Here with the very latest in show recommendations and gossip from the stalls, it’s GLL’s theatre buff, Thomas Magill!
July has been a riot with London buzzing from yet another successful Pride parade that attracted well over a million people to Central London. Over 30,000 marched on the day, and I got to attend some of the Pride-related events sprinkled across the City in the days running up to it.
I was lucky enough to be invited to the Hilton for the Rainbow Honours, which was a joyous event attended by a whole host of allies and queers. Sally Lindsay picked up this year’s Celebrity Ally of the Year award, and given her heartfelt speech, it’s no wonder — she truly is a legend and a long-time supporter. Among the guests were a whole host of celebs, including Arlene Phillips, Linda Robson and the iconic Sinitta, who smashed it in a rather revealing see-through purple dress and rainbow head dress. Always happy to chat, Sinitta told me how she was there with the gays back in the 80s when others shunned us. She’s rightly proud that back then, she was more than happy to defend a community under attack when others wouldn’t.
I was back in the West End to see Fawlty Towers return to the Apollo Theatre as the programme celebrates 40 years. I got to interview John Cleese for BBC London before sitting down with the adorable and absolutely captivating Helen Lederer and Paul Nicholas, who play Mrs Richards and the Major. Those two should have their own comedy show, as their wit and connection is off the scale. Both were so friendly and funny during our chat ahead of this latest run in London before heading out on tour. The after- show party was a who’s who of talent – mainly from the 80s but peppered among the likes of Vicki Michelle and Paul Chuckle was La Voix — and his dad, also known as Voila.
Back to the stage and Four Play by Jake Brunger opened at the King’s Head Theatre. Starring Jo Foster among others, the play is a sensitive and revealing deep dive into gay relationships, and just how complicated and varied many can be. I totally loved it and so did the I Kissed a Boy star Ruben, who was there without his partner Lars — although it seems they are still very much in love with Ruben beaming from cheek to cheek every time someone mentioned Lars’ name. Four Play is on until the middle of August.
August can sometimes be a quiet month, but it seems this year is very different, with plenty of new shows opening to keep those of us staying in London sufficiently entertained for the summer.
I’m super excited about a new show called The Diana Mixtape, which opens at HERE at Outernet. It’s described as a fierce, fabulous and heartwarming homage to the People’s Princess – with a tagline like that, what’s not to like! And if it’s big budget, big names and big stories you want, I can confirm Burlesque: The Musical and Evita are both worth every penny. If you’re heading away for your hols, have fun and we’ll catch up on the other side.
Drop Thomas a follow @thomasmagill1 and see him right here next month.
