Wednesday 31 March 2010

Latitude festival - Music Additions - Laura Marling, Corinne Bailey Rae, Mumford & Sons...

Latitude 2010 colour logo

31st March 2010
MUSIC ADDITIONS

OBELISK ARENA

~ LAURA MARLING ~ HOCKEY ~ CORINNE BAILEY RAE ~ HERE WE GO MAGIC ~
~ MUMFORD & SONS ~ SWEET BILLY PILGRIM ~ KASSIDY ~

SUNRISE ARENA

~ GIRLS ~ NADINE SHAH ~ KURRAN AND THE WOLFNOTES ~
~ MATTHEW P ~

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

With Florence + The Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend all headlining the Obelisk Arena this year and with a wealth of musical talent from emerging and established bands and acts playing across three other music stages, Latitude can once again boast a unique and exciting music line-up.

Whilst the hottest bands play throughout the weekend, Latitude will also be home to the very best from the worlds of theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret all coming together for one glorious weekend. Standing alone as a truly inspiring and pioneering festival, Latitude provides something for everybody – no matter what your tastes or desires and will be the place to be this summer.


~ OBELISK ARENA ~

The Obelisk Arena is the focal point for many of Latitude’s most memorable performances and with a line up that boasts some superb acts including Empire of the Sun, The Maccabees, James, The Temper Trap, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Frank Turner as well as the stunning headliners, the following acts are a welcome addition to an already exciting line-up:

Currently riding high in the Top Ten Album Chart with her second offering ‘I Speak Because I Can’, folk songstress Laura Marling joins the Obelisk Arena. Cutting her teeth as a member of Noah And The Whale she left the band in 2008 and went on to release her debut album ‘Alas I Cannot Swim’, which received a Mercury Music Prize Nomination. In the subsequent two years, this shy performer has matured into a captivating show-woman and a formidable songwriter and storyteller. Her set at Latitude will be a definite highlight of the weekend for sure.

Through their relentless touring of the UK you could be forgiven for thinking that Hockey are British but they actually hail from Portland, Oregon. Probably best known for their hit anthem ‘Song Away’ lifted from the band’s debut ‘Mind Chaos’, their contagious indie-pop anthems have won over the nation’s hearts. With big sing-a-long choruses to get the crowds going, Hockey will be sure to walk away with a victorious performance at Latitude this year.

Corinne Bailey Rae shot to fame in 2006 with the release of her self-titled debut Number 1 album. The singles ‘Put Your Records On’ and ‘Like A Star’ became smash hits round the world and the album made the Billboard Top 20 in the US – making her the first British female singer-songwriter to do so in decades. Now, four years and four-million album sales later and showcasing songs from new album ‘The Sea’, Corinne will be wowing crowds on Saturday afternoon on the Obelisk Stage at Latitude.

Brooklyn's Here We Go Magic are set to make their Latitude debut in July. The brain child of front man Luke Temple, who has previously released two records under his own name, the band released their self-titled debut in the UK in February. Rolling Stone described the album "as collection of songs that even the most jaded anti-folk hipster could catch himself humming on the street" it’s a record full of psychedelic, hazy, electronic indie and will have the Obelisk Arena crowds falling in love with them.

Mumford & Sons are currently flying the flag for a new wave of folk invading the mainstream. Equipped with catchy songs, acoustic guitars and banjos, their debut album 'Sigh No More' entered the album charts at Number 11 when it was released in October last year and gained praise from all corners of the music industry. With their beautifully arranged melancholic musings sounding fresh, sunny and infectious, singles such as 'Little Lion Man' and 'The Cave' will get the crowd dancing at Latitude's Obelisk Arena.

Receiving critical praise with their Mercury Music nominated second album ‘Twice Born Men’, Sweet Billy Pilgrim have been slowly gathering a cult following since they formed in 2003. Embodying the spirit of DIY, both their albums have been self-funded and recorded in a garden shed; their experimental indie has earned praise for its multi-layered, perfectly crafted songs. With band members swapping instruments between songs, their musical talent and gorgeous songs will win over audiences at Latitude too.

Hirsute Glaswegian four-piece Kassidy bring their harmony soaked traditional indie rock to Latitude’s Obelisk Arena. Armed with catchy hooks, their mainly acoustic set-up is supplemented with box drums and the occasional touch of accordion for a folky, Fleet Foxes-esque sound as witnessed on their Rubbergum EP released last year. With Kassidy’s debut album due out later this year, this will be the perfect place to see the band before they go on to superstardom.


~ SUNRISE ARENA ~

The Sunrise Arena, situated along the nature trail is host to a splendid foray of new acts. Some of them will have been on the hushed lips of dedicated gem hunters for a while and others will be on the rise already, about to break for all to enjoy, it is the place to discover tomorrow’s stars today. This year will see plenty of tasty morsels for those who like to sample something very special. Joining the first wave of acts to be confirmed for the Sunrise Arena are:

Winning the hearts and minds of the American public are San Franciscan up and coming indie pop outfit Girls. Their sunshine bathed psychedelic rock ’n’ roll has been receiving critical acclaim with their debut album ‘Album’ rated by Pitchfork as the 10th best album of 2009. Having broken free from the Children Of God cult, frontman and songwriter Christopher Owens has written free-spirited, youthful and expressive pop songs, sure to bring a slice of the Golden State to Latitude’s Sunrise Arena.

British born by way of Norweigan and Pakistani descent, Nadine Shah is a vocalist/pianist from a small North East town called Whitburn. The harsh, cold coast of the North Sea have shaped her songs into brutally honest, melancholic musings that have attracted the attention of Tom Robinson on 6Music. Nadine has already played such impressive venues as Shepherd's Bush Empire, The Sage Gateshead and the legendary Ronnie Scott’s even before the release of her debut EP (due out in spring.)

Newcomers to the vibrant and flourishing British new-folk scene, London-based Kurran and the Wolfnotes possess a genuine and heart-rendering sincerity in their harmony-drenched traditional sounds, while also coming armed with a slew of hugely catchy pop songs at their disposal. With debut single ‘Whatabitch’ gaining critical acclaim, check out this exciting new band on the rise.

Local Suffolk boy Matthew P has just released his debut EP ‘Swimming’ on Fiction Records but has already caused a stir with his honest, heart-warming and humble acoustic folk. Honing his skills whilst on tour with West Country rockers Reef this spring, Matthew P is worth checking out for some happy summer vibes.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Wendy Cope, John Cooper Clarke, Bret Easton Ellis and Arthur Smith; top comics Emo Philips, Ardal O’Hanlon, Rich Hall and Tommy Tiernan; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by Royal Shakespeare Company, Bush Theatre, Sadler’s Wells and Royal Opera House to name but a few, cabaret performances from Rich Fulcher, Idiot Of Ants and The Crack; BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with Q&As, discussions and workshops with award-winning director Paul Greengrass already confirmed. With DJ’s, balls and late night parties found throughout the site, it really is a place like no other; an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.


~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend tickets £155 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £65 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Weekend ticket prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only

Credit Card line: 0871 2310846
Online: www.festivalrepublic.com • www.seetickets.com • www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For further Press info contact: 020 7792 9400
info@presscounselpr.com


Latitude Festival - Cut out by Night - Marc Sethi

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Tuesday 30 March 2010

Latitude festival - Arts Additions - 30th March 2010

Latitude 2010 colour logo

30th March 2010
ARTS ADDITIONS

FILM & MUSIC ARENA
~ BAFTA: Q&A with Paul Greengrass ~

~ Mark Lamarr presents God’s Jukebox: The Skatroniks, Noel McKoy and The Mummers ~
~ TAQWACORE: THE BIRTH OF PUNK ISLAM plus Panel Discussion: ‘DON'T PANIC, WE'RE ISLAMIC!’ ~
~ Aldeburgh Music’s Faster Than Sound featuring:
Mira Calix, Larry Goves, Simon Fisher Turner and the London Contemporary Orchestra ~

LITERARY ARENA
~ Sebastian Faulks ~ Peter Hook ~ Howard Jacobson ~

LITERARY SALON
~ Raindance Film Festival Workshops ~

COMEDY at LATITUDE
~ Mark Watson ~ David O’Doherty ~
~ Josie Long ~ Angelos Epithemiou ~ Jimmy McGhie ~ Chris Ramsey ~
~ The Al Pitcher Picture Show ~ Colin Hoult: Carnival Of Monsters ~
~ Tom Basden ~ Deborah Frances-White ~
~Pros From Dover ~ Richard Dedomenici ~

CABARET ARENA
~ Showstopper! ‘The Improvised Musical’ ~

THEATRE AT LATITUDE
~ Lyric presents: Midsummer Night’s Dream ~
~ Lyric presents: The Island by The London Snorkelling Team ~
~ The Factory ~ Theatre503 ~ Forest Fringe ~

THE WATERFRONT STAGE
~ Sadler’s Wells ~
~ Derevo – Wolves’ Tango ~

POETRY ARENA
~ Angry Sam ~ Brigitte Aphrodite ~ Byron Vincent ~ Chris Hicks ~ Clare Pollard ~
~ Dean Parkin ~ Hannah Walker ~ Helen Mort ~ Inua Ellams ~
~ Jay Bernard ~ Joe Dunthorne ~ John Osborne ~ Kate Tempest ~ Richard Tyrone Jones ~~ Kriss Foster ~ Martin Figura ~ Molly Naylor ~ Musa Okwonga ~ Niall O Sullivan ~
~ Paul Lyalls ~ The Dead Poets ~ El Crisis ~ Joel Stickley ~ Josh Idehen ~ Matt Harvey ~
~ Ross Sutherland ~ Steve Larkin ~ Tim Clare ~ Tim Turnbull ~


Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15th-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

Latitude is dedicated to bringing the very best from the worlds of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret together for one glorious weekend and once again, it has created a line-up like no other.

Spread throughout the site, just waiting to be discovered, expect the highest calibre of art with over 700 performers to be announced over the coming months. Building on its reputation as one of the most respected and highly anticipated events of the season, 2010 promises to be an inspirational and entertaining, sophisticated and scintillating weekend; another spectacular slice of unadulterated cultural fun and adventure.


~ FILM & MUSIC ARENA ~

A heady mix of visual and aural pleasure, the Film & Music Arena is home to some of the festival’s most mesmerising performances. Bringing together the worlds of alternative cinema and music, the arena will showcase a jam-packed programme of award-winning films, documentaries and shorts with Q&A sessions and discussions alongside musical treats and thrilling visuals.

BAFTA is will be bringing another excellent programme of Q&As and discussions helping audiences access industry expertise and celebrate quality in film and television. First to be announced is pioneering British film director and screenwriter Paul Greengrass. Famed for his signature use of hand-held cameras, Greengrass is a leading and award-winning film maker specialising in dramatisations of real-life events. He has covered topics such as SAS actions in the Gulf War with his TV film ‘The One That Got Away’, institutional racism in the police force with ‘The Murder Of Stephen Lawrence’ and the 1972 shootings in Northern Ireland in his documentary styled ‘Bloody Sunday’. Greengrass won the BAFTA award for Best Director at the 60th British Academy Film Awards and received an Oscar nomination for Achievement in Directing at the 79th Academy Awards, as well as earning the Writers Guild of America Award and BAFTA nominations for Best Original Screenplay for his for quasi-documentary-styled film ‘United 93’, a film based on the September 11th hijacking of United Airlines Flight 93.

Greengrass has also enjoyed Hollywood success with the 2002 sequel ‘The Bourne Identity’ and its follow-up ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ starring Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, an amnesiac who realises he was once a top CIA assassin who is now being pursued by his former employers. Most recently, Greengrass returned to directing duties with Matt Damon in Green Zone – in which a U.S Army officer discovers covert and faulty intelligence causes him to go rogue as he hunts for Weapons of Mass Destruction in an unstable region.

The Film & Music Arena will also be home to some of the best retro music around courtesy of radio DJ, presenter and all-round music aficionado Mark Lamarr. Presenting his renowned Saturday night Radio 2 show - God’s Jukebox - Lamarr will be DJ-ing a mix of his top tunes from soul, ska, reggae, country, gospel and rap as well as introducing five specially selected bands and performers to the Film & Music Arena. Having already announced legendary American R&B singer Geno Washington and big beat rock ‘n’ rollers The Jim Jones Revue, Lamarr is excited to announce that The Skatroniks, Noel McKoy and The Mummers are joining in the fun.


Rising from the ashes of the acclaimed Jazz Jamaica Allstars big band (Radio
3's "Best Band of 2002") come The Skatroniks featuring ASWAD's Clifton Bigga Morrison. The rhythm section is a blend of reggae, jazz, ska, mentoe and electronica, mixing technology with live instruments including a full horn section. With a broad repertoire, drawn from the five Jazz Jamaica albums as well as new Skatroniks material, the extended line up and guest musicians and DJ’s are set to bring hours of pure ska and reggae to Suffolk this summer. The Skatroniks blend the old and the new of Jamaican and Caribbean dance music, with quality jazz improvisation – get your dancing shoes ready!

As the frontman of 80’s acid-jazz pioneers James Taylor Quartet, and with a career at the front line of the British soul scene dueting with Mica Paris, Juliet Roberts, Beverley Knight and Vanessa Simon, Noel McKoy is the genuine godfather of British soul. Now an acclaimed singer-songwriter with a voice like honey he has recently released his debut album ‘Brighter Day’ to rave reviews. On it, McKoy draws on a host of influences from Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder to Chaka Khan and The Beatles as he weaves an impressive collection of soul, gospel, funk and northern soul into a cohesive masterpiece.

The Mummers, a.k.a Raissa Khan-Panni from Brighton create orchestral pop perfection with extraordinary, quirky and romantic vocals. Her debut album ‘Tale to Tell’ which came out last year was full of exquisitely otherworldly songs centred on fairytales, escapism and atmospheric pop. Her Björk-esque style has gained her an increasing fan base and with her second album due out later this year, her performance in the Film & Music Arena will be unmissable.

TAQWACORE: The Birth Of Punk Islam will be screened in the Film & Music Arena at Latitude this year followed by a panel discussion chaired by UK filmmaker and Journalist Hammad Khan entitled DON'T PANIC, WE'RE ISLAMIC! following the screening, which will include journalist Kaleem Aftab and more to be confirmed, discussing issues raised in the film.

Boston’s The Kominas belt out an anthem for a new generation of young Muslims in a basement of a decrepit Chicago punkhouse, with a mob of like-minded Islamic misfits sneering along. In the summer of 2007 these Pakistani punkers have arrived at the last stop of their U.S. tour and are celebrating with tourmates and fellow bands: Vote Hezbollah featuring an Iranian kid from San Antonio; the all-girl Secret Trial Five featuring a Pakistani lesbian from Vancouver; Al-Thawra who pound heavy metal beats into Arabic drones, plus East London’s own Riz MC who gives his Taqwacore support. At the centre, pumping his fists in the air and shouting, is a white American convert named Michael Muhammad Knight; the Islamic punk music scene would never have existed if it weren’t for his 2003 novel, The Taqwacores, in which Michael imagined a community of Muslim radicals such as Mohawked Sufis, riot grrrls in burqas, and skinhead Shi’as. Although the book and its characters were entirely fictional, the movement they inspired is very real. The film follows Michael and his real-life kindred spirits on their first U.S. tour, where they incite a riot of young hijabi girls at the largest Muslim gathering in North America, then travels with them to Pakistan where The Kominas, bring punk to the streets of Lahore.

Aldeburgh Music’s Faster Than Sound featuring Mira Calix, Larry Goves, Simon Fisher Turner and the London Contemporary Orchestra.

Faster Than Sound continues a long tradition at Aldeburgh of giving artists the space and opportunity to experiment and work in new ways. It explores possibilities for forging innovative collaborations between the worlds of classical and electronic music, players and composers and new technologies. For Latitude we have put together a unique showcase with some of the most exciting talent in contemporary classical and electronic music. London Contemporary Orchestra will collaborate with Simon Fisher Turner, a self-confessed ‘extreme sound freak’ and acclaimed composer. We will also premiere two Faster Than Sound co-commissioned works written in collaboration by composers Mira Calix and Larry Goves as part of their “exchange and return” project performed by players from LCO. A unique score-based programme including John Woolrich, Claude Vivier and John Adams performed by the LCO conducted by Hugh Brunt will form the centerpiece of this performance. The groundbreaking 2008 commissioned AV piece “Natures” by Quayola and Mira Calix will be screened throughout the event. Faster Than Sound is generously supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation. www.fasterthansound.com

Also taking place in the Film & Music at Latitude this year are performances by MC legend Riz MC, concert pianist James Rhodes, Adam Buxton’s hilarious homage to music videos: BUG, Popcorn Comedy and the truly offensive but side-splittingly funny Modern Toss.


