One of the guest authors at the Manx Litfest has been described as a ’fascinating and remarkable man’, ahead of his appearance this weekend.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce is to appear as the headline guest of the literary festival on Saturday night, hosting an evening with Frank Cottrell-Boyce at St Ninian’s Church, from 8pm, followed by a presentation at the Youth Arts Centre based on his latest children’s book, ’The Runaway Robot’, on Sunday, September 29, at 11am.
Christy DeHaven will be interviewing Frank on Saturday evening, and said that the event, which will feature an informal and conversational interview, followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience, will make for a memorable night.
’I find Frank Cottrell-Boyce a very interesting person,’ said Christy.
’He is coming over to the Litfest as primarily a children’s author, but also, from a film point of view, he is a brilliant writer for the screen.’
Among Frank’s film credits are the Michael Winterbottom films ’Welcome to Sarajevo’, ’24-Hour Party People’ and ’A Cock and Bull Story’, along with the BAFTA nominated ’Hilary and Jackie’, and he has also wrote the opening ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics alongside Danny Boyle.
His TV credits include writing episodes for Coronation Street and Doctor Who.
’The films he has been involved in are not just great films, but engaging and memorable ones too.
’I think it would be great to hear about his creative process and how he manages these different strands.
’He has done so many things, and been involved in so many different projects. He is a quite fascinating and a remarkable man.
’There will be a huge mix of people who will want to come and meet him, people who are fans of his film work, his books, and even Doctor Who fans,’ she continued.
’The wonderful thing about it is that aspiring writers and fans of his will be able to meet him face to face almost, and have the chance to have one-on-one conversations.
’It is a huge coup for the Litfest to have him over here, and it is a testament to how much the festival has grown in such a short time.
’I am genuinely thrilled that I have been invited to interview him. It’s a real privilege and I’m genuinely excited.’
Tickets for ’An Evening With Frank Cottrell-Boyce’ are £15, and places for his ’Runaway Robot’ event on Sunday are £5.
There are several other events happening over the weekend as part of the Manx Litfest, including performance story teller John Buckridge, children’s author Chris Priestly, teen author Juno Dawson and many other presentations and workshops.
For information on a full line-up, and for tickets to all events, go to Manxlitfest.com
by Mike Wade
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