Latitude festival - Arts Additions - National Theatre of Scotland, Tate Britain and Shunt, Julie Myerson, Adam Buxton, Duckie, Serafina Streer...
14th – 17th July 2011, Henham Park Estate, Southwold, Suffolk.
On 14th – 17th July in the sumptuous surrounds of the Suffolk countryside, the welcoming daisy-adorned gates will open for the 6th edition of the magical and fantastical Latitude Festival.
Since its inception in 2006, Latitude has changed the face of festivals forever, with a passion only matched by its ambition. Encompassing all aspects of the art and music worlds Latitude is the only place that brings together the best in music, literature, comedy, poetry, film, theatre, cabaret, art, dance, opera and fashion for one spectacular weekend. With an unrivalled line-up taking shape, Latitude 2011 will be another exhilarating, scintillating and inspirational festival of fun.
With the nation’s leading theatre companies all bringing exciting productions to the festival each year, Latitude’s Theatre Arena has developed into a top performing arts festival. Renowned for its breadth and quality of programming Latitude has brought contemporary, physical, musical and classical theatre to brand new audiences, showcasing the very best productions as well as bespoke work made especially for Latitude. The Theatre Arena has grown in popularity year on year, making this creative space an integral aspect to the Latitude line-up.
2011 marks the 5th birthday of the National Theatre of Scotland. A theatre company with an adventurous streak and with no building of their own, the NTS are free to make theatre wherever they can connect with an audience. Join in for some anarchic theatre; haunting folk music and strange goings-on…One morning Prudencia Hart sets off to attend a conference. As the snow begins to fall, little does she know who or what awaits her there. Come and be swept along on Prudencia’s dream-like journey of self discovery, filled with magical moments, devilish encounters and wild karaoke. Described as a cautionary tale of supernatural intrigue, perfect for telling and re-telling around campfires and in 2am lock-ins it's transference to an Olde Worlde 1960’s pub for the evening, will add to its potency. Performing exciting and cutting edge original works this is NTS’ first visit to Latitude. (Cabaret Arena)
Latitude is proud to welcome back the fabulous Opera Group to the Theatre Arena. This award-winning, nationally and internationally renowned opera company specialises in commissioning and producing brand new operas – merging the best of contemporary theatre and music. Last year The Opera Group brought a spellbinding co-production performance of ‘Into The Little Hill’ with the phenomenal London Sinfonietta. This year's epic is 'Seven Angels'; inspired by Milton's Paradise Lost, it tells the tale of seven fallen angels whose purpose and history is forgotten. As they land upon a desert, they imagine the lush and vibrant landscape that once existed and how, subsequently, it was lost for all because of greed and neglect. This challenging tale of environmental and moral choices is woven with seven singers, a chamber orchestra and the art of Tadasu Takemine. (Theatre Arena)
1927 Theatre Company presents ‘The Animals and Children Took To The Streets’, a stunning synthesis of live music, animation and stage performance. A dystopian future awaits a mother and her daughter in the sector of a city known as Bayou, where seedy, dark-hearted characters lurk and others peek from behind closed curtains. Described as “a truly unforgettable production” by Time Out after the show's very successful tour at the beginning of this year, it's the excellent synchronisation of fresh animated events and live storytelling which engulfs the audience in a new way of presenting an enthralling piece of fiction. 1927 are THE theatre company to watch and word of mouth has them as them at the cutting edge of contemporary theatre. Their London shows sell out in a heartbeat so this will be a great opportunity to get in there before the cognoscenti claim all the seats! (Theatre Arena)
Finding art and drama in the search for scientific truth is the passion of cutting edge and pioneering theatre ensemble Curious Directive. Comprising of an army of actors, directors, bio-medical scientists, choreographers, writers, producers, video artists, technicians, composers and designers they search for an alchemy which combines thinking scientifically and artistically in order to find responses rather than answers to those big questions. In the past two years they have transformed cupboards, corridors, theatres, assembly halls, pubs and science laboratories into pieces exploring cognitive neuroscience, light, architecture, genetics, motion and bio-politics. This summer Latitude attendees will experience a new work, 'Exoplanets' based on Holst's 'The Planets' suite – a sweeping piece of 21st Century dance theatre comprising of a DJ, composer, choreographer, astronomer (Professor Martin Hendry) and seven dancers, all under a glorious moonlit sky. (Outdoor Theatre)
Following on from ‘Exoplanets’, Latitude festival goers will be invited to join the Curious Directive’s amazing stargazing workshop. With the universe and all its wondrous offerings currently the most ‘en vogue’ scientific subject around, Curious Directive invites you to come along, find a spot on The Waterfront Stage and wrap up warm for an evening of star spotting in the inky black crystal clear skies, with a backdrop of the lush Latitude surrounds reflected in the glittering moonlit lake. Led by a local astronomer Professor Martin Hendry, who will be able to navigate festival goers through the Suffolk solar system with ease and excitement, participants will no doubt love this stellar night time activity. (The Waterfront Stage)
Black Roses presents ‘The Killing of Sophie Lancaster’, a drama-documentary in which the murder of teenager Sophie Lancaster is told through a series of emotional poems written by Simon Armitage and the reminiscence of her mother Sylvia. Sophie's case was a horrific one, especially poignant as she was attempting to protect her 21-year-old boyfriend from a vicious attack while he was defenceless. It's become a symbol of the untamed prejudice based on style and looks – both Sophie and her boyfriend dressed with an aesthetic similar to the underground Goth culture, included coloured hair, make-up and piercings – and the need to address such issues. This radio play was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and has sparked debates about its subject matter since then and now you can get involved as Simon Armitage will be holding a special discussion just for Latitude after ‘The Killing of Sophie Lancaster’ has been heard. (Literary Salon)
Associate Director of the National Theatre Scotland, John Tiffany, joins the Literary Salon for a fascinating talk on the performing arts industry. In ‘Can We Keep Up? Theatre’s Incredible Ability To Evolve’ Tiffany will talk about the complexities involved in establishing a new national theatre in a culture where artists and audiences are demanding innovative and interactive relationships with each other. Tiffany has been Associate Director of the NTS since its inception in 2006. It is a groundbreaking model for a national theatre company in that it has no building of its own. Instead, it creates and tours work all over Scotland and internationally, often performing in unusual and challenging environments—as with the military drama Black Watch, which Tiffany originally staged in a drill hall in Edinburgh and won a hugely impressive 22 awards worldwide including 'Best Foreign Play' at New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards and 'Outstanding Touring Production' at the The Dora Mavor Moore Awards. Currently on a year's sabbatical from National Theatre Scotland to undertake a research fellowship at Harvard University's Radcliffe Institute, Tiffany will be bringing his recent work and lecture from the prestigious University to Latitude’s Literary Salon. (Literary Salon)
One of the most diverse and cutting edge elements to Latitude’s repertoire, the Film & Music Arena offers audiences mesmerising displays, performances and viewings of fantastic cinema and music. Sonically and visually rich, the worlds of alternative film and music collide with a full programme of award- winning screenings, documentaries, shorts, Q&A discussions and musical treats.
Tate Britain in collaboration with Nigel Barrett and Louise Mari from Shunt will lead a three hour audio-visual feast inspired by Tate Britain’s Watercolour exhibition. This three hour experience will capture the diversity and fluidity of watercolour and will include live soundscaping from an assembled band of music freaks, live VJing, live watercolour painting, performance and spoken word. It will culminate in a dark raging music set and images from the masterful AK/DK. Watercolour is part of the Great British Art Debate.
As well as fronting the 10-strong Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros on Sunday evening, Alexander Ebert will perform solo in the Film & Music Arena. Having just completed and released his debut solo offering ‘Alexander’ to excellent reviews, this will be a fantastic opportunity to see the charismatic frontman perform his most intimate and introspective work yet. With Alex writing and playing every instrument on the record this will be an intimate and mesmerising performance from one of America’s most gifted and leading young singer songwriters.
The Cats Meet Show is a striking, modern take on vaudeville or music hall traditions featuring dancing, music, poetry and drama. Taking in the talents of a full production crew and a huge variety of performers – rock band The Shoestrung, poet Laura Dockrill, accordian player Anja McCloske, tango artist Alexandra Wood and The Dark Dan Ensemble are all regulars with plenty more besides – The Cats Meets Show is diverse and daring in its scope. With every base covered, there's no opportunity for attention to wane as these performers in the top of their fields craft entertainment for your eyes, ears and souls.
Latitude celebrates the written word in all its glorious facets with its very own renowned library of literary excellence. Bringing together today’s most illustrious wordsmiths; the Literary Arena is a hub of storytelling, book discussions, lively debates and in-depth interviews. Top authors and special guests bring books to life and take audiences on fun-filled journeys to the far reaches of their imaginations.
Author and columnist Julie Myerson has been writing dark and almost supernatural novels since 1994, her 2003 book ‘Something Might Happen’ about a murder in Suffolk was shorlisted for both the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and the WH Smith Literary Award. She sparked a nationwide debate over her non-fiction book ‘The Lost Child’ (2009) which detailed her son’s addiction to smoking cannabis.
