Next weekend Prescot town centre will be transformed for a three-day festival of nonsense celebrating Edward Lear’s links to Knowsley.
There’s tonnes to see and do around the town centre over the weekend and even the opportunity to hear from some literary and performance legends who are joining in the fun.
Fancy a chat with Frank Cottrell-Boyce? Want to listen to a story from Sarah Asuquo or John Dougherty? Or what about having a laugh with Shaparak Khorsandi?
Whilst some events have already sold out there are limited tickets still available. But get in there quick to avoid disappointment!
FOR FAMILIES…
Afternoon Storytime with Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Friday 19 August, 4pm
Born and raised just down the road in Rainhill, multiple award-winning screen writer and novelist Frank Cottrell-Boyce is no stranger to Prescot. Best known for his bestselling children’ s fiction such as Millions and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the Magical Car, Frank is also widely known as the writer of the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony. Come along for an opportunity to talk with Frank and hear him read from his latest book Noah’s Gold.
Wacky Words with John Dougherty
Saturday 20 August, 2.30pm
Award winning author John Dougherty is in town for an afternoon of crazy storytelling and wild words from the author of Mark & Shark, Zeus on the Loose and the popular Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face books series of books. John will be bringing his guitar along for some musical mayhem too.
Silly Stories with Sarah Asuquo
Sunday 21 August, 1.30pm
Sarah Asuquo was inspired to write her debut book ‘Shine’ for her niece and nephews when she struggled to find any books that were ethnically diverse. Her book follows Kai, a young lad returning to school after the summer break and learning to love the unique qualities that make him different.
Hear Sarah read from Shine and you ask her questions about her experience writing for children.
FOR THE GROWN UPS…
Setting the word on Fire with Lemn Sissay
Friday 19 August, 7.30pm
Musician, stand-up comedian, radio and television producer, playwright, and poet Lemn Sissay will bring a chaotic cacophony of literature for your Friday night entertainment. Reading a selection of his poetry and prose and followed by a Q&A session to explore why words, absurd or otherwise, really matter.
Lunch with Lear
Saturday 20 August, 12 noon
Surely the Serious Nonsense Festival is the perfect time to learn about the man himself – Edward Lear. Join Professor Dinah Birch CBE for a lunchtime discussion on the life and work of Lear and the inspiration behind the Serious Nonsense Festival.
Stand Up with Shaparak Khorsandi, followed by a conversation about women and comedy hosted by Pauline Daniels
Saturday 20 August, 8.30pm
Shaparak (formerly known at Shappi) is a well-known comedian and author who will be joining forces with one of Merseyside’s favourite theatrical daughters Pauline Daniels for an evening of comedy and conversation.
Shakespeare and Soaps
Sunday 21 August, 12 noon
Not two things often compared side by side, join local soap legend Eithne Brown and Shakespeare expert Ben Crystal, to explore the similarities between the Bard and Brookie!
SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT….
Slamming at Shakespeare – A Young Poets Nonsense Poetry Slam
Friday 19 August, 5.30pm
Shakespeare was all about word play and this event takes that experimentation to a new level. Come along and experience new talent alongside the skills of host ‘Blue Saint’ who is himself an acclaimed spoken word artist, rapper, singer-songwriter, actor, producer and designer.
Fancy yourself as a poet, spoken word artist or rapper? Then why not apply to be part of the line-up by emailing info@writingonthewall.org.uk with your name and brief bio.
