The best theatre and performing arts to see at festivals in 2024

Latitude, Suffolk, July 25-28

At Latitude, the performing arts are just as important as the music. With a programme packed full of “cultural wonders”, there really is something for everyone’s tastes.

An Evening Without Kate Bush

Russell Lucas and Sarah Louise Young’s show is a blend of tribute act, parody and fangirl charm. The international smash-hit indulges in the mythology of one of the most influential voices in music. There is lots of audience interaction, but it may be the next best thing to seeing Bush herself.
Young’s Latitude offering also includes choose-your-own adventure cabaret I Am Your Tribute, while An Evening Without Kate Bush will also head to Glastonbury.

Heart
Actor and writer Jade Anouka’s debut play is “an exploration of love, loss and self-discovery”. The dynamic and intensely personal piece, which features beatboxing from Grace Savage, comes to Latitude after dates at the Roundabout at last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe and London’s Brixton House

Sam Campbell
Expect the unexpected with Aussie comic Campbell. The 2022 Edinburgh Comedy Award winner is known for being an oddball. He made waves last year on Taskmaster – live, he is even more of an eccentric rush of energy. You can bet he’ll bring a trademark PowerPoint presentation, one-liners and weirdness aplenty.

Circa Humans 2.0
Circa’s internationally acclaimed Humans is a symphony of acrobatics, sound and light. The performers present a deeply physical show about trust and control. A blend of circus and contemporary dance, it is a spine-tingling spectacle and a true feat of human strength.  

Also on the bill... 
Joy by Luke Wright; Half Man Half Bull, Helios and Orpheus, all by Wright and Grainger; and Cracking by Shôn Dale-Jones

‘At Latitude, performing arts are just as important as the music’

Wilderness, Oxfordshire, August 1-4

Described as a “four-day party like no other”, Wilderness is known for being one of the UK’s bougiest festivals, boasting feast tents, a spa and the opportunity to go wild swimming – plus a rich and varied artistic programme.

Letters Live
Inspired by Shaun Usher’s Letters of Note and Simon Garfield’s To the Letter, this celebration of literary correspondence, begun in 2013, is essentially a live reading of great letters. But with alumni including Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, who will be on this year’s bill?

Haus of Fatale
The Wilderness Cabaret returns, promising “crystal-covered exuberance” from artists promoting love and inclusivity. Individual acts are still to be confirmed but last year’s bill included burlesque performer Jolie Papillon, Cirque du Soleil aerialist Hugo Desmarais and hair-hanging contortionist Bella Diosa.

Drag Queen Wine Tasting
Drag queens and wine? What’s not to like? This Edinburgh Fringe sell-out led by Queen Vanity von Glow and sommelier Beth Brickenden features high-quality wines and food pairings, singalongs and prizes. The pair have fantastic chemistry, and you are bound to leave tipsier than when you took your seat.

Ahir Shah 
Shah is known for his sharp, political vigour, and audiences can expect high-brow philosophical thinking as well as a swarm of gags. His most recent offering, Ends, won the 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Award for best show – this is not one to miss.

Shambala, Northamptonshire, August 22-25

Shambala describes itself as an “adventure in Utopia”. Taking place on a beautiful estate in the heart of the English countryside, it boasts lakes, woodlands and rolling fields. Plus, lots of events and shows to catch, too.

Poetry Slam
Poets compete to be crowned the winner and the contest heats up fast. A regular highlight of the festival, this year’s competition will be housed in a new venue called the Sankofa Stage. Who will be the 2024 champion? Take a seat to find out.