"LitFest At Lunchtimes...."

 I spent 3 very varied lunchtimes in the TownHall  during Chester LitFest...but my sandwiches had to wait....while  I gobbled juicy info about Queen Victoria.......savoured the work of husband and wife poets......and devoured the fascinating verse drama of a highy amenable, eminently likable Cheshire Poet Laureate.

Matthew Dennison talked about the complicated life of Queen Victoria....giving us a glimpse of her life as Sovereign, Wife and Mother.....so many contrasts, so many views of a complex woman brimming with contradictions....which neatly leads me to his book: " Queen Victoria: A Life Of Contradictions"

Martin Figura and his wife Helen Ivory ( perfect name for a poet, don't you think?!) ) read and performed poems from their books.
Martin's " Whistle" was much enjoyed at 2012 festival ...so this year, we had another helping...and then Helen introduced her 4th collection " Waiting for Bluebeard" .

AND ALSO: Joy Winkler, Cheshire Laureate several years ago, gave us a truly wonderful hour performing her verse drama..... " Town" ( see pictures on left).....  telling the tale of Rosie's quest to discover her birth mother.

Andrew Rudd ( also a Laureate) composed and played intriguing accompanying music..... and art work by Carl longmare, Karen Rossart and Ian Coppack was a joy. Kevin Dyer ably directed.

THIS was one of the loveliest gigs of the FEstival.