Alexei Sayle and Melvin Bragg among speakers at Buxton Festival

opera, music and books.

Alexei will recount the opening season of the Comedy Store, his experiences with alternative cabaret, the Comic Strip and the Young Ones and his friendships with the comedians who would go on to become household names. His unique and beguiling blend of social history and memoir will be unveiled at Buxton Opera House on July 16 at 10am when Alexei will be in conversation with Mike Neary.

Melvyn will be talking about his gripping historical novel, Now Is The Time. His latest book is set in 1381 when a vast force of common people – led by Walter Tyler and the priest John Ball – marched on London, protesting against unfair taxes, the corruption of those in power, and the unacceptable wealth of the Church. Find out more about the novel in Melvyn’s talk at the Opera House on July 19, at 10am.

Vince, who was Business Secretary in the 2010-15 coalition government, will provide a unique perspective on the state of the global financial markets and how the British economy has fared since 2008. He provides an inside view of the coalition and offers a perspective on how the British economy should be managed over the next decade. He will be discussing his best-selling book, The Storm on July 23 at 10am in the Opera House.

Tickets for each talks are priced at £12.50. Call 01298 72050 or visit the website www.buxtonfestival .co.uk

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