Author Enid Blyton will be the focus of another one woman show when actress Liz Grand makes her second visit of the year to The Witham, in Barnard Castle, next month.
The actress known for her portrayals of strong female characters from the 20th century, impressed audiences earlier in the year with her performance as Clementine Churchill in Mrs Churchill – My Life with Winston.
She returns to the arts centre on Thursday, November 9, at 7.30pm when she portrays the author who sold more than 600 million books, despite being banned by the BBC, libraries and schools.
Blyton, who died of Alzheimer’s in 1968, aged 71, penned more than 600 books and was mourned by millions of readers around the world.
Ms Grand said: “Blyton was the most commercially successful British writer of all time and she was equally as popular with children. But she was unpopular with her critics.
“She was criticised for her work as some didn’t think the language she used stretched children enough.
“There are other interesting things that she did in her life. But even though she has been gone many, many years she is still controversial with many.
“She was accused of being racist and sexist, too middle class.
“She is a fascinating character to play.”
The play, written by Kit Hunter, is not set in one particular period of Blyton’s life, sees Blyton talk in an abstract way and in this way allows the audience to make up their own mind about the writer.
Tickets to cost £13 for U16s and £15 for adults. To book visit thewitham.org.uk or call the box office, 01833 631107.
In the new year, Liz Grand will return in the guise of another beloved author. On Thursday, February 8, she will become Agatha Christie in Where is Mrs Christie?
