A panel conversation between three authors who explore the ups and downs of writing a joint book, this was an interesting hour of chat between three incredibly creative people who share an obvious friendship and love. Married couple Sue Hampton and Leslie Tate (happily dear friends of mine who have shared their work at my Dial Up open mic events in the past) are joined by Cy Henty, a comedian, actor and artist who created the front cover of the book (displayed above).
The conversation was eclectic and wide ranging, with a little bit of something for everyone, including energetic and emotional readings from the book itself. Not having read the book, this sporadic approach was at times hard to follow, and the friendship between the three meant they shared a carefree shorthand that was lovely to watch but sometimes left the audience missing a link in the topic progression. Nonetheless, the talk was pebbled with charming little gems of insight on topics ranging from mental health issues, growing up as non-binary, the process of writing autobiography as opposed to fiction and rediscovering the child within.
Leslie hosted the talk, and he was as ever a consummate chair and questioner (he hosts a regular show on local community radio). Streamed on Youtube, it would have been wonderful if the comments could have been enabled to allow the audience to engage and ask questions, but of course in the current context it's simply wonderful that it was able to go ahead.
Literature is often overlooked at fringe festivals, crowded out by comedy, theatre and music. I'm delighted space was made to enjoy and reflect on the power of the printed word.
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