Full line up revealed for Holt Festival 

The Holt festival has been described by Norwich Theatre Royal Chief Executive as ‘One of the most important cultural events in Norfolk’

Now in its eighth year, the Festival brings outstanding theatre, music, comedy, literature, children’s and visual art events to the picturesque Georgian town for eight days, from 23 to 31 July. Featuring a wealth of talent, this spectacular week of art and entertainment is testament to Artistic Director, Charles Pugh’s devotion to scouring the artistic world for performers who are exciting, interesting, sometimes challenging, sometimes nostalgic, but always entertaining. 

‘One of the most important cultural events in Norfolk’ Peter Wilson, Chief Executive, Norwich Theatre Royal

The waiting is over, Holt Festival, North Norfolk’s award winning, multi-arts, international festival has revealed its full 2016 programme. Now in its eighth year, the Festival brings outstanding theatre, music, comedy, literature, children’s and visual art events to the picturesque Georgian town for eight days, from 23 to 31 July. Featuring a wealth of talent, this spectacular week of art and entertainment is testament to Artistic Director, Charles Pugh’s devotion to scouring the artistic world for performers who are exciting, interesting, sometimes challenging, sometimes nostalgic, but always entertaining.

Theatre
There’s a preview of Bucket Club’s new watery tale Fossils before it heads to the Edinburgh Fringe in August. An extinct fish, a missing father and the Loch Ness monster feature alongside a trademark Bucket Club live electronic score in this production from the acclaimed creators of the multi award-winning Lorraine & Alan. Renowned stage, film and TV actress Olivia Poulet (you may have seen her recently in Fresh Meat, Sherlock and The Musketeers) performs her outstanding interpretation of Mark Ravenhill’s Product, which has received rave reviews in Edinburgh and London. Pip Utton has enjoyed worldwide acclaim for his very individual portrayals of Hitler, Churchill, Dickens, Casanova, Chaplin, Hancock and many others. Now in the largely unscripted Playing Maggie he takes on the Iron Lady and invites the audience to question her on, well, anything! Forensic mind reader Colin Cloud has been described as potentially the most dangerous man in the world and the closest thing in the universe to a real life Sherlock Holmes. He can deduce everything about everyone and extract information from the deepest recesses of his subject’s mind.

Comedy
If you want a laugh you’ve come to the right place. Mark Watson is one of the country’s finest comedians. He has won several comedy awards, performed at every major international comedy festival and is also an acclaimed novelist. His new show I’m Not Here examines identity in the digital age and the search for meaning in our lives.

Former MP and TV and radio regular Gyles Brandreth opens the festival proper with his five star smash Word Power. Jenny Eclair instructs us on How to be a Middle Aged Woman while Dr Phil Hammond brings his highly subversive comedy How to Survive the NHS… and Help the NHS Survive. Hammond is a passionate fighter for the future of our national health service. Trust him, he’s a doctor. Norfolk TV legend Helen McDermott (who almost represented the UK at Eurovision in the 1970s) teams up with Adrian Wright for a romp through some lesser-known Noel Coward songs and the ever-popular Stand Up Comedy Club returns with a strong bill of renowned comics.

Music
In addition to the already announced delights of Dire Straits’ John Illsey, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and The Searchers music fans can look forward to a rare seated concert from Norfolk roots rockers The Vagaband. On the classical side the stunning violin duo Retorica, one of the most acclaimed chamber groups in the country, perform pieces by Bach, Telemann, Mozart and Prokofiev and there’s the first ever UK concert outside London from polish pianist Mariola Cieniawa. Adam Westcott is a protégé of, and worthy successor to, flamenco guitar legend Manitas de Plata. The Devon born guitarist comes to Holt having performed on American TV and published an inspirational book about his trials and tribulations in the music industry

Talks & Literature
Talks and literature events are an increasingly popular aspect of the festival with experts and authors discussing their recent work. Award winning journalist Kate Adie has reported for BBC TV from all over the world. In her latest book she examines the role of women in WWI, as they played a crucial role in the war effort for the first time. Polar historian Michael Smith celebrates the centenary of Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition with an illustrated talk based on his book on the explorer, and best selling author Joanna Trollope discusses love and marriage with Charles Pugh. In his book ‘Lawrence of Arabia’s War’ historian and archaelogist Neil Faulkner casts TE Lawrence as a seminal practitioner and theorist of modern guerrilla warfare and now he comes to Holt to explain why. Following a successful surprise cameo last year actress Julie Christie returns to read poems from the new collection by father and son team Anthony and Ben Holden ‘Poems That Make Women Cry’.

