee.

Councillor Warren Morgan, the new leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “The new committees are designed to directly reflect the concerns and aspirations of our communities. Bringing together community safety and neighbourhood issues under the umbrella of one committee will give them the focussed attention they deserve. We’re looking forward to having a real dialogue with people and ensuring our services and decisions reflect the needs of people in their areas and in the wider city.”

Under the new minority administration Cllr Morgan will chair both the Policy & Resources Committee and the Economic Development & Culture Committee.

Leslie Hamilton, the councillor for South Portslade, will be lead member for finance and resources.

Other major forums include:

♦ Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, chaired by Cllr Gill Mitchell and the

♦ Health and Wellbeing Board, chaired by councillor Dan Yates. Councillor Karen Barford, the new lead member for adult social care, will also be a member of the Board and Cllr Caroline Penn, who has special responsibility for mental health, will be able to attend and speak.

♦ Councillor Mo Marsh will chair Licensing Committee.

♦ Councillor Julie Cattell will chair Planning Committee.

The new make-up of the council was confirmed at full council on Thursday, May 21.

REVIEW: Marlborough: Miss Behave’s Gameshow

Posted on 24/05/201524/05/2015 by Michael Hootman

The premise of this show is that the most important division in the world isn’t male and female or gay and straight but those who own iPhones and the rest of us. As we enter the confines of the Marlborough the audience is split into these two rival factions and then the games commence. Some utilise the hi-tec features of your smartphone, others depend on analogue versions of popular digital hits (without giving too much away their version of Candy Crush involves some confectionary and a large mallet).

This bitter rivalry is presided over by the wondrous Miss Behave, everyone’s favourite Bohemian aunt. A vision in sparkly couture topped with a glittery turban, she whips up the participants into a competitive frenzy as they do seemingly anything to get points for their team. She’s ably assisted by Harriet (Harry Clayton Wright) a vision of loveliness in leather-effect hot pants and bottle top glasses. The two fearless performers unleash such rounds as ‘Porn You’d Admit To’ or the awesome ‘Do Anything for a Point’ which results in poor Harriet almost being subjected to a sex attack.

It’s all infectiously raucous and somehow manages to get us to be genuinely aggrieved when a point in knocked off our score at the whim of Miss Behave. It’s sweet, short – it clocks in at just over an hour – and, like its two stars, is completely adorable.

Last show tonight, May 24, at 21.00.

For more information and tickets click here.

PREVIEW: ‘Sinderfella’ The Alternative Panto at Sallis Benney Theatre

Posted on 24/05/201513/11/2016 by Graham Robson

Naughty adult entertainment returns to Brighton in February 2016 when Southern Entertainments will be producing 16 performances of The Alternative Panto Sinderfella at the Sallis Benney Theatre.

STAGED by Quintin Young and directed with an outrageous script written by Andrew Stark, and musical direction provided by Marc Yarrow the musical director of the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus.

The following performers have signed on the dotted line and are confimed to appear.

Oh no they’re not! Oh yes they are!………..

♦ Miss Jason as Sinderfella

♦ Lola Lasagne and Dave Lynn as the ugly sisters

♦ Davina Sparkle as Fairy Sparkle

♦ Allan Jay as Buttocks,

♦ Cassidy Connors as the Prince

♦ Christopher Howard as Baron Hardon

♦ Jason Lee as Dandini

and a special magical appearance by Maisie Trollette

More announcements are in the pipe line.

To book tickets online, click here:

Or telephone: 01273 709 709

Call us now

Month: May 2015

REVIEW: Fringe: Elixir

First Ambassador for Pride 2015 revealed

David Raven aka Maisie Trollette has been named as Brighton Pride’s first Ambassador for 2015 and will lead the Pride LGBT+ Community Parade in August.

Chamonix Aspen, wins Brighton Drag Idol heat

Chamonix Aspen, a name to remember, was the unanimous choice of the judges tonight to go forward and represent Charles Street in the national final of Drag Idol.

REVIEW: Basement: 4 Guys Chillin’

THT to improve Sexual Health in Brighton and Hove

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) launches Brighton STI Testing Week in bid to improve city’s sexual health.

Help take the Brighton Pride Parade to the next level!

Do you want to be an exotic participant in the Brighton Pride Parade?

PREVIEW: Jungle Book comes to Emporium, Brighton

Emporium will be staging its own tribute to Rudyard Kipling, the Rottingdean based writer born 150 years ago, with a musical version of his most famous work, The Jungle Book.

Labour deliver on pre-election commitment to engage with communities

New council committees reflect the need for homes, jobs and community engagement.

REVIEW: Marlborough: Miss Behave’s Gameshow

PREVIEW: ‘Sinderfella’ The Alternative Panto at Sallis Benney Theatre

Naughty adult entertainment returns to Brighton in February 2016 when Southern Entertainments will be producing 16 performances of The Alternative Panto Sinderfella at the Sallis Benney Theatre.

Oh no they’re not! Oh yes they are!………..

Latest News

Call us now

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David Raven aka Maisie Trollette has been named as Brighton Pride’s first Ambassador for 2015 and will lead the Pride LGBT+ Community Parade in August.

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Chamonix Aspen, a name to remember, was the unanimous choice of the judges tonight to go forward and represent Charles Street in the national final of Drag Idol.

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Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) launches Brighton STI Testing Week in bid to improve city’s sexual health.

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Do you want to be an exotic participant in the Brighton Pride Parade?

Share this:

Emporium will be staging its own tribute to Rudyard Kipling, the Rottingdean based writer born 150 years ago, with a musical version of his most famous work, The Jungle Book.

Share this:

New council committees reflect the need for homes, jobs and community engagement.

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Naughty adult entertainment returns to Brighton in February 2016 when Southern Entertainments will be producing 16 performances of The Alternative Panto Sinderfella at the Sallis Benney Theatre.

Oh no they’re not! Oh yes they are!………..

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