Shout Brochure

November 2009 in Birmingham...

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COVER IMAGE - DOMINIC JOHNSON, TRANSMISSION 2007. PHOTO: SERGE HOELTSCHI

N, OF LESBIA L A IV T E S AM’S FE AL AND TRANS CULTUR H G IN M BIR GAY, BISEXU

For full festival listings visit...

www.getreadytoshout.org

Foreword... Theatre Partners Birmingham REP Theatre Birmingham Hippodrome Hotel Partner Ramada Encore, Holloway Head Ticketing Partner The Ticket Sellers Community Partners aRTpRIDE Acting Out Queer Ink Birmingham Blaze Moseley Shoals Midlands Out Badminton Moseley Women’s RFC Team OutCentral Godiva Young Lesbians and Gays Birmingham Girls Book Group Venue Partners Nightingale Club Eden Bar Loft Lounge Village Inn ABplus Birmingham Library Theatre Festival Producer David Viney Shout Steering Group Steve Ball (Chair) David Nikel (Sports) Philip Bowen (Sports) Lisa Metherell (Visual Arts) Robert Gibb (Visual Arts) Hannah Phillips (Performance Arts) Larna Gallier Steph Keeble

As the nights draw in and the bleak midwinter approaches we invite you to come out, come out wherever you are and SHOUT! SHOUT is Birmingham’s first ever dedicated festival by and for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. It is a bold and ambitious festival that will include arts, sports and politics providing lots of opportunities to get involved. The festival will attract LGBT visitors from across the UK, raising the profile of the city’s lesbian and gay community and changing the way in which we are represented throughout the city. SHOUT has been made possible through the support of the Birmingham LGBT Community Trust, the city’s cultural organisations, a dedicated group of staff and volunteers and the financial support of Arts Council West Midlands and Sport England. Get involved and scream and shout – your support will help to ensure that SHOUT becomes an annual feature of Birmingham’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans calendar. Steve Ball Chair SHOUT Festival

Thanks to Keith Khan, Paul Kaynes and Graham Allen

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Launch Event...

FREE EVENT!

‘Start SHOUTING in style’ Fri 30 October The Nightingale Club Our Big Fat Gay Wedding: Festival Launch B5 Bar, Nightingale Club, Kent Street, Birmingham B5 6RD Starts 8.30pm until late Admission FREE Come and celebrate the launch of the new SHOUT festival by getting hitched! With the debate raging about civil partnerships vs marriage, we take a timely look at the institution of marriage. We will be calling your numbers to ‘marry’ in our Las Vegas style Wedding Chapel. Take your tickets on the door for the party of the year! Featuring all your usual wedding suspects including a DJ and singer plus watch out for other performances on the night. Your hosts for the night are Drag King and Queen Pete Sake and Glitzd De Sparkelo. Dress code - Brides and Grooms!!! This is supposed to be the best night of your life so dress to impress as you never know who you might marry! Gender bending is absolutely encouraged. 4

Performing Arts... There’s something for everyone in SHOUT 2009’s performance programme! If dance theatre is your thing then ensure you book your seat at the Hippodrome for Matthew Bourne’s 21st Century makeover of Oscar Wilde’s fable, Dorian Gray. Or if you’d prefer two naked Germans in a bath in an intimate space, Tough Time, Nice Time will be fun time at the Door at the Birmingham Rep. How about some innovative, contemporary Queer theatre? The Fear of Queer, a festival commission is at the Custard Factory with a diverse cast of emerging local artists. While Coochie Tales takes a look at life for Black gay people growing up in Britain. We are also dragging the odd Brummie back from London for the festival, such as the fabulous Claire Dowie. Watch her turn into a man in the hilarious H to HE. Fancy a few more laughs? Divas won’t disappoint with a night of music and comedy at the Glee Club hosted by the one and only Mrs Barbara Nice. Education is also key to this year’s SHOUT Festival programme so don’t miss local Health and Education company, HEARTH’s Straight Talking at the Crescent Theatre or Birmingham Library Theatre Company’s Theatre in Education piece, Who’s Breaking?

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Performing Arts...

www.getreadytoshout.org

tough time, nice time Wed 4 - Sat 7 November, 7.45pm Birmingham REP Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EP Tickets £10 Available from the REP Box Office 0121 236 4455 or www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Post Show Discussion Thursday 5 November.

A secret, a spa in Bangkok and two naked Germans… Martin, an ex-rent boy drug-dealing lawyer, offers to share his tales of misfortune with Stefan, a jaded hack writer on a junket. Together they engage in an intricate exchange of outrageous stories, weaving through movies, sex, celebrity and genocide. With its razor sharp dialogue and lightning pace, Tough Time, Nice Time is challenging, vividly imaginative and utterly absorbing. Ridiculusmus make seriously funny and deadly serious theatre, earning them a reputation as one of the most exciting theatre companies working in the UK. They have won numerous awards including a Time Out Live Award, Total Theatre Award and Herald Angel Award.

