Alternative Stage

Final acts added to Reading and Leeds Festival 2011

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THE ALTERNATIVE STAGE:
 
New names set to appear at Reading:
 
Paul ChowdhryPAUL CHOWDHRY has distinguished himself as one of the most talented and popular comedians to have recently emerged, with the ability and diversity to effortlessly straddle the urban and main stand-up circuits as an international headline act. Constantly challenging and relentlessly inventive comedy fuels an eclectic set punctuated by impressive feats of mimicry and verbal dexterity. Paul’s highly charged dry observational humour taps into the multicultural diversity of contemporary Britain.
 
Co-star and co-writer of Frankie Boyle’s ‘Tramadol Nights’ on Channel Four, TOM STADE’s magnetic stage presence, irrepressible charm and first class story-telling have now firmly established him as one of the most sought after performers on the UK and international circuit, On stage, he shares his off-beat world as he recounts his global adventures – often with a little help from inimitable sidekick Jimmy – and never fails to have his audience in stitches.
 
Full of passion and charisma, JARRED CHRISTMAS takes the audience on a hilarious thrill ride of laughs and gasps with an edge of anger that manifests itself in his incredible rants against the small things in our lives, he been called “one of the funniest men to pick up a microphone” by Time Out.
 
A regular headliner at all Australian comedy venues and MC for the Friday at Reading, WAYNE DEAKIN has toured throughout the USA, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and the Isle of Man. As well as his solo Melbourne Comedy Festival shows, Deakin’s New York tours included consecutive nights at Caroline’s, New York’s premier comedy venue and headlining New York Improv. Performing at the Montreal Comedy Festival and doing a week as MC at the world famous Laff Trax in Las Vegas are current career highlights..until Reading that is!
 
Londoner MICHAEL FABBRI made his mark on the UK circuit by reaching the final of Channel 4’s ‘So You Think You’re Funny?’ Sharp and smart, his quick-witted technique catches his audience unaware but ensures they can’t help but laugh along with him, despite his honest approach to some of life’s more touchy subjects. 
 
In his short comic career MIKE BUBBINS has already supported Rhod Gilbert on his sold out nationwide tour and brought his debut show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. A finalist in the ‘So You Think You’re Funny?’ competition, he has also become a regular guest comedian on BBC Radio Wales and won fans at some of the biggest comedy clubs across the UK. Festival-goers can see why when he takes the MC role on Sunday after gracing Leeds with his presence on the Friday.
 
New names added to the Leeds line-up include:
 
DAVE FULTON says he started comedy back when it was popular and profitable and decided to stay on past the point of when it wasn’t. He is opinionated, pulls the punches in his observations and yet has a laid back stage manner that disguises a raw aggression. Commenting on a varied melting pot of issues that sometimes even he doesn’t want to explore, this is un-missable comedy from one of the most dynamic and innovative comedians breaking on the comedy circuit at the moment.
 
Award-winning writer GORDON SOUTHERN has years of comedy experience under his belt and is one of the most sought after headline acts on the UK circuit. His upbeat delivery combined with his fantastically funny observational comedy and quick-witted improvisation has now secured his place as an audience favourite.
 
Not content with all the comedy and music on offer, there will be also be screenings of the acclaimed film KABOOM, a smart and sexy apocalyptic comedy from cult director Gregg Araki Stylish; wickedly funny and featuring a hot young cast, KABOOM has been described by Rolling Stone as “an erotic blast of sinful flesh, fun and fantasy that you don’t want to stop”. Written and directed by Morgan Spurlock, of Supersize Me fame, THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD is a documentary about branding, advertising and product placement that is financed and made possible by brands, advertising and product placement.
 
At both Reading & Leeds, the short films MIXTAPE and DISCO will be shown from multi-award winning writer/director Luke Snellin. MIXTAPE follows Ben who spends his time listening to his Dad’s old 70’s vinyl and making mixtapes on an old double deck tape recorder. to try and woo the girl next door, Lily, the girl of his dreams.  DISCO is set in the English summer of 1997, Oasis reach number one with ‘D’you Know What I Mean’. Tony Blair has moved his stuff in to Downing Street. Meanwhile Danny is trying to tell a girl named Pippa that he likes her. On this Friday we follow Danny through mis-communication, gossip, chinese whispers and a love triangle between Danny, Pippa and his best friend Greg.
 
At Leeds, the party runs into the night with our friends at Transgressive Records
 
TRANSGRESSIVE & FRIENDS PRESENT… THE  ALTERNATIVE STAGE AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2011:
 
For 2011, Transgressive’s fifth year in presenting artists, visuals and DJs at Leeds Festival, Transgressive’s booking power extends from our traditional Sunday ‘closing night’ slot, to also incorporating an additional evening of programming on Saturday night. 
 
Saturday will showcase some of our generation’s most exciting and quality songwriters, in the form of Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit (exclusive live set), Pete and the Pirates, and the hotly tipped Dry the River.
 
