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Todd Verow Bad Boy Street interview

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
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Todd Verow Bad Boy Street interview

Todd Verow grew up in Bangor, Maine but now resides in New York City where he’s busy as a writer, director and actor.

Since the late 80s, Todd has been pretty prolific as a director and debuted his writing skills in 1995 with his movie Frisk. This week sees the release of Todd’s latest feature Bad Boy Street.

We caught up with Todd to talk about the movie, discuss the rather hot cast and to find out how he finds the time to pack everything in.

How are you today? Where does this Q&A find you?

I am very well thank you. I am in Copenhagen at the moment for MIX Copenhagen the lesbian, gay, bi, trans film festival. Then I am off to the Berlin Porn Film festival then to Paris to shoot another movie. Yes, I like to keep busy!

Your movie ‘Bad Boy Street’ is being released on DVD in the UK. Tell us about the movie.

Bad Boy Street is a movie about love, romance and chance encounters. It is about an unexpected relationship that developes between an older man and a young guy. This is quite a departure for me, my movies are usually about violence, death, drugs, sex, etc. (Don’t worry Bad Boy Street is definitely about sex). This was a challenge for me but I am very happy with how the movie came out and how audiences have been receiving it.

You wrote, directed and even have a small role in the movie. How did you find juggling all three and which one do you prefer?

Yes, like I said I like to keep busy. I went to art school (RISD) and started out making short experimental movies so for me making movies was always about doing everything and I enjoy all aspects of film-making. I think I probably like filming/directing the best because I really enjoy working/collaborating with actors. The hardest thing for me is acting in my own movies but I enjoy doing a little part when I can. I love that I am a “bad guy” in Bad Boy Street.

Bad Boy Street

Where did the inspiration for the movie come from? Is it based on events from your life or is it completely fictional?

All of my movies are at least partially based on things that have really happened to me. I did have a romance in Paris, well several actually, and parts of the two lead characters are based on me at various times in my life. Yes, I have passed out on many streets and woken up in many strange places and picked up strangers and fallen in love with them.

Tell us about the casting process for the movie. You found two perfect lead actors. How did you discover them?

Yann de Monterno (Claude) I have known for many years. I met him in a bar in Paris actually about ten years ago. So we have been friends for a long time and he has had small parts in several of my movies. When I came up with the idea for Bad Boy Street I had him in mind for the lead. I enjoy working with him very much and he is a fantastic actor. The part of Kevin was much harder to cast, it wasn’t until the last moment that a friend suggested Kevin Miranda (Brad) to me. I actually didn’t meet him until I arrived in Paris to begin preparations for shooting so I was very nervous, would he be good? Would he and Yann be good together? When I met him I knew he was perfect for the part and the chemistry Yann had with him was very electric. Florence D’Azemar (Catherine) I had met once years ago and she is good friends with Yann so I knew she would be great.

What kind of a director are you? Are you very prescriptive to your actors or do you encourage improvisation?

I love to have my actors improvise, be in the moment. I love to play. I shoot my own movies so what I like to do is go over scenes with the actors and then film the scene like it is a documentary. I like to keep rolling and see what happens in a scene. I am also an editor so when I am shooting I am figuring out how it is all going to piece together. I like to have fun and for my actors to have fun too.

Looking back at the movie, is there anything you would do differently now you’ve seen the end product?

I don’t think I would do anything differently, we were very lucky when we were shooting this that everything went so well. I would have liked more time because it was exhausting and we didn’t really have a break while we were shooting, we shot the entire movie in 9 days, but I am very pleased with my actors and the movie.

What do you hope that audiences take away from the movie?

I hope they will leave the movie feeling good and realizing that you can find love anywhere you just have to let it in.

Bad Boy Street

We noticed you had a small role in ‘Sex and the City 2’. How did that come about and what was that experience like?

Yes, I have a very, very small role in Sex and the City 2. They approached me about being an extra in the wedding scene; they wanted real New York City gay men ha ha. It was a lot of fun but long, we shoot that scene for 6 days! The behind-the-scenes were very interesting, all those NYC gays in one place for that long you can imagine ha ha. I actually did it for research too for Bad Boy Street and for another movie I want to make called The Stand In about an actor who works as a stand in for a big closeted Hollywood star. I spent a lot of time talking with Sarah Jessica Parker’s stand in (who has worked with her for years) for part of my research. Oh and yes the girls all looked great in person and were all very friendly and nice.

What other projects do you have coming up in the future?

I have a new feature called Tumbledown that I just finished, it is much darker but does have a rather sweet romance at its centre. I guess I am a big softy after all, blush. I also have a couple of movie that take place in LA that I want to make, The Stand In and First, Last & Always. Like I said I like to keep busy.

‘Bad Boy Street’ is available to own on DVD now through TLA Releasing.

Steven Dehler Hollywood’s Hottest interview

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
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Steven Dehler Hollywood’s Hottest interview

Model and dancer Steven Dehler kicks off Hollywood’s Hottest week on Gay Focus.

All week we’re bringing you interviews with the hottest rising stars in Hollywood so you can get to know who they are before the rest of the world does.

During our recent trip to West Hollywood, we met Steven at The Abbey bar on Santa Monica Boulevard where he works as a go-go dancer. Impressed with his physique and his moves, we decided to get to know him a little better.

In our interview Steven talks about being a go-go boy, tells us all about his modelling career and reveals why he loves Britney Spears so much.

How are you today? Where does this Q&A find you?

I’m great! I’m a little sore – just had a workout.

