Your host for the Reading Weekend is Damian Barr—Times journalist, Radio 4 playwright and Salonierre for the Shoreditch House Literary Salon.
Writing for the Times for 10 years, he’s talked muses with Paul Auster and Siri Hustvedt and recreated a Russian Doll Roast with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Damian’s first book was published in 2004, landing him on Richard and Judy’s sofa. As Salonierre, he lures great writers to Shoreditch House to read from new work. Guests include Diana Athill, Sam Leith, Susie Boyt, Laura Lockington, David Nicholls, Bret Easton Ellis, Jake Arnott, Alexandra Heminsley, Sathnam Sanghera, Geoff Dyer, and Louis de Bernières.
Laura Lockington and Damian are co-writing their third play for Radio 4. She is his charming co-host at the Reading Weekend, dispensing wit, wisdom and martinis. ‘Cupboard Love’ is her third book. She cheats at Scrabble.
Elle Berthoud is our bibliotherapist. Working with the School of Life, Ella aims to lift you out your reading rut. Charming, insightful and ridiculously well-read.
Polly & Shaun are the current occupants of Tilton House. They’re independent film-makers and facilitate all sorts of glorious creative retreats. The Reading Weekend couldn’t happen without their support.
