Shiny New Festival 2014
A host of familiar city acts and new talent will be taking part in the third Shiny New Festival to preview their work in front of a homegrown audience before many of them head up to the Edinburgh Fringe. Taking place once more at the Lantern Theatre, it all starts from July 14. Shiny New offers up three performances each night, giving local artists a platform to showcase their work to fresh audiences. The festival was set up by director Peter Mitchelson in 2012 following numerous trips to fringe theatre festivals across the UK (read an old interview with him on this site here). In comparison, he believed Liverpool’s fringe scene was almost non-existent, and he and other artists had to go further afield in order to perform and develop new work. Not anymore - cramming everything from musical comedy to gritty drama into a seven day festival, here are some of this year's highlights: On Monday, July 14 you can catch Three Women by Mari Lloyd, being previewed before it goes over to Manchester's 24/7 Festival; You Boy, Gaffball Productions' "fast paced and energetic drama that explores the significance of knowing who is important to you and that despite everything, trust is thicker than blood"; and Occupied, written by former Everyman/Playhouse Young Writer Steph Dickinson and produced by Lantern regulars Big Teeth and Writers LABB, and described as "a comedy which pokes affectionate fun at political activism". Tuesday July 15 there will be a special festival edition of Shiny New's monthly comedy night. Hosted by Alastair Clark, the show is free and the Lantern suggest you book early to ensure a seat. On Wednesday (July 16), there is a second performance of Three Women; Caz and Britney present their one-hour version of Scottie Road the Musical, first performed as part of Homotopia; and our prodigal comedy sons Jollyboat (pictured above) return to the festival for their third year. Thursday July 17 brings Three Women, Red Redmond: Blue (a set from Chortle's Student Comedian of the Year 2014); and the return of Occupied. The Friday July 18 line up comprises A Spaghetti North Western, an hour of stand up and sketches; Alastair Clark's solo show Vote Russell Brand; and Jollyboat again. The Saturday (July 19) features Hacienda Tales, a play inviting the audience to eavesdrop on conversations between strangers as they first meet on their way to the iconic superclub; and second outings for You Boy and Alastair Clark: Vote Russell Brand. Sunday July 20 brings Sticky Labels, a new play from the prolific Laura-Kate Barrow; and the return of You Boy and A Spaghetti North Western. Multi-passes are available for each night of the festival offering entry to all three performances for £16 (£12 concs). Tickets can be booked online at the Lantern's website or by calling 0151 703 0000.
