Agatha Christie Festival 11th - 18th September 2011, English Riviera, Devon
PUBLISHED: 11:33 07 July 2011 | UPDATED: 19:40 20 February 2013
Agatha Christie Festival 11th - 18th September 2011, English Riviera, Devon
The world-famous annual Agatha Christie Festival will once again take place on the stunning English Riviera in South Devon, from 11th-18th September 2011.
The world-famous annual Agatha Christie Festival will once again take place on the stunning English Riviera in South Devon, from11th-18th September 2011.
Murder mystery returns to the English Riviera with the spectacular annual celebration of the worlds greatest crime fiction writer, Dame Agatha Christie and her best known detectives, Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. The Agatha Christie Festival is always a huge success and is expected to draw a large number of amateur sleuths to Devon from all over the world.
As well as a host of fun, nostalgic and exciting events including trips to Agatha Christies holiday home on the River Dart, visitors can enjoy the new Agatha Christie Trail based on the 20 special places that inspired her life and works across the English Riviera and South Devon.
Plus, the famous Agatha Christie Mile in Torquay takes people to some of the additional places that were so special to her in her younger years including: Princess Pier where she enjoyed roller-skating, Beacon Cove where she was a regular swimmer and the Victorian Pavilion where she loved to dance.
A full events programme is below - for further information please contact English Riviera Tourism Company
Events Programme
All week:
Babbacombe Model Village's Agatha Christie Mystery Hunt
Babbacombe Model Village will beconcealingvarious miniature 'Murder Mystery' scenes throughout its gardens during the whole festival week. The challenge is toidentify the scenes and see if you can deduce whichAgatha Christie noveleach scenecomesfrom. Some will be easy; some maybe a challenge for even the more ardentAgatha Christiefans.How will you rate among the super sleuths?
Open 10am to 5.30pm (Last admission 4pm)
Admission for Model Village applies.
For further details visitwww.model-village.co.uk
Agatha Christie Vintage Tour Bus Trips to Greenway House
Every day except Monday and Tuesday
Join us aboard our original 1940s bus on a nostalgic trip to Greenway House and Garden, holiday home to the late Dame Agatha Christie. Live commentary will be provided from the driver on this authentic jiggle jerk ride. Limited seating. Please note ticket does not include entry to Greenway, where normal admission charges apply.
Departing Belgrave Road Torquay at: 10 am & 2pm
Departing Cary Parade Torquay at: 10.10am & 2.10pm
Departing Paignton Seafront at: 10.25am & 2.25pm
Adults 11.00 Children 6 Concession 10
Contact: Greenway Ferry 01803 882811www.greenwayferry.co.uk
Agatha Christie Sea & River Voyages
Every day except Monday and Tuesday
Join us aboard 1940s heritage boat The Fairmile for a day cruise along the South Devon coastline and river to Greenway. Situated on a hillside at the heart of the River Dart, this is a place where time has stood still and is now a legacy for everyone to enjoy. Limited seating. Local historian John Risdon provides commentary on selected days.Please note ticket does not include entry to Greenway, where normal admission charges apply.
Departing Torquay Princess Pier at: 10.45am returning at 5.45pm
Departing Brixham Quay at: 11.15am returning at 5.30pm
Adults 19.00 Children 12 Concession 18
Contact: Greenway Ferry 01803 882811www.greenwayferry.co.uk
Dartmouth Ferry to Greenway House and Garden
Every day except Monday and Tuesday
For visitors wishing to visit Greenway House and Garden and enjoy a short trip from Dartmouth there are six sailings a day, so you can visit at a time of your choosing.Please note ticket does not include entry to Greenway, where normal admission charges apply.
Ferries Depart from Dartmouth at:
09.45am, 10.45, 11.45, 12.45, 2.15pm and 3.15pm
Returning approx every hour
Adults 8.00 Child 6 Return
Contact: Greenway Ferry 01803 882811www.greenwayferry.co.uk
Agatha Christie Mystery Shopping
Paignton town centre shops take part in a competition to dress their windows in the theme of an Agatha Christie book title. Shoppers will need to spot the clues to decipher all the windows with prizes for the best-dressed window and the first shopper to correctly identify all the book titles!
