Latitude festival 2009

**altsounds**

The pioneering, genre-defying, award-winning Latitude Festival returns to England’s Sunrise Coast for another spectacular year. Taking place on 16th – 19th July, near Suffolk’s stunning sea-side town of Southwold, organisers Festival Republic are promising Latitude will be the perfect British summer destination.

Now in its fourth year Latitude continues to inspire and innovate; bringing the very best from the worlds of music, film, comedy, theatre, cabaret, dance, poetry, literature and art together for a fun-filled, cultural adventure by the sea. Last year’s sold out, sun-drenched event bore witness to such weird and wonderful sights as a spontaneous conga line, courtesy of comic genius Ross Noble; a slice of European hip-hop dance from Sadler’s Wells performed at sunset on a beautiful stage upon the lake; and huge luminous, golden orbs which decorated Sigur Rós’ stunning headline set on the Obelisk Arena. And that’s not to mention the flesh-eating zombies that emerged from deep in the woods to assemble at the Theatre Arena in a climactic ending to a Royal Shakespeare Company thriller!

Latitude never fails to offer the cream of the music world and caters for all tastes whatever your interests and mood. With four stages dedicated to showcasing an eclectic line-up you can guarantee established bands and budding new acts aplenty, all weekend long. Last year at the Obelisk Arena you could bask in the sunshine and enjoy the sonic delights of festival headliners Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Rós and Interpol, as well as witness a frenetic show from Nick Cave’s Grinderman, and a jaw-dropping sunset performance from Mercury Prize winners Elbow. Whilst on a leisurely amble over to the tented Uncut Arena you could sample music from all genres including reggae, jazz and blues from African duo Amadou And Mariam, progressive and experimental rock from Mars Volta, and orchestral rock from cult band Tindersticks, plus a nostalgic bop to the legendary disco/punk of Blondie.

Nestled in a clearing in the woods, the exquisite and intimate Sunrise Arena provides the perfect platform for emerging bands, like last year’s headliners Crystal Castles, Metronomy and Black Kids to reach large audiences. Likewise, a short stroll down to the shimmering lake, you can chance upon The Lake Stage – an open air hub of rising stars curated by Radio 1 DJ and new music aficionado, Huw Stephens, handpicking the very best from the BBC Introducing stage.

Anything and everything is possible at Latitude Festival with new and exciting experiences just waiting to be discovered round every corner. Whether it ’s unexpectedly stumbling across a piano in the woods inviting you to have a play; drunkenly entering in a sack race on the sunny banks of the lake or just meandering between arenas sampling the full spectrum of art on offer, Latitude has something for everyone, making it an ideally located weekend away. There’s even a dedicated Children’s Arena as diverse as the rest of the festival, where kids can enjoy books, art, music, theatre, heaps of participation and fun with the added opportunity to take something away, from circus skills to handmade crafts to an appreciation of the woodland setting and the nature within it.

It’s this vast and eclectic programming which has set Latitude apart from its contemporaries and has won the event many awards over the past three years. In October last year Latitude Festival was delighted to win a coveted TMA (Theatre and Management Awards) for Special Achievement in Regional Theatre. Main sponsor of the awards, The Stage Newspaper, praised Latitude’s efforts to take theatre to new audiences and as the awards honour individual creative excellence and collaborative artistic effort in performance and production, this is a massive achievement that places the theatre programme at Latitude up there with the great and the good of the performing arts world.

Festival Republic’s plans are already underway for the fourth edition of Latitude and will be bringing back BAFTA, The Royal Court Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Sadler’s Wells to name but a few. Add to this the diverse, unparalleled line-up of music to come, plus much, much more still to be confirmed and announced across all arenas over the next five months; this year’s event will no doubt shape up to be yet another glorious slice of cultural heaven. So why not book the time off now and rest assured that you’ll have the time of your life, holidaying on the Sunrise Coast at Latitude Festival 2009.

PRESS REVIEWS FROM LATITUDE 2008

“Like a heady mix of the best bits of The Hay Literary Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe and Glastonbury without the overcrowding.” Bruce Dessau - Evening Standard

“Latitude – an event fast threatening to become the most perfect small-ish festival in the English summer season.” – James Dellingpole – Telegraph

“The lengthy bill of comedic talent features something for everyone.” – Dominic Maxwell – The Times

“No British festival does as well all round at being idyllic, civilised, varied and fun (as Latitude).” - Independent on Sunday

“With families enjoying poetry, dance and theatre on a beautiful riverbank site, Latitude festival could be Albion.” - NME

“An embarrassment of riches more potent than pop.” - Dominic Cavendish, Telegraph

“As I wander away, I see comedian Ross Noble leading a crowd of around 1,000 people out of the comedy tent and over the hill, like a demented Pied Piper. Out on the lake, Nexus is performing a two-man version of The Picture of Dorian Gray, and the Ravenhill shorts are playing in the packed theatre tent. I’ll be back next year. Who knows, I might even find time to see a band.” - Lyn Gardner – Guardian G2

“Until now, it has been unheard of to find the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre and the Royal Court all performing in the same venue over the space of a few days, but Latitude Festival can boast all three of these flagship groups, not to mention a floating dance stage!” – Alistair Smith – The Stage

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altsounds · Comment Posted on: April 3, 2009, 11:55 PM

16th – 19th July 2009
Henham Park Estate, Southwold, Suffolk

MUSIC ADDITIONS

UNCUT ARENA

~ Bat For Lashes ~ Spiritualized ~ Gossip ~
~ Magazine ~ Newton Faulkner ~

The pioneering, award-winning Latitude Festival returns to England’s Sunrise Coast for another spectacular year. Taking place on 16th – 19th July, near Suffolk’s stunning seaside town of Southwold, organisers Festival Republic are promising Latitude will be the perfect British summer destination.

The impressive structure of the tented Uncut Arena houses an eclectic line-up of alternative, leftfield music; a hotbed of genre-spanning artists all offering something unique. This year will once again host a myriad of musical musts from the fields of folk, world, experimental, electronica, rock, indie and any other musical style you can think of. Headlining this year’s Uncut Arena are:

Multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and visual artist Natasha Khan a.k.a Bat For Lashes will be heading up the line-up on Friday night. Whisking away listeners to faraway lands with her delicate haunting howls, whispers and dreamy vocals her debut album ‘Fur And Gold’ established Khan as a natural successor to fellow experimental leading female artists Björk, Kate Bush and Tori Amos. Khan’s richly orchestrated, intelligent music led to two Brit Award nominations and a Mercury Music Award nomination last year, and with her stunning new album ‘Two Suns’ released this Spring, she is set to further dominate with her beautiful voice and musical talent.

Twelve years ago, Spiritualized set the world alight with their stunning album ‘Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space’ – a space-rock odyssey of epic soundscapes, Afro-American gospel and blues. Since then writer, composer, singer and only constant member of the band, Jason Pierce, has continued to push the boundaries of experimental music, using 120 musicians for follow-up album ‘Let It Come Down’ and incorporating shoe-gazing styles with blues, soul and gospel. Let Spritualized take you on a journey to far away galaxies with a phenomenal and atmospheric live performance on Saturday night at Latitude.

Exploding onto the music scene in 2006 with their third album ‘Standing In The Way Of Control’, Arkansas trio Gossip have risen to achieve international mainstream success. Their strident, catchy punk is delivered with conviction and style by the formidable force of frontwoman Beth Ditto, who has emerged as a controversial although celebrated figure, battling prejudices against weight, gender and homosexuality. Gossip’s live shows are incendiary performances set alight by Ditto’s unashamed, no-holds barred feminism and megaphonic vocals – their headline set on Sunday night at Latitude will be no different.

Also playing: Howard Devoto and his legendary post-punk pioneers Magazine join the line-up at Latitude. An influential, experimental five-piece born out of the ashes of Devoto’s previous band Buzzcocks, Magazine had an enormous effect on the British music landscape in their short three year existence. Their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Real Life’ is widely considered one of the greatest of all time fusing punk and new wave with avant-garde and pop. With the ‘classic’ line-up back together (with the exception of guitarist John McGeoch who died in 2004) this will be a set you just can’t miss.

England’s dread-locked sensation Newton Faulkner comes to Latitude’s Uncut Arena. Rising to prominence in 2007 with his Number One platinum album ‘Hand Built By Robots’, featuring the Top Ten single ‘Dream Catch Me’ his bluesy vocals and astonishing virtuoso guitar playing set him apart from the legions of other acoustic singer songwriters and established him as a leading musician with huge talent. Working on new material for his second album due later this year, Faulkner’s dextrous flare and soaring voice is a welcomed addition to the line-up.

Over on the Obelisk Arena, Mancunian indie-rock band Doves come to the Sunset Coast. Their debut album ‘Lost Souls’ released in 2000 was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, which was followed by their second album ‘The Last Broadcast’ two years later, which reached Number 1 in the UK album chart, and again nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. This album contained the single ‘There Goes the Fear’ which reached Number 3 in the UK singles chart. Such is the distinctive sound Doves have crafted as a unique signature from day one that their new offering, ‘Kingdom of Rust’ (out in April) flies off at new tangents but is always recognisable due to a trademark passionate intensity that few can even approach.

Following on from the phenomenal success of debut platinum album ‘The Back Room’, Editors returned with their second album ‘An End Has A Start’ in 2007. Recorded in Ireland at Grouse Lodge with Garret Lee and mixed at Olympic Studios, the album sees the team behind the re-recorded version of ‘Bullets’ set to work on an entire collection of Editors’ work with stunning results. Lead singer Tom Smith has revealed that the band will explore a new direction on their next album, pursuing a new, rawer sound. At the end of last year, Editors had written around eighteen new songs for the new album and they have been described as some of the most synthetic, raw and anthemic songs they have written to date.

They join Obelisk headliners; electronic dance pioneers Pet Shop Boys, iconic disco queen Grace Jones, and the decadent rock noir of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. With many more bands to be announced across all the music arenas, Latitude’s extensive and eclectic line-ups will cater to all your musical needs.

Sultry Irish singer and cabaret queen Camille O'Sullivan will be performing a special set on the Thursday night in the Music & Film Arena. Raunchy, emotional, passionate and intriguing; her shows are spellbinding performances of sweet vocals and hypnotic dances exploring songs of Jacques Brel, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Kurt Weill, David Bowie and more. Immersing herself in the character of each song, Camille enthralls audiences as much with her intense, theatrical performance as she does with her superb voice. Fierce, funny and vampishly sexy.

Elsewhere, the very best in film, theatre, comedy, literature, poetry, dance, art and cabaret will be pitching up at the fourth edition of Latitude Festival. Mark Lamarr’s God’s Jukebox and LateNightTales will be presenting some fabulous live performances from an eclectic set of bands in the Music & Film Arena; Sadler’s Wells and the Royal Opera House will be showcasing stunning performances on The Waterfront Stage; Royal Shakespeare Company, The Bush, National Theatre, Paines Plough, nabokov plus more will all be coming to the Theatre Arena along with the English Touring Theatre presenting Latitude’s first musical ‘Been So Long’. Also for the first time is the dynamic orchestral brilliance Britten Sinfonia performing in Latitude’s outdoor spaces. The Literary Arena is packed full of top authors including Blake Morrison, Geoff Dyer and Robin Ince’s Book Club as well as workshops from The School Of Life; plus stellar poets Andrew Motion, Brian Patten, Jackie Kay and Simon Armitage will be in the Poetry Arena. The Cabaret Arena welcomes Zimbani, Deborah Francis-White, Holly Walsh & Sophie Black, Jessica Delfino, Cardinal Burns and Watson and Oliver plus plenty more exciting performances to announce. With a quite astonishing comedy line-up to be announced and much, much more across all of the arenas, Latitude 2009 is once again a perfect slice of cultural heaven by the sea.

TICKET INFORMATION
Weekend tickets £150 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £60 plus booking fee. Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping • Days include car parking only.

Credit Card line: 0871 231 0821
Online at: Altsounds • Altsounds.com | Independent Music Journalism • Altsounds

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit Altsounds

altsounds · Comment Posted on: April 20, 2009, 08:19 PM

COMEDY
~ Ed Byrne ~ Mark Thomas ~ Adam Hills ~ Sean Lock ~
~ The Early Edition with Marcus Brigstocke ~ Sean Hughes ~ Andrew Lawrence ~ Rufus Hound ~
~ Jon Richardson ~ Russell Kane ~ Shappi Khorsandi ~ Jessica Delfino ~ Dan Atkinson ~
~ Carl Donnelly ~ Holly Walsh ~ Zoe Lyons ~ Rob Deering ~ Dave Fulton ~
~ Swaparama ~

CABARET
~ Pippa Evans ~ New Art Club ~ Stuckey And Murray ~
La John Joseph ~ Dead Man In A Box ~Orkestra Del Sol ~

The pioneering, award-winning Latitude Festival returns to England’s Sunrise Coast for another spectacular year. Taking place on 16th – 19th July, near Suffolk’s stunning seaside town of Southwold, organisers Festival Republic are promising Latitude will be the perfect British summer destination.

