Guide Parenthood, the dogs of Oz and Vladimir Nabokov
Round-up Chichester Library and the South Downs Poetry Festival are joining forces to celebrate National Poetry Day with a reading from Hugh Dunkerley’s new book of poems, Kin, about the experience of becoming a parent.
On Thursday, October 3, at 7.30pm, Hugh, who is the leader of the MA in creative writing course at Chichester University, will highlight some of the challenges, concerns, joys and insights of new parents.
Hugh is an award-winning poet whose accolades include the Eric Gregory Award. He was several times a prize winner in the BBC Wildlife Poet of the Year Award and winner of the 2016 INSPIRE/ASLE UKI Literature and Sustainability Public Lecture Competition. His latest collection follows several successful previous collections, notably Hare, published by Cinnamon Press.
Spokesman Barry Smith said: “We are delighted to link up with the South Downs Poetry Festival for this special event with Hugh, who lives in Brighton.
“After Hugh’s reading, local writers will have the chance to read their own poems. Any style or subject is welcome. Live music from Linda Kelsall-barnett on classical guitar and open mic poetry combine to offer a stimulating mix of words and music. Readers and listeners equally welcome.
“These library poetry and music events are always very popular, so early booking is advised.”
A Celebration of Poetry, Thursday, October 3, 7.30pm, Chichester Library, PO19 1QJ. Tickets £7 (to include glass of wine) are available from Chichester Library, Tower Street, PO19 1QJ ; 01243 777351; www.sdpf.org.uk. Who let the dogs out!
The successful applicants to play the role of Toto in the pantomime The Wizard of Oz in Bognor’s Alexandra Theatre this Christmas are Taffy and Winnie.
The doggie duo will share the role, ensuring that neither gets ‘dog tired’ during the run.
Director Bev Berridge said: “I was hugely impressed with the standard of canine talent at the audition last Monday and it was a tricky decision to make.
“However, Taffy and Winnie just pipped the others to the post by combining the cute factor with first class on-stage discipline and professionalism (no puddles, nice with children and good at chasing wicked witches on cue).
“I predict great theatrical futures for them both. My thanks to all the dogs and their owners who came along.”
The pantomime The Wizard of OZ plays at the Alexandra Theatre, Bognor Regis, from Wednesday, December 11-Friday, January 4. Tickets: 01243 861010 or www. regiscentre.co.uk.
Nabokov talk
Chichester Literary Society offers the talk Vladimir Nabokov, Recovered by Miles Leeson at its next event on Wednesday, October 2 from 2-3.30pm at Boxgrove Village Hall, PO18 OEE.
Spokesman Lois Coulthart said: “If Nabokov is remembered for anything, it is for writing one of the most controversial books of the 20th century, Lolita. In this talk Miles Leeson will draw on Nabokov’s life and work to propose that his writing should be seen as on a par with Joyce, Woolf and Beckett as a master of the prose form.”
Entry £6, students
£2 on the door. www. chichesterliterarysociety.org