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IF: 2012 presents a series of events, artists and productions, including the UK Premiere of the Enfila’t production Plecs, that celebrates work from the region of Catalonia and the Balaeric Islands. These are presented in association with the Institut Ramon Llull. Events are featured across the 10 days of the Festival.

The London 2012 Festival is a spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration running from 21 June until 9 September bringing together artists from across the world with the very best from the UK.
Phare Ponleu Selpak with Compagnie Ubi: Rouge Friday 20 – Monday 23 July
The UK Premiere of this thought provoking and powerful production from Cambodia blends dramatic dance, live music and daring circus arts. See page 10 for information.
The Lone Twin Boat Project Friday 20 – Sunday 29 July
The Boat Project is part of the London 2012 Festival and also part of Artists Taking the Lead, a series of 12 public art commissions across the UK to celebrate the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, and is the winning commission for the South East region, funded by Arts Council England. See page 7 for more information.

From jaw-dropping international spectacles such as the Carabosse Fire Gardens and As The World Tipped to intimate experiences such as A Quiet Volume and Track Down, IF: 2012 is full of surprises.
We invite you to events, ‘happenings’ and installations where you wouldn’t normally expect to find them and to do things you wouldn’t usually imagine yourself doing!
Inspired by the themes of the Olympic and Paralympic Games we have put together a programme of events that reflect their universal values of respect, excellence, friendship, courage, determination, inspiration and equality. We are also proud to be presenting events that are part of the Cultural Olympiad and the London 2012 Festival.
Our thanks go to Arts Council England, Milton Keynes Council, our corporate partners and many supporters who have once again made the impossible possible. In particular, thanks go to Creative Producer Bill Gee, Artist in-Residence Adrian McNally and the Festival Team, including our volunteers, for their drive and commitment.
Have an amazing 10 days!
Monica
Ferguson Festival Director & Chief Executive of The Stables
Follow the Festival on: IF Tweets IF Facebook IF Flickr IF YouTube
Please support the Festival’s plans for IF: 2014 by donating £10 for 10 amazing days – Arts Council England will match your donations through their Catalyst Funding Programme. Text IFMK99 £10 to 70070 or donate online at www.justgiving.com/ifmkfest. Smaller or larger donations are also welcomed. Thank you.

IF you want a hot night out

Friday 20, Saturday 21, Sunday 22 July
From 9pm – midnight, last admission 11.15pm City Gardens, Campbell Park
Tickets: £2 in advance, £3 on the night
French fire alchemists La Compagnie Carabosse will light up the night sky with a breathtaking transformation in the beautiful setting of Campbell Park. Using dramatic fire, flames, live music and sound stages, the audience is invited to wander through avenues, explore labyrinths and experience specially created fire gardens.
Carabosse have staged their striking installations across five continents, with dancing fire sculptures, moving gyroscope-like structures, flaming fire pots and cascades of candles. This will be one of their largest and most impressive events yet.
A truly memorable experience for all the family.
“Spirals of fire, plumes of fire and strange spherical braziers like red planets. It was amazing: like some strange medieval pageant.” The Observer
IF you’re looking for an extraordinary story

Friday 20 – Sunday 29 July
11am – 6pm each day, except Sundays to 5pm Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk Shopping Centre
IF has joined forces with creators Lone Twin to bring this groundbreaking and nationally significant project to Milton Keynes (one of the furthest points from the sea!) as part of its maiden voyage.
Crafted by an adventurous team of boat builders from wooden objects donated by the public, this unique 30ft sailing boat –Collective Spirit - will be moored in a harbour in the busy open air Queen’s Court in thecentre:mk. Each piece of donated wood has a special meaning or a moving, memorable or extraordinary story behind it, making the boat a living archive of our lives.
Boat Welcoming Ceremony, Friday 20 July, 5.30pm
Music from The Singing City Choir
Talk - Collective Spirit, Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 July, 11am
A talk given by the Boat’s creators and crew, next to the Boat
Ship’s Log Concert with Thirty Pounds Of Bone, Saturday 28 July, 5.30pm
Songs composed on the voyage by The Boat Project’s Artist In Residence, singer-songwriter Johny Lamb (Thirty Pounds of Bone)
Musical Send-off Ceremony, Sunday 29 July, 6.30pm
The Boat Shed and listening buoys have been designed and built by young people as part of The Splinter Group, with flags designed by the IT Project craft team – both MK Christian Foundation social enterprise training programmes based in Wolverton. MK Men in Sheds, supported by Age UK Milton Keynes, and the students from Mllton Keynes College Learning Disability Services also contributed to the construction and painting of the Harbour. The Boat Project is part of Artists Taking the Lead, a series of 12 public art commissions across the UK to celebrate the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. The Boat Project is the winning commission for the South East region and is funded by Arts Council England. Boat Ceremonies supported by MK Community Foundation


Inspired by The Lone Twin Boat Project and the stories behind the wood donated to build it, a new album has been commissioned for IF: 2012 by The Stables, and produced by the Festival’s Artist-in-Residence Adrian McNally – the pianist, arranger and producer for contemporary folk band The Unthanks.
The album – Harbour of Songs – brings together artists including Ivor Novello award-winning and Mercury nominated Villagers, Ivor Novello-nominated Nick Hemming (The Leisure Society), Australian singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko (big in her own country and now making waves here in Europe), rising stars Alasdair Roberts, Hannah Moulette and Raevennan Husbandes, folk legends Ralph McTell and Steve Tilston, internationally successful novelist/writer Nick Hornby, ‘The Bard of Barnsley’ poet Ian McMillan, American singersongwriting legend Janis Ian, BBC Folk Award nominees Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell, and Guy Chambers –probably Britain’s most successful modern songwriter, best known for his work with Robbie Williams – and of course, The Unthanks.
Harbour of Songs is released on Proper Records and available from www.propermusic.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.play.com and Festival merchandise points. Adrian McNally will be taking part in a talk about the album, and performing with The Unthanks + Guests on Monday 23 July in The Stables Spiegeltent, see page 40.
The Lone Twin Boat Project is featured on page 7.

