New Queers on the Block returns to Blackpool this month as part of its 2020 UK tour that also takes in Bradford, Hastings and Brighton with weekend-long programmes of shows, discussions, parties, workshops and events.

In Blackpool there are two nights of LBBTQ+ entertainment commencing on Thursday 27 February at Blackpool and The Fylde College Theatre with the UK’s ‘leading autistic green Drag Queen’, Oozing Gloop with their vision of the future: The Gloopshow Episode 2: GLOOPTOPIA! Join us as we travel from the tangible to the fantastical via vigils, chants and images of a sinful, saintly and spectacular nature in this premiere performance. For this special premiere event tickets are sold on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis on the door.

On Friday 28 February multi award-winning poet, comedian, writer, performer, working class queer amputee Jackie Hagan travels to Blackpool to perform her humorous and poignant The ‘Aw’ Factor. Hagan will share a double bill with performance poet Mandla Rae who introduces her work to Blackpool’s new venue Art B&B. Tickets are now on sale for the event at Art B&B.

Before the exciting performances from Jackie Hagan and Mandla Rae we would love to invite you to join us ‘early-doors’ from 6.30pm at the Art B&B Bar to mix and mingle! We want to ask for your help as we explore topics such as gender and identity as well as what it means to be an ally or member of the LGBTQ+ community here in town.  We want to hear your opinions, thoughts and ideas as we begin to make plans for LGBTQ+ performances and opportunities that might take place here in Blackpool in the future.

We’ve worked together with local artist Garth Gratrix to create some beautiful and light hearted installation pieces to help get those conversations going AND we’ll even throw in some teas, coffees, drinks and nibbles to keep us all fuelled ahead of show time!

Then post-show let’s celebrate the future before dancing the night away with music specially chosen by Art B&B’s artist collective.

To close Blackpool’s Queer Weekender, on Saturday 29 February meet us at The Grundy Art Gallery at 1.45pm for a 2pm start with Blackpool born artist and curator Garth Gratrix. Garth will host a talk and Q&A session around his latest exhibition ‘Shy Girl’ followed by a collaboration with Manchester based artist Jez Dolan. This fabulous pair will explore Polari and the language of colour in a playful, innuendo-riddled, tongue in cheek manner!

Tina Redford, LeftCoast’s Artistic Director, said “We can’t wait to welcome New Queers back to Blackpool, the last time they were here in November we had a fabulous night in the Art B and B and this time should be no different! We sold out that time so I really do urge people to get their tickets whilst they can.

“Blackpool is a perfect location to showcase queer art in the North West and this third visit by New Queers will not disappoint. I’ve seen Jackie’s work before and it is challenging, unique and very funny  At LeftCoast, we are excited to be working with New Queers, who have a national reputation for taking artistic risks with the performers they commission and the Art B and B is the perfect space to host this new work.

“I have no doubt that both evenings will be great entertainment and the New Queers Weekender demonstrates a commitment by all the partners to include the audience for LGBTQ+ work in our venue programming. We hope people will come along to the pre-show on Friday to chat with us about other queer work they would like to experience at the Art B and B, the College or the Grundy”.

SCHEDULE

Thursday 27 February – Blackpool & The Fylde College Theatre, Bennett Avenue FY1 4EE

8pm, Oozing Gloop’s The Gloopshow Episode 2: GLOOPTOPIA! at College Theatre

Pay what you feel on the night

Friday 28 February – Art B&B, 180 Promenade FY1 1RJ

6.30pm – 8pm – pre show discussion exploring issues such as gender and identity as well as what it means to be an ally or member of the LGBTQ+ community here in town

8pm – 10pm, Jackie Hagan & Mandla Rae at Art B&B £7.50 including a pre or post show drink

10pm – late – Celebrate the future before dancing the night away with music specially chosen by Art B&B’s artist collective

Saturday 29 February – Grundy Art Gallery, Queen Street

2pm – talk and Q&A with Garth Gratrix. around his latest exhibition ‘Shy Girl’ followed by a collaboration with Manchester based artist Jez Dolan exploring Polari and the language of colour in a playful, innuendo-riddled, tongue in cheek manner!

New Queers on the Block is a Touring and Artist Development initiative led by the Marlborough Theatre & Pub (Brighton). This event is commissioned and produced in collaboration with LeftCoast, with additional funding by Arts Council England, Jerwood Arts, Esmeé Fairban and The Space.

NQOTB showcases full-length live art and dance pieces from renowned performers plus local artists at each destination. NQOTB is also the Marlborough Theatre’s flagship touring project as Brighton’s foremost LGBTQ+ venue continues to build on its successful track record of bold, high-calibre programming.