Welcome to our 9th DaDaFest
DaDaFest - the award winning festival - returns in 09 after having
been shortlisted for ‘Best Event in 2008’ for the Mersey Tourism
Awards, ‘Putting the North West on the Map’, for the Art 08
Awards and was a runner up for UK Independent Living Awards
for ‘Excellence in Employing Disabled People’.
This year is more reflective; creating art that captures some of
the issues and experiences we come across as disabled and
deaf people. It is regrettable that we have become used to
moments of silence, judgment, misunderstanding and patronising
behaviour. The power of the arts can change our thinking by
challenging some of these ‘imperfect moments’. Let us take
you through moments of revelation, challenge, sadness and joy
by showcasing artists’ work that respond to these ‘imperfect
moments’. We aim to turn them into ‘perfect ones’ as you interact
with art, performance, screenings and the DaDaTalks on offer.
Join in the DaDaAwards and Dinner on 3rd December as part
of International Disabled Peoples Day. On 5th December we
mark 1,000 days until the launch of the UK Paralympics
Games – when DaDa goes national!
Our wholehearted gratitude to DaDaFest key funders:
Culture Liverpool (Liverpool City Council), Northwest Regional
Development Agency, Arts Council England and the many
fantastic collaborations with arts organisations who continue
to support and value our work.
This year thanks to: the Bluecoat, Contemporary Urban Centre,
BBC Big Screens, FACT, Abandon Normal Devices, North West
Cultural Olympiad, Open Eye Gallery, National Museums
Liverpool, Unity Theatre, Merseyside Centre for Deaf People,
Prism Arts in Cumbria and bobby&sophie design.
DaDaFest is pleased to be associated with
Celebr8, the North West’s own regional Festival
of Diversity. Now in its fourth year, it runs from
November 2009 through until July 2010.
It is supported by the North West Regional
Development Agency (NWDA), 4NW Regional Leadership Board,
Government Office North West and the Equality & Human Rights
Commission. Further details of the programme can be found
at www.nwda.co.uk.
Ruth Gould, DaDa – Disability & Deaf Arts
CEO and DaDaFest 2009 Creative Producer
Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council
said: “DaDaFest is one of the most inclusive festivals in the UK
and represents the best spirit of Liverpool. Liverpool City Council
is delighted to be supporting DaDaFest which has grown
nationally and internationally. I hope everyone who attends this
year has a fantastic experience and will return for DaDaFest 2010.”

Booking Information
To book tickets for Bluecoat events:
Telephone: 0151 702 5324 or www.bluecoat.org.uk
or go to Tickets and Information at the Bluecoat,
School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BX
For other venues please contact specific venue or the
DaDa team. For festival information: 0151 707 1733
www.dadahello.com / [email protected]
To register for updates, please email [email protected]

Exhibition 17 November – 5 December
Resistance: Which Way the Future?
Contemporary Urban Centre, The Annex, Liverpool L1 0BS
Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 6pm, Sundays: 11am – 4pm
Exhibition opens at 2pm on 17 November
www.contemporaryurbancentre.org
Created by Liz Crow. Resistance is a national touring moving
image installation exploring Aktion-T4, the Nazi mass-murder
programme that led to the death of quarter of a million disabled
people. Through the story of Elise, a woman who showed
courage in the face of horror, we bear witness to one of the truly
imperfect moments of the last century. Challenging a neglected
part of our history whilst raising critical questions for today,
Resistance is a disturbing, sometimes chilling work of art.
It is also tender and hauntingly beautiful, delivering hope and
a sense of promise for the future. The installation runs for 30
minutes, beginning at quarter past and quarter to every hour.
27th and 28th November : Linked event at
the Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BX
Telephone: 0151 702 5324 www.thebluecoat.org.uk.
For details visit www.roaring-girl.com or www.dadahello.com