NEW ADVENTURES, SADLER’S WELLS AND THE EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL PRESENT...

MATTHEW BOURNE’S

DORIAN GRAY

Tue 10 - Sat 14 November, various times Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 4TB Tickets from £14.50 Available on 0844 338 5000 or www.birminghamhippodrome.com Oscar Wilde’s gothic fable becomes a darkly seductive dance theatre event from master storyteller Matthew Bourne. Set in the image obsessed world of contemporary art and politics, this “black fairy tale” tells the story of an exceptionally alluring young man who makes a pact with the devil. Amongst London’s beautiful people, Dorian Gray is the “It Boy” - an icon of beauty and truth in an increasingly ugly world. The destructive power of beauty, the blind pursuit of pleasure and the darkness and corruption that lie beneath the charming façade make up the themes behind Wilde’s cautionary tale that have never been more timely.

FREE Post Show Talk Tuesday 10 November Please call Ticket Sales on 0844 338 5000 for details. 6

24 HOUR ORDER LINE 0844 870 0000 www.theticketsellers.co.uk

divas Mon 16 November, Doors Open 7pm Seated for 7.45pm show starts at 8pm until 10.30pm (interval 9pm)

Glee Club, Arcadian Centre, Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 4TB Tickets £6.50/£5.50 (concessions) Available on 0844 338 5000 or www.birminghamhippodrome.com

ZOE LYONS

Join us for an eclectic night of comedy and live music at Birmingham’s top comedy venue, the Glee Club. Birmingham’s own Gay Icon, Mrs Barbara Nice, will be your compère for the evening. The hilarious Phoenix Nights and Corrie star will be kicking off the camp comedy and will also be joined by the UK’s top LGBT comics; star of BBC’s Just A Minute Chris Neill, regular contributor on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour Lizz Carr and Mock the Week’s award winning Zoe Lyons. Music and Cabaret will be performed by local West Midlands’ artists Faye Bagley, Michael James, Paul Rahme, Eeek and the infamous Twiggy. “…TOP ONE LINERS…THIS IS A SMART, TIGHT, WELL WRITTEN SHOW…” SUNDAY TIMES CULTURE ★★★★

ZOE LYONS:

CHRIS NEILL: “CHRIS NEILL IS DELICIOUSLY FUNNY; BITCHY AND SHARP, HE WOULD SUIT HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU PERFECTLY.” THE LIST MRS BARBARA NICE: LIZZ CARR:

“A HYBRID BETWEEN VICTORIA WOOD AND MRS. MERTON.” THE TIMES

“SUPREMELY FUNNY, TWISTED AND EDGY.” TIM ALLEN, TIME OUT

CHRIS NEILL

FAYE BAGLEY

PAUL RAHME

TWIGGY

MRS BARBARA NICE

LIZZ CARR

MICHAEL JAMES

EEEK

“THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT... THE FUTURE’S QUEER!”

the fear of queer Devised and Directed by Hannah Phillips Original Composition: Nik Haley

Thu 19 - Sat 21 November 2009, 8pm The Custard Factory Theatre, Gibb St, Digbeth Tickets £5.50 /£5 (concessions) The Fear of Queer is an explosive, contemporary, theatrical exploration of Queer, identity, representation, homophobia, sexuality and desire, intolerance and prejudice specifically developed for SHOUT. The fast paced, short, experimental piece of theatre is a multi-disciplined fusion of drama, physical theatre, movement, dance, music and song performed by a diverse company of West Midlands’ artists. Research to develop the piece has also focused on the West Midlands’ LGBT experiences, using material such as Gay Birmingham Remembered.

Post Show Talk Thursday 19 November featuring Hannah Phillips and Paul Harfleet discussing both the play and the Pansy Project.

Hannah Phillips is a Birmingham based theatre maker, director and lecturer who specialises in devising, writing and directing theatre which has community and educational aims. “HANNAH IS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S FOREMOST FEMALE DIRECTORS.” (ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THEATRE VENTURE, LONDON 2005)

Join us! Let Ms. Gorgeous Lesbian take you on a journey to remember! 7

Performing Arts... h to he (I’m turning into a man) Written and Performed by Claire Dowie

Sun 22 November, 7pm Patrick Centre, Thorp Street, Birmingham B5 4AU Tickets £8 Inspired by Kafka’s Metamorphosis, H to He adds new twists to the maze of gender identity and sexuality... one morning a woman wakes up to discover she is turning into a man.

