Wimbledon Bookfest 2012 launched with a talk by Sir John Major – a former Rutlish school pupil - at The Polka Theatre on Saturday 29th September. This year the Festival will feature many speakers with local connections including Brian Moore, John Sessions, Brian Sewell, John Inverdale, Patrick Bishop, K.M. Peynton, Penny Vincenzi, Michelle Paver and Ahdaf Soueif.
Bookfest 2012 offers a particularly diverse array of events, including cookery with The Fabulous Baker Boys, a Coronation Street themed event, a comedy evening, current affairs discussions featuring Jack Straw and Tom Watson MP, and talks by bestselling novelists Kate Mosse, Dame Margaret Drabble and Shirley Conran. Budding writers can take part in a short story competition (see website for more details.)
As ever, Bookfest offers fantastic children’s events with an education programme extending right through October. Highlights include Michael Rosen, Morris Gleitzman, Cressida Cowell talking about her ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ series - and a sing along with the Wombles!
Bookfest events take place at venues around Wimbledon including: The Polka Theatre, Wimbledon Library, Cannizaro House Hotel, Southside House, Kings College School, Wimbledon College, Wimbledon High School - and the Big Bookfest Tent on Wimbledon Common .
Tickets for Wimbledon Bookfest went on sale in July, however it's still not too late to get tickets for selected events. Please see www.wimbledonbookfest.org for more details.
WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST & FILMFEST – additional events
Saturday 6 October - Gary Mulgrew: Gang of One
Gary Mulgrew came to public prominence as one of the ‘Natwest Three’ – a trio of British employees accused of defrauding NatWest and indicted by the US authorities in connection with the collapse of Enron. Their controversial extradition from Britain to the US made headline news around the world. A prison service followed in Big Spring, Texas. In Gang of One, Gary recalls his time inside with remarkable wit and humanity. An astonishing read, the book has been optioned by Little White Rose Films, with Dougray Scott signed up to play Gary.
King’s College School, Collyer Hall, 5pm - £10
Tuesday 16 October - The Iron Lady
The Iron Lady was the first film to be made at Wimbledon Studios with its House of Commons set used frequently throughout the film. The award winning biopic was written by Abi Morgan and starred Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher. The Studios are opening their doors for an exclusive screening night on location, showcasing the film and celebrating the creative hub which exists in the heart of Wimbledon.’ Introduced by Piers Read, MD Wimbledon Studios.
Director: Phyllida Lloyd, 2011, cert PG-13 105 mins
Wimbledon TV & Film Studios, 1 Deer Park Road London SW19 3TL - 8pm (doors: 7.30pm) - £10
Wimbledon FilmFest, In Partnership with Wimbledon TV & Film Studios
Thursday 19 October - Enduring Love
'Intelligent, gripping, dramatic thriller - a real rarity: a film better than the book it's adapted from.'
Nev Pierce, BBCfilms
Sensational opening scene, tantalising story, taut ending. Stellar cast of Brit thesps including Daniel Craig, Rhys Ifans, Samantha Morton, Bill Nighy. Adapted from Ian McKewan's novel by Roger Michell and screenwriter Joe Penhall.
Director: Roger Michell, 2004, cert 15 100 mins
hmvCurzon, Wimbledon 7.30pm - £10
Wimbledon FilmFest, In Partnership with Wimbledon Film Club
Friday 26 October - Shortplays Fest: New plays
Rehearsed readings of the five shortlisted plays in our new collaboration with ATTIC Theatre Company. Each reading last up to 15 mins long. It is A Certain Minor Light by Tabitha Mortiboy, Timing by Jane James, Blood on the Carpet by Trevor Hartnup, Bognor by Richard Fitchett, and Comfort Zone by Richard Vaughan– Payne.
St Mary’s Garden Hall, 7.30pm - £7.50 Duration: c90mins
About Wimbledon Bookfest
Wimbledon Bookfest is in its 6th year. It is community run and takes place from 6th to the 14th October 2012. Authors who have participated in previous years include Salman Rushdie, James Naughtie, Antony Gormley, Julian Fellowes, William Boyd, Tracey Chevalier, Maggie O’Farrell, Michael Morpurgo, Claire Tomalin and Judith Kerr.
Bookfest’s Education Programme is borough wide in Merton and runs throughout the year across all socio-economic groups. Over 35 state and independent schools have taken part in Bookfest events.