Free
Contact: Torbay Bookshop 01803 522011
Agatha Christies VERDICT
Every day except Sundays
Bill Kenwright, by special arrangement with the Agatha Christie Theatre Company,
presents Agatha Christies VERDICT, the most riveting and compelling drama from the undisputed Queen of Crime.
Having been forced to flee persecution in his home country, the brilliant and idealistic Professor Karl Hendryk leads a content and morally upstanding life, caring for his invalid wife Anya and hiding his romantic feelings towards her sister Lisa. His life is turned upside-down however when the prospect of life-saving treatment for Anya persuades him to take on a new pupil against his better judgement; the spoilt, conniving minx Helen who will stop at nothing to get her way. With murderous intentions afoot, it only remains to be seen what verdict will be delivered, and if justice will prevail...
Princess Theatre, Torquay Tel: 0844 871 3023www.princesstheatre.org.uk
Tickets from 13.50
7.30pm (Wed & Sat Matinees at 2.30pm)
Agatha Christie the original evidence!
Visit Paignton Library during the Agatha Christie Festival for a rare opportunity to view exclusive Agatha Christie artefacts, namely an original manuscript for Five Little Pigs as well as one of the Queen of Crimes own writing notebooks, as described and transcribed in John Currans two volumes of Agatha Christies Secret Notebooks.
Promotions of our extensive stock of Agatha Christie works will be prominent in all Torbay Libraries at Torquay, Paignton, Churston and Brixham and on our Mobile Library throughout the Festival.
Paignton Library & Information Centre
Check our web pages for opening times:www.torbay.gov.uk/libraries
Dates for your Diary:
Sunday 11thSeptember
The annual Agatha Christie Fte
Brought to you by the Rotary Club
A traditional fte with a large collection of stalls, sideshows and family-based amusements. Stall holders will be dressed in 1920/30s themed clothing and therell be a full day of entertainment with dancers, brass band, clog dancers, magician, choir and Punch & Judy. New for 2011 will be the vintage car rally, and you never know, there might also be a certain detective on hand...
Pavilion Gardens / Cary Parade / Palk Street Gardens, Torquay
10.00am 17.00pm
Contact: 01803 327154
Greenway Literary Dining Club hosted by John Curran
A book club with a twist! In the style of Agatha Christies Tuesday Night Club, diners will discuss her writing, including Dead Mans Folly, which can be read in advance. Influences from the house and grounds will be explored. Canaps to be served on arrival, with dinner in the Dining Room followed by a chaired discussion of Christies literary works. Includes themed guided tour of the house.
Greenway House, Galmpton, Nr Brixham TQ5 0ES
19.00
60 places limited so please book early.
Contact: 01803 842382greenway@nationaltrust.org.uk
Monday 12thSeptember
Agatha Christie Flower Festival
This church was endowed by Agatha Christies father and Christie was christened here. A flower festival themed Musicals is taking place during the early part of the festival, and the parishioners will be happy to give you a guided tour of the church. Teas and homemade cakes will be available.
All Saints Church, Torre, Bampfylde Road, Torquay, TQ2 5AR
Opening Hours: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday 12 to 4 p.m Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free entry
Brixham Quilters Biennial Exhibition 2011 from 12th-14thSeptember:
Exhibition of patchwork, quilting, embroidery and art, featuring this years challenge entitledInspired by AgathaChristie a contest for members to create a work reflecting the authors times or titles. The exhibition will be held in the Ballroom and Library of Lupton House, an eighteenth-century Georgian manor house formerly belonging to Lord Churston. Agatha Christie is known to have visited the house.
Lupton House, Brixham Road, Churston Ferrers TQ5 0LD
10.30 am 4.30 pm (Mon and Wed)
10.30 am 5.30 pm (Tues)
Entry: 1.50. Profits will be divided between Rowcroft Hospice (Torquay) and Lupton Trust.
