Leeds, UK
2009 PERFORMANCES
Main Auditorium
Be blown away by Max Pashm's blistering electronic beats/percussion and vocals, combined with Greek/Balkan/Gypsy & Klezmer music.
An early pioneer of global fusion music, Max draws on his Hebrew and Greek roots to create this unique blend, thrilling audiences worldwide.
With his combo of the UK's top 'Greek/Balkan & Klezmer' musicians, he delivers a very powerful mix of old & new!
Max first rose to fame in the late nineties with his debut album 'Weddings, Bar-mitzvahs & Funerals' released on Sony Music in 1997.
The long awaited new album 'Never Mind the Balkans‚Äö Here's Max Pashm' was officially released on September 29th 2008. Last year, Max and the 'Max Pashm Band' toured more than 30 shows in 12 different countries.
The band also recently recorded a 5 track session recording for BBC Radio 3, DJ mix for BBC Asia and numerous other European television and radio broadcasts!
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Main Auditorium
Your once-in-a-lifetime chance to almost meet BARBRA STREISAND in person!!
Steven Brinberg is the world's most brilliantly captivating and highly praised female impersonator of the fabulous Barbra Streisand!
His stage appearances play worldwide to packed houses, and always to enormous critical acclaim. Steven has presented his incredible show all over America, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and in London's West End. He has performed with Marvin Hamlisch, Whoopi Goldberg and at Stephen Sondheim's birthday concert at Carnegie Hall.
Marvin Hamlisch says "When you first hear Steven's Simply Barbra CD, for the first brief moment, you almost think, 'My God! Is that really her?'(Streisand) It's so captivating! Not only does he have a wonderful take on her -- not at all mean-spirited -- and this ability to imitate her, he also captures a lot of moments and nuances that are terrific. It was very impressive."
Simply Barbra is also appearing at the Leicester Square Theatre in London in June. More details here.
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Upstairs @ The Carriageworks
Don't miss this cutting edge one-person show about Eli and his search for love whilst balancing religion, family and happiness. In this dramatic comedy about the struggles of modern dating, talented actor Josh Epstein plays three old Jewish men in a sauna discussing how to introduce 'Jews to Jews' with the hopeful result of a meeting, a marriage and kids (overnight!)
Their solution...SPEED DATING. 7 dates, with 7 different people, for 7 minutes at a time. We then follow Eli as he struggles with his grandfather's wishes, his love/frustration with his non-Jewish girlfriend and his meeting and matching up with 7 completely different Jewish girls.
Josh Epstein has performed professionally across North America appearing in hit productions as Leo Bloom in The Producers, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, and the World Premiere of The Lord of the Rings. His film and TV credits include Hairspray, X-Files and Breaker High.
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Studio
Have you ever wondered where the great comedians like Dick Emery, Tommy Cooper and Groucho Marx got their material from?
Well now you can find out!
Brad Ashton is Scriptwriter to the Stars whose work has been performed all over the world, from Europe to the USA and from South Africa to Canada. He has written two books - the latest of which "THE FUNNY THING ABOUT WRITING COMEDY" has recently been published.
As well as writing hilarious one-liners and sketches, Brad lectures on International Comedy on cruises and has been on over 50 ships.
His reputation as a first class raconteur ensures that his talk at The Festival will be an evening full of laughter and good fun! Brad will be selling and signing copies of his books after the show.
Definitely one not to miss.
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Main Auditorium
'Spaghetti & Matzo Balls!' is an autobiographical musical comedy that tells the story of a nice Jewish girl from New York who finds her hidden Italian roots within, making her a true 'Jewtalian.'
In a musical that explores what it means to rediscover home, Rena Strober finds herself singing at the famous NY Italian restaurant Rao's, hosting the Ms. Italian-American pageant, dodging mafia bullets and touring the country with Les Miserables.
'Spaghetti & Matzo Balls!' is an exciting show of diverse musical and linguistic variety, from Broadway favourites, to Italian Pop Opera - from Joni Mitchell to Yiddish Folk songs. Rena Strober's use of sincere storytelling and powerful vocals will make you laugh, sing along and, at times, even break your heart. Accompanied by talented pianist Bill Hindin, this is a rare opportunity to experience the dazzling talent of an accomplished actress from the world of American music and stage.
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Main Auditorium
Describing the brilliantly multi-talented Mark Maier is not easy! As a highly sought after performer on the national and international comedy circuits, Mark's ability to be both witty and articulate in a variety of totally believable accents, has had audiences on their feet shouting for more!
He appears frequently on ITV, BBC1, Channel 4, Channel 5 and SKY and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4 as both writer and performer. His latest show, "The 9 o'clock Shmooze" has been a big hit with Jewish audiences.