Now in its fourth edition Latitude continues to inspire and innovate offering the very best from the worlds of music, film, comedy, theatre, cabaret, dance, poetry, literature and art. With stunning individual performance spaces dedicated to each of the arts, the arenas are treasure troves of talent, with open doors and inviting atmospheres. Sit back and be entertained by over 700 performers or participate and learn a new skill in the many workshops on offer, there are new experiences round every corner. Latitude encourages you to open your mind, embrace the unknown and try everything; a fun-filled, cultural adventure by the sea; the ideal weekend away.

COMEDY ARENA

Welcome to one of the biggest and best comedy festival in Britain. The Comedy Arena at Latitude is one of the main draws of the weekend; bursting at the seams with people as they sit back and enjoy the stellar stand up performances from the cream of the comedy circuit. The first crop of comedic talent has just been confirmed with many more to be announced over the coming months.

Irish Perrier-Award nominee Ed Byrne is a familiar face on the comedy circuit and on the small screen. He has presented television shows ‘Uncut! Best Unseen Ads’ and ‘Just For Laughs’, and is a regular guest on various television panel games including Mock The Week, 8 Out Of Ten Cats and Have I Got News For You. His amiable chatty style of observational comedy, colourful anecdotes and whimsical tangents that lead into innovative ideas and threads has won him a legion of fans selling out three UK tours and five sell-out show at Edinburgh Fringe

Political activist, stand-up comic, author, multi-award winner and general thorn in the side of corporate companies and politicians, Mark Thomas joins the line-up. He has lobbied, demonstrated, protested, fought and made a mockery of people in power and is renowned for his political comedy shows, ‘The Mark Thomas Comedy Product’ on Channel 4. He is also a regular on Radio 4, has presented many ‘Dispatches’ programmes, and tackled the multi-national powerhouse of Coco-Cola in his book ‘Belching Out The Devil’. For Latitude, Thomas will be bringing a manifesto - a policy paddle to help steer our way out of shit creek. It's a roving comedy think tank of a show where the audience gets to nominate and vote for their favourite policies. Mark road tests them and then sets off to make them happen. It is somewhere between Jim'll Fix It for anarchists and White Collar Crimewatch, with a passing nod at Bill Drummond, the Fluxus art movement and Anneka Rice.

Antipodean comic Adam Hills has achieved international acclaim as one of the world’s best stand up comics. His combination of positive uplifting comedy and rampant spontaneity, have seen him receive many awards, glowing reviews and fans from all over the world. He has been nominated for an if.comedy award three times, his 2002 show, ‘Happy Feet’, took the inaugural Best Of The Fest Award in Edinburgh, and his follow up show ‘Cut Loose’ won the Radio Forth Award for Best Comedy. Adam has also won a Chortle Award for Best Compere in the UK, and his 2007 show “Joymonger” won a Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performance in Australia. He’s also appeared on many UK TV programmes including ‘Mock The Week’, ‘The Charlotte Church Show’ and ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’, as well as having his own half-hour special on The Paramount Comedy Channel.

Sean Lock is one of the UK's most highly acclaimed and original comedians, his stand-up is the product of a hyperactive imagination combining hilariously surreal imagery and insightful observations on the human condition. Lock has been nominated for the prestigious Perrier Award and has also received a British Comedy Award for Best Stand Up (previous winners include Jack Dee, Eddie Izzard and Jo Brand). Sean has also won a Time Out Comedy Award.

Marcus Brigstocke hosts The Early Edition - a bit like BBC 4's Late Edition... but earlier. The morning papers, comedy, and special guests take to the stage to wake you up with a start! Swapping its usual late night slot for one at the festival, the show interviews politicians, campaigners, pundits and experts with an agenda that is irreverent, honest and fearless. Brigstocke began his comedy career at Bristol University where he performed stand up and character shows and soon won the BBC New Comedian of 1996. He has since emerged as a major comedy, writing and acting talent, performing in the UK and beyond and has become a regular voice on BBC Radio with an impressive list of TV and film credits that includes current lively debate show ‘Argumental’.

Irish comic, writer, actor and all-round funny-man, Sean Hughes will be bringing his fantastically dark, acerbic stand-up to Latitude. Sean is the youngest ever winner of the prestigious if.comedy award for comedy for 'A One Night Stand With Sean Hughes’. Best-known to TV audiences for his long-running stint in the mould-breaking quiz show ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’, acclaimed drama ‘The Last Detective’ and guest spot in ‘Coronation Street’, Hughes' eclectic TV career has also taken in two series of his critically-acclaimed sitcom ‘Sean's Show’, and despite a nine-year break in performing stand-up, he was recently voted No. 40 in Channel 4's World's 100 Greatest Comedians poll. His quick-fire wit shapes each performance into a one-off, unique experience for his audience.

The buzz about comedy’s best-kept-secret is fast making Andrew Lawrence a cult classic, with his 2007 Edinburgh Fringe show – ‘Social Leprosy for Beginners and Improvers’ – gaining him a nomination at the prestigious If.Comedy Awards, a show which Andrew performed for the last time in a very successful week-long residency at the Soho Theatre. Andrew has received rave recognition in all the key new act competitions and is now a regular favourite on the comedy circuit, gigging at all the major clubs across the country and building a base of discerning fans addicted to the bleakly dark comic world he creates.

The quick witted comic and tv presenter Rufus Hound and his beard, will be joining the fantastic Comedy Arena line-up. You may recognise him from various TV appearances including presenting Top of The Pops and Glastonbury coverage and Dave's current comedy panel game 'Argumental'. Hound was a finalist at Channel 4’s Edinburgh Festival Award ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ with his sharp, sarcastic and relaxed approach to comedy earning him plenty of fans.

Consistently high levels of performance, a willingness to work whenever and wherever the opportunity arose and a tireless desire to generate new material have been the secrets of Jon Richardson's success. 2006 saw Jon complete an award-winning, sell-out, 60 date national tour supporting Alan Carr. Jon is definitely one to watch and can currently be heard every Sunday morning, from 1000 until 1300, on BBC 6music.

Once described as “a twisted human cartoon”, Russell Kane will stalk, flap, jerk and contort his way across the stage of the Comedy Arena at this year’s Latitude. Having burst onto the scene in 2003, it wasn’t long before Kane was earning accolades up and down the country for his turbo-charged routine and TV appearances including a stint hosting ‘Big Brother’s Big Mouth’ in 2007. With a boundless energy and an ability to tease, prod and affectionately bounce off the audience, Kane will have the Comedy Arena wrapped around his little finger.

Shappi Khorsandi is an Iranian-born, UK-raised comedian nominated for best breakthrough act at the 2007 Chortle Awards. Born in Tehran, her family was forced to flee Iran for London in her early years after her father (Hadi Khorsandi) criticised the Ayatollah in a satirical poem. Blimey that makes her sound serious! A noted performer at Joe Wilson’s Comedy Madhouse in 1997, Khorsandi has appeared on many BBC Radio 4 programmes, including Quote… Unquote, Loose Ends, You and Yours, Midweek, The Now Show and The News Quiz. She also writes an occasional column for online magazine Iranian.com.

Raucously ribald Jessica Delfino will be bringing her no-holds-barred comedy to Latitude. The controversial American songwriter and comic has been winning accolades from both sides of the pond with her unique musical talents and unashamed taboo-baiting. Delfino has recorded two albums, ‘Dirty Folk Rock’ and ‘I Wanna Be Famous’, songs of which are incorporated in her stand-up as she performs rocking out on a guitar, the flying V ukulele, rape whistle, autoharp, Q-chord, glockenspiel and tiny keyboard. Delfino is host of her own public access television show called Jessica's Chest, filmed directly from her room.

What Dan Atkinson lacks in elegance and sense of style, he makes up for with sharp, witty and unpredictable anecdotes. His spontaneous and unmistakeable acts have ranged from Europe to as far as the Middle East and taken him to work with ITV, BBC 3 and opening a debate with Tony Blair for Channel 4. Owner of the constantly sold out The Other Side comedy club in York, Atkinson is highly likeable and funnily out of touch with real life. A natural talent with an easy conversational wit.

An expert on transforming mundane situations into comedy, Carl Donnelly will prove this year at Latitude why his exciting and fresh sense of humour has seen him win a host of awards including the 2007 Chortle Award for Best Newcomer. The Guardian praises his style by saying: "[Donnelly] is the antithesis of the loud, sweaty, manic comic so prevalent on the telly and live tours at the moment. This is standup with valium: near-horizontal levels of louche that takes the mundane stories of everyday life and turns them into stretches of self-deprecating silliness".

Winner of last year's Chortle Best Newcomer Award, Holly Walsh has been added to the line-up. Quirky and clever, Walsh's humour and ability to portray her hilarious characters have earned her work on many shows on Radio 4 and Radio 2; as a presenter on CBBC and of course as a stand-up comic. Finalist in 2006's So You Think You're Funny and Funny Women competitions, Walsh is an exciting emerging figure already making quite an impact on the comedy scene.

Cocky Brighton based nominee for the if.comedy award for Best Newcomer at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe, Zoe Lyons’ humour is bold and contemporary. Her line about Amy Winehouse topped the polls to win digital channel Dave TV Funniest Joke of the Fringe on 2008. Lyons also participated on ‘Mock The Week’ and ITV’s ‘Survivor!’. Humour website Chortle said of her act “Her routine was a fireproof parade of quick fire observational gags delivered with utter conviction and unfailing professionalism. The audience didn't really have a chance“.

With his easy charm, cheesy singing voice, razor-sharp wit and clownish physicality Rob Deering has quickly established himself as a firm favourite on the London circuit and has played at all the major comedy clubs nationwide, lambasting pop culture, promoting apple-based alcoholic beverages and playing widdly-widdly rock guitar, all with his inimitable cheesy egotism.

Scraggy US comic Dave Fulton easily demolishes two misplaced national stereotypes: that Americans have no sense of irony, and that they’re all a bunch of right-wing gung-ho warmongers. Such a liberal stance is de rigueur for British comics, but much less common in Fulton’s homeland; which is, perhaps, why he’s chosen to make London his base. It’s our gain.

Something like a phenomenon, but a lot more like an excuse to get smashed and rip clothes off strangers, the maniacal mayhem of Swap-A-Rama pitches up at the Comedy Arena. The rules are easy – arrive in a splendid overabundance of the latest fashion and dance your socks off. Every time the DJ’s ring the klaxon you must swap an item of clothing with someone next to you. You’re advised to arrive in clothes you don’t mind not ever seeing again! God knows what you’ll end up going home in!

Also in the Comedy Arena, Jack Whitehall will host the Latitude New Act Of The Year – the search for the next comic genius. Six finalists will perform on Saturday morning in front of the Latitude crowd who’ll be given the power to choose the winner.

CABARET ARENA

If you want to experience something entirely different then seek out Latitude’s quirky den of mischief and mayhem; the Cabaret Arena. Inside you will witness comedy sketch shows, burlesque, freak shows, drag queens, sing-a-longs, illusionists and much, much more yet to be announced. With Vaudeville fun, sharp, incisive wit, camp entertainment and a good ol’fashioned knees up, the Cabaret Arena positively encourages you to leave your inhibitions at the door and be game for anything and everything. This surreal bordello of surprises and spectacular stage shows is visually rich, beautiful and bizarre and will tempt and titillate in equal measure.

Impressionist and improv extraordinaire Pippa Evans has been wowing crowds with her fantastic show ‘And Other Lonely People’– an incredible and hilarious one woman performance. With the backdrop of a self-help group, Evans introduces her comical, outrageous characters offering their stories and opinions on loneliness. Most famously there’s the acerbic Nashville singer Loretta Maine, whose ballads have a viciously witty kick, usually aimed at her ex. The show was such a hit that she received a nomination for the if.comedy Best Newcomer Prize.

New Art Club was formed in 2001 by Tom Roden and Pete Shenton and is fuelled by their shared spirit of adventure and a desire to wear lycra. Described as ‘the Morecambe and Wise of dance’, ‘the Reeves and Mortimer of contemporary choreography, ‘the Gilbert & George of dance’ and, perhaps most accurately, as “a double act who marry stand up comedy with choreographic minimalism and a touch of philosophy” (The Times). Through their varied activities – creating new work, tours, education, community projects and their shows ‘This Is Modern’, ‘The Electric Tales’, ‘The Notcracker’ and ‘The Short Still Show’, New Art Club aims to ensure that all its audiences and participants – be they bright eyed or cynical – are entertained by their hilarious spoof on contemporary dance.

Filthy minded American musicians Stuckey and Murray offer a fantastically rude sing-a-long smut-fest dealing with all matters of sex and naughtiness that’ll make you blush, howl, and laugh until your sides hurt. They have recorded two albums ‘Destination: Rock Bottom’ and ‘Mythical Fornication’, with full backing bands as well as producing content for Howard Stern, Comedy Central, InDemand, FX, MTV2, and MTVu. They currently write, direct and perform for Fuse Network and MTV, as well as produced and directed episodes of ABC's Wife Swap, MTV's Boiling Points, VH1's Best Week Ever and Will Ferrell's Funnyordie.com

La JohnJoseph is a transdrogynous, transatlantic performance art darling, protégé of the legendary Penny Arcade. Born Liverpool, 1982, he has created an ever expanding performance style for himself which incorporates academia, burlesque, live art and cabaret but is defined by none of the above. He has appeared right across the USA and Europe, performing Patti Smith songs saturated in wall paint, dancing at strip clubs, opening art fairs, and creating baroque installations in swimming pools. As the ‘Village Voice’ wrote; "In La JJ's weird and wonderful world, anything and everything is possible."

