Downton Abbey plays a part in next chapter of Keswick literature festival (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Downton Abbey plays a part in next chapter of Keswick literature festival

8:40am Tuesday 24th January 2012 in Stage By Adrian Mullen, Arts correspondent

THE elegant and dramatic world of Downton Abbey is playing a key role at one of the region’s leading literature festivals.

Words by the Water of Words and Ideas 2012 runs at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake from March 2-11 with another top class line-up of wordsmtihs, politicians, broadcasters and entertainers.

One of the highlights promises to be Jessica Fellowes on the World of Downton Abbey on Saturday, March 10 (11.30am).

Jessica is a screenwriter, former deputy editor of Country Life and niece of Downton creator Julian Fellowes.

The show, produced by Carnival Films for ITV, is regarded as the most successful British period drama since Brideshead Revisited, with ratings exceeding 10 million viewers.

And Jessica has written The World of Downton Abbey, which is a companion book to the series that delves deeper into the world of Downton, its characters and themes.

It also serves as a historical insight into what life would have been like for those living and serving in a country house in the early 1900s.

The festival line-up also includes Alistair Darling on the events that rocked global capitalism, Roger Bolton, Hunter Davies and Eric Robson on why Carlisle Boys’ Grammar School and Cumbria have inspired so many literary stars, and Bob Marshall-Andrews, Chris Mullin and Rory Stewart talk politics.

Meanwhile, Martin Bell puts his first book of poetry in the spotlight, Joan Bakewell gives an insight into her new novel and Deborah Bull goes behind the velvet curtain of the ballet world on Sunday, March 4 (2pm).

William Feaver, author of the book on which playwright Lee Hall based his play The Pitman Painters, tells their story to Oscar winning director Jon Blair.

Simon Watt, Channel 4’s presenter of Inside Nature’s Giants, will speak on Natural History as you’ve never seen it before and BBC sports journalist Mihir Bose gives his take on how sport changed the modern world.

Plus, there’s comedy from Josie Long and Shappi Khorsandi, and topical themed days - Melvyn Bragg’s ‘President’s Day’ on Saturday, March 3, the Charles Dickens Day on March 4, and Exploration Day on March 10.

Director Kay Dunbar said Words by the Water might not be as big or as long-established as the Hay or Cheltenham festivals but it was nonetheless very well regarded among literary circles. She added: “Writers are always pleased to be part of the programme, not least because they enjoy coming to such an idyllic location.

“We hope that audiences will agree that each year the festival builds on its reputation for quality events and becomes even more engaging, entertaining and inspiring.”

Additionally, young people will be able to attend this year’s festival for free, thanks to a new bursary scheme introduced by festival organisers. Anyone between the ages of 17-25 may apply for a place on the bursary scheme and successful applicants will be given tickets to see up to ten events of their choice. For details email alice.ling@wayswithwords.co.uk.

Tickets 017687-74411.