Richmond is an excellent habitat for readers and writers. Not only are there fabulous open spaces, greens, waterside promenades and cosy cafés which provide the perfect setting for some quiet time with pen, pages and thoughts, but it also boasts the literary ghosts of Chaucer, Virginia Woolf and George Eliot. And you’ll find a couple of really rather brilliant theatres lurking here too, The Orange Tree and Richmond Theatre, the latter boasting the elegant Lending Library as its neighbour. So, while many would associate the lush green and watery landscape of Richmond with cricket and boating, I, as a proud Richmond resident and lady of letters, am delighted that throughout November, literature is taking over.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Richmond upon Thames Literature Festival has added a few strings to its bow this year. And I for one am clearing my diary to take in as much of it as possible. Whether you’re busy writing your opus during NaNoWriMo or growing your facial hair for Movember, be sure to leave space for a little literary excursion to Richmond on the London Overground, Underground (District Line) or charmingly hopeless South West Trains. The festival this year has three elements: Main Festival, Fringe, and Kids’ Festival. And, as this is The Arbuturian, I had better tell you that there’s a food and drink programme, too.
On that note, how about the Interactive Edwardian Tea Party on Sunday 27th at Ham House? A celebration of afternoon tea, this promises to be a “magical theatrical dining experience” courtesy of Gideon Reeling theatre company and bakers Lily Vanilli. Find me quietly dolloping jam onto a scone somewhere in the corner, avoiding the ‘interactive’ element, if I can.
But back to the literature. The Main Festival programme includes some truly original offerings. There’s something on Saturday 12th at the boutique Bingham Hotel that I just know you’ll want to attend. The author and art historian Lisa Chaney will discuss her book Chanel: An Intimate Life, which explores the real life and relationships of the designer, showing the influence she had on 20th century music, art and fashion. And your ticket for this event will include a specially blended cocktail.
Elsewhere in the Main, you’ll find broadcaster and critic Fiona MacCarthy exploring the life of artist Edward Burne-Jones, Peter Hennessy in conversation with James Naughtie, journalist, author and broadcaster Anne Sebba discussing her new biography of Wallis Simpson, and authors Hallie Rubenhold and Rosie Thomas musing on Sex and Taboo in Historical Fiction (this one includes a specially blended cocktail, too, just FYI. I know you).
And so to the Fringe, which is supported by Apples and Snakes, the offerings include a birthday party for the festival itself, aboard a boat, the Richmond Royale, as well as readings from the poets Iain Sinclair, Inua Ellams, Kate Tempest and a lyrical storyteller named Polarbear, and much more besides.
And a quick word about the Kids’ Festival. In a headline event, Axel Scheffler, the award-winning illustrator of The Gruffalo, will be introducing the characters in his new book The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson. Elsewhere, at Strawberry Hill House, meet Marcus Sedgwick, author of The Raven Mysteries – and afterwards participate in a ghost tour of the house. It’s designed for 8-11-year-olds. I’m 26 and I’m spooked.
Luckily there’s always the Literary Salon to retreat to for a soothing cup of tea and a biscuit. Open almost constantly throughout the festival, it’s the place to recharge between events and catch a reading or performance, chat with other readers and writers, or maybe just sit quietly and observe characters wandering in and out in search of an author.
The Richmond upon Thames Literature Festival, until 27th November, various venues. View the full programme and visit the website.