Dead Man In A Box presents Splashback!, an improvised comedy that takes you backstage on Britain’s most popular kids’ TV show and reveals what it's really like. Behind the cheesy grins, the gunge, and the early morning wackiness lurks a darker, more sinister world of backstabbing, booze, and pure hatred! Switching in real time between the live TV show and what is happening behind the scenes, Dead Man in a Box's brand new comedy show is fully improvised, based on audience suggestions. And it promises to be something you've never seen before. Like warm, fuzzy memories of waking up to Phillip Schofield. But with more swearing. And no gophers.

Following their hugely successful ‘World Tour of Europe’ and sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2008, the intrepid Orkestra del Sol are coming to Latitude! Flamboyant, brassy and irresistibly euphoric – the Orkestra’s riotous live shows are fast gaining them notoriety as Scotland’s answer to the celebratory wedding bands of Eastern Europe. Blending the best of brass with the swinging sounds of New Orleans, the rolling rhythms of the Middle East or the bouncing beats of UK ska, they pack a punch and make mincemeat of musical categories.

TICKET INFORMATION
Weekend tickets £150 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £60 plus booking fee. Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping • Days include car parking only.

Credit Card line: 0871 231 0821
Online at: Altsounds • Altsounds.com | Independent Music Journalism • Altsounds

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit Altsounds

altsounds · Comment Posted on: April 26, 2009, 04:20 PM

The pioneering, award-winning Latitude Festival returns to England’s Sunrise Coast for another spectacular year. Taking place on 16th – 19th July, near Suffolk’s stunning seaside town of Southwold, organisers Festival Republic are promising Latitude will be the perfect British summer destination.

OBELISK ARENA
~ White Lies ~ Pretenders ~
~ Flashguns ~ The Chakras ~

The open-air Obelisk Arena has been the stage of some epic performances over the past three years and Latitude 2009 will be no different. Lay out your picnic blanket, bask in the sunshine and get down to some of the best music around.

White Lies are having an incredible year with the release of their debut album ‘To Lose My Life’. It topped the UK Album Chart in the first week of its release making them the first British band to top the charts this year. Following the album’s successes the band has gone on to perform on the Late Show with David Letterman, South by Southwest industry showcase and numerous tours across the world. The band opened the Obelisk Arena at last year’s Latitude Festival and the band will make a triumphant return with a higher billing at this year’s event.

Renowned rock stalwarts Pretenders need little introduction as their blend of punky new wave and pop melodies have meant chart success since their inception in the late seventies. The prolific song-writing talents of Chrissie Hynde has produced such classic hits as ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’, ‘I’ll Stand By You’, ‘Brass In My Pocket’ and ‘Back On The Chain Gang’ plus countless others in a career that now spans over several decades and nine studio albums. Expect their performance on the Obelisk Arena to bring together new material from their recent album ‘Break Up The Concrete’ and past hits for what will be in a very special Friday night set.

Hailing from London and Brighton, Flashguns are a young indie rock band inspired by the likes of Talking Heads and The Cure. Their talents have been quick to catch the eyes and ears of the record industry and after releasing a single on Rough Trade with former Suede guitarist, Bernard Butler on production duties, the band are now working on their eagerly awaited debut EP which is out in June. With a media buzz, much justified, catch these bright young things as they open the Obelisk Arena on Friday afternoon.

Irish upstarts The Chakras will be opening up the Arena on Saturday afternoon. Inspired by the early nineties psychedelic noises offered up by My Bloody Valentine and The Verve, The Chakras have an ethereal sound with soaring melodies and a pounding rhythm section. It’s a winning formula which has garnered critical acclaim. They are currently writing new material for their debut album due out later this year.

These new additions join Obelisk headliners; electronic dance pioneers Pet Shop Boys, iconic disco queen Grace Jones, and the decadent rock noir of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, plus Doves, Editors and Regina Spektor with many more bands, across all music arenas to be announced soon.

Elsewhere, the very best in film, theatre, comedy, literature, poetry, dance, art and cabaret will be pitching up at the fourth edition of Latitude Festival. Mark Lamarr’s God’s Jukebox and LateNightTales will be presenting some fabulous live performances from an eclectic set of bands in the Music & Film Arena; Sadler’s Wells and the Royal Opera House will be showcasing stunning performances on The Waterfront Stage; Royal Shakespeare Company, The Bush, National Theatre, Paines Plough, nabokov plus more will all be coming to the Theatre Arena along with the English Touring Theatre presenting Latitude’s first musical ‘Been So Long’. Also for the first time is the dynamic orchestral brilliance Britten Sinfonia performing in Latitude’s outdoor spaces. The Literary Arena is packed full of top authors including Blake Morrison, Geoff Dyer and Robin Ince’s Book Club as well as workshops from The School Of life; plus stellar poets Andrew Motion, Brian Patten, Jackie Kay and Simon Armitage will be in the Poetry Arena. The Cabaret Arena welcomes Zimbani, Deborah Francis-White , Holly Walsh & Sophie Black, Jessica Delfino, Cardinal Burns and Watson and Oliver plus plenty more exciting performances to announce. With a quite astonishing comedy line-up to be announced and much, much more across all of the arenas, Latitude 2009 is once again a perfect slice of cultural heaven by the sea.

TICKET INFORMATION
Weekend tickets £150 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £60 plus booking fee. Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping • Days include car parking only.

Credit Card line: 0871 231 0821
Online at: Altsounds • Altsounds.com | Independent Music Journalism • Altsounds

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit Altsounds

jack s · Comment Posted on: April 29, 2009, 05:39 PM

16th – 19th July 2009
Henham Park Estate, Southwold, Suffolk

MUSIC ADDITIONS

UNCUT ARENA
~ Squeeze ~ Mew ~ Ladyhawke ~
~ Teitur ~ Music Go Music ~ Hjaltalin ~

SUNRISE ARENA
~ Little Boots ~
~ Band Of Skulls ~ Yes, Giantess ~ Sugar Crisis ~ Dear Reader ~
~ Catherine AD ~ Jonathan Jeremiah ~ Alan Pownall ~ First Aid Kit ~

OBELISK ARENA
~ Sound Of Guns ~

THE LAKE STAGE
~ Golden Silvers ~ Slow Club ~
~ We Have Band ~ Post War Years ~ The XX ~ Pulled Apart By Horses ~
~ Joe Gideon & The Shark ~ Dag For Dag ~ 2 Hot 2 Sweat ~
~ The Late Greats ~

The pioneering, award-winning Latitude Festival returns to England’s Sunrise Coast for another spectacular edition. Taking place on 16th – 19th July, near Suffolk’s stunning seaside town of Southwold, organisers Festival Republic are promising Latitude will be the perfect British summer destination.

UNCUT ARENA

The impressive structure of the tented Uncut Arena houses a line-up of alternative, leftfield music; a hotbed of genre-spanning artists all offering something unique. This year will once again host a myriad of musical musts from the fields of folk, world, experimental, electronica, rock, indie and any other musical style you can think of. It’s all on offer at the Uncut Arena.

Friday evening in the Uncut Arena will be a mass of nostalgic glee as legendary New Wave quintet Squeeze treat Latitude to their wealth of classic tracks. ‘Cool For Cats’, ‘Up The Junction’ and ‘Tempted’ are just some of the musical gems that Glen Tilbrook and Chris Difford’s prolific writing partnership has produced in a career spanning 30 years. After a decade of only tours and festival slots, the band are currently working on brand new material so expect a mixture of both old and new in a set which is sure to be one of the weekend’s highlights.

Danish alternative progressive indie outfit Mew join the Uncut Arena line-up. Their simply bewildering complex arrangements and time changes lead to powerful, beautiful songs that soar with ethereal melodies and enchanting lyrics. They are currently working on their fifth album which is due out later this year, so their set will be a captivating mix of old and new.

Riding high on breakthrough hits ‘My Delirium’ and ‘Paris Is Burning’ released last year, Ladyhawke has been wowing everyone with her catchy brand of nostalgic 80’s electro-pop. Nominated for an NME Award for Best Solo Artist, her work has even caught the attention of Christina Aguilera who has covered ‘Paris…’ for her upcoming album. Her performance at Latitude will be a feel-good synth-tastic dance-along, don’t miss it!

Scandinavian singer songwriter, Teitur writes poetic music. His direct storytelling, subtle humour, and musical minimalism, found on his recent third album ‘The Singer’ creates quiet, beautiful, harsh and contemplative music – loosely described as “a less depressing Nick Drake”. His arrangements and vocals are unique and incomparable and his live performances, where he’s often joined by a full orchestra, will be magical as he kick starts the Uncut Arena on Friday afternoon.

Los Angeles 3-piece Music Go Music evoke the pop sensibilities of ABBA and Electric Light Orchestra with wistful dreamy vocals, Euro beats and cheesy synths. Their fantasy-filled 80’s pop spirit is currently causing a stir in the British music press, and rightly so. This is dance-floor filling stuff that will set Latitude alight. The perfect way to start your Saturday.

Opening up the Uncut Arena on Sunday morning is the orchestral brilliance of Icelandic band Hjaltalin. Crafting beautifully written songs this band have come out of nowhere and made a huge impression. Endearing pop melodies that are fresh, bright and breezy this collective from Reykjavik are destined for great things.

SUNRISE ARENA

Take a stroll through Latitude’s fairytale woods with art exhibited within the trees and dappled sunlight shining through the leaves and you will stumble across the most exquisite space of all; the Sunrise Arena, home to tomorrow’s biggest stars. With a full schedule still to be announced, this cosy and cherished arena is the place to find the most exciting new talent. Discover the next big thing at Latitude’s stunning Sunrise Arena.

Synth-pop queen Little Boots will be headlining the Sunrise Arena on Friday night. Winner of the BBC New Sounds of 2009, Little Boots, a.k.a Victoria Hesketh brings together her love of David Bowie, Kylie and Gary Numan to create space-y disco pop. Her live shows are infectious and she dances about the stage, accompanied only by a Japanese gadget called the Tenori-on, a flashing music box that she plays which has now become her trademark instrument.

London three-piece Band Of Skulls are currently riding high on the digital successes of recent single 'I Know What I Am' - a catchy, pounding bass-driven rock gem. Their bluesy rock 'n' roll, reminiscent of White Stripes set apart with perfectly layered interchanging lead singers makes this outfit an exciting addition to the Uncut Arena.

Boston pop giants Yes, Giantess are the next great hopes for electronic pop. Having won over their home country they are on their way over here to unleash some of the biggest pop jams you'll hear all year. Debut single ‘Tuff 'n Stuff’ is a slice of spiralling synths, infectious hooks and uplifting pop choruses which is destined to set the summer alight.

Glasgow-based electro duo Sugar Crisis join the Sunrise Arena line-up. With catchy, dance-floor fillers their infectious hooks are guaranteed to get the crowd bopping and grooving to their enthusiastic fun-filled synth-pop.

Dear Reader hail from South Africa but their beautiful brand of acoustic folk is making waves worldwide. Signed to famed indie label City Slang, their debut album ‘Replace Why With Funny’ is due out in May and is already generating quite a buzz.

Catherine A.D. is a London multi- instrumentalist, song writer and ‘professional malcontent’. Her inspirational style of music and her particularly dramatic voice make an interesting combination, described by NME as: “If Kate Bush died and went to hell, she might sound like London gothic folk chanteuse Catherine Anne Davies…kooky and spooky and very good."

London born singer-songwriter Jonathan Jeremiah’s music is a warm combination of acoustic guitars and orchestration influenced by the likes of James Taylor and Cat Stevens. After recording his debut album ‘Fool In Love’, Jonathan is gracing the Sunrise Stage on Friday with a wonderful blend of folk, soul and blues.

The beautiful lo-fi vocal stylings of singer songwriter Alan Pownall is coming to Latitude. His original voice and intriguing lyrics have won him support and praise from the likes of Adele who took him on tour with her and will no doubt lead him to mainstream successes when he releases his debut album later this year. Catch him play an intimate set at the Sunrise Arena while you can.

Although only 16 and 19 years-old, Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg, aka First Aid Kit infuse the riches of Fleet Foxes, Devendra Banhart, Bright Eyes, Joanna Newsom and Leonard Cohen; pure music that speaks of bygone times and old souls. The emphasis is on narrative lyrics accompanying playful melodies with intense, dense harmonies. With their highly anticipated debut album due out later this year catch this incredible talent on the intimate Sunrise Arena before they hit the mainstream.

OBELISK ARENA

The open-air Obelisk Arena has been the stage of some epic performances over the past three years and Latitude 2009 will be no different. Lay out your picnic blanket, bask in the sunshine and get down to some of the best music around.

