"She's Electric" Lucy Spraggan Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire

Venue: O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire

Date: Wednesday 30 October

Tickets: £15

Well. From the two previous Lucy gigs we've seen, the Borderline in May (Read the full review here) and Brighton Pride ( watch the full review here) it feels like we've evolved into the stratosphere.

Two singles, One album and a #7 chart position later, Lucy has become the full package. From aflop to electric dreams, it's a transformation of the highest order.

Noticeable in the audience, at a packed Shepherd's Bush Empire - Lucy's biggest gig to date – was a move away from the tweenie crowd majority during the last tour; giving the sense of credibility amongst a diverse rather than just teen lesbian fan base.

The set is a local pub, homage to #BeerFear and Lucy's early days gigging 5 nights a week. 

However as soon as the music kicks in it's clear this is no Friday night pub gig.

The album tracks are used to tell the story of Lucy's journey. It's as if the songs have all been struck by lightening and are amplified on stage. The arrangement, performance and sound is another level from what we saw over the Summer.

The vibration and tempo echoes through the empire creating a world class live concert experience. The live versions are an incredible variation on the studio tracks. Such added depth from the inclusion of the electric guitar, keyboard and full drums in the band. Standing out in particular, the "You’re Too Young" rap, the epic "Safe" and the closing finale "Wait for Me" that had us bouncing like the good old days.

All in all an unexpected maturisation that still gives humble thanks to the story-telling original songs that underlie it all. And a reminder of why I'll be first in line to buy tickets at the next London gig.

Lucy was supported by Shannon and Andreas Moe.

Lucy Spraggan’s website

Lucy Spraggan on Facebook

Lucy Spraggan on Twitter

Get official Lucy Spraggan merchandise and her latest album

Read our interview with Lucy from during the run up to the tour.

By Katie

Orange is the New Black - finally reviewed (*NO SPOLIERS*)

As a general fan of lesbian themed TV/online series, including the yet-to-be-fully-appreciated Second Shot, by Jill Bennett, promoted earlier this year at The Dinah in April and again at LFest in July 2013, I was reluctant to give in to the hype surrounding the Orange is the New Black. Or “@OITNB” as it is known in the twittersphere. 

However following some gentle persuasion from the ladies at MLR lesbian Lounge, who gave me hope that there is love enough in my heart for both, I sat down armed with cynicism to watch what I thought would be just another [lesbians in prison because they have no choice] web series. How easy it is to be wrong when one is closed minded.

OITNB is produced and marketed solely online via Netflix as a web series, a format growing in popularity, particularly for lesbian themed content. 

The show itself is polished, each character is well rounded with a complete and interesting back story. There is no laziness in the writing as it’s kept fresh with spins on social situations all too familiar. 

Despite best efforts, I grew to love the characters and their antics. Top of the charts has to be Laura Prepon who plays “Alex Vause” the rockabilly crim who may just have started all the trouble for lead protagonist “Piper Chapman” played by Taylor Schilling. 

The tender and steamy moments the two share are believable and relaxed. But the moment that tipped me over the edge from wannabe hater to supporter was Prepon acting from inside an industrial dryer. Seriously who else has the stones to pull this kind of move off? 

Below is the tweet Prepon shared on 16 January of this year while filming, with co-stars Taylor Schilling and Taryn Manning aka inmate “Pennsatucky”...

"Laura Prepon ‏@LauraPrepon16 Jan

Just another day on the job! Acting from inside a prison dryer. Ha"

As I said spoilers not included, all that’s left to say is that I am converted and will be watching series two when it becomes available on Netflix next year. There is something for everyone, if I may paraphrase Forrest Gump “Like a box of chocolates, you never know what you gonna get.” 

The ride goes from sweet and content to edge of your seat. Nothing is as it seams and what you think should be so somehow is not...afterwards you wonder what you were thinking in the first place. Watch it and enjoy the ride.

By Kate

One Love Wedding Show VIP launch

Venue: Hospital Club, Covent Garden

Date: Saturday 19 October 

 

Set over two floors, with exhibitors, performances and a fashion show, the One Love Wedding show pre event gave a taste of the full exhibition which took place on Sunday 20th October. Mood lighting, 50s and contemporary mellow classics playing on vinyl created an "end of the big night" chilled atmosphere.