Celebrated publisher and famed author Diana Athill graces the Literary Arena with a touching and intriguing insight into her long and full life. Born in 1917, Athill has been enjoying success as a writer with her memoirs that span her very English childhood, her life and loves during World War II, her publishing career at Andre Deutsch and her reflections on old age. In ‘Life Class – ‘The Selected Memoirs Of Diana Athill’ which came out 2009 she presents a collection of her many stories in what has been a truly remarkable and fully lived life.
New for 2011 Robin Ince presents Double Science at Latitude, a huge helping of guest speakers in a series of three science hours hosted by the comedian. The line-up of Robin’s contemporaries so far who will be sharing their knowledge and creating chemistry in the Literary Arena are Dr. Adam Rutherford science broadcaster and professional geek and presenter of BBC 4’s ‘The Gene Code’ and ‘The Cell’, Matt Parker a stand up mathematician from BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Infinite Monkey Cage’. Also making an appearance will be Ben Goldacre writer of the Guardian’s ‘Bad Science’ column, award-winning writer, broadcaster, and medical doctor, Helen Keen of Radio 4’s ‘It Is Rocket Science’ a show looking at the history and future of space travel and Helen Arney a scientific comedy singer who earlier took to the road with Robin’s Uncaged Monkey Tour.
When New York Times columnist Arianne Cohen asked over 200 ordinary people to record their inner-most thoughts and confessions on sex for one week, the results were extraordinary. A hidden world of longing and disappointment, desire and fantasy, and sex – both real and imagined, was revealed. Now the best diarists from all over the country have been brought together in the disarmingly candid ‘The Sex Diaries Project’. From the frazzled mother of two to the happily horny, heavily pregnant journalist, the exceedingly diplomatic house husband who intersperses tidying with dirty Google searches and the sexually-liberated pensioner, within these pages you will recognise your neighbour, your colleague, your child’s teacher, or someone who shares your daily commute.
Finding food in the most unlikely of places Miles Irving makes his living out of foraging. The Forager Handbook is an unique, authentic guide, that reveals the how, why, what and where of this lost art, a way of life that is becoming increasingly popular as more and more of us pursue an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. This ground-breaking handbook tells you how to recognise the rich possibilities that surround us, whether in the city or countryside.
Over the past five years, Latitude’s Comedy Arena has become a comedy festival in its own right. Bursting at the seams with the best comic talent in the land, crowds gather all weekend to witness a variety of hilarious turns from an unrivalled bill. With Alan Carr, Omid Djalili, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Jason Byrne and Phill Jupitus to name just a few confirmed already – it is another stellar line-up of the very best comics on the circuit. Just added are:
One half of the hilarious comedy and presenting pair Adam and Joe, Adam Buxton comes to the Comedy Arena where he will be guiding Latitude’s audience through a series of internet comedy clips coupled with his sharp wit and highly improvised hilarious banter. If you are a fan of Buxton’s brilliant podcasts and radio work don’t miss out on seeing the fun unfold before your eyes!
In a glittering career that now spans a decade, Lucy Porter is one of our most cherished comedic talents. A huge hit with comedy audiences both here and abroad, her distinctive bouncy, feel-good observational comedy is a winning formula. Most recently she has been performing her sold out UK tour ‘Fools Gold’ – a hilarious look at what makes this precious metal so special featuring live alchemy, and a tribute to Mr T. Catch this national treasure at Latitude’s infamous Comedy Arena.
Simon Munnery, sometimes known as Alan Parker: Urban Warrior and The League Against Tedium, really shot to the attention of the comedy world when being the compere for Club Zarathustra in the mid 90s, a comic cabaret featuring Stewart Lee, Johnny Vegas, Julian Barratt, Sally Phillips and more. He has written and starred in shows for Radio 1, Radio 4 and Resonance FM including vehicles for his Alan Parker character. His current show, Self-Employed, has received excellent reviews focusing on his dissection of John Lennon's lyrics to 'Imagine' and his “sharply intelligent ramblings”, which are things you can expect to see come his performance at Latitude.
Australia stand-up comic Steve Hughes has spent a huge period of his life in thrash and black metal bands, immediately establishing his sense of humour. He began gigging his stand-up in the mid-90s and become one of Australia's hot properties, including becoming a presenter for MTV Australia. Since 2002 he's been a UK resident and has brandished his anti-corporate, political sideswipes and comedy asides like a weapon...though one that makes you laugh. Surely inspired by his anti-authority brand of music, Steve Hughes is a comic with a conscience as well has a sackload of hilarious material.
Nathan Caton began his successful sideline as a comic at the enviable age of 19 and has established himself as a force to be reckoned with mixing the personal and the confessional with the social and the political. Given the launch pad of a Chortle Award for Student Comic of the Year while studying architecture, he has since been an FHM Stand Up Hero finalist, won a Broadcast Hotshot Award for his comedy pilot 'The Nathon Caton Show' and has also appeared on 'Richard Hammond's 5 O'Clock Show' and 'Little Miss Jocelyn'. His 2009 solo show 'Can't Tell Me Nothin' earned him rave reviews, a spot writing for BBC Radio 4 including transferring his show to a radio format, which is a work in progress. This is a chance to see a popular rising star before mass popularity beckons.
Multi–award winning stand-up comic Carl Donnelly is one of the highest-rating emerging stars on the UK circuit. Since he started performing stand-up in 2005 he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting new comics climbing the comedy ladder. His conversational style and silly sense of humour have seen him win a host of awards – including Best Newcomer at the Chortle 2007 Awards – as well as nominations for 'Best Newcomer' at the 2009 Edinburgh Comedy Awards and 'Best Breakthrough Act' at the 2009 Chortle Awards.
Radio 6 Music 'Breakfast Show' presenter Shaun Keaveny recently took up the Comic Relief mantle and performed his first ever stand-up shows. Although his last show was supposed to be in March, it appears Shaun may have got a taste for his new found venture. He was highlighted by The Guardian as the only one of 6 Music who “defied easy categorisation” and his quirky styling’s proved successful with audiences. Sure to discuss his new found love of stand-up, this should be a great fledgling performance from someone whose sharp witted asides on radio ensure an entertaining spot of comedy. (Cabaret Arena)
Improviser and musical comic extraordinaire Carly Smallman has been emerging as a unique talent since 2009. Her blend of outrageous impropriety and adorable sincerity has established her as a firm favourite in London clubs and beyond. In 2010 she was first runner up in the Bedford New Comedian of the Year competition, and a Laughing Horse semi-finalist. In 2009 she was an Amused Moose Hot Starlet, and was also shortlisted for the final of the Musical Comedy Awards. Recently, Carly appeared on The Rob Brydon Show on BBC2 and described by Time Out as “Very funny, fresh and endlessly creative.” (Cabaret Arena)
The Cabaret Arena welcomes sister double act Toby – Sarah and Lizzie Daykin - to the line-up. Sibling sketch perfection – the two blew away audiences at Edinburgh last year with their fresh and hilariously inappropriate debut show that featured comedy sketches performed with an energy born out of their complicated sisterly politics and constant bickering. Catch these new comic faces when they make their debut at Latitude.
Although he has only been performing stand-up since 2009, comedian Rob Beckett has enjoyed success in all of the new comedian competitions winning four in his first year alone. His unique style and tales of growing up in a large south London family continue to win over audiences all over the country. Last year Beckett enjoyed a highly successful performance at the Comedy festivals in Australia after winning the ‘Amused Moose Laugh Off’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He will be bringing his highly entertaining show 'Big Mouth', which has just been nominated for the Adelaide Fringe Award for Best Emerging Comedy to Suffolk’s Sunshine Coast.
Award-winning comic and Radio 1 DJ Tom Deacon is a fast rising star on the comedy circuit. Slick stagecraft, bundles of youthful energy, quick wit and engaging storytelling have been entertaining audiences both on the comedy circuit and over the air waves since winning the Chortle Student Comedian of the Year award in 2007. One to catch for sure.