IF
floats your
UK PRemIeRe
Friday 20, Sunday 22 & Monday 23 July 7.30pm
Saturday 21 July 2pm
Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
Tickets £17.50, £16.00 under 16s
Family of 4 (max 3 adults) £60
Unreserved seating
Ticket deal: Buy for 3 Theatre Tent shows get 10% off
Buy for 2 Theatre Tent shows get 5% off Call 01908 280800
This thought provoking and powerful production from Cambodia blends dramatic dance, live music and daring circus arts – from gravity defying acrobatics and lifts, to juggling with unexpected objects to create an extraordinarily dramatic and breathtaking show.
Rouge features stunning physical choreography by Sarosi Nay of Compagnie Ubi, performed by a cast of exceptionally skilled young male performers backed by a gamelan band.
This is the first time that the company – Phare Ponleu Selpak (meaning ‘the brightness of arts’) – and also the production Rouge have been to the UK.
A mesmerising and uplifting performance echoing the hope that the current, younger generation has for Cambodia’s future.
There is a talk about Rouge on Saturday 21 July, see page 52
Presented in association with London’s Southbank Centre Rouge is part of the London 2012 Festival.

IF Theatre Tent
Saturday 21 & Tuesday 24 July 7.30pm, Sunday 22 July 2pm, Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
Tickets £17.50, £16 under 16s
Family of 4 (max 3 adults) £60
Unreserved seating
Ticket deal: Buy for 3 Theatre Tent shows get 10% off Buy for 2 Theatre Tent shows get 5% off Call 01908 280800
Breathtaking theatre, music, acrobatic, circus and dance entwine in this witty and enthralling production.
Four intriguing characters use mechanical contraptions, tumbling machinery and everyday props – scissors, keys, paper, pipes – to keep their musical score playing, no matter what happens...whilst above them acrobats challenge them with spins, balances, dance movements, origami-style folding, unfolding and physical feats.
Plecs – meaning ‘folds’ – is ingenious and jaw droppingly entertaining. Prepare to expect the unexpected and be mesmerised by this award-winning international company, hailing from the region of Catalonia in Spain, and comprising some of the world’s best physical performers.
“An excellent piece that fascinates the audience with its originality and the acrobats’ exquisite technique.” Diari de Tarragona


IF you want moving drama Event Partners
Wednesday 25 July and Thursday 26 July
Gates open 9pm, show approx 9.45pm – 10.30pm Amphitheatre, Campbell Park
Tickets: £2 in advance, £3 on the night
This epic and ambitious outdoor multi-media performance combines dramatic film visuals and a glorious soundtrack with breathtaking aerial performance to tell a powerful tale of ecological crisis.
Suspended above the audience in the night sky, the performers struggle to control their increasingly precarious world as they do battle with the effects of drastic environmental catastrophe. Meanwhile at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, harassed staff fail to notice as the world around them slides toward disaster...
Written and directed by Nigel Jamieson, one of the world’s leading creators of outdoor spectacle (Sydney Olympics, Liverpool – European Capital of Culture), As The World Tipped has been created with the pioneering team from Wired Aerial Theatre.
To get the most from your visit and to enjoy your As The World Tipped experience, please read the information on page 61 or visit www.ifmiltonkeynes.org
There is a talk about the arts’ response to global climate change on Thursday 26 July, see page 53.




Thursday 26 & Friday 27 July 7.15pm,
Saturday 28 July 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 29 July 4.30pm
Tickets £17.50, £16 under 16s
Family of 4 (max 3 adults) £60
Unreserved seating
Ticket deal: Buy for 3 Theatre Tent shows get 10% off Buy for 2 Theatre Tent shows get 5% off Call 01908 280800
Award-winning French company Au Cul du Loup fuse movement, music and sound to create brilliantly humorous shows.
Some three years in the making, Score is a beautiful production inspired by all aspects of the sporting world – a fitting highlight in the Festival’s programme for this momentous Olympic year.
Cleverly re-inventing sports – expect sticky parcel-taped wrestlers and intergalactic hockey matches – Score brings together musicians, composers, choreographers, dramatists and performers who use instruments and everyday or unusual objects to evoke the triumphs and trials, dedication and celebration that we associate with sport. The result is a truly engaging and enjoyable experience.
“Mesmerising stuff with plenty of invention and humour on show, too.”
The Stage

IF You like dining out

Sunday 29 July
1pm – 6pm
Campbell Park
Come dine with us al fresco and bring your family and friends...
With plenty to enjoy, sit back with your picnic and revel in The Parks Trust’s glorious community celebration of multicultural music and dance on the amphitheatre stage or join in with a workshop. Throughout the afternoon the Festival will be presenting a series of events to complement the wealth of activities taking place in the Park:
Hardeep Singh Kohli officially opens the World Picnic at 1pm
See page 50 for information about Hardeep’s ‘Indian Takeaway’ show in The Stables Spiegeltent at 2pm.
Guixot de 8, 1pm – 7pm. Large, colourful mechanical puzzles and games from Barcelona, made from reclaimed materials.
Circ Panic: L’homme que perdia els botons (The Man Who Loses his Buttons), 2.30pm and 5.30pm. (40 minute show) Witty and breathtaking physical acrobatics from Catalonia to have you on the edge of your seat.
MuMu Circus: Roda Món (My Wheel), 1.30pm and 4.30pm (50 minute show)
A fascinating, highly visual and theatrical Catalan performance combining music, circus skills and audience participation.
Etta Ermini Dance Theatre: Picnic, 1pm, 2pm and 4.30pm (20 minute show)
A young couple’s happy picnic is disrupted with dramatic results.
The Singing City Choir on the Amphitheatre Stage, 4.40pm – 5.10pm
A range of songs including the specially composed song for The Boat Project.
Guixot de 8, Circ Panic and MuMusic are part of IF Focus: Catalan & Balearic Islands events presented in association with Institut Ramon Llull
Presented in association with

