Latitude Festival is more than a music festival, with a wealth of comedy, dance and poetry on offer. Here are 10 which look set to be highlights this year

1. Dara O’Briain

Best known as host of Mock the Week, the Irish stand-up is at the top of his game. He studied at University College, Dublin, reading Mathematical Physics, and presented BBC 2’s The Apprentice: You’re Fired. Having sold out the entire run in Edinburgh in 2002, a feat he repeated for the next three years, O’Briain has a dry wit and is genuinely funny.

2. Michael Rosen

Former children’s laureate Michael Rosen is one of Britain’s best known writers and performers for children. His book ‘We’re Going On a Bear Hunt’, made together with Helen Oxenbury, sold more than 8 million copies. Rosen is a university professor at Goldsmiths in London and a regular public speaker - at schools, libraries and theatres,

3. Robin Ince

Leftfield comic Robin Ince will muse on two themes in the Literary Arena this year. His Saturday show is called You Are Here On The Pale Blue Dot and the Sunday set is called Your Culture Is Ailing, Your Art Is Dead. What does he mean? You’ll have to attend to find out.

4. English National Ballet

Sadler’s Wells presents the English National Ballet at Latitude this year. Returning after a successful performance of Swan Lake last year, dancers will stage a production of The Four Seasons for this year’s festivalgoers.

5. Tim Key

With his sideways look at the world and penchant for profanity, the title of the Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner’s new show is too rude to print in a family newspaper. His promoters have said he will “loll against his mic stand for an hour or so, gazing dead-eyed at the ladies, reciting verse and doing basic talking”.

6. Josie Long

Intelligent and irreverent, Long can do silly as well as speaking passionately about the social causes that she feels strongly about. She is currently in the process of writing a film, a radio series and a book.

7. Royal Shakespeare Company

Regular guests at Latitude, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is one of the world’s best known theatre companies. Based in Stratford-upon-Avon and touring the world, the RSC works to inspire a love of the writings of the Great Bard.

8. Simon Amstell

Famed for his barbed comments and sharp put-downs, Amstell first rose to prominence on Popworld before taunting C-list celebrities on Never Mind the Buzzcocks. He has toured to sell-out audiences around the world and created the critically acclaimed BBC2 sitcom Grandma’s House.

9. Henning Wehn

The self-styled German Comedy Ambassador to The United Kingdom has been a stand-up performer since 2003. Often touring as a double act with fellow German performer Otto Kuhnle, their show 1,000 Years of German Humour was nominated for the Barry Award at the 2009 Melbourne Comedy Festival. Wehn also regularly supports Stewart Lee on his tours.

10. Alison Moyet

Singer songwriter Alison Moyet will be welcomed to the Film and Music Arena this year. The former member of synthpop act Yazoo has enjoyed a diverse career spanning more than three decades. Her set promises to be a highlight.

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