Quentin Blake, one of Britain’s best loved illustrators and storytellers, will be returning to his home town of Sidcup as part of a creative project hosted by Holy Trinity Church, Lamorbey and supported by Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance.

Quentin Blake: Beyond the Page will see the former Children’s Laureate, give an illustrated talk about his early memories of Sidcup, his relationship with the stage and his work both in books and more recently in hospitals, museums and other public spaces.

The event is the first in a series of cultural events run in partnership by the church and the College, entitled Sidcup Words and Music.

Fr. Philip Wells, Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Lamorbey sees the event as the perfect opportunity to connect with the local community;

‘Community engagement is essential to the life of the local church so we are delighted to be hosting this first Sidcup Words and Music event with Quentin Blake, supported by Rose Bruford College. We very much hope that this will be an event for the whole community and will develop our artistic life in Sidcup.’

Professor Michael Earley, Principal of Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, is delighted that the event sets the stage for its increasing presence in the Sidcup and Lamorbey community;

“Sidcup Words and Music forms part of our ongoing outreach initiatives. In September we open a new halls of residence at Christopher House on Station Road. Our aim is to invite the community to see what we do and work with a range of local partners on producing inclusive events that will have appeal to all ages and groups. Starting with a celebration of Quentin Blake, who was born and raised in Sidcup, is a terrific place to begin our initiative.”

Quentin Blake: Beyond The Page, will take place at 18.30 in Holy Trinity Church, Lamorbey, Sidcup on Monday 1 June. Tickets cost £10 (concessions available). Please click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Picture: Fr. Phillip Wells and Michael Earley