15th to 22nd of June 2014 theatre film workshops kids & family around town competitions www.worthingwow.co.uk In partnership with theatre It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the first World of Sunday 15th June Words Festival. In one week this June there will be 40 events in 14 venues Scripted 4 celebrating the joy of words – through poetry, film, theatre and books. Presented by Theatre Akimbo Many of the exciting events are at well-known venues, such as the beautiful Join us to honour the winners of this new writing competition in Worthing Pavilion, Connaught Studio and St Paul’s Arts Centre, and there an exhilarating evening of script-in-hand performances. are also activities not to be missed at ten other venues around town. 4 plays – 1 inspiring evening, celebrating Sussex’s theatre talent. • Did Not Finish by James Withey The festival celebrates creative talent past and present. We’ll be looking • From A to B by Judey Bignell back – to celebrate Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde; looking around, to • I Will Survive by Andrew Kay celebrate Simon Brett, Maureen Duffy and Judy Upton, and looking • The Car by Emily Hennings forward, to the next generation of poet wonders and story weavers. Directed by Glenda Harkess-Cowlyn & Martin Harris One thing’s for certain – make sure you’re here for poetry, fun, coffee, Working with Technical Theatre and Music students at handsome men, impromptu storytelling, silly voices, film glamour, Northbrook College. theatre de force, book gazing and star spotting. Worthing may never be the same again! – Melody Bridges, WOW Artistic Director Venue: Connaught Studio Time: 7pm Tickets: £6.50 WOW LEGACY Memory Trees From the 15th to 22nd June come and find me at The Denton, Connaught Theatre and Visit Wednesday 18th June Worthing Information Centre, grab a blank postcard and adorn my branches with your favourite SIMON BRETT AND JUDY UPTON – WOW words, recollections and deepest contemplations! A WOW legacy for years to come. A CELEBRATION Patrons of the Worthing WOW Festival speak about their careers. Expect fun, banter, enlightening writing tips and www.worthingwow.co.uk tasty morsels from their best plays. Directed by Samantha Francis and Isobel Higlett. Join us on twitter @worthingWOW, Facebook: Worthing WOW, or drop into the WOW Hub in judyupton.co.uk • simonbrett.com the foyer of the Connaught Theatre for a coffee and volunteer to help! Venue: Connaught Studio Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £10.50, concessions £2 off, Friends £7.50 WOW Team Beth Banner, Glenda Harkess-Cowlyn, Stef Sykes, Joe Wicks and Stephanie Cracknell Thursday 19th June INSPIRED IN SUSSEX Presented by Worthing Wordies With special thanks to: Amanda O’Reilly and her team at Worthing Theatres, Paul High at Wordies are a literary performance group, based at the Sussex County Council, Stephen Logan at World of Books and Alex Bailey at Worthing and Adur Council. Ardington Hotel, Worthing. ‘Inspired in Sussex’ includes items by famous authors, past and present, such as Pinter, Kipling and Belloc, as well as The Wordies’ own poets. Thanks to our Sponsors Venue: Indigo Restaurant @ The Ardington Time: 6pm Tickets: £23 incl 2 course dinner with wine. Booking essential 01903 230451 or email [email protected] Thursday 19th June Saturday 21st June THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING OSCAR Austentatious: AN IMPROVISED NOVEL Presented by Conn Artists Theatre Company

The life and works of Oscar Wilde are told in this captivating Undoubtedly one of the most talked-about shows on the one-man show originally written and performed by Micheál UK comedy scene, Austentatious: An Improvised Novel is a macLíammóir. Featuring extracts from The Picture of Dorian comedy play spun in the inimitable style of Jane Austen and Gray to The Importance of Being Earnest and De Profundis based entirely on audience suggestions. After total sell out to The Ballad of Reading Gaol, all woven together in a runs in London and Edinburgh, this critically acclaimed show wonderful narrative filled with humour. is embarking on its first national tour.

