Of all the ancient art that captures the imagination, none is more appealing than the Cycladic figurine. An air of mystery swirls around these statuettes from the Bronze Age and they are highly sought after by collectors – and looters – alike. In her new novel Victoria Hislop shines a light on the questionable acquisition of cultural treasures and the price people, and countries, will pay to cling on to them.

She says: ‘I have been down a long and exciting path to write The Figurine. I admired the beauty of the Cycladic figurine for many years and began to understand what a huge influence they had on 20^th century art. I also began to realise that their beauty has an irresistible and seductive power and wanted to write about the crime that such beauty and antiquity can drive people to. My story is set during the period of the Junta, an army dictatorship that committed many crimes, effectively robbing people of their lives and driving others into exile. To me there seemed to be a striking parallel. I hope readers will be pulled into this period of history, and the question of where something, or someone, really belongs.’

 The conversation between Victoria Hislop and Sally Laverack will take place on 18th September at 2.30 pm.

Tickets £15

The tickets can be obtained from the Electric Palace online or  Bridport Tourist Office in South Street, Bridport. Either in person or by phone on 01308 424901

WAYNE SLEEP is undoubtedly one of our nation’s treasures – a legendary dancer and entertainer.

In his memoire: JUST DIFFERENT, Wayne looks back on the extraordinary times he has lived through. In spite of dancing with ballet legends Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn, partying with Freddie Mercury and dancing with Princess Diana, who became a close friend, Wayne Sleep has always felt like an outsider. Behind the glitz and glamour, he reveals the difficulties for a working-class, gay man in handling the prejudices of his generation and living through the Aids epidemic.

In conversation with writer and broadcaster, Natalie Wheen Wayne Sleep will convey the many moving and laugh-out-loud stories and gossip on his way to success, fulfilment and love.

 The conversation between Wayne Sleep and Natalie Wheenwill take place on 20th November at 2.30 pm.

Tickets £15

The tickets can be obtained from the Electric Palace online or  Bridport Tourist Office in South Street, Bridport. Either in person or by phone on 01308 424901