You came to our attention as the hottest go-go dancer in West Hollywood’s The Abbey. How did you get into that scene?

I started working as a server in small bar in West Hollywood a little over a year ago and I didn’t enjoy it very much. From that I also got a job as bottle service at club Eleven, but I just felt stagnant because I had been serving for a few years on and off in between going to school and I was ready for something different. One night at one of the clubs I entered a hot body contest and ended up winning. One of the Go-Go boy bookers saw me and asked me if I’d like to dance. It was something I never really considered doing, but I decided to give it a try. Eventually I danced practically everywhere in West Hollywood and I’ve really enjoyed it. I now only dance at The Abbey so if you’re out visiting in West Hollywood you’ll most likely find me there.

You can’t be shy to be a go-go boy and you look so confident on stage. How do you stay so comfortable wearing so little with crowds of people lusting over you?

Well, I had done a lot of underwear and swimwear modelling prior to go-go dancing so I was already pretty comfortable wearing little amounts of clothing. But I do admit, the first time I walked around a club in just my underwear was a little uncomfortable. You’re in an environment where everyone is dressed up and you’re walking around leaving little to the imagination. You definitely have to be comfortable in your own skin to do this job.

Steven Dehler

You’ve built quite the portfolio up over the last few years as a model. Why did you decide to go into modelling?

If you asked me when I was in high school if I’d ever consider modelling, I’d think you were nuts. I was a scrawny, pimply kid with very low self-esteem and never really thought much about my physical appearance. It wasn’t until about a year after high school that I had met a gorgeous girl, who would become my best friend, and she asked me if I’d ever consider modelling. She had been a model since she was fourteen and I thought to myself, “If someone this beautiful thinks that I could model maybe I should check it out.” And from that I hit the gym, my skin cleared up, and a few years later I’m shooting for magazine covers and spreads. It’s been a really fun journey so far and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

Your shots are generally risqué but artistic. What attracts you to the modelling assignments you choose?

I’ve done a wide variety of shoots over the years and when it comes down to it sex sells. I wouldn’t say that most of my shoots are risque although I have done some nudity. I do mostly underwear and swimwear modelling so generally I’m not wearing much, but it’s not a determining factor in whether or not I choose an assignment. I really enjoy modelling whether I’m modelling a $12k fur-leather trench coat or jockstrap. What attracts me to working with certain photographers are ideas that haven’t been done before.

Part of your appeal is obviously your physique. How difficult is it to maintain that impressive body and what workouts do you enjoy?

Maintaining used to be difficult until I changed my outlook on it. Once I realized that working out isn’t simply a hobby, but a lifestyle, it became much easier to be consistent. Consistency is very important to keep a healthy and fit body. It’s not something I look at as an extra-curricular activity, but more a daily routine. For some people their morning routine is to get up, make breakfast, have a cup of coffee while reading the newspaper and then head to work. For me, my morning routine involves a pre-workout routine to get my blood flowing, a quick breakfast, and then off to the gym for my morning workout. It’s what I do almost every day so it’s become habit for me and it throws my day off if I don’t do it.

Steven Dehler

When you’re not working, where are your favourite places to hang out in West Hollywood and why?

Usually when I’m not working I’m at home. My job involves being around a lot of people all the time. There’s music and noise and people are drunk and rowdy so I really don’t take my downtime for granted. Also the modelling industry is very last minute. You won’t know you’re booked for a gig most of the time until the day before. Most castings you get notified the day of. So when I’m not go-go dancing or at a shoot I’m usually hanging out at my apartment with friends.

We hear you also play the piano. Is music something you’d like to pursue in your career or is it just a hobby?

You heard right ha ha. I’ve played the piano for about eighteen years, classically trained for ten of them, and over the years I’ve considered pursuing it further. I’ve had a few gigs here and there, but overall I really just enjoy it as a hobby.

We also hear you have a little bit of an obsession for Britney Spears. What is it about her that you love?

Ha ha yeah, I guess it’s a little bit obvious. I’ve always really enjoyed her music. She’s my favorite artist to listen to while I’m working out and while go-go dancing. Her music makes you want to dance.

What other things would you like to branch out and do in the future?

I’m curious to head out into acting, comedy specifically. I’ve done a few things here and there and I really enjoy comedy. It’s my favourite genre to watch and I love making people laugh. If you ask any of my friends I’m a giant goofball and don’t take myself, or most things, seriously at all. We’ll see what happens, but keep an eye out for me 😉

Find out more about Steven by following him on Twitter @StevenDehler

 

Jerry Hall leaves Strictly Come Dancing

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
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Jerry Hall leaves Strictly Come Dancing

The second celebrity left Strictly Come Dancing tonight as the couples were whittled down from 13 to 12.

In tonight’s show Jerry Hall found herself in the bottom two with her partner Anton du Beke. They were joined by Michael Vaughan and his partner Natalie Lowe. With one chance left to stay in the competition both couples had to perform in the dance-off to try and convince the judges to save them.

First up to dance was Jerry who tried to impress the judges again with her Quickstep to Mrs Robinson from The Graduate. Michael Vaughan followed with his Full Montyinspired Cha Cha Cha. Could he find his musicality a second time round?

Craig saved Michael and Natalie because he saw improvement. Darcey said both couples have improved but chose to save Michael and Natalie. Bruno said he though both couples were really nervous and didn’t improve but by a whisker he saved Jerry and Anton. That meant the casting vote went to Len who said he wasn’t impressed by either couple. He said it was a difficult decision but chose to save Michael and Natalie.