IF you like a good book
Friday 20 – Saturday 28 July (except Sunday 22 July) FREE

Milton Keynes Central Library, Sessions from 11am
Friday 20 & Monday 23 – Wednesday 25 July, last session 4.50pm
Saturday 21 & Saturday 28 July, last session 4pm
Thursday 26 & Friday 27 July, last session 6.40pm
Tickets £5 – a session time can be booked in advance or arrive on the day and a session will be allocated to you.
Played out in the hushed and tranquil surroundings of Milton Keynes Library, this captivating written word and audio experience transports the visitor to unexpected global destinations. Taking cues from words both written and whispered, find yourself burrowing an unlikely path through a pile of books with fascinating results.
The Quiet Volume is an experience for two people, please call the box office on 01908 280800 if you need a companion. Performances last for 50 minutes, please select your timeslot when booking. The experience can also be enjoyed in Spanish, please call the Box Office on 01908 280800.
New CommIssIoN
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July 11am and 3.30pm both days
IF you are 3 – 5 years old!

Enchanting live theatre exploring big ideas for little people! From the biggest of galaxies to the smallest things in the world, Little Universe reveals the patterns and movements that set everything in motion.
IF: 2012 has co-commissioned this outdoor production from one of the UK’s leading makers of children’s theatre, specially designed to delight and enthrall 3 – 5 year olds.
Fevered Sleep’s work is produced in association with Fuel
Small Wonders is a commissioning and professional development initiative creating outdoor work for under 5s. The project is funded by Arts Council England and seven national festival partners, including IF: 2012. Small Wonders will support and develop artists to deliver exceptional and challenging performances for its young audiences.

IF you want theatre in the Park
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July
12noon and 4.30pm both days

Shows last 30 minutes and are followed by drop-in workshops until 6pm both days Campbell Park, Free
An extraordinary assortment of brown paper packages have suddenly landed in Campbell Park. Amongst them are three enormous boxes, sporadically flapping, twitching and emitting the most peculiar of sounds! What on earth is inside? A wonderfully interactive show for all the family.
Kazzum will be running paper folding workshops after each show and throughout the afternoon, so pop in and recreate some of the characters you will have met in the show to take home with you...
IF: 2012 aNd INdePeNdeNt CINema mK PReseNt
The Adventures of Prince Achmed, with live score from Mira Calix
Wednesday 25 July, 7.30pm
IF you want a family film

One of the first feature length animations ever made and directed by Lotte Reiniger in 1926 is a beautifully crafted fairytale inspired by the Arabian Nights, suitable for all the family.
Award-winning composer Mira Calix has worked with Radiohead, Aphex Twin, the London Sinfonietta and Opera North, and has created a contemporary musical accompaniment to this classic silent film, to be performed live.
The main film will be preceeded by the first public screening in Milton Keynes of Baby Cow Animations’ 10 minute film Marvin, written and directed by Mark Nute, narrated by Steve Coogan with music composed by Jeff Mercel of Mercury Rev.

IF you seek balance
Saturday 28 July
4.30pm and 7pm, show lasts 30 minutes

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July 1pm – 7pm

A character inhabits a rather strange set constructed from hundreds of drawers and boxes that looks for all the world like a curious pop-up junk shop –and yet he still manages to perform incredible acrobatics with unnerving skill in seemingly impossible paces.
Highly entertaining, slightly surreal visual theatre mixing circus, dance and music.
Put down your crossword or sudoku and try something a little more hands on...
This extraordinary company from Barcelona have taken inspiration from wellknown sculptures made by 20th century artists and re-imagined them, using reclaimed materials and ingenious mechanics, into games and puzzles.
Great fun for young and old alike!
IF you like playing games
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July, 9.45pm – 10.30pm
IF drums light your fire

Starts at Xscape, meet outside in front of Xscape under the large screen Free
Witness a trail blazing procession by the powerful and stirring Deabru Beltzak.
Hailing from the Basque region of Spain, these fiery drummers unleash the devilish inhabitants of a witches’ coven into Milton Keynes...
An extravaganza of live music, pyrotechnics and special effects to light up the streets. A quite incredible performance and spectacular end to the 2012 Festival.
Please note: this is a moving parade that involves small fireworks and lots of noise. Take care and watch your step whilst moving. Please do not bring pets, or very small children.

Friday 20 - Sunday 29 July

IF you want Festival buzz
Campbell Park is Festival Central – host to a myriad of outdoor events and temporary venues, food outlets, a bar and picnic areas throughout the 10 days of the Festival.
Soak up the Festival’s ambience – Festival Central is an ideal place to mingle with festival-goers, artists and performers, and socialise with friends before or after a show.
Festival Central is open from 10am on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July, 11.30am on Saturday 28 July, 12 noon on Sunday 29 July and from 5.30pm on weekdays.
A Campbell Park location map and information is on pages 58 – 61.
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 July
Acoustic Stage, Campbell Park