Epic lush guitars and driving drums, Liverpool’s Sound Of Guns are an immense rock band in the making. They exude a swagger and presence with anthemic choruses and unashamed rousing guitar riffs; an ambitious band with a big sound, catch their main stage appearance before they really go off!

THE LAKE STAGE PRESENTS
BBC Introducing...
curated by Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens

With the shimmering lake as a stunning backdrop The Lake Stage is an open air hub of rising stars handpicked by Radio 1 DJ and new music aficionado, Huw Stephens. A place for discovery and recognition The Lake Stage brings you the freshest new acts before they even register on the radar of the music press. It is a place for up-and-coming creativity from across the musical spectrum to be unearthed and given a chance to shine. Come witness the next generation emerge at Latitude’s wonderful Lake Stage.

Headlining Friday night are North London trio Golden Silvers. Uplifting Beach Boys-esque harmonies and delightful 80’s imbued melodies make this sunny retro fun. But don’t be fooled by the feel-good qualities, there’s an edge. Often dark lyrics and sad subject matters lie menacingly under that glistening pure-pop making it all the more interesting and enticing.

Headlining Sunday evening, Sheffield’s boy-girl duo Slow Club bring their impossibly sweet and honest mix of folk melodies with the occasional upbeat roll of rockabilly to the Sunrise Arena. With percussionist Rebecca jumping and skipping about the stage playing drums, water-filled bottle and the spoons whilst Charles plays guitars and lets his voice soar, their live sets are really something to behold.

Disco-rock trio We Have Band have been causing quite a stir with their pop/dance/electro stylings, reminiscent of 80’s synth legends such as Human League, Depeche Mode and even Kraftwerk. Not to be restricted by just one genre of music, their ability to also write anthemic guitar-led songs with piano hints at something rather epic to come.

Four-piece Post War Years have built up a reputation for ferocious live performances after supporting the likes of Lethal Bizzle, MGMT and Does It Offend You, Yeah? Their clever bleeps and synth-lines, arch time signatures and edgy drums tie together to make unique catchy pop that will win over any one lucky enough to catch them live at Latitude.

The XX will be bringing their hazy dreamy new wave pop to the Lake Stage. Debut single ‘Crystalised’ and a fantastically soulful cover of Womack and Womack’s ‘Teardrops’ have meant all eyes are on this South London four-piece, and rightly so.

Shouty rock with filthy riffs, Leeds quartet Pulled Apart By Horses are a raw manic breed creating a real buzz in the underground scene. Their live shows are frenetic experiences; their ear-bending post-hardcore is played with real passion and energy leaving audiences all over the country gasping for more.

Brother and sister duo, Joe Gideon & The Shark offer dark, ragged blues with chugging riffs and an enigmatic atmosphere. Formerly members of Bikini Atoll, in their short two years history they have already played with The Duke Spirit, Seasick Steve and our Latitude headliners Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Their oddball surrealist music, so different to current trends, will be shining brightly on the Lake Stage on the Saturday afternoon.

Born in Southern California but now residing in Stockholm, brother and sister act Dag For Dag present nomadic melancholy, wistful echoed vocals and layers of distorted guitar. Their dreamy soundscapes will soar high into the sky at Latitude, so lay back in front of the Lake Stage and set adrift.

2 Hot 2 Sweat describe themselves as ‘Wonky Electro Pop Garage Rock Shouty Weirdness’; which neatly sums the London duo Matt Leuw and Mia Lane up nicely. It’s a combination that has wowed the industry and their peers alike, bagging radio sessions and supporting Rolo Tomassi, The Brownies and Golden Silvers to mention a few. Catch them on Saturday afternoon.

With a name like The Late Greats, this four-piece from Eastbourne have a lot to live up to. Luckily their hook laden, fuzzed lo-fi post-rock tunes are charming, catchy and accomplished nuggets of music sure to set the Lake Stage alight when they play on Friday afternoon.

Elsewhere, the very best in film, theatre, comedy, literature, poetry, dance, art and cabaret will be pitching up at the fourth edition of Latitude Festival. Top theatre productions presented by The Bush, Royal Shakespeare Company, nabakov, and National Theatre to name but a few will be running all weekend in the Theatre Arena. The stunning Waterfront Stage will host fantastic dance performances from Sadler’s Wells and Royal Opera House as well as the dynamic orchestral brilliance Britten Sinfonia and The Irrepressibles. The Comedy Arena has another stellar line-up of comic genius including Ed Byrne, Mark Thomas, Adam Hills and Sean Lock. The Literary Arena plays host to some incredible authors including Julie Myerson, Tibor Fischer, Afternoon Tea with Stuart Maconie with some special guests and of course Robin Ince’s Book Club; and the Poetry Arena will house yet more breathtaking performances from some of the top poets around: Jackie Kay, Simon Armitage, Andrew Motion, Luke Wright and Jeffrey Lewis. Jeffery Lewis is also in the Film & Music Arena along with Mark Lamarr’s God’s Jukebox and LateNightTales who are presenting some fabulous live performances from an eclectic set of bands. The Cabaret Arena welcomes Zimbani, Deborah Frances-White, Holly Walsh & Sophie Black, Jessica Delfino, Cardinal Burns and Watson and Oliver plus plenty more exciting performances to announce. Latitude Festival is the perfect cultural slice of heaven by the sea.

TICKET INFORMATION

Weekend tickets £150 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £60 plus booking fee.
Weekend ticket prices include car parking and camping • Days include car parking only.

Credit Card line: 0871 231 0821
Online: Altsounds • Altsounds.com | Independent Music Journalism • Altsounds

jack s · Comment Posted on: May 8, 2009, 01:52 PM

Latitude additions - Jo Brand, Dave Gorman, Janeane Garofalo and more!

7th May 2009

ARTS ADDITIONS

COMEDY ARENA
~ Jo Brand ~
~ Dave Gorman ~ Tim Vine ~ Janeane Garofalo
~ Stephen K Amos ~
~ Phil Nicol ~ Charlie Baker ~ Miles Jupp ~ Matt Kirshen ~ Seann Walsh ~

LITERARY ARENA
~ Jeremy Hardy ~ Jonathan Coe ~ Kate Williams ~ Keith Allen
~ Rupert Thomson ~ Brian Chikwava ~ Emmanuel Jal ~
~ Bernie Katz ~

CABARET ARENA
~ Lenny Beige ~ Kirsten O'Brien ~ Bourgeois And Maurice ~
~ Tommy And The Weeks ~ Wanderlust ~ Helix Dance ~

THEATRE ARENA
~ Say Hi To The Rivers And The Mountains ~
(written by Jonathan Coe and The High-Llamas)

The pioneering, award-winning Latitude Festival returns to England’s Sunrise Coast for another spectacular year. Taking place on 16th – 19th July, near Suffolk’s stunning seaside town of Southwold, organisers Festival Republic are promising Latitude will be the perfect British summer destination.

Now in its fourth edition Latitude continues to inspire and innovate offering the very best from the worlds of music, film, comedy, theatre, cabaret, dance, poetry, literature and art. With stunning individual performance spaces dedicated to each of the arts, the arenas are treasure troves of talent, with open doors and inviting atmospheres. Sit back and be entertained by over 700 performers or participate and learn a new skill in the many workshops on offer, there are new experiences round every corner. Latitude encourages you to open your mind, embrace the unknown and try everything; a fun-filled, cultural adventure by the sea; the ideal weekend away.

COMEDY ARENA

Welcome to one of the biggest and best comedy festival in Britain positioned on the hill overlooking the luscious landscape of the Latitude site. The Comedy Arena is one of the biggest draws of the weekend; bursting at the seams as everyone sits back and enjoys the stellar stand up performances from the cream of the comedy circuit. A programme of the biggest names and the newest rising talent will ensure continuous laughter throughout the weekend.

Britain’s best female comic Jo Brand is the latest addition to the all-star Comedy line-up at Latitude Festival. Brand rose to fame in the ‘80s pioneering the burgeoning alternative comedy movement. Her stand-up routines, delivered in her distinctive monotone drawl, poked fun at her weight and men, a self-deprecating style with radical feminist tendencies. Although her humour has slightly softened her explicit over-sharing honesty is still her trademark and has helped earn her the inclusion in the Observer’s 50 funniest acts in Britain and a must-see contestant in everything Comic Relief throws at her. She has been a guest on Have I Got News For You, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and is a regular on the fantastic panel show QI; as well as hosting her own TV programmes including ‘Jo Brand’s Commercial Breakdown’.

Film-maker, presenter, writer and of course stand-up comic, Dave Gorman joins the comedy line-up. Famed for his award-winning previous shows, ‘Are You Dave Gorman?’, ‘Googlewhack Adventures’ and ‘America Unchained’, he has just finished a stint on TV with his brilliant ‘Genius’ show which was transferred from BBC Radio earlier this year. But it’s a return to the more traditional stand-up routine that will keep Gorman busy this summer and through to next year. After showcasing his new routine at Latitude he will then begin the first part of his tour travelling to and from each gig around the country on his bike taking in 32 venues.

Once the world record holder for most jokes told in an hour (499) Tim Vine is a master at word-play, puns and quick-fire one-liners. He has performed many times at the Edinburgh Festival as well as his own shows such as ‘Tim Vine – Live In Concrete’ at Shepherd’s Bush Empire and appeared regularly on TV including BAFTA winning The Sketch Show, Mastermind, Countdown, Spelling Bee and Comic Relief Does Fame Academy.

Hollywood film and TV star, political activist, writer and stand-up comic Janeane Garofalo is bringing her observational wit, fire and passion to the Comedy line-up. Her strong, left-wing, atheist beliefs have led her to take part in many marches, debate shows and co-host The Majority Report on Air America Radio Network. Famed not only for her film and screen roles in Reality Bites, The Truth About Cats and Dogs, 24, The Larry Sanders Show (for which she won two Emmys) to name but a few – Garofalo first started out as a stand-up comic emerging in the late 80’s - early 90’s alternative comedy scene in L.A. A rare and wonderful outing for this phenomenal comic before her London show in September.

British stand-up comic and comedy circuit favourite, Stephen K. Amos will be coming to Latitude. He has performed at Edinburgh Festival every year since 2003 and has also appeared on Live At The Apollo and the 2007 Royal Variety Performance as well as TV shows Mock The Week, The Wright Stuff and Have I Got News For You. His amiable style has earned him a Time Out Award for Comedy in 2004 and a Chortle Award for Best Compere three times, in 2004, 2007, 2008.

Canadian comic, singer-songwriter and actor Phil Nicol was first known as the guitar playing member of top musical comedy trio 'Corky and The Juice Pigs'. Phil's solo performances have earned him huge critical acclaim and many awards. He is a Tasmanian devil with a guitar, wickedly funny songs and superb improvisational skills that will be showcased in a string of dates in Edinburgh and at the London Comedy Store before he joins the Comedy Arena at Latitude.

Having been in the entertainment industry since a young age, Charlie Baker's experience shines through with his energetic and irrepressible show. This versatile star, with enthusiastic audience banter and interaction, plus a hidden wealth of musical talent as an accomplished, highly acclaimed Jazz singer and musician (solo, and with The Charlie Baker Band) is set to rise fast.

Kids may know him as Archie the Inventor in Balamory but Miles Jupp is also an award winning funnyman with live performances and appearances on Paramount Comedy TV’s ‘The World Stands Up’. He won two new act competitions in 2001 – Channel 4’s ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ and the Leicester Festival of The Year Award and in 2003 he was nominated for the Perrier Best Newcomer for his show ‘Gentlemen Prefer Brogues’.

Youthful and witty, Matt Kirshen is best known for his appearance as one of the top 10 finalists on the NBC talent show ‘Last Comic Standing’ and for his hilarious breakthrough Channel 4 show ‘RudeTube’ - a six-part guide to the wonderful world of the web. But it’s the perfectly timed gags and sarcastic sense of humour that is his winning formula.

Brighton-based newcomer Seann Walsh is already building up a strong profile after being proclaimed Winner of the Leicester Comedy Festival in 2009 and runner-up in the ‘So You Think You're Funny?’ New Act Competition in 2008. Walsh has the special talent of delivering punchy fresh humour with a natural and appealing charm prompting Time Out to declare: “Walsh is this generation's Dylan Moran, with the looks, gags and charm to become something quite special.”

These additions join an incredible comedy line-up that includes Ed Byrne, Mark Thomas, Adam Hills, Sean Lock, The Early Edition hosted by Marcus Brigstocke, Sean Hughes, Andrew Lawrence, Rufus Hound, Jon Richardson, Russell Kane, Shappi Khorsandi and Jessica Delfino ~ plus many, many more.

LITERARY ARENA

Latitude celebrates the art of the written word and all its many splendid facets at Suffolk’s now legendary library by the sea. Like all good books, the Literary Arena will transport you to the far reaches of your imagination guided by the storytelling talents of the very best authors and special guests scheduled for the weekend. Discussions, Q&As, stories and comic genius are the order of the day for these book readings with a difference. Immerse yourself in Latitude’s literary world and learn, explore, laugh and discover at the literary event of the summer.