“AN ORIGINAL PIECE OF THEATRE: CHALLENGING, UNCOMFORTABLE, FUNNY, SHOCKING EVEN, AND ENTERTAINING ALONG THE WAY.” TIME OUT

Post Show Discussion on Claire’s novel ‘Creating Chaos’.

coochie tales A Black Bubblegum Production

Tue 24 November, 7.30pm THE SPOKEN WORD PRODUCTION RUNS FOR A TOTAL OF 1 HOUR 30 MINS (WITH A 10 MINUTE INTERVAL).

Library Theatre, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HQ Tickets £7/£5.50 (concessions) Coochie Tales is a spoken word piece with a twist. Funny, witty, vibrant and reflective this performance will give you an insight into what life is like as a Black Gay person growing up in multicultural Britain. Focusing on a series of monologues from both a female and male perspective within the Black Gay community, Coochie Tales will touch upon a wide range of topics from love to coming out. From that first kiss to having a bad hair day, everyday stories from the lives of Black gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the UK. Coochie Tales will be performed by some of the best spoken-word artists currently in the Midlands. Holding the torch are Carol Leeming, Leeanne Stoddart, Cheri Gillings and, from London, Dean Atta. 8

Coochie Tales will premiere at the Shout Festival.

24 HOUR ORDER LINE 0844 870 0000 www.theticketsellers.co.uk

straight talking By Polly Wright

Thu 26 & Fri 27 November, 7.30pm Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AE Tickets £6 Jasmin is a lesbian who wants to get pregnant. Paul is a young gay man who’s depressed and worried that he might have cancer. Chris is a successful business man who likes cruising in more senses than one. Irene - his wife - is concerned about some mysterious symptoms. They all want help from their GPs... but can their needs be met? Research shows that 27% of gay men and 44% of lesbian and bisexual women do not disclose their sexuality to their GP and that some health professionals would prefer that the whole subject was kept secret. Could it be that, despite the Equalities Act, some people’s sexuality is more “equal than others”? Straight Talking gets the whole issue out in the open. Originally commissioned to train health professionals, Straight Talking is a powerful drama in its own right which explores the ways in which secrecy can warp lives and seriously damage our health.

FREE EVENT! A preview performance of

who’s breaking? Written by Philip Osment Directed by Hannah Phillips Performed by Birmingham Library Theatre Company

Mon 30 November, 5.30pm Library Theatre, Paradise Place, B3 3HQ Admission FREE (opportunity for donations) Who’s Breaking? is a moving yet humorous and accessible exploration of HIV, relationships, masculinity and sexuality for young people.

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Visual Arts... The SHOUT Visual Arts programme offers a series of dynamic and diverse cultural events - some of them will be the first of their kind in Birmingham. It will be showcasing both local and international artists and offering training opportunities for artists connected to the West Midlands. SHOUT offers a major retrospective from gender queer photographer Del LaGrace Volcano - the first in the world. We are also pleased to announce an international queer symposium, The Pansy Project and portfolio reviews for creative individuals. The Birmingham International Queer Open competition will light up the city through a series of public projections. There is a lot more happening including photography and creative writing workshops, Criss Cross Cultural workshops with Del LaGrace Volcano – to find out more please see www.getreadytoshout.org

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Visual Arts... birmingham queer open

www.getreadytoshout.org

FREE EVENT!

Tue 3 - Fri 6 November Various Locations, Birmingham City Centre (Big Peg, Curzon Street and Gay Village) Admission FREE Taking ‘Queer’ to the streets of Birmingham. The work of artists from around the world will be projected onto prominent city centre buildings for four nights, culminating on Friday 6th in the Gay Village area when the winner of this open competition will be announced. See festival website for locations and times.

IMAGE SHOWN - ‘SAN FRANCISCO FIN’ AND ‘INJECTION’, SASSAFRAS LOWREY, USA

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24 HOUR ORDER LINE 0844 870 0000 www.theticketsellers.co.uk

corpus queer: a del lagrace volcano retrospective

JAHEEDA CHOUDURY, MANCHESTER 2006 FROM FEMMES OF POWER

Curated by Lisa Metherell, Robert Gibb and Del LaGrace Volcano

Fri 6 - Fri 27 November, Mon - Sat 11am - 4pm The Works Gallery, Jubilee Works, Pershore Street, Birmingham, B5 6ND

OPENING NIGHT PARTY 6PM-9PM

Admission FREE CONTAINS SOME EXPLICIT IMAGES The first retrospective of Del LaGrace Volcano’s work, a gender variant visual artist. His work spans over twenty years of gender terrorism exploring the hermaphroditic traces of the human body. The show draws on work from around the globe. This is the first time this major collection of work has been shown in one place. Alongside his more well known work (both as Volcano and as Della Grace), there will be work never shown before, contact sheets and press clippings that chart his art practice and life.

