Peep
“The theatre programme at this year’s Latitude is all about sex,” said arts curator Tania Harrison at a recent launch event. Nothing typifies the theme more than this line-up of shows in the Faraway Forest on Thursday evening. Audience members are invited to enter a large, black PVC covered box, wear headphones and watch the drama that unfolds on the other side of the window. One of the performers, Kefi Chadwick, told WhatsOnStage: “I want my show to make people want to go off to their tents and have sex.” Let’s just hope they don’t scare the sheep.
Daniel Kitson
The man who recently caused BAC’s website to crash is bound to cause a commotion when he brings his latest show After the Beginning. Before the End to the theatre tent (at 23:15 on Friday and Sunday). Described by Kitson as “something like a stand up show”, it’s one of several projects the former Perrier winner is bringing to Latitude this year, including a new work in progress. But be warned, you’ll need to claim your seat early – Kitson could sell out a gig on the moon.
Forest Fringe
More of a film than a theatre project, this madcap initiative from Andy Field and Deborah Pearson will see a group of artists making films across the festival grounds in order to make festival-goers’ dreams come true. Literally. “My flat has been filling up with the most bizarre props in readiness for any scenario,” Field told WhatsOnStage. So look out for the film crews (you can join in as an actor) and be sure to go armed with a dream or two. The resultant films will be viewable online after the festival.
National Theatre Wales
The burgeoning NTW make their Latitude debut with two shows on Saturday – Hugh Hughes: Things I Forgot I Remembered and Praxis Makes Perfect, starring by Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys and Boom Bip of Neon Neon. The latter is billed as an “immersive gig” centring on the life of Italian millionaire communist Giangiacomo Feltrinelli. The former is based on the recently recovered childhood journals of a fictional Welsh artist. Both sound intriguing.
Ockham’s Razor
This acclaimed aerial theatre company will be pretty easy to spot – they’ll be the ones suspended from all manner of rigging and ropes as they weave their magic in Pandora’s Playground. Performing three shows – Arc, Every Action… and Memento Mori, this is a great opportunity to catch some of the most jaw-dropping physical theatre around. (See also: Charlotte Mooney’s guest blog on the history of Ockham’s Razor)
Royal Exchange
Manchester’s Royal Exchange theatre is one of several companies premiering brand new work at Latitude this year. There Has Possibly Been An Incident by Chris Thorpe was first seen as a work-in-progress in the Exchange’s studio in 2011 and comprises “interlocking stories from multiple voices about the moment life offers you the choice to be the hero or compromise yourself”. Thorpe is a talented and prolific writer/performer who is taking this show to Edinburgh then Manchester after Latitude, so be sure to see it before the buzz begins.
Look Left Look Right
The Many Whoops of Whoops Town, a brilliantly-titled new production from the team behind You Once Said Yes, is an experiential show for children promising “enchanting characters and interactive surprises”. Co-produced with the Lyric Hammersmith, it’s in the Outdoor Theatre (in the Faraway Forest) on Saturday and Sunday morning. Although aimed at 4-8 year olds, we reckon it’ll be worth a punt for kids of all ages.
Look out for our review of this year’s Latitude Festival on Monday. For more info and a full line-up, visit latitudefestival.com
