PRESS RELEASE

The 2011 Daphne du Maurier Festival promises to be the best yet with a host of celebrities lined up to take part in the ten day event in Cornwall.

Explorer Robert Hanbury-Tenison, former politician-cum-ballroom dancer Ann Widdecombe, performers Kit and the Widow and Fascinating Aida, folk singer Cara Dillon, Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, author and journalist David Aaronovitch, percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, novelist Robert Goddard, Professor Robert Winston, former No 10 communications director Alistair Campbell, lyricist Sir Tim Rice, The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain, food-writer Prue Leith, comedienne Jenny Eclair, former political commentator John Sergeant and rock star Shakin’Stevens are just some of the famous names appearing in the packed programme from 12-21 May in Fowey. They are joined by Gareth Neame, Executive Producer of ITV’s hit costume drama Downton Abbey, who will chat about making the hugely popular series; former Labour minister Chris Mullin who has recently published his best selling diaries; Judy Golding who will talk about a memoir she has just written about her late father, the Nobel Prize for Literature winner Sir William Golding; Mark Carwardine who co-presented the BBC’s ‘A last chance to see’ with Stephen Fry; novelist Jane Darke whose new book addresses the grief and shock she felt at the death of her husband playwright Nick Darke; John Myatt, the artist that fooled the art world with his series of 200 fakes and stand up comedian and actor Greg Davies who plays Mr Gilbert in Channel 4’s hit show ‘The Inbetweeners’. Then there’s Andy Secombe, son of Sir Harry Secombe, who will talk about his book ‘Growing up with the Goons’, travel writer Philip Marsden who will discuss Britain’s glorious maritime past, seen through the changing fortunes of the port of Falmouth and its people; Virginia Ironside and her light-hearted look at life for the over 60s and authors Polly Sampson, Mary S Lovell, Tim Heald, Michael Dobbs, Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall, Kevin Telfer , Daisy Goodwin, Lesley Pearse and Orange prize winner Linda Grant all talking about their books and careers. Daphne du Maurier was, of course, a hugely successful novelist whose stories continue to enthral. She loved Cornwall and made her home in the Fowey area where her son, Kits Browning, still lives. No Daphne du Maurier Festival would be complete without events in her honour and 2011 is no exception. There will be archive film footage of the novelist and other South West literary luminaries; BBC radio drama producer Sarah Davies will discuss adapting du Maurier’s works for radio; Professor Helen Taylor, writer Polly Sampson and local bookshop owner Ann Willmore will talk about some newly discovered du Maurier short stories that are being published to coincide with the festival; novelists Stella Duffy and Elizabeth Speller will look at the enduring appeal of her historical novels; Richard Mead will discuss his book on her husband ‘Boy’ Browning and theatre company Scary Little Girls will perform The Marvellous du Maurier Miscellany, a cabaret-style tribute to the novelist. “We’ve tried to makes sure that there’s something for everyone,” said Festival Director Jonathan Aberdeen. “Whether you’re into literature, comedy, music, theatre or entertainment pure and simple, there will be something to enjoy. There are lots of fringe events going on too, including guided walks, boat trips, church concerts, talks in the Town Hall and free entertainment on the town quay. The University of Exeter has also programmed a series of talks and a special Campus Culture Festival at Tremough, Penryn.” Priority booking will be available to platinum patrons from 7 March, to gold patrons from 14 March and to the general public from 21 March. For details about how to become a patron or for more information, visit www.dumaurierfestival.co.uk Ends 18 February 2011 Media enquiries: Sue Bradbury PR Tel: 01872 863863 E: sue@suebradburypr.com Photos Greg Davies Kit and the Widow and Fascinating Aida star in ‘Cowardy Custard’ , a Noel Coward revue Alistair Cambell Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends Notes to editors 1. The full programme of events and timings follows 2. Interviews, filming and photo opportunities can be arranged as required 2011 Daphne du Maurier Programme Thurs 12th May 11.45am – 1.00pm Festival Village Robin Hanbury-Tenison, Bodmin Moor based explorer talk about his new book, an anthology of the world’s most famous explorers. 