Write a ten-word short story and then sit back to enjoy classic production of Jane Eyre on stage
Shoreham Wordfest is launching a competition for ten-line poems and tenword (yes, ten-word) short stories to celebrate its tenth anniversary. Programme director Rosalind Turner said: “Original unpublished entries on any theme are invited from all Sussex residents, with £150 top prize for the winning poem and £50 top prize for the very short story. There is a special prize for poems by 1618 year olds. “The poetry will be judged by John McCullough, prizewinning poet and creative writing tutor at Sussex University. The short stories will be judged by Catherine Smith, an award-winning writer who also teaches at Sussex University.” Wordfest poetry lead Barbara Meredith said: “We have been planning this competition for some time to celebrate the tenth year of Shoreham Wordfest. It seems even more appropriate now that so many people are isolated at home to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. “We invite everyone to try their hand at creating some special poetry on any theme, and the ten-word short story is a really good challenge. The example we are using is: Buys two pints. Their regular table. Drinks his. Drinks hers.” “The competition closes on August 1 and winners will be announced in September. Wordfest is aiming for a celebratory event during their annual festival on October 11, subject to public health restrictions being lifted by then. Entries will be published on the Wordfest website. For entry details go to www.shorehamwordfest. com or email poetry@ shorehamwordfest.com
Rosalind added: “Shoreham Wordfest is a charity run by writers and literary enthusiasts. We have been running an annual festival each autumn since 2011, bringing nationally recognised authors, poets and drama to Shoreham.”
The National Theatre’s production of Jane Eyre will be shown on the National Theatre’s YouTube channel on Thursday April 9 at 7pm as part of National Theatre At Home. Spokeswoman Elaine Jones said: “Almost 170 years on, Charlotte Brontë’s story of the trailblazing Jane is as inspiring as ever. This bold and dynamic production uncovers one woman’s fight for freedom and fulfilment on her own terms. “From her beginnings as a destitute orphan, Jane Eyre’s spirited heroine faces life’s obstacles head on, surviving poverty, injustice and the discovery of bitter betrayal before taking the ultimate decision to follow her heart. “This acclaimed reimagining of Brontë’s masterpiece was first staged by Bristol Old Vic in 2015 and transferred to the National in the same year with a revival in 2017. “During this unprecedented time which has seen the closure of theatres, cinemas and schools, National Theatre At Home is providing access to content online to serve audiences in their homes. “Audiences around the world can stream NT Live productions for free via YouTube every Thursday at 7pm and it will then be available on demand for seven days.” Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island will be screened on April 16.