Venue: Connaught Studio Performed by Ross Muir Time: 7.30pm Directed by Mitch Jenkins Tickets: £12.50 ★★★★ One of the most enjoyable shows on the fringe. – The Guardian ★★★★ Constant wit & verve. – The Times Friday 20th June ★★★★ Supersmart and terrifically funny. – The Scotsman John ★★★★★ One of the most impressive comedy shows on the fringe. – Chortle WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW Hegley A poetry night featuring a host of local storytellers and acoustic musicians before John Hegley takes to the stage. The evening is Venue: Connaught Theatre compered by Mark Kelly, who combines his long-standing writing Time: 4.30pm & 7.30pm partnership with Jo Brand with regular appearances on stage and Tickets: £14.50, concessions £2 off radio as well as writing poetry books which he will plug shamelessly during the show. The WOW Poet WINNER (under 25yrs category) is invited to perform during the evening. Sunday 22nd June “THE POET LAUREATE OF COMEDY” - The Independent MAUREEN DUFFY Venue: Connaught Studio & THE WORTHING POETS Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £14.50, concessions £2 off An evening with Maureen Duffy, contemporary British poet, playwright, biographer and novelist, in her own words. Maureen has championed the rights of writers and revolutionised the way Saturday 21st June that their work is appreciated. She is joined in the second half by I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS Worthing poets as they share their work and perform extracts from Presented by Wizard Presents Sussex’s literary past. Tomas loves playing outdoors…he hates school, books and being dragged to the library by his mother. But his world is turned upside Directed and Hosted by Rosy Carrick, from Hammer and Tongue. down the day he meets the unicorn and the unicorn lady and is spellbound by their story. Olivier Award nominated Wizard Presents The WOW Poet WINNER (over 25yrs category) is invited to perform bring best-selling children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s enchanting during the evening. tale to life in an “utterly magical interactive show” (The Stage) set in the library filled with books. Directed by Dani Parr. maureenduffy.co.uk Contribute to the story by bringing your own children’s book to become part of the set and swap it for another at the end of the “NOTHING SHE WRITES CAN FAIL” – The Independent performance. Suitable for families with children aged 5 - 11 years Venue: Connaught Studio Time: 7pm Venue: Connaught Studio Tickets: £10.50, concessions £2 off, Friends £7.50 Time: 2pm Tickets: £7.50, family of four £26 film workshops Monday 16th to Friday 20th June Monday 16th June ART FOR AUTHORS with Jimmy Pearson SOUTH COAST SHORTS Join comic book writer/illustrator Jimmy Pearson at St Paul’s Cafe An exclusive afternoon screening of all the shortlisted films of this as he renders an original illustration piece inspired by authors innovative competition celebrating short films made in, by or about connected with the town, including , Oscar Wilde, the South Coast and its people. Jane Austen, Percy Shelley and Lord Byron.

Entrants then have the opportunity to stay and watch Harold Pinter’s Each of these famous literary personalities’ works will come to life The Birthday Party, filmed in Worthing, before the winners of the in front of your eyes. competition are announced in an Oscar style ceremony at 9pm! Venue: St Paul’s Centre Venue: Connaught Studio Time: 11am to 12 noon Time: 2.30pm & 4pm, winners announced at 9pm Tickets: FREE Tickets: £5.50 Tuesday 17th June ADVENTURES IN GRAPHIC NOVELLING

Join author Jimmy Pearson (creator of Bayou Arcana, The Heart of War and co-creator of Cogs and Claws) at St Paul’s Cafe for a three hour intensive tutorial that will take the prospective graphic novelist from the point of developing a comic book concept, getting it onto paper and finessing it to a quality worthy of pitching to a publisher. With the right creative tools you too could be the next Alan Moore or Stan Lee. Monday 16th June THE BIRTHDAY PARTY Venue: St Paul’s Centre Time: 2pm to 3.30pm WOW what a coup—this is believed to be its very first ever Tickets: £7.50 from St Paul’s– place strictly limited screening in Worthing, where it was filmed! Advance booking in person only (16yrs+)

