As One returns with a five day long Easter special featuring some of Europe’s biggest circuit style brands showcased every night as Orange Nation’s infamous after-hours events provide the extended hours fun. Here’s what you can expect…

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An orgy of gogo boys will be flying especially for the festival.

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Beyond vs Masterbeat is at Ministry of Sound, the theme is Thunderdome… and you finally have the chance to dress up as Tina Turner!

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SexCircus returns taking over Crucifix Lane. The venue has to be seen to be believed – let’s just say it is the perfect location for the SexCircus boys!

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Like every festival, dressing up or dressing down is essential, which is why all the parties are themed. Free expression will be the key to being original!

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WE Party is on Easter Thursday, and that means no work on Good Friday. Oh, and did we say PAPA returns on Sunday and there’s no work on Bank Holiday Monday, either?! Pass the Berocca, bitches…

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You can buy a ticket for £90 that will give you entrance to all the parties and after-parties. That is less than £10 for each party. Happy Easter!

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As One Easter Weekend Festival is the first of its kind in London, be part of it as we are writing history!

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The gay community comes together, As One!

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Rebeka Brown and Taito Tikaro make their super-awaited return to London playing WE Party and Matinée, respectively.

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10 parties and after-parties across five days in London’s leading venues, with the hottest crowd flying in from literally all over the world… and you all know what happens then!

• £50 early bird ticket for WE, SexCircus, Matinee, Beyond and PAPA (concession entry at the after parties). £80 VIP access to WE, SexCircus, Matinee, Beyond and PAPA (dedicated entrance, coat check, VIP balcony and dedicated toilets where available). £90 access to all parties. £110 VIP access to all parties.

• More information and tickets from orangenation.co.uk/AsOne and nation.ticektabc.com

• Thursday 2nd April: We Metropolis @ The Coronet, 11pm-7am

• Thursday Night/Fri Morning 2nd April: Gravity Bad Thursday @ Lightbox, 3am–Midday

• Friday 3rd April: SexCircus Vs Revolver Blackout @ Crucifix Lane Friday Night/Saturday, 10pm-6am
  
  
• Morning 3rd April: A:M Light Of Dawn @ Lightbox, 11pm–Midday

• Saturday 4th April Matinee Jungle @ Fire, 11pm-7am

• Sunday Morning 5th April: Beyond vs Masterbeat @ Ministry of Sound, 5.30am-Superlate

• Sunday 5th April: Later @ Lightbox, 1pm-7pm

• Sunday 5th April: Papa Wild West @ The Qube, 6pm-2am

• Sunday Night/Monday Morning 5th April: Orange @ Fire, Midnight-10am

Elegy was hidden away in the Vaults’ furthest space, reached by climbing up creaking metal stairs and waltzing through an arts display of dripping lace and jewelled glitz. But inside the old, dust-filled rococo cinema space, converted into a faded glamour theatre, there were just four fluorescent strip lights shining and a lone chair. The strip lights were arranged into the shape of a box on the ground. 

by Patrick Cash

As the house lights died, out came one-man powerhouse actor Adam Best to stand in this stark, bare box. He began talking of two boys and their friendship. They were both gay and lived in ‘post-liberation’ Iraq.

Based on interviews with gay Iraqi refugees, ‘Elegy’ was produced by internationally minded touring theatre company Transport. It’s the little details that create the authenticity of the story: the boys’ easy intimacy, in the midst of much hatred. They wondered if they might become lovers, but no they were just friends. One is more darkly beautiful than the other.

Yet one is caught and executed, as the other has to watch in the crowd. His helplessness in this situation, the brutal pathos, is beautifully wrought by writer-director Douglas Rintoul and Best’s poignant, Kalashnikov narrative. This is when the surviving boy knows he has to leave his birthplace.

The following narrative sees our protagonist smuggle through the travails of illegal immigration into Europe, which he believes will be a land of milk and honey. But he finds himself morphed from hated in his home country for his sexuality, to another equally vilified minority in these countries: an immigrant. Just because the streets feel more peaceful does not mean he is any more welcome.

And when he is arrested and placed in an illegal immigrants’ detention centre, the purpose of the box becomes clear: it is a cell. But Best is in the cell for the entirety of the remarkable performance. This boy has not just been imprisoned now in the actuality of this prison, he’s been imprisoned his entire life by other people’s hate. A strong, valuable piece of theatre.

• The Vaults, Leake Street, SE1 7NN

www.the-vaults.org 

• You can follow Transport Theatre on Twitter @TransportTheatr for news of their updates. 

20/03/15: Once upon a time, lost in the mist-wreathed doldrums of the ancient gay past (about five years ago) I used to work for Ku Bar. Since then, I’ve always returned to the brand when out for a quick drink on the Soho razz.

Gruff-demeanour-but-heart-o’-Irish-gold owner Gary Henshaw has made a bar that sums up all the tantalising titillation of the gay scene with its sexy bar boys and Andrew Christian carwash videos on screens, but then some, too: a place of community.

You can be sure to find familiar faces at the bar, from Scott Westron to Colm Howard-Lloyd to Timothy Lock with his pint of Fosters, and the smiles the staff wear in place of their tops come from it being a genuinely enjoyable place to work.

Nieko will be hosting in his usual fabulous attire; Gary’s always at the end of the bar from 5.30 onwards with dog in tow, supervisor Damien’s probably considering an improbably long Facebook rant about the state of the queer world.

It feels welcoming and embracing, and a lot of other bars could learn from getting this atmosphere right. Last Friday night was no exception and may Ku long reign its pop perfection over Soho!

[Show as slideshow]

30 Lisle Street, WC2H 7BA
Words by Pat Cash
Photos by Mark Storey

19/03/15: It was time for a saucy striptease and some drag queen carnage as G-A-Y presented Porn Idol. Special guest Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho, joined the feisty Baga Chipz and Mary Macintosh on the judging panel to crown the next queen of this testosterone-fuelled competition. 

Eight contestants went head-to-head where only one fag would be victorious. Sexy Italiano Dominic began the show by busting out the abs, but failed to reveal his manhood to the sex-hungry panel.

This was just the appetisers when the gorgeous Mario twerked and worked his booty which secured the vote for our Iron Lady. “Darling, that was very well executed just like Putin’s opposition.”

It was a tough competition of hot man candy but our Maggie had to say ‘Sorry dear!’ to six of the ladz; leaving mexican hombre Manuel and ‘big Dave’ to battle it out for the cash prize.

Our conservative legend sung her renowned ‘It’s Raining Men’, while our supersize and super hunky slut dropped, twerked and stripped off to win the crowd’s support.

The best fag won in the end, with ‘big’ Dave taking the £100 quid; and our Mexicano taking Maggie as the consolation prize (lucky bugger!).

[Show as slideshow]

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Words by Dan Moore
Photos by Joel Ryder
Heaven, under the Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 6NG

19/03/15: Host Myra DuBois opened this unique event as only Myra can, in her wonderfully irreverent style: “We’re here raising money for Mildmay. The charity that brought Jason Reid back to life. Yeah, thanks for that..” Absolutely hilarious! You could tell from then it was going to be a good night… 

Next up was the ever cheerful Topsie Redfern who wowed the crowd with her impressive vocal gymnastics and spirited snogging skills. All for charity of course. Kara Van Park and drag stalwart Bette Rinse made their RVT debut (It only took Bette just over 20 years) and both went down a storm. The former provided a miscellany of beautiful musical theatre numbers and the latter served up a masterclass in improvised repartee.

Onstage kissing was a running theme during the night and all three (EVEN Bette) puckered up, one after the other, to kiss a rather dishy audience member. The poor guy must have had glitter infused lips for the next few days.

