Interest area: culture

Homotopia Festival 2023

This year’s festival, themed Gods & Monsters, marks 20 years of Homotopia. From 11 November until 2 December 2023, visitors can expect a range of cutting edge entertainment – from visual arts to theatre, live music and performances, with a focus on queer history and heritage.

For 2023, Homotopia is asking visitors to consider how to “foster a sense of community and mutual care in the face of an increasingly intolerant society – and how to build a space of love and respect for those within the LGBTQ+ community  who are often most demonised within the mainstream”.

Homotopia Festival 2023 Programme Highlights

Clash of the Titans: Homotopia Opening Party
Saturday 11 November – Content, Cain’s Brewery Village

Forget everything you think you know about wrestling shows and feast your eyes on FIST CLUB – a London based queer cabaret and pro wrestling night, coming to a ring near you. Bringing a dynamite mash-up of fantastical comedy, sensational drag performers & hard-hitting live wrestling from the most exciting grapplers around – we’re here to prove that wrestling isn’t just drag for straight people, it’s drag FOR EVERYONE!

Exhibition: Bernice Mulenga
Tuesday 14 November to Sunday 17 December – Open Eye Gallery

Bernice Mulenga is a British -Congolese photographer with a distinct aptitude for archiving, documenting and interrogating the world around them. Mulenga’s work centres on their communities- Black queer global and local, Black British, London nightlife- and the experiences within them—most notably in their ongoing photo series #friendsonfilm.

Their work also explores reoccurring themes surrounding identity, sexuality, grief, darkness and family. Their work continues to influence the development of queer aesthetics and documentation of LGBTQIA community.

Young Homotopia: Aladdin Love
Tuesday 14 November – Unity Theatre 

Step into a whole new world of enchantment and laughter with Young Homotopia’s dazzling twist on the classic pantomime, Aladdin. Prepare to be spellbound as we take you on a journey through the bustling streets of Agrabah, where love knows no boundaries and the power of self-acceptance reigns supreme.

Liv Wynter: How To Catch A Pig
Tuesday 14 November – District

How To Catch A Pig, is a sell out night created by artist and activist Liv Wynter as a celebration of creatives who also organise against the state, with a focus on queer and trans performers. Their band press.release are residents, alongside resident artists Toby and Aidy Evans Jesra, and DJ’s Sad Queers Club and Basura.

Really Fabulous Family Cabaret
Saturday 18 November – St Helens Library

For this specially curated event for Wonder Arts, St Helens Libraries and Homotopia we get interactive. A group of marvellous highly skilled performers bring you a rip-roaring ride of fabulousness. Song, dance, and specialty acts share the stage to bring you a joyous fest of a show.

Ally Activation Workshop
Sunday 19 November – Granby Winter Gardens

In this workshop, we will explore how to stand up as better allies for our trans siblings, particularly in a time when trans identities and trans lives are often under attack in the public sphere. We’ll explore the basics concepts relating to gender identity, reflect on where we hold power to create change and how we can come together as a community to champion trans rights and ensure all members of our community feel safe and supported to be their true selves.

EAT ME Weekender: Cave
Friday 24 and Saturday 25 November – Williamson Tunnels

EAT ME presents CAVE: a two-day occupation of the Williamson Tunnels where participants and audiences will “create, play, rest and party” through an innovative programme of workshops, installations, discussion groups, cabaret and club nights.

Documentary Film Night: Tops
Tuesday 28 November – FACT 6.30 pm

Self-proclaimed future award winning documentary filmmaker Amy Pennington presents their landmark documentary series TOPS. On the question that defines trans masc experience in the UK today…

“What TOP did you wanna wear after TOP surgery?”

Quiz with the Queers
Thursday 30 November – Sefton Park Palm House

Join the queer pub quiz by Liverpool duo, German drag king Franz Genau and Dan Chan as they test your knowledge of myths and legends. Guests are encouraged to dress up as monsters or gods for extra points to win the prize.

View the full Homotopia Festival 2023 programme here.

The Spare Rib Halloween Hex-Travaganza

The Spare Rib Burlesque and Cabaret invites you to join them Downstairs at the Everyman for a Halloween Hex-travaganza, featuring scarily good performances to keep you on the edge of your seats! Please note: This is an 18+ event.

With performers, Mx Cyanide, Miss Cocoa Amore, Shardeazy Afrodesiak, Lola Supernova, Fraulein Freyja, Ava Distraction, Ember Orchid, Minxie Coquette, and host Tilly Mint

Who are The Spare Rib?

The team consists of Minxie Coquette and Tilly Mint who have been working together since 2015 to bring you extravagant entertainment and uncompromising inclusion. They strive to provide spaces that are safer and accessible for all.
“We strive to provide spaces that are safer and accessible for all. We are pro LGBTQIA+, Black, POC, d/Deaf and disabled, fat, immigrant, women, sex worker and other marginalised identities; and we will always be political until there is no longer a need to be.”