~ LITERARY ARENA ~

The best literary event of the summer, Latitude’s Literary Arena celebrates the written word in all its fabulous glory. Stories are told, books are dissected, discussions are had and debates fought over; these are book readings with a difference so sit back and enjoy Latitude’s fun-filled library by the sea.

Bestselling author Sebastian Faulks joins the literary luminaries at Latitude this year. His latest novel ‘A Week In December’ is a major Sunday Times bestseller, selling more than 120,000 copies already and currently being adapted for a four-part serial to be shown on Channel 4 in 2011. One of Britain's most popular novelists, Faulks effortlessly blends modern history of England, France, and America with elements of romance for his novels with his strong background in national newspaper journalism also showing through in his narrative fluency and his ability to convincingly fictionalise aspects of recent history within his works.

In the summer of 2006, Sebastian Faulks was approached by the family of the late Ian Fleming and asked if he would write a one-off James Bond novel to mark the centenary of Fleming’s birth. Entitled ‘Devil May Care’ (2008) it went straight to number one in the UK bestseller lists and is the fastest selling hardback in Penguin’s history.

Now added to the line up is renowned Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook. Back in 1982, Peter ‘Hooky’ Hook along with the rest of New Order and Factory Records owner Tony Wilson opened the infamous nightclub the Haçienda, the birthplace of the acid house and Madchester scenes, as well as countless gigs and parties that are now the stuff of legend. However, with the free party spirit came the gangs, the drugs, the violence and the police; the club slipped into a long a painfully expensive decline, it constantly lost money and finally came to an unceremonious end in 1997. In his frank and hilarious book ‘How Not To Run A Club’, ‘Hooky’ recounts the successes, the fun, the history, the parties as well as the bad management, the stupid deals and eventual bankruptcy that have shaped this glorious story of what not to do.

Celebrated and award winning Jewish novelist Howard Jacobson comes to Latitude this year. With his discursive and humorous style Jacobson has become a prominent author winning the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse prize for comic writing for his 1999 book ‘The Mighty Walzer’. With that and for both his 2002 ‘Who’s Sorry Now’ and 2006 ‘Kalooki Nights’ he was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize and with his most recent offering ‘The Act Of Love’ (2008) being another fantastic slice of ebullient wit; his appearance in the Literary Arena will surely be a highlight of the weekend.

Catch these new additions along with those already confirmed; Bret Easton Ellis, Adam Foulds, Natasha Walter, Jon Ronson and of course Robin Ince who will be hosting his now legendary Book Club with specially created shows featuring incredible guests.


~ LITERARY SALON ~

New to last year’s festival, the Literary Salon is the noisy little sister of the Literary Arena that encourages you to get involved. A hub of interactive workshops, open discussions and wide-ranging debates all ready to get stuck into – it is a place to air your opinions, learn a brand new skill, discover new and exciting things and explore your inner most interests.

For budding filmmakers, directors, writers, producers and anyone fascinated with the workings of the film industry, the Literary Salon will play host to the Raindance Film Festival who will be presenting a series of their famous workshops for Latitude goers this year. Aiming to give individuals the tools to get out there and start shooting, Raindance combine the best film-making traditions with new digital technology to give a great insight into the world of film. Learn from a team of experts dedicated to fostering any new talent itching to break through and help continue the growing independent film industry in the UK.


~ COMEDY AT LATITUDE ~

Latitude has earned a fierce reputation for presenting the searingly sharp edge of comedy and this year Latitude will not disappoint with an incredible wealth of talent throughout the bill. One of the festival’s most enduring and prestigious fixtures, the Comedy Arena, sees a huge and varied bill of comic splendour.

A former Cambridge Footlighter, Mark Watson first made an impact on the comedy circuit in 2002 when he won the Daily Telegraph Open Mic competition and was a runner-up in So You Think You're Funny? Known for his Edinburgh shows 2005's ‘50 Years Before Death’ and ’The Awful Prospect Of Eternity’ (which was nominated for the Perrier) his comedic stamina has meant some of his shows have lasted more than a gruelling 24 hours. Watson also won the Chortle Award for innovation in 2005 and was nominated for Best Breakthrough Act and Best Compere in 2007.

David O’Doherty is the multi-talented Irish stand-up comic, author, musician, actor and playwright. Winning many awards including Channel 4’s So You Think You're Funny? and the if.com Award for best show with his stand up show ‘Let’s Comedy’; O'Doherty is well-known for combining his comedic performance with tunes played on his miniature electronic keyboard. He delivers both his sung and spoken jokes with an extremely dry sarcasm. Most of his songs focus on unusual topics such as angry mathematicians, finding love and advice on how to dislodge a badger from one leg.

Josie Long is a British comic with an apparent love of appliqué and the V&A. Live Boggle contests sometimes form a part of her shows too. Although still young (she won BBC New Comedy Award at the tender age of just 17), Josie's act is unnaturally far from girlie adolescence. Her intense surreal rants occasionally subside to politely allow the audience to catch up, before she launches off excitedly on another tangent. In 2006, she also scooped Best Newcomer in the if.comeddies Awards for her solo Edinburgh debut, ‘Kindness and Exuberance’.

Angelos Epithemiou is an award-winning burger van owner who doesn't like to tell anyone where his burger van is because, as he puts it, "I don't want no joyriders coming round trying to nick my generator like they done with my tyres." The alter ego of British actor and writer Dan Renton Skinner, Angelos delivers a side-splittingly silly routine of impressions, dance, observations, audience interaction and a smattering of gags. Appearing in numerous TV comedies, he has most recently been seen the latest series Shooting Stars as a permanent panellist.

Jimmy McGhie is one of the fastest rising young comics on the comedy circuit today. After only ten gigs, he reached the final of the prestigious ‘So You Think You're Funny’, the semi finals of the BBC New Talent competition and the final of the Amused Moose Star Search (2005). As an assured storyteller with a distinct turn of phrase and no small amount of agitation in his soul, he has "one to watch" practically stamped on his forehead. (Compering in the Cabaret Arena)

When Chris Ramsey strides onto the stage you immediately know you are in safe hands; his high-energy delivery, hugely engaging manner and off-the-cuff style have made him one of the most exciting new acts to hit the circuit in recent years. Upbeat and lightning fast, he commands the stage with the tenacity of a comic with twice his experience. As well as performing in comedy clubs, Chris has supported the likes of Russell Kane, Ben Amos and Al Murray. (Compering in the Cabaret Arena)

Al Pitcher views a lot of ordinary things in an extraordinary way. His mission is to show people his way of seeing the world, inviting them to escape the monotony of their everyday lives under the banner ‘The Al Pitcher Picture Show’. Usually before the day of his show Al will venture into the city he is performing armed with a digital camera to capture the world as he sees it. Posing the question, what hilarities will he bring to Latitude’s Cabaret Arena? (Cabaret Arena)

Writers' Guild Award winner Colin Hoult invites you to a truly original tragi-comic character show that will shock, tickle and appal. Playing with environment, atmosphere and storytelling, the Carnival Of Monsters is an experience unlike any other you’ll find over the weekend; a macabre freak show that provides a through-line for Hoult’s collection of comedy sketches and theatrical vignettes. The comedy actor will introduce audiences to such characters as a hoody-wearing crow on a tricycle, an East Midlands Transformers addict turned karate devotee and a grande dame of the theatre. (Cabaret Arena)

British actor, comedy writer and member of sketch group Cowards, Tom Basden will be making his way to the Cabaret Arena. His ‘Tom Basden Won't Say Anything’ won the if.comedy Award for Best Newcomer in 2007 and you can expect his one man show to make some serious waves at this year’s Latitude festival. (Cabaret Arena).

British comic, writer and personal skills expert Deborah Frances-White with her brand new show ‘How Almost Anyone Can Become An Overnight Celebrity’. Over the last couple of years Deborah changed the dating lives of her audience forever with her sell out show ‘How to Get Almost Anyone to Want to Sleep With You’. She now turns her attention to the cult of celebrity and how with the right coaching, anyone could enjoy the glitz and glamour, the limelight and adoration, the pitfalls and paparazzi. With the birth of reality TV, celebrity has become a lottery. Are you holding a winning ticket without realising it? Deborah has been gathering the secrets of celebrity and now she can show you how. (Cabaret Arena)

The Pros From Dover's surreal sketch show encompasses diverse scenarios where brilliance sometimes teeters off the edge of offence. We will witness the downward spiral of several characters in carefully crafted pieces masterfully delivered in a humorous manner. A clever sketch show giving the performers a great vehicle for their talents. (Cabaret Arena)

Richard Dedomenici delivers an entertaining and educational illustrated talk about the problem of intellectual copyright theft in the creative industries. He cites a rich and eclectic variety of case studies from the music, entertainment and art worlds, encompassing The Pussycat Dolls, Apple Computers and Damien Hirst, as well as countless regrettable examples from his own artistic practice. (Cabaret Arena)

They join such comic turns as the fantastic Emo Philips, Ardal O’Hanlon, Rich Hall, Tommy Tiernan, Marcus Brigstocke: The Early Edition with Andre Vincent and Guests, and Arthur Smith as well as many, many more in what is once again a huge and varied bill of comic splendour.


~ CABARET ARENA ~

Latitude’s veritable den of mischief and mayhem, the Cabaret Arena is sumptuously tantalising, seductively tempting and always exceedingly teasing. We are very excited to announce the following acts:

Showstopper! ‘The Improvised Musical’ does exactly what it says on the tin! The group of actors perform an extemporised musical which will bring the very best elements of Latitude festival (music and the arts) together in the Cabaret Arena. Never afraid of a challenge and with a constantly revolving cast this will prove to be a performance not to be missed.

Confirmed already for the arena is comedian Rich Fulcher presenting his hilarious ‘An Evening with Eleanor: The Tour Whore’ show; London pop and performance peddlars Duckie: ‘The Crack’ - an explosive show of stand-up, variety and side-splitting comic performances presented by Mick Perrin for Just for Laughs Live and Miss Behave and 2010 winners of the Best Sketch or Character Act at the Chortle awards – Idiots of Ants.


~ THEATRE AT LATITUDE ~

Showcasing performances from the nation’s leading theatre houses, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Opera House, Bush Theatre and Lyric as well as work from the most significant companies of the future like nabokov and Paines Plough, Latitude brings contemporary, physical, classical and performance theatre to a brand new audience. Gaining an unrivalled reputation for its breadth and quality of programming, the calibre of theatre on offer this year is unrivalled and with more to be announced over the coming months, there will be unique and exciting work just waiting to be discovered.

Resonant with the diverse output of Latitude Festival and sure to astound with special and unique pieces work adhering to their values of evocative and esoteric performances, the Lyric are bringing two truly inspiring and exciting performances to Latitude this year:

In a world premiere created exclusively for Latitude, Sean Holmes (Artistic Director, Lyric) and Filter Theatre Company present a new version of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ condensed into one magical hour. Well-known for their unique take on classic texts, with previous works including Three Sisters, Twelfth Night and Caucasian Chalk Circle, these former collaborators will be joined by the visionary band The London Snorkelling Team to create Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before.

As well as showing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ inside the Theatre Arena, Lyric will use Latitude’s natural beauty and enchanted forests for the production set in the woodland and in the realm of fairlyland. Don’t miss this truly spellbinding performance with a twist on the inside show brought to the Outdoor Theatre.

Lyric will also be presenting The London Snorkelling team's show ‘The Island’, based on their new record entitled ‘Audio Recording and Map’. This release consists of a CD with 16 tracks and a Map of a fictional coast line on a fictional island created by animators Tom and Mark Perrett who also join the band live to create short animations using a classroom overhead projector. The musicians and animators are joined by performers Will Adamsdale and Ed Gaughan live. Ed is an unreliable scientist and amateur radio broadcaster - Dr. Inshiquin who lives on the island and is a sort of MC for proceedings. Will Adamsdale is an aristocratic magician - "The Great Braeburn Valmont" whose magic is also less than reliable. As the hour or so unfolds, the audience is let into the world of the island and all its quirks, culminating in a magic trick of epic proportions. The show uses music, comedy, theatre and cartoon to tell its story so make sure you get there early to save your seat.

Unique and very special Outdoor Theatre performances can be found throughout the Latitude site, on the banks of the lake and deep within the forest. Taking inspiration from the beautiful countryside in which it is set, performances vary from beat-boxing to classical orchestra and from musicals to Shakespeare. As previously said, the Lyric will be using Latitude’s outside spaces for their second production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and the lively and spontaneous theatre house The Factory will also be using the site as its muse.

Dubbed “the super cool company” by The Independent, The Factory is bringing ‘Round 2’ to Latitude, a growing collection of daring short plays written to an almost impossibly challenging brief. The Factory continues to explore its thirst for spontaneity, danger and revelation by pitching its actors against each other to tackle pieces that reveal more about themselves with each showing. All the plays are multiply cast, allowing the actors to play different roles each time. Both actors and audience renew relationships and meaning at each showing. To this end, the actors have been Factory trained, but not rehearsed, so that they have to thrash out their virgin choices before an audience. ‘Round 2’ is like no other new writing event.

Joining the programme is Theatre503. The home of fearless, irreverent, brave and provocative new plays will be presenting two works onsite: PLAYlist and The Epic. Working with many of the foremost artists of their generation, they push the boundaries of what theatre can be and pose the unanswerable questions of our time.

Taking "pop theatre" to its logical conclusion, PLAYlist will be a Festival edition of our semi-regular sell-out event at Theatre503. Up to ten sizzling writers are invited to create a play inspired by a piece of music. The only rule is that the play must be as long as the piece of music that inspired it. The writers will take their inspiration from the back catalogue of the artists performing at Latitude. And with such diverse artists, the scope is massive. The Epic is a surprising new play exploding the unexplored, the unexplained and the unknown. Under wraps, under canvas and under the night sky it will be all the more surprising for the fact that Theatre503 are keeping the details a closely guarded secret. "All I'll say is that it's going to be something you wouldn't expect to see at a festival" Theatre503's joint artistic director Tim Roseman explains, "and very different from what we are usually able to programme at Theatre503, but with our trademark approach to creating fearless work with the best new writing talent around". This year you can expect something truly unique and vital from this leading new writing theatre company.

The miniature festival within a festival, Forest Fringe is coming to Latitude’s Theatre Arena bringing both ‘Travelling Sounds Library’ and ‘Motor Vehicle Sundown’. The unique library was born out of a desire to celebrate audio experiences created by artists, bringing together a diverse array of independent audio shows into a satisfyingly rich and exciting collection. The library exists as a series of hollowed-out hard back books, each containing an mp3 player and a little programme detailing the work available to listen to. A librarian is on hand to recommend specific pieces meaning you simply pick up a book and immediately find yourself in a world of beguiling audio encounters. Already a number of artists have contributed to the library, including Stan’s Café, Blast Theory, Unlimited Theatre and SHUNT’s Mischa Twitchin. The library will continue to grow and new pieces are currently being created by Duncan Speakman, Coney and Chris Thorpe.

‘Motor Vehicle Sundown’ by Forest Fringe is a self-contained audio installation for two people at a time in a parked car. The two audience members decide who will be driver and who will be passenger and then take their seats. The car is littered with coke cans and cigarette packets. A miniature street corner sits on the dashboard. A crackling radio plays an old song. A recorded voice tells them that they are sitting in the last car left in the world and that this is their chance to experience what it must have really been like to drive a car. Through breathless descriptions from this hidden narrator they are transported to quiet suburban driveways and long empty highways; to drive-ins and teenage romance. They take the steering wheel. They play their part. Quickly though things begin to fall apart. It becomes clear that a crash is coming. This experience is an attempt to explore the relationship between America and the car. How the history of the two is so intertwined. And how much longing we have for those dreams of wide open spaces and roaring engines. For a world that is coming to a crashing end, if it ever really existed.


~ THE WATERFRONT STAGE ~

Latitude’s stunning floating platform will once again stage some staggering dance productions over the weekend.

Continuing with their dedication to bringing the most exciting and thrilling dance to Latitude Festival, leading dance theatre Sadler's Wells return to the picturesque Waterfront Stage with a special double bill of work for both Saturday and Sunday. Previously, Sadler's Wells have brought us an all female show by Hofesh Shechter, a ballet excerpt from Swan Lake and freestyle hip hop from Psycho Stylez as well as running a dance club to help any budding dancers learn a few steps. Once again the UK’s number one venue for dance, will dazzle and delight with a diverse range of performances many of which have involved exciting cross-artform collaborations and have broadened our perception of what dance can truly be.

