After wowing audiences at London Wonderground in 2016, Trevor Ashley is bringing everyone’s favourite diva back to London this Summer in Liza’s Back! (is broken).
Trevor Ashley as Liza Minnelli. Photo John McRae
His five-star comic tribute to the iconic Liza Minnelli, will play at the Underbelly Festival for 6 performances only from Tuesday, June 27 to Sunday, July 2.
Hear Trevor perform Maybe This Time as Liza!
There is no doubt about it; Liza Minnelli is a true Broadway legend. But her appearances on the musical stage have been few and far between. So what would happen if Liza decided to perform all the great Broadway roles she never got to play, in one special night?
Liza’s Back! (is broken) explores the parts that Minnelli should have played over the last forty years – those great leading lady roles from Grizabella to Norma Desmond, and all others in between. Ever wanted to see Liza tackle Wicked? Then this is the show for you!
Direct from rehab, and live with a 7-piece big band, don’t miss Liza singing Broadway’s greatest hits, including I Have Confidence, Memory, Send in the Clowns, Le Jazz Hot plus her own classics Maybe This Time, Cabaret and New York, New York!
★★★★★ “Met by thunderous applause from his first entrance to last bow, Trevor Ashley as Liza is perfection”…..Gay Times
Trevor Ashley is an Australian performer and cabaret artist. His musical theatre credits in Australia include creating the role of Miss Understanding in the world premiere of Priscilla Queen of The Desert – The Musical; Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and Monsieur Thenadier in Les Miserables.
Trevor is the creator and star of a one-man Dame Shirley Bassey tribute Diamonds are for Trevor, which he recently performed to a sell-out audience at Sydney Opera House. As Liza, his smash hit show Liza (On an E) has played seasons all over the world, including a week-long residency at the Vaudeville Theatre in the West End.
Event: Trevor Ashley in LIZA’S BACK! (IS BROKEN)
Where: At the Underbelly Festival, Belvedere Road, Coach Park, London SE1 8XX
When: Tuesday, June 27 – Sunday, July 2 2017
Time: Tuesday – Friday 7.45pm, Saturday and Sunday 7.30pm
Cost: Tickets: From £19.50: Suitable for ages 15 and up
Benny Hill’s is a dreadful little drag bar in Spain that’s dying on its feet.
Allan – or Allan Benjamin Hill to use his full name – aka Fanny – has hit hard times, when his past, in the form of his ex-wife catches up with him and turns his life upside down. His wife’s revelation is that he has a daughter, Jade, shortly to become 18 and therefore at liberty to find her birth father.
It’s a clever idea that just doesn’t come off for a variety of reasons.
The six characters, including a Bear DJ, and two innocent middle-aged women on a hen holiday – are all stereotypical and the 2 ladies particularly are purely there for cheap jokes.
The one character who seems alive is Allan, played by Daryl Bennett. We do feel some sympathy for him but the writing is altogether too superficial and stagey to make his predicament work.
The one moment in the show which does work is when he sings “I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now” breaking down as he performs it with more than usual significance.
Generally though, the acting is not quite good enough and at times inaudible.
There’s a good idea trying to get out, and with some writing and stronger direction and acting, it could work. The ending when it comes is predictable and not really as satisfying as it should be. Though largely irrelevant to the plot, the bald-headed Elvis karaoke performer would certainly lighten the show if he had more than a few seconds of stage time.
Miss Sugar Swan takes a trip down memory lane to the Brighton Sauna.
The Brighton Sauna was always a mainstay in my life. When I moved to Brighton at 20, some 15 years ago, bars were open until 12, clubs until 2 and no night was complete without “finishing off”, take that as you will, in the sauna.
I loved the place, as did all my friends, we would come in droves and hang around the jacuzzi or get in the swimming pool as it was back then and as is the very nature of the place someone would catch someones eye and before you know it you would go and find some privacy, much to the amusement of our friends who would be either jealous as you went with the one they wanted, or ridicule you as you were intoxicated enough to make a fool of yourself.
As I matured through my 20’s and into my 30’s, later licensing laws came in, I got older, I went out less, my priorities became different, mobile dating apps became the rage and my usage of the sauna dwindled and it would be reserved for Prides and New Years eves but I was always fond of the place, it held so many memories of a misspent youth.
A few years before I started transition I stopped going to the sauna completely. Almost all sexual contact stopped while I worked out exactly where I was going in life. I could no longer pretend to be proud of a body I didn’t like nor want and bearing it in a venue with 100 men was something that was completely incomprehensible to me. I hated myself and how I looked and I had completely lost my sex drive and the sauna became a no go area for me.
Sugar and Jak
Once I began to transition I learned how to love myself again. Once my endocrine system was flooded with Oestrogen and my Testosterone production stopped I started to feel myself, I started to see myself as a sexual figure once more, my breasts started to come in, as did my hips and ass and very slowly as my outer shell started to align with my gender my sex drive began to return, but this time I realised I was no longer welcome in the sauna, a place that had been part of my life for 15 years was suddenly somewhere I was no longer welcome. That is until the ever so handsome Jak came up with a plan.
