The Lost World at the Bristol Old Vic - April '09

Get lost in the fantastic creation put together by ROUSTABOUT and Bristol Old Vic. The studio and surrounding spaces were unrecognisable with smoke, mud, trees and huge crates, knocking from the inside. This is more than your average show, you get to move about, interact with the characters and look for clues in search of the people lost in the basement. Children fed Malteasers to cave people, adults screeched in surprise, findings were scribbled on to boards and dinosaurs reared their ugly heads! This show is brilliant for kids and big kids (like me) alike.

Here is a little taster of the show to tantalise your explorer instinct…


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The Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival- Thursday 2nd April

The Oxford literary festival did not fail to deliver! As I sat down in a sea of white, glowing from the surrounding tent, I heard the clock tower chime as if to signal the beginning of my journey here. Colin Dexter, the writer of Inspector Morse, entertained the audience with his dry humour and great story telling. He engaged with Laura Thompson (biographer of Agatha Christie) to discuss what makes them both so great but also to talk about the whys and how's of killing the protagonist.



As the day drew on, people scrambled about the books in the marquee and around authors themselves for a bit of their penmanship. C.J.Sansom's line was so long, I felt sorry for him- especially as he had tennis elbow.

Later that evening, I entered into the great hall, which has inspired so many images we recognise today. Brass lamps glowed upon the huge long tables, as the faces of royals looked down upon me from wooden paneled walls. The fireplace roared behind me as I listened to writers such as William Fiennes, Philip Pullman, Katie Waldegrave and Frances Wilson, talk about the importance of writing for children. A truely enchanting experience and I suggest you get down there before it ends!

The Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival

Oxford has been at the heart of England for centuries and also at the heart of literature, writers and artists alike. Like many writers I feel drawn to Oxford, as if I had been born there in a previous life. It’s no wonder that this is the birthplace of the Sunday Times Literary Festival, due to take place on 29 March until 5 April 2009. Like a pilgrimage, it brings people from all over the world back to this one spot to take part in a singularly unique, inspiring and personal experience.

For those who have not yet heard the motherland call, hear it now. At the Sunday Times Literature Festival you can expect to enjoy everything Oxford has to offer. Over 350 writers will descend on Christ Church to talk, debate and discuss everything you could imagine. You can hear philosophical or political debates regarding president Obama, poetry, writing workshops, children workshops, book readings, tours, literary talks, Gin and Whisky tastings.

No matter what your literary taste, political stance or age, there will be something to tickle your intellectual fancy. But, the festival has more to offer than award-winning writers talking about their books, if you’re a writer you can book yourself on a creative Writing Programme where you will be advised by major authors such as Philip Pullman, PD James and Joanne Harris. In between talks, take a tour around Oxford and trace the footsteps of great writers such as C. S. Lewis and T. S. Elliott, or to see the sights of the popularly televised programme Inspector Morse.

Make sure you book the Carvery lunch, which takes place in the great hall that inspired Alice in Wonderland and the dining hall of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. The festival creates a buzzing community by allowing people to stay the night at Christ Church too. So hear the call to Oxford and book your favourites now before its too late.

The Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival 2009
29 March – 5 April

For more information: www.sundaytimes-oxfordliteraryfestival.co.uk