Who are the performers?

Lola Supernova 

Lola is an emerging burlesque artist that trained under the internationally acclaimed Lady Wildflower. She made her debut at Lady Wildflower’s ‘The Frou Frou club’ in March 2022 and has performed in various shows since. Lola is a trained dancer in variety of styles including contemporary, street and jazz and fire performance. By day she is a professional dance teacher with a BA honours degree in dance. She loves to step into the spotlight to enthral, entice and seduce her audience. @lolasupernova_

Miss Cocoa Amore

Erotic, hypnotic and just a little bit chaotic, Miss Cocoa Amore is sure to be your favourite tonic! Bringing you a mix of classical and neo burlesque, this chocolate temptress is a captivating sizzling ecdysiast sensation! Get ready to be lured in! @misscocoaamore

Ava Distraction

Fresh out of the burlesque womb after graduating House of Burlesque in 2022, Ava Distraction has taken her killer curves and quirky sense of humour to perform on some iconic UK stages. Burlesque Idol 2023 finalist after being crowned in January’s heat, sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seat and begging for more! Everyone needs a little distraction in their lives…. @ava_distraction

Fraulein Freyja

Dark as night and twice as dangerous, Fraulein Freyja’s tongue-in-cheek performances are the perfect outlet for this Satanic sl*t! @frauleinfreyja

Shardeazy Afrodesiak 

Busting into the drag scene with no apologies, Shardeazy Afrodesiak uses their platform to express and deconstruct topics of race, gender and sexuality through music, dance, and fierce AF lip syncing! The mixed heritage, thicc, King n Ting is a powerful entity defying the rules of social and hetero norms!

First Runner up of Man Up! – Europe’s largest Drag King Competition – Shardeazy has exploded on stages all over the UK and internationally. @shardeazy_afrodesiak

Mx Cyanide

Mx Cyanide rose from the filth and showbiz of Soho’s underground burlesque scene and since then has been twisting the sexual with the perverse, political and painful for audiences across the world. Mx Cyanide is a proud transgender performer and lives to subvert what sensual burlesque ‘is’ and push it towards what it ‘can be’. They like to give the audience space to leave all preconceptions at the door. Creating intense ritualistic experiences with thought provoking twists and turns, their performance style is like no other. @mxcyanideifyourenasty

Please note: This is an 18+ event.

thesparerib.co.uk

The Truffle Hunters (2020) plus short ...

Continuing the Heart Of Glass celebration of UK Fungus Day, join them for a free screening of Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw’s acclaimed feature length documentary The Truffle Hunters, plus a short film by Jane Lawson.

Deep in the forests of Piedmont, Italy, a handful of men, seventy or eighty years old, hunt for the rare and expensive white Alba truffle – which to date has resisted all of modern science’s efforts at cultivation. They’re guided by a secret culture and training passed down through generations, as well as by the noses of their cherished and expertly-trained dogs. They live a simpler, slower way of life, in harmony with their loyal animals and their picture-perfect land, seemingly straight out of a fairy tale. They’re untethered to cell phone screens or the Internet, opting instead to make their food and drink by hand and prioritising in-person connections and community.

The demand for white truffles increases year after year, even as the supply decreases. As a result of climate change, deforestation, and the lack of young people taking up the mantle, the truffle hunters’ secrets are more coveted than ever. However, as it soon becomes clear, these ageing men may just hold something much more valuable than even this prized delicacy: the secret to a rich and meaningful life.

“Unique and delightful. A feast for the eyes and nourishment for the soul” – The Hollywood Reporter.

Running time: 84 minutes

Presented in Italian and Piedmontese, with English subtitles.

The feature will be accompanied by a short film by artist Jane Lawson, who is leading an all-day workshop, Being Fungal, inspired by fungi on Saturday 7th October for UK Fungus Day.

We aim to create safe, welcoming and accessible spaces for all.If you’d like to discuss your access needs, please get in touch by contacting Heart of Glass via info@heartofglass.org.uk or call Anna on 07529224271. 

Access information for Lucem House:

Wheelchair accessible, with flat access

In a town centre location

Nearest train station St Helens Central (trains to and from Liverpool/Manchester/Blackpool/Wigan)

St Helens Bus Station for buses to Liverpool, Wigan and around St Helens

Nearest accessible parking at St Helens Town Hall and World of Glass (10 minute walk)

Nearest taxi drop off at Corporation Street

I Am Steven Gerrard

Following its highly praised win as part of the inaugural new writing competition What Happens Next? in January this year, Sean McLoughlin’s debut play I Am Steven Gerrard will as part of its prize package receive its first full production at The Hope Street Theatre in January 2024, alongside £1000 production budget and dramaturgical support from Olivier Award-winning Papatango theatre company.

