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Book Review: The Housekeeper by Rose Tremain
'Daphne du Maurier stole my life' proclaims the central character of Rose Tremain’s latest novel, The Housekeeper. Mrs Danowski, known affectionately as Danni, is the housekeeper of Manderville Hall on the coast of Cornwall. When Daphne du Maurier visits in search of inspiration for her latest novel – which fans of the novelist will know to be the bestseller, Rebecca – she draws Danni into a secret and intense affair.
4 hours ago2 min read


Birmingham Museums acquires Joe Lycett costumes for city’s permanent collection
Birmingham Museums has acquired several pieces of costuming from Brummie comedian Joe Lycett for the city’s permanent collection. The donations include costumes worn by Lycett for award show red carpets, and in conjunction with his Late Night Lycett which was filmed in his home city and showed on Channel 4.
2 days ago1 min read


Review: Driftwood at The Other Place, RSC
Playing at the RSC’s The Other Place Driftwood is a vibrant work set in 1950s Caribbean. The first play from Martina Laird, the production is directed by Chichester Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Justin Audibert, presenting a tale of family, belonging, and identity.
3 days ago2 min read


Review: Single White Female at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
A play based on the 90s psychological thriller of the same name, Single White Female is a world premiere stage production offering a modern take on the bestselling book (SWF Seeks Same by John Lutz) and hit movie.
5 days ago2 min read


Trans activist and speaker to stand for Green Party in local elections
Eva Echo, a trans activist and changemaker known for her work with Birmingham Pride, Trans in the City and the Crown Prosecution service among many others, has announced that she will be standing in the upcoming local elections. Eva has joined the Green Party, led by Zack Polanksi and will standing in the local elections as one of the Green Party candidates for the Rowley ward, in Sandwell.
5 days ago3 min read


LGBTQ+ Walsall bar’s history inspires Birmingham Opera
The Fountain Inn pub, also known as “Aunty’s bar”, was a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ people in Walsall, and those travelling in from the wider West Midlands region, during a time when homosexuality was still illegal. It closed its doors following Alice Cronin’s (the much-loved Aunty that gave the venue its name) retirement. Now almost sixty years later, the bar has inspired Birmingham Opera’s upcoming mini opera.
5 days ago2 min read


LGBTQ+ Midlanders, Joe Lycett & Bella Ramsey, announced in Celebrity Traitors casting
Following the great success of its first series, Celebrity Traitors is returning for a second series with a star-studded line-up. The line-up includes Brummie comedian, artist, and activist, Joe Lycett, and Nottingham-born non-binary actor Bella Rasmey best known for their roles in Game of Thrones as Lyanna Mormont, and The Last of Us as Ellie.
7 days ago1 min read


Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Rep Theatre, Birmingham
Birmingham Rep’s new production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream breathes contemporary Brummie life into the mystical play of trickster fairies and humorous misdirection.
Apr 303 min read
![[Left: Lesley received her WRAC Association presentation in 2024 in Guildford.] [Right: Lesley and wife Jackie after the Great Bristol Run 2024]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/720f71_3ecda823a6f948e58cc32867e6ead7db~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/720f71_3ecda823a6f948e58cc32867e6ead7db~mv2.webp)
![[Left: Lesley received her WRAC Association presentation in 2024 in Guildford.] [Right: Lesley and wife Jackie after the Great Bristol Run 2024]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/720f71_3ecda823a6f948e58cc32867e6ead7db~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_434,h_326,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/720f71_3ecda823a6f948e58cc32867e6ead7db~mv2.webp)
LGBTQ+ former service personnel join WRAC in Great Brum Run fundraising
Members of the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) Association will be joining the Great Birmingham Run this weekend, and among them will be several LGBTQ+ ex-personnel.
Apr 294 min read


Book Review: The Castle of Stories by Matt Cain
The Castle of Stories makes for a great queer summer read. Sunsets and olive groves underpin a sweet tale of queer love, pride, healing and connection.
Apr 282 min read


Date revealed for Nottingham’s Rainbow Quarter official launch
Last year, plans were announced to transform the streets surrounding Hockley – an area already tied to the local LGBTQ+ community and its history – into an official LGBTQ+ district. Following in the footsteps of other cities including Manchester and Birmingham, which have officially recognised Gay Villages, Hockley is set to become Nottingham’s Rainbow Quarter. The charity behind the project have now revealed details and dates for the unveiling.
Apr 232 min read


First major solo exhibition of paintings by Joe Lycett to open at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Brummie comedian and TV host, Joe Lycett, has also, more recently, become known for his artworks. Pieces created by Lycett are set to go on display this summer at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in his first major solo exhibition.
Apr 212 min read


Review: The Talented Mr. Ripley at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Based on Patricia Highsmith's iconic psychological thriller novel, which also inspired the acclaimed film and Netflix series of the same name, The Talented Mr. Ripley is a new stage adaptation that draws audiences into a world of deadly deceptions and desires.
Apr 212 min read


Calls for trans clinic in Birmingham to improve access to healthcare
Labour councillor, David Barker, has called for a transgender clinic in Birmingham to improve access to healthcare and support, and to bring down waiting lists.
Apr 192 min read


LGBTQ+ refugee non-profit responds to claims of migrants ‘posing as gay’ to seek asylum
An undercover BBC investigation claims that legal advisors have been helping migrants ‘pose as gay’ to gain asylum in the UK. Micro Rainbow, the leading UK non-profit providing safe housing, integration and social inclusion support for LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers, with housing in London, the North West and the West Midlands, has issued a statement responding to the BBC article which they say is “deeply misleading and risks harming those genuinely fleeing persecution.”
Apr 163 min read


Book Review: We Could Be Heroes by PJ Ellis
“Real love is nothing like the movies’ in PJ Ellis’ split-timeline romantic comedy, We Could Be Heroes.
Apr 153 min read


Staffordshire Police apologise for past homophobic persecution
Staffordshire Police have become the 22nd police force in the UK to apologise for their history of persecuting LGBTQ+ people.
Apr 143 min read


New exhibition in Coventry captures “collapse of gender binaries"
A new exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry depicts youth culture, capturing the “collapse of gender binaries" says photographer, Casey Orr
Apr 131 min read


Dear Section 28 letters highlight decades-long impact
Content Warning: This article contains sensitive topics related to the impact of Section 28.
The Section 28 Justice Coalition launched this month as a campaign group calling for a public inquiry into the impact of Section 28 on LGBTQ+ people. As part of their campaign, they have launched a petition calling for the public inquiry, as well as opening a letter writing campaign
Apr 114 min read


Interview: Drag Race UK season tours return with host Divina De Campo
A drag race UK tour, starring the cast of series seven is set to play in venues across the country, beginning April, with series one star, Divina De Campo as host.
Apr 103 min read
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