Visual Art
The annual Holt Art Prize has already been announced and entries are coming in from all over the country. The winner will be announced on 24 July by Sir John Hurt and everyone can see the shortlisted entries in a special exhibition at The Auden Theatre running throughout Festival week. Holt is renowned for its galleries and many of them are taking part in the annual art-trail. There are also two great free art exhibitions, with works drawn from public and private collections, running throughout the Festival. Munnings Before The Great War features original works by one of East Anglia’s most popular 20th century artists. Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) is perhaps best know for his paintings of horses and rural life, and his links to the Newlyn artists. Continuing the Cornish theme The Lure of St Ives hosts paintings, ceramics and sculpture by many of those artists who found themselves drawn to the extraordinary light of the town. It includes work by Terry Frost, Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Christopher Wood, Alfred Wallis Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada. You can learn more about the exhibitions with talks from leading experts – notably Holt Festival visual art curator James Glennie gives talks on both the loan exhibitions .

Children’s Events
There is a notable increase in the number of events for children in the 2016 Festival – and it’s all FREE. Storytelling with Music will enthrall 3 – 11 year olds with stories from countries around the world blended with the sounds of their instruments. Norwich Puppet Theatre bring Oddly, a re-imagination of the much-loved book by author Joyce Dunbar with a magical mix of puppetry, visual tricks, masks and original music. Acclaimed international film actress Nandana Dev Sen will read from her new book, Kangaroo Kisses – a perfect picture book for reading aloud and Stepping into Stories is a swashbuckling, interactive, pirate storytelling workshop for all young buccaneers (6-11 years) with a taste for adventure. There’s the return of the Comedy Club 4 Kids with the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit doing their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families. Sheringham Little Theatre present Play in a Day, a one-day drama workshop to create and rehearse a play to be performed to an audience of friends and family in the afternoon. Street Dance Workshops gives 8-11 year olds the chance to work with a professional instructor to learn the hippest choreography straight from the streets of London.

Artistic Director Charles Pugh commented ‘This year the list of famous artists grows even longer:  Gyles Brandreth, Colin Cloud, Julie Christie, Joanna Trollope, Kate Adie, Jenny Eclair, Mark Watson not to mention famous name bands from the rocking 60s, 70s and 80s.But of course fame is not the only kite mark of excellence. Diamonds shine very brightly in our programme, with some names to look out for in the future. Believe me they will not disappoint. Please explore and enjoy!’

Chair of the Board of Trustees Adney Payne added ‘I hope many people of all ages can have a wonderful week with us in Holt, enjoying the remarkable programme that Charles has assembled. It’s only made possible by the support of our Ambassadors, Sponsors, Friends, Subscribers and Advertisers who provide much needed funding, and to our wonderful volunteers for the work they put in over the year, as well as during the week itself. We are also very grateful to Gresham’s School, Holt Parish Church, Holt Community Centre, The Lawns Hotel, The Feathers Hotel and Holt Bookshop for allowing us once again to use their venues.

Holt Festival makes a substantial donation to the Holt Youth Project – one of England’s most imaginative, award winning youth schemes. Serving young people across north Norfolk, it prides itself on preventative programmes that allow young people to reach their full potential. This year’s donation will be used to fund Community Music East to work with young people and prepare them for a presentation during Festival week.

Holt Festival 2016
Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 July 2016, Holt, North Norfolk
www.holtfestival.org Box Office 01603 598699

Holt Festival 2016 Full listings:

Saturday 23-Sunday 31 July 11am – 5pm FREE

THE LURE OF ST IVES (exhibition)
Original paintings, ceramics and sculpture by Terry Frost, Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Christopher Wood, Alfred Wallis Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada.
Holt Festival at The Meeting Room, St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB

Saturday 23-Sunday 31 July 11am – 5pm FREE
MUNNINGS BEFORE THE GREAT WAR (exhibition)
Original works by one of East Anglia’s most popular 20th century artists. Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) is perhaps best know for his paintings of horses and rural life, and his links to the Newlyn artists.
Holt Festival at The Garden House Studio, Station Road, Holt NR25 6BS

