Arts Queer East Festival to shine light on queer East and South East Asian film Lead Pic: Lovebound Founded in response to the systemic lack of East and South East Asian representation on stage, screen and behind the scenes, the Queer East Festival was formed in 2020 and has earned its place as a premier LGBTQ+ film festival. Its events this year are across London from 17 – 28 By Brian Butler • 2 min read
Arts “It’s alien, it’s human, it’s pure queer rage and JOY.” Ziah Ziah returns with potent and fiery new single, ‘Change’ UK-based musician, artist, video creator and all-round creative force Ziah Ziah returns this spring with a potent and fiery new single Change. Boldly utilising electronica and indie in a cosmic blend of punk-spirited alt-pop, Change perfectly fits Ziah’s musical manifesto – breaking the mould – and By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Arts ANGEL OF THE NORTH: RuPaul’s Drag Race star Michael Marouli speaks ahead of international tour and headline show at all-new SHABLAM! ON SUNDAYS RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist and fan favourite, Michael Marouli, has been announced as the headline act for a brand-new matinee entertainment extravaganza for the East Midlands, Shablam! On Sundays, brought to you by Saul Morgan and Laura Wood, two of the team behind Groovebox Nottingham Pride Fes By Graham Robson • 7 min read
Arts BOOK REVIEW: ‘In the Shallows’ by Tanya Byrne Brighton-based author Tanya Byrne‘s In the Shallows isn’t just a story – it’s an emotional journey that speaks directly to the heart of young lesbians and the wider LGBTQ+ community. Set against the backdrop of Brighton, this slow-burn sapphic second-chance love story delves deep into themes of long By Eric Page • 4 min read
Arts Decolonise Shakespeare to celebrate queer love and joy with queer retelling of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummers Night’s Dream’ A queer retelling of Shakespeare’s A Midsummers Night’s Dream set in the 1970s is set to hit Sussex Student Union‘s Debating Chamber on May 3 – 5. Inspired by movies such as Labyrinth and music odf Jimi Hendrix and Fleetwood Mac, this production from Decolonise Shakespeare celebrates queer love and By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Arts On stage: Drag Ballet, a hot cleaner in marigolds, Princess Diana resurrected and two gay sauna visits Drag ballet, a Hollywood legend in the closet, a hot cleaner in marigolds and two gay sauna visits all feature in my latest round-up of queer shows in Brighton and London Mark Gatiss, the brilliant writer of Sherlock and Dr Who, has put together a series of monologues that chart LGBTQ+ history miles By Brian Butler • 4 min read
Arts Book Review Race Rules: What Your Black Friends Won’t Tell You by Fatimah Gilliam One of the book’s strengths lies in its emphasis on solidarity and allyship. Gilliam provides practical strategies for dismantling racism, encouraging readers to move beyond passive sympathy towards active engagement. By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts Corrie killer takes to Brighton stage Brian Butler gets the lowdown on a new play starring an infamous serial killer By Brian Butler • 2 min read
Arts REVIEW: Cluedo 2 @ Theatre Royal Brighton If there’s one silver lining to be found in this tangled web of theatrical missteps, it’s the brevity of the production. Like a swift accusation in the final moments of a Cluedo game, the end mercifully arrived, sparing the audience any further agony. By Eric Page • 3 min read
Arts Between the Capes: ‘Superman Kissing Batman’ by pop artist Rich Simmons Batman and Superman are two of the most iconic superheroes of all time. In many ways, they are at opposite ends of the hero spectrum. By Contributor • 5 min read
Arts BOOK REVIEW: ‘Countless Sleepless Nights: A Collection of Coming out Stories and Experiences’ by Carina Maggar Love flows through this book, gushes at us, warms us with its hope… snatched moments of startling clarity and honesty from people requiring to speak their truth. By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts New Queers on the Block 2024: a space to develop and celebrate LGBTQ+ artists and communities across England Lead Pic: Oozing Gloop. Credit Kaleido Shoots As a leading UK producer of queer-led intersectional performance and events, newly Arts Council England NPO-awarded Marlborough Productions has released details of New Queers on the Block 2024, a space for the development and celebration of LGBTQ+ artist By Graham Robson • 3 min read