Based on Harold Pinter’s enigmatic play about a boarder in a British seaside dwelling who is visited by two strangers. They Tuesday 17th June torment him verbally, ask him idiotic unanswerable questions, START WRITING with Writers force him to sit down and stand up, and give him a “party.” Then, eventually, they take him away, a tongue-tied idiot. The trivial Have you written a short story or two, and don’t know what to becomes the terrible, and with it a certain wonder, a certain pity. do with it? Thought about writing articles? Ever fancied having a go at poetry? Get help from members of Worthing-based West Stay behind after the screening to hear the winners of South Sussex Writers who’ll discuss how they started writing in a lively, Coast Shorts announced! interactive panel session.

Venue: Connaught Studio Venue: Worthing Library Lecture Theatre Time: 6.45pm Time: 6pm to 7.30pm Tickets: £3.50 Tickets: £3 available from Worthing Library (01903 704809) Thursday 19th June RETREAT AT THE END OF THE WORLD Ever wanted to write at the end of the world? Well now you can as Brighton’s Writers Retreat comes to Worthing for one day only! The Southern Pavilion on the Pier provides the family & kids perfect location for inspiration. That’s right you’ll be locked in a room to write – but wow – what a room with a view. Will it Sunday 15th June inspire your words? STORYTIME & ACTIVITIES Venue: Southern Pavilion, The Pier We will be reading the Waterstones Children’s Picture Book Winner ‘Open Time: 10am to 4pm Very Carefully’ followed by wacky Dr Seuss colouring activity sheets to take Tickets: £26 incl lunch, tea, coffee and biscuits from home or colour in store. www.brightonwritersretreat.co.uk/retreat-at-the-end-of-the-world Venue: Waterstones Bookshop Time: 12noon to 1pm story, 3pm to 4pm activities Tickets: FREE Sunday 22nd June WRITER’S SURGERY Saturday 21st June Have you started a novel but don’t know where to send it? Do you want WOW FAMILY PICNIC & BOOK FAIR expert advice on the next steps in your writing journey? Hurry to book a session at our Writer’s Surgery (aka Dome Tea Rooms, Worthing) and let the Roll up, roll up - calling all young artists, readers & storytellers! Writing Doctors help you out! Bring your picnic and pull up a deckchair from 10 - 12 to ‘Doctors’ Vicki Salter and Tanya Andrews are poised to help you. Between enjoy the creative activities on offer and book fair from them they have twenty years experience in the publishing industry and have World of Books. Activities include Catch of the Day fish worked with agents, publishers and many large literature institutions. Book your 15 minute slot decorating, graffiti poetry and ancient map-making, now for advice and guidance on your writing project. or scribe a Secret Sea Scroll, dream up a Message You must submit a sample of your work to [email protected] by 1st June. in a Bottle or Float a Boat in our Word Ocean. Then Don’t miss out on this brilliant opportunity to take your writing career to the next level. sit back and enjoy local storytellers perform new Venue: The Dome Tea Rooms legends written by children from local schools. Time: from 12noon at 15 minute sessions The winning entry from our Secret Sea Story Tickets: Donation of £10 requested by Worthing WOW competition will be performed! email: [email protected] All artwork created on the day will be exhibited on our Fishing Net exhibition Proud Sponsors of Worthing WOW Festival at St Paul’s Centre, Worthing. Talented author and illustrator, Adam Stower, shares extracts from his latest book ‘Troll and the Oliver’ and reminds children that cakes taste nicer than people!

