The fabulous 'Priscilla' will be returning to the area next year. If you didn't catch the show the last time it was in Devon or you did and would like to go again, then please let us know. It will be at The Plymouth Theatre Royal from Monday 7th to Saturday 12th April 2014. It may be possible for us to organise a 'bus' to pick up and drop off on the night. If you are interested, or want more details, get in touch and I will pass your details on to the wonderful Ian W to organise.
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Another successful outing, this one to see the Matthew Bourne company's update of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet of the human need to be loved. The work has been variously described as overly-ambitious, presumptuous, a parody, unbearable and outstandingly beautiful. Judging by the packed theatre and the roars and cheers of delight, the Plymouth audience thought it a triumph. I certainly did! Ian Wren - a dance aficionado and friend of the Theatre Royal who got our group excellent tickets - felt that the show "was as fresh and exciting as ever and well deserved the standing ovation it received. It is difficult to believe that it is now in its eighteenth year since the premiere performance." The story is told through the anguished relationship of the Prince and the Swan. The flock of male swans with naked torsos has often led to it being described as gay and homoerotic, which it is, if you are a gay male! However, it is now widely accepted and enjoyed by theatre goers of all sexual persuasions as a brilliant work of art. It is, in fact, the longest-running ballet on London’s West End. All in all, it was a great night out – the only pity being we didn’t have time to talk about it afterwards! And the shingles? Well it’s an irony that our beloved Paul D, who helped organise the event, was laid low and couldn’t join us on the night. We hope you get your wings back soon! Jon Stein A big thank you to all the guys that came along to this months meeting. A great turn out and so wonderful to see everyone getting on so well. It was nice to have Tony P join us today. Tony was on holiday in Totnes from Malaysia and he shared with some of us the fact that it wouldn't be possible for a group of gay/bi guys to meet so openly where he is from - which made us really appreciate how lucky we are. Keep your eyes on the What's On page, for event's coming up in the area soon.
Totnes Pride 2013 - We were there! Sat 14th Sept marked Totnes’ first ever day of LGBT Pride. The successful event, at the town’s Civic Hall was staged under the banner of the Proud2Be organisation, run by TQ members Mat and Jon Price. During the day more than 500 people came to enjoy the stalls, workshop, talks and general festivity. The TQ’s were well represented and had a place on the Community Stall. Next to our publicity material, there was information from the Edward Carpenter Community, as well as an article celebrating 10 years of bi and gay men’s groups in South Devon. Peter Tatchell, who launched the event, was happy to pose with some of us for a photo! Later in the day, Jon Stein participated in a community forum which considered the needs of LGBT people in rural areas. The mayor, Pru Boswell, as well as several local councillors, was on hand to listen to our ideas. In addition to helping set up an LGBT library in the ‘Rainbow Café’, Trevor ran a workshop on ‘Being Human’. "It was a real privilege to be part of Totnes’ first Pride," he says, "There was so much buzz and energy flowing it was incredible!" Other TQ volunteers took turns manning the stall and generally assisting with the smooth running of the day. Thank you to all of them! For Rhys Ridgwell, it was an emotional day – a time to reflect on "the many trials and tribulations and battles fought with my inner demons to reach a place within myself, where I could stand up straight, affirmed in my own consciousness as a gay man." He will never forget finding himself "encompassed in a rainbow of warm and loving faces." Some of those faces could be seen celebrating in the evening at the ‘After Party’ which featured a variety of acts including live music and a DJ. If you weren’t able to come and celebrate Pride this year, look out for next year’s event which is likely to be even bigger and bolder! Massive thanks to the guys that came along to todays meeting and helped to make it such an enjoyable get together. The group is growing from strength to strength and it is lovely to see the fabulous support it gets from everyone. A welcome to Jon, Andrew and Alan, who came along today for the first time :) It is so lovely to see how well everyone gets on and how welcome everyone is made to feel.
After the group meeting a few of us then went on to have lunch - which was fun and a great opportunity to carry on chatting. Another great meeting for the TQs and so good to see everyone turn up on such a warm sunny day. A big thank you to the new venue that we tried out this month - which was very accommodating and made us feel so welcome.
Talking of which...welcome to Phillip - who joined us for the first time. We hope you enjoyed yourself and we look forward to seeing you at future meetings. After the meeting, a few of the group went off for more chat over a drink and lunch. As the summer months arrive, we are thinking of ways to make the Sunday meetings a little more special than they already are. We are thinking walks, picnics and other fab stuff - so watch this space!! :) A huge thank you to everyone that turned up today to join us for May's meeting. The temporary change of venue this month didn't stop people supporting this growing group and it was so nice to see more new faces (a huge welcome to Trevor and Dave - we hope you enjoyed yourself). It was also lovely to see Jon back with us after his adventures in Spain! There was so much chat and catching up going on, as well as news and information to share. It was wonderful to see so many guys getting together and taking the time to be with friends and begin making new ones. Looking forward to June's meeting x
‘That’s just what this country needs: a cock in a frock on a rock!’ Was there ever a better one-liner for an Australian drag queen? And was there ever a better first outing for the TQ’s? On Weds 1st May, (which just happened to be Steven’s birthday) five of us went to see Jason Donovan in ‘Priscilla’ at the Princess Theatre, Torquay. The songs were wonderful, the dancing was great, and the costumes were… simply fab! I would have liked to see a bit more dressing up amongst members of the audience, but there was plenty of clapping and singing along. There were also some tender moments – especially around the theme of a gay Dad on a journey to reunite with his child. Thanks for Ian for getting the tickets, Paul for publicising the event, and Stephen and Neil for driving. Why not join us on the next trip? Let us know what you’d like to see or do! Jon A big thank you to everyone that came along to this months TQ Social Group meeting. It was great to see you all, and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying eachothers company. What a lovely, warm, relaxed environment it felt. A big welcome to Paul - who joined us for his first visit. We look forward to seeing you all in May :)
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AuthorThe TQ Social Group. Archives
July 2018
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