Opening the results show tonight was Anton and Erin who danced with the cast of West End hit musical Top Hat which featured Tom Chambers, a former winner of Strictly. The musical guest for the evening was soul legend Dionne Warwick who performed There’s Always Something There To Remind Me.

Next week’s Strictly Come Dancing is a Halloween special with the remaining 12 couples dancing spooky routines to some truly devilish routines.

 

The Enemy – This Is Real single review

Lucy Christian
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The Enemy – This Is Real single review

This Is Real is a quietly triumphant return to form for The Enemy. The song really signals a turning point in the story of celebrated Coventry trio The Enemy.

Their newest offering marks a more mature side to Tom Clarke’s song writing; more quiet ambition than madcap frustration, as reflected in old favourites Away From Here and Had Enough. Instead it seems that the boys might finally be happy with the hand that fate has dealt them.

Taken from the bands’ third album Streets in the Sky, the single features all the classic traits of a true Enemy song, but lacks a little Midlands punch. Building slowly, it launches into an anthemic chorus, with Tom’s distinctive vocals backed by heavy drums and rugged guitars.

Fans won’t be disappointed; Richard and Judy will be proud!

Recap: Strictly Come Dancing 2012 week 3

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
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Recap: Strictly Come Dancing 2012 week 3

Strictly Come Dancing said goodbye to its first celebrity last week as Johnny Ball hung up his dancing shoes after losing the dance-off to Richard Arnold. The remaining 13 celebrities had to go straight back into rehearsals in preparation for tonight’s Hollywood themed Strictly live show.

Each of the couples tonight had to dance to a song from a Hollywood movie injecting even more glitz and glamour than usual. The Strictly professionals kicked off proceedings with a spectacular routine choreographed to Ricki Lee’s Can’t Touch It from Sex and the City 2. Kristina Rihanoff really shone as she took a central role in the routine and looked absolutely stunning.

Once the professionals left the floor it was onto the main show as Bruce and Tess arrived on stage to introduce the remaining 13 couples but not before Craig Revel-Horwood walked across the floor as Tin Man from The Wizard Of Oz prompting a sing-song about not having a heart. Appropriate we think…

Kicking off tonight’s show was TV presenter Fern Britton with her professional partner Artem Chigvintsev. Reflecting on last week Fern said she thought it was ‘fantastic’ expressing happiness at her score and comments from the judges. This week Fern danced the Charleston in a Mary Poppins themed routine. Was the routine practically perfect? We thought it was a lovely routine danced well and a perfect show opener. What did the judges think? Len said he thought it was entertaining but wished there’d been more Charleston in it. Bruno told Fern she had to go for it a bit more but liked her effort. Craig said he thought the routine was laboured though he admitted he liked her rather fancy split through Artem’s legs. Darcey said Fern’s energy was better this week and offered her the job of Mary Poppins to her kids.

Second on the dance floor was Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton with her partner Brendan Cole. Last week Victoria improved after her disastrous week 1 performance. In her intro VT Victoria admitted she was struggling with the performance aspect of her routine as it didn’t come naturally to her. With a Rumba inspired by An Officer and a Gentleman could Victoria connect with Brendan and impress the judges? Bruno said that Victoria almost ‘boiled over’ as she was beginning to sizzle pointing out her mis-steps in the middle of the routine. Craig said he was ‘beginning to see an actress emerge’ despite the mistakes throughout the routine. Darcey said she spotted some sensual moves and gave her some tips about how to straighten her fingers. Len said he thought she did really well.

Michael Vaughan was likely hoping for a better week than last week after he was told he was the worst dancer in the competition. In his intro Michael said he thought he’d done quite well and expressed hope of getting some positive feedback. Tonight Michael danced a routine inspired by The Full Monty with his partner Natalie Lowe. Did he make a better impression on the judges with his Cha Cha Cha? Craig said ‘hot it was not’ pointing out the timing issues for a second week. Darcey said she was happier with his performance as his top and lower body were more connected. Len said there was one moment of lost timing but generally liked the routine. Bruno said he was disappointed as he was expecting the full monty to distract him from the bad technique and lack of musicality.

Jerry Hall should have no problem tonight as she’s the embodiment of Hollywood. The last two weeks have left the judges disappointed as it seems she’s not really putting in a great deal of effort. In her intro Jerry said she took the criticism on board but thought the judges were a bit harsh last week. Dancing the Quickstep with Anton Du Beke in a routine inspired by The Graduate, Jerry was hoping to finally win the judges over. Could her Mrs Robinson score her some praise? Darcey said the Quickstep suited Jerry but criticised her for fading at the end. Len said the routine was a bit ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ before accidentally being a bit smutty. Craig said the whole routine would have been better behind the screen that was used as part of the dance.

Former EastEnder Sid Owen was next onto the dance floor. He’s been doing well so far despite making a few mistakes last week. Tonight Sid’s routine was inspired by Rock Of Ages and in the intro Ola said she thinks he’s a bit embarrassed by some of the steps. Dancing the Tango could Sid overcome his embarrassment and continue his winning streak? Len said the routine took too long to get into and criticised Sid for not being aggressive enough. Bruno said the Tango part of the routine wasn’t good. Craig called it ‘clompy’. Not a good week for Sid then?

Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh has been one of the best dancers on the series so far and she’s had two very good weeks. Kimberley said she thought Len’s comments were fair but she didn’t expect him to be quite so angry with her. This week Kimberley took to the floor with her partner Pasha Kovalev for a Quickstep inspired by Summer Stock. They got a standing ovation from the audience but did the judges like it? Bruno said Kimberley captured the spirit of the song whilst Darcey said the attack was great and her line was better. Len said he ‘liked’ it this week and commented that it was light and enjoyable.

