" Mr McGovern In Malpas: Opening Event In Up And Coming Arts Festival"

Malpas is a village a few miles from Chester and last week, the 1st ever MALFEST took place there. (http://malfest.com/)
And after sampling the 1st night, I'm sure that Malfest is destined to be a colouful arts festival, moulded by a team of keen and talented locals, who all have hefty claims on the arts world.
I could attend only 2 events but next year, hopefully more....

The opening event ( in a rather sumptious marquee, complete with bar) featured superb writer Jimmy McGovern " in conversation" with award winning writer John Oakden who had generously lent his lovely house and garden. And their chat didn't disappoint, believe me...

FOR EXAMPLE: We heard lots of talk re " Cracker" ... I bet you didn't know McG envisaged Fitz as a small scrawny character....but soon he appreciated his director's choice of the well-made Robbie C (!)

We heard about "Hillsborough" ...how McGovern tirelessly ( and tactfully) talked with bereaved and grieving families, we heard about his brilliant " Accused", about the effects of his Afghanistan episode..we could have amassed so much more had time been available. This was a great opener for Malfest and clearly enjoyed by all.

AND after Irish Liverpudlian Mr McG, we were taken to Wales by a troupe of superb readers who gave us a very well rehearsed reading of Dylan Thomas's " Under Milk Wood" . Characters sprang to life, as did the story and setting.
And for the 2nd part, we drifted into John Oakden's spacious drawing room, where we were warmed by a roaring fire as well as DT's gorgeous words..

** And if you've got time, SEE my archived post AUG 10th 2009 about McG's " The Street"

** And the snap is Mr McG chatting with someone I know well (!) John Oakden is on the stage.

** And my next post will be about another super talented Liverpudlian....!