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Simon will speak about Mad Blood Stirring with influential film critic, Mark Kermode

Broadcaster and writer Simon Mayo to speak at University’s Creative Dialogues series

One of Britain’s best-loved and well-known broadcasters, Simon Mayo, will talk about the fascinating real life events which inspired his Devon-set novel at an event in Exeter this month.

Simon will speak about Mad Blood Stirring with influential film critic, Mark Kermode – his presenting partner on BBC Radio 5 Live - at the University of Exeter.

Set in 1815, Mad Blood Stirring tells the story of the American sailors awaiting liberation at Dartmoor Prison in Devon. Inspired by true events and real characters, Simon is continuing to develop the historical novel for a film with screenwriter Jack Thorne.

The event is part of the University of Exeter’s Creative Dialogues, a series of ‘in-conversation’ events which showcase a range of high-profile speakers who are leaders in their respective fields across the creative industries and humanities.

Simon, well known for his award-winning shows on BBC Radio 1, 2 and 5 Live, began his writing career six years ago. He has previously published books for children and young adults, including bestselling children’s trilogy Itch and 2016 novel Blame.

Professor Kermode, recently appointed Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter, has worked alongside Simon since 2001 and their weekly film review show has legions of loyal “churchgoer” fans.

Professor Janice Kay CBE, Provost at the University of Exeter, said: “We are delighted that Simon Mayo is able to join us for our next Creative Dialogues event to give an insight into his brilliant new novel, particularly as it is set in Devon.

“It will also be fantastic to see Mark and Simon together and we are all looking forward to their usual witty discussions.”

This is the fourth Creative Dialogues event the University has held since its launch at the beginning of the year. Previous guests include award-winning author Kamila Shamsie, former editor of British Vogue Alexandra Shulman CBE and acclaimed actor Charles Dance OBE.

The free event will take place on Saturday, November 10 at the Alumni Auditorium on the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus.

To register, please visit Eventbrite and click the 'register' link at the top of the page. Tickets are sold out but it is possible to join a waiting list. The event will also be available to watch online.

Date: 5 November 2018

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