The breathtaking ‘Wolves‘ Tango’ by Derevo will also feature atop the floating stage on the lake. Inspired by Butoh by using the diverse range of techniques, movements and activities for dance performance; multi award-winning, Russian-German 21 strong dance collective, Derevo will be bringing their anarchistic refreshing well-calculated physical dance production, together with their visually awe-inspiring set to Latitude. Expect atmospheric lights, fire and passion from this truly remarkable group who have performed throughout Europe, Russia and the UK and at festivals in the USA, Japan, Brazil and South Korea.


~ POETRY ARENA ~

Over the past four years, the Poetry Arena at Latitude has grown into one of Europe’s leading poetry events in its own right, boasting the hottest slam poets, spoken word, storytelling, comedy sketches, rappers and much, much more. Laugh, cry and become enlightened with the following poets just confirmed for the weekend:.

Performance poet Angry Sam more than lives up to his stage name with his intellectual rants and raves delivered in fiercely acerbic verse. As the London Area Co-ordinator of Spoken Word and Slam event, Hammer and Tongue, "the best poetry gig in Europe, hands-down", he’s no stranger to commanding the stage and his audience. Witness this rising poetry star in action at Latitude this summer.

Treading the line between genius and madness perfectly is the quirky, glittery, fun Brigitte Aphrodite. Her one woman show combining music comedy and poetry entitled ‘Brigitte Aphrodite in Suburban Hell’ is a fantastical biographical view of her life so far,. Her utterly bizarre thoughts and experiences are woven together to form a heart warming yet explosive firework of a show. This David-Bowie-meets-Tinkerbell hybrid with a unique and sensational voice has audiences wrapped round her glittery finger.

With poems such as ‘Kevin’s an 'Erbert’ and ‘Never Buy Drugs At A Festival’ amongst his repertoire, Byron Vincent’s subversive brand of barking doggerel has taken the UK poetry scene by storm. His poetry veers between humorous and moving confessional tales to passionate observational studies of contemporary counterculture. It’s a winning formula that makes him a highlight of the Poetry Arena line-up.

Member of the poetry collective Aisle16, Chris Hicks has the finest legal mind in poetry. His sharp, analytical ability shapes his political caustic slam poetry and makes for intellectual, clever and witty performance poetry. As explosive performing solo as he is with his Aisle16 crew, Hicks is one of the finest performance poets around and his set at Latitude is not to be missed.

Leading female poet and recipient of an Eric Gregory Award in 2000 Clare Pollard comes to Latitude. Her brand of intellectual yet youthful and edgy poetry has been published in three collections - 'The Heavy-Petting Zoo', 'Bedtime' and her latest, 'Look, Clare, Look!' which is about backpacking around the world. She has also written a play, 'The Weather' about a shopaholic, the end of the world and a poltergeist - which was staged by the Royal Court.

Experienced poet Dean Parkin must be the first poet to appear on television reading a poem on the loo as well as have a piece of work featuring pubic hair, nestling nicely between Ruth Padel and Tom Paulin in the Forward Anthology. Winner of an Escalator Live Literature Award in 2009/10 to develop a one man show called ‘Ducks, Trains & Other Tracks’; he has given readings at festivals, colleges, pubs and has run workshops in prisons, schools and on a NATO base in Germany. More recently he has been working in collaboration with London Sinfonietta on the Surf N Turf Project in two schools in Suffolk, generating words and poems to be set to music.

Longlisted for the Bridport prize in 2006 Hannah Walker has an acerbic, cerebral style to her poetry which has been published in New Writer, Fuselit, Lota, The Ugly Tree and Nth Position. Hosting a range of literary events in Newcastle and Norwich she is currently working towards her first collection called ‘You Interrupt My Brain Sweetheart’ excerpts of which will be presented at Latitude’s Poetry Arena.

Winner of Foyle’s Young Poet of the Year Award on five occasions between 1997 and 2004, Helen Mort is an emerging poet. Her pamphlet, ‘The Shape of Every Box’ published in 2007 showcases her tender and intriguing work that’s filled with subtle yet memorable images. She received an Eric Gregory Award in 2007 and won the Manchester Young Writer Prize in 2008. Her latest pamphlet ‘A Pint for the Ghost’ has been selected as Poetry Book Society pamphlet choice for Spring 2010.

Inua Ellams is an acclaimed performance poet who will be bringing his new show ‘The 14th Tale’ to Latitude this year. ‘The 14th Tale’ shares stories of his upbringing, his schools, friends and family and of his move to Europe following a childhood in Nigeria as he awaits news in a hospital waiting room. Combining comic dialogue with poetry and prose, the autobiographical account encapsulates the trials of adolescence and depicts Ellams' life as a young, black male in London today.


Having been the recipient of a Foyle’s Young Poet of the Year Award Jay Bernard is a rising talent. Her first collection of poems entitled ‘Your Sign Is Cuckoo, Girl’ was selected as the Poetry Book Society‘s pamphlet choice for summer 2008 and she has read her work on various radio and television shows including ‘The Verb’ and ‘The Culture Show’. Don’t miss this poet on the rise.

Literary heavyweight Joe Dunthorne is no stranger to Latitude’s Poetry Arena and his hilarious comic prose has won him critical and commercial acclaim over the past few years. His debut novel, ‘Submarine’ won the Curtis Brown Prize and was shortlisted for the Bollinger Wodehouse Prize for comic fiction. His poetry has been published in various magazines, including Poetry Review, New Welsh Review and Magma, and he has written for The Independent and the Guardian.

John Osborne’s every day musings on life’s highs and lows make his poems funny and articulate. Influenced by Simon Armitage and Jon Hegley, he is a member of Aisle 16, the UK's most sought after poetry collective. Osborne has recently had his first book published - 'Radio Head', which is about British radio in the 21st century and includes interviews with Mark Radcliffe, Stuart Maconie and Nicholas Parsons.

Kate Tempest is a rapper, poet and playwright and has performed consistently and comprehensively since she began competing in battles at 16. Since then she has continued to develop her skills as a writer and a performer, and has made a name for herself in the UK hip hop, spoken word and live music scenes. Renowned for her passionate delivery and intelligent content, her work is influenced equally by a love of hip hop and a love of great literature; her heroes include William Blake and Gza from the Wu-Tang Clan. She has played with her band Sound of Rum all over London, from the Jazz Café to Brixton’s Jamm, as well as gigs in Bristol, Brighton and Liverpool.

A wide-ranging and versatile poet, writer, host, workshop leader and literary event organiser, Richard Tyrone Jones’ material ranges from the downright daft, through to the witheringly self-deprecating to the poignant and formal, always cut through by a strong vein of sardonic humour, a strident voice and a deft touch. He recently staged his own funeral, inviting friends and family to attend and present eulogies, organising a bamboo coffin, picking the music and being carried off to his own wake. Expect more bold leaps of imagination from this madcap poet.

Kriss Foster is a performer from Lancaster armed with an acoustic guitar and a leopard suit. His catalogue of catchy comedy songs has left audiences bemused, intrigued and consistently hysterical. Whether it's feral children, train stations, hammer attacks or fizzy Vimto, Kriss Foster has sung about it, he even has a song about Dale Winton.
He’s performed with Bear Suit, Misty's Big Adventure, Nizlopi and Arthur Smith.

A scouser who reached the rank of Major in the army before sacking it all off to become a photographer and poet, Martin Figura is an acclaimed master of words and visuals. He has had three collections of poetry published, ‘The Little Book of Harm’ (2000), ‘Ahem’ (2005) and ‘Whistle’ (2009) and is a member of the poetry group The Joy Of Six who have performed at festivals and happenings all over the world from New York to Norfolk.

Molly Naylor is a poet, puppeteer, scriptwriter and educator. Her poems have been featured on BBC Radio and she has performed at a variety of festivals and events in the UK and internationally. She is taking her new solo spoken word show ‘Whenever I Get Blown Up I Think Of You’ on a nationwide tour which, luckily for us, also includes the Poetry Arena at Latitude Festival.

Oxford graduate, lawyer, poet and football fanatic Musa Okwonga is an emerging literary genius who has won the Junior Bridport Prize for fiction in 1994, for poetry in 1995 and the WH Smith Young Writers competition in 1996. His recent book ‘A Cultured Left Foot’ is an insightful and amusing study into the finer points of the world’s favourite game. With testimony from across the world of football, from players to managers, pundits to some of the Greats themselves, Musa Okwonga isolates and discusses the key virtues that, when combined, create the perfect player.

Irish born poet, writer and promoter Niall O’Sullivan, with his original voice and a keen eye for comic irony, has become a 20th Century poetry bestseller with his collections ‘You’re Not Singing Anymore’ and ‘Ventriloquism for Monkeys’. Niall is probably best known to many Londoners as the current host of Poetry Unplugged, London’s biggest weekly open mic at Covent Garden’s Poetry Cafe.

Paul Lyalls is a funny, fast-moving, hip, accessible, rhythmic and clever poet who has performed at the new Wembley Stadium. He has run hundreds of workshops in primary and secondary schools, youth projects and prisons as well as having performed at 10 Edinburgh Festivals and many other prestigious venues in cities such as New York to Belfast.

The Dead Poets Poetry Band breathes new life into the words of dead poets through original, melodic composition, often sung in three-part harmony, always performed with an ear toward exposing something in the poetry that you may not have heard before. And if you've never heard The Dead Poets in performance, you're in for a treat. They’ve done Wordsworth's ‘Daffodils’ as a doo-wop a cappella; Plath's ‘Mirro’r as a polka, Wilcox's ‘Solitude’ as a bossa nova, and Longfellow's ‘Snow-Flakes’ as a haunting ballad. Poetry as you’ve never experienced before – this is a must see.

El Crisis’ style of poetry and performance is truly unique. He combines an hypnotic mixture of rap, spoken word, song and chant, speaking from a height, the knowledge of an ancient wisdom and a spiritual connection with his ancestors that can be felt among his audiences. Rapping, singing, chanting and reciting spoken word poetry Crisis relates to his experiences and stories with a street style philosophy of the world and society today. Combined with an angelic voice of staggering range and depth, Crisis’ performances are enlightening, extraordinary and unforgettable.

A regular on the poetry circuit, Joel Stickley is an acclaimed writer and performer. He has appeared all over UK radio and television as well as at a clutch of festivals and is the co-author of the book ‘Who Writes This Crap?’ with Luke Wright which the Guardian described as “an inspired piece of parody.” He blogs at How To Write Badly Well (”A must-read” – Metro.co.uk) and teaches the Advanced Creative Writing course at the Open University.

Joshua Idehen is a lively and mercurial poet, founder of the highly acclaimed poetry group A Poem Between People and leader of ‘fro-funk band Benin City - a new project inspired by a wide range of folk artists such as Grizzly Bear, Jono McCleery and My Brightest Diamond. With a more intimate sound and subject matter, think Rufus Wainwright meets Roots Manuva and you’re on the right track. He has performed his spoken word at many prestigious events such as Onetaste, Poetry N Motion, The Cellar, Shortfuse and the John Betjeman Festival in Cornwall, to name a few, and will this year add Latitude to that list.

Poet, performer, enemy of all that’s difficult and upsetting, Matt Harvey is a veteran of the poetry circuit performing his hilarious yet tender and truthful poetry up and down the country at festivals, cabarets, conferences and colleges. A regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live he has also written the Desktop Poetry slot in the Guardian for the past two years. He is also the creator of Empath Man – a contemporary superhero with advanced listening skills and the ability to stay open and vulnerable in a tight situation – and who recently had a mini-series on Radio 4. “Very funny, very satirical” The Times.

Aisle16 co-founder Ross Sutherland will be bringing his quick-wit and free-wheeling lyricism to the Poetry Arena. Included in The Times' list of Top Ten Literary Stars in 2008, Ross has co-written eight live literature productions, including the critically acclaimed Poetry Boyband (Time Out Critic’s Choice of the Year 2005). Last year he had four productions touring throughout the year: ‘Found in Translation’, ‘Infinite Lives’, ‘The Dead That Never Lived’ and ‘The Shallowing Shovel’. He also found time to publish his debut solo collection, ‘Things To Do Before You Leave Town’ to critical acclaim.

Steve Larkin is a rare talent. He is best described as a poet though he is invariably described as a comedian or a rapper. A lively and energetic performer who has to be experienced live to fully appreciate his extraordinary ability of expressing political and philosophical concepts or opinions, whilst being hugely entertaining. He has been described as: “Leeds’ hybrid answer to Spike Millighan and Eminem…” by Vanguard-Online and as “a poet-philosopher disguised as club entertainer. Lacing profundity with profanities, deep tracks with cheap gags." Jim Thomas (The Ecologist)

Fellow Aisle16 member, Tim Clare is a writer, stand-up poet and musician. His filthy hyperkinetic doggerel continues to baffle and appal audiences all over the UK. His autobiographical book about thwarted ambition and growing up, ‘We Can’t All Be Astronauts’, came out last year to much acclaim with The Bookseller rating him as "A fantastic writer—his prose contains both the bumbling charm of Jon Ronson and the splenetic bile of Charlie Brooker."

Ex-lumberjack turned poetic genius Tim Turnbull has wowed audiences around the country. Turnbull has received critical praise with the release of his collection called ‘Caligula on Ice and other poems’ - a unique theatrical experience that blends sublimely crafted poetry, caustic comedy, a ghost story, a skewed take on the folk song, a raucous music hall turn, parody, pastiche and bitingly accurate satire. He also released the fantastic Extended Play Pop Compact Disc, “A-side, B-side, Seaside” with Scarborough absurdists Mormonhead.

This extensive list of poets that are already confirmed to read in the Poetry Arena are Wendy Cope, John Cooper Clarke, Blake Morrison, Luke Wright, Spoken Word All Stars, WordTheatre with David Soul and Amber Tamblyn and Jacob Polley.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, over Latitude’s four dedicated music arenas festival goers can enjoy Florence + The Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend headlining the Obelisk Arena, as well as performances by Empire Of The Sun, The National, The xx, Grizzly Bear, The Maccabees, Rodrigo y Gabriela, James, Richard Hawley, The Horrors and Jónsi. The Sunrise Arena will showcase a wealth of musical talent from both emerging and established bands such as Archie Bronson Outfit and Darwin Deez with many more acts still to be announced, Latitude will provide the perfect soundtrack to the summer.

A place like no other; Latitude Festival is an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.


~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend tickets £155 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £65 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Weekend ticket prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only
Credit Card line: 0871 2310846

Online: www.festivalrepublic.com • www.seetickets.com • www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For further Press info contact: 020 7792 9400
info@presscounselpr.com

Latitude Festival - Cut out by Night - Marc Sethi

Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Thursday 25 March 2010

Latitude festival music additions - Temper Trap, James, Spoon, Frank Turner...

Latitude 2010 colour logo

26th March 2010
MUSIC ADDITIONS

OBELISK ARENA
~ THE TEMPER TRAP ~ JAMES ~ SPOON ~ MIDLAKE ~
~ DIRTY PROJECTORS ~ FRANK TURNER

THE WORD ARENA
~ WILD BEASTS ~ NOAH AND THE WHALE ~ YEASAYER ~ CHIEF ~

SUNRISE ARENA
~ DARWIN DEEZ ~ ARCHIE BRONSON OUTFIT ~ LUPEN CROOK ~ ACTIVE CHILD ~

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

Dedicated to bringing the very best from the worlds of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret together for one glorious weekend, Latitude stands alone as a truly inspiring and pioneering festival with a line-up like no other. With four differing arenas devoted to showcasing a diverse selection of music, Latitude provides something for everybody – no matter what your tastes or desires. Florence + The Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend are all headlining the Obelisk Arena and with a wealth of musical talent from both emerging and established bands and acts still to be announced, Latitude is once again the place to be this summer.


~ OBELISK ARENA ~

The Obelisk Arena is the focal point for many of Latitude’s most memorable performances and with a line up that boasts some superb acts including Empire of the Sun, The Maccabees and Rodrigo y Gabriela as well as the stunning headliners, the following acts are a welcome addition to an already exciting line-up:

If you were to run off a list of the musical success stories of last year then The Temper Trap would certainly be one of them. Their song ‘Sweet Disposition’ has been used on many commercials and hit TV series Skins seeing them turn into household names with many sold out shows under their belt. The band’s summery sounds will be the perfect companion for a sunny afternoon in front of the Obelisk Arena.

Indie forefathers and Manchester legends James are coming to Latitude this year. With a career spanning three decades, they have been enjoying a resurgence in popularity recently with sold out worldwide tours and frontman Tim Booth back in the line-up. With a back catalogue that includes such classic anthems as ‘Laid’, ‘Sit Down’, Born Of Frustration’, ‘Come Home’, She’s A Star’ plus many more, their set will be a veritable sing-a-long.