Jak is a trans man who has worked at the sauna for the last 2 and a half years and is the brainchild behind a new monthly trans night. Jak’s story and his development of this monthly night for the trans community can be found in May’s edition of Gscene, who had originally asked me to go along to this event and write a review. I tried my best to make the first event and lost my nerve, and then again at the second, but by the third monthly event that was taking place last night (May 22) I had to get over my fear, so as nervous as I was in a bikini and no wig, basically down to my outer shell with no protection I headed to the Sauna.
I asked myself what the fuck I thought I was doing as I approached the sauna, but with a deep breath and with all the confidence I could muster I walked in. I was greeted by Jak’s work colleague Jamie who was expecting me. He was really polite and respectful and after establishing that I had not been to the venue for some years he gave me a tour of whats new and whats gone and while I was in the changing room Jak came in to greet me with a huge beaming smile. He took me upstairs and introduced me to everyone and I soon felt very comfortable. It felt so amazing to be in a truly safe space.
There were ‘pronoun pens’ where people could write their pronoun on themselves and notices up reminding people to be respectful of the diverse mix of people who fall under our trans umbrella. Many Queer nights and venues try their very best to be a safe space for the community but they can’t stop people walking in the door, to get in the sauna you need to get through 2 doors and be vetted and buzzed through so it actually is a safe space for the trans community once a month and I really did feel it. I cannot put into words how nice it was to be in that space with my people, trans people. men, women, non-binary, gender queer identifying individuals varying in age from their early 20’s to 50+.
My bikini soon “fell off” and I was transported back some 15 years where I was sitting in the same Jacuzzi with a bunch of friends, laughing, joking, having serious discussions, chatting about who was venturing off the private cabins with who and noticing the subtle flirting and taking the piss out of each other as a group. It was just like it was in my 20’s, but this time something was different, this time I was being true to myself. I wasn’t pretending to be male. I was sat there, in that very same jacuzzi I had sat in so many times before, but this time I was the woman I always have been and I was surrounded by new friends who were all living their truth.
I had an absolutely amazing time last night and I am so thankful to Jak for making this happen and create this space for the community. I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who falls under the trans umbrella. Of course, it is still a club where people can have sex, but the atmosphere on trans night is different, the emphasis not being so much on sex, but on community and friendship with the option of intimacy rather than the expectation which is how it can feel when it is a space only for gay men. There is no obligation for you to ‘lose’ your bikini as I did, you can simply sit upstairs drinking free refreshments, chat, have an all day breakfast and watch coronation street if you prefer, which is exactly what some people were doing.
My preference? Sitting in the jacuzzi flirting with one person with one eye and watching other romance develop with the other, and that is exactly where you will find me next month and then the big exciting one the month after which falls over Trans Pride.
Thank you Jak for making this happen, it is just what the Dr ordered, and trans people REALLY hate doctors.
The next date trans evening will be on Monday, June 26. Entry is £15 for a standard entry or £16 for the day pass.
You must be trans to enter (that includes all trans identities) or the guest of a trans person. If someone is a cis guest, they must arrive with whoever they’re coming with unless the sauna get a heads up beforehand by telephoning 01273 01273 689966.
The sauna does allow SOFFAs (significant others, friends, family and allies)! Some folks may have a cis partner, friend or support person that they wish to enjoy the night with. The sauna have a safer space policy which must be adhered to which is dotted about the building and we everyone is asked to make themselves familiar with it upon entry. Anyone breaking that policy will be asked to leave.
The leaders of the three political groups on Brighton & Hove City Council have released a collective statement about the terrorist attack in Manchester last night.
Cllr Warren Morgan, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council and Leader of the Labour and Co-operative Group
“We are shocked and appalled by the terrorist attack in Manchester last night. That any person or organisation can target innocent young people at a pop concert is unfathomable. This act is intended to frighten and divide us, but we will not be cowed and we stand together strong; united in compassion with people from all faiths and backgrounds.
“We send our deepest sympathy to all affected by this horrendous attack. Our thoughts are particularly with the families and friends of those who have died and been injured.
“As a sign of respect flags on council buildings in the city will fly at half-mast today. The council will also be writing to the Leader and Chief Executive of Manchester City Council offering support.
Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty, Convenor of the Green Group
“Co-operation between the public and the police is the greatest asset in tackling the challenge the UK faces from terrorism. Sussex Police and Brighton & Hove City Council are asking all residents and communities to remain aware and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity immediately by calling the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 or 999 in an emergency.
Cllr Tony Janio, Leader of the Conservative Group
“One Voice members urge everyone to be aware and are encouraging residents and communities to report any racist, religiously motivated or other hate incidents within our communities.”
