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Wee liberties: Beauty and The Beast: A Horny Love Story at Charing Cross Theatre

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It may not be a tale as old as time, but it’s still the same old story, almost, with Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story currently playing at the Charing Cross Theatre .  As the title suggests, this is not family holiday entertainment, but neither is it all gay gore. And a surprisingly large number of clever gags, a gorgeous-looking production, costumes, and an ensemble make for a classy night out with the occasional lashing of sluttiness.  It’s been a while since I have seen an adults-only panto. Like many things at the theatre—ticket prices, opening nights, age of social media influencers—things have changed. Happily, things have changed for the better here. The show focuses on assembling an excellent cast. Elaborate costumes by Robert Draper and David Shields’ set pieces help give this adult panto a touch of class. There are the usual lewd jokes and a quick flash of buttocks.   The setting of the story is in the northernmost village of Scotland, Lickmanochers. Not...

Two women in a boat: previewing The Gulf @TristanBates

Currently running at Tristan Bates Theatre is the European Premiere of The Gulf by Audrey Cefaly. An exploration of the challenges facing all relationships. Including LGBTQ+ ones...

Stranded on a boat together on a fishing trip in Alabama, two women are forced to confront their differences. Louisa Lytton and Anna Acton feature.

The Gulf made its world premiere as a short play in August 2010. It’s now been developed into a longer piece that premiered in 2016. It received the 2016 Edgerton Foundation New American Play award and was nominated for The Charles McArthur Award for Outstanding new Play. 

Directed by Matthew Gould, The Gulf continues until 5 May at Tristan Bates Theatre.


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