QUN Commission Turned Into Feature Film

While we're busy finalising plans for the 2010 festival, we're delighted to announce that Rikki Beadle-Blair's 'FIT', which was co-commissioned and produced by Queer Up North in 2007, has been adapted into a feature film by Stonewall.

'FIT' was a highly successful new play created for schools that aimed to tackling homophobic bullying. It has been seen by more than 20,000 young people to date. It has now been adapted into a film version - described by The Times as "a gritty take on the shiny E4 drama Glee". 'FIT' will be sent on DVD to every secondary school in Britain by the end of February.

'FIT' receives its North West premiere at Contact on Thursday 11th February, as part of their upcoming Queer Contact season. All details are below.

Queer Contact – part of LGBT History Month 2010,       9-13 February 2010

This February as part of LGBT History Month 2010, Contact are hosting a very special celebration of queer cabaret, spoken word, film, and music, featuring the best in international performance and homegrown stars. The line-up includes several Queer Up North favourites including David Hoyle, Scottee, Gerry Potter, Club Brenda and J Fergus Evans, and features the Northwest premiere of the new film adaptation of Rikki Beadle-Blair’s FIT, originally commissioned as a theatre production by Queer Up North and Stonewall, and first performed at Contact in 2007. Full details and tickets are available from www.contact-theatre.org / 0161 274 0600. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Tue 9 February 2010, 7pm to 9pm. FREE
REGIE CABICO MASTERCLASS
Writing/performance masterclass with the HBO Def Poetry Jam favourite.

Wed 10 February 2010, 8pm. £10/6/ FreeAct
OUTSPOKEN in association with Apples & Snakes
A night of alternative voices with Dominic Berry, Regie Cabico (NYC), Black Cracker (NYC), Gerry Potter, Jackie Hagan, J Fergus Evans and more.

Wed 10 February 2010, 9:30pm ‘til late. FREE
IMPROVISE
A jam night with a difference feat. this month’s house band, Ajah UK.

Thu 11 February 2010, 8pm ‘til late. £5 (Cert. Advised PG)
FIT
Join Rikki Beadle-Blair and the cast of FIT for a special screening of the film version of the anti-homophobia play. + Black Angel DJs.

Fri 12 February 2010, 8pm ‘til late. £5
SWITCHFLICKER RECORDS PRESENTS...
The Sisters of Transistors, Scottee, The Real Dolls, (hooker) and Zsa Zsa Noir live on stage + Club Brenda DJs.

Sat 13 February 2010. 2pm to 4pm. FREE
REGIE CABICO & JOEY HATELEY WORKSHOP
Writing/performance workshop with Regie and Joey Hateley (Transaction Theatre Co.). No previous experience necessary.

Sat 13 February 2010. 8pm ‘til late. £12/6/ FreeAct
DAVID HOYLE: FORWARD INTO BATTLE IN THE NAME OF LOVE
An anarchic alternative Valentine's cabaret with David Hoyle, Regie Cabico and Joey Hateley. Suitable for 18+. + Bollox DJs.

Produced by Contact, in association with Apples and Snakes, Jayne Compton and Barry Priest.  Contact, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA. Booking: 0161 274 0600 / or click here for Contact website.