~ Billy Bragg, Jez Butterworth, Mark Thomas - Discussion on identity ~
~ Emily Woof ~ Jennie Rooney ~ Richard Herring ~ Bruno Vincent ~ Craig Taylor ~
~ Comperes - Joel Dommett, Joe Bor, Mark Olver, Roisin Conaty, James Acaster,
Wendy Wason and Josh Widdicombe.~
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.
Politically-motivated singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, writer and film-director Jez Butterworth and activist comedian Mark Thomas will clash on the subject of 'Identity'. Having made their names as outspoken purveyors of their various arts, as well as each representing the strong, traditionally opinionated heart of England, this discussion is bound to be woven in fiercely contested arguments. Whether they explore the very nature of an English identity or the scrabble for a personal voice in an increasingly global herd, you can expect insight, humour and passionate outpourings. Each man has dealt with the subject in their work, especially recently. Jez wrote the highly-successful play Jerusalem about identity, place and community. Mark Thomas has recently returned from the West Bank and is writing a book based on his experiences including how important place is to people. Billy has recently performed at the Wellcome Foundation in the part play, part gig and part art installation 'Pressure Drop', exploring these very themes, and is the perfect person to lead the discussion. As a result, this promises to be one of the most memorable talks in Latitude's five years so far.
Actress, writer and author Emily Woof has established herself as one of the UK's finest acting talents and is now looking to do the same as an author. Following highly-regarded parts in films like The Full Monty, Photographing Fairies and Velvet Goldmine, Emily has just published her debut novel. Entitled 'The Whole Wide Beauty' it captures “a welltuned sensitivity to the complications of human existence” according to The Guardian, in a tale of middle-class romance set in London and the English countryside.
Jennie Rooney caused rumblings with her quirky debut novel ‘Into The Whale’ (2008) when it was shortlisted for the Costa first novel prize. Her second and current work, ‘The Opposite of Falling’, explores the Victorian-themed travel novel culminating in the exploration of the idea of flying, as a recently dumped woman takes an orphan on Thomas Cook's famed American tour. She will also provide a witty take on the experience of writing historical fiction.
Richard Herring, not content with entertaining us with his stand up in the Comedy Arena, will also now be reading from his brilliant, irreverent new book 'How Not To Grow Up'. Realising he's meant to be grown up at 40, Richard spends the entire book reflecting on how he really hasn't graduated from being in his early twenties. Whether it be comparing his father's career and 17 year marriage to his attempt at a living and no
girlfriend, or his addiction to Flumps, Richard deals with the modern male struggle to face life with at least a modicum of grace and dignity...and mostly fails.
Bruno Vincent is co-author of the bestselling 'Do Ants Have Arseholes?’ from which he will be reading extracts. Parodying those factoid collections which are almost always last minute gifts, this book is full of utterly ridiculous answers to hordes of pernickety questions. Who really wants to know the answer to “Why isn't there mouse-flavoured cat food?” and why? Don't know but it makes for good reading.
Craig Taylor is the genius behind the ongoing Guardian column ‘One Million Tiny Plays’, from which he'll be drawing his material for his appearance. Each of the tiny plays are overheard conversations on a variety of mundane or bizarre encounters, from post-hen party blues and a widow's disastrous return to the world of dating to a funeral director's Manchester United fanaticism interfering with a business relationship. Composed entirely of dialogue, they capture both the funny and te sombre side of modern living.
Confirmed to compere in the Literary Arena over the weekend are: Joel Dommett, Joe Bor, Mark Olver, Roisin Conaty, James Acaster, Wendy Wason and Josh Widdicombe.
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