PJ Harvey And A Four-Day-Long Reading Of Moby Dick

By Kyra Hanson Last edited 104 months ago
PJ Harvey And A Four-Day-Long Reading Of Moby Dick
PJ Harvey and Seamus Murphy present The Hollow of the Hand. Image courtesy of Southbank Centre

Bookworms and language enthusiasts, rejoice; this autumn London Literature Festival returns to Southbank Centre for two weeks of readings, comedy, film and music celebrating the pleasures of the spoken and written word.

Now in its ninth year, the festival has always taken a forward-thinking approach, and this year is no different. In particular we're excited about the new collaborative work by Mercury Prize-winning musician PJ Harvey and photographer Seamus Murphy, whose The Hollow of the Hand — an evening of poetry readings and songs —  has its world première here.

Something else that looks epic in every sense of the word is a live reading of Herman Melville's Moby Dick; the public can apply to get involved in a whopping four-day-long live reading alongside actors, writers, and other special guests.

Elsewhere a line-up of accomplished authors and poets will introduce fresh literary blood — such as Baileys prize winner Ali Smith's talking-up f rising star Tom Morris.

There will also be literary-inflected comedy performances, and the infamous Literary Death Match, which sees four writers compete in front of celebrity judges. And the festival will mark National Poetry Day with a full day of free events.

All ages and interests are catered for, with plenty of opportunities for audience participation, including the Young Adult Weekender, giving 13-25 year-olds the chance to get involved in special workshops.

The London Literature Festival takes place at Southbank Centre from 28 September-12 October. Full details of events and prices are available on Southbank Centre's website.

Last Updated 24 July 2015