Delve into Daphne’s World – Fowey Literary Festival 10th-18th May 2024
Daphne du Maurier has been a constant in my list of admired literary figures which I am sure applies to many with a love of Fowey and indeed literature, but, has anyone else noticed the resurgence of her work, particularly on radio, of late? Subconsciously the PR antennae of old is tweaked as I realise what good timing this is for the forthcoming Fowey Literary Festival first set up as The Daphne Du Maurier Festival of Art and Literature in 1997.
This longstanding event in Fowey each May is testament to the great lady’s literary eminence and is one of the most popular in the Southwest. These days the festival also includes music, a comedic angle, an art trail and a secret gardens tour. Apart from all the Daphne Du Maurier events of course, highlights this year for me include Lemn Sissay, Bryony Gordon and Jenny Éclair. Get your tickets at www.foweyfestival.com. Get your accommodation at www.lafoliefowey.co.uk.
All this Daphne on the air waves has completely bewitched me and if you would like to join the club read on and/or get yourself down to the festival.
Radio4/4Extra devotees may have listened to the excellent drama Beside Myself with Daphne voiced by Helena Bonham Carter and featuring the masterful Bill Nighy. What an amazing insight into her complex personality, drawing us right into her world and her deepest fears. In this world, I stayed continuing to listen to short stories that were new to me from The Breaking Point on R4X. Quite dark and showing great breadth, some were first broadcast way back in 1974. So interesting to compare this vintage listen to the radio dramas of today, such a crush on Christopher Cazenove! Now I’m hooked, like a fish on a line, as I continue swimmingly through The Doll short stories, then saving for last, Rebecca, an old favourite, “just a phase” Daphne firmly insists. Another cited by Daphne as her one and only true romantic novel, Frenchman’s Creek, also on BBC Sounds is a wonderful listen. I dare you not to be totally drawn in by pirates, painted ships and the references to so many familiar spots around Fowey. So infatuated now, I look for TV and come across on BBC iPlayer from 1971 one of the few interviews she gave to camera to the wonderfully named Wilfred De’Ath. Fascinating viewing in many senses, the conversations, the family history, the scenes around Kilmarth and the exquisite 1970s towelling outfits.
This May, why not come and see Frenchman’s Creek for yourself, look for some pirate ships, meet some Donas, take a swim on Rebecca’s beach and walk Daphne’s cliffs where you might catch a glimpse of Manderley, at least in your imagination.
Plot all this from the comfort of our outstanding 3 bedroom Fowey holiday home, just a few minutes stroll from the centre of Fowey and boasting one of the best views in town. Book here >>