The night concluded with a no-holds barred edition of ‘Drag Question Time’. Topics posed by the audience ranged from the light and frivolous to the political, which is where it all got very, very heated. Pure gold between Bette and Myra, who have rather differing political views. Definitely the highlight of the night, for the audience anyway.

In just a few hours, the good people of the RVT managed to raise £454.37 for Mildmay UK, with an added donation of £1000 coming in from a very generous person who couldn’t be there.

A huge thank you from me (Jason) to everyone who gave up their time to make the night such a great success and of course to all those who donated.

[Show as slideshow]

Words by Jason Reid
Photos by Joel Ryder
The RVT, 372 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5HY

21/03/15: Thank God for BRUT! About bloody time London’s somewhat fragmented gay party scene for men more than boys was refreshed, and just in the nick of time.

Wayne Shires, club promoter extraordinaire with a portfolio of testosterone fuelled clubs where men could feel like men with men, including Crash (remember those days?) and actually dance to great cutting edge music (remember THAT?!!) has hit the jackpot!

It’s raining men, hallelujah! Men, oh men, dancing with blokes in their forties and with eye-candy on offer from an international base of thirty-something testosterone fuelled top-ups!

Tom Stephan, Ben Jamin, Chris Camplin and Ross Jones commanded the wheels of steel on the packed, laser-lit main floor with awesome beats, and in Room Two, Paul Coals and the Meat boys ripped up the decks and threw the rule book out. Long live the Brut!

[Show as slideshow]

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Words by Peter Broome
Photos by Mark Storey
The Steel Yard, 13-16 All Hallows Lane, EC4R 3UL

02/04/15: G-A-Y Porn Idol with Courtney Act

Time to get out your neck, back, pussy/cock and crack for drag diva Courtney Act! The land down under’s finest female illusionist will be joining resident judges Mary Mac and Baga Chipz to take a peek at the peen. Think you can win and waltz off with £100? Text 07789 553 868 or email info@g-a-y.co.uk

Heaven, under the Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 6NG. 10.30pm-5am. Discount entry wristbands available from G-A-Y Bar. 

02/04/15: As One – WE Party Metropolis

Welcome to the Metropolis! A world where the fake seems real, where artificial intelligence dominates, as the futuristic robotic performers are joined by internationally renowned WE Party special guest resident DJ Aron. Superstar London residents Steve Pitron, GSP and Fat Tony form the complete main floor lineup. Dancefloor diva Rebeka Brown is back too, with a mammoth PA. Plus, East London party BANG! takes over Room 2 with the unique sounds of Borja Peña and Paul Heron!

Coronet Theatre, 28 New Kent Rd, SE1 6TJ, 11pm-7am. As One Festival tickets available from orangenation.co.uk/AsOne

03/04/15: As One – Sexcircus vs Revolver present ‘Blackout’

London’s Sexcircus and Berlin’s Revolver join forces to bring one of the hottest men-only parties this Easter to satisfy your manly desires. Underground venue Crucifix Lane plays host to a more intimate, sexier and dirtier party than ever before! Resident superstar performers Damien Crosse and Jonathan Agassi return alongside the hottest new additions around Allen King and Bruno Bernal, plus porn host Angel Cruz.

 Crucifix Lane, 79 Crucifix Lane London SE1 3JW, 10pm–6am. As One Festival tickets available from orangenation.co.uk/AsOne

04/04/15: G-A-Y presents Luke Friend

X-Factor alum Luke Friend wants to tell you about the ‘Hole in My Heart’. Everyone’s favourite little reality TV indie boy will be debuting his single at G-A-Y as the club packs itself out across four rooms of pop and R&B sounds.

Heaven, under the Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 6NG. 10.30pm-5am. £4 entry wristbands available from G-A-Y Bar.

04/04/15: XXL ‘Full Moon’

The wolves are out in full force for the Easter Saturday edition of XXL as the club that celebrates all things blokey and beary pays homage to a full moon… we know how randy some gays get when that big shiny thingy in the night sky bares all. Imagine a club full of ‘em! Even fuller moons on show in the cruise room, too!

 Pulse, No 1 Invicta Plaza, SE1 9UF, 10pm-7am. £15 guests, £8 members.

04/04/15: Songs of Praise

Join the Songs of Praise crew where resident pop heartthrobs The Sugalow Boys, David Oh and Neil Prince will be spinning their special blend of classic pop, cool new tunes, and the floor-fillers and chart-busters that will have you dancing ‘till you drop (slut drop that is!). Plus the infamous Elektra Complex will be joining them with a pop-up edition of Discosodoma!

East Bloc, 217 City Road, EC1V 1JN, 10:30pm-6am. £5 before midnight/£10 after

04/04/15: As One – Matinée Jungle

The iconic Ibiza brand takes over as the main Saturday night party during the As One Easter Weekend Festival! Expect Fire Club to be transformed into a tropical paradise! Providing the beats to this Amazonian celebration? The one and only Taito Tikaro. Matinee’s main resident for over 10 years, he finally makes his long-awaited return to London. Micky Friedmann also touches down in London exclusively for this event.

 Fire, South Lambeth Road SW8 1RT, 11pm-7am. As One Festival tickets available from orangenation.co.uk/AsOne

04/04/15: Red Light

London’s Eagle will be transformed into its Amsterdam dirty lil’ brother, full of rough, leathery, dark, sexy, hot, real men. Step into the ‘Dirty Dicks’ playroom but watch out for the Daddy leather master Dolan Wolf enforcing the strict leather, rubber and fetish play gear dress code! Plus, a back alley play zone, XXX Visuals, Suckatorium and even an Amsterdam street scene with Men for Sale!

Eagle London, 349 Kennington Lane, SE11 5QY. 9pm-4am. £8/£6 advance.

05/04/15: Beyond Vs Masterbeat – ‘Thunderdome’

Beyond meets Masterbeat in an out-and-out themed extravaganza! Masterbeat is the brand founded by Brett Henrichsen that’s taken over the US, with massive regular parties in New York, LA, Miami and many more. Based on the legendary post-apocalyptic Mad Max films, expect the Ministry of Sound to be turned into a land where nomads reign, with bespoke costumes, decor and a lineup to rival the biggest with Hifi Sean, Jamie Head and Maze & Masters playing deep, tech house and techno well into the afternoon.

Ministry of Sound, 103 Gaunt Street, SE1 6DP. 5:30am–super late. As One Festival tickets available from orangenation.co.uk/AsOne

05/04/15:As One – Papa Wild West

Papa is back in London and he’s ready to play! International scene star Isaac Escalante is headlining the main room alongside homegrown ‘PAPA’ talent Zach Burns and D’Johnny, plus the typical Papa tongue-in-cheek shows full of the sexy, the wonderful and a hint of burlesque. Finally, to make sure you have the ultimate clubbing experience, some of the city’s hottest hosts will be on hand: JJ Clark, Biagio Galotti, Johanna Londinium & La Pequena. Ay papi!

Terminus Place, SW1V 1JR. 6pm-2am. As One Festival tickets available from orangenation.co.uk/AsOne

05/04/15: Bender

Wanna party with a bunch of Benders? Well you better head to East Bloc this Bank Holiday Sunday, because it’s full of them! From Tasty Tim and Lady Lloyd in the main room with Jeffrey Hinton and Martyn Fitzgerald, to the R&She boys in the bar and, of course, Jacqui Potato and Jonbenet Blonde bashing our back doors in with pop delights.

East Bloc, 217 City Road, EC1V 1JN, 10.30pm-1.30am. £5

05/04/15: BRÜT

Bears, blokes, cubs and hunks! The BRUT crew is back for an Easter Sunday special! Delivering the punchy house sounds with a beefy beat in the main room, and poppier sounds in Room 2. All in an awesome new venue spread over three lofty arches in the heart of the city. Bring photo ID to make sure you get in, as you won’t want to miss this.