The Stables Sessions on the Acoustic Stage in The Arabian Bar Tent is where you will hear new sounds or spot emerging talent and unsigned bands. Catch some great live music and enjoy a drink with friends in a relaxing and informal environment...
Friday 20 July
6.30pm: Jack McNeill & Charlie Heys
8.30pm: Andrew Duhon
9.30pm: Kara Grainger
Saturday 21 July
5.30pm: Heliopause
6.30pm: Louise Jordan
8.30pm: Chrystina Tomlin
9.30pm: Tinderbox
Sunday 22 July
5.45pm: Horses Brawl
6.45pm: Steve Winch
8.30pm: Daniela Bove
9.30pm: Howlin Hootin Owls
Please note: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult in the Arabian Bar Tent
Wednesday 25 – Saturday 28 July
Acoustic Stage, Campbell Park Free




Wednesday 25 July
6.45pm: Fred’s House
8.30pm: Ethan Ash
Saturday 28 July
4.30pm: Clare Free
5.30pm: Stephen Langstaff
6.30pm: Ryker Sear
8.30pm: Duotone
9.30pm: Dan Whitehouse


Thursday 26 July
6.45pm: Mark Abis
8.30pm: Holly Taymar


IF you love live music


Friday 27 July
6.30pm: Blackheart
8.30pm: Jon Kendall
9.30pm: Rebecca De Winter
The Stables Sessions are presented by The Stables Events Ltd and are supported by MK Community Foundation
Friday 20 – Sunday 29 July
IF only all tents were like this

Campbell Park
Stand-up Comedy, Cabaret and Live Music
A hit at the 2010 Festival, the luxurious Victoria Spiegeltent – the best venue in town – is back!
Spiegeltents (mirror tents) were developed in Belgium in the early 1900s as travelling dance halls and were beautifully constructed with wood, stained glass and mirrors. A Spiegeltent was the domain of night owls, heartbreakers and dream chasers...
Programmed by The Stables, this lively venue set in Campbell Park forms the beating heart of the Festival with a cracking programme of world-class stand-up comedy, cabaret, live music, artist talks and critical debate. See pages 33 – 51.
Please note: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult in The Spiegeltent.
Friday 20 July, 8pm
IF you like lush sounds

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £17.50
Unreserved seating
Dynamic, musically ambitious and bracingly eccentric with his own inimitable brand of lush musicality, Duke Special inhabits a world unlike any other –a world filled with beautifully bruised romanticism, vaudeville-esque sensibility, sing-a-longs and addictive melodies.
A performer harking back to a pre-rock’n’roll era, with dashes of Gershwin and orchestral swing, all tinged with a Northern Irish lilt and poetic lyrics that could feature in a modern-day fairytale.
“This is music of magic and soul” Daily Telegraph
Ticket Deal: Buy for both Duke Special and The Horne Section (page 34) for £30
Friday 20 and Saturday 21 July, 10pm

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £15
Unreserved seating
The blissfully funny jazz-infested juggernaut that is The Horne Section comes to the Festival. A feel-good funfair of an evening, expect it to be live and loud – part improvised, part honed, part performance, part party but all delivered with style and verve.
Alex Horne and his magnificent 5-piece band (led by Joe Stilgoe) are famed for welcoming other Festival acts to join them on stage, so you never quite know who will turn up to add to the late night shenanigans!
Ticket Deals: The Horne Section + Duke Special (page 33) for £30
The Horne Section + The Demon Barbers (page 36) for £29.00
Saturday 21 July, 11.30am

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £5 (includes coffee)
Unreserved seating
IF you like bright ideas
For one morning only you are invited to engage in a live Wikipedia of fascinating thought leaders, experts and mavericks from, or who have a strong connection with Milton Keynes.
On arrival and after being plied with good coffee, the audience will lucky-dip pick four 20-minute conversations – it could be with a Formula 1 car designer, a Paralympian sportswoman, a pop musician, a climate change dissident, a Japanese Buddhist monk...who knows who you’ll meet, talk with and maybe learn from?
Saturday 21 July, 8pm
IF you want a spirit raising gig

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £16.50
Unreserved seating
Youthful, charismatic and with bags of attitude, folk powerhouse The Demon Barbers have teamed up with some of England’s most exciting young dancers to create a high-energy big band, clog and rapper extravaganza that leaves its audience breathless.
The Demon Barbers are known for their original approach to traditional music, making it pulse with electricity. Driven, punchy tunes, drum ‘n’ bass grooves and a hint of ska makes them one of the most exciting live acts around.
Ticket Deal: The Demon Barbers + The Horne Section (page 34) for £29.00
Sunday 22 July, 11.30am – 1.30pm

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £2.50 (includes cold drink)
A physical workout that is actually fun! Research suggests that classical music enhances athletic performance more than other genres such as urban, dance or rock. Exploring this suggestion, US composer Stephen Montague has written a new piece of music that will be played live by leading classical musicians, Ensemble 360.
Top choreographer Anna Olejnicki will lead a specially choreographed physical workout to the live music in this two-hour experience open to all ages and abilities. Please wear comfortable clothing.
Ticket Deal: Ensemble 360 will perform a concert at 3.30pm (page 38).
Warm Up for the Olympics participants can see this concert for £5.
Concert £5
IF you do the Workout on page 37
Sunday 22 July, 3.30pm

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £12.50 Unreserved seating
Classical maestros Ensemble 360 make their own contribution to the Olympic celebrations with a programme that demonstrates that classical music can be just as powerful an inspiration to sport and exercise as any other musical style.
The concert features a rare chance to hear André Caplet’s effervescent Quintet, pieces featured at the 1936 and 1984 Olympic Games, music by composers with surprising sporting connections and a new work by US-born composer Stephen Montague.
Programme: Schein: Pavane No.16 arr. for wind quintet, Glass: The Olympian: Lighting of the Torch, Caplet: Quintet, Janáˇcek: Music for Indian Club Swinging, Montague: Bolt from the Blue, Ravel: Pavane pour une Infante Défunte (arr. Walter), Bizet: Chanson Bohémienne (Fantasy on Carmen) (arr. Walter),
This concert is supported by the Foyle Foundation and Arts Council England.
Phill Jupitus: You’re Probably Wondering Why I’ve Asked You Here...
Sunday 22 July, 8pm