SELF PORTRAIT IN COLLABORATION WITH INDRA WINDH, BARCELONA 2004

HERM TORSO, 2000

aRTpRIDE Wed 11 - Mon 16 November, 11am - 4pm VAAD Gallery, Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AA

FREE EVENT!

Admission FREE Young and emerging lesbian, gay, bi and trans artists will take over the VAAD gallery showcasing the creative diversity of the community in the city.

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Visual Arts...

www.getreadytoshout.org

Speakers include: Del LaGrace Volcano, Jonathan D Katz, Dominic Johnson & Mandy Merck.

‘troubling desire(s) in art’: queer symposium Sat 14 November, 9.30am - 5pm (starts at 10am)

Birmingham City University, Margaret Street Campus, Margaret Street, Birmingham B3 3BX Tickets £5.50 The SHOUT Festival draws together Queer Theorists and Practitioners to discuss ‘Troubling Desire(s) in Art’. The symposium asks whether different conceptualisations of desire might find common ground through visual methods.

DOMINIC JOHNSON, TRANSMISSION 2007. PHOTO: SERGE HOELTSCHI

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24 HOUR ORDER LINE 0844 870 0000 www.theticketsellers.co.uk

the pansy project Thu 19 - Sat 21 November Various Locations, Birmingham City Centre Artist Paul Harfleet revisits locations where homophobia has been experienced and plants pansies. These self seeding pansies act as a living memorial to this abuse and operate as an antidote to it; some pansies wither whilst others thrive in car park borders and windswept road verges. Each pansy’s location is named after the abuse received, photographed then posted on his website. What began as a small-scale autobiographical artwork has grown into an international project, which has been included in festivals in Liverpool, Manchester, New York and London. For SHOUT, Harfleet will plant pansies along Hurst Street; the installation will reclaim the street and create a living memorial to homophobic abuse experienced in the gay village area and the wider city. Paul enables others to get involved by distributing pansies to the public who will make symbolic plantings across Birmingham. Search ‘The Pansy Project’ on Facebook to take part in the project. For further information visit... thepansyproject.com thepansyproject.blogspot.com

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In recognition of our commitment to the LGBT community, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and the Trust’s LGBT staff network are pleased to support SHOUT.

BSMHFT is: • A Stonewall Diversity Champion - we believe people perform better when they can be themselves. • Taking positive action to provide sensitive and appropriate information, care and services to our lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans clients. • Working with the community to challenge stigma in all forms. Visit our website for details of future events with the lgbt community.

www.bsmhft.nhs.uk

Sports... SHOUT has teamed up with Birmingham’s leading LGBT sports groups and Moseley RFU Women’s Team to deliver an exciting sports element to the festival. Offering taster sessions and exhibition matches in swimming, rugby, badminton and football Most people don’t associate being gay with playing sport but there is a thriving LGBT sports scene in the UK. Keeping physically active can prevent major illnesses and is the basis for a healthier lifestyle. The UK government recommends that adults aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on five or more days of the week and that children and young people do 60 minutes every day. With recent statistics suggesting we suffer poorer health than our heterosexual counterparts, there has never been a better time to get active and get fit.

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Sports...

www.getreadytoshout.org

urban sports day

FREE EVENT!

Sat 7 November, 11am - 4pm Southside Car Park, Hurst Street, Birmingham Admission FREE

YO TO U’D M BE IS M S A IT D !

The Urban Sports Day is a chance for people to try out sports in an environment focused on building confidence, improving health, having fun and making friends - right at the heart of Birmingham's gay scene. For one day only the Southside Car Park at the bottom of Hurst Street will be transformed into an arena hosting various football, badminton and rugby events. The day is completely free and no pre-registration is required, just turn up and join in!

swimming with ‘moseley shoals’ why swim? Swimming is a healthy and relaxing activity. It tones the body and provides an excellent cardiovascular workout as well. It also strengthens your heart muscles and improves the delivery of oxygen to the different parts of the body. It’s a great, low impact workout suitable for everyone! SHOUT has teamed up with Moseley Shoals to offer taster sessions and coaching for both experienced and new swimmers. Moseley Shoals is one of the biggest gay sports clubs in the UK and has been swimming at Birmingham pools since forming almost ten years ago. The group is friendly and social, offering the chance to meet up for a splash about or to seriously swim. They currently swim three times every week at the historic Moseley Road Pool in Balsall Heath. The pool is on the frequent 50 bus route and offers good road access. The group have regularly competed in swim galas, the next of which is likely to be in Hamburg, Germany during April 2010. The group have travelled the UK and Europe for swim events or just on their Shoals Breaks in the Sun!!!

swimming coaching sessions with moseley shoals Wed 4 & Wed 18 November, 8pm - 9pm Moseley Road Pool, Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9BX Admission FREE Meet a qualified coach who will assess your stroke, offer advice and help you build a training plan for future weeks.

