Nationally renowned Festival of Words, Off the Shelf is in full swing across South Yorkshire, bringing together the best of local, regional, and international literary talent for its 2022 programme of events.
The festival has already seen fantastic talks from the likes of Hugh Bonneville, Dan Walker, Akeem Balogun and Leo Houlding and there’s still an impressive line-up of events from an array of talent including a Baroness, a Spice Girl and a Reverend (no, this is not the set-up for a joke). Here’s our picks of what not to miss across the rest of this week.
Electronically Yours: Vol. 1 – Martyn Ware, Wednesday 26 October 2022, 19:45 at Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse
We caught up with Sheffield muso Martyn Ware last week to discuss his book and the upcoming talk where the founding member of both The Human League and Heaven 17 revisits his journey from Sheffield lad to stardom to professorships – through meditations on culture, politics, travel and sport, his love of 60s films and loyalty to Sheffield Wednesday. Anecdotes, confessions and moving reflections get to the heart of both the music industry and Martyn’s unique career.
“A man with a synthesizer trailblazing his way to some of the most innovative moments in music in a generation” Martin Fry
In conversation with producer/director Lee Ford
£10/£8
Melvyn Bragg, Friday 28 October 2022, 19:00 at Firth Hall
The celebrated broadcaster and author unveils his first memoir Back in the Day, an account of growing up in post-war Cumbria. Bragg’s early life is an engaging tale of a working-class boy whose passion for books and learning took him to Oxford University. Steeped in his love of Cumbria, Bragg explores the events and influences that shaped his future life as a write, broadcaster and champion of the arts.
£8/£7
Pericles: A Performance for Families – Chris Bush, Saturday 29 October 2022, 13:00 at Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse
Pericles encounters evil kings, sad towns, princesses, zany pirates and humble fishers on his quest to find out who he truly is. An enchanting reimagining of Shakespeare’s Pericles, Prince of Tyre by Sheffield Theatres Associate Artist Chris Bush. First performed at the National Theatre and performed here by students from BA Acting and Performance, Sheffield Hallam University. This contemporary version lays bare the choices, challenges, loss and love that Pericles faces on his journey through life.
Free
What Are You Doing Here? – Baroness Floella Benjamin, Sunday 30 October 2022, 11:00 at Crucible Theatre
Floella Benjamin was the girl from the Caribbean, one of the Windrush generation, who became a British household name. Her long and amazing career in entertainment includes Play School, pantomime, television documentaries and singing with orchestras all over the world. A true inspiration she has received a BAFTA Special Lifetime Achievement Award, a Damehood and became a Peer in the House of Lords. A natural storyteller, What Are You Doing Here? is a moving and honest account of Baroness Floella Benjamin’s remarkable life and her refusal to be defined by others.
£13/£10
‘Who I Am: My Story’ – Former Spice Girl Melanie C, Sunday 30 October 2022, 15:00 at Crucible Theatre
Melanie C, aka Sporty Spice, was part of one of the biggest bands in history, whose meteoric rise spread the message of Girl Power worldwide. Join her as she shares her amazing story and what life was really like in The Spice Girls. She talks about the incredible highs of pop superstardom, but also the downside of fame – manipulation by the media and music industry, the relentless pressure and the struggles she has had with her body image and mental health. Who I Am is a hugely entertaining, inspiring and empowering story.
£12/book and ticket deal £25 (includes signed copy of the book)
Murder Before Evensong – The Reverend Richard Coles, Sunday 30 October 2022, 19:00 at Crucible Theatre
Author, broadcaster, former Communard and recently retired Vicar of Finedon, Reverend Richard Coles takes to the Crucible stage to talk about his new book Murder Before Evensong, a Sunday Times Bestseller. A brilliant crime romp set in a quintessentially English parish, this cunning, clever whodunnit sparkles with charm. Join Rev Richard for extraordinary and humorous tales of his journey from popstar to priest and his new adventures in crime writing.
“I’ve been waiting for a novel with vicars, rude old ladies, murder and sausage dogs … et voila!” Dawn French
£18/£15
The full programme can be viewed on the website and tickets can be booked online. Printed programmes are available at venues throughout South Yorkshire. Tickets can also be obtained in person or by telephone (0114 249 6000) from Sheffield Theatres Box Office or by visiting: www.offtheshelf.org.uk
