News

Phil Jupitus Added To Latitude Line Up

• 23rd Apr 2010

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

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

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

The best literary event of the summer, Latitude’s Literary Arena celebrates the written word in all its fabulous glory. For both book worms and casual readers, the best authors and special guests will all congregate under the canopy of the arena and take you on a journey to the far reaches of your imagination. Joining Sebastian Faulks, Bret Easton Ellis, Adam Foulds and Jon Ronson, to name but a few, are:

Oscar nominated and Whitbread Prize winner Hanif Kureishi will be reading from his first novel, ‘The Buddha of Suburbia’ with musical accompaniment from Lola Perrin. The novel is a tour de force of comic invention, a bizarre, often hilarious and totally original picture of the life of a young Pakistani growing up in 1970s Britain. Karim lives with his Mum and Dad in a suburb of south London and dreams of making his escape to the bright lights of the big city. But his father is no ordinary Dad, he is 'the buddha of suburbia', a strange and compelling figure whose powers of meditation hold a circle of would-be mystics spellbound with the fascinations of the East. Among his disciples is the glamorous and ambitious Eva, and when 'the buddha of suburbia' runs off with her to a crumbling flat in Barons Court, Karim's life becomes changed in ways that even he had never dreamed of. ‘The Buddha of Surburbia’ was dramatised by the BBC in 1993. Kureishi has been awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and is the prolific author of novels, story collections, plays, screenplays and essay collections.

Latitude’s literary regular and house master of the written word, Robin Ince reprises the Book Club for Latitude’s Literary Arena, with specially created shows featuring incredible guests from the worlds of comedy, literature and science. A comic genius Robin succeeds in bringing both good and bad books to life, dissecting the themes, narratives and storytelling with hilarious observations and analysis. Joining Robin Ince this year are: the supremely versatile actor and comic Kevin Eldon whose instantly recognisable wide eyed, malleable and quizzical face has been a feature on shows such as Brass Eye, Big Train, I’m Alan Partridge and Jam; Brighton-based British comic, writer and actress Jo Neary whose solo, character-based stage shows won her a Perrier Best Newcomer Award nomination in 2004; singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock who has risen to legendary cult status with his surreal and comedic songs of English eccentrics and melancholy depictions of everyday life; British comic and winner of the Best Newcomer in the if.comeddies Awards for her solo Edinburgh debut, Josie Long will be dissecting books in between her show in the Comedy Arena and finally, taking time out from his performance with Daniel Kitson on The Waterfront Stage, Gavin Osborn will bring his unique musical talent for funny yet heart-rending songs to these book readings with a difference.

Two of the nations most revered and feared writers and journalists join the Literary Arena bill. Julie Burchill and Garry Mulholland come together to share a wealth of stories, talk about their long and illustrious careers and of course share their opinions on anything and everything to do with popular culture.

Julie Burchill, 'the Queen of the Croucho Club' in the 80's and 90's made her name writing for the NME about the emerging punk movement. Since then her freelance work has led her to write candidly and often contentiously about politics, film, drugs, society, fashion and religion for publications including The Times, Guardian and Mail On Sunday. She is also a best-selling novelist with her 2004 lesbian-themed novel for teenagers ‘Sugar Rush’ made into a TV programme aired on Channel 4.

Author of the acclaimed ‘This Is Uncool, Fear Of Music’ and his most recent book ‘Popcorn’, Garry Mulholland is a leading writer on music and film. Contributing frequently to the Observer and Time Out, he is known for his witty and insightful reviews and enthusiasm for what is good rather than what is deemed fashionable. ‘Popcorn: Fifty Years Of Rock 'n' Roll movies’ delves into this strange world of rock 'n' roll films, from Blackboard Jungle to Quadrophenia, from 8 Mile to Abba: the Movie. Find a spot in the arena, get comfortable and listen to two literary legends deftly dissect, divulge, discuss and dismiss.

