dickens of a
performer

She will share a powerful, comprehensive, and at times hilarious expose of Dickens, his writing and the real-life women who found themselves immortalised in his books.

Her show, which has had sell out performances across the UK, the US and Canada, visits Buxton Opera House on Thursday, July 23, at 2pm.

Miriam’s first major role in a film was as Elephant Ethel in Stand Up, Virgin Soldiers. In the 1980s, she made appearances in Blackadder.

She won the 1989 LA Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Flora Finching in the 1988 film Little Dorrit.

Miriam began winning over younger audiences when she starred as Aunt Sponge in James and the Giant Peach in 1996. . She has subseqently played Professor Sprout in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002, reprising the role in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in 2011.

Star novelists play a prominent role in this year’s festival with Kathy Lette visiting the Opera House on Sunday, July 19. She will be joined by actress and author Maureen Lipman and TV stars Meera Syal and Robbi Ancona to talk about their lives and careers.

There will also be talks on historical figures such as Queen Victoria, Napoleon and Joan of Arc.

Randal Shannon, the festival’s executive director, said: “We are proud to present in partnership with the University of Derby a programme of fascinating and thought-provoking 9am talks upstairs at the Old Clubhouse, these proved very popular last year and I highly recommend them”.

For further details on the programme or to book tickets visit www.buxtonfestival.co.uk or call the box office on 01298 72190.