 The Steel Yard, 13-16 Allhallows Lane, EC4R 3UL. 10pm-6am. £10 advance tickets/MOTD.

05/04/15: G-A-Y Late

The first Bank Holiday of the year can only mean one thing… it’s gonna be a roadblock down Goslett Yard as G-A-Y Late packs them in for Easter Sunday. Get there early as the queues will be round the block, chock full of hotties chasing out those Illicit Eleven drink deals and hot pop sounds.

5 Goslett Yard, off Charing Cross Road, WC2. 11pm-3am.

06/04/15: Popcorn – Spring Break Beach BBQ

Who wants Jell-O shots? Bust out a day-glo bikini and pull on your unicorn balaclava, as Popcorn is going all Spring Breakers on us! With an explosive Easter Monday line-up including Adam Turner, Jonathan Bestley and Zach Burns, it’ll feel like Daytona Beach blowout! Spring break forever, bitches at this swansong for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Heaven, Villiers Street, WC2N 6NG. 11pm-5.30am. £4 b4 1am, £5 after, £8 after 2am. 

As election fever gets ready to grip the nation, Damien Killeen reports on Pink News’ live-streamed political debate…

Last week, ‘Pink News’ sat down for a live streamed debate with Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Tory peer and Leader of the House of Lords Baroness Stowell, the leader of the Green Party Natalie Bennett, Lib Dem Chief Whip Don Foster, and UKIP Culture spokesman Peter Whittle. Having made the effort to look enough like a metropolitan homosexual and also wearing a bright enough shirt to distract security from my crippling poorness I managed to get into the venue.

A debate discussing such important topics can mean only one thing of course, it’s election time again and the main parties are all calling for our LGBTQI+ voting asses. This year there are more names to learn – a hung parliament (*snigger*) reminds everyone in the media that those smaller parties outside could serve some purpose – but in general the routine remains the same.

The debate was hosted by Evan Davis, who did his utmost to prod and trip the interviewees into some meaningful responses although the whole thing ended up being terribly polite. The problem with being bipartisan is you can’t really attack one without, for the sake of fairness, attacking all. Very few are up to the task and neither, apparently, was Evan who kept the audience tittering congenially but spilled no blood.

It was, however, a chance to see some of Britain’s political heavyweights (and Peter Whittle) square off. I’m going to kick things off with everyone’s favourite Tory, Baroness Stowell. She happily consented to Evan Davis calling her Tina so I will, too, not because she gave me permission but because I feel like she’s not the target audience of QX Magazine and as such will never read this. Also Tina is an amazing name. (And Barbra. Barbra is great as well. Imagine you had two male cats called Tina and Barbra. Fantastic.) Anyway our Tina is best known in the gay community for steering the bill through the House of Lords for the Conservatives that legalised same sex marriage. In other words her track record is pretty top notch.

So, how did she fair with the issues? Well, for the most part she towed the Tory line of a one issue election very consistently – if in doubt bring things back to recent economic recovery. She managed to deflect what could have been the most uncomfortable question of her evening – whether queer voters should forget past injustices that Tories perpetrated against them – by openly apologising for Section 28 and again focusing on progress and current achievements.

Tina supports the existing structure of relationship & sex education (RSE) in schools as sufficient, outright rejecting the idea that a specific RSE education class that also addressed gender and sexuality should be made a legal obligation for any schools, let alone primary ones. She also supports the idea that David Cameron should be the UK’s LGBT envoy to the world. I think Tina might have been drunk.

“This is one of the worst human rights abusing regimes and our approach to Saudi Arabia on all kinds of issues, including arms sales, is a disgrace.”

Now, time to look at the real star of the night, the vein in Yvette Cooper’s neck. The only person to express real passion and anger during the evening, Yvette won this debate by virtue of seeming to actually care about the politics at hand, strange as that sounds. Yvette really wants RSE education to be compulsory from primary to secondary school. Like really. You get the impression that Cooper has been running at a wall in Parliament with this for a while now and she isn’t taking it sitting down. Her war-cry that “the kids are right, the parents are right – everybody is right who is campaigning for this – we need compulsory sex and relationships education in all of our schools” gets perhaps the biggest applause of the night.

The main question that tripped Cooper up involved the possible introduction of genderless passports. Admittedly no one gave a particularly satisfactory answer but given that she is currently Shadow Home Secretary you would expect a more committed answer. Waffling about the difficulties and complications in changing laws does not a fulfilling answer make. Yet, politics is still a very heterosexual world so is it logical to expect a politician to grasp complex notions of alternative identity in a debate context?

UKIP spokesman Peter Whittle managed to be exactly what you might expect from a gay man who left the Tories because they were too liberal. Peter tried initially to link every question to immigration (why build new housing when you can camp out on the cliffs of Dover with a riffle) but when it became apparent that this wasn’t a popular tactic he sank back and avoided taking a clear stance on anything else. He did provide the line to reassure the audience “Let’s get rid of the elephant in the room. You know UKIP opposed gay marriage. That I would say is changed. In the sense that, we accept the law.” What a gem.

Speaker Don Foster was keen to push the Lib Dems as guardians of power. Their track record in reigning in the Tories’ more conservative leanings has merit, but by discussing the party’s ‘for greater good’ track record of betraying Lib Dem values for future rewards isn’t the best; for too long minorities have recognised ‘for the greater good’ is at their expense. Frankly, the intrigue of political alliances is far more interesting on HBO and as Don is no Tyrion Lannister (and as no one I could see was having sex behind him while he talked) it is hard to imagine many warmed to his argument.

Natalie Bennett highlighted one of the strongest points of the night – although she stopped short of Yvette’s rallying passion. While the other parties have to rely on rhetoric, the Greens have the benefit of the high ground in that they already widely support minority issues –  ‘We have, we are, I am’ is a much stronger position on queer issues than ‘We hope, we try, I may’. Natalie’s best received moment came when she decried the UK’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. Refusing to mince her words she declared “This is one of the worst human rights abusing regimes and our approach to Saudi Arabia on all kinds of issues, including arms sales, is a disgrace.”

“For too long minorities have recognised ‘for the greater good’ is at their expense.”

The only question Natalie couldn’t give a satisfactory answer to was the question none of the panel managed to answer – regarding updating surrogacy regulations to be more in line with U.S. laws. It was however not so surprising. Asking for such detailed answers off the cuff to such specific questions seems foolhardy. Other questions varied between being too complex to be satisfying or too broad to be worthwhile. Politics is still a very heterosexual world, so is it logical to expect a politician to grasp complex notions of alternative identity in a debate context? If this is a queer debate why is one of the biggest topics housing? It’s an election. That topic is being broken down from every angle by the mainstream media. Perhaps this small amount of time put aside for a LQBTQI+ debate could tackle relevant issues that won’t be discussed in the ‘Evening Standard’ every day for the next month.

Our very own cabaret reporter Jason Reid has been a resident Drag Idol judge for the last five years and has seen his fair share of starlets hit the big time thanks to the competition. As he prepares to take his seat for another year of judging, Jason shares some advice and tips for prospective contestants on how to shine in the UK’s biggest cabaret competition…

• Dress to Impress – You’re on stage, dress like it! You should stand out from everyone in the room. Whether it’s bespoke or high street, make it your own, and make it dazzle.

• Get Your Look Down – Practice your makeup technique over and over until you’re totally happy with it. Your ‘look’ should reflect you/your character’s personality, and the judges will be looking for that.

• Devil is In the Detail- Personally I always look for the small details too, such as earrings, nails, accessories, lashes etc. Drag is about being over the top. Don’t be afraid to accessorise to the max!

• Suss Out Your Territory – If you’re trying your hand at a venue that’s new to you (and why not!) then pop along to see a show there, before your heat. This will give you an idea of the stage dimensions/venue shape, lighting and sound.

