Following last year’s success Outset Festival returns bigger, bolder and better.

Last year saw Somerset’s first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) theatre festival take place at The Brewhouse with a fantastic celebration of LGBT arts including theatre, comedy, dance and community arts. Following the overwhelming interest and support, Outset returns in 2012 for a second year with the festival now spanning across three days from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 February.

 This year’s festival celebrates local LGBT talent as well as welcoming established performers including Bethany Black and O’Hooley & Tidow.

Following a fabulous ‘cocktail hour’ with the exuberant professional DJ Shona Shuffles; The Sexes (Fri 6pm) is performed in our intimate studio setting marking the opening of Outset 2012. A provocative blend of theatre, video and new writing, SoSoGay describe the performance as “dark, very dark, but also beautiful”. The UK premier of Luna (Fri 7.45pm) follows in the Main House with a striking performance from Pretty Good Girl Dance Theatre. Their unique blend of storytelling, dance, film and physical theatre unfolds a brave story offering an insight into the life of a transsexual teen.  Bethany Black (Fri 9.30pm) rounds the evening off in style with her “dark tingled but magical” (The Guardian) brand of comedy.

 In keeping with Outset’s ethos, Saturday’s the second day of the festival sees the Brewhouse open its doors for a number of free events including singing, drama and dance workshops. No experience required! After the resounding success of the open mic slot last year any budding poets who want to share LGBT poetry there is a chance this year (please contact louise(at)prettygoodgirl.com in advance. Throughout the day, The Brewhouse Café Bar will become awash with stalls from different regional community support groups. Bethan Fisher from Mind in Taunton and West Somerset says:

“OUTSET is a great opportunity for community groups and individuals to get together to show support for LGBT people, and recognise their valuable contribution in all aspects of society including the arts.”

The speakers in the Big Gay Debate (Sat 11 Feb 5pm) include people from key organisations and individuals from the south west and will give the opportunity to discuss LGBT arts and their importance in society. Last year this session was chaired by Mark Helyar, Theatre Director for the regional Arts Service Take Art. Mark says; ‘It was a pleasure to be part of such a vibrant and interesting discussion. This offers an important opportunity for the LGBT voice to be heard in relation to developing creativity and LGBT support in our county.”

 Unique cabaret artist Ty Jeffries then takes to the stage as Miss Hope Springs (Sat 11 Feb 6pm) in a witty and moving piece describing her journey  as an ex Vegas showgirl. This witty and sophisticated piece showcases fantastic vocals sung live at the piano.

 Saturdays dynamic offering is then finished with a performance from the dapper gentlewomen that are O’Hooley & Tidow (Sat 11 Feb 8pm). Hailed as pioneers of innovative chamber-folk, their music defies easy description, crossing folk and classical boundaries with a hint of burlesque theatricality. O’Hooley & Tidow release their second album, The Fragile, in February 2012, expect a striking arrangement of sublime harmonies and cheeky northern banter.

Sunday sees a mix of music, film and dance making full use of the creative spaces at The Brewhouse. Jazz Brunch with Barrett & Drummond (Sun 12 Feb 11.30am) is a chance to relax following Saturday’s hectic schedule. Presenting a soulful mix of original and covered songs, Helen Barratt and Greg Drummond sing some of the best loved songs by the likes of K.D. Land, Eva Cassidy, Billie Holiday, Fiona Apple and Melody Gardot to name just a few. This is a perfect chance to sample some of the delicious food from on site restaurant Edwardo’s whilst enjoying the performance. Lesbian community theatre group Tallulah close the festival with an all female rendition of Romeo & Juliet (Sun 12 Feb 1pm). This is supported by bite size pieces theatre and dance performed by young people exploring LGBT issues.

 Participation and attendance is open to all who wish to witness and acknowledge the immense contribution of the LGBT community and individuals to the arts in all its forms.

 Tickets for all events at Outset festival are available individually and cost between £7 – £15 with concessions available. A discounted festival pass is also available for £40 and grants access to all events. There are also a large number of free events throughout the weekend.