Sunday will incorporate more challenging and diverse electronica-tinged themes, with exclusive sets from all of SBTRKT (live), Gold Panda (live), Becoming Real (live), and Three Trapped Tigers (live).
 
More surprises to be added on the nights themselves.
 
Saturday:
  8.45pm -   9.15pm:   Transgressive DJ’s
  9.15pm -   9.50pm:   DRY THE RIVER (LIVE)
  9.50pm – 10.20pm:   Rockfeedback DJ’s
10.20pm – 11.00pm:   PETE AND THE PIRATES (LIVE)
11.00pm – 11.30pm:   Transgressive & paradYse DJ’s
11.30pm – 12.15am:   JOHNNY FLYNN AND THE SUSSEX WIT (LIVE)
12.15am -   2.30am:   GOLDIEROCKS DJ, PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS DJ’s PULLED APART BY HORSES
 
Sunday:
  8.45pm -   9.15pm:   Rockfeedback DJ’s
  9.15pm -   9.50pm:   THREE TRAPPED TIGERS (LIVE)
  9.50pm – 10.15pm:   Transgressive & paradYse DJ’s
10.15pm – 11.00pm:   GOLD PANDA (LIVE)
11.00pm – 11.30pm:   BECOMING REAL (LIVE / DJ set)
11.30pm – 12.15am:   SBTRKT (LIVE)
12.15am -   2.30am:         TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB DJ SET PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS DJ’s
 
 
THE RELENTLESS ENERGY SESSIONS ARENA:
 
At Leeds only, Relentless will be showcasing their new for 2011 Relentless Energy Sessions Arena in the village with late night DJ’s over four days from 10pm – 3am.
 
Thursday:                                          Friday :
Goldie Rocks                                      Plastic Thumbs
Plastic Thumbs                                   Duke
Grooverider                                         DJ Fresh
 
Saturday:                                           Sunday:
Ben Casey                                          Plastic Thumbs
Plastic Thumbs                                   Ben Casey
Baskeville                                            Bugs In The Attic

Reading and Leeds Alternative Stage lineup announced

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ROISIN CONATY was the winner of the Best Newcomer Award at last year’s Edinburgh Festival and she travels from Camden to Leeds for our entertainment. There’s music from the hotly tipped DRY THE RIVER and PETE AND THE PIRATES, spoken word fused with hip hop from DIZRAELI and film with FUTURE CINEMA in collaboration with THE GUILLEMOTS amongst many other names.
 
Just some of the artists confirmed for this year’s festival – which takes place on on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th August at Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds – include: MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, THE STROKES, PULP, MUSE, BEADY EYE, JANE’S ADDICTION, 2MANYDJS, THE STREETS, UNKLE Sounds, SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO, MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES, DESCENDENTS, PETER DOHERTY, THE HORRORS, and THE MIDNIGHT BEAST.

 
Transgressive presents its five year anniversary party at Leeds Festival with special guests JOHNNY FLYNN who arrives with his band The Sussex Wit at this year’s Leeds Festival. With a CV that cites extra-curricular activities as an actor and poet, his musical prowess has picked up plaudits from both side of the Atlantic particularly after last year’s ‘Been Listening’ (his second) album which has seen him linked to the so called ‘Nu Folk’ scene spawned by the likes of Mumford and Sons and Laura Marling.
www.johnny-flynn.com   (Leeds – Saturday)
 
“Their rattly alt-folk is a rag-tag mixture of Americana, gospel and indie rock” hailed one critic last year on the newly arrived London quintet DRY THE RIVER.   With an extensive live CV under their belt including some rapturously received shows at this year’s SxSW festival, the band released their first single ‘New Ceremony’ in March and are working on their debut album which should emerge later in 2011. Catch this beguiling and enthralling band.
www.drytheriver.net   (Leeds – Saturday)
 
Recently described somewhat lovingly as “something like a cross between the Kinks and Television Personalities” on the release of their second album ‘One Thousand Pictures’, PETE AND THE PIRATES bring musical social commentaries and youthful exuberance to the Alternative Stage at Leeds this year. Since emerging from Reading back in 2007, the band have continued to build a reputation for their live shows which appears to show no signs of letting up.
www.peteandthepirates.co.uk   (Leeds – Saturday)
 
Audiences can expect the best in film and music with a new collaboration from FUTURE CINEMA with Mercury & Brit Award Nominees GUILLEMOTS. Fresh from the release of their 3rd album ‘Walk The River’, the event promises an immersive fusion of cinema and sound as the band play live to very special secret film.   Ahead of the feature presentation, sister-organisation Future Shorts present a series of specially selected shorts from across the Globe including surreal Animations ‘Bonefeather & Sam’s Hot Dogs’, music videos from REM & El Guincho, and much more.
www.futurecinema.co.uk   (Leeds – Thursday)
 