Comic, writer and political activist Jeremy Hardy is one of Britain’s most well-established ‘alternative’ stand-ups, unafraid to mix his socialist politics into his act. Although best known as a regular on Radio 4 panel games such as The News Quiz, I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue and Just A Minute, Hardy was also a regular columnist for Guardian and has written two books, ‘Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation’ based on his Radio 4 series of the same name and ‘When Did You Last See Your Father.’ He was nominated for the Perrier Award in 1987, and won it the following year, and has appeared at Montreal’s Just For Laughs festival as well as numerous tours of the UK and Ireland.

British novelist and writer Jonathan Coe brings his acclaimed satirical work to Latitude. His award-winning novels include: ‘What a Carve Up!’ which reworks the plot of an old 1960s spoof horror film of the same name and is a caustic satire of British life in the 1980s, and won the Mail on Sunday/John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and the French Prix du Meilleur Livre Étranger (France). The Dwarves of Death (1990), a cult murder story filmed as Five Seconds to Spare in 1999 and The House of Sleep (1997), which won the Writers' Guild Award (Best Fiction) and the Prix Médicis Etranger (France) and recounts the adventures of a group of former university students. His work usually has an underlying preoccupation with political issues, although his serious side is always served with a clever wit and comedy. Coe has also written the narrative piece ‘Say Hi To The Rivers And The Mountains’ with rock innovators, The High Llamas, which will be shown in the Theatre Arena.

Kate Williams has brought the past to life with her fantastic historical novels ‘Becoming Queen’ (2007), about the passionate youth of Queen Victoria and Princess Charlotte, the Queen who never was, and ‘England's Mistress: the Infamous Life of Emma Hamilton’ (2006). Her first book was 'Book of the Week' on Radio 4, shortlisted for the Marsh/ English Speaking Union Biography Prize, and a ‘Book of the Year’ in the Times and Independent. But it was the BBC2 Timewatch special programme based on ‘Becoming Queen’ called ‘Young Victoria’ that had 2.2million captivated.

Comedian, musician, artist, author and actor Keith Allen will be performing his forthcoming spoken-word album, the vividly cinematic and thought-provoking ‘2 Pikeys On A Mini Cruise’ that he worked on together with musician and producer Pablo Cook. A powerful, passionate journey through reggae, funk, folk, disco, rock n roll and so much more.

Described as a ‘twisted British fabulist’ by the San Francisco Chronicle, Rupert Thomson published his first, critically acclaimed novel ‘Dreams of Leaving’ in the late 80s and has since published seven more novels including the award nominated ‘Air and Fire’, ‘The Insult’ and ‘Death of a Murderer’. Thomson’s style is hard to define as his novels’ subjects range from the gap between reality and perception to the male masochism.

Currently living in South London but originally from Zimbabwe, Brian Chikwava is part of a new generation of African writers and activists. The eclecticism of his work ranges from poetry, public discussions and music performances. His short story, ‘Seventh Street Alchemy’, was awarded the Caine Prize for African Writing in 2004 but it is his first novel, ‘Harare North’ - a witty and suggestive but yet effortlessly dark comedy set in Brixton – which he will be bringing to Latitude.

Sudanese former child soldier Emmanuel Jal has received worldwide acclaim for his African-style of hip hop spreading half-spoken, half-chanted messages of peace and reconciliation. His political lyrics have lead him to perform at the United Nations in New York as well as Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday concert last year. But it’s his autobiography: ‘War Child: A Boy Soldier’s Story’ that will hold the Literary Arena captivated and move the crowd to tears.

The son of a gangster who was shot dead in front of his eyes when he was young, Bernie Katz has a very different story from most novelists. Katz considers himself a night owl who made the glitz, glamour, dirt and sleaze of Soho his life. After a job as front-of-house for the media’s favourite Groucho Club for over 15 years, Katz put pen to paper in a gripping tell-all, dish-the-dirt, book called ‘Soho Society’ about rent boys, film executives, drug addicts and other debauched Soho misbehaviour.

The Literary Arena already boasts a fantastic line-up including: The School Of Life, Robin Ince’s Book Club, Blake Morrison, Geoff Dyer and Tibor Fischer.

CABARET ARENA

If you want to experience something entirely different then seek out Latitude’s quirky den of mischief and mayhem; the Cabaret Arena. Inside you will witness comedy sketch shows, burlesque, freak shows, drag queens, sing-a-longs, illusionists and much, much more still to be announced. With Vaudeville fun, sharp, incisive wit, camp entertainment and a good ol’ fashioned knees up, the Cabaret Arena positively encourages you to leave your inhibitions at the door and be game for anything and everything. This surreal bordello of surprises and spectacular stage shows is visually rich, beautiful and bizarre and will tempt and titillate in equal measure.

King of cabaret Lenny Beige, infamous for his London West End club The Regency Rooms which started life in 1995 and sold out every one of its 10 seasons, has became a cult hit with regular appearances on TV chat shows and Channel 5’s ‘Night Fever’. His energetic all-singing, all-dancing comedy extravaganza has won him a legion of fans including Matt Lucas and David Walliams, Sacha Baron Cohen, Armstrong and Miller, Terry Wogan and Chas & Dave!

TV Presenter Kirsten O’Brien brings her bubbly, fun personality to the Cabaret Stage at Latitude this year. Her show Kirsten’s Topless Ambition debated whether she should change her innocent image from BBC children’s Smart! presenter to a more sexy, lads mag’s one in order to become a primetime starlet. She will certainly have a lot to tell about this experience! One not to miss.

Bourgeois & Maurice will share their healing and easy listening powerpop neo-cabaret with us. They will take you on a musical journey through the 21st century pop culture with original songs and dazzling films and frocks you'll just die for! They have rapidly developed a cult following after shows at venues as diverse as Sadler's Wells, the Astoria 2, Vauxhall's legendary Duckie and 93 Feet East and at a Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club performance which was unashamedly littered with in-the-know A-listers including Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom and Rupert Friend.

Regulars on the London Sketch scene and appearances on BBC 3's comedy shuffle, Tommy and the Weeks are Tom Bell and Ed Weeks, papery indie waif and 80s power-suited lothario. Together they produce comedy so good your mind will think it's won a prize. "Few since Spike Milligan have had Weeks and Bell's ability to flip us into unexpected comic universes." The Guardian

In Wanderlust, an interactive, theatrical show, the ten foot tall, faux-Bavarian powerhouse, Hilda, administers your dose of beauty and pain. The show bursts with circus, kabaret, projections, masks, a massive skirt, a video marionette, a parachute and two drinkable vodka puppets. In this fairytale story, Hilda (a.k.a. Jessica Weinstein) attains her extraordinary height by obtaining a brew from a witch in the Black Forest. Also featuring the mute Gretel on violin, piano and ukulele,, Hilda delightfully whips you, the audience, along from a storybook Bavaria through an outlandish Eastern Europe to an apocalyptic, booty shaking Jerusalem.

Isobel Cohen founded Helix Dance, a dance-theatre company based in Cambridge in 2005. Since then she has toured her originally choreographed productions both regionally and nationally and for Latitude she will be bringing her understated twist dance sensation 'The Great Escape' to the Cabaret Arena. She has also been selected for an Escalator for the Performing Arts, a pioneering initiative by Arts Council Englan:d East to support young artists in the region. As a dance-maker, Isobel believes in multi-discipline theatre, where dance, music and text play equal roles.

The Cabaret Arena also welcomes Zimbani, Deborah Frances-White, Holly Walsh & Sophie Black, Jessica Delfino, Cardinal Burns and Watson and Oliver plus plenty more exciting performances to announce.

THEATRE ARENA

With the involvement of the country’s leading theatre companies, Latitude has established itself as one of the best theatre festivals in Europe. An auditorium has been specially designed to perfectly present a full schedule of contemporary, physical, classical, performance and local productions bespoke to the festival. Not to be contained within the confines of the stage, theatre can be found around every corner at Latitude, emerging from the woods, performed on the banks of the lake as well as in the Theatre Arena, drawing inspiration from the surroundings. There’s something for everyone so take a chance on an unknown play or watch a critic’s choice at Latitude 2009.

‘Say Hi To The Rivers And The Mountains’ is a new show written by best-selling novelist Jonathan Coe and indie-pop innovators The High Llamas. Set on a brutalist 1960s housing estate, the story touches upon themes of community, adolescent love, growing old and above all, the inexorable rise of consumerism. The High Llamas will play live on stage, providing a continuous soundtrack as the story unfolds. Combining Brian Wilson-inspired pop symphonics, Tropicalia, German electronica and Italian soundtrack music, they are responsible for a series of acclaimed albums from their debut ‘Gideon Gaye’ through to the now-classic ‘Hawaii’, ‘Snowbug’ and most recently ‘Can Cladders’. Led by Sean O’Hagan, he is one of the most significant Irish musicians to emerge from the post-punk period and has since gone on to develop a major career with The High Llamas (with Marcus Holdaway, Jon Fell, Rob Allum, Dominic Murcott, Pete Aves) and has collaborated with some of the leading artists spanning the progressive music scene.

Elsewhere, the very best in film, theatre, comedy, literature, poetry, dance, art and cabaret will be pitching up at the fourth edition of Latitude Festival. Pet Shop Boys, Grace Jones and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds will be headlining the Obelisk Arena plus Doves, Editors, Magazine, Gossip, Pretenders, Spiritualized, Ladyhawke, Little Boots and Bat For Lashes are also confirmed to play the music stages. Top theatre productions presented by The Bush, Royal Shakespeare Company, nabokov, and National Theatre to name but a few will be running all weekend in the Theatre Arena. The stunning Waterfront Stage will host fantastic dance performances from Sadler’s Wells and Royal Opera House as well as the dynamic orchestral brilliance that is Britten Sinfonia and The Irrepressibles. The Literary Arena plays host to some incredible authors including Mark Steel, Tibor Fischer, Afternoon Tea with Stuart Maconie with special guests and of course Robin Ince’s Book Club; and the Poetry Arena will house yet more breathtaking performances from some of the top poets around: Jackie Kay, Simon Armitage, Andrew Motion, Luke Wright and Jeffrey Lewis. Jeffery Lewis is also in the Film & Music Arena along with Mark Lamarr’s God’s Jukebox and LateNightTales who will be presenting some fabulous live performances from an eclectic set of bands. The Cabaret Arena welcomes Zimbani, Deborah Frances-White, Holly Walsh & Sophie Black, Jessica Delfino, Cardinal Burns and Watson and Oliver plus plenty more exciting performances to announce. Latitude Festival is the perfect cultural slice of heaven by the sea.

TICKET INFORMATION

Weekend tickets £150 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £60 plus booking fee.
Weekend ticket prices include car parking and camping • Days include car parking only.

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jack s · Comment Posted on: May 12, 2009, 05:12 PM

16th – 19th July 2009
Henham Park Estate, Southwold, Suffolk

12th May 2009

OBELISK ARENA
~ Patrick Wolf ~ The Airborne Toxic Event ~
~ Lisa Hannigan ~ Amazing Baby ~ Wild Beasts ~

UNCUT ARENA
~ Chairlift ~ The Mummers ~
~ White Belt Yellow Tag ~ The Invisible ~

SUNRISE ARENA
~ !!! ~ Skint And Demoralised ~ 1990s ~ Animal Kingdom ~
~ Black Joe Lewis ~ Fight Like Apes ~
~ Kurran and the Wolfnotes ~ Juliette Commagere ~

THE LAKE STAGE
~ Bombay Bicycle Club ~ Little Comets ~ Casiokids ~
~ Marina and the Diamonds ~ Speech Debelle ~ Chew Lips ~
~ Django Django ~ Bishi ~ The Agitator ~ The Cheek ~ Not Squares ~

FILM & MUSIC ARENA
~ Mark Lamarr presents: T-99, Chas & Dave, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, Prince Fatty ~
~ Birds Eye View presents Salome with Bishi, Zongamin & Neil Kaczor ~
~ Cape Farewell Project ~ Noise Of Art ~
~ Ditto ~ SonVer ~
~ Adam Buxton ~
~ Encounters Film Festival presents Tom Harper & Ivana Mackinnon~
~ Beautiful & The Dammed DJs ~ The Posters Came From The Walls ~

IN THE WOODS
~ The Scaremongers ~

The pioneering, award-winning Latitude Festival returns to England ’s Sunrise Coast for another spectacular year. Taking place on 16th – 19th July, near Suffolk ’s stunning seaside town of Southwold , organisers Festival Republic are promising Latitude will be the perfect British summer destination.

