The Diary of Dennis the Menace promises
to push the 75 year old Beano name to
new, naughtier, menacing heights. Penned by author/actor Steven Butler, writer
of The Wrong Pong series, the showman
joined the Wimbledon BookFest yesterday in Wimbledon Chase and St Mark’s Primary
School to let children from years 2 and 3 in on some of Dennis’s latest
dastardly deeds. Other schools in the area where also invited to the event to
participate in the fun.
The writer bounced onto stage
with an enthusiasm that refused to relent. The children fed off his energy and
it made for two equally entertaining events. Butler began by telling stories
from his childhood, detailing tricks shared between himself and his sister. The
misdeeds were received with refreshing laughter and attention from the audience.
It is interesting to see an author at work in events. Having now
witnessed two authors strut their stuff on the Wimbledon stage, it is
interesting to note that while Butler’s performance was presented in a
completely different way to John McNally’s, both held the rapt attention of
their young spectators.
The children lapped up
everything Butler had to offer, from readings (preceded by a much needed
wriggle of bottoms and encouraged stretch), and a entertaining literary
inspired burping competition. Not things the watching teachers would approve
of, you might think. However, Steven Butler possesses the power to remove
teacher’s authority with a click of his fingers. Naturally, the students loved
such touches, and it is this camaraderie that Butler uses to explain how he can
control the youngsters in such a chaotic environment.
Both events led to our
reflection on the children’s author in the modern age. Speaking with
publicists, agents and the authors themselves, there seems to be a huge call
for the writer to become a showman and performer. Even a seasoned performer,
such as Butler (currently appearing in Lost
Boy in the West End), admitted to being nervous the first time he staged
such an event.
Writing, a naturally
introverted profession, now seems to call for the wordsmiths to step out of
their comfort zone. While daunting, this can be a good thing. In an age gone by
(10 or so years ago), an author was a person you wrote to using good
old-fashioned pen and paper. Two return letters from Anthony Horowitz are still
two of this intern’s prized possessions. Authors like Butler and McNally show a
talent that is now widespread in the author community. In the age of the social
network, where 140 characters separate us from our writing idols, the author is
becoming accessible to the reader.
This makes author events, and
the sense of community the Wimbledon BookFest inspires, all the more important.
I’d suggest coming to meet any author when they decide to put on a show. You
won’t be disappointed.
Here's me with the man of the hour...
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