Artists’ psyches under the spotlight

Published: 04 June 2010
by PETER GRUNER

WRITER Anthony Horowitz, poet Wendy Cope and artist Grayson Perry will all be put under the psychological spotlight in a series of interviews as part of this year’s Holloway Arts Festival. 

Horowitz, famous for TV’s popular wartime drama Foyle’s War, Cope, who is one of Britain’s best loved poets, and Islington-based Turner Prize winner Perry will be interviewed by a psychoanalyst in Connecting Conversations, a series of discussions on the creative process. 

Produced by Holloway-based organisation Rowan Arts, the 11-day programme which begins on June 24 will also showcase the work of local artists and performers and encourage emerging talent with a host of competitions and opportunities to get involved. 

The festival’s flagship free outdoor day, the Big Day Out, takes place on Sunday July 4.

Music-lovers can enjoy raw jailhouse rock, courtesy of The Popes, the sublime voice of Lili la Scala singing vintage classics in War Notes, jazz with vocalist Roma Thomas and an outdoor classical concert from renowned pianist Mark Swartzentruber. 

The programme includes comedy with  Liz Bentley and Elvis McGonagal.  

The spoken word theme continues with a show specifically devised for the festival by Islington based performance poet John Hegley, who will be appearing with performers Aoifa Mannix , Janie Armour, Malika Booker and Rachel Pantechnicon for music, magic and mayhem. There’ll also be a special comedy show for kids featuring magician Otis Cannelloni and comedian Paul Lyalls. 

Connecting Conversations dates include...

• Wendy Cope: Saturday June 26 , Archway Methodist Church, Archway Close, N19. 5.30pm 7pm.

• Grayson Perry: Sunday June 27, Assembly Hall, Islington Town Hall, 7pm-8.30pm.

• Anthony Horowitz: Wednesday June 30, British Library, Euston 6.30-8pm.

Other events:

• Candy Gourlay: Meet local author Candy Gourlay. Monday June 28, North Library, 4-5pm free. 

• Nicky Singer:  Children’s author: Tuesday June 29, Lauderdale House, 4.30-6pm free. 

• John Hegley: Tragedy, Poetry and Vinyl with Aoife Mannix and Janie Armour, Malika Booker, Rachel Pantechnicon and DJ Tim Wells: Wednesday June 30, Boston Arms, Tufnell Park 8-10.30pm

• Luke Wright: World Cup Slam Poetry Competition Friday July 2, The Woodstore, Holloway, 7pm-late.

For more information visit www.connectingconversations.org and www.hollowayartsfestival.co.uk