Queer Contact Festival 2016 by Contact

Celebrating LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester.

Thursday 4 to Sunday 14 February 2016

Contact, Oxford Road / various venues / Manchester Festival Box Office: contactmcr.com/queercontact I #queercontact I 0161 274 0600

WELCOME to Queer Contact Festival 2016 THE EIGHTH ANNUAL QUEER CONTACT FESTIVAL is bigger than ever, celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender arts and culture in Greater Manchester, as part of LGBT History Month. Expect theatre, music, dance, cabaret, comedy, spoken word, and visual art at Contact and beyond, including new collaborations with HOME, the Royal Exchange Theatre, Band on the Wall and RNCM. This year’s festival explores sexuality, gender, religion and belief, as we welcome local, national and international artists including Erasure’s Andy Bell, US transgender performers and activists Kate Bornstein and Our Lady J, award-winning poet Jackie Kay, AL and AL, Jo Clifford, Eilidh MacAskill, Mother’s Ruin and more; plus new commissions from Debs Gatenby, Laurie Brown and Jamie Fletcher and Company, across eleven packed days of events. We do hope you can join us. BARRY PRIEST, Festival Producer, Queer Contact

Book more, pay less*

Book more than one show in a single transaction and save some cash! • Book 2 shows, get 10% off your tickets. • Book 3 shows, get 15% off your tickets.

Groups*

Buy 10 tickets and get your 11th ticket free!

Mates Rates*

Book 6 tickets for a show in a single transaction and get £1 off each ticket.

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*T&Cs:

Tickets must be booked in a single transaction, offer cannot be applied retrospectively. Exclusions apply, visit contactmcr.com/ticketoffers for details.

THANK YOU

Thanks to our Funders, Sponsors, and Supporters, and all who have made donations online or in person. CONTACT FUNDERS

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

LAUNCH EVENT PARTNER

Contact is a registered charity, 501953. To find out more about how you can support our work, please contact: emmawigley@contactmcr.com I 0161 274 0657.

FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE contactmcr.com/queercontact • 0161 274 0600 Image © Lee Baxter

Thu 4 to Sat 6 Feb, 7pm. £11 / £6 conc. Over 14s.

Jez Dolan: Life’s A Drag

From the team who brought you Polari Mission Live!, artist Jez Dolan with writer Chris Hoyle present a new theatre piece, loaded with sequins, feathers, lipstick and lights. Life’s a Drag is part of a year-long project exploring the history of drag in Manchester through performance, exhibition, oral history and getting your drag on. Made possible by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Image © Julia Bauer

lifesadragmcr.co.uk

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Thu 4 to Sat 6 Feb, 9:30pm. £13 / £7 conc. Over 16s (contains nudity). Contact and Word of Warning present

Eilidh MacAskill: STUD

An energetic and hilarious solo show in which Eilidh MacAskill works through her penis envy by taking on a range of manly stereotypes while displaying her undeniable womanhood. STUD is an entertaining yet complex attack on gender binaries and masculinity from the point of view of a queer female. ‘A fully-frontal assault…hilarious and whimsical…cogent and provocative’ HHHH The Herald eilidhmacaskill.com

Images © Barney Ashton

QUEER CONTACT FESTIVAL 2016

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Thu 4 Feb, 8pm. £25 / £20 conc. Over 14s.

Andy Bell is Saint Torsten Andy Bell, from pop legends Erasure, takes on the most challenging role of his career as age defying, polysexual Torsten, cursed to love many and get close to no-one. In this bawdy theatrical song-cycle, he delivers musical missives illuminating the extraordinarily mysterious life of a man disconcerted by his own bizarre experience of the nature of passing years. HHHHH Scotsgay HHHHH Edinburgh Reporter HHHHH The List HHHH Edinburgh Evening News

Supported by Superbia and Poptastic. saint-torsten.com 04

HHHH Broadway Baby

Image © Santiago Felipe

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Fri 5 Feb, 8pm. £15 / £10 conc. Over 12s. Plus post-show talk.