The exhibitors on display were top of the range - for making a wedding/civil partnership extra special. The range included  of cake makers, photographers, suits, dresses, accessories, honeymoons, stationery and favours, decorations.

The organisers included gay owned wedding suppliers on the board to ensure all exhibitors were either LGBT owned or ostensibly LGBT friendly and tailored to same sex marriages.

The pre show included stage performances from exhibitors including The Testostertones, who wowed the audience with a cappella harmonies of classics and modern pop songs. The incredibly well choreographed   Fashion show created a living and moving tableau presenting a mix of different types of couples through the movement of its 12 models.

Comedy Review: Mae Martin Slumber Party @ Soho Theatre

Venue: Soho Theatre
Run: 9 - 12 October, 9.15pm
Tickets: £10-12.50 available from Soho Theatre.
Rating: 5 ***** charming, witty & hilarious facial expressions

"Come What Mae"

In her Slumber Party  Show, fresh from Edinburgh, Mae Martin takes us on a comedic coming of age exploration of life (from being dumped via speaker phone to Christmas dinner at Wetherspoons).

From the warm welcoming, understated entrance, it's like a humorous 'getting to know' a new best friend. Mae is charming, witty and modest. She tells tales about those familiar milestones of growing up with compassion and hilarious facial expressions. She's a self confessed Harry Potter erotica fan.

Mae presents a tendency to be compared in appearance to inanimate objects, anecdotes about lots of Canadian now-20-somethings ("Do you know x?" Probably just as well we don't) and a unique quirky perspective on life, but the humility to allow us to laugh at her despite (or because of) it all.

She brings physical comedy smoothly into the mix, demonstrating her gangly younger teen  self, and facial expressions that are as endearing as funny. 

The new BFF theme is continued as plenty of contemporary and contemporaneous cultural references pepper the anecdotes, (imagine living with the voice of Ke$ha inside your mind) and audience interaction that included the standard psychological test "Would you play Jumanji"?

To Mae I proffer:
"Some people are born funny,
Some achieve funniness,
Some have funny thrust upon them.
You my dear, are the former."


Read our recent interview with Mae

By Katie

Incite @ Phoenix poetry night

Venue: Phoenix artists club
When: second Wednesday of the month (excl December); 7-9pm
Tickets: Free. Turn up on the night - get there early if you want a seat as it gets busy

Phoenix Artists Club is a wonderful traditional Soho basement venue. Decked out for "actors" - think wood panneled walls, highly backed faux velvet chairs and signed head shots.

Through the bar there is a private area sectioned off, with beamed ceilings and a stage and a mic. A perfect setting to hear some poetry.

When you go through, a warm welcome from Trudy, the host and event creator, greets you.

This event is run by Camden LGBT forum. Each month, several guest performance poets open the event.

Trudy makes sure details of the guest performers are pinned up and there is a table for poets to sell their collections.

Incite began in May when Trudy wanted to put together something that was social and cultural. A chance for people to meet and socialise outside of the club scene, and get some culture at the same time.

The mixed audience was filled with LGBT poetry fans.

The stage was decorated with a Banksy style poster naming and shaming the 76 countries where homosexuality is still illegal.

The lights dimmed and Trudy took the stage, opening the night with news and a couple of themed poems.

The 2 guest performers this month were outstanding. Danni Antagonist and Keith Jarratt gave excellent down-to-earth sets of the various trials and tribulations of love, life, gayness, politics and writing with rhythms and cadence that delighted the crowd.

Incite is a very accessible event for poetry fans and newcomers alike. The open mic slot is very welcoming. Two poets braved the stage and it's a great platform if you are a beginner to performing your own work. And it's a very safe LGBT audience to explore themes specific to our community.

The next event is November 13th, then there's a break for the holidays.


By Katie

Event: Chvrches at Chick Habit

Chvrches at Chick Habit, Thursday 26 September
Candy Bar, Carlisle Street, Soho

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If you’re an appreciator of great music, Chick Habit is a must. Every Thursday, Chick Habit leads a night of indie/alternative tracks with fortnightly live acts that just keep getting better and better; over the last year we’ve been treated to incredible sets from JD Samson, Betty, Haim; and last Thursday was certainly no exception! Chvrches esteemed Lauren Mayberry took to the decks for a DJ set, only the night after their much awaited album launch and in the same week as an appearance on Jools Holland.