Isy Suttie’s leftfield songs, stand-up and characters enchant audiences all around. A regular on TV and radio, she plays Dobby in Channel 4’s Peep Show and Kiki in BBC2’s Whites. Her songs have featured in numerous BBC radio shows including The Now Show and Laurence and Gus: Hearts and Minds, and on various TV shows including Dave’s One Night Stand. Double British Comedy Award nominee. Her amiable style is a welcomed addition to the Comedy line-up this year. (Cabaret Arena)
Cardiff-based Elis James began his comedy career in 2005. A bilingual stand-up who can perform in English or Welsh, he won the 'Best Comedy' prize at the National Student Radio Awards in 2006. Since then his self-deprecating style has been winning over audiences up and down the country on support tours with fellow countryman Rhod Gilbert and hit shows at Edinburgh Festival. (Cabaret Arena)
James Wren & Leon Fleury with Corrie McGuire for Objective Talent present SPANK! SPANK! makes its debut at Latitude after eight years of sell out shows in London, New Zealand and Edinburgh, where its reputation as a ‘comedy and legendary party night’ (Time Out) has resulted in a huge cult following. With sketch, character, musical and stand-up comedy, occasional gratuitous nudity and plenty of beer, it’s the ultimate late night show! Hosted by James Wren and Leon Fleury and featuring the comedy stars of today and tomorrow, this is not to be missed. When they shout “SPANK!” you shout “You Love It!” (Literary Arena)
A veritable feast of vaudeville fun and mischief, Latitude’s Cabaret Arena is a carnival of top comedy and theatre. With a heady mix of sketch shows, freak, burlesque and drag acts alongside puppetry, illusionists and hearty singalongs, the Cabaret Arena encourages you to ditch your woes at the door and be seduced by the frivolities inside for a not-so-innocent ol’fashioned knees up.
Infamous London retrosexuals Duckie present a künst gothic fantasia for new romantics and old romantics. Make and sport a Duckie fascinator, collect your Duckie dance cards from door whore Jay Cloth, waltz with your wallahs, watch some melodramatic public spectacles…and then rock out until 3am. Musical conductors the Readers Wife’s manipulate the masses and make you bend in the end, while Madame Amy Lamé introduces a dramatic variety bill featuring Scottee, Ryan Styles, The Two Wrongies, Bryony Kimmings, Baghdad’s Got Talent and Bourgeois & Maurice.
The Cabaret Arena will transform into premiere nightspot The Razzle with host extraordinaire Christopher Green. With the Cabaret Arena taken back in time to a pub with a 1960’s mob feel The Razzle is clichéd light entertainment at its best. Let Green’s comedy flair take you on a night to remember with special guests and Green’s own hypnotist and magician providing the entertainment. Derek Diamond runs a tight ship, where entertainment is the ocean and all you have to do is ride it like a dusty donkey on a bracing beach.
Country music singer, global icon for peace, movie-star, role-model, political campaigner, song writer, friend to animals and the oppressed, mother, daughter, and star Tina C is a living legend. Performing some of her unforgettable songs ‘No Dick’s As Hard As My Life’, ‘Not Tonight Darlin’, I Got A Heartache’ and ‘Course I Want you For Your Body (Got A Mind Of My Own)’ in her trademark skimpy sequinned dresses will make a night to remember. "As polished, sparkling and tasteless as the rhinestone on her tiny denim frock" -The Independent
The worlds first music hall singer turned R’n’B superstar Ida Barr brings her unique fusion to the Cabaret Arena. Once was a big star in the British Music Hall she’s now enjoying the limelight once again as she performs her own take on urban classics. Thrill to her version of Missy Elliot's "She's a Bitch" and get down as Ida drops some rhymes about the topics that matter - her home help, flu jabs, and the fall she had doing the Hokey Cokey last Diwali in her sheltered accommodation. The original ragtime girl has survived wars, the decline of variety, the break-up of her marriage and recurrent financial embarrassment. She's an inspiration, a role model and damn fine on the M.I.C. She's the Notorious I.D.A.
Straddling the comedy and music worlds like a tracksuit wearing colossus, from Limerick's mean streets, hip hop duo Rubberbandits (Blind Boy Boat Club and Mr. Chrome) have been causing a ruckus in their home nation. Armed with songs like ‘Bag of Glue’, ‘Too Many Gee’ and ‘Up Da Ra’ their live show is a comedic insight into Limerick gangs, sniffing glue as an aphrodisiac when encountering larger ladies, and horses. With prank phone calls, songs and riotous live shows, Rubberbandits have emerged as the Ireland’s surrealists beyond compare. This year they won an IFTA (Irish Film and Television Academy Award) for Television Moment of the Year and released their single ‘I Wanna Fight Your Father’ the video to which has become an internet phenomenon.
Ever wanted to throw your genius ideas for a musical onto a stage and see it performed in front of your very eyes? Showstopper: The Improvised Musical gives you that chance. A highly talented group of performers take up audience suggestions and improvise a full musical on the spot. Each member of the show has been developing their skills to a point where they are able to take a series of random ideas and do the seemingly impossible. A cast of fifteen trained professionals act out this outrageous idea, providing the ultimate spectacle in audience participation.
Following sell-out shows both in the UK and USA Pants on Fire's latest actor-musician extravaganza Ovid’s Metamorphoses comes to Latitude. Ovid's epic poem was written in 8AD about the history of the world, taking in all the best Greek and Roman mythology. This re-telling has relocated the setting to 1940’s wartime Britain and brought to life by blending gas masks, gramophones, puppetry and live original music and song. Winner of the Whatsonstage.com Editor's Prize and The Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award this is a gripping, constantly surprising and inventive show.
Timberlina & Hey Baylen present their BIG BINGO SHOW! It's not just bingo, it's a riotous rock 'n' roll bingo treat for everyone - with themed rounds, impromptu dance routines, reckless hilarity, topical interventions, special guest stars, ecological household tips and a soundtrack to ROCK OUT your Sunday! Win some fantastically cheap prizes or sensational home-crafted treats made by the glamorous bearded drag lady herself! Time Out call it 'Timberlina's Gem of a Show!', The Big Bingo Show is weekly at the RVT in Vauxhall, London, every Monday night (except bank holidays), but for your pleasure it will be appearing in a field near you at the Latitude festival.
Satirical slams, poetic prose and comic verse are all celebrated at Latitude’s famous Poetry Arena. Found on the bank of the lake and larger than ever, a welcoming blanket of bean bags and cushions makes this an inviting place to while away the day; entertained by a wealth of leading poets (including past and present poet laureates) spoken word artists, comics, rappers and raconteurs alike.
Serafina Steer harpist & wordsmith will be performing in the Poetry Arena at this years’ Latitude Festival; think Mark E Smith meets Joanna Newsom meets a sad girl at a disco. Following the release of ‘Bloody Hell’ EP on Stolen Recordings, Serafina has worked with Cerys Matthews, Bat For Lashes, Patrick Wolf, Young Marble Giants and The Frogs. Her second album ‘change is good change is good (Static Caravan)’ described by Jarvis Cocker as ‘a good album’, was one of his favourites of 2010.
Simon Barraclough is the author of ‘Los Alamos Mon Amour’ (Salt 2008), which was a finalist for Best First Collection in the Forward Prizes, and the mini-book ‘Bonjour Tetris’ (Penned in the Margins). His second full collection ‘Neptune Blue’ is due from Salt in July 2011. In 2010 he devised ‘Psycho Poetica: a collaborative homage to Hitchcock’s Psycho’, which was performed at Latitude and other prestigious venues. His work appears in the anthologies ‘Identity Parade’ (Bloodaxe) and Penguin's ‘Poems for Love’. "These poems are complex, acrobatic, inventive, intelligent, exuberant, funny, tender and bloody marvellous!" (Annie Freud)
Alex Gwyther is a spoken word artist, writer and language teacher. “Reminiscent of Braintax and The Streets with a wit that recalls that of Arctic Monkey’s Alex Turner”, Gwyther’s descriptive delivery of spoken raps and “tumbling urbane style” weaves extraordinary tales of life in Britain, from the pound-a-pint Wetherspoon shenanigans of Saturday night Staines, to the poignant re-telling of the Christmas truce in the First World War. Gwyther’s published booklet will be published on Nasty Little Press in 2011.
Tom Warner was born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Among other prizes, Tom has previously won an Eric Gregory Award, the Faber New Poets Award and the Escalator Award for emerging writers. In 2009-2010 he was Poet-in-residence to Newark-on-Trent as part of the Poetry-on-Trent project, supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Tom’s a regular performer of his work and has appeared on BBC Radio. A pamphlet of Tom’s poetry was published by Faber & Faber in 2010. Tom will be reading from the Faber pamphlet and new work produced with the support of Arts Council England.
With rapid quick fire delivery and hilarious, often controversial content, the poet Thick Richard has been making a name for himself over the past 5 years. Performing at Edinburgh, Glastonbury and with appearances on Radio 4’s Bespoken Word, he is a rising star who has taken inspiration from legendary poet and fellow Mancunian John Cooper Clark and made it his own. Bewildering, bold and brilliant.
Hollie McNish brings a fresh style to performance poetry bringing inspiration from a lot by UK hip-hop and grime, sixties protest lyrics and everything around her. Hollie released her first album ‘Touch’, a collection of both poetry and beats last year and has been busily working the live circuit since. Due to her versatility as a performer, she has also participated in a number of music nights, including playing the Junction Theatre with renowned drum-n-bass acts Jungle Drummer and Beardyman.
Having won the Eric Gregory Award, the Poetry London Competition, the Foyle Young Poet of the Year award two years running, the Peterloo Poetry Competition three years running and shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize twice; Caroline Bird is one of our most revered poets. Her first collection ‘Looking Through Letterboxes’ was written when she was 15 and since then her poems have been published in several anthologies including Oxford Poetry, PN Review, Poetry Review, The North magazine as well as several of her poems and a commissioned short story, Sucking Eggs, have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 3.