Contact: brixhamquilters@hotmail.com
Tea on the Terrace from 12th-16thSeptember:
Settle down for afternoon tea in Our Room with a View at Living Coasts. Marvel at the beautiful scenery of the English Riviera and Beacon Cove, just as Agatha Christie herself used to. Tickets include cream tea and selection of finger sandwiches for two people. There will of course be a selection of Agatha Christie titles available for our guests.
Our Room With a View, Living Coasts, Beacon Hill Torquay TQ1 2BG
2.30pm
9.95
Contact: Living Coasts 0844 474 3366functions@livingcoasts.org.ukwww.livingcoasts.org.uk
John Currans Film Classic - Red Signal
A chance to watch a rarely seen film version of one of Agatha Christies classic novels, followed by the broadcast of asimilarly uncommonChristie radio play, introduced by the popular author and Christie aficionado John Curran.
Torquay Museum, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG
Afternoon performance 14.30
Evening performance 19.30
5.00
Contact: 01803 293975 www.torquaymuseum.org
Murder Mystery Dining Train
Climb aboard the Dartmouth Express Dining Train for an evening of murder and mystery with the Candlelight Theatre Company. Let time pass you by as you prepare to savour a new and exciting gastronomic experience, but be on your guard at all times....will a murder take place?? Can you solve the mystery?? A night not to be missed!
Cuisine provided by Hennessey Restaurant in Torquay.
Dartmouth Steam Railway Station, Queens Road, Paignton TQ4 6AF
19:00 22:30
Contact: Dartmouth Steam Railway 01803 555872www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk
Tuesday 13thSeptember
The Killer in the Inkwell!
This Creative Writing Workshop will help you to create a convincing criminal mind for your novel or story. We will consider the psychology of the murderer, and find ways to unpick the tangled webs of deceit which Agatha Christie devised for her villains, tracing twisted, tortuous themes through her works and relating them to our own criminal antagonists.
Brixham Adult and Community Learning Centre
10am 4pm
20 including lunch
Contact: Brixham Adult and Community Learning Centre 01803 853302
In Character lunch at Burgh Island Hotel
Dress as your favourite Christie character (or simply in appropriate attire) and visit the famous Art Deco retreat where Agatha wrote Evil Under the Sun and And Then There Were None; enjoy a period lunch with classic dishes from the 20s and 30s and end with a grand tour of the Island itself, including the Hotels private grounds, during which Gary McBar will point out the significant markers in Christies writing history.
Burgh Island Hotel, South Devon TQ7 4BG
12.30 for 1 p.m. ends 3.30 p.m.
58; places strictly limited to 50
Contact Hotel Reception: 01548 810 514 Or email:reception@burghisland.com
A Garden Party to die for
Meet the Head Gardener, learn about Agatha Christies potent and poisonous plants and her time as a pharmacist in Torquay and join us for afternoon tea if you dare!
With a 1930s theme: music, servants, tea and cake served on the lawn. Feel free to dress for the occasion!
Torre Abbey Gardens, Torre Abbey, Torquay TQ2 5JE
3pm 5pm
12.50
Contact: 01803 293593www.torre-abbey.org
Murder Mystery Dining Train
Details as Monday
Supper for Sleuths at The Cary Arms
Wine, dine and solve a crime! Join us at The Cary Arms for a delicious three course gastro pub supper and a fun evening of entertainment from Murder Made to Measure. Test your detective skills to solve the mystery, or sit back, relax and enjoy the fun.
The Cary Arms, Babbacombe, Torquay TQ1 3LX
45.00 Pre-booking essential.
Contact: The Cary Arms 01803 327110 andenquiries@caryarms.co.ukwww.caryarms.co.uk
Twilight Tour of Greenway House
Take the chance to see Greenway House after hours, in the September twilight glow. Enjoy canaps in the House Kitchen followed by a guided tour of the House by one of our extraordinarily knowledgeable volunteers. Includes travel from set local points on our vintage bus; timings do not include the bus trip. Please contact the Property Office for further details.