OBELISK ARENA

The open-air Obelisk Arena has been the stage of some epic performances over the past three years and the line up for Latitude 2009 will continue in this success. Lay out your picnic blanket, bask in the sunshine and get down to some of the best music around.
Avant-garde, multi-instrumentalist Patrick Wolf joins the line-up on the Obelisk Arena. Fusing experimental electro, techno and samples with classical romanticism, Wolf has created new dimensions of music. His new album ‘The Bachelor’ is released this year. Originally a political album, it shifted focus to the depression he had felt during touring of his third album ‘The Magic Position’. However just before entering the studio he fell in love and ended up writing enough material for two albums. The second, ‘The Conqueror’, will surface next year. This wondrously quirky talent seem to have no limits and claims that he’s the new Bowie may be justified.
American rock band The Airborne Toxic Event named after a section of the book ‘White Noise’ by Don DeLillo, incorporate moving and often morose string instruments and keyboards alongside anthemic and epic rock standards. Dividing opinion on both sides of the Atlantic this is a band that refuses to bow to industry pressures and instead write music that’s emotive, intense and when played live is incredibly powerful.
Irish singer songwriter, actress and multi-instrumentalist Lisa Hannigan joins the line-up. Her music has led to a wealth of successes, critical praise, airplay and award nominations in her native land and more recently, in America . But her collaborations with singer-songwriter Damien Rice and duet with Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol are starting to increase her popularity and reputation. Her ethereal voice and beautifully arranged folk music is a welcomed addition to the Obelisk Arena.
Hotly tipped Brooklyn band Amazing Baby are currently putting the finishing touches on their debut album, which they are releasing this summer. From the same scene as MGMT, Amazing Baby produce simultaneously epic and anthemic tunes with a richly detailed sound incorporating psych, folk, prog, funk and pop elements.
Wild Beasts, who come from Kendal near the Lake District, live in Leeds but sound like Antony Hegarty fronting a group of musicians from Mars or Noel Coward warbling aphorisms as Vampire Weekend jam in the distance. Their delightful and romantic music following in the footsteps of White Rabbits or Fleet Foxes.

UNCUT ARENA

The impressive structure of the tented Uncut Arena houses a line-up of alternative, leftfield music; a hotbed of genre-spanning artists all offering something unique. This year will once again host a myriad of musical musts from the fields of folk, world, experimental, electronica, rock, indie and any other musical style you can think of. It’s all on offer at the Uncut Arena.
Brooklyn based Chairlift come to Latitude and bring along their melodic evocations of plinky new wave. The electro pop trio have had a huge hit with ‘Bruises’ from their debut album ‘Does You Inspire You’, and this seems to set the path for the future to come. Lyrical complexities combined with exquisite vocals have established a dreamy, irresistible bed of noise to inspire all.
Self-acclaimed day dreamer The Mummers will play the Uncut Arena. Debut album ‘Tale To Tell’ is a record of fairytales, escapism and quirky quixotic atmospheric pop. Delicate single ‘March Of Dawn’ caresses the listener’s imaginations into a world of fantasia and live their exquisitely otherworldly Bjork-esque pop is sure to be a weekend highlight.
White Belt Yellow Tag are a North-east duo with pounding drums, soaring guitars and impressive harmonies. Debut E.P ‘You’re Not Invincible’ is laced with mechanical fuzz-pop with a huge sound that is sure to have spine tingling results on the Uncut Arena. With falsetto tones and smooth samples they are already causing a media buzz with an album still to be released. Catch them at Latitude before they hit the big time.
The Invisible will be bringing their light-filled, groovily insistent electronic soul-pop to the Uncut Arena. Connecting previously considered irreconcilable genres on ‘Thee Uninvited’ their sophisticated fabulous funkality is conjured up by dexterously rhythmic melodies and unusual layers of music achieved with great success. Ones to watch out for over the weekend.

SUNRISE ARENA

Take a stroll through Latitude’s fairytale woods with art exhibited within the trees and dappled sunlight shining through the leaves and you will stumble across the most exquisite space of all; the Sunrise Arena, home to tomorrow’s biggest stars. With a full schedule still to be announced, this cosy and cherished arena is the place to find the most exciting new talent. Discover the next big thing at Latitude’s stunning Sunrise Arena.
!!! will bring their dance-punk to Latitude’s Sunrise Arena. Acclaimed to be one of the most original and awe-inspiring live acts around, !!! are definitely ones to watch as their music incorporates post-punk bass patterns, spaghetti western guitars, African polyrhythms, spaced out disco and vintage Philly soul. It’s all about the funk, the groove, the bit of music that makes you want to move – be prepared to dance.
Skint & Demoralised is a UK lyrics-based, Northern Soul-influenced pop act fronted by Matt Abbot, who began his onstage career as a stand-up performance poet. Forming a song writing partnership with MiNI dOG that would put music to Abbot’s poetry, the duo would finish writing and recording a demo and upload it to the internet. These demos caught the attention of Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens who played them on their radio show and a record deal with Mercury Record soon followed.
Scottish three-piece 1990s were signed to Rough Trade after only six shows and the band’s critically acclaimed debut album ‘Cookie’ caused quite an industry stir. This year saw the band’s return with second album ‘Kicks’, which is another delightful slab of bright sunny indie anthems.
Animal Kingdom’s laid back melodic indie has recently secured them support slots with the incredible Silversun Pickups and Red Light Company. With the band’s debut album out later this year they will be taking their incredible live show to Latitude’s Sunrise Arena and are surely an act not to be missed!
Texan blues outfit Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears are a rich amalgam of primal blues, soul, R&B and funk, a modern-day James Brown. Their album ‘Tell ‘em What Your Name Is!’ establishes Lewis’ deliciously greasy grooves and gritty attitude that the blues demands, and the eight-piece band power home the funk grooves in what will be an incendiary performance.
Dublin four-piece Fight like Apes are causing quite a stir in their homeland winning Meteor Awards for Best Live Band and Best Irish Band. Their spikey paint bomb of electro-punk and synth-laced post-hardcore is delivered in a frenetically unhinged live show that’s as explosive as it is infectious.
One of the most talked about new bands on the scene at the moment, London Kurran and the Wolfnotes have only played a handful of shows, and already their moody Americana-tinged songs are sounding huge. Echoing the likes of Johnny Cash, Elliot Smith, Bright Eyes and Fleetwood Mac this alternative folk band are proving to be a must see this year.
Previously known as the Keytar playing frontwoman of Hello Stranger, the charismatic Juliette Commagere has also played and sang with Avenged Sevenfold and Puscifer. But it’s her solo project – a vividly orchestrated pop-art project – that will be coming to Latitude. Her songs are full of radiant glamour that range from wistful elegies to otherworldly epics.

jack s · Comment Posted on: May 12, 2009, 05:16 PM

THE LAKE STAGE PRESENTS
BBC Introducing...
curated by Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens

With the shimmering lake as a stunning backdrop The Lake Stage is an open air hub of rising stars handpicked by Radio 1 DJ and new music aficionado, Huw Stephens. A place for discovery and recognition The Lake Stage brings you the freshest new acts before they even register on the radar of the music press. It is a place for up-and-coming creativity from across the musical spectrum to be unearthed and given a chance to shine. Come witness the next generation emerge at Latitude’s wonderful Lake Stage .
With their long awaited debut album ‘I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose’ released only a few weeks before the festival, Bombay Bicycle Club are sure to set pulses racing at Latitude’s Sunrise Arena this year. The band won the ‘Road to V’ competition on Channel 4 in 2006 and have been steadily building an army of fans ever since. Make sure you see these titans of the indie scene with their catchy sing-a-long choruses and indie-rock anthems.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne four-piece Little Comets have been wowing audiences around the country with their percussive mix of clanging pans and blues-y indie guitar. Unconventional in every way, they often play gigs in lecture theatres and hang kitchen pots from the rafters, refusing to be pigeon-holed. Expect something very special from this fast rising band.
Old analogue and trashy keyboards, pop melodies and a digital shadow puppet theatre make up the Norwegian electro-troupe that is Casiokids. Often sung in their native language and influenced by afro-beat, techno and out-and-out pop the music draws similarities and takes inspiration from Paul Simon's ‘ Graceland ’, Ivor Cutler, New Order, Cornelius and Fela Kuti.
Feisty, eccentric and theatrical Marina and the Diamonds is a classy act veering between simple keyboards-based ballads and catchy, quirky new wave, with hollering whooping vocals. Her off-kilter pop is reminiscent of Kate Nash, Kate Bush and Regina Spektor but this Welsh talent has a sound all of her own.
Taking hip-hop into a new direction Speech Debelle’s warm, youthful rapping style is layered over offbeat folky productions that draw the listener in. Her honest and direct lyrics speak of personal demons and make the music all the more heartfelt. Potent and poignant she is a superstar in the making.
London based dance-pop trio Chew Lips have been together for barely a year but have already scored amazing praise from the UK press with the NME claiming “they've already got the capital in their pockets and have produced one of the most exciting singles of the year”. With the band writing ten songs in their first rehearsal and their debut single ‘Solo’ out now, things seem to be moving rather quickly for Chew Lips so catch them while you can!
Formed at the tail end of last year, duo Django Django join the Lake Stage line-up this year at Latitude. Despite their short time together they’ve written astonishing songs, some of the most exciting, weird and clever pop music you’ll hear this year.
The world’s most sensational singer/sitar player Bishi is confirmed for the Lake Stage . Solo artist and multi instrumentalist Bishi blends traditional, ethnic musical qualities with upbeat, electronic beats. Unique and definitely one to catch over the Latitude weekend.
The Agitator are a duo who are all about no holds barred music; direct, visceral, uplifting and loud. Stripped back music, with no gimmicks, just a powerful voice and driving beat, they are generating a buzz worthy of their stunning live performances.
The Cheeks, formally Cheeky Cheeky And The Nosebleeds may have shortened their name but lost nothing in their sound or style. Their brand of energetic, hook-heavy pop rock is still as catchy as ever but with a moodier and sleeker tone.
Belfast four-piece Not Squares bring visceral, jagged kraut-punk and repackage them with obtuse, leftfield ideas and make songs you can dance to. Two bassists, four vocals a mix of exciting squawks and yelps creating intriguing disco, thrash to jump around to.

FILM & MUSIC ARENA

Uniting alternative worlds of cinematic wonder, musical splendour and visual brilliance, the Film & Music Arena is an exhilarating and intoxicating centre of creativity. Over the festival weekend the Arena will play host to screenings of award winning films, documentaries and shorts with Q&A sessions plus discussions with acclaimed directors and writers. These will be interspersed with musical treats and stunning, transfixing visuals combining together to create a seductive, sensory playground for all ages.
Radio DJ, presenter and all-round music connoisseur Mark Lamarr will be presenting his legendary God’s Jukebox.“My dream list of Gods Jukeboxes favourite live bands is a joy to compile each year when the Latitude folks come a calling and it's with the usual light heart that I can announce that this year’s line up is as strong, and definitely more diverse, than ever before. Obviously my dream list is slightly tempered by the fact that Sam Cooke and Howlin’ Wolf are still dead, Aretha don't fly and Tom Waits doesn't do tents. Those four notwithstanding, the delights of Holland’s alternative bluesmasters T-99 (the greatest gig I saw last year) are on offer alongside Denmark’s soon to be enormous Asteroids Galaxy Tour (their ‘Sun Ain't Shining No More' single gave indie a good name last year). For the traditionalists we have the original line up of The Flirtations whose 1969 album ‘Sound Like The Flirtations’ is perhaps the highlight of British Soul, even if they are American. Back when I did the Reggae Show on Radio 2, I'd often give over an entire hour show to a specifically worthy artist, and THREE of those artists appear in the line up of the wonderful Prince Fatty Revue (Winston Francis, Dennis Alcapone and Little Roy if you're interested. And you should be.) Finally a late night knees-up courtesy of not only Chas but also Dave (and Mick). Due to a Bill Bailey joke a lot of people assume Dave is dead. Not true, he just doesn't move much.”
Birds Eye View will be presenting 1920s Vamp film Salome, based on the Oscar Wilde play and starring Russian lesbian Hollywood icon Alla Nazimova. The fabulous and award-winning Bishi will perform live, collaborating with Japanese indie artist Zongamin and composer, sound artist and performer Neil Kaczor. Birds Eye View celebrates and supports international women filmmakers through its annual festival and year-round development projects.
Latitude is not only committed to minimising its own impact on the environment, but to increasing awareness about the impacts of our collective lifestyle on the world at large. Sharing this commitment and outlook, Cape Farewell brings to the festival an exciting group of artists and their climate-focused work. Created by artist David Buckland, Cape Farewell pioneers a cultural response to climate change, bringing together leading artists, writers and scientists on expeditions to the wild, yet fragile High Arctic. Together they have mapped, measured and been inspired by this rapidly changing environment and have returned with stories and artworks communicating on a human scale the impacts of climate change. In the Film & Music Arena, Cape Farewell and David Buckland host live performances from Shlomo, Marcus Brigstocke and a Q&A with very special guest.
Noise Of Art celebrates the convergence of musical and visual disciplines brought about by the digital age. The mix will include electronic music, silent films, DJ’s Severino and Serge Santiago (Horse Meat Disco), Ben Osborne, interactive artworks and Piccadilly Nites - whatever the source material; Noise of Art will delight in splicing it up. The concept is ‘Vampires’ so expect a dark and eventful night.
ditto is a collaborative approach to film, music and performance bringing artists, audience and the public closer together. ditto stretches the experience of events – working in advance of the performance with on-line collaboration, blogs, viral communication and social networking culminating in a one-time live experience. ditto are inviting the Latitude audience to contribute short films, music, photography and writing based on the themes of Enchantment & Disenchantment. The best entries will be included in their performance in the Film & Music Arena.
SonVer are a London based instrumental band, formed in 2004, featuring electric cello, guitars, and percussion. SonVer's music draws on diverse influences from across the globe to create the group's unique blend of ethereal and emotive ambience, other-worldly soundscapes and contemporary, uplifting sonic walls; the result of which has seen SonVer build a loyal fanbase in the UK and abroad. SonVer present ‘The Alchemy of Man’, an audio-visual collaboration between the musicians and seven independent filmmakers exploring alchemical transformation. Their performance in the Film & Music Arena is performed to specially created films, and includes tracks from their 2008 album ‘Luz del Abyss’.
Launched in April 2007 at the BFI Southbank in London , BUG is about giving big screen exposure to the most awe-inspiring, innovative and downright brilliant music videos being made around the globe today. Hosted by Adam Buxton (of Adam & Joe fame) – comedian, writer, actor, and music video director himself – the events have become an essential forum for aspiring film-makers and fans of music video alike. BUG is about new creativity, new talent, and the new democracy of filmmaking that means a great little film can be made by a 17 year old with a stills camera, or by Michel Gondry. This special edition of BUG at Latitude 2009 promises more brilliant clips rarely seen on a big screen (or even a TV screen) and some incredible online discoveries – with insightful and hilarious contributions from Adam.
Encounters Short Film Festival is an annual short film festival based in Bristol and is billed as one of the most important festivals for short film and new film talent in the UK and Europe . Last year their Best of British prize went to Bristol based filmmaker Esther May Campbell who then went on to win a BAFTA for her film September. At Latitude, Encounters will be presenting a discussion between filmmaker and producer. Award winning short filmmaker Tom Harper has recently travelled a journey few short filmmakers ever travel and has completed directing his first feature film, developed by FilmFour, The Scouting Book for Boys (starring Thomas Turgoose - This Is England/Somers Town). Harper with producer Ivana Mackinnon (Slumdog Millionnaire, Eden Lake) will discuss the journey a short filmmaker goes through to become a feature filmmaker. There’ll be extracts from his award winning short films and a sneak preview of The Scouting Book for Boys trailer due out in the autumn.
DJs Miss Red and Dickon Edwards present The Beautiful and Damned, the timelessly stylish dress-up night. Armed with silent movies to light up the dance floor, these aloof flaneurs concoct a riotously toe-tapping mix of the vintage and the pastiche. Expect lashings of the Charleston , Sinatra (Frank & Nancy), Peggy Lee, Doris Day, Gilbert & Sullivan, showstoppers from Bugsy Malone, Cabaret & Chicago, and easy listening for difficult children.
The film, The Posters Came From The Walls, documents stories of faith and devotion, a fascinating and inspired study of Depeche Mode fans from around the world. In Russia and countries of the former Soviet Union, the band’s music has been treasured since it was only available on illegal bootlegged cassettes in the 1980s, fans in Tehran take huge risks in listening to their music in a country that has banned all Western music since the Cultural Revolution and closer to home, in Cambridge, the church of St Edward King and Martyr holds services where they play Depeche Mode records. Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller and collaborator Nicholas Abrahams tell these and other stories of faith and devotion from around the world in this fascinating and inspired documentary about fandom, which is at turns bizarre, funny, sad and often touching.