Ventriloquism is the art of using a vessel to communicate, which is what Chris Redmond is doing when he relates his engrossing poetical stories. Under the stage name Ventriloquist, he performs with a live six-piece band with members from jazz electronic groups Nostalgia 77, Heritage Orchestra and Examples of Twelve’s. He’s made his name hosting and promoting poetry and music improvisation evening Tongue Fu in London while his own work has been featured on Radio 1, XFM, Resonance FM and Sky TV. His conversational storytelling, either under its own steam or cruising along on the lilt of light jazz, is a joy to behold.
Latitude’s fairytale Faraway Forest is a secret haven of dark desires, mysterious mayhem and salacious sin-filled pleasure. This clearing under the woodland canopy will host, the decadent Winter’s Ball full of all of the delights of Christmas, hands on workshops and mesmerising theatre and musical performances. Come along and lose yourself in the depths of The Faraway Forest.
The intriguing world of Les Enfants Terribles has entertained and enthralled audiences across the globe. Insistent on their stance to craft innovative works and having recently appeared in the amazing Old Vic Tunnels as part of the Edward Sharpe performances, Les Enfants offered the lucky few a chance to appear in their innovative bespoke performances which excite and thrill audiences with their physical, stylised productions. Playwright and Artistic Director Oliver Lansley, who founded the company, has worked with Alan Davis on BBC2 comedy 'Whites' and has worked on popular BAFTA-winning series 'Misfits'. For Latitude Les Enfants will be creating a special performance specifically for The Winter’s Ball. The full details are yet to be released, but whatever comes next from the shadowy, mysterious imagination of Les Enfants Terrible, it's sure to be unlike most of what you've seen or heard before.
Building a bridge between the craft of storytelling and modern spoken-word Rachel Rose Reid immerses audiences with her charismatic and engaging stories with a difference. Funny, touching and enthralling she has become a hit performing at many different poetry nights and festivals over the past few years. Teaming up with the Roundhouse Experimental Choir she incorporates soundscapes, songs and poetry to deliver tales of the Peasant Revolt, G20 protests and the myth of the London Stone.
Native Faces is a fun face painting project for the lovely people of London town. We’ll send our teams of bubbly girls to your parties, events and homes to add an extra bit of fun and sparkle to your night. For Latitude Native Faces will be heading out of the big smoke and into the Suffolk fields to be situated in The Faraway Forest where you can get your face painted for the decadent masked ball. What better way to add a bit of sparkle to your outfit than with a little bit of glitter and a whole lot of glamour?
11-piece sea-core crew City Shanty Band bring their a-cappella performance to Latitude – with sets over the weekend in the Outdoor Theatre in The Faraway Forest. The Hackney based buoy band – inspired by the work songs of the age of sail – howl out shanties old, new, borrowed and blue with a metropolitan makeover. Having started out together at rum-fuelled shanty parties in East London, they have since been found working their vocal chords at Royal Festival Hall, Cecil Sharp House and numerous weird and wonderful places across London. Lock up your daughters - CSB is young, dumb and full of rum, and ready for a rumpus. (Outdoor Theatre)
A fantasyland of innocent pleasures and unbridled fun lies deep within the festival’s magical woods. A quirky corner of the Latitude site, here, anything goes. Side shows, games, interactive art, dance troupes, workshops and cutting edge theatre will keep you entertained all weekend long. Release your inner child and come play around at Latitude’s Pandora’s Playground.
Made In China make visceral shows at the junction of playwriting and live art. Physical, excessive, playful and destructive - each show makes its own rules. Drawn to great stories they inject their own challenging performance art to bring these tales to life. For Latitude they will perform two plays Stationary Excess and Bathe. Imprisoned on an exercise bicycle, a lone woman tells the story of an extraordinary man. ‘Stationary Excess’ is a daringly honest solo performance that evokes the absurdity, pain and hilarity of being alone. A bizarre and intimate experience that will scream out to anyone who has ever loved and lost.
‘Bathe’ – a work in progress – has seen Jess, co-founder of Made In China spending hours submerged in cold powdered milk jibbering about drowning, being buried alive, bird-skulls, priests doing operations and babies with their mouths stitched up. Now, with the talented composer-musician Eva Brandt providing the soundtrack, Bathe is going to be another incredibly provocative and powerful theatre experience.
String Theatre Presents 'The Red Balloon' for Latitude. String Theatre was formed just over a year ago and has since become internationally acclaimed following a two month tour of India where 48 performances were held in 7 different cities. The company's production of 'The Red Balloon' was first presented to the public at The Ishara International Puppet Festival in New Delhi. The show tells the story of a small boy's friendship with a balloon and explores the poignancy of a child's imagination. Inspired by the short film Albert Lamorisse, the show is performed using long string wood-carved marionettes and accompanied by specially commissioned music.
A hub of life-enhancing interactive workshops, discussions, wide-ranging debates and mind expanding sessions, the Literary Salon is the noisy little sister of the Literary Arena that encourages you to get involved. Discover and learn new skills, air opinions and explore your innermost feelings in this progressive school of thought.
Joel Stickley is the author of hit blog How To Write Badly Well, critically-acclaimed book Who Writes This Crap? and animated film Crash! Bang! Wallow! which won the NFBC Short Film Award at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. He is a member of Aisle16 (Time Out Critics’ Choice of the Year 2005). The live show of How To Write Badly Well is part writing seminar, part multimedia comedy show and entirely necessary if you want to become the cream of the crap when it comes to purple prose. Come along and take the first step towards becoming the next Dan Brown.
Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Linton Kwesi Johnson, Esther Freud, Jo Shapcott, Simon Armitage, Sarah Dunant, Dave Gorman and Alexei Sayle; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by The Gate, Bush Theatre, Sadler’s Wells and English National Ballet, cabaret performances from David Schneider & Friends, Will Adamsdale, Bourgeois and Maurice; and BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with a fantastic programme of Q&A’s, discussions and workshops including comedy stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon discussing their hilarious work on Michael Winterbottom’s ‘The Trip’.
Over in the Music Arenas the weekend can offer a fantastic mix of burgeoning acts and household names including: headliners The National, Paolo Nutini and Suede, the Queen of Rockabilly Wanda Jackson, Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan, Edwyn Collins, Bright Eyes, Anna Calvi, Hurts, Deerhunter, Bellowhead, The Vaccines and Everything Everything to name just a few.
With DJs, The Winter’s Ball and late night parties found throughout the site, it is a unique and special weekend of fun, culture and entertainment. An intimate world away from reality waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
Weekend tickets £170.00 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £70.00 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Child ticket (5-12 years) £5.00 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Campervan Permit £30.00
Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only
Credit Card line: 0871 231 0821
Online: www.festivalrepublic.com • www.seetickets.com • For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk
20TH APRIL 2011
ARTS ADDITIONS
- THEATRE AT LATITUDE -
~ National Theatre of Scotland ~
~ The Opera Group ~ 1927 ~
~ Curious Directive ~ Stargazing Workshops ~
~ Black Roses ~ John Tiffany ~
- FILM & MUSIC ARENA -
~ Tate Britain and Shunt ~
~ Alexander ~
~ The Cats Meet Show ~
- LITERARY ARENA -
~ Julie Myerson ~ Diana Athill ~
~ Robin Ince presents Double Science ~
~ Arianne Cohen ~
~ Miles Irving ~
- COMEDY AT LATITUDE –
~ Adam Buxton ~ Lucy Porter ~ Simon Munnery ~
~ Steve Hughes ~ Nathan Caton ~ Carl Donnelly ~ Shaun Keaveny ~
~ Carly Smallman ~ Toby ~ Rob Beckett ~ Tom Deacon ~
~ Isy Suttie ~ Elis James ~
~ SPANK! ~
- CABARET ARENA -
~ Duckie ~ The Razzle ~
~ Tina C ~ Ida Barr ~ Rubberbandits ~
~ Showstopper: The Improvised Musical ~
~ Ovid’s Metamorphoses ~ The Big Bingo Show ~
- POETRY ARENA -
~ Serafina Streer ~ Simon Barraclough ~
~ Alex Gwyther ~ Tom Warner ~ Thick Richard ~
~ Hollie McNish ~ Caroline Bird ~ Ventriloquist ~
- THE FARAWAY FOREST -
~ Les Enfants Terribles ~
~ Rachel Rose Reid & The Roundhouse Experimental Choir ~
~ Native Faces ~ City Shanty Band ~
- PANDORA’S PLAYGROUND –
~ Made In China ~
~ String Theatre ~
- LITERARY SALON -
~ Joel Stickley’s How To Write Badly Well ~
ARTS ADDITIONS
- THEATRE AT LATITUDE -
~ National Theatre of Scotland ~
~ The Opera Group ~ 1927 ~
~ Curious Directive ~ Stargazing Workshops ~
~ Black Roses ~ John Tiffany ~
- FILM & MUSIC ARENA -
~ Tate Britain and Shunt ~
~ Alexander ~
~ The Cats Meet Show ~
- LITERARY ARENA -
~ Julie Myerson ~ Diana Athill ~
~ Robin Ince presents Double Science ~
~ Arianne Cohen ~
~ Miles Irving ~
- COMEDY AT LATITUDE –
~ Adam Buxton ~ Lucy Porter ~ Simon Munnery ~
~ Steve Hughes ~ Nathan Caton ~ Carl Donnelly ~ Shaun Keaveny ~
~ Carly Smallman ~ Toby ~ Rob Beckett ~ Tom Deacon ~
~ Isy Suttie ~ Elis James ~
~ SPANK! ~
- CABARET ARENA -
~ Duckie ~ The Razzle ~
~ Tina C ~ Ida Barr ~ Rubberbandits ~
~ Showstopper: The Improvised Musical ~
~ Ovid’s Metamorphoses ~ The Big Bingo Show ~
- POETRY ARENA -
~ Serafina Streer ~ Simon Barraclough ~
~ Alex Gwyther ~ Tom Warner ~ Thick Richard ~
~ Hollie McNish ~ Caroline Bird ~ Ventriloquist ~
- THE FARAWAY FOREST -
~ Les Enfants Terribles ~
~ Rachel Rose Reid & The Roundhouse Experimental Choir ~
~ Native Faces ~ City Shanty Band ~
- PANDORA’S PLAYGROUND –
~ Made In China ~
~ String Theatre ~
- LITERARY SALON -
~ Joel Stickley’s How To Write Badly Well ~
On 14th – 17th July in the sumptuous surrounds of the Suffolk countryside, the welcoming daisy-adorned gates will open for the 6th edition of the magical and fantastical Latitude Festival.