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £15 Unreserved seating
IF you like a good laugh
U-boat Captain, Welsh pornstar, Dutch roadie or noted broadcaster and comedian? Like Camberwick Green, you’re never sure who’s coming out of the box...
One of the UK’s best loved funnymen and Never Mind The Buzzcock’s Team Captain, Phill Jupitus stops off at The Spiegeltent on his way up to Edinburgh armed with a stack of new material.
Expect adult content delivered childishly...
Monday 23 July, 8pm
Tuesday 24 July, 7.45pm

IF you want songs from the heart
IF you like songs with a story
The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets
£25
Unreserved seating
The Unthanks are the most innovative and critically acclaimed folk band in modern history, known for their timeless, unsentimental and quietly subversive tales.
The band’s pianist, arranger and producer Adrian McNally is IF: 2012’s Artist-in-Residence and has collaborated with some of the best singersongwriters around to produce a new album, inspired by The Boat Project –Harbour of Songs.
Some of the artists and songwriters who appear on the album will join the Unthanks on stage.
For more information about Harbour of Songs, see page 8.

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £18.50
Unreserved seating
Beautifully crafted, heartfelt songs from singer-songwriter Tom Baxter.
Following the success of his first album Feather and Stone and the follow up Skybound,Tom took some time out to travel across India and Europe with his guitar strapped on the back of an old Enfield motorbike. He’s returned to the studio and is now recording his third album Golden in Los Angeles - expect some new gems in his repertoire alongside the favourites.
IF you want to dance
Tuesday 24 July, 9.45pm

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets
£10
Standing tickets – limited seating available
The riotous Flap! are up for fun and ready to take you along for the ride. Festival favourites across Australia, Flap! come direct from Melbourne to Milton Keynes as part of their debut UK tour.
Drawing on a wide variety of sounds, with honey-sweet vocals and intense rhythms, Flap! are often likened to a 1920s prohibition-era dance band, but are so much more than that.
Their onstage energy is exciting, edgy and disarmingly delightful and their songs deal with the perennial themes of love, death and insobriety in ways that are surprising, intelligent and uplifting.
Jon Richardson
Wednesday 25 July, 8pm
IF you love to laugh

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets
£16
Unreserved seating
The host of Channel 4’s Stand Up For The Week and Team Captain on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and best-selling author Jon Richardson will be bringing his very funny stand-up show to The Spiegeltent.
Jon’s recent TV credits include Have I Got News For You, Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Channel 4’s Comedy Gala Live At The 02 and Never Mind The Buzzcocks.
May contain strong language and adult content.
IF you like it with a twist
Thursday 26 & Friday 27 July, 7.30pm

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £18.50
Unreserved seating
Quebec City’s L’Orchestre d’Hommes-Orchestres offer an event that is more carnival show-meets-musical circus than just a concert.
This bustling high energy orchestra performs the repertoire of American music icon Tom Waits using nearly 100 objects – tea pots, saws, boots, boxing gloves – and invented instruments. A powerful tribute to the world of Waits, the performers remain faithful to the spirit of his work whilst turning it into a quirky, fascinating spectacle.
Ticket Deal: L’Orchestre + Silent Disco (opposite) for £28.50

Fiday 27 July, 10pm

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets
£12.50
Standing tickets – limited seating available
IF partying is your thing
A silent disco does away with the traditional speaker systems used in nightclubs or festivals and instead has disco-goers and clubbers wearing a set of wireless headphones (provided on the night).
Two DJs play simultaneously on two separate channels, which means you only listen to the music that you want to hear – and if you don’t like the music from the first DJ just flick the switch and listen to the second DJ! An unforgettable experience – and great fun.
Ticket Deal: Book SilentArena Disco + L’Orchestre D’Hommes-Orchestres (opposite) for £28.50
Saturday 28 July, 1pm
(ends approx 2.15pm)

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £12.50
Unreserved seating
IF you’d rather spectate from your seat than compete, vaudeville virtuosos Bowjangles offer you their very own Bowlympic Games for your entertainment.
A hilarious take on this year’s Olympic excitement, Bowlympics sees the intrepid string quartet getting sporty – fencing, rowing, ribbon-twirling, boxing and more, all whilst playing, singing and dancing. On your marks – the highlyanticipated and very funny Bowlympics have arrived!
Ticket Deal: Bowjangles + The Fitzrovia Radio Hour (opposite) for £20

Why not book a Picnic Box in advance? A picnic for one costs £12.50 and includes glass of Pimms/soft drink. Box Office 01908 280800
Saturday 28 July, 3.30pm (ends approx 4.30pm)
IF Vintage Day

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets
£12.50
Unreserved seating
The Fitzrovia Radio Hour recreates the unique spirit of 1940s radio plays and evokes a dinner-jacketed age of casual imperialism and stiff upper lips.
Performed by a spiffing cast with cut-glass theatricality, blending homage and satire, Fitzrovia mixes the antiquated attitudes of 1940s Britain with sharp contemporary humour to produce a heady comic cocktail complete with live sound effects. Rippingly good fun!
Ticket Deal: The Fitzrovia Radio Hour + Bowjangles (opposite) for £20

Why not book a Picnic Box in advance? A picnic for one costs £12.50 and includes glass of Pimms/soft drink. Box Office 01908 280800
Vintage day
Saturday 28 July, 8pm

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £17.50
Unreserved seating
British R’n’B man James Hunter is said to have American soul pumping through his veins. With a voice that echoes Ray Charles, with touches of Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke, his guitar licks swing as much as they sting.
Enjoy James and his band’s infectious sounds, built on Philadelphia soul and Motown influences, yet made fresh and original with inventive songwriting.
“Hunter is one of the best voices and best kept secrets in British R’n’B and soul. Check him out.” Van Morrison
Ticket Deal: James Hunter + The Gilded Lili Revue (opposite) for £30
Saturday 28 July, 10pm


