5 Must See Performances at Ilkley Literature Festival
Along with a huge range of interviews, readings and workshops, the Festival features some brilliant performances at this year’s Festival and here are 5 of the best:
Nine Lives is a one man show starring Lladel Bryant (Chicken Shop Shakespeare) and written by former ILF Apprentice-Poet-in-Residence Zodwa Nyoni, telling the story of one man’s experiences as a newly arrived aslyum seeker living in Leeds. Zodwa’s writing, which mixes humour with humanity combines with Lladel’s incredible ability to snap between characters to tell this moving and important story.
8pm, Saturday 3 October, Ilkley Playhouse, £7/5
World record-holding beatboxer and acclaimed rapper Testament, mixes together UK hip-hop and the iconic poetry of William Blake in this unusual but brilliant show. Featuring music from Soweto Kinch and DJ Woody, Blake Remixed offers a new perspective on both the poetry of Blake and hip-hop.
7.30pm, Friday 16 October, Ilkley Playhouse, £6/4
3. John Agard: Roll Over Atlantic
Join Caribbean-British poet John Agard, winner of the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, in this quirky re-visioning of the notorious New World enterprise of Christopher Columbus. A voyage in verse, performed against an evocative soundscape of Atlantic murmurings, with Agard variously taking on the voices of Columbus, the Atlantic Ocean and a chorus of politically conscious mosquitoes. A one-man show that mixes the tides of cabaret and calypso with mischievous satirical wit.
7.45pm, Saturday 17 October, Ilkley Playhouse, £6/4
Festival favourites North Country Theatre bring Jim Crace’s award winning historical novel to the stage. Telling the story of a village of flint knappers dealing with cataclysmic change this show is a must see for anyone that’s enjoyed North Country Theatre’s previous productions including 39 Steps and A Month in the Country.
7.30pm, Thursday 15 October, Ilkley Playhouse, £10/8
Calling all Junior Detectives! Join Detective K as she sets off on an exciting and hilarious adventure, full of mysterious clues, golden rules and strange events. This fast paced, action packed story is perfect for families and will entertain and delight everyone aged 5 and up.
1pm, Sunday 18 October, Ilkley Playhouse, £6/4
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