• Use Your Time Wisely – Ten minutes can fly by or it can feel like an eternity depending on the work you’ve put in. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse and everything should go smoothly. Whilst onstage, play to the whole room, not just the judges. If you decide to come off the stage, and amongst the audience, try to be as brief as you can unless you’re making a huge impact out there. And if you invite an audience member onstage there should be a reason for it, don’t leave them standing there like a twat. This will only reflect poorly on you.

• Originality is Key – It goes without saying really, but try not to copy others, whether it’s subconsciously or not. Repeating “Werk hunty, slay gurl’ every few seconds or reeling off a string of jokes from Sickipedia just won’t cut it. Look at the previous winners of Drag Idol and you’ll see how individuality runs through each year.

• Create a Concept – You may be a great comedian or signer and that in itself may carry you through a whole set, but try not to rely on just one thing that others may also have, create a niche for yourself that makes you stand out, or a character and back story that you’re passionate about and one that the audience can relate to. This will give your act more depth and scope.

• The Show Must Go On – If you make a mistake during those ten minutes, DO NOT give up! And try not to panic. Make a joke of it, laugh and move on. It will put you and the audience at ease instantly. Even the most seasoned pro makes mistakes!

• Listen up! – Take the judges’ critique onboard. They’re there to help and offer guidance in a constructive manner. An experienced judge will be objective and never offer derisory feedback. There’s no Natalia Kills in Drag Idol…

• Promote Yourself – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, go the whole nine yards. BUT just not every ten minutes. Make your content engaging, and not just about how amazing you are!

• And finally, I always say, have FUN and ENJOY it! Drag Idol is a great experience whether you win or not. Take the positives and run with them. Huge respect and love to everyone taking part this year! Here’s to the Class of 2015!

•For a full list of participating venues and an application form visit: www.dragidoluk.com.

• Drag Idol launch night is at The Two Brewers (114 Clapham High Street, SW4 YUJ) on Wednesday 8th April. 

When the big circuit clubs of the As One Weekend Festival – WE Party, SexCircus, Matinée and PAPA – play their final tunes, there’s a home-grown after-party ready to keep you dancing…

GRAVITY

“Gravity is the gateway to the weekend, the place where you’re guaranteed to hear the best upfront music in London, and to find the sexiest crowd!” – Fat Tony

 DJ Phil Parsonage Top 3

1. Tommy Vercetti – ‘I Miss You’
I absolutely love this latest track from Tommy. It’s a bouncy house track with amazing summertime vibes!

2. James Silk – ‘I Want To Know’
This track is just so deep, dark, and that bassline is something else! Always goes off when I play it!

3. Dantiez Saunderson & KPD – ‘Place Called Home’
Love the vocals in this track – gives you goosebumps!

A:M

“Friday nights belong to A:M, where forward thinking music, house and techno is showcased every week. The crowd is well knowledged in how to party well into Saturday morning!” – Mikele Corzato

D’johnny Top 3

1.Shiba San– ‘I Can’t Remember’ (Original mix)
There’s no fluff in here. A sexy house track released by Dirtybirds!

2.Dene Antony– ‘What You Mean To Me’ (Kreature remix)
Kreature turns out a deeper, darker remix of ‘What You Mean To Me’ with his trademark solid groove and tightly cut vocal hooks!

3.Outstrip– ‘These Days’(Original mix)
A contemporary slice of hypnotic house music led by bumpy swinging rhythms, a stab-led bass hook and meandering pads, a treat for the dancefloor!

BEYOND 

“The legendary Beyond after-hours is and has always been London’s representation of gay clubbing on an international scene, at the forefront of music, performance and production.” – Nadim Aoun

DJ Tony English Top 3

1.Noor Q– ‘Oriental Pearl’ (Tony English Ibiza Mix)
My re-work of this already explosive release

2.Ivan Gomez– ‘Up 4 It’(Luis Mendez remix)
Went down really well last weekend, the whole package is great.

3.Tony English– ‘Beyond’

This is the track that has been long time in the making

LATER

“Later is the Sunday afternoon get together that brings together music and socialising like no other party, taking full advantage of the state of the arts Lightbox room, and the full Fire garden. It’s a unique atmosphere, hedonistic partying at its best!” – Mikele Corzato

Terry Bryan Top 3

1.Prok & Fitch– ‘Raw Cut’
The bassline is absolutely awesome, it’s hypnotic, gets the crowd moving!

2.Simone Vitullo– ‘Keep On Jumping’ (Keep On Jumping Mix)
Great mix of this classic track, it’s a proper feel good track, perfect for Sunday afternoons!

3.Mark Knight– ‘Ironing Man’
Never fails to impress me, it’s driven and super catchy, smiles guaranteed all around!

ORANGE 

Orange is one flagship night, with over 16 years of unrivalled naughtiness no one does it better, Monday morning clubbing at its best, for the end or the start of your week. You always know what to expect at Orange – an amazing time!” – Fat Tony

Miswhite Top 3

1.Maze & Masters – ‘Do A Little Dip’
One of my faves at the moment and very easy to get stuck in your head – super funky!

2.Dolly Rockers– ‘Back Like That’
This is such a groovy little tune – always good to start the night with.

3.‘Make Me Feel’ – Sharon O’Love & Soundwave (Gordon John remix)
I love the energy in this one… really gets the crowd going.

• More information on the As One Easter Weekend Festival and tickets: orangenation.co.uk/AsOne and nation.ticektabc.com 

Continuing our series looking at gay shame & sexuality. By Nyasha Paragon Langley

It’s 2015 and we live in a world that tolerates us but is a long way from accepting us. I came out at 19 and I presumed that I had won the battle. I had taken off the dusty fur coat and left it on a hanger in the wardrobe and stepped in to the sun. It turns out it was one of those S.A.D lights and not the sun, and there starts my agonising journey through gaydom.

I’m a young black male so (and this shouldn’t roll so easily off my tongue, but it does) I’m used to being labelled, and having to prove that I’m more than just the tone of my skin or the hoodie I may choose to wear. However, nothing prepared me for the backlash from my own ethnic community to me being openly gay.

“I’m talking people that start on you on the top deck of a bus and follow you down to carry on while you wait to get off.”

I used to have relaxed hair (chemically straightened) and this was enough to set the hateful stares and verbal abuse from black men and women in my day-to-day life. I’m talking people that start on you on the top deck of a bus and follow you down to carry on while you wait to get off. And I learned to adapt. You put on a hat while you travel on the bus in Croydon. You don’t wear that patterned shirt and skinny jeans combo you like. You learn to hide in plain sight ‘til you get to ‘the scene’.

Then you enter that world, that scene I had assumed would accept me because I was going through the same plight as they were. And in the early days I did feel accepted. Places like Heaven and Popstarz catered to all kinds of people: black, white, Asian, dancers, emo kids, rude boys, drag queens. I remember my first night in Heaven, ten plus years ago, and it was a wonderfully diverse group of people. Heaven as it was back then, is what gave me the confidence to come out. It felt as if that was where I belonged. I could just be me.

What I find most unsettling is that I knew who I was as a person and where I stood, before I came out, but something happened between my first night there and my final attempt at the Vauxhall diet. You see I don’t fall into any of the stereotypes, I’m not overly effeminate and I’m not overly masculine; I’m not a ‘rude boy’ and I’m not posh… I am pretty much non-descript, just your average person.

But on the scene we attempt to put each other into boxes whether that is the heteronormative labels like ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ or labels like ‘twinks’ or ‘twunks’. Do black twinks/twunks even exist? Is that a thing? So, you try and fit into one of these boxes but you can’t because you’re a hexagon, so like a child learning you smash yourself into that shape. The problem is you’ve now damaged your wonderful hexagon shape. Only to find the poison of that box or better yet, that mask you tried to put on is now seeping through the cracks.