Venue: Pavilion Theatre Time: Family Picnic 10am to 12 noon Book Fair 10am to 4pm Inspired to read more from our local authors? Tickets: Picnic £3, Family of Four £10 (2 adults, 2 kids) 20% OFF EVERY TITLE Book Fair FREE, from 12noon at Sunday 22nd June WorldofBooks.com PIRATES AND PRINCESSES promo code: WORTHINGWOW14 Readings of ‘The Pirates Next Door’ and ‘The Worst Princess’ and lots of ‘Piratical’ and ‘Princesstical’ activities including pin the eye patch on the pirate, spot the jewels and a treasure hunt. There’s face painting too! Venue: Waterstones Bookshop Time: 12noon to 1pm story, 3pm to 4pm activities Tickets: FREE Saturday 21st June EMPORIUM – Literary Tent Worthing’s monthly farmers’ market allows their performance around town tent to be turned over to WOW talent. Poets, storytellers and performers will dazzle audiences in Montague Street with their Sunday 15th June words. SUE WALKER book signing Venue: Farmers’ Market, town centre Local crime author, Sue Walker, will be reading an extract and Time: 12 noon to 2pm signing some of her terrifying books at Kim’s Bookshop on 15th Tickets: FREE June. Do you have the courage to read ‘The Dead Pool’, ‘The Sunday 22nd June Worthing heritage trails Burning’ and ‘The Reckoning’? Come and meet the lady who funded by knows all about crime. TOWN CENTRE WALK: Venue: Kim’s Bookshop A literary and historical tour Time: 3pm to 4pm Chris Hare will lead a ninety minute walk around central Tickets: FREE Worthing, starting at the Visit Worthing Centre. The Tour will include reference to literary figures, such as W.H.Hudson, Jane Monday 16th to Saturday 21st June Austen, Horatio Smith and Oscar Wilde. DAILY READINGS FROM THE BIBLE www.worthingheritagetrails.org.uk The Bible is the most widely published book in the English language. We hope that this experience of hearing The Bible Venue: from Visit Worthing Centre will create a quiet moment of contemplation in a busy world. Time: 2pm We need volunteers to read around 15 minutes of the Old Tickets: FREE Testament. Contact : [email protected] if you wish to participate. Sunday 22nd June Venue: The Chapel, St Paul’s Centre SEA SCRIBES —book signing Time: 12noon to 2pm Sea Scribes will be at Visit Worthing to sign their books and give Tickets: FREE readings. Sea Scribes’ authors have been meeting for over seven years and their work covers a variety of genres. There will also be Wednesday 18th June fun competitions for all ages, so why not come and join us? AFTERNOON TEA & BOOK CHAT Venue: Visit Worthing Centre WITH PAM WEAVER Time: 3pm to 4.30pm Pam is the author of several books set in and around Worthing Tickets: FREE including ‘Pack up Your Troubles’ and ‘For Better and Worse’. Winner of 2005 Novel Opening Competition. Join her for afternoon Sunday 22nd June refreshments and informal readings. Books available to buy. ROAR! Empowerment through communication Venue: Worthing Library Lecture Theatre Time: 2.30pm to 4pm The Jump Start Initiative presents a celebration of individual Tickets: FREE from Worthing Library (01903 704809) empowerment through communication. Two hours packed with awesome performances by budding talent and audience participation. Expect to be thrilled, enthused and above all Friday 20th June empowered! Hosted at Speakers Corner (Splashpoint) - the THEN AND NOW — 100 years of Wartime Poetry official space for Worthing’s community voice. Worthing’s Roundabout Poets have performed together for ten Very special MC (Master of Ceremonies) to be announced. years, mainly at Worthing Library; today they lead a showcase of War Poetry. A variety of poets; famous, local and found are Find out more : brought together to encapsulate the emotions felt on and off the www.jumpstartinitiative.org.uk battlefield. Emma White, Heritage Project Manager WSCC, sets Twitter: @Jumpstartleap the scene. Facebook: Jumpstartinitiative Venue: Worthing Library Lecture Theatre Venue: Splash Point Rocks - Speakers Corner Time: 1pm to 2pm Time: 5pm to 7pm Tickets: FREE from Worthing Library (01903 704809) Tickets: FREE competitions literary cafes WOW - could you be Mr Darcy? Four brilliant venues have dedicated themselves to celebrating famous writers connected with – deadline 1st June Worthing. At each of these cafes you’ll find out fascinating facts, feast on tasty WOW discount As part of WOW’s Jane Austen celebrations, we’re searching for treats and be inspired to create your own stories. Visit all 4 venues between 15th-22nd June Sussex’s own Mr Darcy. Men must be nominated by either their and enjoy a drink and food to receive a stamp on the card below, then post your completed friends, partners or work colleagues. You need to send in a photo and card to our PO Box address to be entered into our PRIZE DRAW to win £50 worth of books! 50 word summary as to why you think this man is ‘Mr. Darcy of Sussex’ material, to: [email protected] Celebrating Shelley @ Coast Cafe Celebrating Wilde @ Lime Cafe, St Paul’s This includes an exclusive murder dinner Celebrate the life of Oscar Wilde with displays The winner will attend the Breakfast with Mr Darcy event on the performance on Friday 20th at 7.30pm. by historian Antony Edmonds. Sample tasty 22nd June at Pizza Express. Judges: Amanda O’Reilly, Worthing Dress up and find the killer in this Shelley Theatres; Nicola Caines, Worthing Herald; Antony Edmonds, author Wilde foodie treats served by staff in 1890’s of ‘Jane Austen’s Worthing’; Zach Falconer-Barfield from The Perfect inspired gothic murder mystery with a fine costumes. On 17th June, at 12.50-1.30pm and Gentleman. three course meal. 3.00-3.40pm join the star and director of ‘The Importance of Being Oscar’ for a FREE tea- WOW Poet 2014 For details, call Coast on 01903 216937 time talk Putting‘ On Oscar’ about creating the – deadline 1st June (booking essential). show for the Connaught Studio on the 19th. We’re searching for a poetry superstar in Sussex to be the firstWOW Poet for our exciting new festival in June. There are two categories: 15-25 years, and 25 years plus. The 15-25 years old prize winner will be invited to recite their poems Celebrating Austen @ Pizza Express at the ‘Write Here, Write Now’ evening on 20th June. For the 25 years Celebrating JB Priestley @ The Dome, plus category – the prize winner will be invited to recite their poems The main event here is Breakfast with our Vintage Tea Room at the ‘Maureen Duffy and the Worthing Poets’ evening on 22nd June. WOW Mr Darcy winner on Come and share a cup of Sunday 22nd June, 10am tea, enjoy the displays Send two contrasting poems to: poet@worthing wow.co.uk to 12noon – tickets are and immerse yourself in a Judge: David Swann (University of Chichester) £5 incl tea, coffee and a bygone era at The Dome croissant and talk on Jane Vintage Tea Room. Open WOW Childrens’ Story Competition Austen by Janet Clarke, from 10.00am daily for – deadline 13th June and maybe a sneaky great breakfasts, local fish WOW Festival Education has delivered workshops with 600 local pic with the dashing dishes, Vintage Cream school children, creating legendary new tall tales showcasing the Mr Darcy! Limited tickets available Teas and Classic Ice Cream next generation of artistic talent growing within our seaside town. from Worthing Theatres 01903 206206 Sundaes. These will be shared by storytellers at the WOW Picnic @ The Pavilion event on 21st June. WOW PRIZE DRAW! Take part – enter our Secret Sea Story Competition (ages 3 to 15). Take a stroll on Worthing Beach for inspiration – perhaps curious Name ...... flotsam has been thrown up by the waves? Maybe mysterious whispers can be heard inside a shell? Could a salty fossil hold a clue? Wherever you uncover your secrets, send your Story (400 words Email ...... max) by 13th June to: Post: Secret Sea Story, Worthing WOW, PO Box 4947, Post to: WORTHING, BN11 9YQ Worthing WOW or email: [email protected] Cafe Competition, PO Box 4947, The winning entry will be awarded a £20 book voucher and win the chance to have their work shared at the WOW Picnic. Children’s Worthing, creative work will be displayed at St. Paul’s Centre and published in West Sussex, an anthology after the festival. BN11 9YQ