Exhibition 17 November – 5 December
Kevin Connolly
Open Eye Gallery, 28–32 Wood Street, Liverpool, L1 4AQ
Tuesday – Saturday: 10.30am – 5.30pm, FREE
Telephone: 0151 709 9460 Email [email protected]
Reprising his exhibition that was showcased by DaDaFest 08,
Kevin, a photographer who has no legs, uses a skateboard for
transportation. He has photographed people’s reaction to him
across 15 countries, 31 cities and with 32,000 images,
he has truly captured the universal ‘stare’; the imperfect
moment of that glance is intriguing and imaginatively
recorded in this collection.
Kevin’s book, ‘Double Take: a Memoir’, which documents his
photographic journey and experiences as a disabled artist will
be on sale from October this year. Please visit his website for
more information: www.therollingexhibition.com

Film 17 November – 5 December
DaDaVisions
Big Screen Liverpool, Clayton Square, FREE
Launching from the 17th November, DaDaFest in partnership
with the BBC Big Screens will be showing specially
commissioned short films and video throughout the duration
of the festival on Liverpool City Centre’s Big Screen Liverpool,
Clayton Square. Viewing times to be announced.
www.dadahello.com
This project has been possible with funding from
Phil & Alexis Redmond, Liverpool City Council,
North West Vision and Media, in partnership with the BBC.

Exhibition 17 November – 5 December
Young DaDaFest Exhibition
10.00am – 5pm daily, FREE
World Museum Liverpool, William Brown
Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN,
Telephone: 0151 478 4393
Due to the extremely high quality of last
year’s visual arts submissions, we are proud
to announce that this years young DaDaFest‘s
arts work is on display at the World Museum

Exhibition 17 November – 5 December
Sally Booth
the Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool
All week, 10am – 6pm, FREE
Telephone: 0151 702 5324
Sally Booth received the ‘Adam Reynolds
Memorial Bursary’, which took place at
the Bluecoat this year supported by Shape and Tate Liverpool.
‘The Bluecoat’s beautiful oval windows inspired me from the
beginning. I photographed the light and shadows cast by the
windows. Sometimes light, diffuse and soft; sometimes
abstracted, sharp or almost invisible’. Sally returns with a series
of light-boxes inspired by her residency.
www.sallybooth.co.uk

Film Wednesday 18 November
The Magic Hour
FACT (Foundation for Art
and Creative Technology),
2pm and 6pm, Tickets £4 / £3
Telephone: 0871 704 2063 to book tickets.
Certificates for all films to be confirmed.
A collection of extraordinary stories from disabled filmmakers.
Watch these amazing films and join us after the 2pm showing
to chat with the filmmakers and producer Justin Edgar.
The Hunger House Set in World War 2 Germany, two disabled
friends are processed into the Nazi death machine. Shot on
35mm with a huge disabled cast.
Hands Solo Hilarious mockumentary about a deaf porn star
with a unique gift starring Richard Griffiths.
Buttermouth Mesmerising stop motion animation about a
mother and daughter. New film from animation prodigy
Andrew Gibbs.
Paraphernalia Cutting edge live action / animation about a
boy discovering what the annoyingly rubbish robot that keeps
hanging around is really for. From multi-award-winning
animator John Williams.
Follow Me on My Journey to Die Acerbic black comedy
about a Euthanasia craze hitting London’s fashion victims.
From disability rights activist and artist Katherine Arianello.

Performance Thursday 19 November
Young DaDaFest
Wake Theatre, Contemporary Urban Centre,
4.30 – 8.30pm, This event is invitation only.
Comprising of an unmissable performance showcase
and awards ceremony, designed to exhibit and channel
the talents of Disabled/Deaf young people from across the
Liverpool City Region. Young DaDaFest is a flagship platform
event for the next generation of disabled/deaf artists working
in performance art forms, visual arts and creative writing
and is one of the festival’s most anticipated events.
Please visit our website nearer the date to vote online at
www.dadahello.com
This event is sign language interpreted and audio described.

Theatre Friday 20 November
Crossings
Unity Theatre, Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
8pm, Tickets £7/ £5 Telephone: 0151 709 4988
www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
15 and pregnant, Shelley wants out of the gang. But that’s
breaking the code – you don’t do that. On the run at a storm
soaked Canning Dock, she finds shelter on an old ferry boat,
but this is no ordinary boat, this is the ghost of The Zong;
a slaveship with a murderous history. Two powerful women
onboard test and tease her – are they for or against her…
will she ever get out of this alive?
First presented at DaDaFest International 2008, now on an
international tour and for one night only in Liverpool, this
is one NOT to be missed.
Suitable for 12+
www.juliemc.com
Audio described and sign language interpreted.

