Come to the Pinter Party

The countdown has begun for a unique festival dedicated to the work of one of Britain's leading playwrights.

A Feast of Pinter takes to the stage in Fishguard this weekend.

The festival features a selection of Harold Pinter's work from his earliest plays to his later more political offerings.

It will also include films, poetry readings, a workshop and masterclass - as well as a discussion on Pinter's work with his friend the director Matthew Harry Burton and Ian Smith, author of Pinter in the Theatre.

The celebratory festival has been organised by Pembrokeshire County Council's Arts Officer Christine Willison together with the Pembrokeshire Drama Association and Bee Line Theatre.

Local playgoers, as well as Pinter fans from across the country, are being attracted to the festival.

"After Pinter died last year a local drama fan suggested we celebrate his work and the idea was taken up with enthusiasm by several Pembrokeshire-based theatre groups," said Christine Willison.

"Many people believe he was the most notable playwright of the 20th Century.

"If we get an enthusiastic response from audiences we plan to stage another drama festival next year - probably featuring another playwright."

Harold Pinter, who died aged 78 last Christmas, was one of Britain's leading playwrights and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2005.

His work ranges from his early plays such as The Birthday Party, The Caretaker and The Homecoming through No Man's Land and Betrayal to later more political work such as One for the Road and Ashes to Ashes.

He also wrote a number of film screenplays including The Servant and The Go-Between as well as continuing to act and direct.

A Feast of Pinter is being staged at Theatr Gwaun between October 23rd and 25th. The festival also includes a free fringe poetry reading at Fishguard Library on Thursday October 22nd at 6.30pm.

A few tickets are still available. For availability and prices contact the Theatr Gwaun Box Office in West Street, Fishguard. Phone: 01348 873421.

For more information contact Christine Willison on 01437 776079 or email Christine.willison@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Photograph: Actors performing in the festival gear up for the weekend