Marine Tavern, raised £1,545.73 for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity with a series of events over the weekend of May 12-14.
The centre piece of the fundraising weekend, the Dragon Boat Race was cancelled due to swans nesting at Brighton Marina were the race was due to be staged.
Despite the disappointment the Marine Tavern team spent the afternoon at South Coast Paintballing at Albourne near Henfield. A great time was had by all and the team arrived back at the Marine Tavern a little battered and bruised.
£1,545.73 was raised for the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity at the County and Western Night on Friday 12, a special drag open mic on Sunday 14, both at the Marine Tavern and a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.
The Dragon Boat race has been rescheduled for September at Brighton Marina and the Marine tavern will be entering a team.
If you wish to make a donation or sponsor them, click here:
On Sunday May 21 2017 at 8pm, police raided the Atlantis Gym & Sauna in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta at 8pm in the evening arresting 141 men claiming they were engaging in a “gay sex party”.
Those arrested were detained by the North Jakarta District Police. Indonesia does not have laws criminalising homosexuality, except in the Aceh province, however the country does have severe anti-pornography laws which have recently been used to target LGBT+ websites and activities.
Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International, commenting on the arrests and the wider environment facing LGBT+ people in Indonesia said:
Jessica Stern
“OutRight’s research, Creeping Criminalisation, shows that regional regulations are departing from national laws and are heavily influenced by fundamentalist interpretations of Islam. These laws are targeting women’s dress codes, any women having relationships outside of marriage, and LGBT+ people, criminalising them on grounds of breaching public morality.
“What is happening in Indonesia is dangerous and scary. Officials are using their own personal biases on morality to oppress different groups and especially LGBT+ people. In the past, the LGBT+ community has experienced more tolerance in Indonesian society, but particularly over the past 18 months crackdowns have increased and the situation has become much worse for LGBT+ people. LGBT+ Indonesians are equal citizens and must not be singled out and oppressed simply for who they love or who they are.”
Created by Meow Meow in collaboration with composers Jherek Bischoff and August Von Trapp (great grandson!) , musical direction Jherek Bischoff & design by Andrea Lauer this was billed as a fantastical song cycle on a half-remembered misreported history of Brighton’s Theatre Royal. The misreported part was certainly the most accurate description.
Actress, singer, dancer, Meow Meow is a cabaret diva of the highest order. Her kamikaze performance style has thrilled and inspired audiences and here, at least to start that edge of ‘I can do anything ’ threat which comes with such huge payoffs in her usual performances held delicious promise, it was soon apparent that tonight she was on best behaviour however, doing someone else’s vibe and taking herself just a touch too seriously.
Meow Meow joined forces with the Orchester der Kleinen Regiment to summon the ghosts of Brighton’s Theatre Royaland her set featured original collaborations with composers Jherek Bischoff, August von Trapp, and The Lilliputian Octet all of which sounded just fine, with the moody, ethereal edge which is Meow’s trademark style, but it was a case of the triumph of style over substance.
The songs lamented on, one slight dirge after another with snippets of what might or might not be true stories from back stage, a story of Marlana’s Dietrich obsessively scrubbing the dressing room, a small boy trapped in a flood, the sailors tending the ropes working the flying scenery but none of these were explored in the song for their emotional impact or oddness, just as the entrée to another half-baked lament. The best song of the evening, lead into by a fragile connection to the widow of Arctic explorer Franklin and the way they held a party on the ice that would kill them was lovely, but nothing really to do with the theatre royal. I think Lady F’s next door neighbour’s hairdresser’s sister’s friend’s driver had once attended a matinée or something equality as shaky…
I am a huge Meow fan, but this evening made me think about collaborations between superb fringe performers who OWN their venue and audience and take them on a journey into performance on trust and that of a Festival show which is deluged by the weight of its own expectations and slowly drowns in front of you and is starved of the proper funding that a huge thematic show like this really needs to succeed. Who struck the heart out of this show, who thought it would be a good idea to present Meow Meow as some faded reminiscent rambler, good for one song perhaps two; but to stretch that over a night was to ignore this performers great strength, her unpredictable energy and bursts of transformative madness, and the reason folk flock to see her strut her stuff. Not to facilitate her to rise to another astonishing level of daring is a loss of nerve on behalf of the festival and ultimately lead to a one off fancy which was pleasant enough but left nothing tinging long in the mind.
There was much talk of death on the stage, of dying and ironic tongue in cheek stage death, and then the kids were brought on and I switched off.
The audience seemed to be enjoying themselves although in the stalls their behaviour was appalling, the people in front of me vaping with a bright pink LED, getting up and down constantly throughout the performance, the usually merciless ushers of the Theatre Royal were nowhere to be seen.
A disappointing evening, and a missed opportunity and I came away thinking that it all must have seemed like a good idea at the time but something, something important – the Divine Wind in her sails- was lost in the translation.
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