FUTURE DISCO, the award winning compilation series and worldwide party people, supply the very best in 21st Century Disco to close Friday night with an extra special bang.   Future Disco bring their late night sleazy discotheque to ensure the party continues into the twilight hours. Under the shimmer of the mirror ball and with special guest DJs supplying the soundtrack, we welcome you to the Future Disco.
www.futuredisco.net   (Leeds – Friday)
 
With a host of awards stretching back to his arrival in 2003 and including the coveted Chortle Best Show gong last year, TOM WRIGGLESWORTH has established himself as one the most original and talented comedians on the UK and international circuit.   2010 saw a sold out UK tour, and his ‘Open Return Letter To Richard Branson’ commissioned as a series by Radio 4. An articulate and natural raconteur, Wrigglesworth appears at both sites this year, miss him at your peril.
www.tomwrigglesworth.co.uk   (Leeds – Friday / Reading – Sunday)
 
From Camden, North London ROISIN CONATY arrives at Leeds this year after winning the Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Festival last summer. She appeared on Comic Relief earlier in 2011 with David Walliams and has recently returned from the Melbourne Comedy Festival.   An exciting new talent so expect likeable self-flagellation and hilarious observations.
www.myspace.com/roisinconaty   (Leeds – Sunday)
 
Rapper, writer, poet and singer, DIZRAELI is a hip hop tour de force. Taking on politics, love, rain, supermarkets and the nasty bits of Engurland with a sidelong smile and a twist of phrase, Diz is the BBC Radio 4 Poetry Slam winner, the 2006/7 Farrago UK champion, and (according to his website) a massive idiot at times.
www.dizraeli.com   (Leeds – Friday / Reading – Sunday)
 
You’ve seen him on a host of television programmes including ‘8 Out Of Ten Cats’, ‘Celebrity Juice’ and ‘The Friday Night Project’, now you can experience ROB ROUSE first hand as he visits us at Reading & Leeds. Described by The Scotsman as “laugh out loud funny”, while the Edinburgh Evening News said “the tears of laughter came in floods”.
www.robrouse.com (Leeds – Friday / Reading – Saturday)
 
His October 2009 debut in London’s Soho Theatre made him the youngest stand-up ever to perform a solo season in the West End.   As one of the fastest rising stars in comedy at the age of just 20, winner 2011’s ‘Scottish Variety Award’for best new comedian, DANIEL SLOSS is nothing short of hysterical. He’ll certainly be the name on everyone’s lips at this year’s festival.
www.danielsloss.com (Reading – Saturday)
 
Rob Broderick and James Hancox, take to the stage as ABANDOMAN, claiming to be Ireland’s No 7 hip-hop act.   Yet give them a few minutes and some suggestions from the floor, and they’ll be improvising the kind of comedy platinum that has made them one of the stand-out new acts around.   Improvised rap and comedy at its finest.
www.robbroderick.com   (Leeds – Sunday)
 
As a well-respected and highly regarded young stand-up comic, having performed on the UK comedy circuit to great acclaim JIMMY McGHIE heads to the Alternative Stage for another quality performance. He took his first solo show, ‘Jimmy McGhie’s Northern Meeting‘, to the Edinburgh Festival in 2009 receiving rave reviews and returned in 2010 with a new self-titled solo show.  Definitely one to watch.
www.avalonuk.com/artists/view/85 (Leeds – Sunday)
 
DEAD CAT BOUNCE are an international rock & roll comedy super group made up of Mick Cullinan, Demian Fox, Shane O’Brien and James Walmsley. Expect everything from hip-hop slow jams to 80’s stadium rock anthems, all performed in tight trousers with smoke machines and a lot of rock posturing!
www.deadcatbounce.ie   (Leeds – Saturday)
 
With an amiable confident stage presence and a well written set DANNY MCLOUGHLIN delivers material with more than just an immediate pay-off line, preferring to take the joke one or two steps further. Confident enough to take a risk on stage he does so not to the detriment of the audience, keeping them laughing along or hanging on every word as a good MC should do.
www.myspace.com/dannymcloughlin (Leeds – Saturday)
 
Having showcased his talents on esteemed comedic TV vehicles such as Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, not to mention being one of the lead writers on the hit BBC Three show Russell Howard’s Good News, STEPHEN WILLIAMS is one of the best stand-up performers around, so if you’re any sort of comedy fan…you really shouldn’t miss this.
www.stevewilliamscomedy.com   (Reading – Friday)
 
GAR MURRAN won the Bulmers Comedy Competition in 2006, and as a result got picked to support Puppetry of the Penis for two nights at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin. He was in the final of So You Think You’re Funny at The Edinburgh Festival the following year and now performs regularly at the Laughter Lounge, The International Bar and Comedy Cellar.
www.myspace.com/garmurran   (Leeds – Sunday)
 