Denise Van Outen topped the leaderboard last week after impressing with her Jive. Tonight the tempo was slower as Denise danced the Foxtrot in a Toy Story inspired routine. Her intro showed her having lots of fun with her professional partner James Jordan but did they actually manage to rehearse? Craig said Denise had ‘great posture and great control’, Darcey said that she can really dance and Len said the dancing was ‘excellent’. Bruno said they set up the story well and retained the characters throughout the Foxtrot. Another good week for Denise then? Can she top the leaderboard again?

Actor Colin Salmon has been doing pretty well this series with his professional partner Kristina Rihanoff. As it was Hollywood Week tonight, Colin danced a James Bond inspired routine but the intro VT showed that it wasn’t the easiest of weeks as he had to fly to Vancouver to shoot scenes for his new show Arrow. Did they manage to rehearse enough? Could they pull off a convincing Argentine Tango? Darcey said she wanted to see a dirtier secret agent from Colin and advised him to take more risks. Len said he was ‘more shaken than stirred’ and criticised the lack of Argentine Tango in the routine. Bruno said that Kristina’s moves distracted from Colin’s dancing whilst Craig said he loved the whole routine offering no criticism.

Richard Arnold found himself in the bottom two last week and managed to escape being voted off. The Quickstep is the routine that Richard had to get to grips with this week with his professional partner Erin Boag. Inspired by the Dolly Parton movie 9 To 5 could Richard improve enough to keep him out of the bottom two? Len said it wouldn’t get a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame but said he liked it. Bruno said he expected a Dolly-fest but was pleasantly surprised pointing out Richard’s improvement. Craig said he ‘didn’t mind it’ and Darcey said it was his best dance so far.

Following in Richard’s footsteps was Dani Harmer and her professional partner Vincent Simone. In her intro VT Dani said she was very excited to be dancing a routine inspired by The Wizard Of Oz. We also saw her struggling with sore feet thanks to her dancing shoes. Could she overcome her sore feet to pull off a stunning Foxtrot? Bruno said that ‘friends of Dorothy’ would be pleased and he called the routine ‘pretty’. Craig said he loved the routine but advised Dani to make sure she doesn’t look at the floor. Darcey said the routine was smooth and Len said he though Dani did ‘great’.

Next up tonight was Lisa Riley with her professional partner Robin Windsor. It’s safe to say Lisa has been the biggest surprise of the series so far after finishing third on the leaderboard last week. Reflecting on last week Lisa said she felt like Cinderella at the ball. This week Lisa danced the Jive in a Dick Tracy themed routine. Would Lisa continue to surprise with her dancing skills? Receiving the second standing ovation of the night, it seems that the audience still love her. Craig said he gets very excited watching Lisa and said the routine was brilliant. Darcey said she thought it was fabulous but that the routine needed a bit more bounce. Len called Lisa a ‘great big bundle of joy’ and Bruno called her a ‘spunky lady’ saying he loves watching her.

Westlife singer Nicky Byrne hasn’t had an easy ride since joining Strictly Come Dancing after receiving negative comments two weeks running. In the intro Nicky commented that his Saturdays were going from bad to worse. This week he danced a Quickstep inspired by Jim Carrey movie The Mask. Could he finally get the luck of the Irish? Darcey said she loved the energy and attack but told him to watch the bounce in his shoulders. Len said this week’s routine was ‘full of life’ but told him to straighten his legs. Bruno said Nicky needed a mask every week as he’d improved so much this week. Craig said Nicky was starting to win him over praising the characterisation of the performance.

The last couple to dance tonight was Olympic gymnast Louis Smith and his professional partner Flavia Cacace. Last week Louis won lots of praise from the judges and he is quickly becoming one of the frontrunners for the glitterball. Tonight Louis danced a Salsa inspired by Dirty Dancing but did he have the time of his life? Receiving the third and final standing ovation of the evening it seems that Louis could dance his way right into the final. Len said he thought the lift at the end was good but felt the Salsa lacked the attack it needed. Bruno called Louis ‘smooth and well placed’ and Craig said it was ‘fantastic’ and ‘under-stated’. Darcey said she spotted a bit of emotion between Flavia and Louis but asked Louis to go to a club and free himself up.

With that Hollywood Week came to an end and all 13 couples had done all they could to ensure their place in next week’s live show.

The full leaderboard for the evening was:

Denise Van Outen and James Jordan – 32
Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace – 30
Dani Harmer and Vincent Simone – 29
Kimberley Walsh and Pasha Kovalev – 29
Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor – 29
Nicky Byrne and Karen Hauer – 27
Colin Salmon and Kristina Rihanoff – 26
Richard Arnold and Erin Boag – 25
Fern Britton and Artem Chigvintsev – 23
Victoria Pendleton and Brendan Cole – 22
Michael Vaughan and Natalie Lowe – 19
Jerry Hall and Anton Du Beke – 18
Sid Owen and Ola Jordan – 17

Tune into BBC One tomorrow night at 7.20pm to find out which couple leaves Strictly Come Dancing.

The X Factor: Week 3 recap – Live

Sian Eleri
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The X Factor: Week 3 recap – Live

It’s the third week of The X Factor live shows, and we’ve been looking forward to see our favourites all week. What will happen tonight? Will Rylan and Gary make up? Will James Arthur steal our hearts once again?