Texan indie rock outfit Spoon will make their first Latitude appearance this year on the Obelisk Arena. Their continuous musical output dating back to 1996 coupled with their ability to stay true to what they believe in has earned them a cult following. Both 2005's 'Gimme Fiction' and 2007's 'Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga' earned them the No. 1 spot in the US Independent Album Chart.

Comprised of four former jazz students, Midlake’s early material, ‘Milkmaid Grand Army’ EP and debut album ‘Bamnan and Slivercork’, relied on warped analogue synths. Their excellent follow-up ‘The Trials Of Van Occupanther’ saw a greater sweep of classic rock textures and moods which leads us to this year’s ‘The Courage of Others’. This Top 20 album is downtempo, grizzled and rustic. Their outlook has been entrenched in maudlin beauty; perfect aural accompaniment for lounging around at Latitude.

Brooklyn-based Dirty Projectors will make their Latitude debut on the Obelisk Arena in July. The experimental rock band led by Dave Longstreth began in 2002 with the release of Longstreth's first album, ‘The Graceful Fallen Mango’ before later creating the moniker Dirty Projectors.

Frank Turner’s meteoric rise in success shows no signs of waning. Last year he played a host of festivals, embarked on a sold out tour of the UK and saw single ‘The Road’ playlisted on Radio 1 and XFM. Currently touring new album ‘Poetry of the Deed’ at further sold out shows all over the UK, his appearance at Latitude festival’s Obelisk Arena will prove the perfect opportunity to catch him before he goes on to headline London’s Brixton Academy later in the year.


~ THE WORD ARENA ~

Under the large canopy that comprises The Word Arena will be an amazing set of alternative artists crossing genre boundaries seamlessly. With The National ,The xx and Grizzly Bear all headlining as well as performances from Charlotte Gainsbourg and The Horrors also confirmed, you’ll discover a host of fresh and exciting acts from across the spectrum at The Word Arena.

This year Latitude is excited to welcome back Wild Beasts to Suffolk's Sunrise Coast. Thoroughly unique and addictively off-kilter, they have somehow turned theatrical falsettos and baritones into engaging musical devices in themselves. The quartet have released two critically acclaimed albums (‘Limbo, Panto’ and ‘Two Dancers’) to their name and have been "tipped for the top” by the NME. Make sure you catch Kendal's finest export since the town’s Mint Cake as they are bound to deliver a pretty sweet performance. Expect an incredible performance from one of the UK’s best and most innovative young guitar bands.

As main players in the current folk revolution, Noah And The Whale have been wowing audiences up and down the country with their catchy melodic indie/folk. Since their debut album ‘Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down’ stormed the Top Ten Album Chart in 2008 the band have enjoyed huge successes both on UK soil and around the world. Having further cemented their hold on the mainstream with follow-up album ‘The First Days of Spring’ last year, Noah And The Whale will be delighting audiences with their odes of perfectly crafted lovelorn songs in The Word Arena this summer.

Brooklyn based afro-pop sensation Yeasayer come to Latitude this year. Having successfully rippled the waters with their 2007 debut ‘All Hour Cymbals’ - especially storming psychedelic-laced track ‘2080’ - their warped and celebratory follow up ‘Odd Blood’ has led to strong critical reception and sell out shows. The likes of ‘O.N.E.’ and ‘Ambling Alp’ are already consistent floor-fillers at indie clubs throughout the country, and it won't be long before the infection reaches Henham Park's audience.

Chief are set to bring their shimmery indie anthems to The Word Arena at Latitude this summer. Although from Santa Monica the band’s sound has an air of British-ness about it harking back to the classic pop sensibilities of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Make sure you catch this quartet’s early appearance before they rise to the top.


~ SUNRISE ARENA ~

The Sunrise Arena, situated along the nature trail is host to a splendid foray of new acts. Some of them will have been on the hushed lips of dedicated gem hunters for a while and others will be on the rise already, about to break for all to enjoy, it is the place to discover tomorrow’s stars today. This year will see plenty of tasty morsels for those who like to be at the start of something very special.

Having just been added to the NME Radar tour in April and with new single ‘Radar Detector’ currently all over the radio, Darwin Deez are a band everyone is talking about. Darwin will be bringing his infectious radio-friendly indie band/impromptu dance to Latitude’s Sunrise Arena. With this arena firmly established as a launch pad for new talent playing host to The Joy Formidable, Passion Pit and Little Boots in previous years it looks like Darwin Deez could also be heading skyward!

Archie Bronson Outfit’s story is somewhat magical with the band being discovered by the boss of Domino Records playing in his local pub. Fast-forward seven years and the band have released three albums through the label with second album 'Derdang Derdang' being voted fifth best album of 2006 by Mojo magazine. Make sure you catch Archie Bronson Outfit at Latitude where they will be offering the fruits from their latest album ‘Coconut’.

Singer/song writer Lupen Crook already has three critically acclaimed albums to his name in four short years. His latest, ‘The Pros and Cons of Eating Out’ shows a willingness to explore both himself and his relationship with the world around him coupled with an ability to communicate those experiences in a direct and lyrical way. Catch Crook and his band of long-term collaborators in Latitude's stunning Sunrise Arena.

Up and coming act Active Child (aka Pat Grossi) will be bringing his atmospheric and haunting melodies to the Sunrise Arena this summer. Active Child recently released his debut single 'She Was A Vision' through Filter Recordings in the US and we are sure it won't be long before he is making strides this side of the pond.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Wendy Cope, John Cooper Clarke, Bret Easton Ellis and Arthur Smith; top comics Emo Philips, Ardal O’Hanlon, Rich Hall and Tommy Tiernan; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by Royal Shakespeare Company, Bush Theatre and Royal Opera House to name but a few, plus a wealth of cabaret, film, DJ’s, workshops and late night parties found throughout the site. It really is a place like no other; an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.


~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend tickets £155 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £65 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Weekend ticket prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only

Credit Card line: 0871 2310846
Online: www.festivalrepublic.com • www.seetickets.com • www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For further Press info contact: 020 77929400
info@presscounselpr.com

Latitude Festival - Cut out by Night - Marc Sethi

Labels: , , , , , ,

Friday 19 March 2010

Latitude festival music additions - Richard Hawley & Jónsi

Latitude 2010 colour logo

19th March 2010
MUSIC ADDITIONS
THE WORD ARENA

~ Richard Hawley ~

~ Jónsi ~

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

Latitude is dedicated to bringing the very best from the worlds of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret together for one glorious weekend and once again, it has created a line-up like no other. Florence + The Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend are all headlining the Obelisk Arena with performances by Empire Of The Sun, The Maccabees, Rodrigo y Gabriela also confirmed. And with a wealth of diverse musical talent from both emerging and established bands and acts still to be announced, Latitude’s four dedicated music arenas will provide the perfect soundtrack to the weekend’s festivities

~ THE WORD ARENA ~

With The National (Friday), The xx (Saturday) and Grizzly Bear (Sunday) announced as headliners for the weekend, and Charlotte Gainsbourg and The Horrors also confirmed, The Word Arena will once again boast an amazing set of alternative artists crossing genre boundaries seamlessly. You’ll discover a host of fresh and exciting acts from across the spectrum within The Word Arena.

Joining the headliners on Friday is Sheffield’s favourite lovelorn crooner Richard Hawley. The delicate and impassioned strains found on his recent sixth album ‘Truelove’s Gutter’, with lithe string and gently imparted guitars, continue where the Mercury Music Prize nominated ‘Cole’s Corner’ and Top 10 gracing ‘Lady’s Bridge’ left off. As the title suggests, this darker foray into Hawley’s personal style is poignant and devastating, yet clearly hit a chord with the public as it hit the UK Top20 upon its release last year. The former Longpigs and Pulp member has also worked with some of our finest indie heroes from Arctic Monkeys to Elbow further cementing his influence and popularity with peers and fans alike. As his songs sail upon the air across the hills of Suffolk, it will be a difficult task attempting to find somewhere as relaxing and romantic anywhere else on the site while he commands The Word Arena.

As the incandescent voice and heart behind Icelandic orchestral post-rock band Sigur Rós, Jónsi Birgisson has already made a significant impact on Latitude’s history with the band’s incendiary headline performance in 2008. Jónsi returns to Henham Park this time as a solo artist. The follow up to last year's critically successful album ‘Riceboy Sleeps’ with partner and artist Alex Somers, ‘Go’ continues the acoustic and stringed arrangements of his first solo album with similar sparse, subtle and ultimately beautiful effect. Jónsi will have the audience falling at his feet in The Word Arena on Sunday night.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Wendy Cope, John Cooper Clarke, Bret Easton Ellis and Arthur Smith; top comics Emo Philips, Ardal O’Hanlon, Rich Hall and Tommy Tiernan; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by Royal Shakespeare Company, Bush Theatre and Royal Opera House to name but a few plus a wealth of cabaret, film, DJs, workshops and late night parties found throughout the site. It really is a place like no other; an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.

~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend tickets £155 including VAT, subject to booking fee

Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £65 including VAT, subject to booking fee

Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping

Day tickets include car parking only

Credit Card line: 0871 2310846

Online: www.festivalrepublic.com • www.seetickets.com • www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For further Press info contact: 020-7792-9400

Latitude Festival - Cut out by Night - Marc Sethi

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Wednesday 17 March 2010

Straight Lines - Announce SXSW Festival appearances alongside Melissa Auf de Maur, Motorhead & Twin Atlantic

- Tom Jenkins (Vocals/Guitar) - Dane Campbell (Drums/Backing Vocals) - James Pugh (Guitar) - Todd Campbell (Bass/Backing Vocals) -

Straight Lines

Welsh quartet Straight Lines can now confirm their plans for the SXSW festival in Texas that will see them perform alongside Melissa Auf de Maur, Twin Atlantic and recent touring comrades Motorhead. The band will be performing at the following shows:

17th MARCH – AUSTIN MUSIC HALL – with Voivoid, Melissa Auf de Maur and Motorhead (onstage 7.15pm)
18th MARCH – LATITUDE (off 6th Street) – Welsh Day Party– with Cate Le Bon, Sweet Baboo (onstage 3pm- 6pm)
18th MARCH – OPAL DIVINE'S 700 West 6th Street – SXSW SHOWCASE with Fall of Troy and Twin Atlantic (onstage 12midnight)

Straight Lines have just completed a hugely successful 2-month tour of the UK in support of their incredible debut album ‘Persistence In This Game’. Their debut single ‘Runaway Now’ released in support of the tour, gathered plays on XFM's Rock Show and X-Posure, Kerrang! Radio, BBC Radio 1 and scored the band a BBC Introducing Session at the legendary Maida Vale studios.

Once back in the UK, Straight Lines will support The Automatic at the Relentless Garage, London on 30th March.

‘Persistence In This Game’ is out now on Xtra Mile Recordings (Frank Turner, The Xcerts, Reuben…). Here’s what the press had to say:
"Sure to follow in their friends' footsteps, Straight Lines are heading straight up." - 4/5 Big Cheese
“...passion bleeds from the speakers from the word go; from the machine gun riffery of opener Versus The Allegiance, to mature ballad Set Me On Fire. It's accomplished stuff...” – 3/5 Kerrang!
“Runaway Now' and 'Say It For Your Sake' will smash into your memory within seconds, while the aggressive riffs will carry the package into your heart.” - 8/10 Rocksound


For more information please contact info@presscounselpr.com – 020 7792 9400

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Tuesday 9 March 2010

Latitude 2010 - Line-up announcement

Latitude 2010 colour logo

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

Celebrating its fifth year, Latitude continues to lead the way as a bold and pioneering festival cherry-picking the very best from the worlds of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret and bringing them together for one glorious weekend. It is a place like no other; an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.

Building on its reputation as one of the most respected and highly anticipated events of the season, 2010 promises to be an inspirational and entertaining, sophisticated and scintillating weekend. Day and night, Latitude will boast an eclectic array of acts spread throughout the site with all manner of unexpected pleasures hidden around every corner. With over 700 performers to be announced over the coming months and a wealth of other weird and wonderful delights to be discovered – it is shaping up to be another spectacular slice of unadulterated cultural fun and adventure.

Festival Republic Managing Director, Melvin Benn says:

“Five glorious years on and Latitude Festival continues to be everything I wanted it to be. The breadth and calibre of programming across the arts and music consistently astounds me and I am delighted that Latitude has earned its place as a festival of choice for many. With an incredible wealth of talent joining us at Henham Park year on year, Latitude holds its unique position in the festival season.
It is indeed a very special weekend.”

~ MUSIC ARENAS ~

Showcasing a wealth of diverse musical talent, Latitude’s four dedicated arenas provide a unique and perfect soundtrack to the weekend’s festivities. Across the Obelisk, The Word and Sunrise Arenas and the Lake Stage, the very best in both emerging and established bands and performers will play throughout the weekend. In the past Latitude has seen such spellbinding performances from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Tindersticks, Sigur Rόs, Arcade Fire, Blondie, Amadou & Mariam, dEUS, Glasvegas and has helped propel up and coming acts like The xx and Marina & The Diamonds into the spotlight. Across the four arenas, audiences can expect everything from rock to pop, indie to folk, electro to dance and world to jazz – whatever your taste, Latitude has it all.

Jon Dunn, Music Arenas Booker says:

“Year five…The first four Latitude festivals have left me with many highlights..Antony & Johnsons, Patti Smith, Arcade Fire, The Rapture, The Mars Volta, Blondie, Foals, White Lies, Thom Yorke, Joanna Newsom and Sigur Ros…..
I’m excited and honoured that such acts as Florence and the Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend will be headlining our main stage, meanwhile I feel that in The Word Arena we have the real essence of Latitude in The National, The xx and Grizzly Bear, acts that carve out their own niche and journey and who are taken on the brilliance of their music..”

~ OBELISK ARENA ~

~ Florence + The Machine ~ Belle and Sebastian ~ Vampire Weekend ~
~ Empire of the Sun ~ The Maccabees ~ Rodrigo y Gabriela ~

The Obelisk Arena has been the focal point for many of Latitude’s most memorable performances. Thom Yorke’s mesmerising Sunday noon set, Grace Jones’ blazingly colourful headlining slot, Regina Spektor’s whimsical elegance and Doves’ epic street-swept triumph are all highlights from last year’s main stage line-up. Once more you’ll be watching this year’s exceptional cast assembled under the sun or the stars, which lends to the natural ambience so many have come to expect from Latitude.

This year – Latitude’s music headliners are:

Florence + The Machine, led by flame haired songstress Florence Welch, had an incredible 2009. Beginning with winning the Critics’ Choice award at the Brits, Florence won the coveted South Bank Award, graced NME covers and was a constant visible presence throughout the year at festivals and other award ceremonies. Her stunning debut album ‘Lungs’ released in June last year was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and has since won another Brit for Best British Album. ‘Lungs’ reached Number 1 in January this year, having been in the Top 40 since its release. On a heady wave of popularity that shows no sign of stopping, her effortless rise sees her top the bill on Friday night at Latitude 2010 – in what will be Florence and her mighty Machine’s very first festival headline performance. With her potent, soaring anthems and confident stagecraft, Florence will light up the Obelisk Arena.

With barely contained excitement, it’s a pleasure to announce the end of these legendary Scottish heroes’ hiatus. Belle and Sebastian haven’t played live together since September 2006 and it’s been a long four years without them. The quirky and humorous songwriting of this indie collective is widely celebrated and the band is highly revered by their fervent fanbase. They were voted Scotland’s greatest ever band via a poll by The List magazine back in 2005, assuring their beyond-cult status. With a brand new album, the follow up to 2006’s ‘The Life Pursuit’, soon to arrive, 2010 is bound to be a big year for Stuart Murdoch and co. It’s sure to be topped off, no doubt, by their Saturday night headline slot - one of Latitude’s most highly anticipated performances so far.

Literate New York quartet Vampire Weekend have exceeded all expectations with the release of their second album ‘Contra’, in January. It did the unthinkable and reached the top of the US Billboard Chart, a phenomenal success, coming only four years since their inception. Their afro-beat inspired tropical jangle, synonymous with a new breed of intelligent collegiate pop, has now reached mainstream success. With two inspired pop records under their belt plus a reputation for scintillating live shows, Vampire Weekend have earned their headline slot and we are proud to announce them as Latitude’s Sunday bill topper.

Luke Steele’s electronic synth-pop outfit Empire of the Sun has been embraced by a wide range of fans, young and old, with its timeless and infectious feel. Taking time away from his usual day job, The Sleepy Jackson, Luke has crafted a debut album of futuristic carnival ditties with elegantly crafted melodies and warped keyboard soundscapes. Empire of the Sun’s slot on the Friday night is sure to entice and enrapture with selections from their debut, Walking on a Dream.

