Celebrating Agatha Christie and her remarkable Torquay story
As the International Agatha Christie Festival returns to Torbay, we have another chance to celebrate the life and legacy of the Queen of Crime
Growing up in Lancashire, I have to admit Agatha Christie wasn’t really on my radar as a schoolboy. I knew the name, of course, and probably associated it with murder mysteries on television and books that seemed to be on every bookshelf, but I certainly didn’t appreciate then quite how extraordinary her story was.
Young people today are perhaps rather more familiar with her work. Agatha Christie is studied in schools and colleges, with ‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’ among the works studied by ‘A-level’ English Literature students. While Shakespeare may still be the name most of us immediately associate with English lessons, it is wonderful to see new generations discovering Christie’s writing in the classroom too.
It was only much later, particularly after coming to Torbay, that I began to appreciate just how significant Agatha Christie was, not only as one of the world’s most successful writers, but as someone whose remarkable story began right here in Torquay. That is something we should be incredibly proud of, and this September we have another opportunity to celebrate her life and legacy. This year has added significance as we mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen of Crime’s death in 1976.
The International Agatha Christie Festival returns from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 September, bringing local people together with visitors from across Britain and around the world. There is a packed programme of talks, performances and literary events, with plenty of opportunities to discover more about the woman behind some of the world’s best-known mysteries.
One event I particularly like the sound of is What Agatha Did In The Great War. It includes an opportunity to step inside the historic Assembly Rooms at Torquay Town Hall, where Agatha served as a nurse with the Voluntary Aid Detachment for the British Red Cross during the First World War. It is a fascinating part of her Torquay story which perhaps not everyone knows.
The Princess Theatre also plays a major part in this year’s celebrations when The Mousetrap arrives from 14 to 20 September as part of its 75th anniversary tour. Since opening in 1952, it has become one of the most famous productions in theatre history, so it seems particularly fitting to have it performed again in Agatha Christie’s hometown.
On Wednesday 16 September, bestselling author Lucy Foley will be talking about the new Miss Marple novel, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel. The same day also features Amber Butchart exploring the forensic fashion of Agatha Christie, a look at a century of Christie on screen and John Mallowan discussing Agatha’s talents as a photographer.
Thursday 17 September marks another important anniversary, 100 years since the publication of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, the novel which propelled Agatha to even greater international fame. There is also a rare opportunity to see a performance of Verdict, her 1958 stage drama which has never been adapted for film, television or radio.
On the final Sunday, the free Agatha Christie Mile 1920s Costumed Promenade makes its way from The Strand to the sea. It should be quite a sight and everyone is welcome to join in.
There is plenty happening away from the main literary programme too. The Festival Fringe includes walking tours telling the story of Agatha’s extraordinary life, a Murder Mystery Afternoon Tea at the Palace Theatre in Paignton, the A B Sea Murders boat trip visiting locations associated with Agatha and a series of classic films shown underground at Kents Cavern.
Younger fans are not forgotten either. Torquay Museum hosts a free Little Miss Marple event on Saturday 5 September, bringing together the much-loved Mr Men and Little Miss characters with the world of Agatha Christie through storytelling, music and audience participation.
Importantly, the Festival is about much more than the events taking place in September. The International Agatha Christie Festival is a registered charity and, with support from trusts and foundations including The Colwinston Charitable Trust, delivers community arts projects throughout the year. These include work with Torbay schools as well as supporting disadvantaged young people, older residents and people in recovery.
Agatha’s international appeal also gives us opportunities to build new relationships. We are working towards twinning Torbay with Spa in Belgium, the fictional home of her legendary detective Hercule Poirot. Spa is itself a popular visitor destination, famous for its natural mineral springs and the nearby circuit which hosts Formula One’s Belgian Grand Prix.
Finally, if all this talk of Agatha inspires you, don’t forget her statue by the harbour in Torquay. Since it was unveiled last year, it has proved enormously popular, and it is lovely to see people regularly stopping to have their photograph taken alongside her.
If you haven’t visited it yet, September and the Festival seem like the perfect excuse. And while you’re there, why not get a selfie with the Queen of Crime herself?