2.00pm – 3.30pm Festival Village Ann Widdecombe, in conversation with Iain Dale. The former politician, journalist, novelist - & ballroom dancer – talks about her life and careers. 4.15pm – 5.45pm Festival Village The South West Film and Television Archive Archive film show about Fowey and neighbouring areas and Daphne du Maurier and other South-West literary luminaries. 8.00pm Festival Village Port Isaac’s The Fisherman’s Friends BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winner 2011. Ten man shanty singing group. Fri 13th May 11.45am – 1.00pm Festival Village Richard Mead: “Boy” Browning, Interview by Tim Hubbard (BBC Radio Cornwall) with the biographer of Daphne du Maurier’s husband, General Browning. 2.00pm – 3.15pm Festival Village The Making of Downton Abbey Gareth Neame, Executive Producer of ITV’s hit costume drama, talks about the series from inception to screen, in conversation with BBC Radio Cornwall’s Tim Hubbard. 4.00pm – 5.15pm Festival Village Sara Davies BBC radio drama producer, talking about adapting Daphne du Maurier’s works for radio. 8.00pm – 10.00pm – Festival Village “Cowardy Custard” Kit and the Widow & Fascinating Aida star in Noel Coward’s revue, featuring The Master’s songs and excerpts from his plays. Saturday 14th May: 10.00am – 11.15am – Festival Village Kevin Telfer – Peter Pan’s First XI The story of J M Barrie’s amateur cricket team featuring, amongst others, A A Milne (Winnie The Pooh), P. G. Wodehouse (Jeeves & Wooster) and Jerome K Jerome (Three Men in a Boat). 11.45am – 1.00pm Festival Village Chris Mullin – former Labour minister, talking about his best selling diaries. 2.00pm – 3.15pm Festival Village Daisy Goodwin – the poet and novelist discusses her new book My Last Duchess. 4.00pm – 5.15pm Festival Village Judy Golding – the daughter of William Golding, author of Lord of The Flies, talks about her frank and engaging family memoir. 8.00pm – 10.00pm Festival Village The Pasadena Roof Orchestra – the swing and jazz music from the 1920s and 1930s. Sun 15th May 10.00am – 11.15am – Festival Village Tim Heald – Death in the Opening Chapter Novelist and Royal Correspondent for The Lady, talks about his latest crime / mystery book, in conversation with ITV and BBC journalist and producer Julie Skentelbery. 11.45am – 1.00pm Festival Village David Aaronovitch – Voodoo Histories The author and journalist talks about his book on conspiracy theories. 2.00pm – 3.30pm Festival Village Mark Carwardine: “A last chance to see” – illustrated talk, based on BBC series, Mark co-presented with Stephen Fry, looking at the world’s most endangered species 4.00pm – 5.15pm Festival Village Lesley Pearse – the best selling author talks about her latest novel, “Belle”. 8.00pm – 10.00pm Festival Village Dame Evelyn Glennie – world famous solo percussionist talks about her life and career, illustrating her talk by playing a small selection of her percussion instruments. Monday 16th May 11.45am – 1.00pm Festival Village Jane Darke – Held by the Sea The novelist, film-maker and painter talks about her new book which addresses grief and shock she felt at the death of her husband, playwright Nick Darke and regaining her ambitions and creativity, following her loss. 2.30pm – 4.00pm Festival Village “One Darke Night” Cornish theatre company O-Region presents, a show based on the writings of renowned Cornish playwright Nick Darke. 8.00pm Festival Village Greg Davies Stand-up comedy by the comedian and actor, who plays Mr Gilbert in Channel 4’s hit show The Inbetweeners and is a regular on BBC TV’s Ask Rhod Gilbert. Tuesday 17th May 10.00am – 11.15 Festival Village Robert Goddard – Blood Count One of the world’s most popular thriller writers discusses his new book with broadcaster and journalist Julie Skentelbery. 