Kate Bornstein: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us American author, playwright, performer and gender theorist Kate Bornstein explores the notion of a not-man, not-woman identity in a world that demands we be one or the other. Kate conveys the experience of her rich transgender life with wit and tenderness, delivering her favorite spoken word pieces from more than a quarter century. Deeply personal and universally accessible, On Men, Women and The Rest of Us will make you laugh, cry, and gasp out loud. Supported by Superbia, The Sexuality Summer School, University of Manchester, and Humanities in Public, Manchester Metropolitan University.

Image © Santiago Felipe

queerhearted.com/kate-bornstein.html

WORKSHOP Sat 6 Feb, 10am to 5pm. £90 / £50 conc. Over 16s.

My Gender

World peace through gender anarchy and sex positivity with Kate Bornstein.

Join author, performer, and gender revolutionary Kate Bornstein for an intimate day-long gender odyssey. This workshop will allow you to explore ways to effectively express your own fabulous gender identity with integrity and sass, and help others to do the same. Supported by LGBT Foundation. This workshop takes place at LGBT Foundation.

Image © Lee Baxter

QUEER CONTACT FESTIVAL 2016 Fri 5 Feb, 11pm to 3am. £6. Over 18s. Band on the Wall and Contact present

A Queer Revue!

A Queer Revue! brings spectacular late night performance and partying to the Northern Quarter. Hosted by trans performance artiste, Grace Oni Smith, with Dublin’s radical faerie Stefan Fae, contemporary dance from Joshua Hubbard, ‘Dragapella!’, the drag queen singing contest for queens with a real voice, and more!

Image © AL and AL

This event takes place at Band on the Wall.

Sat 6 Feb, 8pm. £15 / £12 conc. Over 12s. HOME and Contact present

AL and AL: Icarus at the Edge of Time

A futuristic reimagining of the classic Greek myth set in outer space, based on the stunning book by the world-renowned physicist Brian Greene. Featuring a brand new score by Philip Glass, this North West premiere is performed live by the BBC Philharmonic and conducted by Duncan Ward, alongside a spectacular science fiction film created and directed by AL and AL. Narrated by Brian Greene. Commissioned and produced by World Science Festival (New York) and HOME, Manchester. Curated by Bren O’Callaghan and Sarah Perks. This event takes place at RNCM Concert Hall.

Image © Manchester City Council

homemcr.org

Sun 7 Feb, 12pm to 2pm. Free. All ages. Manchester City Council presents

LGBT Question Time Manchester City Council and its partners invite Manchester’s LGBT communities to put their questions to a panel of experts. This is a great opportunity for you to raise the pressing issues facing you today. This event takes place at the Banqueting Room in Manchester Town Hall.

FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE contactmcr.com/queercontact • 0161 274 0600 Mon 8 Feb, 7:30pm. £13 / £7 conc. Over 16s.

Comedy Playground Grab a seat for two hours of laughter from some of the UK’s top comics. MC Jonathan Mayor is joined by Suzi Ruffell (8 Out of 10 Cats), David Morgan (I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Now!), Bethany Black (Cucumber/Banana), Tom Allen (8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown), Rosie Wilby (Loose Ends), and local rising star Ruth E Cockburn, for a special festival edition of Contact’s comedy lab. Supported by Bar Pop. MATES

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Originally created and produced for Contact by Oliver Sykes.

Tue 9 Feb, 8pm. £9 / £6 conc. Over 14s. Contact and Apples and Snakes present

Outspoken

A very special showcase of queer spoken word and literature with award-winning writers and poets Jackie Kay, Keith Jarrett, Paula Varjack and AJ McKenna. Hosted by Adam Lowe (Young Enigma). Supported by The Manchester Writing School at MMU.

WORKSHOP Tue 9 Feb, 4pm to 6pm. Free with an Outspoken ticket.

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Poetry and Performance Led by Jackie Kay.

Image © Alexander Kelly

QUEER CONTACT FESTIVAL 2016

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Tue 9 Feb to Thu 11 Feb, 7pm. £11/£6 conc. Over 16s (contains nudity).