Had my scene persona out-grown the actual person underneath? Had the mask that had been created to protect me turned around and started to choke me slowly without my knowledge? All I know is I couldn’t breathe and that black hole I was in was starting to close and I wanted out.

“Nothing prepared me for the backlash from my own ethnic community to me being openly gay.”

Slowly, I watched people become the same carbon copy person, the same Topman wearing, Starbucks drinking hologram, and if you didn’t fit that bill then, sorry, we don’t want you here. I had been made to feel that I was an outcast that I didn’t belong, that I was sub par.

I have been trying to navigate my way through the London scene for just over ten years, and I have come to the conclusion that I’m never going to fit in, and that is okay. I guess what I am trying to say is don’t worry if you don’t fit in, just be you and everyone else will eventually catch up.

Rubyyy Jones is a lady with a mission to tantalise and sexucate. Last week’s edition of the inimitable ‘Save Rubyyy Jones’ bursting queer cabaret burlesque show, had her audience salivating for more like donkeys lusting after a condom-clad carrot.

With her Canadian charm, queer gangsta sass and a lorry-load of sequins, the mermaid-eyed Jones consummately introduced acts tackling the theme of ‘bad words’.

A stripping Spanish senorita named La Beti took us through a strutting flamenco dance to ‘olé!’, before revealing the letters scribbled across her ass cheeks. Before newcomer to the cabaret scene Kai Kai brought her drag exploration of bullies to the melting pot. With just a felt pen and a backing track, Kai Kai explained how she’d been bullied as a boy at school with the word faggot.

She then asked the audience to write a word, which had affected them, on her arms: cunt, n*gger, mental, were all scrawled onto her flesh. Coming back to the stage, as the crescendo of the ‘Only Human’ song reached, Kai then took tissues out of her bra and wiped away the words. A simple idea, but incredibly affecting – it brought a tear to this hardened old lump of jaded cynicism’s eye.

Lydia L’Scabies finished off the first act with an intriguing spoken/song mime about ‘crabs’, that appeared to contain many layers of tackling misogyny beneath its strange but unique surface humour. Ragina De Lumpi stunned with her en point ballet number about the words that we don’t speak and ‘glamorous goth’ Lou Safire, bared himself by rubbing off the makeup of persona.

The only act who didn’t quite get the fire of our loins smoking was the Virgin Xtravaganzah. The look was great, the idea behind the act brilliant: Virgin Mary reinvented as a 15-year-old Californian valley girl. But maybe there could have been a sharper wit in the parody songs, although the performance was solid.

And between all these glories from the swirling nether nether land of performance art, Our Beloved Miss Jones kept the energy soaring within the room with audience participation games – marshmallows was a particular highlight – and getting people to check their breasts, leading by example, and some lucky guys to unfurl condoms onto bananas with their mouths, before the breathtaking last image of beating depression through black balloons. Rubyyy Jones, we’d come save you any time.

• The next Save Rubyyy Jones will be on 15th May.  

• The RVT, 372 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5HY
• Wednesday 18th March.
• www.rubyyyjones.com / www.rvt.org.uk

20/03/15: Once upon a time, lost in the mist-wreathed doldrums of the ancient gay past (about five years ago) I used to work for Ku Bar. Since then, I’ve always returned to the brand when out for a quick drink on the Soho razz.

Gruff-demeanour-but-heart-o’-Irish-gold owner Gary Henshaw has made a bar that sums up all the tantalising titillation of the gay scene with its sexy bar boys and Andrew Christian carwash videos on screens, but then some, too: a place of community.

You can be sure to find familiar faces at the bar, from Scott Westron to Colm Howard-Lloyd to Timothy Lock with his pint of Fosters, and the smiles the staff wear in place of their tops come from it being a genuinely enjoyable place to work.

Nieko will be hosting in his usual fabulous attire; Gary’s always at the end of the bar from 5.30 onwards with dog in tow, supervisor Damien’s probably considering an improbably long Facebook rant about the state of the queer world.

It feels welcoming and embracing, and a lot of other bars could learn from getting this atmosphere right. Last Friday night was no exception and may Ku long reign its pop perfection over Soho!

[Show as slideshow]

30 Lisle Street, WC2H 7BA
Words by Pat Cash
Photos by Mark Storey

CLUBS & EVENTS

G-A-Y Porn Idol with guest judge Courtney Act at Heaven, Villiers Street, WC2N 6NG. 10pm-5am. Discount wristbands from G-A-Y Bar. London’s biggest amateur strip night. Get yer kit off and win £100 tonight, or £1000 in the final. To enter email info@g-a-y.co.uk or text 07789 553 868. TONIGHT: Guest judge Courtney Act.

WE Party London – Metropolis at The Coronet, 28 New Kent Road, SE. 11pm-7am. As One Festival tickets: orangenation.co.uk/AsOne. London’s debut As One weekend long festival kicks off with the Spanish beast WE Party London taking over the colossal Coronet for another night of big beats from DJs Aron, Steve Pitron, GSP and Fat Tony joined by the buff boys on stage. Plus, East London club BANG! hosts Room 2.

Grunge at East Bloc, 217 City Road, Shoreditch, EC1V 1JN. 10.30pm-late. 90s theme pop and anthems night with alt. cabaret, messy drag queens and club kidz.

Create at the Shadow Lounge, 5 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 0RF. 10pm-3am. £8, £10 with Gravity (afterhours) ticket. Orange Group steps back into Soho with a new weekly venture bringing a selection of house DJs into this slick new space for a decidedly hot weekend warm-up.

G-A-Y Late at 5 Goslett Yard, off Charing Cross Road, WC2. 11pm-3am. Hot pop sounds get played out across the club, drink specials, cute guys and an almost unrivalled highly electric atmosphere. Open 7 days.

Ted’s TV/TS Night at Ted’s Place, 305a North End Road. 7pm-2am. £5. The night for fellas in frocks and their admirers.

Cruise Control at Eagle London, 349 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5QY. 9pm-2am. £3 entry, free entry for members. Cruise spaces to explore to darker, deeper beats.

Ku Klub at Ku Bar Lisle Street, Leicester Square, WC2. 6pm-3am. FREE. Pop sounds and floor fillers.

Room Service at Miabella, 12-13 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 4DJ. 10pm-3am. Don’t you dare miss this fiercely social, sexy club spot, playing edgy and upfront house. Expect hot gogo eye candy and hosted by fab scene faces. Get snapped by the legendary resident papper!

Decoded at Barcode, 69 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, SE1 7TP. 10pm-5am. £5. Non-stop pumping house, plus a mix of nu-disco and uplifting deep vocal house from DJ’s Alex Georgiou and Steven Artis at Vauxhall industrial Barcode club spot.

Gravity: Official WE Party After-Party (Friday morning) at Lightbox, 6a South Lambeth Road, SW8 1SP. 3am-1pm. The official WE Party London after-party promoted by Fat Tony, featuring the iconic Gravity sound with uplifting influences. Part of the As One Easter Weekend Festival.

Abracadabra at the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, 42 Pollard Row, E2 6NB. 7pm (show 8.30pm). Ticket price £10, door price £12. Cabaret terrorist, savior, avantguardian David Hoyle comes East for five unique evenings of must-see, magical alternative performance, protest, laughter and song for election season.

The Tavern’s Got Talent at the RVT, 372 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5HY. £5 in advance, £8 OTD. 8-10.30pm. London’s most aspiring performer and talented taverners battle it out in front of judges Simon Le Vans, Titti la Camp and Fat Tony, hosted by Mzz Kimberley with a special performance from 2014 winner Doctor Woof.

VS at Circa, 62 Frith Street, Soho, W1. 4pm-4am. Munroe Bergdorf and Adam Turner get you warmed up for Room Service with some unrivalled Thursday night hotness!

