Events

The Sistine Chapel and Creation

Wednesday 1 July at 7.30pm

In this the bicentenary of Charles Darwin’s birth art historian Elizabeth Conran examines the story behind the greatest artistic interpretation of the Creation myth – that of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

As always, Elizabeth will also be examining a complimentary novel – the title of which will be confirmed nearer to the date of the talk.

All tickets: £5.00

'Lifewriting' with Wendy Robertson

Saturday’s 4 July, 1 August and 5 September, 10.30am – 3.30pm

Everyone’s life is unique and interesting but often we have so much information that it is hard to know where to start.

In this series of three workshops Wendy Robertson will help you make that start - writing about aspects of your life, or the life of someone in your family in the present or the past. Using simple techniques we will consider ways in which you may frame your writing into a coherent narrative, whether your aim is documentary fact or fact-inspired fiction.

Cost: £20.00 / £15.00 concessions, per session.

(includes a light lunch)

Wear Valley Writers

Wednesdays in term time 7.00 - 9.30pm

Would-be writers are always welcome to join this dedicated group. They meet most Wednesdays in term time in the library here at Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

A full schedule of structured literature-based events forms part of the Town Hall’s events programme and members of Wear Valley Writers are encouraged to widen their literary experience by supporting the ‘Book It!’ programme.

Book Buddies

Childrens reading group

For details of our childrens reading group, aimed at 8 – 12 year olds, please see our Childrens Entertainment section.

Quest Seekers

Wednesday 22 July until Thursday 3 September

We invite you to venture forth on a fantastical journey...

This year’s challenge is all about the power of the imagination. It will take readers into a mysterious and wondrous land where they can discover the joy of reading and nurture a life-long love affair with books.

See Children's events Quest Seekers section for further details

Story Telling Workshop

Monday 17 August, 10.00am – 12.00noon and 1.00 – 3.00pm

Join Adam as he tells quest stories from around the world. Then get a chance to create your very own fantasy story.

Aimed at ages 8+.

Tickets: £1.00

Children must be taking part in 'Quest Seekers challenge'

See Quest Seekers section for further details

What makes a good murder mystery?

Wednesday 2 September at 7.30pm

Ever wondered what it is like to murder people for a living? Then this talk is for you. North-East author John Dean, creator of the Blizzard series of detective stories published by Hale, will talk about his life as a crime writer and what he believes makes for a good read.

A free event. Entry by ticket only.

Whiskey Galore

Monday 14 September at 7.30pm

Scotch on the Rocks, Love in the Air, Mayhem masked by mischief all around.

Tickets: £8.00 / £6.00 concessions

For full details please see Adult Theatre

Happy Jack

Monday 5 October at 7.30pm

This amusing and moving play weaves a path through a couple’s long life together. Jack and Liz are a funny, bickering, loving couple. In this joyous and celebratory story we follow them from their early courtship through to their retirement.

Tickets: £8.00 / £6.00 concessions

For full details please see Adult Theatre

Playwriting Workshop

Saturday 7 November, 10.00am until 4.00pm

A chance for a day's workshop with playwright and artistic director of Cloud Nine Theatre Company Peter Mortimer, which could lead to an eventual commission.

The workshop is the precursor to the company's PlayDay, when Cloud Nine choose one or more new submitted plays for a public rehearsed reading. In the past the plays chosen have often gone on to be given a full commission and professional production by the company.

This workshop is limited to ten writers, and those taking part need to have a script to work on.

Submissions for the PlayDay are open to all, and dates will be announced later.

Cost: £20.00 / £15.00 concessions.