Ex. PE teacher, rugby player and Elvis impersonator MIKE BUBBINS took the plunge to be a comedian in 2008 and since then has written and performed his debut show at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, been a regular guest comedian on BBC Radio Wales, and regularly performs, and headlines, at some of the best comedy clubs and theatres across the UK. Mike’s comedy style could maybe be described as mix of observation and exasperation. Although really funny would be more accurate. He MC’s at Leeds this year.
www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Bubbins   (Leeds – Friday)
 
Ranked no. 1 in Kerrang Magazine’s ‘100 Gigs That Shook The World’, and voted Nirvana’s Greatest Moment by fans in an NME poll, this legendary performance from Reading 92 is one of the defining festival moments in the world. This very special screening of NIRVANA 92 LIVE AT READING runs through the whole set, including ‘Lithium’, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ and ‘Breed’. (Leeds – Friday)
 
Earlier this year, The Beastie Boys released a surreal comedic short film entitled FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT REVISITED to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their breakthrough hit ‘(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)’ and the release of their new album ‘Hot Sauce Committee Part Two’. The film, which features cameos by an amazing number of famous actors, focuses on a conflict between the classic Beastie Boys (played by Seth Rogen, Danny McBride and Elijah Wood) and their time travelling selves (played by Will Ferrell, Jack Black and John C. Reilly). Be sure to set aside half an hour of your time and Ch-Check It Out.
(Leeds – Saturday / Reading – Sunday)
 
The award-winning photographer Seamus Murphy collaborated with PJ HARVEY on her latest album ‘Let England Shake’ and directed a series of short films to accompany all 12 songs. They feature still and moving images from a 5,000 mile road-trip Murphy undertook around England. He has worked similarly with still photography on journeys through America and Russia and they make up a visual diary of Murphy’s journey, travelling light and alone, and his attempt to document England and the English. He has mixed his observations on England with images from his work in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East – places Polly refers to in her depiction of England. The film soundtrack, the studio recording of the album ‘Let England Shake’, is mixed at times with footage and audio Murphy captured of Harvey in rehearsal and in performance. In addition some of the album lyrics were given a voice by people he encountered on his journey. 
(Leeds – Friday)

Alternative Stage for Reading and Leeds Festival finalised

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Keep an eye out for our comperes at both sites, Huw Stephens will man the main stage at Reading and Colin Murray (Fri/Sat) and Gill Mills (Sunday) at Leeds. At Reading Bethan Elfin and the Vinyl Vendettas will be on the NME/Radio 1 stage and Mike Davies on the Lock Up. Gazz Snowden will be keeping the Lock Up Stage in check at Leeds where Cerebral Ballzy and Random Hand have been added to the bill (Reading Sat/Leeds Fri) replacing RX Bandits and Crime In Stereo.
 
Festival Republic are also proud to announce a FREE downloadable programme for the festivals will be available from 23rd August from www.readingfestival.com and www.leedsfestivals.com .
 
The line up for all stages has now been announced (Main, NME/Radio 1, Lock Up/Dance, Festival Republic, BBC Introducing and Alternative) and there’s not long to go. The READING & LEEDS FESTIVAL is held on 27th – 29th August 2010 at Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds. Tickets for this event are now sold out.   The full line up and further information can be found at www.readingfestival.com and www.leedsfestival.com .
 
Continuing its commitment to reflect the most significant live music cultural events, the BBC will once again be broadcasting from Reading Festival. From Friday 27 August – Sunday 29 August, the BBC will bring audiences closer to the festival through the best music, including headliner sets, artist interviews, exclusive acoustics and special performances, across programming on BBC Three, BBC Red Button, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Online.
 
SILENTARENA at Reading and Leeds: Coming to Reading and Leeds for the first time SilentArena present the world’s largest concurrent silent disco featuring a total capacity of 9000 people across the festival.  Having travelled around the world this summer visiting some of the biggest festivals and events they plan to end the summer in style. The party will on go on into the small hours long after the headline acts have finished, featuring some of the UK’s top DJs competing head-to-head for the crowds attention. Don’t miss your chance to be part an unforgettable experience for you and thousands of others. Leeds will run from 11pm – 5am. Reading will be over two sites from 10.30pm – 4am with Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens, Bethan Elfyn and the Vinyl Vendettas, My Ex Boyfriends Records and more names to be confirmed.
http://www.silentarena.com
 
The Salvation Army: If anybody has any problems, are worried about anything or just need a friendly chat the Salvation Army marquee is close to its usual location in Reading on G4 road, near the Green camping area and between the river and the main area and will also be in Leeds.   They will be serving hot drinks and can even help with blankets if anything gets lost.   Last year in Reading they initiated a ‘Food Drive’ where they collected any non perishable food they have left after the weekend.   This resulted in over a tonne of food being collected from the recycling areas and at the marquee which was then distributed for those in need in the Reading area. Save yourself from having to carry heavy tins home and drop them off here.
 