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FREE EVENT!

24 HOUR ORDER LINE 0844 870 0000 www.theticketsellers.co.uk

women’s rugby See www.getreadytoshout.org for dates and times Working with Moseley Women’s RFC Team, SHOUT is offering taster sessions and exhibition matches in Rugby at their Billesley Common ground. Rugby involves sprinting, tackling, pushing and kicking, and health benefits include: Cardiovascular fitness and endurance, strength in upper and lower body. Moseley Women’s RFC Team is a progressive, enthusiastic women's rugby team with mixed experience and abilities. All women over the age of 17 are welcome to join. Also join us for the Urban Sports Day on the 7th November where you can try a game of ‘tag’ rugby! See www.getreadytoshout.org for dates and locations of all Rugby events...

new or non swimmers taster sessions with moseley shoals

FREE EVENT!

Sun 15 & Sun 29 November, 12.30pm - 1.30pm Moseley Road Pool, Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9BX Admission FREE For nervous, non-swimmers and family. Join Moseley Shoals during SHOUT to meet an expert instructor who can help you take a few strokes and have you in the pool gaining confidence to swim. Our instructor is a qualified teacher with Birmingham City Council.

water polo taster Wed 11 November Venue and time to be confirmed, see www.getreadytoshout.org for full details This exciting game is coming to Brum - open to any guys or girls who can swim and like a bit of fun in the water - we will be shown the rules of water polo and have chance for a couple of games.

girlz at moseley shoals women’s taster session

FREE EVENT!

Sun 22 November, 2.30pm - 3.30pm Moseley Road Pool, Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9BX Admission FREE Moseley Shoals wants you! to enjoy Sunday swims - join some well known female faces from the community who will show you the way it’s done. This is a women only event. 19

Sports...

www.getreadytoshout.org

badminton with ‘midlands out badminton’ wondering what it’s all about? The main health benefit of badminton is reduction of bad cholesterol and increase in good cholesterol with regular badminton play, as well as an increase in general fitness. It is fairly easy to learn and suits all ages and physiques, so anyone can take up the sport. Badminton is the fastest racquet sport and is also considered to be the world’s #2 most played sport behind soccer. Midlands Out Badminton is a social, friendly (but still somehow competitive) badminton group. They meet on Saturday mornings at Aston University, Birmingham, which is handy for public transport, the motorway network and the city centre for a post-shower lunch. The group has been playing since 2003 and now attracts around 12 to 15 people each Saturday for a couple of hours of badminton, mostly doubles. Contact Andy via e-mail at [email protected]

badminton tasters

FREE EVENT!

Sun 8, Sat 21 & Sat 28 November, 11am Woodcock Sports Centre, Aston Triangle, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET Admission FREE Join ‘Midlands Out Badminton’ at their weekend badminton sessions, with qualified badminton coaches on hand to help beginners to start to play and offer useful tips to those more experienced players.

SHOUT LGBT badminton tournament

FREE EVENT!

Sat 14 November, 10am - 4pm The Community Hall, National Indoor Arena, King Edwards Road, Birmingham B1 2AA Admission FREE Midlands Out Badminton have invited their friends from other UK LGBT social badminton groups for a doubles tournament at the NIA. You can join in as a pair or, if you don’t have a playing partner, they will find you one. If you don’t play yet, go along to watch and see how much fun the game is.

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24 HOUR ORDER LINE 0844 870 0000 www.theticketsellers.co.uk

football with birmingham blaze SHOUT is working with Birmingham Blaze, Birmingham’s Community SLGBTI-friendly football team, to offer taster sessions, exhibition matches and fitness training. Despite being the biggest sport in the world, football can be intimidating for LGBT people due to the homophobic attitudes still prevalent in the game. Blaze is different! Football has amazing health benefits such as improving general fitness and stamina, help with weight management, reducing risks of high blood pressure and diabetes and team games can be good for improving self esteem, morale and making friends and socialising. Blaze hold twice weekly kickabouts in Birmingham, every Sunday and Wednesday. Everyone is welcome, male and female, from seasoned veterans to those who’ve never kicked a ball in their lives. Some go to improve their game, some to keep fit, some to make new friends, some who like to be involved in something “different” from the bars and clubs on the gay scene, and some to enjoy their favourite sport in a hassle-free environment. There’s a real mix of ability, yet everyone has a great laugh! All of this information, and more, is there on our website: http://www.birmingham-blaze.co.uk/

birmingham blaze vs london falcons GFC

FREE EVENT!

