2025 Festival Event

Rachel Joyce
Photo Credit: CPal Hansen

The Homemade God

Award-winning author Rachel Joyce discusses The Homemade God, which explores the legacy of a dominant father, who may be loved but ultimately creates havoc and harm.  In conversation with Niamh Cusack, Rachel explains her focus on sibling relationships and what happens when Vic, the successful artist father at the heart of the novel, unexpectedly remarries.  It is an astute study of family dynamics and the disturbing influence of a powerful patriarch.  Rachel Joyce is the bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and Miss Benson’s Beetle.

The Judy Elliott Event

Niamh Cusack
Actress Niamh Cusack is well known for her roles with the RSC and the National Theatre and for her extensive film and television work.
Tickets cost £12 / £18 / £20 depending on the event.
There is a 25% saving on all festival books pre-ordered with event tickets.

Other events on the same day

Gordon Corera -

A fascinating look at Vasili Mitrokhin one of the world’s most unlikely traitors and his defection from the Soviet Union.

Alex Edmans -

Why do smart people fall for bad information? Alex Edmans shows how bias clouds our thinking and how to see clearly again.

Adam Nicolson -

Adam Nicolson introduces us to ‘bird school’ and what our feathered friends can teach us about the natural world.

Clive Aslet -

Clive Aslet discusses HM King Charles III views on architecture - from carbuncles to Dumfries House - during his time as Prince of Wales.

Harriet Cullen -

Harriet Cullen discusses Lady Pamela and her remarkable life of passion, politics and power.

Dolly Jones with David Gandy -

A practical discussion for the next generation of working women on careers and family life given by Dolly Jones and David Gandy

Gyles Brandreth -

The wonderful Gyles Brandreth discusses AA Milne, Christopher Robin and possibly the world’s most famous teddy bear.

Michael Morpurgo -

Sir Michael Morpurgo talks with Sir Jonathon Porritt about writing his personal memoir, inspired by the changing season of spring at his home in rural Devon.

2025 Festival Schedule

4pm

6pm

8pm

10.00am

11.30am

12n

2pm

4pm

6pm

8pm

12n

2pm

4pm

6pm

8pm

A printed festival programme is available at the Barnes Bookshop, 98 Church Road.