bitful

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David Hoyle's 'Magazine'

Last night we went to see David Hoyle's 'Magazine' at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. I'd declined an invite the previous week, and I had to see why so many people are raving about the artist formerly known as the Divine David.

Well yes, he's smart. And very eloquent, which for once is a very welcome change from tired old queer routines with the same few innuendos.

Part one was very good. Stand-up stuff on immigration (last night's theme), probably mostly unscripted, great humour, and a fantastic command of the audience.

Then in part two he interviewed a man from Uganda who was imprisoned in his own country on grounds of being gay, then came to the UK, claimed asylum and was imprisoned again while waiting for a decision from the Home Office. If this sounds very vague to you, do not be surprised. I would know more about what happened to this man if David Hoyle had let him finish a single sentence while interviewing him. Also, you had the very distinct feeling that he did not know where he was going with this.

I found this very annoying and some of the stuff that was said made me feel uncomfortable. But I guess if that's precisely what was to be achieved?

I did not stay for part three though. I must ask Dr B. what I missed, but judging from a friend's description from the previous week ('there's some very loud music, and David Hoyle paints a picture), maybe not much.

I will definitely be going back though, perhaps next week.

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