It’s Liverpool. The Champion’s League Final in Istanbul was 13 years ago. The buzz is still rife. The obsession is still real. Steven Gerrard has left Liverpool Football Club, but his legacy keeps on growing; a legacy that Shane wants to embody and emulate. Though Shane shares an ambition no different to many of those around him, it soon transpires that he yearns for something far beyond football.

And in a city where ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is the mantra, why does Shane constantly feel like he’s the only one on the sideline? Shane is back home to see his dad for the first time in three years. To heal old wounds. To attempt to find his place in a world that he has never felt a part of. To get answers. What secrets will come to light? And who will they come from? Could these revelations have saved everyone from heartache?

Written by Sean Mcloughlin and Directed by Amy Roberts, the winner of What Happens Next? 2023 is a story of football, aspiration, music, Steven Gerrard, loneliness, reality television, love, religion, friends, loss, passion, enemies, Davina McCall, politics, ambition, family, virginity, past generations – and the impact they leave behind; I Am Steven Gerrard is a one-man play performed by Joe Cowin that explores the complexities of masculinity, and what it means to be a real man in society today.

Tip Tray Theatre’s artistic directors Evan Byrne and Maisy Gordon are “delighted with the choice of the judges to crown I Am Steven Gerrard as the winner of our first ever new writing competition. Sean’s play captures the beating heart of Liverpool perfectly in a powerful coming-of-age story that is beautifully portrayed in Joe’s performance and Amy’s sharp direction.”

Since 2022 Tip Tray Theatre have been the company in residence at The Hope Street Theatre and are fast creating an exciting and vibrant series of events, which bring together the vast talents the city has to offer. The Hope Street Theatre’s Artistic Director Sam Donovan states “When we first met Evan and Maisy, we could tell instantly the passion and drive they had to make a difference to the creative culture here in the city, the creation of What Happens Next? brought a real buzz to the city with new and old professionals creatively working together to showcase and champion new writing. It is a real honour to be able to support them and this production of I Am Steven Gerrard.”

What Happens Next? Will return directly prior to the run of I Am Steven Gerrard. Submissions for the competition is now open and seeks writers to submit the first 20mins of a play where by the end the audience wants to ask “What Happens Next?” for more information please visit www.tiptraytheatre.com

The Signalman

A ghostly figure has visited the signalman twice already, each time preceding a terrible disaster. When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to decode its meaning and prevent another catastrophe.

A gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.

In the tradition of classic oral storytelling, a lantern and two players is all that is needed to tell the spine tingling tale of the Signalman.

The tour starts at the atmospheric Engine Room at Metal, Edge Hill Station and will visit various locations during November.

Venues include, the idyllic Mansion House, The Reader at Calderstones, 7pm, 18 November and the reputed establishment Liverpool Athenaeum, 23 November. Tickets will be available soon for these last two dates. Check the ArtsGroupie website for regular updates.

After the success of last year’s Ghost Stories for Xmas, which will be returning in December, Artsgroupie is delighted to be working again with esteemed local writer and director David Griffiths,

 

Liselotte in May

A multi-award winning Hungarian playwright is bringing an acclaimed comedy to Liverpool for one night only this autumn.

On Wednesday 1st November from 7.30pm, The Capstone Theatre will play host to Zsolt Pozsgai’s bittersweet absurd comedy Liselotte in May, by appointment of the Hungarian Consulate.

The hysterical yet poignant production has wowed audiences globally, earning its most recent praise at Camden Fringe Festival. Such is his impact on audiences, playwright Zsolt Pozsgai has received multiple awards such as the European Drama Award and the Hungarian Playwright’s Competition three times.

Birkenhead International Film festival...

Join the events this October ‘23 for the most ambitious year of the Birkenhead International Film Festival yet.

This October Convenience Gallery will bring the world to Birkenhead at the Williamson Art Gallery for the very first time. Step into the world of the BIFF with their blockbuster 2023 festival!

As always, the Birkenhead International is free to attend, and they hope to keep it that way. One way you can play a role in keeping it a free festival for everyone is by securing one of their BIFF BFF (Birkenhead International Film Festival, Best Friends Forever) tickets as a pay if you can option.

These tickets come from £3 right up to £100, with each tier including some BIFF merch and goodies as a thank you. However the free tickets are also still available too.

They will be hosting the festival on Saturday 21st October 2023, hot on the heels of their SOLD OUT 2022 festival. They are delighted to bring you their 4th festival, this year. This is a free festival, however we do also offer a BIFF BFF ticket, for those who can donate or pay a contribution which helps to keep this festival free for everyone.