Mark founded the group "Madlib" - a favourite of visitors to the Edinburgh Festival - and previously was a teacher of Improvisational Comedy in London.
Prior to pursuing a career in Comedy, Mark was involved in the world of Television Advertising, where his writing received numerous awards and accolades. He has also written and performed in Radio Commercials, and was winner of the "World's Best Broadcasting Advertisement" at the Radio and Television Awards in Hollywood.
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Upstairs @ The Carriageworks
"Jordy Pordy: Taking the Bull by the Horns" is a one man show, which follows the life of Jordan, a young Jewish guy from Texas: the land of rodeos, sweet tea, and rednecks. In this hilarious and heartwarming show, Jordan recounts his experience of being a professional football mascot and his move all the way up to Oklahoma: the land of more rodeos, more sweet tea, and more rednecks.
In a tour-de-force display of acting, Jordan plays his over protective mother, Grammy, the stereotypical Jewish grandma and many other crazy family members.
But when hardship faces his family, Jordan learns a lot about himself and the people who mean the most to him.
In a show that will draw you in to a world of laughter and tears, Jordy Pordy explores the themes of self-identity, Judaism, family, and the overall strength of the human soul in a way you've never seen before!
Don't miss this incredibly talented young actor! Now in demand on the international circuit, he is a 'must see' at this year's Festival.
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Upstairs @ The Carriageworks
Spoonface Steinberg invites you to ask yourself: What if, as a child, you were dealt a hand so cruel that even the most hardened adult would struggle to cope with it?
What if you couldn't find the words to say how it made you feel?
Lee Hall's heartbreaking, heart-warming and at times bitterly funny monologue, explores one unique child's voice and extraordinary journey through her tragically short life.
This award winning play was first broadcast on Radio 4 in 1997. The stage premiere was in 2000 at the Crucible, Sheffield. Last year, Emma performed an outdoor promenade version at the New End Theatre, London.
Originally from Leeds, Emma has been acting since the age of three and directing for over a decade. Last year, she took a place at a Los Angeles acting school to enrich her knowledge of the film and TV industry.
She is also one of the instigators of Offshore LA which aims to bring together a collection of new talent from across the globe to prove that drama really can transcend all hemispheres, time zones and cultures.
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Studio
Learn how to belly dance with Helena! Grab this amazing opportunity to learn to belly dance with Helena, Leeds' own talented performer and teacher of classical and contemporary Raqs Sharqi, better known in the West as Belly Dance.
This beautiful dance originating from the Middle East is still a hugely celebrated part of the Sephardic Jewish culture.
In this one hour workshop, Helena, who runs popular classes in and around Leeds and is known for her vivacious persona and elegant style, will shimmy and undulate her way through the basics of the dance. Once you have mastered these moves, she will then teach a fun veil dance.
Discover grace, elegance and sensuality you never knew you had!
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Upstairs @ The Carriageworks
Performed by Andrew Bridgmont
Directed by Julia McShane
Adapted by Simon Reade
Paolo Levi is the greatest violinist in the world. But he refuses to play Mozart. Why?
This brand new dramatization of Michael Morpurgo's extraordinary story, takes us from the beauty of Venice to the horrors of the Nazi gas chambers in a tale that will move and inspire both young and old.
"We fought back with our music, it was the only weapon we had."
A wonderful and poignant piece performed by actor/violinist Andrew Bridgmont. From the team behind Private Peaceful and Aesop's Fables.
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Studio
The Festival is proud and honoured to host Israeli singer and songwriter, Ronit Shahar. Ronit, whose first album went platinum, started performing at the age of sixteen.
Influenced by American and English musicians such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Cat Stevens, Pink Floyd and Joni Mitchell, Ronit found huge success with her unmistakable laid back, cool sounding style.
Early in her career, Ronit worked as both vocalist and musician with Shlomo Artzi, one of Israel's leading artists, as well as supporting artist for Neil Young and Joan Armatrading.
Ronit is currently working on her fourth album in addition to touring in America, Canada, the UK and Israel.
Ronit's intimate "unplugged" performance at the Festival, will include a collage of some of her most famous songs, performed in both Hebrew & English.
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Main Auditorium
The wonderful sound of Steven Leas' amazing and beautiful voice will be an emotional experience you will remember long after the Festival has closed.
In this not to be missed dynamic show, displaying a rich variety of music and song, Steven, along with female soprano, Belinda Evans, a finalist in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" is accompanied by outstanding musicians.
Productions he has performed in include "The King and I" and "The Sound of Music". In 2002 Steven joined the English National Opera.
