Leeds, UK

This show, bursting with variet, makes for a thrilling opener to this year's festival.

Shir, the complete Jewish music band, will play Klezmer, Israeli, Yiddish & Ladino music, offering a spontaneous & energetic performance.

Celebrating 10years together and having recently impressed Spanish audiences in Barcelona, Madrid & the Santander Music Festival, some songs will be familiar and others will challenges the senses!

Shir have recorded two CDs and is a regular item on the UK Jewish music scene, playing at gigs such as Limmud and Trafalgar Square.

The band also performs with Israeli percussionist, Ronen Kozokaro, who will be their special guest for the performance in Leeds.

Maurice Chernick - Clarinet, Voice, Piano.
Ivor Goldberg - Guitars, Cumbus, Voice.
Piotr Jordan - Violin, Viola.
Steve Rose - Acoustic Bass, Piano, Percussion.
Ronen Kozokaro - Percussion. [top]

"All my life I wanted to be an actress but I wouldn't dare tell my parents, because for them it was like prostitution."

These are the words of the late Broadway actress, TV star Lilia Skala, known best for her feisty performance opposite Sidney Poitier in the film Lilies of the Field, in which she was Oscar nominated. Lilia was also the first female architect in Austria until the Nazis stormed in. This led her to the US, penniless and without two words of English to her name and on to a distinguished, if not extraordinary acting career. Whilst waiting to see if she had won the Academy Award, Lilia was discovered working in City Centre's Lost and Found department.

This warm homage to a great lady is brought lovingly to life by her gifted granddaughter, Canadian actress Libby Skala in a mesmerising performance of her internationally acclaimed one-woman show.

Libby will lift you out of your seats with her charisma. An evening of sheer delight. [top]

Get ready for a hilarious rollercoaster ride of a show, when Yisrael Campbell presents a true, comical story, about his conversion from Catholicism, to Reform Judaism, to Conservative Judaism and then to Ultra Authodox!

Yisrael is regarded one of Israel's top funny men. However, the journey that led Yisrael to The Holy Land, began a long time ago in a place far, far away - he was actually born "Christopher Campbell", raised Catholic, and grew up in Philadelphia!

Don't miss this riotous unbelievable story, which has attracted extensive media attention, leading to television appearances on CNN and ABC World News Tonight.

You saw it first at the Leeds Jewish International Performing Arts Festival!

"I am the first-born son of a manic-depressive Italian woman and a pathologically silent Irishman. This makes me wildly emotional...in a very quiet way." [top]

Over 30 years Limelight has had a lasting love affair with Neil Simon, and why not? In these two acts of London Suite, the master wordsmith has brought two American couples to stay at a well-known London hotel.

Within moments, comedy and wit take over the scenes.

The loss of Mark's Wimbledon Centre Court tickets is the catalyst for a series of disastrous events which prove catastrophic for the characters, but hilarious for the audience, whereas Lauren's attempt at match-making her mother with an allergy-ridden Scot is with the best of intentions, though Yente she isn't! [top]

James Still's poignant drama draws on the testimonies of two Holocaust survivors, Eva Schloss, who is Anne Frank's step sister, and Ed Silverberg, Anne's childhood sweetheart.

Anne's story is a unique theatrical experience and is played with all the dazzling promise of youth cut short by the horrors of the Holocaust.

This inspiring story of hope and optimism weaves videotaped interviews of Holocaust survivors with live actors recreating scenes from their lives during World War Two.

Stunningly directed by Nic Careem with a multi-faith cast, this acclaimed play remembers the world of Anne Frank. It is a powerful piece of theatre, whose impact will stay with you as its storyline masterfully penetrates your skin.

Meet Eva Schloss, Anne Frank's step-sister, after the performance for a question and answer session. It took Mrs. Schloss 20 years to purge the bitterness she felt, but now says she feels it is imperative to recount to a younger generation first-hand knowledge of the Holocaust.

"Racial hatred can be found in any community. It is the worst form of disease", she said. [top]

Let your inhibitions go and allow this hilarious young due to entertain you with their sharp and funny take on Jewish life today!

The New York duo, Good For The Jews, has been widely acclaimed for their unorthadox mix of music and comedy.

