Festival tents may be the antithesis of cabaret’s usual urban haunts but this year’s Latitude line-up is an enticing prospect.
The Latitude Festival will return to its usual Suffolk pitch from 14-17 July with its usual heady mix of music, poetry, theatre and more. This summer, that “more” will include a cabaret tent with an incredibly appealing roster of stars from the UK and beyond.
The miming maniac from Down Under known as The Boy With Tape On His Face will be demonstrating why he is the acceptable face of vaudeville insanity while Reggie Watts will be throwing beatboxing, singing, improv into a virtual blender to create an ingenious comedy cocktail.
We raved about Desmond O’Connor’s new musical Royal Vauxhall when it was first staged last month. Whether the story of what happened to Princess Di, Freddy Mercury and Kenny Everett on a night out will have the same impact outside the RVT will be fascinating to see.
Dean Street doyens Soho Theatre have an enviable array of performers for their showcase, not least Le Gateau Chocolat (above), Christeene and Peter and Bambi aka La Soirée‘s Asher “SLAAAADE!” Treleaven and Gypsy Wood.
You can find Ursula Martinez, the performance artist who franchises out her most famous act, in the Duckie tent alongside drag royalty in the form of Myra Dubois. The latter is going to be hosting the show so expect some exquisite zingers fired left, right and centre as she introduces RVT favourites Figs in Wigs and Barbara Brownskirt & The Frank Chickens.
Last but not least, the hub of East End drag fabulousness known as The Glory are bringing a variety show. Alongside their in-house band, the pub’s “landladies” Jonny Woo and John Sizzle will be presenting some stars of their brilliant drag king contests Lipsync1000 and Man Up!
More information on Latitude Festival can be found on the official website. Tickets are currently on sale.
I’ve seen some great stuff in the Latitude Cabaret tent before now – sounds like the secret’s out to you non-campers too now haha!