Brighton’s finest The Maccabees join the Obelisk Arena’s line up for Saturday night. This indie-rock five-piece have gone from strength to strength in the three years since their debut album ‘Colour It In’ hit the Top 40 charts. Their youthful and vibrant music has won them a legion of fans and their recent second album ‘Wall of Sound’ released last year earned them critical acclaim from Steve Lamacq, Zane Lowe and NME.

The spellbinding musical brilliance of Rodrigo y Gabriela comes to Latitude Festival, to play the Obelisk Arena on Sunday night. Specialising in fast, rhythmic acoustic guitars, Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero are masters of fret-board wizardry straddling both world and rock with obvious Hispanic influences. Passionate yet melodic, the fire in their playing comes from their life-long love of metal music and they often cover Metallica and Led Zeppelin in their live performances. Gaining a burgeoning cult following since their inception in 2001 their recent album ’11:11’ has pushed them further into the mainstream prompting appearances on American TV and Jools Holland’s Hootenanny. Their performance at Latitude will be an absolute must!

~ THE WORD ARENA ~

~ The National ~ The xx ~ Grizzly Bear ~
~ Charlotte Gainsbourg ~ The Horrors ~

Inside the deceptively large canopy that comprises The Word Arena will be an amazing set of alternative artists crossing genre boundaries seamlessly. You’ll discover a host of fresh and exciting acts from across the spectrum. Last year included the lavish melodies of Bat For Lashes, a wall of light and sound created by the incredible Spiritualized, the spiky post-punk thrash of Magazine and the tribal drum passion of husband and wife duo Wildbirds & Peacedrums. The Word Arena is bound to satiate both the esoteric music fan and the casual passer-by as they enjoy these introductions to their new favourite sounds.

Latitude is proud to welcome Brooklyn-based indie rock outfit The National to The Word Arena. The Friday night headliners’ unmistakable sound coupled with lead singer Matt Berninger’s distinctive baritone vocal and a career now spanning over a decade will make this a must-see performance. With a new record to be released in May you can expect the band to have reached even greater heights when this headline performance comes to pass.

The xx have to be one of the success stories of Latitude’s short but prominent history. The Wandsworth three-piece performed an early afternoon set on The Lake Stage in 2009 and this year sees their return headlining The Word Arena on Saturday night. With the band’s debut album ‘xx’ only arriving in August of last year NME has already placed the record at #2 on their ‘50 Best Albums of 2009’ with Rolling Stone also placing it at #9 in their ‘Best of the Year’ list in 2009. Catch one of the fastest rising acts of the moment at The Word Arena.

Brooklyn-based Grizzly Bear are set to bring their psychedelic folk/pop to Latitude closing The Word Arena on Sunday night. The headliners will be showcasing old favourites and material from 2009’s critically acclaimed ‘Veckatimest’ album which has brought the band mainstream success with its accessible pop overtones reaching a Top Ten position on the US Billboard 200 chart. Their ambitious, symphonic pop will be the perfect way to bring Latitude 2010’s Word Arena to a triumphant close.

The velvety vocals of French actress and singer-songwriter Charlotte Gainsbourg will be soothing Latitude’s crowds with songs straight from her recent critically-acclaimed release IRM. As part of her very first tour, this performance will be exceptionally special as she brings her European chic and unshakable melodies drawn from renowned US songwriter Beck. Gainsbourg has also recently starred in the controversial and vivid Lars Von Trier masterpiece Antichrist.

Originating from Southend-on-Sea, black-clad quintet The Horrors formed in the summer of 2005 and quickly gained notoriety around London for their look, sound, and brief but frantic live shows. They released their debut album Strange House in 2007, reaching number 37 on the UK Albums Chart, and not long after that a world tour followed. Their second album Primary Colours was released in 2009 and saw the band opt for a very different sound, mixing shoegaze, post-punk, and goth. The album reached number 25 in the UK album chart and was nominated for the 2009 Mercury Prize. NME later gave the album first place in the 50 Best Albums of 2009.

~ SUNRISE ARENA ~

A deliciously unexpected treat waits within the fragrant woods on the other side of the lake. The Sunrise Arena, situated along the nature trail spattered with flourishes of art and decadent spirit, is host to a splendid foray of new acts. Some of them will have been on the hushed lips of dedicated gem hunters for a while and others will be on the rise already, about to break for all to enjoy. With the likes of Band of Skulls, First Aid Kit and Local Natives rising steadily after last year’s appearances, The Sunrise Arena is the place to discover tomorrow’s stars today. This year will see plenty of tasty morsels for those who like to be at the start of something very special.

~ LAKE STAGE ~
curated by Huw Stephens

A few metres away from the crystal waters of Latitude’s central landscape feature, The Lake Stage provides tantalisingly early glimpses of Huw Stephens’ freshest tips. Latitude audiences are treated to a full parade of diverse and exhilarating bands about to be splashed across magazines up and down the country. Last year, critics’ favourites such as Golden Silvers, Bombay Bicycle Club and Pulled Apart By Horses have since enjoyed mainstream successes, proving Latitude is the perfect place to catch such rising stars. Take the opportunity to absorb the sounds of next year in the surrounds of Latitude’s exquisite Lake Stage.


~ ARTS ARENAS ~

With the arts very much at its core, Latitude Festival brings every fraction of the arts together in one place, providing the ideal environment to discover new passions and explore things that you may have never encountered before. Ground-breaking, exciting and inspiring actors, writers, poets, authors, DJs, comics, dancers, choreographers, film-makers and visual artists will all be performing across the dedicated arts arenas and throughout the festival site. With an unrivalled programme running from Thursday evening to Sunday night, Latitude’s arts arenas will keep you enthused and entertained all weekend long and beyond.

Tania Harrison ~ Programmer of the Arts Arenas says:

“Booking the arts stages for Latitude is an incredible experience and my head is spinning with the huge talent, possibilities and ideas that will shape each arena. Latitude has far exceeded any of my dreams and it's such an honour to book the highest calibre of comics, film directors, writers, poets and artists and to work with some of the country's leading arts organisations including The Opera Group & London Sinfonietta, BAFTA, The Bush and Royal Shakespeare Company. This year we have extended our imagination into The Faraway Forest and the Royal Opera House will be staging a very special show deep in the heart of it. I am very excited too about the Masked Ball and a Bacchanalian party that we have planned there, plus I have quite a few more surprises that I'm working on for the arts arenas. I think this year Latitude will be a bit more devilishly decadent so prepare to unleash your wild side!”

~ COMEDY at LATITUDE ~

~ Emo Philips ~ Ardal O’Hanlon ~ Rich Hall ~ Tommy Tiernan ~
~ Marcus Brigstocke: Early Edition with Andre Vincent and Guests ~
~ Arthur Smith ~ Richard Herring ~ Russell Kane ~ Holly Walsh ~
~ Sara Pascoe ~ Seann Walsh ~ Kevin Bridges ~ Charlie Baker ~
~ Doc Brown ~ Mark Olver ~ Joe Bor ~
~ Robin Ince’s Book Club ~ Adam Buxton: BUG ~ Popcorn Comedy ~
~ Rich Fulcher ~ Laura Solon~ Jonny Sweet ~
~ Pappy’s ~ Idiots of Ants ~ Cardinal Burns ~ Golden Lizard ~

Latitude has earned a fierce reputation for presenting the searingly sharp edge of comedy and this year Latitude will not disappoint with an incredible wealth of talent throughout the bill. One of the festival’s most enduring and prestigious fixtures, the Comedy Arena, sees a huge and varied bill of comic splendour. Vastly lauded by all who spend time within its bosom, you’re likely to have to hold back some energy in preparation as you’ll be expelling it in laughter and mirth for the duration of your visit. But don’t be mistaken, comedy magic will be sprinkled all throughout the programme in the Cabaret, Literary and Film & Music Arenas to name a few, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it. Taking in the finest names on the stand-up comedy roster as well as emerging acts on the cusp of widespread success, there are sure to be many unmissable moments this year.

With his unique take on the personality of the comic, the falsetto fantasist Emo Philips is a massive coup for the comedy bill at Latitude this year. Latitude regulars will be ecstatic when they discover this hugely popular and sought-after comic is bringing his show to Latitude’s Comedy Arena this summer for his first UK appearance for several years. Emo has over 6,000 live performances across the English speaking world under his belt. His inventive delivery and punchline trickery he is a maverick who puts ease into unease. Described by Jay Leno as ‘the best joke writer in America’ this is a rare chance to see the phenomenon that is Emo Philips this side of the pond. (Comedy Arena)

Bursting into the hearts and minds of the nation as the profoundly clueless Father Dougal in nineties hit TV series Father Ted, Ardal O’Hanlon has continued to make crowds and audiences laugh with sold out stand-up performances and a varied TV acting career. His stand-up routine showcases his trademark bewildered look at the world around him and exasperation as a husband and father, all delivered with a grumpy charm that will have you rolling in the aisles. (Comedy Arena)

Sketch and panel show regular, playwright, actor and stand-up comedian Rich Hall has long been coaxing laughter from his spouting of undeniable truths. Whether it’s the generic work of Tom Cruise or the civility of Londoners compared to American citizens, Rich Hall’s acerbic and direct humour sails over boundaries and all without a hint of a smile from the man himself. The former Saturday Night Live writer/performer has previously won the 2000 Perrier Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Fringe as his uncle alter ego Otis Lee Crenshaw and is the most regular victor of all the visiting panellists on BBC 2’s QI show. He’s also been described as an inspiration for The Simpsons character Moe Szyslak. (Comedy Arena)

Multi Award Winning Irish Superstar Comic Tommy Tiernan is a huge addition to Latitude’s comedy bill. A fearless force of energy, Tiernan is inspiring and one of the few comics to take his audience on a genuine emotional journey elevating the soul through rich, honest laughs, Tiernan has an instinctive way of crafting words to bring his anecdotes to vivid life and make the jokes truly resonate. Performances are high intensity, high octane, a no holds barred roller coaster ride as Tommy continues his constant interrogation of the big ideas - Sex, Religion, Family through the lens of his quirks, personal demons and sense of outrage. (Comedy Arena)

A festival favourite Marcus Brigstocke brings his Early Edition to Latitude with Andre Vincent and other special guests. Dissecting the daily newspapers with sharp political wit the show interviews politicians, campaigners, pundits and experts with a satirical and honest look at the world’s current affairs. A Latitude regular, Brigstocke has emerged over the last five years as a major comedy, writing and broadcasting talent appearing on countless TV and radio shows including debate show ‘Argumental’ and his hit Radio 4 programme ‘I’ve Never Seen Star Wars’ which has now transferred to TV. (Comedy Arena)

“My name is Arthur Smith, unless there's anybody here from the Streatham tax office. In which case, I'm Daphne Fairfax” has been Arthur Smith's opening line at hundreds of his legendary stand-up comedy performances and provides the title of his hilarious new autobiography ‘An Evening with Daphne Fairfax’. He reflects on the nature of comedy and his days as a scruffy kid on the bombsites of Bermondsey, a wild-haired undergraduate, a roadsweeper, an English teacher, a failed rock star, a boozed-up sexual adventurer and an intensive care patient who has been told never to drink again. As he guides us through his eventful memoirs, expect tales of turning down a Perrier Lifetime Achievement Award and losing a bet to writer Tony Hawks which resulted in him having to sing the Moldovan National Anthem naked on Balham High Road. A life less ordinary will make for an excellent storytime listen.
(Literary Arena)

Lauded comic and writer Richard Herring has been described by the British Theatre Guide as "one of the leading hidden masters of modern British comedy.” He has written and performed in a host of live one-man comedy shows including the acclaimed Talking Cock and the resulting book of the same name. He has also enjoyed a recent collaboration with Andrew Collins, initially on the radio comedy series Banter, on Collins' BBC 6 Music show and the well-received Collins and Herring Podcast. His most recent stand-up show, Hitler Moustache, received universal critical approval selling out for the entire Edinburgh Festival in 2009. (Comedy Arena)

Described as “one of the finest young performers around” by Time Out and an “inspiring and brilliant stand-up…perfect” by Chortle, Russell Kane is a rising comic star. In the past four years he has been nominated for the If.Comedy Awards (formerly the Perrier) three times, performed his hour-long Fakespeare play ‘The Lamentable Tragedies of Yates’s Wine Lodge’ at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-Upon-Avon, and performed at the Apollo Theatre for the BBC’s ‘Live At The Apollo’ show. He is currently in a new Fakespeare play as well as touring a new stand-up show called ‘Human Dressage’. (Comedy Arena)

The winner of the Chortle Awards’ 2008 Best Newcomer, Holly Walsh has managed to keep herself busy since joining the comedy circuit full time. With her irreverent but topical humour combined with her sardonic delivery, she’s been a perfect fit on shows like Mock The Week and 8 Out Of 10 Cats. With popular short comic ‘opinion’ videos on issues like the smoking ban, the credit crunch and her excellent short-lived attempt at becoming a hand model, her no nonsense, dry style is sure to keep the crowd entertained. (Comedy Arena)

Latitude is very proud to showcase the best of the established comedy talent whilst championing the hottest aspiring comic stars on the circuit. The first of these to be confirmed for the festival are: Sara Pascoe - named as one of Time Out’s Rising Stars of Comedy 2008, Sara has appeared in numerous shows such as Free Agents, The Thick of It and Being Human, and is described as “a cocky-cum-quizzical comic that resembles Russell Brand minus the libido" by the Evening Standard; Seann Walsh who delivers observational comedy with an affable charisma and charm; Glaswegian stand-up Kevin Bridges who, at 22, has already been nominated for the Breakthrough Act at the 2010 Chortle Awards; Charlie Baker and his Cornish comic timing spliced with his very accomplished jazz croon and Doc Brown, the younger brother of author Zadie Smith, whose eloquent, personal rapping style earned him third place in the English Comedian of the Year Award 2009. (Comedy Arena)

Bristolian Mark Olver has been a constant fixture on the TV warm up and comedy circuit in the last decade. His most recent Edinburgh show ‘Ramble On’ was based around a 500 mile walk from Bristol to the Scottish capital illustrated hilariously with road signs, maps and inspirational quotes from friends and families. Audience participation at his shows, whether willing or otherwise, is compulsory - positively encouraging heckling and friendly banter. His warm up for the massively successful ITV show Deal or No Deal have honed a rapier wit and shaped an interesting comic worthy of checking out. (Comedy Arena)

Joe Bor is an energetic observational character comedian, whose act consists of anecdotes from working in a school to his impressions of rugby players. He has acted in many short films for the BBC and written for TV and theatre including Newsrevue (Canal Cafe), The Comedy Business (Paramount Comedy) and Animus (Paramount Comedy). He has been the winner of Comedy Store Gong Show, Comedy Cafe New Act Night and Jewish Comedy Factor Award in 2007. "Hugely talented character comic, very funny and memorably charismatic." The Scotsman (Comedy Arena)

Latitude’s literary regular and house master of the written word, Robin Ince reprises the Book Club for Latitude’s Literary Arena, with specially created shows featuring incredible guests from the worlds of comedy, literature and science. A comic genius Robin succeeds in bringing both good and bad books to life, dissecting the themes, narratives and storytelling with hilarious observations and analysis. (Literary Arena)

Feast your eyes – and, of course, your ears – as comedian, writer, video director and general music video enthusiast, Adam Buxton brings a special edition of BUG to Latitude’s Film & Music Arena. BUG promises to bring you a programme of the weird, the wonderful and the truly great music videos from around the world this year. This special edition of BUG promises more outstanding clips rarely seen on a big screen (or even a TV screen) and some incredible online discoveries – with insightful and hilarious contributions from Adam. (Film & Music Arena)

Popcorn Comedy is a comedy show created by Jon Petrie and Holly Walsh in January 2009. It presents some of the strongest, sharpest and funniest videos online. The show also features the country’s best comedians as they showcase their own short comedy films. Previous live performers have included Peter Serafinowicz, Tim Key, Adam Buxton, Josie Long, Robert Popper, David Cross and Graham Linehan. The Film & Music Arena is the perfect rostrum for you to enjoy this creative revolution and laugh until you fall over. Popcorn Comedy is a Time Out ‘Critics’ Choice’ and has been featured on the BBC’s Culture Show. (Film & Music Arena)

Comedian Rich Fulcher – famed for his Boosh characters Bob Fossil, Kodiak Jack and cheesehead Tommy Nooka and co-star of the cult sketch show Snuff Box - will be bringing one ‘woman’ show, ‘An Evening with Eleanor: The Tour Whore [USA]’ to Latitude’s Cabaret Arena. Self-professed rock and roll ‘tour whore’ who recently appeared as Howard’s lover in The Mighty Boosh, Eleanor has lived a life most people scream about. Now the woman who claimed to make Neil ‘young’ and put the ‘wood’ in Woodstock – tells all through poetry, song, dance and confessional monologues that have been known to leave the audience feeling freshly molested. Prepare to get a pounding like you’re yesterday’s beef! (Cabaret Arena)

