Latitude festival - Arts Additions - Flawless, Johnny Flynn, Mouth To Mouth, Lindsey Kelk, Diane Spencer...

14th – 17th July 2011, Henham Park Estate, Southwold, Suffolk.

THURSDAY 5TH MAY
ARTS ADDITIONS

- THE WATERFRONT STAGE -
~ Flawless ~
~ Lost Dog ~
~ Alleviate ~

- FILM & MUSIC ARENA -
~ Johnny Flynn ~
~ Hypnotic Brass Ensemble ~

- THEATRE AT LATITUDE -
~ Mouth To Mouth ~
~ Luci Briginshaw ~

- LITERARY ARENA -
~ Lindsey Kelk ~
~ Neil & Ivan McCormick ~

- COMEDY AT LATITUDE -
~ The Boy With Tape On His Face ~
~ Diane Spencer ~ Joe Wells ~ Joe Lycett ~ Eric Lampaert ~
~ Danny McLoughlin ~

- CABARET ARENA -
~ Fat Content ~

- THE FARAWAY FOREST -
~ Gwendolen Chatfield ~

- PANDORA’S PLAYGROUND -
~ Fuel Sheds ~

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.

- THE WATERFRONT STAGE -

Floating on the surface of Latitude’s central lake is the stunning Waterfront Stage. A beautiful platform on which audiences can enjoy visual displays of delightful dance, one-off musical performances and incredible work by some of the countries most highly regarded choreographers, with Latitude’s luscious landscape providing the perfect backdrop.

The incredible street dance group Flawless are best known for being finalists of 'Britain's Got Talent 2009' and for starring in the UK box office-topping film 'StreetDance 3D'. This year the winners of World Dance Champions have embarked on a tour entitled 'Chase The Dream', showcasing their high energy street dance, acrobatic moves and a stellar performance all soundtracked with hits of some of the stars they've worked with; from Beyonce and Leona Lewis to Madonna.

Award-winning theatre company Lost Dog (Ben Duke and Raquel Meseguer) formed with the task of creating new work for studio spaces across the UK, utilising freelancers and only putting on shows when it is deemed important enough or the collaborators are dedicated enough. They work with musicians from a range of backgrounds – essentially non-theatre performers – which helps bring an innovative edge to their works. For Latitude, Lost Dog will perform their exciting new piece 'It Needs Horses', fittingly for a festival about the nature of live entertainment. Having just won the prestigious Bloomberg-sponsored Place Prize judged by a panel of industry experts, the show features a poor ringmaster, his glamorous but tired assistant and their increasingly desperate attempts to make their brand of live entertainment appeal to audiences everywhere. (Theatre Arena)

Meeting at Liverpool's Institute For Performing Arts Alleviate are the male and female duo, Renako and Nicolette, who reached the final three acts on Sky1's 'Got To Dance'. Specialising in contemporary fusion they began choreographing routines a year ago and have since hit Primetime TV success. Their backgrounds include Renako winning his University's Choreography competition two years in a row, once solo and a second time with Nicolette as Alleviate. Their success story is an inspiration for those from unlikely backgrounds to achieve whatever they feel.

- 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.

Johnny Flynn has produced a unique collaboration between film-makers and visual artists for his set in the Film & Music Arena. Set to a poem by WB Yeats, the performance looks to be a beautiful combination of a live set from him and his band - The Sussex Wit - alongside the most exciting young film-makers around.

Chicago-based Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is a nine-piece featuring eight sons of Sun Ra Arkestra trumpeter Phil Cohran. Beginning as a simple street ensemble they recorded their first compositions in 2004 and since then have played with the likes of Mos Def, Tony Allen and recorded with Maxwell and Erykah Badu. They supported Blur on their Hyde Park reunion shows in 2009 and feature heavily on latest Gorillaz album 'Plastic Beach'. Their intense brass attack has featured on many recordings of their own including their acclaimed self-titled full-length from 2009. They are an inspiring and exceptional act to catch live. Do so.

- THEATRE AT LATITUDE -

With the nation’s leading theatre companies all bringing exciting productions to the festival each year, Latitude’s site-wide Theatre offerings have 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 has grown in popularity year on year, making this an integral aspect to the Latitude line-up.

Mouth To Mouth is a community-based, voluntary company seeking to entertain and engage the audiences of East Anglia. They specialise in performing open-air Shakespeare, having performed in front of eager audiences all summer last year. They have crafted a new original piece for this year's Latitude entitled 'Stonepickings'. (Waterfront Stage)

Luci Briginshaw is a renowned solo soprano whose tremulous voice has interpreted a huge range of choral, operatic and oratorio material. She currently holds the Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music with distinction and has performed in a great number of major London venues including the Royal Albert Hall and has performed in many countries from the USA to Switzerland. Performing in works such as Brahms' 'Requiem', Vivaldi's 'Gloria', Mozart's 'C Minor Mass', 'The Magic Flute' and 'Die Fledermaus' don’t miss her at Latitude. (Outdoor Theatre)

- 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.

