Latest news with #AgathaChristie
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Charming UK town where the French loved to holiday named top place to visit
A pretty UK seaside town is a popular destination for many - including French travellers and it's easy to see why so many people flock to the coastal area during the summer The UK has many charming towns - including this one, once thought to be a 'prestigious' holiday destination for French tourists. Folkestone in Kent is a town full of buzz and atmosphere, located in the south-east of England on the coast. Bustling with creative outlets, vast range of food, local beers and wines there is so much on offer for visitors. With beautiful beaches and independent shops it's a great destination for a long weekend away. Folkestone has also had some famous historic residents who once called it home, including Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie - which can all be found at the Folkestone museum. According to Visit South East England, Folkestone has seen lots of regeneration and development, with brand new shopping areas, leisure facilities and boutique hotels. The nearby designated coastal park of Samphire Hoe is a great place to wander, and is a haven for wild birds. The area's maritime history is well preserved too, through ancient remains and architecture. With an elegant clifftop promenade, a lower coastal park, a fishing harbour and Victorian cliff-tops, it's an idyllic town by the beach and offers many things to do. The booming economy has grown in the past 10 years. It's home to the world's first multi-storey skatepark, a New York Highline-inspired garden walkway, leading to the revitalised Harbour Arm, an annual Pride, and LGBTQ+ bookshop and even mini golf on the beach. It's also home to the iconic Mermaid Beach, which boasts a glorious stretch of pristine goodness with an eye-catching coastline which is in the shape of a mermaid's tail. There's loads to do in Mermaid Beach if you do plan on taking a trip. You could check out the Folkestone Mermaid sculpture located on the beach. There's also the Lower Leas Coastal Park which is one of the most visited tourist spots. This award-winning park has one of the largest free adventure playground for children, as well as beautiful gardens and forest treks, perfect for the whole family. Meanwhile Folkestone itself is gaining recognition as a hub for art and culture. There's the Folkestone Triennial which is an international public art festival that scatters sculptures and other artistic creations throughout the town. Folkestone is also one of the best connected towns on the coast, with direct rail links to London and is the ideal base for exploring the beautiful surrounding landscape - while still being easily accessible. Visit South East England recommended some of the best things to do in Folkestone including: Animal lovers should head straight for the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park. It's a great place to see dozens of exotic and rare species. The nearby Kent Battle of Britain Museum has the best collection of Battle of Britain memorabilia of any war museum in the UK (including dozens of aircraft). Take a ride on the miniature steam trains Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. One impressed visitor took to TripAdvisor and said: "Folkestone have really made a shining example of what to do with a cliff area. After leaving the amazing boardwalk (again, genius idea) on the beach we walked right up and beyond the playground. The accessibility to the beach in several places was brilliant." While another chimed: "This is such a beautiful walk between the cliff and the beach. Nice flower beds and landscaped arrangements. It was also protected from the wind, which was quite strong when we were there."
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Prats aplenty in chaotic, witty whodunit
The Fire Station Theatre in Mosgiel. PHOTO: ODT FILES I admit to being a regular fan of TV "whodunits", so was very happy when invited to review the Sunday matinee of Death by Fatal Murder, a Taieri Dramatic Society production currently mid-season at Fire Station Theatre, Mosgiel. The play is loosely based on an Agatha Christie novel and is considered a spoof, one of a trilogy written by Peter Gordon. The entire action takes place in a very authentic 1940s drawing-room set (which reminded me of my grandmother's sitting-room) designed by production and stage manager Christine Wilson. Directed by Alison Ayers, the incompetent, bumbling Defective Inspector Pratt (Matt Brennan) is called to Bagshot House where he leads a murder investigation aided by Constable Thomkins (Tabitha Littlejohn) and local amateur sleuth Miss Joan Maple, a dear little old lady excellently played by Gloria Harris. The first act is an hour long and rather chaotic and convoluted but all the "red herrings" are dismissed in the second act and the storyline is brought to a climax. The cast of eight all have prominence, and their roles are appropriately portrayed throughout. Other characters are the owner of the house Nancy Allwright (Maxine Sannum), her husband Squadron Leader Roger Allwright (John Rowe), Ginny Farquhar (Hannah Schoullar), Enzo Garibaldi an Italian gigolo (Kaiser Coles) and Welsh clairvoyant Blodwyn Morgan (Lorraine Johnston). The inspector is indeed an incompetent blundering prat and Brennan's lines, heavily overlaid with malapropisms and puns were delivered with clarity and precision throughout, causing the attentive audience to groan or chuckle as appropriate. Blodwyn suggests conducting a seance and makes contact with a Scottish poltergeist called Dougal McDougal. This calls for her strong Welsh accent to alternate with that of the voice of an elderly Scotsman, creating more humour and chaos but giving clues to the eventual outcome of whodunit. Amateur theatrics are indeed alive and thriving in Mosgiel and this was an enjoyable presentation from a very dedicated cast and production team. The season continues later this week from Friday to Sunday.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Forbes