Dermot O’Leary started the show off tonight with a spot of sexy dancing! We love a bit of Dermot-dancing on a Saturday night. Tonight’s theme was Club Classics. We can’t wait to see which club classic songs the final eleven have in store for us.

First up tonight was Christopher Maloney for Gary Barlow’s team. In his VT, we saw him trying to tackle the dancing. He said: “I’m not a dancer, I’m not a trained dancer – I’m very nervous!” His song tonight was Boy Meets Girl’s Waiting For A Star To Fall – one of our favourite songs. Whilst it was an energetic performance, it didn’t blow us away. He sounded very nervous and it felt like he was just going through the motions. Nicole told him: “Who doesn’t love a warm cheese toasite? Its hard to criticise you, because I’ve seen how much you’ve put into it. One day, I’m going to get used to the jazz hands and glitter. I’m going to embrace it.” Louis said: “Its cheesy, and I love it!” Tulisa said: “First couple of weeks, everyone’s finding their feet. Its official for me – I don’t like it. Its too cheesy. I don’t understand why Gary has chosen this song for you, and he calls Rylan cheesy?” Gary stood by his act. Christopher told Dermot: “I’m trying to make myself better than I am, and I appreciate every comment.”

Next to the stage was duo MK1. We were hoping that they would give a better performance than last weekend, and sing a different song. In their VT, we saw them get a pep-talk by their mentor Louis Walsh. They were both excited about singing a Club Classic song. Their song was Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless) by Crystal Waters, which then turned into Tinie Tempah’s Pass Out. It was so much better than their efforts last weekend, and we could imagine them on stage in a club performing this. Tulisa said: “Perfect song choice. I kind of wished you’d done Tinie’s song all the way through. I’d have like to hear you rap more.” Gary said: “I agree with Tulisa, the first half was your best performance ever, the second was your worst.” Nicole said: “I thought that was freakin’ amazing! All I know is I wanted to get up and bust some moves!” Louis was very happy with them and said: “That was your best performance yet!”

Jahmene Douglas was next, and in his VT, we saw his pain come through. The papers had picked up on his family’s past during the week, and he said: “Singing has been my sanctuary.” Jahmene’s song was Aretha’s Franklin’s I Say A Little Prayer, in a club-classic style. He sang it very well, but the style didn’t suit him in our opinion. By the end of the song, he did come into his own and belted out a high note. Louis said: “Every week you continue to amaze me. At times, you remind me of Ray Charles.” Tulisa said: “You are adorable. You are amazing. Something about you tells me that your whole life you’ve been waiting to stand on that stage.” Gary said: “Your voice is really something else. I don’t think you need to move around the stage, you look quite clumsy when you move – let your voice do the talking.” Nicole told him: “You’re twenty-two years old, and you have courage and bigger balls than anyone I know.” Go Jahmene!

Next was Jade Ellis. Having had the worst week ever, Jade’s voice went. In her VT, we saw her get upset and cry. We also saw her visit a Doctor who took a look at her voice box. Tulisa said: “She’s a fighter, and she will be singing for her life.” Her song was Yomanda’s You’re Free. Stepping out on stage dressed in gorgeous pink, she looked the ultimate pop star. Whilst the potential is there, she started off quite shaky. As the song progressed, she became more confident in herself and ended on a high. Gary said: “Bawsed on what I heard tonight, I thought you did a pretty good job.” Nicole said: “First of all, you look like a million bucks. The only thing, I just wanted you to own it more. Lyrically, that song was perfect for you. I wanted you to work it! Your tone is so unique.” Louis said: “It wasn’t enough Jade.” Tulisa said: “You’ve had a rough week, you’ve lost your voice, its knocked your confidence, but you got up there and did your best.” We agree.

The gorgeous James Arthur was next to take the stage, and after a very tough week, he was feeling a bit fragile. In his VT, we saw Nicole give him some words of encouragement. His song was LMFAO’s Sexy And I Know It. He totally owned the song and made it his own. James is one super talented boy, and we can imagine going to see him perform and sing along to his songs. To do this to this brilliant song it a feat. Well done James. Louis said: “What a brilliant interpretation of that song. You’re a real professional, and you’ve had a tough week, but you owned that stage.” Tulisa said: “What a great rendition of that song. Tonight, you had fun. I loved seeing that side of you.” Gary said: “Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! This was the performance of the series so far.” Nicole was very proud of her boy.

Girls favourite Union J were next, and after the high of last weekend’s performance, expectations were high for the quartet. In their VT, we saw them get bombarded by lots of fans. Their song was David Guetta and Kelly Rowland’sWhen Love Takes Over. They were brilliant! There’s massive potential in these guys, and we can see why they get bombarded by all the girls. Tulisa said: “Guys, you are finding your feet in the competition. Your fan base is getting stronger and stronger. A wicked performance.” Gary said: “I think we’re witnessing a boy band grow in here. Well done. A bit more harmony and it’ll be great.” Nicole said: “I agree with Gary, and also a bit more energy when you sing.” Louis said: “Its all coming together!”

Rylan was next and oh boy, we were looking forward to his performance. In his VT, we saw his younger pictures and how much he’s changed. We also saw Rylan shave off his beard and his hair. His song tonight was Rihanna’s Don’t Stop The Music. The production was brilliant, but his voice wasn’t good enough. He looked like he was having so much fun up on stage, and he danced very well. If only his voice was up to scratch…! Louis said: “Another great Brian Friedman production featuring you! You come out and you give it!” Tulisa said: “Look, vocals, rusty tonight. Entertainment – still there. Maybe you’re here for all the wrong reasons, but I still want to see you.” Gary said: “For every week you’re here, a talented contestant is going out. This should have been your best performance, but it was your worst.” Nicole said: “He’s the only one dancing on dance night!” We agree with Gary.