Jamal Gerald: FADoubleGOT

Inspired by Black LGBT experiences, this autobiographical piece focuses on the ups and downs of pride and self-loathing, and finding a place where you shouldn’t be afraid to celebrate your individuality. Jamal Gerald develops the courage to tell his story of how he learned to embrace everything thrown his way, and how to wear labels without shame.

Image © Julia Bauer

Supported by Contact and The Writing Squad.

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Tue 9 to Thu 11 Feb, 9:30pm. £11 / £6 conc. Over 16s (contains nudity).

Laurie Brown: The Daily Grind Commissioned by Contact

Hi…How are you? …Looking for? A solo show aiming to cruise, confide and query the complexities of love, sex and the internet age, The Daily Grind explores technology, now prevalent every day in our lives through mobile phones. A dark and comic look at the consequences and impact on health and wellbeing that the deluge of dating apps, image sharing and instant communication now an accepted and expected part of how we connect with others – has on our lives. ‘Sorching solo about gay sex in the internet age’ The Scotsman 08

Image © Lee Baxter

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Wed 10 Feb, 8pm. £13 / £7 conc. Over 14s. Plus post-show talk.

Debs Gatenby: A Place Called Happiness Commissioned by Contact

Lost, Happiness. Can you help? Debs spent a year thinking about happiness. It brought her down. Travelling out into the world, she documented her experiences, and tells us what she found in this comedic and uplifting new solo show from the creator of Hi, Anxiety. ‘Reduces you to tears of hilarity and sadness’ Time Out Supported by the Albany and Slung Low. Produced by switchflicker.

Image © Dave Robbins AKA 13

debsgatenby.com

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Thu 11 Feb, 8pm. £13 / £7 conc. Over 14s. Plus post-show talk.

Jamie Fletcher and Company: Dancing Bear Commissioned by Contact

Conceived by director/musician Jamie Fletcher and writer/musician Beccy Owen, Dancing Bear features a multi-talented cast, exploring personal stories of faith and sexuality, through live music, movement, drag and text. Part-theatre, part-gig, with a heart full of furious compassion, candour and humour, Dancing Bear offers an unflinching look at the often desperate balancing act between personal integrity, social & cultural acceptance, and spiritual peace. Supported by West Yorkshire Playhouse, Theatre in the Mill, Yorkshire Dance, Live Art Bistro, LCI (Leeds Church Institute), Christian SeedBed Trust, Chapel FM & Arts Council England. dancingbeartrilogy.com.com 09

Fri 12 Feb, 8:30pm (8:00pm doors). £12 / £8 conc. Over 18s.

Mother’s Ruin: Loved Up!

Come get salaciously satisfied! Mother’s raucous altqueer cabaret is back with a special festival edition. Hosted by Mrs JonJo and featuring Mzz Kimberley, Anna Phylactic and some very special guests.

‘Shambolic, insane…stylish and great fun.’ HHHH Reviews Hub mothersruin.co.uk

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Sat 13 Feb, 4pm to 6pm. £6 / £3 conc. Over 12s.

Queer Youth Debate Young people from Albert Kennedy Trust, The Proud Trust, Rainbow Noir, LGBT Foundation, George House Trust and more come together with local councilors and academics to discuss the issues affecting them. Hosted by Sarah Emmott (Secret Diaries).

Supported by The Sexuality Summer School, University of Manchester.

Sun 14 Feb, 8pm to 1am. £30 [meet and greet] / £20 [standard]. Over 18s.

The Library: For The Love of Drag

A celebration of traditional and alternative drag styles. Some of the UK’s best drag artists will be hosting a drag spectacular, on the day that Cupid’s arrow may strike. This event will take place at Taurus, Canal Street, Manchester. 10

FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE contactmcr.com/queercontact • 0161 274 0600

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Sat 13 Feb, 8pm. £15 / £10 conc. Over 12s.

