Arts scene set for big day out

Published: 02 July, 2010
by JOSH LOEB

CIRCUS loons and puppet-makers will party in the sun next week when the Pleasance Theatre launches its inaugural summer festival.

The Big Day Out, which aims to become an annual event, will feature The Butler by New Zealand company Loon Circus Theatre – described as “Pinter on stilts” and “like Cirque du Soleil for grown-ups”. Storyteller Rachel Rose Reid will conjure up fairytales and there will be comedy from Jack Whitehall, Islington resident Phil Nichol, Hattie Hayridge and Stephen Frost.  

Pleasance resident partner Islington Community Theatre will also be performing and there will be puppet-making workshops, cabaret, live music, face-painting and banner making at a children’s “protest camp”.

In the evening, the theatre’s next-door neighbour, the Woodstore Bar and Grill, will play host to Vive le Cabaret, a variety show featuring Tony award-winner Frances Ruffelle.  

The Pleasance is celebrating 26 years of success at the Edinburgh Festival, where it will be a major presence again this year. 

• The Big Day Out festival will be at the Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7, on July 10 from 11am-11pm. For tickets call 020 7609 1800 or visit www.pleasance.co.uk