29 Jul 2013
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Sadler’s Wells Latitude Interview: Billy Trevitt and Emma Gladstone

Hurrah! The summer theatre season is upon us! As most of you know, this often means that the focus of theatre is no longer in London’s West End as productions take to the road and perform their works across UK festivals. Whilst the Edinburgh Fringe is still the main contender for a concentrated programme of performance, there are other festivals that are developing to celebrate and showcase the arts more and more each year. One of the biggest growing arts festivals is Latitude, which presents a fully loaded arts programme of music, dance, theatre, poetry, cabaret and comedy.

When I heard that Sadler’s Wells, one of the world’s biggest dance houses, were once again brining their work to Latitude I was sold! I have seen their work at both their London Theatres, but never before on the road and I was very much looking forward to seeing their dance work in a more organic setting.

This year Sadler’s Wells brought a double bill of dance to Latitude; Rocío Molina , a modern flamenco display as well as two dances from the all male dance ensemble, Ballet Boyz. I caught up with Emma Gladstone, who is the artistic programmer for Sadler’s Wells and who has brought work to Latitude for the past 6 years, and Billy Trevitt, co-creator of the Ballet Boyz. Check out our video interview below to see what this lovely pair had to say about their work.

The Waterfront Stage

I absolutely love the vibe of a festival and have been attending festivals across Europe every summer since I was 16. This was my first year at Latitude and I have truly never experienced anything like it! There are over 14 different stages/ performance areas. The Waterfront Stage is an outdoor stage on the lake that runs through the festival. For obvious reasons the stage feels very close to nature, and like both Emma and Billy mentioned in the interview above, it is very entrancing to watch bodies moving and reflecting in the water. The Waterfront Stage is a vast contrast to Sadler’s Wells’ London Theatres, and is an entirely different environment in which to showcase their work. Check out a couple of pictures I snapped of the stage:

Ballet Boyz Latitude

Latitude Waterfront StageFact File

Emma Gladstone

Emma has worked collaboratively with dance legends such as Matthew Bourne and Lea Anderson, for whom Emma danced in The Cholmondeleys. Emma has also collaborated with music artists such as The Pet Shop Boys. Emma is now moving on to head up Dance Umbrella, which will be bringing a series of dance events across London from the 3rd – 20th October.

Billy Trevitt

Billy co-founded Ballet Boyz with fellow dance buddy, Micheal Nunn. Both Billy and Michael trained at The Royal Ballet where Michael became First Soloist and Billy became Principal. Billy has worked with dancer Darcey Bussell (former Royal Ballet Principal ballerina and Strictly Come Dancing judge) and veteran choreographer Chistopher Wheeldon.

What’s Next?

I had a fantastic time at Latitude, which was made even better by being able to watch the fantastic work of Sadler’s Wells live on the water! I can’t wait until 2014, when I am sure we will see another fantastic programme of events from Sadler’s at the festival!

You can see more from Emma Glastone in the Dance Umbrella dance events which will be bringing a series of dance performances across London from the 3rd – 20th October.

The Ballet Boyz are currently touring, so you can check out their awesome dance moves and excellent toned bodies for yourself! The Boyz will be performing all over the UK and will be in London in November. Visit www.balletboyz.com for further information.

For more information on the wonderful dance work of Sadler’s Wells, visit www.sadlerswells.com

Sadler's Wells Latitude 2013

Rebecca

Rebecca

Rebecca is a cheeky London lady with a love of theatre, cheese and wine (preferably all at the same time!) She graduated from Goldsmiths (University of London) with a First Class Honours degree in Drama and Theatre Arts and later went on to study for an NCTJ postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

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