Sun 8 November, 1pm kick off Birmingham City University, The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Birmingham B6 7AA Admission FREE Watch and support Blaze as they play London Falcons in this Gay Football Supporters League match. Blaze are one of the top teams in the league and this promises to be an exciting fixture. The GFSN league website is http://league.gfsn.org.uk/ Join Blaze in the ‘Blaze’ sports lounge at the Village Inn for a post match party from 4.30pm, buffet provided and meet the teams.

5 a-side taster

FREE EVENT!

Wed 11 & Wed 25 November, 7pm - 9pm Goals, Star City, Watson Road, Birmingham B7 5SA Admission FREE Play this exciting, fast paced game at this friendly training session. All abilities welcome. Experienced players will be on hand to offer support to beginners. With a small play area and fast, intense games, this will give your whole body a superb workout, and increase your fitness and stamina levels immensely.

11 a-side taster & fitness event

FREE EVENT!

Sun 15 & Sun 29 November, 12.45pm Moseley Bog, Windermere Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 9JP Admission FREE Join Blaze for 11-a-side fitness and skill training, followed by football training. All welcome, regardless of ability. Arrive at 12:45pm to meet the team, ask for Michael McCulley (Chair) or Ian Thomas (Manager).

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CAFE BAR

OUTSIDE GARDEN

CHAMPAGNE & COCKTAIL BAR

RESTAURANT

Inspired by vibrant New York City living, The Loft Lounge is a place that’s cosmopolitan yet completely relaxing. It’s a great place for you and your friends to chat over coffee or to party with champagne and cocktails. Or why not enjoy a delicious meal in our stylish restaurant - whether it be a romantic dinner for two, or in the company of a group of friends. Our team are here to make your visit a comfortable and enjoyable one. So the next time you’re in Birmingham, head for The Loft Lounge, set in the heart of Birmingham’s Southside and gay quarter. Open all day everyday from 11am. Restaurant Menu & Tapas served daily until 11pm.

Sexy, stylish and chic, it’s the place to be seen!

The Loft Lounge 143 Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham, B5 6RG Tel: 0121 622 2444 www.theloftlounge.co.uk

Your Shout... Your SHOUT brings you an exciting programme of events and workshops designed to explore all aspects of LGBT community life in Birmingham by bringing together LGBT thinkers, activists, artists, authors and performers as well as working with community groups in the city to programme content for the festival. These include Peter Tatchell, Fiona Shaw, Richard Beard, Sophia Blackwell and groups such as Queer Ink, Rainbow Voices, A Cappella, Acting Out and aRTpRIDE. Mrs Barbara Nice will lead a comedy workshop for all you budding comics. Come along to the Lesbian Review at the Fox featuring a host of talent from the community. If you’re interested in LGBT politics then you won’t want to miss events such as Queer Question Time and a talk by human rights activist Peter Tatchell. If reading’s your thing then Fiona Shaw and Richard Beard will be in town talking about their books. See www.getreadytoshout.org for full details of all SHOUT workshops, including Creative Writing, Photography and Cris Cross Cultural with Del LaGrace Volcano. We’ll even be running a pilot radio show and many of these events are free. 23

Your Shout...

www.getreadytoshout.org

SHOUT radio, pre festival show Fri 30 October, 3pm - 5pm www.rhubarbradio.com Join Hannah Phillips and guests for a preview of all the SHOUT festival highlights, including event information, interviews with artists and performers and chat on LGBT issues on SHOUT Radio.

acting out presents dragged off! Fri 30 October, 8pm & Sat 31 October, 2pm & 8pm The Wellington, cnr Bromsgrove Street and Bristol Road, Birmingham B5 7AH Adam spends his weekends entertaining a local audience in drag but when he dies suddenly a community struggles to come to terms with the loss of a local legend. But the funeral organized by the family commemorates the man behind the make-up, leaving some mourners frustrated. When the family learn the truth about Adam they struggle to come to terms with his secret but Adam’s brother soon comes to understand what the community have lost and hatches a plan commemorate his brother’s alter ego.

mrs barbara nice’s comedy masterclass

ABplus

Sun 1 November, 11am - 5pm with post workshop performance open to the public from 6pm ABplus, 29-30 Lower Essex Street, Birmingham B5 6SN Admission FREE

FREE EVENT!