The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £15
Unreserved seating
The utterly lusciously divine Lili la Scala, and some of her favourite Festival reprobates entertain you at this rollicking late night show stuffed to the gunnels with enough laughs, variety, songs and burlesque to keep everyone happy.
Lili is joined by some of the world’s best performers including burlesque princess Miss Mia Merode, juggler and comedian Mat Ricardo, the magnificent comic acrobat Abi Collins, plus comedy genius The Boy with Tape on His Face –a huge hit at IF: 2010.
Please note: Contains risque material and tasteful nudity – for over 16s only!
Ticket Deal: The Gilded Lili Revue + James Hunter (opposite) for £30
IF you like to curry and hurry!
Sunday 29 July, 2pm

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £16
Unreserved seating
Broadcaster, writer and Celebrity Masterchef finalist Hardeep Singh Kohli is on a mission to find the best Indian takeaway in the UK.
He’ll order a takeaway live on stage for delivery then race against time to cook his own feast before the takeaway arrives. Nominate your favourite local Indian takeaway at www.hardeeplive.com along with suggested ingredients for Hardeep’s curry.
Along the way, he’ll share recipe tips, anecdotes and stories of his shared Scottish and Indian heritage. The show culminates with some lucky audience members coming on stage to sample both meals. Make sure you’re first in the queue!
Hardeep will officially open The World Picnic (page 21) at 1pm
Sunday 29 July, 6.30pm

The Stables Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tickets £16, under 16s £12.50
Unreserved seating
Composer and musician Raghu Dixit leads his Project collective blending Indian and world music styles.
Often referred to as India’s biggest cultural export of recent times, Raghu’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. This former Bharatanatyam dancer’s rousing singer-songwriting is not only a symbol of metropolitan India’s blossoming alternative music scene, but is also making waves internationally.
As seen on Jools Holland’s Later, at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival and performing for The Queen as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Bill Gee, IF’s Creative Producer
Bill introduces and hosts a series of Talks exploring different aspects of the Festival’s artistic programme.
All talks last approximately an hour and take place at the Acoustic Stage, Campbell Park unless otherwise stated

Lone Twin: Collective Spirit –The Boat Project
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July, 11am
Next to the Boat in Queen’s Court, the centre:mk
Hear about The Boat Project from Lone Twin’s Artistic Directors
Gary Winters, and crew members Michelle Die’tt (Saturday) and Steve Ashmore (Sunday)

The Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) & Compagnie Ubi: Rouge
Saturday 21 July, 3.30pm
Find out about the inspiring community work of the PPS in Cambodia and the making of Rouge. With Sarosi Nay of Compagnie Ubi and Sok Sopheak of PPS.

Making Outdoor and SiteSpecific Shows for the Young
Sunday 22 July, 2.30pm
Join the Directors from Fevered Sleep and Kazzum who discuss making interactive performance work for young audiences.
IF you want to find out more about IF