19.00
Price: 25.00
Tel: 01803 842382
Email:greenway@nationaltrust.org.uk
Agatha Christies Murder in the Making - Stories and Secrets from her Archive
Author John Curran launches the eagerly-awaited second volume of his popular book, Agatha Christies Secret Notebooks. In this lecture he will talk about his painstaking work on what are probably the last unpublished works of the worlds most widely read author. John will also sign copies of his book.
Torquay Museum, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG
19.30
5.00
Contact: 01803 293975www.torquaymuseum.org
Wednesday 14thSeptember
From 14th-18thSeptember:Totnes Ferry to Greenway House and Garden
For visitors wishing to visit Greenway House and Garden and enjoy a beautiful river cruise from Totnes there are sailings departing at 10am on these dates.Please note ticket does not include entry to Greenway, where normal admission charges apply.
Ferries Depart from Steamer Quay Totnes at 10am
Adults 12.00 Child 8 Return
Contact: Greenway Ferry 01803 882811www.greenwayferry.co.uk
Tea Dance in the Ballroom at Oldway Mansion
In the opulent setting of the ballroom where Isadora Duncan once performed and Agatha Christie also danced we invite you to enjoy a traditional tea dance with live period music courtesy of the band High Society. A cream tea will be served whilst you enjoy the music and dancing. Period costume encouraged.
The Ballroom, Oldway Mansion, Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2TE
3.30pm 6.30pm
Tickets: 12.75
Contact: Torquay and Paignton Libraries 01803 208300www.torbay.gov.uk/libraries
Agatha Christie Mile Evening Vintage Bus Tour with Supper
Join us aboard Barnaby the 1940s original Vintage bus. See the Agatha Christie Mile and the beautiful countryside as we take you on a nostalgic trip to the heart of Agatha Christies Riviera, ending the evening with a fish and chip supper. Limited seating please book early.
Departing Belgrave Road Torquay at: 6.30pm
Departing Cary Parade Torquay at: 6.40pm
Adult 17.00 Child 11
Contact: Greenway Ferry 01803 882811www.greenwayferry.co.uk
The Agatha Christie Quiz hosted by John Curran
Test your knowledge of all things Agatha Christie! You'll be put through your paces by quiz master John Curran, the editor/author of Secret Notebooks. Teams of four will compete by answering rounds of questions, with the winning team claiming some very desirable Christie-related prizes!
Grand Hotel, Torquay Seafront TQ2 6NT
7.30-10.00pm
30 per team (max four people) from the Grand Hotel and the English Riviera Visitor Information Centre in Torquay
01803 296677
Thursday 15thSeptember
A Birthday Celebration for the Queen of Crime
A special afternoon tea dance at Agatha Christies honeymoon hotel. The event includes afternoon tea (choice of tea or coffee, a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with Devonshire clotted cream and homemade jam), a slice of birthday cake and musical entertainment. Period 20s /30s dress encouraged.
The Grand Hotel, Torquay Seafront TQ2 6NT
2.30pm
15.00
Contact: 01803 296677 www.grandtorquay.co.uk
A Birthday Dinner and Fireworks Celebration
Dine with us, where Agatha Christie attended many social functions, also featuring in her book 'Peril at End House' where it's renamed The Majestic.
Enjoy a sumptuous 3-course meal with uninterrupted views across the Bay and Corbyn Head, where at 9pm the Fireworks will be displayed.
The hotel terrace is also the setting for the final chapter of 'Sleeping Murder'.
26.95 per person, includes a glass of bubbly on arrival, 3-course meal, plus tea/coffee
The Barcelo Imperial Hotel, Torquay
6.30-9.00pm
01803 206165
Barcelo Imperial Hotel, TQ1 2DG
Murder at the Toorak
Could you unravel the mystery masking a murder? Are you a sleuth struggling to solve a homicide? Do you shudder when un-shrouding the sinister or supernatural? Then join us at The Toorak Hotel for a sumptuous three-course dinner and an evening of suspense and fun, as you flex your detective skills to solve a whodunit dinner date from Murder Made to Measure.