Next up was Lucy Spraggan. Lucy has been in the news this week for being drunk and disorderly in the hotel with Rylan, and as a result – they’ve both been thrown out of the hotel. Lucy felt very ashamed of her behaviour, but was ready for another hard week of rehearsals and work. Her song tonight was Titanium by David Guetta, which she sang in her unique style again. It was great, but we’re worried that it could verge on boring. Gary said: “You still surprise is. That was so clever, turning that song into your own. Really great.” Nicole said: “You made that song, and that’s what so endearing about you. You are titanium babe.” Louis said: “I think you’re a brilliant storyteller.” Tulisa said: “You’re twenty one, and if you want to go out and have fun – go, but make sure you turn up to work on time, and you do. Great performance.”

One of our favourite’s was next, the lovely Kye Sones. In his VT, we saw Gary gave him a very honest critique. He told Kye that there were thirty two flat notes in his performance last weekend. Kye had to work on singing in tune. His song was Swedish House Mafia’s Save The World Tonight. Sat in front of a piano, it was very atmospheric. He held his tune perfectly. Nicole said: “It was effortless. It had meaning and feeling.” Louis said: “That was flawless.” Tulisa loved it: “The Kye that we all know and love is back, and lets keep it that way.” Gary said: “I’m sorry for being so hard on you that week. You are back. Great performance.” Well done Kye!

Up next was the lovely District 3 boys. Having been saved from elimination last week, they were all very grateful to still be there. In their VT, we saw them try to work on their energy and performance. Tonight, their song was Madcon’sBeggin’. They performed amazingly well, and it was a good performance! Tulisa said: “I’m happy you were in the bottom two last week, because it gave you a kick up the bum. It was so much better than last weekend. Tonight, well done.” Gary said: “I have to say, you are the revelation of tonight. You really are. Being in the bottom two last week was the best thing that ever happened to you. Tonight was more you. Well done.” Nicole said: “You’re giving the other groups a run for their money after that. Not only did they dance, but your harmonies and vocals were so solid.” Louis was so happy for his boys. We might start to be District 3 fans…

The last of the girls, and closing the show tonight was the very talented Ella Henderson. In her VT, we saw how elated she was after seeing a Tweet from Adele. Preparing for tonight’s show, we saw Ella trying to combine dancing with singing and she was very scared. Her song was Florence + The Machine’s You’ve Got The Love. Ella proved that she could do both, sing and dance. She mesmerised everyone of us. She has that type of voice that you just want to listen to all day long. Gary said: “Another great vocal performance from you. I think the dance moves cheapened your act, you are just great singing.” Nicole said: “I actually thought you were effortless in your dancing. I want to find something to critique you, but I can’t. You’re beyond your years.” Louis said: “In a few years, you’ll be an international music star!” Tulisa copied Kelly Clarkson’s quote from last year, and said: “Who knew you could do up-tempo – aww!”

So that’s all for tonight. We loved Ella, District 3, James Arthur and Kye Sones. Who will leave tomorrow night?

The X Factor Result Show will be a hard one. Catch it at 8pm on ITV1.

Robin Windsor Strictly 2012 week 2 interview

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
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Robin Windsor Strictly 2012 week 2 interview

Last weekend’s instalment of Strictly Come Dancingsaw Robin Windsor and his celebrity partner Lisa Riley sail through to this weekend’s show after finishing third overall in the leaderboard for the series’ opening shows.

Following Week 1’s storming Cha Cha Cha which scored the couple 30 points, Team RiRo returned with a stunning Viennese Waltz which earned them a very respectable 25 points.

As we’re throwing our support behind Team RiRo Robin has agreed to give us an exclusive update every week giving you lucky lot an insight into how rehearsals are going, what’s coming up this weekend and how he feels about Lisa’s performance from the previous weekend.

Come back here every Friday for the latest update and check out what Robin has to say about Team RiRo’s performance on Strictly so far.

You’re in the midst of rehearsing for this week’s show and we hear you’re doing the Jive?

Yes, this week we have the Jive. It’s fun, fast and furious. It’s one of the fastest routines I’ve ever done and Lisa’s taken to it like a duck to water. I’m very, very happy and I can’t wait for the weekend.

Everyone is really excited about Lisa because when you did the Cha Cha Cha in Week 1 her energy, enthusiasm and skill came out. Will we be seeing more of that this weekend?

Yes. The Jive is a great dance for Lisa. One of the good advantages of Lisa in this dance is her weight because it needs lots of bounce and lots of use of the floor which she’s actually really, really handy with.

Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor - week 2

It’s a bit of a departure from last week’s Viennese Waltz. How do you feel your performance went last weekend?

The Viennese Waltz went very, very well. It had taken a lot of work because Lisa was really struggling with the Ballroom and getting her frame. The hardest thing she found in the Viennese Waltz was just getting the basic steps. We spent hours and hours and hours just doing the basics, and finally thankfully it all came together on the night.

You scored an impressive 25 out of 40 which is a pretty good score…

25 was great. We weren’t expecting a huge score for that. Obviously it was much more difficult doing a more subdued dance than the Cha Cha Cha which was so lively and vibrant in the first week. It was the complete opposite for the second week.

You were third on the leaderboard at the end of last weekend. How did that feel?

Being third on leaderboard was absolutely fantastic. Both myself and Lisa went home very, very happy.