Think you’re funny? Ever wanted to be on stage? Join Barbara Nice, Kings Heath’s favourite housewife, for a workshop on stand-up comedy. Barbara will reveal all the tricks of the comedy trade and prepare her students for a live performance later in the evening. MRS BARBARA NICE

fannie flagg’s ‘fried green tomatoes at the whistle stop cafe’ FREE EVENT! birmingham girls book group Sun 1 November, 3pm. Film showing at 5pm The Fox, Lower Essex Street, Birmingham B5 6SN Admission FREE

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Birmingham Girls Book Group will meet to discuss Fannie Flagg’s ‘Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe’. In 1991 the novel was adapted into the film Fried Green Tomatoes. The group will also discuss the film adaption which will be shown at 5.00pm. Even if you haven’t read the book, you’ll find you can still take part in the discussions!

24 HOUR ORDER LINE 0844 870 0000 www.theticketsellers.co.uk

young LGBT art

FREE EVENT!

Tue 3 - Sun 29 November Birmingham Repertory Theatre Foyer, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EP Admission FREE Young people from two of the regions LGBT youth groups, Out Central and GYGL, showcase art works created for the SHOUT festival. See festival website for more details.

‘live sessions’ at the loft lounge Every Friday in November (6, 13, 20, 27) 5pm - 7pm for pre theatre dinner Loft Lounge, Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham B5 6RG Admission FREE

FREE EVENT!

Join up-and-coming musicians from the Birmingham area for live acoustic sets and enjoy a pre theatre meal at this award winning lounge bar.

lesbian review Sun 8 November, 8pm Fox Bar, Lower Essex Street, Birmingham B5 6SN

FREE EVENT!

Admission FREE Join performers and singers drawn from the city’s lesbian community for an evening of entertainment.

queer question time Wed 11 November, 7.30pm Patrick Centre, Thorp Street, Birmingham B5 4AU Tickets £5 With a General Election looming, SHOUT brings together a panel of politicians from the main parties, and LGBT thinkers such as Peter Tatchell, to debate the issues facing the LGBT community in both the city and nationally. Like the BBC’s Question Time, you ask the questions. So join the debate.

drama workshops - with acting out

FREE EVENT!

Sat 14 & Sat 21 November, 12noon - 3.30pm The Wellington, cnr Bromsgrove Street and Bristol Road, Birmingham B5 7AH Admission FREE, lunch provided A chance to explore your creative talents through a fun, informal drama workshop. The workshops will be run by Acting Out. All are welcome and no experience is necessary. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Refreshments will be provided. For more information about Acting Out, visit our web site at www.actingout.org.uk

SHOUT live alternative music event Sun 15 November, 4pm - 9pm Eden Bar, Sherlock Street, Birmingham B5 6NB Admission FREE Bored with all the drag acts and divas on a weekend? Or just after something different? Join us in the marquee at Eden for a one-off evening of alternative live music from some of the city’s hottest up-and-coming bands and DJ’s.

FREE EVENT!

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24 HOUR ORDER LINE 0844 870 0000 www.theticketsellers.co.uk

peter tatchell - the unfinished battle for LGBT equality Plus showing of the film ‘Beyond the Pink Curtain’

Wed 18 November, 7pm Library Theatre, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HQ Tickets £5 Charismatic, controversial and passionate. Peter Tatchell talks about the ‘unfinished battle for LGBT Equality’. Peter Tatchell has been campaigning for human rights for over 40 years, on issues of democracy, civil liberties, social equality, environmental protection, peace and global justice. More info: www.petertatchell.net and www.greenoxford.com/peter. Following Peter’s talk will be a showing of a new film: Beyond the Pink Curtain (70 minutes) see www.getreadytoshout.org for full details.

brum bifest

ABplus

Sat 21 November, 11am - 8pm ABplus, 29/30 Lower Essex Street, Birmingham B5 6SN Tickets £3 (waged) /£5 (unwaged) (concessions) pay on the door Like men? Like women? Like both? Come along to Brum BiFest: a one-day get-together for bi people and our allies. We'll be at ABplus in central Birmingham from 11am to 8pm on 21st November 2009. BiFest’s are about celebrating and exploring bisexuality in the form of bi-friendly surroundings where there are workshops, discussion sessions and chill out spaces. For more information go to http://brum.bifest.org or phone 01213144839 (please leave a voicemail).

tell it to the bees An evening with Fiona Shaw

Mon 23 November, 7.30pm Library Theatre, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HQ Tickets £4 An evening with author Fiona Shaw, discussing the book ‘Tell it to the Bees’. A mother is distraught at the break-up of her marriage. When her young son, Charlie, makes friends with the local doctor, Jean Markham, her life is turned upside down. Charlie tells his secrets to no one but the bees, but even he can’t keep his mother’s friendship to himself.