IN THE WOODS

The enchanted woods of Henham Park also have something to offer as art decorates the trees and fairy lights hang from the branches. Exploring the lush foliage and following where curiosity takes you, you will chance upon new experiences, little surprises and terrific treats at every turn. The small and hidden stage will host surreal and intimate performances during the day and music to dance the night away after dark – it’s almost a woodland festival of its own.

Huddersfield based band, The Scaremongers, have just released their long-awaited debut album ‘Born In A Barn’. Never ones to be rushed, the songs were written by non-poet laureate vocalist/lyricist Simon Armitage and multi-tasking guitarist Craig Smith over a period of twenty years. The seven piece snowshaker-pop-rock band performed their first ever gig on the BBCs Culture Show in 2008, and follow it up with their Small But Perfectly Formed Tour of 2009, including Latitude Festival.

Elsewhere, the very best in film, theatre, comedy, literature, poetry, dance, art and cabaret will be pitching up at the fourth edition of Latitude Festival. LateNightTales will be presenting some fabulous live performances from an eclectic set of bands in the Film & Music Arena; Sadler’s Wells and the Royal Opera House will be showcasing stunning performances on The Waterfront Stage; Royal Shakespeare Company, The Bush, National Theatre, Paines Plough, nabokov plus more will all be coming to the Theatre Arena along with the English Touring Theatre presenting Latitude’s first musical ‘Been So Long’. Also for the first time is the dynamic orchestral brilliance Britten Sinfonia performing in Latitude’s outdoor spaces. The Literary Arena is packed full of top authors including Blake Morrison, Geoff Dyer and Robin Ince’s Book Club as well as workshops from The School Of life; plus stellar poets Andrew Motion, Brian Patten, Jackie Kay and Simon Armitage will be in the Poetry Arena. The Cabaret Arena welcomes Zimbani, Deborah Francis-White, Jessica Delfino, Cardinal Burns and Watson and Oliver plus plenty more exciting performances to announce. With a quite astonishing comedy line-up to be announced and much, much more across all of the arenas, Latitude 2009 is once again a perfect slice of cultural heaven by the sea.

jack s · Comment Posted on: May 16, 2009, 03:39 PM

16th – 19th July 2009
Henham Park Estate, Southwold, Suffolk

15th May 2009

ARTS ADDITIONS

LITERARY ARENA
~ Vivienne Westwood ~ Sir Peter Blake ~
~ Patrick Neate ~ Hardeep Singh Kohli ~
~ If:book The Future Of The Book ~

IN THE WOODS
~‘Faeries’An ROH2 commission byWill Tuckett ~

FILM & MUSIC ARENA
~ Molly Nyman & Harry Escott ~

CABARET ARENA
~ Ida Barr ~ Miss Behave ~ Jonny Woo ~ Timberlina ~ David Mills ~
~ London Swing Dance Society ~
~ Dusty Limits ~ Kalki Hula Girl ~ Sarah Louise Young ~ Revealing Eve ~
~ Ward & White’s Karaoke Circus ~ Sounds Familiar Music Quiz ~ Musical Bingo ~

POETRY ARENA
~ Daljit Nagra ~ Aidan Moffat ~ Ventriloquist ~
~ Writers’ Centre Norwich – Kei Miller & Roger Robinson ~
~ Nathan Jones and Wave Machines ~

THE WATERFRONT STAGE
~ DanceEast presents Les Moutons ~
~ Riccardo Meneghini ~

OUTDOOR THEATRE
~ La Prima Donna ~

The pioneering, award-winning Latitude Festival returns to England ’s Sunrise Coast for another spectacular year. Taking place on 16th – 19th July, near Suffolk ’s stunning seaside town of Southwold , organisers Festival Republic are promising Latitude will be the perfect British summer destination.

LITERARY ARENA

Latitude celebrates the art of the written word and all of its many splendid facets at Suffolk ’s now legendary library by the sea. Like all good books, the Literary Arena will transport you to the far reaches of your imagination guided by the storytelling talents of the very best authors and special guests scheduled for the weekend. Discussions, Q&As, stories and comic genius are the order of the day for these book readings with a difference. Immerse yourself in Latitude’s literary world and learn, explore, laugh and discover at the best literary event of the summer.

The grande dame of fashion Vivienne Westwood will be reading from her challenging and thought-provoking manifesto 'Active Resistance to Propaganda' in Latitude's Literary Arena. A collection of essays it is full of ideas about art and culture that claims to "...penetrate to the root of the human predicament and offer the underlying solution." It appeals to every human conscious to help cultivate and rescue the environment while we still can, using art and urging people to make changes in their own lives to help change the world. She will be interviewed onstage and there will also be the chance to ask any of those burning questions in a Q&A with the audience.
Sir Peter Blake will be in conversation with Mark Ellen discussing his life and work. Initially, Sir Peter Blake may have been most acclaimed in the general public’s eyes through his design of The Beatles ‘Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band’ album sleeve (1967), but continued to produce art for the Band Aid single in 1984, Paul Weller’s ‘Stanley Road’ album a decade later and the late Ian Dury tribute album in 2001 who was highly influenced by Sir Peter Blake’s work. Sir Peter Blake has taught in numerous establishments and currently lives and works in London .

Patrick Neate is a respected novelist, critic, scriptwriter and poet whose work has been published in most major UK newspapers and magazines, widely anthologised and broadcast on radio and television. The author of four novels and one book of non-fiction, he has received awards for all but one of his offerings. Across his work, recurring themes include the ability to re-envisage common situations from an alternative point of view, to imagine himself in the mindset of a completely different world and to realise the importance of story in establishing one's self identity.
Scottish Indian writer, presenter and comic Hardeep Singh Kohli has been on our TV screens since the RTS nominated Channel 4 documentary ‘In Search Of The Tartan Turban’ which explored cultural identity and ethnicity. Further TV appearances include regular slots on Newsnight, Question Time and reporting on The One Show. He also writes for the Guardian and Independent and in 2008 he released his first book ‘Indian Takeaway: A Very British Story’, combining his love of food with his search for cultural understanding, both British and Indian. “How deep is Hardeep's love of food? As deep as Loch Ness and as unfathomable as India . ‘Indian Takeaway’ is a very funny and beguiling journey.'” Paul Whitehouse
New to Latitude Festival this year, The Literary Salon is a den of discussions and already boasts acclaimed workshops with The School of Life and Guerrilla Science. Explore the potential for new media and the fate of the old with if:Book as Chris Meade hosts a salon discussion on the future of the book in the digital age. Come and tell him what you love and hate about books or the big screen. Imagine the literature of tomorrow – and experience some of it now. Watch presentations of new media literature. Join the debate about where words go next with guests writers and if:book associates, contribute to a unique networked book: Songs of Imagination and Digitisation, inspired by multimedia artist William Blake - and have a chance to win your own Sony Reader.

IN THE WOODS

The enchanted woods of Henham Park also have something to offer as art decorates the trees and fairy lights hang from the branches. Exploring the lush foliage and following where curiosity takes you, you will chance upon new experiences, little surprises and terrific treats at every turn. The small and hidden stage will host surreal and intimate performances during the day and music to dance the night away after dark – it’s almost a woodland festival of its own.
From the exciting stable of performances that the Royal Opera House are bringing to Latitude, an extract from Faeries, an ROH2 commission by Will Tuckett will be played out beneath the branches. This delightful family show uses a combination of puppetry by Blind Summit Theatre, dance and old‑fashioned storytelling to propel its audience into a world of mystery, magic, imps and fairies. Not just for children, adults alike will be enthralled by the beautiful tale of a lost girl set amongst the mysterious and enchanting trees at the festival.

FILM & MUSIC ARENA

Uniting alternative worlds of cinematic wonder, musical splendour and visual brilliance, the Film & Music Arena is an exhilarating and intoxicating centre of creativity. Over the festival weekend the Arena will play host to screenings of award winning films, documentaries and shorts with Q&A sessions plus discussions with acclaimed directors and writers. These will be interspersed with musical treats and stunning, transfixing visuals combining together to create a seductive, sensory playground for all ages.
Famed composers Molly Nyman and Harry Escott will be presenting some of their award-winning music to Latitude audiences. A creative partnership Molly and Harry began working as a team in 2001 and over the past few years they have composed music for a number of award winning and critically acclaimed films. In 2008 they composed the score for Poppy Shakespeare, a BAFTA nominated TV film for Channel 4, and completed the score for the current film ‘Shifty’, for which they received a BIFA (British Independent Film Award) nomination for best score. The film is currently enjoying widespread acclaim since its general release in April 2009.

CABARET ARENA

If you want to experience something entirely different then seek out Latitude’s quirky den of mischief and mayhem; the Cabaret Arena. Inside you will witness comedy sketch shows, burlesque, freak shows, drag queens, sing-a-longs, illusionists and much, much more to be announced. With Vaudeville fun, sharp, incisive wit, camp entertainment and a good ol’ fashioned knees up, the Cabaret Arena positively encourages you to leave your inhibitions at the door and be game for anything and everything. This surreal bordello of surprises and spectacular stage shows is visually rich, beautiful and bizarre and will tempt and titillate in equal measure.

The first and only musical hall singer turned R’n’B rap superstar Ida Barr will be performing at Latitude this year. A hilarious comedy turn, Ida is the people’s pensioner, spitting out rhymes about home-help and flu jabs and covering tracks such as Missy Elliott’s ‘She’s A Bitch’ to name but one. Immerse yourself in the world of ‘the original ragtime girl’ - who rose to fame at the turn of the last century singing ‘A Marrow’s A Banana’s Father’ – in this original, funny and sometimes tragic mash-up drag act. Ida Barr is the creation of Olivier Award-winning character comedian Christopher Green.
Described as a “Betty Boop meets Marlene Dietrich’, Miss Behave, the darling of the underground circuit has been blazing a trail into the mainstream. One of the last surviving female sword-swallowers in the world, her trademark bizarre and quirky acts have become a staple of the Cabaret elite. A cocktail of quick wit, high camp, saucy curves ‘n’ costumes, topped with a tongue as sharp as her blades. Of late she has been splitting her time between starring in the world smash hit ‘La Clique’ as the poster girl and host plus producing and hosting her own ‘Variety Nighty’ shows, which boasts a sell out season at London’s legendary Roundhouse.