Since its inception in 2006, Latitude has changed the face of festivals forever, with a passion only matched by its ambition. Encompassing all aspects of the art and music worlds Latitude is the only place that brings together the best in music, literature, comedy, poetry, film, theatre, cabaret, art, dance, opera and fashion for one spectacular weekend. With an unrivalled line-up taking shape, Latitude 2011 will be another exhilarating, scintillating and inspirational festival of fun.
- THEATRE AT LATITUDE -
With the nation’s leading theatre companies all bringing exciting productions to the festival each year, Latitude’s Theatre Arena has developed into a top performing arts festival. Renowned for its breadth and quality of programming Latitude has brought contemporary, physical, musical and classical theatre to brand new audiences, showcasing the very best productions as well as bespoke work made especially for Latitude. The Theatre Arena has grown in popularity year on year, making this creative space an integral aspect to the Latitude line-up.
2011 marks the 5th birthday of the National Theatre of Scotland. A theatre company with an adventurous streak and with no building of their own, the NTS are free to make theatre wherever they can connect with an audience. Join in for some anarchic theatre; haunting folk music and strange goings-on…One morning Prudencia Hart sets off to attend a conference. As the snow begins to fall, little does she know who or what awaits her there. Come and be swept along on Prudencia’s dream-like journey of self discovery, filled with magical moments, devilish encounters and wild karaoke. Described as a cautionary tale of supernatural intrigue, perfect for telling and re-telling around campfires and in 2am lock-ins it's transference to an Olde Worlde 1960’s pub for the evening, will add to its potency. Performing exciting and cutting edge original works this is NTS’ first visit to Latitude. (Cabaret Arena)
Latitude is proud to welcome back the fabulous Opera Group to the Theatre Arena. This award-winning, nationally and internationally renowned opera company specialises in commissioning and producing brand new operas – merging the best of contemporary theatre and music. Last year The Opera Group brought a spellbinding co-production performance of ‘Into The Little Hill’ with the phenomenal London Sinfonietta. This year's epic is 'Seven Angels'; inspired by Milton's Paradise Lost, it tells the tale of seven fallen angels whose purpose and history is forgotten. As they land upon a desert, they imagine the lush and vibrant landscape that once existed and how, subsequently, it was lost for all because of greed and neglect. This challenging tale of environmental and moral choices is woven with seven singers, a chamber orchestra and the art of Tadasu Takemine. (Theatre Arena)
1927 Theatre Company presents ‘The Animals and Children Took To The Streets’, a stunning synthesis of live music, animation and stage performance. A dystopian future awaits a mother and her daughter in the sector of a city known as Bayou, where seedy, dark-hearted characters lurk and others peek from behind closed curtains. Described as “a truly unforgettable production” by Time Out after the show's very successful tour at the beginning of this year, it's the excellent synchronisation of fresh animated events and live storytelling which engulfs the audience in a new way of presenting an enthralling piece of fiction. 1927 are THE theatre company to watch and word of mouth has them as them at the cutting edge of contemporary theatre. Their London shows sell out in a heartbeat so this will be a great opportunity to get in there before the cognoscenti claim all the seats! (Theatre Arena)
Finding art and drama in the search for scientific truth is the passion of cutting edge and pioneering theatre ensemble Curious Directive. Comprising of an army of actors, directors, bio-medical scientists, choreographers, writers, producers, video artists, technicians, composers and designers they search for an alchemy which combines thinking scientifically and artistically in order to find responses rather than answers to those big questions. In the past two years they have transformed cupboards, corridors, theatres, assembly halls, pubs and science laboratories into pieces exploring cognitive neuroscience, light, architecture, genetics, motion and bio-politics. This summer Latitude attendees will experience a new work, 'Exoplanets' based on Holst's 'The Planets' suite – a sweeping piece of 21st Century dance theatre comprising of a DJ, composer, choreographer, astronomer (Professor Martin Hendry) and seven dancers, all under a glorious moonlit sky. (Outdoor Theatre)
Following on from ‘Exoplanets’, Latitude festival goers will be invited to join the Curious Directive’s amazing stargazing workshop. With the universe and all its wondrous offerings currently the most ‘en vogue’ scientific subject around, Curious Directive invites you to come along, find a spot on The Waterfront Stage and wrap up warm for an evening of star spotting in the inky black crystal clear skies, with a backdrop of the lush Latitude surrounds reflected in the glittering moonlit lake. Led by a local astronomer Professor Martin Hendry, who will be able to navigate festival goers through the Suffolk solar system with ease and excitement, participants will no doubt love this stellar night time activity. (The Waterfront Stage)
Black Roses presents ‘The Killing of Sophie Lancaster’, a drama-documentary in which the murder of teenager Sophie Lancaster is told through a series of emotional poems written by Simon Armitage and the reminiscence of her mother Sylvia. Sophie's case was a horrific one, especially poignant as she was attempting to protect her 21-year-old boyfriend from a vicious attack while he was defenceless. It's become a symbol of the untamed prejudice based on style and looks – both Sophie and her boyfriend dressed with an aesthetic similar to the underground Goth culture, included coloured hair, make-up and piercings – and the need to address such issues. This radio play was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and has sparked debates about its subject matter since then and now you can get involved as Simon Armitage will be holding a special discussion just for Latitude after ‘The Killing of Sophie Lancaster’ has been heard. (Literary Salon)
Associate Director of the National Theatre Scotland, John Tiffany, joins the Literary Salon for a fascinating talk on the performing arts industry. In ‘Can We Keep Up? Theatre’s Incredible Ability To Evolve’ Tiffany will talk about the complexities involved in establishing a new national theatre in a culture where artists and audiences are demanding innovative and interactive relationships with each other. Tiffany has been Associate Director of the NTS since its inception in 2006. It is a groundbreaking model for a national theatre company in that it has no building of its own. Instead, it creates and tours work all over Scotland and internationally, often performing in unusual and challenging environments—as with the military drama Black Watch, which Tiffany originally staged in a drill hall in Edinburgh and won a hugely impressive 22 awards worldwide including 'Best Foreign Play' at New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards and 'Outstanding Touring Production' at the The Dora Mavor Moore Awards. Currently on a year's sabbatical from National Theatre Scotland to undertake a research fellowship at Harvard University's Radcliffe Institute, Tiffany will be bringing his recent work and lecture from the prestigious University to Latitude’s Literary Salon. (Literary Salon)
- FILM & MUSIC ARENA -
One of the most diverse and cutting edge elements to Latitude’s repertoire, the Film & Music Arena offers audiences mesmerising displays, performances and viewings of fantastic cinema and music. Sonically and visually rich, the worlds of alternative film and music collide with a full programme of award- winning screenings, documentaries, shorts, Q&A discussions and musical treats.
Tate Britain in collaboration with Nigel Barrett and Louise Mari from Shunt will lead a three hour audio-visual feast inspired by Tate Britain’s Watercolour exhibition. This three hour experience will capture the diversity and fluidity of watercolour and will include live soundscaping from an assembled band of music freaks, live VJing, live watercolour painting, performance and spoken word. It will culminate in a dark raging music set and images from the masterful AK/DK. Watercolour is part of the Great British Art Debate.
