MULTI AWARD-WINNING PLAY FROM AUSTRALIA

"HOLDING THE MAN".

Adapted by Tommy Murphy from the book by Timothy Conigrave. At the Trafalgar Studios until July 3rd.

The story of a gay love affair across the decades has come to the West End after a sell-out run in its native Oz.

"A Must  See...10/10" Melbourne Herald Sun, "A Theatrical Triumph" Variety.

www.holdingtheman.com

Frustratingly, when "Kath & Kim"s Jane Turner, one of the play's stars, appeared on the "Graham Norton Show" recently to plug the play, it wasn't mentioned that it was about a gay relationship. Admittedly she hardly got a word in, but this WAS the "Graham Norton Show"! We've still got a long way to go....

NEW PLAY FROM JONATHAN (BEAUTIFUL THING) HARVEY

"CANARY"

"Women and gay people are the litmus test of whether a society is democratic and respecting human rights.  We are all canaries in the mine."  Peter Tatchell.

Jonathan Harvey's new play, looks at the lives of gay men of different generations.

It tries to ask the questions: "Was the fight worth fighting? What is the legacy of these men?  Can we afford now to be complacent?"

"Canary" begins at the Liverpool Playhouse, visits the Hampstead Theatre, Cambridge Arts Theatre, Malvern Theatre and the Theatre Royal Brighton ending in July.

18.3.10

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES OPENS IN WHISTABLE!

"La Cage aux Folles" the show that we have have long awaited, finally arrived in Whitstable this week - well some of it. Herne Bay Operatic Society's production "Thoroughly Modern Musicals", featured four songs from this iconic show.

The male company members skilfully interpreted three of the numbers, four of them bringing out the fun, ambiguity and danger of the title song, while soloists performed the romantic, haunting "Song on the Sand" and the powerful anthem of gay pride, "I Am What I Am".  The full company provided the feel-good handclapping finale number, "The Best of Times".

Congratulations Herne Bay Operatic !  Local companies, amateur and professional take note !

31.10.09 

(We would like ANY/ ALL of the live works featured on this page to be seen in Canterbury)

A play that would be ideal for the Gulbenkian Theatre is:

"The Laramie Project" - a hybrid of investigative journalism and theatre - which tells the true story of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay university student, who was brutally murdered in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1998. It explores the motives for, and responses to, Shepard's death.

LARAMIE PROJECT UPDATE 28.10.09

This play can be seen at The Space, 269 West Ferry Road, London E14 3RS, 18th-22nd November 2009. Performances at 8.00pm (Sun 22nd Nov. at 4.00pm.) Tickets £10.00 (Conc £8.00). Box Office: 020 7515 7799. wildoatsproductions.com/laramie

"See this show. Don't be turned off because it's an issue play. Don't avoid the show because you don't want to be lectured. Don't write it off as a depressing topic. It's none of these things. It's a play that lays humanity bare and infuses it with fervent hope. This easily makes my top three of the year.  ("Extra! Extra!)

For fans of Tennessee Williams, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" returns to the West End soon.

Meanwhile, "Men in Frocks" continue their very popular domination of the West End. John Barrowman joins "La Cage aux Folles" in September. The show will tour next year, and while "Hairspray" will continue its West End run, a touring version with Michael Ball will also go out next year. And "Priscilla" continues her adventures in the desert!

(Interested in reading about Gay Drama? See Books Page?)

A TALENT TO ENTERTAIN

Last Sunday, we went with two straight friends, to see "David Benson Sings Noel Coward", the Canterbury Festival event at the Theatre Royal Margate. This was a celebration of "the Master's" wit and wisdom and demonstrated through a variety of, sometimes little-known, songs, the complex personality of this celebrated, closeted, multi-talented gay man.  David Benson revealed himself to be a warm, daring, gifted entertainer.  The audience loved his show. Let's hope he will return to the area soon.

This was the most enjoyable evening we have spent in a local theatre for a long time. Our thanks to the Theatre Royal and the Canterbury Festival. This evening shows that talented LGBT entertainers and their work, have always been, and  will  always be, enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.

Check out the Theatre Royal's programme www.theatreroyalmargate.com