‘A PAGE-TURNING, INVOLVING READ THAT MAKES YOU ASK BIG QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WORLD AND ITS PREJUDICES. LIBERATING AND UPLIFTING’ JACKIE KAY In association with Tindal Street Press

becoming drusilla An evening with Richard Beard & Drusilla

Wed 25 November, 7.30pm Library Theatre, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HQ Tickets £5 PHOTOGRAPHER CHARLES GLOVER

An evening with author Richard Beard and his friend Drusilla, discussing the book Becoming Drusilla. This is the story of how Drew became Dru - of a friendship re-evaluated during transition. Becoming Drusilla explores what we think we know about ourselves, our friends, and our families and how this can often turn out to be very wide of the mark. 27

Clinic @ 146

Healthy Gay Life & Whittall Street Clinic bring a full range of STI testing services to the heart of the gay village. New testing methods mean less discomfort and quicker results.

Thursdays from 9.45am - 12 noon and 1pm - 6.30pm (last appointment 6.30pm) Call Healthy Gay Life to book your appointment 0121 440 6161. All services are FREE and confidential. The Clinic is available to all gay and bisexual men, we also welcome pre-op male to female trans people, whether they are HIV, positive, negative or untested. By appointment or just walk in (walk in and waiting times subject to availability). Healthy Gay Life 0121 440 6161 www.hgl.nhs.uk [email protected]

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SHOUT radio, wrap show Sat 28 November, 3pm - 5pm www.rhubarbradio.com Join Hannah Phillips and guests for a round up of all the SHOUT festival highlights, including event information, interviews with artists and performers and chat on LGBT issues on SHOUT Radio.

rainbow voices “rainbow variations” Sat 28 November, 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm Trefoil House, Brownsea Drive B1 1QL (Opposite Cleveland Tower, off Holloway Head. 5 mins from train station/gay village). Full disabled access. Tickets: £9/£7 (concessions) Comedy diva Mrs Barbara Nice will host an evening of comedy and music in her own inimitable style. Rainbow Voices LGBT choir will perform a kaleidoscope of songs spanning gay anthems, Mozart and musicals - including Avenue Q and Westside Story. BSL signed throughout. Free festive nibbles plus cash bar. www.rainbow-voices.org.uk

aRTpRIDE women’s workshops FREE EVENT!

Sat 28 & Sun 29 November Venue tbc, see festival website for more details Admission FREE

SOPHIA BLACKWELL

Visual artists Becky Tebbett and Paddy Broughton, and performance poet Sophia Blackwell lead a weekend of creative workshops for LGBT women. These artists will facilitate the creative process through 6 workshops over the weekend, culminating in performances and exhibitions at the SHOUT closing party. Sophia Blackwell is a performance poet whose mission in life is to make poetry vital and relevant, her performances include venues such as WOMAD and YLAF.

PADDY BROUGHTON

Paddy Broughton is a visual artist, who loves the sometimes unpredictable nature of printmaking. Her work is mainly concerned with the natural and ancient worlds, using layers and texture to represent interpretations. Becky Tebbett is a visual and textile artist, who likes to explore representations of identity through pencil, materials and fibres. She loves the sense of inherited history in textiles and enjoys using textiles as a means of expressing subversive messages.

BECKY TEBBETT

SHOUT closing party Sun 29 November The Nightingale Club Early Evening, see festival website for details. Keep this date in your diary and join us for the SHOUT closing party. This event will raise funds for the LGBT Community Fund and the HIV hardship fund. Details will be released during the festival.

Topping and Butch

FREE EVENT!

Sun 29 November, Starts 10.30pm (after party event) Village Inn, 152 Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 6RY Admission FREE Award-winning stand-up/cabaret double act featuring up-to-the-minute topical and satirical songs. Not to be missed.

29

Venues ABplus, 29/30 Lower Essex Street, Birmingham B5 6SN Birmingham City University, The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Birmingham B6 7AA Birmingham City University, Margaret Street, Birmingham B3 3BX Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 4TB Birmingham Library Theatre, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HQ Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EP The Community Hall, National Indoor Arena, King Edwards Road, Birmingham B1 2AA Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AE Custard Factory Theatre, Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham B9 4AA Eden, Sherlock Street, Birmingham B5 The Fox Bar, 17 Lower Essex Street, Birmingham B5 6SN The Glee Club, The Arcadian, Birmingham B5 4TD Goals, Star City, Watson Road, Birmingham B7 5SA The Loft Lounge, 143 Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham B5 6RG Moseley Bog, Windermere Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 9JP Moseley Road Pool, Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9BX The Nightingale Club, 18 Kent St, Birmingham B5 6RD The Patrick Centre, Thorp Street, Birmingham B5 4TB

The Village Inn, 152 Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 6RY The Wellington Hotel, 72 Bristol Street, Birmingham B5 7AH Woodcock Sports Centre, Aston Triangle, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET The Works Gallery, Jubilee Centre, Sherlock Street, Birmingham B5 6ND

For full festival listings visit...

www.getreadytoshout.org 30

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