Saturday 23-Sunday 31 July 11am – 5pm FREE
ART TRAIL (exhibition)
Discover an eclectic variety of historic, modern and contemporary art and photography at Holt’s many art galleries.
Holt Festival at various galleries around Holt town centre

Sunday 24–Sunday 31 July 11am-5pm FREE
HOLT FESTIVAL ART PRIZE EXHIBITION (exhibition)
All the shortlisted entries from this prestigious art prize. The winner receives £1,500 and work will be shown at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.
Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre Foyer, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Sunday 24 July 6pm FREE
THE JEFFORD BROTHERS (music)
Bebop and more from North Norfolk trio.
Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre Foyer, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Sunday 24 July 8pm
GYLES BRANDRETH’S WORD POWER (comedy)
An uproarious ride around the awesome world of words from former MP, Government Whip, Just A Minute regular, Have I Got News For You, Pointless and Countdown survivor.
Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Monday 25 July 9.30am ages 3-5, 11am ages 3-11 FREE
STORYTELLING WITH MUSIC by PAUL JACKSON (children’s)
Songs and tall tales from round the world blended with the sounds of their instruments.
Holt Festival at Gresham’s Pre-Prep School, Market Place, Holt NR25 6BB

Monday 25 July 12.30pm FREE FESTIVAL FRINGE
SITTING ON A RAINBOW – SONGS FOR A NORFOLK SUMMERS’ DAY (music)
The Samphires, local ladies vocal ensemble, present songs to evoke the nature and blue skies of Norfolk.
Holt Festival Fringe at St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB

Monday 25 July 6pm £15
MARIOLA CIENIAWA: CHOPIN PIANO RECITAL (classical music)
First ever UK recital outside London for Internationally acclaimed, prize-winning Polish pianist from the Krakow Academy plays Chopin as only a native Pole can.
Holt Festival at St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB

Monday 25 July 8.15pm £12
THE VAGABAND (music)
Norfolk-based 8 piece roots/rock band perform a soulful concoction of Americana, blues, jazz and rock.
Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 July 10am Ages 3-8 FREE
CHILDREN’S STORYTELLING with NANDANA DEV SAN (children’s)
The author reads from her new book Kangaroo Kisses which follows one mischievous child as she delays getting ready for bed and has some amazing wildlife encounters along the way.
Holt Festival at Holt Community Centre, Kerridge Way, Holt NR25 6DN

Tuesday 26 July 11am Ages 3-8 FREE
ODDLY by NORWICH PUPPET THEATRE (children’s)
A curious boy from the city sets off in search of three unusual creatures in a fun tale based on the much-loved book by Joyce Dunbar. A magical mix of puppetry, visual tricks, masks and original music.
Holt Festival at Holt Community Centre, Kerridge Way, Holt NR25 6DN

Tuesday 26 July 12.30pm FREE FESTIVAL FRINGE
ORGAN RECITAL (classical music)
By Lawrence Tao, former Organ Scholar at St John’s College, Durham and Acting Director of Music at Gresham’s School.
Holt Festival Fringe at St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB

Tuesday 26 July 2pm £15
DR. PHIL HAMMOND: HOW TO SURVIVE THE NHS AND HELP THE NHS SURVIVE (comedy)
The NHS is our most treasured institution, but it’s also more dangerous than bungee jumping. Stuff the politicians. Only we can save our NHS. Join Dr Phil’s bidet revolution. From the bottom up. “If Dr Phil were a medicine, you should swig him by the litre” The Times.
Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Tuesday 26 July 4pm £12
SHACKLETON – ANTARCTIC LEGEND by MICHAEL SMITH (talk)
To commemorate the centenary of Shackleton’s epic Endurance expedition, Polar historian Smith recalls the compelling story of one of history’s great explorers.
Holt Festival at Holt Community Centre, Kerridge Way, Holt NR25 6DN

Tuesday 26 July 6pm £14
RETORICA (classical music)
Associates of the Royal Academy of Music, violin duo Harriet Mackenzie and Philippa Mo are one of the most acclaimed and exciting chamber groups in the UK. Works by Bach, Telemann, Prokofiev and Mozart
Holt Festival at St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB

Tuesday 26 July 8.15pm £20
COLIN CLOUD (magic/illusion)
Forensic mind reader and master of deduction who left Jonathan Ross speechless and Ant and Dec screaming in disbelief!
Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Wednesday 27 July 11am, for age 6 to adult FREE
COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS (children’s)
The best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit but without any swearing or rude bits.
Holt Festival at Holt Community Centre, Kerridge Way, Holt NR25 6DN

Wednesday 27 July 11am FREE
GALLERY TALK: MUNNINGS BEFORE THE GREAT WAR (talk)
James Glennie discusses one of East Anglia’s most popular 20th century artists.
Holt Festival at The Garden House Studio, Station Road, Holt NR25 6BS

Wednesday 27 July 12.30pm FREE FESTIVAL FRINGE
NOEL COWARD – LIVE AND PERSONAL (music/comedy)
John Knowles and Susie Turner, accompanied by Annette Jude, bring the music and magic of Sir Noel Coward to life.
Holt Festival Fringe at St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB

Wednesday 27 July 2pm £15
KATE ADIE: FIGHTING ON THE HOME FRONT (talk)
Award winning journalist Kate Adie talks about her new book, telling the story of the First World War through the eyes of women, unearthing just how hard it was to be admitted to the world of men.
Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Wednesday 27 July 4pm £12
POEMS THAT MAKE WOMEN CRY: ANTONY and BEN HOLDEN with IRMA FOWLER and JULIE CHRISTIE (poetry)
Father and son team with readings from their latest collection and contributions from special guest, actress Julie Christie.
Holt Festival at Holt Community Centre, Kerridge Way, Holt NR25 6DN

Wednesday 27 July 6pm £12
ADAM WESTCOTT: FLAMENCO GUITAR (music)
Protégé of the legendary Manitas de Plata dazzles with the furious sounds of the flamenco guitar and tells the heartfelt story of his journey to meet and study under de Plata.
Holt Festival at St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB

Wednesday 27 July 8pm £18
STRINGFEVER (music)
A string quartet – but not as you know it! With their striking electric instruments this family group combine unrelenting energy, humour and audience interaction with great musical skill.
Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Wednesday 27 July 8.30pm £16
STAND UP COMEDY: RICH WILSON, ZOE LYONS, TOM WARD & DARREN HARRIOT (comedy)
An evening of headline stand up comedy compered by Rich Wilson.
Holt Festival at The Feathers Hotel, Market Place, Holt NR25 6BW

Thursday 28 July 10am-4pm, ages 8-16 FREE
PLAY IN A DAY with SHERINGHAM LITTLE THEATRE (children’s)
A drama workshop for young people to create and rehearse a play led by drama teacher Bridget Robinson. Performance at 3.30pm for family and friends.
Holt Festival at Gresham’s Pre-Prep School, Market Place, Holt NR25 6BB

Thursday 28 July 12.30pm FREE FESTIVAL FRINGE
TALI DOLCE MUSICA (music)
Music for soprano, wind instruments and piano with Anna Hopkins (flute), Neil Johnson (oboe), David Morgan (piano) and Meg Starling (percussion).
Holt Festival Fringe at St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB

Thursday 28 July 4pm £15
JOANNA TROLLOPE OBE (talk)
Best selling writer and sharp observer of family relationships talks to Artistic Director Charles Pugh about love and marriage.
Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Thursday 28 July 6pm £12
COWARDY CUTS: THE MUSIC OF NOEL COWARD (music/comedy)
A romp though some of the lesser known songs of Noel Coward with Norfolk TV legend Helen McDermott and Adrian Wright.
Holt Festival at Holt Community Centre, Kerridge Way, Holt NR25 6DN

Thursday 28 July 8pm £20
JENNY ECLAIR: HOW TO BE A MIDDLE AGED WOMAN (WITHOUT GOING INSANE) (comedy)
Professional grumpy old woman, amateur soup maker, and novice knitter, Jenny Eclair puts middle age under the microscope and decides whether to laugh, cry or buy a dachshund!
Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Friday 29 July 11am FREE
GALLERY TALK: THE LURE OF ST IVES (talk)
James Glennie on art created at the stunning Cornish coastal town.
Holt Festival at The Meeting Room, St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB

Friday 29 July 10am Ages 6-11 FREE
STEPPING INTO STORIES (children’s)
Captain Tilly leads a swashbuckling, interactive, pirate storytelling workshop for all young buccaneers with a taste for adventure.
Holt Festival at Gresham’s Pre-Prep School, Market Place, Holt NR25 6BB