The BIFF brings together a collective of filmmakers to explore the art of film from a varied range of backgrounds, filmographies and genres.

BIFF is all about bringing the world to Birkenhead and so for our 4th Edition of the BIFF we are exploring the theme of ‘World-building’ within the films selected. Films are submitted through an online platform by Directors from across the world.

The remit is that films are in the short film category, and have been selected by both festival directors and community screeners who have watched a long list of films to make the final selection of films for the final showcase.

Their festival will feature a selection of short films from around the globe, alongside a intro panel talk from industry leaders. This year we have incredible partners such as Northern Fortress Film from Bradford, Scenegraph Studios, Focal Studios and their wonderful hosts the Williamson Art Gallery.

Event

The announcement for this year’s festival selection will take place later this September
.
Get excited for the biggest BIFF yet!

The Mirage – An Evening of Art a...

The Mirage – An Evening of Art and Music at Bridewell Studios and Gallery.

This is a ONE NIGHT ONLY Exhibition – Thursday 21st September 6pm-10pm // In the large gallery space at The Bridewell Studios and Gallery – Gareth Kemp will be showing a large-scale triptych measuring 250cm x 540cm made in 2018 and never shown before.

It will form the back drop for performances by two amazing bands – Me and Deboe & Puzzle // In the second gallery space, Nick Sykes will be exhibiting recent paintings // Free event with pay bar // View the Art from 6pm – Live music from 730pm.

Social media

Artists

@garethkemp
@nicksykesart

Bands

@puzzle_liverpool
@meanddeboe

Liverpool Irish Festival 2023

Liverpool Irish Festival 2023 will take place from Thursday October 19 to Sunday October 29, 2023, across the city. The festival celebrates Irish culture and heritage through a variety of events, including music, theatre, film, spoken word, visual arts and academia.

Liverpool Irish Festival celebrate its 21st Festival this year. In honour of this, the theme for this year’s Festival is ‘anniversary’.

The line-up includes an array of Irish artists and contributors including internationally acclaimed Irish folk singer and actor, Lisa Lambe, who shares her new project, NightVisiting at The Tung Auditorium.

Fun activities for families can be enjoyed at Museum of Liverpool and the Liverpool Irish Centre on the Family Day and the Samhain Céilí.

Deep dives into anniversaries are made across the Festival:

  • The London Lasses, one of the best traditional Irish bands on the scene today, kick off the Festival, following the official Festival launch (6pm, Thurs 19 Oct), themselves celebrating 25 years as a band and the release of their sixth album – LL25 – marking their milestone.
  • The Good Friday Agreement’s 25-year anniversary is marked in an event, hosted in partnership with the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Irish Studies, followed by Green & Blue, Kabosh Theatre’s (Belfast) community developed two-hander about The Troubles (both Thurs 26 Oct).
  • 100 years since his birth, Brendan Behan is celebrated in Fat Dan Productions’ Brendan: Son of Dublin (Sat 28 Oct). 90-years since the United States District Council ruled Ulysses to be publishable, we celebrate experimental writing with a half-day session with Pascal O’Loughlin, and National Poetry Librarian, Chis McCabe.
  • Referencing the release of The Yellow Wallpaper, written 130 years ago, Dublin vocalist and composer Sue Rynhart returns to the Festival with her folk and jazz influences in what promises to be a dazzling performance at Sefton Park Palm House.
  • The programme offers connection to poignant anniversaries, such as its commemoration of An Gorta Mór (The Great Hunger) with a memorial gathering (Sun 29 Oct). The Liverpool Irish Famine Trail (self-guided tour) reflects on Irish migration, settlement  and legacy.

See here for the full line-up of events for Liverpool Irish Festival 2023.

Wo-Man

In the Playhouse Studio.

A one-person comedy-cabaret based on interviews from drag performers in the local community. After falling into drag 5 years ago, gender bending performance art took Andrew on a path he never thought existed. After struggling with the rejection on the musical theatre audition circuit, he gave up, but found drag.

Performing in drag offered space to sing / say / wear what he wants, an empowering move giving the middle finger to casting brackets, but the journey has also been one of self-discovery. And as the world of drag comes under attack from false narratives in the media, he feels now is the time to tell the true struggles of being a drag performer.

With a script based on personal experience, mixed with real interviews from the local drag community, and entwined with original music, Andrews new show explores the highs and lows of a profession in which product comes before person, being forced to think harder about gender identity, navigating the world of dating when your job becomes your identity, toxic attitudes towards drag within the gay community and the journey of self-discovery as a man, a man who is only visible when he’s in a dress.

A fan of RuPauls Drag Race? Come and spend an hour observing the real vulnerabilities in a drag queens dressing room.

18+ | A post-show discussion will follow the performance.
Title photography by Luke Bryant.