Album Launch: Harbour of Songs
Monday 23 July, 5.30pm
Artist-in-Residence Adrian McNally introduces the album Harbour of Songs. With Lone Twin and hosted by Monica Ferguson, Festival Director.
A Very Personal Type of Performance
Wednesday 25 July, 5.30pm
IF you have any burning questions
Esther Simpson of Metro-Boulot-Dodo (Festival commission Track Down – MK) discusses making site-specific, interactive digital work.
Global Climate Change: The Arts Respond Thursday 26 July, 5pm – 6.30pm
An exploration of creative responses to climate change issues, including As The World Tipped. Presented with the Open University and Tipping Point, and chaired by Dr Joe Smith of the Open University.
Looking Ahead to 2014: Rosemary Lee
Saturday 28 July, 12noon
Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
A talk by leading choreographer Rosemary Lee, who shares examples of works made over the past twenty five years, and plans for IF: 2014.
Talks and other education events are presented by Wavendon Allmusic Plan Ltd (The Stables Education).
Should bad weather affect the staging of outdoor events, we shall make every effort to reschedule or relocate the programme. Please follow us on Twitter @IFMKfest and www.facebook.com/IFMKfest for updates. All end times are approximate. Festival locations and information is on pages 58 – 61.
Friday 20 July
11am – 6pm The Lone Twin Boat Project Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk 11am – 6pm The Quiet Volume MK Central Library
12noon – 8pm Metro-Boulot-Dodo: Track Down Xscape MK
5.30pm – 6.00pm Boat Welcoming Ceremony Queen’s Court thecentre:mk
From 6.30pm The Stables Sessions, Acoustic Stage Campbell Park
7.30pm – 8.40pm Phare Ponleu Selpak/Ubi: Rouge Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
8pm – 9.15pm Duke Special Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
9pm – midnight Carabosse: Fire Gardens City Gardens, Campbell Park
10pm – 11.15pm The Horne Section Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Saturday 21 July
11am – 6pm The Lone Twin Boat Project Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk 11am – 12noon IF Talk: The Lone Twin Boat Project Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk
11am – 5pm The Quiet Volume MK Central Library
11am – 11.30am Fevered Sleep: Little Universe Campbell Park 11.30pm – 1.30pm The Cabaret of Ideas Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
12noon – 8pm Metro-Boulot-Dodo: Track Down Xscape MK 12noon – 12.30pm Kazzum: Show + Workshop Campbell Park
2pm – 3.10pm Phare Ponleu Selpak/Ubi: Rouge Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4.30pm IF Talk: Rouge Acoustic Stage, Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4pm Fevered Sleep: Little Universe Campbell Park
4.30pm – 5pm Kazzum: Show + Workshop Campbell Park
From 5.30pm The Stables Sessions, Acoustic Stage Campbell Park
Saturday 21 July (continued)
7.30pm – 8.40pm Enfila’t: Plecs Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
8pm – 9.15pm The Demon Barber Roadshow Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
9pm – midnight Carabosse: Fire Gardens City Gardens, Campbell park
10pm – 11.15pm The Horne Section Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Sunday 22 July
11am – 5pm The Lone Twin Boat Project Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk 11am – 11.30am Fevered Sleep: Little Universe Campbell Park
11.30am – 1.30pm Ensemble 360: Workout Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
12noon – 8pm Metro-Boulot-Dodo: Track Down Xscape MK 12noon – 12.30pm Kazzum: Show + Workshop Campbell Park
2pm – 3.10pm Enfila’t: Plecs Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
2.30pm – 3.30pm IF Talk: Outdoor Work Acoustic Stage, Campbell Park
3.30pm – 5.30pm Ensemble 360: Concert Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
3.30pm – 4pm Fevered Sleep: Little Universe Campbell Park
11am – 12noon IF Talk: The Lone Twin Boat Project Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk
4.30pm – 5pm Kazzum: Show + Workshop Campbell Park
From 5.45pm The Stables Sessions, Acoustic Stage Campbell Park
7.30pm – 8.40pm Phare Ponleu Selpak/Ubi: Rouge Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
8pm – 10pm Phill Jupitus Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
9pm – midnight Carabosse: Fire Gardens City Gardens, Campbell park
Monday 23 July
11am – 6pm The Lone Twin Boat Project Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk 11am – 6pm The Quiet Volume MK Central Library
12noon – 8pm Metro-Boulot-Dodo: Track Down Xscape MK
5.30pm – 6.30pm IF Talk: Harbour of Songs CD Acoustic Stage, Campbell Park
7.30pm – 8.40pm Phare Ponleu Selpak/Ubi: Rouge Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
8pm - 10pm The Unthanks + Guests Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Tuesday 24 July
11am – 6pm Lone Twin: The Boat Project Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk 11am – 6pm The Quiet Volume MK Central Library
12noon – 8pm Metro-Boulot-Dodo: Track Down Xscape MK
7.30pm – 8.40pm Enfila’t: Plecs Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
7.45pm – 9.15pm Tom Baxter Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
9.45pm – 11.15pm Flap! Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Wednesday 25 July
11am – 6pm Lone Twin: The Boat Project Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk 11am – 6pm The Quiet Volume MK Central Library
12noon – 8pm Metro-Boulot-Dodo: Track Down Xscape MK
5.30pm – 6.30pm IF Talk: Personal Performances Acoustic Stage, Campbell Park
From 6.45pm Stables Sessions, Acoustic Stage Campbell Park
7.30pm – 9pm Prince Achmed Film + Mira Calix Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
8pm – 9.45pm Jon Richardson Spiegeltent, Campbell Park 9.45pm – 10.30pm Wired Aerial Theatre: World Tipped Campbell Park
Thursday 26 July
11am – 6pm Lone Twin: The Boat Project Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk 11am – 8pm The Quiet Volume MK Central Library
12noon – 8pm Metro-Boulot-Dodo: Track Down Xscape MK 5pm – 6.30pm IF Talk: Climate Change & The Arts Acoustic Stage, Campbell Park
From 6.45pm Stables Sessions, Acoustic Stage Campbell Park
7.15pm – 8.30pm Au Cul du Loup: Score Theatre Tent 7.30pm – 9.30pm L’Orchestre D’Hommes–Orchestres Spiegeltent, Campbell Park 9.45pm – 10.30pm Wired Aerial Theatre: World Tipped Campbell Park
Friday 27 July
11am – 6pm Lone Twin: The Boat Project Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk 11am – 8pm The Quiet Volume MK Central Library
12noon – 8pm Metro-Boulot-Dodo: Track Down Xscape MK
From 6.30pm Stables Sessions, Acoustic Stage Campbell Park
Friday 27 July (continued)
7.15pm – 8.30pm Au Cul du Loup: Score Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
7.30pm – 9.30pm L’Orchestre D’Hommes–Orchestres Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
10pm – midnight Silent Disco by SilentArena Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Saturday 28 July
11am – 6pm Lone Twin: The Boat Project Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk 11am – 5pm The Quiet Volume MK Central Library
12noon – 8pm Metro-Boulot-Dodo: Track Down Xscape MK
12noon – 1pm IF Talk: Rosemary Lee Theatre Tent, Campbell Park 1pm – 7pm Guixot de 8: Giant Art Games Campbell Park
1pm – 2.15pm Bowjangles: Bowlympics Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
2.30pm – 3.45pm Au Cul du Loup: Score Theatre Tent
3.30pm – 4.30pm Fitzrovia Radio Hour Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
From 4.30pm Stables Sessions, Acoustic Stage Campbell Park
4.30pm – 5pm Res de Res: Bridges Campbell Park
5.30pm – 6.15pm Boat Project, Ship’s Log Concert Queen’s Court thecentre:mk
7pm – 7.30pm Res de Res: Bridges Campbell Park
7.30pm – 8.45pm Au Cul du Loup: Score Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
8.00pm – 9.15pm James Hunter + Band Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
9.45pm – 10.30pm Deabru Beltzak: Drums of Fire Xscape MK
10pm – 11.15pm Gilded Lili Variety Revue Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
Sunday 29 July
11am – 5pm Lone Twin: The Boat Project Queen’s Court, thecentre:mk
12noon – 8pm Metro-Boulot-Dodo: Track Down Xscape MK
1pm – 6pm IF at The World Picnic Campbell Park
1pm – 7pm Guixot de 8: Giant Art Games Campbell Park
2pm – 4pm Hardeep Singh Kohli Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
4.30pm – 5.45pm Au Cul du Loup: Score Theatre Tent, Campbell Park
6.30pm – 7pm Boat Project, Send-off Ceremony Queen’s Court thecentre:mk
6.30pm – 9pm Raghu Dixit Project & Support Spiegeltent, Campbell Park
9.45pm – 10.30pm Deabru Beltzak: Drums of Fire Xscape MK
Online 24 hours: www.ifmiltonkeynes.org
Telephone: 01908 280800
Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 5pm – 8pm (Stables show nights only)
Textphone users: 18001 01908 280800
In Person: The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU
Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 5pm – 8pm (Stables show nights only) or from Festival Sites
Festival Sites: From Friday 20 July – Sunday 29 July
Campbell Park: From 10am on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July, 11.30am on Saturday 28 July and 12 noon on Sunday 29 July. From 5.30pm on weekdays Queens Court in thecentre:mk: 11am – 6pm each day except Sunday to 5pm
Concessions & Group Tickets: Available where stated
Handling Charge: Telephone/postal bookings subject to a handling charge of £2.60 (inc. postage). No handling charge for bookings or tickets under £5 made in person. Separate internet booking charges apply.
Information about travel, accommodation, restaurants and places to visit: www.ifmiltonkeynes.org
The Festival welcomes people with disabilities. Central Milton Keynes has good parking facilities and ample cyclepaths and access/walkways. Festival sites will be made as accessible as possible. Blue Badge parking, subject to availability, near the Festival Central events plateau. For information about events in Campbell Park please see page 59. If you have any special requirements, please contact the Box Office.
Please note: Important information about large-scale events – Carabosse’s Fire Gardens and As The World Tipped – is on page 61
IF:Milton Keynes International Festival Box Office is managed and operated by The Stables Theatre Limited. All tickets sold are subject to Terms and Conditions: wwwifmiltonkeynes.org and www.stables.org
Disclaimer: Information in this brochure is correct at time of going to print. The Festival reserves the right to make alterations if necessary.
By entering the site you agree to adhere to these guidelines:
La Compagnie Carabosse: Fire Gardens – City Gardens, Campbell Park
Event information on page 5
This event uses naked flames and hot metal fire sculptures – extreme caution must be taken on site which may be dark in places. Please walk slowly. This installation can be enjoyed safely if you act responsibly and do not touch or approach any of the sculptures.
Fire Gardens is appropriate for all ages – under16s must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times. Allow time for ticket purchasing and wristband exchange on the night, arriving at least 15 minutes before your preferred entry time. Queues may be long at peak periods, especially from 9.00pm – 10.30pm. Last entry to the Fire Garden is 11.15pm. We recommend you allow an hour to enjoy the installation, although you can leave or linger at will.
Whilst some of the site is accessible for wheelchair users, please note that some areas are not. For this reason wheelchair users and carers can attend free, however a wristband is still required for admission.
As The World Tipped – Amphitheatre, Campbell Park
Event information on page 17
Extreme caution must be taken on site which may be dark in places. Please walk slowly towards the event site. The show is suitable for ages 10+, under16s must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times. Please note this is a standing event – or you can sit on the grass –portable stools and seats will not be permitted during the show. There will be an area reserved for wheelchair users and customers with mobility problems accessed via a footpath – this will be steep, so assistance will be required.
Allow time for ticket purchasing and wristband exchange on the night, arriving at least 15 minutes before the start time. Gates open at 9pm. Once the show starts (approx 9.45pm), latecomers will not be admitted.
Applicable to both events: No pets please, only registered assistance dogs permitted. As the ground may be uneven in places, please wear sensible shoes and avoid loose clothing. Travel as lightly as possible and avoid carrying large bags. Toilets are located on the Park’s Festival Central Plateau – we suggest you go before you make your way to the event site! Camping, BBQs, picnics, glass and alcohol are not permitted.
Parking & Entrance: City Centre parking recommended – parking in Silbury and Avebury Boulevards will be restricted, with no access to the Park. Blue Badge holders – limited parking and drop off point at Avebury Blvd – contact the Box Office for details. On foot, please access the site from Midsummer Blvd’s pedestrian walkway across the bridge into the Park.
Stewards, St John’s Ambulance and other services are on site to help you – please approach them if you have any questions. Stay safe, be sensible – enjoy your visit!

