CityLife

Bernhard to head rescued festival

HAVING been saved from the Arts Council axe - at least for the time being - Queerupnorth will now go ahead as planned in May and has just announced some of its headline dates.

The 2008 programme, the second under the stewardship of artistic director Jonathan Best and his team, is still being co-ordinated, but will include more than 40 events, including nine UK premieres and an eclectic mix of arts and culture from Europe, Asia, and the US.

On May 9, the festival hoists a one-off performance of by Sandra Bernhard (pictured) with her show, Without You I'm Nothing, supported by Tina C, while the innovative Ridiculusmus bring their dark new theatre to town from May 14-17.

Bette Bourne stars in a new play ROCK from May 20-24 and on May 23 and 24 there's a specially-created premiere with Justin Bond (Kiki of Kiki and Herb) and Taylor Mac.

May 25 is the date for the UK premieres of two dance works by ground-breaking US choreographer Stephen Petronio with specially-commissioned music from Anthony Hegarty, Rufus Wainwright, and Fischerspooner

The festival hosts gigs, films, club and cabaret nights, and exhibitions, as well as celebrating the centenary of the birth of gay icon Quentin Crisp.

A brochure with all the dates and artists will be out next month, and at queerupnorth.com .