Two Brewers, 114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ. Bar open 4pm-2am. FREE b4 10pm, £6 after. Popular South London cabaret/club spot. TONIGHT: Cabaret from Miss Jason with DJ Chris Reardon. DJ Phil Marriott in the club

Jake’s Easter Party at Counter and BackCOUNTER at 7-11 South Lambeth Place, SW8 1SP. Newcomer to the Vauxhall scene, open ‘til late for cocktails and food. TONIGHT: Gay networking and social group Jake hosts a its Easter party at Vauxhall’s swishest new venue from 6.30pm. Advance tickets only from jaketm.com

The Folly Mixtures at Hippodrome at Leicester Square, WC2H 7JH. 8pm. From £15. The legendary central London casino and cabaret venue. TONIGHT: The Folly Mixtures cabaret takes centre stage.

Rupert Street at 50 Rupert Street, Soho, W1D 6DR. From 8pm. Weekly dance session at the popular Soho bar. TONIGHT: Enriched with DJ Rich B.

Dr Woof’s Thursday Surgery at Kazbar, 50 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UL. 4pm-3am. Free. Dr Woof presents his weekly cabaret turn at the funky Clapham bar.

Comptons of Soho – Tasty Tim Teaches House at 51-53 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 6HN. 12pm-midnight. One of Soho’s best loved traditional gay pubs, always busy and always friendly and always fun. DJ Tasty Tim plays the delicious tunes from 9pm.

The Black Cap at 171 Camden High Street, NW1 7JY. 10pm-2am. Camden’s party-popping and beat-bumping venue rocks the gay scene!

Quiz Night at The Roebuck, 84 Ashmole Street, SW8 1NE. 8pm onwards. £1 entry. Cash prizes to be won at The Roebuck for their awesome Quiz Night.

Gossip at West 5, Pope’s Lane, South Ealing, W5 4NB. Open from 8pm. FREE. Ealing’s hugely popular club, bar and cabaret spot.

Backing The Stars at Halfway 2 Heaven, 7 Duncannon Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 4JF. Popular central London karaoke fun with Kevin Walsh.

The Edge at 11 Soho Square, Soho, W1D 3QE. 4pm-late. Last entry 1am. Soho’s multi-floored gay wonder.

Quiz Night at The City of Quebec at 12 Old Quebec Street, Marble Arch, W1H 7AF. 12pm-3am. The legendary pub holds its monthly quiz night with Sonny.

Your Dirty Diary – Thursday 2nd April

The Underground Club, 37 Wharfdale Road, Kings Cross, N1. PANTS (1-6pm) Underwear fun. SPANKZ (6pm-10pm) CP night for rougher, tougher play. Followed by COME TO DADDY (10pm-2am).

Vault: Cruise/Stripped at 139b-143 Whitfield Street, W1T 5EN. CRUISE (1-7pm. £7). STRIPPED (7pm-1am. £8). Free drink, cloakroom and re-entry. Get nude and rude. Strictly naked, except footwear.

Cruise Control at Eagle London, 349 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5QY. 9pm-late. £3 entry, free for members. Cruise spaces to explore with darker, deeper beats to play to.

CLUBS & EVENTS

XXL at Pulse, 1 Invicta Plaza, Southwark, SE1 9UF. 9pm-3am. £15 guests, £8 members. Midweek grizzly fun for bears and their admirers at the super-cool Pulse club.

Cruise Control at Eagle London, 349 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5QY. 9pm-3am. Free for members, £3 guests. Cruise spaces to explore with darker, deeper beats to play to.

Work! at East Bloc, 217 City Road, Shoreditch, EC1V 1JN. 10.30pm-late. The midweek RnB night returns to the ‘Bloc for more urban anthems.

Foam Party at Sweatbox, 1-2 Ramilies Street, Soho, W1F 7LN. 24 hours. 24hr pass £17, 48hr pass £19. If you can’t make the weekend wet fun, why not head down tonight? Relieve the midweek stress! The foam flies at 7, 8 and 9pm.

Ku Klub at Ku Bar Lisle Street, 30 Lisle Street, WC2. 10pm-3am. FREE. The party continues ‘til late in the Ku basement.

LIPSYNC 1000 at The Glory, 281 Kingsland Road, E2 8AS. 5pm-2am. FREE. Jonny Woo invites you to revel in the chaos and charisma that is the return of Tranny Lip-Synching! A grand prize of £1,000 for the best of baddest show-stopping gob stoppers. To enter email: info@theGlory.co

Two Brewers at 114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ. FREE b4 10pm, £3 after. South London’s famous bar/club. TONIGHT: Cabaret from Crystal d’Canter and Miss Kelly Mild.

BoomBox at Kazbar at 50 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UL. 4pm-1am. FREE. DJ DBwoi playing your favourite R&B beats.

Central Station at 37 Wharfdale Road, Kings Cross, N1 9SD. Kings Cross cabaret, pub and club spot. TONIGHT: Salacious cabaret from Sandra.

Mary Mac’s Mastermind at West 5, Pope’s Lane, South Ealing, W5 4NB. Open from 8pm. FREE. Mary Mac presents her inimitable quiz.

The Old Ship at 17 Barnes Street, Limehouse, E14 7NW. Quiz from 9.30pm. Local gay bar in East London’s Limehouse.

Detained at Circa, 62 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 3JN. Open ‘til 1am. Circa goes all-out with the dance, pop and R’n’B remixes every Wednesday. DJs Attack Attack Attack, Kingsley, Munroe Bergdorf and Kris Di Angelis on rotation.

The Edge at 11 Soho Square, Soho, W1D 3QE. 4pm-late. Last entry 1am. Soho’s multi-floored gay wonder.

Whatever Wednesday at Halfway 2 Heaven, 7 Duncannon Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 4JF. From 9pm. Miss Penny hosts the midweek drag fun at the central London cabaret den. With DJ Dave Robson.

Comptons of Soho at 51-53 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 6HN. 12pm-11.30pm. Super social pub downstairs, chilled club lounge upstairs with guest pianist tinkling the ivories.

Your Dirty Diary – Wednesday 1st April

Foam Party at Sweatbox, 1-2 Ramilies Street, Soho, W1F 7LN. 24 hours. 24hr pass £17, 48hr pass £19. If you can’t make the weekend wet fun, why not head down tonight? Relieve the midweek stress! The foam flies at 7, 8 and 9pm.

The Underground Club at Central Station, 37 Wharfdale Road, Kings Cross, N1. SWEET WEDNESDAY (1-9pm) for trans girls and their admirers; HARD CRUZ (10pm-1am), hard cruising for hard men.

Pleasuredrome at Arch 124 Cornwall Road, Waterloo SE1 8XE. Open 24/7. £15, £12 under 25 with ID. FREE towel. Cruise day and night with plenty of rooms to play. Licensed bar. 

Vault: Cruise/Underwear at 139b-143 Whitfield Street, W1T 5EN. CRUISE (1-7pm. £7) Then UNDERWEAR (7pm-1am. £8) Free drink, cloakroom and re-entry. Get down to your underwear.

Buff at MA1 Backstreet, Wentworth Mews, Mile End, E3 4UA. 7pm-11pm. £8 members/£9 guests (free drink/coat check). Horny, naked cruise party. Heated outdoor ‘naked’ smokers terrace.

CIRCA

Circa is one of the trendiest venues in all of Soho, pulling in the hottest crowds and all the boys in the know. You can expect to find a diverse mix from club kids to creative dressers to drag queens and buff boys. Over the Easter weekend they’ll have their stellar roster of DJs Kris Di Angelis, Sam DMS, Munroe Bergdorf, Adam Turner, Attack Attack Attack and Jonathan Bestley.