Free Tunes from Dance To The Radio: On Thursday night the lucky people at Leeds are treated to a night of entertainment from local label Dance To The Radio – and have now kindly made a free album download available for people wanting to check out the bands they’ll see on site. Visit:
http://dancetotheradio.bandcamp.com/album/dance-to-the-radio-stage-2010-digital-e-p
 
Get Fresh For The Weekend with SEAT:   While at this world famous festival make sure you check out the SEAT Human Car Wash.  Whether you’re mucky from the mosh-pit or just feel like a freshen-up, this free-to-use service will lather you up, hose you down and give you a thorough air drying – just like a real carwash! Check it out in the Village at each site.
 
One Water: One Water is the official water supplier for Reading and Leeds festivals and will be onsite to give away One Festival survival packs which can be won by entering the competition detailed on the One water bottles sold on site. 
 
Relentless Energy Stage at Leeds: This action kicks in between 10pm and 3am each night with DJs and live music. Check out Plastic Thumbs, Crystal Fighters (Live) Quemist Soundsystem, Goldierocks, Drums of Death (live) Dekker, Punks Jump up and the thrillingly titled Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.
 
Gaymers – Lost In The Orchard at Leeds: Gaymers Cider will be hosting their own area at Leeds with live music, DJs and entertainment.   Lewis Floyd Henry, Connan Mockasin and Skinny Lister will all perform during the days and Cosmic Truth (DJs), Broken Hearts (DJs) and DJ Kobayashi (DJ) will be spinning the tunes. The ever popular Rockeoke encourages people up to sing their heart out, there will be a music quiz and a Gaymers Jukebox where everybody can be the superstar DJ until 3am each night.
 
ActionAid at Reading: ActionAid will be returning to Reading festival with their infamous tent just outside the main arena. With comfy seating, giant games and table football by day and feel good DJs until 3am, the friendly crew will keep you smiling all weekend. This year ActionAid are asking you to say Bollocks to Poverty by putting hunger back in the headlines. It’s outrageous that one billion people are hungry and politicians could end it if they put their minds to it, so the Reading crowd can help out by making hunger front page news. You and your mates will be able to put yourself on the cover of specially created magazine NMH by posing with hunger-busting headlines. Dress up, strike a rock star pose, and say bollocks to poverty by demanding a HungerFREE world.

ALTERNATIVE STAGE
 
Comedy on the Alternative Stage:
 
Best know for his hysterical appearances as burger van owner ANGELOS EPITHEMIOU on the TV series Shooting Stars; this is actually just one creation of the talented comedian Renton Skinner. He has appeared on radio, TV and film as a comedian and actor, performed stand up and written for various shows. We can only pray he brings along his ‘bag’ to show us what’s in it.
 
Described as the bad boy of comedy and nominated for Chortle’s Best Headliner category at this year’s awards, ANDREW LAWRENCE brings his sick and twisted humour to the festival. With previous shows titled “How to Butcher your Loved Ones” and “Social Leprosy For Beginners & Improvers”, don’t expect gentle humour, it would be gross if he wasn’t so funny.
 
As seen on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Mock The Week, TOM STADE brings his magnetic stage presence and distinctive laid back style to Reading and Leeds Festivals. In demand around the globe, this clever and controversial Canadian is not to be missed.
 
“King of the surreal one liners” MILTON JONES is a former Perrier Award winner at Edinburgh and constantly touring around the UK and had his own show on Radio 4. Don’t miss this respected and raved about set.
www.thebigfatcat.co.uk/MJ/(Reading only)
 
Recognisable as the face of BBC’s Switch, TOM DEACON is one of comedy’s bright new hopes. The 24 year old host of  a regular Radio 1 show on Sunday evenings made his solo debut at last year’s Edinburgh Festival having previously stared in the Fringe’s longest running group comedy show ‘The Comedy Zone’ and, despite his relative youth is already an award-winning stand up.
www.myspace.com/tomdeaconcomedy
 
Described as the “comedian’s comedian”, MARTIN MOR has been entertaining for years, first as multi talented performer in the circus until injury curtailed that path. Since when he has written and warmed up for anyone you’d care to mention. Oh, and his picture has adorned the Trivial Pursuit board game (!)
 
Nominated for last year’s Chortle Awards, heavy metal fan ANDREW O’NEILL has brought his own unique brand of occult comedy to the Edinburgh festival over the past six years and is a vegan to boot. He is not a Goth!
 
Famed as one half of the Eighties comedy duo Skint Video, STEVE GRIBBIN has established himself as one of the stalwarts on the comedy circuit and since going solo in the early nineties has performed almost annually at Reading/Leeds festivals.
www.stevegribbin.com/
 
Bristol based comedian MARK OLVER has not updated his website for a while as he’s too busy doing stand up around the country and his warm up acts on TV (including Deal or No Deal, so be sure to ask him to show you his box). When he’s not doing that he’s catching up on The Wire. 
http://markolver.com
 
Time Out Magazine once described STEPHEN GRANT as “Britain’s best comedy compere and odd job man” and he’s also been said to be the hardest working comedian in the country. A regular at the infamous Komedia clubs he’s been gaining fans wherever he goes for over a decade now.
 