Comedy Saturday 21 November
Liz Carr – It hasn’t
Happened Yet!
Unity Theatre, Hope Place, Liverpool
8pm, Tickets £7/ £5
Telephone: 0151 709 4988
www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
Following performances in Melbourne, London and at
Leicester Comedy Festival, disabled comedian Liz Carr
returns to Liverpool with her show It Hasn't Happened Yet.
Written and performed by Carr and directed by Christine
Bruno, it is the story of one disabled woman's journey into the
funny and peculiar world of comedy. Plunging chair-first into
territory where few dare to go, in her latest work Carr challenges
conventional perceptions about language, humour, success,
fame, Barry Manilow and even fish.
It Hasn't Happened Yet follows the journey of burgeoning
comedian Alex Saunders as she navigates her way through
the minefields of disability and comedy, with wheelchair and
alter-ego in tow. With rave international reviews, Critics Choice
in Time Out said, “supremely funny, twisted and edgy... A darkly
comic mix of theatre and stand up.”
www.lizcarr.co.uk
Captioned and audio described, with sign languge interpretation. 

Theatre Sunday 22 November
Deaf Culture Event
Merseyside Society for Deaf People
(MSDP), Queens Drive, Liverpool, L13 0DJ
2pm – 5pm, FREE
Join Ramesh Meyyappan from Singapore,
freshly returned from his world tour who
gives us a taste of his excellent mime skills. Have a great time
creating your own expressive skills in his workshop.
Mary-Jayne Russell de Clifford will also be there. She has
worked with Tyst Theatre (Sweden) and Deafinitly Theatre
(London) and will be leading workshops just for you! Surprise
guests will perform and BazzaDeaf, comedy writer from British
Deaf News will be in attendance. Will you be able to spot him?
A great afternoon out for all the family. Be there – you deserve it.

Saturday 21 November
Inclusive Day at World Museum Liverpool
Treasure House Theatre, World Museum Liverpool, William
Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EN, 12noon – 4.30pm, FREE
Contact Paul Netterfield: Telephone: 0151 478 4393 or
[email protected]
Bringing to life some of the collections of World Museum Liverpool.
Includes BSL interpreted performances, and guided tours
of the museums collections, times to be confirmed.
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk for further details.

Open Mic Tuesday 24 November
Da’Verse
the Bluecoat, 6.30pm – 8pm, FREE
Telephone: 0151 702 5324 or
www.thebluecoat.org.uk
An eclectic mix of poets and poetry from a
unique perspective, comprising of new
material and an open mic slot. This event is free, but you will
need to register via Tickets and Information at the Bluecoat.

Thursday 26 November
Dream in a Box
the Bluecoat,
11.00am – 3.30pm, FREE
Booking recommended
Telephone: 0151 702 5324
or www.thebluecoat.org.uk
A daylong user-led event that promotes and celebrates
learning disability arts and culture. The event will provide an
opportunity for learning disabled people to experience peerled
learning through a variety of participatory arts activities and
workshops in drama, dance, music and the visual arts, led
by learning disabled artists. A partnership between DaDa –
Disability and Deaf Arts and the Bluecoat’s Blue Room Artists.
Audio described with sign language interpretation.

Music/Cabaret Thursday 26 November
Magic Mirror Ball
Tate Liverpool, 7pm – 10pm
1970s Club Night (FANCY DRESS ENCOURAGED)
Tickets £5, Booking recommended
For tickets visit www.tate.org.uk/liverpool/late
or call 0151 702 7400.
Stay out ‘Late at Tate’ for an arts party that celebrates
the culture of people with learning disabilities.
Let the magic of the mirror ball transport you to the 70s –
to a disco inspired by Hemingway & Son’s groovy light-up
dance floor. This cabaret-style event is run by a group of adults
with learning disabilities, in conjunction with Tate Liverpool.
Get down with our resident DJs or interact with living statues,
make a mask, enhance your costume with our make-up artists,
enjoy a tour of the gallery with an ‘angel guide’, have a drink in
the bar with your friends, or maybe just chill in the relaxation
room. Late night bar and snack menu in the café. Accessible
parking and drop off points throughout the Albert Dock.
Audio described.

Theatre Friday 27 November
Mat Fraser – From Freak to Clique
the Bluecoat, 8pm, Tickets £7/£5
Telephone: 0151 702 5324 or www.thebluecoat.org.uk
Mat Fraser’s brand new show charts the history of disability on
stage, screen, in music, sport and ridiculing real life, including
his own career. Using his trademark brand of PC free comedy,
songs, poetry and characters, this will engage, challenge, and
charm audiences into submission. Not for the easily offended,
or under 16’s.
‘Frank, funny, and in your face… it’s transfixing theatre;
a visceral, physical, one man show’ METRO
Audio described with sign language interpretation.

DaDaTalk Saturday 28 November
Creating Art with an Edge
the Bluecoat
Telephone: 0151 702 5324 or www.thebluecoat.org.uk
As artists and disabled or deaf people, our experiences have
given context to thinking about our lives in different ways –
informing how we make our art. Hosted by Garry Robson.
Book for all sessions, or individual ones – each speaker will
invite the audience to ask them questions.
11am: Liz Crow: Resistance: Which Way the Future?
1.30pm: Polly Moseley: exploring the interplay between
performance art and her life on dialysis.
2.45pm: Alexa Wright: Visual Artist talks about her
approaches to work.
4.00pm: Dr Tom Shakespeare: explains about his work
focussing on Bio Science and Ethics.
5.00pm: We invite all artists to join in a panel discussion, with
further guests. Including Dr. Andy Miah and Debbi Lander.
Audio described with sign language interpretation and palantypist.

DaDaTalk Sunday 29 November
Disability & Sexuality, The Last Taboo
the Bluecoat
Telephone: 0151 702 5324 or www.thebluecoat.org.uk
The discussions will focus on issues around sexuality and the
misconceptions society has towards disabled people. Explored
through three very different speakers. Hosted by Mat Fraser.
Aimed at 18+
1.30pm: Diva Hollywood: identity as a Burlesque performer.
2.45pm: Dr Matt Partner: sexuality and learning disabled people.
4.00pm: Aaron Williamson: Sex and the Disabled –
Aaron will discuss the film, developed as part of a collaboration
with Abandon Normal Devices Festival in September 2009.
5.00pm: This series of talks will once again be followed
by a panel discussion with invited guests.
Audio described with sign language interpretation and palantypist.

Comedy Friday 27 November
Spastic Fantastic
and Unshakeble*
Tickets £7/ £5, 7.30pm
Tullie House Museum, Castle Street, Carlisle,
CA3 8TP Telephone: 01228 618718
Laurence flies in the face of a society that
seems more concerned with political correctness and
language than actually listening to disabled people. Earlier this
year he attempted to reclaim the word ‘spastic’ through the
power of stand-up comedy and hidden camera stunts.
He says: “Black people, gay men and lesbians have all
reclaimed negative terms that were used about them in the
past. It's about humour, irony and seizing power by taking
ownership of words that were once used destructively”.
Two of the North West’s best comedy performers appearing
for one night only! (there will be a 20 minute interval)

Theatre Saturday 28 November
DaDaNoise
the Bluecoat, 8pm, Tickets £7/£5
Telephone: 0151 702 5324
or www.thebluecoat.org.uk
A brand spanking new shiny night with
Aaron Williamson, Katherine Araniello,
Mat Fraser and Leigh Stirling. DaDaNoise will be a fusion
of local musicians, performance art and songs.
In true DaDaFest style, it’s a night where anything goes.

Cabaret Sunday 29 November
DaDaLesque
the Bluecoat, 7.30pm, Tickets £7/£5
Telephone: 0151 702 5324
or www.thebluecoat.org.uk
With confirmed 50’s belle Millie Dollar,
the ever charismatic Diva Hollywood,
Mat Fraser and hosted by Fred Bear.
For the inner burlesque star in all of us!
In partnership with The Martini Lounge.
Suitable for 18+
Audio described.

Workshop Tuesday 1 December
Comedy Workshop
the Bluecoat, 6 – 7.30pm
FREE but you need to register with
Tickets and Information at the Bluecoat
Telephone: 0151 702 5324 or www.thebluecoat.org.uk
Ever considered a career in stand up? Know you can tickle
that funny bone, but just need to practice your aim? Love
telling jokes but never performed, then this workshop is for you!
Workshop will be led by Paul Betney.
Audio described.

Performance Tuesday 1 December
Unshakeable
the Bluecoat, 8.30pm, Tickets £7/£5
Telephone: 0151 702 5324 or www.thebluecoat.org.uk
Written and performed by Paul Betney
Directed by Keith Carter
Script supervision by Laurence Clark
It took doctors 18 years to figure out that Paul Betney had
Parkinson’s Disease. When the diagnosis finally came, the
medication that followed brought his severe tremor under
control. This was to be the beginning of a strange journey
of self discovery as he slowly came to realise just what the
tremor had meant to him and to ask what getting back to
‘normal’ really means. Hard hitting, poignant and hilarious,
Unshakeable is the amazing true story of how one man’s life
was dramatically changed by some little yellow pills.
Paul Betney started his stand up career in Tokyo. He then
spent six months performing in the USA. He has returned to
Liverpool and performs throughout the UK. He is also a cast
member of Abnormally Funny People.
‘One of the discoveries of my Fringe. He buoys you with his
enthusiasm. It's life-affirming.’ JAY RICHARDSON, THE SCOTSMAN
‘…he has a perfect sense of timing for the duration of his
expertly thought out set.’ EMPORIUM OF MIRTH
Audio description with sign language interpretation.

Cabaret Thursday 3 December
DaDaAwards
Hilton Liverpool, L1 8LW
Tickets £50, Book a table of 10 for £500
Telephone: 0151 707 1733 Email: [email protected],
Minicom: +44 (0)151 706 0365 Fax: +44 (0)151 708 9355
The only UK Awards ceremony that acknowledges the work
of deaf and disabled artists, join us for cabaret, feasting,
awards, laughter and song. So Many Excuses will host the
event, a rebirth of No Excuses; Mandy Colleran, Ali Briggs
and Mandy Redvers Rowe reform for this fabulous evening.
From attending rallies, creating mayhem, and a movement as
well as completing commissions for the BBC, they’re ripe for
re-emergence in their continued quest for equality.
We also be debuting the DaDaSings choir, working with
Ayotunde Falona, Caroline Parker and Sense of Sound,
a group of hearing singers and deaf signers will delight the
senses and bring a fresh perspective to signed song.
DaDaSings is funded by LCVS.
Book your ticket now by contacting DaDa – Disability
& Deaf Arts direct.
This years Awards are sponsored by: Northwest Regional
Development Agency, ITV Productions, The Mersey
Partnership, National Museums Liverpool, Breakthrough
UK and Culture Liverpool (Liverpool City Council)
Audio description, with sign language  and palantypist.

Music Friday 4 December
Tom Doughty
the Bluecoat, 8pm, Tickets £7/£5
Telephone: 0151 702 5324
or www.thebluecoat.org.uk
Tom learnt his craft through interpreting
what he heard on records. He is an avid
listener and admirer of other musicians. Influences include
Renbourn and Jansch, Martin Carthy and Led Zeppelin. Tom
found his music with the tenacity and creativity of a new
explorer. This attitude enabled him to develop new and unique
techniques, instantly recognisable as ‘his’ sound. In 2009 Tom
released his third album Have a Taste of This to critical
acclaim. Have a Taste of This sees another stage in the
continuing development of this remarkable musician.
‘In a world of derivative and imitative slide guitarists,
Tom’s sound is unique and special.’ BOB BROZMAN
www.tomdoughty.com

Film Saturday 5 December
Big Screen – DaDa Goes National
and Festival Finale
7.30pm, Donations on the door
Greenbank Centre, Greenbank Lane, Liverpool, L17 1AG
DaDa Goes National – DaDaVisions will be transferring to the
entire UK-wide network of 21 big screens managed by the
BBC to mark the eve of 1,000 days to go until the launch of
the London Paralympic Games on 2nd September 2012.
To celebrate this and the finale of the festival we are hosting an
after show party on 5th December. We will be sending regular
updates about the celebrations by email.
Audio described with sign language.