Sometimes there’s no finer way to spend an evening than pitching your knowledge of trivia against that of complete strangers in a truly competitive pub quiz. Delving deep into your memory banks to remember where those lyrics came from, which film won that Oscar and who did what in that year, funny man/political activist Mark Thomas will be hosting this Great British pastime with his very own Community Pub Quiz. Having just won £1200 compensation after being illegally stopped and searched by the Metropolitan Police at an anti-arms rally in 2007, Thomas is on a roll. Will you be a winner in Latitude’s Literary Arena?

Kristin Hersh is a songwriter, guitarist and the founder of seminal art-rock band, Throwing Muses. Over the course of her two-decade career as a musician, she has released over twenty critically acclaimed albums, including nine solo albums and three with her newest project, 50FootWave. In what is being called “a publishing first”, Kristin is releasing her new album ‘Crooked’ as a book – an “album book” to be precise. The book contains art photos, lyrics and essays – all wrapped up in a hard-covered 60 pages, about the size of a standard paperback. Further, the ‘Crooked’ book includes access codes unlocking a media-rich online platform loaded with music and other interactive content. The publication date is June 11, 2010. This year will also see the publication by Atlantic Books of Kristin's memoir, ‘Paradoxical Undressing’. The story of a particularly intense and significant year in the life of a young woman. Be sure to make sure you see Kristin doing her reading in the Literary Arena, as well as seeing her perform at The Word Arena on Sunday.

Ex-Carter USM frontman and solo artist Jim Bob, famed for his clever, pun-tastic lyrics has turned his attention to novel writing and for this, his first major book he wonders; where do old pop stars go to die? His answer in ‘Storage Stories’ is they go to work in self-storage, where they meet interesting people and make new friends. Friends who look like French movie star Juliette Binoche and others who look like criminals and perform horrific surgery procedures on themselves. ‘Storage Stories’ is a darkly comic rollercoaster ride full of thrills and spills. A fictional autobiographical novel and collection of short stories told in words and pictures that, if nothing else, finally solves the mystery of what happened to all those long-forgotten boybands.

Record-breaking adventurer and local Suffolk boy Olly Hicks will be educating and entertaining the audience in the Literary arena with stories and pictures from his many expeditions which have take him far from the Sunrise coast. Hicks has almost done it all from cycling Land’s End to John o’ Groats at 17 to running the 150-mile Marathon des Sables at 21; from finishing fifth in the Yukon River Quest in 2004 (the world’s longest canoe race) to becoming the youngest person ever to row the Atlantic, taking 124 days in a second hand boat in 2005. Hicks has a reputation for succeeding where others have given up or been defeated by overwhelming odds and his tales at Latitude are bound to amuse, astonish and captivate everyone.

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

Based on her hugely popular sex blog, Abby Lee's ‘Girl With a One Track Mind’ was a publishing phenomenon. Unfortunately for Abby, her true identity was revealed shortly after publication and her private life – now public – was thrown into disarray. Suddenly all her friends, family and colleagues knew her most shockingly intimate secrets. In her follow up book she details how she coped once the whole world knew she was Britain's most famous sex diarist, and reveals her attempts to lead a satisfying sex life once more.

Tristram Stuart lifts the lid on the amount of produce that ends up in landfills around the world with is award-winning book, ‘Waste And The Global Food Scandal’. With shortages, volatile prices, environmental disasters and nearly one billion people hungry, the world has a food problem – or thinks it does. Combining front-line investigation with startling new data, Stuart’s work shows how the way we live now has created a global food crisis – and what we can do to fix it.

Year after year, Latitude boasts an unrivalled and exciting comedy line-up that includes household names and up and coming talent that provide the laughs all weekend long. With Emo Philips, Rich Hall, Ardal O’Hanlon, Tommy Tiernan, Arthur Smith and Marcus Brigstocke all confirmed – this year is no different. The following comedy luminaries join this stellar cast:
Nevermind The Buzzcocks team captain Phill Jupitus and his inspired brand of improvisational comedy will join the Comedy Arena’s highly laudable bill this year. Jupitus’ comic pedigree has never been in question and is most easily displayed by his appearances on panel shows like QI. From political poetry to BBC 6Music DJ, Jupitus is ubiquitous with comic and musical culture in the UK and his improv shows are already legendary.