Despite only being on the scene for just two years JOSH WIDDICOMBE has already made quite a name for himself and picked up some tasty reviews, award nominations and written for some cool TV such as 8 out of 10 Cats and Mock The Week.
www.offthekerb.co.uk/josh-widdicombe  (Leeds only)
 
Only a few years ago BRIAN GITTINS owned “the best roadside cafe in a 12-mile radius of Pyecombe” but he was determined to make it to the London Palladium. He’s luckily stopped off at Reading (or rather creator David Earl has) to bring his quirky and giggle-some set to us at the festival.
 
Comedian, actor and writer BARRY CASTAGNOLA has firmly established himself as an accomplished comic performer.   His easy-going (yet very physical) style, mixing personal anecdotes with some sharp topical and political comment has tickled fans all over the world and we are thrilled to welcome him back to Reading.
 
Music on the Alternative Stage:
 
MATT ABBOTT used to be better known as Skint and Demoralised but is now goes by his real name.   He is a spoken word/lyricist from Yorkshire who garnered great reviews and lots of national radio when he first broke through in 2009. His latest album is called ‘Love and Other Catastrophes’, make sure you catch him performing at Leeds this year.

www.myspace.com/iammattabbott   (Leeds only)

Reading & Leeds Festival – Alternative Stage Lineup announced

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ALTERNATIVE STAGE
 
Comedy on the Alternative Stage:
 
The surreal yet super funny EMO PHILIPS is warmly welcomed at Reading & Leeds Festival to play this headline set.   Having won over fans in the UK for over 20 years this Chicago born comedian has travelled the world with his quirky observations and hilarious child-like one-liners like “I’m not Catholic, but I gave up picking my belly button for lint”.    This is his first visit to the festival which is eagerly awaited.
www.emophilips.com     (Reading Friday 27th/Leeds Saturday 28th)
 
JASON BYRNE’s inspired, original brand of high-energy lunacy ensures that there is no other comedian presently like him. His fast, free-wheeling style, fused with an array of offbeat props, makes his act a helter-skelter of a show. The Irish funny man has appeared on radio and tv with his own shows, and all over the world with his awards winning stand up performances. Making a dash to Reading and Leeds from his 14th Edinburgh Festival shows we are thrilled to have him as one of our headliners in 2010.
www.jasonbyrne.ie     (Reading Saturday 28th/Leeds Sunday 29th)
 
A regular on UK tv shows, STEPHEN K AMOS is one of our funniest UK comedians. Having appeared on Have I Got News For You, Mock The Week and Live at the Apollo amongst others he released his debut DVD last year. Another of our headliners making the trip from Edinburgh, who appeared their first in 2001. appearing there first in 2001.    
www.myspace.com/85665609     (Reading Friday 27th/Leeds Sunday 29th)
 
You may have first heard of RUSSELL KANE when he popped up on TV for the launch of channel Five Live when he appeared in several funny travelogues, however he won his first award for comedy in 2004 and worked all over the world since. A stint on Big Brothers Big Mouth followed alongside lots more tv and radio.
www.russellkane.co.uk     (Reading Sunday 29th/Leeds Friday 27th)
 
Glaswegian KEVIN BRIDGES was only 17 years old when he started out as a stand up comedian, however within a few short years he was being nominated for awards and this year made his debut on Michael MciIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow on BBC1. This saw him elevated to playing the SECC Arena in Glasgow and win the 2010 Breakthrough prize at the Chortle Awards.
www.kevinbridges.co.uk     (Reading Saturday 28th/Leeds Friday 27th)
 
RUFUS HOUND is not only a gifted presenter, stand up comic and actor, he’s also cultivated some of the finest facial hair in the business! Best known for being the blue team captain on the TV series ‘Argumental’ or for dressing up as Cheryl Cole for 2010’s Let’s Dance for Sport Relief, his wit has recently been described as ‘sharp, sarcastic and at times a little sick!’
(Reading Sunday 29th/Leeds Friday 27th)
 
A regular at Edinburgh’s fringe, ROBIN INCE has appeared regularly on both Radio 4 and TV including BB2, Channel 4 and Sky – both as a writer and a performer. Most recently he has been seen touring his Robin Ince vs. the moral majority throughout the UK whilst series 2 of the science/comedy show he presents with Brian Cox – The Infinite Monkey Cage has just aired on Radio 4.
www.myspace.com/robinnce
 
The popular comedy night POPCORN COMEDY comes to the festival this year and is hosted by Jon Petrie + Holly Walsh with guests Cardinal Burns and Stephen Grant. They show some of the strongest, sharpest and funniest videos online and also feature the country’s best stand up and character comedians as they showcase their own short comedy films. The Sun called it “ … a joy to behold’, don’t miss this excellent way to start the day.
 
