Thanks to Gilly for sharing this latest news from Isle of Arts Festival HQ. Ed
It’s all about the Brontës
Singer songwriter Val Wiseman celebrates the lives and passions of Britain’s best-loved literary family, the Brontës, at Isle of Arts on Saturday 20 April.
All the passion is there. Cathy and Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights. Blanche Ingram in Jane Eyre. Helen Huntingdon in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. They are all brought to life in The Brontë Legacy, a show that is pure musical theatre.
This unique show is based on Keeping The Flame Alive, the critically-acclaimed album of songs written and produced by award-winning Val Wiseman and distinguished pianist composer Brian Dee.
Best known for her stunning tribute to Billie Holiday in her highly acclaimed show Lady Sings the Blues, Val won Best Vocalist in the 2011 British Jazz Awards.
A portrait of Dickens
On Sunday 21 April, festival goers will have the opportunity to take tea with novelist Charles Dickens at East Dene, in Bonchurch, the former family home of the poet Swinburne.
Many portraits were painted of Charles Dickens during his lifetime. Here we find the Lloyd Lees as the great author reflecting upon what he considers to be a very poor likeness of himself.
It triggers memories the time he spent in Paris when this particular portrait was executed. From Paris, a city Dickens saw as synonymous with revolution, to a long-anticipated reunion, then on, finally, to a dark and bloody tale, but one shot through with rays of redemption.
Revolution. Reunion. Redemption. In his own inimitable way, the great Boz brings these three great themes of his life together in a collection of dramatised readings from his novels.
Interested in literature? Here are some other events you may like…
Austentatious: An Improvised Novel Eloquent, irreverent and gloriously funny, this comedy drama in the style of Jane Austen is based entirely on audience suggestion. Friday 19 April
RC Bridgestock: A Life in Crime Fiction Crime writing duo Bob and Carol Bridgestock, creators of the DI Dylan series, will be talking about how real-life crime becomes page-turning fiction. Friday 19 April
Andrew Carnegie: His Free Libraries & Legacy of Enlightenment: This talk revels Carnegie made his money, how he made the decision to give away most of his fortune, and how and where he distributed it. Friday 19 April
Literary walk: Explore Ventnor in the company of photographer David White and discover more about the colourful writers, poets and artists who made the town their home. Saturday 20 April
Jane Austen Her Life & Works: We know her characters so well, yet what about the woman who penned some of the nation’s best-loved novels? This talk brings Jane and her family to life. Saturday 20 April
Crime and Intrigue with Fidelis Morgan: the actress and historical novelist will be regaling the audience with tales of scandal and mystery from the past. Saturday 20 April
Regency Dance Workshop: Want to twirl the floor like Lizzie Bennett and her sisters? or dance the night away like Mr Bingley? Join our entertaining workshop. Sunday 21 April
Festival Regency Ball: The essence of Price and Prejudice in one event. come in period costume or black tie. Dancing to live music and Regency pastimes. Sunday 21 April
For more information check out the Isle of Arts Website, where you can find out about all events and book your tickets online.
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