Fast visit from celebrity author
Hanley Castle High School was honoured to host a visit from Charlie Higson – Fast Show comedian, children’s author and writer of the new ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ television production.
Charlie stopped off at Hanley Castle mid-way on a tour of 8 schools across England to promote ‘The End’ – the final instalment in his bestselling zombie adventure series which began six years ago with ‘The Enemy’ in 2009.
As well as students between the ages of 11 and 15 from Hanley Castle, the event was also attended by staff and students from 6 other Worcestershire schools – Christopher Whitehead, King Charles, Arrow Vale, The Chantry, Baxter College, Nunnery Wood and Droitwich High.
Students listened attentively as Charlie spoke of his varied career which started with writing but quickly developed into television. He touched on his professional relationship with Paul Whitehouse – a partnership which resulted in his portrayal of legendary ‘Fast Show’ characters such as Swiss Toni and Lord Ralph Mayhew (of ‘Ted and Ralph’ fame).
However, the main focus of his talk was his fascination with ‘the magic of writing’ – and with writing about zombies!
The morning ended with book signings and photographs.
Students were extremely enthusiastic and Bethan Johns age 13 commented: “I think it was really cool. Charlie explained how his work was adapted from the work of other authors and film makers. It gives me the inspiration to write my own short story”.
Headteacher, Lindsey Cooke, who hosted the event, commented: “It was fantastic to meet one of my television heroes in the flesh. However, as an English teacher, it was Charlie’s words about the value of writing which really struck a chord. I think that a very large number of the students present today will be inspired by Charlie – hopefully some of them will go on to be famous also”.
Further details available from Lindsey Cooke 01684 393241
Students names from left side: Sophie Lane age 14, Matthew Norris aged 12, Nathan Evans age 12, Charlotte Eyre age 14, Michael Kelly age 13, Frazer Bird age 12 and Jake Cope age 11.