Best selling author Michael Morpurgo and highly regarded stage and screen actress Patricia Routledge head up the diverse and exciting literary line up for the 2011 Festival.
Windsor, 5 September 2011
Events for this year’s Windsor Festival run from 17th September – 2nd October. Among them is warmly welcomed Michael Morpurgo ‘a literary landmark, a national treasure’ (The Guardian), who will speak about his bestselling novel War Horse on Tuesday 27th September at The Theatre Royal. His work has touched thousands, becoming a hit stage production in London and New York. Now the story is soon to reach the big screen after being adapted by Oscar winning Hollywood director Steven Spielberg.
Also headlining the literary line up is an evening with Patricia Routledge; a highly regarded stage, screen and radio actress best known for her work as Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances (1990). At this year’s Festival she shares her abiding memories of wartime schooldays. During such time she attended a series of Saturday afternoon piano recitals at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, witnessing the performances of such distinguished artists as Myra Hess. At the Theatre Royal on Monday 26th September, listen as she and Piers Lane, a high standing pianist and accompanist, tell the story of Myra Hess’s artistic achievement and generosity, and her inspired contribution to the ‘war effort’.
Tickets are available for Morpurgo, Routledge and Lane at prices from £12.00 – £25.00 and can be obtained from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 01753 853 888 or by visiting the website www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
Apart from these two fascinating stories, other highlights of the Festival’s literary programme include:
- Antiques Antics – Eric Knowles - Windsor Festival are offering a unique opportunity to meet a rare individual whose extensive knowledge of antiques is easily understood. A familiar face on the BBC’s ‘Antiques Roadshow’, Eric Knowles has over twenty years experience. At the Theatre Royal on Saturday 1st October he will be offering free valuations before sharing his experience in the business, whilst also devoting time to the audience’s ‘treasures’.
- The Last Colonial - Sir Christopher Ondaatje – A collection of non-fiction short stories are brought together by the highly successful Sir Christopher Ondaatje on the 22nd September at the Guildhall. The Last Colonial takes the audience on a journey through Sir Christopher’s quests and discoveries, from his childhood in Ceylon to his travels in Africa.
- The Heart of the Great Alone – Sophie Gordon - Sophie Gordon co-author of The Heart of the Great Alone, will give an illustrated talk about not only the expeditions of Captain Scott on board Terra Nova and Sir Ernest Shackleton on Endurance, but also the photographers who accompanied them, on the 21st September at the Guildhall.
‘This year’s literary programme offers much to savour and we hope that audiences will find something they can all enjoy’, said Martin Denny, Windsor Festival Director. ‘Year on year, the Festival attracts some of the country’s very finest talent which is a true testament to the continued support we receive from our friends, benefactors and ongoing supporters who enable this unique event to take place each year.’
The full 2011 programme is available at www.windsorfestival.com
Sue Glanville/Cate Bonthuys
Say Communications
Tel: 0208 971 6423/07
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