The night began with Chick Habit's own DJs warming up the crowd ready for Lauren’s guest appearance. Fans were not disappointed. She played over an hours worth of quality music, seamlessly mixed featuring Azelia Banks, Tegan & Sara, La Roux and even surprised us with a few more unpredictable choices such as Katy Perry and Chvrches’ own remix of Ms Mr’s Hurricane, creating an electric atmosphere over at Candy Bar.

It was plain to see there were some serious Chvrches (and indeed Lauren) fans in the crowd, as she was repeatedly asked to come down from the decks to chat and shyly pose for photos. This only served to enhance the mood of the evening, as who doesn’t love it when you’re hero turns out to be lovely?

If you’re reading this wondering who Chvrches are, they’re a rapidly rising band hailing from Glasgow. Often dubbed ‘synth pop’, their sound is catchy vocal hooks over textured synths and precise, upbeat drums. The trio, consisting of Lauren Mayberry on lead vocals, Iain Cook, and Martin Doherty has been described as the meeting point between indie pop and the Glaswegian dance scene while their excellent reputation is spreading quickly. They were featured two days prior to Lauren’s Chick Habit appearance live on Jools Holland, so those of us lucky enough to be in the know about the event, were treated to an intimate show, at a particularly high point in her career. Something I doubt we will have the opportunity to do again anytime soon!

One thing Chick Habit is excellent at is showcasing artists at the cusp of huge success, so if you want to bear witness to another event of this nature, and get to see huge acts in a small setting, Thursday night at Candy Bar Soho is the night for you.

Check out Chvrches on Jools Holland here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkFscEB8S-g
The Bones of What You Believe is out now.

Like Chick Habit on Facebook to hear about future gigs: www.facebook.com/candychickhabit

On the nights when a band is on, it is highly recommended that you get a ticket in advance. Price starts from £1 but it more on nights where there is top talent in attendance!

Stonewall Fundraiser: Girls' Night Out

Laughter, in the name of equality

Venue: Bloomsbury Theatre
Tickets: £25

It's a rare scenario whereby a large theatre audience is ostensibly, notably made up almost entirely of women - and gay women at that. What a turn out for the second Girls' Night Out - raising the profile not only of female comedians, but also in aid of a fantastic cause - Stonewall.

Expertly hosted by a well behaved Jen Brister, the utmost pro MC, who guided us through the most amazing line up of all female comedy, all waiving their fees for the night (whom, we were told by opening speaker Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive Laura Doughty, Jen helped to draw in).

And what a high calibre line up we were treated to. A mixture of lesbian and lesbo-friendly comedians, all personifying women power. 

Kathryn Ryan opened the line up, and chatted, danced, face-pulled her way through a recreation of the ultimate beautiful powerful black woman's performance as Beyonce at the Superbowl (and in the bank queue and at the supermarket).

Suzi Ruffell took us on a hilarious tour through a break up experience with her girlfriend (with the gift of hindsight), living life as a lesbian in a house share in East London (that's full time lesbian, right?) and whether £106 and a hangover buys you a branch of Wetherspoons?

Rosie Wilby, hot-pants-clad, hot stuff, brilliantly courted us (and Jen Brister) through a slice of lesbo-life.

The first act ended with Derek star Kerry Godliman and the dramas of becoming a washing machine review reader in this modern world. 

Act 2 opened with Francesca Martinez, redefining normal (by how many times we poo a day) with a personal spin that challenges preconceptions and enlightens. 

We learned about the non-Stonewall-approved scheme 'Shadow a Lez' whereby straight women can explore all the facets of being a lesbian and go from 0-100% in just a day. Leisa Rea, and shadower Candy were sponsored by Gran's Going Gay - an independently produced set of commercials to raise awareness of the fact older women can come out too.

Australian Hannah Gadsby took us on tour with her Junior State level Golf Squad (apparently you only needed to be able to hold a stick to make it) all the way through to the awkward and somewhat painful moment she rode the kiddie waterslide post-pubetic spurt. A lesson for us all.

'Headlining' in a non headline sense of the word, was firm favourite Zoe Lyons, who made it very clear to us life is still exciting post-40 (and thrills come from all new places) and she does not want to die trapped in her own anorak.

This event drew an amazing turnout, yes lesbians can go out on a Monday believe it or not, mostly an older crowd (well the over 30s cheered more loudly than the unders). It was just lovely to see so many women laughing their socks off in the name of a good cause, and to celebrate that women can be funny!

By Katie