The comments from the judges last week were really positive for Lisa and they seem to be impressed with her. Craig mentioned that she dragged you round the floor at points rather than let you lead. Have you been working on that?

Lisa has a lot of energy and she likes to use it. In the Ballroom numbers it’s very easy for her to try and take control. As we doing the Jive and back to Latin this week, it’s much more suited to her so we’ve been working on her leading and following skills. She does like to lead a little bit.

What song will you be dancing to this weekend?

It’s Hollywood Week down at Strictly and we will be dancing to Hanky Panky from the movie Dick Tracy.

That should be good fun then?

Yeah it’s a lot of fun. It’s a lot of armography because the things that’s good about me and Lisa is how in sync we are with each other. There’s lots of fast footwork and lots of fast arm work.

Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor - week 2

Is it harder to choreograph a routine when it has to centre on a theme?

No having a theme week just means that we can set it up and get into the characters which is great for Lisa. Being an actress it means that she can get straight into character and this week she can be Madonna.

How are the rehearsals going this week?

Rehearsals are going really well. Lisa’a been having problems with her feet though and the balls of her feet are in absolute agony. She’s got a corn on one foot and really sore toes on the other foot. I let her wear her flat shoes for a couple of days this week because she’s been in so much pain.

Every time we see the two of you together on the show you look like you’re having so much fun. Has it been another fun week of rehearsals?

It’s been another hilarious week. Just working with Lisa in general is an absolute joy. She’s full of joy and energy and it comes out in the rehearsal room. We have such a good relationship with one another.

We spoke to Johnny Ball this week who as you know sadly left the show at the weekend. He’s tipped Lisa to potentially walk away with the glitterball trophy. How do you feel about that?

Wow! It’s lovely that someone who’s been in the competition can tip us to win. At the moment me and Lisa are taking it week-by-week. There’s a long road ahead. So far so good! We just need to keep up what we’re doing and do a little better each week.

You seem to be doing very well so far…

It’s going well so far. I think everyone is still under this impression that ‘oh wow Lisa can dance’. We’ve now got to work on much more technique and get the real dancing in there.

We can’t wait to see the routine…

It’s going to be a fantastic weekend. I know there’s a lot of big routines this week and I think it’ll be one of the best shows we’ve ever done.

Tune into ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at 6.30pm this Saturday on BBC One.

Bad Boy Street DVD review

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
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Bad Boy Street DVD review

Claude (Yann de Monterno) finds handsome young Brad (Kevin Miranda) drunk and lost in the street. Not able to find out where Brad needs to go, Claude takes him home and puts him up for the night. In the morning Brad takes Claude by surprise expressing his thanks in a rather intimate way. Quickly the two men bond and their attraction leads to a passionate love affair that takes them both by surprise. The only problem is that Claude has no idea who Brad really is or what he’s getting himself into.

Bad Boy Street is the latest movie from writer/director Todd Verow and is co-written by Jim Dwyer. The movie draws some immediate comparisons with British gay hit Weekend sharing a similar storyline. Despite the initial similarities Bad Boy Street soon takes a few twists and turns that really surprised us and the story fleshed out in a much more satisfactory way than we expected at the beginning.

At the heart of the story is the dynamic between Claude and Brad. The two characters work really well together and that’s mostly down to the actors playing them. Yann de Monterno plays Claude in a very sweet and naïve way whereas Kevin Miranda is more forceful as the mysterious Brad. You genuinely believe the two men have fallen for each other and that’s the reason the movie succeeds. Claude’s friend Catherine (Florence d’Azemar) is an unnecessary addition to the story and she doesn’t really get to do a great deal. The movie could have done without the character and just concentrated on Claude and Brad.

The one thing we didn’t particularly like about Bad Boy Street is the soundtrack. The score doesn’t really fit with the story and we found ourselves reaching for the mute button. It dominates the first 20 minutes of the movie to the point we thought we were watching a silent movie.

Bad Boy Street is a short but sweet movie that was better than we expected it to be. The story is fairly strong, the performances impressive and the conclusion satisfying. Like Weekend it succeeds because it manages to create to realistic and believable characters and you root for them throughout the movie. Despite the few flaws mentioned, we can definitely say we were pleasantly surprised by Bad Boy Street.

Morgan DVD review

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
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Morgan DVD review

Morgan (Leo Minaya) is growing increasingly frustrated after finding himself wheelchair-bound following a sports accident. As he learns to adapt to his new life, Morgan has a chance encounter with handsome New Yorker Dean (Jack Kesy) which soon turns into something more than he expected. As Morgan tries to come to terms with his disability, he struggles to allow himself to fall in love with Dean using it to drive a wedge between them. Can he let his guard down and let Dean in or will Morgan push away a real chance at happiness?

Morgan is the fourth feature film from American filmmakers Michael Akers and Sandon Berg. The film is an emotional drama focusing on the titular character as he struggles to adapt to life as a paraplegic. Having previously been an athlete, Morgan struggles to accept that he can’t do all the things he used to do. When Dean comes along Morgan can’t understand why anyone would be interested in him and doesn’t allow himself to fall in love. The film is as about acceptance not only of the situation Morgan is in but also of his life and future.

As the film progresses Morgan becomes obsessional about racing in the same event that put him in a wheelchair to begin with. Despite his doctor, family and Dean pleading with him not to race, Morgan becomes stubborn. Part of the reason is that Morgan can’t accept that he’s in a wheelchair and wants to prove that he can do all of the things he used to do. What he loses sight of is the effect his determination is having on those around him.

