Best of British Festival

As part of the Best of British Festival launch week, there will be six 'festival highlights' which have been masterminded by Artistic Director John Miller, previously of Winchester Festival, who has secured the festival’s patron Dame Judi Dench.

We are proud to be welcoming some of the greatest names in British theatre, broadcasting, literature, politics and the military for the following festival highlights:

And Further More with Dame Judi Dench

Saturday 09 June 2012 6:00 PM, Tickets: £15
The nation’s premier actress discusses with her biographer John Miller the films she has made since her last visit to Winchester in 2009.

Any Questions to the Broadcasters featuring Michael Grade, Lindsey Hilsum, Peter Sissons and Martin Bell

Friday 25 May 2012 6:00 PM, Tickets: £10
The panel of distinguished broadcasters will answer questions submitted by the public about the past, present and future of the most popular of all art-forms.

Claire Tomalin on Charles Dickens

Saturday 26 May 2012 6:00 PM, Tickets: £10
To mark his bicentenary our best literary biographer has written a new and best-selling Life of Dickens.

For Queen and Country with Field Marshal Lord Vincent

Monday 28 May 2012 6:00 PM, Tickets: £10
Richard Vincent joined the Army as a National Serviceman, but became so captivated by soldiering that he signed on, eventually rising to the very top as Chief of the Defence Staff in 1991.

A dramatic performance of the Churchill Letters with Robert Hardy and Celia Sandys

Thursday 31 May 2012 6:00 PM, Tickets: £12
Winston and Clementine Churchill wrote to each other constantly throughout the 57 years of their life together, from their courtship right up to the year before his death in 1965. Robert Hardy has played Winston Churchill seven times on screen and stage, and is partnered by Celia Sandys reading her grandmother’s letters.

PD James and Ruth Rendell - Queens of Crime

Friday 01 June 2012 6:00 PM, Tickets: £10
These Queens of Crime writing have been close friends for many years, and both are now active members of the House of Lords. They will be discussing their approach to their craft, with particular reference to their latest books – Death comes to Pemberley and The Vault, followed by a book-signing.

Tickets are available from the Theatre Royal Winchester Box Office. Call the box office on 01962 840 440 or email boxoffice@theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

Don't forget you can submit a question to any of the Festival highlight events using the online form.

For more information about the highlight events and everything else that will be going on check the Best of British website - www.bestofbritishfestival.com