Our Lady J: For The Love Of Gospel US singer-songwriter Our Lady J (Transparent) paints the church pink for Valentine’s weekend with an exhilarating musical celebration of original songs penned by the Lady herself and accompanied by the Train-to-Kill Gospel Choir. Inspired by conventional Gospel music, this show is anything BUT traditional, promising to deliver you from your woes, sans the usual dogmatic baggage. ‘I just LOVE listening to Our Lady J sing!’ Dolly Parton Supported by Superbia, and Richmond Tea Rooms. ourladyj.com 11

QUEER CONTACT FESTIVAL 2016

Sun 14 Feb, 3pm and 8pm. £13 / £7 conc. Over 12s. Contact and the Royal Exchange Theatre present

The Gospel According To Jesus, Queen of Heaven Written and performed by legendary trans playwright, performer and poet Jo Clifford and directed by Susan Worsfold, this unique and extraordinary show combines theatre with storytelling, spoken word and ritual, in the beautiful setting of a Manchester church. A humane, mischievous and loving show as familiar stories are reimagined by a transgender Jesus. ‘Reaffirms everyone’s right to live free of discrimination and prejudice’ Lyn Gardner, Guardian This event will take place at St Chrysostom’s Church, Manchester. queenjesusplays.org 12

Image © Ajamu

FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE contactmcr.com/queercontact • 0161 274 0600

EXHIBITIONS Thu 4 Feb to Sat 16 April, open daily (not Sun). Free.

Khalil West and Ajamu: I Am For You Can Enjoy An intimate exploration of the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences of queer Black male sex workers and their clients. Combining photography, personal testimony and video, this landmark project examines how pleasure, desire, fantasy and sexual agency collide with race, performance, power and commerce. Supported by Arts Council England.

ajamu-fineartphotography.co.uk

Thu 4 Feb to Sat 16 April, open daily (not Sun). Free.

Lee Baxter/George House Trust: George Turns 30 In 1985 George House Trust was founded by six gay men, originally as Manchester AIDSLine, a voluntary organisation that supported people living with HIV/AIDS across the North West. To mark their 30th anniversary, Manchester-based photographer Lee Baxter brings to life some of the charity’s stories, through rich and symbolic portraits that tell stories of activism, love, struggles, triumphs and most importantly the people behind the organisation’s 30 years of work. ght.org.uk 13

QUEER CONTACT FESTIVAL 2016 EXHIBITIONS Thu 4 Feb to Sat 16 April, open daily (not Sun). Free.

The Wretched Ginger Boy:

#ManchesterQueens One of Manchester’s foremost illustrators presents a selection of portraits and posters inspired by the creative looks and imaginative performances of Manchester’s drag queens.

wretchedgingerboy.com

Sat 6 Feb to Sun 10 Apr, open daily. Free. [Preview: Fri 5 Feb, 6pm.] HOME and Contact present

AL and AL: Incidents of Travel in the Multiverse Acclaimed British artists and filmmakers AL and AL, alongside some of the world’s groundbreaking scientists Professor Brian Greene, Alan Turing and Dr. Bart Hoogenboom, investigate a new era of scientific exploration, both real and imagined. This major new exhibition will feature lavish CGI film commissions, drawing and installation. Curated by Bren O’Callaghan and Sarah Perks. Takes place at HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester. homemcr.org

FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE contactmcr.com/queercontact • 0161 274 0600

FESTIVAL HUB CONTACT Oxford Road Manchester M15 6JA Box Office: 0161 274 0600 24/7 online booking: contactmcr.com/queercontact

OTHER FESTIVAL VENUES HOME 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN Manchester Town Hall Albert Square Manchester M60 2LA RNCM 124 Oxford Rd Manchester M13 9RD St. Chrysostom’s Church 4A Anson Rd Victoria Park Manchester M14 5BG Taurus 1 Canal St Manchester M1 3HE 15

Contact is a registered charity, 501953. All info correct at time of going to print. Designed by GR! Design. www.grahamedesigns.com Queer Contact logo brand by Jason Crouch.