With a notoriety arising from angering conservatives, Perrier Award winner Jeremy Hardy has long used his comedy alongside his strong socialist politics. From the early 80’s Jeremy has been a radio and TV fixture, as well as previously having a column in The Guardian. From his work on The News Quiz and his own monologues titled ‘Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation’, to a cameo in Blackadder Goes Forth and more recent TV appearances on Mock The Week and QI, Jeremy Hardy's forthright opinions and sharp tongue make for a compelling combination.

Univerisity educated Eastender Micky Flanagan has been touted as a rising star by critics and this was confirmed by a Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2007. A regular on TV and radio shows such as Out to Lunch on BBC 2, Michael McIntrye’s Road show on BBC 1 and the Arthur Smith Show on BBC Radio 4. Splitting his shows between the observational and comic tales of his working class upbringing (where alphabetti spaghetti was a luxury); Flanagan is a self-deprecating, but intellectual and hilarious cockney.

Internationally acclaimed grizzled storyteller Craig Campbell may have settled in deepest Devon but he's Canadian at heart. In full Canuck character, Craig has a knack for compelling and amusing narratives taking in an awed viewpoint of unfamiliar cultures – such as ours. Campbell has appeared as headline guest on numerous Canadian Shows such as Jim Carrey Live, The Dennis Miller Show and Just for Laughs as well as working and appearing with such British greats like Al Murray and Frankie Boyle, the latter of whom he is currently supporting Boyle on his huge UK tour.

From TV production, to acting and now comedy, Andi Osho has taken the opposing route to most other comics. Plaistow born Osho has co-presented Channel 4 comedy entertainment show Tonightly, she recently made an appearance on the ever-popular satirical comedy programme Mock The Week and has been in BBC 1 drama Paradox. After a mere four months and forty gigs she had already won the Nivea Funny Women 2007 Award as well as being nominated for several other awards including the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year 2007. Catch the multi-talented and award-winning Andi Osho in the Comedy Arena.

As winner of the FHM Search for a Stand-Up Hero last year, Marlon Davis has found himself thrust into the glaring eye of the comedy-scrutinising public. Davis is not only a bright young comedian, but can boast acting, improvisation and presenting to his ever growing CV. His glinting eye mischief which colours his topical material keeps his sets buoyant while his delivery is fresh and wide-eyed, making skilful observations throughout his shows. From his own sketches on MTV's Brown Eyed Boy to well-received shows across the UK, this emerging talent has a lot to give.

Latitude’s veritable den of mischief and mayhem, the Cabaret Arena is sumptuously tantalising, seductively tempting and always exceedingly teasing. Already confirmed are: Duckie, The Crack, Idiots of Ants and Jon Hicks plus many, many more…

Christopher Green's homage to the working man’s club comes to the unlikely surrounds of the Cabaret Stage. For one night only you are invited to party like it’s 1979 at the premiere nitespot in town, The Razzle Club. With a stereotypically northern feel, The Razzle provides clichéd entertainment revelling in Green's unique comical panache. Joined by a heap of guests including Barbara Nice and an appearance of his very own stage hypnotist and magician character Derek Diamond (formally trading as Baz Vegas, but no longer allowed to perform under that moniker for reasons that would be sub judice to explain). Derek Diamond runs a tight ship where entertainment is the ocean and all you have to do is ride it like a dusty donkey on bracing beach. Throughout the night there are various interactive activities including a meat raffle, karaoke, and tombola. This quirky subversion of expectation will delight and surprise in equal measure.

Twisted pop cabaret comes to Latitude courtesy of the Austrian born duo, Frisky & Mannish who were brought up in the travelling community and united at a German music college. At least that's the story, as Laura Corcoran and Matthew Jones tell it. Frisky & Mannish have been garnering comedy awards nominations all this year thanks to their amusing music hall numbers and outrageous delivery.