A Relaxing Day In Harrogate, Yorkshire's Historic Spa Town
Bettys Cafe and Tea Rooms is a landmark of Harrogate, North Yorkshire. getty Harrogate might not be as well-known internationally as nearby York, but for generations of British travelers, it has represented elegance, wellness and quiet luxury. Once famed for its sulfurous spa waters, Harrogate today draws visitors for its manicured gardens and Victorian architecture. Just 45 minutes by train from Leeds or York, it's an easy day trip for travelers craving a slower pace without sacrificing style. Whether you're sipping Darjeeling at Bettys, strolling through flower-filled parks or soaking up the mystery of Agatha Christie's 1926 disappearance, Harrogate delivers a day of gentle pleasures and old-world atmosphere. And best of all? It's incredibly easy to reach. One of Harrogate's biggest assets is its convenience. Regular trains from Leeds and York take around 30 to 40 minutes, making it an ideal side trip from either city. The train station sits right in the heart of town, so it's easy to start exploring on foot the moment you arrive. Buses are another option, particularly the comfortable and scenic route 36 double-decker that runs between Leeds and Ripon, passing through Harrogate en route. The Gardens Of Harrogate If the weather's kind, start your day with a wander through Valley Gardens, just a short ten-minute stroll from the station. Valley Gardens in Harrogate is popular with locals and visitors alike. David Nikel This lush, 17-acre park weaves together formal flowerbeds, winding woodland trails, and a handful of unexpected delights. Keep an eye out for the vintage paddling pool, a quirky mini-golf course and the curved art deco Sun Pavilion with its sweeping views over the lawns. It's easy to lose track of time here, especially with a takeaway coffee in hand from one of the nearby cafes along Valley Drive. The gardens also sit atop a network of natural springs, a reminder of Harrogate's long-standing spa heritage. For something more ambitious, RHS Garden Harlow Carr lies on the town's western edge. A 20-minute walk or quick taxi ride brings you to this much-loved showcase of British horticulture from wildflower meadows to woodland walks. One striking feature is the set of classical Doric columns, salvaged from Harrogate's old Cheltenham Pump Room and now standing as a romantic ruin within the grounds. There's also a branch of Bettys Tea Room, ideal for a mid-morning pause surrounded by flowers and birdsong. Discover Harrogate's Spa Heritage To understand what first put Harrogate on the map, look no further than its sulfur-rich springs. A good place to begin is the Royal Pump Room Museum, an elegant domed building constructed in 1842 around one of the town's most potent wells, once said to be among the strongest in Europe. Inside, exhibits trace the history of Harrogate's rise as a fashionable spa resort, from eyebrow-raising Victorian treatments to the habits and oddities of 19th-century visitors. Even today, the faint tang of sulfur near the wellhead lends the space an unexpected authenticity. The Royal Pump Rooms Museum gives a thorough overview of Harrogate's history as an important spa town. David Nikel Just across the road, the Turkish Baths offer a more immersive link to the past. These late-Victorian bathhouses, built in ornate Moorish style, still operate much as they did over a century ago. Step into the tiled lobby to admire the craftsmanship and atmosphere that helped define Harrogate's golden age of wellness. If you have time, book a session to experience the sequence of steam rooms and cold plunge pools. Pause For Afternoon Tea When it's time for lunch or something sweeter, Harrogate delivers in the most civilized fashion. The town is home to the original Bettys Café Tea Rooms, a Yorkshire institution since 1919. Expect smartly dressed servers, polished silver teapots and a menu that doesn't stray far from tradition. If you manage to beat the queue or don't mind the wait, you'll be rewarded with the full afternoon tea experience: dainty finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam. And of course, a parade of miniature cakes arranged neatly on a tiered stand. It's every bit as refined as you'd hope. For a more relaxed or spontaneous option, Harrogate also has a second, less crowded Bettys branch at Harlow Carr Gardens, or you could try Mama Doreen's Emporium, a colorful and creative twist on the classic tea experience with themed treats and a more playful atmosphere. A Harrogate Mystery Worth Revisiting Harrogate's most famous visitor may not have come for the spa, or even the tea. In December 1926, Agatha Christie made headlines across Britain when she disappeared from her home in Surrey, sparking a nationwide search. Harrogate's Old Swan Hotel is something of a tourist attraction thanks to the Agatha Christie disappearance. David Nikel Eleven days later, she was found safe and well at the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate, living under a false name and seemingly unaware of her own identity. The circumstances remain a mystery to this day. Christie later refused to discuss the incident, but visitors to the Old Swan can still enjoy a drink in the same bar where she once dined during her self-imposed exile. The hotel embraces the connection and even hosts murder mystery nights. Harrogate's Montpellier Quarter Round off your Harrogate day with a stroll through the elegant Montpellier Quarter, just steps from Bettys. This charming district is home to over 50 independent boutiques, galleries, antique emporiums and cafes, offering everything from designer fashion and curated homeware to quirky gifts. Visit the Imagined Things Bookshop, a proudly independent store filled with an eclectic mix of literature and bookish gifts. Nearby, luxe boutiques like Morgan Clare and Farrah's of Harrogate (famous for its traditional blue-and-silver toffee tins since 1840) offer memorable souvenirs and timeless Yorkshire style. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes In Leeds, Shopping Comes With A View By David Nikel Forbes Why Joining Britain's National Trust Is A Travel Bargain By David Nikel Forbes Beyond Windsor, These 5 English Castles Are Must-Visit Treasures By David Nikel
