MERIBEL, FRANCE
20TH – 26TH MARCH 2010
THE FUNNIEST SHOW ON SNOW!
INTERNATIONAL COMEDIANS, DJ’S AND BANDS IN THE ALPS
“An impressive line up that captures the imagination and proves British comedy really does travel well”. **** The Independent
“There can be few nicer places to watch comedy than at the Altitude Festival in the French Alps”. **** The Telegraph
Combining their love of comedy, music and snowboarding Marcus Brigstocke and Andrew Maxwell are delighted to announce the third Altitude Festival due to take place between 20th and 26th March 2010.
Set in the fabulous skiers paradise of Les Trois Vallees – the largest skiing area in the world – right in the heart of the French Alps, (predominantly Meribel but also in Val Thorens and Courcheval), Altitude is without doubt the funniest show on snow.
With amazing powder skiing and boarding by day in beautiful warm spring conditions and fabulous entertainment by night, Altitude has become the destination for those who are serious about their winter sports but want their après ski to be riotously entertaining. Hosting both the prestigious elite of comedy and the cream of up-and-coming stand ups, Altitude is the first chance to check out brand new material from some of the best comedians around before they take it on to the Edinburgh Festival.
Previous Altitude festivals have featured global heavyweights of the international comedy circuit including Craig Campbell (Canada), Brendan Burns (Australia), Dave Fulton (USA), Henning When (Germany), Phil Jupitus (UK), Jenny Éclair (UK), Lee Mack (UK), Ed Byrne (Ireland), Omid Djalili (Iran), Christophe Aleveque (France), Rich Hall (USA) and Ardal O’ Hanlan (Ireland) and a host of other comedians who have notched up numerous Perrier / If awards, Chortle Awards, British Comedy Awards, Bafta’s, Emmy’s and Channel 4’s King Of Comedy award.
As hosts Andrew Maxwell and Marcus Brigstocke will both appear over the course of the week. Andrew is the celebrated founder of the weekly comedy gig Fullmooners, an eclectic mix of comedians and vaudeville acts which has played host to the likes of Russell Brand, Simon Pegg, Tommy Teirnan and Ed Byrne. His tumultuous and hedonistic observations and confessions have made him a ‘must see’ on the comedy circuit and his constant touring and TV appearance have led to him becoming one of the most significant comedians of his generation.
Marcus Brigstocke is a comic, writer, presenter and actor who coined the now legendary Pac Man joke*. He works extensively in stand up comedy, radio and television, is the host of BBC 4’s Late Edition (Newsnight with jokes!), team captain for the hit TV show Argumental and a regular guest on shows like QI and Have I Got News For You. His street wise social commentary has led to claims that he has topical comedy sewn up and he is sure to deliver a blizzard of killer lines.
The first batch of comedians announced for 2010 features Neil Delamere, one of the top acts working in the Irish comedy scene today. His sharp observational eye and hilarious storytelling has seen him featured prominently on TV in his home country and he is a recurrent guest on Michael McIntyre’s renowned comedy show on Channel 4. His set is eagerly anticipated as is that of Belfast’s Colin Murphy, a prolific comedian and writer who has had many shows broadcast on TV and radio in Ireland and appeared in the critically acclaimed, award winning film Divorcing Jack alongside David Thewlis.
Also appearing is Stephen Frost a veteran of the comedy scene and his famed improv shows are highlights of festivals such as The Edinburgh Festival and Glastonbury. His extensive TV work takes in shows such as Blackadder, Mr Bean, Have I Got News For You and Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Canadian comedy star Craig Campbell has performed live with Jim Carrey and at the renowned ‘Just For Laughs’ comedy festival in Montreal so expect a set of truly inventive storytelling and whimsical travel anecdotes coupled with a unique ability to find humour in the mundane.
Seriously upping the musical alpine ante Altitude welcomes platinum selling artist Newton Faulkner a stalwart of numerous traditional music festivals who will bring his acclaimed live show and renowned guitar playing style to the piste. Mad cap funksters The Cuban Brothers will provide visual and aural stimulation for the masses and if you’ve never seen breakdancing in the snow then you’re in for a treat. Cut n’ Paste genius DJ Yoda is a man at the top of his game delivering eclectic AV sets that will ensure the peeks reached are not only those at the top of the mountain.
Fellow DJ and Dub Pistol don Barry Ashworth will be dropping some speaker worrying bass in a set so heavy they’ve already put the resort on avalanche warning. Previous musical delights have included club nights by the likes of Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi as well as performances by KT Tunstall and Norman Jay MBE.
With such an array of talent in the evenings it’s often easy to forget the entertainment that the daylight hours provide. Perfect snow conditions, panoramic views from the mountain tops and some of the best runs in the world make this resort a skier and snowboarders paradise. When not partaking all the family can check out the professionals at snowsports events such as the Jib session which attract the best pro riders from around the world. For those of a less serious disposition join in with the Wacky Races, fancy dress, three legged ski races, snowball fights and expression sessions. Fun for all the family.
With over 50 shows and events after skiing this week long comedy, music, ski and snow party is the perfect way to end a day on the hill and in this case the perfect end to the almighty alpine ski season.
*”If Pac Man had affected us as kids, we’d all be running round in dark rooms, munching pills and listening to electronic music”
www.altitudefestival.com for the latest blog, venues, acts and travel information
Tickets now available at www.altitudefestival.com/en/buytickets.php
55 Euros for a 3 SHOW pass, 90 Euros for a 5 SHOW pass
Packages
Ski World holidays start from 199 Euros apartment per person with a 3 show pass worth 55 Euros
http://www.skiworld.ltd.uk/ski/holiday/altitude-festival-2009/894
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