10 – 29 July 2012, Free
The first official Festival Fringe to IF: Milton Keynes International Festival, produced in association with Fringemk:westbury, is a 19 day extravaganza showcasing the best of local and regional talent. Proud to have been awarded the prestigious London 2012 Inspire Mark, the Fringe features artwork made in response to this special Olympic year. There are bicycles, bathing machines, busking on buses, beach huts and bazaars, plus parading giants, film, music, dancing and much more!
www.mkfestivalfringe.com

28 June – 2 September 2012, Free
Visionary Norwegian artist Hariton Pushwagner (born Oslo, 1940) is a celebrity in his home country, renowned for his hedonistic lifestyle and his epic satires on modern life. All of the artist’s key works, including the graphic novel Soft City, are featured in this, his first international touring exhibition, which premieres at MK Gallery. The exhibition is accompanied by a related season of films, performance and music events by contemporary Norwegian artists.
www.mkgallery.org
MK Gallery, 900 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 3QA Tuesday – Friday 12pm – 8pm, Saturday 11am – 8pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm. Telephone 01908 676 900
Produced by
Public Sector Partners


Venue Partners



Event Partners


Corporate Partners



Media Partners



Trusts, Foundations & International Supporters



Official Suppliers



Festival Supporters


IF: Milton Keynes International Festival is participating in

These events form part of the MK Summer of Culture.
IF extends thanks to the many individuals, organisations and companies, staff and volunteers who have worked to make the Festival a success.


















