Queen of crime writers, Agatha Christie, has been a lifelong passion for actor, art historian and London Blue Badge tour guide Simon Whitehouse and later this month he will lead “armchair detectives” from ArtsNational Noosa as they follow a trail of clues left by the author all over London.
During her long and eventful life (she was 85 when she died) she became the most prolific detective novelist during the “Golden Age of Detective Fiction” (1920s and ’30s), her books earning her the distinction of being the world’s best-selling author of all time.
She wrote 16 of 66 novels from one London address. It was at University College London that she further developed her knowledge of her preferred method of murder, poison.
The London links to her novels, including a hotel that inspired a Miss Marple novel and Agatha’s perhaps lesser-known links to the Mesopotamian galleries at the British Museum, are put “under the magnifying glass” by the speaker.
He also looks at Agatha’s personal and professional devotion to the theatre and her extraordinary play The Mousetrap: the longest running theatrical production in the world.
ArtsNational vice president Julie Gamble said, “Simon will weave a wonderful story. As well as being an art historian, he has also worked as a guide in-house at Shakespeare’s Globe, the Royal Opera House, the BBC and the National Gallery guiding both public and private tours.”
ArtsNational, St Mary’s Church, 17 William Street Tewantin, Saturday May 17, 3.45pm for 4.00pm start.
Visitors fee $30pp including wine and finger food after the presentation. Bookings essential please contact membership secretary Jenny Reeve on membershipnoosaadfas@gmail.com
