Islington goes Tudor to celebrate Cityread 2017

Islington is celebrating all things Elizabethan this April as part of this Cityread London 2017.

Cityread London is an annual month-long celebration of reading, which aims to engage the capital’s residents, workers, and visitors with reading for pleasure – focused on the shared experience of a single book.

This year’s chosen book is S.J. Parris’ ‘Prophecy’ – a gripping Elizabethan spy thriller about the plot, against Queen Elizabeth, to put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne.

Set in 1583, its protagonist is the real-life, shadowy Giordano Bruno – an Italian "monk, scientist, philosopher…magician" and excommunicated heretic.

To celebrate, Islington is hosting a month-long programme of events, including a specially-commissioned theatre production at the Charterhouse.

Residents are invited to don their cloaks and explore the historic cloisters of the Charterhouse – hearing from Bruno himself about the facts of Cecily’s murder, the dark omens being whispered, and the secrets of Mary Stuart’s supporters.

Performances will happen every Saturday and Sunday throughout London. Tickets are available via Eventbrite by searching for ‘Prophecy: Behind Closed Doors.’ 

Residents can also come along to Cityread’s Family Fun Day at The Charterhouse on Good Friday 14 April, where they can gather round skilled storytellers, create delicious historical sweets, learn traditional Tudor dance, and much more.

Those fascinated by local history can discover the stories of life in Elizabethan Clerkenwell – archery contests, plays performed by the well, and former monasteries – with guided walks from local experts on Saturday 22 and 29 April, 11am – 12pm.

Finsbury Library will also host a temporary Elizabethan exhibition, showcasing Islington’s Elizabethan history – the places and some of the famous Elizabethans who lived here or made their mark such as Thomas Cromwell, Sir Walter Raleigh and Katherine Parr.
 
Free copies of ‘Prophecy’ will be given away at venues across Islington, such as libraries and leisure centres, on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Islington Council’s executive member for economic development, Cllr Asima Shaikh, said: “We are delighted to host such an important part of this year’s Cityread celebrations here in Islington. Cityread is a great fixture in the London calendar and ties in perfectly with our commitment to promote reading and literacy, and making reading fun for everyone.

We hope that as many of our residents as possible will take the opportunity to get involved in this unique programme of events.”

“We hope that as many of our residents as possible will take the opportunity to get involved in this unique programme of events.”

To find out more about what’s on at Islington libraries, please visit www.islingtonreads.co.uk, follow @islingtonlibs on Twitter, or speak to your local library.