Having found her feet in character comedy, after being only the second solo female to win the Perrier Comedy Award (2005), Laura Solon will bring her acute observations and killer one-liners to the green fields of Suffolk. In the past she’s worked with comic TV stars Paul Whitehouse and Harry Enfield and most recently worked with Al Murray on Multiple Personality Disorder. (Cabaret Arena)

Jonny Sweet is a talented actor who won the 2009 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer for his show ‘Mostly About Arthur’ (directed by Stefan Golaszewski), which Nica Burns of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards described as: "a delicious hour of character comedy...unexpected, highly original, very funny. Watch out for him." He also appeared in Tom Basden's new play ‘Party’ at the Edinburgh Festival which won a Fringe First award. He recently appeared as a young David Cameron in ‘When Boris Met Dave’ which recently aired on More 4. (Comedy Arena)

"The funniest sketch troupe on the Fringe" (The Scotsman) Pappy’s will be providing the madcap fun in the Literary Arena. Pappy's is a comedy team made up of trio Ben, Matthew and Tom - a tour de force of fun and laughter. Formerly a four piece, Pappy’s have steadily risen to fame since 2007 receiving nominations for Chortle's Best Newcomer and for the If.Comedy Awards at the Edinburgh Festival. Their third Edinburgh show, Funergy, garnered further critical praise, and during early 2009 they toured Britain and Ireland with the hit show. This year sees them embark on their largest ever tour to date including Latitude, so expect wall to wall sketches and non-stop entertainment with this trio of comedic talent. (Literary Arena)

Formed in 2007 and after a sell-out Edinburgh Festival debut, Idiots of Ants have gone on to perform all over the UK. Idiots of Ants; Andrew Spiers, Elliott Tiney, James Wrighton and Benjamin Wilson, will be bringing their unique blend of fast-paced sketch comedy to the festival’s Cabaret Arena – a performance that will no doubt be jam-packed with intelligent wit and wonderfully timed observational comedy. Following three sell-out Edinburgh Festivals, an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination (formerly Perrier) and hot off the heels of the Montreal ‘Just For Laughs’ Festival the Ants (BBC1, E4, Radio 4) bring their unique blend of fast-paced sketch comedy to the Latitude Festival. (Cabaret Arena)

Favourites on the UK live comedy circuit and two-thirds of If.Comedy nominees Fat Tongue, Seb Cardinal and Dustin Demri-Burns will be bringing their imaginatively daft sketches to the Cabaret Arena this year. The Times has called them “the most original sketch act around”. If you are a fan of comedic preposterous stereotypes this double act will be right up your street! (Cabaret Arena)

Comedy’s future is in good hands with a fantastic new breed of comic stars emerging from the underground. Hotly-tipped turns Mike Wozniak and Henry Paker - alongside the sketch collective Superclump of which they are members – are leading the pack. Wozniak won an If.Comedy Best Newcomer nomination in 2008, with Paker’s aloof stand-up persona winning him the 2008 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year. Together, they recently wowed audiences at the Leicester Comedy Festival with their hilarious play ‘Golden Lizard’, a fantastically funny play that they are bringing to Latitude’s Cabaret Arena.

~ THEATRE AT LATITUDE~

~ Royal Opera House ~ Royal Shakespeare Company ~
~ The Opera Group and London Sinfonietta ~
~ Bush Theatre ~ Lyric Hammersmith ~
~ Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse in association with Paines Plough ~
~ Northern Stage and Company of Angels ~
~ English Touring Theatre ~ Les Enfants Terribles ~ Soho Theatre ~ nabokov ~
~ Red Shift Theatre Company ~ Shatterbox Theatre Company ~ Mouth to Mouth ~

Showcasing performances from the nation’s leading theatre companies as well as work from emerging talent, Latitude has brought contemporary, physical, classical and performance theatre to a brand new audience, gaining an unrivalled reputation for its breadth and quality of programming. The calibre of theatre on offer has meant that Latitude now rivals such established theatre events as Edinburgh Festival and Manchester International Festival, and with more bespoke productions created especially for Latitude, there will be unique and exciting work to be unearthed and discovered with, undoubtedly, something for everyone.

We are very excited to announce that the Royal Opera House will be presenting performances of its latest commission ‘Pleasure's Progress’ by director and choreographer Will Tuckett. A fusion of dance, opera and music, Pleasure's Progress explores the vistas and vision of the English painter, printmaker and satirist William Hogarth (1696 - 1764). Tuckett brings Hogarth’s dark pictorial narratives right up to the current day, drawing on material from some of his most celebrated work including - A Rake’s Progress, Marriage à la mode, A Harlot’s Progress, Four Stages of Cruelty and Beer Street and Gin Lane, combining a vivid slice of historical Covent Garden with contemporary urban life. With a cast of dancers, singers and musicians, a witty libretto by Alasdair Middleton, beautiful music by Paul Englishby and contemporary designs by Jon Bausor this new production promises wit and wonder, fun and frolics and an irreverent take on the darker side of society. ‘Pleasure’s Progress ’will be performed in The Faraway Forest, the perfect place for such a magnificent addition to the bill. (The Faraway Forest)

The Royal Shakespeare Company will bring an anarchic theatrical event to the Suffolk countryside at Latitude this year. No tights, no skulls (and no burning witches or zombies this year) this is a new show created just for the festival. Details are currently under lock and key, fiercely guarded by this year’s playwright Carl Grose. Apparently there are weird and wonderful rumours racing through the RSC. Something extraordinary is brewing in Stratford-upon-Avon. Carl is keeping quiet. Whatever it is it will emerge, fully formed, in Suffolk at some point 15-18th July…and we cannot wait! (Theatre Arena)

The Opera Group and London Sinfonietta present composer George Benjamin’s, 21st century masterpiece, ‘Into the Little Hill’, which garnered rave reviews in its London premiere at the Royal Opera House in 2009. Into the Little Hill tells the tale of a morally bankrupt politician, who, desperate to shore up a flagging public vote, promises to exterminate a town’s plague of rats. A faceless stranger arrives and offers his services; but when the Mayor refuses to pay, his actions have terrible repercussions for the town’s population. Into the Little Hill features acclaimed international singers Susan Bickley (mezzo-soprano) and Claire Booth (soprano) who play all the roles in the story. Franck Ollu conducts the London Sinfonietta. Into the Little Hill appears at Latitude in an Aldeburgh Music/London Sinfonietta/ROH2/The Opera Group co-production. Latitude is delighted to be presenting this outstanding opera in the Theatre Arena.
‘Every piece of music leaves its own particular silence in its wake: the silence left after this work's last notes sounded was exquisite.’ – Independent. (Theatre Arena)

Bush Theatre presents ‘The Great British Country Fete’, a play dedicated to the British institution of the village fete. Home to Olympic jam makers, mammoth marrow growers, anarchist Brownies and enough bunting to cause a national fabric shortage; the fete is a pillar of country life, a melting pot of personalities, and the British summer wouldn’t be the same without it. Join the Bush for a day at the fete – as the tombola rolls and the skittles fall, battles are fought, victories (and prizes) won, loves lost and found, and we meet the characters behind this irreplaceable and irresistible British tradition. Stories and songs combine in this summer treat, featuring three actors playing a multitude of roles as the tea flows and the drama unfolds. London-based, The Bush is a world-famous home for new plays and an internationally renowned champion of playwrights. Discovering, nurturing and producing the best new playwrights from the widest range of backgrounds, The Bush presents exciting new voices that tell contemporary stories with wit, style and passion. (Theatre Arena)

Resonant with the diverse output of Latitude Festival, the Lyric Hammersmith is sure to astound with a special and unique work adhering to their values of evocative and esoteric performances. Bringing an eclectic selection of artistic disciplines – writers, visual artists, dancers, actors – to collaborate on crossing the boundaries between high art and populism, their unpredictable brand of storytelling is bound to be a highlight of the exceptional theatre programme at Latitude. (Theatre Arena)

Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse in association with Paines Plough present ‘Tiny Volcanoes’ by Laurence Wilson. Since they joined together in 1999, the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse have been on a remarkable journey, described as “a theatrical renaissance on Merseyside” (The Observer). Paines Plough is an award-winning, nationally and internationally renowned theatre company specialising exclusively in commissioning and producing new plays. Tiny Volcanoes is a new work by Wilson, who has previously been voted Writer of Liverpool Daily Post’s Play of the Year 2004, for Urban Legend. (Theatre Arena)

Northern Stage and Company of Angels co-production, ‘Apples’, adapted by John Retallack from the novel by Richard Milward, is an electrifying collision of Irvine Welsh and Virginia Woolf set on a Middlesbrough council estate. Returning to Latitude following 23 year old author Richard Milward’s reading from this, his debut novel last year in the Literary Arena, Apples depicts the brutal insecurities of adolescence; a world where the adults are absent, drugs are everywhere, sex is desperate and life is both terrifying and thrilling. The characters feed every stereotype currently applied to young disaffected people; they are violent, shameless, ruthless, and their horizons reach only to their next night out. And yet they challenge our prejudices because Milward reveals their brave, complex and profound inner lives, battling for self-esteem. “...Streaming with gorgeous language, a frighteningly recognisable glimpse into a particular experience of adolescence.” (The Guardian). (Theatre Arena)

The English Touring Theatre Company presents ‘Lovesong’ a stunning one-man play on a piano, written and directed by Che Walker and performed by British soul singer, Omar.
Che Walker is an actor, director and award-winning playwright – scooping both the George Devine Award for Most Promising Playwright and Arts Council England Writer’s Award for Drama in 2003 for his play ‘Flesh Wound’. Last year, Che brought the soul/funk musical ‘Been So Long’ which featured Omar in the cast. This year they team up for a more intimate performance showcasing Omar’s staggering vocal and musical talents. Omar is an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician – his most well-known song was the Top 20 debut single ‘There’s Nothing Like This’ in 1991.
As one of England's foremost theatre companies, ETT creates theatre of outstanding quality, imagination and ambition that is both emotionally and intellectually engaging. (Theatre Arena)

Les Enfants Terribles invite you to The Empire Music Hall for ‘Vaudevillains’ a night you’ll never forget. Charlie the owner is dead – but whodunnit? Could it be nervy knife thrower Ray the Blade; sexy Siamese striplets; The Cerberus Sisters; deranged ventriloquist Albert Frog; macabre mime artist Gaston Gasteau; or perhaps the mystifying magician – The Great Mephisto… Murder, mystery and mayhem combine with Les Enfants Terribles dark, twisted wit and inventive theatricality as they present their brand new musical extravaganza. After the show join the party as the Empire’s doors stay open and the band plays on into the night... (Theatre Arena)

London’s Soho Theatre presents ‘The Experiment’ a stunning play written and performed by Evening Standard award-winning playwright Mark Ravenhill. Included in last year’s Terror season at the Southwark Playhouse, this short horror transfers to Latitude’s Theatre Arena to shock, terrorise and torment. Not for the faint-hearted this is: “Shocking good horror.” (Michael Coveney – Whatsonstage.com) (Theatre Arena)

New writing theatre company nabokov presents ‘Amplified’ – a stag night set at a festival. Expect the traditional male mayhem of a group of friends celebrating a groom’s last night of freedom. nabokov is a company dedicated to commissioning, developing and producing backlash theatre; new work for the stage that offers an antagonistic response to contemporary agendas, trends and events. (Theatre Arena)

Discover the incredible ‘Invisible Show’ presented by Red Shift Theatre Company – a live theatre event embedded in the crowd audible via wireless headphones. Conceived, written and directed by Jonathan Holloway, The Invisible Show is a live theatre event embedded in the crowd, almost invisible, but audible via wireless headphones. It’s a celebration of frailty, a reassurance that we’re all rubbish at this thing called life. The dialogue is uncompromising as an estranged father and son duo meet, a couple discuss separation, lovers squirm sexed-up and desperate for privacy, a sick mother worries into her phone and ex-partners eye one-another with curiosity. Except for the smallest tell-tales the crowd is ignorant of these eddies of emotion.… unless they have the headphones, and then the live soundscape reveals itself. Search it out or just listen. The Invisible Show will be performed once a day over all four days of the Festival. Will you see it? (Pandora’s Playground)

Shatterbox Theatre Company bring their ‘Fair Trade’ project to the Theatre Arena at Latitude. Fair Trade tells the remarkable stories of two very different female survivors of the British sex slave trade. Their journeys – from their separate home countries to London – are told in a powerfully honest and unsentimental way. Inspired by the Journey Against Sex Trafficking (the 2007 art installation in Trafalgar Square made up of seven shipping containers each representing an aspect of the suffering experienced by trafficked women) of which Emma Thompson was a major collaborator, writers Anna Holbek and Shelley Davenport based their script on the survivors’ verbatim accounts. In full support of their work, Emma Thompson enthusiastically came on board as Executive Producer. The play's content is based on the real-life experiences of Elena and Samai, both trafficked women. While showing the harsh reality of the women’s experiences the play is careful to avoid sentimentality. It takes a farcical approach to a prostitute’s arrest in the style of a Punch and Judy show, a comical M.C. delivering facts about the sex trade and a human auction. Shatterbox is a young and exciting theatre company dedicated to new writing, with particular emphasis on awareness-raising, issue based work. (Theatre Arena)

Unique and very special Outdoor Theatre can be found throughout the Latitude site, on the banks of the lake and deep within the forest. Taking inspiration from the beautiful countryside in which it is set, performances vary from beat-boxing to classical orchestra and from musicals to Shakespeare.

One of East Anglia’s most inspiring local theatre companies, Mouth To Mouth take up their residency in Latitude’s outdoor spaces to bring their unique take on one of Shakespeare’s funniest plays. Under the guidance of Artistic Director, James Holloway, Mouth To Mouth will brave the British summer weather to perform ‘The Comedy of Errors’ – a farcical story of mistaken identities and slapstick. After their festival stealing performances of The Taming of The Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Merry Wives of Windsor at previous editions of the festival, the company bring their idiosyncratic and crazy take on playing the Bard back this year. (Outdoor Theatre)

~ FILM & MUSIC ARENA ~

~ BAFTA ~
~ Mark Lamarr presents God’s Jukebox with Geno Washington,
The Jim Jones Revue and more to be announced ~
~ Riz MC MICroscope ~ James Rhodes ~
~ Adam Buxton: BUG ~ Popcorn Comedy ~ Modern Toss ~

A heady mix of visual and aural pleasure, the Film & Music Arena is home to some of the festival’s most mesmerising performances. Bringing together the worlds of alternative cinema and music, the arena will showcase a jam-packed programme of award-winning films, documentaries and shorts with Q&A sessions and discussions alongside musical treats and thrilling visuals.

BAFTA is delighted to be returning to the Latitude Festival for the fourth year. Latitude continues to provide a fantastic platform from which BAFTA can fulfil its mission of helping audiences access industry expertise and celebrate excellence in film and television, and we very much look forward to joining the party again this year. Coverage of BAFTA’s activity at Latitude will be hosted on www.bafta.org shortly after the festival.

The Film & Music Arena will be home to some of the best retro music around courtesy of radio DJ, presenter and all-round music aficionado Mark Lamarr. Presenting his renowned Saturday night Radio 2 show - God’s Jukebox - Lamarr will be DJ-ing an eclectic mix of his top tunes from soul, ska, reggae, country, gospel and rap as well as introducing five specially selected bands and performers to the Film & Music Arena. The first to be announced are: legendary American R&B singer Geno Washington and punk rock ‘n’ rollers The Jim Jones Revue.

Geno Washington and The Ram Jam Band rose to fame in the sixties with two of the biggest selling UK albums of the decade. ‘Hand Clappin, Foot Stompin, Funky Butt Live’ was in the album charts for 48 weeks of the year in 1966 and was only out-sold by The Sound of Music and Bridge Over Troubled Water. Immortalised by Dexy's Midnight Runners in their 80's hit Geno - his high energy live performances were, and still are to this day the stuff of legends.

The Jim Jones Revue are an epiphany of velvet waistcoats, sideburns, quiffs and great shoes – and wouldn't be out of place in a Tombstone gin joint. Melding the best of old school traditional forms with the fire of punk, they create an exciting hybrid referencing Jerry Lee's 50's blueprint and the crash-clatter chaos of The Cramps, MC5 and The Birthday Party.

