The Dumfries and Galloway Festival brings starring actress Annette Badland to The Murray Arms in Gatehouse for Big Lit weekend on Sunday, May 18.
Cheryl Campbell, who was to revisit her TV role as Vera Brittain in Testament of Youth, has had to cancel, due to an incapacitating knee operation.
“It is wonderful that Annette is able to step in at such short notice,” said Chrys Salt, Big Lit convener for the festival, “she is such a busy actress it’s the most amazing luck that she is free. Luckily a script about Vera with readings from the book is ready and waiting.”
Annette said: “I am delighted to be returning to The Festival. I received such a warm welcome a couple of years ago with readings from The World’s Wife by Carol Ann Duffy.”
Annette Badland has had a vast and expansive career since the 70s. She has appeared in everything from Bergerac, The Worst Witch, Dr Who and Coronation Street, four series of BBC’s Cutting It, not to mention an Oliver Award nomination for Little Voice at the National Theatre. She also appeared in the film of the same name with Brenda Blethyn and Michael Caine reprising her role as Sadie May.
Annette can soon be seen playing Mrs Fitzgibbon in Starz’ and Sony’s TV series of Diana Galbrons’ best seller, Outlander, she is currently filming a second series of Wizards and Aliens and is well known to television audiences for roles such as “horrid” Hazel Woolley in The Archers and Aunt Babe in East Enders where she is a new regular.
Annette’s appearance at 3.45pm will be followed by an evening of comedy and song with award winning comedian Ian Macpherson, writer and broadcaster Viv Groskop, Queen of the mid-life crisis and the welcome return of Alan Franks with his songs of wit, and dazzling word-play.
More information about Festival at www.dgartsfestival.org.uk
Tickets from Mill on the Fleet Box Office 01557 814099 or Midsteeple Box Office 01387 253383