bookshop at a glance Date Time Event Venue 15th 12-1pm & 3-4pm Storytime & Activities Waterstones 3pm to 4pm Sue Walker book signing Kim’s Bookshop 7pm Scripted4 performances Connaught Studio 16th 11am to 12noon Art for Authors St Paul’s Centre 12noon to 2pm Bible Readings St Paul’s Chapel 2.30pm & 4pm South Shorts Screenings Connaught Studio 6.45pm The Birthday Party Connaught Studio @ KIM’S 9pm South Shorts Awards Ceremony Connaught Studio 17th 11am to 12noon Art for Authors St Paul’s Centre We are super excited and super lucky to have centrally located Kim’s Bookshop as 12noon to 2pm Bible Readings St Paul’s Chapel this year’s designated Festival Bookshop! 12.50-1.30, 3-3.30pm Putting On Oscar St Paul’s Centre 2pm to 3.30pm Adventures in Graphic Novelling St Paul’s Church Stocking works by all the authors past and present celebrated in the festival. 6pm to 7.30pm Start Writing Worthing Library

Come and browse this bibliophile’s paradise – snaffle a bargain and pick up a piece 18th 11am to 12noon Art for Authors St Paul’s Centre of Sussex’s story-rich history. 12noon to 2pm Bible Readings St Paul’s Chapel 2.30pm to 4pm Tea with Pam Weaver Worthing Library Open every day throughout the festival. 7.30pm Simon Brett/Judy Upton - A Celebration Connaught Studio 19th 10am to 4pm Retreat at the End of the World Southern Pavilion-Pier 11am to 12noon Art for Authors St Paul’s Centre 12noon to 2pm Bible Readings St Paul’s Chapel 7pm Inspired in Sussex Indigo Restaurant 7.30pm The Importance of Being Oscar Connaught Studio 20th 11am to 12noon Art for Authors St Paul’s Centre 12noon to 2pm Bible Readings St Paul’s Chapel 1pm to 2pm Then & Now, Roundabout Poets Worthing Library 7.30pm Shelley Murder Dinner Coast Cafe 7.30pm Write Here, Write Now Connaught Studio 21st 10am to 12noon Family Picnic Pavilion Theatre 10am to 4pm Book Fair Pavilion Theatre 12noon to 2pm Bible Readings St Paul’s Chapel 12noon to 2pm Literary Tent @ Emporium Farmers’ Market 2pm I Believe in Unicorns Connaught Studio 4.30pm Austentatious Connaught Theatre 7.30pm Austentatious Connaught Theatre 22nd 10am to 12noon Breakfast with Mr Darcy Pizza Express 12-1pm & 3-4pm Pirates and Princesses Waterstones 12noon to 2pm Writer’s Surgery Dome Tea rooms 2pm Town Centre Walk from Visit Worthing 3pm to 4.30pm Sea Scribes – book signings Visit Worthing 5pm ROAR! Splashpoint Rocks 7pm Maureen Duffy & the Worthing Poets Connaught Studio booking HOW TO BOOK Tickets for most events are available from Worthing Theatres Box Office unless otherwise stated. Tel. 01903 206206 or book online at www.worthingtheatres.co.uk All programme details are published in good faith and are correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change - May 2014. CONTACT WOW Email: [email protected] Post: Worthing WOW, PO Box 4947, WORTHING, BN11 9YQ WOW Festival Hub allows festival attendees a place to relax with a cup of tea and talk about their favourite books. Perhaps you’d like to find out about the daily events, pick up a map of the town, swap a book, sit and read or just share your favourite word with us?

Come and join us in the foyer of the Connaught Theatre — plenty to do, talk about and share. We’re there every day for the whole week from 10am to 4pm. EVENT MAP 1 Connaught Theatre & 8 The Dome Tea Rooms 5 WOW Hub 4 1 9 Pizza Express 2 2 Connaught Studio 10 Indigo Restaurant 3 Pavilion Theatre (Pier) 11 Coast Cafe 4 St Paul’s Centre 12 Splashpoint Rocks 13 5 Worthing Library 13 WOW Bookshop @ Kim’s 6 Waterstones 14 Southern Pavilion (Pier) 7 Emporium i Visit Worthing Centre

9 10 11

6 12 7 8

Montague Place

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