Hollywood comes to Battle

The major opening concert for 2015 features festival patron and star of Wolf Hall and Game of Thrones, Anton Lesser.

Lesser said of his return to the festival: “In 2014 I had the great privilege of sharing the stage at the Battle Festival with Utter Jazz. Sitting so close to their breathtaking musicianship repeatedly rendered me speechless – quite challenging as I was supposed to be reading the poems!

“I was thrilled to be invited back to this year’s festival.

“To give expression to the words of some of the biggest minds and hearts in such a warm, focused and appreciative atmosphere is a joy.”

Shakespeare in Battle, and in Love... will be performed tomorrow (Saturday) with Lesser narrating a night of classical film music alongside the Battle Festival Sinfonia.

The concert combines two works written for the theatre and the big screen inspired by Shakespeare.

First, the wit and charm of Loves Labours Lost captured magically in Gerald Finzi’s suite, followed by the vibrant intensity of Henry V encapsulated in William Walton’s score for Olivier’s 1944 film classic.

Battle’s newest adopted son was set to make an appearance at Friday’s Film Music Workshop at Claverham today to hear young people perform with professional musicians from orchestras including the London Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic.

Festival chairman David Furness said: “This is what Battle Festival is all about. Our talented young people will yet again share the stage with world-leading performers and in the audience will be a leading Hollywood and RSC actor.

“We can nurture local talent while simultaneously attracting leading performers and artists.”

Tickets are currently on sale for all Battle Festival events.

Performances continue throughout October and details can be found on the festival website.

Tickets for all performances are available from www.battlefestival.co.uk or by calling 01424 319982.

Alternatively, visit Farrago, in Battle, Eggs to Apples, in Hurst Green or Penny Royal, in Battle, Rye and Hastings.

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