Anything but a mere music quiz, the Sounds Familiar Music Quiz hosted by compere DJ Al and quizmaster MC Quizzical will be rounding up the eager punters for a few rounds including 'Does Liking This Record Make Me Uncool?' and 'This is What's Wrong With Silly Love Songs'. This highly sought after outfit use live mash-ups and a damned fine sense of humour to keep the attendees consistently amused and challenged.

Musical Bingo – It's all in the name: bingo with a musical twist; and how horrendously addictive it is. Records are spun, ears twitch and cards are marked once the tune is identified. Knowing your chops is important to winning as it may be that initial few seconds of the intro which leaves someone else to snatch the victory. Muso fun for all.

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

Cartoon De Salvo are a trio of creative minds who describe their own shows and collaborations with other talents as “Contemporary Folk Theatre”. Bringing their shows to whoever wants to see them, in any venue, the Theatre Arena will proudly present their latest satirical production, ‘Pub Rock’. A band whose 20 year career has always catered for their audience make a stand against all they've worked for in front of your very eyes. The resulting emotional journey is sure to be moving, comic and memorable.

Tangled Feet's reputation stems from a will to keep their performances fresh with the use of physical improvisation and developing their material depending on the reactions of the audience. Utilising text, light and sound to create alternate atmospheres each time, a series of unique productions have emanated from this innovative company. From seemingly regular situations as a dinner party and a couple's bedtime conversation springs an enlightened and compelling blend of narrative, dance and power.

Following the success of last year’s Latitude hit Anthropology, Paul Jellis returns with Bad Physics to showcase a brand new comic romp of casual sex, domestic disputes, backstabbing and drunken revelations. Set at a music festival in Suffolk, ‘Pitching In’ is an in-tents soap opera for the stage packed with explosive water-cooler moments and tantalising cliff hangers, and performed with live sound effects and hilarious barefaced cheek. Tune in as the plot develops across the course of the weekend, then on Sunday night catch up on the action so far with the omnibus and the climactic end of the series.

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

Eddie Argos is the lead singer of the bands Art Brut and Everybody Was In The French Resistance. Argos can write songs about subjects most rock stars don't even understand and his frank, humorous lyrics have made him a cult hero both here and in Europe and America. Argos has also received acclaim for having “the best eyebrows in rock and roll”. At Latitude he will be performing a stripped down acoustic set that will show off the full genius of his wordsmithery to the Poetry Arena faithful.

After persuading 900 poetry virgins to the splendid world of words at the QEH last summer Laura Dockrill, author of ‘Mistakes In The Background’ and ‘Ugly Shy Girl’ and her all female word choir now need you at Latitude this year! Come and watch as they wind words into a magical piece of performance poetry. Covering themes from tragic stories like ' The Sneaky Turnip’ and the fantastical 'What Would Kate Bush Do?' Dockrill is a firm favourite at Latitude and her new show should not be missed.

New to last year’s edition of the festival, the Literary Salon is the noisy little sister of the Literary Arena that encourages you to get involved. A hub of interactive workshops, open discussions and wide-ranging debates all ready to get stuck into – it is a place to air your opinions, learn a brand new skill, discover new and exciting things and explore your inner most interests. Joining School Of Life and Raindance Film Festival Workshop is:
Award-winning playwright Polly Stenham takes the reigns in this exploratory educational workshop on composing script prose, narrative, dialogue and realisation. Her debut play ‘That Face’ won the Evening Standard's Charles Wintour 2007 award, the Critic's Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright and the Best New Play Theatrical Management Association Award also in 2007. Budding writers or interested fans would do well to listen up.

As the day’s festivities draw to a close and the night’s adventures unveil themselves, don your best worst outfit and make your way to the Comedy Arena for the musical chairs of club nights: Swap-A-Rama. The concept is simple. Go dressed to impress and dance the night away to the best disco and club anthems. When the music stops, you swap an item of clothing with whoever you’re next to and then carry on busting your best dance moves until the klaxon sounds. You could start the night with a perfectly matching 60’s inspired mini-skirt and boots and end the night in a wedding dress with wellies. Who knows! Who cares! It’s the funniest, craziest club night around and a must for all fancy-dress, fashion fans at the festival.

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

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