All posts filed under: Entertainment

Ellen vs. Jane – Battle of the Books

Published by thequeerav

 I had the pleasure over the last couple of weeks of actually having time on my hands to read a book or two. And so what did I decide to read? Two of the biggest gay books I could find, Jane Lynch’s memoir Happy Accidents, and Ellen Degeneres’ Seriously…I’m Kidding. Let me just start with the fact that both of these woman are very amazing and inspirational. From struggles in their past, to the positive influence they have in the media world and the LGBTQ community today, they are two very awesome people. Because of this, it’s very difficult for me to give either of their most recent books a bad review, however I’ll try my best to be a little critical (as much as it pains me). Happy Accidents is Awesome (oh, my attempt at being critical just went down the drain). I know I know, I love her as an actress so I’m being pretty bias, but I’m sure anyone who picked up the book not knowing who she is would enjoy it just as much, honestly. …

Miriam Margolyes’ Magical Masterpiece

Published by thequeerav

‘Dickens’ Women’ was created for the 1989 Edinburgh Festival by Miriam Margolyes and Sonja Fraser. It has since traveled internationally throughout six countries and was nominated in 1992 for the prestigious Olivier Award. As part of a worldwide celebration of 100 years of Charles Dickens, Margolyes will continue the tour throughout this year sharing carefully chosen characters to honour the man himself. As I entered His Majesty’s Theatre on Hay Street in Perth, I felt like the youngest person in the room with the rest of the attendees averaging around an estimated 55-60 years old, and all dressed up to the nines! Everyone settled down for the show to start, just a few minutes after 8pm and a man entered from stage right to sit at the grand piano placed to the side of the stage. John Martin would be Margolyes’ sole accompaniment this evening as he played a few pieces in a build up to Margolyes’ entrance. She staggered on stage in a drunken stupor, in full character of her first portrayal. As she …

Bully – A Documentary with an R Rating

Published by thequeerav

I think it’s safe to say everyone has experienced bullying in one way or another. Whether you were being bullied, you were the bully or you were someone on the sidelines.  In the past and even in present times we’ve seen this being attributed to maturity, child’s play or that ‘boys will be boys’ sentiment, but why? Is it really ok for a kid/s to taunt, tease and bully another kid simply because of their age or their maturity level? And what about the effects of bullying? Does the name Tyler Clementi sound familiar to you? What about Seth Walsh or Rafael Morelos? The list could go on and on, and it’s a list of teens who have committed suicide because of bullying. The idea that bullying is just a part of life has to be stopped. It shouldn’t be the deaths of our youths that work as a wake up to us all. We should all be doing something before it gets to this stage. I was watching a clip from the Ellen Degeneres …

The Vengaboys Hit Freo with a "Boom"

Published by thequeerav

Last night I saw the Vengaboys. You remember them, don’t you? The late 90’s Eurodance, few-hit wonders. Of course you remember such classics as “Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!” and “We Like To Party”, spawned from their 1998 debut “The Party Album!” I, for one, remember that my suburban, Australian childhood was filled with these cheesy, Euro, club songs for some reason. The songs were silly and catchy and I suspect that the primary motivation for people seeing them in 2012 is for a dose of pure, sing-along, nostalgia. Apparently the Vengaboys enjoy partying, and party they did at their show at Metropolis Fremantle, in 2012, over ten years since their last release. The sold out crowd was packed into Metro’s, waiting in keen anticipation for their slice of the 90’s. This was only heightened by the support DJs who played an impressive mix of 90’s dance-pop classics. Despite the sweltering heat and the crowd being covered in sweat before the headliners even made the stage, the atmosphere was of fun and anticipation, enhanced by the …

‘True Colors’ Romney Attack Ad leaves Cyndi Lauper Unhappy

Published by thequeerav

Cyndi Lauper, has expressed her disapproval after her ever popular hit “True Colors” was used in a negative political campaign ad against Mitt Romney. Not only was she unhappy about the unauthorised use of the song, associated most commonly and positively with the LGBTQ community,  but also that it had been used in a negative rather than positive context. “While I am in no way a fan of Mitt Romney, my music is meant to lift people up, especially ‘True Colors.’ The song has been a tremendous source of healing and acceptance for so many people and for it to be used in such a negative way dishonors its history and intention” said Lauper. “I am a huge supporter of President Obama and his re-election, but I have let the responsible party know how disappointed I am the song was used and asked that it be removed from the ad.”

Miriam Margolyes' One Woman Show: Dickens' Women

Published by thequeerav

Miriam Margolyes is returning to Australia this year to perform her one woman show: Dicken’s Women. You may recognise her from works such as James and the Giant Peach, Wicked (on Broadway) or even Harry Potter (Professor Sprout) among many voice roles throughout her career. She’s just finished filming Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries in Melbourne and is now ready to tribute Charles Dickens 200th bithday with her show. “I’m a huge fan of his works, and I don’t understand why people everywhere aren’t. To me he’s just the greatest there is,” Margolyes said. “I love the characters, I love the story, I love the prose, and I dedicate my whole life really to getting people to understand how wonderful he is. And the show Dickens’ Women is a way of doing that.” In this original stage show, Margolyes plays a total of 23 characters from Dicken’s novels, both men and woman and at times gives insight to the writer himself. Margolyes will be playing a number of shows around Australia. To view tour dates click …

Dresden Dolls Perth 2012 – Review

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Amanda “Fucking” Palmer and Brian Viglione together are the Dresden Dolls. Forming in 2000, they have had a well earned break after their hiatus in 2008 and their choice to leave their record label. They have since reformed in 2010 and returned to Australia, performing in Perth last night.  In the cute and cosy Astor Theatre in Mount Lawley, Perth, swarms of intricately dressed beings from all walks of life emerged for the final show of the Dresden Dolls Australian tour. As the last gig of the official tour, they set out to put on an unforgettable show. With back up artists Melbourne band, The Jane Austen Argument and Tasmania’s The Bedroom Philosopher (Justin Heazlewood) warming up the crowd the scene was set for the Dresden Dolls to grace the stage. Amanda Palmer runs on stage sporting a Japanese style kimono, soon to be taken off to unveil a slightly more revealing choice of outfit, followed by a shirtless Brian with his face painted with the usual mime artist style. The lights are on and the music …