Hailed as a conceptual event which includes music, a bit of theatre and a whole lot of hype, fans of Riz MC will unite as the legendary MC/Actor does what he does best, entertain a crowd. MICroscope promises to be a mad ‘immersive and interactive gig experience’ – think audience participation, improvisation, and some experimental lyrical gymnastics. Riz Ahmed shot to fame with his hip hop debut single ‘The Post 9/11 Blues’ causing controversy across TV, radio and newsprint. Since then he has been championed by BBC Radio 1, toured the USA, and played shows from Fabric to the Royal Festival Hall with the likes of Massive Attack, Nitin Sawhney, Dizzee Rascal, and Mos Def. As an actor his screen credits include, the multi award winning ‘Road to Guantanamo’, BAFTA nominated ‘Dead Set’, and the BAFTA winning and Emmy nominated ‘Britz’. He was nominated for Best Actor at the 2008 BIFA Awards for his performance in the title role in ‘Shifty’ opposite Jason Flemyng and Daniel Mays. Forthcoming screen appearances include Sally Potter’s ‘RAGE’ alongside Jude Law and Judy Dench, ‘Centurion’ with Michael Fassbender and Dominic West.

James Rhodes is known as the classical pianist with a rock-star attitude. His second eagerly-awaited album ‘Now Would All Freudians Please Stand Aside – Bach Busoni Beethoven’ has recently been released on the award-winning independent classical label Signum Classics. “The centrepiece of this recital, a performance of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata in E major Op 109..stands comparison with the finest on record and knocks those of more self-consciously highbrow pianists into a cocked hat.” The Telegraph. Rhodes will be in the Film & Music Arena to invite you to join him in an evening of Bach, Beethoven and banter. For classical junkies, virgins and everyone in between. “Bursting through the era of political correctness in a haze of Byronic romanticism, James Rhodes, is swiftly making himself a name as the wild man of the keyboard.” Classical Music magazine.

Feast your eyes – and, of course, your ears – as comedian, writer, video director and general music video enthusiast, Adam Buxton brings a special edition of BUG to Latitude’s Film & Music Arena. BUG promises to bring you a programme of the weird, the wonderful and the truly great music videos from around the world this year. This special edition of BUG promises more outstanding clips rarely seen on a big screen (or even a TV screen) and some incredible online discoveries – with insightful and hilarious contributions from Adam.

Popcorn Comedy is a comedy show created by Jon Petrie and Holly Walsh in January 2009. It presents some of the strongest, sharpest and funniest videos online. The show also features the country’s best comedians as they showcase their own short comedy films. Previous live performers have included Peter Serafinowicz, Tim Key, Adam Buxton, Josie Long, Robert Popper, David Cross and Graham Linehan. The Film & Music Arena is the perfect rostrum for you to enjoy this creative revolution and laugh until you fall over. Popcorn Comedy is a Time Out ‘Critics’ Choice’ and has been featured on the BBC’s Culture Show.

The hilariously foul-mouthed Modern Toss present groundbreaking work featuring a newly recorded narration and a freshly tailored soundtrack to enhance specially-edited highlights of their two Channel 4 animation series, featuring sweary signwriter Mr Tourette, Drive-by Abuser, Space Argument and Alan. Jon Link and Mick Bunnage are the writers, cartoonists and animators behind the stylish and hilarious cult comic Modern Toss and the TV series of the same name. A mixture of blunt-talking, animated characters with bizarre and surreal live action, their two series of the Modern Toss cartoon sketch show were broadcast on Channel 4 and nominated for a Rose D'Or award in 2009. The second series was broadcast in the U.S in 2009.

~ LITERARY ARENA ~

~ Robin Ince’s Book Club ~ Word Theatre ~ 5 X 15 ~
~ Bret Easton Ellis ~ Adam Foulds ~ Natasha Walter ~
~ Jon Ronson ~ Arthur Smith ~ Jon McGregor ~ Samantha Harvey ~
~ Philippa Perry ~ Jane Bussmann ~ Anthony Cartwright ~ Louise Stern~
~ Pappy’s ~ The School of Life ~

The best literary event of the summer, Latitude’s Literary Arena celebrates the written word in all its fabulous glory. For both book worms and casual readers, the best authors and special guests will all congregate under the canopy of the arena and take you on a journey to the far reaches of your imagination. Stories are told, books are dissected, discussions are had and debates fought over; these are book readings with a difference so sit back and enjoy Latitude’s fun-filled library by the sea.

Latitude’s literary regular and house master of the written word, Robin Ince reprises the Book Club for Latitude’s Literary Arena, with specially created shows featuring incredible guests from the worlds of comedy, literature and science. A comic genius Robin succeeds in bringing both good and bad books to life, dissecting the themes, narratives and storytelling with hilarious observations and analysis.

The Literary Arena is set to sizzle with WordTheatre's line-up of renownedactors from Hollywood and the UK, performing short stories by world-classauthors. Among the notable actors scheduled to perform are the originalHutch - David Soul, Amber Tamblyn from 'The Sisterhood of the TravellingPants', CSI's Gary Dourdan, Harry Potter's Professor Quirinus Quirrell - IanHart, Brian Cox ('The Bourne Supremacy'), Sally Hawkins (‘Happy Go Lucky), John Schwab ('The Complete Works of William Shakespeare'), Chris McDonald ('Thelma and Louise' & 'Requiem for a Dream') and Ben Miller ('Armstrong and Miller'). Over in the Poetry Arena WordTheatre presents David Soul reading Pablo Neruda accompanied by classical guitarist Hugh Burns and Amber Tamblyn will read from her highly acclaimed book of poetry 'Bang Ditto'. Produced by Cedering Fox and Kirsty Peart and directed by Cedering Fox.

5x15 brings together five outstanding individuals to enlighten, entertain and inspire, as they tell the story behind their personal histories, most innovative ideas, grandest achievements, and deepest obsessions - all in just 15 minutes. This is non-fiction story telling at its best - completely unscripted and PowerPoint free. 5x15 launched earlier this year in London to rave reviews and packed out auditoriums and is the brain-child of Eleanor O’Keeffe, Rosie Boycott and Daisy Leitch. This is mind-expanding entertainment that gets you thinking about far-ranging topics from unusual perspectives. Without doubt those fifteen minutes will be informative, lively and packed full of thought-provoking sound.

Latitude is delighted to welcome notorious modern day American novelist Bret Easton Ellis for a reading and discussion of his brand new novel, ‘Imperial Bedrooms’. In his own inimitable style the characters from the successful and highly acclaimed debut ‘Less Than Zero’ are brought into the present day – 25 years later. Bringing the vivid and brittle disaffection of middle age into the picture, art imitating life won’t be far from the passionately inscribed words. Bret Easton Ellis gained notoriety after the murderous pulp fiction of 80’s satire novel ‘American Psycho’, a novel that has since become a cult classic as well as a cherished movie starring Christian Bale. ‘Imperial Bedrooms’ follows 2005’s ‘Lunar Park’, an excellent pastiche-esque riff on autobiographical fiction, which only fuelled intrigue about this spectacular talent.

With his debut novel ‘The Truth About These Strange Times’, Adam Foulds won a Betty Trask award and was made Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year in 2007. For the follow up Adam crafted a narrative poem entitled ‘The Broken Word’ (2008), which detailed fictional events during the Mau Mau Uprising and again gained several accolades. Last year’s ‘The Quickening Maze’ saw a return to standard prose, this time focusing on the Victorian mental asylum where the poet John Clare was held. This work was nominated for the Booker Prize. With an undeniable pedigree arising from such a small body of work so far, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see this amazing talent.

Writer and campaigner Natasha Walter will be presenting readings from her new book ‘Living Dolls: The Return of Sexism’ which is out this Spring. The follow-up to the inspirational and critically applauded book ‘The New Feminism’ which came out in 1998, Walter examines today’s society and shines a light on the way the dreams of young women are being restricted by our hypersexual culture and by the resurgence of biological determinism. Reviewer, columnist and feature writer at the Independent, the Observer and the Guardian, Walter is also a regular broadcaster particularly on BBC2's Newsnight Review and BBC Radio 4's Front Row. She has been a judge on many literary prizes, including the Booker Prize in 1999, is a passionate advocate for the rights of women and children who seek asylum in the UK, and in 2006 she founded the charity Women for Refugee Women.

Not afraid to breach journalistic boundaries, or indeed those of common sense, Jon Ronson will be sharing snippets of his latest work before its publication next year. Jon Ronson unveils his new book, a work in progress called ‘The Psychopath Test’, or maybe called ‘The Right Sort of Madness’. For the past few years, ever since he published his last book ‘The Men Who Stare At Goats’ (which was recently adapted into a George Clooney movie) and quit his Guardian column, Jon has been quietly undertaking strange, funny, mysterious adventures in the world of psychopaths. And those who treat them. And those who make good money out of them. The book isn't quite finished yet (it will be published in 2011) but he will be sharing parts of it at this year's Latitude.

“My name is Arthur Smith, unless there's anybody here from the Streatham tax office. In which case, I'm Daphne Fairfax” has been Arthur Smith's opening line at hundreds of his legendary stand-up comedy performances and provides the title of his hilarious new autobiography ‘An Evening with Daphne Fairfax’. He reflects on the nature of comedy and his days as a scruffy kid on the bombsites of Bermondsey, a wild-haired undergraduate, a roadsweeper, an English teacher, a failed rock star, a boozed-up sexual adventurer and an intensive care patient who has been told never to drink again. As he guides us through his eventful memoirs, expect tales of turning down a Perrier Lifetime Achievement Award and losing a bet to writer Tony Hawks which resulted in him having to sing the Moldovan National Anthem naked on Balham High Road. A life less ordinary will make for an excellent storytime listen.

Famed author Jon McGregor joins the line-up in the Literary Arena this year performing readings from his fantastic new novel 'Even The Dogs'. Centred on a man found dead, alone, one cold day between Christmas and New Year, McGregor takes us on a journey into the underclass of British society with profound empathy; an intimate exploration of life at the edges of society, littered with love, loss, despair and a glimpse of redemption.
Jon McGregor is the author of the critically acclaimed ‘If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things’ and ‘So Many Ways to Begin’. He is the winner of the Betty Trask Prize and the Somerset Maugham Award, and has been twice longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

A well travelled writer – having lived in New Zealand and taught in Japan – and co- founder of an environmental charity, Samantha Harvey garnered prizes and praise for her debut novel ‘The Wilderness’ last year. It was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book award and the Orange Prize for Fiction as well as winning the AMI Literature and Betty Trask awards. This sensitive portrayal of a man with Alzheimer’s and his struggles to keep his life together makes for a compelling, poignant read.

Trained psychotherapist Philippa Perry will bring her thoroughly original debut to Henham Park for reading and discussion. ‘Couch Fiction: A Graphic Tale of Psychotherapy’ is a witty, fly-on-the-wall novel based around a psychotherapy case study with fantastic cartoons that fully illustrate the workings inside a consulting room. The novel brings together the thoughts and dialogues of both the therapist and the patient James; handsome and successful yet he struggles to cope when his girlfriend refuses to move in with him. It is only by confronting the reality of his past and admitting his insecurities through therapy that he can move on with his life. A thought-provoking story which both entertains and educates, Couch Fiction explores several difficult themes and reveals how therapeutic change takes place by looking at the inner thoughts of both the therapist and the client.

Hollywood showbiz reporter turned author Jane Bussmann brings readings from her hit novel ‘Worst Date Ever’ – the true story of the past six years of Bussmann’s life where she developed a crush on conflict negotiator John Prendergast and followed him to Uganda. A darkly comic memoir, ‘Worst Date Ever’, is gonzo journalism at its best – straddling the divide of wry humour and inappropriateness perfectly, creating a piece of satire condemning account of the failure to apprehend Joseph Kony, The Ugandan terrorist who has led his army of child soldiers on a 20 year campaign of hostage-taking, exploitation and murder. Bussmann is a comedian and writer who has written for television and radio including The Fast Show, Smack The Pony, Brass Eye, Jam and South Park.

In ‘Heartland’ Anthony Cartwright brings together the ingrained English threads of politics and football to a backdrop of the England vs Argentina World Cup match in 2002. Set in the West Midlands Cartwright explores the complex plot of a game of football alongside the grass-roots politics and the rise of the BNP in the footholds of this working class, multicultural and racially charged area. Laced with resonance and experience, it is a mature and vital second novel. Anthony’s debut ‘The Afterglow’ was released in 2004 and won a Betty Trask Award. He’s currently working on his third for Tindal Street Press, while teaching English in Nottinghamshire.

London-based American writer Louise Stern will be coming to Latitude with readings from her book ‘Chattering: Stories’. Stern is fourth generation deaf in her family and her characters in the stories of this book all share the condition. Centred on a group of brave young girls, out to party, travel the world, and go a little bit wild, they communicate with the outside world via a complicated mixture of sign language, lip-reading, note-scribbling, guesswork and instinct. Yet they are full of daring, ready for adventures that take them into unfamiliar places and strange, cockeyed relationships with people whose actions they observe, but never wholly understand.

"The funniest sketch troupe on the Fringe" (The Scotsman) Pappy’s will be providing the madcap fun in the Literary Arena. Pappy's is a comedy team made up of trio Ben, Matthew and Tom - a tour de force of fun and laughter. Formerly a four piece, Pappy’s have steadily risen to fame since 2007 receiving nominations for Chortle's Best Newcomer and for the If.Comedy Awards at the Edinburgh Festival. Their third Edinburgh show, Funergy, garnered further critical praise, and during early 2009 they toured Britain and Ireland with the hit show. This year sees them embark on their largest ever tour to date including Latitude so expect wall to wall sketches and non-stop entertainment with this trio of comedic talent.

~ LITERARY SALON ~

~ The School Of Life ~

New to last year’s festival, the Literary Salon is the noisy little sister of the Literary Arena that encourages you to get involved. A hub of interactive workshops, open discussions and wide-ranging debates all ready to get stuck into – it is a place to air your opinions, learn a brand new skill, discover new and exciting things and explore your inner most interests.

This year The School of Life will be sharing three of their specialist workshops at the Literary Salon at Latitude designed to help us all live life to the full. This central London social enterprise offers ideas to help make everyday living - work, rest & play - a joy for you and everyone around you; tickling, exercising and expanding your mind with its emporium of emotions, a bazaar of bibliotherapy, a convenience store of concepts, a trading post of triumphant philosophies. A place to step back and think intelligently about everyday questions and concerns, you will be exposed to a variety of ideas - from philosophy to literature, psychology to the visual arts. This School Of Life will literally make you too cool for school! Look out for the School of Life-hosted dinner party based on Plato’s Symposium over in The Faraway Forest.

~ THE WATERFRONT STAGE ~

~ Hair the Musical ~

New York and Broadway come to Latitude’s beautiful floating stage this year with a 30 minute excerpt of the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical HAIR, featuring the 2009 Tony-Award winning cast direct from Broadway. A celebration of life, love and freedom, and a passionate cry for hope and change, HAIR features some of the greatest songs ever written for the stage, including ‘Let The Sun Shine In’, ‘I Got Life’, ‘Hair’ and ‘Aquarius’. HAIR is about a group of young New Yorkers in the 60’s struggling to balance their lives and loves, rebelling and rejecting the lifestyles of their conservative parents. Infectious, outlandish and exuberant, HAIR has gained iconic status since erupting onto the stage in 1967 and the messages of HAIR are as relevant today as they have ever been. This fantastic production returns to London at the Gielgud Theatre this April, and Latitude is thrilled to have this amazing piece of musical theatre at the Waterfront Stage.

~ POETRY ARENA ~

~ Wendy Cope ~ John Cooper Clarke ~
~ Blake Morrison ~ Luke Wright ~ Jacob Polley ~
~ Spoken Word All Stars ~ WordTheatre presents David Soul and Amber Tamblyn ~

Over the past four years, the Poetry Arena at Latitude has grown into one of Europe’s leading poetry events in its own right, boasting the hottest slam poets, spoken word, storytelling, comedy sketches, rappers and much, much more. The Poetry Arena lures in passers by with comfy bean-bags and cushions which entice you to stay all day transfixed by the magnificence of the raconteurs on stage. Laugh, cry and become enlightened in Latitude’s now famous Poetry Arena.

Kent-born Wendy Cope is one of England’s most accomplished poets, which earned her Radio 4’s Listeners’ Choice for the post of Poet Laureate in 1998. Often compared to Larkin, her light-hearted style focuses on the mundane aspects of everyday English life, with a wry, comical bent. She has won several awards, notably the Cholmondeley Award (1987) and the Michael Braude Award for Light Verse from the American Academy of Arts and Letters (1995), as well as a nomination for the Whitbread Poetry Award for ‘If I Don’t Know’ (2001).

The bard of Salford and the fore father of punk poetry, John Cooper Clarke will be bringing his renowned satirical, political and extremely entertaining verse to Latitude, delivered in his trademark rapid-fire performance style. Rising to fame in the late ‘70’s supporting punk bands Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks, The Fall and Joy Division he has continued to be as reverent and relevant today as ever, writing new and vital poetry and being regularly seen and heard on TV, radio, in films and music. See a true legend in action at Latitude’s Poetry Arena.

