When that festival of all things alternative, Queer Up North, sadly folded in 2010, Manchester’s Contact theatre launched Queer Contact to fill the gaping hole left behind with a full weeks-worth of comedy, drama, dance and cabaret. We asked Contact’s James Stanley for three shows worth booking ahead for.

Comedy Playground
A night of gay gagsmiths and LOL lesbians including The Chase’s Paul Sinha, Debra-Jane Abbleby, Tom Allen, Heena Patel and more. Hosted by Jonathan Mayor.
Mon 4 Feb, 7.30pm, £8/£5

Mother’s Ruin: Who’s Got The Max Factor 
Britain’s Got Queer Talent? Find out in this showcase where ten rising stars try to impress a panel of artists, and the audience, for a £250 cash prize. With performances from Bryonny Kimmings and Eggs Collective.
Fri 8 Feb, 7.30pm, £12/£7

Bourgeois and Maurice: We Started A Band,
Twisting modern life into some of the catchiest most peculiar pop songs you’ll hear, award-winning cabaret duo Bourgeois and Maurice bring the festival to a close with their critically acclaimed four-piece band show.
Sat 9 Feb, 8pm, £12/£7

Mon 4 – Sat 9 Feb, Contact, Oxford Road, M15 6JA. Tel: 0161 274 0600, times and prices vary, contactmcr.com/queercontact

Mon 4 Feb - Sat 9 Feb
Words:
Ruth Allan
Published on:
Mon 4 Feb 2013