Diary of an It Boy
Emmanuel Ray from London
As Samar tossed back her silky black hair and refreshed her lipstick, I sipped my margarita and gave her honest answers to her complicated questions. Samar Sadullah is one of the most talented journalists I have met in London and this was her third feature on me, so I consider myself lucky. (Left: Emmanuel at Ukai Soho, photo by Anthony BM Rock)
We were at the stylish Kinbaku Lounge & Bar at Ukai, Soho, one of my favourite hang outs in London. Inspired by the Japanese art of bondage, the venue was sleek, sexy and right up my street. Samar sipped her Sake while Inge, our beautiful Lithuanian waitress served us food - glorious food! Oysters tempura, chicken with chilli sauce and garlic, softshell crab, prawns tempura and chicken gayoza complimented by Ukai’s delicious cocktails Plum Mojito and Ginger Sling. While continuing the interview for Asian Fashion Online mag’, we enjoyed the exquisite food and dessert with compliments from the management. Green Tea and Vanilla Pannacotta with chocolate sauce was the perfect ending to a pleasant evening at Ukai.
The VIP night and Gala Reception of A Woman Alone, the one woman play, a black comedy starring talented young Brazilian actress Daniela Lavender, took place at the Tabard Theatre in West London. Having shouted at a rude and pushy TV agent who was angry at his clients’ names being on the guest list publicised in entertainment bulletins, I encountered Thomas, another agent who thought being bitchy and bossy was the way forward in a crisis situation. He was rude, boasted about having a Rolls Royce when asked if there was a car available, then denied our photographer Karyn Louise a lift to the after party. Thankfully, he was fat, wore way too much gel in his hair and was stupid enough to behave in this manner in full view of the press in attendance. I wondered why any celebrity in their right mind would hire someone this surly and brainless to represent them.
Written by acclaimed playwrights Dario Fo and Franca Rame, two of Italy's best-known performers and political activists, A Woman Alone is a day in the life of Maria (played by Daniela Lavender) a housewife driven to extreme measures by an abusive husband, a younger lover, a perverted brother-in-law, a peeping tom AND a crying baby(!). I enjoyed Daniela’s performance but two theatre veterans called it below average and gimmicky. One of them walked out just 5 minutes into the play, I guess one cannot please everyone!
Guests included TV Presenter Carol Vorderman, actors Rupert Friend, Joanne Froggatt and Aruna Shields. Having chatted with the sexy Rammah Sharma from The Style Column, Dr Bernhard Schroder my dentist and fellow theatre-lover, representatives from Unseen TV and London Family TV, I made my way to the drinks reception at Blakes Hotel, Kensington. Karyn was already there and we met Daniela Lavender and her husband Sir Ben Kingsley who were both very welcoming and friendly. We cocktailed and canapéd, then met the play’s producer Jason Greer who, despite all the last minute hassle and daily performances, looked calm and serene. Karyn and I called it a night and left early, accompanied by film animator and photographer Anthony BM Rock.
(Top left: Tom McGregor Editor I Am Soho mag, Sidney Enzo Brooks from Yelp.com, model Sharlotte Ritchie and film director Nirpal Bhogal, photo by Karyn Louise. Below, Sir Ben Kingsley wioth Daniela Lavender, photo by Anthony BM Rock. Greer interview for LFTV, photo by Anthony BM Rock. Top right: Emmanuel, Samar Sadullah and Ricki Naqvi, photo by Karyn Louise).
Loud banging awoke me the next morning. Angry that anyone would knock this hard, I decided to open the door naked, morning glory in hand. The looks on the postman’s face was priceless! He quickly placed the box at the door, handed me a slip to sign and turned his face away. While he hurried out into the street, I caught him catching a look at me from the corner of his eye. Well, he was only human! The box in question was from Mai Sasahara, marketing manager at RMK Cosmetics. Make up and skincare in sleek packaging were neatly stacked inside, with tools, brochures and generous extras. Their make up was natural and light enough for men to wear and their skincare was luxurious and of good quality. Head over to the RMK counter at Selfridges London and try them out for yourself. Mention me and get special treatment!
The Odeon cinema in London’s Covent Garden was fully packed for the premier of Season of Mists, the first Anglo-Russian co production in 10 years. I met Aruna Shields once again, with Karyn Louise, Samar Sadullah and the handsome young British-Asian actor Ricki Naqvi, with whom I spent most of my evening. He found my lifestyle intriguing and listened intently to my advice, hints and tips on how to juggle several lovers at the same time. Starring Marina Blake in the lead, the cast of Season of Mists also included Sergei Chonishvili, Ifan Huw Dafydd, Dudley Sutton and Heather Chasen.
Produced by Evgenia Tirdatova and Neil McCartney, Chairman Independent Film Trust, this simple film tells the story of a woman who feels unfulfilled in her marriage and lusts after another man.
The Odeon cinema in London’s Covent Garden was fully packed for the premier of Season of Mists, the first Anglo-Russian co production in 10 years. I met Aruna Shields once again, with Karyn Louise, Samar Sadullah and the handsome young British-Asian actor Ricki Naqvi, with whom I spent most of my evening. He found my lifestyle intriguing and listened intently to my advice, hints and tips on how to juggle several lovers at the same time. Starring Marina Blake in the lead, the cast of Season of Mists also included Sergei Chonishvili, Ifan Huw Dafydd, Dudley Sutton and Heather Chasen.
Produced by Evgenia Tirdatova and Neil McCartney, Chairman Independent Film Trust, this simple film tells the story of a woman who feels unfulfilled in her marriage and lusts after another man.