62 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 3JN

MYKONOS COMES TO LONDON

Get ready for some pre-summer idyllic Greek gay gorgeousness in the middle of swirling London, when a taste of Mykonos hits one of the capital’s most elite party venues. On Friday 17th there’ll be a big pre-season party (£50) with all the dancers, DJs and performers from the Elysium Hotel coming to host the event, going on until 4am, with red carpets, canapés and champagne on arrival, and two drag shows of 45 mins each during the night. Saturday 18th is the same again and Sunday the 19th has a VIP package starting at 2pm and costing £150, with a boat trip down the Thames. For more info, visit: www.londonskybar.com/mykonos 

Altitude London, Millbank Tower, 30 Millbank, SW1P 4RS 

HIPPODROME

On Thursday 9th April there’s ‘Diva Night’ at the Hippodrome from 7.45pm presented by Famestage. Some of the UK’s most incredible female voices will be live with huge internet status from their appearance on BBC TV, featuring Liss Jones, Stephanie Webber and Hannah Symons. Plus a special performance by internationally acclaimed Jade Jaeger.

Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 7JH 

KU BAR

It’s a sinful Easter weekend at Ku Bar, an annual favourite at the much-loved gay venue just above Leicester Square. Those sexy bar staff will be transformed into Madonna’s own horny devils so that the Ku boys can show their naughty sides, plus there will be shot boys with free shots, hosts, Easter giveaways and VJs playing the latest music video. Neither will you want to miss super-hot guest DJ Chris Brogan taking over the decks on Saturday 4th April to set the Easter Celebrations on fire with the hottest tunes!

30 Lisle Street, Chinatown, WC2H 7BA 

THE EDGE

Who needs hot cross buns when The Edge gives you hot tight buns, very naughty rabbits and more Easter sparkle than you can shake an egg at, over the weekend of Thursday 3rd – Saturday 7th April! 4 days of fun and frolics is promised with DJs Keyth David, KirzZ, Aamyko and Rob:d and don’t forget on Bank Holiday Easter Sunday they’ll be open until 3am! Entry is free before 10.30pm with last entry at 1am.

11 Soho Square, W1D 3QE

THE QUEBEC 

The Quebec is one of the oldest and most-revered gay venues in all of London with a friendly, welcoming crowd, an atmosphere that has always made people enjoy themselves for many years and some perfect pop playing on their music systems. Plus, on the weekends they have some of the most premier quality cabaret stars from around the scene and this weekend is no exception with Lola Lasagne treading the boards on Sunday 5th April.

12 Old Quebec Street, W1H 7AF

THE YARD

So if you’re thinking of going to The Edge to finish off your Soho partying until the small hours then you’ll undoubdtedly want to kick off the night at sister venue The Yard where free entry and 2-4-1 wristbands can be obtained! Recently having survived a planning application to completely strip it of its character, The Yard thrives once more as one of Soho’s most beautiful and character-based gay venues with original heritage details, a trendy crowd and its beautiful open-top courtyard!

57 Rupert Street, Soho, W1D 7PL

THE ROEBUCK

The Roebuck has long been Oval’s ‘hidden gem’ – tucked away only 200 steps from the Oval Cricket Ground and newly refurbished it has a conservatory to capture the best of London’s sunshine and their main bar hosts a range of cask ales, premium lagers, fine wines and an array of top brand sprits. Plus, now that Spring is here and the blossom’s on the tree, why not try the secret garden, atmospherically lit, beautifully planted and the ideal place to escape the pressures of city living. Every Thursday from 8pm, join in the Pub Quiz with no restriction on team size and entry £1 per person.

84 Ashmole Street, Oval, SW8 1NE

02/04/15: G-A-Y Porn Idol with Courtney Act

Time to get out your neck, back, pussy/cock and crack for drag diva Courtney Act! The land down under’s finest female illusionist will be joining resident judges Mary Mac and Baga Chipz to take a peek at the peen. Think you can win and waltz off with £100? Text 07789 553 868 or email info@g-a-y.co.uk

Heaven, under the Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 6NG. 10.30pm-5am. Discount entry wristbands available from G-A-Y Bar. 

02/04/15: As One – WE Party Metropolis

Welcome to the Metropolis! A world where the fake seems real, where artificial intelligence dominates, as the futuristic robotic performers are joined by internationally renowned WE Party special guest resident DJ Aron. Superstar London residents Steve Pitron, GSP and Fat Tony form the complete main floor lineup. Dancefloor diva Rebeka Brown is back too, with a mammoth PA. Plus, East London party BANG! takes over Room 2 with the unique sounds of Borja Peña and Paul Heron!

Coronet Theatre, 28 New Kent Rd, SE1 6TJ, 11pm-7am. As One Festival tickets available from orangenation.co.uk/AsOne

03/04/15: As One – SexCircus vs Revolver present ‘Blackout’

London’s SexCircus and Berlin’s Revolver join forces to bring one of the hottest men-only parties this Easter to satisfy your manly desires. Underground venue Crucifix Lane plays host to a more intimate, sexier and dirtier party than ever before! Resident superstar performers Damien Crosse and Jonathan Agassi return alongside the hottest new additions around Allen King and Bruno Bernal, plus porn host Angel Cruz.

Crucifix Lane, 79 Crucifix Lane London SE1 3JW, 10pm–6am. As One Festival tickets available from orangenation.co.uk/AsOne

04/04/15: G-A-Y presents Luke Friend

X-Factor alum Luke Friend wants to tell you about the ‘Hole in My Heart’. Everyone’s favourite little reality TV indie boy will be debuting his single at G-A-Y as the club packs itself out across four rooms of pop and R&B sounds.

Heaven, under the Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 6NG. 10.30pm-5am. £4 entry wristbands available from G-A-Y Bar.

04/04/15:  XXL ‘Full Moon’ with guest DJs Moto Blanco

The wolves are out in full force for the Easter Saturday edition of XXL as the club that celebrates all things blokey and beary pays homage to a full moon… we know how randy some gays get when that big shiny thingy in the night sky bares all. Supplying the shimmer to your shimmy will be remix/production outfit Moto Blanco as your guest DJs. Imagine a club full of ‘em! Even fuller moons on show in the cruise room, too.

Pulse, No 1 Invicta Plaza, SE1 9UF, 10pm-7am. £15 guests, £8 members.

04/04/15: Songs of Praise

Join the Songs of Praise crew where resident pop heartthrobs The Sugalow Boys, David Oh and Neil Prince will be spinning their special blend of classic pop, cool new tunes, and the floor-fillers and chart-busters that will have you dancing ‘till you drop (slut drop that is!). Plus the infamous Elektra Complex will be joining them with a pop-up edition of Discosodoma.

East Bloc, 217 City Road, EC1V 1JN, 10:30pm-6am. £5 before midnight/£10 after

04/04/15: As One – Matinée Jungle

The iconic Ibiza brand takes over as the main Saturday night party during the As One Easter Weekend Festival! Expect Fire Club to be transformed into a tropical paradise! Providing the beats to this Amazonian celebration? The one and only Taito Tikaro. Matinee’s main resident for over 10 years, he finally makes his long-awaited return to London. Micky Friedmann also touches down in London exclusively for this event.

Fire, South Lambeth Road SW8 1RT, 11pm-7am. As One Festival tickets available from orangenation.co.uk/AsOne

05/04/15: Beyond vs Masterbeat – ‘Thunderdome’

Beyond meets Masterbeat in an out-and-out themed extravaganza! Masterbeat is the brand founded by Brett Henrichsen that’s taken over the US, with massive regular parties in New York, LA, Miami and many more. Based on the legendary post-apocalyptic Mad Max films, expect the Ministry of Sound to be turned into a land where nomads reign, with bespoke costumes, decor and a lineup to rival the biggest with Hifi Sean, Jamie Head and Maze & Masters playing deep, tech house and techno well into the afternoon.