As well as fronting the 10-strong Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros on Sunday evening, Alexander Ebert will perform solo in the Film & Music Arena. Having just completed and released his debut solo offering ‘Alexander’ to excellent reviews, this will be a fantastic opportunity to see the charismatic frontman perform his most intimate and introspective work yet. With Alex writing and playing every instrument on the record this will be an intimate and mesmerising performance from one of America’s most gifted and leading young singer songwriters.
The Cats Meet Show is a striking, modern take on vaudeville or music hall traditions featuring dancing, music, poetry and drama. Taking in the talents of a full production crew and a huge variety of performers – rock band The Shoestrung, poet Laura Dockrill, accordian player Anja McCloske, tango artist Alexandra Wood and The Dark Dan Ensemble are all regulars with plenty more besides – The Cats Meets Show is diverse and daring in its scope. With every base covered, there's no opportunity for attention to wane as these performers in the top of their fields craft entertainment for your eyes, ears and souls.
- LITERARY ARENA -
Latitude celebrates the written word in all its glorious facets with its very own renowned library of literary excellence. Bringing together today’s most illustrious wordsmiths; the Literary Arena is a hub of storytelling, book discussions, lively debates and in-depth interviews. Top authors and special guests bring books to life and take audiences on fun-filled journeys to the far reaches of their imaginations.
Author and columnist Julie Myerson has been writing dark and almost supernatural novels since 1994, her 2003 book ‘Something Might Happen’ about a murder in Suffolk was shorlisted for both the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and the WH Smith Literary Award. She sparked a nationwide debate over her non-fiction book ‘The Lost Child’ (2009) which detailed her son’s addiction to smoking cannabis.
Celebrated publisher and famed author Diana Athill graces the Literary Arena with a touching and intriguing insight into her long and full life. Born in 1917, Athill has been enjoying success as a writer with her memoirs that span her very English childhood, her life and loves during World War II, her publishing career at Andre Deutsch and her reflections on old age. In ‘Life Class – ‘The Selected Memoirs Of Diana Athill’ which came out 2009 she presents a collection of her many stories in what has been a truly remarkable and fully lived life.
New for 2011 Robin Ince presents Double Science at Latitude, a huge helping of guest speakers in a series of three science hours hosted by the comedian. The line-up of Robin’s contemporaries so far who will be sharing their knowledge and creating chemistry in the Literary Arena are Dr. Adam Rutherford science broadcaster and professional geek and presenter of BBC 4’s ‘The Gene Code’ and ‘The Cell’, Matt Parker a stand up mathematician from BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Infinite Monkey Cage’. Also making an appearance will be Ben Goldacre writer of the Guardian’s ‘Bad Science’ column, award-winning writer, broadcaster, and medical doctor, Helen Keen of Radio 4’s ‘It Is Rocket Science’ a show looking at the history and future of space travel and Helen Arney a scientific comedy singer who earlier took to the road with Robin’s Uncaged Monkey Tour.
When New York Times columnist Arianne Cohen asked over 200 ordinary people to record their inner-most thoughts and confessions on sex for one week, the results were extraordinary. A hidden world of longing and disappointment, desire and fantasy, and sex – both real and imagined, was revealed. Now the best diarists from all over the country have been brought together in the disarmingly candid ‘The Sex Diaries Project’. From the frazzled mother of two to the happily horny, heavily pregnant journalist, the exceedingly diplomatic house husband who intersperses tidying with dirty Google searches and the sexually-liberated pensioner, within these pages you will recognise your neighbour, your colleague, your child’s teacher, or someone who shares your daily commute.
Finding food in the most unlikely of places Miles Irving makes his living out of foraging. The Forager Handbook is an unique, authentic guide, that reveals the how, why, what and where of this lost art, a way of life that is becoming increasingly popular as more and more of us pursue an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. This ground-breaking handbook tells you how to recognise the rich possibilities that surround us, whether in the city or countryside.
- COMEDY AT LATITUDE -
Over the past five years, Latitude’s Comedy Arena has become a comedy festival in its own right. Bursting at the seams with the best comic talent in the land, crowds gather all weekend to witness a variety of hilarious turns from an unrivalled bill. With Alan Carr, Omid Djalili, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Jason Byrne and Phill Jupitus to name just a few confirmed already – it is another stellar line-up of the very best comics on the circuit. Just added are:
One half of the hilarious comedy and presenting pair Adam and Joe, Adam Buxton comes to the Comedy Arena where he will be guiding Latitude’s audience through a series of internet comedy clips coupled with his sharp wit and highly improvised hilarious banter. If you are a fan of Buxton’s brilliant podcasts and radio work don’t miss out on seeing the fun unfold before your eyes!
In a glittering career that now spans a decade, Lucy Porter is one of our most cherished comedic talents. A huge hit with comedy audiences both here and abroad, her distinctive bouncy, feel-good observational comedy is a winning formula. Most recently she has been performing her sold out UK tour ‘Fools Gold’ – a hilarious look at what makes this precious metal so special featuring live alchemy, and a tribute to Mr T. Catch this national treasure at Latitude’s infamous Comedy Arena.
Simon Munnery, sometimes known as Alan Parker: Urban Warrior and The League Against Tedium, really shot to the attention of the comedy world when being the compere for Club Zarathustra in the mid 90s, a comic cabaret featuring Stewart Lee, Johnny Vegas, Julian Barratt, Sally Phillips and more. He has written and starred in shows for Radio 1, Radio 4 and Resonance FM including vehicles for his Alan Parker character. His current show, Self-Employed, has received excellent reviews focusing on his dissection of John Lennon's lyrics to 'Imagine' and his “sharply intelligent ramblings”, which are things you can expect to see come his performance at Latitude.
Australia stand-up comic Steve Hughes has spent a huge period of his life in thrash and black metal bands, immediately establishing his sense of humour. He began gigging his stand-up in the mid-90s and become one of Australia's hot properties, including becoming a presenter for MTV Australia. Since 2002 he's been a UK resident and has brandished his anti-corporate, political sideswipes and comedy asides like a weapon...though one that makes you laugh. Surely inspired by his anti-authority brand of music, Steve Hughes is a comic with a conscience as well has a sackload of hilarious material.
Nathan Caton began his successful sideline as a comic at the enviable age of 19 and has established himself as a force to be reckoned with mixing the personal and the confessional with the social and the political. Given the launch pad of a Chortle Award for Student Comic of the Year while studying architecture, he has since been an FHM Stand Up Hero finalist, won a Broadcast Hotshot Award for his comedy pilot 'The Nathon Caton Show' and has also appeared on 'Richard Hammond's 5 O'Clock Show' and 'Little Miss Jocelyn'. His 2009 solo show 'Can't Tell Me Nothin' earned him rave reviews, a spot writing for BBC Radio 4 including transferring his show to a radio format, which is a work in progress. This is a chance to see a popular rising star before mass popularity beckons.
Multi–award winning stand-up comic Carl Donnelly is one of the highest-rating emerging stars on the UK circuit. Since he started performing stand-up in 2005 he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting new comics climbing the comedy ladder. His conversational style and silly sense of humour have seen him win a host of awards – including Best Newcomer at the Chortle 2007 Awards – as well as nominations for 'Best Newcomer' at the 2009 Edinburgh Comedy Awards and 'Best Breakthrough Act' at the 2009 Chortle Awards.
Radio 6 Music 'Breakfast Show' presenter Shaun Keaveny recently took up the Comic Relief mantle and performed his first ever stand-up shows. Although his last show was supposed to be in March, it appears Shaun may have got a taste for his new found venture. He was highlighted by The Guardian as the only one of 6 Music who “defied easy categorisation” and his quirky styling’s proved successful with audiences. Sure to discuss his new found love of stand-up, this should be a great fledgling performance from someone whose sharp witted asides on radio ensure an entertaining spot of comedy. (Cabaret Arena)
Improviser and musical comic extraordinaire Carly Smallman has been emerging as a unique talent since 2009. Her blend of outrageous impropriety and adorable sincerity has established her as a firm favourite in London clubs and beyond. In 2010 she was first runner up in the Bedford New Comedian of the Year competition, and a Laughing Horse semi-finalist. In 2009 she was an Amused Moose Hot Starlet, and was also shortlisted for the final of the Musical Comedy Awards. Recently, Carly appeared on The Rob Brydon Show on BBC2 and described by Time Out as “Very funny, fresh and endlessly creative.” (Cabaret Arena)
The Cabaret Arena welcomes sister double act Toby – Sarah and Lizzie Daykin - to the line-up. Sibling sketch perfection – the two blew away audiences at Edinburgh last year with their fresh and hilariously inappropriate debut show that featured comedy sketches performed with an energy born out of their complicated sisterly politics and constant bickering. Catch these new comic faces when they make their debut at Latitude.
