Broadbent talks about novel

ACTOR Jim Broadbent has told the Edinburgh International Book Festival of how he wrote his first graphic novel, Dull Margaret, which he created with comic artist Dix, and writer and editor Daniel Hahn.

“I was so proud of the fact I had spotted that Dix might be on the same wavelength, and the relationship – which was largely by email, we’ve only met about five times so far – was so easy, and complete fun,” he said.

The character, and story, was inspired by Broadbent seeing Bruegel’s 16th century painting, Dulle Griet, featuring “a strange mad powerful woman astride the Gates of Hell”. He said: “She looks strong and interesting; and something about her is funny as well. I was just transfixed by that image.”

While the title of the painting means “Mad Margaret”, Broadbent said he preferred “Dull Margaret” as a title, and – at a time when he didn’t have “any interesting acting work” – he developed a script for a short film, in part inspired by his take on the character, the Lincolnshire Marshes of his childhood, and a growing interest in fairy stories.

But there were no takers for the film and it became a book. Writing the script for Dull Margaret and seeing it become a graphic novel was a “delight”, he said.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival continues this weekend. www.edbookfest.co.uk