9.29°C Festival fever arrives at the Lakeside Theatre from 30 April to 14 May 2011 as the Homegrown Festival brings together performers with links to East Anglia, Colchester and the University of Essex for a packed two-week celebration.
From classic and contemporary drama to children’s shows, from local musicians to interactive mystery performances, Homegrown is a showcase of high-quality, locally rooted cultural work.
Festival producer and Lakeside Theatre Artistic Director Pasco Kevlin said they were proud to present work made at the University of Essex or brought in by close regional partners. Professional theatre-makers sit comfortably alongside local songwriters, united by a shared ambition to offer audiences a unique evening of entertainment and cultural enrichment.
The festival opens on 30 April with a visit from Nobel Prize-winning poet Derek Walcott. The University of Essex Professor of Poetry begins his two-week teaching residency with an afternoon of readings from his recent work.
After that, performances follow thick and fast, including some familiar names in brand-new productions.
Broken Tongue present their acclaimed version of Macbeth, accompanied by haunting string music from Colchester musician Dan Merrill. Colchester-based artist Chris Dobrowolski teams up with 30 Bird for Poland 3 Iran 2, performed live from the campus Top Bar. Former Precarious choreographer Karla Shacklock unveils new cutting-edge physical theatre developed at the Lakeside earlier this year.
Children have their own dedicated day on 8 May. The outdoor interactive puzzle adventure Constable’s Cryptic Code returns following last year’s success, while Theatre of Widdershins bring their puppet production of Three Billy Goats Gruff to young audiences.
There is plenty more besides, with the full programme available via the Lakeside Theatre website. Brochures are available from 26 April at the Mercury Theatre reception, by emailing arts@essex.ac.uk or by calling 01206 873261.
Homegrown Festival Line-up
An Afternoon with Derek Walcott
Saturday 30 April, 3.00pm – Lakeside Theatre
The Nobel Laureate in conversation.
Macbeth by Broken Tongue
Sunday 1 May, 7.30pm – Lakeside Theatre
A contemporary reworking of the classic, featuring live music from Dan Merrill.
The Frankfurt Formula
Tuesday 3 May, 5.30pm & 9.30pm – Lakeside Theatre
An interactive mystery for adults, perfect for fans of The Crystal Maze.
Poland 3 Iran 2 by 30 Bird
Tuesday 3 May, 7.30pm – Top Bar
Football, revolution and family relationships, performed with wit and warmth.
Berlin by East 15
Thursday 5 May, 7.30pm – Lakeside Theatre
A physical theatre piece exploring 60 years of Berlin’s turbulent history.
The Staff Sessions
Friday 6 May, 7.30pm – Lakeside Theatre
Jazz, blues, folk, classical and African drumming from University of Essex staff musicians.
Nobody & Beyond by Karla Shacklock and Lucie Petrusova
Saturday 7 May, 7.30pm – Lakeside Theatre
High-octane physical performance with cutting-edge costume and live composition.
Constable’s Cryptic Code
Sunday 8 May, 10.00am & 1.30pm – Lakeside Theatre
An outdoor mystery adventure for children and adults, led by journalist Neil Jones.
Three Billy Goats Gruff by Theatre of Widdershins
Sunday 8 May, 11.15am & 2.45pm – Lakeside Theatre
A beautifully crafted puppet retelling of the classic tale.
Directors’ Cut
Monday 9 May, 7.30pm – Lakeside Theatre
Three short, sharp performances from University of Essex alumni companies.
Man.Chair & The Hunt
Wednesday 11 May, 7.30pm – Lakeside Theatre
Intense and electrifying physical theatre.
Young Actors Company
Saturday 14 May – Lakeside Theatre
Two performances from the Lakeside Theatre’s YAC. Time to be confirmed.