Lindsey Kelk is the author of four books, the first three of which are all under the 'I Heart...' banner ('I Heart New York/Hollywood/Paris') following the globe-trotting adventures of Angela Clarke. Her latest, 'The Single Girls To Do List' brings a new cast of characters out as Rachel Summers takes advantage of being dumped to tick off a list of generally unsuitable suitors. A collision of romance and comedy, Lindsey's cheeky knowing asides bring these colourful characters to life.

Being envious of your friends is a common feeling – and everyone went to school with people who’ve turned out more successful than us. However, have any of them turned out to become the biggest rockstar in the world and global ambassador for peace? Daily Telegraph’s rock critic Neil McCormick and his brother Ivan always dreamed of life as rock stars. Instead, they had to watch while their friend Bono became one of the most famous men on the planet. In their hilarious and touching memoir ‘Killing Bono’ they tell the story of the less-than-successful rival band they set up in the late 1970s and how they struggled to find success while Bono and his friends went on to achieve superstar status. A heart-warming story of friendship, loyalty, rivalry and ambition which has recently been turned into a film. Hear the brother’s excruciating tales in the Literary Arena this summer.

- 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 and Jason Byrne to name just a few confirmed already – it is another stellar line-up of the very best comics on the circuit. Just added are:

Harking back to the forgotten art of silent comedy The Boy With Tape On His Face, otherwise known as Kiwi comic Sam Willis, brings everything from the physical to music and sound effects to his performance. Vaudeville reinterpreted and modern comedy squeezed into wordlessness, this unique performer has expanded the comic palette by restricting himself to saying nothing at all. Audience participation, facial expressions and twisting classic gags into something else entirely, this comic is a must-see.

MC’s in the Literary Arena:

Diane Spencer is not only Chortle’s New Act of the Year, she is also to MC in the Literary Arena at Latitude! Her solo shows have received great feedback and her warm storytelling vibe belies her honesty and wickedness.

Joe Wells has hit the literary audience with his first book 'Touch Joe And Go' about obsessive compulsive disorder and has campaigned for better awareness of OCD. His comic career has been particularly distinguished with his political missives hitting the right note at the finals of many different comedy awards.

Winner of last year's Latitude Comedy Best New Act of the Year Competition, Eric Lampaert, has recently taken the UK by storm. His whiplash energy and improvised banter has inspired torrents of praise. Compared to Eddie Izzard by arts magazine 'The Stage' his rapid-fire delivery will work wonders at the Literary Arena.

Describing himself as The Humourist, Joe Lycett was named Chortle Best Newcomer last year, the latest in a series of accolades since 2008 for his comedy. He did his first hour show in March this year and is primed for his MC duty at the festival having been a previous Latitude New Act competition finalist.

Danny McLoughlin has MC'd his own gigs alongside up-and-coming comic talent at Chester University and his confident, likeable persona means he's the perfect choice for our fifth compere for the Literary Arena. His experience and style on the comedy circuit will no doubt serve him well.

- 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 sing-alongs, 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.

Fat Content presents ‘The Creature Cabaret’ for Latitude. Three creatures, rejected from their fairytale forest home escape to the glistening city. Join gender confused, not so big-bad-Wolf, sugar addicted Squirrel & fame hungry Fox as they embark a hilarious, harmonious, and heartbreaking search for a better life in a new, urban neighbourhood. Award-winning cabaret packed with surreal story-telling and original songs.

- 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.

Gwendolen Chatfield is an accordion playing folktress who writes enchanting and lyrical songs with a dark twist. Fiddler extraordinaire Carrie White and dobro and mandolin maestro David Tromans complete this utterly mesmerising folk outfit. Between them the trio have recently played the likes of the ICA and The Old Vic Tunnels and are regulars at London's Troubadour and The Insider folk festival in the Scottish Highlands. Described as 'supremely talented' by highland folk hub The Old Bridge Inn and as 'playing beautifully' by the ICA, Gwendolen will be dashing off at the end of her set to appear in Ella Hickson's Hot Mess at the Outdoor Theatre Stage.

- 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 where 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 in Pandora’s Playground.

Fuel present ‘The Simple Things in Life’. Award-winning producers Fuel return to Latitude with five short experiences to celebrate the simple things in life with Lewis Gibson, David Harradine, The London Snorkelling Team, Frauke Requardt and Barnaby Stone. A table with a story to tell, a band bursting at the seams, a sound journey through a good book, a surreal and mesmerising dance, and an installation that takes flight – each found inside a garden shed.

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 National Theatre Scotland, 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.

The full length press release, with details on all acts appearing at Latitude, is
available in PDF format to download from:
www.latitudefestival.co.uk/2011/press

- 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

For more information please contact info@presscounselpr.com