Arts Diary: Will Marriiott

Not only were we impressed by a description of the company as a folk and hip-hop dance extravaganza, but a ringing endorsement from Cluny Macpherson, the man at the head of Arts Council Yorkshire.

Cluny told the lads their show was: “One of the very best things I saw all last year and I see a lot.” That’s some endorsement.

We are not making this up, here at Arts Diary we also received an email this week which opened with these immortal words: “Win Dawn French for Your Reading Group”.

Penguin books, which published Dawn’s debut novel A Tiny Bit Marvellous, is offering book groups across the land the chance to enter a competition, with first prize being a visit from Dawn to discuss her book. Details are at www.readinggroups.org/dawnfrench.

For a couple of youngsters from Goole, it could be a case of next stop, Hollywood. Harvey Griffin, 14 and Hannah Turner, 12, have both had their films selected for screening at a competition in London.

They were chosen from hundreds of applicants for the London Screening of Straight8 – a film competition in which entrants are provided with 8mm film and only get one shot at capturing their short movie. There is no opportunity to edit what has been filmed, and the first time the filmmakers see their work will be at the premiere in London.

Each applicant sends their unprocessed reel of film to the festival, who then develop it, view it and make their selections. Due to the tough challenge of making the film, it is usually experienced film-makers and degree-level film students that enter their work – it is very rare that young people get such an opportunity to have their work shown at this level. So many congratulations to Harvey and Hannah, two of only 30 selected filmmakers.

It seems Hull’s Freedom Festival is going back to its artistic roots. While recent years have seen appearances by pop acts like JLS, this year one of the main events will be French street-theatre company Luc Amoros, who will take to scaffolding in the city centre to create a massive temporary work of art. The festival, which takes place in September, was one of those organisations which successfully bid for Arts Council Funding and the organisers are promising to deliver a world class event. “This year’ s Freedom is going back to its Wilberforce roots and will see a colourful mix of dramatic street theatre, outdoor performances and activities across three sites in the city centre to create a special family-friendly festival experience.”

No doubt there will be a few grumbles from those hoping to see the latest chart act, but for further details of the Freedom programme, which is now being finalised, watch this space.