Lights! Camera! Action!

Step back in time with children’s book author Susan Brownrigg and discover how real life people, places and stories inspire her 1930s Blackpool-set Gracie Fairshaw mystery series.

Susan’s new book – Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel (published on World Book Day/Thursday March 7th 2024) was influenced by the fact that Britain – including the North West of England – in the 1930s tried to rival Hollywood.

Susan will explain how two real women – Zetta Morenta/Lilian Tollis a stuntwoman and body-double and Rochdale superstar actress and singer Gracie Fields – were the spark which prompted her third Gracie book. She will also explain why cinema was a welcome escape for working class folk. Children will be able to see original film magazines, have a sniff of seaside smell cubes and handle props including trying a director’s megaphone, vintage film and reels and a clapperboard.

40 minute talk with reading PLUS 20 minute Q&A.

Get in touch

Publisher: UCLan Publishing
Author: Susan is a Lancashire lass and the author of the Gracie Fairshaw mysteries set in 1930’s Blackpool, and Kintana and the Captain’s Curse, a pirate adventure set in Madagascar. Susan also works as a library assistant and has enjoyed careers in journalism and heritage and wildlife education. Susanbrownrigg.com
Book: GRACIE FAIRSHAW AND THE MISSING REEL (Book 3 in Gracie Fairshaw mystery series) (March, 2024, Uclan Publishing) Seaside mystery set in Winter Gardens and the Regent Cinema, Blackpool, 1936. Lights, camera, action! A new movie being filmed in Blackpool is a real scoop for trainee reporter Gracie Fairshaw. When she’s invited to interview the star, Sally Sunshine, Gracie uncovers a plot as exciting as the one being filmed. Someone has stolen a vital film reel - and then a vicious attack is attempted on Sally! In a world of body-doubles, stunts, costumes and makeup, not everything is what it seems. Gracie must go behind the scenes and work out which of the cast and crew can’t be trusted, before the shoot comes to a thrilling climax at the town's cinema. . . Book cover by Jenny Czerwonka
Availability: Flexible Open to discussion
Audience: Ages 7 – 14 and families
Event Type: Online
Author's Travel Constraints: North West England preferred. Will consider further afield depending on fee
Fees: Free if booked via UCLan Publishing as part of book tour (Lancashire/GreaterManchester/Liverpool) Normal fee £100 for an hour + travel expenses

Together we can break down barriers to reading

Lights! Camera! Action!

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