Events: Theresa May and Timothy West headline Cambridge Literary Festival

A host of brilliant writers, thinkers and speakers are set to entertain and inspire at Cambridge Literary Festival’s Winter Weekend, closing its 20th anniversary year in style. Velvet shines a spotlight on six authors sure to draw a crowd

Timothy West - Pru & Me

Prepare to be enthralled and uplifted by this heartwarming tale of one of the most celebrated partnerships in the history of British entertainment - the 60-year marriage of Timothy West and Prunella Scales.

Described as ‘a memoir laden with laughter and love’, Pru & Me offers a fascinating insight into the lives of this extraordinary double act, who have delighted millions whilst portraying larger-than-life characters in shows such as Fawlty Towers and Brass. An honest and charming story, in which Tim shares the highs and lows of caring for Pru since her dementia diagnosis, 20 years ago. Timothy will be in conversation with ghostwriter James Hogg.

Save the date: Thursday, November 16 (8pm) at The Babbage Lecture Theatre

Hadley Freeman - A Story and Study of Anorexia

The best-selling author of House of Glass lays bare her soul in this searing memoir charting her experience with anorexia and long road to recovery.

In Good Girls, Hadley reveals that she lived in psychiatric wards from the ages of 14 to 17 after developing anorexia nervosa. Blighted by the mental illness for the next 20 years, she grappled with various forms of self-destructive behaviour.

This powerful memoir features interviews with experts and doctors plus testimonies from families affected by the pernicious illness, and offers an honest and hopeful outlook.

Hadley will be in conversation with writer and journalist Helen Lewis.

Save the date:Sunday, November 19 (2pm) at Baillie Gifford Stage (Old Divinity School)

Theresa May - The Abuse of Power

Stepping back into the limelight, former PM Theresa May discusses her new tome, The Abuse of Power, which is a blistering exposé of injustice. During her three years as Prime Minister (and six as Home Secretary), Theresa was involved with various high-profile issues from Stop and Search to the Salisbury Poisonings. She was also confronted with cases in which the abuse of power led to devastating results for individuals and damaged the reputation of public institutions and politicians. From the Hillsborough and Grenfell tragedies, to parliamentary scandals, the powerful chose to use their position to serve themselves.

Join Theresa - who will be in conversation with Simon Woolley (principal of Homerton College) – as she argues for a radical rethink in how we approach our politics and public life.

Save the date:Thursday, November 16 (6pm) at The Babbage Lecture Theatre

Roma Agrawal - Inventions That Changed the World

Meet the incredible engineer who designed The Shard and learn which small inventions were responsible for changing the world! Roma Agarwal, who has designed bridges, skyscrapers and sculptures, was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to engineering. Hear her fascinating theory, from the book Nuts and Bolts, that the most complex feats of engineering are down to seven inventions: the nail, spring, wheel, lens, magnet, string and pump.

Roma navigates the surprising journeys of each of these inventions through the millennia and shows how the tiny nuts and bolts that make up our world have changed our lives in dramatic ways. Roma will be in conversation with journalist and broadcaster Anna Lawlor.

Save the date:Saturday, November 18 (10am) at Baillie Gifford Stage (Old Divinity School)

Rick Stein - Simple Suppers

Much-loved TV chef Rick Stein makes his debut appearance at the Winter Festival, giving us a tantalising flavour of new book Simple Suppers. The best-selling cook and food writer has amassed a joyful collection of more then 100 easy, delicious recipes paired with stories which celebrate the simple things in life.

Showcasing his passion for good-quality locally-sourced produce he treats us to dishes including coconut prawn curry; sweet potato, chorizo and sweetcorn tacos; and his puff pastry fish pie (perfect for sharing with friends and family). Rick will be in conversation with journalist and broadcaster Alex Clark.

Save the date:Saturday, November 18 (2pm) at TTP Stage (Cambridge Union)

Sebastian Faulks - A Life in Writing

It’s a momentous year for Sebastian Faulks as 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of Birdsong, his epic novel of love, death and redemption which became a classic. The master storyteller returns to reflect on a lifetime of writing and discuss his new novel, The Seventh Son. Charting the story of a young American academic who agrees to carry another woman’s child, prompting unforeseen and life-changing consequences, it’s a spectacular, thought-provoking tale which sweeps between New York, London and the Scottish Highlands. Sebastian will be in conversation with writer and broadcaster Alex Clark.

Save the date: Sunday, November 19 (6pm) at TTP Stage (Cambridge Union)

Cambridge Literary Festival’s Winter Weekend runs November 16 to 19. To book tickets visit cambridgeliteraryfestival.com