Although he has only been performing stand-up since 2009, comedian Rob Beckett has enjoyed success in all of the new comedian competitions winning four in his first year alone. His unique style and tales of growing up in a large south London family continue to win over audiences all over the country. Last year Beckett enjoyed a highly successful performance at the Comedy festivals in Australia after winning the ‘Amused Moose Laugh Off’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He will be bringing his highly entertaining show 'Big Mouth', which has just been nominated for the Adelaide Fringe Award for Best Emerging Comedy to Suffolk’s Sunshine Coast.
Award-winning comic and Radio 1 DJ Tom Deacon is a fast rising star on the comedy circuit. Slick stagecraft, bundles of youthful energy, quick wit and engaging storytelling have been entertaining audiences both on the comedy circuit and over the air waves since winning the Chortle Student Comedian of the Year award in 2007. One to catch for sure.
Isy Suttie’s leftfield songs, stand-up and characters enchant audiences all around. A regular on TV and radio, she plays Dobby in Channel 4’s Peep Show and Kiki in BBC2’s Whites. Her songs have featured in numerous BBC radio shows including The Now Show and Laurence and Gus: Hearts and Minds, and on various TV shows including Dave’s One Night Stand. Double British Comedy Award nominee. Her amiable style is a welcomed addition to the Comedy line-up this year. (Cabaret Arena)
Cardiff-based Elis James began his comedy career in 2005. A bilingual stand-up who can perform in English or Welsh, he won the 'Best Comedy' prize at the National Student Radio Awards in 2006. Since then his self-deprecating style has been winning over audiences up and down the country on support tours with fellow countryman Rhod Gilbert and hit shows at Edinburgh Festival. (Cabaret Arena)
James Wren & Leon Fleury with Corrie McGuire for Objective Talent present SPANK! SPANK! makes its debut at Latitude after eight years of sell out shows in London, New Zealand and Edinburgh, where its reputation as a ‘comedy and legendary party night’ (Time Out) has resulted in a huge cult following. With sketch, character, musical and stand-up comedy, occasional gratuitous nudity and plenty of beer, it’s the ultimate late night show! Hosted by James Wren and Leon Fleury and featuring the comedy stars of today and tomorrow, this is not to be missed. When they shout “SPANK!” you shout “You Love It!” (Literary Arena)
- CABARET ARENA -
A veritable feast of vaudeville fun and mischief, Latitude’s Cabaret Arena is a carnival of top comedy and theatre. With a heady mix of sketch shows, freak, burlesque and drag acts alongside puppetry, illusionists and hearty singalongs, the Cabaret Arena encourages you to ditch your woes at the door and be seduced by the frivolities inside for a not-so-innocent ol’fashioned knees up.
Infamous London retrosexuals Duckie present a künst gothic fantasia for new romantics and old romantics. Make and sport a Duckie fascinator, collect your Duckie dance cards from door whore Jay Cloth, waltz with your wallahs, watch some melodramatic public spectacles…and then rock out until 3am. Musical conductors the Readers Wife’s manipulate the masses and make you bend in the end, while Madame Amy Lamé introduces a dramatic variety bill featuring Scottee, Ryan Styles, The Two Wrongies, Bryony Kimmings, Baghdad’s Got Talent and Bourgeois & Maurice.
The Cabaret Arena will transform into premiere nightspot The Razzle with host extraordinaire Christopher Green. With the Cabaret Arena taken back in time to a pub with a 1960’s mob feel The Razzle is clichéd light entertainment at its best. Let Green’s comedy flair take you on a night to remember with special guests and Green’s own hypnotist and magician providing the entertainment. Derek Diamond runs a tight ship, where entertainment is the ocean and all you have to do is ride it like a dusty donkey on a bracing beach.
Country music singer, global icon for peace, movie-star, role-model, political campaigner, song writer, friend to animals and the oppressed, mother, daughter, and star Tina C is a living legend. Performing some of her unforgettable songs ‘No Dick’s As Hard As My Life’, ‘Not Tonight Darlin’, I Got A Heartache’ and ‘Course I Want you For Your Body (Got A Mind Of My Own)’ in her trademark skimpy sequinned dresses will make a night to remember. "As polished, sparkling and tasteless as the rhinestone on her tiny denim frock" -The Independent
The worlds first music hall singer turned R’n’B superstar Ida Barr brings her unique fusion to the Cabaret Arena. Once was a big star in the British Music Hall she’s now enjoying the limelight once again as she performs her own take on urban classics. Thrill to her version of Missy Elliot's "She's a Bitch" and get down as Ida drops some rhymes about the topics that matter - her home help, flu jabs, and the fall she had doing the Hokey Cokey last Diwali in her sheltered accommodation. The original ragtime girl has survived wars, the decline of variety, the break-up of her marriage and recurrent financial embarrassment. She's an inspiration, a role model and damn fine on the M.I.C. She's the Notorious I.D.A.
Straddling the comedy and music worlds like a tracksuit wearing colossus, from Limerick's mean streets, hip hop duo Rubberbandits (Blind Boy Boat Club and Mr. Chrome) have been causing a ruckus in their home nation. Armed with songs like ‘Bag of Glue’, ‘Too Many Gee’ and ‘Up Da Ra’ their live show is a comedic insight into Limerick gangs, sniffing glue as an aphrodisiac when encountering larger ladies, and horses. With prank phone calls, songs and riotous live shows, Rubberbandits have emerged as the Ireland’s surrealists beyond compare. This year they won an IFTA (Irish Film and Television Academy Award) for Television Moment of the Year and released their single ‘I Wanna Fight Your Father’ the video to which has become an internet phenomenon.
Ever wanted to throw your genius ideas for a musical onto a stage and see it performed in front of your very eyes? Showstopper: The Improvised Musical gives you that chance. A highly talented group of performers take up audience suggestions and improvise a full musical on the spot. Each member of the show has been developing their skills to a point where they are able to take a series of random ideas and do the seemingly impossible. A cast of fifteen trained professionals act out this outrageous idea, providing the ultimate spectacle in audience participation.
Following sell-out shows both in the UK and USA Pants on Fire's latest actor-musician extravaganza Ovid’s Metamorphoses comes to Latitude. Ovid's epic poem was written in 8AD about the history of the world, taking in all the best Greek and Roman mythology. This re-telling has relocated the setting to 1940’s wartime Britain and brought to life by blending gas masks, gramophones, puppetry and live original music and song. Winner of the Whatsonstage.com Editor's Prize and The Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award this is a gripping, constantly surprising and inventive show.
Timberlina & Hey Baylen present their BIG BINGO SHOW! It's not just bingo, it's a riotous rock 'n' roll bingo treat for everyone - with themed rounds, impromptu dance routines, reckless hilarity, topical interventions, special guest stars, ecological household tips and a soundtrack to ROCK OUT your Sunday! Win some fantastically cheap prizes or sensational home-crafted treats made by the glamorous bearded drag lady herself! Time Out call it 'Timberlina's Gem of a Show!', The Big Bingo Show is weekly at the RVT in Vauxhall, London, every Monday night (except bank holidays), but for your pleasure it will be appearing in a field near you at the Latitude festival.
- POETRY -
Satirical slams, poetic prose and comic verse are all celebrated at Latitude’s famous Poetry Arena. Found on the bank of the lake and larger than ever, a welcoming blanket of bean bags and cushions makes this an inviting place to while away the day; entertained by a wealth of leading poets (including past and present poet laureates) spoken word artists, comics, rappers and raconteurs alike.
Serafina Steer harpist & wordsmith will be performing in the Poetry Arena at this years’ Latitude Festival; think Mark E Smith meets Joanna Newsom meets a sad girl at a disco. Following the release of ‘Bloody Hell’ EP on Stolen Recordings, Serafina has worked with Cerys Matthews, Bat For Lashes, Patrick Wolf, Young Marble Giants and The Frogs. Her second album ‘change is good change is good (Static Caravan)’ described by Jarvis Cocker as ‘a good album’, was one of his favourites of 2010.
Simon Barraclough is the author of ‘Los Alamos Mon Amour’ (Salt 2008), which was a finalist for Best First Collection in the Forward Prizes, and the mini-book ‘Bonjour Tetris’ (Penned in the Margins). His second full collection ‘Neptune Blue’ is due from Salt in July 2011. In 2010 he devised ‘Psycho Poetica: a collaborative homage to Hitchcock’s Psycho’, which was performed at Latitude and other prestigious venues. His work appears in the anthologies ‘Identity Parade’ (Bloodaxe) and Penguin's ‘Poems for Love’. "These poems are complex, acrobatic, inventive, intelligent, exuberant, funny, tender and bloody marvellous!" (Annie Freud)
Alex Gwyther is a spoken word artist, writer and language teacher. “Reminiscent of Braintax and The Streets with a wit that recalls that of Arctic Monkey’s Alex Turner”, Gwyther’s descriptive delivery of spoken raps and “tumbling urbane style” weaves extraordinary tales of life in Britain, from the pound-a-pint Wetherspoon shenanigans of Saturday night Staines, to the poignant re-telling of the Christmas truce in the First World War. Gwyther’s published booklet will be published on Nasty Little Press in 2011.