Chicago Tribune
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Gail Borden Public Library holding comic book panel discussion; Elgin author to discuss Agatha Christie lingo, references
'Sound + Vision,' a rock 'n' roll comic panel discussion, will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at the Gail Borden Public Library in downtown Elgin in advance of its 16th annual Comic Book Mania event on Saturday, Aug. 2. During the program, graphic novelists Steve Horton and Russell Lissau will talk about the relationship between musical artists and comic books and sign copies of their books, according to the library's website. The Comic Book Mania Convention in August, scheduled for noon to 4 p.m., will feature comic artists and vendors, photo ops with superheroes and comic book characters, a comic book costume contest and a drawing class. For more information, go to and Elgin-based author and historian Kate Gingold and her husband, Don, a publisher at Gnu Ventures Co., will present a program on 'The Long Lost Lingo of Agatha Christie' from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Oak Crest Residence in Elgin. Kate Gingold's book, 'Agatha Annotated' offers a glossary database of obscure terms and historical references found in the works of Agatha Christie, according to a news release. She was invited to speak on the subject at the International Agatha Christie Festival in Torquay, England, in September 2024. Since then, Gingold has added to the talk with memories of the festival and the experts she met while researching the terms. Don Gingold, a voice and community theater performer, will be reading passages from the novels that include the obscure terms his wife will define. Complimentary refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served. The event is free but freewill donations will be accepted. The center is at 204 S. State St. To make a reservation to attend, call 847-742-2255. For more information, go to A tropical island event featuring live music and dance performances will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 25, at Wing Park Family Aquatic Center, 1030 Wing St., Elgin. Evening admission to the family event is $5 for Elgin residents and $6 for nonresidents, according to a social media post for the event. For more information, call 847-289-2542. Elgin History Museum will be hosting the Elgin Arts Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 28, at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago St., Elgin. The free event is designed to bring area creative and arts supporters together for a casual, welcoming gathering, according to a social media post. 'No agenda, no sales pitch, just snacking, sipping and being in the same room with our creative community,' the post says. The event is open to anyone age 21 or older. Alcohol will be available. Future happy hours are being planned for the last Monday of each month. For more information, call 847-742-4248.
Scotsman
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Outlander star visiting Scottish theatres to play Poirot in Agatha Christie's Death On The Nile
A new stage production of Agatha Christie's Death On The Nile is coming to Scottish theatres Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Outlander star Mark Hadfield has said he's 'delighted and excited' to be playing Hercule Poirot in a new production of Agatha Christie's Death On The Nile. Director Lucy Bailey's staging of the classic novel - which comes to the Theatre Royal in Glasgow next February before visiting Abereen's His Majesty's Theatre and Edinburgh's Festival Theatre - sees Hadfield stepping into the shoes of Belgium's most famous fictional detective. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Set on a cruise under the Egyptian sun, Death On The Nile follows Poirot as he investigates a murder that interrupts a honeymoon voyage. A new stage production of Agatha Christie's Death On The Nile is coming to Scottish theatres, starring Outlander actor Mark Hadfield | Third Party The production marks the European premiere of Ludwig's version, following previous tours of And Then There Were None and Murder on the Orient Express. 'I am delighted and excited to be playing the iconic role of Hercule Poirot in the forthcoming production of Agatha Christie's Death On The Nile, directed by Lucy Bailey and produced by Fiery Angel,' said Hadfield, who plays the Archibald Campbell in Outlander. 'I'm also thrilled that this production, adapted by Ken Ludwig, will be touring the UK & Ireland, and have no doubt that it will be enjoyed by both those who already admire Christie's genius and those yet to discover it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One of the best-loved mystery novels of all time, Death On The Nile was reviewed by The Scotsman shortly after its publication in 1937. The review finished by saying finished by saying that 'the author has again constructed the neatest of plots, wrapped it round with distracting circumstances, and presented it to what should be an appreciative public.' Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 24 - Sat 28 February, His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen, Tue 17 - Sat 21 February, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Tue 24 - Sat 28 March,