They celebrate Jewish life and traditions with songs like "They Tried To Kill Us, We Survived, Let's Eat." (about the story of Passover) "J-Date" (about online dating) "Today I Am A Man" (about the Barmitzvah boys) and "It's Good To Be A Jew At Christmas" (about seasonal pride). Good For The Jews has played to full houses across the US and performed live on radio. The band's daring, ground-breaking approach has brought them national acclaim as well as home-made rugelch.

"Wickedly hilarious" [Village Voice]

"The musical-comedy duo of choice for today's secular Jew" [New York Magazine]   [top]

An electrifying and memorable night of music! Brace yourself for a thrilling evening of Jazz, Funk, Soul and Latin featuring an all-star six-piece combination - "The Joe Leader Collective".

Joe Leader, a charismatic, award-winning saxophonist, will lead this exhilarating night, along with the soulful vocals of Noel McCalla and four top international musicians who have accompanied some of the world's most popular artists.

Joe and his larger ShowBand have played at prestigious events and venues such as The French and South African National Jazz Festivals, The Royal Opera House and Cafe de Paris in London.

Joe Leader, winner of "The Daily Telegraph Young Jazz Awards" has worked with great artists such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Pharrell Williams and many more!

Visit www.joeleadercollective.com to see live video clips of The Joe Leader Collective.

Saxaphone - Joe Leader
Vocal - Noel McCalla
Keyboard - James Lascelles
Guitar - Dave Ital
Bass - Michael Bailey
Drums - Darren Abraham

Bennett Arron was in debt. He owed thousands of pounds to phpone companies, catalogues and department stores.
Only, it wasn't him!

Making his debut at this year's Festival, this innovative Welsh-born comedian will present his critically acclaimed show in a disturbingly true yet hilarious account of what it is like to have your identity stolen.

Bennett has performed all around the country as well as entertaining audiences in the United Arab Emirates, Rome, Spain and Germany. He perfomed the show at the Edinburgh Festival and this lead to his highly-praised and BAFTA-shortlisted documentary "How Not To Lose Your Identity" for Channel 4.

You will laugh long and loud. Miss it at your peril - this is a rare piece of comedy. [top]

For those who like their Jazz a little bit Jewish, Zing presents the Jewish roots of the great Jazz songs - from Tin Pan Alley to Yiddish Swing, from Irving Berlin to Jerome Kern… Get those feet tapping and start "Kleibing Naches"!!!

Zing performs songs from the early Jewish American Jazz songsters including Gershwin, Berlin, Kern, Hammerstein, Hart and Cahn, to the Yiddish swing era of the 1940's and modern Jewish composers such as Bernstein and Sondheim.

With Laoise's atmospheric voice recalling the Jazz singers of the 1920s and 30's and adds a modern twist. With Bruce Boardman's inventive, intelligent piano lead and accompaniment, and the strong rhythm section of Bitelli and Johnson, Zing will not just entertain you, but will make you reconsider the whole world of 20th Century Jazz from a Jewish perspective.

"Inspiring performance from a talented group. A favourite with our audience."
Brian Posner, Newcastle Limmud. [top]

This heart-warming and funny one-act play by Emmy nominated writer and actor Jeffrey Solomon was a critically acclaimed hit in New York and Chicago.

MotherSON depicts the hilarious and often poignant relationship between a gay Jewish man and his mother. Based on conversations Solomon had with his mother after he came-out to her, the play follows the woman's struggles to accept her son's homosexuality and to admit publicly she was the mother of a gay man.

Solomon is a TV writer who penned the Jim Henson ABC-TV special CityKids which was Emmy nominated for Best Children's Special. Regardless of the liberal spirit that prevails in 2008 there are still many gay people whose sexuality is taboo in their culture or community.

In a theatrical tour de force Solomon plays both roles of mother and son with steely wit. This absorbing piece of theatre is razor sharp, emotionally charged and highly controversial. A stomping great hit in the States, it bursts at the seams with wit and honesty. [top]

They're back! Those incredible new kids on the block are returning to the Festival after their first showing in 2006 when they knocked the socks off Leeds theatregoers.

The feel-good factor has never been in better spirits as this 25-strong Israeli troupe bounce back to give yet another fast moving high energy dance show that's a mix of street dance, music, song and Israeli cool.