Poet and author Blake Morrison has been a subtle guiding force in British poetry since his first book ‘The Movement: English Poetry and Fiction of the 1950s’ (1980). This was followed by co-editing ‘The Penguin Book of Contemporary British Poetry’ (1982) with last year’s distinguished Poetry Arena guest Andrew Motion. He has written several collections of poetry including ‘Ballad of the Yorskhire Ripper’ – written throughout with a Yorkshire dialect – and his debut ‘Dark Glasses’. He began his career as a journalist and poetry critic and was made Professor of Creative and Life Writing at Goldsmith’s College in 2003. His most recent novel ‘South of the Border’ is being made into a TV series while his J.R. Ackerly Prize-winning autobiography ‘And When Did You Last See Your Father?’ (1993) was made into a feature film in 2007.

Latitude favourite Luke Wright is a poet and spoken word performer whose quirky blend of anecdotal humour and verse assures a livewire performance. This Essex via Hackney lad formed performance collective Aisle16 in 2000, which has since taken several shows to the Edinburgh Fringe and toured around the country to critical acclaim. From the dark comic lecturing of ‘Poetry Boyband’ (which won a Time Out Critics’ Choice Award in 2005) to ‘Services to Poetry’, a tour to find poetic inspiration at service stations across the UK, Aisle16’s output has been lauded and celebrated. Since 2006 Luke has launched his own curve-ball bid to become Poet Laureate and has become the newest poet-in-residence on BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live. In 2009 he took contemporary poetry onto primetime TV, writing all the poetry for Channel 4’s The Seven Ages of Love, a 30 minute documentary that gained ‘pick of the day’ in eight national publications and was broadcast to over a million people.

Jacob Polley, novelist and poet, has released two sets of poetry – ‘The Brink’ (2003) and ‘Little Gods’ (2006) - and a novel – ‘Talk of the Town’ (2009), awarded 5/5 by the Independent on Sunday. His work has been praised by the Guardian as “the kind of poetry that imbues the everyday, the tarnished and burnished, with the possibilities of the transcendent” and has often been shortlisted for prestigious awards including a nomination for the Forward Prize for Best Poem (‘The Cheapjack’, 2006). In 2002 Jacob won an Eric Gregory Award and the Radio 4/Arts Council ‘First Verse’ Award. Jacob was selected as one of the Next Generation of British poets by the Poetry Book Society in 2004.

Poet in the City, working with Apples & Snakes, has created a Spoken Word All Stars event, featuring some of the best spoken word artists in the UK in a fabulous live show.
The poets, El Crisis, Charlie Dark, Kat Francois, Chris 'Ventriloquist' Redmond and musician, Jason Yarde will create a show of wall-to-wall words with an unflagging backbeat. Expect a seamless flow of poetry, improvised and otherwise, jousting with jazzy rhythms and forging a hip-hop-skip-and-jump of its very own. Poet in the City is a registered charity committed to attracting new audiences to poetry, making new connections for poetry. Apples & Snakes is England's leading organisation for performance poetry, working with emerging artists, producing new work and putting poets in education. It works extensively with schools, prisons and libraries to develop literacy, communication skills, motivation and self-esteem through high quality performance poetry workshops.

Latitude’s Literary Arena is set to sizzle with WordTheatre's line-up of renownedactors from Hollywood and the UK, performing short stories by world-classauthors. Among the notable actors scheduled to perform are the originalHutch - David Soul, Amber Tamblyn from 'The Sisterhood of the TravellingPants', CSI's Gary Dourdan, Harry Potter's Professor Quirinus Quirrell - IanHart, Brian Cox ('The Bourne Supremacy'), Sally Hawkins (‘Happy Go Lucky), John Schwab ('The Complete Works of William Shakespeare'), Chris McDonald ('Thelma and Louise' & 'Requiem for a Dream') and Ben Miller ('Armstrong and Miller'). Here in the Poetry Arena, WordTheatre presents David Soul reading Pablo Neruda accompanied by classical guitarist Hugh Burns and Amber Tamblyn will read from her highly acclaimed book of poetry 'Bang Ditto'. Produced by Cedering Fox and Kirsty Peart and directed by Cedering Fox. All cast subject to change without notice.

~ CABARET ARENA ~

~ Duckie ~ The Crack ~
~ Rich Fulcher ~ Laura Solon ~
~ Idiots of Ants ~ Jonny Sweet ~ Cardinal Burns ~ Golden Lizard ~

Latitude’s veritable den of mischief and mayhem, the Cabaret Arena is sumptuously tantalising, seductively tempting and always exceedingly teasing. Enticing you in with the powers of seduction, curiosity and intrigue, once inside you will find an elaborate mix of comedy sketch shows, freak, burlesque and drag shows together with illusionists, puppetry and good ol’fashioned sing-a-longs. Leave your inhibitions at the door!

London pop and performance peddlers Duckie stage a rock’n’roll masked ball for the big Saturday late night party. Join DJs Readers Wives, hostess Amy Lamé and their crew of modern show starlets including Ida Barr, Ursula Martinez and others. If you haven’t packed a mask in your rucksack, visit the Duckie pop-up mask workshop and craft one in the style of quirky retro pop cultural icons. A big late night show, a big indie dance den, a few mollies and a lot of wearing of paper bags over your head.

Famed promoter Mick Perrin for Just for Laughs Live and Miss Behave present: ‘The Crack’ – an explosive combination of stand-up, variety and side-splitting comic performance. Celebrating all that is funny, diverse and truly original in live comic entertainment and brought to you by part of the team behind Olivier Award-winning sensation La Clique (Best Entertainment 2009) this anarchic, chaotic, and fun-filled show will have you amazed and entertained with an absolutely stellar cast of comic geniuses and variety virtuosos.

Comedian Rich Fulcher – famed for his Boosh characters Bob Fossil, Kodiak Jack and cheesehead Tommy Nooka and co-star of the cult sketch show Snuff Box - presents ‘An Evening with Eleanor: The Tour Whore’, a one ‘woman’ show to Latitude’s Cabaret Arena. Self-professed rock and roll ‘tour whore’ who recently appeared as Howard’s lover in The Mighty Boosh, Eleanor has lived a life most people scream about. Now the woman who claimed to make Neil ‘young’ and put the ‘wood’ in Woodstock – tells all through poetry, song, dance and confessional monologues that have been known to leave the audience feeling freshly molested. Prepare to get a pounding like you’re yesterday’s beef!

Having found her feet in character comedy, after being only the second solo female to win the Perrier Comedy Award (2005), Laura Solon will bring her acute observations and killer one-liners to the green fields of Suffolk. In the past she’s worked with comic TV stars Paul Whitehouse and Harry Enfield and most recently worked with Al Murray on Multiple Personality Disorder.

Formed in 2007 and after a sell-out Edinburgh Festival debut, Idiots of Ants have gone on to perform all over the UK. Idiots of Ants; Andrew Spiers, Elliott Tiney, James Wrighton and Ben-in Wilson, will be bringing their unique blend of fast-paced sketch comedy to the festival’s Cabaret Arena – a performance that will no doubt be jam packed with intelligent wit and wonderfully timed observational comedy. Following three sell-out Edinburgh Festivals, an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination (formerly Perrier) and hot off the heels of the Montreal ‘Just For Laughs’ Festival the Ants (BBC1, E4, Radio 4) bring their unique blend of fast-paced sketch comedy to the Latitude Festival.

Jonny Sweet is a talented actor who won the 2009 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer for his show ‘Mostly About Arthur’ (directed by Stefan Golaszewski), which Nica Burns of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards described as: "a delicious hour of character comedy...unexpected, highly original, very funny. Watch out for him." He also appeared in Tom Basden's new play ‘Party’ at the Edinburgh Festival which won a Fringe First award. He recently appeared as a young David Cameron in ‘When Boris Met Dave’ which recently aired on More 4.

Favourites on the UK live comedy circuit and two-thirds of If.Comedy nominees Fat Tongue, Seb Cardinal and Dustin Demri-Burns will be bringing their imaginatively daft sketches to the Cabaret Arena this year. The Times has called them “the most original sketch act around”. If you are a fan of comedic preposterous stereotypes this double act will be right up your street!

Comedy’s future is in good hands with a fantastic new breed of comic stars emerging from the underground. Hotly-tipped turns Mike Wozniak and Henry Paker - alongside the sketch collective Superclump of which they are members – are leading the pack. Wozniak won an If.Comedy Best Newcomer nomination in 2008, with Paker’s aloof stand-up persona winning him the 2008 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year. Together, they recently wowed audiences at the Leicester Comedy Festival with their hilarious play ‘Golden Lizard’, a fantastically funny play that they are bringing to Latitude’s Cabaret Arena.

~ THE FARAWAY FOREST ~

~ Royal Opera House ~
~ The School of Life ~
~ The Masked Ball ~ Bacchanalian party hosted by Johnny Blue Eyes ~
~ The Dialogue Project ~

In its fifth year Latitude unveils The Faraway Forest; a sumptuous home for the festival’s rich and decadent side. At sundown this secret place will transform into a den of magical intrigue. Indulge your darkest desires and set free any inhibitions as you lose yourself in the depths of The Faraway Forest.

We are delighted to announce the Royal Opera House presents performances of its latest commission ‘Pleasure's Progress’ by director and choreographer Will Tuckett. A fusion of dance, opera and music, Pleasure's Progress explores the vistas and vision of the English painter, printmaker and satirist William Hogarth (1696 - 1764). Tuckett brings Hogarth’s dark pictorial narratives right up the current day, drawing on material from some of his most celebrated work including - A Rake’s Progress, Marriage à la mode, A Harlot’s Progress, Four Stages of Cruelty and Beer Street and Gin Lane, combining a vivid slice of historical Covent Garden with contemporary urban life. With a cast of dancers, singers and musicians, a witty libretto by Alasdair Middleton, beautiful music by Paul Englishby and contemporary designs by Jon Bausor this new production promises wit and wonder, fun and frolics and an irreverent take on the darker side of society and will be performed in The Faraway Forest, the perfect place for such a magnificent addition to the bill.

Asking one of the greatest questions in life, “How do we know what we know?” The School of Life will be developing the budding philosopher in you by hosting a dinner party based on Plato’s Symposium. Relating to the philosophical text of the genesis, purpose and nature of love, you can deliver an encomium of love or literally become a lover of wisdom. Tickets to be an honoured guest at the dining table will be available to lucky festival goers over the weekend.

Saturday night will witness The Masked Ball - a fabulous night of fantastic attire and extravagant adornments to provide the perfect veil to indulge in some mischievous fun.
Under a canopy of fairy lights and behind a mask, anything can happen in the magical Faraway Forest!

You are cordially invited to Latitude’s very first Bacchanalian party hosted by fashion designer and stylist to the stars Johnny Blue Eyes. Last year, Johnny shocked and inspired crowds with Latitude’s first fashion show on The Waterfront Stage. Fusing the worlds of fashion and rock ‘n’ roll, the catwalk show was fierce, fabulous and fun with a heart-pumping soundtrack and stunning outfits. For this party with a difference, expect more elaborate garments ranging from full attire to the skimpiest of outfits depending on how you feel! The theme is whatever you fancy, whatever you desire and whatever you dare!

Taking place deep within The Faraway Forest, acclaimed Dialogue Project artist Karl James presents Intimate Conversations. Take an early morning stroll and you will encounter a series of beautifully crafted extraordinary and private conversations made public for the first time. They are real, they are moving and they are disarmingly honest, these tender one-way conversations provide a wonderful insight into the minds and thoughts of people from all walks of life.

~ PANDORA'S PLAYGROUND ~

~ Red Shift Theatre Company ~

Whilst Latitude’s extensive line-up is an incredible assortment of riches that can keep you entertained all weekend, there is also a treasure trove of unexpected pleasures that lie through the festival’s magical woods and beyond. Pandora’s Playground is where anything and everything can happen. A mini festival of its own, this quirky corner of the Latitude site features side shows, games, interactive art, dance troupes, theatre and an all night disco shed. This is the place for pure, unadulterated playtime in all its childish and fun-filled glory.

Discover the incredible ‘Invisible Show’ presented by Red Shift Theatre Company – a live theatre event embedded in the crowd audible via wireless headphones. Conceived, written and directed by Jonathan Holloway, The Invisible Show is a live theatre event embedded in the crowd, almost invisible, but audible via wireless headphones. It’s a celebration of frailty, a reassurance that we’re all rubbish at this thing called life. The dialogue is uncompromising as an estranged father and son duo meet, a couple discuss separation, lovers squirm sexed-up and desperate for privacy, a sick mother worries into her phone and ex-partners eye one-another with curiosity. Except for the smallest tell-tales the crowd is ignorant of these eddies of emotion.… unless they have the headphones, and then the live soundscape reveals itself. Search it out or just listen. The Invisible Show will be performed once a day over all four days of the Festival. Will you see it?

~ DJs ~

~ Guilty Pleasures ~ Smash & Grab ~
~ Goldierocks ~
~ Club de Fromage ~ Beef Warehouse ~ Cosmic Underground ~

An unashamed festival hit, Guilty Pleasures is the consistently celebratory night of unforgettable pop, rock and cheesy anthems. Whether it’s air guitar 80s style or disco pomp, you’re sure to know every single chorus and here is the perfect time to admit it. You’ll be amongst friends – glitter, fairy wings, afro hair, spandex adorned – singing every word to the songs you love to love. Unashamedly admit your guiltiest musical pleasures and have a night to remember.

Smash & Grab is all about kissing and dancing. Smash & Grab is the perfect place for all of Latitudes hot young singletons to find a partner, and, it is where Queens of Noize and (very special) guests will take you to the next level of Ultimate Party Fever!!!! The Queens will be playing love inspired party classics, which we can guarantee will leave you screaming for MORE, MORE, MORE! Expect to hear 80's anthems, 90's hip hop, house and pop classics we can all reminisce to, fun and cool sounds from the last decade with a bit of 60's and 70's rock, soul, disco and pop! The Queens will be laying down plenty of SLOW DANCES giving you the perfect opportunity to approach the girl or guy of your dreams....

~ In The Woods ~

Exploring the winding pathways that lead through Latitude’s stunning woodland you can encounter a myriad of magical wonder and delight. With art adorning the old oak trees, hidden shacks of art installations, ad hoc performances and fairy lights decorating the branches there are treats and surprises at every turn. By day, the little stage will host a diverse range of intimate performances whilst by night DJs will help you party the night away. Hosting the kind of parties everybody claims to have been at, In The Woods is the place to be for late-night party people in the know. With its big bad sound system filling a stunning woodland setting, these four nights of great music and non-stop dancing are where you'll find the DJ's like the crowd - hands in the air & loving it! There are no stuffy DJ egos here - it's all about good times.

DJ, presenter & producer Goldierocks is gaining a worldwide reputation for her energised DJ appearances as well as her debauched glamourpuss all-guns-blazing rock n roll style, and we just love her. Anyone who caught her 'Woods' debut last year will know what all the fuss is about…. catch her before she goes stellar!

Club de Fromage is London’s top weekly fancy dress & pop hotspot. Darlings of the social pages, always playing to a packed house, they'll be bringing their crowd pleasing night of non-stop classic belters, air guitar, big tunes and even bigger DJ's…don't miss the meat pie raffle!

Beef Warehouse caused Latitude’s one and only faux-barrier crush last year, playing "Killing in the Name Of" ...a year later that track was the Christmas Number 1. Co-incidence?..we think not. One's hairy, one's lairy, who better to host our PG-rated 5th birthday party than this gloriously inappropriate and erratic duo.

Cosmic Underground DJ's have been hosting great parties since before Latitude was born! With deep dirty electro & penetrating bass lines overlaying the unexpected, the whole dance party will be at the mercy of this Mexican wrestling tag team!


~ CHILDREN'S ARENA ~


Sharon Reuben ~ Children’s Arena Booker, says:

“Surrounded by woodland, colourful sheep and lake-skimming dragonflies, the Children’s Arena is its own little festival, offering a world of art & crafts, drama workshops, theatre & puppet shows, literary tales and creative fun. We have activities for young wildlife explorers, budding chefs and circus performers plus the chance to join Latitude's own Glee Club! Local children's organisations are at the heart of the area, catering for everyone from babies to teens. The family campsite will feature activities for early risers while the children's arena guarantees to wear out the toughest of infants! ”

~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend tickets £155 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £65 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only

Credit Card line: 0871 2310846
Online: http://www.festivalrepublic.com/http://www.seetickets.com/http://www.latitudefestival.co.uk/


For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit http://www.latitudefestival.co.uk/

Latitude Festival - Cut out by Night - Marc Sethi

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