Writer, musician, journalist, and former nuclear physicist Doug Johnstone , author of Smokeheads, his debut on the Faber crime list, shares the stage this evening with one of Britain's finest song writing talents Hugh Cornwell, the lead singer/guitarist and main songwriter of The Stranglers, chatting about his novel Window on the World.

Here’s hoping they bring their guitars.

In Smokeheads, Doug Johnstone addresses the almost complete lack of whisky-related Scottish fiction. Four friends. One weekend. Gallons of whisky. What could go wrong?

'It's unlikely you'll find [a novel] with this same rocketing pace... All the fun of wild weekend without the hangover', Financial Times.

In Hugh Cornwell's Window on the World Botanical writer James Thornberry's life is irrevocably changed when he meets up-and-coming artist, Katherine Gaunt. Falling madly in love with her, he begins to collect her paintings secretly and obsessively, until his relationship with them and with her merge into delusion, and the paintings take on a life of their own.

Hugh has also published three acclaimed non-fiction books, the last of which was his autobiography, A Multitude of Sins. 

Also, join us for a post-Festival bash!

To book advance tickets check the festival website here: http://newcastlewinterbookfestival.co.uk/

Part of the Newcastle Winter Book Festival (24 to 27 Nov 2011)

The Newcastle Winter Book Festival is a 3 day festival taking place around the city, and the Star and Shadow Cinema is proud to be hosting 3 of its excellent events, with reading, poetry and comedy:

Friday 25th November, 7:00 p.m. - Myth and Metaphor

Special fantasy and poetry night, with readings from the fabulous Chaz Brenchley (award-winning, genre-crossing British author of fantasy, crime and SF), Desmond Graham (poet and ex Professor of Poetry at Newcastle University) and Tony Williams (poet) + more guests still to be confirmed – watch this space!

Saturday 26th November, 7:00 p.m. - An evening with Simon Donald

We are very excited to announce that Simon Donald, co-founder of Viz, cartoonist, great stand-up comedian and generally funny Geordie man will be at the cinema to talk about his autobiography ‘Him Off The Viz’. This book describes his 24 wild and weird years on Viz. + Mystery guests to be announced! 

Sunday 27th November, 7:00 p.m. - Readings, music and fun!

Expect readings, music and fun from Hugh Cornwell, the lead singer/songwriter/guitarist in The Stranglers, who will chat about his novel Window on the World – punchy, well-plotted, and with a sinister edge - and Doug Johnstone, musician and author of Smokeheads – his debut on the Faber crime list is a classic violent thriller, doused with black humour. Also, join us for a post-Festival bash!