He worked with the BBC on a programme celebrating the liberation of the Holocaust and was awarded a BAFTA for Excellence. His singing of the memorial prayer El Male Rachamim with the Central Synagogue Choir was repeated in An Audience with The Queen at Westminster Hall.
Steven has sung with names we all know - Michael Ball, Michel Legrand and Brian Connelly and has recently completed a recording with the London Symphony Orchestra for the 60th Anniversary of the Commonwealth.
Accompanied by: Sagi Hartov - Cello, Tatiana Bysheva - Violin, Lewis Fisher - Keyboard/Piano
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Upstairs @ The Carriageworks
End of winter, 1948. Margalit, a young woman from a Moshav in Emek Israel, departs from her home and stands at the same secluded bus station where it all began. Summer 1942.
A chance meeting on a bus sets this "love at first sight" story... Margalit meets Ami, a young man from the Palmach (Israeli Underground) and a Kibbutz member. Love blossoms in spite of many difficulties, and plans for a future on a Kibbutz are made. The wedding is set for the winter of 1948...
In this true story tinged with strength, humour, beauty and sadness, you will be transported back into an era in Israel, when a generation still had the innocence of youth, and there was no "mine", only "ours" and a desire to chase values and ideology rather than money.
Capturing the time and place immaculately, talented young actress Adi Bilsky, tells Pnina Gary's true story leaving you with an experience you will never forget...
Written and directed by Pnina Gary.
Winner of best Israeli fringe drama 2009.
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Main Auditorium
A sparkling new show for the Festival! After sourcing the very best in international talent, we are proud to present to you on stage, performers from our very own Jewish Community, as they strut their stuff in their very own Variety Show!
Hosted by our very own funny man, Howard Lee, come along for a wonderful evening of song, dance and comedy as we offer you - The Seven O'Clock Shmooze!
An array of short performances from our neighbours, our friends, our children, grandchildren and even our grandparents!
No act is too old or too young - but every act is unique and will love your support! So come along to The Carriageworks. Make some noise! Applaud! Cheer! And have a Great Evening!
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Main Auditorium
Be prepared to be wowed by wicked sounds, explosive improvisations.... and some surprises!
Undoubtedly the highlight of last year's Festival, charismatic and award-winning saxophonist, Joe Leader, brings his world class band back to The Carriageworks for a show that's guaranteed to have you dancing in the aisles.
The Collective presents a programme ranging from Funk and Soul to Smooth Jazz, Latin and sweltering hot Dance Music and will feature a larger-than-life soul diva, Mary Pearce - not to be missed!
The band has featured at venues around the world including the French and South African Jazz Festivals, the Royal Opera House and the Cafe de Paris, London.
The Band:
Joe Leader (Saxophones), Mary Pearce (Vocals), Ben Seifert (Vocals), James Lascelles (Keyboards), Dave Ital (Guitar), Michael Bailey (Bass), Darren Abraham (Drums), Darryl Lee Que (Percussion)
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Studio
Cosmo Landesman is a Sunday Times journalist and author of 'Starstruck: Fame, Failure, My Family and Me' - his hilarious account of growing up with what the Daily Mail called the 'most embarrassing parents in Britain'.
He will be discussing his embarrassing parents, their obsession with finding fame and the plight of the good Jewish son whose Jewish parents refused to be Jewish.
'I wanted to have proper Jewish parents - someone who wanted me to be a lawyer, make me the centre of their life and worry about my bowel movements! Instead I got stuck with two self-centered, star struck, sex-mad bohemians'.
Brian Daniels is the Artistic Director of the New End Theatre and the Shaw Theatre in London.
He is Leeds born and bred and lived in London for the last 10 years. During that time he has produced over 200 new plays, musicals and concerts featuring such names as Dionne Warwick, Boy George, Elaine Stritch and Michael Feinstein.
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MAZCC
Monday 22nd June 2.15pm
Tickets £3
Irene Somers Concert Group
A spectacular, sparkling musical with songs, music, humour.
See Shloffing Beauty on her golden bed - the Kissing Prince, The King and Queen of Jewish Everland, Nurse Niceky, Guttinky Fairies and Scary Fairy
Tuesday 23rd June 2.15pm
Tickets £3
"Cinderella plus Comic Poems"
Comic poems will precede a hilarious, modern-day version of 'Cinderella', written by Betty Brown. This entertaining afternoon is directed by Ruth Bush and Helen Lorie.
Wednesday 24th June 2.15pm
Tickets £3
Evergreen
Evergreen will be performing melodies in voice, dance, mime and sketch apertaining to the seasons of the year - spring, summer, autumn and winter.
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