Friday 29 July 12.30pm FREE FESTIVAL FRINGE
CHENTER’S JIGGE (music)
Songs, ayres, jigs and jollies played and sung with ancient, traditional and modern instruments.
Holt Festival Fringe at St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB

Friday 29 July 2pm and 3.30pm Ages 8-11 FREE
STREET DANCE WORKSHOP (children’s)
New and current street dance direct from London in workshops with professional instructors and choreographers from Parallel Dance Studios.
Holt Festival at Gresham’s Pre-Prep School, Market Place, Holt NR25 6BB

Friday 29 July 4pm £10
NEIL FAULKNER: LAWRENCE OF ARABIA’S WAR (talk)
Archaeologist and historian Faulkner rewrites the story of TE Lawrence and WWI casting him as a seminal practitioner and theorist of modern guerilla warfare.
Holt Festival at Holt Community Centre, Kerridge Way, Holt NR25 6DN

Friday 29 July 6pm £15
OLIVIA POULET: PRODUCT (theatre)
Film (In The Loop), TV (Fresh Meat, The Musketeers) and stage actress with her critically acclaimed interpretation of Mark Ravenhill’s play in which she pitches an audaciously offensive romantic thriller about a relationship between a 9/11 widow and an Al Qaeda terrorist.
Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Friday 29 July 8.15pm £18
THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN (music)
The Crazy World of Arthur Brown celebrates 48 years of the massive worldwide hit FIRE, with a new live show including the legendary fire helmet and rock n roll theatricals.
Holt Festival at Theatre in the Woods, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Friday 29 July 10pm FREE
SUZIE HEATH (music)
Vocalist and pianist.
Holt Festival at The Lawns Hotel, Station Road, Holt NR25 6BS

Saturday 30 July 2pm £12 (under 18’s £5)
CAPTAIN MORGAN AND THE SANDS OF TIME (theatre)
Comedy adventure for all the family as Captain Morgan and First Mate Hammond battle with monsters, sword fights and sea gods on their quest for the secrets of time travel.
Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Saturday 30 July 4pm £18
MARK WATSON: I’M NOT HERE (comedy)
A seemingly minor problem at an airport sparks a spiralling examination of identity in the digital age and search for meaning in our lives. Comedy at its very best.
Holt Festival at Theatre in the Woods, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Saturday 30 July 6pm £16
GOOD GNUS (music/comedy)
The music, wit and wisdom of Flanders & Swann, Peter Skellern, Tom Lehrer and Richard Stilgoe as interpreted by Jon Williams, Chris Price and Dr David Flood of the Canterbury Cathedral Choir.
Holt Festival at Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Saturday 30 July 8.15pm £28
JOHN ILLSLEY of DIRE STRAITS (music)
Dire Straits co-founder and his band playing many of the songs that helped sell over 120 million albums (and counting) worldwide. Expect hits such as Money for Nothing, Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet and Brothers in Arms.
Holt Festival at Theatre in the Woods, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Sunday 31 July 1.30pm £14
JANE AUSTEN AT HOME (theatre)
A one woman show by Emerald O’Hanrahan celebrating the variety and wit of Austen’s writings with extracts from her memoirs, letters, juvenilia, poetry and novels.
Holt Festival at Holt Community Centre, Kerridge Way, Holt NR25 6DN

Sunday 31 July 4pm £14
PLAYING MAGGIE: PIP UTTON (theatre)
Pip Utton gives an award-winning performance as an actor preparing to play Margaret Thatcher. As he transforms into Mrs T and prepares to make a speech, she changes her mind and invites the audience to ask any questions they want.
Holt Festival at Holt Community Centre, Kerridge Way, Holt NR25 6DN

Sunday 31 July 6pm £16
FOSSILS by BUCKET CLUB (theatre)
Edinburgh preview. An extinct fish, a missing father, the Loch Ness monster and a live music score all feature in this new show from the award winning Bucket Club.
Holt Festival at Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Sunday 31 July 8.15pm £20
THE SEARCHERS (music)
Merseybeat stalwarts with some welcome early sixties nostalgia with hits like Sugar and Spice, When You Walk in The Room and Needles And Pins interspersed with anecdotes and reminscences.
Holt Festival at Theatre in the Woods, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA