We Love Events
16 September 2008
Caryl Churchill Readings
To celebrate Caryl Churchill's 70th birthday, not to mention 30 years of assiduous dedication to British theatre, the Royal Court is hosting a number of one of readings directed by 10 prolific playwrights. From Winsome Pinnock's staging of 'Vinegar Tom', an exploration into women's forced subservience in seventeenth-century patriarchal England, to Martin Crimp's production of the apocalyptic 'Far Away', it may not seem like the jolliest of bills- but three decades of groundbreaking theatre and three Obie awards to match, Churchill firmly corroborates her place as one of Britain's most influential and significant playwrights. Having shaped our contemporary theatrical landscape over the last three decades, a plethora of talented writers will pay homage to such an achievement by presenting readings from their favourite Caryl Churchill play- and will controversial playwrights such as Mark Ravenhill ('Shopping and Fucking') and Debbie Tucker Green ('Dirty Butterfly') behind the scene, The Royal Court promises to do what it does best, bring us the most innovative and exciting work in contemporary theatre.
28 August 2008
The Portobello Film Festival
The daddy of independent film festivals is fast approaching. Confirming its position as the biggest independent film festival in Europe, the Portobello Film Festival is about to cram 700 new films, documentaries, music videos and animation into the pubs and clubs in and around Notting Hill. And it's free, glorious. Created in 1996 as a reaction to the moribund state of of British Filmmakers, veteran contributors share the screen with fresh new talents, resulting in an eclectic display of anything from Japanese bondage films, to a musical from top fashion photographer Ben Charles Edward. As well as film screenings there will be stand up from Blake Eye- the legendary urban comic, as well as art from Bristolian graffer Inkie, a long time cheeky cohort of Banksy. Thousands of people joining together in a cultural quest for the future of the arts-mixed in with a Carnival theme and a dash of pubs to keep even the philistines interested- makes a perfect summer concoction with just the right balance of heady merriment and creative motivation.
27 August 2008
Pimm's Summerfest Festival
A brand spanking new comedy event is about to be launched into the heart of London. Located in one of London’s most beautiful parks, the Pimm’s Sumerfest will take place over the course of 5 evenings, with 25 of the world’s most talented comedians gracing us with their presence. With the likes of Queen of comedy Jo Brand, Jason Byrne and the award-winning Lucy Porter, all performing in the 1,000 seater (and mercifully weatherproofed) Holland Park theatre, a week of hilarity is set to be high on the agenda. And with essential summer amenities such as a bar, bbq and picnic hampers- not to mention lashing of pimms- thrown into the equation, where else could you possibly want to be.
01 August 2008
Serpentine Park Nights
Summer's belated arrival may have encouraged a sigh of relief but that's until you find yourself on the underground in temperatures soaring above 100 degrees, neatly tucked under somebody's armpit- or sitting in a sweltering office glaring enviously out of the window at wasted tanning weather. Essentially, London is not a city compatible with hot weather, but it is a city with an abundance of greenery. Verdant foliage rustling in the breeze and acres of open lawn might entice you to leave the hustle and bustle of the workplace and recline in Kensington Gardens where the Serpentine Park Nights have already begun. Until October you are invited to attend talks, performances, music and film screenings, all in nature's outdoor arena, allowing the stresses of the day to dissolve into balmy nights. As well as the architectural triumph that is Frank Gehry's Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, 50-foot screens have been installed for evening film screenings of contemporary classics such as Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction' or Monte Hellman's rather more retro 'Two-Lane Blacktop', which with its minimal dialogue allows for less concentration and more raucous picnicking. Sitting under the stars in spectacular surroundings, glass of wine in hand, proves that London summer evenings don't get much better than this.
17 July 2008
Latitude Festival
Latitude, Henham Park, Southwold, 17th -20th July
Latitude has been gaining more and more prestige over the last few years, stepping on the wellies of other more established summer fiestas. This year, word on the underground hinted that it was going to be the festival of 2008, and quietly, secretly, some of the best bands began to sign their name to the line-up. And speedily, niftily, the clever folks began to buy up the tickets and so they have all but disappeared, before we even noticed.
Oh for the melifluous sounds of Sigur Ros, Franz Ferdinand, Blondie, Joanna Newsom, Amadou & Mariam... I could go on... while lying by a lake, or frolicking through woods.
Latitude's line-up is catering for all kinds of hedonistic pursuits, from field raves with some of the best DJs, to the more intellectual pleasures found in fringe theatre, stand-up and contemporary poetry, with Carol Ann Duffy, Simon Armitage and Daljit Nagra, set to make appearances.
Glastonbury, who cares? Tickets are still available. There is nothing more enticing than a brilliant sounding festival that has almost sold out. Sources tell us that more tickets are to be released at a later date, but nothing is confirmed as yet.
We have a couple of suggestions: get day tickets and rummage through contacts for some convenient landed acquaintances in the nearby environs. Or do festivals like a VIP, staying in giant teepee Yurtels and Podpads... which have in-built double beds.