11.45am – 1.00pm Festival Village Andy Secombe – The son of Sir Harry Secombe talks about his book, Growing Up With The Goons. 2.00pm – 3.30pm Festival Village Professor Robert Winston – Bad Ideas The presenter of countless science programmes for the BBC gives a fascinating talk, based upon his book Bad Ideas – An Arresting History of our Inventions: How Our Finest Inventions Nearly Finished Us All Off. 4.00pm – 5.15pm Festival Village Philip Marsden: The Levelling Sea The travel writer and novelist talks about his new book about Britain’s glorious maritime past, seen through the changing fortunes of the Port of Falmouth and its people. 8.00pm – 10.00pm Festival Village Alistair Campbell Tony Blair’s former spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy, talking about his revelatory diaries. Weds 18th May 11.45am – 1.00pm Festival Village The Doll: Short Sories by Daphne du Maurier – a panel event discussing the launch of a new book featuring some newly discovered du Maurier short stories. 2.00pm – 3.15pm Festival Village Sir Tim Rice The world famous and Oscar winning lyricist, and Cornwall resident, talks about his remarkable career, with BBC Radio Cornwall’s Tim Hubbard. 4.00pm – 5.15pm Festival Village Virginia Ironside: The Virginia Monologues: Why Growing Old is Great! One-woman show taking a light-hearted look at life for the over 60s. 8.00pm Festival Marquee The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. The world’s first and best Ukulele Orchestra. Thursday 19th May 10.00am – 11.15am Festival Village Polly Samson: Perfect Lives Polly Samson discusses her new collection of interlinked short stories Perfect Lives with Helen Taylor, Exeter University. 11.45am – 1.00pm Mary S Lovell: The Churchills The acclaimed biographer charts the history of the Churchill dynasty, led by the “Greatest ever Briton”, Winston. 3.00pm – 5.00pm Festival Village The Marvellous du Maurier Miscellany Fun-filled, affectionate tribute to Daphne du Maurier, featuring music and performances, based around the life and times of Daphne du Maurier, performed by the theatre company Scary Little Girls. 8.00pm – 10.00pm Festival Village Cara Dillon Irish folk singer and multiple award winner at the BBC Radio Folk Awards in concert with her band. Fri 20th May 10.00am – 11.15am Festival Village Linda Grant: We Had It So Good The Orange prize winner and Booker shortlisted author, talks about her new novel, which looks at the lives of a group of ageing Baby-Boomers. 11.45am – 1.00pm Festival Village Daphne du Maurier and the historical novel. Novelists Stella Duffy and Elizabeth Speller in conversation with Helen Taylor (Exeter University) about the enduring appeal of historical fiction and du Maurier’s own historical novels. 2.00pm – 3.15pm Michael Dobbs: The Peer with the Pen The successful novelist and member of the House of Lords talks about his twin careers and his new book Old Enemies, which continues his harry Jones thriller series. 4.00pm – 5.15pm Festival Village Prue Leith – cook, restaurateur, food writer, business woman and now novelist, talks about her varied life. 8.00pm Festival Village Jenny Éclair: Old Dogs, New Tricks Comedienne & Grumpy Old Woman, most recently seen on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. Saturday 21st May 10.00am – 11.15am Festival Village Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall Author of The Ministry of Food and The Good Granny Guide talks about her interests which have inspired her bestselling books. 11.45am – 1.00pm Festival Village John Myatt The artist that fooled the Art World with his series of over 200 fakes, talks about the crime and his time since, including his career now selling his own “Legal Fakes” for thousands of pounds to collectors around the world. 2.00pm – 3.30pm Festival Village John Sergeant The BBC’s former chief political correspondent takes a wry and revealing look at his careers in the worlds of politics and light entertainment. 8.00pm Festival Village Shakin’ Stevens Timeless Rock ‘n’ Roller celebrating the 30th anniversary of his first UK hit single. Hits include: Green Door, Oh, Julie, Marie, Marie and Merry Christmas, Everyone.

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