Susie Dent - Interesting Stories about Curious Words

Join Susie Dent, lexicographer extraordinaire and Queen of Countdown's Dictionary Corner, on a curious and exceedingly interesting adventure through all the very best RED HERRINGS, COCK AND BULL STORIES and NINE-DAY WONDERS in the English language.

Who was SWEET FANNY ADAMS? What's the dramatic true story behind STEALING THUNDER?
Why is it CHANCING YOUR ARM when you take a risk? What do bears have to do with LICKING INTO SHAPE?
Or robbers with PULLING SOMEONE'S LEG? Why are CIRCLES VICIOUS?
And, what's so bad about a WHITE ELEPHANT?

TICKET DETAILS
Tickets are now on general sale to all.
The Season Ticket gives you a guaranteed seat to every event in the festival.
Date Sunday 3rd November 2024
Time 4:30 PM
Doors Open 4:00 PM
Venue The Dembe Theatre (Formerly The Court Theatre)
£17.50
£26.00
Members earn 5 points per ticket

Season Ticket - Tring Book Festival 2024

£195.00
Members earn 10 points per ticket

Dubbed the world’s most famous lexicographer (a funny word!), she has been Queen of dictionary corner on Channel 4’s Countdown for over three decades so no wonder she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to literature and to language on the King’s Birthday Honours list this year. Susie puts as much energy into writing her many books as she does her daily word of the day posts. Plus her regular eavesdropping session in a coffee shop: ‘for linguistic purposes, not for gossip.’ 

The stories behind phrases such as Jack the Lad and Sweet Fanny Adams are told with relish and we are treated to a glorious adventure through the very best red herrings, cock-and-bull stories and nine-day wonders in the English language. 

If you love words, you’ll adore this.