7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m.
38.00, pre-booking essential
Contact: Nigel Beck, The Toorak Hotel TQ2 5JS 01803 400400
Murder Mystery Dining Train
Details as Monday
Birthday Fireworks Celebrations
Corbyn Head, Torquay Seafront
9.00pm
Friday 16thSeptember
Agatha Christie Mile Evening Vintage Bus Tour with Supper
Join us aboard Barnaby the 1940s original Vintage bus. See the Agatha Christie Mile and the beautiful countryside as we take you on a nostalgic trip to the heart of Agatha Christies Riviera, ending the evening with a fish and chip supper. Limited seating please book early.
Departing Brixham (back of Tescos) at 6.30pm
Adult 17.00 Child 11
Contact: Greenway Ferry 01803 882811www.greenwayferry.co.uk
1930s themed Murder Mystery at Churston Court FULLY BOOKED!
Transport yourself back to an era of elegance, mystery and intrigue. Enjoy a three course la carte dinner whilst entertained by a professional team of actors as they create the perfect who dunnit by candlelight.
Churston Court, Churston Ferrers nr Brixham TQ5 0JE
7.00pm
34.95
Contact: Churston Court 01803 842186www.churstoncourt.co.uk
Saturday 17thSeptember
Agatha Christie Mile Evening Vintage Bus Tour with Supper
Details as Monday
Agatha Christie Festival Finale Candlelit Dinner with Classical Trio
A black tie event in the beautiful candlelit restaurant at the Churston Court. Dine in style accompanied by music of the thirties played by a classical trio. Choose from our exquisite menu created by Head Chef Andy Howard.
Churston Court, Churston Ferrers nr Brixham TQ5 0JE
7.00pm
Menu items individually priced
Contact: Churston Court 01803 842186www.churstoncourt.co.uk
Sunday 18thSeptember
Cream Tea Day at Cockington Court
Our cream tea day is a tribute to Cockington Courts association with Agatha Christie who dedicated her book Why Didnt They Ask Evans to a member of the Mallock Family - lords of the manor at that time. Enjoy a cream tea and a variety of entertainment while celebrating the true 1920s style of her era in a stunning country park setting.
Cockington Court, Torquay TQ2 6XA
10 am 4pm
Contact: Cockington Court 01803 607230www.cockingtoncourt.org
Agatha Christie Sea Swim
This unique event is now in its second year and is arranged by Devon Air Ambulance in association with BBC Radio Devon. It offers a great opportunity for keen swimmers and will raise money for the BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal. The swim will commence and finish at the beautiful tranquil setting of Broadsands and will take the entrants along a one mile course, hugging the stunning coastline. After completing the sponsored swim, entrants will be awarded with a special commemorative editionmedal and certificate and can enjoy the beautiful location and entertainment.
Broadsands and the sea!
11am 6pm
Tel: 01392 466666
Thirteen at Dinner with Jonathan Cecil
The Apollo Cinema will be hosting a one-off screening of the classic Agatha Christie film Thirteen at Dinner, starring Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot and Faye Dunaway. Christie fans will also be fascinated to see a young David Suchet playing Inspector Japp. Acclaimed actor Jonathan Cecil will join us to give a short talk before the screening. Jonathan played the role of Hastings in this film, as well as two others with Peter Ustinov and will be happy to answer questions about what it was like taking on such a definitive role. Tickets are free, but are strictly limited to four per person as we expect this event to sell out quickly.
The Apollo Cinema, Paignton Seafront
2pm-5.30pm
Tickets free, and available from the Apollo Cinemawww.apollocinemas.com. To reserve up to four FREE tickets for this event, please e-mailtorbay@apollocinemas.comwith your name and postal address. Places are limited and no tickets will be sold on the day.
For further details, visit the English Riviera Tourism Company websitehere.
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