With all the zest and liveliness of youth this charismatic troupe with a high-voltage attitude will have you on your toes shouting for more. An entertainment for all the family - bring the kids, grandparents, uncles and aunts - it's celebration Israeli style.

Slick, glossy, astonishingly full of beans, you'll warm to their charms but be warned -they'll capture your hearts.

Sponsored by:

Beaverbrooks "The Jewellers" [top]

As well as making people laugh, Josh uses his comedy to challenge negative Jewish stereotypes. He hears there's a lot of money in that!

An experienced circuit comic, Josh gigs all over the UK as well as in Australia, The Middle East and Europe and has appeared on "The World Stands Up" and "Comedy Blue" for Paramount Comedy.

He has written comedy for Channel 4 and presents "Indie Close-Up" on Sky Movies.

In August, Josh will take his highly anticipated first solo stand-up show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

"A young Woody Allen" [Scotsman]

"Howls of laughter" [Evening News] [top]

So you don't believe in mind readers?

Marc Salem has performed around the world to both critical and popular acclaim, astounding and entertaining millions.

Returning to the UK for a seventh time, Marc will take you on a journey into the workings of the mind, displaying his astounding abilities and sharing a few secrets along the way.

With his breathtaking mixture of mental skill and a sharp eye for human nature, audiences of all ages will find him funny, irreverent, articulate, engaging and completely mind-bending! Don't miss!

"A unique, must-see performer. Prepare to be amazed" [London Evening Standard]

"Mind-blowing and very funny" [New York Post]

"It's not just the shock value of Salem's show that makes it one of the most compelling shows ever, it's also his great comic ability" [Sydney Daily Telegraph]

"He doesn't just have a sixth sense, but a seventh, eighth and ninth as well. I was bewitched and bedazzled." [Time Out, London, Critic's Choice]

"Takes your breath away" [The Telegraph] [top]

Andrew Miller, Political Editor of "The Economist" presents a fascinating journey into his family history, which he explores in his talk "The Earl of Petticoat Lane".

"Exquisite... this book is a lovingly detailed, rich description of a remarkable man"
[Jonathan Freedland, Jewish Chronicle].

"This book is an excellent account of London British Jewry in the 20th century informing contemporary debate about immigration and asylum. Andrew Miller has done his grandparents proud - and all our grandparents."
[Linda Grant, New Statesman]. [top]

Close up international magician, Aviel Favischer will amaze & astound you with his unique brand of magic.

Using cards, coins and other everyday objects to do impossible things, this talented magician, currently based in Switzerland, is guaranteed to leave you astonished and bewildered but most of all entertained.

Maybe you'll meet Aviel performing his close up magic tricks on his walkabout between the shows [top]

IRENE SOMERS / HYMIE AND THE FREILACH SHPIELERS
The Irene Somers Concert Group present a vibrant,entertaining taste of Jewish Life - with music, songs and sketches. Then Hymie Cohen entertains with Yiddish humour, accompanied by Phil Cammerman and the Freilach Shpielers playing klezmer music.
MONDAY 14th JULY 2:15pm


THE CENTRE PLAYERS
The Centre Players, a weekly drama and poetry group, is based at MAZCC. Our members constantly delight us with original work and with reading famous writers. Our programme will have a Jewish bias with the accent on comedy.
TUESDAY 15th JULY 2:15pm


"SONGS OF THE STARS" - EVERGREEN
A show based on songs, dance and comedy as performed by the stars of stage and screen.
WEDNESDAY 16th JULY 2:15pm


ROUTES TO ROOTS - JEWISH GENEALOGY - FRAN HARRIS
Come and listen to what the Jewish Genealogical Society, a non-profit making organisation that promotes the preservation of Jewish genealogical records and resources. The volunteer membership share information amongst each other aiming to assist members to trace their ancestors. It is dedicated to the research and study of Jewish family history in order to learn about our rich heritage and to preserve it for future generations.
THURSDAY 17th 2:15PM

[top]

Join us to see some of the incredible performers who have entertained you throughout the week!

With new material, they, together with compere Howard Lee, will bring this 8th Leeds Jewish International Performing Arts Festival to a magnificent close.

If you've enjoyed the week's events, make sure you don't miss this grand finale! [top]