What really gripped us about Morgan was the performance of Leo Minaya. He brings all of the frustrations and emotions of his character to the surface and you feel like you’re going through his struggle with him. You feel his frustration at not being able to live the life he had and you sympathise with him when he worries he may not be able to get intimate with Dean. Minaya’s performance is careful and considered but grounded in reality. You can really get under his skin as the film progresses. Jack Kesy is equally good as the swoonsome Dean. He is the picture of calm and brings reassurance and security to Morgan that he so desperately needs.

Morgan is an emotive and moving drama that had us hooked from start to finish. It’s an interesting slant for a gay movie with a strong storyline from Akers and Berg. Despite a couple of poor performances from some of the supporting cast, Morgan is a film we can highly recommend. It shows a different side to love and is a breath of fresh air in the gay cinema genre.

Loot review

Greg Jameson
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The play that killed Leonard Rossiter is currently enjoying a welcome airing at Upstairs At The Gatehouse in Highgate thanks to a new production by the Tower Theatre Company. Joe Orton’s 1965 offering Loot, both hit and disaster for the late playwright, has a chequered history which perhaps culminates in Rossiter’s backstage death during a 1984 revival at the West End’s Lyric Theatre whilst he was playing Inspector Truscott.

It’s easy to see why it’s a divisive work as Orton’s fresh and punchy writing veers between dark comic genius and end-of-the-pier farce with reckless abandon, with the confidence and irresponsibility of a skilled racing driver flying at full-pelt in danger of losing control at any moment.

The plot sees a pair of young crooks, Hal and Dennis (Paul Isaacs and Dan Usztan) successfully stealing a sizable chunk of loot from a bank by tunnelling through from Dennis’s workplace in an undertaker’s parlour. The police, mainly in the form of Inspector Truscott, are on to them quickly, and; with Hal’s mother lying dead in a coffin, they decide to hide her corpse in a wardrobe and bury the cash in her place; leaving them with the little problems of disposing of the body and collecting their spoils before the iron fist of the law comes crashing down on them.

One of the most successful aspects of Orton’s play is the delicious subplot that sees rancid Catholic nurse Fay (Jean Collins) machinating a way to make the older, wealthier and frailer McLeavy (John Chapman) her latest husband. In the grotesque character of Fay, Orton bombards his audience with the manifold absurdities and hypocrisies of hard line Catholicism, and Jean Collins succeeds in keeping Fay believable by keeping her eye firmly on the religious mania whilst resisting the allure of pantomime villainy. Equally successful is John Chapman’s older widower. With a camp, large, but often affecting performance, he encapsulates the repressed homoeroticism of Catholicism. It could be argued that McLeavy is a kinder portrayal of your pious Catholic, but his ready capitulation to arbitrary authority renders him an ultimately pathetic figure, and it’s only the humanity of Chapman’s performance that retains a smattering of our sympathy here.

If Orton gives both barrels to old school Catholicism his younger characters are conceived as no less amoral. Hal is fascinatingly emotionless, not in the least moved by his mother’s death and concerned only with saving his own neck. Paul Isaacs offers a satisfyingly charismatic interpretation of the part, imbuing Hal with a fey and icy charm with enjoyably busy eye work that recalls Norman Bates. Contrasting nicely is Dan Usztan’s warmer, more effusive and less refined undertaker’s apprentice Dennis. Between the two of them, Isaacs and Usztan find and offer plenty of manly flirting, bringing out a less-than-buried homosexual subtext (Hal calls his friend ‘Baby’). Perhaps this could have been taken even further?

Whilst the four main characters are all great parts, Loot really springs to life when Inspector Truscott is introduced. Masquerading as an employee of the Water Board, Truscott prowls around the house looking to catch out the young criminals and maybe solve a murder case at the same time. The character has to be seen to be believed, since Truscott is such a brilliant and distinctive comic creation whose moments of off-the-wall logic and rapid-fire questions threaten to marry black comedy with fantasy. The verbal dexterity of the part is what made Rossiter an obvious choice for it. Here Julian Farrance wraps his tongue around the quick fire lines, and slick direction ensures that the tension and pace are cranked up and the laughs proportionately increase in frequency once Truscott has been injected into the proceedings.

This production of Loot enjoys an impressively polished and sparky first act. The action after the interval isn’t quite on as firm a footing, though this is partially down to the unevenness of Orton’s writing. Where Hal emerges as the central character of the first act, he’s sidelined for large portions after the break when Orton (infamous rewrites for Kenneth Williams in a different version of the play aside) decides he’s far more interested in Truscott; and with the lion’s share of the lines Farrance becomes more vulnerable on his delivery, and the brilliantly frantic pace reached by the end of the first act is never quite regained. Nevertheless, the manic climax of the piece, where the stage mechanics have to be spot-on to pack any form of punch, is well-conceived and impeccably-timed, maintaining the suspense up to the appropriately callous resolution (you’ll laugh, but you’ll hate yourself for it).

A few reservations aside, Loot is generally fast-paced and laugh-out-loud funny, with a well-cast ensemble who have been wisely directed to ground their somewhat surreal characters with a touch of reality. Whilst Orton’s delightful satire on Catholicism has a more serious point to make, he’s also acidic in his portrayal of the British police force, laying open for ridicule the self-serving corruption of Scotland Yard in the 1960s that tarnished the reputability of the force forevermore. Where the plotting is messy or convenient, one forgives it for the consistently hilarious dialogue. Prescient and joyously unashamed, Loot remains a play with plenty to say, and this production gives you your money’s worth.

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