There are no scheduled instances of Susie Dent presents The Secret Life of Words.
View similar events.
Lexicographer - Best Selling Author – Queen of Dictionary Corner
Take a journey into the curious, unexpected, and downright surreal origins of the words we use every day. Susie will retell the adventures that lie hidden within such words as lasagne (involving a chamber pot) and bugbear (a terrorising monster), and explain such oddities as the silent h in ghost and the mysterious disappearance of kempt, gormful, and ruly (and yes, you really can be gruntled). She will look to the lexicon of the past to fill some of today’s linguistic gaps – such as the frenzied fit of tidying we all do just as guests are about to descend (that’s a scurryfunge).
Alongside such forgotten stories you will hear Susie’s selection of the funniest moments from her 25 years on Countdown and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, as well as some startling results from eavesdropping on a group of waiters.
Each evening will include some of Susie’s favourite words from the towns and regions she visits, and she’ll be asking the audience for theirs. In fact, she’ll be welcoming any questions about word origins, usage irritations, the dreaded impact of Americanization, and the very future of our language in her very own ‘word surgery’.
WHY? 'Funny, fact-filled and delightful' Jonathan Ross
'Wonderfully clever and funny... a national treasury from a national treasure Richard Osman
'Susie Dent is a one-off. She breathes life and fun into words' Pam Ayres
Disclaimer: Susie explores the many meanings and origins of everyday words including a short section on swearing. Some may view it as unsuitable for the younger ears.
Courtyard Theatre
£20
Hosted by Jeff Lloyd.
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the best selling reggae album of all time by reggae's defining superstar.
Hear all the hits, with all the videos, photos, stories and facts.
Studio
£10
Other Vinyl Frontier events this season include:
Sat 22 Jun: Forgotten Classics
Sat 27 Jul: Singles Championship 2024
Hosted by Jeff Lloyd.
You know when you're asked if you can remember a song by an act you've never heard of and reply 'No'. Then it's played and your reaction is 'Oh, yes THAT one!'.
That's our definition of a forgotten classic. 10 participants will present their forgotten classic and the audience decides it's favourite.
Studio
£10
Other Vinyl Frontier events this season include:
Sat 25 May: Legend - Bob Marley & The Wailers
Sat 27 Jul: Singles Championship 2024
Roger will be touring the world this summer with Alive and Gigging tour.
A performance poet like no other, he is bringing his best pieces to the stage for new and old audiences alike. Aged 87, he is a force of nature – and poetry. Is poetry the new rock’n’roll? … it always was!
Courtyard Theatre
£18
Hosted by Jeff Lloyd.
Eight challengers play off into find out who will be 2024's Singles Champion. The audience decides the result of each duel to see who progresses.
A regular sold out event, so please book early!
Studio
£10
Other Vinyl Frontier events this season include:
Sat 25 May: Legend - Bob Marley & The Wailers
Sat 22 Jun: Forgotten Classics
have your say