Tom Warner was born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Among other prizes, Tom has previously won an Eric Gregory Award, the Faber New Poets Award and the Escalator Award for emerging writers. In 2009-2010 he was Poet-in-residence to Newark-on-Trent as part of the Poetry-on-Trent project, supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Tom’s a regular performer of his work and has appeared on BBC Radio. A pamphlet of Tom’s poetry was published by Faber & Faber in 2010. Tom will be reading from the Faber pamphlet and new work produced with the support of Arts Council England.
With rapid quick fire delivery and hilarious, often controversial content, the poet Thick Richard has been making a name for himself over the past 5 years. Performing at Edinburgh, Glastonbury and with appearances on Radio 4’s Bespoken Word, he is a rising star who has taken inspiration from legendary poet and fellow Mancunian John Cooper Clark and made it his own. Bewildering, bold and brilliant.
Hollie McNish brings a fresh style to performance poetry bringing inspiration from a lot by UK hip-hop and grime, sixties protest lyrics and everything around her. Hollie released her first album ‘Touch’, a collection of both poetry and beats last year and has been busily working the live circuit since. Due to her versatility as a performer, she has also participated in a number of music nights, including playing the Junction Theatre with renowned drum-n-bass acts Jungle Drummer and Beardyman.
Having won the Eric Gregory Award, the Poetry London Competition, the Foyle Young Poet of the Year award two years running, the Peterloo Poetry Competition three years running and shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize twice; Caroline Bird is one of our most revered poets. Her first collection ‘Looking Through Letterboxes’ was written when she was 15 and since then her poems have been published in several anthologies including Oxford Poetry, PN Review, Poetry Review, The North magazine as well as several of her poems and a commissioned short story, Sucking Eggs, have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 3.
Ventriloquism is the art of using a vessel to communicate, which is what Chris Redmond is doing when he relates his engrossing poetical stories. Under the stage name Ventriloquist, he performs with a live six-piece band with members from jazz electronic groups Nostalgia 77, Heritage Orchestra and Examples of Twelve’s. He’s made his name hosting and promoting poetry and music improvisation evening Tongue Fu in London while his own work has been featured on Radio 1, XFM, Resonance FM and Sky TV. His conversational storytelling, either under its own steam or cruising along on the lilt of light jazz, is a joy to behold.
- THE FARAWAY FOREST -
Latitude’s fairytale Faraway Forest is a secret haven of dark desires, mysterious mayhem and salacious sin-filled pleasure. This clearing under the woodland canopy will host, the decadent Winter’s Ball full of all of the delights of Christmas, hands on workshops and mesmerising theatre and musical performances. Come along and lose yourself in the depths of The Faraway Forest.
The intriguing world of Les Enfants Terribles has entertained and enthralled audiences across the globe. Insistent on their stance to craft innovative works and having recently appeared in the amazing Old Vic Tunnels as part of the Edward Sharpe performances, Les Enfants offered the lucky few a chance to appear in their innovative bespoke performances which excite and thrill audiences with their physical, stylised productions. Playwright and Artistic Director Oliver Lansley, who founded the company, has worked with Alan Davis on BBC2 comedy 'Whites' and has worked on popular BAFTA-winning series 'Misfits'. For Latitude Les Enfants will be creating a special performance specifically for The Winter’s Ball. The full details are yet to be released, but whatever comes next from the shadowy, mysterious imagination of Les Enfants Terrible, it's sure to be unlike most of what you've seen or heard before.
Building a bridge between the craft of storytelling and modern spoken-word Rachel Rose Reid immerses audiences with her charismatic and engaging stories with a difference. Funny, touching and enthralling she has become a hit performing at many different poetry nights and festivals over the past few years. Teaming up with the Roundhouse Experimental Choir she incorporates soundscapes, songs and poetry to deliver tales of the Peasant Revolt, G20 protests and the myth of the London Stone.
Native Faces is a fun face painting project for the lovely people of London town. We’ll send our teams of bubbly girls to your parties, events and homes to add an extra bit of fun and sparkle to your night. For Latitude Native Faces will be heading out of the big smoke and into the Suffolk fields to be situated in The Faraway Forest where you can get your face painted for the decadent masked ball. What better way to add a bit of sparkle to your outfit than with a little bit of glitter and a whole lot of glamour?
11-piece sea-core crew City Shanty Band bring their a-cappella performance to Latitude – with sets over the weekend in the Outdoor Theatre in The Faraway Forest. The Hackney based buoy band – inspired by the work songs of the age of sail – howl out shanties old, new, borrowed and blue with a metropolitan makeover. Having started out together at rum-fuelled shanty parties in East London, they have since been found working their vocal chords at Royal Festival Hall, Cecil Sharp House and numerous weird and wonderful places across London. Lock up your daughters - CSB is young, dumb and full of rum, and ready for a rumpus. (Outdoor Theatre)
- PANDORA’S PLAYGROUND -
A fantasyland of innocent pleasures and unbridled fun lies deep within the festival’s magical woods. A quirky corner of the Latitude site, here, anything goes. Side shows, games, interactive art, dance troupes, workshops and cutting edge theatre will keep you entertained all weekend long. Release your inner child and come play around at Latitude’s Pandora’s Playground.
Made In China make visceral shows at the junction of playwriting and live art. Physical, excessive, playful and destructive - each show makes its own rules. Drawn to great stories they inject their own challenging performance art to bring these tales to life. For Latitude they will perform two plays Stationary Excess and Bathe. Imprisoned on an exercise bicycle, a lone woman tells the story of an extraordinary man. ‘Stationary Excess’ is a daringly honest solo performance that evokes the absurdity, pain and hilarity of being alone. A bizarre and intimate experience that will scream out to anyone who has ever loved and lost.
‘Bathe’ – a work in progress – has seen Jess, co-founder of Made In China spending hours submerged in cold powdered milk jibbering about drowning, being buried alive, bird-skulls, priests doing operations and babies with their mouths stitched up. Now, with the talented composer-musician Eva Brandt providing the soundtrack, Bathe is going to be another incredibly provocative and powerful theatre experience.
String Theatre Presents 'The Red Balloon' for Latitude. String Theatre was formed just over a year ago and has since become internationally acclaimed following a two month tour of India where 48 performances were held in 7 different cities. The company's production of 'The Red Balloon' was first presented to the public at The Ishara International Puppet Festival in New Delhi. The show tells the story of a small boy's friendship with a balloon and explores the poignancy of a child's imagination. Inspired by the short film Albert Lamorisse, the show is performed using long string wood-carved marionettes and accompanied by specially commissioned music.
- LITERARY SALON -
A hub of life-enhancing interactive workshops, discussions, wide-ranging debates and mind expanding sessions, the Literary Salon is the noisy little sister of the Literary Arena that encourages you to get involved. Discover and learn new skills, air opinions and explore your innermost feelings in this progressive school of thought.
Joel Stickley is the author of hit blog How To Write Badly Well, critically-acclaimed book Who Writes This Crap? and animated film Crash! Bang! Wallow! which won the NFBC Short Film Award at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. He is a member of Aisle16 (Time Out Critics’ Choice of the Year 2005). The live show of How To Write Badly Well is part writing seminar, part multimedia comedy show and entirely necessary if you want to become the cream of the crap when it comes to purple prose. Come along and take the first step towards becoming the next Dan Brown.
Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Linton Kwesi Johnson, Esther Freud, Jo Shapcott, Simon Armitage, Sarah Dunant, Dave Gorman and Alexei Sayle; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by The Gate, Bush Theatre, Sadler’s Wells and English National Ballet, cabaret performances from David Schneider & Friends, Will Adamsdale, Bourgeois and Maurice; and BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with a fantastic programme of Q&A’s, discussions and workshops including comedy stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon discussing their hilarious work on Michael Winterbottom’s ‘The Trip’.
Over in the Music Arenas the weekend can offer a fantastic mix of burgeoning acts and household names including: headliners The National, Paolo Nutini and Suede, the Queen of Rockabilly Wanda Jackson, Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan, Edwyn Collins, Bright Eyes, Anna Calvi, Hurts, Deerhunter, Bellowhead, The Vaccines and Everything Everything to name just a few.
With DJs, The Winter’s Ball and late night parties found throughout the site, it is a unique and special weekend of fun, culture and entertainment. An intimate world away from reality waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
- TICKET INFORMATION -
Weekend tickets £170.00 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £70.00 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Child ticket (5-12 years) £5.00 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Campervan Permit £30.00
Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only
Credit Card line: 0871 231 0821
Online: www.festivalrepublic.com • www.seetickets.com • For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk
Labels: 2011, Adam Buxton, Duckie, festival, Julie Myerson, latitude, latitude festival, National Theatre of Scotland, Serafina Streer, Tate Britain and Shunt
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