Oh no! The Zen Pussy Workshop is cancelled! This is my startling realisation upon opening the Ladyfest programme, but browsing through it seems I have nothing to fear; there is still plenty to keep me (and my pussy) well amused.
Ladyfest is a mini-festival sprawled across the beating heart of north west London. Taking in such sights as the Resources Centre on Holloway Road, the rather funky Islington Arts Academy and Underworld in the heart of Camden, it hosts a smorgasbord of creative delights, all created by the allegedly gentler sex.
Although it originated in the US, the concept has translated really well and the events have an entirely British feel to them. Held over three days, it is a showcase for all things lady; a platform to celebrate and promote female directors, poets, musicians, magicians, comediennes, actors, artists, photographers… in fact pretty much any branch of the creative world you can put your finger on.
Poetry comes courtesy of some of London's freshest and rawest female talent. Candid emotion and exposed stories intertwined with supportive banter is captivating; honest, unvarnished sentiment. A quick hop in the scorching Sunday sun to the Arts Academy and I manage to catch 'Alleesi... An African Actress' from Director Brenda Parker, an engaging film tracing the life of Nigerian Actress Souley, the bad-gal of '60s African cinema.
Down in the grand ground floor room is the particularly popular Crafternoon Corner. Here you can buy any unwanted item of clothing for a measly quid, then bring out the little bit of Jeff Banks that lurks in you and get busy with buttons, thread and ribbons, customising your item. Chilling with their yarns in the corner are 'Stitch & Bitch', the local knitting circle and self-confessed natter bank. They're a lovely bunch, always ready to answer all your knitting dilemmas. As I arrive, a knitter is chuffed at having been taught to temper the crafty ways of the cable knit (it's 25°C in the shade, so clearly the day to learn how to knit an Arran jumper).
Camden Road leads me to the evening's bill at Underworld. It's late in starting, but when it gets going the comedy from Sarah Kendall is an overwhelming favourite, whose effortlessly funny chin-wagging is a must-see. More comedy, magic and a thought provoking, if a little self-indulgent, dance-cum-stretch-cum-acrobat routine from one very bendy lady all makes for an excellent warm up for the music and dancing.
After checking out the first few songs of the guitar-welding, '50s dressing, general style chicks (and one bearded drummer) Betty and the Werewolves, my Ladyfest experience for 2008 was done. I left the gals to it.
Ladyfest is a great day out. It's a fun showcase for genuine female talent – which was there in abundance - and, very conveniently, a real festival on my doorstep; not a soggy tent in sight and no queue to get out of the car park. My pussy remains un-Zen'd, but I did have a lot of fun. There were times I felt like the only straight in the village, but it feels good to have got in touch with my inner lady and it was kinda nice to be a minority for once.
Ladyfest is a mini-festival sprawled across the beating heart of north west London. Taking in such sights as the Resources Centre on Holloway Road, the rather funky Islington Arts Academy and Underworld in the heart of Camden, it hosts a smorgasbord of creative delights, all created by the allegedly gentler sex.
Although it originated in the US, the concept has translated really well and the events have an entirely British feel to them. Held over three days, it is a showcase for all things lady; a platform to celebrate and promote female directors, poets, musicians, magicians, comediennes, actors, artists, photographers… in fact pretty much any branch of the creative world you can put your finger on.
Poetry comes courtesy of some of London's freshest and rawest female talent. Candid emotion and exposed stories intertwined with supportive banter is captivating; honest, unvarnished sentiment. A quick hop in the scorching Sunday sun to the Arts Academy and I manage to catch 'Alleesi... An African Actress' from Director Brenda Parker, an engaging film tracing the life of Nigerian Actress Souley, the bad-gal of '60s African cinema.
Down in the grand ground floor room is the particularly popular Crafternoon Corner. Here you can buy any unwanted item of clothing for a measly quid, then bring out the little bit of Jeff Banks that lurks in you and get busy with buttons, thread and ribbons, customising your item. Chilling with their yarns in the corner are 'Stitch & Bitch', the local knitting circle and self-confessed natter bank. They're a lovely bunch, always ready to answer all your knitting dilemmas. As I arrive, a knitter is chuffed at having been taught to temper the crafty ways of the cable knit (it's 25°C in the shade, so clearly the day to learn how to knit an Arran jumper).
Camden Road leads me to the evening's bill at Underworld. It's late in starting, but when it gets going the comedy from Sarah Kendall is an overwhelming favourite, whose effortlessly funny chin-wagging is a must-see. More comedy, magic and a thought provoking, if a little self-indulgent, dance-cum-stretch-cum-acrobat routine from one very bendy lady all makes for an excellent warm up for the music and dancing.
After checking out the first few songs of the guitar-welding, '50s dressing, general style chicks (and one bearded drummer) Betty and the Werewolves, my Ladyfest experience for 2008 was done. I left the gals to it.
Ladyfest is a great day out. It's a fun showcase for genuine female talent – which was there in abundance - and, very conveniently, a real festival on my doorstep; not a soggy tent in sight and no queue to get out of the car park. My pussy remains un-Zen'd, but I did have a lot of fun. There were times I felt like the only straight in the village, but it feels good to have got in touch with my inner lady and it was kinda nice to be a minority for once.
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