Ministry of Sound, 103 Gaunt Street, SE1 6DP. 5:30am–super late. As One Festival tickets available from orangenation.co.uk/AsOne

05/04/15: Little Gay Brother

Little Gay Brother presents a very special Easter Sunday party with extra special guests Smokin’ Jo and one of the East End’s stellar, hot young DJ/producers, Attack Attack Attack. Plus there will be the usual gang of DJs and dancers including Fidel, Frank.co, Will Bond, Team Hug and James Phillips. Phew, wind up the weekend in style!

Dalston Superstore, 117 Kingsland Road, E8 2PB. 9pm-4am. Free before 10pm, £5 after. 

05/04/15: Fitladz vs Higher

Make it a sexy Sunday with London’s naughtiest ladz. Pull your socks up and sling on your sportswear before hitting the dancefloor to find yourself a pukka boy to pull. London’s sexy Friday night joins forces with London’s funky Saturday night party! DJs in the Fitladz room – Riano and PJay playing progressive/ tech house and for Higher Steven Artis and Alex Georgiou with disco house.

Barcode, Arch 69, Albert Embankment, SE1 7TP. 8pm-late.

05/04/15: As One – Papa Wild West

Papa is back in London and he’s ready to play! International scene star Isaac Escalante is headlining the main room alongside homegrown ‘PAPA’ talent Zach Burns and D’Johnny, plus the typical Papa tongue-in-cheek shows full of the sexy, the wonderful and a hint of burlesque. Finally, to make sure you have the ultimate clubbing experience, some of the city’s hottest hosts will be on hand: JJ Clark, Biagio Galotti, Johanna Londinium & La Pequena. Ay papi!

Terminus Place, SW1V 1JR. 6pm-2am. As One Festival tickets available from orangenation.co.uk/AsOne

05/04/15: Bender

Wanna party with a bunch of Benders? Well you better head to East Bloc this Bank Holiday Sunday, because it’s full of them! From Tasty Tim and Lady Lloyd in the main room with Jeffrey Hinton and Martyn Fitzgerald, to the R&She boys in the bar and, of course, Jacqui Potato and Jonbenet Blonde bashing our back doors in with pop delights.

East Bloc, 217 City Road, EC1V 1JN, 10.30pm-1.30am. £5

05/04/15: BRÜT

Bears, blokes, cubs and hunks! The BRUT crew is back for an Easter Sunday special! Delivering the punchy house sounds with a beefy beat in the main room, and poppier sounds in room 2. All in an awesome new venue spread over three lofty arches in the heart of the city. Bring photo ID to make sure you get in, as you won’t want to miss this.

The Steel Yard, 13-16 Allhallows Lane, EC4R 3UL. 10pm-6am. £10 advance tickets/MOTD.

05/04/15: Chapter 10 Easter Rave

Save some energy kids, you’ll be pulling an all-nighter at the Chapter 10 Easter Rave. They’ve bagged the revered Berghain resident Steffi and techno hero Pariah for your aural pleasure, alongside residents Dan Beaumont and Charlie Porter. Brace yourselves for a night of uncompromising electronic music and a truly welcoming atmosphere. Oh, and maybe pop a pair of shades in your pocket for when you emerge at 6am.

Bloc, 39 Autumn St, E2 2TT. 11pm-6am. Advance tickets www.chapter-ten.com.

05/04/15: Sunday Social Easter Eggstravaganza

Get ready for a marathon 13-hour party session featuring top cabaret and world-class DJs, as the ‘Tavern launches a new Sunday Social event with an ‘eggstravaganza’ of epic proportions. Kicking off with Simon Le Vans, followed by cabaret from the brilliant Charlie Hides TV and then 9 hours of euphoric dance anthems and commercial house from Andy Almighty, Sean Sirrs and special guest international DJ star Moto Blanco!

Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY. 2pm–3am. £6.

06/04/15: Anthem – Old Skool Reunion

Back to the old skool! Retro dance party Anthem is back for a special Bank Holiday Monday blowout! DJs Simon Le Vans, Andy Almighty and Sean Sirrs play back-to-back dance classics. Plus there’s a special show from award-winning cabaret star and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ finalist La Voix!

Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY. 2pm–midnight. £6.

06/04/15: Popcorn – Spring Break Beach BBQ

Who wants Jell-O shots? Bust out a day-glo bikini and pull on your unicorn balaclava, as Popcorn is going all Spring Breakers on us! With an explosive Easter Monday line-up including Adam Turner, Jonathan Bestley and Zach Burns, it’ll feel like Daytona Beach blowout! Spring break forever, bitches at this swansong for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Heaven, Villiers Street, WC2N 6NG. 11pm-5.30am. £4 b4 1am, £5 after, £8 after 2am.

28/03/2015: The Tik Tok totty was out in force at Barcode, as Vauxhall’s fave full-throttle industrial-kool nite klub stepped on the gas for another pumpin’ party last weekend.

Taking in two rampant floors of Spanish-tinged antics, the all-night fracas saw a wayward crowd of dance luvvers flocking to the Albert Embankment hotspot for non-stop deep house, elektro and nu disco anthems. Highlights included the likes of Chris Barker and Kurt Potter cranking up the beats in the front bar, for underground grooves galore that had the thrilled throng erupting with excitement. Meanwhile, a mere limp-wristed mince up the back passage found us spinning giddily on the main floor for an earth-shattering shakedown, with formidable DJ force, Alex Georgiou, unleashing some of the hottest licks in town.  Elsewhere, all eyes were on dazzling hostesses Deborah Ombres and a kimono-clad La Pequeña, channelling 80s Almodovar for a Women on the Verge of a Dancefloor Breakdown spectacular amidst the mirror balls. Upstairs, an array of eminently shaggable boys basked in a panoramic view of the action below as QX settled in for a long night at one of the craaaziest monthly blowouts on the scene.

Don’t miss Tik Tok at Barcode next time!

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Barcode, Arch 69, Albert Embankment, SE1 7TP
Words by Chris John
Photos by Mark Storey

28/03/2015: A:M was rammed to the rafters with hunks of all tribes, brought together at the Saturday morning after-hours that matters.

The House room was controlled by Harry Wright on warm-up duties, who got the dance floor hot in no time, followed by A:M veterans Miswhite and Terry Bryan, who kept everyone dancing right through morning. The Turbocharged room was a techno den that reminded us of old school raves; smoky and sweaty with a banging sound system. Jamie Head and D’Johnny kept the room bouncing up and down before A:M’s first lady Yvette Lindquist took the night home, finishing well past the usual set closing time at midday!

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Fire, 6a South Lambeth Road, SW8 1SP
Words by Jackie “She’s Back” Jockstrap
Photos by nicophoto.co.uk

28/03/2015: XXL consistently commands a crowd; the cavernous, epic venue can most certainly accommodate one – the atmospherically lit, high, stone-ceilinged network of spaces seeming more like arenas than mere rooms.

So that was to be expected last Saturday night, and as per – the club was positively thrumming with people. DJ Cahill on the other hand is the kind of scene name that increases footfall – and so last Saturday ensured men were chest-to-chest, toe-to-toe and mouth-to-mouth all night. Not that anyone complained, with house basslines being meticulously dropped  on the main floor – and a mix of the latest and most legendary R’n’B, pop and mainstream numbers in Room 2, everybody was catered to. Some perhaps with a little more TLC – of a kind – than others, the club’s red-lit darkroom sating any carnal effects that Cahill’s pounding, throbbing, pyrotechnic-exploding set fired up on the floor. From 11 to 7, this southeast corner of London feels collectively like the gay clubber’s most thrilling, thriving vice.

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Pulse, 1 Invicta Plaza, Southwark, SE1 9UF
Words by Yaf Brown
Photos by Chris Jepson