Interviews INTERVIEW: Jonathan Blake – from the bath houses of San Francisco to the coal mines of South Wales It’s a cliche that people go on a journey in their lifetime. But for Jonathan Blake, actor, gay activist, costumier, and the subject of a poetry collection, it’s got to be true. His journey has taken in the bath houses of San Francisco, TV and film studios, the coal mines of South Wales, and the […] By Brian Butler • 5 min read
Interviews CHRISTMAS CRACKER: We speak to Andy Gardiner, December cover star and winner of this year’s Mr Gay Great Britain In 2024, Andy Gardiner won Mr Gay Great Britain and has been been working solidly alongside two charities, the Charlie & Carter Foundation and Pride Action North, for which he has raised £6,500, while also campaigning for mental health awareness throughout his journey. Since winning the coveted titl By Graham Robson • 5 min read
Community News World AIDS Day: Hope and Optimism from the HIV Hour Sue, Josh and David are just three members of the HIV Hour team that has featured interviews with charity workers and volunteers, poets and authors, entrepreneurs, migrants, parents and other people telling their stories and sharing their experiences. What is it like to live with HIV these days? Wel By Graham Robson • 3 min read
Interviews National treasure Maisie Trollette celebrates 91st birthday Scene wishes national treasure David Raven aka Maisie Trollette a very happy 91st birthday today, with a peek back at an interview given to Brian Butler. It’s difficult to think of another drag artiste who can, in the space of an hour or so chatting in his garden flat in Kemptown, get ballet star Ru By Graham Robson • 4 min read
Arts INTERVIEW: Alison Child and illustrator Shanni Collins on their new collaboration Local author Alison Child and artist Shanni Collins talk about the story behind the story of their new book “Gwen & Norah, Stoll & Moss: A story of music and love” By Eric Page • 4 min read
Features & Longread IN BRIEFS: Jordan, South East contestant of this year’s Mr Gay Great Britain, speaks to Scene Magazine “As a mixed-race gay man, I’m sure you can imagine how I didn’t have the easiest of childhoods in that regard. I want to spread awareness and be the role model that I wish I had when I was growing up!” By Graham Robson • 4 min read
Arts INTERVIEW: Frances Ruffelle to head cast in new production of iconic queer musical, Closer to Heaven Broadway and West End star Frances Ruffelle will head the cast in a new production of the iconic queer musical Closer To Heaven, Scene can exclusively reveal. The show, written by gay icons Jonathan Harvey and the Pet Shop Boys, will run at Battersea’s Turbine Theatre from 31 May – 30 June. Frances, By Brian Butler • 3 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
Community A Trans Survivor’s Call for Trans-Inclusive Domestic Violence Services: A Personal Perspective For me, accessing trans-inclusive support services was not just about finding refuge from the violence; it was about reclaiming my dignity, my identity, and my sense of worth as a transgender individual. By Contributor • 2 min read
Interviews Scene talks to Romany Mark Bruce, sculptor and painter responsible for the Brighton & Hove AIDS Memorial and the James Ledward Friendship Bench Romany Mark Bruce, Ireland born and Brighton-based, is a highly accomplished sculptor and painter whose work has attracted both national and international acclaim. Romany is responsible for creating and designing the striking TAY sculpture, the Brighton & Hove AIDS Memorial, which has now become an By Graham Robson • 3 min read
Interviews Nicky Spence – creating his own queer triple threat Brian Butler meets international opera sensation Nicky Spence By Brian Butler • 4 min read
Interviews INTERVIEW: Meet the new Mr Gay Europe, Tim Küsters Who is Mr Gay Europe 2023? Say hello to Tim Küsters from the Netherlands. Tim is 28 and a digital marketing and communication specialist. Tim has a boyfriend who is also called Tim and is a father of two. By Graham Robson • 5 min read