Shoulder pads in place and cocktails in hand, watch as the explosive drama and high octane intrigue of 1980s soap opera, DALLAS is re-created in ‘Stark Dallas Naked’. With cult performer and drag actJonny Woo as the still-drunk Sue-Ellen, David Mills as JR who is just asking to get shot and queen of the alternative scene Timberlina as the even more stupid Pam. A cult underground comedy uncovering a dastardly plot to ruin the Ewing Empire.

Fresh from Stark Dallas Naked - Timberlina and David Mills present the sublime and ridiculous in a collision of your favourite Good Morning TV programme on the last night of the Festival. Hear all the bleary-eyed gossip on what's been happening from your hosts with ‘Good Morning, This Evening’, as they talk to impromptu guests from the Cabaret arena (and beyond) as well providing topical notices, weather updates and handy make ‘n’ do tips for Last Night Revellers!...
Latitude will be hosting tea dances in Pandora’s Playground every afternoon with The London Swing Dance Society who will lead you through a selection from the 1920s to the 1960s with wow-studded performances, social dancing and plenty of fun classes for everyone from Charleston , Lindy Hop, Jitterbug to Rock and Roll, Twist and Hand Jive. Led by dance champions Nigel & Nina, the London Swing Dance Society sizzle with all the glamour and fizz of the Jazz Age, and will keep you on the dance floor all afternoon long! Bring your dance shoes and join us for a journey through Jazz!
Dusty Limits is a singer, comedian and drunken raconteur and one of the leading figures on the ‘new cabaret’ scene. He made his European debut in 1999, and since then has graced numerous stages from London to Dublin to Berlin to New York , where he was described by cabaret legend Steve Ross as ‘a superior, singular artist’. He sings everything from Cole Porter to Portishead, from satire to chansons, often with the words changed. He also sings original songs, frequently with macabre and darkly comic themes.
Kalki Hula Girl will titillate and captivate the Latitude audiences with her mind-boggling hula-hooping skills and dance moves. Combining her long-time love of dance, dress ups, and all things carnival, her acts are performance art meets variety meets comedy using punk-rock-attitude and informed circus skills. Hoops have propelled her around the world several times with hypnotising performances with her dazzling jewelled hoops old-time cabaret glamour, pouting, winking, and smiling, she is a saucy French maid, a dazed bar-fly, a raddled night-nurse, a tragic cheerleader – you’ll be mesmerized.

Sarah-Louise Young has been part of the London alternative scene working with the likes of Dusty Limits, Des O’Connor and Nathan Evans for many years and has regularly performed at Volupte, Madame Jo Jo’s, The Pigalle Club and the Soho Revue Bar as well as treading the boards in the West End . She’ll be bringing three cabaret characters who blend comedy, performance art and song including a country ‘n’ western porn star named Sammy Mavis Jr, a forgotten French diva and a talent show reject.

Famed choreographer and performer Charlotte Eatock brings her stunning production 'Revealing Eve' to Latitude’s Cabaret den. ‘Revealing Eve’ is a short solo about the objectification of women. Originally performed at Stratford Circus as part of Small Dances it is accompanied with music by Camper Van Beethoven.

Since its launch in October, this live karaoke night has gone from strength to strength, attracting the starry likes of Phill Jupitus, Ben Miller, Kevin Eldon, Chris Addison, Isy Suttie and Josie Long, all keen to sing their favourite songs with a live band which boasts Danielle Ward (The Loves) on bass, Martin White (The Mystery Fax Machine Orchestra) on keyboards, Foz Foster (David Devant & His Spirit Wife) on guitar and David Reed from The Penny Dreadfuls on drums. Following a spectacular orchestral edition at London 's legendary 100 Club, Messrs Ward & White are proud to bring their Karaoke Circus to Latitude.
London ’s infamous Sounds Familiar Quiz comes to Latitude. A fun-filled, laugh-a-minute, the-answers-are-on-the-tip-of-tongue quiz with a difference, brought to you by question-setter DJ Al and MC Quizzical who will freestyle some choons that you will have to try guess who or what the hell he’s on about. In true party spirit they will be teaming up with 80’s dance troupe the Glitterbanditz to bring you the ultimate test of knowledge.
Musical Bingo is the latest interactive event from the Bring & Share crew. It's as simple as it sounds - imagine the kind of bingo grandmas have played since time began, but with songs instead of numbers and a mixed up soundtrack with anything from Johnny Cash to Roisin Murphy and Dizzee Rascal to David Bowie. The sessions have been running with much success over the past 18 months testing musical knowledge and uniting people at The Lock Tavern, The Amersham Arms, as well as many summer festivals. Stop in for a quick game and see if you’ll be the first to call ‘House!’

jack s · Comment Posted on: May 16, 2009, 03:40 PM

POETRY ARENA

Positioned enticingly by the banks of the lake at the entrance to the main festival arena, Latitude’s perfectly placed Poetry Arena is a wonderful den of distraction. Curious passers-by are pulled inside by barrels of raucous laughter, pensive silences and fascinated faces, all transfixed by the raconteurs on stage. People find themselves camped out there all day, relaxing in the shade and enjoying a continuous line-up of the very best in comedy sketches, slam poets, spoken word, storytelling, rappers and much, much more. With a full schedule running throughout the whole weekend, Latitude welcomes the following funny, satirical, hard-hitting, absurd, bizarre and witty poets to the largest poetry event in Europe .
Famed award-winning poet Daljit Nagra is bringing a very special performance to the Poetry Arena. Born in the mid-60s to Punjab parents Nagra grew up in London before moving to Sheffield in the 80s where he found it difficult to fit in. The experiences he and many British-born Indians have had are dealt with expertly in his first book ‘Look We Have Coming to Dover!’ touching on racism, arranged marriages, mosques and corner shops as well as more British things such as KFC and Hilda Ogden.. Receiving critical acclaim it won the 2007 Forward Poetry Prize for the Best First Collection and the 2008 Arts Council England Decibel Award. His first published work was the pamphlet ‘Oh My Rub!’ that became the Poetry Book Society Pamphlet Choice and was chosen as one of the Guardian's Poetry Books of the Year. Alongside his own poems Daljit will play some of his favourite recordings by the key poets of the past century
Aidan Moffat, one half of Falkirk ’s Arab Strap, will be performing his poetry from the startling and beautiful art package ‘I Can Hear Your Heart’. An album of mostly minute-long vignettes it is a semi-autobiographical musical novel about the adventures, regrets, and dark comedy of being a pissed, chaotic and promiscuous man in his mid-twenties. He paints a sinister self-portrait of the modern male with short stories based around lost love, blossoming misogyny and learning from our mistakes all delivered in a hypnotic Scottish drawl.
Ventriloquist is a performance poet and musician who weaves tantalisingly tall tales from a broad pallet of James Brown concerts, the interconnectedness of all things, journey's via cow trough portals to the centre of the earth and sometimes about getting poo in his eye. His work has been featured on Radio 1, XFM and SKY TV. His new show "Did I Say That Or Think It?" is an amorphous brew of surreal stories, metaphysical explorations and sometimes just some funny stuff that rhymes.
Writers’ Centre Norwich is a literature development agency based in Norwich . Interested in both the artistic and social impact of creative writing, WCN work with writers, readers and diverse communities on a wide range of ongoing and one off projects and events. At Latitude, Writers’ Centre Norwich will be bringing Kei Miller and Roger Robinson to perform their work in the Poetry Arena. Kei Miller divides his time between Jamaica and the United Kingdom , where he teaches Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow . Miller’s short stories, poetry and novel were published to critical acclaim. Trinidadian writer and performer Roger Robinson has performed worldwide and is an experienced workshop leader and lecturer on poetry. He has received commissions from Theatre Royal Stratford East, The National Trust, London Open House and the National Portrait Gallery. His new book Suckle is due to be published in Jul 2009 by Waterways Press.
In 2008, Nathan Jones + Wave Machines launched their collaborative performance project at a series of co-curated events called ‘Wave If You're Really There’, bringing a new quality and cohesiveness to poetry and live music partnership and raising the bar for literature in performance. Poet, performer and producer, Nathan Jones is a resident writer and Creative Director of the Mercy arts collective. His uniquely engaging poetry performances are set to a dynamic soundtrack of synths, vocal harmonies, guitars and percussion. Wave Machines' limited 7"s, 'I Go I Go I Go' and 'The Greatest Escape We Ever Made', realised on Chess Club records, both sold out last year, and saw the band become one of the hottest new bands around at the moment.

THE WATERFRONT STAGE

At last year’s festival, Latitude unveiled the beautiful stage on the lake. People crammed onto the banks to sit and witness fantastic dance and performances throughout the weekend as gondolas rode by and the lake sparkled in the sun. Renamed The Waterfront Stage, this year the stage will once again showcase contemporary, modern dance from the world’s leading companies and choreographers.
DanceEast, based in the East of England is one of the nation’s leading dance organisations bringing world-class dance to the region. They aim to present an eclectic programme of dance performance of different genres, widening the experience of audiences whilst bringing a new and invigorated audience to dance. Taking dance to villages and communities with no access to dance performances they work with acclaimed dancers and choreographers to produce imaginative theatre experiences for new and young audiences. They will be performing Les Moutons on Latitude’s wonderful Waterfront Stage.
Riccardo Meneghini has worked and collaborated with companies such as Russell Maliphant, Scottish Dance Theatre, DV8 Physical Theatre, Opera North, Balletto Teatro Torino. At the same time developing vocabulary in his own choreography working as a freelance performer and teaching contact improvisation, release technique and composition. ‘Spun’ is the result of three weeks residency in Yorkshire Dance (Leeds), supported by Arts Coucil England . It has been part of an evening "Made in Yorkshire" and performed in Italy and then London as part of ‘Resolution! 2009’. Spun examines how affection and love of a life can shift themselves around, and how moving on can sometimes mean skipping forward to the beginning.

OUTDOOR THEATRE

With the involvement of the country’s leading theatre companies, Latitude has established itself as one of the best theatre festivals in Europe . Not to be contained within the confines of the stage, theatre can be found around every corner at Latitude, emerging from the woods, performed on the banks of the lake as well as the Theatre Arena, drawing inspiration from the surroundings. There’s something for everyone so take a chance on an unknown play or watch a critic’s choice at Latitude 2009.
'La Prima Donna' is the new audio-visual performance installation by Hellcat Productions featuring the characters from Caryl Churchill's 'Top Girls'. Presenting fearless Victorian traveller Isabella Bird, passionate Japanese concubine Lady Nijo, valiant Dutch warrior Dull Gret, ever-doting Patient Griselda and courageous cross-dressing Pope Joan. Our five feisty heroines battle the 3D surround sound, manipulating their audio environment; punching the treble, kicking the bass. The piece combines choreographed dance, performative gender and period-shifting costume to explore the contorted ideals of feminine beauty. The piece features live DJing through state of the art 3D surround sound technology invented by the Illustrious Company.

Elsewhere, the very best in film, theatre, comedy, literature, poetry, dance, art and cabaret will be pitching up at the fourth edition of Latitude Festival. LateNightTales will be presenting some fabulous live performances from an eclectic set of bands in the Film & Music Arena; Sadler’s Wells and the Royal Opera House will be showcasing stunning performances on The Waterfront Stage; Royal Shakespeare Company, The Bush, National Theatre, Paines Plough, nabokov plus more will all be coming to the Theatre Arena along with the English Touring Theatre presenting Latitude’s first musical ‘Been So Long’. Also for the first time is the dynamic orchestral brilliance Britten Sinfonia performing in Latitude’s outdoor spaces. The Literary Arena is packed full of top authors including Blake Morrison, Geoff Dyer and Robin Ince’s Book Club as well as workshops from The School Of life; plus stellar poets Andrew Motion, Brian Patten, Jackie Kay and Simon Armitage will be in the Poetry Arena. The Cabaret Arena welcomes Zimbani, Deborah Frances-White, Jessica Delfino, Cardinal Burns and Watson and Oliver plus plenty more exciting performances to announce. With a quite astonishing comedy line-up to be announced and much, much more across all of the arenas, Latitude 2009 is once again a perfect slice of cultural heaven by the sea.

TICKET INFORMATION

Weekend tickets £150 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £60 plus booking fee. Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping • Days include car parking only.

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Latitude festival 2009

16th – 19th July 2009 Henham Park Estate, Southwold, Suffolk

February 24, 2009, 06:00 PM

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Latitude Festival - Music additions - Spiritualized, Gossip, Magazine and more

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Latitude - More Additions - Ed Byrne, Mark Thomas, Sean Lock, Pippa Evans...

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Latitude additions - White Lies, Pretenders, Flashguns, The Chakras

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