ABANDOMAN are an Irish improvising hip-hop trio, led by Rob Broderick, who won the 2010 Hackney Empire New Act Competition and the 2010 Musical Comedy Awards. They create hilarious musical sketches at lightning speed live – no two gigs are ever the same.
 
MIDNIGHT BEAST are most noted for their parady version of Ke$ha’s ‘Tik Tok’ which has drawn tweets from the lady herself…”Holy. Shit. This is better than my version.” The trio needless to say have a huge following via facebook, twitter and youtube, watch the videos, hear the songs, but catch ‘em live this summer at Reading and Leeds.
A near veteran of the Edinburgh festival and one of the best comedians on the International circuit, ADAM BLOOM with his sporadically silly, profound and thought-provoking routines has been described as comic genius. His brand of manic humour has bridged the gap from stage to both TV and radio with acclaimed results moving one critic to say of his stand-up; “…no puns, no ersatz nostalgia, Just Adam-Bloomness”. www.adam-bloom.com
 ‘A pocket sized dynamo’ so said one critic of this young comedian. MATT KIRSCHEN’s precision wit and impish style shot through with an intelligent and skilful talent has already merited an impressive reputation on the UK comedy circuit. He has played most of the major comedy venues, done the University tours and picked up an array of awards and this summer sees a welcome return to Reading and Leeds festivals. www.myspace.com/mattkirshen
Currently riding high on the UK comedy scene, MC DAVE TWENTYMAN is one of the most affable and naturally gifted comedians you’ll see this year. Hailing from the town of St Helens, his tales of home, work and the universe are delivered in a stream of consciousness both mesmerising and friendly.
www.dave-twentyman.co.uk/
 
JJ WHITEHEAD (or Jason John to his family) will bring intricately woven anecdotes and sharply crafted gags with an edge. Having performed all over the world the Canadian makes his first appearance at Leeds.
www.jasonjohnwhitehead.com     (Leeds Only)
 
Sunderland comedian MATT REED has gained a reputation as an amazing comedian and compere for the best part of the last decade. Described as a ‘cheeky, smutty little chappy’ he will bring his enthusiasm and energy to Leeds this year.
(Leeds only)
 
If you haven’t yet, it’s probably time to start getting excited about JAMIE KILSTEIN. The stand-up comedian co-hosts the online radio podcast Citizen Radio with Alison Kilkenny and those who like their comedy passionate, political and delivered like machine gun-fire are in for a treat.
www.myspace.com/jamiekilstein      (Leeds Only)
 
Inventive Canadian stand-up GLENN WOOL has made a name for himself with his wide ranging comedy which veers between sagely political and gleefully silly. Described by The Independent on Sunday as a ‘cross between Jack Black and Meat Loaf’ and hailed by The Guardian as ‘effortlessly funny with an affability that other comics can only dream of’.
 
A member of Rich Hall’s Perrier Award winning team the Black Liars, CHRISTIAN REILLY is a stand-up comic who is also a guitar hero. From indie rock to rocked out hippy, Christian can play and please them all. With his unique take on life and skilled improvisations, his comic songs, sharp wit and youthful energy delights audiences wherever he performs.
 
CHARLIE BAKER is a versatile talent, not only a much in demand stand-up comedian, but also an accomplished, highly acclaimed jazz singer and musician. Recently, Charlie won the prestigious Mervyn Stutter ‘Spirit of the Fringe’ award for his debut Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Charlie Baker – The World’s Greatest Show Off’ and has performed warm up slots for ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’ and ‘Friday Night With Jonathan Ross’.
 
Music and Performance on the Alternative Stage:
 
BEARDYMAN, the former UK beatbox champion incorporates a lot of humour into his innovative set which sees his mind boggling skill of producing scratches, clicks and musical acrobatics with his voice.   Flagged up by the BBC as the “King of Sound and Ruler of Beats’, Beardyman has collaborated with like-minded individuals with the resultant multi-media shows proving a totally unique experience.        www.beardyman.co.uk
Now resident in South East London but originally from Nigeria, the grime/afrobeat MC AFRIKAN BOY came to prominence when he guested on M.I.A’s Kala’ album. Currently juggling university studies with his musical career, Shola as he likes to be known is preparing several new releases and these shows will see an artist finding his own path through words and rhyme.
 
With work well underway on the new Art Brut album, EDDIE ARGOS takes time out from the studio for a very special stripped down acoustic set at this year’s Reading and Leeds Festival. Playing re-workings of Art Brut, Everybody Was In The French Resistance, Glam Chops and Art Goblins songs, this show is not to be missed.
 
4Talent award winner LUKE WRIGHT might just be the hardest working man in poetry. He has four solo poetry stage shows, all of which played to sold out audiences at The Edinburgh Fringe and got five star reviews. Described by The Observer as ‘the best young performance poet around’ while Metro hailed him as ‘performance poetry’s key revivalist’.
 
