The International Agatha Christie Festival 2021

This September the International Agatha Christie Festival returns in person for those able to visit Devon. They have secured a jam-packed schedule of author discussions, unique talks, and theatrical performances, all designed to help fans celebrate the multi-faceted life and works of the Queen of Crime.

The festival runs from 11th – 18th September 2021 in Torquay. To check out the full schedule and get your tickets visit their website. Booking is essential. Guest speakers include Kate Mosse, Anthony Horowitz, Sophie Hannah, Dr Mark Aldridge, Carla Valentine and Martin Edwards. There are also a handful of one-off online events for those unable to reach the festival this year.

Events that caught our eye

Agatha Christie and Other Shiversmiths with Scary Little Girls
Expect the unexpected with a thought-provoking and imaginative evening of spooky storytelling from theatre company Scary Little Girls. Focusing on talent from the southwest, they will share works by Agatha Christie, Daphne Du Maurier and an unpublished tale from Edmund Crispin. Not one to miss! Book now
Tickets: £15*
Timings: Monday 13th September, 7:45pm
Location: Torre Abbey, Torquay

A Crime Writing Masterclass with Martin Edwards
Learn from the best in this 2-hour writing work-shop from current President of the Detection Club Martin Edwards. If you’ve ever wanted to put pen to paper, have been mulling over a cracking story idea, or have even penned a few plots in your notebook at home, this is the event for you. Book now
Tickets: £12.50*
Timings: Tuesday 14th September, 4:30pm
Location: Torre Abbey, Torquay

Agatha Christie and Me with Sophie Hannah
Christie devotee, novelist and Poirot continuation writer Sophie Hannah returns to the festival to explore her latest Poirot mystery, The Killings at Kingfisher Hill. Hannah will provide plenty of insight into her bestselling books, the Belgian detective’s new case, and how Agatha Christie inspires her as an author. Book now
Tickets: £10*
Timings: Thursday 16th September, 3pm
Location: Torre Abbey, Torquay

Swimming Through Literature + the Premiere of ‘Agatha Swims’
Explore the links between art and swimming in this illustrated talk, covering Agatha Christie, James Joyce and George Orwell’s love of the water (among others). The event will close with a premiere of ‘Agatha Swims’ a mini film from Karen Marshall, a fellow wild swimmer, that covers Christie’s favourite bathing spots. Book now
Tickets: £7.50*
Timings: Thursday 16th September, 7pm
Location: Torre Abbey, Torquay

The Stranger, an Agatha Christie Play
Join IACF for the UK professional premiere of The Stranger, an adaptation Christie made of her short story ‘Philomel Cottage’. The show will be performed as a rehearsed, costumed reading. Book now
Tickets: £15-20*
Timings: Friday 17th September, 7:30pm
Location: Palace Theatre, Paignton

*All tickets are subject to a small booking fee