Poet, illustrator, novelist, spoken word artist, Brit School graduate and chum of Kate Nash LAURA DOCKRILL is only 23 but has already made her name on the poetry scene with her stories of modern life. 
 
Having come the unlikely route of via Scotland, Nigeria, Trinidad and London, rapper RINSE arrives at the Reading and Leeds Festivals. He will be performing alongside Nottingham Grime MC WARIKO
 
INSTIGATE DEBATE (artists and speakers tbc)
 
Instigate Debate is the counterculture project formed by a collective of musicians and journalists including Carl Barat, and Jon ‘The Reverend’ McClure. They have argued all over the UK including at the Oxford Union, expect a diverse panel of guests will discuss political points from across the spectrum, expect passion and forthright debate 
 
Clubbing at the Alternative Stage:
 
Trangressive Club Night – a message from the label …
 
2010 marks the fourth year of label/promoters/publishers/managers Transgressive’s presence at Leeds Festival.  
 
The format is the same each year – audio-visual treats and the best new emerging acts performing intimate shows on the closing night of the festival, from a mixture of Transgressive acts and our friends… We’re trying to make it a proper closing night hurrah for those that still have the will and spirit to party very, very hard, carrying long into the night after the headliners have finished on the other stages.
 
Prior acts to have graced our stage in recent years include Leeds’ own hometown heroes Pulled Apart by Horses, Two Door Cinema Club, Future of the Left, Young Knives, Noah & The Whale, Laura Marling, and many more besides.   This time, however, we reckon we’ve got our best line-up yet – the evening is headlined by an exclusive, centrepiece performance from Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit, with other acts including manic electronic duo Chew Lips, youthful wizard pop from Egyptian Hip Hop, uplifting soulful pop gems courtesy of Slow Club, and, of course, a 22-piece-all-girl-dubstep-pop-choir in Gaggle. 
 
In between all the live action, Transgressive and Rockfeedback DJs will play big and cool tunes in equal measure, whilst we welcome back both Two Door Cinema Club and Pulled Apart by Horses this year to take part in a ‘versus’ dual on the decks. Who the hell will win? Stay up late with us and find out.
Leeds Only – Sunday Night
 
A Reading and Leeds Festival legendary experience from the first time they appeared, SWAP-A-RAMA is a simple idea, yet executed in stunning style. The Concept: Every time the klaxon sounds each reveller must swap an item of clothing with someone next to them. Attendees are advised to wear clothes they don’t mind never seeing again. God knows what they’ll be going home in! Expect ridiculous clothes, dancing on the bar, confusion, elation, grown men fighting over frocks, sweating, a hangover…soundtracked by an unpredictably intoxicating mix of Rock & Roll, Soul, R&B, Sixties Shakers, Ska, Boogaloo, Hip-Hop, Dancehall, Pop Music & Party Classics.
www.swap-a-rama.co.uk
 
‘How Can You Go Wrong When Every Song’s A Love Song’ is the manifesto for the DJ’s at SMASH N GRAB. The Queenz of Noise have made this London club into the must be spot in town for ‘kissing and dancing’ and they bring their inimatible fun and tunes to Reading and Leeds. Expect music from the last 50 years and expect to dance till you fall down.
www.smashandgrabclub.com
 
REBEL BINGO is dangerous and addictive, the authorities are after them!   It started after finding a bingo kit at a party in a church, these people soon became addicted and now it’s out of control, and coming to Leeds (only). They are joined by electro/indie DJ GOLDIEROCKS who’s invaded parties and aftershows all over the world and is becoming a festival favourite for anybody willing to dance till they drop.
 
Movies showing at the Alternative Stage:
 
Forget Twilight, SUCK is a rock and roll vampire thriller directed by Rob Stefaniuk and filmed in Toronto. It follows the tale of hapless rock band The Winners who tour the US and Canada chased by a Vampire Hunter who is afraid of the dark. Featuring rock legends Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Henry Rollins and, er, Moby – this will hopefully not scare you too much so you can make it back to the campsite …
 
THE DOORS, WHEN YOU’RE STRANGE reveals an intimate perspective on the creative chemistry between drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and singer Jim Morrison — four brilliant artists who made The Doors one of America’s most iconic and influential rock bands. Using footage shot between the band’s 1965 formation and Morrison’s 1971 death, the film follows the band from the corridors of UCLA’s film school, where Manzarek and Morrison met, to the stages of sold-out arenas.   The film is written and directed by Tom DiCillo (‘Johnny Suede’, ‘Living in Oblivion’) and narrated by Johnny Depp.
 

The delightfully titled TRASH HUMPERS follows a small gang of sinister ‘elderly’ peeping toms through the shadows of a nightmarishly familiar suburban landscape. Their shocking and sociopathic behaviour makes for unbearably compelling viewing that scorches itself onto the mind’s eye. Written and directed by Harmony Korine (Kids, Gummo), The Guardian described the film as the “cinematic equivalent of listening to black metal”